MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for a sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. ties. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting here with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. During the meeting at the request of Blinken, the two sides had candid, substantive and constructive discussions. Wang said President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting at the end of last year, where they exchanged in-depth views on strategic, overall, and directional issues related to the China-U.S. relations and reached important consensus. Wang said the most important task for both sides currently is to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state to turn the "San Francisco vision" into a reality, so as to promote a sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations. Samail Industrial City, which falls under the umbrella of Oman's Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), has witnessed substantial progress in its performance indicators throughout 2023. The year saw the successful attraction and localisation of 24 new projects, bringing the total to 157 projects in Samail Industrial City and a total investment surpassing RO 155 million ( ), said the statement from Madayn. The projects in the industrial city are spread over an area exceeding 2.2 million sqm, out of the total area of the industrial city, which exceeds 11 million sqm, it added. Engineer Yasser bin Ibrahim Al Ajmi, Director General of Samail Industrial City, highlighted Madayns ongoing efforts in implementing key projects within the industrial hub. Notable among these is the water connection project with Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company. Al Ajmi also emphasised the array of investment opportunities in the industrial city, including the management and operation of the medical fitness examination centre, aimed at delivering top-tier healthcare services to the workforce in Samail Industrial City and the surrounding population. The prime location of the centre facilitates easy access, thanks to its proximity to the entrance gate and the highway. The centre covers an area of 1100.71 sq m and comprises various facilities, including laboratories, clinics, X-ray facilities, offices, among other facilities, he stated. Al Ajmi also informed of an investment opportunity to develop, operate and manage a residential city for the workforce on a 100,000 sqm area within Samail Industrial City. Additionally, Al Ajmi highlighted that Madayn has divided the industrial city into several sectors. Notably, the food sector currently boasts an occupancy rate exceeding 17%, while the logistics sector surpasses 34%. According to him, the construction materials sector has witnessed an occupancy rate of over 26%, while the steel and wood sector shows remarkable demand with an occupancy rate exceeding 60%. "The plastic and paper sector registers a high occupancy rate of over 85%, the marble sector stands at over 78%, and the space dedicated to the SMEs currently sees an occupancy rate exceeding 34%," he added.-TradeArabia News Service World leaders and Russian opposition activists wasted no time Friday in blaming the reported death of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny on President Vladimir Putin and his government. It is obvious that he was killed by Putin, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was visiting Germany for the Munich Security Conference as he sought aid for his country's efforts to fight off an invasion by Russia. Putin doesnt care who dies only for him to hold his position. This is why he must hold onto nothing. Putin must lose everything and be held responsible for his deeds, Zelenskyy added. U.S. President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. Navalny could have lived safely in exile, but instead returned to Russia to continue his work, despite knowing he could be imprisoned or killed because he believed so deeply in his country, in Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country temporarily took in Navalny in 2020 after he was poisoned with a nerve agent, praised the Kremlin critic's bravery and said his death makes clear what kind of regime this is. He has probably now paid for this courage with his life, Scholz said, standing next to Zelenskyy. The German leader said he met Navalny in Berlin during his convalescence. Navalny, 47, was serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges in a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle at the time of his death. He had been behind bars since he returned from Germany in January 2021, serving time on various charges that he rejected as a politically motivated effort to keep him imprisoned for life. Navalny was brutally murdered by the Kremlin, said Latvian President Edgars Rink?vi?s in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Thats a fact, and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russias current regime. Navalny's associates stressed they did not have independent confirmation of his death in the reports that came from Russia's penitentiary officials. His close ally Ivan Zhdanov said authorities must notify the relatives within 24 hours, but there have been no such notifications. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, appearing at the Munich conference, said she did not know whether to believe the official Russian announcement because "we cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie. But if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government, to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. And this day will come very soon, she said. Navalny's death also led to an outpouring of grief among Russians living abroad. In the Serbian capital of Belgrade , hundreds of Russians and others lit candles and laid flowers outside the Russian embassy. Tens of thousands of Russians have moved to Serbia, a fellow Slavic country, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Hundreds gathered in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi , which has also seen a huge influx of Russians since the invasion. Some held banners saying Putin is the killer and We will not forgive. Up to 300 people attended a similar rally in Georgias third-largest city, Batumi. Protesters also assembled in the Armenian capital of Yerevan, another country that attracted a lot of Russians after the start of the war in Ukraine. In Israel, home to a large number of people who came from Russia, hundreds rallied outside the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv, chanting Russia without Putin! and Russia will be free!" Crowds of protesters also rallied in Berlin and Paris, as well as the capitals of Latvia, Bulgaria and Estonia, plus other European cities. The outpouring of sympathy for Navalny's family and outrage at the Kremlin, which in recent years mounted an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, came from all over the world. If this is true, then no matter the formal cause, the responsibility for the premature death is Vladimir Putin personally, who first gave the green light to the poisoning of Alexei and then put him in prison, said Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an exiled Russia tycoon turned opposition figure in exile, in an online statement. Other Russian opposition activists echoed him. If it is confirmed, the death of Alexei is a murder. Organized by Putin, opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov said on social media. Even if Alexei died of natural causes, those were triggered by his poisoning and further torture in prison. Former world chess champion-turned-Kremlin opponent Garry Kasparov said Putin tried and failed to murder Navalny quickly and secretly with poison, and now he has murdered him slowly and publicly in prison. He was killed for exposing Putin and his mafia as the crooks and thieves they are, tweeted Kasparov, who lives abroad. Pyotr Verzilov, a prominent member of the Russian protest group Pussy Riot, said Navalny was murdered in prison. In a post on X, Verzilov added: We will definitely take revenge and destroy this regime. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Navalny's death showed that Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. She called it a grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about, and added it should provide impetus to unite in our fight to safeguard the freedom and safety of those who dare to stand up against autocracy. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the fact that Navalny was a prisoner makes it extremely important that Russia now answer all the questions that it will be asked about the cause of death. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron echoed her remarks, saying Putins Russia imprisoned him, trumped up charges against him, poisoned him, sent him to an Arctic penal colony and now he has tragically died. And we should hold Putin accountable for this. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the news had Canadians reeling. He was such a strong fighter for democracy, for freedoms, for the Russian people. It really shows the extent to which Putin will crack down on anyone who is fighting for freedom for the Russian people, he said. There is no question that Alexei Navalny is dead because he stood up to Putin, he stood up to the Kremlin," Trudeau added. Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said Navalny was for years "a symbol of the fight against the dictatorship in Russia, of the fight for free speech, of the fact that a person cannot be imprisoned for a different opinion. Russian lawmakers and other officials bristled at the Western outrage. Sergei Mironov, head of a pro-Kremlin party, said Navalny's death helps Russia's foes. Of course, health issues could have been the cause of death. But in any case, a premature death of a notorious opposition figure, especially a month before the presidential election, is beneficial first and foremost to Russias enemies," Mironov said in an online statement. "They will use it to the maximum to pressure us from the outside and to rock with situation within the country. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the immediate reaction of NATO leaders to Navalnys death in the form of direct accusations against Russia is self-exposing. The death was still being investigated, but the Wests conclusions are already ready, she said. (AP) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man found guilty of sexually abusing an 8-year-old child was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Polk County District Attorney announced Friday. A judge ruled that Markis Arryon Alexander McConnico, 28, of Salem was guilty of one count of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree sodomy for incidents that happened in 2021. Later gator: Officers seize alligator from Springfield resident He will serve 300 months in prison without eligibility for early release and will also be required to serve a lifetime of post-prison supervision. When he is released, he will need to register as a sex offender. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) An explosion occurred at a Salt Lake City apartment complex early Saturday morning, causing one to be hospitalized in serious condition, according to Salt Lake City Fire. At around 4 a.m. on Feb. 17, fire crews responded to an explosion at an apartment complex located at 718 East 700 South, according to Cpt. Jepperson, Salt Lake City Fire Dept. Crews reportedly arrived at the scene to find only smoke and no fire. Former Springville water polo coach arrested on sexual abuse charges after allegedly initiating multiple victims One victim had serious burns, Jepperson said, and was taken to the University of Utah Burn Center as a result. The investigation into this explosion is underway. Details on what caused the explosion have not yet been released. HAZMAT also responded to this incident. All other tenants in the building were allowed to re-enter their homes following the incident. No further information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) After pleading guilty for multiple counts of wire fraud, a judge ruled a former state senator and candidate for governor will stay in holding ahead of his sentencing trial. 57-year-old Sam McCann pled guilty Thursday afternoon to seven counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of tax evasion. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless ruled at his detention hearing to be detained ahead of his June 20 sentencing hearing. Former Sen. Sam McCann pleads guilty to wire fraud Federal prosecutors submitted a video McCann filmed and posted right before being detained as evidence. In it, he alleged the government was conspiring against him. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless said the video raised concerns for her regarding McCanns well-being and truthfulness. McCann served Central Illinois in the State Senate from 2011 to 2019 and ran a third-party campaign for governor in 2018. Between May 2015 and June 2020, McCann used more than $200,000 in campaign contributions for personal expenses, including using the money for purchasing personal vehicles, making mortgage payments, and paying personal debts. Prosecutors thanked other federal agents for their cooperation. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service for their tireless efforts in the thorough investigation and prosecution of this case, U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris said in a release. McCann faces up to 165 years in prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Former Congressman George Santos (R-N.Y.) sued Jimmy Kimmel on Saturday over alleged misuse of Cameo videos the lawmaker has been making since being expelled from the House. The former New York congressman filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, suing the late-night television host for fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and copyright infringement. ABC and Disney were both also named as defendants in the lawsuit. Kimmel requested at least 14 videos from Santos on Cameo, a video-sharing website where celebrities sell personalized videos. Kimmel submitted requests by giving phony names and narratives. Those requests were sent from fake User profiles made by Kimmel as part of a fraud, according to the lawsuit. The late-night show falsely represented himself as multiple users when requesting Santos Cameos, according to the lawsuit which was first reported by The New York Post. Santos is seeking at least $750,000 in damages. Kimmel chose the personal use licenses for all the Cameo Videos with the intention to violate such licenses by broadcasting and commercially exploiting the Cameo Videos on national television, according to the filing. Santoss Cameo videos were first featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in December, according to the lawsuit. It also says that Kimmel joked about being sued by Santos during a Dec. 11 episode of his late-night show. Could you imagine if I get sued by George Santos for a fraud, Kimmel said at the time. I mean how good would that be? It would be like a dream come true. So since I started buying his videos his rates went way up to $500 a piece. He should be thanking me for buying these videos. Santos lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kimmel on Dec. 12., demanding the videos be removed from TikTok and YouTube accounts connected to the late-night show. Santos on Saturday said, related to the lawsuit filed, F around and find out. The Hill has reached out to Disney, ABC and Kimmel. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler sits during a meeting to urge her to resign. (Mike Lang/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP) Sarasota Police released an audio recording and transcript Friday of the interview they conducted with Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler while investigating a sexual assault allegation against her husband, former Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler. Police interviewed Bridget Ziegler on Nov. 1. They have since opted not to charge Christian Ziegler with sexual assault, saying a video he took of the incident "showed that the encounter was likely consensual." The details of the interview have previously been reported. Police earlier released a summary of Ziegler's comments with some of the words she used, but the transcript and recording provide a full accounting of what she said. Transcript of the Sarasota Police interview with Bridget Ziegler Told by a detective that police were looking into "an allegation of sexual assault by your husband," Ziegler responds "Okay." "Does this shock you?" the detective continues. "A sexual assault? 100%" Ziegler responds. "Would it shock you to know that he might be in a relationship with her, or has had a relationship with her?" the detective asks. "I don't know that a relationship but if there were any extramarital things, it wouldn't blow my mind of surprise," Ziegler said. Ziegler goes on to confirm that she had a three-way sexual encounter with the alleged victim and her husband in the past, and says that's "not normally my thing." Ziegler tells detectives in the interview that she was not planning to have a sexual encounter with the alleged victim and her husband on the night of the alleged assault, despite testimony from the alleged victim and text messages indicating Ziegler's husband said his wife would be involved. "Has there been any talk of the three of you getting together again?" a detective asks Ziegler. "No," she responds. Ziegler asks the detective "how recent" the allegation was against her husband. "It happened on October 2nd," the detective responds. "Oh, that surprises me," Ziegler responds. "How so?" the detective asks. "I feel like I would know about it," Ziegler says. Ziegler asked the detectives if the alleged victim is "okay." Before that, though, she wanted to know "how public does this become?" Ziegler notes that she lives a "very public life." Ziegler has resisted calls to step down from the School Board. Her husband was removed as Florida GOP chair. State Attorney Ed Brodsky's office is still weighing whether to charge Christian Ziegler with video voyeurism in a related investigation. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Police release audio in Christian Ziegler rape investigation Satellite images taken after the Pineapple Express brought greener pastures and lots of snow to California. But it still isn't enough. Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Lake Mead water is near 2021 levels The Pineapple Express brought lots of rain to California, and Lake Mead's water levels are the highest they've been in a few years, but the Sierra snowpack is still below average, which could have serious consequences, officials say. A below-normal snowpack this year may not impact water availability now, but it will affect future water supply, especially if the state sees successive dry years, David Rizzardo, hydrology section manager of the California Department of Water Resources, DWR, Division of Flood Management, told USA TODAY in an email. Two atmospheric rivers, also known as a Pineapple Express, slammed into California at the beginning of the month. During the storm, the state saw lots of rain, snow, wind and flooding. Because of the rainfall, Lake Mead, a reservoir in Nevada and Arizona formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, has reached the highest level it has been since May 2021 after a historic water shortage. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for California's snowpack. Photos from the storm: See how the rain is affecting Ventura County Thursday What's snowpack? According to National Geographic, a "snowpack is snow on the ground in mountainous areas that persists until the arrival of warmer weather." For example, the snow that makes mountain peaks look white during winter and doesn't melt away for months is snowpack. It's made of multiple layers of snow from different snowfalls that become compacted. The lightly snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains rise above the Alabama Hills on February 20, 2022 near Lone Pine, California. Once it melts, it turns into snowmelt. For California, that snowmelt usually makes up about 30% of the state's water needs. "Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California's 'frozen reservoir," said the DWR in a statement. What's happening to the snowpack? Last year, the state saw a historic snowpack that was above average, but 2024 is not following the same trend. However, on January 1, before the Pineapple Express hit California, the DWR conducted its first survey of the snowpack found on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a mountain range on the state's eastern border. "This year, we have been seeing warmer temperatures, resulting in more rain than snow," said Rizzardo. "This is a significant difference from last years near-record snowpack, once again demonstrating how California can swing from one extreme to another." The survey was done in Sacramento, and its results were not great. The department said statewide, the snowpack was about 25% of its average size for the date. "Climate change produces storms that are warmer than average, producing far more rain rather than snow at higher elevations," Rizzardo said. "This reduces snowpack totals, meaning that future runoff from the 'frozen reservoirs' will be greatly reduced and can impact water storage in the states major reservoirs." After the storms, the department said it did another survey and saw the percentage more than double to 52% at the end of January. The DWR states the "results reflect a modest increase in the snowpack since January 1, but overall, conditions are still far below normal." According to Rizzardo, snowpack sits at 73% of the average for this time of year and 53% of its peak average, which usually occurs around the beginning of April. Rizzardo said the next survey is "tentatively" scheduled for March 1. Why is the snowpack important? California Water Watch states that it relies on the melted snowpack and reservoirs in the dry season. "As temperatures warm in the spring, the snowpack starts to melt, providing runoff into major reservoirs and rivers during the spring and early summer when the reservoirs are more likely able to store the water," said Rizzardo. The DWR states that, on average, the runoff supplies 30% of Californias water needs. "A below-normal snowpack this year may not impact water availability downstream of the snowpack this year, but would have consequences for future water supply, especially if we have successive dry years," said Rizzardo. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Satellite images from NASA show California difference after snow drought AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC4) A road rage incident in American Fork Thursday night has caught the attention of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) after a driver attempted to ram another car and fired shots, nearly striking those inside the other car, according to Utah Highway Patrol. At around 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, a driver began following another car and attempted to ram their vehicle near the Point of the Mountain, just south of Bluffdale, according to Sgt. Cameron Roden, UHP. The driver reportedly followed the other car down to American Fork, where the alleged victim tried to take an exit and escape. Alleged major drug dealer arrested with several thousand fentanyl pills, pounds of heroin, crack in Utah County The alleged aggravated driver then reached for a gun, causing the others to duck and the victim driver to hit the gas pedal in an attempt to escape. The aggravator then reportedly fired shots through their car window, narrowly missing the driver and passengers. The aggravated driver has not been taken into custody at this time. Police are currently seeking any information, tips, or dash cam video of the incident. The victim was reportedly driving a 2015 white Infinity Q50. The alleged aggravated driver was reportedly driving a dark blue Chevy Impala or Chevy Malibu. The suspect is described as a White male with facial hair. He reportedly continued driving southbound on I-15 after the shooting. Utah Highway Patrol and American Fork Police responded to this incident. The SBI is now investigating. No further information is available at this time. This post will be updated as more information becomes available. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Two South Carolina communities made Southern Livings 15 best places to go on spring break. Spring break for adults that is. The magazine suggested Folly Beach and Beaufort would be ideal for an adults-only getaway, calling spring break a school-year tradition they wouldnt mind keeping. Also naps. If youve got kids, give them a week of adventure at one of the Souths many camps, or better yet, send them to Camp Grandma. Top of the adult spring break list was St. Petersburg, Florida, where you get the best of many worlds gorgeous white-sand beaches, a charming historic district, vibrant art, and delicious food in this classic old Florida city. Number 2 was Folly Beach, which Southern Living called the true gem. Skip the crowds congregating around (Charlestons) Rainbow Row and set up your own personal oasis on Folly Beachs sandy shores, Southern Living said. Here are the activities the magazine suggests: watch surfers, paddle tidal creeks, fish from the Folly Beach Pier. It stretches 1,000 feet into the ocean and gives Folly Beach its nickname as the Edge of America, the magazine said. Originally constructed of Palmetto logs, the pier has had many lives. Most recently, it was rebuilt with pre-stressed concrete piles and reopened the day after Christmas in 2022. Of Beaufort, Southern Living says, this part of the South is especially lovely in the spring. The draws for an adult-only break? Hunting Island State Park, oak-lined streets of historic homes, fresh seafood, stunning sunset over the marsh. Youll be planning your return trip before youve even made it halfway through your stay, the magazine said. Also on the list are: #3 New Orleans brings the party #4 95-mile Crystal Coast, North Carolina and its wild horses #5 Texas Hill Country grown-up grape juice #6 Little Torch Key Americas only private island resort Little Palm Island Resort and Spa #7 Jekyll Island, Georgia nature filled #8 Louisville, Kentucky before the Derby, see rolling green hills, bourbon distilleries, and historic Whiskey Row #9 Amelia Island, Florida little slice of untouched heaven just outside the traditional raucous spring break locales #10 Asheville, North Carolina everything a great mountain town should be beautiful and bucolic with just the right amounts of quirk and artsy funk #11 Austin, Texas hits the senses immediately with its musicians and cosmic cowboys, flashing neon and brightly colored murals, tacos and barbecue, and quite the rebellious streak #12 Bardstown, Kentucky Bourbon Capital of the Worlds 11 distilleries #13 The Florida Keys 44 islands connected by the 113-mile-long Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West tiki bars to snorkeling #14 Ocean Springs, Mississippi artsy little Coastal Mississippi beach town Jailed former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra will be freed Sunday, the kingdom's prime minister has said, just six months after returning from 15 years of self-imposed exile. The controversial billionaire, twice elected premier and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse-of-power charges upon his return to Thailand in August, but had his sentence cut to one year within days by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Speaking to reporters Saturday before boarding a flight, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Thaksin's release would be "on the 18th" and handled "according to the rule of law." It comes after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said earlier this week that Thaksin, 74, would be among 930 prisoners granted early release. His homecoming coincided with his Pheu Thai party returning to government in alliance with pro-military parties, leading many to conclude that an agreement had been struck to cut his jail time. The rumours grew stronger when he was transferred to a police hospital within hours of being sentenced because of poor health, and it is not clear that he has spent any time in a prison cell. Local media reported that Thaksin had been suffering from chest tightness and high blood pressure when he was admitted to hospital, and his family said he had undergone two operations in the following months. (Yonhap) A local man says he was stunned when he learned that scammers tried to refinance his home in Highland Creek, according to our sister station WSOC. Samuel Helmick says he wasnt looking to refinance. Oh, absolutely not. No, he told Action 9s Jason Stoogenke. But someone got his personal information, including his drivers license, and applied for refinancing in his name. Helmick already paid off his home. So, this was whats called a cash-out refinance. And thats key because, in a cash-out refi, the money goes to the homeowner instead of his or her old lender. Probably one of the reasons that may have made him interested in us, he said. In this case, the scammer would have gotten away with almost $450,000. But not so fast. Read: Large police presence reported at Dunnellon Middle School The lawyer handling this refinance, Charlie Hands III, and his paralegal Devera Alston, picked up on some red flags. Plus, Hands says he went to a conference in the fall and this kind of fraud came up. The message at the conference was always to confirm the homeowners identity face to face. Hands Law Firm said they tried to Zoom with him. He says the man was a no-show ... so the very next day, we went out to the actual home. Thats right. They went the extra mile, or more specifically the extra 29 miles round trip, to Helmicks house. They said, Are you Samuel Helmick? And that always takes you back. And I said, Yes. Yes, I am, Helmick said. The face of the homeowner matched the face that we had on the drivers license that was sent to us online, but the homeowner had no idea who we were or knew anything about a refinance with us at all, Hands said. Read: Daytona 500: Racing fans descend upon Daytona Beach, but will the weather hold up? And I said, Ehhhh, not this house. And absolutely and thats when they proceeded to show me a copy of my drivers license and tax return and all this information. I was stunned. I was absolutely stunned, Helmick said. Helmick would have been on the hook for big payments of more than $3,000 each month. He says he probably would have thought it was a scam and ignored it. So, at some point, the lender would have found him delinquent and started the foreclosure process. Eventually, someone would have figured it out. But imagine the mess to clean up, including Helmicks credit. We were just doing how we were trained, Hands said. They shut everything down, thank God, Helmick said. They took the time to come to my home, knock on the door, and come on inside, and lay it all out for me. And Ill always be appreciative of that. The case involved both a lender and broker. Obviously, they have to be pleased how this turned out. Read: NASCAR changes race times due to inclement weather The broker, UMortgage, emailed Stoogenke: UMortgage has been recently notified of an identity theft attempt after a scammer tried to refinance a property in North Carolina. The scammer was in communication via phone and text with our team and provided all necessary documentation, including tax documents and a valid drivers license, to qualify for the cash-out refinance. We are pleased to report that a system of checks and balances effectively prevented any financial loss to the property owner. Mortgage scams are a billion-dollar issue within our industry and its imperative for all parties involved to be alert and vigilant. UMortgage takes cyber security very seriously and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and security in our operations. Alston, Hands, and Helmick would all like to see a rule requiring lenders to verify a homeowners identity face to face. Stoogenke asked several government agencies if they would consider that. He didnt hear back in time for this report. How to protect yourself: - This is just one more reason to freeze your credit. That way, even if the scammer has your personal information, he/she cant do much with it. - Theres no such thing as junk mail. Open everything. If it looks fishy, check it out. Dont ignore it. - If you fall victim to identity theft, click here to report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed concerns regarding Germanys decision to delay supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17, emphasizing Germanys role as one of the largest suppliers of military aid to Ukraine. This is a strange question you know that Germany spends the most money on supplies to Ukraine among European countries, Scholz said. He noted that Germany provides Ukraine with everything it needs for defense and makes very important decisions in this scenario. Without answering the question directly, Scholz said that it is important to make the right decisions at the right time. Read also: German parliament to vote again on long-range Taurus missile transfer to UA likely by Feb. 22 We have to increase the production of weapons and think about the maintenance of the weapons that Ukraine already has. We are constantly deciding what to do step by step, he added. I am sure that we will always do everything necessary and support Ukraine. In September 2023, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin had not refused to transfer these Taurus missiles to Ukraine, but was not ready to do so now. The reason for this could be Scholzs hesitation, because, as previously reported by the media, he expressed concern that Kyiv might attack Russian territory. Read also: UA doesnt need Germanys Taurus missiles to attack Moscow, but has other plans for them FM Kuleba Ukraine, on the other hand, has repeatedly said that it will not use Western long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. On Jan. 17, the Bundestag did not support a draft resolution calling for the supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Only 178 out of 666 MPs voted in favor. On Feb. 5, Christian Freuding, head of the Special Staff for Ukraine at the German Ministry of Defense, said that long-range Taurus missiles cannot turn the tide of war in favor of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Read also: German opposition seeks Bundestag vote on supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz had to explain why Germany was not supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference. Source: European Pravda Details: Scholz was repeatedly asked why Germany does not supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles after his speech. "It's a strange question because you know that Germany spends the most in Europe (on supplies to Ukraine)," the chancellor said, pointing out that Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the United States. After being asked about the reasons for the slowdown in the missile deliveries, he stressed that it was a matter of finding the right time to start supplying them. "It is important to make the right decisions at the right time. And we are making those decisions," the chancellor explained. Scholz avoided a direct answer to the question regarding the supply of Taurus missiles, though he hinted that there would be progress in what Germany is ready to supply to Ukraine. "Step by step, we continue to make the right decisions," he said. Background: Earlier, European Pravda reported that the government coalition was pressuring Scholz to deliver the Taurus missiles to Ukraine. On 24 January 2024, reports emerged that London offered Berlin a way to solve the Taurus dilemma for Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer expressed his displeasure with the $355 million fine levied on former President Trump Friday in the verdict following a months-long civil fraud trial in New York. Overall this ruling today was the definition of what happens if insanity and outrage had a baby, Spicer, who served under the Trump administration, said Friday in an interview on The Hill on NewsNation. This is nuts, the idea that youre fining someone $350 million for something that no one actually suffered from, he continued. The banks didnt complain, the insurance companies everything that Tish James laid out was a complete and utter lie. His comments come after Judge Arthur Engorons 92-page ruling ordered Trump to pay the nearly $355 million in penalties for inflating and deflating his net worth in order to receive tax and insurance benefits. Engoron had already ruled last year that Trump and the Trump Organization had committed fraud after New York Attorney General Letitia sued the former president in 2022. Trump will also be barred from holding a top executive position in New York for three years. Spicer argued that the case was a vendetta, referencing promises he said James made on the campaign trail about going after Trump if elected. This is the continuation of a weaponized judicial system. Were seeing it over and over again, he told anchor Blake Burman Friday. And all they are doing they are playing into Donald Trumps hands. He will withstand this, he will appeal it. He argued if the money were less, like $10 million, it would have made more sense. You look at the nature of other civil fines they dont even come close to this, he said. Despite the ruling being $16 million less than James requested, she touted the decision as a victory, saying justice is served. The scale and the scope of Donald Trumps fraud is staggering and so too is his ego. And his belief that the rules do not apply to him, James said Friday. Today, we are holding Donald Trump accountable. We are holding him accountable for lying, cheating, and a lack of contrition. For flouting the rules that all of us must play by, she continued, adding Because there cannot be different rules for different people in this country, and former presidents are no exception. The Hill on NewsNation airs Monday to Friday at 6 p.m. EST. NewsNation is a cable news channel launched in 2021 by Nexstar Media Group, which owns and operates dozens of local television stations across the country and purchased The Hill in fall 2021. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has announced the signing of a security agreement with Ukraine shortly and vowed to maintain the existing arrangements when the new government assumes power. Source: a European Pravda correspondent in Munich Details: In a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in the presence of Dutch and Ukrainian journalists, Rutte noted that a bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and the Netherlands was almost ready to be signed. At the beginning of the talks, Rutte mentioned the expected change of government in the Netherlands. And when President Zelenskyy asked him about the prospects for a bilateral agreement, he replied: "The Security one? Yes, it is in the final stages". Rutte noted that negotiations on a new Dutch government are not easy, though he stressed that all security supplies from the Netherlands, "including the F-16s", will continue under the new government. Background: Support UP or become our patron! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Oregon Food Bank is set to receive $70,000 from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service, Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Friday. This is in an established effort to connect local food producers with emergency feeding organizations. Sen. Wyden in particular stressed the importance of connection between farmers and communities. Nothing is more important than making sure folks in need have food to eat, and the resources to thrive, Wyden said. Making sure this food is locally sourced and processed helps connect our Oregon farmers to the communities they feed. Sen. Merkley emphasized the importance of this connection, as well as how access to healthy and sustainably produced food is critical for Oregonians. Sen. Cantwell meets with hard-hit Washington community on fentanyl crisis Oregon Food Bank is essential in connecting communities and families in every corner of the state to locally grown and produced food from our bountiful producers across Oregon a win-win for producers and families in need, Sen. Merkley added. Federal investments like these will continue to ensure they can keep getting sustainably produced food to those who need it most. Oregon Food Bank, meanwhile, is calling this a quadruple win, since the funds will further secure partnerships with local growers, ensuring no produce goes to waste and giving monetary compensation and tax incentives to the growers for the labor involved. Oregon Food Bank maximizes our impact by sourcing local produce affordably, and ultimately, our communities thrive as we work to end hunger and provide nourishing, culturally relevant foods, said Susannah Morgan, President of Oregon Food Bank. Were grateful for Senator Wydens support and his understanding that food alone wont end hunger. We look forward to continued partnership pursuing policy solutions that support our communities and drive lasting change. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Seven people are out of their homes Friday night after flames sprung out of a Roxbury triple-decker. The rear porches of 14 Dorr Street were engulfed in flames around 6:00 p.m., the Boston Fire Department said. The fire spread through the top floors of the three-family home and into the attic, severely damaging the back porches. The Red Cross of Massachusetts is assisting the displaced residents. The Fire at 14 Dorr st. Rox. a 3 family occupied building. The fire was on floors 2 and 3 and traveled into the attic. Major damage to the rear porches. pic.twitter.com/vJZG3OnIJD Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) February 17, 2024 One of the firefighters who responded had to be taken to a hospital for minor injuries, the fire department said. The fire department says crews will remain at the scene to monitor for hot spots. 1st alarm Companies making up for the fire on Dorr st. Detail companies will remain to monitor any hot spots. pic.twitter.com/wqLwz6RfcF Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) February 17, 2024 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 Lufthansa aircraft stand next to other planes at a terminal at Hamburg Airport. Marcus Brandt/dpa The Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines pilots' strike that started at midnight (2300 GMT Friday), resulted in seven of the airline's 16 Frankfurt Airport departures cancelled, the company said on Saturday. The airline said it was planning to accommodate passengers with planes from other Lufthansa companies or rebook the affected travellers. Discover said it would offer two thirds of all flights on Saturday. Six departures from Frankfurt have already been cancelled for Sunday. The strike, organized by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union, is planned for three days, with regular travel to resume on Tuesday. Discover also flies for Lufthansa from Munich's airport. For the first time the union called on long-haul pilots from Lufthansa to join the walkout on Monday in solidarity with the smaller airline. A strike is planned for a period of four hours for pilots of Boeing 787 aircraft. Lufthansa owns five of those. It is unclear what effect this will have on air travel. Discover, a comparatively small holiday airline with 24 Airbus jets and around 420 pilots, operates exclusively from Frankfurt and Munich and is primarily intended to compete with Condor in the tourism business. The union wants to force a first collective agreement at the airline, which was founded in the summer of 2021. The pilots have already organized a five-hour strike and two regular strikes since December. Discover says it is already paying higher salaries to pilots, but this was agreed with the works council and not the union. The new salaries correspond exactly to the union's demands, both sides have confirmed. Several horses found slaughtered off Florida trail, report says TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Several horses were found slaughtered in a rural area off a trail in Miami-Dade on Friday, according to NBC affiliate WTVJ. Miami-Dade police said the three horses were found dead near Southwest 124th Avenue and Southwest 197th Avenue after being stolen overnight from a farm. 9-foot gator interrupts fire crews responding to submerged car in Florida The horses were believed to have been slaughtered for their meat, police said. NBC affiliate WTVJ NBC affiliate WTVJ NBC affiliate WTVJ WTVJ reported that one of the horses, named Paloma, was a therapy horse for mental health issues for schoolchildren and others. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed a range of regional and global issues, including the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and Russia's war in Ukraine during their talks in Germany, Friday, according to a State Department spokesperson. They met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference as Washington has been doubling down on its drive to "responsibly" manage strategic competition with China through improved bilateral communication and other measures. "The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula and affirmed that their respective senior officials should meet to follow up on these discussions," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout. Miller did not elaborate on the Korea-related topic, but the two sides were expected to touch on North Korea's evolving military threats. Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, while raising concerns over China's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, including support for that country's defense industrial base, according to Miller. The secretary also highlighted the importance of continuing to implement the progress made by President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit in November in California, including counternarcotics cooperation and military-to-military communications. "The secretary reiterated that the United States will stand up for our interests and values and those of our allies and partners," Miller said. Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication across a range of strategic issues, including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months, according to the spokesperson. (Yonhap) Farmers in Poland are continuing to block traffic at six border checkpoints, and as of the morning of 17 February, there are about 3,300 lorries in the queue. Source: Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote: "There are about 3,300 lorries in queues on the other side of the border heading towards our country at these six checkpoints." Details: The State Border Guard Service said the longest queue is at Krakivets, where there are 1,600 lorries, and Yahodyn, with more than 500. Meanwhile, there are also "thousands of vehicles" in Ukraine that are registered to leave the country. However, Demchenko explained that drivers are not required to wait at the border because of the eQueue system [eQueue is an online queue reservation system for international freight transporters]. They can be "more comfortable" and administrators will inform them when they can cross the border. Support UP or become our patron! The San Luis Obispo woman who admitted selling fentanyl to a Templeton man who died of an overdose pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter Friday, three weeks after a jury was unable to reach a verdict in her murder trial. A no contest plea functions the same as a guilty plea without admitting direct fault. Brandi Turner, 50, admitted in court testimony that she sold the drug to 31-year-old Quinn Hall on Oct. 26, 2022. He was later found dead behind the Animal Services building off Highway 1. After a two-week trial in January, the jury split 7-5 in favor of guilt, and San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Barry LaBarbera declared a mistrial. Turner was found guilty of three other charges: possession of fentanyl for sale, selling fentanyl and possession of meth. After the mistrial, jurors told The Tribune they could have reached a unanimous verdict on involuntary manslaughter, but could not unanimously agree that Turner was not guilty of murder in order to do so. Turners attorney argued she was not at fault because Hall was a regular fentanyl user who was aware of the danger, while prosecutors said Turner knew the risks of fentanyl before selling it and should be held responsible. Second-degree murder carries a 15-years-to-life sentence, which would mean the defendant would serve 10 years in state prison or two-thirds of their term before they are eligible for a parole hearing. Involuntary manslaughter, or the unlawful killing of another human being in the commission of an unlawful act, carries a one-, two- or four-year sentence in county jail or prison. Under Californias Penal Code, voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being without malice after a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. The Judicial Council of Californias Criminal Jury Instructions add that someone can be guilty of voluntary manslaughter when they commit a dangerous act that caused the death of another human being with conscious disregard for human life. That charge comes with a three-, six- or 11-year state prison sentence, while possession of fentanyl for sale carries an additional one year sentence. San Luis Obispo County Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth said the agency is recommending Turner be sentenced to six years for the manslaughter charge and one year for the drug charge, totaling a seven year state prison sentence. The maximum sentence Turner faces is 12 years. Voluntary manslaughter is considered a serious and violent felony, Judge Barry LaBarbera said, and counts as a strike offense under Californias Three Strike law. Turners sentencing is scheduled to take place on March 29. Former president Donald Trump shocked just about everyone when he announced on Truth Social Friday his plans to attend Sneaker Con in Philadelphia on Saturday. Looking forward to being at Sneakercon at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Pennsylvania, at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday. Then leaving for a Big Rally in Michigan! he wrote. Sneaker Con has not confirmed Trumps appearance but organizers were forced to turn off comments on social media after receiving backlash about the former presidents attendance. They also put out a statement following the wave of backlash online. Sneaker Cons mission is to support and promote sneaker culture through our worldwide live events and digital platforms. We are thankful and appreciative of the sneaker community, and recognize individuals who generate awareness and authentic sneaker related engagement towards our community. #sneakercon, the statement read. The state of Pennsylvania is expected to be a key battleground in Novembers presidential election. President Joe Biden only narrowly defeated Trump by a margin of 50 percent to 48.8 percent in 2020. Sneaker Con, which will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, was founded in 2009 and is one of the longest-running sneaker events in the world. More than 300 hundred vendors are expected to attend the convention to sell sneakers and streetwear. Trumps expected appearance comes a day after a judge ordered the former president to pay $354 million in his New York civil fraud trial. He is expected to appeal the decision which bars him from seeking loans from financial institutions in New York for a period of three years and includes a three-year ban on Trump serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation. 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. ***Video above: Those weve lost in 2024.*** ANAHEIM, California (WJW) Snoop Dogg is paying tribute to his younger brother, Bing Worthington, who has died at age 44. The 52-year-old rapper confirmed his brothers death in a series of posts on Instagram, featuring photos of Worthington. A video shows them and other family members standing in a cemetery, with the caption reading that Worthington, always made us laugh u bac with moms. Local service helps pets with gentle goodbye Snoops mother, Beverly Tate, died at 70 age in October 2021, as reported by People at the time. Snoop Dogg and William Bell performs onstage at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Butler Park during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Butler Park on March 15, 2014 in Austin, Texas. According to reports from Today.com, Worthington, of Anaheim, California, died on Thursday. Sergeant Frank Gonzalez from the Orange County Sheriffs Department told Today.com that his cause of death is pending an autopsy report. Patrick, Brittany Mahomes visit family injured in Chiefs parade shooting TMZ reports that Worthington started out as a roadie on Snoops tours before eventually becoming his tour manager. According to IMDB, Worthington was named a producer on Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw N Uncut Vol. 1 and appeared on the Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj soundtrack. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Advisories/Warnings Issued for Our Region Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7PM Friday until 4 AM Saturday for Fayette, Nicholas and southeastern Pocahontas counties and until 7 AM for western Greenbrier County. Expect slippery road conditions with snow accumulations tonight. Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 PM Friday until 7 AM Saturday for northwestern Pocahontas County. Several inches of snow will make travel very difficult. If you plan to travel, bring emergency gear, such as food, water and a flashlight in case of emergency. Tonight features rain showers changing to snow from north to south as colder air works its way into our region. The general rule of thumb outside of the high peaks the farther north you are, the better chance for a few slick spots on area roads. Snow will be heavy at times between 9 PM and 1 AM but well see the heavy activity wrap up shortly after midnight. Road temperatures will remain near freezing until after the heaviest snow exits, which will help keep treated roads in decent shape. However, black ice will be something to keep in mind if traveling Saturday morning with temperatures dropping into the mid 20s. Saturday provides snow showers to begin with, as our area of low pressure begins to exit the region to the east. Slick spots will be possible on area roads Saturday morning. A couple of lingering snow flurries in the afternoon will be possible under a mostly cloudy sky with a breeze that will gust as high as 25 mph. High temperatures will struggle to budge much well be lucky to reach 30 degrees. This means that with the wind, our wind chill values will be down into the teens at times during the afternoon Saturday. Sunday brings the sunshine back into the area with high pressure in control. This will be the first of a few dry days on the way with high temperatures around 40 degrees. Presidents Day looks solid! High pressure will continue to keep the clouds and showers at bay with mostly sunny conditions expected and temperatures rebounding to near 50 for highs. Tuesday continues our sunny skies with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the low 50s. Wednesday keeps the sunshine around, with partly sunny skies expected. Its a warm day on the way with high temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. Thursday brings for the chance for showers, as our next storm system arrives in the form of a cold front. Our low pressure system will be well north of the area which means were looking at rain showers. High temperatures will remain mild in the 50s. Friday continues our chances for showers, which look especially prevalent in the morning. Temperatures will be cooler behind a cold front pushing through, with highs in the 40s. Looking ahead, next week looks a bit warmer with highs returning to the 50s but beyond that, temperatures generally at or below normal for the end of February. Our pattern looks a bit more active than weve seen recently snow chances will be dependent on exact low-pressure tracks to get enough cold air in for precipitation to fall as snow but at this point, accumulating snows ahead look minor for the remainder of this month. Help us with our growing community of weather photos with #weathertogether. Head to our website and search for the Weather together tab and upload your photos of weather going on around our region. TONIGHT Rain switches to snow, which will be heavy at times, mainly before midnight. Watch for black ice toward dawn. Lows in the mid 20s. SATURDAY Snow showers early. Mostly cloudy and breezy. Gloomy. Highs around 30. SUNDAY Partly sunny. Highs near 40. PRESIDENTS DAY Mostly sunny. Highs near 50. TUESDAY Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 50s. WEDNESDAY Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. THURSDAY Few showers. Highs in the low 50s. FRIDAY Shower chances continue. Highs in the 50s. SATURDAY Partly sunny. Isolated sprinkle. Highs in the 40s. SUNDAY Mostly sunny. Highs in the 50s. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Red Sunday School says it is impossible to be neutral on the conflict between Israel and Palestine A socialist Sunday school in Scotland has been accused of producing an anti-Israel magazine featuring the controversial from the river to the sea slogan. The magazine from the Red Sunday School in Glasgow argues that it is impossible to be neutral on the subject of Palestine because this means siding with the oppressor. The Red Sunday School is a voluntary organisation that describes itself as a space for children and young people to think for themselves, play with freedom, question the world around them and change it. Meeting monthly, the schools website says it is organised on the principles of socialism and solidarity and encourages active participation in the great struggles of our day: anti-racism, the climate crisis, feminism and the revolutionary transformation of capitalism. It is run by a group of activists, educators, parents, carers and cultural workers and takes inspiration from the Socialist Sunday School movement which developed in Glasgow in the late 19th century. In October, it produced a self-published zine which it claimed was by the children of Glasgow Red Sunday School and would serve as a resource to help people understand what is happening in Palestine. The magazine opens by posing the question what actually is the fighting all about?. The schools website says it is 'organised on the principles of socialism and solidarity' It goes on: When a state decides to take land from another state and say that its now theirs, this is called an occupation. Palestine has been an occupied state for nearly 100 years. Oppression means being treated badly or without justice. An oppressor is someone who treats someone else badly or unjustly. Children do not get to choose when an oppressor occupies a land. They do not get to choose how the oppressed try to take their land back from the occupiers and gain their liberation. These children are forced to live either in occupied land or as the occupiers of someone elses land. Children from both sides are being harmed by the occupation. The occupier is putting all childrens lives at risk because if they werent occupying someone elses land there would be no reason to fight. The magazine notes that we often hear people on the news saying that they are neutral on Palestine, but questions whether this is possible. Liberation means becoming free of violence if we say we believe that all children have the right to live free from violence, but also say we are staying neutral on Palestine, then we are not actually being neutral, we are siding with the oppressor. It adds: The end of the occupation means the liberation of both Palestinian and Israeli children. From the river to the sea, all the children will be free. The phrase from the river to the sea features in a chant commonly heard at pro-Palestine demonstrations and refers to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean. Its use has become controversial because some people interpret it as a call for the destruction of Israel as a state. The magazine also includes letters written by children addressed to workers in defence industry sites in Glasgow, with one signed by a child aged eight. The Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the publication. A spokesman said: This is propaganda, pure and simple. But it is all the more alarming because it is directed at children. For a school that seeks to encourage anti-racism, it is surprisingly comfortable using rhetoric that plays on genocidal language and implicitly denies a right to Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. This material is borne of the socialism of fools and has no place in a British classroom. In November, the Red Sunday School called on pupils and teachers to join a National School Strike for Palestine in Glasgow. The school also recently posted a flyer on its Instagram account advertising a parachute banner making session organised by Art workers for Palestine, where participants will make a circular banner to occupy space with children at demos and future actions. On its own Instagram account, Art workers for Palestine have accused Israel of genocide and military efforts to extinguish the people of Palestine. According to a news article by Gal Dem, the Red Sunday School has held a fancy dress day with the theme socialist heroes vs capitalist villains and uses a variant of the duck, duck, goose childrens game called rent, rent, strike. The Red Sunday School was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told reporters Ethiopian security forces tried to block his access to the AU summit (Michele Spatari) Somalia and Ethiopia, already at odds over a controversial maritime pact, locked horns again on Saturday over Somali claims that Ethiopian security forces tried to block President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from accessing the African Union summit. Mogadishu described the incident as "outrageous conduct" and called for a full investigation by the pan-African body which is headquartered in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. But Ethiopia insisted Mohamud was warmly welcomed and said that the Somali delegation was blocked when its security detail tried to enter a venue with weapons. Tensions have been running high between the two countries since Addis Ababa in January signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland giving it long sought commercial and military access to the sea. "This morning when I prepared myself to come and attend the closed session of the summit, the Ethiopian security blocked my way," Mohamud told reporters, after later gaining entry to the venue for the meeting. He said he had tried again with another head of state, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, but they were also blocked from the AU headquarters. "A soldier with a gun stood in front of us and denied us access to this facility," he said. But Ethiopia challenged Somalia's version of events. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokeswoman Billene Seyoum told AFP that Ethiopia had "warmly welcomed" Mohamud and accorded him the full honours of visiting heads of state and governments to the summit. She said the Somalia delegation had declined the security offered by Ethiopia and tried to enter a venue with their weapons. "As host country, the government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all Heads of State and Government while in the country," Billene said. "The Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC premises with weapons which was blocked off by AUC security." - 'Provocative' act - Somalia's foreign ministry said in a statement that the government "strongly condemns the provocative attempt by the Ethiopian government to obstruct the delegation". It called for the AU -- a 55-member pan-African body -- to conduct a "credible and independent investigation (into) this outrageous conduct", saying it breached all diplomatic and international protocols. Somalia has accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity over the January 1 MoU with Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 in a move not recognised by the international community. Under the maritime deal, Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometres (12 miles) of its coast for 50 years to Ethiopia, which wants to set up a naval base and a commercial port on the coast. In return, Somaliland -- a former British protectorate -- has said Ethiopia would give it formal recognition, assertions not confirmed by Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa and one of the biggest landlocked nations in the world, was cut off from the coast after Eritrea seceded and declared independence in 1993 following a three-decade war. Addis Ababa had maintained access to a port in Eritrea until the two countries went to war in 1998-2000, and since then Ethiopia has sent most of its sea trade through Djibouti. While Somaliland is largely stable, Somalia has witnessed decades of civil war and a bloody Islamist insurgency by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militant group. ho-txw/giv OpenAI teased its latest video AI model called Sora this week, prompting a rapturous response from observers and the media. And credit where credit is due, the samples the company showed off are truly impressive, from photorealistic footage of a dog sitting on a windowsill to a group of wooly mammoths stampeding across a snowy landscape. But many of the clips the company shared this week don't hold up to a deeper degree of scrutiny and show that as significant as Sora is, there are going to be many bugs to hammer out before it's ready for primetime. Case in point: the very first sample embedded on top of the company's website, a dolly-tracked shot of a "stylish woman" walking "down a Tokyo street filled with warm glowing neon and animated city signage." Sure, it seems impressive at first but if you watch the movement of the woman's legs and feet closely throughout the one-minute clip, some serious flaws come to light. Around the 16 and 31-second marks, her entire legs and feet subtly switch places with each other. Seriously, think that through: her left and right leg completely switched positions, showing that the AI has only a surface-level understanding of human anatomy. Were we fooled by our natural inclination to look another human in the eyes? Considering the prominence of the clip on the company's website, it's possible even OpenAI didn't spot this one. https://twitter.com/KezhalDashti/status/1758505093706535009/ In all fairness, Sora's capabilities are a quantum leap compared to earlier examples of AI-generated video. Remember that horrific AI clip of Will Smith indulging and, horrifically, merging with a bowl of spaghetti? That was less than a year ago. And while the company's latest showing was met with astonishment headlines predominantly described OpenAI's Sora samples as "photorealistic," and Ars Technica warned of the repercussions for any sense of shared reality the limitations of generative AI are still clear. At the same time, the important thing isn't where we are. As always, it's where we're headed which should encourage companies like OpenAI to move with caution, even if today's best demos are still imperfect. More on Sora: OpenAI Reveals Impressive AI That Generates Photorealistic Video Ukraines military chief said early Saturday that hes withdrawing troops from the city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where outnumbered defenders have battled a Russian assault for four months. The timing is critical as Russia is looking for a morale boost ahead of the second anniversary of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and the March presidential election in Russia. In a short statement posted on Facebook, Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said he had made the decision to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen." The commander-in-chief added that troops were moving to more favorable lines." Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment. We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions, the statement read. The withdrawal came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday made another trip to western Europe , hoping to press his countrys Western allies to keep providing military support. It was Syrskyis first major test since being appointed as Ukraines new army chief last week. In his previous position as commander of Ukraines ground forces, he faced criticism for holding on to the city of Bakhmut for nine months, a siege that became the wars longest and bloodiest battle and cost Ukraine dearly, but also served to sap Russias forces. In recent days, reports emerged that Ukrainian troops in Avdiika faced a deteriorating situation. Rodion Kudriashov, deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, said Friday that Ukrainian troops were still holding out against the onslaught of about 15,000 Russian soldiers, but he expected the situation would soon become critical. The enemy is trying to penetrate our defense and in some places to bypass our positions, he told the Associated Press. The 3rd Brigade said on its social media account Friday that its soldiers were at the huge Avdiivka Coke Plant. Russian warplanes have been dropping about 60 bombs a day, relentlessly shelling the area and launching assaults with armor and infantry, the brigade said. A video showed dense black smoke over the factory, said to be caused by burning fuel oil reservoirs. The post said: Poisonous smog spreads all over the plant. Russian media reported the Kremlins forces were making extensive use of plane-launched glide bombs, which fly at a shallower angle, to batter Ukrainian positions. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that Russian forces were beginning to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses in the eastern city. He said Avdiivka was at risk of falling to Russia, a development he blamed in very large part on the fact that Ukrainian forces are running out of artillery ammunition. The United States is Ukraines biggest single supporter but some $60 billion for Kyiv is being held up by political disagreements among American lawmakers. Heavily fortified with a web of tunnels and concrete fortifications, Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk , a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy. Capturing Avdiivka could be a timely boost for Moscow and serve as a possible springboard for Russia to drive deeper into the region. Fewer than 1,000 people remain in the city, according to the Donetsk regional governor, Vadym Filashkin. The city, with a prewar population of about 31,000, is today a bombed-out shell of what it once was. Aerial footage of Avdiivka obtained by the Associated Press last December showed an apocalyptic scene and hinted at Russias staggering losses, with the bodies of about 150 soldiers most wearing Russian uniforms lying scattered along tree lines where they sought cover. However, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said Thursday that taking Avdiivka would be more of a symbolic win for the Kremlin and would not bring significant changes to the 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) front line that has barely budged in recent months. The potential Russian capture of Avdiivka would not be operationally significant and would likely only offer the Kremlin immediate informational and political victories, the institute said in an assessment. Russian forces would be highly unlikely to make rapid operationally significant advances from Avdiivka if they captured the settlement, and the potential Russian capture of Avdiivka at most would set conditions for further limited tactical gains, it added. (AP) A bed bug infestation at Thornwood High School is under control and is being overblown on social media, according to South Holland Mayor Don DeGraff. The bedbugs came into school from at least one student in a fashion similar to a lice outbreak, DeGraff said. Thornwood diagnosed the source of the outbreak and took action to reduce the spread, he said. DeGraff did not confirm if the outbreak had ended completely. Weve been told and assured by the superintendent and the principal through the superintendent that they are on top of the problem and its fine and they do not need to close the school, he said. The district did not respond to a request for comment. Principal Don Holmes declined to comment, directing questions to the districts public relations manager who did not respond to messages Friday. News of the outbreak spread throughout the school and grabbed the attention of ABC7, which interviewed several students who called for the school to be closed. It is unclear when the outbreak first started. But DeGraff said the attention this outbreak has received is more of an indication of how social media can add fuel to concerns of an otherwise regular, controlled incident. Whats happened is the social media aspect of this has outplayed its coverage, said DeGraff. Its way beyond what it actually should be. SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) A South Jordan man has been sentenced for the 2021 murder of 19-year-old Kelly Glaubensklee at a local graduation party, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office. Anthony Dominic Rendon, 20, was sentenced in the Third District Court Friday to 15 years to life in prison for first-degree felony murder and three to five years for one count of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm, to be served consecutively. Rendon was also sentenced to three to five years for each of the remaining nine counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm, all to be served concurrently to the other part of his sentence. The murder occurred while Rendon attended a graduation party on June 6, 2021 with several friends. During the party, two different groups, including Rendons group of friends, got into a fight. PREVIOUSLY: South Jordan man found guilty of murder at 2021 graduation party The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office said Rendon and three others had left but returned a few minutes later and got into another fight. After the second fight, they got back into their car to leave, when people at the party started kicking their car. The driver started to pull away but stopped to let one more friend into the car. After their friend was in, prosecutors said Rendon fired more than 10 shots, one of which hit and killed Kelly Glaubensklee. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, more than two years after the shooting, a jury found Rendon guilty of murder as well as 11 counts of third-degree felony discharge of a firearm. In a GoFundMe set up after the shooting, Glaubensklee was described as one of a kind who walked with his head held high and a smile that could fix just about anything. SBI investigating American Fork road rage incident after driver fires shots through car window He was big and tough but as soon as he grinned you could see that he had the sweetest heart, wrote Daizha Jake, the organizer of the fundraiser. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you know that hed do anything and support you through it all in hopes to make you happy and feel validated. The GoFundMe raised over $26,000 by the time it ended. We appreciate Judge Pettit considering the gravity of the crimes committed by the defendant and the danger he posed to our entire community when she sentenced him to a minimum of nearly 20 years in prison, said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. We thank the work of our prosecutors, Adrianna Davis and Brett Keeler, as well as their staff, for the years of work on this case. We appreciate the work of our partners in law enforcement at the South Jordan Police Department, who conducted a thorough investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The D-Day landings remain the largest amphibious invasion in military history Plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings have been announced by a city council. A service and parade will take place in Southampton on 6 June - exactly 80 years on from the Normandy landings. The day will begin at 0800 BST with a special proclamation from the city's town crier. Southampton played a large role in D-Day preparations, with hundreds of thousands of British and American troops based around the city. Archie Parsons, from Southampton Royal British Legion, said: "Southampton played a crucial part in World War Two and it's incredibly important that we continue to remember those that fought and lost their lives." The service will be held in the evening at Holyrood Church, which was bombed in November 1940 during the Blitz. A military parade will then be led by the 17th Port & Maritime Regiment, with veterans encouraged to take part. They will make their way through the High Street, passing the Bargate, and finishing in Guildhall Square where a special beacon will be lit. Councillor Valerie Laurent, Lord Mayor of Southampton, said: "The 80th anniversary offers us a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into our city's significant contribution to this historic occasion, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared history." She added that the "pivotal role" that Southampton played was testament to the city's "resilience and unyielding spirit". More than 3.5 million servicemen passed through Southampton on their way to Normandy as it was one of the main embarkation points for the invasion. Other events, including special exhibitions in the city's museums, will also be taking place to mark the anniversary of what remains the largest amphibious invasion in military history. Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. We'll have to wait a little bit longer to see SpaceX launch its next astronaut crew into orbit for NASA. On Thursday (Feb. 15), SpaceX and NASA agreed to postpone the launch of their joint Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station to no earlier than March 1, a two-day delay from an earlier Feb. 28 target that had already slipped six days. Liftoff is set for 12:04 a.m. EST (0504 GMT) atop a Falcon 9 rocket that will lift off from Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. "The shift follows the successful launch early Thursday morning of the Intuitive Machines IM-1 spacecraft on a robotic mission to land on the Moon from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center," NASA wrote in a mission update Thursday. RELATED STORIES: Russians will fly on SpaceX's Crew-7, Crew-8 astronaut missions: report SpaceX launches Crew-6 astronaut mission to space station for NASA SpaceX: Facts about Elon Musk's private spaceflight company A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the IM-1 Nova-C lander Odysseus toward the moon in the wee hours of Thursday morning from Pad-39A, the same one that will be used to loft the Crew-8 astronauts. IM-1 is the first commercial moon mission by the company Intuitive Machines, which is carrying a suite of NASA and private payloads to a crater near the lunar south pole. The Odysseus moon lander is scheduled to land on the moon on Feb. 22, SpaceX's original launch date for the Crew-8 mission. NASA and SpaceX pushed the Crew-8 launch back to Feb. 28 earlier this week, and now they've done so again. Crew-8 will launch four astronauts to the ISS on a six-month mission as the relief for Crew-7, an astronaut team that rode a different Falcon 9 rocket to the station on Aug. 26. The crew includes NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barrett, Jeannette Epps and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it arrested a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old for robbery. Officers responded to the report of a person being hit by a car on Feb. 14 at about 2:15 p.m. in a parking garage in the 1200 block of First St. NE. There, they found an on-duty Special Police Officer (SPO) who was hit by a car. He said the people inside the car just robbed an establishment. Detectives learned the SPO tried stopping the suspects from leaving the establishment. He had shot his gun and was hit by the suspects car as the suspects fled the scene. PHOTOS: DC police recover guns from home where officers shot, barricade situation took place The SPO was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The discharge of his firearm is being investigated by Internal Affairs. A short time later, a boy arrived at a hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Detectives say he was involved in the robbery and was injured during his encounter with the SPO. A girl was also involved. They were both arrested. The 14-year-old boy, from Northeast D.C., and the 12-year-old girl from Silver Spring, Md., were charged with felony assault on a police officer, robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411. A reward of up to $10,000 is offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest or conviction of those involved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. I spent two nights at the Fontainebleau, Las Vegas' brand-new resort. I went during Super Bowl weekend, and the hotel was packed with A-list celebrities. Its beautiful design, phenomenal dining, and stunning spa feels like a new era of luxury in Vegas. Whispers of their names floated through the halls, as soft and sweet as the custom scent pumped through the vents of the exclusive $5,000-a-night suites at the top of the building. Leo. Gaga. Beyonce. This is the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and anyone who is anyone was here during Super Bowl weekend. A-list celebrities sipped drinks at Komodo, danced behind the DJ decks at LIV, and strolled under shimmering gold bow-tie chandeliers on their way to the next event. The resort, which only opened in December, has had a meteoric rise to success. I spent two nights at the Fontainebleau during Super Bowl weekend and saw firsthand how it's already ushering in a new era of Las Vegas luxury. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas has been two decades in the making. The entrance to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Jon Kopaloff/Getty After acquiring the legendary Fontainebleau Miami in 2005, Jeffrey Soffer the chairman and CEO of Fontainebleau Development announced his plans to open a second location in Las Vegas. The development was 70% complete when the Great Recession derailed it in 2008, and the property was sold twice before Soffer reacquired it in 2021. The hotel made up for lost time with a splashy opening night in December, making its presence known on the iconic Las Vegas Strip with a star-studded bash that drew in everyone from Cher to Kim Kardashian. It's already making history in Sin City. Justin Timberlake, Tom Brady, and Cher during the opening of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Fontainebleau Las Vegas At 729 feet tall, the 67-story hotel is now the largest occupiable building in Las Vegas. It features 3,644 rooms including 76 exclusive Fleur de Lis suites 36 restaurants, a 55,000-square-foot spa, a 14,000-square-foot gym, and a brand-new nightclub and casino. "Once you arrive here, you really don't need to leave the building," Fontainebleau's former COO, Colleen Birch, told Eater Las Vegas in December. That's quite the claim in a city where flashy hotels, wild clubs, and celebrity restaurants cover every inch of the 4.2-mile Strip one I'm all too familiar with thanks to the over 25 trips I took to Vegas during my 20s. It was time for a shake-up in Sin City, and I couldn't wait to see what the Fontainebleau would bring. The Fontainebleau's elegance struck me from the moment I walked into the 20,000-square-foot lobby. Fontainebleau's lobby is sleek and stunning. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Soft, warm lights enveloped the vast and immaculate space as dozens of gold bow ties playfully glowed behind the check-in desk. Transparent beams that stretched from the pristine marble floors to the soaring ceiling felt reminiscent of Singapore's famous Supertree Grove. The space felt modern and tranquil, already promising a very different kind of oasis in Sin City. A stunning display of fresh roses and orchids was at the center. Beautiful flowers greeted me at the center of the lobby. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I counted nine large vases of flowers, and a friendly greeter I spoke with estimated there were about 100 stems in each. She said the flowers were changed every three days and switched out depending on the holiday season. The red roses were for Valentine's Day. "All the women love it," she said with a smile. Almost as if on cue, a young girl sprinted toward the flowers to see if they were real. It was exactly what I had done mere moments before. Tucked away next to the check-in desk is the exclusive 5,000-square-foot VIP lounge. The VIP entrance at the Fontainebleau. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Metallic gold doors beckon VIPs into the luxury lounge, where guests of the Fontainebleau's Fleur de Lis suites which start at $5,000 a night begin their stay. The lounge features a private place to relax and grab complimentary drinks and pastries. The VIP lounge at Fontainebleau. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Airport lounges should take note of the style Fontainebleau's VIP area achieved. The deep-blue carpet and couches are luxe and sophisticated, and the gold mirrors and light fixtures combined with marble detailing look extremely elegant. On arrival, employees offer flutes of crisp Champagne to VIP guests, who can also grab fresh pastries or hot tea whenever they need. The lounge also provides a quick shortcut to the elevators, perfect for any famous guest who doesn't want to pass through the casino. But you don't need to be a VIP to enjoy the most beautiful parts of the Fontainebleau. Fontainebleau's main floor is filled with fresh flowers and sleek architecture. David Becker/Getty Images for Fontainebleau Las Vegas I've always believed real luxury is in the small details, and the amount of thought that went into every inch of the hotel's interior is immensely impressive. Subtle bow ties paying homage to the Fontainebleau Miami are hidden across the resort. The chandelier above Bleau Bar at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider The architect Morris Lapidus, who died in 2001 and designed the original Fontainebleau, incorporated his signature bow tie into the design of the resort's interior. Now, it's the emblem of the Las Vegas location. There are 1,200 golden bow ties sparkling from the 60-foot-tall centerpiece chandelier that hangs above the bar on the main floor, and miniature bow ties are hidden in a stylish pattern of circles that burst against the casino's navy carpet. There are tiny bow ties stitched into the back of plush periwinkle leather chairs beckoning you to each slot machine, while chrome bow ties gleam from the handles on every dresser in the suites. I didn't find the bow ties to be cartoonish or excessive, but rather sweet surprises I kept discovering throughout my two-night stay. Their subtle and sophisticated design paired well with the old-school Frank Sinatra rat-pack energy that exuded from the hotel's main bars. Even the hotel's 150,000-square-foot casino feels luxurious. The casino at Fontainebleau Las Vegas features 1,300 slot machines, plus card tables. George Rose/Getty Images It's hard to make slot machines 1,300 to be exact look sexy, but smart design touches help keep their presence from dominating the Fontainebleau's overall energy. Straight away, the 42-foot ceiling makes the main floor of the resort feel big and grand. I noticed its impact when I went to a different luxury hotel for a Super Bowl party and instantly felt cramped. The Fontainebleau also helps keep the space serene by opting for muted blue carpets, soft blue lighting, and modern panels on the ceiling. Even the elevator shafts were covered in marble. And there's no usual ringing and pinging from the various machines. I immediately clocked that their sounds were off, allowing Frank Sinatra's lilting croon to fill the room instead. After taking a tour of the hotel's main area, it was time to check out our room. The Gold King room at Fontainebleau Las Vegas starts at $300 a night. Peter Arnell One of my main gripes with many hotels is that they're either extremely bland or look like something out of a corporate office, even with a resort price tag. But the Gold King room is thoughtfully designed in calming blues that felt fitting for a Miami-born resort. I loved the sky-blue textured wallpaper and navy headboard that framed our plush king-size bed, which was outfitted with super-soft 500-thread-count cotton sheets. Gold chrome nightstands and a coral-pink bench and chairs added pops of color that kept the space feeling modern and fresh. Business Insider received a media rate for the two-night stay, but the Gold King room typically starts at $300 a night. I adored the room's luxe and stylish details My bed in the Gold King room was extremely plush and comfortable. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider We had a perfect view of the Sphere and the High Roller from our window, which flooded the room with natural light when we clicked on the automatic drapes. I could also spot Fontainebleau's six-and-a-half-acre pool deck, which will open when Las Vegas' day-club season kicks off in March. The room's overall atmosphere was coastal but stylish, a much-needed reprieve from the bright neon colors that tend to dominate Las Vegas hotels look no further than the purple-and-red butterfly carpet that dominates Encore. ... and the incredible shower. I loved the shower at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider A great hotel shower is extremely important to me. What good is a perfect night's sleep if the morning starts with tepid temperatures and terrible water pressure? There was no such danger with the spa-like shower in our room, which ran the entire length of one of the bathroom's walls. The white mosaic tile glowed invitingly, and the ability to step right in without struggling with a jammed door or fumbling over a high tub made it feel extra lush. The custom-made shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all smelled delicious and left my hair looking fantastic. We were starving after an early-morning flight, so we hit up the Promenade Fontainebleau's luxury food hall for lunch. The Promenade offered delicious casual-dining options. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I am no stranger to a Las Vegas hotel food court. It's where the bulk of my dining occurred when I was a 20-something trying to grab sustenance in the short period between the end of a pool party and the beginning of a nightclub. Meals were quick, fast, and usually in a brown McDonald's paper bag. But the Promenade offers fast and affordable dining options without yielding quality. Miami Slice and El Bagel pay homage to the resort's Florida roots, while Bar Ito offers hand rolls by the Michelin-starred chefs Kevin Kim and Masa Ito. There's also an eponymous burger concept from the celebrity chef Josh Capon, plus spots to grab fresh coffee, sandwiches, and tacos. The Promenade became one of my favorite places to eat throughout my stay. The Pepperoni Proper and La Salsera from Miami Slice. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Full transparency: My boyfriend and I became pretty obsessed with the Promenade. We were first blown away by our lunch from Miami Slice, which we agreed featured some of the best pizza we've ever tasted. The Pepperoni Proper had a delicious crust that was light, crispy, and flaky all at once, while the La Salsera a twist on vodka pizza with drizzles of pesto instantly reminded me of Rubirosa in Manhattan. "I did not expect to find one of the best pizzas of my life in Las Vegas," I told Peter, who remarked that it was "one of the top five pizzas I've had, period." We went back to Miami Slice the next night and bumped into DJ John Summit, who has a residency at the Fontainebleau's club and told us how much he loves coming to eat at the Promenade. We also tried El Bagel, Bar Ito, and Nona's the sandwich spot and there wasn't a single dish that missed the mark. Later that day, I checked out the hotel's 14,000-square-foot fitness center. Fontainebleau's huge gym was spotless. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I have worked out in some extremely depressing hotel gyms, even at very nice resorts. There are usually a few stray machines, bad fluorescent lighting, and a sad pile of weights in the corner. But the Fontainebleau's fitness center, which an IV drip lounge and IGK salon flank, is sleek and state-of-the-art. Among the typical treadmills and StairMasters were Peloton bikes, VersaClimbers, and hydro rowers, with a fresh rolled-up towel waiting in every cup holder. The weights section had every dumbbell, kettlebell, and barbell you could need, along with space for sled-pushing or tire-flipping. A schedule at the front desk advertised daily classes that were free for guests, including mat Pilates, yoga, weight sculpting, and dance. Guests could also purchase personal-training sessions starting at $75. I was especially impressed by the huge recovery room. Enjoying a service in the recovery room. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I'm fairly certain that Fontainebleau's recovery room is bigger than my one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles. The walls were lined with foam rollers and Theraguns, while different recovery stations offered treatments with acupressure, compression, and photon light. I opted for a 15-minute session with the compression leg sleeves a $35 upgrade and a staff member helpfully explained how the boots would help speed up recovery, reduce soreness, and boost circulation and lymphatic drainage. After an hour of cardio, it was extremely relaxing. We kicked off our first night in Las Vegas with a wild dinner at Papi Steak, which describes itself as the 'ultimate in a hedonistic night out.' Papi Steak is among the 36 restaurants Fontainebleau offers. George Rose/Getty Images Papi Steak at Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the second edition of the famous party restaurant helmed by the Miami hospitality king David Grutman and David "Papi" Einhorn. I learned from our waiter that the restaurant's original concept was born after Grutman put Einhorn's signature steak on the menu of Komodo another Miami restaurant with a location at Fontainebleau Las Vegas and it was an instant hit. "They'd call Papi in when the Kardashians were there just to make steaks for them," the waiter said. And so Papi Steak was born, as was the showstopping 55-ounce wagyu tomahawk that arrives tableside in a sparkling briefcase for diners who are happy to shell out $1,000. The Papi Steak Beef Case moment is pure over-the-top Vegas. The Papi Steak Beef Case costs $1,000. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider We saw 15 different Beef Case presentations during our two-hour dinner, each accompanied by flashing strobe lights, whoops and hollers from every waiter, and a cloud of smoke that billowed from above their heads as the $1,000 steaks were branded. One woman waved her napkin in the air and danced along like it was a Greek wedding. Two guys ran over to take a thumbs-up selfie with the mighty tomahawk. The Beef Case is the restaurant's showcase, but I was also delightfully surprised that every dish we tried including the $24 Caesar salad and $18 latkes was truly delicious. I've been to plenty of celebrity restaurants that coast on the clout of Instagram clicks and crazy menu items, but Papi Steak's food makes for a memorable night even if you don't shell out for its signature dish. And a nightcap at Nowhere was one of my favorite memories from the trip. Nowhere was one of my favorite spots at Fontainebleau. Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Fontainebleau Las Vegas Nowhere was next to the elevator that whizzed us up to our suite, and my boyfriend and I couldn't resist popping in. Inspired by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's Parisian apartment, Nowhere exudes the kind of easy luxury and class that so many modern speakeasies search for but few achieve. The walls, covered in varying shades of cream, glowed under the warm lighting as dark cabernet curtains framed the stage where a woman in a bright-red dress sang with a full band behind her. As we sipped our delicious drinks, I watched a couple joyfully spin to the jazz music. The woman was dressed head-to-toe in a turquoise outfit with a matching pillbox hat. It felt like we'd been transported to a different era. After a great night's sleep, I began my day at the Fontainebleau's 55,000-square-foot spa. The starry-night napping room at Fontainebleau. Mark Medina I have been to some gorgeous spas before the hydrotherapy room at Casa Malca in Tulum remains a favorite but I haven't experienced anything quite like Lapis at the Fontainebleau. The two-story spa features everything from an infrared sauna and steam room to a purifying salt cave and shower that rinses you off with falling snow. My relaxing morning began with the 45-minute "Reboot Signature Massage." BI paid a media rate, but the massage typically costs $100. I then went into the coed sensory room, which glows with mellow lights designed to mimic the body's circadian rhythms, and hit the sauna before taking a refreshing dip in the cold-plunge pool. After unwinding in the hot tub, I cleared my senses and sinuses in the herbal-inhalation room and relaxed on one of the heated stone loungers. Before hitting up a celebrity-packed Komodo for dinner that night, I got a sneak peek at its legendary Peking duck. The Peking duck at Komodo. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider A window next to the entrance of Komodo offers a glimpse into its duck room, where I got to watch as chefs prepared the $115 dish which BI paid a media rate for from start to finish. The glistening crispy duck eaten inside a delicate pancake topped with cucumber, scallions, and a hoisin-like sauce was deliciously rich and tender. I could see why Komodo was one of the biggest hot spots of the weekend, attracting the likes of Shaquille O'Neal who dined a few feet away from us before his Super Bowl party Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, and Alicia Keys. Mark Wahlberg even went behind the bar to serve guests some cocktails. We danced the night away at LIV, the Fontainebleau's brand-new club. Me in front of the sign at LIV. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider LIV has already made itself competitive in Las Vegas' stacked clubbing scene by scoring residencies with Calvin Harris and Tiesto two of the world's biggest DJs and Summit, who's headlining the biggest electronic-music festivals. We caught Summit's set during the club's Super Bowl weekend kickoff and were impressed by everything LIV had to offer. Even at 50,000 square feet, LIV feels more intimate than some of the other big Vegas clubs and offers much better views and proximity to the stage. The sound quality was excellent, as reviewed by my DJ boyfriend, and the back bar behind the DJ booth made it surprisingly quick and easy to get drinks. Before our Vegas trip ended, I had one last phenomenal meal at KYU. The interior of KYU at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I also got to go behind the scenes at KYU and watch as Chef Christopher Arellanes prepared his signature dish, the $265 royal golden chicken. BI paid a media rate for the meal. Arellanes told me he wanted to give KYU a showstopping dish with a fine-dining twist, and he's truly achieved it. The melt-in-your-mouth royal golden chicken covered in foie gras, black truffles, and smoked-caviar cream is presented tableside alongside a laksa that instantly soothed my soul. It was all decadent and so delicious. My stay at the Fontainebleau couldn't have been more memorable. I can't wait to go back to the Fontainebleau. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Fontainebleau Las Vegas Typically, when a Vegas trip comes to an end, I'm so ready to go home. You can spend only so many days in a city built on overstimulation. But the Fontainebleau stays true to Las Vegas' partying roots while still being a relaxing resort. Whenever my boyfriend and I made it back to the hotel after a party or event, we would cheer as our cab drove up to that glowing bow tie at the entrance that's how much we loved it. It's no wonder Hollywood's biggest stars and athletes can't get enough of the Fontainebleau. With beautiful rooms, a heavenly spa, and so much incredible dining, it's truly a Sin City sanctuary. Read the original article on Business Insider SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) A Springfield man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a drug conspiracy involving over a dozen defendants and over 200 pounds of drugs. Federal prosecutors in the Central District of Illinois said five people have already been sentenced for their roles in this conspiracy. Earlier this week, 32-year-old Denziel Witherspoon became the sixth. Witherspoon pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges a year ago and was sentenced to two decades in prison on Thursday. Prosecutors said during a six-month period in 2020, he was responsible for over 158 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 pounds of heroin, 13 pounds of fentanyl and 11 pounds of marijuana. Sue Myerscough, the presiding judge, said it was the largest amount of drugs she had ever seen in her judicial career. Accused Pour Bros. shooter arraigned on separate charges of burglary, armed robbery The five other defendants to be tried so far have received sentences between 36 and 180 months. Seven more defendants have charges pending against them. The case against Witherspoon was part of an investigation into the Boss Playas street gang located in Springfield. The DEA, FBI, Illinois State Police and Springfield Police Department all took part. Witherspoon faced anywhere from 15 years to life in prison for the most serious charge against him. Upon release from prison, he will have to serve 10 years on parole. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival organizers have announced the addition of exclusive beverage features with Olde Celtic Stout and Bunratty Meade from Ireland available for purchase during the event. This event will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday, March 10 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. in Americas Oldest Celtic City. The Celtic Festival will be located at Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Dr. in historic downtown St. Augustine. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to Albert Syeles, local event producer, St Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival and Ancient City Brewing in St. Augustine have partnered to bring event attendees a debut of the brewerys new Olde Celtic Stout. Ancient City Brewing sponsors explain their original recipe was brewed in the style of a traditional Irish stout and produced exclusively for the Celtic Festival. The Stout has a strong, dark pour and aromatics which include chocolate, cocoa and a slight maltiness. Ancient City Brewing owners said, Be sure to grab one of the exclusive brews while they are still available only at the St. Augustine Celtic Festival. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The Celtic Festival will present Bunratty Meade, the enchanting honey drink featured at the world-famous Bunratty Castle banquets in County Clare, Ireland. Made from a centuries-old recipe, Bunratty Meade has been enjoyed by millions of U.S. and global visitors since the 1980s. Bunratty Meade is crafted in small batches at the historic Bunratty Winery, a stones throw from the Castle. For centuries, newlywed couples would celebrate their marriage by drinking honey meade for one full cycle of the moon after their wedding, hence the term honeymoon. Bunratty Meade has been imported for more than 30 years and is available at retailers throughout Florida. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The multi-award-winning St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival will feature ten top international and U.S. Celtic bands, Highland Games, workshops, lectures, Celtic food and artisan crafts, and a St. Patrick Day parade will be featured, plus a special Whiskey Tasting Event with music by Canadas Steel City Rovers on Friday, March 8 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets for the Celtic Festival are available online and at Ann OMalleys Irish Pub, 23 Orange Street in St. Augustine. The Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival, Highland Games, and St. Patrick Parade are produced by Romanza- St. Augustine, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Proceeds of the Celtic Festival help promote the arts, culture and heritage in St. Augustine, Florida. For more information about Romanza Festivale of Music and The Arts, visit the website at https://www.romanzafestivale.com. 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. Developer Gil Dezer wont stop until hes on the top. We keep asking the FAA for taller, and the request keeps getting granted, said Dezer, whose company is the largest landowner of oceanfront property in South Florida, with condo sales of more than $4 billion in the state. Dezer is talking about two of his projects, both branded by automakers: Porsche Design Tower Miami at 649 feet, and the Bentley Residences Tower, which when completed, will rise 749 feet. That will make Bentley the tallest residential building on the US coastline. Miami developers are racing to erect citys tallest tower. NY Post composite Dezer is among a cadre of Miami developers racing to build roughly a dozen super-tall residential towers that push the limits in what has historically been a mid-rise city. In fact, until 2015, most buildings were limited to below 500 square feet and the FAA, which determines how high these structures can go, routinely cut the requested feet of some projects in half. But that year it lifted its restrictions and a spate of super-tall projects were soon underway. Thanks to the influx of well-heeled New Yorkers, who are used to living at great heights, there is no shortage of takers for Miamis new crop of tall poppies. The bigger the better! enthused Jeff Zalaznik, co-founder of Major Food Group, whose company is currently erecting the 650-foot-tall Villa Miami in Edgewater. This is a unique opportunity to build an architectural masterpiece that will change the skyline. While being very tall, its still very intimate, with only one or two units on each floor. The idea is not more people, but more luxury. Its going to be spectacular, with a helipad on top and marina at the bottom. Its like living on the water, so you dont even have to get in your car. The Bentley Residences will be the highest on any US coastline. Bentley Residences Apartments in these new buildings dont come cheap. Pre-construction prices in the Bentley start at $5.5 million and $4.8 million in Villa Miami. But on higher floors costs soar to $35 million for a penthouse in the Bentley. We dont have acres of land like Texas, noted developer Kevin Venger of 1000 Group, who built the impressive 709-foot 1000 Museum Tower which opened in 2019. We have smaller lots and many projects are urban infill, similar to New York, so you go vertical. It all started with the Panorama Tower, the first ultra-tall in the trend. That mixed-use condo tower rises 869 feet and opened in 2018. Its still the tallest completed building in the city. The Aston Martin Residences is Miamis second tallest building. Courtesy of Aston Martin / G&G Business Developments The new Aston Martin Residence is currently the citys second-tallest tower. Super-tall towers were never a part of our landscape until Panorama, said Jay Parker Phillip, president of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing in Florida. The next one of that magnitude is really the Waldorf. The Waldorf Astoria Residences is perhaps Miamis most ambitious tower currently under construction. Located Downtown, it will rise 1,049 feet (or 100 stories), after breaking ground in Oct. 2022. Located Downtown, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences will rise 100 stories and boasts a $50 million penthouse. Imitators are sure to follow. Courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria Higher floors are going at a premium, explained Kevin Maloney, founder of Property Market Group, developer of the Waldorf. The top 20 stories are selling for 50% more than the lower floors. Sometimes the owners want us to disclose the prices. They are happy to say they paid a significant number to have the best and the highest. One penthouse there is asking $55 million and 88% of units have already sold. We are trying to do something iconic, said Maloney. The Waldorf is about 40 stories higher than anything else in the state of Florida. Five Park will be the tallest on South Beach. Five Park David Martin, CEO of Terra, whose first building in 2004 was 25 stories, was able to increase the height of his latest structure, Five Park, by turning 3 acres of the plot into a park. As a result, he is going from the initial proposal of 10 stories to 48, creating the tallest building in South Beach. We are studying neighborhoods and how to benefit them, he said. The community got a park, just by giving height. Having something tall and slender is less impactful to the neighboring community because it protects the view and sunlight. Five Park is built on 2 acres but could have been on 7. Developers like Martin argue that because each luxury unit is oversized the average in Five Park is about 2,300 square feet and has high ceilings, the buildings actually keep the areas density down. Five Park was approved to have 510 units, but we only have 230, said Martin. Panorama Tower is Miamis tallest building. Miami architect Kobi Karp, who designed Panorama Tower, and is currently at work on the 750-foot Miami River Residences and the 725-foot residential building at 700 North Miami from New York developer Steven Witkoff, agrees that colossal condos are beneficial to the city. They are sustainable, resilient and both energy- and cost-efficient, he said. And, in South Florida, people arent too worried about blocking light. When I build a high-rise it gives me a lot of shade and shadow, which is desperately desired in a subtropical climate. Of course, constructing a massive building is no easy feat. We have to withstand 180-mph hurricane winds; with the amount of concrete we use, we could build three times as high in New York, says Dezer. These towers are exponentially more complicated and expensive once you get above 60 feet, said Maloney. People are talking about buildings and announcing them, but its a long road to get there. We will put 500 piles 18 stories [tall] into the ground, and one pile goes through the sand and ocean floor. Then we will begin a superstructure that will rise 100 stories. It turns out that not everyone is a fan of being on top of the world. There are a lot of people who are scared of heights more than you would think, noted Venger. Even celebrities who can well afford it are not comfortable being that high. So why take such a risk? Its called insanity and insecurity, quipped Maloney. Why climb the mountain? Because you can. Ned Price, the first out gay man to be State Department spokesman, is taking on a new role: deputy to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. He will manage the Washington, D.C., office for the ambassador, Thomas-Greenfield told Politico. His judgment and expertise will be a tremendous asset to me and the entire USUN team, she said in a prepared statement. Im humbled and honored to serve Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and the broader administration in this position. America has tremendous capacity for good within the U.N. and broader multilateral system, and I look forward to helping drive our agenda with allies and partners, Price told the outlet. Price became spokesman for the State Department in January 2021, when President Joe Biden took office. In March of last year, he was named senior adviser to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Earlier in his career, he worked in President Barack Obamas administration, in the private sector, and for the Central Intelligence Agency. He left the CIA when Donald Trump became president in 2017. He said his decision was not political. He had served in the CIA under both Republican and Democratic presidents George W. Bush and Obama, respectively and sometimes disagreed with them, but he could not in good conscience work for a president who showed so much disrespect for intelligence professionals as Trump did, he wrote in The Washington Post. He has lauded Trumps successor. In an interview with The Advocate in 2021, he praised the Biden administration for promoting LGBTQ+ equality domestically and internationally. Im very fortunate to work for an administration with whom I share values, he said. Theres a certain symbolism in having someone who identifies as openly gay addressing and speaking from the State Department. I recognize the power of that. As Thomas-Greenfields deputy, Price will succeed Jeffrey Prescott, who is taking a new job in representing the U.S. to U.N. food and agriculture agencies. Price will move into the deputy position shortly after Prescott leaves. Once he begins, Price will attend deputy-level interagency meetings on various topics, giving him more sway over U.S. foreign policy at least through January next year after the presidential election, Politico reports. Price is a seasoned voice in the corridors of U.S. foreign policy, notes news site BNN Breaking. His new appointment not only marks a significant milestone in Price's distinguished career but also comes at a time when the United States finds itself under the global microscope on a raft of critical issues, from its steadfast support for Israel to its strategic posture towards Russia's aggressive maneuvers in Ukraine, the site continues. Prices journey to this influential post is a testament to his deep reservoir of expertise and his unwavering commitment to the principles of American diplomacy. Price has won praise from many other sources, including Blinken. Ned has helped the U.S. government defend and promote press freedom around the globe and modeled the transparency and openness we advocate for in other countries, Blinken said last March. Hes performed with extraordinary professionalism and integrity. Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi said China will be a "force for stability" in the world during a speech Saturday at a major security conference in Germany. "No matter the changes in the international situation, China as a responsible major country will always maintain the continuity and stability of its major policies and resolutely stay a force for stability in a turbulent world," Wang said. Foreign minister Wang's address at the Munich Security Conference, a gathering of 180 leaders and defence chiefs, followed a fresh appeal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more help in his country's fight against Russian troops. China says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticized for refusing to condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. "China-Russia relations do not involve forming alliances, creating opposition or targeting third parties," Wang said. "They are normal relations between two neighboring major countries." He added China opposes "pushing responsibility for the Ukraine crisis onto China." "China has already done a lot of constructive work (on Ukraine)," Wang said. "We will continue to play a positive role." Beijing initially pushed for a "political settlement" to the Ukraine conflict but its efforts have floundered in recent months after Western countries said it could enable Russia to hold much of the territory it has seized. Wang also reiterated Saturday, China's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of channels for humanitarian aid into Gaza. "We cannot allow this humanitarian disaster to continue," Wang said. He called China the country with the "best record" of peace, batting away a question about alleged human rights abuses in the western region of Xinjiang. Campaign groups and several governments say Beijing has conducted systematic cultural erasure and mass incarceration of Xinjiang's Uyghur minority. "Regarding the matters of China's Xinjiang, some international powers have spread too many rumors and fabricated too much false information," Wang said, accusing unidentified countries of wanting to "cause trouble in Xinjiang and further impede China's development." (AFP) SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (KETK) City officials announced that residents in the Sulphur Springs area can register to have their property used during the total eclipse on April 8 using their website. City of Tyler begins preparations for Aprils solar eclipse Residents in the Sulphur Springs area can register here where they can fill out a form with their location, price, acreage, RV parking (county only) and other fields to describe their location. This website can be used by travelers to use local spaces during the total eclipse happening in the afternoon on April 8. People with local business, who will close their parking area to the public, can fill out the online form to show their parking area as unavailable on the map. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has squandered the opportunities presented by Britain's exit from the European Union, say Brexiteers - JESSICA TAYLOR/AFP Rishi Sunak has been accused of squandering Brexit freedoms after quietly introducing sweeping EU equality rules into British law. New regulations, driven through Parliament without fanfare, gold-plate judgments by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and create a carte blanche for companies to be sued for unlimited damages, Conservative MPs have warned. The changes amount to a significant expansion of New Labours Equality Act, which Mr Sunak once claimed had allowed every kind of woke nonsense to permeate public life and must stop. Ministers say the changes brought necessary protections from EU case law into domestic law, before ECJ judgments ceased to apply in Britain this year following Britains exit from the EU. But Tory MPs have criticised the Government for adopting the measure and say it goes further than some ECJ rulings. Lawyers believe the laws could, for example, allow workers who care for disabled family members to sue firms for indirect discrimination on grounds of disability if they are barred from working from home. Headache for Prime Minister The row creates a further headache for the Prime Minister in the wake of a double by-election defeat. Separately, a poll circulating among MPs reveals that eight in 10 former Tory voters think the party would have a better chance of winning the next election if it had a leader who embraced traditional Conservative values. Lord Moylan, the Conservative peer, advocates a change of leadership as a possible path to victory in the election, but a senior MP loyal to Mr Sunak said: If we dont all hang together well all hang separately. The new laws took effect last month, four years after Brexit, without any debate in the Commons or Lords chambers. No announcement was made to the media. The changes provoked a furious response from leading Brexiteers including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Bill Cash, Sir John Hayes and Martin Howe KC, who has advised the European Research Group. Sir Jacob, Sir Bill and Sir John all refused to vote in favour of the regulations. Sir Jacob Rees Mogg said even people who voted Remain would think it 'weird' that Britain would implement ECJ rulings after having left the EU - PAUL GOVER/Telegraph Media Group Sir Jacob said: Not only people who voted for Brexit, but people who didnt, would think that implementing ECJ judgments in any form is simply weird. We have left the EU. He added: I cannot understand why the Government wishes to put more burdens on businesses and add to the Equality Acts damage to our economic vibrancy. One of the additions to the Equality Act allows people to sue for indirect discrimination if they find themselves subject to the same disadvantage as, for example, gay people or members of particular religions, even if the claimants themselves are not gay or religious. A second addition means a company can be sued by third parties if executives make discriminatory comments about the type of workers they would or would not hire, even if the firm is not recruiting at the time. One firm of employment lawyers said: This is unusual as there may not be an identifiable victim or loss. Dangerous Army initiative Tory MPs blame the Equality Act for driving dangerous initiatives, including in the Army, which The Telegraph revealed wanted to relax security checks for overseas recruits to boost diversity. Sir John said: Its not good enough for a Conservative government to let the ratchet move further on. The vote for Brexit was in some sense a cry for help from the law-abiding, patriotic, hard-working majority. They are desperate for more conservatism, not less. Sir Bill added: This was done, in my opinion, by virtue of extremely bad advice. Nobody seems to have quite grasped how important these issues are. Other measures included protecting women from less favourable treatment at work because they are breastfeeding, and protections against unfavourable treatment of women returning from maternity leave - which were not disputed by MPs. Under the Retained EU Law Act 2023 Britain was no longer bound by ECJ case law from the end of 2023. Maria Caulfield, the minister for women, told MPs that the Governments new regulations ensured that necessary protections from ECJ judgments are put into our statute. Strong equality law protections This will end the inherent uncertainty of relying on judicial interpretation of EU law and instead ensure that strong and clear equality law protections are set out in our domestic legislation, she said. But Mr Howe questioned why ministers were behaving as if we are under an obligation to follow these judgments as part of our law when we are under absolutely no obligation to do so. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were approved by MPs on Dec 13, the day after the rebellion over Mr Sunaks Rwanda legislation. Ten Conservative MPs voted against the Government. Addressing MPs before voting against the legislation, Miriam Cates, a prominent Conservative MP, said it would undermine our understanding of discrimination rather than to strengthen it ... by gold-plating an obscure piece of foreign case law that essentially allows someone without a protected characteristic to piggyback off someone who does. It could create almost a carte blanche for individuals to bring indirect discrimination cases on almost any grounds and with unlimited potential damages, she added. A Government spokesman insisted the legislation was essential to ensure that existing key rights and principles such as equal pay and protections for breastfeeding women were enshrined in law. We are not re-stating EU law where it is not needed. This legislation applies only to directly discriminatory statements relating to recruitment decisions. Individuals will continue to be free to express their personal beliefs as they are at present. However, we have noted a number of concerns from MPs and are giving these careful consideration. We have not ruled out the possibility of making further amendments to legislation. This weekend Ms Cates said she had been reassured by constructive engagement from ministers. 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 upcoming South Carolina GOP presidential primary will likely be the focus of this weeks Sunday news shows. The South Carolina GOP presidential primary will happen next Saturday, with former President Trump and former Palmetto State governor Nikki Haley facing off in a race on Haleys home turf. Despite Haleys home-field advantage in the primary, a poll average from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill finds her at 32.5 percent, over 30 points behind her former boss at 62.5 percent. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a former GOP presidential primary candidate turned Trump campaign surrogate, is set to make an appearance on CBS Face the Nation, Fox News Sunday, and CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. Scott, who has faced speculation that Trump might choose him as his running mate, appeared with the former president at a rally in North Charleston, S.C., earlier this week. Haley recently cautioned that the former president is using the Republican National Committee (RNC) to pay for his legal fees amid his multiple legal woes, and would carry on with doing so if he makes a return to the presidency. My biggest issue is, I dont want the RNC to become, you know, his legal defense fund, Haley said to CNNs Kaitlan Collins Friday. I dont want the RNC to become his piggy bank for his personal court cases. Haleys comments also followed Trump being ordered to pay nearly $355 million in penalties in a civil fraud case in New York Friday for inflating and deflating his business assets for tax and insurance benefits. Haleys own surrogate, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), will also make an appearance on Fox News Sunday, while Haley herself will make an appearance on ABCs This Week. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who released a statement on a national security threat Wednesday that caused a stir in Washington, will make an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday. 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. The threat was later revealed to be the development of an anti-satellite weapon by Russia, which Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday was known about by Congress for weeks. This is a matter that weve known about for a few weeks. We requested a meeting with the president. I did we did, in writing in January, Johnson said at a press conference. Congress has also been battling it out over aid to Ukraine amid its own threats faced by Russia, with the Senate having already passed a $95 billion emergency defense spending bill on Tuesday that features $60 billion for Ukraine. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), has indicated that it wont make it to the House floor for a vote. Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows: ABCs This Week Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate; Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) NBCs Meet the Press Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Rep. Mike Turner, (R-Ohio.). CBS Face the Nation Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.). CNNs State of the Union Scott; Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.); former Rep. Liz Cheney, (R-Wyo.). Fox News Sunday Scott; Sen. Michael Bennet, (D-Colo.); Gov. Chris Sununu, (R-N.H.) Fox News Sunday Morning Futures Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas); George Papadopoulos, Former Trump campaign aide; Lara Trump, The Right View Podcast host; Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Montevideo is pleading for the DEA to return as cocaine exports to Europe surge Montevideo is pleading for the DEA to return as cocaine exports to Europe surge By Gabriel Stargardter and Lucinda Elliott MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Uruguay's main port received two cargo scanners sixteen years ago to detect drugs and other suspicious loads. Unfortunately, during delivery one of them fell into the sea. Since then, cocaine shipments to Europe have surged through the port of Montevideo, which handled a record 1.1 million containers last year, fueling a rise in gang violence and undermining Uruguay's reputation as a beacon of stability in turbulent South America. Uruguay, a small, affluent nation sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, is desperate for help. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) shuttered its Montevideo office in 2019 after years of strained ties with local law enforcement, four former DEA officials said. The details of the DEA's exit are previously unreported. Uruguay's current center-right government, which took office the following year, has repeatedly asked the DEA to return but U.S. officials say there are no imminent plans to do so. Three former DEA officials told Reuters that - with Washington focused on fentanyl flooding its borders from Mexico and little of the cocaine that transits through Uruguay heading to the United States - there's scant appetite for seeking congressional approval to re-open a Montevideo office. "Everything's fentanyl now," said former DEA official Larry Reichner, who oversaw Uruguay as the DEA's assistant regional director for southern South America from 2015-2019. "They couldn't give a rat's ass about cocaine." The DEA declined to comment. European nations, which receive the bulk of the cocaine passing through Uruguay, also have a limited counter-narcotics presence here. Spain is the only European country with a permanent police attache in Montevideo. Reuters spoke with over two dozen current and former U.S., European and Uruguayan cops, as well as local officials, lawmakers and foreign diplomats. They said Uruguay is in a precarious position, fighting a lonely battle against cocaine smuggling gangs that have expanded into every corner of Latin America over the last decade, turning once-tranquil nations like Ecuador into cartel badlands. Uruguay, home to 3.4 million people, suffered a record 426 murders in 2018. Violence has remained high ever since with grisly turf battles between small drug-dealing clans shocking a country largely unaccustomed to gang violence. With 382 people killed last year, President Luis Lacalle Pou is struggling to defend his government's security record ahead of a general election in October, while some far-right lawmakers are calling for troops on the streets. "We have a problem," said Mario Layera, Uruguay's police chief from 2016-20, who led the force when the DEA left. "Cocaine is a problem." Nicolas Martinelli, Uruguay's interior minister, told Reuters that Lacalle Pou's government had repeatedly asked the DEA to return but has yet to get a positive response. He said he was pleased Argentina-based DEA agents are now visiting Montevideo twice a week, up from once every two weeks. A DEA office is no panacea. Several Latin American nations have a deadly drug problem despite a strong DEA presence. Still, Martinelli said his country is desperate for U.S. equipment and expertise; he lamented that Uruguay's status as a high-income nation excludes it from U.S. counter-narcotics donations. "Uruguay remains a valued DEA partner," a DEA spokesperson said. "We continue to actively explore new opportunities to expand our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations operating worldwide." DENIAL Nelson Vargas, who ran the DEA's Montevideo office from 2013-2017, said "it was kind of cloak and dagger" when he arrived, with local cops wary of working with the DEA. Politics played a part. Leftist governments ruled Uruguay from 2005-2020, and their negative view of U.S. policy towards Latin America - including support for the country's 1973-85 dictatorship - hindered counter-narcotics collaboration, Layera, Martinelli and U.S. sources said. Uruguay's proud reputation as a regional role model bred complacency, two current and four former U.S. officials said. Authorities were in denial about the scale of cocaine moving through their country, they said. Uruguay seized over 2 metric tonnes of cocaine in 2021, according to United Nations data, up over 1,300% compared with the 144 kgs apprehended in 2017. In 2019, when Germany seized a record 1 billion euro haul of cocaine in a soybean shipment from Montevideo, the Uruguayans didn't believe the drugs originated in their country, initially claiming they were loaded in Brazil, two ex-DEA agents said. "For Uruguay, I think it was their heads in the sand, you know: 'This is not happening,'" said a former Montevideo DEA chief, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss his past work. "But the reality was that it was happening, and I think it had been going on for a while." Layera, the police chief under the former leftist administration, said investigators ultimately confirmed the cocaine originated in Montevideo. A Uruguayan businessman called Martin Mutio last year received a 15-year sentence for trafficking the load. His lawyers didn't respond to requests for comment. Martinelli described the previous government as "naive" on public security. He said Montevideo's port remains ill-equipped to inspect the container flow. Three more cargo scanners, bought by the current government, will arrive in April to supplement the X-ray machine donated by China in 2008, Martinelli said. That should allow for inspection of 80% of all merchandise, he said. Layera acknowledged that gangs like Brazil's First Capital Command, or PCC, were a growing threat, and that powerful Mexican and Italian capos had exploited weaknesses in the country's legal system. But he defended counter-narcotics work during the previous administration, citing their respect for police independence and operations with foreign counterparts. 'THIS PLACE IS WIDE OPEN' The DEA's exit from Uruguay capped years of worsening counter-narcotics ties that turned even run-of-the-mill operations into a headache, five former U.S. agents said. The former Montevideo DEA boss said it was an open secret that 'El Perro Que Fuma,' a seedy bar near Montevideo's port, was frequented by drug traffickers. Its owner, Amir Alial Gonzalez, aka "El Turco," had long been suspected of coke trafficking, U.S. and Uruguayan sources said. Eager to take down a seemingly easy target, the ex-agent flew in a Colombian informant in 2018 to visit the bar as a fake buyer looking for a load. Gonzalez, who also had a fishing business that gave him access to the port, was surprisingly open with the Colombian, outlining his whole operation, the ex-agent said. The informant was shocked. "He came back and he's like, 'Dude, this place is wide open,'" the ex-agent said. When DEA officials shared Gonzalez's information, Uruguayan police appeared to get cold feet. They didn't like the informant "ordering up a load," the ex-agent said, saying it was "entrapment." They asked the informant to leave Uruguay immediately. Yet around a week later, in September 2018, the Uruguayans told the DEA they'd arrested Gonzalez for trying to traffic 417 kilos of coke in a shipment of wool bound for Antwerp. Gonzalez, who received a seven-year sentence in 2018, declined to comment. The ex-DEA agent said they were frustrated not to get a heads-up about the arrest, given it was their intel. The Uruguayans also refused to share information on Gonzalez that scuppered a parallel DEA probe in Paraguay, he added. In late 2019, the DEA pulled out its four-man team from Montevideo, with the Gonzalez incident among the final straws. Carlos Mitchem, the DEA's former top official for the southern cone, made the call, which was supported by his bosses. "The cops wouldn't share information," he said. We "had to close the office," he added. "Wasn't working well." Two other ex-DEA officials confirmed the account of Gonzalez's arrest. Interior Minister Martinelli heard a similar story from the DEA. "The previous government ... didn't want to collaborate with the DEA, and then the DEA left," he said. The DEA declined to comment. Layera said he was unaware of the Colombian being told to leave, but added the issue of informants was "highly sensitive." He said he believed the DEA left for budgetary reasons and because so little cocaine was U.S.-bound. "The criticism that Uruguay didn't share information is totally wrong," he said. FENTANYL FOCUS Lackluster local co-operation wasn't the only frustration for DEA officials in Montevideo. They were struggling to get Washington to care about Uruguay's growing importance in the cocaine trade. Half a dozen ex-DEA chiefs said they urged U.S. bosses to pay more attention to the southern cone, but got little traction because the drugs were heading to Europe. "There was not a lot of interest," said Vargas. These days, with Washington fixated on fentanyl, there's even less, they said. A current U.S. counter-narcotics official based in the southern cone said "the DEA and other U.S. agencies are very concerned, almost obsessed about ... efforts to establish fentanyl labs in South America. But so far, nothing really has developed on that front, and it's blinded us to what continues to happen with cocaine going to the non-U.S. market." The DEA declined to comment. There was one thing both U.S. and Uruguayan cops could agree on - that European nations should be doing more. While the DEA can count on up to 40 agents across the southern cone, and some 200 DEA-accredited local investigators, Britain has just one cop for the vast region. Britain's National Crime Agency declined to comment on its southern cone staffing. "I think the Europeans definitely could have represented more," said Reichner. (Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; editing by Claudia Parsons) Hundreds of people have taken to the streets to protest at the proposed loss of thousands of steel jobs. Tata said 2,423 jobs across the UK are at risk, with 1,929 of those in Port Talbot, which employs 3,859 people. One of the firm's bosses said much of its operation at the site is at "the end of life" and leading to losses of 1.7m a day. A protest was held in Port Talbot, while workers from the Llanwern site have marched in Newport city centre. Tata employs 917 there, with 113 jobs at risk, and about 500 people took part. Speaking at the Port Talbot rally, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said there have been almost 6,400 jobs lost in the British steel industry since 2015. "Together our politicians have sat by and watched our steel industry be decimated," she said. "They have let communities wither on the vine. They have failed us all." People in Port Talbot and the surrounding area were determined to have their voices heard "Today showed that Port Talbot, Newport and south Wales - steelworkers, politicians, local businesses and community groups - are united in opposing Tata's bad deal for steel, which would be disastrous not just for communities here which have been built on steel, but for the UK as a whole," said Community union General Secretary Roy Rickhuss. He added: "There is so much at stake here, and the weeks and months ahead are absolutely critical for our industry, our steel communities, and the country as a whole." Chairman of the multi-union committee at Port Talbot, Alan Coombs described "uncertain times". He added: "Many of us are anxious about what lies ahead for Port Talbot. One thing is certain though - steelworkers will fight tooth and nail for the future of our industry and our livelihoods." This is not just being felt in Port Talbot, but also in south east Wales, as his counterpart in Llanwern Reg Gutteridge explained. "Wherever you go in Gwent you will meet someone with a connection to the steel industry - from those who worked or had loved ones employed at sites like Pontymister, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar or Orb which are sadly no longer with us, or those with a connection to the proud workforce at Llanwern today," he said. "Llanwern has always been a hub for skilled and well-paid local employment in our area, and is still at the cutting edge of steel technology." The protests came after unions decided to ballot members on strike action over the proposals. "I went into the steel industry straight from school, it's all I've ever known, it's my livelihood," said Jason Wyatt, an electrical engineer and Unite union representative at Port Talbot. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, he said morale among workers was "very low", describing proposals as the "decimation of our industry and by connection the decimation of the community". While he said Tata had not told workers which departments would be affected by the job cuts, the firm plans to replace existing, and heavily polluting, blast furnaces at the site with greener electric arc furnaces. It said: "Much of our existing iron and steelmaking operation in Port Talbot is at the end of its life, is unreliable and inefficient, and contributing to losses of 1.7m a day in the last quarter alone. "Our restructuring proposals would mean that we are able to sustain the business as we transition to new electric arc furnace technology. "We believe we have a very exciting future ahead, providing the high quality, low-CO2 steels that our customers in the UK and overseas are so desperate for." Its plans will see a phased closure of the site's two blast furnaces, with the first furnace and coke ovens expected to cease operation by the middle of the year. Of Tata's announced job losses, the bulk are expected to come from Port Talbot A winding down of its remaining heavy-end assets will follow in the latter half of 2024. The UK government has said it will contribute 500m towards the 1.25bn cost of the electric furnace. However, Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock described this plan as "shoddy" and "unacceptable". Port Talbot workers have described the steelworkers as at the heart of the local community Describing the steel industry as "the beating heart of our economy and community", he said: "The deal that's been done is not the right one because it doesn't work in terms of decarbonisation. "It involves importing (instead) millions of tonnes of steel from India where the steel production process is a lot more dirty and carbon intensive than it is in the UK." While he agreed one blast furnace and the coke ovens were reaching their "end of life", blast furnace four has "lots of life left". But Conservative Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said ministers were forced to "choose between 3,000 people losing their jobs and 17,500 people losing their jobs" in giving their backing to the changes. The UK government said it would help staff at a "concerning time for Tata's employees", adding it had committed 80m in direct support for those affected. The Welsh government has called for further talks on a longer transition at Port Talbot to protect jobs. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) After years of secretly snapping up farmland for a new, so-called utopian city north of Silicon Valley and San Francisco, the CEO of a company backed by billionaire tech titans publicly pitched his vision last month. Flannery Associates CEO Jan Sramek wants to build California Forever, a new city with 20,000 homes east of Fairfield. But first, the plan needs the approval of Solano County voters in November to bypass protections to keep agricultural land from being turned into urban residential space. More than $800 million worth of rural ag land was stealthily purchased over a period of years from local farmers, some whom said they were not sure who the buyer was. Artist renderings unveiled by California Forever show designs for 50,000 residents living in rowhouses and apartment buildings. (Artist rendering courtesy California Forever) Flannery Associates bought 55,000 acres of land in southeast Solano County within the past six years. One of the projects skeptics is U.S. Rep. John Garamendi. Last year he said, Flannery Associates is using secrecy, bullying and mobster tactics to force generational farm families to sell. This week Garamendi said, Bottom line is this is no place for a 400,000 person city. My opposition to this (development) is even stronger today, KQED reported. (Artist rendering courtesy California Forever) The ballot initiative is called East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy. The initiative proposes: a change to the general plan and zoning to allow the creation of a new community in southeastern Solano County. Located on approximately 17,500 acres, the community is designed to eventually accommodate up to 400,000 residents many decades from now. Sen. Bill Dodd previously said, Solano County voters will get to weigh in on whether they think its a good idea. I hope decisions are based on facts, not slogans, misdirection and massive campaign spending. (Artist rendering courtesy California Forever) Suspicious locals wonder, why are a bunch of billionaires bent on building a utopian community in Solano County? Who drew this vision plan together and whos funding it? A Team section on California Forevers website lists dozens of people in random order, starting with a field office assistant. Here is a whos who of California Forever biggest financial backers: Jan Sramek Jan Sramek, founder and chief executive officer of California Forever, speaks during a news conference in Rio Vista on Jan. 17, 2024. (Photo by Philip Pacheco /Bloomberg via Getty Images) Sramek, 36, is a former Goldman Sachs trader who is spearheading California Forevers ambitious effort. He was born in the Czech Republic and currently lives in Solano County. The New York Times reported that Sramek quietly courted some of the tech industrys biggest names as investors. Jan Sramek, founder and chief executive officer of California Forever, speaks with members of the media during a news conference in Rio Vista on Jan. 17, 2024. (Photo by Philip Pacheco /Bloomberg via Getty Images) Srameks biography on California Forevers website states in part, After a lifetime moving West searching for home, he has found it in Solano County, where he now lives with his wife Naytri, two young children, and golden retriever. Jan is excited to help build something wonderful here with our new friends and neighbors. He also cant wait to move into the first house in the new community. While speaking to reporters last month, Sramek said the vision is not about money, but about tapping into a genuine desire from local officials and residents to build a sustainable community. Im going to make this happen no matter what, he told reporters. Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, chairman and co-founder of LinkedIn Corp., listens during the New Work Summit in Half Moon Bay. (Photo by David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Reid Hoffman, 55, is a billionaire entrepreneur, venture capital investor, and the founder of LinkedIn. According to the New York Times, he is currently on nearly a dozen tech companies boards, including Microsoft. Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist Marc Andreesen speaks during the Fortune Global Forum in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan /Getty Images) Marc Andreessen, 52, is the high-profile tech investor in Silicon Valley. Last year he opposed a plan to build multifamily townhouses in Atherton, the Bay Areas ritziest town dominated by mansions, the Times reported. He cofounded the web browsing firm Netscape before it was bought by AOL in 1998. He earned millions from making early investments in Facebook, Instagram, and Oculus VR, and his current net worth is $1.8 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Laurene Powell Jobs (Photo by Valerie Plesch / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Laurene Powell Jobs, 60, of Palo Alto, is the widow of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs and president of the Emerson Collective, an investing and philanthropy firm dedicated to environmentalism, health, and education. Through Steve Jobs, she inherited a $13-billion fortune, Forbes magazine reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Rep. Curtis is introducing a new bill after the Chinese-owned company Temu aired several ads during the Super Bowl. One ad consisted of animated people and a catchy song with the phrase Shop like a billionaire. I was shocked to see multiple ads during the Super Bowl from Temu, Utah Rep. John Curtis (R-District 3) said. A company that the House Select Committee on China found is likely using forced labor. The e-commerce company is known for selling a large variety of products online at extremely low prices, such as knock-off Stanley cups and area rugs for $7 or doormats and 12-pack kitchen sponges for a dollar. Former Springville water polo coach arrested on sexual abuse charges after allegedly initiating multiple victims Rep. Curtis is introducing a bill called the No Forced Labor on TV Act, which would explicitly ban advertisements on TV for people and companies connected to forced labor in China specifically. In a press release, the congressman referred to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which was passed in 2021. He said the law gives the Department of Homeland Security the ability to block products from the Xinjiang region of China, where the Chinese Communist Party has forced the Uyghurs into labor camps and re-education centers and subjected them to forced sterilization. The 2021 bill states the Chinese government forced as many as 1.8 million people into camps and prisons where many were subjected to forced labor, torture and other human rights abuses. The Department of States 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report unveiled that authorities would incentivize Chinese companies to build factories near the camps to receive transferred people for forced labor. SBI investigating American Fork road rage incident after driver fires shots through car window Rep. Curtis further mentioned that both the Biden and Trump administrations have deemed it genocide. When connecting the forced labor allegations to Temu, he cited a congressional report that claimed Temu and Shein had not been compliant with the aforementioned U.S. law. The report claimed Temu admitted to not expressly prohibit[ing] third-party sellers from selling products based on their origin in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. It also claimed Temu does not conduct audits or maintain a compliance system to ensure compliance with U.S. law. Rep. Curtis proposed No Forced Labor on TV Act seeks to prohibit companies like Temu from advertising on U.S. television, labeling it an act or practice of deception. The bill specifically refers to products with a connection to forced labor in China. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the start of the protest in Marble Arch Tens of thousands of people have taken part in a pro-Palestinian march in central London. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) march was calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. Saturday's march was the first protest to go near the Israeli embassy in west London since a static rally in October. Some 1,500 officers were deployed to police the protest. Demonstrators said it was one of busiest marches they have attended so far. Five people were arrested in one incident, on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and police said there were seven other arrests. One person was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, one arrested for obstruction, two arrested on suspicion of refusing to remove a face covering when requested, and a further three for using abusive or threatening words or behaviour or displaying material abusive or likely to stir up racial hatred. BBC News saw tens of thousands of people at the start of the march at Marble Arch. PSC criticised the government and Labour for refusing to call for an immediate ceasefire. The campaign group's Ben Jamal said there was "mounting pressure from world leaders" on Israel. "The moral imperative is clear. An immediate ceasefire is a simple, absolute necessity," he said. Around 1,500 officers have been deployed on public order duties It was the first demonstration in the area of the Israeli embassy since a protest was held two days after the 7 October attacks on Israel by Hamas, a group designated as a terror organisation by the UK government. Police restricted the start time of the march to ensure an event taking place at a synagogue would finish prior to the protest passing by the building. The march set off along Park Lane around 13:30 GMT, and made its way along Knightsbridge and Kensington Road to near the Israeli embassy in Kensington, where speeches were taking place. Addressing the crowd, the Palestinians' top envoy to the UK, Husam Zomlot, said: "Hang on to your anger, hang on to your enragement, hang on to your horror and use it, use it in the pursuit of justice." Protesters had been told by police the march must stop by 17:00 and that demonstrators had to leave by 18:00. Cdr Kyle Gordon appealed for marchers to stay within the law, after the force dealt with a number of offences involving placards and hate speech at previous protests. The protest faced criticism from Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy, who accused the march of being "another antisemitic hate parade through London". Protests have also taken place in Sydney and Istanbul. Israel launched its military offensive after waves of Hamas fighters burst through Israel's border on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people - mainly civilians - and taking about 250 others back to Gaza as hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 28,600 people, mainly women and children - have been killed in Israel's campaign. Israel says its aim is to destroy Hamas and secure the return of the hostages. Israel is being urged not to send ground forces into Rafah in southern Gaza and on the Egyptian border, where many Palestinians are living after areas closer to their homes were affected by fighting. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a pause to fighting to get aid in and hostages, and a "sustainable ceasefire". Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has said the government supports a "move from a pause - to get aid in and hostages out - towards a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a long term political solution, including a Palestinian state". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told BBC News on Saturday "we all want to get to a ceasefire" in Gaza, but stopped short of calling for an "immediate" ceasefire. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Sir Keir said: "We do need to get to a ceasefire, we all want to get to a ceasefire. The question is how do we get there? The fighting has to stop. Any assault on Rafah must be repelled, we must not allow that to go ahead". But Scottish Labour has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. If you drive 10 minutes east of Bartlesville and head down a pothole-ridden dirt road, you will be greeted eagerly by more than a hundred wagging tails just waiting for a few scratches behind their ears. Even while begging for attention behind their fences, these beagles weren't bred for loving, they were bred for experimental research research some argue leaves some animals dead, neglected and desperate for a moment of human connection. A beagle bred for lab testing sticks his nose out of his kennel on the newly acquired testing facility now known as Freedom Fields. Why beagles? Because "they are docile and incredibly forgiving when abused," said Shannon Keith, animal rights attorney and founder and president of Beagle Freedom Project (BFP). Formerly known as Animal Health Innovations, the Nowata facility was one of the last independent flea and tick animal product testing laboratories left in the country. For more than 10 years under FDA and USDA oversight the company worked with leading pharmaceutical and pesticide companies to conduct efficacy trials. The laboratory would determine whether animal products produce the expected results. Only after the FDA determined the product "safe" would it be used in efficacy testing. In the end, it wasn't public pressure, a new law or a violation of an old law that closed the facility it was simply a conversation at the right time. Shannon Keith, animal rights attorney and founder and president of Beagle Freedom Project, pets one of the over hundred dogs located on the facility. "I think he was just done, and the industry is overall declining," Keith said of the facility's owner. "I've talked with a lot of people in animal testing and it becomes an all-consuming negative way of life. You can't live this way for years and not be completely depressed." BFP, a national Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals used in experimental research, negotiated a deal to purchase the 30 acres of land in Nowata County on the condition the owner surrender his USDA license to conduct testing. Another condition? That the owner donate all 150 dogs and 60 cats to the animal rescue group. The EE spoke with the former owner, who gave a history and background on the laboratory, but asked not to be named. He said he was glad to be moving on and was happy to work with BFP over the months before they took ownership to make changes that are good for the animals. The beginning of Freedom Fields For Keith, there is only a moment to celebrate obtaining the facility and animals because there is still so much work to be done. "We want all the outside animals in and the inside ones with outdoor access," Keith explained. "We are calling it Freedom Fields." A beagle leaps over his pen mates in one of the many outdoor enclosures located at the former flea and tick product testing facility. The property is currently an odd mix of dilapidated farm buildings used for storage and modern metal buildings that house kennels for dogs and cats. Around 70 outdoor pens with an electric border wire contain the dogs when not undergoing a product efficacy trial. She said that this was the first time anyone converted an animal testing "torture" lab into a center for rehabilitation. She hopes this will become a hub for animal rights, education and training as well as a sanctuary for recused animals from other labs. Even on day one of ownership, that dream is turning into reality. So far, four rabbits and six pigs rescued from labs in California now call Freedom Fields home. Keith has plans to build a cat cafe where customers can spend time with cats that reside on the premises. She also aims to raise awareness about cat adoption. Over 60 cats are housed at the former flea and tick product testing facility recently purchased by the Beagle Freedom Project. From big city to country living Emily Clayton, a BFP employee, moved from Los Angeles to live full-time on the property to care for the animals. Over the last couple of years, Animal Health Innovations would donate around 20 dogs at a time for BFP to rehome. While picking up the dogs, Clayton became attached to the place and the animals living there. Emily Clayton says donations have been flowing in to help take care of the over 200 animals located on Beagle Freedom Project's newly acquired property that was formerly used as a animal testing lab. "I came because I was willing and had the opportunity," Clayton said. "My life is doing rescue work." Over the last few months with the help of donations Clayton worked with the testing facility owner to transition the property from a lab to a shelter. "All the toys and bedding in the cat cages we put in there," Clayton said. "Before, they only had their plastic bin for sleeping." Around 70 outdoor pens are located on the former flea and tick product testing facility recently purchased by the Beagle Freedom Project. While touring the outdoor pens, Clayton noted they want to remove the electric fence as quickly as possible but they can't yet because it's the only thing keeping them in. Besides, there isn't enough space inside for all the dogs. "We really want to get as many dogs in foster homes and rehabilitated," Clayton said. "We are working on getting them spayed and neutered because we don't need more dogs." Clayton says anyone who wants to help can check out the website at bfp.org. Dogs are available right now with an adoption fee of $600. One beagle climbs to the top of his kennel to get a better view of the visitors touring the former flea and tick product testing facility. An electric fence is all the keeps the dogs from climbing out of their outdoor enclosures. Beagle Freedom Project plans to remove it as quickly as possible. Over 60 cats are housed at the former flea and tick product testing facility recently purchased by the Beagle Freedom Project. This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: LA-based animal rights group gives new life to Oklahoma research dogs University of Texas at Austin student leaves a space that housed the school's "Multicultural Center," Jan. 29, 2024, in Austin, Texas. As Texas public university students returned to the classroom in January, a new law in Texas banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from state funded higher education institutions took effect. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) The dim lighting and vacant offices were the first clues. Other changes struck Nina Washington, a senior at the University of Texas, when she returned to her favorite study spot from winter break. The words Multicultural Center had been taken off the wall, erasing an effort begun in the late 1980s to serve historically marginalized communities on campus. The center's staff members were gone, its student groups dissolved. Politics, behaviors and emotions are returning to the old ways, said Washington, who as a Black woman found a sense of community at the center. The void in the heart of the nearly 52,000-student campus is one of many changes rippling across college campuses in Texas, where one of the nation's most sweeping bans on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives took effect Jan. 1. At least five other states have passed their own bans and Republican lawmakers in at least 19 states are pursuing various restrictions on diversity initiatives, an issue they hope will mobilize their voters this election year. With over 600,000 students enrolled at more than 30 public universities across the state, the rollout in Texas offers a large-scale glimpse of what lies ahead for public higher education without the initiatives designed to make minorities feel less isolated and white students more prepared for careers that require working effectively with people of different backgrounds. At the University of Texas' flagship campus in Austin, the state's second most populous public university, only 4.5% of the student population is Black and 25.2% is Hispanic, numbers some students fear will drop as they struggle to adjust in an atmosphere of fear about what they can say and do. The law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott bans public higher education institutions from influencing hiring practices with respect to race, sex, color or ethnicity, and prohibits promoting differential or preferential treatment or special benefits for people based on these categories. Also forbidden are training and activities conducted in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation." Republican state Sen. Brandon Creighton, who authored the bill, said in an emailed comment Tuesday that DEI efforts claim they are meant to increase diversity, but after close examination, they are an effort to inject politics and promote cancel-culture into our colleges and universities. Time will tell. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, whose nine members are appointed by the governor, is required to inform lawmakers every two years about the bans impact on admissions, academic progress and graduation rates of students by race, sex and ethnicity. To comply with the law, the cultural identity centers that admissions offices promoted to attract minorities are now closed. University websites have scrubbed out references to diversity and inclusion, replacing them with access and community engagement. Staff have been reassigned to new roles. People want to keep their jobs, but many of us were trained to do this work around diversity, inclusion and equity and were hired specifically to do that, said Patrick Smith, vice president of the Texas Faculty Association. Professors are fearful, editing their syllabi and watching their speech, as they navigate the boundaries of compliance, Smith said. As for the multicultural center in the student union on the Austin campus, the university announced it will consider how best to use the space "to continue building community for all Longhorns. Meanwhile, although the law explicitly exempts academics, uncertainty over its scope also has professors and students wondering how to comply. To know that your speech is monitored and basically censored if you do the kind of work that I do, that is a strange feeling, said Karma Chavez, a professor of Mexican American and Latino/a Studies at the university. The Hispanic Faculty Association, of which Chavez is the co-president, has been prohibited from meeting during working hours or using campus spaces without paying a fee. They can't even communicate through university email, and groups affiliated with the university cannot co-sponsor events with them. The limits have Chavez catching herself in meetings or when mentoring a student before she speaks on race or ethnicity, because she is unsure of what she can say and when. I dont think I am self-censoring, I think I have been censored by the state legislature, Chavez said. University officials shuttered a group aimed at providing resources for students who qualified for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Chavez said the DACA group wasn't specifically helping any of the classifications of people, so it tells you how widely, how extensively they are interpreting the law. Some student groups whose university funding has been prohibited are struggling with the financial burden of maintaining their identity communities and continuing cultural traditions. University of Texas senior Christian Mira, financial officer for the Queer Trans Black Indigenous People Of Color Agency, said the group lost its space in the multicultural center and has been aggressively fundraising through alumni, local supporters and community outreach. They hope to keep supporting a lively community of students with signature events including a block party, leadership institutes and a ball, although they're not sure where. College is already a difficult experience, so having people around you who you depend on to have that kind of community it made students feel safe, it made students feel like they could succeed on campus, Mira said. Alexander De Jesus, who attends UT-Dallas and is an advocate with Texas Students for DEI, said they prepared for months in ways big and small, such as more clearly advertising that anyone can use a closet of clothes frequented by students who are transitioning. It has also been stressful telling other students, Hey, keep your head up, De Jesus said. It is difficult to say that when you see a climate of fear developing and when you see people who are justifiably angered about traditional pathways or politics or people not listening to them." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced plans to build an 80-acre base to house up to 1,800 Texas National Guard members near Eagle Pass the border city at the center of a contentious feud between the state and Biden administration over federal immigration policy. Before now, the Texas National Guard had been scattered across this entire region in cramped quarters, away from fellow soldiers and sometimes traveling long distances to do their job, Abbott said during a news conference while flanked by a banner that read Future Home of the Texas Military Department, Forward Operating Base. The base camp, which Abbott said would dramatically improve conditions for soldiers, will have the ability to expand to incorporate up to 2,300 personnel, the governor said. Abbott, who was accompanied by the states border czar, Mike Banks, and Texas military department Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer, said the cost of base construction would be minimal. He cited savings from housing guard members for Operation Lone Star at the base rather than in hotel rooms, where many guard members are currently housed. The cost for the construction of the new base was not given during the news conference. The camp is set to feature a dining facility, a recreation center, laundry facilities, individual rooms for troops and health care facilities, a statement from Abbotts office says. The Republican governor of Texas has been at odds with President Joe Biden over federal immigration policy and migrants crossing the US - Mexico border. In 2021, Abbott announced the launch of Operation Lone Star, the states independent border security initiative, to fight illegal immigration in response to what Texas officials called reckless open border policies from the Biden administration. Since then, tensions have mounted as state authorities placed razor wire along the countries border, hindered federal law enforcements access to areas of the border and continued to send migrants from the border to Democrat-controlled cities across the US. A woman and two children, who were migrants from Mexico, drowned in an area last month near Eagle Pass, where state authorities had hampered federal access. Texass failure to provide access to the border persists even in instances of imminent danger to life and safety, a letter from Department of Homeland Security General Counsel Jonathan Meyer read after the migrant deaths. Texas has demonstrated that even in the most exigent circumstances, it will not allow Border Patrol access to the border to conduct law enforcement and emergency response activities. Last year, Texas officials sued the Biden administration for cutting razor wire at the border. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 vote last month that Border Patrol agents could remove razor wire installed in the Eagle Pass area as part of Abbotts security initiative while the states legal challenge to the wire-cutting plays out. The Department of Homeland Security has demanded Texas give it full access to the border, arguing immigration enforcement is a federal matter. Abbott and other Texas officials have vowed not to back down. Texas would not be able to respond to President Bidens border crisis without the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard, and it is essential to build this base camp for them, Abbott said on Friday. The governor has previously accused Biden of failing to fulfill his constitutional duty to protect the nations borders and wasting taxpayer dollars to tear open Texass border security infrastructure. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- Texas will build a forward operating base to house National Guard troops deployed near the Mexican border, Governor Greg Abbott said Friday. Most Read from Bloomberg The camp will be located near Eagle Pass, an immigration hotspot along the Rio Grande, and will house as many as 1,800 people in private rooms. It will have space for 500 additional troops when needed, as well as dining facilities and a recreation center on 80 acres of land, according to a statement sent by the governors office. This base camp is going to dramatically improve conditions for our soldiers, Abbott said in the statement. Texas would not be able to respond to President Bidens border crisis without the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard, and it is essential to build this base camp for them. Abbott has been one of the most prominent Republican critics of the Biden administrations response to a surge in illegal border crossings and migrants requesting asylum. His Operation Lone Star has secured $11 billion in state funding to pay for added law enforcement as well as the National Guard troops deployed to the area, creating conflict with the federal government, which says states dont have the right to enforce immigration law. Read more: Who Polices the Border? The Texas Battle, Explained: QuickTake Other states, including Florida, have also sent law enforcement officials or National Guard troops to Texas to assist in the states border protection efforts. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is bringing her campaign for the GOP nomination for president to Beaufort County yet again as the Lowcountry continues to attract major party attention in advance of the states presidential preference primaries. Haley has some ground to gain if she wants to leave the Palmetto State with a victory. According to the Winthrop Poll released Wednesday 65% of likely South Carolina voters support Donald Trump and that gives him a 36% lead over Haley. This time, Haley is headed north of the Broad River to Beaufort, where she will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the citys Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Bay Street as part of an early voting bus tour, her campaign announced Friday. South Carolinas Republican presidential preference primary is Feb. 24 but early voting began Feb. 12 at the Hilton Head Government Complex, Bluffton Rec Center, Beaufort Voter Registration Office in Beaufort and the St Helena Library Branch. Hear directly from Nikki about her vision and her plan to make America strong again, her campaign said in the announcement. Its the third time this month that Haley has stopped in Beaufort County in her campaign for the GOP nomination against front-runner former President Donald Trump, who named Haley the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during his term. Haley also spoke to 300 at the Oyster Factory Park in Bluffton Feb. 13, and held a meet and greet Feb. 8 at Forrest Fire BBQ restaurant on Hilton Head Island. Haleys stop in Beaufort will be a third visit by a 2024 presidential campaign. On Jan. 11, Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, made a campaign stop at Old Grace Chapel A.M.E. Church to campaign for his wife and President Joe Biden, prior to the Feb. 3 Democratic presidential primary, which Biden won easily. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Mitch Landrieu, the former mayor of New Orleans who is the national co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, and Christale Spain, chairwoman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, gave a pep talk at Singletons Barber Shop in Beaufort. An anti-government protester holds a banner that shows Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, left, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, during a protest at the St. Mark square in Zagreb, Croatia, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Thousands of people joined an anti-government rally in Croatia accusing the ruling center-right party of corruption and demanding that this year's parliamentary election be held as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) Thousands of people rallied in Croatia's capital on Saturday, accusing the ruling center-right party of corruption and demanding that this year's parliamentary election be held as soon as possible. The gathering in Zagreb was organized by 11 center and left-leaning opposition parties, with political tensions in the European Union member nation rising. Croatia is set to hold both parliamentary and presidential elections in 2024, as well as those for the European Parliament in early June. The dates for the domestic votes have not been determined yet. The opposition parties want the parliamentary vote held immediately. They have lodged a formal demand to dissolve Croatia's parliament amid a row over the election of the country's new state attorney. Powerful Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has defended the recent appointment of former judge Ivan Turudic to the post despite reports of his communication with people involved in corruption. Plenkovic and his nationalist Croatian Democratic Union have ruled Croatia for years. The country joined the EU in 2013, following an era of wars and crisis, and last year Croatia joined Europe's visa-free travel zone and single currency market. Government opponents at Saturday's rally the biggest against Plenkovic in years waved flags and posters showing a clenched first and reading It's enough!" The crowd booed and jeered at the mention of the prime minister and his party, shouting go! and elections now! Davorko Vidovic, of the Social democratic party, opened his speech by honouring Alexei Navalny, the main Russia's opposition leader, who died Friday in a remote prison. Vidovic then accused Plenkovic of curbing democratic freedoms in Croatia. Our power is in our pens, in our hands, he said referring to the upcoming elections. Our land and our people deserve the best decision. We must not allow them to take us into an autocracy. Sandra Bencic, from the Mozemo, or We Can, group that holds municipal power in Zagreb, evoked a constant exodus from Croatia of young people toward richer EU nations. She urged the people to go to the polling stations instead. Let those go who should go! You are not the ones who should leave, she said. Croatia, a nation of some 3.8 million people, remains one of the poorest economies in the EU, surviving largely on tourism along the country's beautiful Adriatic Sea coast line that attracts millions of visitors every year. A person holds a banner with the inscription "No bullshit on Hoecke" during the "Demo against the right!" demonstration against right-wing extremist activities. Georg Wendt/dpa Thousands of people once again took to the streets across Germany to protest right-wing extremism on Saturday. According to the police, around 3,500 people took part in a demonstration in the western German city of Bochum which was dubbed "Bochum in solidarity - hand in hand against the right." In Bordesholm in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, some 2,500 people took to the streets to protest right-wing extremism. In the eastern city of Magdeburg, people demonstrated with banners, rainbow flags, soap bubbles and music. Crafted and self-designed signs read "Respect instead of exclusion," "Nazis are shit" and "Diversity without alternative." According to the police, up to 3,000 people gathered in Magdeburg. The organizers spoke of around 6,000 participants. Other events with several hundred participants each took place in Bernau and Gaggenau in the south-western state of Baden-Wurttemberg. According to police reports, more than 1,000 people demonstrated in Berlin against an event with former Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician Andre Poggenburg. For weeks, tens of thousands of people have been taking to the streets all over Germany to protest against right-wing extremism. The protests were triggered by a report by the investigative media outlet Correctiv about a meeting of radical right-wingers in Potsdam on November 25, which was also attended by AfD politicians as well as individual members of the mainstream conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the very conservative Values Union, or WerteUnion in German. People hold a banner reading "Resist the shift to the right" during a demonstration against right-wing extremism at Cathedral Square. Peter Gercke/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa Soldiers with their vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Myanmar - REUTERS Young people are racing to flee Myanmar after the military introduced conscription to help replenish its ranks, pushing the conflict-strewn county into yet more upheaval. The junta last week announced a plan to draft 60,000 young men and women yearly for military service, with call-ups beginning in April. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, sparking an insurgency and devastating the economy. At least 70,000 people have already fled, while roughly 2.6 million have been internally displaced. But those figures look set to rise after the junta unveiled its mandatory conscription plans. It made the whole country [in] more chaos, especially the youth, said Wathone, a spokesman for Peoples Goal, an organisation that works with military defectors. Now, a lot of them are trying to immigrate abroad. Thailand is mostly chosen as it is a neighbouring [country] and the culture is mostly similar. People queue for a token to apply for a visa outside the Royal Thai embassy in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday - EPA/SHUTTERSTOCK This week, long queues snaked through the streets outside the Thai embassy in Yangon, where hundreds of young people patiently waited in the sun with their visa applications. But amid the huge demand, Thailand has announced that it will grant only 400 new visas a day. According to the military, the number of people eligible for conscription is around 13 million. It would only have the capacity to recruit and train a fraction of that number so the chances of being conscripted seem quite slim, said Tom Kean, a senior consultant on Myanmar at Crisis Group. But if you put yourself in the shoes of a young Myanmar person in their twenties, youre not going to take that risk if theres any way you can avoid it because the consequences of being recruited are so terrible, he told The Telegraph. In Bangkok, many are now anxiously waiting for news about relatives across the border. I am very upset about my 23-year-old daughter who remains at home, said Nu, who has worked in the Thai capital since long before the coup, and whose name has been changed. She has to [come to] Thailand as soon as possible. Now the regime in our country is very bad, [it] is very cruel to our people. A woman sits next to a cat in front of her damaged house following fighting between Myanmar's military and independence groups in Nam Hpat Kar, Kutkai, in the northern Shan State - STR/AFP Under the new legislation which the junta says will be enforced soon after the traditional Thingyan New Year celebration in mid-April men aged 18 to 35 and women 18 to 27 can be drafted into the armed forces for two years. A higher age limit of 45 for men and 35 for women applies in certain professional categories, such as doctors and engineers, and anyone evading conscription will face three to five years in prison. But the militarys recruitment drive may prove to be a boon for their opposition, which has been gaining ground since launching a coordinated assault in October. Many people are applying [to resistance groups] as they dont want to be a part of the military dictatorship, said Wathone. Instead, they think they will join the PDF [Peoples Defence Forces] so that the revolution will be more reinforced. Earlier this week Khit Media, an independent news outlet in Myanmar, reported that the Yangon Military Region received more than 2,000 applications to join in less than 24 hours. The outlet shared links to more than 30 other resistance groups that have announced recruitment drives. The introduction of conscription shows how desperate the military regime is to hold on to power, said Mr Kean. It seems clear the generals do not intend to seek a negotiated solution and are instead intent on pursuing a military victory. As a result, we should expect increased conflict in the months and years ahead, which will severely affect the countrys development and have terrible consequences for the people of Myanmar. 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. Sen. Thom Tillis lashed out in a series of social media posts against Russian sympathizers, first taking aim Thursday at former Fox News reporter Tucker Carlson and perhaps former President Donald Trump. Carlson last week recently published a two-hour interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin that even the foreign dictator criticized for being too soft, The New York Times reported. The former Fox News host Carlson, then caught Tillis ire, after he toured Russia and favorably compared the country to the U.S. That included a stop at a Russian grocery store where Carlson said he could get his normal groceries for $300 cheaper. Ah yes, Russia is so much better than the U.S. with all those cheap groceries and lavish subway stations, Tillis chided on social media. The Soviets had a term for people like Tucker: useful idiots. Useful idiots, is a pejorative political term, used by more than just the former Soviet Union. In Tillis context, it refers to Russia sympathizers who helped spread Soviet propaganda. Tillis criticizing Trump? But Tillis didnt stop there. The news of the death of Alexei Navalny, Putins fiercest critic, drew Tillis to fire off another lengthy social media post. Many, including President Joe Biden, believe Putin had Navalny killed. This time in Tillis latest post he called out American leaders. Navalny laid down his life fighting for the freedom of the country he loved, Tillis posted. Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy. Nor will history be kind to Americas leaders who stay silent because they fear backlash from online pundits. Tillis second statement may appear to be directed toward former President Donald Trump, who over the weekend in Conway, South Carolina, announced he told the leaders of NATO allies that if they did not meet their defense spending targets he would encourage Putin to do whatever the hell he wants to those countries. But a Tillis spokesman said Friday, that wasnt the case. It wasnt directed at a single national leader. And part of the tweet was directed again at Carlson. Trump doubled down on that messaging in a Truth Social post after receiving backlash from national leaders, including his 2024 rival, Biden, who called his words un-American and dangerous. Tillis on Ukraine, Russia Tillis has faced his own Russia-related criticism after an early morning vote Tuesday that approved $95 billion in military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. That vote pitted him against North Carolinas other Republican senator, Ted Budd, who voted against the package. Many Republicans argue that money shouldnt be sent to aid other countries until the U.S. secures its southern border. Tillis, meanwhile, has fought for support of Ukraine since Russia first invaded the country two years ago. Why am I so focused on this vote? Tillis asked from the Senate floor Tuesday morning. Because I dont want to be on the pages of history that we will regret if we walk away. You will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history. His floor speech also included his own criticism of Putin. The bill passed the Senate 70-29, but House Speaker Mike Johnson called it dead on arrival in his chamber. And before taking any action on the bill he dismissed the House for a nearly two week Presidents Day recess. A little over halfway through his lecture, travel writer and TV personality Rick Steves quoted the prophet Mohammad: Dont tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled. The message, which was delivered to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Thursday evening at the Knight Theater, may not have been a direct quote of his own but fell in line with his overall thesis: You have to get out there to better understand, not only the world, but yourself and the worldview around you. It was Steves third trip to Charlotte with his last visit taking place in 2013. He said hes always impressed with the city. It just seems like a very smart, modern city. I like it. It reminds me I should get up and get to know our country a little better. The celebrated travel writer and host of Rick Steves Europe on PBS said he has traveled 100 days a year for decades and mostly in Europe (which he refers to as his beat.) When you write a chapter, you hope it has a long life and then you just tweak it every year when you visit. Thats generally the case, but certain things have major changes, he said. Berlin used to be two cities, now its one after the fall of the wall. So, youve got to bite the bullet and reconfigure the whole chapter because its been redesigned... when I made the initial review of all these countries, deciding what would be in the book, its pretty accurate. But you realize, oh, I should have done that city and then you go to that city and you like it and you have to add to the book. To him, Europe is the springboard for traveling abroad. He said he encourages Americans to venture past Orlando. Theres a general affluence (to Europe). When I started traveling, there were a lot of no star hotels. Now, they dont have any no star hotels. Everythings good. Everything has potential, he said. Rick Steves conducting guidebook research in Bern, Switzerland. Steves visited Charlotte to speak at a lecture for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Thursday, Feb. 15. The second cities are great in Europe... Of course we want to go to Edinburgh but youve got to check out Glasgow. Of course you want to visit Lisbon but you should check out Porto. You want to go to Paris, but you have got to see Marseilles. All of the crowds are in those first cities, none of the crowds are in the second cities. So if you want to get out of the crowds, you can do it. But most people dont prioritize (that). As an American, it is easy to be sucked into the concept that were treading on Europe as the ugly American tourists armed with big sunglasses and hats, snapping pictures everywhere and funneling out of tour buses in front of the Roman Coliseum or Big Ben like cattle. But Steves says that perception is more restrained among Europeans than it might be portrayed in the media. I think the perceptions of the American government (in Europe) goes up and down.. sometimes they dont like our policies. But when you travel, they dont know what party you are. They dont know what your politics are. Youre just a person from the United States and theyre happy to see you, Steves said. Im always impressed by how they cut us slack in our politics and youre just seen as an interesting visitor from far away. If youre curious and if youre not judgmental, and if youre there to learn and have a good time, Europeans would love to be your friend. For Steves embodies transformational travel when he makes his 100 day trek away from home, and while he understands that a traveler or pilgrim style trip is not what everyone would want, he encourages Americans to give it a try to better expand their understanding of who people really are across the world rather than what theyre designated to through sound bites or television news clips during major events. Steves recalls a recent trip to Iran, where amidst the Death to America propaganda streamed down buildings, he found a people that werent too far from our own. You go to Iran and you realize theyre essentially just like us. Theyve got their frustrations with the government. Our government is more responsive, their government will lock you up or torture you if you do something wrong, he said. Id love for us to go and get to know the enemy, its tougher for them. They understand this better, its tougher for them to dehumanize us and for us to demonize them with our propaganda. Its a constructive thing (to visit). At the end of the day, Steves wants you to leave every trip with some sense of perspective either on the place you just visited or yourself. As in the Mohammad quote before, Steves wants to know how many people you met and how many memories you made of human interaction rather than how many memorable sites you checked off your list or how many countries you got to. Its never not constructive to travel and talk to people. Im a coastal elite, privileged white guy that travels a lot and has all these highfalutin ideas. Its important for me to get out and talk to people around the country and find out what peoples life stories are. My worldview is shaped by something and the person over there is shaped by something else, he said. Its good to know each other. Steves work can be found at ricksteves.com and on PBS where his television program airs. This is the third visit he has made to Charlotte to speak with the World Affairs Council, the last time being in 2013. Rick Steves photographed for New York Times Magazine. More arts coverage Want to see more stories like this? Sign up here for our free Inside Charlotte Arts newsletter: charlotteobserver.com/newsletters. And you can join our Facebook group, Inside Charlotte Arts, by going here: facebook.com/groups/insidecharlottearts. The last racially segregated school built by a defiant Fort Worth ISD was the Ninth Ward Colored School in 1958. This was four years after the Supreme Courts Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. It took Fort Worth until the 1960s to be dragged into compliance. The Ninth Ward School was not always designated for Black children, and the name itself was applied to several campuses over the years before its final incarnation at 1815 Cold Springs Road. The city let the bid for a Ninth Ward School in 1892, to be located on McCart. The schoolhouse was completed in 1894, consisting of six rooms. All five teachers were white as were all the students, who numbered 227 by 1900. By 1912 the building was in serious need of repairs, leading some mothers of students to protest to the school board. It eventually got a more appealing name, Travis School, in honor of Alamo martyr Col. William Barrett Travis. The school was relocated repeatedly, first to East Belknap (backing up to Weatherford), then to Grant Avenue (near Pioneers Rest Cemetery) before landing on Cold Springs Road. In the early 1920s, the white student body was combined with that of the First Ward/Huffman School and the old building was turned into a school to serve the rapidly growing African-American population living in the area. That was the beginning of a long, steady decline of the building. In 1925, an inspection found the building in a bad state of repair, so bad that in 1927 the city constructed a new building for the Ninth Ward on Samuels Avenue. By 1930, 93 children were enrolled in what the Star-Telegram characterized as the worst building of all Fort Worth schools. Among other problems, it was subject to flooding whenever the Trinity River overflowed. Superintendent M.H. Moore agreed that something had to be done, calling the two-room building a shack and adding that it was unfit for human habitation. He said the students would be moving into a new building soon. The new school, still one-room and still on Cold Springs Road, was constructed for $4,000. It looked better but was still in the floodplain and of cheap, wood-frame construction. It served children living east of Main, north of Belknap, and south of the Trinity River, an area that did not attract residential development until 1944 when Greenway Place was developed between Greenway Park and the city dump. Even then, it was zoned for heavy industrial use. In 1931, the little schoolhouse between railroad tracks, the city dump, and the Trinity River enrolled 31 children, all of them Black. In the years that followed, as the number of students grew, the campus had to be expanded. In 1937, a two-room outbuilding was moved from the campus of nearby Charles E. Nash Elementary (Samuels Avenue) to the site. The schools problems, aside from its out-of-sight, out-of-mind location, began with water. It was washed out in the big flood of 1949. Most of the city did not notice because attention focused on the Seventh Street corridor, but the school year could not be canceled. Classes were moved to St. James Baptist Church. Another problem was the proximity of the citys only public dumping ground. In 1951, the municipal sanitary engineer chastised citizens for dumping their garbage in their neighborhoods and encouraged them to use the dump. This public announcement came just a couple of weeks before school opened, so part of the view students got was of people dumping their garbage next door. The buildings also had no security. In 1955 burglars broke into the main building and took money and food. A 1952 bond election raised funding to build several much-needed schools, including a new Ninth Ward School, at the bottom of the list of priorities. The money for it was enough to purchase a new site and build a modern building. Three years later, school authorities were still seeking an appropriate site, which meant finding an affordable site in a welcoming neighborhood. Finally, in 1956, the present site was purchased from the Rock Island Railroad, which was in desperate financial straits. While waiting for what the school board called a permanent building, Ninth Ward students continued to go to school in wood-frame shacks moved from other sites. Plans for the new building were revealed in the summer of 1956: a two-story, brick building with 12 spacious classrooms, each with large windows to provide plenty of fresh air and sunlight, no playground equipment, and no air conditioning, which no Fort Worth school had at this time. The board allocated $287,000 for the project, which not even the lowest bidder could meet, meaning the contract had to be rebid. The building was supposed to open in time for the 1957-58 school year. While cost and opening date might be subject to change, there was never any question that this was going to be a school for Black children, no matter what the Supreme Court said. The school had a dedication ceremony and open house on May 4, 1958. All the speakers were white, but the general public was invited, which presumably brought out residents of the Black neighborhood the school would serve. The old buildings on the site were removed to the rehabilitation camp for winos on Lake Worth. The new building was a nice improvement over the old campus, but it was still in the worst location of any Fort Worth school next to the city dump with railroad tracks on three sides. This photo shows the Ninth Ward School, which served Black children in Fort Worth from 1958 to 1968. Still, for the more than 200 students who attended, it was an improvement over the old buildings. As one school official explained in 1964, the Ninth Ward school was only in a blighted area because, We have to put the schools where the children are. The fault is not with the school system but with the social order. That was the same year the school got a more appealing name, Ruby Williamson Elementary, named for the African-American woman who had been principal from 1935 to 1961. Under growing public pressure, the FWISD closed the school in 1968. Its students were bused to other newly integrated elementary schools. In 1985, the county announced plans to convert the empty building into a minimum-security lockup. The move was necessary, officials said, because the county had outgrown its existing jail. The Cold Springs site was chosen because it was a large, occupant-ready building close to downtown so that prisoners could be easily transported back and forth to the courts. The transformation from school to jail was completed by 1988, making this the fourth county lockup. At its peak in the next seven years, more than 1,000 prisoners were incarcerated there. Additional barracks had to be built on the grounds to house that number of prisoners. In 1992, improvements were made to turn the site into a medium-security jail. In 1995, the county closed the Cold Springs jail, transferring the last 200 prisoners to other facilities. At the time it had accommodations for 384 inmates. Four years later, the county needed more jail space and announced plans to reopen the Cold Springs site with one big difference; they planned to lease it to a private company. It would operate as a minimum- and medium-security facility, even taking in federal prisoners on a short-term basis. Reopening it met two pressing needs: more inmate space and more revenue for the county. Greenway residents, however, were not eager to have a jail in their neighborhood again. It would not add value to their property or provide a service for residents, and it might prove dangerous if prisoners escaped. The Cold Springs jail site is still open today. Author-historian Richard Selcer is a Fort Worth native and proud graduate of Paschal High and TCU. I traveled to 4 European countries via train, and I made 3 major mistakes along the way I traveled to Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy on Europe's extensive high-speed railway. I brought along a 40-pound suitcase, which turned out to be a big mistake. My trip was marred with delays and cancellations, and my tight schedule didn't help. The European Union has more than 7,000 miles of high-speed rail, connecting dozens of cities around the continent. In early February, I went on a two-week trip to Europe, on a mission to travel to six countries including four of them by train. My train journey began in Zurich and ended in Rome, making three-day stops in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; Innsbruck, Austria; and Venice. I didn't have much experience riding trains. Previously, I had only traveled on a 13-hour sleeper train across Thailand. Half a year later, I tried out the shiny new Laos-China Railway to travel to the outskirts of the Laotian capital, Vientiane. Before the trip, I did as much research as I could. Following other travelers' advice, I made sure to have enough time to make my connecting trips and pack food with me. I also booked on the official websites to make sure my tickets were legitimate. My journey across Europe turned out to be the trip of a lifetime, with stunning views of the Alps and countryside, but traveling was far from easy. Here are three major mistakes I made along the way, and what you can do to avoid them. The views of the Swiss Alps and lake from an SBB train bound for the border town of Buchs. Marielle Descalsota/Business Insider 1. I had an overly packed itinerary. The most challenging parts of my trip were the cancelations and delays, as there were strikes among train drivers in Germany. I was booked for a two-hour direct train from Zurich to Freiburg im Breisgau on the rail route ICE74, but the stops in Germany were canceled on the day of my trip. I ended up getting a last-minute replacement ticket from the Swiss national railway company SBB's office, but it required two transfers and only a few minutes to catch the train in between. Next time, I'll plan a flexible schedule in case of any unexpected changes to my itinerary. It also helps to constantly check the official train apps in case of any cancelations and strikes so you can get rerouted as soon as possible. The author at Sudtiroler Platz, Innsbruck, Austria. Marielle Descalsota/Business Insider 2. I brought a massive suitcase. I'm usually a light packer, bringing only a carry-on bag when traveling around Southeast Asia. But with a low tolerance to the cold winters of central Europe, I packed various heavy coats and it turned out to be a big mistake. I had to lug my suitcase, which weighed around 40 pounds, on and off the trains, up and down the stairs at train stations, and drag it across uneven cobblestone streets. I also had a small travel bag filled to the brim with souvenirs, making my shoulder feel sore and lopsided. In hindsight, I would have been more comfortable packing my belongings in a lightweight travel backpack and a small carry-on suitcase instead of one giant bag. The seats on a Eurocity train bound for Venice, Italy. Marielle Descalsota/Business Insider 3. I didn't pre-book my seats for all my train rides. While some train rides like the one from Venice to Rome on the Italian train company Trenitalia were empty, others were packed. Many European train routes have multiple stops, and passengers simply get on and off the train. Seats are subject to availability, and the only way you can secure a seat is by making a reservation. I experienced a mad rush for seats on a train from Buchs, Switzerland, to Budapest. At boarding, hundreds of passengers scrambled for a seat, while I struggled to hoist my massive bag up the train. Thankfully, I still managed to get a seat. Some people weren't so fortunate and had to stand. In the future, I'll pay a few extra euros to make sure my seat is guaranteed. Read the original article on Business Insider A woman touches a photo of Alexei Navalny after laying flowers paying the last respect to him at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Russian authorities say that Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests, died in prison. He was 47. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) Alexei Navalnys spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony, saying he was murdered," but it was unclear where his body was as his family and friends searched for answers. Navalny's death at age 47 has deprived the Russian opposition of its most well-known and inspiring politician less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. Although neither the imprisoned anti-corruption crusader nor other Kremlin critics were in a position to challenge Putin for the presidency, the loss of Navalny was a crushing blow to Russians who had pinned their future hopes on Putin's seemingly indefatigable foe. It also prompted questions about what killed him. Russian officials told the politician's team Saturday that the cause of Navalnys death had not yet been established and that the results of a new investigation would be released next week, said Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh. Navalnys mother was told that the body would not be released until those investigations were complete, she said. The decision has prompted speculation that the Russian authorities may be keen to hold on to the body in an attempt to cover up potential foul play. They're driving us around in circles and covering their tracks, Yarmysh said. A note handed to Navalnys mother stated that he died at 2:17 p.m. Friday, according to Yarmysh. Prison officials told his mother when she arrived at the penal colony Saturday that her son had perished from sudden death syndrome, Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. A prison colony employee said the body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a post-mortem investigation, Yarmysh said. When Navalny's mother and one of the late politician's lawyers visited the morgue in Salekhard, it was closed, Navalny's team wrote on its Telegram channel. But the lawyer called the morgue and was told the body was not there, his team said. Another of Navalnys lawyers went to Salekhards Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Navalny's death had not yet been established and that new investigations were being done with the results to be released next week, Yarmysh said. Russias Investigative Committee informed Navalnys team that the body would not be handed over to his relatives until those investigations were complete, she said. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body, Yarmysh wrote on X, adding that his team demanded that Navalnys body "be handed over to his family immediately. Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and fell unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he couldnt be revived, the service said, adding that the cause of death is still being established." Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said the opposition leader would live on forever in millions of hearts. Navalny was murdered. We still dont know how well keep on living, but together, well think of something, she wrote on X. Meanwhile, arrests continued Saturday as Russians came to lay flowers in memory of Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges. OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia, said Saturday that more than 273 people had been detained at memorial events since Navalny's death. Memorial items laid Friday were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St. Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny there. In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. After the murder of Alexei Navalny, its absurd to perceive Putin as the supposedly legitimate head of the Russian state, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany Saturday. He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence. U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Saturday that Britain will be taking action against the Russians responsible for Navalny's death. Speaking to broadcasters in Munich, Cameron said there should be consequences for appalling human rights outrages like this. He said Britain would look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. Cameron did not say whether the response would consist of financial sanctions or other measures. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Washington doesnt know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did." The Kremlin bristled Friday at the outpouring of anger from world leaders, with Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, calling the statements issued before medics have released the cause of Navalny's death unacceptable and outrageous." Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow for Russia & Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said the loss of Navalny shows that "the sentence in Russia now for opposition is not merely imprisonment, but death." Hours after Navalnys death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at the Munich conference. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. Associated Press writer Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report. By Nathan Layne and Gram Slattery WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich./IRMO, SC. (Reuters) -Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out at the New York judge who ruled he must pay $354.9 million in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, telling thousands of supporters at a campaign rally the decision was an "election interference ploy." Addressing supporters for the first time since Justice Arthur Engoron on Friday hit him with massive financial penalties, Trump made the unsubstantiated claim that the judge was part of a "left wing" conspiracy aimed at stopping him from becoming president again. The former Republican president, the frontrunner for his party's White House nomination, told a crowd in Michigan that "these repulsive abuses of power are not just an attack on me, they are an attack on all Americans." Trump also repeated his lie that his 2020 election defeat to Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden was due to election fraud. Engoron also banned Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. The judge said of Trump and his co-defendants: "Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological." New York Attorney General Letitia James had accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much $3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump spoke shortly after Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, who held an event in South Carolina. On Saturday morning, Haley wasted no time in going after Trump after Friday's ruling, which handed him another legal setback in a civil case that imperils his real estate empire. Trump also faces four state and federal criminal trials, including one scheduled to start in New York on March 25, over alleged hush money payments to a porn star. That means Trump will become the first former U.S. president to stand trial on criminal charges. Haley frequently says "chaos" follows Trump, and that he can't be an effective president or candidate because of his myriad legal problems. "He's going to be in court March and April. He's going to be in court May and June. He said himself that he's going to be spending more time in a courtroom than he is on the campaign trail," Haley told Fox News. Trump is close to clinching the Republican presidential nomination, and the prospect of a likely general election rematch with Biden, after recent nominating contest wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. Michigan is a key battleground state that could determine the outcome in November. This year Michigan Republicans are allocating their presidential delegates via both a primary on Feb. 27 and a caucus on March 2. Keen to generate momentum in the state, Trump urged his supporters to participate in the nominating contests. But Trump, who has sought to attack Biden's mental acuity and penchant for gaffes, relayed both correct and incorrect dates to the crowd. "Remember the primary is Tuesday Feburary 27th. We need to get out and vote to set the stage for November. Go vote. November 27th," Trump said. Trump also reiterated his desire to eliminate early voting and denigrated mail-in voting, which is embraced by Democrats. Some Republicans have warned Trump's opposition to mail-in voting could discourage some party members from casting ballots. "Mail-in voting is totally corrupt. Get that through your head," Trump said. Before his rally in Michigan Trump appeared at a convention for sneaker fans in Philadelphia, where he launched his own sneaker brand - gold-topped with American flag logos. "I've wanted to do this a long time," Trump said, before urging young people to vote. Haley, who has no clear path to the Republican nomination, has refused to quit. She is making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina, which holds its primary on Feb. 24, where she trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump. At her rally on Saturday evening, Haley also attacked Trump for his failure to comment on the death of Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader. At his Michigan rally, Trump again failed to mention Navalny. Russia's prison service said that Navalny, 47, died on Friday at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony. The West, including Biden, blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death. Western leaders did not cite evidence. Haley, addressing a crowd in Irmo, South Carolina, accused Trump of cozying up to Putin in the past. She also referred to a speech Trump made on Feb. 10, when he said he would "encourage" Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member who didn't spend enough on defense. "Trump is siding with a thug who kills his own political opponents," Haley said. (Reporting by Nathan Layne and Gram SlatteryAdditional reporting by Jason Lange,Writing by Tim Reid, Editing by Alistair Bell, Nick Zieminski and Michael Perry) This is the least important election of our lifetimes. Thats a taboo sentiment in politics because publicity, donations and votes depend on an electorate scared out of its collective mind. Consultants need to convince people that the nation will collapse if the other guy wins. But it will be tough for voters to stomach this message of doom and gloom. Weve had enough of both for the past decade. We can expect little but negative campaigning this year because both front-runners have so few positives worthy of gloating over. Instead of worrying what will happen if the other guy wins, most Americans are worried about either of them winning. 2024 election offers choices few want A Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll asked registered voters whether theyre happy with another Biden-Trump matchup. Neither campaign will be happy with the results. Only about a third of respondents said this is "a good choice for the voters," while 64% said the country needs another alternative. While 50% of Republicans seem satisfied with Trump, a whopping 73% of Democrats oppose this rerun of 2020. This combo image shows President Joe Biden, left, Jan. 5, 2024, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, right, Jan. 19, 2024. Nikki Haley, who technically remains in the GOP race, said, Most Americans do not want a rematch between Biden and Trump. The first party to retire its 80-year-old candidate is going to be the party that wins this election. She tested this message in the recent Nevada primary and came in second place. Who won first? None of these candidates. Trump wasnt even on the ballot. Most voters want neither Trump nor Biden While the two parties hardcore bases seem content with their picks, most Americans look longingly toward a third option. When pollsters asked voters if they would consider an independent moderate candidate running for the presidency, 55% answered yes. Biden's toast. Trump's unhinged. How about a third-party ticket led by Nikki Haley? Supporting a generic moderate usually fails once a flesh-and-blood candidate throws his or her hat into the ring. (My idea of a centrist is Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, but I assume most disagree.) Still, its striking how little passion most Americans have for either candidate with an election just nine months away. Instead of putting out yard signs and slapping bumper stickers on cars, people want to avoid our depressing politics as much as possible. According to the same poll, 53% of voters think Biden is unable to run an effective campaign while 50% believe Trumps legal troubles make it impossible for him to run for president. A few outside possibilities could change one of the major party candidates, but all are ugly to contemplate. As bad as the current choice is, no one hopes for a major health crisis or a black swan event such as war or terror. 2024 election is here: Somebody tell Biden he needs to step up his election campaign game What will down-ballot candidates do? If voter apathy holds, 2024 could mark a significant drop in election turnout. A record-breaking number of ballots was cast in 2020, resulting in a turnout of 66.6%. (An apt number, if you think about it.) Given Americans political malaise, November will likely show a collapse in overall votes, along with reduced viewership of party conventions. Debates will go unviewed because they will never be held. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Biden will claim he cant appear on the same stage as a threat to democracy, and Trump will claim hes too busy fighting his latest indictment. The real reason is that theyre both too old, but hardcore partisans will accept the lame excuses. Voters would rather watch Netflix, anyway. The real challenge falls upon down-ballot candidates who will get lost in the shuffle. They need to motivate a tuned-out electorate, hopefully with a few positive messages that can cut through the angry noise at the top of the ticket. Jon Gabriel, a Mesa resident, is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com Jon Gabriel, a Mesa resident, is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, where this column first published. Find him on X, formerly Twitter: @exjon You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump vs. Biden, again: The least important election of our lifetimes? f Donald Trump comes to Ukraine, I am ready to go to the front with him, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17 in response to a question about inviting the former U.S. president to visit the country. Ukraine is prepared to welcome him, but it ultimately depends on Trumps willingness. All candidates, all representatives of both parties should know that we are grateful for the bipartisan support, said Zelenskyy. They all know that we are open, they really know what is happening in this war, he said, adding that when he and Trump have a conversation about how to end the war, it is necessary to show the decision-makers what this real war means. Read also: In swipe at Biden, Trump insists he would be better ally to Ukraine Zelenskyy has previously extended invitations to Trump to visit Ukraine and encouraged discussions about his peace plan. On Jan. 19, he reiterated this invitation, stating the importance of understanding Trumps intentions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier reports from the New York Times indicated Trumps statements regarding increased support for Ukraine if re-elected, including potentially providing military assistance as loans rather than grants. Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about potential shifts in U.S. aid policies, warning that reductions could embolden Russia and alter the geopolitical landscape. Read also: US aid to Ukraine should come via loans Trump Trump has previously boasted that he could end the war within 24 hours and suggested that he would allow Russia to take over parts of Ukraine. He claimed to know both Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy very well, so he would be able to solve this problem very quickly. Last March, Trump said that Putin allegedly wanted peace and now hes probably going to get everything. The former U.S. president also called the Russian dictator a very smart man. On Jan. 25, the Financial Times reported Republican support for Trumps stance on rejecting an immigration compromise tied to a bill providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, prompting criticism from the White House. Read also: House Republicans side with Putin and Teheran against NATO and Ukraine, says White House House Republicans are siding with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Tehran against our defense industrial base, against NATO, against Ukraine, against our interests in the Indo-Pacific, the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a joint press briefing with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Feb. 14. Bloomberg sources suggest that if Trump were to win the upcoming election, he would aim to pressure Ukraine and Russia into negotiating an end to the war. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The former presidents New York portfolio includes the gold-plated Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue - YUKI IWAMURA/BLOOMBERG Donald Trumps flagship Trump Tower in Manhattan could be seized if the former president does not honour a hefty fine and a ban on him operating a business in the state, experts suggested. Mr Trump, 77, was found liable for fraud and issued $355 million (281 million) in fines by a New York judge on Friday, dealing a major financial and reputational blow to the real estate tycoon as he seeks to regain the presidency. Judge Arthur Engorons sweeping verdict came after a months-long civil trial featuring testimony from Mr Trump and his three eldest children. He found that Mr Trumps eponymous company had submitted blatantly false information to obtain more favourable loans. Mr Engorons ruling bans Mr Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York company for three years or from seeking loans in the state. He meted out a similar two-year ban on Mr Trumps two adult sons, Donald Jr and Eric, who held senior roles in the Trump Organisation, leaving it essentially rudderless. His daughter, Ivanka, was removed as a defendant in the case by an appeals court, which found the allegations against her were too old because she left the company in 2017. Mr Trumps lawyers said they would appeal the egregious verdict, but experts suggested there was little recourse to avoid the hefty financial penalties, which are essentially due immediately. If Trump resists payment, the judgement would take effect immediately and the state could begin seizing Mr Trumps assets - BING GUAN/REUTERS The former presidents New York portfolio includes the gold-plated Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, 40 Wall Street and the Trump Park Avenue hotel, where Bob Dylan met The Beatles for the first time. Will Thomas, a business law professor at the University of Michigan, said: The business in many respects is still owned by the family, but it is out of the familys control. If Mr Trump resisted payment, the judgment would take effect immediately and the state could begin seizing his assets, Mr Thomas said. Mr Thomas said relocating his business to a new state would also be more difficult following the judgment. Mr Engoron had initially ordered the dissolution of much of Mr Trumps New York holdings, but pulled back in his ruling on Friday, leaving that question to an independent monitor. The companys financial reporting will be overseen by the independent monitor and a compliance director. Mr Trump vented his fury in an angry address from his Mar-a-Lago, Florida home, in which he framed the case as corrupt and a politically motivated witch hunt. He has not indicated who could lead his company should the ruling be upheld. But he is known to prefer keeping his business within his familys hands and could turn to Ivanka, who previously held a senior position in the company, or her husband, Jared Kushner, who also has real estate experience. Mr Trump could even consider turning to his wife, Melania, to lead the company. Brian Quinn, a professor at Boston College Law School, told the Washington Post: This is going to be a business that will look very different. It wont be a family-run business. It can be a family-owned business, but it wont be a family-run business for the next several years. However, it is the financial penalty which could deal the biggest immediate blow. Financial wipeout Mr Trump, who is the front runner to be the Republican presidential candidate in this Novembers White House race, has divested some of his property holdings into more liquid assets since entering politics. His net worth was recently estimated to be $3.1 billion by Bloombergs billionaires index, with about $600 million in cash assets. He has also been ordered in a separate civil suit to pay $83.3 million to the magazine columnist E Jean Carroll, who accused him of rape. The financial penalties, if upheld, including the interest owed, could wipe out most of Mr Trumps disposable cash, or even force him to sell a property to cover the costs. The ruling is a victory for Letitia James, New Yorks Democratic attorney-general, who brought the case after being elected in 2019 in part on a promise to investigate Mr Trumps business dealings. On Friday she said Mr Trump was finally facing accountability for his lying, cheating and staggering fraud. In his decision, Mr Engoron, known for his colourful style, quoted the early 18th-century English poet Alexander Popes declaration that to err is human, to forgive is divine. Mr Trump and his sons, the judge wrote, apparently are of a different mind. Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological, he wrote. 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. Allen Weisselberg, right, stands behind then President-elect Donald Trump during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, Jan. 11, 2017. A New York judge ruled Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, against Trump, imposing a $364 million penalty over what the judge ruled was a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated the former presidents wealth. | Evan Vucci, Associated Press Former President Donald Trump has been hit with his most expensive legal payment to date after the judge in his New York City fraud case ordered him to pay $355 million in damages in a ruling on Friday. Along with the payment, Judge Arthur Engoron has barred Trump from doing business in the state for three years. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought on the lawsuit, initially asked that Trump be permanently banned from doing business in New York. Trump's two adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were each issued a two-year business ban and $4 million in penalties. Engoron remarked on Trumps lack of ethics in regard to doing business, according to NBC News. Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological. They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again. This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin. Defendants did not commit murder or arson. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. Donald Trump is not Bernard Madoff. Yet, defendants are incapable of admitting the error of their ways. The former president and 2024 Republican presidential nominee posted to Truth Social following the ruling, accusing Engoron and James of being crooked and corrupt. He said the fine was based on nothing other than having built a great company. He also called the decision election interference, and a witch hunt. Although the judge did not dissolve Trumps business altogether, Engoron determined that Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, and Jeffrey McConney, the former controller, were responsible for numerous civil fraud charges in the state, with charges including producing fraudulent financial statements, tampering with business records and committing insurance fraud. Engoron issued a blistering 93-page opinion that painted the former president as unremorseful and highly likely to commit fraud again, per CNN. This court finds that defendants are likely to continue their fraudulent ways unless the court grants significant injunctive relief, Engoron wrote. Related Trump is expected to appeal the business restrictions and financial penalties against him, but he only has 30 days to either make the payment or secure a bond. This verdict is a manifest injustice plain and simple, Alina Habba, one of Trumps lawyers, said, according to The New York Times. Given the grave stakes, we trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious verdict, Habba added. While the US supreme court appears poised to allow Donald Trump to remain on the ballot this year, a small New Mexico county on the Texas border may stand alone as the only place where the 14th amendment has been used in recent times to remove a government official from the ballot. Couy Griffin, a county commissioner until 2022 in Otero county, which has a population of around 69,000 people, became the first official in more than a century to be removed from office under a little-used provision in the 14th amendment that bans insurrectionists from holding office. Griffin, the founder of a group called Cowboys for Trump, had been convicted of illegally entering the US Capitol grounds on January 6, a misdemeanor. Related: US supreme court appears skeptical of Colorado ruling removing Trump from ballot I feel like Ive kind of been the test pilot or the proving ground for anything theyre trying to legally do to Trump, especially in regards to section 3 of the 14th amendment, Griffin said. He added that he knew the gist of Trumps case, but had not followed the arguments closely. Its almost like looking at vomit, said Griffin, who is appealing his own removal to the US supreme court. You look at it long enough to know what it is and then you quit looking at it because its so disgusting. Thats what this Colorado stuff is. *** Shortly after the 2020 election, Griffin spoke at a stop-the-steal rally in Albuquerque, where the New Mexico Civil Guard, a militia group, was also present. He said that normalizing that violence could be needed to keep Trump in office and participated in a multistate bus tour to recruit people to come to the Capitol on 6 January 2021, Judge Francis Mathew wrote in his decision removing Griffin from the ballot. Griffin used his position to sow doubt about elections. He encouraged David Clements, a prominent election denier, and his wife, Erin, to question the 2020 election in Otero county, which Trump won overwhelmingly. Griffin shared internal county emails with the Clementses and asked them for guidance on how to respond, Reuters reported. David Clements began urging an investigation and hired a discredited firm to look for fraud. After the 2022 primary election, the board of commissioners in Otero county refused to certify the election, citing vague concerns about fraud. They were eventually forced to certify after a lawsuit by the Democratic secretary of state, Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Griffin was removed from office in connection to his insurrection charges several months later. I imagine that this is the kind of thing that the framers of section 3 envisioned, said Donald Sherman, a lawyer at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which helped bring both the lawsuit against Griffin and the case challenging Trumps eligibility in Colorado. Couy Griffin was undermining democracy from his post even after January 6. Griffin has not shied away from spectacle. He has had those who disagreed with him removed from county commission meetings and showed up at a county commission meeting after he had been removed to argue with his replacement. He has ridden a horse outside the county administration building in protest of his removal. He also said he planned to ride a horse to arrive at his trial at the federal courthouse in Washington DC, but abandoned this idea. He noted that after January 6, there had been a recall effort against him that had failed. The subsequent effort to remove him from office succeeded. Since I couldnt be removed legally, constitutionally, through a recall, my adversaries used the fraud and the corruption of the state district court to remove me, he said. *** During more than two hours of oral argument earlier this month, the US supreme court appeared concerned that Colorado could unilaterally remove Trump from the ballot and seemed poised to allow him to run. Trump has warned of chaos and bedlam if he is removed. In Otero county, some say Griffins removal has actually restored a sense of normalcy to the county commission. I think hes more out of sight, out of mind. When he was here, we had several issues going on, because he was raising the issues. And it seems that after he was removed that a lot of those problems went away, said Robyn Holmes, the county clerk. Griffin has an appeal pending at the US supreme court and is hoping that a ruling restoring Trump to the ballot could also benefit him. But there are key differences between the two cases. When he was removed, Griffin was a county commissioner, a local office, while Trump is a candidate for federal office. New Mexico law includes a so-called quo warranto statute that lets private citizens challenge his authority to hold office. In Trumps case, the justices expressed concern that there was no explicit congressional statute explaining how to enforce section 3 for a national candidate. Some wondered whether section 3 of the 14th amendment could apply to Trump because he was a candidate for office, not an officeholder. Sherman said the case to remove Griffin was not a test case. It was a first case to bring against an insurrectionist holding government office that we believe violated his oath and was subject to section 3, he said. Insofar as we were demonstrating proof of concept, it was important to bring the strongest case we could find as quickly as possible. But we identified Couy Griffin on his own merits, based on his own conducts. And we thought the case was strong. Even after his removal, Griffin said he would continue to try to get Otero county to block election certifications. Be prepared for that, he said. NEW YORK A seven-figure verdict, an eight-figure verdict and, now, a nine-figure verdict. Donald Trump has been hit with all three in the past nine months, with Fridays $354 million penalty for New York business fraud by far the most massive. He is now on the hook for over $440 million in civil judgments as he heads toward the Republican nomination and as he prepares for one or more criminal trials this year. Those criminal cases could put him in jail. And in the meantime, his escalating troubles in his civil cases are packing a devastating financial punch. Even for a man who claims to be a billionaire, $440 million is a potentially crippling amount of cash to turn over. Can Trump afford the judgments? When does he have to pay them? And what happens if he says he cant or if he outright refuses? Heres a look at what comes next. Can Trump afford to pay? Trumps company isnt public, and he has famously refused to disclose his tax returns, so his cash flow situation is shrouded in mystery. Even if he has $440 million in cash on hand and its far from clear that he does paying the judgments could wipe out his accounts, since Trump himself has placed his cash reserves in the ballpark of that amount. Trump claimed in a deposition last year that he had substantially in excess of $400 million in cash on hand. We have, I believe, 400 plus and going up very substantially every month, he said, adding: My biggest expense is probably legal fees, unfortunately. But its unclear whether that number is accurate. That deposition, after all, was part of the very lawsuit in which a judge found that Trump has repeatedly inflated his net worth. If he doesnt have enough cash on hand, would he have to sell properties? Trump would likely have to sell something, although it wouldnt necessarily have to be property. He could sell investments or other assets. What happens if he resists paying? In the civil fraud case, which is in New York state court, if Trump cant post the funds or get a bond, then the judgment would take effect immediately and a sheriff could begin seizing Trumps assets. The rules are slightly different in federal court, which is the venue for the $83.3 million judgment that Trump owes for defaming the writer E. Jean Carroll after she accused him of raping her. (He also owes Carroll an additional $5 million from a separate verdict last year.) Carroll could pursue post-judgment discovery under the jurisdiction of the judge who oversaw the trial. Through that process, the judge could order Trump to produce his bank account records, place liens or garnish his wages. I think hes going to have to pay. And whether it requires him to sell or to put a lien on something to get a loan, thats his problem, not ours. Hes going to pay, Carrolls attorney Roberta Kaplan said on CNN last month. The judge, Kaplan added, will use judgment enforcement mechanisms to make sure that he pays. If Trump truly cant afford the judgments, he would have to declare bankruptcy. Can Trump delay payment by appealing the verdicts? No. In all three cases, he has to put money in an escrow account with the court or get a bond while hes appealing the verdicts. With the civil fraud verdict, which Trump has vowed to appeal, the amount to be posted or bonded is set by the court. It is typically about 120 to 125 percent of the judgment amount, to account for additional post-judgment interest that accrues during the appeal. With last years Carroll verdict, which Trump has appealed, he turned over $5.5 million to the court, which was worth 111 percent of the judgment. For the more recent Carroll verdict, which Trump has also vowed to appeal, 111 percent of the judgment would be $92.46 million. Trump has a 30-day window after the Jan. 26 verdict to either pay cash into the courts escrow or get a bond while he appeals. If he chooses to file a bond, he will likely have to pay a 20 percent deposit ($16.66 million) and put up collateral, but it could come with fees and interest, making it more expensive in the long run. And it would require Trump to find a third party willing to take on the risk of loaning him money. Does he personally have to pay the verdicts? Could he get his campaign or PAC or the RNC to pay? The courts dont have restrictions on the sources of funds used to pay judgments, and Trump would surely like to tap other funds than whatever money is in his own personal accounts. He could transfer assets from the Trump Organization to himself in order to help satisfy the judgments. Using his political vehicles to pay would be far trickier. There is a general ban on using campaign donations for personal uses unrelated to a campaign or the official duties of an officeholder. And as for his political action committees, Richard Pildes, a professor of constitutional law at New York University law school, said they cant pay Trumps judgments. Campaign funds cannot be used for that purpose regardless of whether the PAC is the decision-maker, he wrote in an email. Besides, Trumps PACs may not be able to afford the judgments, since he has been using them to pay the many lawyers defending him across his criminal and civil cases. Two of Trumps PACS spent $29 million in legal consulting and legal fees in the second half of last year, leaving only $5 million in his leadership PACs coffers. The Republican National Committee doesnt have the same ban on the personal use of funds as Trumps campaign committee, but paying Trumps judgments could jeopardize its nonprofit status. Former President Donald Trump responded to a judge ordering him to pay $364 million in his civil fraud trial on Friday by claiming that the ruling spelled the end for the Empire state. Trump announced that his team would appeal New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur F. Engorons decision with an ominous threat from Mar-a-Lago. Well appeal, well be successful, I think because frankly, if were not successful New York state is gone, he said. People are moving out of New York State, and because of this theyre going to move out at a much faster rate. The decision means that Trump will not be able to serve as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years, including the Trump Organization. His sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, have been ejected from their leadership roles as well. Judge Engoron has also blocked Trump from borrowing cash from any bank in New York State, which will present an enormous hurdle to his appeal process. Trump claims New York State will be gone if his appeal is not successful because people will move out pic.twitter.com/Yeuc1U21qw Acyn (@Acyn) February 16, 2024 New York means business in combating business fraud, the judge wrote in his decision. Trump also decried the decision on Truth Social. This decision is a Complete and Total SHAM. There were No Victims, No Damages, No Complaints. Only satisfied Banks and Insurance Companies (which made a ton of money), GREAT Financial Statements, that didnt even include the most valuable AssetThe TRUMP Brand, IRONCLAD Disclaimers (Buyer Beware, and Do your Own Due Diligence), and amazing Properties all over the World, he wrote. 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. Trump vowed to appeal the $355 million fraud penalty handed down to him on Friday, after Judge Arthur Engoron found the Trump Organization liable for financial fraud and barred him from serving as a corporate officer or a director of a company in New York for three years. The former president took to his perch at Mar-a-Lago soon after to denounce the ruling. Trump accused Engoron of being crooked and of having built a perfect company, despite being penalized for overvaluing his properties and inflating his net worth over several years deceiving banks, investors, and insurers. This is Russia. This is China, Trump lamented, once again pointing the blame at President Joe Biden, the Department of Justice, and Attorney General Letitia James anyone but himself. Its election interference, he continued, before declaring: Well appeal. Well be successful, I think. Because frankly, if were not successful, New York state is gone. Then, without providing any proof for his claim, he said: People are moving out of New York State, and because of this, theyre gonna move out at a much faster rate. Trump claims New York State will be gone if his appeal is not successful because people will move out pic.twitter.com/Yeuc1U21qw Acyn (@Acyn) February 16, 2024 Earlier in the day, Trump proceeded to have a meltdown on Truth Social and accused the Fake News of using artificial intelligence to create unflattering photos of him. He also called the decision a Total SHAM and attempted to rally his supporters with calls to fight Crooked Joe Bidens weaponized persecution at every step. On Friday, Engoron also ordered Trumps adult sons, Don Jr. and Eric, to pay $4 million each. In his September liability ruling, the judge agreed with New York prosecutors who argued that the former president had inflated the value of his assets by hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars, with outsized valuations used by Trump and his organization to secure favorable loans and business deals from financial institutions and lenders. Fridays conclusion determined the punishment for the liability ruling. After the fraud was discovered, the judge said that Trump and his executives lack of remorse bordered on pathological. They are accused only of inflating asset values to make more money. The documents prove this over and over again. This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin. Defendants did not commit murder or arson. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. Donald Trump is not Bernard Madoff. Yet, defendants are incapable of admitting the error of their ways, Engoron stated. He continued: Defendants refusal to admit error indeed, to continue it, according to the Independent Monitor constrains this Court to conclude that they will engage in it going forward unless judicially restrained. The $355 million fraud penalty also arrives just weeks after a jury ordered the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination to pay E. Jean Carroll, whom he sexually assaulted in the Nineties, over $83 million in defamation-related damages. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone From the G-File on The Dispatch Dear Reader (especially those of you who know a Potemkin village when you see it), It feels like a million years since we last corresponded. I hate skipping columns and newsletters for vacations, for the simple reason I am always more concerned that instead of coming back refreshed Ill have forgotten how to make the word things go good. Speaking of word things, I got a lot out of my conversation with Hyrum and Vernon Lewis on The Remnant before I left, and I have to say, between the conversation and their book, The Myth of Left and Right: How the Political Spectrum Misleads and Harms America, Ive been revisiting a lot of my long-held views. Of course, this was often while snorkeling or drinking on a boat, but still. Their argument has stuck with me. And since Ive been out of the news scrum for a bit, Im just going to ruminate on this for a bit (at the cell phone parking lot at the Orlando airport). Their argument, in brief, is that the political spectrum of left and right is a social construct. Nothing too controversial about that. Lots of things are social constructs, but are also in a very meaningful sense real. The law is, largely, a social construct. (I put largely in there to fend off 3,000-word emails from natural law zealots.) Paper money is a lie agreed upon. But because everyone agrees upon the value of paper money, paper money has real value. If you disagree, please send me all of your worthless currency. But the Lewii go further (I think Lewii is a more euphonious pluralization that Lewises). They argue that left and right are not signifiers of a coherent or immutable set of ideas (ideology) or even sentiments (the conservative temperament, change vs. status quo, etc.), but are instead labels we use for groupsand that the ideas and orientations of those groups are a moving target. In other words, the causation is always backward from the way we think about these terms. What makes something left-wing or right-wing is entirely contingent on what left-wingers or right-wingers want at any given time, and any attempt to hold the definitions constant will fail. For instance, they write: Progressives were more likely to favor Prohibition, censorship, and racist eugenic policies than those on the right, and, by the standard measures of congressional ideology, segregationist Southerners were the most reliably left-wing members of the Democratic Party. Heroes of the conservative tradition, such as Alexander Hamilton, Henry Clay, and William Howard Taft, had far more enlightened racial views than their liberal rivals Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and Woodrow Wilsonshowing that not even racial equality is an essential liberal principle. Issues considered socially conservative today were not associated with conservatism at all in the early twentieth century. This is just a tiny snippet of their illustrations of their point. One thing the Lewii do not want for is examples that show left-wingers and right-wingers have switched positions and sentiments over the years. Ultimately, they argue, we are saying that nearly all of the incessant talk about liberal, conservative, progressive, left wing, and right wing is a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. Now, I dont disagree with them as much as many people thought I would. More significantly, I dont disagree with them as much as I thought I would. Which brings me back to what I said above about revisiting a lot of my positions because of their indictment of left and right. Revisiting isnt necessarily a synonym for changing my mind. As I look back on my copious writings about conservatism, I find a lot more confirmation of their argument, at least the soft version of their thesis. What do I mean by soft? I think they make their case too stridently, too categorically. I dont believe all of those labels signify nothing. Thats the hard version of their thesis. The soft version is that such labels, to one degree or another, mean much less than a lot of people believe. They are very persuasive about that. I have other caveats. For instance, when they say theyre fine with calling right and left team red and team blue, they run into a rose by any other name problem. But I dont want to dwell on that. I want to dwell on, well, me. When I look back on a lot of my stuff, Ive very often made a complementary, not contradictory, argument. For more than two decades, Ive been writing about how a lot of things the left has claimed are definitionally right-wing arent inherently right-wing, and sometimes not right-wing at all. If you read Liberal Fascism you know I can do chapter and verse on this at great length. Father Coughlin is often described as the right-wing radio priest of the 1930s, when his entire program was to the left of FDRs. He gets called right-wing because he was an antisemite. But antisemitism isnt inherently right-wing. Im not saying its inherently left-wing, either. As weve seen, the phenomenon manifests itself all over the ideological landscape. Similarly, were often told that the right is the natural home of isolationism, but theres a very long tradition of left-wing isolationism in America. Eugenics is widely described as right-wing, but most of the famous eugenicists were considered on the left. The paranoid style in American politics isnt a right-wing thing, as countless historians, intellectuals, journalists, and pundits have claimed ever since Richard Hofstadter coined the term. The paranoid style is an American thing, and really a human thing, that manifests itself across the ideological spectrum at different times and places. Opposition to change, Ive pointed out many times, is often a feature of left-wing politicsfrom opposition to things like GMOs, repealing Roe v. Wade, reforming Social Security, and, you know, capitalism. And support for change is often a defining feature of right-wing politics, from support for things like GMOs, repealing Roe v. Wade, reforming Social Security and, you know, capitalism. Jacob Heilbrunn has a new book coming out, America Last: The Rights Century-Long Romance with Foreign Dictators. I havent read it yet. But my initial reaction to the press release was, Yeah okay. But this is the intellectual equivalent of one-hand clapping. Because I could give you an outline of the lefts century-long romance with foreign dictators without even doing much googling. Lenin, Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler (for a while), Castro, Mao, Pol Pot, Khomeini, Daniel Ortega, and Hugo Chavez all had cheering sections among American leftists at one point or another. Hell, look at the pro-Hamas spinning today and tell me again how the right is uniquely indictable for the charge of being soft on illiberalism (or antisemitism). In short, its fine to ding right-wingers for their support of various authoritarians and totalitarians, but to argue that this is an essentially right-wing thing is cherry-picking. Maybe Heilbrunn anticipates this objection in the book, but theres no indication of that in the press release, which informs us that, The habit of mind is not really about foreign policy, however. As Heilbrunn argues, the Right is drawn to what it perceives as the impressive strength of foreign dictators, precisely because it sees them as models of how to fight against liberalism and progressivism domestically. This is almost literally my argument about left-wing infatuation with authoritarianism from Lincoln Steffens and Walter Duranty to Thomas Friedman. As New Deal intellectual Stuart Chase put it, Why should the Russians have all the fun remaking a world? I think Lewis & Lewis would respond to this by saying Im right but Im not taking the point to its logical conclusion. Rather than focus on the lefts cherry-picking, I should realize that the cherry-picking itself is proof that left and right are conceptually meaningless save as journalistic descriptors of two different teams that change their views in an endless relativistic battle for political power. Indeed, if I wrote that book about the lefts love affair with dictators, Heilbrunn or someone else could make the same point about my cherry-picking. Moreover, by adhering to this dualistic view of all politics falling into the left-right spectrum, Im part of a larger problem. By starting from the presumption the left is wrong, we on the right fall into the trap of opposing positions simply because the left is for them. And vice versa. Its a form of popular-front thinking that puts the agenda of the team ahead of both principle and policy. And they have a point. A very good point. But Ive spent 20 years complaining about popular frontism, on the left and the right, while still holding onto the left-right spectrum. I still think these labels have some utility for reasons I got into on The Remnant and will no doubt get into again (and again and again). But I want to offer a (partial) solution to the very real problem they helpfully, if uncomfortably, illuminate. I dont think they would entirely disagree with me, indeed Im partly restating their argument, albeit to illuminate (one reason) why I think we can hold onto left and right while also acknowledging its severe limitations and drawbacks. Moar labels! In their book they criticize me for holding a private definition of conservatism. My response to that is that what they call a private definition, I call defining my terms. I think defining your terms is hugely important for several reasons, starting with simple intellectual and writerly clarity. If youre going to call something fascist, racist, socialist, etc. you should be prepared to explain what you mean by such labels. And if youre going to write a book about such things, you should spell out what you mean by such terms. This gets to the heart of my complaints about left-wing and liberal historiography alluded to above, but also about liberal media bias. The left, Ive written countless times, thinks it has a monopoly on political virtue and therefore starts from the presumption that anything they consider bad to be definitionally right-wing, or racist, fascist etc. Orwell got at this when he described the lazy tendency of political writers to use fascism as placeholder for anything not desirable. Again, you can fairly criticize the right for a similar tendency, but right-wingers dont control higher education, the mainstream media, Hollywood, and other command posts in narrative formation. But theres another reason to define your terms. When you rely on the broad, dualistic, categories of left and right, without any further specificity, youre going to sweep all manner of people, ideas, and institutions into a single bucket. And thats a profound disservice. The easiest way to illustrate this is just to note how the Trumpian right desperately and thirstily insists that simply by opposing Trump youre a left-winger. But I could also point out (again) that the definition of right-winger in the 1930s was largely opponent of FDR. Ive come to know countless liberals and progressivesmy American Enterprise Institute colleague Ruy Teixeira comes immediately to mindwho think identity politics has been a disaster for the left. But if I call Ruy a left-winger,which he is by many standards, most people will assume that he agrees with Ibram X. Kendi, Noam Chomsky, or Rachel Maddow. If someone calls me a right-winger, a normal person who didnt know anything else about me could reasonably assume I love Donald Trump. (If youre new here, I do not love Donald Trump.) In short, the problem isnt using labels, the problem is not using more labels. This is how language works. If I just say something is hot, I could mean everything from spicy, to sexy, to scalding, to popular. You need to use more words to communicate which meaning of hot you have in mind. Think of it this way. A lot of people have tried to apply the equally flawed binary of white vs. person of color framework to Israel. Israel is cited by a lot of ridiculous people as a white or European settler colonial state. Among the myriad problems with this, Israel is not a particularly white or European country. Roughly half of Israelis are from the Middle East, North Africa, etc. The white/non-white binary erases Ethiopian, Moroccan, and other Jews. Such binaries make bad arguments easier for people who dont want to do the work of making complicated arguments. These days, sadly, conservative doesnt convey very much information. Anti-Trump conservative conveys more information. Classically liberal conservative or Reaganite conservative conveys even more. Such qualifiers also convey different information than, say, post-liberal conservative or nationalist conservative. American conservative means something different than French conservative or Bolivian conservative. You get the point. One of the things I like about bygone eras is how such qualifiers were much more necessary and widely used. I love all the old intramural fights betweenin no particular orderAmerican Trotskyites and Stalinists (but also Russian Trotskyites and Stalinists), ADL liberals and progressive (i.e. pro-Communist) liberals, Hamiltonians vs. Jeffersonians, Taft Republicans vs. Eisenhower Republicans, Buckleyites vs. Randians and Rothbardians, paleoconservatives and neoconservatives, paleoliberals and neoliberals, left libertarians versus right libertarians, Harry Jaffa vs., well, everyone. I understand why the eyes of normal people often glaze over when hearing about such squabbles. It often sounds like rivalries between the Judean Peoples Front and the Peoples Front of Judea. But such granular labeling was useful because it helped illuminate important distinctions, not just of different principles but of different contests for power. Reducing everything to left versus right erases these distinctions intellectually and politically. Ive been rereading Lionel Trillings The Liberal Imagination, most famous for a single, often misunderstood, line in which he said, in the United States at this time liberalism is not only the dominant but even the sole intellectual tradition. In Louis Menands introduction to my edition, he writes, In Trillings time, the division between liberal anticommunists and liberal anti-anticommunists, minor as it might appear from a historical distance (most anti-anticommunists were not pro-communist), seemed unbridgeable. The Cold War is over, but the culture war is raging. The problem is that a lot of the culture warby no means all of itis a caricature that plays out on TV and social media as a simplistic binary left-right conflict, when the reality on the ground is vastly more complicated and nuanced. The beauty and complexity of American politics prior to concretization of the left-right paradigm of the 20th century is that it relied on a mosaic of competing factions organized around multiple factionseconomic, regional, religious, ethnic, etc. The parties were, for the most part, coalitions of these factions. The FDR coalition had communists, Jews, and blacks as well as Southern racists in it. Calling it left-wing illuminates some aspects of Roosevelts Democratic Party, but it obscures others. The only way to clear the fog is to employ more labels, not fewer. A lot of people think that labels get in the way of progress. That was the argument behind No Labels when it first launched. Its credo back then was Put the Labels Aside. Do Whats Best for America. But, as I wrote about at length in my underrated second book, labels are vital to intelligent thought and basic survival. Thats because labels are another word for words. And without words, were back in the trees. Go into your kitchen and remove all the labels from your cleaning supplies and canned goods and see how much progress you make. I was just in Gainesville, Florida, where all the local ponds have signs warning about alligators. Such signs are truth-in-labeling. Would it be better if we put those labels aside? Where the Lewii are correct is that the labels of left and right are insufficient. Theyre the equivalent of replacing the poison warning on a can of bug spray or the alligator warning sign with bad. But its worse than that, because we live in a country where what is bad for Team Blue is good for Team Red. The only way past this problem is to explain, with more accurate labels, what we mean by good and bad. But that is too much to ask for a lot of culture warriors today who would rather use simplistic terms to do their thinking for them. Various & Sundry Canine update: My plane is about to take off, so Ill be quick. The beasts have had a very nice time with Kirsten. Zoe did very well working security for a rotating roster of fluffballs and replacement spaniels, and she got to spend some quality time with Sammie, her bestest friend. Gracie has stayed at chez Goldberg with Clara, our housesitter who has been studying with Gracie (alas, pics of that are on The Fair Jessicas phone). Clara has been amazed by how much Gracie likesand demandsbelly rubs. Anyway, Im heading home and, hopefully, the welcoming committee will be half as excited to see me as I will be to see them. ICYMI My appearance on the benevolent Kevin Williamsons podcast, How the World Works Groundhog Day, a parable The Remnant with David Bahnsen on work and the meaning of life The Remnant with Kevin Kosar on the woes of central planning Why Bidens low approval numbers might not hurt him in November The Remnant with Verlan and Hyrum Lewis on the myth of left and right The Remnant, guest hosted by Brother Stirewalt and Ruy Teixeira, on the living hell that is the 2024 election The Dispatch Podcast on MAGA vs. NATO And now, the weird stuff Excessive force Disney Dollars Maggot brain Buggy blues Against the grain The tenant Brothers in arms School hard Localism, en francais 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. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A federal judge sentenced two senior employees at a Wisconsin corn plant to two years in prison Thursday for falsifying records and obstructing an investigation into a fatal corn dust explosion seven years ago. U.S. District Judge James Peterson sentenced Derrick Clark, 50, of Waunakee, Didion Millings vice president of operations, and Shawn Mesner, 45, of Readstown, the companys former food safety superintendent, for their convictions last October on multiple safety, environmental and fraud charges. Wisconsin man charged after shooting bartender and her husband at sports bar The 2017 explosion killed five people at the companys Cambria corn mill. Corn dust is explosive, and high concentrations are dangerous. Federal regulations require grain mill operators to perform regular cleanings to reduce dust accumulations that could fuel a blast. Clark was convicted of making false Clean Air Act compliance certifications and lying to investigators during a deposition. Mesner was found guilty of conspiring to mislead Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators by lying on sanitation records that tracked cleanings. Phone messages seeking comment were left for attorneys for the two men. Wisconsin man charged after allegedly killing co-worker at Pizza Hut & hiding body in dumpster Didion Milling pleaded guilty in September to charges that its employees falsified environmental and safety compliance records for years leading up to the explosion. The company agreed to pay a $1 million fine and $10.25 million to the estates of the five workers who were killed. At least five other Didion employees have pleaded guilty to or been convicted of charges including concealing environmental violations, lying to investigators and falsifying cleaning logs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. (KRON) Two men in connection with multiple organized retail theft-related crimes from Apple Stores in the cities of Berkeley and Emeryville in four months have been arrested, District Attorney Pamela Price announced Friday. One dead in Pinole shooting, armed suspect arrested Tyler Anthony Mims, 23, and Undre Deshaun Railey, 28, have been charged with multiple felony counts of commercial burglary, grand theft, and misdemeanor counts of organized retail theft in concert. Prosecutors from our Organized Retail Crime Alameda (ORCA) Vertical Prosecution Unit were ready to receive the evidence following the apprehension of both suspects and acted quickly to start the justice phase of the process, said District Attorney Pamela Price. A viral video of a suspect stealing multiple cell phones in the Emeryville Apple Store includes one of the two suspects. Police said that the incident resulted in the loss of 50 Apple iPhones valued at $49,230. There have been four reported grand thefts at the same store since Jan. 19, police said. The defendants were arraigned on these charges on Feb. 14. Mims and Railey are scheduled for preliminary hearings on Feb. 28. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Two people were found shot dead in a dorm room at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs campus on Friday, according to Colorado Springs police. Just before 6 a.m., university police received a call reporting that there had been shots fired. When they arrived they found two deceased people, each with at least one gunshot wound, and promptly notified Colorado Springs Police. The campus briefly went on lockdown and the residents of one university residence hall called Alpine Village were told to shelter-in-place, though both orders were later lifted. The campus was also closed for the day. Police say the shooting was an isolated incident. An investigation is still ongoing and the identities of the victims have not been released, as the families are still being notified. University chancellor Jennifer Sobanet released a campus update in which she expressed her grief at the incident and gratitude for the students who followed the lockdown orders. We are in shock as we process this tragic loss of two lives, she said, adding, My heart is broken for the victims of today's senseless violence. 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 two-storey house with two entrances has been destroyed in the town of Kupiansk (Kharkiv Oblast) due to a Russian attack, with at least five private houses damaged and people possibly trapped under the rubble. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, the Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A two-story house with two entrances was ruined around 13:30 in an attack on Kupiansk, while at least five private houses were damaged. Two women were hospitalised with injuries; one civilian man was treated on the spot. There may be people under the rubble. The aftermath of the bombardment is being dealt with." Details: Syniehubov added that Russian forces launched over 10 airstrikes on the border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast on Saturday (17 February) alone. Updated: Later, Syniehubov reported that a woman, 69, had been rescued from under the rubble and hospitalised with a fractured limb. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with two people still trapped under the rubble. Follow the link to find more updates on this news. Support UP or become our patron! URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) The President of the University of Illinois System could be getting an extension to his contract. The Board of Trustees has proposed a three-year extension for Timothy L. Killeen. The proposal will go to a vote during the Boards meeting in March and if approved, it will take effect July 1. The proposed extension reaffirms the boards confidence in President Killeens continued leadership of the university system and its universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield, Board Chairman Don Edwards said. Champaign County announces new chief deputy coroner Killeen took office in 2015 and received a new contract in 2020. His tenure, officials said, has seen record enrollment for 10 straight years, fundraising campaigns have raised $3.6 billion, $500 million more than the original goal, and funding for research has grown to over $1 billion. In addition, Killeens tenure saw the creation of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) to fuel economic and workforce development across the state. In 2020, the university system created a saliva-based COVID-19 test and testing network SHIELD Illinois and Sheid T3 that helped the State of Illinois navigate the COVID pandemic in a way that saved lives. The U of I System under Tim Killeens leadership has navigated a period of extraordinary challenge and emerged stronger and more committed to serving our students and the state of Illinois, Edwards said. His unwavering dedication to the systems mission and core values is transforming the landscape of higher education within our community and state and has set a benchmark of excellence with inclusive growth for others to follow. U of I Ebert Center reveals spring event lineup Killeen said he is looking forward to continued collaboration with the Board of Trustees. The boards leadership and results-driven focus have been instrumental in bringing their vision for the future to fruition, and I am immensely grateful for their efforts, Killeen said. Our students deserve transformative experiences, and it is our responsibility to address the fundamental needs of our state. I am tremendously excited to build upon the momentum we have already established, with full confidence that we will seize opportunities to support and propel our great state forward, growing our impact here and around the world. Killeen currently makes $917,000 as President of the University of Illinois System. His salary will not change if his contract extension is approved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Ukrainian Education Minister Oksen Lysovyi highlighted the adverse impact of distance learning in an interview with Radio NV on Feb. 15, urging a return to offline education amid concerns over declining quality worsened by the ongoing war, yet expressing optimism about raising Ukraines education standards to European levels despite financial constraints. Currently, 900,000 Ukrainian students study online, he said, calling for as many children as possible to return to full-time offline education, as unfortunately, distance education does not always provide the appropriate quality. This has been proven not only by Ukraines experience, but also by the experience of many countries that have gone through the COVID period and are now analyzing its consequences. Ukraine also participated in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), right in the active phase of the war, and we see a decline in the skills of students in the overall dynamics. The decline occurred in many countries that participated in the study, and we are part of this negative trend. In our case, the war and the inability to get all the children out of school continue to affect the decline. According to Lysovyi, there are educational losses in Ukraine due to distance learning - the gap between what students in the country as a whole have to learn at their stage of education. Read also: What parents and students have been dreaming of Ukrainian schools to introduce elective courses We estimate the losses at an average of one and a half years, and we also have educational gaps, such as a noticeable difference in the quality of education in urban and rural areas. Across the country, there is a significant lag in reading skills, both in understanding and analyzing text. We lag in science and math. In rural areas, these gaps are greater than in urban areas. In rural areas, girls lag behind boys in education, especially in science. We see and recognize these problems, and they require a set of policies to address them. Ukraines financial constraints do not allow it to launch a large national program to overcome the losses and gaps, as is done in Europe by creating small study groups and introducing individualized lessons with students. Read also: Ukraine plans to reform national defense education What we can afford is additional online learning, Lysovyi said. Now, together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and some enthusiastic parliament members (MPs), we are preparing a platform for overcoming educational losses that will allow children to catch up with their knowledge online. He assured that the level of education in Ukraine can be raised to the European level, as a number of schools in cities are doing well, and students results in PISA are not lower than those of their peers in Germany or Britain. In December 2023, Zoya Lytvyn, the founder of the NGO Osvitoria and the Kyivs Novopechersk School, spoke about Ukraines PISA results, the worlds most important study on the quality of education in different countries. It showed that children from villages are 4 years behind in math and 5 years behind in reading. The scores of children from big cities have hardly changed, and in some places have even increased. Read also: Academic Dishonor award: Ukrainian Education Minister is Plagiarist of the Year 2023 Lytvyn noted that Ukrainian schoolchildren have lost the least in the quality of education in math, which was already low, and that their skills in science have deteriorated, but the saddest situation is in reading comprehension. It is an impressive figure - 41% of 15-year-olds have not mastered reading comprehension at the basic level, which is the key to quality learning in the future, she wrote in her blog. In 2018, that figure was 25%. In math, only 58% of 15-year-olds in Ukraine have reached the basic level. Our children are about 1.5 years behind students from developed OECD countries in math and science. 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 As Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, is on the verge of being captured by Russian troops, Ukraine could lose even more ground in the future due to a critical shortage of ammunition and anti-aircraft defense systems, the U.S. Department of Defense said on Feb. 16. The Pentagons press service cited an unnamed DoD official saying that without additional U.S. funding, Ukraine will not be able to defend itself against Russian aggression. Read also: Ukraine warns of large-scale Russian psyops using foreign journalists to justify aggression Besides artillery shells, Kyiv currently has very limited anti-aircraft resources to protect critical infrastructure and the front line from Russian attacks. Read also: Russian forces deploy more chemical weapons in Tavria front Ukrainian forces In relation to Avdiivka, the U.S. official told journalists, Other areas will fall along with Avdiivka. Read also: Congress learned about Russian anti-satellite weapons weeks ago Johnson On Feb. 15, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson sent members on recess until the end of February without addressing an additional foreign aid package, a move criticized by the White House. On Feb. 13, the U.S. Senate gave finalapproval to a bill providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, andTaiwan, with $60 billion allocated for Kyiv. The same day, Johnson criticized the Senate's proposal, and the following day stated that he would not put it to a vote yet. 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 Troops are withdrawing from the besieged city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian armed forces said on Friday. Col. Gen. Alexander Sirsky, Ukraines commander-in-chief, said troops were withdrawing to save the lives and health of soldiers and to move to a more favorable position. Our soldiers fulfilled their military duty duly, did their best to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses in manpower and equipment to the enemy, Sirsky said in a statement. We use measures to stabilize the situation and maintain occupied positions. The life of military is the highest value. Avdiivka has become a key battleground in the war in the past few months as Russian forces have assaulted the position as part of an overall strategy to take the rest of the Donetsk region in Ukraine. The White House warned earlier this week that Russian forces were close to taking the city as Ukrainian soldiers struggle with limited reserves and depleting ammunition. The last of the U.S. military aid for Ukraine ran out at the end of last year, and Congress has yet to approve a new package. A senior U.S. defense official told reporters Friday that Ukraine faces challenges across the entire front from Russian offensives if more aid is not approved. We see this as something that could be the harbinger of what is to come if we do not get this supplemental funding, the official said of Avdiivka. But Russian forces began assaulting the town more heavily in October after a Ukrainian counteroffensive began to slow down, which ultimately failed to overcome Russian positions. The town is located in the center of Donetsk, which Russia is trying to seize full control of along with the remaining portions of the Luhansk region it does not control. Russia currently holds about 18 percent of Ukraine in the eastern and southeastern regions. While Avdiivka alone does not give Russia a major advantage, it could help Moscow launch more offensives toward the rest of Donetsk. Ukraine has defended its positions vigorously in Avdiivka, including in an embattled coke and chemical plant near the town. The withdrawal is likely to give Moscow another symbolic victory, with the town falling after the city of Bakhmut fell last spring and after Russias successful defense against the Ukrainian counteroffensive. With the battlefield shifting in his favor and crucial Western aid to Ukraine in doubt, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown a more optimistic and public face in the past few months, including doing a major sit-down with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in Moscow. Still, Russia has lost a considerable number of forces in the war, with some 315,000 killed or wounded, according to the latest U.S. estimates. Ukraine has damaged the Russian fleet on the Black Sea, forcing them to withdraw from the historic headquarters in Crimea. The Biden administration still warned that without another aid package, Ukraine faces steep challenges against a larger Russian army supported by a boosted defense industry. Updated at 8:35 pm EST. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. World Hydrogen Leaders has announced the 4th edition of the World Hydrogen MENA conference, set to take place in Dubai, UAE, from February 26-29. The conference, in partnership with the MENA Hydrogen Alliance, will focus on accelerating energy transition in the Arab region, promoting local value creation and green jobs. Over 100 expert speakers will convene to address the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities surrounding hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With an expanded roster of speakers, content, and the presence of industry experts, the conference in Dubai will serve as a pivotal gathering of influential voices in the field. "The conference is at the forefront of expediting the development of green hydrogen in the Middle East and North Africa. Such a great opportunity to meet and network with major actors of the renewable and hydrogen energy sector, "stated Awex UAE. World Hydrogen Leaders is an organisation dedicated to promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration in the field of hydrogen energy. Through its flagship conferences, the organisation brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to drive the transition towards a sustainable hydrogen economy.--OGN/TradeArabia News Service The Ukrainian airforce says it shot down four Russian fighter jets this weekend. On Saturday, the Ukraine airforce chief said two Su-34 and one Su-35 fighter jets were downed. Another Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber was destroyed, on Sunday. Ukraine says it shot down four Russian fighter jets on the eastern front this weekend. On Saturday, the Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, wrote on Telegram that "units of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter." Another Russian Su-34 fighter bomber was destroyed on Sunday morning, said Oleshchuk. It is unclear what weaponry Ukrainian forces used to down the four Russian fighter jets. The Su-34 is the Russian air force ' s best fighter bombe r, Forbes reported, and cost $50 million each. The Su-35 has a top speed of 1,485 mph and a bomb load of over 17,000 pounds. Footage circulating widely on social media was said to show the latest Russian fighter being shot down. Business Insider could not independently verify the video. Footage reported to be showing Russian Su-34 shot down by Ukrainian forces near Dyakove, Luhansk region. pic.twitter.com/P50yqBTbva Clash Report (@clashreport) February 18, 2024 In December, Ukraine orchestrated a similar success story, with Ukrainian forces eliminating three Russian Su-34 fighter/bombers over two days. The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Russian air force pulled back in response. Victory in the air, defeat on the ground The Patriot missile system is a ground-based, mobile missile defense interceptor deployed by the United States to detect, track and engage unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and short-range and tactical ballistic missiles. U.S. Army Security Assistance Command The December successes were presumed to have been made possible by Western-supplied Patriot missile systems. The surface-to-air missile systems, manufactured by the US defense contractor Raytheon, have been a formidable asset to Ukraine so much so that one of Russia's latest strategies has been to try to deplete Ukraine's Patriot stocks. Last month, Business Insider's Sinead Baker wrote that Russia was strategically trying to bait Ukraine into using up its Patriot stocks to leave itself vulnerable. The Ukrainian victories in the air war contrast with the latest news that Kyiv's ground forces have been forced to withdraw from the key eastern town of Avdiivka, Russia's biggest battlefield success since it seized nearby Bakhmut in May 2023. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia's air superiority was key to capturing Avdiivka, the 'gateway' to Donetsk, launching hundreds of glide bombs in recent days to pummel Ukraine's troops. Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said the only way Ukraine can combat glide bombs is by shooting down the Su-34 and Su-35 planes that them, reported the Kyiv Independent. Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine's national shipping company, "Ukraine Danube Shipping," (UDP) began to form container caravans as an alternative logistics route across the Danube, bypassing the blocked border in the west of the country, the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development announced on Feb. 16. "Ukraine's exporters and carriers are once again facing blocked checkpoints on the western border, the Ministry's statement reads. "An alternative logistics route from Ukraine to the EU is river transportation on the Danube. The national carrier, Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP), is already preparing to launch barge container caravans on the Middle and Upper Danube." UDP is preparing to launch barge container caravans on the Middle and Upper Danube. The company has reportedly started consultations with carriers to determine the required number of containers needed to form the caravans. The shipping company reportedly exports to the Danube ports of Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and the Romanian port of Constanta. The Danube's importance as a shipping route rose sharply following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal in July. The river's ports can export up to 2.3 million metric tons per month the highest volume of agricultural goods. As Ukraine managed to restore the flow of goods to and from its Odesa ports, shipping across the Danube has somewhat decreased. Ukrainian farmers must grapple with severe export problems exacerbated by the Russian blockade of Ukraines seaports and relentless strikes on infrastructure in Odesa and the Danube. Read also: Is Ukraines new Black Sea corridor working? Experts say it has potential Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has reported that its officers secured an evacuation corridor after Ukrainian soldiers were ordered to leave the war-torn town of Avdiivka. Source: a report from DIU Quote: "Special forces of DIU, as part of Ukraine's Security and Defence Forces, defended the last road from Avdiivka for a week, inflicting colossal losses on the constantly advancing Russian assault units. Under the order on the coordinated withdrawal of the main forces, officers of DIU, together with the troops of the Special Operations Forces, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, the 225th Separate Assault Battalion, and the 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine secured the evacuation corridor." Details: The report added that the Special Forces units are currently holding defensive positions in previously prepared positions to prevent further Russian advance. DIU also released photos from Avdiivka. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has outlined the lessons that Ukraine has learnt after the withdrawal of forces from the war-torn town of Avdiivka. He stressed that Ukraine's Armed Forces need air defence systems and artillery ammunition. Source: Umierov on Facebook Quote from Umierov: "We have learnt our lessons from Avdiivka: We need modern air defence systems to prevent the enemy from using guided bomb units. We need long-range weapons to destroy enemy storage points. We need artillery ammunition. We are constantly working on this. We are building and strengthening fortifications. The decision to protect people is the right one." Details: The minister also vowed that Ukraine would liberate Avdiivka. Background: Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Tavriia Operational and Strategic Group of Forces (OSGF), reported that Ukraine will appeal to international humanitarian organisations and intermediary countries over "a certain number" of Ukrainian soldiers captured in the war-torn town of Avdiivka. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that the lack of funding for weapons for Ukraine stems from a misperception of Russian aggression on the part of some European leaders. Source: Kuleba at a panel discussion in Munich on what is known as "Ukraine fatigue", as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Summing up the conversation, in which the Western participants had called for resources to be found to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces and offered explanations for Ukraines "shell famine", Kuleba suggested that sceptics should take a different view of the war. "The era of peace in Europe is over," the minister explained, adding that spokespeople from many countries are now saying that if Ukraine is defeated, Russia will certainly not stop. Quote from Kuleba: "Every time the Ukrainian Armed Forces abandon yet another city that they cannot defend due to a lack of ammunition, dont just think about it in the context of peace and democracy. Think about the fact that it means Russian soldiers are a few kilometres closer to your homes and your children. And if you look at it from that perspective, you will find the money." Background: Earlier in Munich, Denmark urged Europe not to hide behind excuses about production problems in supplying weapons to Ukraine. Attendees have also come up with some creative ideas about how to get ammunition for Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The largest remaining hospital in southern Gaza is barely functional, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Friday amid reports of intense attacks by Israeli forces Ukraine's military has chosen a defensive strategy that echoes the German approach from WWII. Lacking enough troops to defend its huge territory, Nazi Germany opted for a mobile defense. Even an full-scale active defense has limitations and won't help Ukraine seize back its land. In 1943, as the tide of war turned against the Third Reich, the German high command opted for a desperate strategy on the Eastern Front. Outnumbered and outgunned by the Red Army, the Germans pinned their hopes on a mobile, aggressive defense to stop a relentless series of Soviet offensives in Ukraine and southern Russia. As todays Ukraine fights over many of the same battlefields of 1943, it has chosen a strategy that echoes the German approach from 80 years ago. After the failure of its much-anticipated summer counteroffensive, and running low on ammunition and stamina to fight off continual Russian attacks, Ukrainian commanders talk of switching to an active defense. It hopes to block Russian advances while looking for opportunities to counterpunch and regain ground. But if that approach failed to stop the Red Army from conquering Berlin in 1945, could it save Ukraine today? Answering that question first requires defining active defense, one of those broad military terms that mean different things to different people. The US Armys field manual of operational terms defines active defense as the employment of limited offensive action and counterattacks to deny a contested area or position to the enemy. But that isnt what Ukraine is doing, Douglas Nash, a retired US Army colonel and author of several books on German military operations in World War II, told Business Insider. Active defense is meant to be waged by large units, while Ukraine appears to conducting small-unit operations. Active defense was understood to be generally applicable to divisions, corps and field armies, Nash said. Not squads, platoons, companies and battalions. The scale of these forces are drastically different. A US field army, for example, typically ranges upwards of 90,000 soldiers while a battalion has about 1,000. Nazi Germanys approach what the Germans called elastic defense also differed from Ukraines current tactics. By mid-1943, Germanys strategic situation had become ominous. The Soviets were continually on the attack after their victory at Stalingrad. Yet after four years of war, Germany lacked enough troops and equipment to strongly defend the entire 2,000-mile-long Eastern Front. Meanwhile, the Western Allies were preparing to land in Italy and France, which would squeeze Germany in a two-front war. Thus, the Wehrmacht had to conserve its resources. German soldiers evacuating a house in Kharkov destroyed by Russian artillery fire, circa 1943. Keystone/Getty Images The solution devised by German commanders, notably the legendary Field Marshal Erich von Manstein , was a mobile defense that would take advantage of German tactical and operational prowess, especially of the elite panzer (tank) divisions. In military textbooks, von Manstein is famous for his backhand blow concept of letting the Soviets advance into German-occupied territory, and then launching an exquisitely timed counterattack to encircle and destroy the Soviet spearheads. The classic example is the Third Battle of Kharkov in February 1943, when von Mansteins unleashed a planned counterblow that annihilated Soviet armor pursuing the retreating Germans after Stalingrad. However, this was more of a strategic rather than a tactical concept. Von Manstein was willing to trade space for time in order to draw the enemy into a well-laid trap, which would be sprung once the enemy's forces entered the kill zone, Nash explained. Once that occurred, artillery and obstacles would be used to pin the enemy in place, while mechanized forces would attack into the neck of the enemy penetration to cut him off and destroy him piecemeal, thus restoring the front line to where it was before. This type of active defense was usually conducted at the field army level, with different units designated to play the defensive role by holding the trap open, while other units played the maneuver and offensive role. It usually worked, but depended quite a bit on the quality of those leading the battle. In fact, during its summer 2023 counteroffensive, Ukraine did attempt larger-scale mechanized operations with its new Western-equipped strike brigades. But Ukraine and Russia lacked adequate numbers of trained junior officers and command staffs. Suffering heavy losses for minimal gains, Ukraine switched to a trench warfare strategy of attacks by small units to seize perhaps a few hundred yards at a time to stem heavy losses from anti-tank mines, artillery fire and drones. In 1943, von Mansteins counterattack comprised around 280,000 soldiers and 30 divisions. For Ukraine, offensives at the level of a battalion are a major rarity," a Ukrainian officer told Reuters in January 2024. A Ukrainian soldier fires with an AK-47 during training at an undetermined location in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 02, 2024. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Getty Images 'Static defense' The essence of von Manstein-esque victory is maneuver and a willingness to lose ground to entrap an advancing enemy. The most notable feature of the Russo-Ukraine war is how difficult battlefield maneuver has become when drones are constantly spying overhead, and guided missiles can strike targets from 50 miles away. To survive, Ukrainian and Russians troops try to stay under cover of trenches as much as possible. And politically, a policy of ceding ground albeit temporarily may not appeal to Ukrainian leaders who wore down their army in brutal battles to keep cities such as Bakhmut . If one looks at what the Ukrainian armed forces are doing on the ground at this moment, they are pursuing more of a static defense, Nash said. Active defense implies maneuver, and there is very little maneuver happening at the moment on the Ukrainian side. The Russians are attempting to use maneuver, but they are paying an extraordinarily high price for it, gaining very little in exchange for very high losses in men and material. Russia has lost hundreds of tanks and vehicles and as many as 20,000 troops in its attempts to capture the city of Avdiivka in Ukraines east. Its not that Ukrainians dont want to conduct deep mechanized offensives. They simply lack the means to do so. The Ukrainians learned the hard way this past summer that an army must have all the pieces together in order to practice any kind of maneuver on the modern battlefield, even active defense, Nash said. Tanks, artillery, air defense, air superiority, counter-mine warfare tools, drones, electronic warfare, and so on. Even a limited active defense needs all of these elements, too. Last summer, Ukraines frontal assault with vehicles hit mines and were menaced by missiles fired from Russian helicopters. In a later effort to clear a path through the mines, dismounted troops were picked off by attack drones and artillery. NATO in the late 1970s was bigger and better-armed than Ukraine today, when it took up the active defense doctrine and its not clear how well it would have worked. NATO embraced the concept as a response to the USSRs numerically superior Warsaw Pact forces, and the devastating effect of modern weapons seen in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The idea was that the West would remain on the strategic defense, using firepower, guided missiles and local counterattacks to attrit the Soviets as they advanced deeper into Western Europe. This pleased neither the US Army, which has historically preferred to remain on the offensive, nor West Germany. Active defense was adopted against West German opposition, because the Germans did not want to give up any territory, Nash said. Yet with overwhelming Soviet military power arrayed against it, NATO led primarily by the US felt it had no other choice. By the 1980s, the US Army had switched to the AirLand Battle concept, which envisaged taking the initiative in offensive operations to defeat an enemy attack. German Field Marshal Erich Von Manstein, in Germany, in 1942. After the war, in 1949, a British court-martial found him guilty of crimes including execution of civilians and mistreatment of prisoners of war. AP Photo Whether its called active defense or something else, the concept has limitations. Von Manstein is often portrayed as the genius whose advice was ignored by Hitler, who inflexibly chose to defend every inch of conquered territory. But while von Mansteins backhand blows would have been the better option, they couldnt solve Germany's strategic dilemma. To remain on the defensive would have handed the strategic initiative to the Soviets. The Stavka (Soviet high command) could concentrate overwhelming force at will to smash through any sector of the thinly manned German lines. The German panzer divisions would eventually have been worn down as they acted as armored fire brigades, rushing from crisis point to crisis point to stem a breakthrough. Ukraines strategy of strategic defense and tactical attack is a reasonable choice at least in the short term. For an army desperate to conserve resources, and looking for any way it can to sting and discomfit a larger opponent, its better than sitting passively on the defensive. But if the goal is to defeat Russia and liberate occupied Ukraine, this is not the solution. Ukraine can launch local counterattacks to regain lost platoon, company, or battalion positions, Nash said. However, this cannot lead to victory. Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn . Read the original article on Business Insider Joint-stock company Ukrainian Defence Industry (Ukroboronprom) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the German defence industry company Dynamit Nobel Defence. Source: Ukroboronprom on Telegram Details: Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH (DND) is a German arms manufacturer and a subsidiary of the Israeli company Rafael. The company was founded in 1865 by Alfred Nobel. Militarnyi, a Ukrainian online media outlet covering military topics, reported that Dynamit Nobel Defence is one of the largest European arms manufacturers, producing RGW 60, RGW 90, RGW 110 and Pzf 3 anti-tank grenade launchers. The company's grenade launchers have been supplied to Ukraine's Armed Forces as part of military assistance. Background: The UK is working with countries, including the US, to provide Ukraine with thousands of new artificial intelligence-enabled UAVs that can simultaneously attack Russian targets. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine took several lessons from the loss of Avdiivka, namely the importance of air defenses, long-range weapons, artillery shells, and fortifications, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Feb. 17. Umerov made the comments the same that the Ukrainian military announced a full withdrawal from the front-line city in Donetsk Oblast. Lying mere kilometers from occupied Donetsk, Avdiivka has stood against Russian forces since 2014. The city has been under an intensified onslaught since October 2023, culminating in Avdiivka's capture by Russia. "Modern air defense systems are needed so that the enemy cannot use guided bombs. Long-range weapons are needed to destroy enemy formations. Artillery shells are required," Umerov said on social media, adding that he is working on securing these much-needed supplies. Ukraine's military capacities are becoming increasingly strained as support from the U.S., a key military donor, remains stalled by disputes in Congress. "Fortificationswe build and strengthen them. The decision to protect people is right," Umerov said. "We will return Avdiivka." Several Ukrainian officials justified the withdrawal as a way to prevent unnecessary losses. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said pulling back from Avdiivka helped to avoid encirclement and saved the lives of soldiers deployed there. The final evacuation corridor from Avdiivka was secured by Ukrainian special forces, border guards, units of the military intelligence agency (HUR), the Third Assault Brigade, the 225th Assault Battalion, and the 110th Mechanized Brigade, HUR reported. Read also: Syrskyi withdraws Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United Nations is unable to confirm Russias use of North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on the Ukrainian territory, UN Secretary Generals Representative Stephane Dujarric told the Ukrinform news agency on Feb. 17. He stressed the importance of compliance with sanctions by all UN member states, adding that the Security Council has mechanisms to address these issues. The UN has repeatedly condemned the Russian attacks on civilians and infrastructure facilities. Russia used at least 24 ballistic missiles, presumably manufactured by North Korea (KN-23/KN-24), in recent missile attacks on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Andriy Kostin, said in comments to journalists, the Interfax-Ukraine agency reported on Feb. 16. Read also: Ukraine exposes Russia's use of 24 North Korean ballistic missiles Russia carried out at least 12 strikes with these missiles across seven Ukrainian oblasts, including Kirovohrad, Poltava, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk as well as Zaporizhzhya, Kyiv (three attacks), Kharkiv (two attacks) between Dec. 30, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, Kostin said. These attacks killed 14 and injured over 70 civilians. The largest Russian attack with North Korean ballistic missiles occured on Feb. 7. One missile in Kyiv, two missiles each in Pavlohrad and Kharkiv, he said. However, no hits on intended targets were recorded. The deadliest attack took place on Jan. 2, 2024, in Kharkiv, where three individuals were killed, and 64 were injured due to Russias shelling of the citys central area. Read also: UN Secretary-General strongly condemns Russian overnight drone and missile attacks on Ukraine Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Developers wanted to build commercial space and apartments at this lot at 238 Washington St. in Weymouth. The lot has since been cleaned. WEYMOUTH A mayors veto of a town council decision is fairly rare in Weymouth. But whenever such disagreement arises between the towns chief executive and legislative body, members of the town council can discuss the veto and vote with a two-thirds majority to override it. That has occurred three times in the past three years after Mayor Robert Hedlund vetoed town council decisions related to a fight over electronic billboards on Route 3. Each time, councilors overrode his vetoes. But town councilors never publicly discussed Hedlunds recent veto of their unanimous Dec. 4 decision. All 11 town councilors supported a request from two developers to extend the towns Village Center Overlay District by rezoning three properties on Washington Street near The Landing. The mayor issued his veto two weeks later. The council had 30 days to take an override vote, but never did. The veto was maintained without pushback. Mayor Robert Hedlund.Weymouth breaks ground on a large scale renovation to Beale Park and Playground on Sea Street.Wednesday May 10, 2023 The lack of public discussion of the veto from the dais, particularly after an 11-0 vote, left the developers and some town councilors scratching their heads as to what happened. The Patriot Ledger reached out for comment from the elected officials who sat on the Weymouth Town Council at the time, excluding newly elected Councilor Rick Coughlin. Only four responded. Had these councilors been given the opportunity, they said they would have voted to override the veto. More development news: Development brouhaha. 'This is not about affordable housing. This is about the water.' I was quite surprised, said Councilor Ken DiFazio of the mayors veto. I knew that he (Hedlund) had some objections, but I didnt think it rose to that level. Hedlund, in turn, said he was surprised by the unanimous vote, adding that he had gotten mixed signals from some members. He declined to say on the record which councilors he was referring to. Leading up to the rezone vote On Oct. 3, real estate agent Christopher Bruce and contractor Jason Kennedy submitted to the town clerks office a request to rezone a 1-acre parcel at 238 Washington St. they bought in January 2023 for $1.4 million. The request also included rezoning two adjacent properties they did not own Union Towers on Broad Street and The Bicycle Link all to join the towns Village Center Overlay District, which was adopted by the town in 2010 to promote mixed-use developments. We figured there would be a lot of positivity in our ambitions, Kennedy said. The pair said they met with officials in the towns building department a month after the sale went through. Had Bruce and Kennedy felt the town would not support their plans from the start, they wouldnt have moved forward with their rezone request, they said. Bruce and Kennedy also met with the district councilor, Maureen Kiely, who lives near the property and went on to support their efforts. Now the councilor is pretty much ignoring them, Kennedy said. Kiely couldnt be reached for comment. While nothing was official yet, Bruce and Kennedy hoped to demolish the 6,600-square-foot commercial structure built in 1960, and replace it with space for three businesses and up to 50 apartments. The number of apartments planned would have required a special permit and therefore additional scrutiny, they said. The first public meeting for the rezone request was Nov. 1 with the towns ordinance review committee, which is a panel made up of five town councilors. The proposal also went before the town council and the planning board. The planning board, whose five members are appointed by the mayor, unanimously rejected the request. The boards chair agreed with the objections of town Planning Director Robert Luongo, suggesting the developers withdraw their application and the town council study this corridor. The board also critically pointed to how much the zoning at 238 Washington St. had changed just over the past six years. The property was previously part of the towns Commercial Corridor Overlay District, created in 2018 through a lengthy public process to attract developers to redevelop blighted sections of town. After the success of the district and concerns about water conservation and overdevelopment some properties were removed a few years later, including 238 Washington St. The property is currently zoned for business. Luongo had sent a memo to the town council on Nov. 16 that outlined his concerns. He noted that other projects were being prioritized, including Jackson Square, Columbian Square, Weymouth Landing and a 13-acre property the town had acquired to eventually build 200 units on. Luongo also said folding these properties into the Village Center Overlay District creates a forced and unnatural boundary. Despite these objections, the ordinance review committee voted 5-0 to support the rezone request Nov. 27. DiFazio, who also acts as chair of the ordinance committee, said the committees analysis was correct and the opposition didnt have merit. Three days later, Hedlund sent his own letter to the town council, expressing that he felt the proposal went against his administrations commitment to public outreach and transparency. He said while the proposal had abided by legally required notices, it had not gone through an extensive and detailed public process with aggressive outreach to affected residents similar to what had been done during the creation of the Commercial Corridor Overlay District. The concept of buying the property, knowing what the zoning in place was, and then trying to change the zoning through what I would describe as backdoor means (is what) we had a problem with, Hedlund later told The Patriot Ledger. Less than a week after the mayors letter, the town council unanimously voted to support the rezone. Kiely, the districts councilor, said at the Dec. 4 meeting that she understood and respected the concerns of Hedlund and Luongo, as well as a residents concern about density. But, recalling her conversations with the developers, she took notice of the time and money they spent to invest in and clean up the eyesore of a property. If we have any way of moving forward, I think it would be appropriate. I would say that I would respectfully disagree with those that dont think it should move forward, she said at the meeting. What happened next? There was still one more regular town council meeting scheduled for December, and discussion of the rezone request was on the agenda. That same day, Dec. 18, Hedlund had issued his veto. But the Dec. 18 meeting was rescheduled for three days later after a storm resulted in widespread power outages and shut down town hall. The rescheduled meeting was canceled as of the morning of Dec. 19 because a quorum could not be secured, according to an email sent to councilors. Arthur Mathews, who was town council president at the time, tried to schedule one more meeting before the year was over, and his time as president was up, but still couldnt get a quorum, he said. Town council presidents are in charge of creating the agenda for each meeting, Mathews said. Mathews was also the town council president during the previous veto override votes on Jan. 4, 2021, Jan. 19, 2021, and April 4, 2022, all related to the electronic billboard fight on Route 3. These override votes were unanimous, except for one where a town councilor abstained from the vote. Hedlund had also separately vetoed proposed changes to the town charter in June 2021, but Mathews said at the time the council could not reconsider the veto. I was prepared to vote on it, he said of the latest veto. I would have voted to override the mayors veto. DiFazio was on vacation when the veto was issued. Still, he was willing to meet remotely to discuss the possibility of overriding the veto. That puzzled me. Why cant you get a quorum? We have Zoom. I was available from Florida, DiFazio said, adding that he would have voted to override the veto. Im ready to take a half hour out of my time to do this thing and get it over with, whether it stands or whether it doesnt. More: What developers plan to do with property near The Landing in Weymouth after mayor's veto He said he wasnt contacted by the mayor. Hedlund told The Ledger that didnt think the town councils vote was going to be unanimous. Conversations he had with some town councilors before the vote led him to believe that, he said. After the vote, he expressed my displeasure about the process to three or four councilors, as well as to all councilors through the written veto message. Initially, he said he did not remember whom he spoke with, except possibly Kiely. None of the councilors he spoke with were in the mood to discuss further, he said. The mayor declined to say on the record the names of the other councilors who he spoke with or gave him "mixed signals," or what they discussed because they were private conversations. Mathews recalled that Hedlund reached out to him before the veto, but noted that they had a philosophical disagreement with this proposal. Hedlund also did not contact Councilor Gary MacDougall, who added that he too would have voted to override the veto. I had spoken to several councilors that called me and said they were changing their votes over the concerns that the administration had, MacDougall said, adding that Kiely was one of the councilors he spoke to. He did not name the rest on the record. A couple councilors I spoke to said the administration was upset that this was passing and putting a lot of pressure on them to reconsider their vote. Former Councilor Lisa Belmarsh, whose single term ended in December, said she would have voted to override the veto if given the opportunity. She was not contacted by the mayor. Its disappointing that the public wasnt allowed to hear from the council as to why it wouldnt support a unanimous decision to move forward, she said. Its unfortunate the town council didnt take it up to discuss why they wouldnt support their own decision. A new town council president, Michael Molisse, was sworn in Jan. 2. He could not be reached for comment. One more town council meeting was scheduled before the 30-day period that allowed the town council to act on the veto had expired. The discussion was ultimately never resurrected. Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: What we know of Weymouth Landing project veto and voting MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Deputy Josh Hatcher first spotted Jermaine McCoys white Tahoe leaving the Ellison Club, a private nightclub just outside the city limits of McColl. The deputy proceeded to follow McCoy down U.S. Highway 401. Hatcher, a Marlboro County Sheriffs deputy, did not have a dash camera or a body camera to document McCoys driving. But his play-by-play of the eight-mile trip painted a picture of what the deputy saw. Hatchers first call in to county dispatch happened at 12:51 a.m. on Feb. 20, 2023. Marlboro County Sheriffs Deputy Joshua Hatcher stands by as Bennettsville police confront Jermaine McCoy during this Feb. 20, 2023, traffic stop. Hatcher followed McCoy for eight miles, radioing in multiple traffic violations, but never initiated a traffic stop. (Source: Bennettsville Police Department) Central, 12. Can you see if youve got a highway patrolman in the area? Im on 15/401 behind a white-in-color Tahoe, excessive speed right now, hes riding in the grass, Hatcher is captured on the 911 center recording. The deputy, whose police academy records show was trained in DUI detection, asked for help from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Highway patrol is advising that everybody is in Darlington County, but if you would like them to come this way they can, the dispatcher told Hatcher. The county then asked the city for help. By this time, Hatcher and McCoy were closing in on the Bennettsville city limit sign. If you could notify the city units, this Tahoes coming in running probably 80 miles an hour on 15 now, were passing the high school coming down toward the bypass, Hatcher said into his in-car radio, City units, you got a Tahoe coming into the city about 80 miles an hour, all over the road. Got a county unit behind it, the dispatcher told the three Bennettsville Police officers working that Sunday night. The entire pursuit spanned four minutes and 52 seconds. Nothing in the dispatch or incident report shows McCoy was running from Hatcher. Every piece of evidence we obtained showed the deputy made no attempt to stop him. At 12:55 a.m., an unidentified sheriffs office sergeant finally gave Hatcher the approval to stop McCoy, saying, Central, if you would get a city unit to him. Josh, if its too dangerous just got ahead and blue him. If you feel like hes about to cause a wreck, go ahead and blue light him. 10-4, were running 70 right now, were coming in the 45 just past Causeys. Were coming up on the, on Carls, Hatcher said. Just 30 seconds later, Bennettsville officer KT Brigmans blue lights started flashing as she pulled in behind the Tahoe. Brigmans car had a dash camera and it started recording exactly 30 seconds before she fired up her blue lights. McCoy pulled over at the intersection of Broad Street and U.S. 15/401. The first person to greet McCoy at his door was Deputy Hatcher. He was later joined by Brigman and BPD Sgt. Dozier Rhames, who at some point became suspicious that McCoy was under the influence. The lawman huddle eventually led to Rhames calling Officer Jonathan Beggs to the scene. An officer who was across town on another call at the time. Beggs police academy training record shows he was well-equipped to handle a driving under the influence investigation. The veteran officer held certifications in breathalyzer operation and was a field sobriety test instructor. Beggs in-car camera shows him make a U-turn on 15/401, pull up alongside the traffic stop, and pulling a toboggan hat over his head as he walked toward the swarm of law enforcers surrounding McCoys SUV. The dash camera video shows Beggs putting McCoy through two field sobriety tests, spending around five minutes in the process before handcuffing him and putting McCoy into the front seat of his patrol car for the ride to jail. You cant hear anything said outside the car because Beggs did not have a microphone on. Bennettsville Police Officer Jonathan Beggs administers an eye test to Jermaine McCoy during this Feb. 20, 2023, traffic stop in the middle of U.S. 15-401 inside the Bennettsville city limits. (Source: Bennettsville Police Department) The department uses body cameras to capture audio outside the car. Police Chief Kevin Miller handed over every public record to QCN in response to a request, but the City of Bennettsville attorney would not release the body camera recording to us in this case, denying our S.C. Freedom of Information Act request for it. Lawmakers passed the states body camera law in 2015 that allowed law enforcement agencies and their attorneys to keep body camera recordings from the public. Then-Gov. Nikki Haley signed that bill into law in June 2015. The ride to the Marlboro County Detention Center yielded more evidence that McCoy had been drinking and proof that the driving Deputy Hatcher described on the radio actually happened. THOSE DAMN CHICKEN WINGS In nearly every in-car camera recording in a DUI case, you can bet therell be a camera pointed at the person charged the entire ride from the scene to the jail. In Jermaine McCoys case, that was also true. You aint had to lock me up, man, I was almost home. At the club I had a couple drinks, I was going straight to the house, the video camera captured McCoy telling Officer Beggs as the men waited for the jailhouse sally port gate to rise. The stop happened three-quarters of a mile from McCoys home. I was trying to eat my damn chicken wings, thats why I was swerving, McCoy told Beggs as the two sat in the patrol car. That what it was, Beggs replied. Yeah, yeahdamn 10 chicken wings in the car, McCoy said. Jermaine McCoy admits to erratic driving during this Feb. 20, 2023, encounter with Bennettsville police and the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office. McCoy ended up with a DUI charge that night, but the officer dismissed the charge a few days later. (Source: Bennettsville Police Department) The man also expressed concern over the impact the DUI charge could have on his license as a delivery driver. Over the course of the five-minute-long drive from the nightclub to the scene of the stop, the deputy radioed in speeds as high as 80 miles an hour along the path. Just outside McColl, the speed limit drops to 35 miles an hour through a small town known as Tatum, before increasing to 55 miles an hour for most of the drive into Bennettsville. Once inside the jail, McCoy refused to blow into the breathalyzer unit, which is used to measure a breath sample to determine the level of impairment. The penalty for refusing to blow in South Carolina is a six-month license suspension. The room where jails house their breathalyzer units is video and audio recorded. The recording shows Beggs read the states implied consent notice to McCoy when McCoy refused to blow. The recording also captured McCoy, again, admitting to drinking before the deputy encountered him outside the nightclub, I come from the Ellison Club, you know Ive been drinking. I mean, thats entrapment, McCoy told Beggs. I dont know where you came from, man, Beggs told McCoy. Man, yall were sitting right there, McCoy countered. Beggs hand-wrote a DUI ticket on McCoy and left him in jail. McCoy was bonded out later that morning. THE CALLS BEGIN Not long after the stop, a source called Queen City News Chief Investigator Jody Barr, alleging the Marlboro County Probate Judge, Reneka McCoy, had multiple conversations with law enforcers inside the Bennettsville Police Department about the traffic stop and DUI arrest of Jermaine McCoy. Judge McCoy and Jermaine McCoy are married. After confirming McCoys charges, Barr contacted BPD Chief Kevin Miller to ask whether he knew about the calls. Miller said he knew nothing about the stop or that a member of the county judicial system had contacted his officers, questioning them about the case. Bennettsville Police Chief Kevin Miller reads the Oct. 15, 2021 letter Sheriff Charles Lemon wrote to FOX 46 claiming the Slade family was not happy with Millers department in an investigation the sheriff claimed BPD conducted into the criminal allegations against Marlboro County Deputy Probate Judge Tammy Bullock. Miller said the Slade family never reported anything to BPD concerning the Bullock/Slade investigation. The Slade family confirmed they never filed any complaint with BPD concerning the Slade estate. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) Chief Miller soon learned Judge McCoy had also called and met with Marlboro County Sheriff Larry McNeil. How did you find out that this DUI arrest ever happened in the first place, Barr asked the chief during an interview last March, Ironically enough, as in the past, youve been the one to bring it to my attention, Miller said. What did you do once you found out, Barr asked. Well, immediately as I have in the past I started digging, and started digging fast. Our source said Judge McCoy, within hours of her husbands arrest, called BPD Assistant Chief Greg Williams to question Williams about how her husband was stopped and charged by the city when a county unit started it all. Miller and his second-in-command both later confirmed the tip was true. Our news investigation into this started sometime last March. During our investigation, we decided to pause our digging after the chief informed QCN he was reporting what he eventually uncovered to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division. Bennettsville Police Assistant Chief Greg Williams confirmed to Queen City News Chief Investigative Reporter Jody Barr that he received a call from Judge Reneka McCoy the day her husband was arrested on a DUI charge. (Source: Bennettsville Police Department) What Miller uncovered was that two of his command staffers were contacted by Judge McCoy, and within a few days of her husbands arrest Officer Beggs without telling the chief dismissed the DUI charge against Jermaine McCoy. Your assistant chief, your number two, has confirmed there were two phone calls made by the judge to him, Barr said, Right, Miller responded. And one of those calls was asking for your Lieutenant over patrol, your officers direct supervisors cell phone number. Are you concerned that your people internally were receiving calls from not only a defendants spouse, but that spouse happens to be someone in a position of power in this county, Barr asked. Concern enough where Ive opened up an internal conduct review, the police chief confirmed. Miller confirmed hed met one-on-one with Beggs to tell the officer if he was going to dismiss the charge he needed to do so in open court. The chief said he expressed his concerns to Beggs that because of who had involved themselves in the DUI case, he needed to be careful to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Bennettsville Police Chief Kevin Miller reported the judges phone calls to his officers to SLED for investigation in April 2023. To this day, the chief said SLEDs never told him the outcome of their investigation. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) Beggs did not tell his chief that hed already dismissed the DUI ticket within four days of the arrest. The chief learned that days after the fact. But Miller said as he learned the details of who all was involved including conversations involving another McCoy relative who is also a city court judge within his own department, and the outcome of the DUI case, he decided an investigation into this could not happen in-house. Miller met with SLED at the Pee Dee Region office in Florence, S.C., on April 20, 2023. Chief Miller believes Officer Beggs was coerced to nol-pros [sic] the charge by BPD command staff at the request of the Probate Judge, SLED Special Agent Jackie Gause wrote in a report the day the chief met with SLED to file the report. This document from the SLED file shows the day the Bennettsville police chief went to SLED to report what he believed was the coercion of his officers to drop a DUI charge against the family member of two Marlboro County judges. (Source: SLED) We met with Miller at his office sometime in April 2023 to ask some final questions to him concerning our research into what happened. Miller, who said he couldnt answer the questions we were asking, offered to call his assistant chief and Beggs into his office to let us ask those officers our questions. Williams was first to enter and confirmed Judge McCoy called him the day of her husbands arrest. Williams confirmed he put the judge in phone contact with Lt. Sammy Crosland, who is BPDs patrol commander. Beggs answers to Crosland in the departments chain of command. The chief then called Officer Beggs into his office. Beggs denied being influenced to drop the DUI charge against McCoy. Beggs said he made errors in his administration of the field sobriety tests and never read McCoy his Miranda Warning as the reason he dismissed the charge within four days of arresting McCoy. Beggs would later tell SLED agents hed made his mind up, within an hour of booking Jermaine McCoy into the county jail, that he wasnt going to finish the prosecution. That reason included Beggs plan to leave BPD before he ever encountered McCoy on the night of Feb. 20, 2023. SHERIFF: QUESTIONED BY TWO JUDGES Judge Reneka McCoy didnt stop at BPD looking for answers. During our investigation, we learned the judge had also contacted Marlboro County Sheriff Larry McNeil to question him about how Deputy Josh Hatcher handled the traffic stop that night. I did receive a phone call, yes, interim Marlboro County Sheriff Larry McNeil told Jody Barr in an April 5, 2023, interview. And was that from Judge Renee McCoy, Barr asked. Yes, McNeil replied. McNeil said he agreed to meet with McCoy at her courthouse office, but he did not know what she wanted at the time of their meeting. During the meeting, McNeil said the judge wanted him to know how his deputy handled the traffic stop, because it could have ended up in a lawsuit, McNeil told QCN. Marlboro County Interim Sheriff Larry McNeil confirmed he was contacted by both Judge Reneka McCoy and Judge Grover McQueen following the Feb. 20, 2023, traffic stop and DUI arrest of McCoys husband inside the Bennettsville city limits. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) The judge complained about the deputy following her husband. The judge was also complaining that the deputy never filed a police report on the stop, however, BPD records show Officer Jonathan Beggs had filed a detailed summary of the stop and included Hatchers name and the details of Hatchers encounter with McCoy at the beginning of it all. McNeil said he didnt find any wrongdoing by his deputy in his review. Part of the explanation as to why the deputy didnt just stop McCoy himself was that the sheriffs office does not equip all deputies with dash cameras or body cameras. Hatcher had neither that night. The other reason, McNeil said he doesnt want his deputies working traffic. I dont discourage them from doing it, but I want to make sure that if theres any way that we can avoid not doing it, then if we can give it to somebody else, then Id rather do that. And I think if you heard that he actually asked for highway patrol and he indeed asked for a city police officer, McNeil said, Were only running three, maybe four people at night. If somebody gets tied up on a call for two or 3 hours and I only got maybe two people then working the entire county, it puts us in a strain when we do that. Now, Im not saying that he shouldnt have stopped him, Im just saying that might have been what was on his mind at the time, McNeil told QCN. McNeil said Judge McCoy never asked him to intervene or to help her husband with his criminal case, She just told me that you need to be aware of what theyre doing and what theyre not doing because you dont need to get sued. And honestly, I was good with it. And I left it at that. But the McCoy family wasnt quite finished with the sheriff. Judge Grover McQueen, who is both a county magistrate judge and Bennettsville city courts chief judge, also had questions for the sheriff. McQueen is also Judge McCoys father and Jermaine McCoys father-in-law. Judge Grover McQueen looks over a DUI ticket issued to his son-in-law following a Feb. 20, 2023, traffic stop. McQueens name was on the ticket as the trial judge, but McQueen said he never heard the case because it never went to court. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) I wont say I was contacted. We kind of ran in each other, McNeil clarified before answering whether Judge McQueen had questioned him about his son-in-laws stop. Id gone over and saw the magistrate and he looked, I needed to talk to you about something. I said, okay. And we went and we talked, and he said, Ive got some concerns about one of your officers about speeding and writing tickets without a speed measuring device. I said, no, we dont have any. He said, Well, you shouldnt stop people if you dont have a speed measuring device. I said, Well, judge, we can do that. I said, because if youre following somebodyif youre staying the same distance that whole while through traffic, then youre going to get that average speed of what that person is driving, the sheriff explained to McQueen. To be clear, although the deputy called out the speeds at which he reported Jermaine McCoy traveling, he did not charge McCoy with speeding that night. McNeil said he understood why McCoys family questioned the stop, but they should have considered their positions of power before making those calls and having those conversations. BEGGS: CHILDISH TO ASK THAT When SLED opened its investigation in April 2023, the chief had delivered documents, two dash camera videos, and Beggs body camera recording to the states top law enforcement agency. The chief expected to hear from SLED agents when they finished their investigation, but he never did. Now, seven months after closing the case, the chief said hes never received anything from SLED indicating the outcome. We filed an open records request with SLED last October, asking for every record contained in the case file. It took SLED 45 days to comply with the SCFOIA and release the first record to QCN. SLED released a 43-page document titled, Case Status Report. It included two voluntary statement forms for Beggs and Crosland, the agents brief written summary of the two interviews with Beggs and Crosland. The Bennettsville police chief asked SLED to investigate whether anyone committed misconduct after two judges contacted his officers following the DUI charge of a judges husband. SLED decided to close the case after eight days and a single interview. (WJZY Photo) More than half of what SLED provided was copies of BPD policies and the citys incident report. SLED withheld multiple public records from us: two video-recorded interviews with Beggs and Crosland and its case management report. That report shows what agents did, the date it happened, and when the case was closed and signed off by a supervisor. On Dec. 18, we demanded, in writing, that SLED produce the public records the agency withheld. After multiple follow-up emails were ignored by Ryan Alphin, SLED Chief Mark Keels Executive Affairs Director, and Keels Deputy General Counsel, Paul Ahearn, the agency finally released the video-recorded interviews we requested in our original SCFOIA request on Jan. 23, 2024. However, SLED still withheld and never produced the case management log from the case file until Feb. 6, 2024. That log contained many other elements sought in our October 2023 request such as communications with prosecutors. By the time SLED fully complied with the Open Records Act, the agencys intentional delays in complying with the Act delayed our FOIA request by four months. 33-23-0047-Case-Management-HistoryDownload The SLED log shows the first interview agents conducted was with Officer Jonathan Beggs. SLED Special Agent Jackie Gause met with Beggs on May 1, 2023, at the old Horry County Courthouse where Beggs had taken a new job as an agent with S.C. Pardon, Probation, and Parole. Beggs explained to SLED his reasons for dismissing the case: errors in his administration of field sobriety, failure to read McCoy his Miranda warning, and the fact that he knew he wouldnt be with BPD when he set the court date out two months from the date of arrest. Long after Beggs moved to Myrtle Beach to start his new job. Beggs told the SLED agent he was a field sobriety test instructor and a Field Training Officer Manager. Beggs has more than seven years of experience in law enforcement. Beggs told the agent McCoy was above his limit, when he administered the eye tracking test. But on the walk-and-turn, Beggs said he knew hed made a mistake in how he gave that test to McCoy. Walk and turn, which was horrible on my part. Out of practice, I blame myself on that one, Beggs said. Beggs still contended in his SLED interview that McCoy failed his FSTs and he believed him to be impaired. Jonathan Beggs signs a voluntary statement form before this May 1, 2023, interview with SLED Special Agent Jackie Gause. Beggs denied being pressured or offered favors for his decision to dismiss a DUI charge against a Marlboro County judges husband. (Source: SLED) Then, a few days later, Beggs got a call from Lt. Sammy Crosland. Heres a partial transcript from the SLED interview: SLED: All right, what did you hear and who did you hear it from? BEGGS: I cant remember who the first person to say it because it wasnt said directly to me. The first time that something was said directly to me or asked about it was by the patrol commander, which would be Sammy Crosland. SLED: Okay. BEGGS: He asked what happened because he had heard about it and he wasnt there that night. Im guessing because it was Sunday night, which would make sense. I gave him the rundown of what happened. He said we shouldnt have even been messing with that because that should have been the sheriffs office stop because it started in their jurisdiction. I was like, Yeah, youre right. I was like, But, you know, Im not prosecuting it because I failed to do a lot of things that I should have done, and it wouldnt have been; it wouldnt have been fair and it would have looked horrible in court, so I nolle prossed the ticket, I got the court lady to nolle prosse the ticket. He was like, Okay, because I got a phone call about it. But you know, officers discretion, you do what you want to do, and I dont know that lady anyway, so I dont know how she called me. So I was like, What happened with that, why did she call? He was like, Well I think she reached out to the sheriffs office, but then she reached out to the assistant chief and he said there was nothing he could do about it because hes not over patrol, so she reached out to me. He gave her my number and she reached out to me. But I told her I wasnt working and I dont got nothing to do with it and its whatever my officers are going to do, you know theyre going to do. But Ill find out you know what all happened, you know, and go from there. Beggs said that was the last conversation he had with Crosland. Beggs denied being intimidated or offered any favors for dismissing the ticket. He also recalled the meeting in the chief office where Barr attempted to get Beggs side of the story. And then Jody Barr got into where he was saying, oh, its, you know, the sheriffs office is doing this and the sheriffs office is doing that, at that point, I kind of stopped listening and he asks me one more time: did anybody ask you to drop the ticket? I said, no, nobody influenced me to drop anything. I was like, thats ridiculous. Youre actually childish for even asking me that because Im sure you get 50 million phone calls a day from people wanting favors from you, so its just playing a whatever, anyway. That conversation was over and thats actually the last time I heard anything about it until Captain Wood called and said that somebody was making a big thing about it, Beggs told Agent Gause. So thats freaking ridiculous, Beggs said. The SLED case management log shows an entry on May 2, 2023, the day following the Beggs interview where SLED Captain Glenn Wood told his agent he planned to close the investigation as unfounded due to Beggs [sic] information, obtained from the interview. Captain Wood made that decision just a week into the investigation and after conducting a single interview. This excerpt is from the May 2, 2023, entry into SLEDs Case Management History document showing SLEDs intent to close the investigation one week into it and after conducting only a single interview with Officer Jonathan Beggs. (Source: SLED) Beggs was just one of 10 people involved in the case in some way. The SLED file does not show any evidence that agents questioned: Judge Reneka McCoy Judge Grover McQueen Sheriff Larry McNeil Sgt. Dozier Rhames Officer K.T. Brigman Asst. Chief Greg Williams Chief Kevin Miller City Clerk of Court Jermaine McCoy Deputy Joshua Hatcher Crosland would later tell SLED he had at least two conversations with Beggs following the phone call with Judge Reneka McCoy. JUDGE WAS A CONCERNED WIFE On April 5, 2023, we met Lt. Sammy Crosland in the parking lot of the Bennettsville Police Department. Crosland ignored an email requesting an interview with him the day prior. Once Barr emailed him again the following day, stating wed conduct the interview scheduled or unscheduled, Crosland responded within 28 minutes. I [sic] rather have a face to face and forcing me into something isnt an option, Crosland wrote. After a phone call that day, Crosland agreed to meet on April 5 outside BPD headquarters. Crosland admitted to speaking with Judge McCoy about her husbands case by phone. Bennettsville Police Lieutenant Sammy Crosland confirmed he spoke with Marlboro County Probate Judge Reneka McCoy about her husbands DUI charge. Crosland said he then went to his officer to question him about his decision to make a DUI charge in the Feb. 20, 2023, traffic stop. (WJZY Photo/Jack Anderson) She said, Sammy, I got two questions I need because I cant get no clarity on, I said, Whats that? She said, Why did the deputy follow my husband all the way from the nightclub to Bennettsville and didnt stop him? And then, Why wasnt he charged with speeding since he said that was the initial reason why he was following him? And I said, Maam, I cant answer that. I said I can look into it, and I said I can get back with you. Crosland kept his promise. He first encountered Beggs outside of a monthly Rotary Club meeting in Bennettsville right after McCoys arrest. I asked Beggs, I said, Tell me why we got involved because the deputy called for assistance when he got into the city. I said, So, Beggs, I say, If the deputy followed him from the nightclub to Bennettsville, which is about 8, 10 miles out the city limits, how can we testify in court that this guy was supposedly drunk?,' Crosland said in the interview with QCN. I dont know that (inaudible) I was doing what my supervisor said,' Crosland quoted Beggs from their interview. I cant question what he did, but I knew we shouldnt have got involved in that because if a Class 1 officer like myself cant do his job, from initial point one location to another location, eight miles out the city limits why are we going after this? Because if he was wrong when he left the nightclub, why you aint stop him right then and do your job then? But you waited until the Ellison Club to Bennettsville? So, dont make no sense to me, Crosland said. I said, okay. I left it alone. We talked about some other stuff, he went about his business, I went about my business, the lieutenant told SLED. The SLED file shows, that despite Captain Glenn Wood deciding to close the case 18 days before, Agent Gause interviewed Lt. Crosland on May 18, 2023. An entry dated May 8, 2023, shows Wood decided it would be best to interview Lt. Crosby [sic] to determine if [sic] there were any additional information to obtain on this investigation. Lt. Sammy Crosland participated in an hour-long voluntary interview with SLED on May 18, 2023. Crosland denied pressuring his subordinate into dismissing a DUI charge against the Marlboro County Probate Judges husband in February 2023. (Source: SLED) Crosland told SLED of a second encounter with Officer Beggs where he continued criticizing Beggs decision to respond to the scene and to file a DUI charge after his supervisor called him there to investigate. I sat there and thought about it, and I talked to him again. I said, How you feel about that case? He said, I was going to drop it anyway because (unintelligible)I said, Why even lock him up?,' Crosland told SLED in the video-recorded interview. So then by that time, I was really done with it then and then thats when Jody Barr and all them got involved. And I was like, where is this going at? Because I dont understand whats so special about this guy because hes really, Mr. McCoy, is really like who he supposed to be? I know hes married to the probate judge, yall didnt stop her, yall stopped him. But after that, I kind of like shied out of it then. Crosland told SLED he knew the McCoy family and had known Judge McCoy for years. However, the patrol commander did not have a positive opinion of Jermaine McCoy, We dont even talk. We dont even speak. Heres a partial transcript of that exchange: CROSLAND: For me to have done that for him would be an insult to injury because I dont hold conversations with him. I dont talk to him, I dont deal with it because, you know, Im trying to be mild on tape, its you know how you have SLED: I know youre trying to be politically correct. CROSLAND: You know, you have the thugs, and you know how you have the good citizens? His thing is he wants to be that. I dont have time for that. SLED: He wants to be a good citizen or wants to be a thug? CROSLAND: He wants to be a thug. SLED: He wants to be a thug. CROSLAND: You know, he dont have no respect for law, so I dont have no SLED: Yall arent boys, yall dont hang out at cookouts or nothing like that? CROSLAND: Nah. So for me to do a favor for that, would be like punching it would be like a slap in my face to say that because why would I do a favor for him and, you know, we dont even talk? Its nothing personal against him. SLED: Yall stand for different things? CROSLAND: Exactly. So, but you still have to be fair to him because if you followed him all the way from a nightclub, knowing he violated some small part of the law, do your job. Because the speeding, the whole versus the DUI We sent Judge McCoy Croslands statements regarding her husband to allow Jermaine McCoy the opportunity to address the lieutenants allegations. We also offered Judge McCoy the opportunity to address this case once again. Marlboro County Probate Judge Reneka McCoy would not schedule an interview to explain her side of the phone calls she made to multiple law enforcement officers following her husbands DUI arrest in February 2023. We found her outside the courthouse on April 28, 2023. (WJZY Photo/Ryan Miloff) The judge responded in an email, I have no comment. The case is closed. We asked Crosland whether he believed Officer Beggs decision to dismiss the DUI charge was a result of the questions he was getting, If youre Beggs, hearing from you, his supervisor about whats going on and then Beggs learning who these players are, do you think that could have had some impact on him that, you know what, maybe Ive stepped in it this time, and this is a pretty powerful family in this county? Do you think that crossed his mind at any point caused him to do what he did? Barr asked. I dont think so, Crosland said. Crosland also told SLED something he denied when we interviewed him on April 5: that he never talked to Judge McQueen about his son-in-laws case, I worked with Judge McQueen for years and I been over here at the city for 26 years. Yes, sir, I extensively know him. I knew that would have been a conflict of interest for him getting in it because thats his son-in-law and I know he wont touch that. And I havent talked to him anyway, personally, about that anyway. And Ive seen him, talked to him, but far as having a conversation about the whole thing, no, I know hes smarter than that. But Crosland admitted in his SLED interview to discussing the case with Judge McQueen following his call with Judge McCoy. Heres a partial transcript of that part of the SLED interview: CROSLAND: And we talked outside briefly, because he didnt understand and the officer discretion to drop the ticket and I said I understand that, and I said I just dont understand because how can we testify to something that we didnt see. And he agreed and I was like, Im not taking away from what the case may be, because the question that Jody Barr asked me was: would it been the same thing if a Trooper would have got information? And I told Jody Barr, I said a Trooper would want to see the impairment, if the cause if the guy caused a wreck or something, that would maybe get an investigation going, but to have him stopped, then call him up and say, hey lookthis is a DUI guy. I dont think a trooper would have gotten involved, thats how I feel, thats what I think. I mean, I wouldnt have if I was there, I would have handled it a different way. Marlboro County Interim Sheriff Larry McNeil said Judge Reneka McCoy called him to her office following her husbands DUI arrest to question him about his deputy followig her husband from a nightclub into the Bennettsville city limits. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) CROSLAND: But to have him stopped, then call him up and say, hey, look, this is a DUI guy, I dont think a trooper would have gotten involved. Thats how I feel, I think. I mean, I wouldnt have If I was there, I think I would have handled it a different way. But like I told Judge McQueen, I just dont understand how we can testify to something that we didnt even see and that was the end of the conversation, he didnt say too much about it because thats his son-in-law. He kind of like, you know, wanted to get some answers himself. He said he was going to talk to the people at the sheriffs office and I said that might be a good idea because at this point, I dont even know myself why we got involved, but after that, that was it. McQueen did discuss the case with Sheriff Larry McNeil. Crosland mentioned a second conversation with Judge McQueen during his SLED interview. This time, BPD Asst. Chief Greg Williams was involved. Heres a partial transcript of that conversation: CROSLAND: He was hereIt was me, him, and Greg talking outside and we was just talking about how things were in Marlboro County and that came up and then Greg made the statement saying, if somebody here is strong enough to throw somebody up under the bus, I think to say that theyre not doing it by themselves. So Im thinking he said that somebody here was also working with them to throw somebody up under the bus. SLED: And them being who? Who were you referencing? CROSLAND: He never said. He said that you got some strong people here thats throwing people up under the bus, but also, he said, dont think its just them. He said, its somebody here and he said, Im getting in my car and leaving. CROSLAND: So we talked about that briefly and the judge said, I just dont understand why the sheriffs office is doing that, why the guy didnt stop him, this, that and the third. I asked him, I said, so you being the judge, I said, so how can we testify to something that we didnt see? He said, thats what Im saying too. CROSLAND: He said, because he made reference to somebody doing something for a deputy and said that they crossed the double yellow line. When they got in court he said that he asked the guy, he said I had to cross the double yellow line because I had to turn my yard and make a left turn to my yard. He say he dismissed the case because they made it seem like he was riding down the road, kept hitting the yellow line. He said, but he made a turn across the yellow line to get in his yard. And after that, he talked a little more about it and then he said, Well, Im going to go try to go over here and, I think he said try to talk somebody, try to get some answers. He said, because I think he say he didnt want to get too much, too involved in it because thats his son-in-law. Which I knew was a conflict of interest, anyway. And after that, we ended the conversation, got in the cars and left. SLEDs interview of Crosland lasted just over an hour. The veteran patrol commander denied ever pressuring Beggs to drop McCoys DUI charge, Just so were clear for the record, you did not attempt to use your position to persuade Beggs to dismiss that ticket?, Agent Gause asked, No, maam, Crosland replied. Reneka McCoy did not present her position to you when discussing this matter or you didnt feel that she was presenting herself as a probate judge while talking to you about this?, SLED asked, Correct. She called me as a concerned wife, Crosland responded. And she never asked, you know, Hey, Sammy, can you check and see if we can get him to take care of that ticket?, the agent asked. Crosland shook his head back and forth in the recording. The assistant chief, Greg. Did Greg ever indicate to you, Hey, we need to try to take care of this ticket?, the agent asked. No, maam, Crosland replied. JUDGE MCQUEENS HEATED MEETING We obtained a copy of the electronic ticket from the Jermaine McCoy file early on in our Under the Influence investigation. The ticket, which is a public record, shows Jermaine McCoy was found not guilty by his father-in-law during a hearing on April 26, 2023. We took that ticket straight to Judge Grover McQueen. I didnt sign off on anything. This is the first time Ive actually seen the ticket when you showed it to me. Because I hadnt never seen the ticket, McQueen told us during an April 28, 2023, interview inside his office inside the county magistrate court. This copy of Jermaine McCoys driving under the influence charging document was provided to Queen City News in response to a request. It shows Judge Grover McQueens name as the trial judge and a not guilty disposition. (Source: Bennettsville City Court) McQueen invited us in, and then agreed to be interviewed for this report. Judge, can you explain to the public, its got your name on the bottom of this traffic ticket for your son-in-laws case here? If you could just explain how your name got on this. Did you hear this case at all on the 26th of April?, Queen City News Chief Investigator Jody Barr asked McQueen, I did not. The case did not come before me on the 26th. Understanding that it was had been nolle prossed. But the original date was the 26th because thats the date that the officer wrote on it. That would have been the court date that was assigned to me. The 26th was my week of work; myself and the other judge alternate weeks, McQueen explained. That meant when the electronic ticket was created using the information Officer Jonathan Beggs provided on the handwritten ticket, when the clerk entered the court date the computer system auto-generated McQueens name on the ticket since that was his week to preside over court. I had nothing to do with the ticket, nothing. And would not have to do it because its my son in law and it would be unethical for me to hear that case, McQueen said. The next business day after our interview with Judge Grover McQueen, the judge called a meeting with Bennettsville Police Chief Kevin Miller, Asst. Chief Greg Williams, and Lt. Sammy Crosland. The meeting led the chief to report the intimidating and threatening meeting to SLED. (WJZY Photo/Ryan Miloff) I didnt have any contact with the officer at all about it, Officer Beggs, who is no longer there. I had no contact with him, no discussion. I have not discussed it with the police chief or anything about the ticket, McQueen said during the April 28, 2023, interview with QCN. But the very next business day, that changed. The SLED file shows McQueen called a meeting with BPD Chief Kevin Miller, Asst. Chief Greg Williams, and Lt. Sammy Crosland. The meeting happened the same day SLED was interviewing Beggs in Horry County. Chief Miller called SLED to report the meeting. Agent Gause entered this note into the case management log: Judge McQueen expressed his concern surrounding the DUI case. Also Judge McQueen was upset about Chief Miller releasing the citation to the media since it had his name on it. Chief Miller explained to Judge McQueen that it was public record. Judge McQueen said that the ticket auto populated his name since he was the presiding judge on that specific court day and it did not look good for his name to be on his son-in-laws dismissed citation. Chief Miller felt as though Judge McQueens choice of words during the meeting were very intimidating and threatening and he was concerned about the meeting. Chief Miller felt as though that Crosland and or Williams were concerned about what Beggs may disclose in his interview. Special Agent Jackie Gause, SLED That day, instead of interviewing Judge McQueen, Captain Glenn Wood called Judge McQueen to follow up with him about the meeting yesterday and his concerns, the SLED file showed. On May 1, 2023, Judge Grover McQueen called a meeting with Lt. Sammy Crosland (left), Asst. Chief Greg Williams (center), and Chief Kevin Miller (right) where the chief said McQueen was very intimidating and threatening toward him about giving QCN a copy of his son-in-laws DUI charging document from the city court. Judge McQueen admitted that the meeting possibly did get heated, but he felt that it did not look good on how things were handled from the beginning with the traffic stop. Capt. Wood discussed concerns about the case as well as concerns about Judge McCoy being involved in inquiring about the case. Judge McQueen explained that he understood that perspective and felt better about the entire thing after talking with Capt. Wood, the SLED log showed. On June 22, 2023, after two interviews and no evidence of questioning either judge involved in the case, SLED agents closed the investigation as unfounded because the investigation did not reveal any information that substantiated the allegations of misconduct, according to the SLED file. SLED CHIEF WONT DISCUSS THIS On Jan. 19, 2024, Barr emailed SLEDs press office asking to schedule an interview with Chief Mark Keel to ask about his agents handling of this investigation. Keels office never acknowledged the request. On Jan. 24, we found Keel in the parking lot of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy on his way into a Law Enforcement Training Council meeting in Columbia to question him about why his office has ignored multiple communications from Barr and Queen City News. Here we are again in a parking lot, Barr said to Keel with a photographer in tow. Yeah, I see that. Thats your favorite place to meet people, I believe, Keel responded. Well, thats what I have to do when you guys wont respond to interview requests, Barr replied. SLED Chief Mark Keel refuses to discuss his agents investigation into the Bennettsville Police Department investigation claiming he hadnt reviewed the case. We emailed his press office days before asking for an interview about the case, but SLEDs press office never responded. (WJZY Photo/Jack Anderson) We handed Keel copies of emails that his press office ignored. For one request it took the SLED press office ten days to respond. Heres a transcript of that exchange: BARR: Are you aware your office has not been responding and is extremely slow to respond to requests weve made with SLED? KEEL: I know that I think that Ryan (Alphin) told me that you had made a request and I think the answer he gave you, my understanding was the same he gave you before. BARR: Heres every communication Ive tried to give to your office. Youll see, Ive marked no response. Theres another, no response. KEEL: Ill be happy to look at them. BARR: I appreciate it. Heres one that took 10 days to respond and heres one where we asked you, asked last week to interview you about this investigation. KEEL: Ill be happy to look at them. Barr also read to Keel the mission statement from the SLED newsroom website where the agency promises to provide valuable and beneficial information to the public in a timely manner. The chief replied, We do. Whats happened here? Why are we not getting responses from you all?, Barr asked. Jody, I dont know, Ill have to talk to them about that. Ill be happy to do that, Keel responded. SLEDs website where it publishes press releases purports to commit to providing valuable and beneficial information to the public in a timely manner. However, QCN had experienced extreme delays in requests and some have been ignored by the agencys public information office in the past few months. (Source: SLED) Chief Keel would not answer any questions about the McCoy investigation, despite asking to interview him about it days earlier. Heres a transcript of that exchange: BARR: What we want to talk about this morning is what I emailed about last week we got no response. KEEL: And what is that? BARR: Is the Jonathan Beggs investigation out of Bennettsville. KEEL: Right. BARR: Where the probate judge made a call to the Bennettsville Police Department after her husband got a DUI charge. KEEL: Right. Again thats something Id have to look into it. BARR: So you dont know anything about that case? KEEL: I know something about it. But what Im saying is, obviously, theres a lot of cases. BARR: Oh, yes sir. KEEL: We do at SLED. And Im not going to comment on it without knowing exactly what Im talking about, obviously. BARR: Well, I asked last week, specifically, to talk about this, Ill just ask you the questions I have and if you cant KEEL: Well, Im not going to answer any questions right now. BARR: Well, do you think that your agents only interviewing two people in that case . KEEL: Jody, I dont know what theyve done in that case. So I need to find out. Again, you understand we work a lot of cases, I dont know the details of every single case. So certainly, Im not going to comment about a case that Im not sure about. I think you know me well enough to know that. BARR: You see what position this puts us in? We ask KEEL: I dont see any position that it puts you in, again, Im telling you what I know, okay? And Im telling you Im not going to comment on a case that Im not familiar with. BARR: Would you call a thorough investigation your agents conduct at SLED KEEL: Im not if it only entails interviewing two people, then it could be thorough. But, I dont know, because I dont know who needed to be interviewed in that case. BARR: If a police chief is making an allegation that he believes that a probate judge making a phone call to his department led to KEEL: Jody, Im not going to answer any questions about this, okay? Ill be happy to find out and Ill be happy to try and get you a response if the case is not still pending. BARR: Its closed, weve got the records from you guys. KEEL: Okay, well, if youve got the records, then Ill be happy to look into it. Get back to you and let you know something. BARR: Will you schedule an interview with us? KEEL: I dont know what I will not. BARR: What would keep you from doing it? KEEL: I think you know I dont do a lot of interviews. BARR: Yeah, we dont ask you a lot, either, until we feel like its absolutely necessary. KEEL: Well, again, Ill make that decision once I look at it and see what I, see what I think about it. BARR: Okay. KEEL: Fair enough? BARR: Well, Ill let you know in this case that this was KEEL: Jody, Im not going to stand out here and talk with you, Ive got a meeting Ive got to get to. BARR: Yep, yes sir. KEEL: Ill get with the Ill get with the agents that worked the case, Ill look at the case myself and Ill get back to you and give you a response. BARR: Well, while youre looking at that, know that the main question we have is that a probate judge is accused of calling a police department and ultimately an officer dropped the DUI charge of her husband. KEEL: Right. BARR: Through the perception of that, the police chief came to SLED and said, would you investigate? And your agents investigation shows they never interviewed the judge, they never interviewed they never interviewed another judge who was involved in this. Only two people got interviewed and they closed the case. And the question we have is, when you review that, do you believe that was thorough? KEEL: I will look at the case and tell you once I look at it. BARR: Chief, thank you. KEEL: Thank you and have a good day. The SLED chief never agreed to that interview. After the parking lot interview with Keel, his subordinate Ryan Alphin sent us this statement: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted a thorough, unbiased, and professional investigation into this matter. SLED has not delayed responses to your FOIA requests and provided you with public records responsive to such. In Officer Beggs statement, which SLED previously provided you pursuant to FOIA, he acknowledges that he did not read Mr. McCoy his Miranda Rights as required by law. Officer Beggs is a SFST instructor and has specific training on conducting DUI investigations. As you know from the documents provided to you pursuant to your FOIA request, Officer Beggs dismissed the case due to mistakes made while conducting the field sobriety test. Following a verbal conversation between SLED and the Solicitor, and based upon interviews with the officer and supervisor, the case was closed. SLED has no further comment on this matter. Ryan Alphin, SLED Executive Affairs Director We also attempted to interview Judge Reneka McCoy for this report both in 2023 and again this month. McCoy declined both invitations. On April 18, 2023, the judge sent a statement in response to our interview request, declining the offer, An interview to address a personal family matter is not high on my priority list at this time. I would not be in a position to do a formal interview anytime soon; however, I am more than willing to answer any questions via email as time permits. I want to make something abundantly clear as you continue your investigation into my husbands former DUI, I am a concerned wife, I am a dedicated mother, and I also have the duties to serve the citizens of Marlboro County as their elected Probate Judge. Any communications that I had with the Bennettsville Police Department in my capacity was as a concerned wife and not an elected official for Marlboro County. It is my hope that this email may shed some light as you continue your investigation, Judge McCoy wrote in the April 2023 email. Marlboro County Probate Judge Reneka McCoy placed calls to two Bennettsville Police Department administrators and the county sheriff within days of her husbands DUI arrest in February 2023. The calls were part of a SLED investigation. (Source: Marlboro County Government) We found the judge ten days later outside the courthouse where we attempted to capture her side of the phone calls to law enforcement. This is the transcript of that exchange: BARR: Good morning, Judge McCoy? Hey, Im Jody with Queen City News out of Charlotte. I just want to ask you about the phone calls you made to the Bennettsville Police Department. Can you tell us what the purpose of those calls were? JUDGE MCCOY: Jody, what did my interview say, or my emails? Im at work. BARR: I understand. This is why we came here at the courthouse in a public place. JUDGE MCCOY: Exactly, but Im on my job, I got to get in here, Ive got some hearings Ive got to do. BARR: Okay. Well, can you tell us the purpose of those calls? Was it to pressure those officers JUDGE MCCOY: Oh, no not at all. BARR: To drop the tickets? JUDGE MCCOY: Not at all, just for them to look into it on some, the wrong, you knowthe interview, I mean the stop was illegal. You know. BARR: But the Bennettsville Police Department, that DUI charge from your husband was dropped within days of your phone call. JUDGE MCCOY: Did you talk with the Bennettsville Police Department? BARR: I did. JUDGE MCCOY: Okay, well Im going into work. BARR: Do you see how this looks at this point? JUDGE MCCOY: How? BARR: This ticket was dropped in record time, maam. JUDGE MCCOY: Ill contact my attorney. BARR: Okay, you can give them my number. Although SLED found no evidence of misconduct, Sheriff Larry McNeil believes something more fundamental was violated in those contacts, Sometimes its incumbent upon family members to understand the roles that they have to play, as well, when certain people are in certain positions. And even with good intentions, sometimes things can go crazy. BPD Chief Kevin Miller told QCN hes now implementing a new policy on his department. The policy would require an officer with plans to dismiss a case to dismiss the case in front of a city judge in open court. Miller said the penalty for violating this policy can result in disciplinary action, including termination. The chief hopes the new policy will prevent another case like this from ever happening in his department again. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Demonstrators take part in a protest rally under the slogan "Support Ukraine" in the city center on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Peter Kneffel/dpa Thousands of people gathered for various peace rallies and demonstrations around the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, demanding that the gathered world leaders bring an end to several conflicts around the world. In the afternoon, for example, supporters of Ukraine rallied to call for an end to Russia's bloody invasion and occupation of parts of the country at Munich's Odeonplatz square, joined by Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko. A separate rally by right-wing pro-Russian activists also gathered in Munich. Other demonstrations denounced human rights violations in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. A march attended by more than 1,000 people criticized the Munich Security Conference itself. In the morning, demonstrators gathered in the centre of Munich to speak out against the hardline fundamentalist Islamic regime in Iran. Large contingents of police were present at some of the rallies, although no violent incidents were reported. Demonstrators take part in a protest rally under the slogan "Support Ukraine" in the city center on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Peter Kneffel/dpa Demonstrators take part in a protest under the slogan "Against the NATO war conference" in Munich city center on the sidelines of the 60th Munich Security Conference. Peter Kneffel/dpa 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) A 5-year-old Venezuelan migrant boy who became ill at a migrant shelter in Chicago before Christmas and then passed away died from sepsis and a bacterial infection that causes strep throat, an autopsy released Friday shows. Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero tragically died on Dec. 17 with a case of Group A Strep, which can cause strep throat and other life-threatening illnesses, according to an autopsy released by the Cook County Medical Examiners Office. Sepsis can lead to serious complications in as little as 24 hours. Martinez was a resident at a warehouse retrofitted as a shelter in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood when he returned to the building with his family and suffered a medical emergency. About 2,300 people had been staying at the Pilsen shelter, near downtown. Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, left, who died from sepsis, and candles at his vigil, right. ILLINOIS PUMPING $250M MORE IN TAXPAYER FUNDS TO HELP ILLEGAL MIGRANTS IN CHICAGO Despite immediate first aid by shelter staff, which included chest compressions, Martinez Rivero died at Comer Children's Hospital, according to FOX 32. Contributing factors in his death were listed as COVID-19, adenovirus and rhinovirus. Martinez came from Venezuela to Chicago with his family about a month before he died, according to ABC7. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The boys death revived concerns about conditions at shelters and questions about how Chicago was responding to an influx of people unaccustomed to the citys cold winters and with few local contacts. Chicago and other northern U.S. cities have struggled to find housing for tens of thousands of asylum-seekers, many of whom have been bused from Texas throughout the last year. At the time of his death, the space had about 10 isolation rooms for when people get sick, Dr. Evelyn Figueroa told Fox 32. "These are hard environments for people to rest and feel good and be able to take care of themselves," said Figueroa, who toured the building and runs a nearby food pantry and has spent most of her medical career working with homeless, immigrant and low-income populations. A woman and child get emotional while attending a vigil for 5-year-old Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, who died at a shelter in Chicago. CHICAGO MIGRANTS MAKE POOR AND HOMELESS 'AN AFTERTHOUGHT' IN THEIR OWN CITY: LOCAL ACTIVIST Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement early Saturday expressing his condolences. This is a tragic loss, and we appreciate the work of community partners supporting the Martinez Rivero family during this difficult time," Johnson said. "The City of Chicago coordinates medical screenings for all shelter residents, weekly on-site provider support, on-site vaccination events for COVID, varicella, and flu, and partnerships with a network of community health centers for other healthcare needs." "All shelter residents are offered comprehensive medical examinations and care." More than 35,000 migrants have been transported to Chicago and its suburbs over the past year and a half. Despite this influx, recent data from the city indicates a decline in the number of migrants staying at shelters, with figures dropping to their lowest point in months, according to Fox 32 Chicago. Earlier this month, hundreds of asylum-seekers still awaited placement at airports and police stations in Chicago, some of them still camped on sidewalks outside precinct buildings. As of Tuesday, the number of migrants in shelters has fallen below 13,000, marking a decrease from peaks observed in mid and early January, when the count reached nearly 15,000. The autopsy report comes just days after the state of Illinois and Cook County announced plans to allocate up to an additional $252 million to house, feed and provide other services to illegal immigrants arriving in Chicago this year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Venezuelan migrant boy died from sepsis at Chicago warehouse-turned-shelter: autopsy report INDIAN RIVER COUNTY A 35-year-old Vero Beach woman was identified Saturday as the victim of a fatal Brightline train crash at an Indian River County railroad crossing Friday evening, according to the sheriff's office. Emily Kayser died in the collision just after 7 p.m. at the Fourth Street crossing south of Vero Beach. Passengers and the crew of the train, which was traveling at 79 mph, escaped injury. It's "too early to say" why Kayser was in the train's path, said Indian River County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Kevin Jaworski. The medical examiner will make that determination, he said. Indian River County sheriff's investigators were on the scene Friday night at the Fourth Street railroad crossing west of U.S. 1 and south of Vero Beach after a 35-year-old Vero Beach woman was struck and killed by a Brightline train. Following the crash, the train's conductor called first responders. Then 200 passengers were transferred to another train to continue their northbound trip, Jaworski said. First responders located Kayser's body about 100 yards north of Fourth Street, he said. The crash happened at the intersection. Traffic along Fourth Street was delayed for about two hours between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., Jaworski said. Northbound and southbound U.S. 1 traffic at Fourth Street was unaffected, he said. Alternate railroad crossings were open. Those included Eighth Street, 12th Street, First Street and Ninth Street Southwest, according to the sheriff's office. Fourth Street is a main road to U.S. 1 and Indian River Boulevard. The area around the crash site is surrounded by houses, a few industrial businesses and convenience stores. More: Brightline, FEC train horns to continue in Indian River as County Commission nixes quiet zones More: Brightline expects fewer passengers in 2024 after lower-than-projected ridership in 2023 Kayser's death is the second fatal pedestrian strike by a Brightline train in Indian River County. A 29-year-old man was found dead Jan. 29 off the tracks just north of Highland Drive Southeast. Keith Burbank is TCPalm's watchdog reporter covering Martin County mainly. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882. TCPalm reporter Corey Arwood contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 35-year-old Vero Beach pedestrian killed in Brightline train strike The White Lotus will welcome guests to Thailand for season three (HBO) Filming has officially begun on the highly anticipated third installment of The White Lotus, and this time the cast is checking in to Thailand. Despite destination speculation fancying Japan, the Maldives and European ski-scapes, filming for season three has commenced in Thailand and will likely follow suit of the first two seasons by setting up in a Four Seasons Resort. The shows official Instagram account announced that production had started on Wednesday (14 February) with a post captioned: Unforgettable experiences are in the making at #TheWhiteLotus. We are eager to welcome new guests to our resort in Thailand. The Emmy-winning series, delayed due to both writer's and actors' strikes in 2023, is primed for a 2025 release. Where season one explored money and season two sex, season three aligns with its Southeast Asian location as a rich tapestry to delve into the themes of spirituality and death. Creator of the satirical wealth series, Mike White, previously said: I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. With a host of new characters ready to hole up on an annual trip to the HBO dramas dysfunctional hotels, here are the paradise islands behind the wild whodunnit anthology. Where is The White Lotus season three being filmed? Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui will backdrop the satirical crime drama (Four Seasons) Production plans were tight-lipped until January when the Tourism Authority of Thailand proudly announced that the third chapter of The White Lotus would be prominently set in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui with filming commencing in February. Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production for HBO & Max, said: We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mikes creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus. Its predicted the Four Seasons Koh Samui resort will be the series primary setting (Four Seasons) Assuming a Four Seasons Resort will once again backdrop the popular series, the luxury hotel heavyweight has four locations in Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle and all are opulent options for the deadly crime comedy. Its predicted Koh Samui will be the primary setting for the long-awaited third season with most signs pointing to the towering palms and pale sands that define the resort including a blocked-out booking period over February and March. Elsewhere, rumoured plotlines will take characters to temples in Phuket and the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, the latter also unavailable to holidaymakers in April and May during the off-peak Thai travel season. Where were seasons one and two filmed? Maui and Sicily set the scene for the shows first two seasons (HBO) The relocation to Asia for season three follows a stint in both North America and Europe during the shows first two seasons. As the respective episodes aired, the allure of star-studded casts and the idyllic settings saw the resorts trend as the place to go for a luxury getaway and a boom in bookings spiked at the service-centric Four Seasons Resorts seen on screen. Season one Maui, Hawaii Wailea Beach backdropped several of the first series beach scenes (Sky Atlantic) The 2021 series saw a tropical debut in Hawaii at the fictitious White Lotus Resort. Set at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, characters including complex hotel manager Armond, emotionally volatile Tanya and tech exec Nicoles tumultuous travels were based in and around the Hawaiian Valley Isle. The spotlight was on the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in season one (Four Seasons) Covid restrictions limited filming locations largely to the confines of the hotel, but some backdrops saw guests venture to the golden sands of the neighbouring Wailea Beach when outside of the infamous (and invented) Pineapple Suite. Season two Sicily, Italy The towns of Taormina, Noto and Cefalu took centre stage for series two (HBO) The cast jetted to Italy for a series shrouded in Sicilys amorous mythology and the San Domenico Palace, Taormina a member of the Four Seasons group on the northeast coast formed the facade of the second instalment of The White Lotus. The social satire sailed the Ionian for intense yacht scenes (HBO) Free from the pandemic measures of series one, the towns of Taormina, Noto and Cefalu also took centre stage for the twists and turns of the seven Sicilian episodes orbiting the five-star hotel of horrors. Seasons one and two of The White Lotus are available to watch on Sky and NOW. President Biden said Friday that there is no evidence that Russia has decided to use its emerging satellite weapon, just days after worries about a serious national security threat circulated in Washington. The White House confirmed that U.S. intelligence officials have information that indicates Russia has gained a satellite weapon capability but it is not yet operational. In remarks to reporters Friday about the deal of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnys death, Biden said there is no evidence that they have made a decision to go forward with doing anything in space either. So, what we found out: There was a capacity to launch a system into space that could theoretically do something that was damaging. Hadnt happened yet, Biden said, adding that he hopes it wont happen. The news of Russias capability broke earlier this week after House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) released a cryptic call for Biden to declassify information about the security threat and allow for public discussion about U.S. response. Turners message caused fear, but leaders like ranking member on the panel Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said people should not panic and there is no need for public alarm. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said this week that the Biden administration was monitoring the situation and said while Russias anti-satellite capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to safety. He said the White House plans to engage directly with the Russians about the issue, but as of Thursday they had not made contact with officials. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in Germany for the Munich Security Conference, emphasized to other world leaders that the pursuit of this capability should be a matter of concern, a person traveling with him told The Associated Press. The news comes as Russia continues its war against Ukraine and the battle nears the two-year anniversary. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Pavel Shumilkin lights candles for a vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. Navalny, who crusaded against Russian corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests as President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe, died Friday in an Arctic penal colony. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle A vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe, Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence, Russias prison agency said. He was 47. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle A vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. Navalny died Friday in the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence, Russias prison agency said. He was 47. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle A vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. Navalny crusaded against Russian corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests as President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle A vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2019 with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, right, daughter Daria Navalnaya who now attends Stanford University and son Zakhar Navalny. Andrew Lubimov/Associated Press Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, right, poses for press as he sits handcuffed in court in Moscow on March 30, 2017. STR/Associated Press Olga Rozhkova took a deep breath, as if collecting her emotions. Very sad. He represented freedom for Russian people, the Santa Rosa grocery store owner said of Russian opposition leader and political prisoner Alexei Navalny, whose death at age 47 in an Arctic penal colony shook the world on Friday. Navalny was an unflinching critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is believed to be behind the untimely deaths of many foes, including journalists, politicians, human rights activists and former business allies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Navalny tried to explain how the Russian government was corrupt. That Putin has big houses, and money from oil, while Russian people are poor, very poor, said Rozhkova, who grew up in Siberia and immigrated to the United States 25 years ago. She is among the Bay Areas 24,000 residents who were born in Russia. A vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 16. Navalny, who crusaded against Russian corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests as President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe, died in an Arctic penal colony. Santiago Mejia The Chronicle Putin, hes a killer. He killed him, said Rozhkova, owner of the European Food Store, echoing the belief of countless people, including President Joe Biden, who put it plainly in a national address on Friday. Make no mistake, the president said. Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. He cited Russias 2020 poisoning of Navalny, his imprisonment and his ultimate isolation in one of the planets most frigid regions, north of the Arctic Circle. Anna Flider and her husband, Igor Teplitsky, of San Francisco own the Borsch Mobile food truck and Iggys Place, a lunch spot in the Outer Richmond where they serve borscht and matzo soup alongside pulled pork and Cobb salad. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its tragic, said Flider, who emigrated from Russia in 1993. He was an exceptional man who had a vision for a greater future for Russia. Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow on Feb. 29, 2020. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement that Navalny felt unwell after a walk on Feb. 16 and lost consciousness. Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press Although he was repeatedly imprisoned, and a Russian court added 19 years to his latest sentence last summer, Navalny, a lawyer, continued to criticize Putin and galvanize supporters. He was barred from running for president in 2018 and for earlier posts. He led numerous initiatives that exposed criminal activity in the Putin regime, including the Anti-Corruption Foundation Navalny founded in 2011. Its work investigating Putin supporters has helped governments target sanctions against Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Daria Dasha Navalnaya, who studies social psychology and political science at Stanford University, is Navalnys daughter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Oct. 13, as her father approached 1,000 days in prison, Navalnaya delivered a talk on YouTube called Lessons From My Father, Alexey Navalny. She noted the hundreds of investigations, protests and election campaigns the Anti-Corruption Foundation has produced over the last dozen years, as well as the free legal help provided to those who, like my father, have been imprisoned for peacefully protesting the regime. If being my fathers daughter has taught me anything, she said, it is to never succumb to fear and sadness. Navalnayas parents brought her to the Stanford campus quietly in 2019, a fellow student recalled. A year later, Navalny would be poisoned in a near deadly attack attributed to government operatives. Navalnaya could not be reached for comment on Friday. Vlad Lutskii, who arrived in San Francisco from Russia nearly two years ago, is mourning the death of Alexei Navalny. He is pictured here at a local protest on Feb. 24, 2023, the first anniversary of President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. Courtesy of Vlad Lutskii Vlad Lutskii, a computer designer in San Francisco, met Navalny when the political activist swung through Lutskiis hometown of Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea in 2012. Lutskii, 30, wasnt political at the time. But he said the inspiration of Navalny and Putins 2022 invasion of Ukraine changed that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lutskii had studied law in Russia and said he began volunteering with the human rights group OVD-Info, sharing political prisoners information with defense attorneys and aligning with Navalnys team. He left Russia soon after the invasion and is seeking asylum. Navalnys death is horrifying for all people with a conscience, Lutskii said. Alexei is a hero. We will never forget him. And we Russians will never forgive Vladmir Putin. Lutskii said hell be joining others from around the Bay Area at 7 p.m. outside San Franciscos City Hall to honor the memory of Navlany. Chronicle reporter Chloe Shrager contributed to this report. A former funeral service operator is facing multiple charges after a womans corpse and the cremated remains of at least 30 people were found at a home in Denver, Colorado, last week, police say. The owners of the house discovered several boxes containing cremated human remains while removing their tenants belongings from the property on February 6, Denver police said in a news conference Friday. The Denver Sheriff Department had served an eviction order at the address and a deputy was standing by when the homeowners found the remains in the crawl space, Police Commander Matt Clark told reporters. Investigators from the Denver Police Department and the medical examiners office responded to the home to examine and recover the remains, Clark said. The tenant also had an inoperable hearse in the backyard of the home. When the vehicle was towed to the street, investigators discovered additional urns as well as the body of a woman covered with a blanket in the back of the vehicle, according to Clark. The medical examiners team confirmed that the body was that of a 63-year-old woman who died in August 2022, the police commander said. Through the investigation, detectives have determined the womans remains have likely been stored and concealed in the hearse since shortly after her passing, Clark said. When police contacted the womans family, they told them they had previously received remains from the funeral home that they thought belonged to their loved one, Clark said. Authorities identified the tenant of the home as Miles Harford, 33, who operated Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services in Littleton, Colorado, from 2012 till 2022. An arrest warrant has been issued for Harford, who faces charges of abuse of a corpse, forgery of a public document and theft, according to Clark. Harford is cooperating with the investigation and does acknowledge that he could not find a crematory to process the womans body, according to Clark. It appears Mr. Harford had accumulated significant debt with several metro area crematories, and he was unable to complete the cremation that had been pre-arranged by the family of the woman, Clark said. The suspect then placed the womans body in the hearse and gave her family someone elses remains, the police commander said. CNN has reached out to Harford for comment. Denver Police Department Major Crimes Division Commander Matt Clark addressing media on February 16. - KUSA Investigators also searched a U-Haul vehicle in front of the house, finding six additional urns containing cremated remains, police said. All the recovered remains appear to be associated with individuals who passed away between 2012 and 2021, Clark said. Harford may have occasionally provided family members with another persons cremated remains in lieu of their family members remains so services could be held, Clark said. Through conversations with the families it has come to light that many experienced delays in obtaining cremated remains from Apollo and Harford some expected pieces of jewelry with their loved ones remains but never received them. Clark said authorities were in contact with Harford who is believed to be in the Denver metro area and are working to arrest him. If convicted, Harford could face up to three years in prison, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said at Fridays news conference, adding that further charges were possible as the police investigation continues. It is an unusual situation, and we intend to fully prosecute once Mr. Harford is arrested, McCann said. Police Department Division Chief of Investigations Rick Kyle said police were working to support the families impacted by the discovery of the remains. Losing a loved one is hard enough, but when the loved ones remains are mishandled, it just adds to the grief and causes further unnecessary pain, he said. Clark said police had yet to connect with some of the families affected. The commander said obtaining viable DNA samples from cremated remains is difficult, and police will not be using DNA testing to identify them. He noted that some of the remains had identification tags attached. A hotline has been established for concerned families, he said. Clark said the case does not appear to be linked to another recent Colorado case in Fremont County, where the owners of a funeral home were arrested in November last year following the discovery of 190 sets of human remains that authorities said were improperly stored at their business. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Womans hijab stolen at knifepoint near University of Washington in attack investigated as hate crime A Seattle woman was robbed of her hijab at knifepoint near the University of Washington campus Monday morning. Officers responded to a report that a woman was approached from behind and placed in a "chokehold" by a man displaying a "small knife" in the University District around 9 a.m. The suspect was "voicing disparaging remarks and general hatred for the victim's perceived religious beliefs and national origin," the Seattle Police said. He stole the woman's hijab before running off. The police reviewed video footage of the incident and searched the area for the suspect but could not locate him. The victim was not physically injured but was left emotionally shaken. The victim of this attack was at work when she was subjected to not only a hate assault but a form of sexual assault as her hijab was ripped off by the attacker, Imraan Siddiqi, Council on American-Islamic Relations Washington chapter executive director, said. We hope that the perpetrator will be swiftly brought to justice. The woman is not directly affiliated with the University of Washington, but the schools spokesperson said, "A crime like this anywhere let alone in a nearby neighborhood is disturbing." The Seattle Police Department's bias crimes detective is investigating the incident as a hate crime. The case remains open and ongoing. Since early October, reports of anti-Muslim attacks have sharply increased across the country in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Hijabi women and girls are particularly vulnerable to Islamophobia because they are easily identifiable as Muslims. The recent spike in hate incidents is reminiscent of post-9/11 Islamophobia, according to researchers. The Muslim American community has been left on edge and is taking more precautions while moving through the world. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Dublin police Detective Misty Carausu was key to cracking the so-called Gone Girl case in the Netflix docuseries American Nightmare. Courtesy of Netflix Few people in Misty Carausus everyday life knew of her central role in solving Vallejos infamous Gone Girl case until she was featured in a Netflix documentary about it. More than 21 million people watched American Nightmare the week it was released, bringing renewed national attention to the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins and to the intrepid Dublin detective who solved her case. When Huskins first reappeared after being abducted from her boyfriends Mare Island home, Vallejo police called the case a hoax. They held a press conference accusing Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, of staging her kidnapping and alluded to potential criminal charges. Huskins was compared to the main character of the 2014 movie Gone Girl who fakes her own disappearance to get revenge on her husband. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We were just hoping there would be someone in law enforcement who would objectively look at the evidence and follow through. Someone we could call our hero, Quinn told the Chronicle after the series release. They would find their hero in the form of a 5-foot-tall Dublin police detective named Misty Carausu. In the summer of 2015, Carausu was in the process of becoming a Dublin detective when her sergeant asked if she would go to South Lake Tahoe as part of an investigation into a local home invasion, she recounted to the Chronicle a month after the series release. Before she joined law enforcement in 2005, Carausu was a young single mother working at a Safeway in the East Bay, where she grew up, she said. While at Safeway, the Alameda County sheriff at the time recruited her to join his agency a decision Carausu said changed her life. Up until the moment she entered the South Lake Tahoe house, Carausu thought she was looking only for evidence in a Dublin home invasion in which the suspect, Matthew Muller, had been staying in Tahoe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But as she entered the bedroom where she would later learn Muller had imprisoned Huskins for two days and raped her twice she was overcome by a creepy feeling. You could just feel it, this weird feeling that you get. You perk up and you look around at your partners, and youre like, Something else happened here, Carausu said. While searching a stolen car parked at the residence, shed find the first clue that would eventually lead her to Huskins a single strand of blond hair stuck to a blacked-out pair of swim goggles. The third episode of American Nightmare documents how that single strand of hair led Carausu to several unsolved crimes from two attempted sexual assaults on the Peninsula to a Peeping Tom nicknamed the Mare Island Creeper before learning about Huskins. By that point, officials had already branded Huskins a hoax. A search of Huskins name online popped up the Vallejo police press conference, where an officer said she owed the public an apology, and a video of television personality Nancy Grace comparing Huskins to a real life Gone Girl, Carausu remembers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It made me sick to my stomach to watch some of the videos, she said. Im still speechless about it because it makes me angry that we would ever do that to any victim, let alone a sexual assault victim. More than a decade before investigating the Huskins case, one of Carausus close friends was sexually assaulted by a man they both knew, Carausu said. The experience was devastating, according to Carausu. But the man responsible was arrested and later convicted due to the work of an Alameda County Sheriffs Office deputy who believed her friend and fought for her, she said. The lesson she learned about believing in victims stuck with her as she joined law enforcement, and later as she became a patrol officer and then a detective, Carausu said. It stuck with her again as she went to Vallejo police, and then the FBI, until finally Muller was indicted for Huskins kidnapping in October 2015, seven months after he abducted her and four months after Carausu set foot into the South Lake Tahoe bedroom. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If it wasnt for her and her diligence and tenacity, no one would know that what happened to us actually happened, Quinn told the Chronicle. Muller would have been caught for what he did in Dublin, and it would have been case closed, and our reputations and lives would still have been ruined. So she basically saved our lives. Reflecting on the experience nearly a decade later, Carausu doesnt attribute her discovery to any special insight or particular instinct. Though she was the only female detective on the case, she wasnt thinking about it at the time, she said. Instead, she said, she was simply focused on doing her job. Our job is to find the facts, gather the facts, remain objective and then find out the answers, Carausu said. Thats my job, as a law enforcement officer, just to keep pushing and pushing. Despite the large role she played in solving the Huskins case, Carausu didnt meet her or Quinn until several years later, after Muller pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The experience was emotional, but rewarding, according to Carausu. When I was talking to Denise and she was explaining certain things about what she had gone through, I had walked through every step she had taken and could validate everything she was saying, she said. It was like two parallel universes meeting at the same time. After investigating the Huskins case, nothing was unheard of, Carausu said. No matter what case crossed her desk, or what a victim shared with her, Carausus focus was on remaining objective and supportive, she said. Its a lesson she tries to pass on to the other law enforcement officers she mentors and trains now as a lieutenant in the Alameda County Sheriffs Office, which is contracted by Dublin to provide police services. Since the series release on Jan. 17, Carausu said shes been inundated with hundreds of messages on social media of people thanking her and sharing their own stories. I wasnt prepared for it, Carausu said. Its been surreal. We do our jobs, and you dont think about the impact that you make, you just dont. She hopes the documentary will serve as a reminder to other law enforcement officers to take accountability when mistakes are made. She also hopes it will inspire them, and others, to keep an open mind and listen. I will never not listen to somebody. Listening to people makes all the difference in the world, Carausu said. Not a lot of perpetrators are prosecuted, but at least when a victim talks and you listen, they feel heard. They feel validated. Thats across the board in society. We tend to just hear people, but we dont listen to them. The long-awaited verdict in Donald Trump's civil fraud trial was delivered Friday, but the sniping between the former president and New York Attorney General Tish James that defined the bitter court battle was far from over. After a New York judge ordered Trump to pay over $350 million and banned him from conducting businesses in the state for three years, both Trump and James unleashed combative critiques on social media before taking to the airwaves to further chastise each other. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said, Racist, Corrupt A.G Tish James has been obsessed with Getting Trump for years and used Crooked New York State Judge Engoron to get an illegal, unAmerican judgement against me, my family, and my tremendous business. "This 'decision' is a Complete and Total SHAM," he added. James also did not hold back in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter. "For years, Donald Trump engaged in massive fraud to unjustly enrich himself, his family, and his organization," James said. "He may have authored 'The Art of the Deal,' but he perfected the art of the steal." She cast the verdict as a major win for those who believe everyone should play by the rules and be held accountable, regardless of wealth or status. James later Friday delivered live remarks on the verdict. Today justice has been served. Today we proved that no one is above the law. No matter how rich, powerful, or politically connected you are, she said. Trump, meanwhile, scheduled a counter-programming press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence within minutes of James' remarks, where he lambasted trial judge Arthur Engoron and continued to fire at James, calling her a totally corrupt Attorney General and pledging to appeal the ruling. "This is Russia, this is China," Trump said, tying James' actions to President Joe Biden's administration. "You see it in third-world countries. You see it in banana republics. But you don't see it here." Fredryonna C. Grimes A woman who was 17 when she took part in a murder in which the victims car was set on fire in the Spring Hill community near DeLand was sentenced on Friday to 40 years in prison, according to the State Attorneys Office. Fredryonna Grimes, 21, of DeLand, pleaded no contest last month to principal to first-degree murder and principal to robbery with a firearm. She was adjudicated guilty on Friday and sentenced to 40 years in prison by Circuit Judge Randell Rowe III according to the terms of a plea agreement. Grimes was a Young Guns defendant, an effort in which law enforcement focused on juveniles who use guns to commit violent crimes. The investigation began on March 19, 2020, when Volusia Sheriffs deputies responded to a vehicle fire near DeLand. Jarius Cook, 21, was found dead in the drivers seat. But it was not the fire that killed him. The medical examiner ruled Cook had died from gunshot wounds to the neck and head. One of Grimes' co-defendants in that case, Cameron Lane, 21, of DeLand, was sentenced last year to 48 years in prison for Cooks killing. Both Grimes and Lane were juveniles at the time of the murder and will receive a sentence review after serving 15 years in prison. Zachariah U. Sanders, who was 23 and lived in DeLand at the time of Cooks killing, is also charged in the case with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. The 26-year-old Sanders case remains open. Investigators got some help from a witness who came forward on May 20, 2020, and told Volusia Sheriffs Office investigators that Grimes, Lane, and another person shot Cook. The witnesss description of the shooting checked out with evidence not released to the public. Less than a month after killing Cook, Grimes and Lane were involved in a separate shooting in DeLand. DeLand Police arrested them and they were charged with attempted first-degree murder. Each was sentenced to 20 years in prison in that case. The sentences for Grimes and Lane in the Cook case will run concurrently with the sentences in the attempted murder case. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Young woman gets 40 years in prison for murder, robbery near DeLand The birria tacos at the vegan restaurant Taqueria La Venganza in Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The vegan asada torta, right, is a standout at Taqueria La Venganza. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle After years as a pop-up, Taqueria La Venganza has landed its own restaurant in North Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Raul Medinas mission began with changing Mexican food. He wants his Oakland pop-up-turned-restaurant, Taqueria La Venganza, to convince carnivores that the essence of the cuisine far exceeds any one ingredient, particularly meat. Its no easy feat. Displeased with the market of vegan meats, Medina developed his own. His carne asada, made with textured vegetable protein, also known as soy chips, has the tender bounce of steak, and a citrus-beer marinade gives it a backyard barbecue feel. King trumpet mushroom carnitas drips with succulence while his proprietary lard a spiced oil that stays solid at room temperature deftly replicates richness in conchas and pozole. The taqueria carves out an impressive nook within the larger Mexican restaurant scene, partly because it serves Mexican food first and vegan food second. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Venganza it means vengeance in Spanish but also sounds like the word vegan started as a pop-up in Oakland in 2015. Eventually Medina took the vegan outfit to Southern California, where he gained acclaim in 2018 by winning Taco Madness, an annual taco competition hosted by the publication L.A. Taco. He managed to tap his energized vegan base to grow a following, resulting in lines that snaked through city blocks. Jonathan Molina folds a vegan burrito at Taqueria La Venganza, on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle By 2021, Venganza temporarily settled in downtown Oakland first at a convenience store, then at the now-shuttered Emporium in Uptown. Finally, the 655-square-foot North Oakland location opened in December. Its Medinas first restaurant. It arrives at a time when vegan restaurants in the Bay Area are dwindling. So Medina is doubling down on his efforts to present an affordable vision for vegan food, a genre that can be expensive due to the cost of faux meat products. Everything on the menu is priced under $25. Tacos ($5-$6) feature Medinas signature meats, like mushroom al pastor doused in piquant adobo or springy chicken made from wheat fibers and soy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I prefer the popular, smoky asada in the burrito ($16-$17), a behemoth that has the heft of a ripe pineapple. (It weighs roughly 2 pounds.) Filling aside, the burrito has strong building blocks: creamy pinto beans; savory, toothsome rice; and pico de gallo that never distracts from the experience. Its not just a great vegan burrito but a great one writ large. The vegan chicken burrito at Taqueria La Venganza. Beyond the fillings, these burritos are well-constructed, with excellent beans and rice. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle With a permanent location at last, Medina now offers items that were once only occasional pop-up specials, like tortas ($13-$14), tostadas ($7) and pozole ($20). The aforementioned hominy stew was a high point for its earthy spice and thick consistency from a layer of lard, which pleasantly coats your mouth. Venganzas sandwiches are excellent. Fluffy bolillo is smeared with beans followed by a heaping dose of filling (opt for mushroom carnitas here) and a scoop of velvety guacamole. Tomatoes, lettuce and pickled jalepenos come on the side to prevent sogginess. I recommend trying it without any extra toppings first, to really take in the majesty of the indulgent fungi. Ive followed Medinas work for years and its obvious that hes gifted, but theres still room for improvement at the restaurant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its essentially a takeout spot, with one small standing bar. But even if you elect to eat there, everything is packed in disposable containers. (You can eat at the White Horse bar nearby, if you purchase a drink.) On a recent visit, the tortillas for tacos were cold, even though I consumed them within minutes. And I think the salsas could benefit from a little more heat. Birria tacos with consomme at Taqueria La Venganza in Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Instead, Medina reserves his spiciness for social media, where hes vocal about aspects of the restaurant industry he disagrees with. In one post, he called out everyone from his competitors to people he believes slighted him in his career. In another, he went after the San Francisco Chronicle and Eater for not putting him on best of lists. Im a jackass on Instagram, he admitted. Thats where he seeks vengeance. Vengeance is a fickle fuel. It burns aggressively but isnt the most sustainable resource. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Early on, he sought respect for vegan Mexican food. Today, he runs one of the few vegan restaurants, not to mention vegan taquerias, in the Bay Area. Vegan pozole with mushroom carnitas, one of the best vegan options at Taqueria La Venganza. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Hes already set to expand: Later this year Venganza will open a stall at the upcoming Ikea food hall in San Francisco, with a simplified menu of tacos, burritos and nachos. Medina still has his sights set on Southern California; his vengeful master plan is to go corporate and eventually open outposts in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Being so outspoken is part of what got him to this point, but its a balancing act and occasionally messy. He disclosed that his emotions prevented him from opportunities during his long road to opening Venganza. Im the biggest liability to my own business, Medina said. Still, vengeance will always be the driving force. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Raul Medina prepares consomme to go with vegan birria tacos at his restaurant, Taqueria La Venganza in Oakland. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Taqueria La Venganza 6419 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. https://www.venganzafoods.com/ or 310-853-0037 Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Accessibility: All on one floor. Indoor dining limited to a standing bar. No wheelchair accessibility. No outdoor seating. Noise level: Quiet. Meal for two, without drinks: $25-$50. What to order: Torta ($13), pozole ($20), tacos ($5-$6), burrito ($16-$17), horchata ($6). Meat-free options: Entire menu is vegan. Transportation: Street parking. Near 6, 688 and 800 bus routes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after months of heavy fighting as a "logical, just and professional solution" to protect the lives of soldiers. "That was the main task for us, we are protecting our people, our soldiers," Zelensky said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference regarding his military's previous decision to abandon Avdiivka. The new Ukrainian commander-in-chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced the order to withdraw from Avdiivka early on Saturday morning. "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," Syrskyi wrote. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment," he wrote. The Russian military did not initially comment on the changed front-line situation near Avdiivka. Russian troops have been trying to capture Avdiivka since October 2023, suffering heavy losses. The former industrial city had been a Ukrainian outpost in the immediate vicinity of Donetsk, the Russian-controlled capital of the Donbass coal and steel region, since 2014. In recent days, the situation for the Ukrainian defenders there has become increasingly difficult. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa A substance use disorder treatment bed at Walden House, a drug rehabilitation center in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2022. A shortage of treatment options for people who use drugs could stymie a measure on the March ballot. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle 2022 Linger long enough in any online discussion about drugs, crime and homelessness in San Francisco, and you will inevitably see complaints about the free $712 the city distributes to all comers, no questions asked. This cash bonanza allegedly invites drug tourists from across the nation to suck our coffers dry while feeding their habits and fouling our streets. Like much of the public debate in San Francisco these days, there is a kernel of fact in this narrative buried in a mound of rhetorical manure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The County Adult Assistance Program does provide debit cards to extremely low-income or no-income residents with no dependent children. Benefits range from $109 per month for homeless individuals to $712 for people who are housed or agree to enter housing, 30% of which is then automatically deducted for rent. There are only around 5,200 single adults enrolled in the program, which is administered by the citys Human Services Agency. To receive benefits, recipients must navigate a set of rules thats over 500 pages, starting with an employability screening, where theyre assessed on their work skills and if theyre eligible for Social Security, Medi-Cal and other programs. Those who are able are mandated to work 12 hours per month. Those who refuse to work or skip out lose their benefits, including housing stipends. All applicants are questioned about drug use, and anyone unable to work or train due to mental health or addiction issues is referred to RAMS a nonprofit that operates in the building where the County Adult Assistance program is based where they are enrolled in a mandatory six-month counseling program. Currently, 118 county assistance clients are enrolled at RAMS. If they stop participating, they lose all benefits. In short, yes, San Francisco does have a program that gives money to struggling individuals. But there are strings attached. The programs relatively modest enrollment, in a city estimated to have 20,000 homeless people during a given year, suggests it isnt a magnet for fraud and abuse. Why does all this matter? Because the County Adult Assistance Program is at the center of San Franciscos most controversial ballot measure in the March primary election: Proposition F. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under Prop. F, Human Services Agency staff members would be trained to determine if there is reasonable suspicion to believe an individual is dependent on illegal drugs. They would then refer anyone flagged to professionals that the agency would hire, who would conduct a more thorough secondary screening and develop a mandatory treatment plan for anyone determined to be problematically using drugs. Treatment could include low-barrier efforts such as taking prescription medication like buprenorphine to curb addiction, to months-long stays at a residential program. Sobriety is not required to receive benefits there would be no drug testing but participation in a treatment program would be. The measure is sponsored by Mayor London Breed. In an interview with the editorial board, she passionately discussed losing her sister and a friend to drug overdoses and suggested that tough love like Prop. F has to be a more robust part of the solution to stemming the citys record overdose deaths. Her measure is certainly correct in its assessment that more needs to be done to help county assistance recipients. From Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023, an estimated 13% of the citys 700 drug overdose deaths were active or former clients of the program, according to the Human Services Agency. And more than 1,000 participants have told human services directly that they struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. As we have written before, the moment when people show up, paperwork in hand, ready to participate in the bureaucracy to receive help, is a prime opportunity to connect them with treatment. The question is if Prop. F will successfully do that, or simply create another layer of cumbersome and expensive San Francisco red tape. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is no money in Prop. F to create new treatment options. In fact, the City Controllers Office estimates it will cost as much as $1.4 million annually to run the enhanced screenings. Theres no new money for this, either. Disturbingly, the measure promises to pay for itself all or in part by using monies saved from disenrolling clients. There are currently no dedicated city treatment slots for county assistance recipients, and the measure provides no guidance on how to improve access it merely stipulates that no one will be punished if treatment isnt available. The onus is on the Human Services Agency to figure things out. Human services Executive Director Trent Rhorer told us his agency has stayed in its lane for long enough. If no local treatment options are available, his agency would seek slots for clients in other counties. Of course, all of California is facing a drug treatment shortage. And San Francisco is limited in its ability to access out-of-county care, due to red tape its still trying to eliminate. Even if that path is cleared, the Human Services Agency will be up against other counties vying for any spot that opens. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Based on our conversations with sources, the Department of Public Health was largely kept out of Prop. F planning. The Human Service Agencys expertise is helping people navigate the bureaucracy of obtaining insurance and benefits, and job training programs. Yes, city overdoses are an all-hands-on-deck crisis. But cutting out the department that handles drug treatment contracts was probably not a good idea. Problems with the Department of Public Health should be resolved, not passed off to another agency with no experience in treating addiction and one that sources say is already struggling to get its clients into treatment. According to two Human Services Agency workers, whom were not naming under the Chronicles anonymous sources policy over fear they could lose their jobs, the department is already too short-staffed to ensure all of its Medi-Cal-eligible clients are enrolled in the state insurance program. Clients cant access drug treatment without Medi-Cal to pay for it. These workers had no idea how the agency could add drug screenings to its already overtaxed workload. Making qualitative decisions about drug addiction is very different than making a qualitative decision if a person lives in San Francisco, one worker said. We have no expertise in that at all. So, what do we do to change conditions on our streets, if not Prop. F? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mayor Breed could start by working with her departments to secure dedicated treatment-on-demand for county assistance recipients. If this succeeds, and treatment slots go unused, an ordinance similar to Prop. F can go through the legislative process, where expert testimony, science and public feedback can be woven into the plan to hammer out the kinks. Prop. F didnt need to go to voters. Given all the questions surrounding its implementation, it shouldnt have. After a 28-year career in law enforcement and just more than six years in Amherst, Town Police Chief Bobby Shiflett recently announced his retirement. Shiflett, who became the towns police chief in late 2017, will step down from the post effective April 1. I couldnt have asked for a better place to end my career, Shiflett said. Shiflett said his lifelong dream was to become a police chief and he thanked Amherst Town Council for giving him that opportunity. He led the department from a four-office space in the town hall building to its own police station on Court Street. I would put our department up with any department our size in the state as far as where we stand, Shiflett said of the departments accomplishments. And we couldnt have done that without a good council, a good town manager and a good mayor and weve gotten there. And I pray and I hope we continue to do that, keep moving this department in that direction. Shiflett previously worked for the Albemarle County Sheriffs Office and the Louisa Police Department prior to coming to Amherst. Ive seen a lot of things in my career, Shiflett said at councils Feb. 14 meeting. These guys see things every day that when you think youve seen it all, you havent seen it all ... Sometimes these guys have to wear multiple hats and they do a heck of a job. Shiflett said his goals centered around improving every aspect of the department. From my first day as chief, I ran our department as if we were already an accredited agency, he wrote in a recent social media post announcing his retirement. This would not have been possible without each officer buying into the challenge of operating as a professional law enforcement agency. ... I made connecting with the community a priority by establishing programs/events which gave our department the opportunity to interact in a positive way with our citizens. Shiflett said due to the commitment, dedication and caliber of the towns officers and professional office staff, the department has grown into a state accredited law enforcement agency. Our officers are the best educated, best trained, well-equipped, and most devoted in our profession, Shiflett said. This is without a doubt the best group of officers I have worked with. The department moved into its new station at 127 West Court St. in January 2020. Shiflett said the two-story, 2,100-square-foot facility was a dream come true for a department in need of more space. The building, which previously operated as Charlies Chicken prior to the restaurants closure and sale to the town in August 2018, was remodeled to include a lobby, a restroom that is accessible to people with disabilities, a kitchen, a break room, a conference room and offices for each town officer. In late 2021, the department reached a longtime goal of becoming state accredited, a milestone Shiflett has said helps open many doors for the town in pursuing grants. He said at the time, Amherst was the smallest department in the state to meet the benchmark that holds the department to higher standards of services. Shiflett publicly thanked council for its support over the years and said it was a pleasure to serve in the role. Council voted at the meeting to appropriate $15,000 for work on recruiting the next chief. I cant be any more proud of these guys and ladies that work in that department because theyve all done a fantastic job, Shiflett said. My hats are off to all of them. He also praised the town and local businesses and residents for their support. The Town of Amherst will always hold a special place in my heart, Shiflett said. Coming off one of the busiest elections in years for the Town of Bedford, town council recently discussed pursuing an ordinance on campaign finance reporting in the interest of transparency. The Virginia Campaign Finance Disclosure Act of 2006 provides for transparency on the topic by requiring filing of campaign finance reports with the local registrar by candidates, campaign committees and political action committees, according to a report to Bedford Town Council. However, that law excludes towns with a population below 25,000, unless a candidate accepts contributions or makes expenses in excess of $25,000 or the town council adopts an ordinance, Town Attorney Michael Lockaby said at councils meeting Tuesday. Lockaby said the town has flexibility to set the threshold for reporting at a certain amount if an ordinance is pursued. Councilor Stacey Hailey said after the most recent November 2023 election where all seven seats on council were on the ballot and transparency among town leadership was a source of discussion, he feels an ordinance is worth considering. Hailey said he does not think candidates for office will be greatly affected by such a move. All you do is report, Hailey said. Its a simple process. Mayor Tim Black said if enacted, it would only apply to those in office who accept donations and raise money for campaigns. If a candidate never accepts a dollar from anybody, theres no reporting requirement, Black said. Vice Mayor C.G. Stanley said he feels if a candidate has a big contributor, residents should be able to see who that contributor is. It should be public, is what Im getting at, Stanley said. I like the word transparency. I think its worth considering and looking into. Councilor Robert Carson said he avoids taking money because his experience is when people give financially, they expect something in return. I dont want to be obligated to nobody, Carson said. Carson said he thinks a new ordinance is a good idea. Theres nothing wrong with raising money to run a campaign, Black said of campaign finance reporting. People should have that option to know whos financially backing somebody for transparency purposes. Council did not take any action on the matter during Tuesdays meeting and is expected to take it up again at its next meeting Feb. 27. TOKYO, Feb 17 (News On Japan) - Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter, Princess Aiko, attended the "Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition" at an art museum in Ueno Park on Friday evening, viewing the top prize-winning "Shinpaku" juniper. The Shinpaku, originating from Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture, is estimated to be 400 years old. The Emperor inquired about the judging criteria for the "Kokufu Prize." Emperor Naruhito is known to have been interested in bonsai since his junior high school days. It has been 18 years since Empress Masako last attended the "Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition," and it was Princess Aiko's first visit. Both were seen eagerly bending down to examine the bonsai closely, asking questions as they went. Source: ANN This summer marks a significant milestone for Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa as they gear up for their fifth annual summer career exploration program. From humble beginnings with 19 participants in 2020, the program has grown exponentially, with nearly 250 students set to embark on a transformative journey, according to a story by Advenue Scholars SWI provided to The Nonpareil. Offering a comprehensive array of career exploration avenues including academies, boot camps and paid internships Avenue Scholars SWI provides high school students with invaluable insights into various industries. The heart of the program lies in its career academies, where participants dive deep into specific career areas such as automotive and diesel mechanics, welding, culinary arts, health care and information technology. Complementing these academies are month-long career exploration boot camps designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that equip them with the knowledge, skills and inspiration necessary for successful careers in these vital industries. A recent $10,000 grant from the Pella Rolscreen Foundation underscores the support of local businesses as they invest in the future workforce of southwest Iowa. Cara Cool Trede, executive director of Avenue Scholars SWI, said the grant provides a "validation that our efforts are critical to the workforce needs throughout our region." Investing in Avenue Scholars SWI not only funds the educational development of youth but promotes economic and workforce growth, stability and sustainability. The organization contributes to building a skilled workforce to drive economic prosperity and ensure the long-term vitality of the region's industries. Bailey McQueen-Jones, director of strategic initiatives for Avenue Scholars SWI, leads the business and workforce partnerships efforts. She said partnerships with businesses and educational entities are fundamental for Avenue Scholars SWI to continue this impact." "Our work is designed to create lasting positive change for all those we serve," McQueen-Jones said. Avenue Scholars SWI celebrates growth, successes at annual event Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa celebrated many successes and another expansion during its annual community outreach event Thursday, Oct. 5, at Avenue Scholars SWI's partnerships with businesses throughout southwest Iowa play a pivotal role in offering paid internship opportunities. These internships, lasting eight to 10 weeks, provide students with real-world exposure and practical skills while addressing workforce needs in the region. Through robust programming and strong community partnerships, Avenue Scholars SWI is paving the way for 250 students to explore avenues to success that they might not have otherwise had access to. Everyone deserves someone to care about them, to invest in them, to listen, to guide, to walk along side with them," Cool Trede said. "Avenue Scholars SWI is providing that and more for many young people throughout southwest Iowa." Iowa Republican lawmakers are advancing bills that would give unborn children stronger legal protections, allow health care providers to refuse care on the basis of religious beliefs and moral convictions and make it easier to fund pregnancy resource centers that counsel against abortion. Abortion rights advocates on Friday decried those legislative efforts, asserting the legislation will create additional barriers to care at a time when the state faces worsening health care outcomes for mothers and babies and a shortage of health care workers. Supporters contend the legislation provides additional support for pregnant women and their babies and further protects unborn life. Iowa faces multiple health crises, yet Republican lawmakers are focused on medically unnecessary and harmful legislation that only further sends the state down a dangerous path that has already deeply cracked the foundation of Iowas health care system, Mazie Stilwell, public affairs director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa, told reporters during a news conference. The week marked the first legislative funnel deadline, where most bills must pass out of a committee in either the House or Senate to remain eligible for consideration going forward, though there are exceptions. Among the bills lawmakers advanced: 'Personhood' and 'wrongful death' of unborn child House File 2518 would allow a civil wrong death action for the wrongful death of an embryo or fetus at any point in pregnancy. House Study Bill 621 makes the nonconsensual causing of death or serious injury to an unborn person a class A felony. It also assigns personhood to embryos and fetuses from the moment of fertilization. Critics called the bills an attempt by conservatives to enshrine the concept of personhood the belief that life starts at fertilization into state law, while ignoring already existing medical malpractice laws. They also expressed concerns with how such a law might impact access to contraception and affect embryos created through in vitro fertilization, causing spillover effects into other areas of reproductive care. Medical providers could refuse services that violate beliefs Senate File 2286 would allow any health care provider, facility, or insurer to refuse care on the basis of religious beliefs and moral convictions without fear of retaliation. Providers could deny procedures they deem violate their religious values, and insurance companies could deny claims post-service on the same basis. Health care facilities would still be required to provide emergency medical services to all individuals, as required by federal law. Tom Chapman, executive director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, said the legislation is meant to protect medical providers from discrimination and punishment for exercising their fundamental right of conscience. Groups representing Iowa nurses and physicians said there are already legal protections for doctors to exercise their conscience while balancing the rights of patients to receive proper care. Requiring schools to show fetal development House File 2031 would require schools provide instruction on the development of a pregnancy. Students in grades 7-12 would be required to be shown a computer-generated rendering or animation that shows every stage of an embryo and fetus development, using an anti-abortion rights video as a model. Republicans and anti-abortion rights activists say the video provides a medically accurate animated representation of fetal development, which Planned Parenthood and others dispute. They note the information and views contained in the Meet Baby Olivia video referenced in the bill runs contrary to those accepted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Rep. Anne Osmundson, R-Volga, said many of the facts in the video come from the Endowment for Human Development, citing the organizations stated commitment to neutrality on all controversial bioethical issues. I dont see that is one-sided, Osmundson said. This bill is about teaching children the basic facts about human development in an approachable way. Postpartum Medicaid expansion House Study Bill 643, Senate File 643 and Senate File 2251 would extend postpartum Medicaid from the current 60 days to 12 months, but significantly lower the income cap so the law remains budget neutral meaning fewer pregnant Iowans would be eligible for Medicaid coverage during and after a pregnancy, though eligible ones would receive help for a longer time. Making it easier to fund crisis pregnancy centers House File 2267 and Senate File 2252 would make it easier for the state to funnel $2 million to pregnancy resource centers that promote childbirth and discourage abortion. The state has failed twice to find a third-party administrator with at least three years of experience managing a statewide network of providers of pregnancy support services. It would allow the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to administer the program directly. The state still could opt to contract with an administrator, but the bill removes the requirement it have three years of experience managing a similar program. Abortion rights advocates oppose state funding for the pregnancy resource centers, saying they mislead women about their options and misrepresent themselves as legitimate medical providers. Supporters, including the Iowa Catholic Conference and The Family Leader, said the bill provides needed adjustments to the original law to allow the stalled More Options for Maternal Support MOMS program to move forward and provide more meaningful assistance and support to new and expecting mothers. Representatives for the Family Planning Council of Iowa and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa said the bill reduces transparency for the public by removing the requirement for program administrator and subcontractor criteria to be published on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website. Behind-the-counter birth control Lawmakers also advanced legislation to the House floor allowing access to birth control without a prescription. House Study Bill 642 would allow pharmacists to distribute self-administered hormonal contraceptives without a prescription to those age 18 and older. The order would cover oral birth control, vaginal rings and patches but would not include drugs intended to induce abortion. Pharmacists would only be allowed to dispense an initial three-month supply at a time. They would undergo training and have the patient take a self-screening risk assessment and perform a blood pressure screening before giving out birth control. Following that initial visit, Iowans could receive up to a years worth of birth control, but after 27 months, they would need to see a doctor. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood, say the measure would provide better access to contraception for women, thus leading to fewer unplanned pregnancies and reliance on government assistance programs. Opponents: Bills will exacerbate Iowa's health care deserts Iowa is one of four states in the nation to have significant increases in infant mortality rates from 2021 to 2022. At least 34 maternity units have closed since 2000, leaving rural Iowans less likely to access care. A 2023 report from the March of Dimes found a third of Iowa's counties are "maternity care deserts" that they have no hospital birthing centers or OB-GYN providers. Pat Magle Jones, a retired rural family practice doctor in Iowa, said new bills pushed by Iowas Republican-led Legislature havent fixed that problem but have made the medical landscape scary for doctors and dangerous for patients. Doctors in Iowa increasingly are facing medically unnecessary restrictions that tie their hands, putting them in the position of either choosing their medical license or violating their code of ethics, even facing criminal charges for providing necessary care, she said. Tori Cunningham, a fourth-year OB-GYN medical student at the University of Iowa, said if Iowa keeps pursuing anti-abortion policies, the state will continue having trouble attracting and retaining doctors. The politicians proposing these dangerous bills do not have medical expertise, Cunningham said. The last place that they belong is in an exam room. Demand for these health care jobs is increasing most in each state Demand for these health care jobs is increasing most in each 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 Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming The Clay Theater, the oldest theater in San Francisco, closed its doors in 2020 amid the pandemic after being open since 1910. The theater and an adjacent property just sold for a surprising price. Brian Feulner/Special to the Chronicle While many commercial properties are seeing vacancies rise and values plummet in San Francisco following the pandemic, one deal that closed last month in Pacific Heights stood out for its sale price, and the mystery around who paid it. Two small, more-than-a-century-old commercial properties at 2261 and 2599 Fillmore St. that last traded hands in 2008 for just under $5 million were sold in January for more than double that price. The $11 million pricing was achieved despite one of the buildings sitting vacant for four years. The building at 2599 Fillmore houses retailer Alice & Olivia on the corner of Fillmore and Clay streets; the other is the historic but recently shuttered Clay Theater at 2261 Fillmore. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The identity of the buyer of the properties is unknown. Its listed in public documents only as Fillmore Reserve LLC, a limited liability company that was registered in Delaware at the start of the year. According to available public records, Fillmore Reserve did not take out a loan to acquire the properties, suggesting that the deal was an all-cash transaction. The company, contacted through its New York-based attorney, did not respond to a message seeking comment. Real estate firm Maven brokered the sale but declined to comment, citing a non-disclosure agreement. Balgobind Jaiswal, who had owned the Clay Theater and adjacent building since 2008, did not respond to attempts by the Chronicle for comment. The Clay Theater, the oldest theater in San Francisco, closed its doors in 2020 after being open since 1910. Brian Feulner/Special to the Chronicle As the neighborhood transformed over decades, the Clay Theater remained a constant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 325-seat theater dates to around 1913, when it started as a nickelodeon the first type of projected motion picture theater in the United States named after its cheap price of admission. Because of this, the Clay was opened at a relatively modest size that fits into the fabric of the neighborhood, said Woody LaBounty, executive director of SF Heritage, a nonprofit whose goal is to preserve the citys architectural and cultural identity. He said that, while it was subject to modernization efforts over the years, the Clay retained much of its original design integrity. But at the start of 2020, the Clay suddenly went dark after its operator, Landmark Theatres Los Angeles, pulled out, citing six consecutive years of revenue losses. A few months later, Jaiswal met with city Planning Department officials to explore converting the theater into a more economically viable use anything but a theater. He had leased the Clay to Landmark at a reduced rate and wasnt truly interested in acquiring the theater in the first place Jaiswals focus had been on the attached corner building, he told the Chronicle in 2020. In 2021, Save the Clay! became the rallying cry of cinephiles, preservationists and sentimental community members who mobilized to prevent one of citys last remaining single-screen theaters from being transformed into a retail destination in the spirit of the many boutiques that have opened shop around it in recent years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The owner ripped the seats out of the theater and announced that he had these plans to turn it into a retail space. We were worried that something bad would happen to the building, LaBounty said. If it wasnt going to be a theater, we wanted to preserve the elements that could make it go back to being a theater if, say, the retail plan didnt work out. The Clay Theater, which was the oldest theater in San Francisco, has been sold and its future use is in question. Brian Feulner/Special to the Chronicle The neighborhoods supervisor, Catherine Stefani, even got involved in the effort to preserve the Clay, eventually getting behind a proposal by Jaiswal to add a cafe or a wine bar to the theater, but the plan never materialized. In 2021, Jaiswal filed an application seeking approval for a retail conversion. Jaiswal rejected an offer by the nonprofit San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Association to buy the Clay for $3.5 million. In 2022, the citys Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to grant landmark status to the theater, an effort that Stefani initiated. The designation means that changes to the property require an extra layer of scrutiny by the citys preservation commission. In the fall, a hearing on the retail conversion planned by Jaiswal was continued indefinitely. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the Clays landmark status does not prevent its new owners from reviving the effort. Dan Sider, the Planning Departments chief of staff, confirmed that the application is still active. Will street car operate in snow? Now would be a good time for the street car proponents to discuss winter weather's impact on who, how and the operations of the system. This will not be a 24/7365 operation. and it will impact the rate of return, the welfare of the riders, consistent availability and ridership. Sam Irwin Council Bluffs AEA services are essential I am extremely concerned by legislation that would shrink or eliminate essential services provided by our Area Education Associations to Iowa children. Iowa's kids should get the best education possible. That includes the full breadth of the work that AEAs do - services starting at age 3 and going through age 21 for some. It is not just something that can be defunded and replaced overnight with a division of the Department of Education or on the private market. Iowa's kids and Iowa's teachers deserve all the services the AEAs provide, not the least of which is the crisis management teams that we just saw in action in Perry. It is clear who would suffer the most: rural and small town school districts because they don't have the funding to hire much needed positions for the same cost as they can pay for them through the AEAs. Non-public schools also have access to these services. It is especially important that our legislators and the the governor hear our stories. AEAs provide wrap-around services. They train substitute teachers. They provide professional development. They provide mental health resources when they may be available nowhere else. Every Iowa kid matters. Not just some - every single kid. And every Iowa child deserves a quality, appropriate education. That is an essential part of the AEAs' mission, and it is up to us as Iowans to ensure that remains the case. Patricia Hopes Treynor Nursing homes need to do better We all have those moments that we will never forget. The moment we realized the 9/11 plane crashes were not an accident or when COVID-19 shut down the world. I will never forget when I checked my parents into the home. It was a gut wrenching experience. My heart was full of sadness, worry, fear and agony. I prayed that they would be well cared for, as we all do for our friends and family in care facilities. Correctionville is my home and the home there has some very distressing violations. In one recent incident, a man was found in his wheelchair at night near Highway 20, while the staff was unaware of his absence. Last March, the state proposed and suspended a $9,250 fine for failure to provide adequate supervision. In May, the state proposed and suspended an $8,250 fine for failing to prevent abuse of a resident. The latest incident involves a resident that alleges that she was raped in the parking lot by an employee and after reporting the incident was dumped at a homeless shelter in Sioux City. The Correctionville Specialty Care is owned and operated by Care Initiatives based in West Des Moines. Care Initiatives ended the 2020 fiscal year with $5.8 million in net income and the former CEO Miles King collected $605,487 in compensation that year. I appeal to all to contact the governor and state legislators and express your outrage. Our state should care about their elderly. Jo Ann Sadler Correctionville SSB 3131 is end game for Iowa libraries Iowans before us understood why the legal liabilities and complex policies inherent to library services require specific and robust management to successfully steward collections, programs and spaces which are openly and freely used by the public. Senate Study Bill 3131 would transfer oversight, power, and property of public library boards to their cities. Our cities are not prepared neither will they be additionally resourced to tackle the work of over 500 public library boards around the state. Iowans before us recognized how robust libraries contribute to the economic development, entrepreneurial success, civic engagement and life satisfaction of millions every day. They valued literacy and learning and therefore structured secured funding and focused oversight through appointed boards in Iowa Code, which are both jeopardized by SSB 3131. As they say in chess, we are at end game. If SSB 3131 passes, Iowa libraries will close. Iowa communities are not prepared for the fallout. Those who register or vote in favor of this bill know this tragic reality. Eighty-five years ago, Iowan Forrest Spaulding wrote the Library Bill of Rights when he was the director of the Des Moines Public Library. His work has since become an international standard of free people reading freely. Iowas legacy of information access and how libraries provide fundamental human rights should be carefully examined by proponents of SSB 3131. In 2023, Iowa faced the second most library-adverse bills in the nation. Its time to let the people of Iowa manage their own libraries. Sam Helmick Iowa City Driver Milton Barnes poses for a photo with customer David Bunn in front of his RIDE van in Wilson, N.C. The city of Wilson, North Carolina, ended its bus service in September 2020 to offer on-demand van trips anywhere in town for less than $3 a ride. Even during the pandemic, which sent public transit ridership plummeting, it surged 300% in Wilson. 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. Participants at the Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation held in Rabat Feb.15-16, commended the international initiative of King Mohammed VI aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. We commend and welcome the international initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, and emphasize the urgent need to address substantial infrastructure and investment in the Atlantic region of Africa, said the Speakers and members of the Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and Arab world (ASSECAA), and representatives of Regional and Continental Parliamentary Unions in Africa, the Arab World and Latin American in the Final Declaration adopted by the conference. They lauded the pioneering role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in launching and supporting all development and solidarity initiatives aimed at sustaining South-South cooperation. This initiative, which aims to establish a robust institutional framework bringing together the 23 countries of the continent bordering the Atlantic Ocean, will position Moroccos Atlantic coast as a pivotal hub for bolstering logistical connectivity among the countries of the South by both maritime and air routes, they stressed. Enhancing logistical connectivity will facilitate the exchange of goods, stimulate investment flows in the countries of the South and significantly shorten the distance between wealth-generating production chains and the sources of raw materials, particularly in the Afro-Arab-Latin American geo-economic areas, where global resources and raw materials are concentrated, added the final declaration. The parliamentarians also called for such initiatives to serve as catalysts for strengthening South-South coordination, cooperation and solidarity between the countries of Africa, the Arab world, Latin America and the Caribbean at bilateral, regional and inter-regional levels, particularly in areas linked to food, energy and health sovereignty and security, economic exchanges, sustainable development, coordination and consultation through permanent institutional channels. African parliamentarians commended Moroccos leading role in promoting and strengthening South-South cooperation and highlighted the Sovereigns commitment and unconditional support for the integration and development of both the continent and the countries of the South. They stressed the importance of South-South cooperation in meeting the challenges facing these countries, including poverty, food insecurity, climate change and armed conflict. Attending Arab MPs on their part underscored Moroccos continuous endeavors to strengthen the climate of understanding and dialogue between brotherly and friendly countries in order to realize the aspirations of peoples for further security, stability and prosperity. The Kingdom also endeavors to establish the best strategic partnerships to help accelerate economic development, they said. The Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation was held under the theme: the role of national parliaments and regional and continental parliamentary unions in Africa, the Arab world, and Latin America in promoting strategic partnerships and achieving integration and joint development. The Conference brought together more than 260 participants from 40 countries, including 30 speakers of national parliaments and regional and continental parliamentary unions from Africa, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Frances ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, said on Friday in Casablanca that it would be illusory and disrespectful to believe that we could build a future together with Morocco without clarifying Frances position on the Sahara issue. The French ambassadors remarks were made during a conference-debate on French-Moroccan relations at the Ain Chock College of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences, organized by the Links Foundation, chaired by former minister and Moroccan ambassador to France Mohamed Berrada. It would be totally illusory, disrespectful and stupid to consider that we are going to build what I hope we will manage to build, brick by brick, for the happiness of our two nations and a few other neighbors, without clarifying this issue, which everyone in Paris knows and recognizes as essential for the Kingdom, yesterday, today and tomorrow, stressed Lecourtier in response to a question on Frances position on the Sahara issue. How can we claim to have these ambitions without taking into account the Kingdoms major concerns on the issue? wondered Lecourtier. France is aware of the importance of this issue for Morocco. It is aware of how the world is evolving, he added, noting that in the dialogue we have with Morocco, this question, as it has been since 2007, will be raised with a view to pursuing intimacy and partnership in the years and decades to come. The French diplomat also touched on the special relations that Morocco has forged with African countries, particularly those in the Sahel and West Africa, pointing out that the Kingdom and France have a lot to do together on the African continent. Frances ambassador recalled in this connection Moroccos longer-standing and more stable relations with African countries, which make the Kingdom the country best perceived by public opinion in the Sahel. We can work together to strengthen our solidarity and our common destiny in the face of our competitors, said the diplomat. In this respect, Lecourtier recalled that relations between Europe and Africa necessarily pass through the Maghreb, the Sahel and West Africa, stressing that this reality is in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who has made Moroccos anchorage in its African depth one of the major pillars of the Kingdoms foreign policy. The French ambassador who emphasized Frances willingness to enhance its partnership with Morocco, said that his country has the capacity to be a useful ally and partner, without exclusivity or monopoly. Without arrogance, Morocco is right to want to see France around the table and to want, as we want with it, to re-found this very ambitious agenda, he added. This means that we must be capable of living up to the role that you may wish to give us, one of the major partners for the next 20 years. This means that we must be able to mobilize financial resources, and in terms of expertise, investment, and research, pointed out the French diplomat. Regarding the question of the quality training needed to support this partnership, and drawing on Moroccos absolutely central positioning in this area of co-prosperity, Lecourtier stressed that the key would be to ensure the training of thousands of young Moroccans, Europeans, and Sub-Saharans, at both higher and intermediate levels, with facilitated mobility, leading to a win-win partnership. In this field, Morocco and France can make Morocco a place where Moroccans, French, Sub-Saharans, and Europeans come to train and be able to +irrigate+ our Euro-Moroccan-African region to realize our destiny, said the diplomat. Lecourtiers remarks come on the backdrop of Frances expressed desire to warm up relations with Morocco and echo the French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne who affirmed last week his commitment to bridging the gap and rebuilding trust between the two nations. Sejourne, who assumed office in January, expressed, in an interview with Ouest-France daily paper, President Macrons personal directive to improve French-Moroccan ties, and emphasized the need to start a new chapter in their relationship. Sejourne said he will invest in improving ties with Morocco and reaffirmed Paris support for the Sahara autonomy plan. The Republics President has personally asked me to invest in French-Moroccan relations to open a new chapter in our toes. I will be committed to that, Sejourne said. Now, it is time to move forward. I will do everything in the upcoming weeks and months so that France and Morocco get closer, he said, adding that his priority will be rebuilding trust. France has a position that is clear and steady in support for the autonomy plan since 2007, the Foreign Minister said, reiterating Frances readiness to move forward on the Sahara issue Ties between Morocco and France worsened in the two past years against the backdrop of a series of events, notably Paris falling short of following the USAs full recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, maneuvers by French MPs against Moroccan interests at the European parliament, and Macrons Algiers tropism. The major challenges facing humanity today require the establishment of a new global order of cooperation founded on principles of justice and equity for all nations of the world, particularly those of the South, the Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation stressed in a final declaration released in Rabat Friday. Participants in the conference called in the final declaration on the international community to promptly bolster confidence in global development cooperation pathways and to enhance international solidarity, with the aim of facilitating a significant developmental shift in countries of the South and narrowing the economic gap with the countries of the North. They highlighted the importance of joint efforts by all countries to foster global stability across its myriad dimensions as the cornerstone for enduring peace, and underscored the necessity for concerted regional and international endeavors to secure a stable world free from the specter of conflict and separatist inclinations The Declaration underscores that any meddling in the internal affairs of states constitutes a breach of the United Nations Charter and the principle of neighborliness, and stresses the paramount importance of upholding the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of nations, as well as the need for peaceful means for conflict resolution. Regarding the continued attacks on Gaza, participants condemned the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and urged the international community to stop the war immediately in accordance with international law, to spare the blood of innocent people and to ensure international stability and peace, states the Declaration. The participants also stressed the need to reinforce the endeavors of Arab, African and Latin American parliaments, including senates and equivalent councils, in all their pluralistic structures and enriched compositions, in order to enhance their oversight of government actions and compliance with national and international commitments, and to play their part in enacting legislation to promote economic and trade cooperation between Africa, the Arab world, Latin America and the countries of the South. The two-day conference, held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, focused on the Role of National Parliaments and Regional and Continental Parliamentary Unions in Africa, the Arab World, and Latin America in Enhancing Strategic Partnerships and Achieving Joint Integration and Development. The conference brought together over 260 participants from 40 countries, including 30 Speakers of national parliaments and regional and continental parliamentary unions. The meeting, held at the initiative of the Upper House of the Moroccan Parliament in collaboration with the Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and Arab world (ASSECAA), is part of Moroccos leadership in launching development and solidarity initiatives aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation. My daughter and I are currently reading through 2 Samuel at bedtime and recently came across an amazing story. Chapter nine opens with King David wondering if there is anyone of Sauls family (the former king) that he can show kindness to for the sake of his good friend Jonathan (Sauls son). Keep in mind that when a new king began to reign, it was normal for him to eliminate every trace of the former kings family to solidify his own power base. David wants to show unusual grace, however, because he had made a covenant of kindness with Jonathan. David is told that there is a son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth. Apparently, the noteworthy detail about this man is that he is crippled in both feet. This recalls chapter four which relates that on the day Saul and Jonathan were killed, Mephibosheths nurse picked up him as the royal family was fleeing. Sadly, as she ran, she dropped him which left him permanently crippled. This obviously negatively impacted his quality of life, and it was in this state that King David called to him. Mephibosheth rightly feared Davids intentions, but David quickly reassured him, Do not fear. Davids overture toward Mephibosheth was unexpectedly kind not vindictive. Stunningly, David then informs him that he will eat at the kings table every day for the rest of his life! Mephibosheth gratefully accepts the grace of David, and the account concludes by stating, So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king's table. Now he was lame in both his feet. The crippled son of Davids rival was shown immeasurable grace! Now perhaps we read Old Testament stories and arent quite sure what to do with them. Theyre ... nice (some of them), but what relevance do they have for us today? David was kind, to Mephibosheth and its a happy ending, but so what? Keep in mind Jesus words when he stated, You search the Scriptures (the Old Testament) because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, ... John 5:39. This is one of those marvelous stories that bears witness to the beauty of Jesus. Were Mephibosheth. Weve been crippled and injured (perhaps physically, emotionally, relationally and/or spiritually). Sometimes its the result of our own actions, but often weve been hurt by the actions of others (like Mephibosheth who was dropped by his nurse). Were from the wrong family, we feel crippled and we fear. And into our brokenness, the King (Jesus) approaches us and says, Do not fear. Jesus is the better David who comes not to condemn us in our sorrow and difficulty, but to bring word that, by faith in him, we are invited to eat at his table every day for the rest of our (eternal) lives. Were all broken people who deserve the Kings wrath, but instead he graciously offers to feed us at his table forever. Were crippled in a myriad of ways unable to offer him anything. On one level, this is a beautiful story about the grace of a king to a crippled and undeserving person. But it foreshadows the much larger story of the grace of King Jesus toward sinful and sinned-against people. Broken people invited to eat at his table for the rest of eternity. Indeed, "... Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!" Revelation 19:9. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images For the last week or so, Joe Bidens closest allies have been unified in their public responses to the painful questions about his age, memory, and fitness for high office unleashed by special counsel Robert Hurs report. The 81-year-old president, they insist, is sharp and up to the job, no matter what a conservative prosecutor thinks. To hear many of them tell it, the ensuing coverage especially the countless columns and TV commentary segments questioning Bidens place on Democrats ticket has been the product of an irresponsible pundit class that would prefer to critique the presidents speaking style than focus on the substance of his governance. Yet to many of the Democrats whove been at Bidens side the longest, theres an extra dimension to the frustration. Though few deny that Bidens aging is readily visible to anyone who looks, and that its likely to be a political problem and even a legitimate concern for Americans, many see in the last week confirmation of a long-held suspicion that Washingtons chatterers in particular simply dont get Biden as a politician, and certainly not his appeal to voters. People want to understand and feel that the president gets whats going on in their lives, and the life of a New York Times editorial board member is not the same as a union member in Michigan whos trying to fill the table for their family every evening, said Kate Bedingfield, a longtime senior adviser to Biden and his first White House communications director. A few days earlier, citing the reams of polling suggesting even Democrats are worried about Bidens age, the Times had urged Biden to appear in more unscripted settings, both directly with voters and in press conferences, to assuage concerns the editorial board suggested could be near-fatal to his candidacy. A wide range of Bidens longtime friends, current and former aides, and allies have said such analyses predictably misread what voters appreciate about the president, especially how he communicates without a layer of condescension and irony, and I think that feels uncomfortable to people who traffic in both of those things, per Bedingfield. Its a long-standing criticism some Bidenites are only now comfortable airing publicly, possibly because they are wary of the fact that complaining about press coverage is standard for lagging campaigns and unpopular incumbents. They believe voters trust Biden because of his extensive experience and will ultimately view any questions about his abilities through the lens of a binary choice between him and the man whos almost sure to be his opponent, Donald Trump a view they think was partially vindicated by Democratic voters in swingy Pennsylvania this week. And some tasked with communicating for Biden are convinced the recent drumbeat of columns fits a long pattern of Washington tastemakers simply underestimating him. These same individuals tend to be eager to impose a negative age narrative on anything, but many decision-makers have apparently memory-holed every Biden success since they predicted he couldnt win the 2020 primary, said deputy White House press secretary Andrew Bates. (One Biden 2020 alum likened the moment to when analysts assumed Biden wasnt leaning left enough to win that primary, suggesting that now those pundits, who misread Democratic Party politics, are crying about lower readership numbers into their Warren 2020 mugs.) Its hard to cover someone effectively who you decided to stop learning about five years ago. Too often the default assumption is, If Bidens approach is X, X will fail, Bates continued. Thats how his primary and general election campaigns were covered. The groundbreaking infrastructure, climate, Medicare, China competitiveness, gun reform, and recovery laws he signed were covered the same way. The midterms and the 2023 elections, too. The broader Biden-world posture reflects a belief that despite Hurs allegations about Bidens memory his age is not a day-to-day problem as he directs the government, but instead that voter (and media) concerns about it are a primarily political matter. Further, they doubt that it will be the most important issue on voters minds by the fall due to Trumps presence on the ballot and the continued threat he and Republicans pose to abortion rights in particular. Still, poll after poll demonstrates significant voter worries about the presidents senescence, and the problem is only getting worse. The times Ive been with him in the White House, hes the same fucking guy. I havent seen anything that gives me any kind of pause or reason for concern, one longtime Biden friend whos a similar age told me this week. But, he continued, the biggest problem Joe has is the way he walks, and the walking translates to frail, and the frail translates to feeble, and the feeble translates to mentally deficient. I get the psychology of it all, but they havent yet put him in situations that would demonstrate publicly theres no need to worry. Its only natural, then, to wonder this: If the shapers of public opinion simply misunderstand Biden, isnt at least some of the onus on his team to convey a positive image of him, and his health, more effectively? Most of those in Bidens current employ reject this view and have become more aggressive in airing their frustration with coverage of the president and the relative dearth of focus on his policy initiatives in favor of stories about the political implications of his age. So far, the White House has not previewed any immediate change in strategy, though people close to Bidens political operation have long insisted he would ramp up his campaign schedule as the year progresses and that he performs best when up close and personal with voters. (This doesnt necessarily mean an uptick in interviews or news conferences, another frequent ask of his press corps and even some supporters.) Theres a big divergence between what makes for effective modern communications strategy and what the Washington press corps would most enjoy consuming themselves, said Bates. For example, we will not host a roundtable at Tatte about Ozempic. Bidens campaign aides have recently taken their lack of patience with the political press public, hoping to pressure reporters and chatterers to reevaluate the balance of their coverage and take Trumps daily outbursts more seriously. The day after Hurs report, senior campaign adviser TJ Ducklo circulated a statement titled, Are YAll Actually Paying Attention? Like With Your Eyes and Ears??? that pointed to Trumps lies and mistakes at an NRA rally in Pennsylvania. Included: Trump falsely said terrorists were taken into this country by the millions Trump falsely claims nothing happens to people who commit assault or murder Trump falsely said everyone coming to the country is a man between 18 and 25 Trump falsely said theyll change the name of PA if hes not elected. Days later, he made his point even clearer, replacing the standard in case you missed it press release heading with, You Probably Did Miss It: Donald Trump Said Hed Abandon Our Allies. He proceeded to detail at length how major newspapers and TV news programs devoted far more coverage to Bidens age than to Trumps recent encouragement of Vladimir Putin to attack Europe. Before long, the campaign posted two top aides mocking the Times depiction of Trump rallies to TikTok, suggesting it was comically fawning. The increasingly open anger with the mainstream D.C. media hasnt come without pushback. After the White House used its press-pool report email list to distribute spokesman Ian Samss letter to media organizations taking issue with their coverage of the Hur report, the White House Correspondents Association said it would no longer allow such generalized critiques of news coverage from the White House on its list. To the people who actually spend the most time with Biden, the mounting depiction of Biden as too old for the job is simply unfair. No one denies that he speaks more haltingly, softly, and slowly than before, but many contend its the return of his famous childhood stutter. Others point out often that Biden has been well known for his tendency to gaffe and ramble for decades, and that at times during his second term as vice-president, that had even been viewed by some supporters as endearing. More still complain that though he is on-camera frequently, Bidens speeches and roundtables get little attention unless he flubs a line, like transposing Egypt for Mexico in his post-Hur press conference. The federal government is an incredibly complex place and the issues around the federal government are very complex. And very often there are commentators in media who dont understand some of the bigger issues so they go to issues they can understand, said Ted Kaufman, Bidens 84-year-old longtime friend who for years served as his chief of staff and adviser, and who succeeded him in the Senate when Biden became vice-president. Thats whats driving the old-age issue. Everyones an expert on age. This, of course, is not a new dynamic. The last time the Biden is too old to run again argument seized Washington was last fall, when David Ignatius, a voice of the old-school D.C. Establishment, argued as much in the Washington Post. A few days later, about 150 of Bidens top donors gathered in private in Chicagos Millennium Park to hear about his campaign and to look for reassurance as his poll numbers sank. Delaware senator Chris Coons, a co-chairman of the campaign, got onstage to argue Biden wasnt getting the credit he deserved: I just came from D.C., and I feel like I traveled around the world. Our president did just travel around the world, and on the stage at the global meeting in India and the follow-up meeting in Vietnam that just happened, sadly most of our nation only hear him say, I need to go to bed. Thats the current media environment in which we live, but the reality was: He literally pulled two back-to-back all-nighters. Coons rifled through Bidens itinerary, including negotiating to add the African Union to the G-20 and continuing his leadership that has brought 47 countries to the aid of Ukraine. He turned, sarcastically, to Ignatiuss column. The columnist, he said, revealed a deep secret to me in that column, one I didnt previously know. Our president is 80! I was unaware! He returned to sincerity. Too old for what? Too old to lead on the world stage? Demonstrably no! In the face of Russia, in the face of China, in the face of the most difficult moment weve seen since the Second World War. FDR, LBJ, JRB. Joseph Robinette Biden is the most consequential global leader of our lives. Not even Biden likes to go quite that far. Still, for months he has privately allowed some frustration with the columns about his age, though he usually brushes them aside instead of stewing over them as he did when told about Ignatiuss column. He seldom sees an upside in playing press critic publicly, notwithstanding some smiling knocks on his regular chroniclers. (What was he giving up for Lent?, asked a White House reporter this week. You guys.) Yet his impatience with the focus on his age has become more obvious when the cameras are turned on, like during his impromptu press conference after Hurs report dropped, when he raged at Hurs suggestion that Biden couldnt remember when his son Beau died. How in the hell he dare raise that? His immediate displeasure with Hur was in part over the sensitivity of the subject matter. But the longer-term annoyance is also about how personally uncomfortable the chatter can get. Though some of Bidens friends maintain that his muddier speech is stutter-related, Biden himself has resisted conceding that much; it was such a sensitive topic in 2020 that he hesitated to let his campaign staff amplify content about the childhood stutter despite being shown that it was relatable and polling well. What he is not, however, is exactly surprised by the coverage. He has considered how to answer questions about his age every time he has weighed a presidential campaign in the last decade. There may be no simple answer, but he has more experience than anybody who has ever been president, so he knows the way things are. Its not like people are coming into this saying, Oh, I cant believe this! said Kaufman. Hes a big boy. Hes studied this stuff, hes thought about it. It comes with the territory. The once and perhaps future star of the anti-abortion movement. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images There is a wide range of positions on the legality of abortion that are based on some belief or assertion related to biology, ethics, or metaphysics. Some people (particularly religious conservatives) famously claim that life begins at the moment of conception, and that banning any interference with the development of that life represents homicide. That is the foundation for the extremist fetal personhood position that would use force of law to compel women to carry every pregnancy to term. Some abortion opponents wont go quite that far, but they argue that its morally essential to ban abortions from the point a fetal heartbeat can allegedly be discerned. That is the basis for the six-week heartbeat laws in place in many states after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. Other abortion opponents claim (on dubious medical grounds) that a fetus can feel pain at 15 weeks of pregnancy (or at either 20 weeks or 22 weeks of pregnancy) and promote abortion bans at that point. Conversely, of course, there are many people who believe fetal viability is the crucial point at which a new life becomes distinct from its mother, making some restrictions on abortion appropriate at that point (roughly at 24 weeks of pregnancy). Viability, accordingly, was the standard for a constitutional right to choose abortion during the era of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Many pro-choice Americans are working very hard to restore the viability standard via state constitutional measures or statutes. But others believe that as a matter of bodily autonomy, any fetus at any state of development is part of its mother, and thus argue that the right to abortion should become unconditional. Ive gone through this exercise to establish that however shaky the rationale might be for this or that legal scheme governing abortion, there almost invariably is one. Thats not true of the 16-week standard that Donald Trump is reportedly planning to promote later this year or perhaps only if and when he takes office, according to the New York Times: Former President Donald J. Trump has told advisers and allies that he likes the idea of a 16-week national abortion ban with three exceptions, in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother, according to two people with direct knowledge of Mr. Trumps deliberations. One thing Mr. Trump likes about a 16-week federal ban on abortions is that its a round number. Know what I like about 16? Mr. Trump told one of these people, who was given anonymity to describe a private conversation. Its even. Its four months. The Times characterizes the former presidents approach to this issue with what might be the understatement of the year: Mr. Trump has approached abortion transactionally since becoming a candidate in 2015, and his current private discussions reflect that same approach. His allies in the anti-abortion movement certainly understand that, which is why they mostly pulled their punches when he began publicly blaming them for poor Republican performance in the 2022 midterms and then refused to sign onto the national 15-week abortion ban being proposed as a litmus test. Part of this extraordinary forbearance from people not known for flexibility undoubtedly represents gratitude for Trumps huge role in reshaping the U.S. Supreme Court into one that would reverse Roe. But it is very likely that they also figure Trumps public position on their favorite topic doesnt necessarily reflect anything deeper than whatever ephemeral tactic he is pursuing at any given moment. The proposed 16-week standard would, however, give anti-abortion activists something they want very badly: a presidential candidate committed to a national abortion ban. If it works like other national bans that have been proposed, it would create a floor on abortion restrictions rather than a ceiling: Abortions after 16 weeks would be banned in blue states, while red states would be free to ban abortion altogether. What Trumps solution would not do, however, is what he says it would do in his past comments on the subject. Per the Times: [H]e talks about abortion as if its a real-estate transaction. He has taken credit for giving great negotiating power to anti-abortion activists. Whats going to happen is youre going to come up with a number of weeks or months, Mr. Trump said in an interview on NBCs Meet the Press in September. Youre going to come up with a number thats going to make people happy. His number isnt going to make women whose rights are arbitrarily cut off at 16 weeks of pregnancy happy, and it wont make the pro-choice majority of Americans happy, either. For that matter, anti-abortion activists wont be happy with a 16-week national ban other than as a way station to the total prohibition that they want. The only happy party will be Trump, and only if it helps him get back to the White House. 6 items in this article 1 item on sale! Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers Over the past few weeks, Ive done Kukuwa dance workouts, streamed a lot of Spotify, and sometimes accidentally conducted Zoom interviews in stereo sound. I had Ushers voice pinging between my left and right speakers as I listened to Yeah! a few too many times ahead of the Super Bowl. Ive switched between external speakers and my laptops built-ins multiple times to make sure I truly heard a difference and wasnt just drawn in by marketing ploys for a $200 system. And Ive walked away convinced that external computer speakers really do make a difference. Ill admit that I was loath to cede desk space to another boxy appliance, add to the thicket of cords on my desk, or mess with Bluetooth pairing every time I changed devices (truly a unique and modern torture). But every time I thought maybe the speakers I was trying werent so great after all, it turned out Id forgotten to turn on Bluetooth. My experience left me all the more amazed to discover in reporting this story how many people even podcasters and music writers! think nothing of dropping hundreds on a pair of headphones, but for computer speakers rely on their computers built-in speakers or an old set of speakers theyve had for a decade. Thats probably a mistake: If youre planning to use your computer for watching movies, gaming, or just playing music in the background during the workday, a set of dedicated speakers can elevate the experience, bringing out more nuance and detail, particularly on the low end. The best option for you will depend on how you intend to use the speakers, how much space you have, and, subjectively, what you think sounds best. The most important thing about speaker buying is to actually have them set up so you can compare one song on multiple speakers to hear what youre actually paying for, says Mikey Weiss, owner of Mikeys Hook Up, which has been selling electronics and cables in Williamsburg for more than 20 years, with a satellite location in L.A. Your best bet is to listen to the same songs, games, or movie clips on several different sets and pick the one you prefer. For testing, I played Liquid Liquid, one of my favorite bands for getting through the workday; Re-TROS, my old pals from Beijing; and the booming opening sequence of Killers of the Flower Moon. I also spoke to several audio-obsessed experts to get their recommendations. With very cheap speakers, you probably wont see an improvement over your computers built-in speakers or a portable Bluetooth speaker (such as Strategist favorite Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3). Weiss says his stores stopped selling speakers below the $150 range once customers heard the jump in quality with a more expensive speaker it was a no-brainer. (We did include one model that costs less than $150 on this list; its an instance where you really do get good value from a direct-to-consumer brand.) Once you get to the very high end, say more than $500, its just personal taste, says Weiss. What were looking for Number of speakers More speakers obviously means more stuff on your desk, but a single speaker may not do everything you want it to do. Two speakers will offer the stereo experience for listening to music, and an added subwoofer can fill out the low end of the range, particularly if youre working with smaller speakers or playing games, movies, or any kind of music with a lot of bass. Size Bigger speakers take up limited desk space and may overwhelm the aesthetics of a room, and in a compact home-office setup, they may be louder than you need. Experts I spoke to suggested not getting too hung up on the specs provided by a manufacturer, which can be confusing or misleading. That said, smaller speakers anything with a speaker cone smaller than about 3.5 or 4 inches will struggle to produce sounds in the low range (a separate subwoofer can come in handy here, depending on your listening habits). If youre listening to music like jazz with less low end, or youre primarily using the speakers for Zoom calls or watching YouTube videos, a smaller speaker may work just fine. If youre having to turn the volume all the way up to fill a large room, you might need speakers that are larger in terms of watts (about 50 watts should be good for a small room or home office up to 100 square feet), driver diameter (in most cases, youll want about three inches), and sensitivity (how loud a speaker gets, in decibels). Your setup will make a difference, too. Placing speakers near a wall or inside cabinets can cause boomy and ill-defined bass, says William Woods, an industrial design professor at Savannah College of Art and Design who has an obsession with sound. Connections All of our picks can connect to your computer wirelessly, and some connect to your computer via a headphone (3.5mm) or USB jack, a nice extra if you, like me, spend a lot of time fighting to pair devices. Some also include RCA stereo jacks for connecting to other electronics. Best overall Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Computer Speakers $269 Number: 2, with option to add a subwoofer | Size: 6 x 4 x 5.25 each, 60 W (30 W per speaker) | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA Over several days of testing the A2+, the sound was rich and clear as I listened to music or secretly did dance workouts during the workday. The difference between these and my laptops built-in speakers was striking: Each instrument came in distinctly, and the bass and drums were more robust even without an added subwoofer. Do I need this sound quality if Im just streaming Spotify at a low volume all day? Maybe not. But I found myself putting on music more often: The speakers easily filled my office with music at a low volume and could be turned up loud enough to fill most of my apartment. The Bluetooth pairing was a slight hassle every time I connected to a new device, but I mostly found the speakers easy to use. My main quibble is that the speakers added to the clump of cords and cables on my desk, thanks to the power cord and the speaker wire connecting the two sides. Woods calls Audioengines A2+ (or if youve got the space, the larger A5+ version) great compact speakers that pack a huge punch. If you connect via Bluetooth, you can bypass your computers internal sound card and connect directly to the speakers DAC (digital-analog converter), which the manufacturer says results in more dynamic sound and less noise. The speakers fiberboard cabinets come in matte shades of red, white, black, and blue (the version I tested, which looked more like purple to me). $269 at Amazon Buy $269 at Amazon Buy Best less expensive Monoprice DT-3BT 50-Watt Multimedia Desktop Powered Speakers with Bluetooth $100 now 25% off $75 Number: 2 | Size: 5.5 x 8.0 x 5.9 each, 50 W (25 W per speaker) | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA For an affordable, no-frills option, the direct-to-consumer brand Monoprice has this set, which just comes in black, unlike the multiple color options offered by the other brands on this list. The companys speakers will outperform most of the big-box brands at that price point, Woods says. Theres a headphone jack and volume control on the front of the left speaker, as well as an RCA connection in the back of the speaker. $75 at Amazon Buy $75 at Amazon Buy Best for gaming Logitech G560 Gaming Speakers $200 now 11% off $178 Number: 3 | Size: satellites: 5.83 x 6.54 x 4.65; subwoofer: 15.91 x 10.04 x 8.15, 240 W total | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, USB External speakers can really make a big difference in your gaming experience, and the positional surround sound of the Logitech G560 can make for a more immersive experience. Since gaming is a world I know nothing about, the first person I thought to ask for a recommendation is Saira Mueller, a freelance tech reporter who covers the gaming industry. She calls this set of two round satellite speakers and a subwoofer the best option for gaming. The smaller speakers have built-in lights that change color and respond to sound and action within games although Mueller notes those lights stay on even in standby mode. At almost 16 inches tall and weighing about 12 pounds, the subwoofer is huge, she notes. $178 at Amazon Buy $199 at Best Buy Buy Best for multitasking Logitech Logi Dock $199 $199 Number: 1 | Size: 3.34 x 6.30 x 5.18 | Connections: Bluetooth, USB, power output not listed Essentially a speaker and docking station in one, the Logi Dock is meant to clean up wire clutter for work-from-home setups. The speaker has ports for connecting monitors and peripherals and a built-in microphone and it works as a power bank to charge a laptop. Over several days of testing, the dock sat cutely on my desk, and the volume and microphone controls right on top were very convenient for Zoom meetings. My main complaint is that for something thats supposed to cut down on clutter, the box on the charging cable is egregiously large! The sound is totally fine for listening at close range during the workday; I noticed a huge difference in the low end and bass over my laptops built-ins. I could even turn the volume up loud enough to grab a snack in the other room while a colleague was delivering a monologue in a Zoom meeting. $199 at Amazon Buy $200 at Best Buy Buy Best portable Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker $214 now 5% off $204 Number: 1 (can be paired with a second for stereo sound) | Size: 3.24 x 5.97 x 3.24, power output not listed | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm An even more compact option, the Bose SoundLink Revolve II is designed to distribute sound throughout a room whether its situated in the center of a room or near a wall, and it can be paired with a second speaker to provide stereo sound. Juan Leguizamon, a New Yorkbased film editor, uses the wired connection on this sleek model as his computer speaker when hes editing at home. He likes the small footprint it leaves on his desk and gives it high marks for its sound and construction. According to the manufacturer, it lasts 13 hours on a full charge, so it doubles as a great Bluetooth speaker when on the move, says Leguizamon. $204 at Amazon Buy $219 at Best Buy Buy Best for audio recording and editing PreSonus Eris 3.5BT Bluetooth Studio Monitors $150 Number: 2, with option to add a subwoofer | Size: 8.27 x 5.53 x 6.46 each, 50 W (25 W per speaker) | Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, RCA Technically studio monitors, the PreSonus Eris 3.5BT are intended to have clear, accurate sound. Unlike the other speakers on this list, these will produce a flat response, which means they wont boost the high and low end of the range and may have a thinner sound than you might be used to, but theyll let you hear whats actually going on with your audio, which is important for recording and editing. Weiss says that these pro-sumer speakers hit that middle ground perfectly of being serviceable for someone recording or editing at home or who just wants an affordable, good-sounding speaker. Theres a volume control and on/off switch on the front of the speakers. On the back, there are knobs to adjust the high and low frequencies to your liking. The Melbourne-based musician Worst Vibes is another fan of PreSonus speakers and says he just wanted speakers I could afford that could go loud. $150 at Amazon Buy $150 at Amazon Buy Our experts Juan Leguizamon, a New Yorkbased film editor Saira Mueller, a freelance tech reporter who covers the gaming industry Mikey Weiss, owner of Mikeys Hook Up William Woods, an industrial design professor at Savannah College of Art and Design Worst Vibes, a Melbourne-based musician get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), led by Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General, is set to embark on a roadshow in the United Kingdom from February 12 to 15, 2024. The initiative aims to foster collaboration with key stakeholders in the UK tourism sector and draw visitors from various cities. The delegation's itinerary includes stops in Glasgow, Birmingham, and London, where the latest destinations and projects will be showcased to boost Ajman's global tourism appeal. The UK has been instrumental in Ajman's tourism success, ranking among the top 10 countries contributing tourists to the emirate. In 2023, foreign tourism experienced a notable 7% increase in the total number of English tourists (both residents and non-residents) compared to the previous year, said a statement. Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming tour, Alhashmi, said: "This promotional campaign aligns seamlessly with our vision to solidify the emirate's standing on the global tourism map, placing a strong emphasis on fortifying partnerships, sharing experiences, and drawing insights from the best practices. We are confident that the meetings and memorandums of understanding to be signed during this tour will significantly contribute to supporting sustainable economic development in tourism and introduce the diverse tourism products and projects offered by the emirate." He highlighted the roadshow's role in augmenting awareness of Ajman's tourism and cultural facets. He believes that this campaign will not only serve as a means to attract visitors from the United Kingdom but will also act as an effective gateway to fostering collaboration with local and international partners in the tourism sector. This collaboration, in turn, is expected to enhance opportunities for experience exchange and lead to an increased influx of tourists to the emirate. Recent years witnessed remarkable growth in Ajman's tourism sector, boasting an 11% surge in total hotel revenues, a 6% increase in occupancy rates, and an 11% rise in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2022. With 50 hotel facilities and approximately 4,300 rooms, Ajman maintains an 82% occupancy rate, according to the STR report, reflecting a 6% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) over the previous year. Simultaneously, Ajman is experiencing a tourism upswing, with escalating hotel revenues, occupancy rates, and visitor numbers. The emirate is solidifying its status as a preferred destination for UK and Ireland tourists, witnessing a surge in nights spent and arrivals from these countries, the statement said. -TradeArabia News Service System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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Its not nearly as costly as painting everything. Switching out doorknobs can be a quick afternoon project in most cases, you wont need anything fancier than a screwdriver to install them but takes some advance consideration. To ensure a cohesive look, interior designer Raena Albers suggests keeping your homes existing fixtures in mind; she advises against mixing 80s faux-French brass hinges with modern black door levers, for example. Doorknobs run the gamut from fantastically ornate antiques to low-profile, unobtrusive sets you can buy at Home Depot. My general advice is to err on the side of unobtrusive you dont want to worry that every new piece of furniture will clash with a set of Victorian floral knobs, for example but Ive included a range of styles on this list, including a few voicier options. For some knobs on this list, you can customize the shape of the rosette, the term for the backplate mounted onto the door that conceals the knobs internal hardware. To find the best doorknobs for all kinds of spaces, I consulted 11 designers and DIYers, then tested their top picks myself. What were looking for Material Doorknobs are made of materials that are sturdy enough to stand up to frequent use and resistant to being damaged over time by the oils and grime on hands. Metal, porcelain, crystal, and glass work well, and although youll occasionally see a wooden or plastic doorknob, they tend to be less hardy in the long term. For metal doorknobs, zinc and brass are two of the most common materials. Brass tends to be more expensive, but has some qualities that make it especially good for doorknobs: It resists corrosion and rust and is naturally antimicrobial. Brass can kill germs, and brass doorknobs are less prone to germiness. Zinc or brass knobs are often finished in another metal, and which is mostly a matter of aesthetics. For a home with a lot of antique or vintage furniture, you may want to match brass fittings; matte black, chrome, and nickel are more neutral options. Closing mechanism There are four main styles of doorknobs: passage knobs, also called hall-closet knobs, which turn and latch but are non-locking; privacy knobs, also bed-bath knobs, which have a pin, thumb-turn, or push-button locking mechanism built into the kit; keyed entry knobs, which have a key-operated lock; and dummy knobs, which are non-latching, decorative knobs, sometimes used for closet doors without a latch or to balance the back side of a set of doors. (Dummy knobs are usually cheaper; youre paying for internal hardware more than the knob itself when buying a doorknob.) Were prioritizing doorknobs with a passage or privacy option, which are the most versatile, though many styles also come in dummy or keyed entry options. Best doorknob overall Kwikset Pismo Doorknob $21 $31 now 32% off $21 Material: Zinc, four finishes | Closing mechanism: Passage, privacy, dummy, and keyed entry This Kwikset doorknob checks all the boxes: Its versatile and affordable, and its available as a passage, privacy, and dummy knob, as well as an exterior keyed-entry knob. Its also highly customizable: It comes in four finishes, and is also available with either a square or circular rosette. Stylist and interior designer Emily Henderson likes that this knob is modern, but can talk to almost any other style, especially in the matte-black finish, which is her favorite. When I tested the Pismo knob, it felt substantial in my hands and turned smoothly. The pared-down proportions of the knob and rosette and satin nickel finish make it look more expensive than its $24 price tag, a useful quality for any home DIY project. The entry knob also has a neat feature called SmartKey, which allows you to reset the lock to correspond to a new key without calling a locksmith, which sounds more complicated than it is it took me three-and-a-half minutes to figure out. Following the instructions step-by-step, I rekeyed the lock in 40 seconds once I already knew what I was doing. Its especially useful if you want to be able to operate multiple locks with the same key, or have members of your household who lose their keys often. (You do need to have at least one copy of the previous key on hand to reset the lock.) $21 at Amazon Buy From $24 at The Home Depot Buy I tested out the Kwikset Pismo knob myself. Photo: Author Best door lever Best adjustable doorknob Best vintage doorknob Material: Brass, bronze | Closing mechanism: Multiple Nothing says well-curated and thoughtful like finding doorknobs that are from the same era as your home, says Schultz, who suggests searching for vintage knobs online and mentioned the retailer Olde Good Things. There are a ton of great options on their website, many of which are available in multiples, an important criterion if want to avoid the eclectic energy of mismatched vintage fixtures. I especially like the simple brass knob and plate set above for any decor style or the Olympus set for an Art Deco or Victorian home. Best vintage-inspired doorknob Best contemporary doorknob Baldwin Contemporary Doorknob From $122 From $122 Material: Brass, six finishes | Closing mechanism: Passage, privacy, dummy, and keyed entry Both Schmidt and designer Lauren Cox mentioned this pared-down Baldwin knob, which Schmidt describes as sleek and simple with a barely there silhouette. Cox especially likes the chrome finish: Chrome is making a huge comeback, and I love the round shape with the square backplate, she says. From $122 at Build Buy Best doorknob with a non-traditional shape Material: Brass, six finishes | Closing mechanism: Passage, privacy, and dummy Although a round knob is standard, choosing a less-traditional shape for your doorknob can add visual interest to your home. Emtek is a favorite brand among the designers we spoke to for its high-quality knobs, and I especially love their deep catalogue of non-circular knobs. Schmidt especially likes this octagonal knob, which she describes as very Hollywood Regency and which would also look at home in a Memphis-inspired postmodern space full of geometric furniture. The white bronze egg knob is a splurge but is beautifully proportioned and unique while still being subtle. Best crystal doorknob Schlage Custom Hobson Hall-Closet and Bed-Bath Glass Knob with Collins Trim $174 $174 Material: Zinc, glass knob; five finishes | Closing mechanism: Adjustable passage or privacy and dummy If youre looking for an update to the classic octagon-shaped crystal doorknob, this versatile Schlage option is a great blend of styles, according to Schmidt. The vintage-inspired glass knob contrasts with a modern square backplate. Its also adjustable and can be converted from a passage knob to a privacy knob. $174 at Wayfair Buy Best porcelain doorknob Best splurge doorknob Material: Brass, three finishes | Closing mechanism: Passage, privacy, dummy, and keyed entry If you have an unlimited hardware budget, designer Briana Nix calls this style her dream doorknob. It has a skinny, long backplate helps elongate a door, bringing height to a room, with a perfectly proportioned globe knob. Its made of brass and comes in three finishes: matte black, brass, and a cool gray nickel. Best splurge door lever Best dummy knob Amerock Edona Cabinet Knob $9 $9 Material: Zinc, nine finishes | Closing mechanism: Dummy Sarah Leon and Teddy Wolff, who have spent the past year renovating their home in Brooklyn, bought a few of these brass-finished knobs as a dupe for a similar DeVol knob that was backordered. After they arrived, they looked so good that they decided to use them on swinging double doors throughout a main hallway. I think we ended up with 12 or 14 of them, Leon says. Theyre totally nice. Im sure the [DeVol] ones are nice too, but they look the same to me. Woolf likes that the knobs feel substantial: When buying hardware, he recommends paying attention to weight, which indicate whether an item is something that can wear and look better versus wear and look worse. The Amerock knobs pass the durability test Leon and Wolff report that theyve been installed for six months and are still looking good. $9 at Amazon Buy $3 at Build Buy Our experts Raena Albers, interior designer Joe Berkowitz, president and designer at JAB Design Group Rayman Boozer, principal designer at Apartment 48 Lauren Cox, interior designer Emily Henderson, stylist and interior designer Sarah Leon, editorial consultant Briana Nix, interior designer Barbara Schmidt, founder of Studiobstyle Ana Claudia Schultz, interior designer Alexis Swerdloff, New York Magazine deputy editor Teddy Wolff, photographer and co-founder of The Deligram get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Photo-Illustration: Courtesy Netflix The best teacher appreciation gifts are heartfelt and practical, and generally fall into one of two categories: something that can be used in the classroom to enhance students experiences or something that expresses gratitude for a job well done. And dont underestimate the power of a note of thanks paired with cash in the form of a gift card. After all, teachers often spend their own money on supplies for their classrooms, and theres a limit to the number of coffee mugs or candles one person can use. Our advice: Avoid items that a teacher may already own or things that are over-the-top expensive, which can fall into an against-school-policy gray area unless you pool resources from multiple parents or families. To find the best gifts for teachers that are both practical and personal, we talked to more than 25 educators from kindergarten to high school, who teach everything from physics to art, about the gifts they actually want. Below, the expert-recommended ideas that your kids teacher (or any teacher in your life) will most appreciate. Have a more specific gifting question? Try our new gift search tool here! Personalized notes and stationery Nearly every teacher we spoke to says the thing that makes them happiest is a heartfelt handwritten note from a student. Thao Vo, a sixth-grade mathematics teacher in Long Beach, California, says, When students take the time to write me a note or a card to tell me what theyve learned or any way Ive inspired them, it helps validate the many reasons I became a teacher. Richard Schwartz, a high-school history teacher of over 40 years and the father of Strategist writer Erin Schwartz, adds that a handwritten note helps contextualize a class, a student, a year, a career. Occasionally, when things are going a little bit bumpy, hell pull them out and reread them. They become a gift that keeps on giving, because theyll enable the teacher whos had a bad day or maybe is in a rough patch to look back and say, Doggone it, I am good at this, he says. Designs relevant to a teachers subject, like a stack of books for an English teacher, are a solid option. But if you prefer something with more flexibility, Frank Lloyd Wright prints work for pretty much any occasion. Hallmark Personalized Video Thank You Card $6 $6 Or go the extra mile to make your card even more personalized with a video message. Pre-K teacher Kat Doolin fondly recalls a card she received with a QR code inside that, once scanned, led to a recording of a student relaying a sweet message of thanks. $6 at Amazon Buy $6 at Amazon Buy Papergang Bright Ideas Stationery Box $28 $28 If you want to keep the gift going all year, consider a stationery subscription like Papergang. Sabrina White, an English literature teacher in Mexico City, personally subscribes to it and loves receiving a monthly shipment of pens, markers, greeting cards, and more, all designed in collaboration with indie artists. $28 at Ohh Deer US Buy Gift cards $100 Visa Gift Card $106 $106 It may sound un-special, but lots of the teachers we spoke to say they love getting gift cards. Families often mean well by trying to get you something specific and elegant, but most teachers actually need things that are boring and unglamorous, says an assistant dean at a New York City private school. $106 at Amazon Buy $106 at Amazon Buy Starbucks Digital Gift Card From $15 From $15 Former elementary-school teacher Darian Nelson says her favorite gift cards to receive were from Starbucks. There was a location near her school, so she would often stop to get a treat on the way, and the cards were easy to use because you just input them into the app and youre good to go. From $15 at Amazon Buy From $15 at Target Buy Nelson also once received a gift card to the grocery store Kroger, which she says was unusual but appreciated. A food-delivery gift card like DoorDash or UberEats is also a good bet, so that busy teachers can enjoy their favorite takeout after a long day. Schwartz says he can always use a bookstore gift card, preferably from a local bookstore. If there isnt one near you, a gift card to Bookshop, which supports independent booksellers, achieves a similar result. Sarah Miller, a former music teacher and current homeschool teacher, says gift cards to stores that sell school supplies are always appreciated. Depending on the type of teacher, you can get a more specific gift card based on their needs like an OfficeMax gift card for middle- or high-school teachers stocking up on essentials like notebooks and pens or a Michaels gift card for elementary-school teachers or anyone else who works on creative projects. Yinova Treatment Gift Card From $200 From $200 Give a stressed-out teacher the gift of some much-needed relaxation with a voucher for a facial or spa treatment. I do find that when I have extra money, Im often inclined to spend it on books or materials for my students rather than myself, versus a gift card earmarked for a time to unwind, says Liz Kleinrock, founder of Teach and Transform. From $200 at Yinova Center Buy Gifts to use at school Vitruvi Stone Diffuser $98 $123 now 20% off $98 Doolin has noticed oil diffusers trending among teachers since they bring a cozy touch to a classroom and emit a pleasant scent without the danger of a candles open flame. It makes for a nice gift because Id love it for my classroom, but I wouldnt necessarily spend my personal money on it, she says. $98 at Amazon Buy $123 at Vitruvi Buy Scotch Thermal Laminator $33 Laminators are both convenient and ecofriendly, allowing sheets of paper to be used over and over again. It just makes my classroom work stations last so much longer, says Finn Menzies, a kindergarten teacher in Seattle. $33 at Amazon Buy $33 at Target Buy X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener, SchoolPro $30 $30 You would not believe how fast we go through pencil sharpeners, Nelson says, especially in elementary schools, where theres a lot of sharpening going on. She recommends X-acto pencil sharpeners, which are higher quality and last longer, so you can get two to three years out of them. $30 at Amazon Buy $30 at Amazon Buy Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game (31 pcs) $23 now 30% off $16 Engelkenjohn says this challenging Melissa & Doug balancing game makes for a great gift because its something that almost everyones going to like, theres lots of variations for you to play, and its very fun and engaging, she says. Plus, Engelkenjohn notes, Theres a bit of a play on words, because of course we teachers dont want to suspend students! $16 at Amazon Buy $19 at Target Buy Games like Boggle, Taboo Junior, Scrabble, and Apples to Apples Junior are fun and educational. They help teach students new vocabulary and get us all giggling, says Christina Ziegler, a reading consultant in Connecticut. Gifts to use at home Theo Chocolate Milk Chocolate Salted Almond $4 $4 Fink still remembers a chocolate bar she received made by Seattle-based Theo Chocolate, which uses ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients. They come in amazing flavors, and its nice to have a little stash when youre working your way through a pile of papers to grade, she says. $4 at Theo Chocolate Buy Patisserie Tomoko Assorted Sweets Box $85 $85 On the other hand, White told us that her sister, whos a middle-school teacher, receives a lot of chocolate but she doesnt even like chocolate! If you know your teacher has a penchant for a particular type of treat mochi, for example, or macarons a fresh delivery from Goldbelly is bound to delight. $85 at Goldbelly Buy UrbanStems The Sonny $48 $48 For teachers without a sweet tooth, a flower-delivery service would be just as nice. Make sure to schedule a Friday arrival so the blooms can be taken home and enjoyed throughout the weekend. $48 at UrbanStems Buy Zeel Massage on Demand From $50 Teaching is a notoriously stressful occupation, and what better way to help teachers relax and unwind than with an on-demand massage? Piazza recalls one time during Teacher Appreciation Week when a parent, I kid you not, actually hired a masseuse who came to our school. They brought their own table and everything! From $50 at Zeel Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best womens jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos Getty Images Along with specifications like material, size, and weave, most cotton bedding comes with a thread count, which is the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. Its determined by counting the vertical threads (warp) and the horizontal (weft) threads and adding that number together. For example, sheets with a thread count of 400 will have 200 warp threads and 200 weft threads in one square inch section. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet In the past, thread count was the utmost indicator of quality. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the nicer (smoother, softer, stronger) the fabric is going to be, since more threads contained in a square inch would mean that the threads themselves are finer and better quality, yielding an overall softer fabric. Thread counts range from 200 all the way up to 1,000 and beyond, but just because something has a very high thread count doesnt necessarily mean that its better. But material matters: Look for long-staple cotton As Ive learned covering bedding for The Strategist for years, thread count is less important than the actual quality of the sheeting material. Many companies dont even list thread count in their product descriptions, relying on other details, such as the type of cotton used, instead. If the fabric is made from long-staple or extra-long cotton cotton whose fibers are longer than those of regular cotton and therefore stronger it will in turn be smoother and more durable. Deborah Young, assistant chair of textile science at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, explains that the average American cotton measures an inch long while premium cottons like Egyptian and Pima cotton are two to two and a half inches long. It may not seem like a big deal, but the fiber is essentially twice the length, and thats going to make the cotton smoother, softer, and more lustrous, says Young. Its kind of like your hair. If you have a lot of split ends (short fibers), your hair will be more brittle and fuzzy. If your hair is healthy and even (long fibers), it will be stronger and smoother. So what is a good thread count to look for? You can still find excellent percale sheets with 200 thread count In The Strategists guide to the best sheets, Ive included sets that have thread counts of 200 to 500, and I stand by all of them. Our top pick, West Elms organic washed percale sheets, has the lowest thread count of 200. I can feel it in the fabric, which is thicker and has more texture than the other higher-end percale sets on the list. I actually think its heft makes it an excellent, low-maintenance everyday choice, which is why its my best-in-class choice. But theres not a huge difference between 350 and 500 Moving up in thread count to more premium bedding, its true that the higher thread-count sheets feel smoother, crisper, and more lightweight for percale and softer for sateen. I can actually feel the difference between Matouks 350-thread-count Sierra sheets and its 500-thread-count Luca Satin Stitch sheets (both percale) but only because I put them side by side and touched them with my fingers. (The Sierra are slightly thicker and more casual than the higher-thread-count Luca, which cost $100 more.) On their own, both feel incredibly crisp and airy. (Read more about the difference between these two materials in my explainer here). With sateen, a higher thread count can feel hot Sateen sheets generally have a higher starting thread count than percale as they have a denser weave and are therefore less breathable. Youll notice that the sateen sheets in our roundup have thread counts between 350 and 480. In the case of sateen, a higher thread count can mean a hotter sheet. After 500, thread count starts to matter less I havent tested anything beyond 500 thread count, and its hard for me to imagine what a 1,000-thread-count sheet would even feel like. As Young points out, after a certain thread point, the fabric will suffer from the law of diminishing returns. Ultimately, trust how it feels Instead of relying on thread count, start your search by choosing a weave (usually percale or sateen for cotton), then look at what kind of cotton its made of. As Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at Fashion Institute of Technology, says, The hand is the best judge. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Stand-up comedian Brian Regans national non-stop theater tour will be coming to Auburn. Regan, who visits nearly 100 cities each year, will perform at the Woltosz Theatre in Auburn Universitys Gogue Performing Arts Center on Feb. 29. The show his first in Auburn starts at 7 p.m. One fun thing about being able to do this is to go places that I havent been to before, and Auburn is one of those. Im looking forward to coming to do my show, he said. Regan co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrellys TV series, Loudermilk, which moved to Netflix on Jan. 1. The show has been on the streaming platforms top 10 for three weeks. Regan plays Mugsy, a recovering addict who is estranged from his family. The first two seasons aired on AT&Ts Audience Network before moving to Amazon Prime to premiere the third season. Choosing the path of comedy Regan didnt always want to be a comedian. He went to college to become an accountant and found his love for comedy then. After taking about a semesters worth of accounting classes, I realized that I didnt want to do that anymore, Regan said. I switched majors when I was in college to communication and theater arts, and it was in that world where I started doing performance type of stuff. I started emceeing college activities and acting in plays, and because of all that, I thought Well, maybe I can do something with this with my life, and Im glad I chose that path. In February 2021, Regan premiered his second Netflix special, Brian Regan: On The Rocks, which was shot at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Utah. His first premiere, Brian Regan: Nunchucks and Flamethrowers, was in November 2017 and is available as a vinyl album. When it comes to being a comedian, Regan loves the immediacy of the response. A lot of people get involved with things that are much more long-term, he said. You start working in another art form like a painting or opera or a play or a book, and it takes a long, long time to get it finished, and then it takes a while before you get in front of people and then youll finally find out what theyll think about it. I can think of a joke at 6 p.m. and try it at 8 p.m. and know if its any good or not. I love how quickly the turnaround is between thought and response. I feel like a student watching a master Regan has worked with many comedians in his career and recalled his first time working with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Ive had the honor of being able to perform with Jerry Seinfeld, and it was thrilling to be able to be on the same stage as him in front of an audience, he said. It was one of my first experiences playing in theaters It was fun to experience it, and two years later, I was able to perform in theaters myself. I learned a lot watching him do comedy too. Hes very gifted at the craft of stand-up comedy and I love watching how he takes ideas and puts them into bits I feel like a student watching a master. Regan is a guest on two episodes of Seinfelds Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which is now streaming on Netflix. He also had the opportunity to work with comedian Chris Rock, making a scene-stealing cameo in Rocks film Top Five. Making history Regan made history in 2015 when his stand-up special, Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, was the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Centrals history. In February 2019, Regan made his London debut at The Leicester Square Theatre and made his Kennedy Center debut with two sold-out shows in March 2019. He made an appearance at Carnegie Hall in 2017 following years of performances in New Yorks finest theaters including Lincoln Centers Avery Fisher Hall, The Beacon Theater and Radio City Music Hall. As a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he is the guest the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy. He also made a total of 28 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. A word of advice for aspiring comedians, Regan emphasizes having a passion for the art. You better have passion for it because its not an easy road, he said. There can be and will probably be a lot of rough nights. Early on when crowds dont think youre as funny as you do, it can hurt. You better know how to lick your wounds and you better know how to rebound. For tickets to the Auburn show, visit goguecenter.auburn.edu/brian-regan/. Former CBS CEO Les Moonves agrees to pay a fine for allegedly interfering in an LAPD sexual assault investigation involving him. https://t.co/gO1ykWR6EQ NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) February 17, 2024 - Friday evening when you release all your important news the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission released documents saying that Moonves got information about one of his sexual assault cases from a captain in the Hollywood division named Corey Palka. Palka is now retired from LAPD. - In 2017, Phyllis Gottlieb went to police to report Les Moonves had assaulted her while she was working for him in 1986. It was outside the statute of limitations by then. Moonves and Palka, who had met Moonves while providing private security for him at the Grammys from 2008-14, then had dinner in Westlake Village where the cop gave him confidential information about the case, and later texted him further information.- This all came out during NY AG Leticia Jamess insider trading investigation into Moonves, where he was fined $30.5 million for hiding information about his 12 accusers from the public and shareholders, and interfering with police investigation of those accusations, and financially benefitting by hiding that information. - Jamess office released a text from Palka after Les Moonves resigned in face of the accusations in 2018: Im deeply sorry this happened.- Police Commissioner William Briggs told the Ethics Commission that he was beyond outraged and "This is a stunning example of what some refer to as old-time cronyism, that goes to the heart of corruption." Over the last year, several oil and gas majors have undergone high-profile mergers as we enter the era of the megamerger. Big Oil in the U.S. appears to be undergoing a transition, as several well-known companies make large acquisitions to solidify their position in the future of oil and gas. In October, both Chevron and Exxon announced a major new deal, with Occidental following in December, and Diamondback in February, suggesting this is the new direction that U.S. oil and gas is going to go from now on. In October, Chevron announced it was buying Hess for $53 billion in stock. This provided Chevron with a 30 percent stake in Guyanas Stabroek Block, giving the company a piece of an 11 billion barrel pie and a future in low-carbon oil production. This merger demonstrates Chevrons aim to diversify its operations, allowing it to expand to new locations in Guyana and North Dakota through Bakken shale operations. While it added just 386,000 bpd to Chevrons output, it provides significant potential for future production. That same month, Exxon Mobil announced it had purchased Pioneer Natural Resources for $59.5 billion in an all-stock deal. This is Exxons largest merger since its acquisition of Mobil. In contrast to Chevron, this deal enhanced Exxons position in regions of existing operations, doubling its production volume in the Permian Basin. The merger added 711,000 bpd to Exxons portfolio. The mergers demonstrated clear ambitions from the two companies to continue investing in oil and gas operations, so long as the global demand for crude remains high. This follows several other mergers in the North American shale space last year, with a few large companies absorbing smaller operations to boost their output in the region. Bob McNally, the president of Rapidan Energy Group, stated, These megadeals are just a prelude to this large investment wave I expect in coming years. He added, These deals signify the shift from a multi-year bust phase in oil that began in 2014 to a multi-year boom phase that should last well through this decade. In December, another megamerger took place when Occidental Petroleum Corporation acquired local competitor CrownRock Minerals in a $12 billion deal. The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of this year. The merger supports CrownRocks plan to develop a 100,000-acre space in the Midland Basin, which forms part of the Permian and produced 15 percent of U.S. crude in 2020. It will add 170,000 bpd of oil to Occidentals output and add 1,700 undeveloped locations in the Permian to its portfolio. Occidental will finance the deal through $9.1 billion in debt and about $1.7 billion in common stock. This marks a distinct shift in the region as CrownRock is one of the last major private producers in the Permian, alongside Endeavor Energy Resources. Production in the Permian was once dominated by small producers that deployed new production techniques to access vast amounts of oil in the regions that many of the oil majors overlooked, establishing the U.S. as the worlds biggest crude producer. This encouraged large public companies to launch operations in the region, in addition to their global operations. This was only made possible after fracking technology was started being used, unlocking oil that was previously trapped in the region. This led a large number of companies to operate in the region. Mark Viviano, a managing partner at investment firm Kimmeridge Energy Management, explained Consolidation is the last piece of the puzzle in rationalizing the shale industry. This month, solidifying the shift in the region, Diamondback Energy announced plans to buy Endeavor in a $26-billion merger. This is expected to boost Diamondbacks value to $50 billion. There were rumours that Diamondbacks rival ConocoPhillips was also interested in purchasing Endeavor. The deal provides Diamondback with an additional 400,000 bpd of output in the Permian. Diamondbacks CEO Travis Stice, stated, This is a combination of two strong, established companies merging to create a must own North American independent oil company. He added that the company would have industry-leading depth and quality that will be converted into cash flow with the industrys lowest cost structure. The wave of megamergers has been spurred by higher oil prices over the last couple of years, and crude shortages following the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Europe on Russian energy, following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Oil companies in the U.S. have been racing to increase their crude output to meet the growing demand for alternative supply chains. Several companies are using the massive profits they have earned over the last two years to invest in mergers, solidifying their position in U.S. oil production. This will reduce the number of companies operating in the U.S. oil regions and ensure a few oil majors positions in the future of the industry. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Renewable energy developments continue at break-neck speed, with $644 billion to be spent on new capacity in 2024, but outdated and inadequate power grids could prove to be a significant stumbling block to the energy transition. If the world is to limit global warming to 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, $3.1 trillion of grid infrastructure investments are required before 2030, according to Rystad Energy research. In that scenario, an additional 18 million kilometers of grid network would be needed to keep pace with the electrification underway across cities and counties, including new renewable energy capacity and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. This would take the total length of all power grids worldwide to 104 million kilometers in 2030, expanding to 140 million kilometers in 2050 almost the same distance from Earth to the sun. The immediate expansion by 18 million kilometers would necessitate nearly 30 million tonnes of copper, a commodity already in short supply. Growing global power demand is the main factor driving the need for grid enhancements. This rise is driven by population expansion, industrialization and urbanization in developing countries, and efforts to mitigate climate change through electrification. Cybersecurity, geopolitics and the increasing priority for securing reliable national energy supply also contribute to the need. Yet, inefficient regulatory frameworks could significantly delay grid developments and, in turn, the energy transition. Power grids will be both an enabler and an obstacle to the energy transition. Mature grids have enabled the rapid expansion in solar and wind capacity seen in recent years, but many national grids are now near or at the point where further connections cannot be made without upgrading or expanding them. Annual investment levels must increase if the current trend of renewable energy buildout is to continue, says Edvard Christoffersen, senior analyst at Rystad Energy. Learn more with Rystad Energys Energy Transition Solution. The total combined length of all transmission and distribution networks globally is around 86 million kilometers, a distance long enough to encircle the planet more than 2,100 times. The transmission grid comprises 6 million kilometers of high-voltage lines (over 70 kilovolts [kV]). In comparison, the much larger distribution grid consists of around 8 million kilometers of medium-voltage (10 to 70 kV) lines and a colossal network of low-voltage (less than 10 kV) lines traversing about 72 million kilometers, reaching households in all corners of the world. The grid length is set to expand to 104 million kilometers by 2030 and 140 million kilometers by 2050. Asia is set to contribute more than half of global additions this decade, with China and India leading the way as the worlds first- and third-largest power consumers. We predict global grid investments will reach $374 billion this year, with China accounting for about 30% of the total. Asia will lead in grid expansion investments, but other regions are trying to catch up to keep pace with renewable capacity additions. The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes $65 billion for upgrading and expanding national power infrastructure, while the European Commission launched an Action Plan for Grids in late November 2023, calling for 584 billion ($626 billion) in investment between 2020 and 2030. The Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are also exploring how to streamline financing to support these significant grid investments. In the UK, National Grid launched an action plan to revamp its network for the first time in decades, investing over 16 billion ($20.16 billion) in upgrades between 2022 and 2026. The rapid expansion of the power grid will require vast volumes of raw materials, especially copper and aluminum. Copper is primarily used as the conductor in underground distribution, transmission and subsea cables, while overhead lines use aluminum. Although aluminum is predominantly used in overhead lines, it can be substituted as a conductor in underground lines. Demand for copper and aluminum is expected to surge by almost 40% by the end of the decade, but grids are not the main driver. They are also vital to myriad other applications within the construction, transportation, renewables and consumer products industries. Grids only account for roughly 14% of copper demand globally, or about 4 million tonnes in 2024. Lengthening the network is necessary to support intermittent and remote renewable power generation and to connect new industrial, commercial and residential areas, but alternatives to meet growing power demand also exist. Implementation of large-scale battery storage can address intermittency issues associated with renewables and allow for higher average grid loads, reducing the need for new lines. Overhauls and upgrades of the existing grid can increase the capacity per kilometer and digitalization can free up capacity by solving flexibility issues. At the same time, distributed energy sources such as rooftop solar can reduce the need for new lines. What is clear is that the worlds current grid infrastructure does not meet the demands of the future energy system. ADVERTISEMENT Tortuous permitting processes are already causing bottlenecks in many countries, including the US and the UK. Adopting large-scale battery storage solutions and grid digitalization can address some grid intensity issues, but the electrification of society will spark greater attention and efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks and encourage investments so grids can be an enhancer rather than an inhibitor of the energy transition. By Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Via Metal Miner The first month of 2024 saw iron ore kick-off to a strong start, mainly due to increasing prices and substantial imports by China. Looking at iron ore futures, many investors were optimistic that the worlds largest purchaser of ore would continue implementing sufficient stimulus measures to enhance demand. Iron ore is a critical ingredient in steel manufacturing, with China remaining the largest manufacturer in the world. Investor optimism proved strong enough to overshadow Chinas relatively subdued steel production data for December, as positive sentiment and several underlying factors continue to bolster the iron ore market. Iron Ore Futures in Singapore Shifting? For instance, on January 26 in Singapore, iron ore contracts ended at US $135.31 per metric ton. The hike came after two weeks of declines. According to Reuters, the contract was also 1% higher than the previous January low of $133.99 per ton. In reality, ore prices have been moving upward since August 2023. The global increases parallel Chinas primary domestic price benchmark. The iron ore futures contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange reflected this when it concluded at 988 yuan ($137.68) per ton on January 26. This marked a 6% increase from the recent low of 932.5 yuan per ton on January 18. Moreover, the Dalian contract continues to maintain an upward trend that began after it hit a low of 541.5 yuan on May 25, 2023. Many Analysts Still Wary of Chinas Ongoing Problems Despite challenges in the housing market, iron ore imports into China continue to rise. Sectors like automotive and construction continue to drive steel production, thus fueling demand. But heres the thing the future remains somewhat uncertain. While China achieved a record high in 2023 in terms of importing coal and iron ore, the Evergrande real estate crisis will likely affect both imports and consumption. When news came in of a court ruling calling for the liquidation of Evergrande last Tuesday, iron ore futures immediately declined. This was mainly due to apprehensions regarding the indebted property sector in China, the worlds leading consumer. According to this report, the drop countered the positive sentiment arising from Chinas recent initiatives to address a worsening crisis and stabilize market confidence. Meanwhile, the primary May iron ore contract on Chinas Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) concluded daytime trading with a 1.76% decrease, settling at 979.5 yuan ($136.46) per metric ton. This marked the lowest level since January 24. Other Factors Potentially Affecting Iron Ore Futures In 2023, Chinese steel mills persistently changed their iron ore consumption patterns and procurement tactics due to high margin pressures. Moreover, most mills prioritized the most cost-effective blending ratios to optimize their sintering or blast furnace requirements and keep iron ore stocks low. Some experts believe this could lead to a resurgence in the low-grade iron ore market in 2024. In line with this sentiment, many Chinese mills may opt for low-grade instead of high-grade iron ore to enhance production efficiency. The move will also cut costs and mitigate potential losses if steel prices remain weak. Elsewhere, in countries like India, low-grade iron ore exports continue. In fact, NMDC, Indias largest iron ore producer, recently increased the prices of lump ore and fines. Dont settle for stagnant savings. MetalMiners custom price forecasting unlocks the true potential of your volume commitments, ensuring you maximize profit. View our full metal catalog. Iron Ore Production Soars, Impacting Global Markets Meanwhile, Vale SA, the second-largest global supplier of iron ore, reported a production increase in the last quarter that exceeded expectations. This development alone could potentially impact iron ore futures and prices. According to Bloomberg, the Brazilian mining powerhouse continues to intensify its production efforts, recently achieving its most robust December performance in five years. ADVERTISEMENT This upswing follows strategic investments in its prized Amazonian operations and enhanced efficiency at its oldest mines, which lie in the countrys southeast region. The production figures surpassed both year-ago and previous quarter levels, with the full-year output exceeding the projected guidance. By Sohrab Darabshaw More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Omaha Public Power District will add 900 megawatts of new electric generation from natural gas turbines at two existing power stations, part of a $2 billion expansion that will nearly double the utilitys generating capacity over the next decade. Utility officials announced the decision to add the gas turbines, which would come online by 2030, at the utility boards committee meetings this week. The expansion, which the utility board approved in August, is needed to meet unprecedented growth in energy demand expected in the utilitys 13-county service territory in eastern Nebraska. Load growth is expected to increase by 100 megawatts a year for the foreseeable future. Thats the equivalent of the energy used by 65 metro-area high schools or medium-sized hospitals. OPPD CEO Javier Fernandez told board members that the utilitys latest forecasting indicates that demand for electricity is stable if not increasing. Were not seeing anything that tells us we need to slow down or change course, he said. If anything, its faster and bigger. The utility also is anticipating an increase in the generating margin it must maintain during winter months from the 14-state regional power pool to which OPPD belongs. The 900 megawatts of new natural gas generation is toward the top of the 600- to 950-megawatt range the utility laid out for that energy source in its expansion plan in August. Three turbines would be added to OPPDs existing Cass County Station and one would be installed at its new Turtle Creek Station, which is under construction in Sarpy County. That plant, with its two original turbines, will contribute to the nearly 700 megawatts of additional generation the utility expects to have online by the end of the year. Also on track for completion are Standing Bear Lake Station, another natural-gas-powered plant, and Platteview Solar, an 81-megawatt solar array in Saunders County. While energy consumption is increasing among all customer groups, nearly 90% of the utilitys projected new demand is coming from industrial customers, very large business enterprises that are heavy energy users. And roughly two-thirds of that, OPPD says, is from data centers. Earlier this month, OPPD launched a program that will allow large commercial and industrial customers to purchase renewable energy credits to offset their carbon emissions. Revenues from the program, which plans call for eventually extending to other customers, are to be earmarked for energy efficiency and conservation projects. The utility board authorized such sales in 2006. A price has not yet been set for the credits. OPPD is not, however, the only Nebraska utility adding new generation capacity to meet future demand. The Nebraska Public Power Districts board recently approved a budget that will include more than 700 megawatts of new generation targeted for installation by 2027. Most of the new generation will come from natural gas turbines, but 100 megawatts will be composed of battery storage at two wind farms, including one situated near NPPDs Ainsworth Wind Energy Facility. NPPD officials cited a recent and sharp increase in new agricultural, ag industrial and data centers siting facilities in Nebraska as driving the need for new generation. NPPD also has to maintain a margin within the power pool. The utilitys board also authorized the utility to pursue relicensing of the states remaining nuclear power plant, Cooper Nuclear Power Station near Brownville, Nebraska. License renewal would allow the plant to operate for another 20 years, from 2034 to 2054. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 NEW YORK A major anti-abortion group is praising a published report that Donald Trump has privately told people he supports a national ban on abortion after 16 weeks of pregnancy, though his campaign denied the report and said the former president plans to "negotiate a deal" on abortion if elected to the White House again. Trump, the front-runner to be the 2024 Republican nominee, has repeatedly refused to back any specific limits on abortion as he campaigns, though he calls himself "the most pro-life president in American history." He also frequently takes credit for appointing three U.S. Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that established a constitutional right to abortion. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which backs a national ban on abortions at 15 weeks of pregnancy and has said anything less restrictive "makes no sense," praised Trump after the New York Times reported Friday that he privately told people he likes the idea of a federal ban on abortion after 16 weeks, with some exceptions. "President Trump is leading on finding consensus, and this is where the nation is," SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said. Trump's campaign called the report "Fake News" but did not offer details on his plans. "As President Trump has stated, he would sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal that everyone will be happy with," Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for Trump's campaign, said in a statement. Democrats and abortion-rights groups seized on the Times report, with President Joe Biden saying it showed abortion rights would be a central issue in the 2024 election. He said Trump was "running scared" by not publicly saying what he would do about abortion. "He's afraid the women of America are going to hold him responsible for taking away their rights and endangering their rights at the ballot box in November," Biden said in a statement. "Which is exactly what's going to happen." Polling has consistently shown that most Americans believe abortion should be legal through the initial stages of pregnancy. About half of U.S. adults said abortions should be permitted at the 15-week mark, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted last June. Though Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America praised Trump on Friday, last year the group publicly clashed with the former president when he suggested abortion restrictions should be left to individual states. The group called that a "morally indefensible position for a self-proclaimed pro-life presidential candidate." On Friday, abortion-rights groups quickly jumped in to warn that if Trump wins in November, it will lead to restrictions nationwide. If Trump is elected, he will "wreak further havoc on our reproductive rights and personal freedoms," said Jenny Lawson, executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes. "We've long known where Donald Trump stands on abortion and it's at odds with the majority of Americans," Lawson said in a statement. "He is chiefly responsible for the ongoing public health crisis that has allowed 21 states to ban all or some abortions and yet, he claims to want to find a 'compromise' on this issue. To be clear, there is no compromising on the basic right to control our lives and bodies." The Supreme Court's 2022 decision tossing out Roe left the country with a checkerboard of state abortion laws. The former president previously said he supports exceptions on abortion restrictions in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother, but he has been vague beyond that about what he would support if reelected. He criticized a six-week ban signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and said in an interview last fall that he does not care whether abortion is banned at the federal level or left to laws in each state. "I want to get something where people are happy," Trump said in a January town hall on Fox News. Trump's position on abortion shifted over the years. He once declared in a 1999 interview, "I am pro-choice in every respect." But in his 2016 presidential run, in which he sought to win crucial support of evangelical Republicans, he released a list of potential nominees to the Supreme Court who were considered likely to vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. His attempts to find a middle ground suggest how challenging the issue is for Trump and most other Republican candidates. Banning or severely restricting abortion is almost a non-negotiable position for many GOP primary voters, but it's proved to be a losing stance in general elections since the Supreme Court's decision nearly two years ago. Some of the immediate reaction from the right to the New York Times report showed the difficulty for Trump and other Republicans trying to navigate the issue. After a nationwide push to put abortion rights questions in front of voters since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the issue is expected to be on the ballot in several states this year, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri and South Dakota. Many of the campaigns faced efforts by anti-abortion forces to block the questions from getting to the ballot, building on strategies seen in other states, such as Ohio last year. Voters in seven states California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Vermont previously sided with abortion rights supporters on ballot measures. Q&A: Abortion medication explained How does medication abortion work? Medication abortions became the preferred method for ending pregnancy in the U.S. even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. These involve taking two prescription medicines days apart at home or in a clinic. Abortion procedures are an invasive medical technique that empties the womb. They are sometimes called surgical abortions, although they dont involve surgery. Abortion by pills involves the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. As more states seek abortion limits, demand for the pills is expected to grow. Two pills work in combination Mifepristone is taken first, swallowed by mouth. The drug dilates the cervix and blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol, a drug also used to treat stomach ulcers, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. The pill is designed to dissolve when placed between the gums and teeth or in the vagina. It causes the uterus to cramp and contract, causing bleeding and expelling pregnancy tissue. How late in pregnancy can the drugs be used? Abortion medication is approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy. The pills may be taken in a doctors office or clinic, where patients sometimes have an ultrasound or lab tests beforehand. Some providers also offer the pills through telehealth visits and then send patients the medication by mail. Use of the pills has been increasing in recent years. As of 2020, they accounted for 54% of all U.S. abortions, according to preliminary data from the Guttmacher Institute. The groups final estimate is due later this year. Are the drugs safe? What are the risks? Studies and real-use evidence show that when taken together, the pills are safe and up to 99% effective. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bleeding is normal. Very heavy bleeding soaking more than two pads an hour for more than two hours is uncommon but requires medical attention. Dr. Stephanie Rand, a New York ob-gyn and abortion specialist with the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, says pregnancy tests should not be used right away to determine if a medication abortion was successful because the pregnancy hormone may linger in the body for several weeks. Bleeding, with blood clots that include lighter colored tissue, are signs of success, she said. Serious complications are very rare. The Food and Drug Administration says more than 3.7 million U.S. women have used mifepristone since it was approved more than 20 years ago. The agency has received 26 reports of deaths in women using the medication, including two involving ectopic pregnancies, which grow outside the womb. The medications are not recommended for certain patients, including those with suspected ectopic pregnancies or with implanted IUD birth control devices. What are the costs and rules for use? Costs vary by location but are similar to abortion procedures and may total more than $500. Health insurance coverage varies, with some plans making the pills free or low cost and others not covering them at all. Mifepristone is sold under the brand name Mifeprex and misoprostol under the brand name Cytotec, but both pills are available as generics. The FDA approved mifepristone to terminate pregnancy in 2000, when used with misoprostol. At the time, it imposed several limits on how the drug could be prescribed and dispensed. In December, the agency dropped the biggest restriction: a requirement that patients pick up the medication in person. The FDA said a scientific review of the drugs use including during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that women could safely receive the pills through the mail after an online consultation, without any increase in side effects or complications. The decision allowed mail delivery of the pills nationwide, a change long-sought by medical professional groups and abortion-rights supporters. Still, millions of women will have trouble accessing the pills due to a patchwork of state laws targeting abortion broadly and the pills specifically. About half of U.S. states are expected to ban or greatly restrict abortion. Will the pills be covered by state abortion bans? Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills, as abortion-rights proponents bring test cases to challenge state restrictions. There are strong arguments and precedents on both sides, experts note, though little certainty about which side might prevail. The Biden administrations Justice Department has already signaled plans to challenge state restrictions on medication abortion. And federal lawyers are likely to be joined by outside parties, including abortion rights groups like Planned Parenthood and even the companies that make the pills. The chief argument against pill restrictions is likely to be the longstanding principle that federal laws, including FDA decisions, preempts state laws. Indeed, few states have ever tried to fully ban an FDA-approved drug because of past rulings in the agencys favor. Still, states with blanket abortion bans are likely to interpret them as barring abortion pills. Many of the laws don't distinguish between abortion procedures and medication abortion. In the short term, those states that ban abortion are going to assume that their bans also include medication abortion and that will be prohibited, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. What is the current situation in the states? Even if blanket bans are successfully challenged, more than 30 states have laws specifically restricting access to abortion pills. For example, 19 states require that clinicians be physically present when the drug is administered. Those laws could withstand court challenges. States have long had authority over how physicians, pharmacists and other providers practice medicine. States also set the rules for telemedicine consultations used to prescribe medications. Generally that means health providers in states with restrictions on abortion pills could face penalties, such as fines or license suspension, for trying to send pills through the mail. Women have already been traveling across state lines to places where abortion pill access is easier. That trend is expected to increase. Meanwhile, some women will still get the medication via online pharmacies in Canada and overseas, often with telehealth consultations from foreign doctors. The practice is technically illegal but essentially unenforced, and advocates believe women will increasingly choose this method as more states move to ban abortions. Anti-abortion states are going to do everything they can to restrict medication abortion, but practically speaking people have been and will continue to access it through the mail from international pharmacies, Donley said. Donley expects lawsuits based on various legal theories to play out for a few years before any clear decisions emerge. One key question is how the nations top court might rule if and when it takes up those court cases. While the Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional right to abortion, conservative justices have also generally deferred to FDA's primacy over drug decisions. by John P. Ruehl Late 2023 marked a notable transformation in North Koreas longstanding pursuit of peaceful reunification with South Korea after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un noted the failure of the policy in his end-of-year speech. This sentiment was reiterated during a January 15 meeting of North Koreas Supreme Peoples Assembly (SPA), where the countrys constitution was ordered to be rewritten to label South Korea as its principal adversary. Kim Jong Un and top missile and naval officials observe a missile test at Sondok Airbase from a custom van | Image: KCNA (Feb. 15, 2024) Subsequently, public symbols promoting peaceful reunification in North Korea were dismantled and references to it were deleted on state media outlets. Additionally, three inter-Korean cooperation organizations the Korean Peoples Cooperation Administration, Kumgangsan International Tourism Administration, and the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherlandwere abolished, accompanied by an increase in North Korean missile tests. Several North Korea experts, including former State Department official Robert L. Carlin and nuclear scientist Siegfried S. Hecker, have sounded the alarm about the growing potential for conflict. Armed with nuclear weapons and emboldened by challenges to U.S. power in Ukraine and the Middle East, Pyongyang might see this as an opportune moment for large-scale aggression. However, the North Korean leadership may believe that abandoning reunification while avoiding war could bolster its autonomy by freeing it from the democratization constraints linked to the reunification process. North Korea explored various avenues for peaceful reunification in the decades following the Korean war, including Kim Il Sungs Three Principles of National Reunification in 1972. The 1980s saw more substantive ideas emerge. North Koreas Democratic Confederal Republic of Koryo, proposed two regional Korean governments under a confederal government. Subsequently, South Korea put forward its Unification Formula for the Korean National Community, outlining a three-step model of reconciliation and cooperation, formation of a Korean commonwealth, and establishment of a unitary liberal democracy. In 1991, North Korea introduced the idea of a low-stage federation with regional autonomy, which received a positive reception from South Korea. By 2000, a Joint Declaration acknowledged common elements in both North and South Koreas proposals that fostered an environment conducive to the pursuit of unification. However, relations between the Koreas began to break down in the 2000s, particularly after the North conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, and have soured further in recent years. Citing the vicious cycle of contact and suspension, dialogue, and confrontation and accusing South Korea of using reunification to collapse the North Korean government, Kim Jong Uns policy shift threatens to undo decades of work. Apprehension about South Korea and the U.S. maintaining a firm stance on North Korea without concessions no doubt motivated Pyongyang to discontinue reunification efforts. The Biden Administration reversed Trumps outreach policies to North Korea, while in 2022 , South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol declared it would designate North Korea as the countrys main enemy following North Korean missile tests. The U.S. and South Korea later launched the U.S.-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) in 2023 to strengthen deterrence and cooperation on nuclear and contingency planning, while Yoon stated in December 2023 that a nuclear-based, powerful Korea-U.S. alliance would be formed to deter Pyongyang. Additionally, greater military cooperation under Biden among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan may have further incentivized North Korea. Amid worsening relations with its adversaries, North Koreas foreign policy is increasingly aligned with its major partners. Russia and China, once occasional collaborators with the U.S. on North Korea issues, have hindered U.S. measures against Pyongyang as their own relations with Washington have worsened. Widespread sanctions on China and especially Russia in recent years have prompted them and other countries to work around the sanctions through increased mutual trade and assistance with North Korea. North Korea came to rely on China after the collapse of the Soviet Union but has strengthened its partnership with Russia since the start of the Ukraine war. South Koreas support for Ukraine saw Russia include it in its list of unfriendly countries, easing Moscows limitations on aiding North Koreas military. In return for receiving energy, food, and space and weapons technology, North Korea has supplied missiles, artillery, and other weapons to Russia. Military assistance to North Korea meanwhile allows Russia to raise the security costs for the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, which Russia declared in January 2024 were preparing for war with North Korea. Boosting North Koreas abilities may distract the U.S. from aiding Ukraine and complicate its efforts to deter increasing Chinese activities around Taiwan and the South China Sea. Washington has also intensified attempts to sanction numerous countries to a level not seen in decades. The increasing number of countries attempting to circumvent traditional networks may have persuaded North Korea that it is no longer as susceptible to isolation from the global economy as it was in decades past. Utilizing Russia as a conduit, North Korea has already increased engagement with other sanctioned states like Iran and Syria. In recent decades, the waning of the prospect of Koreas reunification has also paralleled a global trend. Country unification has become increasingly rare compared to state fragmentation. The last two major reunifications, Germany and Yemen, occurred in 1990, with the reunification of East and West Germany often cited as a model for Korea. But the absorption of the far smaller East Germany by the far larger West Germany contrasts to South Koreas population being only double that of North Korea. Familial links between North and South Korea have also dwindled significantly since 1953 and income gaps have widened. Bringing East Germany up to West German social standards has meanwhile cost more than $2 trillion, with lingering cultural differences between themchallenges that will be even more pronounced in Korea. And in contrast to Germanys relative success, Yemens reunification attempts since 1990 have been marred by ongoing violence and instability. Faced with these realities, growing numbers of South Koreans, particularly younger generations , no longer want reunification with the North, trends that may solidify as the population difference between the two countries may reverse by the end of the century. Concerns remain that though North Korea may not actively pursue forceful unification, there is a potential for an escalation in destabilization tactics. In 2010, a suspected North Korean missile sank the ROKS Cheonan, a South Korean naval vessel, killing 46 servicemen. Months later , North Korean shelling of Yeonpyeong Island left two South Korean servicemen and two South Korean civilians dead. Although full-scale conflict was avoided, South Koreas government may now not show as much restraint, and North Korea has increased its shelling near Yeonpyeong Island in recent weeks. With Washington distracted in Ukraine and the Middle East, it has become harder for it to effectively punish North Korea for missile launches and military posturing. But open conflict or serious escalation might be deemed too risky by Kim Jong Un. While Russia and China may welcome distractions from their own territorial ambitions, a flare-up in the Korean peninsula may be too close to home for Moscow and Beijing. Recognizing the aversion of major powers to the instability associated with the collapse of a nuclear-armed North Korean government, Kim may choose to test the U.S. and South Korea without the allure of reunification as a bargaining chip. Distracting Washington but steering clear of serious escalation would ensure his long-term rule and is an approach that both Moscow and Beijing could support. Capitalizing on perceived greater leverage, Pyongyang has reverted to the Cold War-era strategy of playing Moscow and Beijing off one another. Following North Koreas foreign ministers visit to Moscow in January 2024, state media invited Putin to Pyongyang, dubbing him the Korean peoples closest friend, language usually reserved for China. But in contrast to the later stages of the Cold War, the foreign policy alignment of North Korea, Russia, and China against Washington has made confronting them more formidable. In 936, the Goryeo dynasty managed to reunify Korea after centuries of division. Today, North Koreas recent policy shift has halted Koreas current reunification process, shaping a new chapter in the peninsulas history. South Korea now faces the crucial decision of upholding its reunification policy and championing pan-Korean nationalism, or abandoning these ideals and more permanently dividing the two countries. Seouls decision to downsize and repurpose the Ministry of Unification in mid-2023 offers some insight into the direction it is leaning. Though the prospect of reunification could return, the joint admission of North and South Korea to the UN in 1991, while still committed to reunification, hints at the early stages of consideration of abandoning reunification as a policy. Committing to the policy reversal will fundamentally alter Asias geopolitical landscape and reshape bilateral ties, and already appears to be bringing the threat of conflict closer. Yet should North Koreas policy shift solidify, abandoning reunification theoretically opens the way to diplomatic relations, mutual recognition, and even the establishment of embassies between the two Koreas. Pyongyang, Seoul, and outside powers could transform the decision to abandon reunification from a crisis into an opportunityprovided collaboration, a commitment to diplomatic resolution, and an avoidance of escalation are recognized as a collective responsibility. John P. Ruehl is an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D.C. He is a contributing editor to Strategic Policy and a contributor to several other foreign affairs publications. He is currently finishing a book on Russia to be published in 2022. TEL AVIV, Israel Israel's defense minister on Friday said Israel is "thoroughly planning" a military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, signaling determination to move ahead despite growing international concerns about the safety of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge there. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Israel not to carry out the operation without a "credible" plan to protect civilians and to instead focus on a cease-fire, while Egypt says an operation could threaten diplomatic relations between the countries. Many other world leaders have issued similar messages of concern. An estimated 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza's population, have crammed into Rafah, most of them displaced by fighting elsewhere in the territory. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps. We are thoroughly planning future operations in Rafah, which is a significant Hamas stronghold, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Friday. He declined to say when the operation might begin, though Israel previously claimed it will first develop a plan to evacuate civilians. Meanwhile, the top UN court rejected a South African request Friday to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah, but also stressed that Israel must respect earlier measures imposed late last month at a preliminary stage in a landmark genocide case. The International Court of Justice said in a statement that the perilous situation in Rafah demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures" that it ordered Jan. 26. It said no new order was necessary because the existing measures are applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including in Rafah. The world court added that Israel remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the Jan. 26 ruling which ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. Nowhere to go Palestinians and international aid agencies say there is no safe place to go, with Israel also carrying out strikes in areas where it previously told civilians to seek shelter, including Rafah. The Israeli military launched its war in response to a cross-border Hamas attack. An estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and militants took 250 people captive, according to Israeli authorities. The air and ground offensive has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave, caused widespread destruction, displaced some 80% of the population and sparked a humanitarian crisis. Egypt has repeatedly warned Israel not to push Palestinian civilians in Rafah across the border, saying a mass influx could lead to the end of the 1 979 peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. While some Israeli hard-liners have called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, Gallant claimed there were no plans to do so. "The state of Israel has no intention of evacuating Palestinian civilians to Egypt," he said. "We respect and value our peace agreement with Egypt, which is a cornerstone of stability in the region as well as an important partner." New satellite photos, however, indicate that Egypt is preparing for that very scenario. The images show Egypt building a wall and leveling land near its border with Gaza. Egyptian officials did not respond to requests for comment. The Israeli offensive has included months of airstrikes as well as a ground invasion that has steadily moved southward through most of Gaza. In recent weeks, it has focused on Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city and a Hamas stronghold. On Friday, Palestinian health officials in Khan Younis said that five patients in intensive care died after their oxygen ran out following a raid by Israeli troops in southern Gaza's largest hospital. The Israeli army has been searching the Nasser Hospital complex, arresting suspected Hamas militants and searching for evidence that the remains of Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas might be there. Israel says it does not target patients or doctors, but staff say the facility is struggling under heavy fire and dwindling supplies, including food and water. Two Israeli airstrikes on Rafah overnight killed at least 13 people, including nine members of the same family, according to hospital officials. Cease-fire stalls Negotiations over a cease-fire in Gaza, meanwhile, appear to have stalled, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday pushed back hard against the U.S. vision for after the war particularly its calls for the creation of a Palestinian state. After speaking overnight with Biden and reportedly meeting with visiting CIA chief William Burns, Netanyahu wrote on social media that Israel will not accept "international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians." Netanyahu vows to continue the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity are freed. A federal court jury convicted a small-town Iowa police chief this week for abusing his position to unlawfully acquire and sell federally regulated machine guns. The jury convicted Adair Police Chief Brad Wendt, 47, on 11 of 15 charges. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa, which is headed by Richard Westphal, said Wendt used his position to obtain dozens of machine guns not available to the general public. Wendts convictions include conspiring to make false statements to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), making false statements to the ATF and illegally possessing a belt-fed M60 machine gun. The Attorneys Office said the crimes date back to when Wendt became police chief in July 2018 and occurred until August 2022. They said Wendt filed dozens of law letters to the ATF requesting to purchase or demonstrate 90 guns for use by the department. In a court brief, the Attorneys Office said Wendt falsely stated in the letters that the guns would be used only by the Police Department, which staffed the full-time equivalent of three positions including part-timers, and the demonstrations of the guns was only for potential purchase by the department. The Attorneys Office said some of the guns Wendt bought were for his own federally licensed firearms shop, BW Outfitters in Denison. The Attorneys Office said one of the guns Wendt bought was a .50-caliber machine gun that he mounted on his personal armored Humvee. The transfer and possession of machine guns made after May 1986 are generally illegal, the Attorneys Office said. The office added that law enforcement agencies can buy machine guns for their official use and authorized dealers can get machine guns to demonstrate to a police department for the departments future possible purchase. Wendts defense attorney, Nick Klinefeldt, pushed back on many of the Attorneys Offices findings. Speaking with The World-Herald, he said the count of 90 guns cited by the Attorneys Office is inaccurate and includes double counting. The real number is that he bought 10 for the Adair Police Department and sold four to licensed dealers approved by the ATF, Klinefeldt said. He added Wendt was transparent in his letters and proactive in reaching out to the ATF. Each false statement charge and conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Illegal possession of a gun carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Wendt is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14. Klinefeldt said they plan to appeal Wendts convictions. He said Wendt was unconstitutionally convicted and his case should be overturned. There are some complex legal issues here, Klinefeldt said. We feel good about our chances on appeal. Klinefeldt said Wendt has been a law enforcement officer since 1999, following his father in the field. As of Friday, Wendt remains Adairs police chief, City Attorney Clint Fichter said. He said no decisions have yet been made on Wendts employment status. Fichter added that the Adair City Council has supported Wendt throughout his legal proceedings. I know that everybody feels its an unfortunate turn of events, Fichter said. In a statement, Westphal said no one relishes seeking criminal prosecution of a law enforcement officer. However, with the oath of public service, comes the accountability of putting the public trust at the forefront of this duty. An oath that most officers zealously pursue every day with honor, Westphal said. If an individual law enforcement officer is the exception to this rule, then we should not shirk from holding them accountable. Adair, which has about 800 people, is about 80 miles northeast of Omaha along Interstate 80. One of the FBIs most wanted cybercriminals, a Ukrainian national who was extradited to the U.S. from Switzerland in 2022, pleaded guilty to racketeering crimes this week in Nebraska federal court. Vyacheslav Igorevich Penchukov, 38, was indicted by a Nebraska grand jury more than a decade ago and had been an international fugitive before his extradition. Penchukov, also known as Tank, led multiple cybercrime enterprises before and after his 2012 indictment, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in losses for companies, nonprofits and small businesses targeted by malware. On Thursday, Penchukov pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He will face up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in May. Penchukovs most widely known ransomware was Zeus or Zbot, which operated from 2009 into the early 2010s. When a computer was infected with the Zeus malware, it would keep track of usernames, passwords and all other information entered in a banks login page. Using this information, Penchukov and his co-conspirators would log in to the victims bank accounts and make electronic payments to money mules across the world, who would then wire that money into overseas accounts controlled by other members of the enterprise. [Penchukov] played a crucial leadership role in this scheme by directing and coordinating the exchange of stolen banking credentials and money mules, according to his plea agreement. At least two businesses in Nebraska and Iowa were targeted by Zeus malware in 2009 and 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In one case, a Council Bluffs business had nearly $60,000 removed from its account with the First National Bank of Omaha by someone posing to be an employee of the company. Two other Ukrainian men indicted alongside Penchukov in 2012 were extradited to the U.S. from the United Kingdom in 2014 on charges related to the Zeus ransomware. Multiple other men alleged to have been involved in the enterprise remain on the FBIs most wanted list. Beginning in 2018, according to the DOJ, Penchukov and co-conspirators began another scheme using a malware known as IcedID or Bokbot. Similarly to Zeus, the malware would collect online banking login information. It was activated after victims opened attachments in spam emails. One such IcedID attack in October 2020 targeted the University of Vermont Medical Center and resulted in at least $30 million in damages after significant portions of the hospitals computer networks were encrypted by hackers. According to Penchukovs plea agreement, he also kept a spreadsheet of the income received and expenses associated with operating the IcedID malware. The spreadsheet indicated IcedID netted more than $19.9 million in 2021 alone. Penchukov was arrested in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2022 and extradited to the U.S. last year. He initially faced federal charges in North Carolina related to the IcedID ransomware, but jurisdiction was transferred to Nebraska earlier this month. The FBIs Omaha office, as well as the FBI office in Charlotte, North Carolina, continue to investigate the case. In addition to U.S. attorneys for Nebraska and North Carolina, multiple prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justices Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division assisted in the prosecution. President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that the killings in Kaduna it is politicized, even as he told those involved to stop. The President stated this after gunmen on Saturday attacked Nandu-Gbok village in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing 10 persons. Sanga is a border town with Nasarawa and Plateau states, where the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, hails from. Buhari further noted that violence could only leave sadness on its trail for the attackers on both sides of the divide and he is deeply troubled by this. I am deeply troubled by the fact that the sanctity of life is now being treated with such a reckless disregard that people derive joy in shedding the blood of others or perceived enemies, Buhari was quoted as saying in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu. No responsible leader would go to bed happy to see his citizens savagely killing one another on account of ethnic and religious bigotry. Violence cannot be the solution to these persistent conflicts as long as people resort to deliberate provocation, revenge and counter-revenge. Lack of cooperation by those involved might frustrate governments efforts towards finding a lasting solution, especially if those efforts are politicised. The Kano State Fire Service on Tuesday confirmed the death of an 11-year-old girl, Fatima Abdullahi, in a well in Zaura Ganduje, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state. The Spokesman of the service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the accident happened on Tuesday morning. Mohammed told NAN that the service received a distress call from Dawanawu Fire Station that a girl had fallen into a well and responded immediately. He said that firemen could only retrieve the body of the girl from the well as she had died before they got to the scene. We received a distress call from our Dawanau fire station at 10:54 a.m. that a girl had fallen into a well. On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene at 11:10 a.m. She was found dead and her corpse was handed over to the ward head of Zaura, Alhaji Idris Shuaibu, the spokesman said. The official said that the circumstances surrounding the girls death was being investigated. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has sealed Sahad Store, a popular supermarket in the Garki area of Abuja. The management of the supermarket was accused of shortchanging customers by charging prices other than the price tag on the shelves. The development came twenty-four hours after President Bola Tinubu unveiled plans to tackle factors responsible for the food crisis. The enforcement was led by FCCPC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi. Abdullahi told journalists on the sidelines of the event that the commissions preliminary investigation confirmed that the management of the supermarket was short-changing customers. He said the store would remain sealed until the completion of the further investigation. Some one-chance operators Two men and a woman were caught in the early hours of today at Tophill School, Accra street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja while attempting to carry out their robbery activities. According to reports, the suspects in a bid to kidnap a victim, accidentally collided with a Military vehicle belonging to a 1 Star Army General. After being caught by suspecting motorists, the one-chance operators attempted to escape but other cars prevented them by blocking off their route. In a viral clip, the suspects can be seen taking to their heels but they were given a hot chase by eyewitnesses who caught them. They were almost lynched but for the timely intervention of military personnel who handed them over to the police. Popular Nigerian actor, Timini Egbuson has disclosed that he prefers dating Nigerian women living abroad, rather than those at home. He made the revelation in a recent interview on Menisms Podcast. He claimed that the fierce competition that women in Nigeria face when it comes to dating makes it preferable to date them overseas. Speaking of his experience, he said This is me talking from my personal experience, honestly I feel like you would get a better dating experience from a Nigerian girl living abroad than those living here. My reason is because Nigerian girls living in London, Canada or America are the minority in the dating pool over there. So there are options So when an abroad based Nigerian babe catches you, you are honestly the catch and she would be happy to take care of you. But over here, they have options. Even the ones that arent the best looking. A Chieftain of the Labour Party, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph has raised alarm. Speaking on Friday, he warned that the party may sink due to current allegations of corruption against the party chairman. This was amid allegations of corruption against the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure. The National Treasurer of the party, Oluchi Opara, had at a press conference on Monday, challenged Abure to account for an alleged N3.5bn raised from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising activities in the build-up to the 2023 general elections. But on Wednesday, the party leadership slammed a six-month suspension on Opara for shunning an invitation to a probe meeting and dragging the partys name in the mud. This was as Abure challenged the suspended National Treasurer of the party, to provide evidence to back her N3.5bn fraud allegation against him. However, Joseph whos also a presidential aspirant of the LP in the 2023 general election, described the allegations of corruption as unfortunate. Joseph, also the national leader of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, noted that the allegations of misappropriation of the presidential campaign funds were not good for the party. This was contained in a statement by the National Director, Media and Publicity of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, released to newsmen in Kaduna State on Friday. The LP chieftain expressed concern that the party Nigerians were looking up to had been enmeshed in monumental corruption allegations to the chagrin of all. He added that the LP must be rescued, warning that the corruption allegations against Abure, must not be swept under the carpet. He also queried the financial report released to Nigerians describing it as shameful which depicted the mismanagement of donations from Nigerians. He said, The Labour Party that Nigerians were looking out for to rescue the country is now languishing in monumental corruption allegations as well as financial misappropriation obvious in the record on the presidential campaign funds released by Peter Obi. Thus, the Labour Party now needs to be rescued The issue of repeated financial mismanagement, embezzlement, forgery, and other allegations of corruption allegedly against Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, is so terrible and should not be swept under the carpet. However, that will be a discussion for another day. But I will call on the appropriate government authority to carry out a proper investigation into the monumental allegations and ensure justice is done. There are pertinent questions begging for answers such as how sensible is it that N744.5 million was claimed to have been spent for legal fees for the election petition tribunal when the amount said to have been spent on running the whole election is less than half of that? We are aware of some lawyers that offered services for Labour Party pro bono, then how did what was spent on the presidential election petition amount to that?. Both researchers were among the 11 African scholars announced on Monday, February 12, 2024, as recipients of key grants under the GC Africa initiative. Two distinguished lecturers have been awarded N900 million grants by the Grand Challenges Africa (GC Africa) initiative. The lecturers from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) are: Dr. Margaret Ilomuanya and Dr. Mutiat Bolanle Ibrahim. They received grants totaling over US$600,000 for their pioneering research projects aimed at addressing critical challenges in health and agriculture across the African continent. Dr. Ilomuanya, affiliated with the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured a grant of US$359,100 for her project titled The Cervical Mucus Barrier as a Target for Artificial Neural Network Inspired Novel Blends of Electrospun Scaffolds. This innovative research endeavors to develop a novel contraceptive device capable of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections by replicating the natural cervical mucus barrier. On the other hand, Dr. Ibrahim, associated with the Department of Pharmacognosy, received a grant of US$259,801.30 for her research titled Characterisation of Herbal Bioactive for the Development of Spermicides for Female Contraception. Her project focuses on identifying and characterizing herbal compounds that can serve as spermicides, offering a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to conventional contraceptives. Both researchers were among the 11 African scholars announced on Monday, February 12, 2024, as recipients of key grants under the GC Africa initiative. This flagship program, spearheaded by the Science for Africa Foundation with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to catalyze transformative research addressing pressing challenges in health and agriculture on the African continent. MBABANE - It is a risky job that is not financially rewarding for security guards. Despite getting E2 500 per month, most of them are not insured. Robbers target security guards when they transport money to safety. Some of them have been killed and left fatherless children and widows. Ricardo Mpetse, who works for one of the security companies, said their jobs carried more risks than the soldiers and police. He said it was riskier because they carried what everyone wanted to have. Mpetse said a robber knew that he could be rich if he were to overpower him and steal the millions of Emalangeni he was transporting from the businesses to the banks. The most frustrating thing as he related his story was that he did not have a life insurance. Not to have a life policy, its criminal, he said. He urged government to pass a law that would compel all security companies to introduce life policies for their employees. On a daily basis, I am not sure whether I will return home, he said. Imagine carrying a gun with the duty to safeguard millions of Emalangeni, but still earn around E2 500 monthly. This is the compelling situation cash-in-transit drivers and guards are faced with almost on a daily basis. This is despite the risks associated with their jobs. Cash-in-transit operatives ensure the safe and secure transportation of cash and a wide variety of valuables, including jewellery, art and precious metals to their intended destinations. Drivers in this risky industry are paid E126.24 per shift (they normally do 26 shifts per month), which adds up to around E3 282.24 per month. On the other hand, cash-in-transit guards are paid E113.67 per shift. Interesting to note is that an employee, other than a patrol supervisor, with three months or less service, earns E46.10 less than a cash-in-transit driver. Service A guard with more than three months service gets E103.51 per shift while a patrol supervisor (Grade II) receives E106.31. A patrol supervisor is paid E126.65 per shift. In essence, this means the more shifts the security guards take, the higher are the risk of being robbed and possibly getting injured or killed. The catch here is that the guards are always looking for more shifts to get better financial reward at the end of the month because payment is calculated on the number of shifts performed. A telephonist working in the same sector is supposed to be paid E87.97 per shift while an office clerk receives E126.65 (per shift). This is according to regulation of Wages (Security Services Industry) Order, promulgated under Legal Notice No: 127 of 2022, as revoked by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi. At least three of the security guards were interviewed by this publication on the risk factor of their job compared to what they are getting at the end of the month. They admitted that desperation was the motivation behind taking such jobs. Unfortunately, these are the only easily available jobs in Eswatini and if you are to put food on the table for your family, then you have no choice but to take it. We are fully aware of the risk involved, especially for us cash-in-transit drivers and guards, but there are limited alternative options, he said. The guard said everytime he left his family for work, they always pray to the Almighty God for his protection. Even before we board the vehicle that will transport the money, we make a short prayer for Gods protection. Unfortunately, some of us never make it back intact when a robbery takes place because there is always the risk of being shot and possibly killed. Some of the robbers use rubber bullets but others use live ones, he said. The guard lamented the fact that despite such high risk factors in their line of duty, their salaries were not a reflection of that. I am sure some people think we earn a lot of money, given the nature of our work but this is not the case, unfortunately. To my knowledge, no one earns over E3 000 because such payments are calculated on the number of shifts worked. Not everybody is able to work the stipulated 26 shifts per month, the guard said. Eswatini has a number of security companies, most of which are sub-contracted by big companies and government to guard cash and other essentials.While most of these cash-in-transit robberies are mostly common in South Africa, Eswatini has had a number of them in recent times. Targeted One of such was a movie-like scene that played itself out at Ezulwini Corner Plaza when a black Honda Fit targeted a cash security services vehicle, shooting two cash security guards with rubber bullets. The incident left onlookers amazed as it only took close to eight minutes to unfold before the criminals took off with a substantial amount of cash that had been collected from three shops trading at the complex. The cash security services was under Guard Alert. One of the eyewitnesses, who happened to be a security officer manning the building, stated that the Honda Fit, which had three occupants on board, drove straight next to the cash-in-transit vehicle where two people alighted, wearing balaclavas. He stated that one remained on the steering wheel, while his colleagues alighted and fired at the two guards with rubber bullets. Resultantly, they fell to the ground. The eyewitness stated that one of the cash security guards was carrying a firearm which was taken away from him by the two men who proceeded to take the cash inside the car and drove off. The money had been collected from some shops and had been put inside the vehicle. One of the cash security personnel was inside the vehicle when the money was taken. One of the cash security guards was shot in his upper body with a rubber bullet, but did not sustain any injuries as he was wearing a bulletproof vest, while the other was missed, alleged the source. He stated that the cash security guards retreated and did not even attempt to follow the Honda Fit as it sped off with the cash immediately after they had taken it. This happened on May 6, 2022. Another spine-chilling cash-in-transit incident happened in Piggs Peak, where an armed gang robbed a cash-in-transit-van outside First National Bank (FNB). This daring gang turned what started as a bright morning into a nightmare when they robbed a cash-in transit van in full view of the public. This was in August 9, 2021 and it happened just before 9am when the van arrived to deliver the cash collected from some of the shops and pay points. It is alleged the gang made off with the cash from three different bank outlets including an eatery. Queue The robbery happened outside the bank, where clients normally queue to enter the bank or withdraw from the ATMs. Some of the robbers were within this area while others were positioned on the parking which is also a few metres from the ATMs. It was gathered that the cash had been collected from some shops around Piggs Peak for deposit at the bank. The van first arrived and parked in such a way that it reversed towards the entrance of the bank. One of the security guards, a woman, carried some of the bags then entered the bank. At this point, a VW Polo hatchback drove towards the cash-in-transit van and parked in front. Only the driver was in the vehicle. As two more security guards tried to carry cash into the back, two men approached, running towards the van. Behind them, two more approached, making the total number to four. All the four men had pistols and some of them were visibly carrying two. Within a few seconds, one of the robbers fired a shot after he was spotted by one of the security guards. At this time, the second security was almost at the door of the bank when he was approached by a second robber who put his arm around his neck. The security guard was carrying two containers of cash. During the commotion between the security guards and the robbers, shots were fired. The robbers fired more shots, hitting one of the guards in the stomach. The injured security fell to the floor. The second security guard was also pushed to the ground where one of the robbers pressed against him, while the others took the money and put it into the Polo which was parked outside. The robbery lasted for about 90 seconds after which the gang fled in the polo vehicle. The injured guard was taken to the theatre to get a bullet, believed to have been lodged into his body, removed. A man could spend a long time in jail if found guilty of killing his wife with a tractor. The man has been charged with murder. His wife was found dead on a property south of Brisbane, Australia, with reports claiming she had been run over by a tractor. The 44-year-old man had called emergency services and reported his wife was dead after an accident, Detective Inspector Chris Knight said. Emergency services arrived at the rural property at Woodhill, south of Brisbane, at 9.15am on Thursday, Feb. 15, where they found the 41-year-old woman dead. The Queensland Ambulance Service said the womans fatal injuries came after a farm machinery incident. A sedan and a tractor-slasher have been seized for forensic examination. Police say there are some indications the crime scene may have been manipulated. There were some observations that our investigators made on our initial triage of the scene that gave us concerns, Knight said The man has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence) and interfering with a corpse. Knight said if there is any history of domestic violence between the pair it will be part of the investigation. They have two teenage children who are being cared for by family from interstate. Our thoughts go out to them at the moment, said Knight. The man was refused police bail and was set to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Friday, Feb. 16. Police are continuing to scour the property for evidence but the heavy rain that hit southeast Queensland on Friday is hampering efforts. Their search will also extend to several dams on the property, with police divers brought in to bolster the investigation. Suspected abductors of the pupils and staffers of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti in Ekiti State, have been apprehended by the operatives of the State Police Command. Parading the suspects before journalists on Friday evening at the Command headquarters in Ado Ekiti, the Police said one of the suspects, who are nine in number, was shot dead as the gang engaged Policemen in a gun duel. News Direct reports that the gunmen had on the evening of Monday, January 29, 2024, abducted some schoolchildren and teachers along EmureEporo Road while returning to Eporo after closing from school while in the school bus. The kidnap victims, it would be recalled, were five students, three female teachers and a driver. The bus driver was later killed by the gunmen, who released the remaining eight persons after a ransom of N15million was allegedly paid by the families of the victims. The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group said former President Muhammadu Buhari should be blamed for the worsening economic situation in the country, saying the economic policies of Buharis administration were responsible for the current hardship. The groups position was contained in a statement signed by the publicity and organising secretaries, Jare Ajayi and Kole Omololu, respectively, saying that the last administration created economic holes for the present administration in the country. They maintained that Buharis administration failed to make provision for oil subsidies in last years budget, which made Tinubu cancel the regime of oil subsidies in his inaugural speech. The group noted that the economic downturn was caused by Buharis administration, which was built on a platform of hope and defective federalism, saying promises made were not fulfilled. The group stated in the statement that under Buharis watch, terrorists and banditry were operating effortlessly. Law and order broke down. Many innocent citizens, including the daughter of our leader, were killed or kidnapped. President Buhari could not rein in his critical officials like the then Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who was printing money rather than facing the reality of taking the difficult decisions, which were postponed till the evil day. The Yoruba group said a probe panel accused Godwin Emefiele and his team of printing N22.7 trillion through ways and means and that the federal government was borrowing to pay salaries and pensions during the years of the Buhari administration. The group said some ministers suggested the removal of subsidies, among other economic decisions, but President Buhari did not agree until his last year in office to lay a booby trap for the incoming administration of President Tinubu. Afenifere said, It was, therefore, obvious that we were simply postponing the evil day. The CBN Governor denied leaks flying around that the books were being doctored. He reassured the federation that all was well. He even wanted to contest the presidential election! There were no penalties for his infractions by President Buhari. These inactions and false lives continued till May 29, 2023, when the new helmsman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in as president. President Tinubu wasted no time amending his inauguration address and declaring the subsidy regime over! This was obvious as there was no appropriation for subsidy from June 2023. He quickly followed up with the deregulation of the forex regime, which resulted in the free fall of the naira. A man who is not shy about making difficult decisions probably underestimated the capability and capacity of the beneficiaries of the old order to make things ungovernable for his administration. The foremost Yoruba group said those sleeping and snoring during the eight years of Buhari suddenly woke up, forgetting that these remedial actions should have been taken many years ago. The group said the major sin of President Tinubu was contesting and winning the presidential election and making these decisions, which will hurt in the short term but bring us back to reality in the long run. Suggesting a way out of the economic downturn, Afenifere suggested a vibrant Ministry of Information to regularly stay in touch with the people. It also suggested regular town hall meetings across the country where ministers would go back to their constituencies to engage with the people. They called for the realignment of the National Assembly budget and the launch of operations to go back to the people by the legislators, and each member must take palliatives back to the constituency. Governors receiving almost double allocations due to the removal of subsidies and readjustment of exchange rates should deliver to their people. The allocations of each state of the federation should be published monthly Implementation of operation Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow policy. Make banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism capital offences punishable by death Return to true and fiscal federalism with state police, for which we commend the President and Governors endorsement, and state ownership of mineral resources. This is not the time for some elder statesmen to make incendiary comments that can put our unity in jeopardy. Rather, it is a time to deepen peaceful coexistence to navigate through our current challenges. Orchestrating anarchy will be resisted in our dear nation. We fought with our blood to achieve democracy. We will also vigorously defend it, as it is here to stay, the group said Rt. Dekor says, If funds stipulated by the PIA are provided to the host communities, it will result in more development and increase revenue for them Rt Hon Dekor The National Assembly Joint Committee on Host Communities has strongly criticized Agip Oil Company for its alleged non-compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) regarding its obligations to the host communities. During a meeting held in Abuja committee members specifically accused the Italian oil giants of failing to remit the three percent Host Communities Trust Fund, to beneficiaries. Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamane Robinson Dekor, expressed his concern about the companies failure to release the designated funds to the host communities, attributing it to the sluggish pace of development in the area. If the funds stipulated by the PIA are provided to the host communities, it will result in more development and increase revenue for them, he emphasized. Rt. Hon. Dekor, a former Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly and former Works Commissioner in the state, asserted that the benefits of the PIA have not yet been experienced by the people in the oil-producing region. Several other lawmakers present at the meeting expressed their worries about the continued mistreatment of the host communities, suggesting that if the situation persists, it may lead to a potential uprising. They questioned whether this approach aligns with the goal of achieving lasting peace in the Niger Delta region. Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins has revealed that she received a generous sum of N800,000 from a fan of social media activist, VeryDarkMan. In an Instagram post, Sarah Martins explained that this unexpected generosity occurred after she left a comment on a post shared by VeryDarkMan, whom she admires. The actress comment garnered attention, with many people liking and engaging with it. Subsequently, a viewer who appreciated her style watched her Instagram story and liked a video where she was impeccably dressed. The fan then reached out to her, expressing admiration for her dress sense and jokingly requested her domiciliary account details to send money for more outfits. Sarah Martin said she gave him her business dollar account information, and the fan sent the generous sum of N800,000 in local currency. The actress wrote, So yesterday, as usual, I dropped a comment on my favs page @verydarkblackman and a lot of people liked the comment and engaged on it. A fan of VDM viewed my IG story status for the first time and liked my last video (attached to the post). Him: I like your dress sense Me; Him: lol send me your domiciliary account lemme send u some money to buy more of it I sent him my business dollar account but I ended up receiving the money in naira 800k just for looking cute????? Wow. Thank you Who dey sell black jeans and black shirts biko. Watch the video below: KanyiDaily recalls that Sarah Martins recently criticized women who encourage younger generations to depend solely on men and highlighted the importance of genuine hustling to establish ones identity. A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to re-open the investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa in 1986. Giwa was assassinated on October 19, 1986, in his Lagos office by means of a letter bomb. During the delivery of the judgment on Friday in a case against the AGF, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo affirmed that the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is duty-bound to prosecute and sanction the killers of media practitioners in the country. In addition to Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law. The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) had taken legal action against the AGF to enforce the fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights Justice Ekwo, in his judgment, mandated the Federal Government to ensure the adequate protection and safety of journalists lives as outlined in sections 33 and 39 of the Constitution, and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Kanyi Daily recalls that a Federal High Court in Lagos had dismissed a money laundering charge against a former chief of air staff, Adesola Amosu, and two others. Amidst the escalating economic hardships in the nation, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27th and 28th. NLC President Joe Ajaero revealed this during an ongoing press conference at Labour House, Abuja, on Friday. On February 9, both NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement agreements with workers to alleviate economic hardship in the country. Kanyi Daily recalls that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to suspend the nationwide strike initiated in protest against the brutalization of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State on November 1, 2023. Northern youths are increasingly migrating from Nigeria to countries in the Middle East and North Africa due to economic challenges, according to reports by Daily Trust. One such individual is Hassan Dantsoho, a graduate, who plans to relocate to Kuwait for better prospects. He expressed his intention to start a travel agency there, focusing on health personnel and other skilled and unskilled workers from Nigeria. Dantsoho highlighted the potential for Nigerians to earn higher incomes abroad, especially in professions like plumbing, where they could make at least N600,000 monthly. He emphasized the allure of lucrative salaries, citing the example of doctors in Kuwait earning a minimum of N6 million monthly. Dantsoho sees this as an opportunity for migrants to invest and build a stable future abroad. This migration trend is part of a larger pattern, with records showing a significant increase in the number of Nigerians leaving the country for various destinations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported over 240,000 migrants from Nigeria in 2022, with a substantial portion heading to the UK, Canada, and the USA. Similarly, a 2023 study by Migration Control.Info revealed a notable rise in the number of Nigerians living abroad, particularly from the South-South, North-Central, and South-West regions. The story also highlights individual experiences, such as that of Hassan Abdulsalam, a tailor who ventured to Algeria in search of better opportunities and returned home with considerable wealth. He plans to migrate to Qatar for further prospects. Aliyu Ibrahim, the owner of a travel agency in Kano, attested to the growing demand for migration services among Nigerian youths, with inquiries pouring in daily. He noted that many youths are driven by the desire to escape economic hardship and seek better fortunes abroad. Ibrahim explained the process involved in migration, including visa arrangements and job placements in countries like Dubai, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the range of job opportunities available to Nigerians, from driving to waitressing, reflecting the diverse avenues for employment abroad. Overall, the story underscores the economic challenges driving northern youths to seek opportunities beyond Nigerias borders and sheds light on the complexities and aspirations associated with international migration. Image credit: Daily Trust Well, much as causation has been attributed to poverty, religious and ethnic extremism and others, its time the Federal Government revisited its security architecture and remodeled countermeasure strategies to yield fruitful results. The faithful choice of a good businessman is to recoil his strategies if output isnt justified by investments and governments across board must get the message right. That the price is rising and that the cost is becoming incalculable is like trying to find the words, especially in a celebratory culture of violence. Therefore, governments at the national and subnational levels must interrogate assumptions on how to build a fertile environment necessary for a kind of serious rethink to stem the incessant increase in this violent crime typology. Topmost on this is the dismantling of the over-centralized police management system in favour of state or regional units. Predicated upon direct and reliable intelligence apparatus to detect and deter crimes before commission, this will encourage improved policing in the community. Theres also a need for each state or regional governments collaboration to fashion a results-driven Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in line with expectations, decide its security needs and priorities and act accordingly without relying on some uncomfortable exchanges with an excessively centralized system in Abuja. State security votes from the Federal Government must be augmented to enhance operational efficiency and budgetary allocations and expenditures must be closely monitored to deter misplacement of priorities, inefficiency and corruption. Standards of recruitment into the Force must also be determined by the state or region, not some counterproductive conditions or considerations hiding behind the rubbles of a flawed and obsolete Federal Character Commission. Above all, continuous on-the-job training must be made mandatory to improve performance in line with modern law enforcement agencies practices obtainable elsewhere in the world. In the opinion of Femi Afolabi-Peters, practical and committed-to-results steps can contrast political considerations and gains but therein lies the solution if only Tinubu possesses the willpower to bell the cat for the national good. Afolabi-Peters, a United Kingdom-trained international security and intelligence consultant and specialist in clandestine security operations, suggested the establishment of a special court to fast track and conclude promptly cases of apprehended suspects without the customary delays which embolden other would-be kidnappers to engage in the trade, safe in the knowledge that, while their trial is protracted, justice can be unduly influenced by money and other considerations. I also share his views. To this end, the National Assembly owes it a duty to as a matter of necessity introduce and fast-track a bill to create and empower a special court to handle and dispense with kidnapping and banditry trials. The Modus Operandi of the court, including but not limited to financial autonomy, sentencing and other statutory powers must be unambiguously stated in the proposed law. Take it or leave it, without a strong and purposeful political buy-in of the government, the above suggestions would only end up as a pipe dream; and thats the danger of the moment. In the national interest therefore, Tinubu must be ready to kick some ass and damn the consequences for the collective good. He must be ready to provide a safe and secure Nigerian environment for the citizens to cohabit without fear or trepidation. Inevitably, a secure society will attract foreign direct investments to stimulate the countrys economy which, presently, is in very dire straits! The government must be sincere in this approach to earn the trust of the populace, which is already battered by the shape and size of the economic downturn on everyday living. For Ekiti, Oyebanji needs to up his game and beef up Amotekun in terms of funding, training and equipment for optimal performance. To achieve this, funding for Amotekun has to be structured and increased, even if it involves putting together a supplementary budget. It may also be done like a Police Security Trust Fund and crowd-funding among the civil and political structures, cooperative societies, Labour and Student Unions. Even farmers should be encouraged to partake of it because it is now in the interest of everybody. Interestingly, the compelling logic of Amotekun is clearer today than it was yesterday. Even the North which once stood vehemently against the idea has now come to terms with the fact that multilevel policing is the only way out. As things stand, even the blind can see and applaud Oyebanjis transformation agenda in Ekiti. Personally, I see him as a fresh and credibly courageous voice who has touched every facet of existence and needs in the state. But then, more still needs to be done! For instance, but for former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Amotekun wouldnt have become a reality in the Southwest. The question therefore is: will this dream die with Aketis demise? So, the onus lies on Oyebanji to push the parameters of the regional necessity to save lives and property, especially in the two neighbouring states. His security architecture must be based on result-oriented policies and processes enabled by the collaboration between the state-created neighbourhood security outfit and the primary law enforcement responders. Now that our fate is no longer in the mouth of the oracle but in our hands, the need to invest heavily in intelligence gathering, Information Technology solutions and other covert operations cannot be overstressed. They are the new, 21st-century oracles, and they have been adjudged to work wonders. Undeniably, a country is as secure as the intelligence at her disposal for no national security can grow beyond the intelligence that drives the process. As long as intelligence is left on the shelf, national security will never be achieved. In this wise, let there be professional threat mitigation strategies that can promptly catch terrorists and bandits cold, flat-footed and mostly unexpected, for it is only when Ekiti is turned into a whole territory of peace that Chibok can be prevented from relocating to the state. I have argued elsewhere that preparations for the next election would always start the day the last election was won and lost. Who knows? The observed insecurity upsurge in Ekiti could be one of the new games by some stubborn pursuers, secret enemies and mountain demons to take trophy photos. After all, anything is possible in politics! Whats more? In every system, like every home, saboteurs abound. It only depends on how the head of household strives to rise above obstacles. For BAO, he needs to act promptly; and, decisively, too! That he is in control of the states political formations is not in doubt. So far, so commendable! He has demystified the office of the governor by bringing it down to the people who voted him into power. He also has good intentions for Ekitis and all eyes can see it. But, as 2026 draws nearer, the governor shouldnt let the security formations of the state slip off his grip and he shouldnt develop even the slightest enthusiasm for complacency. In governments and governance, the dynamics of the street counts and the spiritual symbolism of the reach of the real guys also matters. Beyond the sensationalism in the face, the interests of the inner core, aka core of the core, always go a long way in determining the scope of the responsibilities inherent in governance. So, if Oyebanji can unwaveringly be in love with the street, not just in the local but also in the national and international contexts, the roads will respect him, Ekiti State will dance to his sound and Nigeria will obey him! By the way, who says that Ekiti cannot happen to Nigeria again? Who says that Nigeria cant be a fertile ground for some senseless and soulless murderers to trouble the destiny of our sacred institutions again? In all, how critical are the ingredients of peace in the Sahel to the broth of a perfect and lasting peace in Nigeria? *To be concluded. Related tasks NCAA on travel agencies survival Aeroland Travels Nigeria Limited has sued the Turkish Airlines a sum of 100 million naira, as damages over unwarranted penalty claims drawn from its International Air Transport Association (IATA) account. The suit duly filed against Turkish Airlines at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja Division, cited an obvious fleecing of Aeroland Travels of the sum of N56,728,861.00 and $8,321.00 which surfaced as debit memo on trump up basis. According to the court proceeding made available to newsmen the defendant (Turkish Airline) action was declared as one, causing a debit memo in the sum of N56,728,861.00 and $8,321.00 to be issued and charged against the claimants IATA account in respect of the ticket bookings which was fully paid for by the Claimant is wrongful, unlawful or illegal. The Court also gave: An order for payment of the sum of N56,728,861.00 and $8,321.00 by the Defendant to the Claimant being wrongful, unlawful and illegal debit. Also, the court directed the defendant to pay general damages a sum of 100,000,000(one hundred million naira) to the claimant with Interest on the adjudged sum at the maximum prevailing bank rate of 26.3% per annum from the 1st day of January,2024 until the entire sum and interest thereon is fully and finally liquidated. In a chat with newsmen on Thursday Otunba Segun Adewale the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aeroland Travels Nigeria Limited declared with cited evidence, that they received a fraudulent debit of 78million naira in their account for no infractions whatsoever. Despite the fact that there was no warning or communication affirming that there was any error on any of our tickets issued from January till September 2023 and that monies were collected in full without any problems or issues regarding the sales. It is disheartening that not within a week or month but after a whole year, we just received a debit memo as penalty for wrong ticketing entry which was not recorded while the process was going on and in actual fact sales and payments were made in dollars to avoid any problems, fines or penalties. I make bold to state that till date, we are yet to receive any correspondence from the said airline either by text message, email or voice note stating clearly if there are wrong ticketing entry. All we got suddenly was a heavy or draconian penalty charge, purposely to fleece us and believing we wont dare report or fight the case like every other agencies they killed in the past. I have also reported the case to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to help look into the arbitrary penalties which is strange to our business. We have never received such charges from any airlines since our 30 years of doing business, it is just unimaginable. By the summary of ADM from Turkish Airlines between 2023 to 2024 both in Naira and Dollars the total invoice was N220m and $33500. Our IATA account has been outrageously pilfered of a huge amount- 89 million naira so far, we cannot keep quiet and watch the fleece continue unabated. Adewale said. MBABANE He is admired by many as the walking dictionary of Eswatini politics. At 95 years of age (born February 1, 1929), experienced politician and founder of Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) party Shiyemaparty Dube is without doubt a political legend in his own right. Not everybody can claim to have enjoyed the privilege of rubbing shoulders with respected African leaders like the two former South African Presidents Nelson Madiba Mandela and Jacob Msholozi Zuma among the many, but Dube lives to tell the story. Interacted After all, he has interacted with the two respected South African politicians in his illustrious political career spanning over 60 years now. He is a pro-Tinkhundla person and holds high respect for the countrys monarchy. Dube was among the first emaSwati to be elected into the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The former MP said Sibaya would remain the appropriate platform for emaSwati to interact and talk about matters affecting them, as was the case during the recent Peoples Parliament. I am 95 years old and ever since I was born, Sibaya has always been the perfect platform for us as a nation to meet and deliberate on issues. That has always been the practice and we should not be influenced to change that, he said. Disowned He said people who disowned Sibaya did not understand that some nations liked the philosophy of the cattle byre. The 95-year-old former MP said there were no delegates during Sibaya as every liSwati has a right to make a submission on how this country should be governed. In two weeks, he said Sibaya could listen to thousands of views and seconders. Handful He said there were only a handful of delegates who attended conferences in other countries. He said a handful of people decided the future of a country. The old man said all people in Eswatini were part of the decision making mechanism at Sibaya. Dube then praised His Majesty King Mswati III for his well-articulated speech from the throne in parliament recently. Praise The King officially opened the 12th Parliament, delivering a two-hour long speech that won him praise from a number of people and organisations. Speaking to Eswatini News, he said he was mostly impressed with the Kings emphasis on the issue of corruption. He said the country will never flourish or develop as long as corrupt elements were not exposed and dealt with accordingly. Directive When I heard the King speaking about corruption and giving directives for action to be taken, my heart was filled with joy, he said. He said corruption would stall the development of the countrys economy. The sooner it is addressed, the better and I want to say that the King was spot on regarding that issue, Dube said. He also lauded the King for touching on the importance of improving the health sector in the country. Dube said health was a very crucial aspect of any nation, commending the head of State for emphasising on the efficiency of the health system. It must be said that Eswatini became a constitutional monarchy at independence in September 1968 under the leadership of His Majesty King Sobhuza II and held its first post-independence elections in 1972. The kingdom became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (CON) and Eswatini was admitted as a member of the United Nations (UN) on September 11, 1968. Served The government, at the time, was headed by Prince Makhosini Dlamini, who also served as foreign minister from 1968 to 1970. Dube speaks fondly of these days, revealing that the first parliamentary elections were held on May 16-17, 1972. The pro-monarchist Imbokodvo National Movement (INM) won 21 out of 24 seats in the House of Assembly. Dubes NNLC won three seats in the House of Assembly and he was among those elected into Parliament. Interesting to note is that one of the elected members from the NNLC, whose nationality was questioned by the major political party, was refused his seat in the House of Assembly and threatened with deportation. The NNLC referred the matter to the Swaziland Court of Appeal, which ruled in its favour. Dube said King Sobhuza II, on April 12, 1973, declared a state of emergency, dissolved the House of Assembly, banned all political parties and abolished the 1968 constitution. Altercation The King established the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force, to defend the monarchy. I was the leader of NNLC but we had an altercation with Ambrose Zwane in Parliament. I remember forcefully taking the microphone from him in parliament to address the members. This was after I was summoned by King Sobhuza II before that sitting in parliament, where he made it clear that he was not for the idea of parties. He actually directed me to denounce my alliance with the NNLC, which I did. Zwane was arrested in Manzini and imprisoned on February 9, 1978. Subsequently, King Sobhuza II introduced a new constitution on October 13, 1978, restoring parliament, including the 50-member House of Assembly and 20-member Senate. Dube is singing nothing but high praise for the Tinkhundla system of government, pointing out that it was a system perfectly designed for emaswati. We need to embrace the Tinkhundla system of government as emaswati and respect the Monarchy as the highest authority in the country. The King is our leader and we must respect that. Yes, opinions will always differ in politics but we should never lose respect for Their Majesties. This is our culture as emaswati, Dube said. On meeting both Mandela and Zuma, Dube said he learned a lot, politically from the two African leaders, admitting that these are memories he will cherish forever. Opportunity I had the opportunity to interact with these two great African leaders and gained quite a lot in shaping up my political career. Yes, the political system of our country will always evolve with time but this should not change who we are as emaswati. We may hold different political ideals but losing respect for the King should never happen. Dube said Eswatini should be a peaceful country, urging citizens to read and appreciate the rich history of this country. I am very proud to have been among the politicians to be elected into the first parliament of this country. It seems like yesterday and these are memories I will cherish everyday, he said. Dube is free to share his knowledge and experiences with emaSwati and institutions. The Kaduna Area Commander of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dalha Wada Chedi, disclosed that bandits have seized control of two fully loaded trucks carrying smuggled goods. He said that the criminals hijacked the trucks within a dense forest as they were being transported into Nigeria. According to him, the bandits seized the merchandise after the smugglers opted to transport the illicit goods through the forest a few days ago near the Batsari region in Katsina State. At a press conference held yesterday, Chedi, of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B in Kaduna, announced that smugglers have been utilizing perilous pathways monitored by bandits to illegally bring items into the country. We just received the news less than 24 hours ago that bandits have seized two trucks loaded with smuggled items inside the forest. We also understand that a J5 vehicle was also seized by the bandits around that axis, he said. The comptroller highlighted that the nations borders were excessively permeable, posing a challenge for customs surveillance, particularly in areas where bandits were situated. The comptroller announced that customs would be collaborating with other security agencies to close off all unlawful borders in areas such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Popoola was abducted along with his wife, Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola and Abdulmumuny Folaranmi around 1 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola of the Nigerian Air Force, abducted seven weeks ago, remains in captivity, according to reports from Daily Post. Popoola was abducted along with his wife, Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola and Abdulmumuny Folaranmi around 1 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. They were kidnapped from their residence located within the National Eye Centre Quarters, Mando, Kaduna. The three kidnapped victims are indigenes of Iseyin Local Government Area in Oyo State. A family member told DAILY POST on Friday: They have not been released as of now. It is seven weeks now that they were kidnapped. A cousin of the air force officer, Alhaji Olatunde Rafiu, who spoke with journalists recently, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to ensure the release of the kidnapped victims. He said: We are renewing our appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to help us do something within the little time left of the ultimatum given. In Edo State, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a prominent contender, has decided to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election. He has swiftly thrown his support behind Dennis Idahosa, the youthful representative of Ovia constituency in the House of Representatives, whom he hailed as the partys choice. Umakhihe, a retired federal Permanent Secretary hailing from Edo North Senatorial District, formally withdrew from the race on Saturday morning. Expressing gratitude to his supporters, Umakhihe stated, Let us throw our support behind Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who is the partys preferred candidate. There are brighter days ahead. With the exits of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Lucky Imasuen, nine out of the 12 initially cleared aspirants remain in contention. The ongoing governorship direct primary election across Edo State will conclude with collation scheduled for Benin later today. The method in which Senior Pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye prayed for his congregation has sparked reactions. In a circulating video, the cleric was fervently praying for his church members, expressing that Christians from other denominations would acknowledge their significance and bow before them. I decree in the name that is above every other name, Christians from other denominations will bow before you, he proclaimed. His prayer point didnt sit right with many as netizens took to social media to express disgust and indignation. See reactions below: I Am Sp3ncer wrote: Age is beginning to take over slowly. They say when theyre old, they start talking like kids again. So its true. Pls dont blame him and stop dragging him ejoo Wendy Adanma stated: Its time he retires because wetin be this. Rehkie said: Seems like this pastor doesnt think before he talks. Dr Buchi wrote: Religion is gradually exposing itself to be a scam. I Am Murie declared: I dont like this prayer point but I cant condemn such a great man of God. Dinzzy wrote: Religion is part of our problem in this country. Gallar wrote: Even this prayer get as e be but if we really check am RCCG is the biggest church in Nigeria and has the largest congregation. Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to offer prayers for his mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan, and his family following the passing of his elder sister, Madam Obebhatein. Speaking at the burial ceremony of Madam Obebhatein in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Friday, Jonathan emphasized the impact of his sisters death on their mother. He expressed gratitude to those who supported his mother during this difficult time, especially when he was away in London. Jonathan highlighted the trauma his mother experienced, losing her first child. Jonathan remarked, Death, as they say, is something we all pass through. But the time it comes also matters. Yes, we will all die someday but the time matters. He continued, My elder sister died at a time that we can gather these celebrities to celebrate her, but that our mother is to mourn her is the nasty aspect of the whole thing. Acknowledging the support from the Bayelsa State First Lady and other women who rallied around his mother, Jonathan emphasized the ongoing trauma his mother is enduring. He concluded with a heartfelt appeal, So continue to pray for my mum. God will see us through. I thank you. Bandits attacked the communities of Kwassam and Sabon Layi Kan Makama in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the death of six residents. Numerous individuals, including a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, were abducted during the incident. The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying no fewer than 50 residents were abducted by the hoodlums. However, an official statement by the state government through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, also confirmed the attack but was silent on those killed and abducted in Kauru LGA in Southern Kaduna. Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has condemned the attack and condoled with victims while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state, following attacks in Igabi and Kauru LGAs. The governor spoke through Aruwan at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area. A source told The PUNCH on Saturday that the incident happened on Friday some minutes after 10pm. It was gathered that the bandits in large numbers, invaded the community, shot indiscriminately and picked two people at gunpoint who led them to the retired CBN directors residence where they abducted him. The bandits moved to the family house where they also abducted the brother as well as the brothers wife, the source said. Our correspondent learnt that the bandits opened fire on residents who rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, killing six of them on the spot while six sustained gunshot wounds. Those killed, according to the source, include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata. Those kidnapped at Sabon Layi Kan Makama include Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Monday Markus (younger brother to the retired-CBN director), and his wife, Alhamdu Makeris son and Baban Fati of Kauru, among others. Spokesman for SOKAPU, Josiah Abraks, while confirming the incident in a statement released to newsmen, described the renewed attack as despicable and condemnable. He said, Information reaching SOKAPU states that terror attacks have taken place yesterday (16/02/24) at Kwassam and Sabon Layin kan Makama both in Kauru Local Government Area. At Kwassam about five people were said to have been killed and scores of others kidnapped including a former Assistant Director of the CBN and his younger brother. While at Sabon Layin kan Makama about 50 people were said to have been kidnapped. These atrocities continually being visited on citizens of the state are despicable and highly condemnable and we hereby unequivocally condemn the acts and their perpetrators. We call on the state government and all relevant authorities not to relent in their good works but to step up and remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and peace of all law-abiding citizens of the state. Meanwhile, Sani condemned the attack and urged the military to be more ruthless against bandits. He also condoled with the victims families, while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state. We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first contact you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA. May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured. I want to assure you that we are also here to assess the security situation. As you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested. The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA, Sani, who was represented by Aruwan, said. Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, the Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, has been suspended for two months without pay. A viral video in early January showed the royal father decorating a popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, with new notes of N1,000 . The council moved against Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence that contravenes the law of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN). However, during the Egba Traditional Council meeting chaired by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on Friday, Oba Sowemimo was suspended. The meeting in a joint resolution adopted the suspension of the monarch following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee which declared that during the period of his (Sowemimo) suspension, he should not parade himself as a traditional ruler. It was further gathered that the resolution emphasised that Sowemimo should not be invited or seen at any government or public function as a traditional ruler, and for three months should not receive any payments The Chairman of a three-member Ethics Committee of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Saka Matemilola, who read the report of the committee, said that the committee came to its decision after examining the viral video in which Sowemimo breached the ethics of a Yoruba traditional institution by defacing Nigerias currency. The committee chairman, who is the Olowu of Owu, said findings revealed that the embattled traditional ruler was seen holding strewn naira as a bead and hanging onto the neck of a musician in public. The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said Obas action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007. The suspended monarch confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that he was suspended due to the way he spent money on a musician. They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician. And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months. I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision, he said. Reacting to the video in a statement signed and directed to the monarch, Director General, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the display was an abuse of the national currency that attracts imprisonment, fines or both. Precious Pada, wife of Pastor Isaac Pada, a clergyman with the Deeper Life Bible Church, Lugbe in Abuja , has refuted claims that she and their four children disappeared from her matrimonial home in Abuja on July 30th. Pastor Pada granted an interview recently where he alleged that he went to work on July 30th only to return home to an empty house with his wife and four children nowhere in sight. He claimed they had no issues prior to her diappearance and that he has reported the matter to the Lugbe police station. Mrs Pada has however reached out to LIB and denied her husbands claim. Speaking through her sister, Maryann Ojih, Mrs Pada said she fled their matrimonial home after being subjected to years of domestic violence. According to Mrs Pada, the clergyman is a habitual wife beater who takes delight in beating her since their mrarriage was contracted 9 years ago. An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi state, Major General Patrick Akpa (Rtd), has completed the meet-the-delegates tour of all 21 councils in the state. The former commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna and a one-time Military Secretary, said the exercise was to solidify his support base across the councils. The tour started in Koton karfe, Kogi Local Government with a visit to the Traditional Ruler and Chairman Koton Karfe Emirate Council, The Ohimege of Koton Karfe, HRH Alh Abdulrazaq Isa Koto. The royal father warmly received the team and prayed for the success of the aspiration. In Lokoja Local Government, the campaign team visited the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Muhammadu Kabiru III to seek for his royal blessings before meeting party executives and wards coordinators in a town hall meeting in Lokoja. The traditional ruler admonished Akpa to keep to his words having made a bond with the people through his profile, while wishing his well in his ambition. The delegates and coordinators in Central and Western Senatorial Districts eulogised Gen. Akpa, saying he has assisted them in diverse ways as the then NDA commandant. They said his hope agenda will bring development to the area, having been supportive of the party. They expressed confidence he will do more if he emerges governor. In Idah LGA, the campaign team paid courtesy visit to the Attah of Igala, HRH Dr Micheal Idakwo Ameh Oboni. The royal father called the aspirant his son, urging him to put Kogi first in his aspiration. He said Akpa impacted the people positively while in the Army and he prayed that the land will fight for his ambition. At the residence of the Catholic Bishop of Idah diocese, Most Revered Anthony Adaji, the bishop described Akpa as a general you can trust. He urged the team members to support him for the realisation of the HOPE Agenda. The Director of support group, Mr. Ibrahim Idakwo, who spoke at all the meetings, said Akpa remained the best aspirant in APC. He described the aspirant as bold, fearless and a purpose-driven person. He posited Akpa would bring about the much needed transformation and unity amongst the diverse groups in Kogi State. Idakwo said with the wide acceptability of Akpa across the 21 LGAs, he is convinced he would emerge victorious as the partys candidate. The head of the media team, Pastor John Desmond, said they have seen in Gen. Akpa the qualities required to move Kogi to enviable height as Governor. He said Akpa is man of integrity and someone with a great heart. In all the areas visited, Akpa said he is in the race for governorship to bring about immense transformation and change the fortune of the State. He said he would pursue unity and entrench good governance in the state. He promised to carry all people along irrespective of ethnic, tribal, religious and political inclinations if elected. The Lagos State Government says it is set to eliminate delays in the issuance of building plan approvals to curb illegal developments. Dr Idris Salako, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said in a statement on Tuesday that there was the need to ensure harmonious development of the physical environment of Lagos State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Salako spoke during a working visit to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPA) and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA). The commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mr Kabir Abdullahi and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Foluso Dipe. The Commissioner said that factors causing delays in issuing building plan approvals would be examined thoroughly, with a view to easing the process and eliminating the delays. We are determined to streamline the process and enhance inter-agency collaboration where necessary to eliminate delays in issuing building plan approvals. Bottlenecks create unnecessary backlogs and encourage illegal developments, he said. Salako said that it had become incumbent upon officers in the Ministry to deliver effective and efficient service to the people in the most expedient manner, since their services directly impacted on the well being of the people. He urged staff of the ministry to support governments initiatives and be true ambassadors of the Lagos State Government in words and deeds. The Commissioner said that as professionals involved in regulating the built environment, the staff played critical role in the harmonious development of the physical environment of Lagos State. Salami said that he had set to work in earnest and would leave no stone unturned to actualise the mandate of the present administration in the built environment sector. He urged Lagosians to cooperate with the government by sharing its vision of building right. The Commissioner urged enforcement officers to always endeavour to monitor the process of building from the infant stage, as this would help developers build right and save Lagosians from the agony of demolitions and building collapse. Also speaking at the tour, the Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mr Kabir Abdullahi, acknowledged efforts of LASURA on slum upgrade. Abdullahi urged the agency to produce iconic designs for Lagos State as the state was known for its excellence. (NAN) NTFONJENI Every liSwati has the right to speak during Sibaya, which is also known as the Peoples Parliament, but some get punished for it. According to some members of a farming cooperative known as Siyatfutfuka, they are being victimised because one of them made a submission during Sibaya. During last years Sibaya, many emaSwati had the opportunity to make submissions on various issues. They submitted on how the country should be governed. Some emaSwati ended up raising issues that affected them in a personal capacity. They were also asked to name the person they thought would make a good prime minister. Meeting Currently, the PM is appointed by His Majesty the King, who announces the name during the national meeting which is held in the cattle byre at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. The Ludzidzini Royal Residence is the countrys traditional headquarters and it is the official home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. During such deliberations, the King allows emaSwati to advise him on how he could run the country. Sibaya or the Peoples Parliament is constitutionally regarded as the highest policymaker. It was during this time that a member of Siyatfutfuka decided to submit concerns he had about the Rural Development Fund (RDF). This is a fund under the Ministry of Tinkhundla Development and Administration. Using the fund, government gives money to cooperatives or groups of individuals to start their own businesses. On the other hand, Siyatfutfuka is an organisation which is involved in farming activities such as assisting farmers in ploughing the fields as well as supplying them with farm implements such as fertilisers. Concerns William Dlamini, a member of Siyatfutfuka, had submitted his concerns during Sibaya but his submissions were general. He expressed concern about how RDF was being disbursed and urged the ministry responsible to follow-up on people who were granted funds to see if they were utilised for the intended purpose. Enjoying a rare opportunity to make a submission at the cattle byre, Dlamini also made a submission which was aired live on radio and television. In his submission, he was understood by the executives of the co-operatives to be criticising their organisation. In an interview, he said his intentions were not to tarnish the name of the organisation. He argued that he wanted to express his concern about the use of the RDF fund in general. I did not mention the name of any organisation, he said when asked to comment on the matter. During his submission, Dlamini said the objective of the fund was to help communities and groups of people, but it only benefitted certain individuals. He submitted and questioned whether the responsible ministry had taken time to follow through until the end to find out if the money that was granted to assist co-operatives was being put to good use and not only benefitting those individuals. Establishing Under normal circumstance, the fund is given to associations with at least 10 people. They are expected to at least pay 10 per cent of the money that they are seeking. The fund can be used for anything such as establishing any business. In some communities, they use the fund to purchase buses, tractors or even start a shop, as long as that business will be able to generate income for the members. Dlamini said he was worried that his submissions were being used to punish the members and that they were not being granted their dividends because of his submissions. He said some of the members were blaming him for speaking during Sibaya. He said it was not his first time attending Sibaya. However, he said it was his first time being given an opportunity to speak. He said little did he know that this could land him and others in trouble. He told Eswatini News that he was being victimised for the submission he made, adding that trouble started when members of the farming cooperative began to ask for their dividends. During a recent meeting, he explained that the organisations chairperson had asked about a man who made a submission during Sibaya last year. He said the chairperson insisted on knowing what the Sibaya submission was all about and that the one who made it should explain further. He alleged that he advised him to come with the people whom he was addressing and this should happen before funds could be released to the members. He does not deny the fact that he made the submission at Sibaya. During the cooperatives recent meeting, he said he was asked to speak and explain himself but he did not obey this instruction. Victimised He said the situation was tense during the meeting. Dlamini said some of the members were not happy that he was being victimised for speaking during Sibaya. He said the members were of the view that the committee of the organisation was using his submission as an excuse for not wanting to pay dividend. As a result of this misunderstanding, Dlamini said about 15 members were affected by this development. He said members were demanding payment of their dividends amounting to E400 000. With this money, he said the members would then figure out how they would be able to utilise it. He also went on to say that it was possible he was being targeted by the organisation because he was a very vocal person. He said he was self-employed and also bred broiler chickens for sale. Other members who were spoken to also called the Times of Eswatini to express concerns about the issue. They said it was unfair that they were being deprived of their funds yet they had budgeted for them, particularly for the month of January, which requires sufficient money for school fees. One of the members, who asked not to be mentioned, said he was also not happy with the manner in which the organisation handled the situation. He said it was true that the members always had squabbles but it was only recently that the issue of Sibaya was brought up. The member then revealed that they would also report the organisation to the body that oversees cooperatives. Implications Meanwhile, the Attorney General (AG) Sifiso Khumalo was asked if there were any implications for people who victimised others for submissions during Sibaya. Khumalo was also the moderator during Sibaya. He was asked in his capacity as AG. In his response, the AG stated that victimisation in all its forms was wrong and should not be condoned. He explained that Sibaya should not be singled out. He said the reporting structure depended on the form of victimisation, giving examples such as the workplace which has its own structure. Some other forms of victimisation are reported to the police, he stated. Khumalo said he found it hard to believe that anyone could be victimised for making submissions at Sibaya. Prima facie that would be wrongful, he stated Khumalo asked who was victimising the victim. He also wanted to know the nature of the victimisation and where the alleged victimiser got the authority to do so. What is the relationship between Siyatfutfuka and RDF? he asked. According to William, there was no direct relationship between the organisation and RDF. Uju Kingsley Chima According to TheNation, Mr Chima, the House of Representatives member for Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State, said Kamalu was a liar and serial fraudster out to extort money from him. He told The Nation that Kamalu was also trying to divert attention from her two N40 million fraud cases at a high and magistrates court in Owerri, the Imo State capital. It is a pure case of fraud, someone who has been defrauding for years. Pure case of fraud! She even defrauded my friend to the tune of over N10 million. (There is) evidence, complete evidence!, Chima said. Kamalu had claimed that she lost her pregnancy for Chimas baby, but that at his instance, she adopted a baby which would be theirs. The baby subsequently died. But the lawmaker denied that Kamalu was ever pregnant for him. He insisted that she lied that she had a baby for him in Canada through In vitro fertilization (IVF) and demanded that he send her $45,000. Chima said: Now, you are a man, let me ask you a question: somebody that said you raped her in 2015, and in 2018, the same person came and said she had birth (sic) for you: Is it possible? The same person that said you raped her in 2015 came back in 2018 and said you asked her to go and adopt a child for you: is it possible? This girl came up on 12th of December that she was pregnant. I said did I impregnate you? She said No, that she did IVF. I said I have never had anything, I have never had intercourse, how could you now come up to say I impregnated you? How? Is it by air? She said she did IVF. Because she knew I was running an election the next month, that was in February. She wanted to extort money from me through that means. In court documents seen by The Nation, Kamalu said her adopted baby died of ill-health in Lagos on April 30, 2019. She attached a purported Lagos State Government issued death certificate. But the lawmaker described her action as fraudulent. He said: When I couldnt hold it, I personally went and reported to the police: Look at what is transpiring. The police, on its own, went into investigation, discovered, not even me, discovered, I didnt know that she bought a child in Enugu and the child died in Lagos. So, you can see the level of fraud that she has been perpetrating. All her statements are evidenced, even in the courts she stood in the dock and was saying all of these things. That was in Owerri. The magistrate was so angry and remanded her. They released her this month or last month only for her to tell a story that I raped her. This lady has been doing this. Trying to use that way to extort money from me and when I realised her mischievous attitude, the matter was reported to the police and the police went into investigation. It was the police that even discovered that this lady even bought a child in Enugu, trying to use the child to cover up the pregnancy she said she lost, because she said she was pregnant, when she was not. She wasnt pregnant, she claimed I should pay her, is it $45,000? That she had the child in Canada, twins. She was using a Canadian line to call. She even forged a visa, a Canadian visa, that she was in Canada already, that I should send money to her in Canada. Where will I get $45,000 to send to her? I quickly ran to the police, but before then I had already reported her to the SSS (State Security Service) for fraud, but because I was running an election, they said I should play along so that I can have tangible things against her, which happened. He also debunked her claim that he promised her N20 million or promised to buy her a house. Chima said; I can confidently tell you that this girl is a serial fraudster and serial liar. I do not in any way have any agreement of buying any house for this girl. I do not in any way have an agreement of giving her N20 million every six months. If she has any evidence that I made an agreement to give her a house, she should show where the agreement was written. The police in Owerri are investigating her and what she is trying to do is to divert attention, thats what she is trying to do. Her matter is in court, the child trafficking case is in court in Owerri. One is in Magistrates Court Owerri, one is in High Court Owerri. So, running down to Lagos to go and file a fundamental rights suit. Its ridiculous and, mind you, Im a politician and my political opponents too are at work. Zahra Buhari, a daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, revealed that she is unable to speak fluently in Hausa, her fathers language. The first daughter made this revelation at a BBC Hausa event to unveil winners of a literary contest organised by the broadcast station. when asked to make a comment at the ceremony officiated in Hausa, Zahra, who is married to businessman Ahmed Indimi said: Ill make you laugh. She said she and her siblings rarely communicate in the language. Every day my father would correct my Hausa when I converse with him she said in Hausa amidst laughter. She said they usually communicate in Engausa a colloquial term for mixing of English and Hausa in a conversation. She attributed her inability to speak good Hausa to attending schools with children of white people. The presidents daughter later told interviewers off stage that they mostly speak in her mothers native Fulfude language at home. File Photo Gunmen on Saturday attacked vehicles conveying travellers, who alighted at Rigasa railway station from Abuja, injured some of them and abducted several others. News Agency report (NAN) gathered that the attack occurred along the road linking airport road from the railway station at about 8pm. A similar attack occurred on Friday at about the same time on the same road after passengers left the train station heading to their homes in Kaduna and other places. Already, some families of those abducted have been contacted by the kidnappers demanding N20 million ransom. One of those shot by the kidnappers is at the moment in critical condition at the 44 Army Reference Hospital Kaduna receiving treatment. Source:NAN Law The absence of a principal witness for the prosecuting team, on Tuesday stalled the continuation of hearing in the case of Offa bank robbery going on before a Kwara High Court, sitting in Ilorin. The leader of the Prosecution, Razaq Gold, informed the court that the continuation of hearing would not be able to go on because his witness had gone for a national assignment since Jan. 25. He said that the police officer who was supposed to testify in court had been deployed for election re-run duty. Following the development, Gold asked for another date of adjournment for the continuation of hearing. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the April 4, 2018, robbery attack was carried out in four commercial banks which claimed about 30 lives including police officers at Offa Local Government Area of Kwara. NAN reports that the defendants standing trial in connection with the case are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran. The defendants counsel, Matrix Emeribe, said he had no objection to the submission of the prosecution. He said that national security comes first over any other issue. Justice Halimah Salman said the counsels should be prepared to bring their witnesses to court for continuation of hearing in the next sitting. The judge warned that she would not tolerate any further delay on the matter, adding that the case had been on trial within trial since April 2018. She, therefore, adjourned the case till Feb. 10 for continuation of hearing. Leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has listed some reasons why he believed President Muhammadu Buhari is not charged of the present administration running the affairs of the country. In a tweet on Wednesday, Kanu explained that the face-off between the National Security Adviser, NSA, Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd) and President Muhammadu Buharis Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, is a pointer to the fact the President Buhari is not the one in charge at Aso Rock. According to him, members of the cabal are the one running the affairs of the country, not President Muhammadu Buhari whom, stressing that the man many believed is President Buhari in Aso Rock, was an impostor from Sudan. ALSO READ: Monguno, Kyari war rages on as new leak again indicts Buharis chief of staff Kanu tweeted: If certainly, the Buhari that came into power in 2015 is still in charge of the Nigerian government, why are they confused with who the service chiefs should report to? Ive said many times that a Sudanese impostor is the Buhari in Aso Rock. @StateDept. It would be recalled that a circular had few days ago surfaced online where the NSA, Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd) was accusing Buharis Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, of hijacking the coordination of security leadership across Nigeria. The NSA had claimed that Kyari had allegedly sidelined him in making strategic decisions in national security operations. The lockdown enforced to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic took an ugly turn after a soldier shot a man dead in delta Thursday. The young man and father of two, identified as Joseph Pessu, was reportedly gunned down along the Ugbuwangue axis of the NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State. Sources who spoke to The Nation say the deceased was shot death after he refused to stop at a military checkpoint. Apparently, soldiers gave him a hot chase and shot him dead. Gory pictures of the victim, wearing a white shirt and red trousers and drenched in blood, was reportedly taken to the Police Area Command, Warri as sympathizers flocked the scene. An army officer just shot one man in Ugbuwangue. He was riding a power bike and they tried to stop him, but he refused. One of the soldiers shot him. He died instantly, a source said. Another source said youths of the area took to the streets and the expressway in protest of the death, but were calmed by the chairman of Warri South council area, Dr. Michael Tidi, alongside a political leader in the locality, Chief Vincent Okudolor. Confirming the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, said the timely intervention of the Warri Area Commander saved the situation. In response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Delta State Government had declared a lockdown across the state for 14 days, which started on Wednesday. Only workers in critical sectors are allowed to move about, and must have valid identification on them. BLOOMINGTON Opening her new photography studio in downtown Bloomington, Sadie Miyler hopes to build her business acumen, sharpen her skills and, most importantly, give back to Illinois families. Miyler, a junior studying early childhood education at Illinois State University, moved into the space at 418 N. Main St., Suite 4, on Dec. 1. She named her business Sadie Alaine Portrait Photography, and she has been diligently working the downtown scene since opening. "I started a monthly magazine to showcase my work," Miyler said. "It's digital right now, but we're trying to figure out a good way to print it." Miyler said the proceeds from her photography internship/business go to support Make-A-Wish Illinois, part of an international charity that grants "wishes" for kids and their families who are dealing with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish also is the favorite charity of Miyler's sorority, Chi Omega. Family business Growing up in Galesburg, Miyler credits her grandmother, Connie Miyler, with forging her passion for photography. "It mostly started when I was in fourth or fifth grade," she said. "I used to go over to my nana's for cousin sleepovers. She knew that I liked having my picture taken, so she was showing me how to use her camera." Miyler's grandmother, who had her own studio in Galesburg, taught her how to adjust for lighting and how to adjust the camera settings to capture perfectly framed and balanced photos, she said. Then, she gifted Miyler something truly special. "She gave me her old cameras for Christmas one year after she had retired," Miyler said. Starting out, Miyler focused on nature photography, she said: trees and flowers and all matter of fauna. It wasn't until the family moved to Bloomington in 2014 that she transitioned from nature photography to portraits. "I used to force my mom and my stepdad to let me take pictures of them ... and then it progressed to me forcing my friends in high school to let me take their senior photos," Miyler said. Her favorite type of photos, though, are candid shots where her subjects are not "paying attention at all," she said. This way, Milyer has a better chance of capturing an authentic, or natural, human reaction to whatever is happening around them. And her studio walls are covered with such candid photos: a close-up of a little boy in red laughing, a smiling father with his young daughter in his arms in a wooded area, a sleepy youngster lying down and looking at the camera with heavy eyelids. The studio space was a 21st birthday present from her parents, allowing for an internship for Miyler "to expand her personal and business skills," said Chrissy Curry, Miyler's mother. "Her stepdad and I just wanted her to have a space where she could go more into the business side of the photography talent that she has... To learn the marketing, to learn the networking, the communicating" needed to succeed in business, Curry said. In December, Miyler worked with downtown pubs and taverns to create a 12-month "bar crawl" calendar featuring each space, Curry said. Most recently, Miyler was out and about snapping photos during the First Friday Tour de Chocolat event in downtown. Every dollar "I always view life like a movie," Miyler said, "like a rom-com." Sometimes, though, she finds herself lost in the moment, framing passersby and anyone around her with her photographer's eye. "My family and my friends yell at me a lot, like, 'You need to live in the moment,'" she said, laughing. But Miyler is content to see the world through her viewfinder, she said. Miyler is a member of the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Omega sorority at ISU, and several of her sorority sisters are featured in her studio's artwork. The connection between Miyler's internship business and her sorority is what really makes her work special. Every dollar that Miyler makes through the studio, while she is interning with her parents and mentors, goes straight to her chapter's Make-a-Wish Illinois fund, Curry said. So while Miyler is hitting the streets and building her skills as a photographer and a business professional, her work is going to help those who may otherwise go without. To contact Miyler, find her on Instagram at @sadiealainephoto, email her at sadiealainephoto@gmail.com, call her at 309-509-5303 or scan the QR code found on her window at 418 N. Main St. in Bloomington. Photos: University of Illinois-Chicago basketball at Illinois State University BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man is being held on cocaine charges in McLean County. James A. Nichols, 44, is charged with eight counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Assistant States Attorney Jeff Horve argued for Nichols' detention Friday and said he was arrested as part of an investigation by Illinois State Police Task Force 6, which tracks illegal drug sales. Court documents indicate Nichols is accused of selling cocaine three times in August 2023 and five times in the last week. Horve said surveillance video and informants identified Nichols during these drug sales. He also said a Normal police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Nichols on Thursday, but the defendant didnt stop right away. He drove to a residence and was issued citations for fleeing and eluding. Along the path he drove, officers found a large plastic baggie with individually packaged amounts of cocaine, totaling 18.5 grams. Police believe Nichols threw the bag out his car window, Horve said. Assistant Public Defender Carol Shegog-Parker said Nichols denied throwing the bag out the window and argued it could have been left there by someone else driving along that street. She said the possession charges, which includes a Class X felony, were based on conjecture and assumptions that he had tossed the bag. Shegog-Parker said Nichols would be willing to abide by any conditions of release and his history showed a likelihood that he would continue to appear for his court hearings were he released. Horve said Nichols was a drug dealer and argued selling a drug like cocaine to the community was damaging to the peace and welfare of the community, citing state statute. He said there were absolutely no conditions that would mitigate the threat the defendant poses to the community. You know exactly what the defendants going to do when he gets out because hes done it time and time again, Horve said of Nichols' history of dealing. Judge Jason Chambers agreed Nichols posed a threat to the community and no conditions would mitigate that dangerousness. He said there was a high likelihood Nichols would commit new offenses and the defendant was unlikely to comply with pretrial release conditions. Nichols was ordered to be detained pending trial. An arraignment is scheduled for March 1. 10 mistakes people commonly make with their banking, according to bank tellers 10 mistakes people commonly make with their banking, according to bank tellers BLOOMINGTON A LeRoy man is jailed in McLean County after prosecutors said he sexually assaulted two girls for several years. James R. Valentine, 36, is charged with three counts of Class X predatory criminal sexual assault, involving two victims under 13 years of age. Assistant States Attorney Mary Lawson argued for his detention Friday and, as part of the probable cause statement, said two girls told authorities Valentine had begun assaulting them starting when they were younger than 10 years old, lasting more than 10 years and involving more than 300 instances of sexual acts. Based on interviews conducted at the Childrens Advocacy Center, Lawson described the acts, which she said occurred in McLean and Livingston counties. She noted the offenses Valentine is charged with in this case are only for incidents in McLean County. Lawson said Valentine had given cannabis to the girls before some of the alleged incidents and shown one of them a pornographic film. According to court documents, the offenses occurred between November 2012 and November 2013, between June 2020 and June 2021 and between June 2020 and June 2023. A bill of indictment was issued Wednesday by a McLean County grand jury. Lawson argued Valentine should be detained based on his dangerousness to the girls and to the community at large, noting for many years no adults were aware of the offenses, which one of the girls told police had happened almost daily. Assistant Public Defender Mackenzie Frizzell said a medical examination of the girls showed no signs of trauma and argued the court had heard only accusations without physical evidence. Frizzell said Valentine had addressed substance abuse issues in 2021 and 2022 and had been sober since then, and she said her client would follow any conditions imposed by the court, including having no contact with any minors. Judge Jason Chambers found no pretrial release conditions or combination of conditions could mitigate the real and present threat the defendant poses, granting the states petition to deny pretrial release. Valentine was ordered to be detained and to have no contact with the two girls and any other minor. An arraignment is scheduled for March 1. Photos: How the Children's Advocacy Center helps sexual assault victims INSIDE 112920-blm-loc-1advocacy DOMINANT 112920-blm-loc-3advocacy SECONDARY Subscription slide 112920-blm-loc-6advocacy 112920-blm-loc-7advocacy 112920-blm-loc-8advocacy 112920-blm-loc-9advocacy Children remembered BLOOMINGTON The 15th annual "What's So Good About Good Friday" Art Show will be held March 28-29 at Second Presbyterian Church, 404 N. Prairie St. in downtown Bloomington. The art show will focus on Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection. Interested participants must complete an online registration form by Friday, March 15. Each artist may contribute two pieces of art. Artwork and easels should be labeled with the artist's name and dropped off between 4 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. No wall space will be available. The art will be on display from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Good Friday, March 29. An artist reception will also be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The art will be on display for Easter weekend services as well. Pickup will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2. Contact 309-310-1276 or communications@secondpres.com for more information. Photos: Second Presbyterian Church preschoolers bid farewell to their teachers Watch now: 'A lot of happy faces' at Second Presbyterian Church 050820-blm-loc-4sendoff 050820-blm-loc-2sendoff 050820-blm-loc-5sendoff 050820-blm-loc-6sendoff 050820-blm-loc-7sendoff 050820-blm-loc-14sendoff 050820-blm-loc-15sendoff 050820-blm-loc-3sendoff 050820-blm-loc-9sendoff Send 'em off with a selfie 050820-blm-loc-10sendoff 050820-blm-loc-12sendoff 050820-blm-loc-13sendoff 050820-blm-loc-11sendoff 050820-blm-loc-8sendoff 050820-blm-loc-16sendoff If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit CARLYLE A man convicted in the murder of a rural Carlyle woman in 1993 has been released from prison because of a new state law allowing inmates to reduce their sentences for working while incarcerated, Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous said Friday. Robert Nail, 50, was released on parole Thursday after serving nearly 30 years of an 80-year sentence for the first-degree murder of 31-year-old Michelle L. Laux, whose body was found on March 13, 1993, north of Carlyle. "Nail was tried and convicted of savagely beating Laux and leaving her to die in the frigid cold," Travous said in a news release Friday. Laux had met Nail and another man at a tavern. They all were last seen leaving the tavern at about 1 a.m.. Days later, a passerby found Laux's body at 9:30 a.m. about 1 1/2 miles from the tavern, according to a Belleville News-Democrat article from March 16, 1993. Travous said Nail was paroled to a home in southern Missouri. Illinois Department of Corrections records show his parole ends Feb. 15, 2027. "It is my opinion, and I'm sure many of yours, Robert Nail failed to receive the punishment he deserved for his unthinkable crime," Travous said in the news release. Neither Nail nor an attorney for him could be reached for comment Friday. Travous said House Bill 3026, which went into effect Jan. 1, paved the way for Nail to be released. The bill passed in the House by a 113-0 vote and the Senate approved it 53-1. The law, which was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last summer, states that the Department of Corrections must give "sentence credit for a prisoner who is engaged in self-improvement programs, volunteer work, or work assignments," according to a bill summary by the Illinois General Assembly. Travous said the law allowed Nail to "get years slashed off his sentence for working while incarcerated." A second person was charged and convicted in connection with Laux's death. Billy E. Marsh received a 30-year sentence for first-degree murder, according to Clinton County court records. Marsh is no longer listed as being in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center CHICAGO Lawyers representing Donald Trump and five Illinois voters hoping to see the former president removed from next months primary ballot sparred in a downtown Chicago courtroom on Friday. The case, which began last month when the Illinois State Board of Elections declined to disqualify Trump from this springs primary, could be decided late next week, according to Cook County Circuit Court Judge Tracie Porter. But despite Porters hope to file an opinion soon, that might not be the end of the case. We have been proceeding with the understanding that this case will probably require resolution by the Illinois Supreme Court, Carolyn Lederer, the lawyer who argued on behalf of the objectors, told Porter Friday. The central claim of the voters who objected to Trump being on the ballot is that he is ineligible for office because, they say, he engaged in insurrection through his involvement in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But that claim, which is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court right now in an unrelated case, took a backseat in Fridays arguments. Instead, lawyers largely focused on the authority of state elections officials. Lawyers for the group of voters who objected to Trumps statement of candidacy argued that the elections board erred by relying on untested legal standards. They specifically pointed to the boards ruling that the objectors failed to show Trump knowingly lied on his statement of candidacy when he said he was qualified to hold the office of president. Lederer said the Board of Elections has never required a candidate to have knowingly lied to disqualify them. The board sometimes disqualifies candidates due to issues like residency, she pointed out. In addition to a complete lack of legal support, this new standard would be impossible to enforce, Lederer said. That, in addition the ISBEs refusal to engage in constitutional analysis, represents profoundly problematic interpretations of Illinois law according to Lederer. Adam Merrill, one of Trumps lawyers, said that while the actions people took on Jan. 6, 2021, were repugnant and deplorable, this case should focus more narrowly on the actions of the board of elections. While the objectors claim the knowingly lied standard is new, Merrill argued that it stems from the fact that lying on a statement of candidacy as Trump is alleged to have done would be perjury, which has a clear burden of proof. This is not new, this is not different, this is not going to jeopardize candidates in the future, Merrill said. Trump's lawyers also laid out a separate set of arguments based on federal law that echoed last weeks oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court dealing with Colorados ballot objection. They argued federal law should end the case for any of several reasons: Trumps candidacy is a political question that isnt appropriate for the courts; the 14th Amendments insurrection clause doesnt have the necessary legislation to implement it; it doesnt apply to former presidents; it doesnt bar someone from being president; and it doesnt bar someone from running for office, among other arguments. If the court or the board were to agree with the candidate on any one of these issues, it would end the case, Trump lawyer Nicholas Nelson said. Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center A Paediatric Oncologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital children cancer unit, Dr Ernestina Schandorf says only 8 out of 10 children can survive cancer with early diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Schandorf explained that symptoms of cancers are non-specific and could present itself as any other disease as such advised the public to seek early care and not self-medicate. She advised parents to also look out for early signs in their children and seek medical help for any prolonged symptoms they might have. Speaking to Peace FM News at a blood donation exercise by Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana at the basic sciences lecture hall of UGMS, Korle Bu teaching hospital, she said this day is celebrated for a concerted effort to increase the awareness drive to ensure that parents are able to monitor and look out for the early warning signs to help in treating the cases and keep the cost down. The day is celebrated on 15th of February to highlight the vital role of parents, as well as family doctors and paediatricians, in the early detection of childhood cancers. The event was organized by Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana in collaboration with blood bank, university of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), allied sciences and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Fund raising coordinator for Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, Mrs. Portia Agyemang expressed gratitude to donors and volunteers in helping to organize the program and assured them of a yearly program to help support childhood cancer patients. 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 Ghana Post is once again setting the standard for Valentine's Day celebration with its annual 'Vals on Wheels' campaign which is now in its third successful year. This year's campaign, which ends on February 29, 2024, will offer mind-blowing discounts to families and corporate institutions sending parcels to loved ones. The Vals on Wheels campaign is all about affordability, convenience, speed, and delivering love. It aims to make this Valentine season extra special for Ghanaians by creating lasting memories and celebrating love, not just through discounts but through thoughtful gestures that touch the heart. As part of this heartwarming initiative, Ghana Post surprised media houses and corporate institutions across the nation. Journalists and employees of UTV and Asempa FM were delighted to receive unexpected chocolates from Ghana Post's Managing Director, Bice Osei Kuffour. This surprise served as a reminder that love and appreciation come in many forms. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Kuffour said, "Seeing the joy on recipients' faces warms our hearts. It's not just about logistics; it's about connecting people and making their day a little brighter." This spirit of love extended beyond media houses to include Okada riders, private citizens in traffic, and Members of Parliament. Ghana Post surprised some Members of Parliament, including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Alexander Afenyo-Markins, and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, with beautiful parcels to appreciate them for their commitment to national development through legislation. The MPs thanked Ghana Post for the thoughtfulness and encouraged them to continue spreading love. Students and staff on campuses like the University of Ghana - Legon, UPSA, and Wisconsin were not left out. They were able to send parcels and gifts for as low as GH15, enabling them to share heartfelt messages and surprises with loved ones without breaking the bank. Many clients expressed extreme joy at the thoughtfulness of the brand and its management. They appreciated the chocolates from Ghana Post, noting that they would not have received any gifts otherwise. Students praised Ghana Post for offering huge discounts, unlike other delivery companies which capitalize on Valentine's Day for profit. Meanwhile, Vals on Wheels has become a highly anticipated initiative in Ghana. 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 Member of Parliament of Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Hon. Joe Ghartey, has led a delegation of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSHAP) to Cote DIvoire. Hon. Ghartey and other members of the delegation were received on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in Abidjan, by the Vice President of the National Assembly of Cote DIvoire, Diawara Mamadou. During a meeting at the rotunda of the palace of the National Assembly of Cote DIvoire, Hon. Ghartey observed that that CoSHAP is a unique pan-African platform that aims to facilitate deliberations, coordination and collaboration between presidents and heads of parliaments across Africa on issues related to the development of the continent. He then indicated the purpose of the meeting, namely, to gather the support and commitment of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast vis-a-vis CoSHAP, and then to solicit its proposals relating to the draft constitution of CoSHAP. Vice-President Diawara Mamadou, on behalf of the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Adama Bictogo, indicated to his guests the full availability of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast to provide the support expected of it for the completion of the projects undertaken. We will examine the draft constitution of CoSHAP and we will provide you with proposals, he concluded. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Henry Nana Boakye has eulogized the Roads and Highways Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, following the recent ministerial reshuffle by President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The Minister has been replaced by the Member of Parliament for Bantama and Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye with the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, reassigned to the Works and Housing Ministry. Hon. Oppong Nkrumah's Deputy, Fatimatu Abubakar has been penciled for Information Minister. As Hon. Amoako-Atta exits the Roads and Highways Ministry, Henry Nana Boakye asserts he is very proud of the Minister's works. Though some Ghanaians have expressed disappointment in Hon. Amoako-Atta, Nana Boakye says the Minister is the best ever. "For me, he is the best Road Minister under the 4th Republic", he touted, arguing that the government has constructed an unprecedented number of roads under the leadership of Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Atta. "When take Accra alone, the roads we have constructed, no government has ever done such number of roads ever before", he expounded while speaking on Peace FM's Friday edition of "Kokrokoo" morning show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt has lashed out at the presidential candidates of the various political parties for their delay in announcing their Running Mates. Dwelling on the two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, whose flagbearers, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama are yet to select their Running Mates, Mr. Pratt found this very annoying. Regarding the NPP, notable names such as Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Dr Yaw Adutwum, out-going Minister for Education and Mr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency have popped up as potential candidates for the Running Mate position. As to who becomes Running Mate to former President John Dramani Mahama, the former Education Minister, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and Togbe Afede XIV, the President of Asogli Traditional Council, have been marked for the position. Reacting to the issue during Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Mr. Pratt expressed disgust over the flagbearers' seeming inability to declare their partners into this year's December elections. "This delay and antics that the presidential candidates are doing doesn't impress me. Truthfully, I don't like it at all. Name the person and stop the delay. If you can't make up your mind about your campaign team and Running Mate early, what will motivate us to believe when you come into power, you can make up your mind about the key issues about the economy and so on in time. So, for me, this thing is annoying", he exclaimed. 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 In a moment of joy in Damongo, the Savannah Region, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, also the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has been officially acclaimed by the Electoral Commission of Ghana as the confirmed and approved Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo constituency for the next four (4) years on Saturday, 17th February 2024. Referred to as the "Man of Action," "Man of Development," and "Man of the People," Hon. Jinapor, in his speech, confidently assured the NPP leadership that his constituency is secured for victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections. He pledged the support of the NPP constituency towards ensuring Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becomes the President of Ghana in the upcoming elections, emphasizing, "The Savannah Region will be a true battleground for the NPP. Every vote will be contested and every seat will be contested, and with God's help, all these seats will be secured for the NPP government." Urging the General Secretary to convey the positive news that the Savannah Region is firmly in favour of the NPP, he stated, "We will win Damongo for the NPP, and we will secure a significant number of seats for the NPP, with God ensuring this success." "Let us unite and back Jinapor, back Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and back the NPP to win the Savannah Region for the incumbent government," he emphasized. Hon. Jinapor expressed gratitude to all and sundry for their support and love in making him the MP once again. He also thanked Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his support and confidence reposed in. The Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Justin Frimpong Kodua and NPP General Secretary, urged unity for Damongo's development and the entire region while commending Jinapor for his eloquence, affability, and industriousness. He congratulated the MP for earning his position and encouraged him to continue working towards securing victory for the party in the 2024 election. He extended this advice to all party executives to work hard and together in the interest of the party. Highlighting the importance of a united front, Kodua emphasized that a unified Savannah can win the region by storm and secure victory in the election, making Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the President of Ghana. Taking her turn at the event to address hundreds of New Patriotic Party loyalists and Ghanaians who have been wonderstruck by the transformative works of Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minister for Information designate, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar said the news of Hon. Jinapor going unopposed in the NPP parliamentary primaries filled her with little wonder as his impactful works are evidenced in every facet of the lives of the constituents spanning infrastructure, education, sports, employment among others. Detailing her personal working experience with him, Hon. Fatima Abubakar mentioned humility, dedication, vision and selflessness as some key exemplary and commendable virtues of Hon. Jinapor which have been paramount in his rise in the political space. She espoused that Hon. Samuel Jinapor had not reneged on his promises to the people and delivered on each of them. She cited the construction of astroturf, educational opportunities and massive infrastructure works as evidence of the efforts of Hon. Jinapor in the Damongo Constituency and the Savannah Region. The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng said having worked with Hon. Jinapor during his tenure as Local Government Minister, he is not surprised by the rapid rise of Hon. Jinapor as he has always distinguished himself as a dedicated and committed man who always looks out for the interest of the people he works with. He noted that his success at the Ministry could not have been chalked without the incredible works of Hon. Jinapor. On his part, the Savannah Regional Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu said the works of Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor in the Damongo Constituency will serve as a platform and rallying point for the NPP to build on the numbers they polled in the region in the 2020 elections. He warned the opposition National Democratic Congress that the NPP would leverage on the achievements of Hon. Jinapor and the government as a whole to chase down every vote and establish the partys dominance in the region. Also at the acclamation ceremony to support the Jewel of Damongo, Hon. Samuel A.Jinapor were, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakari, Minister Designate for the Information, Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Minister Designate for Roads and Highways, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftency and Religious Affairs, Hon. Saeed Abu Jibril, the Savannah Regional Minister, Professor Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, the Savannah Regional Chairman of the NPP, CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey, Damongo constituency Chairman Constituency executives from all 7 constituencies of the Savannah Region, some executives from Ashanti Region among many other party faithfuls. Damongo is one of the seven constituencies in the Savannah Region, which has traditionally been held by the opposition National Democratic Congress since 1993. In 2020, Jinapor contested for the first time against the incumbent MP Adam Mutawakilu, who had been their lawmaker since 2013. In a turn of events that shocked pundits, Jinapor won the elections for the first time for the New Patriotic Party, with over 54% of the valid votes cast, becoming the first NPP legislator of the area since the inception of the Fourth Republic. Following his election, President Akufo-Addo appointed him as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, a position he has held till date. 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 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 Have you ever wondered about the optimal temperature for life on Earth? For humans, 20C is comfortable. Any warmer and we work less efficiently because releasing heat requires energy. We know many species can live at much colder or warmer temperatures than humans. But our systematic review of published research found the thermal ranges of animals, plants and microbes living in air and water overlap at 20C. Could this be a coincidence? For all species, the relationship with temperature is an asymmetric bell-shaped curve. This means biological processes increase in line with temperature, reach a maximum, and then rapidly decline when it gets too hot. Recently, a New Zealand research group noticed the number of marine species did not peak at the equator, as has been commonly assumed. Rather, the number dipped, with peaks in the subtropics. Follow-up studies showed this dip has been getting deeper since the last ice age about 20,000 years ago. And it has been deepening faster due to global ocean warming. When the number of species was plotted against the average annual temperature, there was a decline above 20C. A second coincidence? Biological processes and biodiversity Research in Tasmania modeled the growth rates of microbes and multi-cellular organisms and found the most stable temperature for their biological processes was also 20C. This "Corkrey model" built on other studies showing 20C was the most stable temperature for biological molecules. A third coincidence? We teamed up with colleagues from Canada, Scotland, Germany, Hong Kong and Taiwan to search for general patterns in how temperature affects life. To our surprise, everywhere we looked we kept finding that, indeed, 20C is a pivotal temperature for many measures of biodiversity, and not only for marine species. Examples show temperatures warmer than around 20C result in decreases in various crucial measures: marine and freshwater species' tolerance of low oxygen marine pelagic (open water living) and benthic (seabed living) algal productivity and fish predation rates on bait global species richness in pelagic fishes, plankton, benthic invertebrates and fossil mollusks and genetic diversity. There were also increased extinctions in the fossil record when temperatures exceeded 20C. Increased species richness Globally, the range of temperatures that reef fishes and invertebrates live at is narrowest among species whose geographic distributions centered on 20C. The same effect is seen in microbes. While many species have evolved to live at warmer and colder temperatures, most species live at 20C. Also, extinctions in the fossil recordincluding sponges, lamp shells, mollusks, sea mats (bryozoans), starfish and sea urchins, worms and crustaceanswere lower at 20C. As species evolve to live at temperatures above and below 20C, their thermal niche gets wider. This means most can still live at 20C even if they inhabit hotter or colder places. The mathematical Corkrey model predicts that thermal breadth should be minimized, and biological processes most stable and efficient, at 20C. In turn, this should maximize species richness across all domains of life, from bacteria to the multi-cellular plants and animals. The model therefore provides a theoretical explanation for this "20C effect." Predicting the effects of climate change That life seems centered around 20C implies fundamental constraints that compromise the ability of tropical species to adapt to higher temperatures. As long as species can shift their ranges to adapt to global warming, the 20C effect means there will be local increases in species richness up to an annual average of 20C. Above that, richness will decline. This means the many marine species that can adapt to global warming by shifting their geographic distribution are unlikely to go extinct due to climate change. However, land species may not be able to shift their geographic distributions so easily due to landscapes modified by cities, farming and other human infrastructures. The 20C effect is the simplest explanation for the above phenomena, including: trends in species richness and genetic diversity with temperature; extinction rates in the fossil record; biological productivity; optimal growth rate; and marine predation rates. Despite the complexity of multi-cellular species, it is remarkable that the cellular-level temperature efficiencies are reflected in those other aspects of biodiversity. Exactly why 20C is pivotal and energy-efficient for cellular processes may be due to the molecular properties of water associated with cells. These properties may also be why ~42C seems an absolute limit for most species. A greater awareness of this 20C effect may lead to new insights into how temperature controls ecosystem processes, species abundance and distribution, and the evolution of life. 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: Graphical representation of C. arabica chromosomes. a Contiguity and completeness of the genome assembly and location of rDNA arrays. b Synteny plot between C. arabica subgenomes. c Gene and transposable elements (TE) density across 4,467 non-overlapping genomic windows corresponding to 100 Kb of non-repetitive DNA and A/B type chromatin compartments. In all panels, y-axis indicates million base pairs (Mbp). Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44449-8 A new genetic map of the arabica coffee plant, Coffea arabica, could help breeders develop to more climate-proof brews. Coffee is the second most consumed beverage on Earth with over 2 billion cups being enjoyed every day. It's also a valuable commodity and in 2023 the global market was worth over USD$93 billion (74 billion). With their superior smooth taste and many fine varieties, arabica coffee beans make up around 60%-70% of global coffee production. Coffee cultivation also directly supports the livelihoods of 25 million family farmers with another 100 million people involved in coffee processing and retailing. But coffee crops are also threatened by climate change in many parts of the world and we need to use breeding to help the crops adapt to new conditions as well as growing them in areas that are less susceptible to factors such as drought. Published in Nature Communications, this study could help produce coffee varieties with higher yields and more resilience to climate change. These new insights could not have come at a more important time for coffee crops. Secrets of coffee genetics The landmark study by an international group of scientists has uncovered the surprising genetic factors that underpin the diversity of the hundreds of arabica coffee varieties grown around the world. The new work, led by a team from the University of Udine, Italy, also reveals surprising similarities between the genetics of coffee and other important crops, including potatoes, brassicas and wheats. These crops are known as tetraploids because they have four copies of each gene, instead of the two copies (one from each parent) found in humans and nearly all other animals. As shown below, the Arabica genome contains eleven groups of chromosomes each containing two copies from each of its respective parents, Coffea canephora in blue and Coffea eugenioides in green. In some cases parts of the blue and green chromosome segments have become mixed up. Unlike edible crops such as wheat or potato, which have been highly bred over decades or centuries to create varieties that are drought-tolerant or pest-resistantcoffee has lagged behind in the application of modern breeding methods. This includes the use of more precise DNA-based techniques such as genome editing that involves making changes to DNA. These methods, which are also used in medicine, enable us to identify and precisely manipulate the parts of a crop's genome or genetic code to improve many aspects of performance. With more detailed information about the genetic makeup of coffee, researchers can begin to use these methods to improve coffee varieties. One of the problems with arabica coffee is that our current varieties are not very diverse. However, there are many wild species of coffee that are highly diverse and one goal will be to generate more resilient hybrids between the wild and cultivated species. This will allow breeders to produce a wider range of coffee varieties that could thrive in many different regions of the world. Climate-proof coffee? In 2022, a Swiss study showed that arabica coffee crops are facing unprecedented threats from climate change that could severely affect major growing regions such as Brazil and Ethiopia. Parts of these regions might become unsuitable for coffee cultivation due to increased drought incidence and threats from new pests or diseases. Breeders are already applying advanced methods to develop other drought-tolerant crops. In the future, these could be applied to coffee. Indeed, earlier work in Portugal and Latin America has already shown that novel hybrid varieties from East Timor had useful disease resistance and a form of increased vigor called heterosis. This new knowledge will expand the ability to produce novel coffee hybrids that suit locations such as India and New Caledonia where they could be a new crop for farmers. While coffee crops face significant threats from climate change, it is heartening that we are now able to understand the wonderful genetic complexity of coffee plants in unprecedented detail. The new genetic knowledge could also lead to the development of novel flavors that would further diversify the appeal of coffees in different regions of the world. With the development of more precise breeding tools to produce more resilient varieties, coffee could be on the cusp of a new era for both farmers and consumers. More information: Simone Scalabrin et al, A chromosome-scale assembly reveals chromosomal aberrations and exchanges generating genetic diversity in Coffea arabica germplasm, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44449-8 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: How the Atlantic Ocean circulation changes as it slows. Credit: IPCC 6th Assessment Report Superstorms, abrupt climate shifts and New York City frozen in ice. That's how the blockbuster Hollywood movie "The Day After Tomorrow" depicted an abrupt shutdown of the Atlantic Ocean's circulation and the catastrophic consequences. While Hollywood's vision was over the top, the 2004 movie raised a serious question: If global warming shuts down the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which is crucial for carrying heat from the tropics to the northern latitudes, how abrupt and severe would the climate changes be? Twenty years after the movie's release, we know a lot more about the Atlantic Ocean's circulation. Instruments deployed in the ocean starting in 2004 show that the Atlantic Ocean circulation has observably slowed over the past two decades, possibly to its weakest state in almost a millennium. Studies also suggest that the circulation has reached a dangerous tipping point in the past that sent it into a precipitous, unstoppable decline, and that it could hit that tipping point again as the planet warms and glaciers and ice sheets melt. In a new study using the latest generation of Earth's climate models, we simulated the flow of fresh water until the ocean circulation reached that tipping point. The results showed that the circulation could fully shut down within a century of hitting the tipping point, and that it's headed in that direction. If that happened, average temperatures would drop by several degrees in North America, parts of Asia and Europe, and people would see severe and cascading consequences around the world. We also discovered a physics-based early warning signal that can alert the world when the Atlantic Ocean circulation is nearing its tipping point. How the ocean conveyor belt works. The ocean's conveyor belt Ocean currents are driven by winds, tides and water density differences. In the Atlantic Ocean circulation, the relatively warm and salty surface water near the equator flows toward Greenland. During its journey it crosses the Caribbean Sea, loops up into the Gulf of Mexico, and then flows along the U.S. East Coast before crossing the Atlantic. This current, also known as the Gulf Stream, brings heat to Europe. As it flows northward and cools, the water mass becomes heavier. By the time it reaches Greenland, it starts to sink and flow southward. The sinking of water near Greenland pulls water from elsewhere in the Atlantic Ocean and the cycle repeats, like a conveyor belt. Too much fresh water from melting glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet can dilute the saltiness of the water, preventing it from sinking, and weaken this ocean conveyor belt. A weaker conveyor belt transports less heat northward and also enables less heavy water to reach Greenland, which further weakens the conveyor belt's strength. Once it reaches the tipping point, it shuts down quickly. What happens to the climate at the tipping point? The existence of a tipping point was first noticed in an overly simplified model of the Atlantic Ocean circulation in the early 1960s. Today's more detailed climate models indicate a continued slowing of the conveyor belt's strength under climate change. However, an abrupt shutdown of the Atlantic Ocean circulation appeared to be absent in these climate models. This is where our study comes in. We performed an experiment with a detailed climate model to find the tipping point for an abrupt shutdown by slowly increasing the input of fresh water. The annual mean temperature changes after the conveyor belt stops reflect an extreme temperature drop in northern Europe in particular. Rene M. van Westen We found that once it reaches the tipping point, the conveyor belt shuts down within 100 years. The heat transport toward the north is strongly reduced, leading to abrupt climate shifts. The result: Dangerous cold in the North Regions that are influenced by the Gulf Stream receive substantially less heat when the circulation stops. This cools the North American and European continents by a few degrees. The European climate is much more influenced by the Gulf Stream than other regions. In our experiment, that meant parts of the continent changed at more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) per decadefar faster than today's global warming of about 0.36 F (0.2 C) per decade. We found that parts of Norway would experience temperature drops of more than 36 F (20 C). On the other hand, regions in the Southern Hemisphere would warm by a few degrees. These temperature changes develop over about 100 years. That might seem like a long time, but on typical climate time scales, it is abrupt. The conveyor belt shutting down would also affect sea level and precipitation patterns, which can push other ecosystems closer to their tipping points. For example, the Amazon rainforest is vulnerable to declining precipitation. If its forest ecosystem turned to grassland, the transition would release carbon to the atmosphere and result in the loss of a valuable carbon sink, further accelerating climate change. The Atlantic circulation has slowed significantly in the distant past. During glacial periods when ice sheets that covered large parts of the planet were melting, the influx of fresh water slowed the Atlantic circulation, triggering huge climate fluctuations. A climate model experiment shows how quickly the AMOC slows once it reaches a tipping point with a threshold of fresh water entering the ocean. How soon that will happen remains an open question. Credit: Rene M. van Westen So, when will we see this tipping point? The big questionwhen will the Atlantic circulation reach a tipping pointremains unanswered. Observations don't go back far enough to provide a clear result. While a recent study suggested that the conveyor belt is rapidly approaching its tipping point, possibly within a few years, these statistical analyses made several assumptions that give rise to uncertainty. Instead, we were able to develop a physics-based and observable early warning signal involving the salinity transport at the southern boundary of the Atlantic Ocean. Once a threshold is reached, the tipping point is likely to follow in one to four decades. The climate impacts from our study underline the severity of such an abrupt conveyor belt collapse. The temperature, sea level and precipitation changes will severely affect society, and the climate shifts are unstoppable on human time scales. It might seem counterintuitive to worry about extreme cold as the planet warms, but if the main Atlantic Ocean circulation shuts down from too much meltwater pouring in, that's the risk ahead. 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: We use the CLIP objective (c) to train a ViT-B/16 on over 450K different class labels, all of which are taxonomic labels from the Tree of Life (a). Because the text encoder is an autoregressive language model, the order representation can only depend on higher ranks like class, phylum, and kingdom (b). This naturally leads to hierarchical representations for labels, helping the vision encoder learn image representations that are more aligned with the Tree of Life. Credit: BioCLIP: A Vision Foundation Model for the Tree of Life, The Ohio State University. https://imageomics.github.io/bioclip/ Imageomics, a new field of science, has made stunning progress in the past year and is on the verge of major discoveries about life on Earth, according to one of the founders of the discipline. Tanya Berger-Wolf, faculty director of the Translational Data Analytics Institute at The Ohio State University, outlined the state of imageomics in a presentation on Feb. 17, 2024, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "Imageomics is coming of age and is ready for its first major discoveries," Berger-Wolf said in an interview before the meeting. Imageomics is a new interdisciplinary scientific field focused on using machine learning tools to understand the biology of organisms, particularly biological traits, from images. Those images can come from camera traps, satellites, droneseven the vacation photos that tourists take of animals like zebras and whales, said Berger-Wolf, who is director of the Imageomics Institute at Ohio State. These images contain a wealth of information that scientists couldn't properly analyze and use before the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The field is newthe Imageomics Institute was just founded in 2021but big things are happening, Berger-Wolf told AAAS. One major area of study that is coming to fruition involves how phenotypesthe observable traits of animals that can be seen in imagesare related to their genome, the DNA sequence that produces these traits. "We are on the cusp of understanding the direct connections of observable phenotype to genotype," she said. "We couldn't do this without imageomics. It is pushing forward both artificial intelligence and biological science." Berger-Wolf cited new research on butterflies as one example of the advances that imageomics is making. She and colleagues are studying mimicsbutterfly species whose appearance is similar to a different species. One reason for mimicry is to look like a species that predators, such as birds, avoid because their taste is not appealing. In these cases, birdsas well as humanscan't tell the species apart by looking at them, even though the butterflies themselves know the difference. However, machine learning can analyze images and learn the very subtle differences in color or other traits that differentiate the types of butterflies. "We can't tell them apart because these butterflies didn't evolve these traits for our benefit. They evolved to signal to their own species and to their predators," she said. "The signal is therewe just can't see it. Machine learning can allow us to learn what those differences are." But more than that, we can use the imageomics approach to change the images of the butterflies to see how extensive the mimics' differences must be to fool birds. Researchers are planning to print realistic images of the butterflies with subtle differences to see which ones real birds respond to. This is doing something new with AI that hasn't been done before. "We're not using AI to just recapitulate what we know. We are using AI to generate new scientific hypotheses that are actually testable. It is exciting," Berger-Wolf said. Researchers are going even further with the imageomics approach to connect these subtle differences in how the butterflies look to the actual genes that lead to those differences. "There's a lot we are going to be learning in the next few years that will push imageomics forward into new areas that we can only imagine now," she said. One key goal is to use this new knowledge generated by imageomics to find ways to protect threatened species and the habitats where they live. "There's a lot of good that will come from imageomics in the coming years," Berger-Wolf said. Berger-Wolf's AAAS presentation, titled "Imageomics: Images as the Source of Information About Life" is part of the session "Imageomics: Powering Machine Learning for Understanding Biological Traits." More information: Imageomics: Images as the Source of Information About Life, aaas.confex.com/aaas/2024/meet gapp.cgi/Paper/32018 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 We take it for granted that humans find it more difficult to conceive as they grow older. But our recent study, which analyzed data from 157 animal species, found that male reproductive aging seems to be a lot less common in other male animals. With fertility in men declining worldwide, understanding aging of sperm in other animals could give new insights into our own fertility. Human fertility declines with age because sperm and eggs of older people are more deteriorated or fewer in number than those of young people. Reproducing at an older age not only affects your fertility, but can also reduce the fertility, survival rate and physical and cognitive performance of the children you conceive. Humans versus other animals Humans live considerably longer than we did just a century ago. This recent, rapid extension in our longevity might be one reason why humans reproductively age at faster rates than other animals. Our reproductive aging rate hasn't slowed down yet to match our longer lifespans. Animals might also face greater evolutionary pressure to maximize their reproductive potential at all ages, because most animals reproduce throughout their lives. But this isn't the case for humans. We rarely reproduce in our late life. Additionally, we have fewer offspring compared to our ancestors. This makes it harder for natural selection to select genes that improve human reproduction due to less variation in the population's fecundity. Females versus males Males and females in many species age reproductively at different rates. For instance, in red wolves, male reproductive success declines with age but it does not for females. Yet female killifish show stronger decline in fertility with age than males. Despite the fact human females live longer than males, they tend to become infertile earlier than men, and go through menopause. In some species, including humans, where females help raise their grand-offspring (such as humans and whales), females live much beyond the age of reproduction. An evolutionary explanation for this is that older females can better pass on their genes by helping their relatives survive and rear young than by reproducing themselves. There are some hypotheses that try to explain these sex-specific differences in reproductive aging. Sperm are continuously produced in males, but eggs in many species, including humans, are produced early in the life of females. This might lead eggs to accumulate more damage due to being stored for longer durations inside older females than sperm are stored in old males. Another hypothesis suggests that males might age faster because sperm DNA accumulate more mutations than egg DNA. Sperm have poorer DNA repair machinery than eggs, causing males to pass on more mutations to the next generation than females with advancing age, a pattern observed across vertebrate animals. Sexes also face different environmental pressures. For instance, in many mammals, males, but not females, disperse away from the family group when they mature. This sort of environmental pressure leads to differences in the strategies males and females use to pass on their genes, which can create differences in rates of reproductive aging between the sexes. Patterns of reproductive aging in animals In our study, we showed that reproductive aging rates in males vary vastly across the animal kingdom. We found invertebrates such as crustacea and insects have some of the slowest rates of reproductive aging, compared to lab rodents who had some of the fastest rates. Generally though, male animals showed few signs of age-related declines in their ejaculate traits (such as sperm quality and quantity). We also found that different ejaculate traits, such as sperm viability, number, motility or velocity, aged at different rates. In species that grow throughout their lives, such as some fish and crustacea, old animals have a lower mortality risk and larger gonads than young males. This can cause old males in such species to age at slower rates, with older males producing larger ejaculates than younger males. In animals such as lab rodents, who have some genetic lines selected for accelerated aging, reproductive aging was universal across ejaculate traits. Lab rodents are generally kept in highly controlled environments where aging is easier to detectdue to fewer confounding effects that could mask aging. This suggests that a lot of the variation in male reproductive aging between different species could be due to their environment. We also discovered that closely related species showed similar rates of decline in ejaculates with age, suggested that aging is also shaped by an animal's evolutionary history. Some of the patterns we mention above also reflected methodological differences between studies. For example, when studies kept male animals as virgins, old males can accumulate more sperm than young males, leading to old males producing larger ejaculates. Additionally, studies that only sampled young to middle-aged males showed an increase in sperm quality and quantity with age, compared to studies that sampled middle-aged to old males, suggesting that fertility peaks around middle age in male animals generally. Reproductive aging Reproductive aging occurs because as individuals grow older, their sperm and eggs accumulate damage. Organisms have evolved to reproduce earlier in life rather than when old, which leads to a weaker ability of natural selection to weed out bad genes that are expressed in old but not young organisms, in turn promoting aging. There are however, opposing forces that determine whether old individuals will leave more copies of their genes to successive lineages compared to young animals, and reproductive aging is only one process determining this. An alternative hypothesis is that parents who conceive at an older age would have more gene variants for longer lifespans which could benefit their offspring. This could lead to longer lived offspring from older conceiving parents. However evidence for this hypothesis is still limited. While most scientists accept that at least some reproductive traits decline with age, biologists are still uncovering what the exact mechanisms and evolutionary reasons for these declines are. But by looking at other species to investigate the drivers of reproductive aging, we can understand and perhaps even seek to alleviate our own reproductive decline with age. 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Schools across North America are increasingly implementing policies and practices to reduce suspensions and expulsions. Yet the disproportionate application of school discipline for Black and Indigenous students remains a significant concern. Trauma and adversity can have a significant and negative impact on student outcomes. Due to systemic inequity, trauma and adversity also disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous students. We wanted to understand what is already known about the contribution, role or prevalence of trauma and early childhood adversity for students who are disciplined at school. We found there is very little research on the relationship between childhood adversities and school discipline. Without research on students' experiences of adversity in school discipline, it is difficult for educators to recognize, understand and support students who are coping with adversity. Additional researchparticularly from Canadawould provide schools with the knowledge necessary for evidence-based, trauma-informed and culturally attuned approaches to school discipline. Lack of attention to adversity, trauma Trauma is the negative impact that can happen when exposed to adversity, while adversity is a potentially traumatizing event or the absence of healthy stimulus. While trauma and adversity are related, adversity does not always lead to trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with negative health outcomes, even early death. There have been calls to expand our understanding of adversity to include school and community violence, racism and poverty, noting the disproportionate impact of these. Our research suggests that disproportionate exposure to adversity may contribute to students experiencing school discipline. However, how exactly this happens is not clear. Disproportion in school discipline Research shows that school discipline is disproportionately applied to students who are Black, Indigenous, male, have identified special education needs or live in lower-resourced areas. These students are more likely to be suspended, suspended for longer or expelled. Considerable research about the disproportionate use of discipline affecting Black communities exists from the United States, with less attention to Indigenous communities. There is very little Canadian research in this area, and yet existing research suggests the rate of disproportion to be on par with the U.S. The 2017 report "Towards Race Equity In Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area" documented discipline disparities affecting Black and Indigenous youth. Researchers in other regions have documented how racism against Indigenous and Black students affects students' school engagement or attendance. Discipline affects opportunities This disproportion is one of the factors contributing to a documented gap in educational achievement and an over-representation of Black and Indigenous people within the criminal justice system. Time away from school through out-of-school discipline is a barrier to academic success. This affects opportunities for post-secondary education and ultimately who has access to power, money and resources. Therefore, there are grave implications of disproportionate discipline. Research on adversity or trauma and discipline In our article "Exposure to Adversity and Trauma Among Students Who Experience School Discipline: A Scoping Review" we detail how we searched for and analyzed articles about school discipline and trauma or adversity. We found only 49 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. Of these 49 articles, 14 detailed original research on the relationship between adversity and school discipline. This research showed experiences of adversity or trauma play a significant and potentially contributing role in school discipline, including suspension and expulsion. However, 14 studies is insufficient. It is even more concerning that there was only one article from Canada and few others from outside of the U.S. Canadian research matters Context matters when studying school discipline. In Ontario, Zero-Tolerance legislation was removed in 2008. This followed the province's 2006 legislation that students remain in school to age 18. Related policies include "restorative practices" (emphasizing accountability for actions in a context of sustaining and repairing interpersonal and community relationships) and school-based mental health. In Ontario, the rate of suspension decreased from 4.32 percent of students in 2007/08 to 2.23 percent in 2022. Expulsion decreased from 0.05 percent, to 0.01 percent. The five-year graduation rate increased from 68 percent to 89.1 percent in 2022. "Safe and Caring Schools' In contrast, the suspension rate in the U.S. was five percent in 201718. Zero-Tolerance policies are still active across many U.S. school districts. Ontario students on long-term suspension or expulsion are now offered programs run through "Safe and Caring Schools" in every school board. While not explicitly trauma-informed, these programs provide significant support, including dedicated child and youth workers and social workers and a high staff-to-student ratio. These supports enable connection with students and a different approach with students who appear to be coping with trauma. Expulsions still disproportionate Yet the 2017 report, "Towards Race Equity In Education," found Black students were expelled at four times their representation and Indigenous students at over three times. To understand this disproportion and to develop effective policy and practice it is critical for educators in Canada to have more contextual knowledge. People respond to situations based on how they understand them. Educators who have not experienced or been educated about adversity may not account for or recognize students who are coping with adversity. When discipline is the response to trauma, it is likely to increase a student's stress and anxiety and alienate them from necessary resources. This is particularly concerning in a social context of historical and ongoing systemic racism negatively impacting Black and Indigenous students that was maintained through both anti-Black public schooling models and residential schools. Acknowledging adversity Expanded adversities were less often included in papers that detailed original research and only seven papers overall included indicators of racism, discrimination and structural inequity. This is noteworthy given research identifying the disproportionate application of school discipline among non-white students, and the school-to-prison pipeline. When researchers don't identify expanded forms of adversity like racism and poverty, they are less likely to be recognized. It is important that researchers collaborating with educators and communities generate Canadian-based knowledge to guide policy and practice. We hope to foster acknowledgement of hidden and unaddressed trauma among students being disproportionately disciplined. We hope this can lead to a greater understanding of student livesand evidence-based, trauma-informed and culturally attuned discipline. 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain With a record number of people seeking help for problem gambling through the National Gambling Helpline last year, and the Gambling Commission's new figures suggesting that as many as 1.3 million adults in Great Britain might experience gambling-related harm, new research from Queen Mary University of London reveals innovative and effective approaches by financial institutions to support affected individuals. The Multidisciplinary Research Hub on the Prevention of Gambling Harms, under the leadership of Professor Julia Hornle and Dr. Janelle Jones, has unveiled significant findings regarding the essential role of banks in preventing serious financial harm stemming from problem gambling among their customers. The evidence shows that financial institutions are in a unique position to offer effective support to reduce the gambling-related harm that can go unnoticed by other people in the affected person's social circle. Approximately 44% of the population engaged in gambling activities in the year leading up to March 2023. However, for a significant minority, gambling can escalate into a problem, potentially resulting in severe financial indebtedness, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and an increased likelihood of suicidality and criminal involvement. Co-Author, Dr. Janelle Jones, Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology, in the School of Biological and Behavioral Sciences at Queen Mary University of London said, "Our research underscores the devastating personal consequences of problem gambling. Banks, with their unique position and access to transactional and behavioral data, can effectively identify and assist customers in recognizing and addressing their gambling-related issues early." Despite the inherent challenges posed by the hidden and secretive nature of compulsive gambling, the research suggests that by implementing tools such as gambling blocks, conducting spend analysis, and engaging in active communication, banks can effectively identify and assist customers in recognizing and addressing their gambling-related issues. Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of banks actively signposting affected customers to specialized support agencies like Gamcare, the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Such proactive measures not only align with the new Consumer Duty imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) but also serve as crucial steps towards promoting customer well-being and financial stability. However, the study revealed inconsistencies in the implementation of these measures across the banking industry, highlighting the urgent need for industry-wide standards and regulatory guidelines. Co-Author, Professor Julia Hornle, Professor of Internet Law, in the School of Law at Queen Mary University of London said, "While there is a fair amount of discussion and positive innovation, implementation is patchy. This means in practice that the degree of support for people experiencing harm is a question of luck. Clearer guidance and minimum standards as to what the new Consumer Duty means for protecting individuals experiencing serious gambling harm is necessary. We recommend that the FCA issues Guidance in this respect and we hope this report is instrumental for this purpose." The report concludes that by establishing clearer standards, regulators can facilitate more effective prevention of serious gambling-related financial harm, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding individuals from the detrimental effects of problem gambling. The report also finds that banks and regulators should involve people with experience of gambling-related harm in designing the measures. More information: A Unique Position and a Difficult Challenge: Banks' Support of Individuals Experiencing Gambling-Related Financial Harm. www.qmul.ac.uk/deri/media/qmul -Unique-Position.pdf School gets shoes: Middle Township Elementary guidance counselor Kelly Cox and Marilyn Miller, director of the Samuel S. DeVico Senior Center Advisory Board, coordinated on a shoe drive that provided more than 200 pairs of sneakers to local students in pre-K through second grade. The sneakers will help these young learners put their best foot forward, Superintendent David Salvo said in a statement. Organizers said the first Sneakers 4 Smiles drive was a success. It is important to collaborate with organizations such as the senior center to form strong community ties, Cox said. We are so fortunate to have so many organizations in our communities that are willing to support our students. COVID and flu vaccine: The Cape May County Department of Health will host a COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 27 at 6 Moore Road in Cape May Court House. The clinic is for people 19 and older with no health insurance for the COVID vaccine and 6 months and older for the flu vaccine. For more information, call 609-465-1187. Spring book sale: The Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library will host a spring book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 in the library atrium at 1735 Simpson Ave. The sale will include a variety of books from fiction to nonfiction to young adult novels, DVDs and more. The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a tote bag for purchases and cash for transactions. Job fair at Music Pier: The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16 at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk. Jobs offered will be a mix of part-time and full-time work at restaurants, the beach, the Boardwalk, summer camps and business offices. The event is open to the public. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 609-399-1412. New exhibit at Kramer Hall: Four artists have collaborated to create an exhibit of environmentally minded art titled Our House Is on Fire, now on display at the Noyes Galleries at Kramer Hall, 30 Front St. in Hammonton. The free exhibit runs through May 17. The artists featured in the exhibit are Princetons Judy Brodsky; Linda Dubin Garfield, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania; Pamela Tudor, of Philadelphia; and Elsa Wachs, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. We are now at a critical juncture where we need to advocate for harnessing our imagination, wealth, and technology to make our communities and our country greener and healthier places to live for everyone. Through our art, we strive to create an appreciation for natural beauty and a concern for its preservation, the artists said in a statement. The exhibit uses recycled materials to portray what the future holds for Earth. (It) illustrates our shared responsibility toward climate change and how we must act on the urgency of our planets plea, said Michael Cagno, executive director of the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University. JFS gets grant: Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties has been awarded a $55,000 grant from the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. At JFS, we are grateful for the continued support from the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. Their financial commitment to the agencys Outpatient Counseling and Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore care coordination programs are to be commended, said Andrea Steinberg, JFS CEO. Among those who receive legal, financial, mental and health care from JFS are 10 Holocaust survivors, the nonprofit said in a statement. Jewish Federation is proud to support and partner with JFS. The impact they have on our community is unparalleled, said Rachel Waldman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. Big Brothers Big Sisters plans Big Move: Citing a need for expansion and more space, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties has announced The Big Move to a new facility. The new facility will be located at 60 Landis Ave. in Upper Deerfield Township. To prepare for and fund the move, the nonprofit is launching a communitywide fundraiser with a goal of $50,000. Every dollar donated by March 31, up to $25,000, will be matched. Our new building previously served as medical offices, so we undertook a forward-thinking design and renovations to ready the space for our work today with flexibility for our future, said Donna Bennett, president and CEO of the local Big Brothers. For more information, visit thebigmove.org. Volunteer of the Month: Ben Ridings, a curator from Burlington County, is the Cape May MAC Volunteer of the Month for February. Nominated by MAC Chief Outreach Officer Eliza Lotozo and Director of Operations Sara Kornacki, Ridings was honored for dedicating his time to the annual Cape May MAC Online Auction. Specifically, he was recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Emlen Physick, the Victorian figure for whom the Physick Estate in Cape May is named. We are so grateful to Ben for volunteering his time in this way, said Kornacki. So many people have stepped up and donated items to this years auction, and we appreciate them all. Follow Meteorologist Joe Martucci on social media to connect with him here. Like these weather updates? Subscribe to the free daily weather newsletter here. 3:30 p.m. Saturday It's our final snow update of the day. Let's end it on a weather geeky note. Whether snow is fluffy and light or heavy and wet is based on how much liquid is in the snow. Called the snow to liquid ratio, New Jersey, on average, sees 11 inches of snow for every inch of liquid. That's enough to make a snowball pretty easily. Well, New Jersey had a huge variety of how fluffy or wet snow was. Looking at snow to liquid rations from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), America's largest network of volunteer weather observers, I dug into the data and made a map. Here it is below. The lowest snowfall totals had wet, heavy snow. Somers Point, Atlantic County, had the wettest snow at a 7:1 snow to liquid ration. Meanwhile, most of the places that had double digit snowfall (in inches) had extremely fluffy snow. Snow liquid ratios were more than double New Jersey's average in parts of Mercer, Somerset and Middlesex County. North Brunswick, at 28:1, was the highest ratio I thought was accurate. You can't make a snowball in that. That's the kind of ratio you see in Lake Effect Snow. Those high snow ratios are more impressive because there was also more precipitation to work with. If you melted all the snow down, you'd have 0.30 to 0.50 inches of liquid in the towns that had more 10 or more inches of snow. Elsewhere in the state, a general 0.10 to 0.25 inches of liquid was the case if you melted the snow. That's all for this storm's live updates. We truly appreciate your support of weather at The Press of Atlantic City. We know you have other options for forecasts, and we're glad you're here with us. It's more than forecasts, too. Check out our national Across the Sky weather podcast (third biggest weather podcast in America according to Podchaser) every Monday night for new episodes. 2:00 p.m. Saturday The snowstorm is over. So what's next? Here's a look at the rest of the Presidents' Day weekend forecast. The next storm to track won't be until Friday. Snow ends Saturday morning, so what's next in NJ's weather? The South Jersey snow special will wind down late Saturday morning. After that, expect a gusty day, with a snow shower possible in the afternoon. Icy areas will develop overnight with a dry rest of Presidents' Day weekend ahead. 12:30 p.m. Saturday The final snowfall totals from Friday night into Saturday's storm are in. Most of the state saw two to four inches of snow, with one big, snowy, exception. For South Jersey, inland areas mostly picked up between two and four inches of snow. Buena Vista (Atlantic) picked up 3.3 inches, Woodbine (Cape May) reported 3.0 inches. This was right in line with my forecast, also of two to four inches. Totals at the immediate shore were lower. That was expected with temperatures above freezing most of the storm and rain kicking off the event locally. From south to north, Ocean City received 1.6 inches of snow, Margate had 2.0 inches, Brigantine picked up an inch, as did Pt. Pleasant Beach. Further north, snowfall totals varied widely. The top totals were in Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex counties. 13 inches of snow fell in Frenchtown and Holland (Hunterdon). An even foot was reported in Readington, Bridgewater and Stanton, Somerset County. Further east, 11.3 inches of snow fell in North Brunswick, with 11 inches in Milltown. Most of this fell in four hours, bringing historically intense hourly snowfall rates. This nearly tripled the high end of my two to four inch forecast for there. Short range computer models did show heavier snow in this region, but not to this extent. Meteorology will humble you quick, Saturday was one of those days. I'll do better next time. 10:35 a.m. Saturday There will be some blowing and drifting snow as we go into the afternoon. That could recoat your sidewalks and driveways. Plus, reduce visibility temporarily. Winds will be out of the northwest, gusting 25 to 35 mph. That's on the back side of this low pressure system, which is now centered south of Long Island. On the positive side, this will dry out wet areas that developing during the day. This will help Saturday night as temperatures fall below 32 degrees. 10:10 a.m. Saturday This isn't in New Jersey but I did want to share. Hellertown, PA, which is near the border of Hunterdon County, NJ, reported 5.2 inches of snow in one hour. That was between 1 and 2 a.m. Matt Potter, a meteorologist (who I used to work with). Took this video on X. The heavy snow is incredible. There aren't official one hour snow records but for snow that's not lake-effect, this was downright rare. 8:40 a.m. Saturday As New Jersey rises to a snowy Saturday, snowfall totals continue to come in. This will not be a South Jersey snow special. Yet again, the northern half of the state wins this snow match. Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex counties all reported at least 10 inches of snow somewhere within the county. Call it a Route 78 storm, or a Route 287 storm. For South Jersey, the highest totals are near Philadelphia. .In Burlington County, Delran and Columbus each picked up over four inches of snow. Cherry Hill, in Camden County, also topped over four inches. Inland Ocean and Atlantic Counties totals have nearly all been between two and four inches of snow. Cumberland County also picked this up, with Greenwich reporting 2.6 inches of snow, with 3 inches in Vineland. Cape May County and the immediate shore haven't reported in many totals. North Cape May, Lower Township, picked up 1.8 inches of snow. As the morning goes on, I expect more totals to come in. 7:30 a.m. Saturday The sun's up and the steady snow's over Saturday. Snowfall totals range widely across the state. South Jersey ends up with a few inches of snow, while one stretch of Central Jersey had over a foot. Meteorologist Joe Martucci has the forecast for the rest of the day. It'll be mostly dry but snow squalls and gusty winds will be around. 6:30 a.m. Saturday Meteorologist Joe Martucci has an early Saturday morning snow update. South Jersey's forecast mostly went to plan, though snow will look to end by 7 a.m. snow. A few snow squalls will be likely later. North-central New Jersey picked up incredibly heavy snow, with over a foot in places in an unexpected development. Have a question? Email Joe at jmartucci@pressofac.com. He'll answer it during the livestream. Subscribe if you'd like: www.pressofac.com/subscribe 5:30 a.m. Saturday Good snowy Saturday! I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning and realized quickly this will not be a South Jersey snow special. In a vast overperformance of computer models and forecasts, the Interstate-78 corridor in the north-central part of New Jersey picked up over six inches of snow by 4 a.m. The top spot was Holland, Hunterdon County (corrected error which said Warren County), which picked up an astounding 13 inches of snow. That's after the half foot plus of snow the county picked up Tuesday. The National Weather Service reported that a narrow band of three inch per hour snowfall rates fell from Warren County, east to Middlesex County as the storm began. For reference, heavy snow is seen as anything over an inch of snow an hour. This band was powerful. I can't say this was a complete shock, though. Short range computer models hinted at a heavy band of snow here, as it did closer to Atlantic City in South Jersey. My thought would have been six inches of snow or so. However, what actually happened outperformed that. For South Jersey, the storm is going according to plan. Precipitation began around 1:20 a.m. for Toms River (Ocean County), 1:40 a.m. in Millville (Cumberland) and Lower (Cape May County) Townships and 1:50 a.m. for Atlantic City International Airport. Rain started the system off in spots, mainly in Cape May County and the immediate shore north to Long Beach Island. By 3 a.m., it snowed everywhere. As of 5:30 a.m., here are additional snowfall totals. Folsom, Atlantic County: 2.6 inches Lacey, Ocean County: 2.0 inches Remember to tune back here at 6:05 a.m. for a livestream on current conditions and what's next. I'll take your questions as well. Original Forecast Here After talking about this snow since the last storm Tuesday, New Jersey will have a quick-hitting winter storm Friday night into Saturday. For most of the area, snow plows will be out. It'll be the second South Jersey snow special of winter, joining Jan. 19. The southern half of the state will likely have more snow than the northern half of the state, due to the southerly track of a low-pressure system. Winter weather advisories were put in place by the National Weather Service for most of New Jersey for nuisance impacts from snow. However, the weather service upgraded Salem, Camden, Gloucester and western Burlington counties to a winter storm warning. Here are seven things to know about the snow, totals and what the rest of Presidents' Day weekend will be like. Just the facts Precipitation will begin between 1 and 3 a.m. Saturday. South Jersey will briefly start as rain. Snow will then fall, up to an inch an hour at times. Between 8 and 10 a.m., the snow will exit from west to east. A returning snow shower or two is possible during the day as it becomes gusty. No coastal flooding or damaging winds are likely. What's changed? I continue to expand the area that sees two to four inches of snow. Most of South Jersey and the state as a whole are in that range. Also, it looks like a piece of midlevel energy will pass Saturday afternoon. When you see that with chilly temperature, meteorologists think snow showers, so I added it to the forecast. Full storm forecast Like the last weather column, I'll break down the storm into three parts. 1 to 4 a.m. Saturday: The precipitation's moving in and becoming steady. For most of South Jersey and the Jersey Shore, this will be a brief shot of rain, less than an hour, then turning to snow. However, lower Cape May County and the shore from Cape May to Brigantine could be all rain during this time. Temperatures here will be in the upper 30s and cooling. Meanwhile, other locations will be in the mid-30s and cooling. 4 to 7 a.m. Saturday: The peak of the storm. This is where most of our snow will fall. Moderate snow will fall for a few hours. That means snowfall rates between a half-inch and an inch per hour. Visibility will be low, and snow will likely stick to most inland roads, even ones that were brined. Temperatures will be around 32 degrees inland and the northern part of the Jersey Shore (north of Long Beach Island). The southern shore will be in the mid-30s, and snow will struggle to stick. 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday: Snow lightens up and then ends. Visibility will improve. Temperatures remain at or just above freezing. After 10 a.m. Saturday: Isolated snow showers will pass during the afternoon, and the sun will come out. Winds will be stiff out of the northwest. Sustained winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts in the 30s. Highs will be in the upper 30s. Expect snow to melt during the day. Snow forecast This is my final call snow forecast. Anything about this will be live-tracking. Two to four inches of snow will fall for nearly all of inland South Jersey. The Jersey Shore north of Long Beach Island and the Delaware Bayshore in Cumberland and Salem counties will have this, too. It's a plowable snow. One to two inches of snow is forecast for the immediate shore from Long Beach Island on south, the Route 9 corridor in Atlantic County (Smithville to Somers Point) and inland Cape May County from Middle Township south. If you live between Interstate 195 and 80, two to four inches of snow will be likely here, too. North of Route 80, it's one to two inches of snow. Also, too, it'll be decent snowball-making snow. Expect it to be a bit heavy and wet. Icy Saturday night Wet areas during the day will ice up Saturday night if they're not treated with salt. Temperatures will fall below 32 degrees around 6 p.m. inland. At the shore, it'll be closer to 10 p.m. Ultimately, Sunday morning lows will be in the low 20s inland to the upper 20s at the shore. We'll rise above freezing between 8 and 10 a.m. Be safe and look at the ground when you're walking or biking outside. Travel delays? There's been a few people asking me about how flights will be Saturday. Expect delays Saturday morning at Atlantic City International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Trenton-Mercer Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Cancellations will be possible, too. However, snow ends by 10 a.m. at the latest. There will be plenty of time for flights to recover and be close to schedule in the afternoon and evening. For NJ Transit and Amtrak, I expect only minor delays. Since it's Saturday, schedules are lighter than during the week. How's the rest of the holiday weekend? Dry and mainly clear. High pressure will take over for the rest of the weekend. High temperatures will be in the seasonable low to mid-40s Sunday and Monday. There are two possible weather hazards. The first will be the breezy Sunday. Gusts will be 25 to 35 mph from the west. The other will be any wet areas icing up again Sunday night. Since June 2022, The Atlantic County Prosecutors Office has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to criminal justice, balancing tough prosecution with progressive reforms. Justice requires compassion, empathy, conviction, integrity and understanding for the victim and the defendant. As for prosecution, the office has had tremendous success. In 20 of 20 trials, the jury said guilty. The net result was winning 19 of 20 jury trials, due to one guilty verdict being overturned. At the same time, ACPO has also prioritized empathy, fairness and rehabilitation through initiatives and creation of diversion programs. By reducing recidivism and offering second chances, ACPOs efforts have not only improved public safety but also provided individuals with pathways to recovery, employment and education. The Atlantic County Prosecutors Office prioritizes fair and just outcomes while upholding public safety. The creation of diversion programs for at-risk and addicted offenders and those with mental health issues addresses the root causes of crime, promoting rehabilitation over incarceration. Entering 2023, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office focused on clearing the backlog of expungements and processed over 7,200 expungements in just over a year. This initiative provides individuals with second chances for employment and education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. ACPO has focused on the issues relating to criminal justice reform. Bail reform in New Jersey, when done right, can be very effective. When a suspect is arrested, the decision to place that individual on a summons or warrant is critical in the bail reform process. In 2023, Atlantic County had the second lowest percentage of criminal complaints placed on warrants in the state of New Jersey. In Atlantic County, the total number of defendants was 4,819. Of those arrested, 72% were placed on a summons; 28% were placed on warrants. Sussex County led the state at 22% on warrants but only had 182 defendants who were placed on warrants and committed to jail, whereas Atlantic County had a total of 1,349 defendants committed to jail on warrants. Out of those 1,349 defendants placed on a warrant in Atlantic County, a total of 686 individuals were detained, equating to a detention rate of 50.9%, the highest in the State of New Jersey. The state average for detaining individuals placed on a warrant in 2023 was 19.8%. Likewise, Atlantic County led the state with the highest rate of detention motions filed at 99% (1,338) and lowest number of detention motions withdrawn (11), which further bolstered the importance of the decision-making process at the initial summons vs. warrant complaint stage. The local police departments and the ACPO Screening Unit are very effective in the decision-making process to place a defendant on a warrant or a summons. Why does the decision-making of placing a defendant on a summons or warrant matter? Placing someone on summons allows them to continue to live their lives while having due process. Placing someone on a warrant deprives that person of their liberty. That decision is critical for all of society. Taking someones liberty is not and should not be taken lightly. However, if a person is violent and likely to hurt someone or be a victim themselves, the communitys interest in public safety outweighs that person's constitutional right to liberty. Simply stated, detaining the most violent and dangerous individuals reduces violence in the community. Both in Atlantic County and statewide there has been a reduction in gun violence. In 2023, the State of New Jersey had a total of 924 people shot, the lowest total in 15 years, a reduction of 13% from 2022; and 191 homicides as a result of gun violence, a reduction of 8% from 2022. When it comes to gun violence, an undisputed fact is that todays shooters are tomorrow's victims. By detaining those at risk for being involved in gun violence, the probability of that person shooting anyone else or being shot becomes zero. William E. Reynolds is the Atlantic County prosecutor. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Two juveniles have been charged with crimes connected to the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally, authorities said Friday. A news release from the Jackson County Family Court said the juveniles are being detained in the county's Juvenile Detention Center "on gun-related and resisting arrest charges." The release said it is "anticipated that additional charges are expected in the future as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department continues." No further information was released. A mother of two was killed and 22 people were injured by gunfire Wednesday afternoon, when shots erupted amid the throng of fans gathered at a rally outside Union Station after a parade through the city. Police Chief Stacey Graves said Thursday that victims ranged from ages 8 to 47, with half under 16. Police initially detained three juveniles but released one who they determined wasn't involved in the shooting. Police are looking for others who may have been involved and are calling for witnesses, victims and people with cellphone video of the violence to call a dedicated hotline. Read more: ___ McFetridge reported from Des Moines, Iowa, and Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in St. Louis and John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed. Photos: Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting scene More than 17,500 Iowa Democrats had requested mail-in caucus cards by Friday morning to participate in the partys 2024 presidential nominating contest. In 2012, the last time a Democratic incumbent was on the ballot when then-President Barack Obama ran for re-election, about 15,000 Democrats voted at their caucus sites, the Iowa Democratic Party said in a news release. The number, though, is a fraction less than 3% of the nearly 658,000 registered Democratic voters in the state. In comparison, more than 110,000 Iowa Republicans cast votes Jan. 15 in the first-in-the-nation, 2024 Iowa Republican presidential precinct caucuses or 15% of the more than 750,000 registered Republican voters in the state. Of the 17,510 requests for mail-in Democrat preference cards, more than 16,000 had been mailed to households and more than 6,000 cards have been returned, according to the Iowa Democratic Party. This is the final weekend for Iowa Democrats to request their 2024 presidential preference cards. The deadline to submit a request for a presidential preference card is 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Democrats can request a card through at iowademocrats.org/caucus. Iowa Democrats have until March 5 to return their preference card, and it must be postmarked by then to be accepted. Party officials strongly encourage cards to be returned through the mail and not dropped off at the Iowa Democratic Party headquarters or local county party offices. New batches of preference cards are mailed out every Monday and arrive within 24 hours. The Iowa Democratic Party has a team of staff providing assistance and answering questions about the new mail-in process. Those with last minute questions can call (515) 216-3893. A party spokesperson said returned preference cards are stored in a secure location, and will begin being tabulating around March 1. Results will be announced March 5 Super Tuesday when more than a half-dozen other states will hold presidential primaries. Details when results will be made available will be announces later, party officials said. The partys new cards will include the names of incumbent President Joe Biden and two long-shot challengers, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and author Marianne Williamson who last week suspended her campaign along with an option to remain uncommitted. While its clear that President Biden will be our nominee, its important Iowa Democrats participate in our mail-in caucus so that we can set ourselves up for success in 2028 and beyond, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement. National Democrats last year reshaped their presidential nominating calendar, booting Iowa from being first in the nation and removing Iowa from the group of early states all together. The decision followed a chaotic 2020 caucus night for Iowa Democrats when a smartphone app meant to make reporting results easier failed. As a result, the official Democratic caucus results were not reported for several weeks. State party leaders have been critical of the Democratic National Committee's involvement in delaying development of the app and then demanding additional technology that failed on caucus night. The debacle compounded existing concerns about Iowa's lack of racial diversity and barriers to participation. The Iowa Democratic put forward the mail-in proposal to make the caucuses more accessible which was one of the main criticisms. Following the 2020 presidential election, many national party leaders expressed a preference for primary elections over party-run caucuses. Republicans have roundly criticized the decision, saying Democrats have turned their back on Iowa and rural America. National Democratic Party leaders have said they would revisit the presidential nominating calendar for 2028. Images from Monday's caucuses at Davenport Central High School From My Modern Met: Brooklyn-based artist Bisa Butler creates contemporary quilts that are life-sized historical portraits of Black people whose stories may have been forgotten or completely overlooked in history. Each colorful picture utilizes fabric like a painter would pigment to produce regal representations of each person. Butler learned how to sew by watching her mother and grandmother. When she first began creating her quilt art, she depicted her family. Now, she scours public databases for photographs that inspire her. My community has been marginalized for hundreds of years, she writes in her artist statement. While we have been right beside our white counterparts experiencing and creating history, our contributions and perspectives have been ignored, unrecorded, and lost. It is only a few years ago that it was acknowledged that the White House was built by slaves. Right there in the seat of power of our country African Americans were creating and contributing while their names were lost to history. My subjects are African Americans from ordinary walks of life who may have sat for a formal family portrait or may have been documented by a passing photographer, Butler explains. Like the builders of the White House, they have no names or captions to tell us who they were. More here. (Note: In honor of Black History Month, at least one post will be devoted to its 2024 theme of African Americans and the Arts throughout the month of February) A Rock Island woman accused of hiding her sons death for more than five months received a two year prison sentence on Friday. In July of last year, police found Zion Staples body in a garbage can in the garage of his Rock Island home, according to authorities. Investigators think the 10-year-old died some time in December of 2022 when a gun he was playing with went off. Authorities believe his death was an accident. Authorities do not think Sushi Staples, now 38, was home when her son died but think she concealed the boys death once she learned of it. She faced charges of obstructing justice, concealment of a death, failure to report the death of a child under 13 and endangering the life or health of a child, according to court records. In January, she pleaded guilty to the count of endangering a child as part of an agreement with the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office. During an afternoon hearing on Friday, Judge Frank Fuhr sentenced Staples to two years in an Illinois prison followed by six months of mandatory supervised release. Staples will have credit for the time she has served in the Rock Island County Jail in relation to the case, court records state. Staples also qualified for day-for-day credit on her prison term, which could further reduce her actual time incarcerated. As part of the agreement, the state dropped the remaining charges. The plea agreement also capped Staples potential prison time at five years. During an earlier hearing in the case, Rock Island Police Department detective John Shappard testified that other children lived at the residence when police began their investigation. During interviews with authorities, some of the children said the 10-year-old was playing with a handgun and that he accidentally shot himself, Shappard testified. Those other children said Sushi Staples was not home when Zion died. Initial autopsy results indicate that the 10-year-olds death resulted from a gunshot wound to the head, Shappard said. Mitigation and Aggravation A mitigation hearing was held ahead of Fuhr giving the sentence. In such hearings, the defense and prosecution make arguments about what they think the sentence should be. They also can present witnesses. Defendants can also make statements before the court. Fuhr also had access to a presentence investigation report that detailed Staples background. Such reports are meant to aid a judge in determining the correct sentences. During Fridays mitigation hearing, Rock Island County States Attorney Dora Villarreal and Rock Island County Public Defender Hany Khoury reviewed several parts of the case, including accounts of the boys death, and Staples behavior and background. Shappard also took the stand and provided additional testimony while Villarreal and Khoury questioned him. The gun with which Zion shot himself was high up in a closet in a room, Shappard testified. Staples kept the door to that room locked. The eldest of the other children, in their early teens at the time, had a key to the room. On Dec. 21, 2022, the day that police believe Zion died, one of his siblings went into the room to get hot chocolate, but did not lock the door when leaving, the detective said from the stand. After the shooting, one of the other children called Staples and told her Zion had shot himself, Shappard said. Police began the July investigation after receiving a tip about Zion shooting himself and Staples keeping his body in the basement, Shappard testified. In the initial parts of that investigation, Staples denied that Zion existed at all. When presented with a copy of Zions birth certificate and other records, she told investigators she had them forged to collect benefits, Shappard said. During later interviews with police, Staples began providing more information, Shappard said. She made several statements to police on why she did not report the boy's death, including that she was distraught and did not know what to do. Staples also told police she wanted to save up money to get an attorney and ensure her other children were taken care of. Other family had asked about Zion, and Staples told them he was hospitalized and unavailable, Shappard testified. When one wanted to visit him, Staples told the family member not to come. The four remaining children in the home are now with family, Shappard said. Villarreal said Fuhr should give Staples the maximum prison sentence under the plea agreement. Among her arguments was that serious harm was done in that Zion died and there was the need for a deterrent to help prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Staples was leaving children home alone while she worked full time, Villarreal said. Had Staples called 911 after Zion died, the case in which she faced sentencing Friday would not have happened, Villarreal said. Khoury argued for probation. Prior to the death of her son, Staples had little criminal record. He also said she was unlikely to repeat the behavior that led to her being before Fuhr on Friday. It is easy to judge Staples for her behavior after Zions death, he said. It is harder, however, if people try to put themselves in her shoes in that situation. Staples was abused when she was in foster care, he said. She was trying to support her family. Staples addresses the judge Staples also made her own statement to Fuhr before he sentenced her. That statement included that after Zion died she was unable to make rational decisions. Staples said shed been in foster care and saw things hard to imagine. She did everything she could to keep her children from experiencing what she did. The pain caused by the shooting has not eased, she also said. It doesnt get better, Staples told Fuhr. While she was in the jail, she had time to reflect, Staples said, adding she failed her children, her family and her community. She apologized for her actions. She hopes to start a foundation in the name of her son that will promote the use of gun safes and locks, she told Fuhr. Two people have been charged in connection with the October overdose death of a 25-year-old Bettendorf woman, Bettendorf Police Chief Keith Kimball said. Lucas Mathew Seitz, 33, of LeClaire, and Nicole Danielle Tucker, 33, of Davenport, are charged in Scott County District Court with one count each of involuntary manslaughter. The charge is a Class D felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of five years. Seitz and Tucker also are charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver less than 5 grams of fentanyl, and possession with the intent to deliver less than 5 grams of meth. Each of those charges is a Class C felony that carry a prison sentence of 10 years. According to the arrest affidavits filed by Bettendorf Police Sgt. Joshua Paul, at 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2023, Bettendorf police were sent to 1138 State Street, room 17, for an unresponsive female. The address is that of the City Center Motel. The woman was taken to the hospital and placed on life support. She died three days later on Oct. 17. Present at the time of the overdose were the womans boyfriend, Seitz and a person living in a nearby motel room. During an interview with the victims boyfriend, police learned the victim used fentanyl and would rarely smoke methamphetamine. The boyfriend told police that the victim was not in possession of any narcotics, and he contacted Seitz to obtain either heroin or fentanyl, according to the affidavits. The boyfriend arranged an Uber driver to take Seitz from the motel to meet with his supplier of opiates. Seitz was interviewed several times during the investigation and stated that the boyfriend contacted him looking for heroin for his girlfriend, whom Seitz had never met. Seitz contacted his main supplier who put him in touch with Tucker, the affidavits state. Tucker agreed to sell Seitz opiates. Seitz obtained a ride to the City Center Motel where the boyfriend gave him $100 to use to purchase heroin or fentanyl and to pay an Uber driver. Seitz purchased what he believed to be heroin or fentanyl from Tucker for $40, the affidavits state. When he returned to the motel, he gave the drugs to the boyfriend. The boyfriend then gave the drugs to the victim. The boyfriend told police the victim appeared to be under the influence of opiates based on her demeanor. He then observed the victim turn blue and that she was not breathing. The boyfriend attempted to save the woman by giving her multiple doses of NARCAN and perform chest compressions, according to the affidavits. Tucker was interviewed once during the investigation. Tucker told police that Seitz had contacted her looking to purchase opiates. Tucker was in possession of two bad batches of drugs, possibly fake dope. Tucker stated she had purchased these for herself, and they did not have the desired effect, so she re-sold them to Seitz in exchange for $40 to re-coup some of what she spent on the drugs. She met with Seitz at about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2023, in the area of West 31st Street and Western Avenue in Davenport, according to the affidavits. Text messages and phone calls between Seitz, Tucker and the victims boyfriend confirmed the transaction between Seitz and Tucker occurring on Oct. 13 at about 11 p.m., the affidavits state. Seitz texted the boyfriends phone, Were good to go on our way back. See u in a bit brother. The morning of the overdose officers performed a consent search of the room of the person living in a nearby hotel room. Officers seized six-tenths of a gram of meth, .55 grams of foil with burnt liquid sludge of fentanyl, a hypodermic syringe with a liquid mixture of methamphetamine, fentanyl and n-pyrrolidino etonitazene. According to the U.S. Department of Justice website, the latter drug, n-pyrrolidino etonitazene, is a high-potency synthetic opioid that has been linked to overdoses across the United States. Officers also seized a spoon with burn marks, a cotton swab that contained the same mixture of drugs as the liquid mixture, and drug pipes. All of those items were removed from the victims room after she overdosed and taken to the neighbors room next door, the affidavits state. The toxicology panel of the victim showed she had in her system methamphetamine, amphetamine and phenylpropanolamine in her system. The initial toxicology screen did not test for fentanyl or heroin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, phenylpropanolamine was at one time used in over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications as a decongestant and in over-the-counter weight loss products. It has been banned for use in the U.S. due to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Both Seitz and Tucker were in court Saturday morning for a first appearance on the charges. Magistrate Eric Syverud scheduled a preliminary hearing in each of their cases for Feb. 27. Seitz and Tucker each were being held Saturday in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $100,000, set by Syverud. Editor's note: This is the second part of a two-part series on Indigenous maternal healthcare in South Dakota. For the first time in eight generations, a Dakota baby was born in a traditional earth lodge in Dakota homelands. Under the moon of the black chokecherries, Dallis Rencountre, a citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, gave birth to her second child, a 10-pound baby boy. Her son was born in a traditional earth lodge in Granite Falls, Minn., built by her grandmother's company, Makoce Ikikcupi. I remember sitting in the tub and thinking, I dont know if I can do this. I was actually very upset at my grandparents, but my grandpa looked at me and told me that the next generation is coming, Rencountre said. I was realizing that I was going to bring a leader to my people and that this birth was history in the making it could be a turning point for other Dakota women to come to an earth lodge and give birth to their babies just like I did. It was her grandmothers idea for her to have a traditional birth. When Rencountre was 32 weeks pregnant, her doctor at her local hospital, Coteau Des Prairies, told her she needed a Cesarean section. Uncomfortable with the advice, Rencountre sought other options. Shed heard other Dakota women in her community voice similar concerns; theyd been recommended a Cesarean section early in their pregnancies. I didnt feel heard. I felt like he didnt understand how I was feeling about a C-section; he wasnt listening to me, Rencountre said. As hospitals across the United States close their obstetrics and gynecology departments, women in rural areas especially Indigenous women have fewer options for specialized care. A majority of South Dakota is considered a maternal healthcare desert, meaning there are little to no options for specialized obstetrics care across the state. Several Indigenous women in places with no available obstetrics care, or who are unsatisfied with their care, have elected to move back to traditional birthing practices. Theres a time, a place and a need for medical assistance, and we have a need here in South Dakota, said Zintkala Black Owl, Sicangu Lakota and an organizer of the He Sapa Birth Circle. We need accessible, equipped, qualified medical facilities available for our people. We live in a really rural setting; people have to drive hours to get to a hospital. The He Sapa Birth Circle seeks to provide an inclusive, supportive space where Indigenous parents can share their birth experience, seek advice and receive any support they may need. Black Owl gave birth to her seven children at home in a traditional setting. When she moved from Oregon back home to South Dakota, she found herself looking for a way to connect with other moms and provide support. I think that our modern culture has socialized people to fear birth and to engage with it in a medical standpoint, Black Owl said. We pathologize birth when really its a natural function of our bodies just like breathing or blinking our eyes. A long history of distrust The United States has a long history of distrust between Indigenous women and healthcare providers, specifically on reservations. A history of historical trauma can also lead Indigenous women to distrust medical providers. Forced sterilization and infant separation policies drove a wedge of distrust between physicians and Indigenous women. From 1973 to 1976, approximately 3,406 Indigenous women were sterilized without their knowledge or through coercion by Indian Health Service practitioners some as young as 15. In 1978, the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act allowed for Indigenous people to not only openly practice traditional lifeways, but reclaim traditional birthing practices. I was born in 1981, to date myself, and many other people in my family and my community were born at home during that time. I think a lot of it had to do with the Religious Freedom Act and the resurgence of our peoples culture being accessible, Black Owl said. Decades later, Indigenous women still face barriers when seeking medical care. In South Dakota, Indigenous women die from pregnancy-associated causes at rates four times higher than white women. From 2012 to 2021, Indigenous women in South Dakota accounted for 46% of the pregnancy-associated deaths, despite accounting for only 9% of the states total population, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. The South Dakota Department of Health noted the leading causes of death include motor vehicle accidents, mental health conditions which includes death by suicide substance abuse disorders and overdoses. Nationwide, mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal death among Indigenous mothers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Depression is a common issue amongst Indigenous mothers, an issue that groups like the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board hope to address. Educating families Traditional community-based childcare values and traditional parenting styles were lost. Many parents, especially new mothers, lack a much-needed support system post-birth. Often, new parents are left having to learn how to be a parent on their own. This is something we see a lot, especially in teenage moms, said Terri Rattler, Oglala Lakota and the health board home visit program manager. Just saying, Hey, youre doing a good job with your baby can do a lot. The health board's home visiting program first began with the community needs and readiness assessment. The data identified 450 families in Pennington County that didn't receive any type of home visiting services. I want to be the superhero, I want to get to those 450 people, but we cant. But even if we meet with 25 to 50 families, were still making a difference, Rattler said. The home visiting program utilizes the Family Spirit program to educate families on proper car seat use, baby care, general support and dealing with depression and more. Home visitors can connect families with needed resources to meet any gaps in care. Currently, the community mapping assessment timeline consists of reaching out to existing programs and organizations, developing a community advisory group, conducting a community survey and developing a resource directory for families. For families who survived boarding school, parenting structures were disrupted. Once home, survivors struggled to relate to their families. Once they became adults, survivors didnt know how to be parents. They didnt grow up with their own families or learn about themselves and their culture. My mom went to boarding school, living through that, I think it just makes you feel lost, Rattler said. I mean, she had three daughters and she wouldnt tell us anything about our bodies; when adults were talking wed have to go into a different room. She loved us a lot, but I didnt really understand what shed gone through until I was in my 40s. Home visitors are able to provide families with the education and reassurance needed to be a parent. In late 2023, the GPTLHBs home visiting program received a nearly $1 million, five-year grant to provide home visits in the Rapid City area. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a sub-awardee, will also be able to carry out home visits on its reservation. Having this program is really going to help a lot of moms, Rattler said. Home visits can make mothers feel more comfortable in their role. Additionally, culturally appropriate care like that provided by the He Sapa Birth Circle and Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board can greatly benefit Indigenous mothers, babies and families, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Understanding the cultural needs and practices of a patient is an important element in trust-building. Rencountre was able to give birth alongside a group of her loved ones. Her grandparents, parents, cousins, aunts and uncles were all present and assisted during the birth. Rencountre also had a trained midwife, Autumn Cavender-Wilson, present to help her through the birth. To anyone wanting to do this, I would just say to make sure you have a good support system and to be prepared, Rencountre said. [Visiting with Cavender-Wilson] it was like therapy. She let me talk about everything that was going on with my body and made me feel heard. It was the complete opposite of what Id experienced at the hospital. She kept me going. After five hours of pushing, Rencountre gave birth to a 10-pound baby boy. But when her son emerged, he wasnt breathing. Cavender-Wilsons infant resuscitator device wasnt working, so Rencountre watched as the midwife carefully gave the baby CPR. I heard the exact moment he took his first breath, his first breath of air, Rencountre said. She saved him. Rencountres grandfather took her baby outside and introduced him to each of the four directions and the sun. The placenta was buried outside by a tree, grounding the baby to his homelands. This was the best thing Ive ever done in my life, Rencountre said. I love to talk about it; I hope I can inspire people to do the same thing. The whole point of me giving birth in the earth lodge was so we could have more births like that. For those in need of support, the He Sapa Birth Circle is planning its third annual traditional birthwork gathering this fall in the Black Hills. The tribal home visiting program will be enrolling families for home visits sometime in the fall within the next six months, once the community needs and readiness assessment mapping process is completed. The home visiting program will be enrolling expecting parents, mothers, fathers, caregivers and children 0 to 5 years of age. It's the first time in years that former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has publicly addressed his fatal crash that killed a man in September 2020, a testimony that came under the scrutiny of South Dakota's highest court. Ravnsborg, his lawyers and the State Bar of South Dakota Disciplinary Board presented their formal oral arguments Wednesday about whether the impeached official should lose his law license for a retroactive 26-month period, ending August 2024. Much of the testimony and arguments from both sides were already presented within a brief filed last week. However, Ravnsborg took the stand at the end of the hearing to answer questions from the justices and offer his condolences about the incident. "I didn't ask for this accident, and I'm very sorry that it occurred," Ravnsborg told the state Supreme Court justices Wednesday. Ravnsborg was mostly mum to reporters following the hearing. He did not answer a question from the Argus Leader about whether he trusted the disciplinary process. He had previously expressed distrust about how his impeachment and the investigation by North Dakota law enforcement, who interviewed him following the September 2020 crash, was handled. Based on previous Argus Leader reporting, the then-attorney general had told the investigators he was not using his cellphone while traveling from Redfield to Pierre the night of the crash, and that he'd not become aware that he had struck a human until the following day when he returned to the crash scene. However, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Agent Joe Arenz said cellphone forensics showed he'd been looking at news articles during the drive. The detectives said they also determined he was lying about when he discovered the body based on an inadvertent admission made during the second interrogation. Ravnsborg's lawyer, Michael Butler, contended the former AG was not on his phone at the time of the crash. But regarding whether he was dishonest with the investigators about his cell phone usage leading up to the crash, Ravnsborg, who was cool and calm throughout the hearing, became defensive. The former AG said he thought the North Dakota investigators were "lying" about certain aspects of his crash during his interview in order to garner a confession or evidence to use against him. He told the justices his mindset during the interview, when it came to his cell phone usage, was focused on the crash. "Why are we talking about this?" Ravnsborg questioned. The investigators had been inquiring about how he had been visiting websites and texting before the crash, which he said left him confused over the line of questioning. "That's what I kept wondering," Ravnsborg said. "We're focusing on the crash here." He told the justices he "took responsibility" for the crash. But as far as stepping down from his role as attorney general after the crash, Ravnsborg said he had many discussions within his office over what he should do. "It's not as clear cut" to step down, Ravnsborg said. "I stood my ground." Asked what he felt would be a suitable course of action after the hearing, Ravnsborg said the case against him should be dismissed. 'It's the conduct, not the crime' The State Bar of South Dakota Disciplinary Board, represented by lawyer Thomas Frieberg, was the first to present their oral arguments to the state justices Wednesday. Frieberg began by relating the gravity of the potential disciplinary action Ravnsborg faces, which was magnified "by the extensive attention this case received." This introduction dovetailed into one of their key points for their recommendation to suspend Ravnsborg's law license, which was that the former attorney general's conduct after the September 2020 crash was not benefiting of a high-profile, practicing lawyer. Frieberg specifically stressed it "wasn't our intention" to focus on Ravnsborg's conduct prior to the crash, adding the board was focused on "the conduct, not the crime." However, he admitted the two timeframes sometimes appear to overlap. Frieberg pointed to the state's Rules of Professional Conduct, which encompass lawyer misconduct, and what he described as a "lack of awareness" on Ravnsborg's part regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct, the state's professional standards for lawyers. "The board found [it] problematic," Frieberg said, that Ravnsborg did not think about the state's rules throughout his entire impeachment ordeal, and that those same rules were only briefly looked over ahead of a March 30, 2023 hearing before the board. They also scrutinized Ravnsborg's propensity to identify himself as "Attorney General" on first reference. This occurred on three occasions in which Ravnsborg was interacting with law enforcement officers or an agency: a June 2019 traffic stop in Nebraska, a July 2020 traffic stop in Iowa, and the Sept. 12, 2020 911 call following the crash that killed 55-year-old Joseph Boever. In these interactions, Frieberg argued with retired judge Bradley Zell, a Supreme Court referee in this matter, concurring that it was Ravnsborg's intention to curry favor with law enforcement. Frieberg later used Ravnsborg's interview with the North Dakota investigators and the following Senate impeachment hearing as evidence he was "dishonest" during the processes involving the crash. This includes, Frieberg said, Ravnsborg's account of the September 2020 crash and the inconsistencies in the former AG's narrative that were highlighted by investigators. Frieberg specifically honed in on one of Ravnsborg's past statements, in which he told the 911 operator the night of the crash he thought he hit something in the "middle of the road." Evidence eventually proved Boever was hit on the shoulder of the road, which Ravnsborg did not acknowledge until he was shown said evidence, Frieberg said. "The board felt that all of these things was prejudicial to the administration of justice," Ravnsborg said. Ravnsborg's lawyer: 'This is not Janklow' In a case that came before the state Supreme Court in October 2005, the State Bar's Disciplinary Board recommended William Janklow, former South Dakota attorney general and four-term governor of the state, should have his law license suspended for a 26-month prorated period after he struck a motorcyclist with his car after running a stop sign while speeding in August 2003. It was later reinstated in January 2006, about a month before the suspension would formally expire. In a brief filed to the judicial tribunal a week before the hearing, the board compared Ravnsborg's ordeal to Janklow's, with a specific focus on the consequences of both crashes and their status as public officials. Janklow's law license was suspended by the South Dakota Supreme Court on Dec. 15, 2003, one day after he was convicted for second degree felony manslaughter and three misdemeanors, including speeding, running a stop sign and reckless driving by a Moody County jury. But Butler, Ravnsborg's lawyer, frankly dismissed the board's side-by-side: "This case is not Janklow." Butler said the specific professional conduct rules being weighed by the justices were never "an underlying issue" in Janklow's case. However, a justice clarified this was, in part, because Janklow voluntarily surrendered his license following his 2003 crash. Ravnsborg kept his law license, though he has not practiced as a lawyer since his impeachment. Butler addressed the board's perspective that Ravnsborg is "self-absorbed" and more concerned about his own well-being. Butler said Ravnsborg has expressed remorse over the crash twice in writing. he also explained any victim of a life-changing event, like Ravnsborg, would be concerned about their future. "What human being wouldn't wonder that?" Butler said. Butler said he believed Ravnsborg could have appeared more favorably before the court if he had stepped down as attorney general following the crash. Asked by the justices whether officials like Ravnsborg, who was considered the highest law officer and lawyer of the state, should be held to a higher standard, Butler said "yes and no." It was true that certain public servants have a greater bar for maintaining conduct, Butler said. But there's no codified law that said Ravnsborg explicitly had to step down. "What rule was violated here?" Butler asked. What is the complaint? The complaint against Ravnsborg, which was filed by Alexis Tracy, the former State's Attorney for Clay County, is centered on the state's Rules of Professional Conduct statute, particularly about whether Ravnsborg's actions fall under various misconduct rules. Those rules include the following: committed a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects; engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; or stated or implied an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official or to achieve results by means that violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. Of the four rules Zell weighed in on, he found Ravnsborg only violated one, in which he stated or implied an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official or to achieve results by means that violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. Based on the brief provided by Ravnsborg's attorneys, Zell reviewed three incidents in which Ravnsborg's identified himself as the then-South Dakota Attorney General first rather than by name. That included: The attorney's brief states the former attorney general did violate one misconduct rule by consistently identifying himself first by his title, as a means of possibly gaining favorable treatment by law enforcement. However, the referee said the effectiveness of this tactic would be "speculation" and "unclear." Lawyers representing Ravnsborg, in a separate brief, align the majority of their argument that the former attorney general did not violate conduct rules with Zell's view on the matter. Based on Zell's findings that three out of four professional conduct rules being weighed were broken by Ravnsborg, the former attorney general's lawyers argued any perception their client acted dishonestly or disrespectful is not related to his legal profession. Zell, likewise, concurred: "[A]ll of this 'perceived' conduct is of Ravnsborg the person who happens to be an attorney, and not Ravnsborg the practicing attorney." This story originally appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Legislators killed a second bill aimed at covering the costs of school meals for families facing food insecurity in South Dakota. Rep. Tyler Tordsens (R-Sioux Falls) House Bill 1238 wouldve covered costs for families with incomes less than 209% of the poverty line who arent already eligible for free or reduced-price meals through federal programs. The Department of Education would reimburse school districts for the costs incurred in providing those meals. Six legislators on the House Committee on Appropriations voted to kill Tordsens bill after eight legislators in the House Education committee voted to refer it to appropriators last week. A similar bill brought by Rep. Kadyn Wittman (D-Sioux Falls) that wouldve covered the cost of breakfast and lunch for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, House Bill 1042, was killed by eight of 15 members of the House Education committee more than two weeks ago because of its estimated annual cost of $578,000. Tordsen said his bill wouldve created a state reduced-price meal program for families who are struggling, but who are also making just a little too much to qualify for other forms of assistance. He said it wouldve also benefited the nearly 13% of children who face food insecurity in the state. His testimony was supported by lobbyists from the Presentation Sisters, Feeding South Dakota and the American Heart Association on Wednesday, who largely argued students need adequate nutrition to learn, improve their attendance and create better health outcomes. Last week, lobbyists with the South Dakota Education Association, Sioux Falls School District, South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women and South Dakota United School Association, and Gay Anderson, the child nutrition coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District, also testified in support of the bill in the House Education committee. But Jim Terwilliger, with the Bureau of Finance and Management, testified that the bill would set a dangerous precedent of the state subsidizing federal programs and going above and beyond a federal program. He estimated the annual cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. Tordsen rebutted that he loved the idea of going above and beyond for South Dakotas children, and that what he was proposing was a small price to pay with a huge impact on families in the state, with the potential to reduce chronic absenteeism and truancy and improve student proficiency rates and educational outcomes. This story originally appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Editor's note: This is the sixth in a series of stories on children that Jackie Hendry, producer and host of South Dakota Public Broadcasting's "South Dakota Focus" will write for South Dakota News Watch. Each month, she previews the upcoming show. HARRISBURG Education is not immune to South Dakota's ongoing workforce challenges. While much of the Legislature's focus is on teacher salaries, some are working to grow the pool of future teachers. Around 300 teaching positions sat vacant around the state as of last month, according to the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. It's a shortage Secretary of Education Joseph Graves has never seen in his decades as a teacher and administrator. "It's always been difficult to fill certain positions," he said earlier this month in an interview with South Dakota Public Broadcasting. "If you had a high school instrumental music position, or you had an upper level math, upper level science those could be difficult at any time in history." In the past decade or so, though, Graves said there were fewer and fewer candidates for commonly easy-to-fill positions. "When I began in my superintendency over 30 years ago, we would have file cabinets full of elementary applicants," he said. "When those [positions] began to be in a shortage, we knew we were in a real definite teacher shortage. And in fact, I think the teacher shortage right now is historically unprecedented." The promise of higher teacher pay Graves was superintendent of the Mitchell School District when the half-cent sales tax increase brought forth by a blue ribbon task force took effect in 2017. The increased tax revenue was meant to bolster teacher salaries. "It definitely made it easier to hire teachers," said Graves. "It also moved us from 51st in the nation for our teacher pay to 47th. What we've noticed, though, in the last couple years is this drifting back down." With South Dakota now back to 49th in the nation for teacher pay, Gov. Kristi Noem's administration wants to ensure school districts allocate the increased funding to teachers, rather than other needs. "Yes, I know that schools have their own challenges," Noem said in her 2024 State of the State address. "But the blue ribbon recommendation wasn't just that teacher pay would go up. The blue ribbon promise was that teachers would be the first priority, that they would be paid more. So let's do it." While legislative efforts to keep the promises of the blue ribbon task force are ongoing in Pierre, other efforts to recruit future teachers play out across the state. When schools saw the state's investment in education following the task force, some administrators wondered how to ensure the pool of future educators continued to meet demand. "We get this bump in pay, everybody's heading in the right direction, but we weren't seeing an increase in kids choosing education as a career path," said Travis Lape, director of innovative programs for the Harrisburg School District. "Teachers are always very good at telling kids other opportunities besides our own career." Finding future teachers To help spread the word about the benefits of a career in education, Lape was part of a group of teachers and administrators that established the first South Dakota chapter of a group called Educators Rising. The national organization launched in 2015 and has since amassed more than 30,000 participating students and teachers. Its mission is to encourage high school students to pursue a teaching career through skill development and hands-on experience. It offers competitions related to public speaking and other teaching skills at state and national conferences. While considering ways to leverage Harrisburg career and technical education programs, Lape remembered his own experience with Future Farmers of America as a high schooler. "I didn't have cows and pigs I didn't grow up like that but I had the leadership side. So parliamentary procedure, public speaking, job interviews. Those were the events that I thrived in, in FFA," said Lape. He also traveled to state and national conferences as a student thanks to his involvement with FFA. "I got to see the world through the organization. And I said, 'We don't have that for education.'" Lape is now state director of Educators Rising South Dakota, which over the past six years has grown to more than 350 student members spread across 50 chapters in the state. Some schools treat it like any other extracurricular club with a teacher advising. Others, like Harrisburg High School, offer it as an extension of existing career and technical education classes, which weave competition material into classroom assignments. 'Our future teachers are in our schools' One competition area centers on lesson planning and development. High school students create a lesson plan and deliver it in a real classroom, while judges review a recording of the lesson during competition. Katelyn Christopherson, a junior at Harrisburg High School and a state officer with Educators Rising South Dakota, placed third last year at the national Educators Rising conference for her lesson plan geared toward middle schoolers. This year, Christopherson created a lesson plan that uses ice cream to explain states of matter, which she recently presented to second-graders at Explorer Elementary in Harrisburg. "The thing I pride myself on when I do these lesson plans is making sure I have multiple different ways to learn it because everybody is so different," said Christopherson. Her lesson plan included a demonstration of an ice cream recipe, a YouTube video, and a coloring worksheet. Christopherson fielded questions from students and managed the classroom as the students' full-time teacher observed. "I feel like there's no other real way to understand this is what you want to do," said Christopherson. She enjoys the hands-on experience and connections she's made with students in other districts through Educators Rising South Dakota. "I feel like something that pushes people away from education is, you know, the money or just some other factor," said Christopherson. "But if we're putting that spark in and also people are working towards it because obviously we don't do it for the money but I feel like by encouraging those people in other ways that want to be teachers, I feel like we can even help the shortage even more." While pay is an important retention measure for teachers, Lape said giving students an opportunity to explore a teaching career early is a critical part of ensuring there's a pool of potential educators for years to come. "There's a national statistic out there that says almost 60% of teachers live and work within 20 miles of where they grew up," said Lape. "Our future teachers are in our schools." How to watch 'South Dakota Focus' The next episode of "South Dakota Focus" airs on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. Central time / 7 p.m. Mountain time. It can be viewed on SDPB-TV 1, Facebook, YouTube and SD.net. The episode includes: How policy makers hope to address the teacher shortage this legislative session High schoolers getting first-hand teaching experiences through Educators Rising South Dakota A former Sioux Falls student who now leads her own classroom and welcomes current Teacher Pathway students to observe In the fall of 1894, three Helena businessmen conceived of the idea of a wild west show, similar to many others that were touring the country. The organizers included Leroy Beveridge, the shows financier, his son Charles, the shows proprietor, and salesman Don Davenport, known locally as the Helena Hustler. Leroy organized the enterprise in a philanthropic effort to help Montanas landless Natives. It fell to Davenport to negotiate terms with the Natives. Tell them, he told an interpreter, that I will take them to a great country and they will get rich and live in clover. After six months of negotiations with the Cree and Metis, Davenport offered to pay each Native $10 per month, plus board during a six-month tour of the Midwest and the East. In return, the Natives would march in a street parade and perform in exhibitions which simulated their life in the West. As part of the Wild West Show, the Beveridges purchased Old Corbett, the famed Bucking Bull of Belgrade for $350. The bull, named after boxer James Gentleman Jim Corbett, had bucked his way to fame, earning a reputation for using precise scientific methods to discard his riders. To tend to the shows stock, the company hired Bozeman rancher John Henry Mardis who would also double as a cowboy performer under the name Rattlesnake Jack. In addition, they hired other performers who were known by various nicknames, such as Yellowstone Vic, Montana Kid, Prairie Skip, Silver Hand, and Rocky Mountain Kate. In an April 15th article in a Glasgow newspaper, the show was described Around 400 Cree refugees from the Canadian Riel Rebellion are performing in a Wild West Show, sponsored by one of Helenas millionaires, C. L. Beveridge. The show featured other performers, such as Capt. Bogardus, the world champion rifle shot, and Scout Jackson, famous for his adventurous career with General Custer. During a show in Billings, a young bronco buster named Bartlott had a go at riding a vicious horse. He was rendered unconscious by his fall. After receiving several stitches to close a gash on his forehead, he recovered in time to accompany the show on its way East. Unfortunately, after a performance in Cincinnati, the Equitable Trust Company of that city brought suit in the common pleas court against the owners of the show to recover $4,063 on account. Subsequently, Deputy Sheriff Cormany seized the goods of the company, which were later in the day restored to the owners, pending a ruling by the court. By 1898, Montanas Wild West Show had begun to falter. Initially, the show was successful, but then encountered serious difficulty, owing to enormous expenses and a lack of appreciation by the public in the Midwest and East. According to Mr. Beveridge, debts totaling $2,000 ($45,000 in 2024s money) were owed to a printing concern, a tent supply outfit, a vehicle equipment company, and wages to performers, which included 100 Cree. By the following year, the show had fallen into bankruptcy, with debts of $9,000 and assets of practically nothing. The court also ordered that Charles Beveridge of Helena, who was recently adjudged a bankrupt, be discharged. Beveridge, along with his father, had lost a small fortune trying to conduct Montanas Wild West Show which toured Montana and the Midwest in a failed an attempt to provide support to Montanas landless Natives. The Richmond School Board is set to approve a $532.6 million budget for fiscal year 2025 at its Tuesday evening meeting and then ship it off to the mayors office for consideration. The budget proposal from Superintendent Jason Kamras includes an expenditure increase of $36.2 million and nearly $1.75 million in nonpersonnel reductions. In light of the fatal Huguenot High School graduation shooting last summer, the budget includes more training, more mental health professionals and better systems to track student mental health issues. The proposal also includes 3% raises for nearly all of its employees, in accordance with the Richmond Education Associations collective bargaining agreements. Those raises include custodians, who have been showing up in groups to speak at School Board meetings over the past few weeks. Dwayne Johnson, the director of organizing for the group that represents RPS facility maintenance bargaining unit, called the 3% raises a slap in the face for custodians, plumbers and electricians. Theyve been looked over for years, and they are far below a living wage, Johnson said during a January board meeting. Were being told that the money just simply is not there. This is unacceptable. We cant just shrug our shoulders, throw our hands up and say this is it. They deserve better. They deserve to have dignity and respect. School Board member Jonathan Young, who represents the 4th District, said school custodians are stretched thin because they are cleaning entire buildings that are often only 65% occupied. Young has long advocated for consolidating schools due to shrinking enrollment. They have been asked to take on an unnecessarily difficult task because policymakers have failed in their job to rightsize our capital footprint, Young said Friday. Young will likely be the only member of the nine-member board to vote against the proposal at Tuesday evenings meeting. While Young said the budget includes many important elements such as expanding the extended school year program and increasing funding for alternative education, he said he cannot support a budget that is so structurally out of balance. The budget proposal continues funding the districts attendance efforts, with a special emphasis on outreach to non-English speaking families. It also increases the districts allocation for school maintenance, adds positions to the facilities team, and makes new commitments to cybersecurity. The budget maintains critical expenditures that began with federal COVID-19 relief money, like the Richmond Virtual Academy, the districts online school. After the budget proposal is approved at Tuesday evenings School Board meeting, Mayor Levar Stoney will incorporate it into his budget proposal to the City Council, which considers the mayors proposal and makes adjustments. The City Council adopts a budget in May. If the citys adopted budget has more or less RPS funding than was anticipated when the School Board approves its budget this month, Kamras will propose changes for the boards consideration. The School Board will adopt a final budget in June. Today in history: Feb. 16 1923: King Tutankhamen 1945: Island of Corregidor 1959: Fidel Castro 1960: USS Triton 1998: Airbus A300 2011: Borders 2017: Donald Trump 2018: Trump Russia Probe 2019: Cardinal Theodore McCarrick When Ann Maria Valentine fell ill, doctors worked to find a cure. When she did not recover, she was given a grim diagnosis and told to go home to be with her loved ones. Mann S. Valentine II, her husband, had other ideas. In his basement, he toiled for days on end to find his own treatment: one guaranteed to be easy to keep down all while providing key nutrients she needed to recover. There, in 1870, he created his famous concoction that would come to be known as a cure-all for an array of illnesses, from seasickness to pneumonia to infant cholera: Valentines Meat Juice. It has received the endorsement not only of leading physicians in Richmond but wherever it has been introduced, The Richmond Dispatch reported in the Wednesday, Nov. 1, 1871, edition. Indeed, so excellent has it been found that he calls it the gem of life. Producing the juice During the turn of the century, there were many who peddled cure-all medicines that were later found to be ineffective money grabs to exploit desperate people. However, for decades, Valentines Meat Juice garnered backing from physicians and many who said it was the real deal. When Valentine emerged from his basement with his elixir, driven by his own desperation, he took a chance. When, in the days following, Ann Maria began to recover and return to her normal self, he set out to share it with the rest of the world. While Valentine did not create the idea of meat juice, he did perfect its production. Decades prior, European physicians were experimenting with meat extracts. However, no one had managed to do so on a large scale because of the high cost of cattle. Valentine changed that. When he opened Valentines Meat Juice Co. at Sixth and East Cary streets, the United States was well into establishing itself as the global leader in cattle production following a post-Civil War cattle boom. As a result, he could create his extracts on a large scale for a significantly cheaper price roughly 12 cents per bottle in the 1870s, or about $3 today. His factory produced the juice on an assembly line. The finest cattle, primarily from Southwest Virginia farms, were slaughtered and hung in a cold chill room. Then, workers cleaned and stripped lean meat that would be ground into spaghetti-like threads. From there, the extraction process began with the ground meat boiled down in a constantly-stirred steam-heated kettle. The boiled liquid was then pumped onto cloth-wrapped wooden frames. The frames were stacked and placed under a hydraulic press and squeezed dry. After a whirl through a centrifuge, which separated the solids from the liquid, and a clarification process that resulted in a clear juice, it was packaged into signature egg-shaped brown bottles with labels that promised 4 pounds of beef in every 2 ounces. Perhaps it was the sickness and suffering he had seen in the War between the States that set Mann Valentine to thinking about the medicinal possibilities of meat juice, reporter James Free wrote in the Thursday, Feb. 3, 1938, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. To him, it seemed a pity that weakened persons most in need of nourishment so frequently could not absorb it. Juice shipped worldwide For nearly 120 years, Valentines Meat Juice Co. sold its signature juice, and it did not take long for it to grow in notoriety, first in Richmond, then across state lines and, eventually, it was shipped to every country in the world where medical science has its representatives. It was so popular that the company specialized its meat-based remedies with Liver Extract Valentine for treatment of anemia and Splenic Extract Valentine for treatment of bone fractures. At its height, it was a staple in most medicine cabinets including that of former President James A. Garfield, who after being fatally wounded by a gunshot, ate toast soaked in Valentines Meat Juice. He survived for nearly 79 days a feat that Valentine credited to his product. In 1889, a bottle of Valentines Meat Juice became the smoking gun evidence in a highly sensationalized murder case. Florence Maybrick, a Virginia native living in England, was sentenced to hang for the death of her husband after investigators found a bottle of meat juice containing high doses of arsenic in her medicine cabinet. Following a salmonella outbreak in Worthing, England, the mayor ordered more than 900 bottles and distributed them to residents. For decades, the product was sold in pharmacies as a medicinal aid. However, following the 1906 creation of the U.S. Federal Drug Administration and its subsequent crackdown on medicines, meat juice underwent a rebrand. While it contained the same three ingredients beef, egg whites (later glycerin) and water it moved away from being a health tonic and rebranded as a flavoring agent. From there, it was sold on grocery store shelves. For some Richmond bars, it became the secret ingredient in their Bloody Mary mix. When Valentine II died in 1892, he ensured his legacy would continue. He laid the groundwork for the establishment of the first museum in the city, The Valentine museum. Its artifacts came from most of his personal collection. Valentines Meat Juice Co. was willed to his son where it remained in the family and continued production until 1986, when the family decided to sell off its shares and close the factory for good. About this story "From the Archives" is a series of stories exploring the history of Richmond and the region through the files of The Times-Dispatch. Have a topic you'd like us to check out? Email reporter Em Holter at eholter@timesdispatch.com and visit richmond.com to see more from our archives. From the archives: More than 240 photos of Richmond and Virginia in the 1970s They call it the roadkill bill and legislators make sure to tease its sponsor, Del. Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham, about his proposal that people be allowed to pick up dead deer, bears, elk or turkeys after they have been hit by vehicles. Yeah, I do get some banter about it, Wilt said. But we have a lot of deer up my way and a lot of them are hit and left by the road, he said. It is one of those bills that remind legislators that Virginia is actually a pretty diverse state, Wilt said. His bill passed the House of Delegates 98-0 with one abstention. Questions that bug people in his Shenandoah Valley district sometimes do not arise in Richmond or Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads legislators email or when they are working in their district offices. On the flip side, this session saw senators from big cities, rural districts and suburbs join hands to ease worries that some Fairfax County residents have about whether they would be able to keep using wells as the Potomac aquifer continues shrinking. Wilt was ready for ribbing when he first presented his bill in January to a House Natural Resources subcommittee. Let the jokes begin, Wilt told members of the panel. Del. Robert Bloxom, R-Accomack, who represents two counties on the Eastern Shore, as well as part of Virginia Beach, asked Wilt whether the size of the animal matters. Wilt responded in jest: You well know you can already pick up a possum. We know how you folks are over in your neck of the woods. Bloxom said he assumes it would be picker beware in the summertime, when picking up a dead animal, thinking that youre going to eat it, could be a little dangerous. Wilt said the buck stops with the consumer: If you see an animal laying along the road and its blown up twice its size, it is probably not a good bet. Currently, only drivers who have hit a deer or bear deer are oddly inclined to run in front of vehicles at the last minute can claim a carcass, and only during hunting season. They have to notify the state Conservation Police or local sheriffs office to get permission to take the animal. A lot of times, the driver is done with deer, Wilt said. I had a constituent say, why not let people pick up the meat, if they want? His bill would let people do that, even out of hunting season. They would still need to notify the Conservation Police or local sheriff to get permission to take the animal, which otherwise is the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation to remove. You think the deer would be all torn up after hitting a car, but often theyre not, Wilt said. I got some questions about liability, if the meat spoils. But you have to count on peoples good sense. If its been out there for three days, whos really going to want to? Today in history: Feb. 16 1923: King Tutankhamen 1945: Island of Corregidor 1959: Fidel Castro 1960: USS Triton 1998: Airbus A300 2011: Borders 2017: Donald Trump 2018: Trump Russia Probe 2019: Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad in IAI: We find similar ideas of a transcendent ego in both Kant and the Upanishads. We find a rejection of free will in Schopenhauer and Ramana Maharshi. What should we make of this overlap between Western and Indian philosophy? Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad argues both became gripped by the same question. Ricky Williamson: What do you think are the key differences and similarities between Western and Indian philosophy? Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad: I dont think that there is actually a global answer to the question of differences between what are, broadly speaking, historically constructed traditions. While we might intuitively think we recognise what Western philosophy is or what Indian philosophy is, in practice its more complicated. A particularly potent example of the difficulty is the question of whether Arabic philosophy counts as Western philosophy. We know that the whole Aristotelian tradition was lost to the Latin-writing European philosophical tradition and was preserved by the Arabs and in Arabic. It only returned to the European tradition in the Renaissance, which launched a whole series of rediscoveries of Greek materials. Some people have therefore argued that Arabic philosophy is part of Western philosophy. But others would point out that within Islamic thought, as it was articulated in Arabic, Persian or Turkish, there was such a thing as Falsafah, which was a particular branch of philosophy and which was integrated into questions that were doctrinally based on Islamic revelation. So, they would conclude, of course what we might call Arabic philosophy is nothing like Western philosophy. More here. Carter Glass, a fiery, pint-sized Virginia politician with a big legacy, still throws a long shadow nearly 80 years after his death. The good: As a member of Congress, Glass is credited with establishing the regulatory foundation of the American banking and finance systems, starting in 1913 with the Federal Reserve. There was also his 1933 law banning banks from gambling in the investment markets with the deposits of their customers. The following year, Glass legislation created the Securities and Exchange Commission, the watchdog on Wall Street. The bad: As a state senator and newspaper publisher in Lynchburg, Glass led in 1902 the successful effort to, in effect, re-enslave Black Virginians through the poll tax and literacy test that almost overnight erased from the voting rolls many of them, along with poor whites. He made no apologies for folding into the state constitution language that ensured white supremacy by eliminating Black voters as a political force in post-Civil War Virginia. The ugly: Having already served in the General Assembly, the U.S. House of Representatives and as secretary of the treasury under President Woodrow Wilson a fellow Virginian an aged, frail Glass, then the states senior U.S. senator, refused to relinquish his office. For four years, starting in 1942, Glass failed to answer a single roll call vote. Instead, he took to his sick bed at a Washington hotel, where he remained until his death in 1946 of congestive heart failure at age 88. Voters in both parties who are fretting that their presumed choices this November for the presidency Democrat Joe Biden, 81, and Republican Donald Trump, 77 are too old, too infirm to endure, much less survive, the demands of the nations highest office would likely take no comfort in the response of Virginia political leaders to the difficult, delicate task of suggesting they put out to pasture a titanic national figure such as Glass: They did nothing. Historians note that Glass, on whose Lynchburg estate now stands Jerry Falwell-founded Liberty University, was often afflicted with one malady or another and was given to odd remedies for which there was no medical or scientific basis. For example, said Ellen Welch of the University of Virginia, Glass ... usually walked on his tip toes because he believed that would help with his indigestion. Initially appointed to the Senate in 1920 by Gov. Westmoreland Davis, succeeding the states then-political boss, Thomas Staples Martin, who had died in office, Glass wasnt just another conservative Southern Democrat who during the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency was intent on subverting New Deal policies that the Virginian opposed as indefensibly expensive and a boon to Blacks shackled by Jim Crow laws. Glass, Virginias favorite-son candidate for the 1924 Democratic presidential nomination, was the dean of the Senate, serving as its president pro tempore. That is, he was the senator responsible for leading the chambers proceedings in the vice presidents absence. The president pro tempore is also third in line to the president. That designation, however, was made with the Presidential Succession Act, adopted in 1947 the year after Glass died. Glass was also chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, giving him a big say in federal spending. Beyond FDRs high-dollar programs, aimed at lifting the nation from the Great Depression that spurred Glass to advocate for bank safeguards and the creation of the SEC, the senator was alarmed by the presidents decision to pull the United States from the gold standard under which currency was backed by government-held bullion. Because FDR in the spirit of the film mob boss, Don Vito Corleone believed in holding his friends close and his enemies closer, the president offered to appoint Glass as treasury secretary. That was the post with which he had been rewarded in the Wilson administration for shepherding the Federal Reserve Act that created independent regional banks in Richmond and 11 other cities to backstop local financial institutions. Glass, then in the opening months of the second of his four terms in the Senate, refused the Roosevelt appointment, citing an obligation to his Virginia constituents. But Glass also gave as an excuse his wobbly health. Of course, that was a topic Glass in remaining a senator would duck more than a decade later. Glass long absence meant that Virginia had only one working senator, Harry F. Byrd Sr., who had become the states maximum leader, tightening his grip on its politics through the racist protocols advanced by Glass that kept the electorate small, manageable, conservative and heavily white. Byrd and company turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to growing calls for Glass to quit. Among the reasons the Byrd organization refused to pressure Glass: There was no consensus on a successor. With his absence becoming an embarrassment to the state, a more public campaign was begun to get the inactive senator to resign, but it was ineffective due to lingering awe for the little giant and the problem of appointing a successor, Ronald L. Heinemann reported in his 1996 biography of Byrd. Byrd met with Glass on occasion but did not have the heart to ask his colleague to step down, concluding that it was a decision that Senator Glass himself must make. In February 1945, Robert Douthat Meade, a history professor at Randolph-Macon Womans College in Lynchburg the Glass family seat wrote an article, picked up by the states newspapers, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, that argued Virginia deserved two full-time senators. It was followed by a drumbeat of editorials in The Times-Dispatch and other papers usually allied with Glass that it was time for him to go. Finally, Glass, who had remarried at age 80 following the death of his first wife, ended his silence albeit quietly. As Time magazine, on whose cover Glass appeared in 1924 and 1933, would report, From grey Mrs. Carter Glass, the Senators second wife and constant, devoted attendant, came a terse no comment; from the onetime Secretary of the Treasury, who had taken his last Senatorial oath at his Lynchburg home, in carpet slippers, came no public response whatever. But this week reporters heard that the question of resignation had been put up to him. The man Franklin Roosevelt once called an unreconstructed rebel gave his answer: no. Biden and Trump couldnt say it any better themselves. Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly 2024 A bill to give state courts the power to punish smugglers seeking to evade U.S. immigration laws by taking people to or through Virginia died Friday on a party-line vote in a House panel after passing the state Senate on a bipartisan 33-7 vote. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, would have created three new felony crimes for such cases. But members of the House criminal laws subcommittee argued that there were already federal immigration laws and Virginia human trafficking laws that could address the issue. Sturtevant said the problem is that only a handful of cases even made it to trial in Virginia, despite several dozen complaints on human trafficking hotlines. Because the nations busiest highway, Interstate 95, cuts across the state, Virginia sees a large share of that trafficking, he said. Its especially acute in Richmond, he added. Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk, said that besides federal immigration laws, state statutes had stiff penalties for abduction and trafficking for commercial sex. He said the House of Delegates just passed by a unanimous vote a bill that would make labor trafficking that is, getting people to work by force or threats of serious harm a felony. Sturtevants bill would have made it a Class 6 felony, subject to up to five years in prison, to transport people into or across the state for pay in order to evade immigration laws. If that was done in a way that posed a risk of serious injury or if the people were minors, the penalty would have been up to 20 years. If a transported person suffered serious injury or if the smuggler was transporting people for prostitution or for sexual assault, the penalty would be as much as life in prison. Youre creating three new felonies ... youre talking about a lot of cases, said subcommittee chair Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. Do we know what it will cost? The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission and the Department of Planning and Budget said the cost could not be estimated, Sturtevant said. His bill had passed the Senate Courts of Justice Committee unanimously, but two members of that committee, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, voted against it in the Senate Finance Committee, which has grown concerned about taking on any new spending because of the uncertain state of the economy. Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, who was at the subcommittee to argue, successfully, for a bill about bail notifications, said the vote was disappointing. Smuggling, making money that way, is just abhorrent, he said. Senator Sturtevants bill would have given us another tool to deal with it. From the Archives: Richmond Police Mounted Unit A political primary is a preliminary election in which the registered voters of a political party nominate candidates for office. The key word here is preliminary. The current system allows small states such as Iowa and New Hampshire (assisted by the media) to award front-runner status to the victorious candidate. From there the candidates travel a path determined by which states want to "leap frog" the other by moving up their primary dates. Candidates are whisked across the country without any real ability to distinguish regional issues from national issues. Consequently, party platforms are determined by a make-it-up-as-you-go approach. If the primary process were organized on a regional basis, candidates would be able to study the regional issues, campaign to confirm those issues and then receive votes based on the solutions they propose. A regional approach would also prevent a premature selection of a front-runner because success in one region certainly would not guarantee success in the next region. This would also further validate the process because each state would still have a say all the way down to the end. Finally, the number of delegates awarded in each state should be determined by the percentage of votes won by each candidate. And yes, convert the caucuses to primaries. Accordingly, the political primaries should occur between January and June of each presidential election year. Each of the six regions would be assigned a particular month. A lottery held in June of the previous year would determine which month each region holds its primaries. Joe Bialek. Cleveland. Israeli men heading to Germany busted for cocaine possession in Mexico City Airport Mexico City, Mexico Two men from Israel remain in a Mexico City jail after airport authorities found blocks of cocaine in their luggage. A total of 17.2 kilos of powered cocaine was found in the false bottom of two suitcases. The travelers were arrested from inside the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) during the early hours of February 15. In the documented luggage inspection, personnel identified two suitcases with organic material which initiated a manual inspection. Through a statement, the AICM said that the suitcases were sent to the physical inspection point in the presence of two people who identified themselves as the owners. Those involved were originally from Israel and said they were traveling to Frankfurt, Germany. In a statement February 16, the AICM reported the suitcases had a double bottom where 10 packages were found in one and another nine found in the other. The wrappers were of various weights and sizes and contained a white powder with characteristics similar to those of cocaine. Authorities applied mass spectrometry tests with specialized equipment (MicroPhazir) for the detection of chemical substances, obtaining positive results for cocaine. Marcelo Trejo, 31, and Jose Eleazar Trejo, 24, were each charged Jan. 10 with one felony count of gun possession as an unlawful alien and three misdemeanors: public intoxication, discharging a firearm in city limits and reckless handling of a firearm. The Roanoke Times could not confirm the relation between the two, if there is one, on Friday. In accordance with plea agreements with the commonwealth, each man entered a no contest plea on their reckless handling charge during Fridays hearing, facilitated with the help of a Spanish language translator. All of their other charges will not be prosecuted. On Jan. 9, Salem police officers were called to the Baymont by Wyndham hotel in the 100 block of Sheraton Drive in reference to multiple gun shots heard in the area, according to a search warrant affidavit. The caller, the hotels front desk clerk, told officers she heard the gun shots come from the second floor and she had multiple calls from other residents ... advising it sounded like that is where the shots came from. Officers found four 9 mm cartridge casings in the breezeway of the hotel and observed the lights on in the room directly in front of and above the casings, the affidavit continues. Police went to the room, No. 220 on the second floor, and knocked on the door multiple times to speak with the subjects, the affidavit reads. Through the door, police could hear a firearm being unloaded. Police eventually made contact with the people inside and they refused to speak with officers. A safety sweep was conducted and officers observed, in plain view, a 9 mm casing on the end table between the two beds, the affidavit continues. That casing appeared to match the ones found outside. The two men, identified as the Trejos, continued to refuse to speak with officers or let them search the room for weapons or ammunition. But police obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and seized one Taurus G2C 9 mm pistol, plus one black pistol magazine containing seven 9 mm rounds. Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Drew Givens said during Fridays hearing that the pistol was found under a bed, and some ammunition was found in one of Jose Trejos pockets. Givens said the Salem Commonwealths Attorney Office consulted with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, representatives before reaching an agreement with the Trejos. Jose Trejo was sentenced on his reckless handling charge to 12 months in jail, suspended after he serves six. Marcelo Trejo was also sentenced on the same charge to 12 months, but suspended after he serves 30 days. Givens said Friday he believed Marcelo Trejo had already served that time at the Western Virginia Regional Jail while awaiting court proceedings. Both men will also have to be on good behavior for a period of 12 months. Samuel Silva was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday for stabbing his cellmate more than 150 times in a federal penitentiary that, by his account, was so violent that he had no other choice. Silva told a jury in Roanokes federal court last year that he acted in self defense after Abraham Aldana pulled a shank as they fought the morning of Sept. 14, 2018, in their cell at the maximum-security U.S. Penitentiary Lee in far Southwest Virginia. Although the jury rejected that account, it convicted Silva, 48, of voluntary manslaughter a far less serious crime than the premeditated murder that prosecutors once said called for a death sentence. Public defender Nancy Dickenson-Vicars wrote in a sentencing memorandum that U.S. District Judge Michael Urbanski must consider the dangerous culture at USP Lee when determining the appropriate sentence for Mr. Silvas actions. Prison officials refused Silvas request to be transferred to another cell to avoid an encounter with Aldana. The two men were kept locked in their 7-by-12-foot cell almost continuously, as violence at the prison often prompted lockdowns that lasted for days. Dickenson-Vicars cited a report from an independent oversight body that investigated the Lee County prison following a riot and found an institutional culture of violence. Inmates were confined to their cells for long periods, the report found, and correctional officers often encouraged them to settle their grudges by fighting. Silvas request for leniency, based in part on prison conditions, was denied by Urbanski, who imposed the maximum sentence. The judge ordered the 15-year term to run consecutively with the inmates current sentence, for a home invasion and assault of a 66-year-old woman in New Mexico, a second home invasion by Silva that involved a shooting and carjacking. Before Fridays sentencing, Silva was scheduled to remain in prison until 2054, when he will be 79 years old. The defendants history of violence demonstrates that he has no desire to live in a peaceful society and follow its laws, nor does he exhibit any efforts to change his violent behavior, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Lee wrote, urging Urbanski to impose the maximum sentence. Silva testified during last years trial that Aldana became angry at him for making too much noise after he arose early in the morning. As they two men fought, Silva said a shank a makeshift knife common in the prison that Aldana had concealed in his clothing dropped to the floor. After getting control of the weapon, Silva said he stabbed his cellmate repeatedly during a struggle that he estimated lasted from 90 seconds to two and a half minutes. Aldanas body lay in a pool of blood for the better part of the day, as the prison was locked down after another stabbing. He was found gagged and stabbed about 155 times in the upper body and head. The shank was lodged into the base of his skull. At first, the government believed the killing was gang related. Prosecutors received approval from the U.S. Justice Department to seek a death sentence, but later withdrew those efforts and sought a first-degree murder conviction. A late Virginia Tech graduate and donor is still giving, the university announced, with a recent $1.2 million estate gift to the Fralin Life Sciences Institute in support of genomics and genetics research. The gift from Arlen Tom Powers will help facilitate work throughout the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, which has over 300 faculty affiliates and houses a variety of centers dedicated to research and research infrastructure and tools, according to a university news release. Powers believed in the power of transformation, especially when it came to harnessing computer science, mathematics, physics, and biology within the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, according to the release. The Fralin Life Sciences Institute is exceedingly thankful for the generosity Mr. Powers demonstrated over the years, Executive Director Rob McCarley said. The recent bequest from Mr. Powers is a testament to his commitment to supporting life science research and education aimed at solving some of the biggest challenges in genomics and genetics. His devotion to VPI, like that for his career with the Department of the Navy, is deeply appreciated. Serving as a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Powers graduated in 1956 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He made his career building ships for the Department of Navy, and he is one of the first to oversee the installation of computers on board submarines and aircraft carriers, according to the release. The university release attributes Powers family as saying he had a love of science and believed genetic research would end up solving many medical problems of humankind. Virginia Techs Genomics Sequencing Center is a dedicated multiuser resource for the development and application of sequencing technologies. As a part of the institutes research service facilities, the Genomics Sequencing Center is a one-stop shop providing rapid, cost-effective project planning and execution, and genomic, transcriptomic, and functional-genomics services. Powers was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth and the couple was married for 53 years, according to the release. RICHMOND The 2023 makeover of the General Assembly could result in major changes to what happens in state courts when Virginians head there to seek justice. From opening state courts to class-action suits, to attacking insurer bad faith, to giving tenants a break in district court, the new Democratic majorities are seeking to end some distinctively Virginian legal traditions. The new approach to courts is also bringing a different approach to some criminal matters, from the ways courts levy and collect fines and fees, to new proposed rules for plea bargains and handling of evidence from police interrogation of juveniles and preliminary breath tests. It feels like a new day in the General Assembly, said Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk. One example, he said, remembering his days advocating for criminal justice reforms before his election in 2023, is legislation, House Bill 857 and Senate Bill 514, that he and state Sen. Angelia Williams Graves, D-Norfolk, have successfully moved through the House of Delegates and state Senate. These bills would shorten the statute of limitations for paying court debts. In 2018 that period was increased from 20 years to 60 years for circuit court debt and from 10 years to 30 years for district court fines and fees. When as a delegate last year, Williams Graves tried to shorten these time periods it didnt even get on the docket of what was then a GOP-led House Courts of Justice Committee, Hernandez said. Dems' 'significant force' There has been a significant change in legislative atmosphere of the General Assembly not just attributable to the Ds winning the House and thus controlling the legislative branch, said former Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City County, who was a member of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee for three decades. The Ds that have been elected are more ideologically progressive than a year ago. When you couple them with the frustrated incumbents, it is a significant force to advance their legislative agenda, he said. These are significant legislative changes that are going to alter the traditional landscape of Virginia that the average citizen may not fully appreciate until the laws are implemented, Norment said. Many of them are not business friendly, he said. The only R who can detour this legislative train is the Gov; and who can predict how far he is willing to exercise his veto and try to save the arena? Norment said, referring to the governor's proposal for a $2 billion project to bring the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals to Alexandria. Youngkin is not commenting on bills until they reach his desk and he can review them in detail, said deputy communications director Macaulay Porter. Will class-action suits come to state's courts? The biggest prospective change is embodied in identical House and Senate measures, Senate Bill 259 and House Bill 418, that would let Virginians bring class-action lawsuits to state courts. Virginia is one of only two states that do not permit these suits, which let people join together to pursue claims for damages. Mississippi is the other. This should reduce barriers to access, said Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, who introduced the House version. If you lost $1,000 to a payday lender, thats a lot of money to you, but it isnt always enough to bring in a lawyer and go to court, Simon said. This just allows Virginians with many smaller claims to come together to go to court. Class-action lawsuits can expose businesses to large payouts. For plaintiffs, they offer a pathway around the usual case-by-case process that can leave individuals unable to stay with the often long and costly process of getting a court decision. Thisd be a field day for trial lawyers, said House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, who served on the House Courts committee for 13 years. While Virginians have been able to pursue class-action lawsuits if they have claims under federal law, what if you have an entity routinely violating just state law? You are out of luck and lawsuits have to be filed separately, said Jay Speer, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. The folks on the wrong side of this claim there will be a litigation apocalypse if this passes," Speer said. "Apparently, that didn't happen in the other 48 states that already allow this." The real issue is accountability, he said. Class-action suits are particularly important when individuals are seeking only relatively small damages, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. In such situations the expense of hiring a lawyer is high compared with the amount sought, or the share of an award a lawyer could see as a contingent fee is low, "It means more access to the courts for people," he said. "I think it shows Democrats are living up to their promises to consumers." Proposed breaks for tenants advance The same small size of claims in most landlord-tenant disputes means tenants often do not have lawyers to argue over eviction cases. That has prompted the new Democratic majority in the House to greenlight several measures to give tenants a bit of a break. House Bill 740, from Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, deals with cases in which a tenant who is facing eviction disputes the amount of back rent a landlord says the tenant owes. Under current law, the district court judge handling the eviction must set a separate trial over the disputed amount when the landlord asks for it. Under Cousins bill courts would need to deal with the disputed amount at the same time they decide on the eviction. That gives tenants a fairer chance to make their case, she said. This is about tenants rights and access to justice, she said. That access is the same issue that is at the heart of the class-action lawsuit bills, she said. Cousins also proposed House Bill 824, to cap the fees for court-appointed lawyers that indigent defendants must pay, which also won House of Delegates approval. Hassan Shabazz, a paralegal who focuses on prisoners rights, said he was assessed $650 of attorneys fees. That was part of more than $4,000 in fines and fees bill he worked off from a 5% withholding from a prison job that paid 45 cents an hour. It took more than two decades. A 'shot across' insurers bows A bid by state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, to exempt medical malpractice awards from Virginias unique cap on payments in cases where children under 10 faced huge lifetime bills for care, died in the Senate Finance Committee. But it got a lot farther than similar efforts had, with support from senators whose legal practice has largely been defending insurers. That near miss - along with a bill from Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, that would subject insurers to pay double damages if they deny, refuse, or fail to pay a claim under an automobile insurance policy and are found to have done so in bad faith - reflect a growing impatience among legislators over insurers claims practices, said state Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover. Its a shot across their bows, he said. But insurers say the bill would just make auto insurance more expensive. Nancy Egan, vice president for state government relations at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said a 2022 study estimated such legislation would boost auto insurance premiums by 19%. This bill benefits plaintiff lawyers by putting more money in their pockets at the expense of consumers," Egan said. "The bill will encourage litigation, which drives up claims costs." Tobias, the UR law professor, says it makes sense to sanction insurers for actions in bad faith. "I think everyone would see the sense in that," he said. Gun bills include liability Gun control measures moving through the Senate and House, Senate Bill 491 and House Bill 318, would mark another new departure for Virginia law, one that disturbs state Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George. They would open a door to lawsuits against entities firearms industry firms in this case that are not immediately responsible for what others do with their products. The House and Senate also approved House Bill 896 and Senate Bill 625, under which Social Security benefits would be exempt from court debt collections which federal law already says but which state courts often dont do, Hernandez said. The Office of the Executive Secretary, which provides administrative support for Virginia's courts and magistrate offices, says complying with federal law here should not have a material effect on the operating funds of Virginia courts. The Senate approved Senate Bill 334, under which plea agreements could not include any provision to waive a defendant's rights under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution - which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures - or their right to ask for expungement or sealing of police and court records. The House approved House Bill 266 under which if a law-enforcement officer does not let parents know a child is in custody before beginning to interrogate them, anything the child says would be inadmissible in any delinquency proceeding or criminal proceeding against him or her. State Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, convinced fellow senators that children under 11 are too young to be judged delinquent, but should instead be directed toward necessary behavioral or medical support when they violate Virginia delinquency laws. The House passed House Bill 267, sponsored by Del. Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax. Under this measure someone arrested on a charge of assault on a police officer would be able to defend themselves against that felony charge if the officer was responding to a call for service sparked by the defendants mental health crisis or behavior caused by dementia or a developmental disability. House Bill 34, from Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Suffolk, would set a new three-year statute of limitations on actions to collect medical debt. Disputes with landlords would change Cases involving landlord tenant disputes also would have a different feel under several measures working their way through the General Assembly. House Bill 598, from Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, would increase from five to 14 days the amount of time tenants have to pay late rent and late fees before a landlord can file an eviction case. Identical House and Senate bills, approved by each body, House Bill 597 and Senate Bill 479, would empower local governments to sue landlords to enforce health and safety laws. Under a bill the House approved, House Bill 73, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, expunging and sealing courts records of eviction cases would be automatic when landlords fail to win their cases. Records of dismissed cases, or even cases where the tenant won, can often affect a persons credit record or ability to rent another place. The House also approved with a bipartisan vote, a bill from Cousins, House Bill 1251, that would end the requirement that a renter be current in rent in order to seek a court order that the landlord keep an apartment or house safe and habitable. "I think these are making things different, trying to make sure tenants and landlords have more equal access to justice," said Christie Marra, a lawyer who specializes in housing issues for the poverty law center. "I do think people are looking more seriously at these bills ... there's more interest in sitting down together and working to try get them right," she said. "I think what I'm seeing with the new class is a new energy." By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Stormont First Minister Michelle ONeill has said she wants to attend events that are important to the unionist community, stating that political leaders in Northern Ireland need to step outside of our traditional comfort zones. Ms ONeill told of her pride at attending an event this week on The Shankill Road in Belfast alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The Sinn Fein politician became the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland when the Stormont powersharing institutions were restored almost two weeks ago. During an appearance on RTEs The Late, Late Show, Ms ONeill said she had been getting on well with the DUPs Ms Little-Pengelly, stating they had had a positive first two weeks in office. Stormont deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly (left) and First Minister Michelle ONeill (right) on the Shankill Road. Photo: Rebecca Black/PA. She said: Were both tasked with leadership, given that responsibility to lead and were determined to do that together. We want to work together, we have come from two very different political backgrounds, two different lived experiences, two different outlooks for where we think we should be in the future, in particular in relation to constitutional change. But thats alright, isnt it? Its fine to have that different viewpoint but also working towards day-to-day things like public services, health, education, childcare and this week was a great opportunity for us because we both prioritised childcare. We went into a childcare setting in north Belfast, and we also went into a childcare setting on the Shankill Road. I believe thats the first time that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister have ever stood on the Shankill Road side by side visiting a project. I was pleased that we were able to do that, but I dont think Emma or I looked at the children in north Belfast or the children on the Shankill and thought for a second that they were different, they are children and everything that were doing is about building that better future for them. So I just thought that that was a fabulous thing for us to do. Michelle ONeill attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. Photo: Phil Noble/PA. Ms ONeill said she had an open mind about accepting any invitations to attend events from the unionist community as First Minister. She said: I would gladly receive invitations to anything that anyone wants to send me one for. I just think its important that we all step outside of our traditional comfort zones and find ways to reach others out there. Im a Republican, Im very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and what I want to achieve, but I also think that if were going to lead and be political leaders in todays society, 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, then we all have to be focused on the future. I do think things that are very important symbolically, in particular for those from the British tradition, for example, myself attending the Queens funeral, or King Charless coronation, thats really really important if Im going to represent everybody in society and I believe that I can fairly represent everybody in society. And I want to demonstrate that not just by saying that, but by doing things that actually really mean something to people. Ms ONeill was also asked if she would attend IRA commemorations during her time as First Minister. She said: We have a very tragic past, a very difficult past where so much hurt and injury has been caused, many injustices out there. I think we have to respect that everybody has a right to remember their dead and we should just be respectful of that and create that space for each other.Clearly, I am First Minister for everybody now. I will be very true to that pledge that Ive made. So any invitations that I would take up but always be very mindful of the office that I hold because I want to represent everybody fairly. And that includes Republicans because I think thats important to say also, I want to represent the community that I come from and the background that I come from, but I can also do that and also represent everybody else there in society. April Chavez is the Santa Maria City Reporter for the Santa Maria Times. If you have information, or a story idea that you would like to share, send her an email at AChavez@SantaMariaTimes.com. 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. Alexei Navalny's spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader died at a remote Arctic penal colony, saying he was "murdered," but it was unclear where his body was as his family and friends searched for answers. Navalny's death at age 47 deprived the Russian opposition of its most well-known and inspiring politician less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. Though neither the imprisoned anti-corruption crusader nor other Kremlin critics were in a position to challenge Putin for the presidency, the loss of Navalny was a crushing blow to Russians who pinned their future hopes on Putin's seemingly indefatigable foe. It also prompted questions about what killed him. A note handed to Navalny's mother stated that he died at 2:17 p.m. Friday, Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said. Prison officials told his mother when she arrived at the penal colony Saturday that her son perished from "sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. A prison colony employee said the body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a post-mortem investigation, Yarmysh said. When Navalny's mother and one of the late politician's lawyers visited the morgue in Salekhard, it was closed, Navalny's team wrote on its Telegram channel. The lawyer called the morgue and was told the body was not there, his team said. Another of Navalny's lawyers went to Salekhard's Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Navalny's death had not yet been established and new investigations were being done with the results to be released next week, Yarmysh said. Russia's Investigative Committee informed Navalny's team that the body would not be handed over to his relatives until those investigations were complete, she said. The decision prompted speculation that the Russian authorities may be keen to hold on to the body in an attempt to cover up potential foul play. They're driving us around in circles and covering their tracks, Yarmysh said. "It's obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body," Yarmysh wrote on X, adding that his team demanded that Navalny's body "be handed over to his family immediately." Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and fell unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he couldn't be revived, the service said, adding that the cause of death is still "being established." Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said the opposition leader would "live on forever in millions of hearts." Meanwhile, arrests continued Saturday as Russians came to lay flowers in memory of Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges. OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia, said Saturday that more than 273 people were detained at memorial events since Navalny's death. Memorial items laid Friday were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted "shame" as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St. Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny there. In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. "After the murder of Alexei Navalny, it's absurd to perceive Putin as the supposedly legitimate head of the Russian state," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. "He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence." Speaking to broadcasters in Munich, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Saturday that Britain "will be taking action" against the Russians responsible for Navalny's death. U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that Washington doesn't know exactly what happened, "but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did." The Kremlin bristled Friday at the outpouring of anger from world leaders, with Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, calling the statements issued before medics released the cause of Navalny's death "unacceptable" and "outrageous." Navalny was jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He later was convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Navalny said he understood he was "serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime." Hours after Navalny's death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at the Munich conference. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, "but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putin's friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband." HARTINGTON, Neb. Economic development directors continually look for every possible way to attract visitors and businesses to their towns and cities. So when the Nebraska Creative District program was launched a couple years ago, Miranda Becker and others in Hartington jumped at the chance to be included and gain access to grant money that could help make their home more alluring. "I think people see a small town and they think there's nothing to do here," said Becker, Hartington's economic development coordinator. With the promise of grant money that comes with the Creative District designation, Becker and other city leaders knew a successful application could fund community improvements aimed at drawing visitors to Hartington to see what the Cedar County seat has to offer. "There's funding available through that for things that wouldn't be high-priority for the city, things like murals and art," Becker said. Hartington Creative District Miranda Becker, Hartington's economic development coordinator and Creative District administrator, left, and Karen Flamig, secretary of the Cr Authorized by the Nebraska Legislature in 2020 and run by the Nebraska Arts Council, the Creative District program, according to its website, aims to promote and support economic development opportunities in communities dedicated to growing their arts-related economic sectors. Among its goals are attracting artists, creative enterprises and businesses, establishing districts as tourist destinations and promoting communities' cultural and historic heritage. Once accepted into the program, a community receives a $10,000 grant and is eligible for up to $250,000 more in grant funds in future years. That kind of money earmarked just for arts-related projects and improvements is a big incentive, Becker said, especially for smaller towns that don't have a lot of extra funds in their budgets after providing basic services such as street maintenance and other infrastructure needs. Becker submitted Hartington's application in March and was notified of the town's acceptance in December. The town's Creative District encompasses much of the downtown business district along Broadway Avenue, which already was a nationally registered Downtown Historic District. It includes historic buildings such as the Hartington Hotel, Globe Clothing building, Cedar County Courthouse and city library. Hartington Creative District Miranda Becker, Hartington's economic development coordinator and Creative District administrator, stands along North Broadway Avenue in downt Becker, who has added the title Creative District administrator to her duties, said potential uses for the initial $10,000 grant include a sound system for the downtown area that could be play ambiance music and be utilized during the annual downtown Candlelight Christmas parade. Also under discussion are building murals, decorative benches and garbage can holders downtown and finding attractive ways to cover gaps between downtown buildings. Some in the community also would like to reopen an art gallery. "We'd just really like to grow this so we have a good community environment," Becker said. Becker foresees using the Creative District designation as a marketing tool to pique interest in Hartington and attract visitors. In the meantime, the goal is to start a few projects that will get residents involved and maybe spur more ideas. "It's something you can immediately see and people can be a part of this," Becker said. "Once you see things beginning to happen, people will get behind it." PIERRE, S.D. A 32-year-old Yankton man was sentenced Friday to 85 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Adrian Lund pled guilty in January in connection with the stabbing death of Timber Cournoyer at a Yankton home on May 22, 2023. She then died at a Sioux Falls hospital the next day, May 23, 2023. "This sentence hopefully brings some comfort to Timbers family," South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said. "Thank you to the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked on this case." The awards program recognizes employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees participation in the National Guard and Reserve, according to a press release from Dordt. Shane Kramer, a custodian at Dordt and a reserve member who is currently deployed, nominated Droog for the award because of the ways she worked with him to ensure Dordts policies and military leave details were clear and in compliance as well as making sure that Kramer and his family had all the information they would need to have a smooth transition for his one-year deployment. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City School Board has removed from its regular agenda a time for individual board members to speak out on non-agenda issues. Traditionally, the school board has had a portion of their regularly scheduled meeting for what's been known as board member reports. In addition to speaking items not on that week's agenda, board members have also used the time to provide updates on committee meetings. During Mondays regular meeting, Board President Jan George said it was suggested that the item be removed from the agenda. George said lately board members have not had anything to report and, if they were giving a report, it was often saying they attended their required committee meetings. "The policy allows us to remove this from the agenda. The leadership team discussed this, and the consensus was to remove it," George told the Journal. "This also allows us to streamline the board meetings in the future and stay focused on the business at hand. If a board member wishes to have something mentioned he/she can send that to the Superintendent who will then include it in his report." The topic has been placed on the agenda for board policy committee for discussion. The meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Previously, it was proposed that board members submit written board member reports to be included in the board packet. The suggestion was discussed in the board policy committee in September. Board member Bob Michaelson suggested that board member reports be written ahead of time. Former board member Monique Scarlett argued board member reports are for accountability and used as a time to bring new ideas forward. Former board member Bernie Scolaro shared she used the board member reports for updates on legislative issues, as well as a time to note successes and upcoming events. In March 2023, board members used board member reports as an opportunity to speak in opposition of anti-LGBTQ bills circulating in the Iowa Legislature. "It was suggested to have a board member workshop with the incoming new School Board members," according to meeting minutes. "It was Board consensus for the Board Member Reports to remain as is on the Regular School Board agenda." In recent years, a number of topics have been brought forward during board member reports and the section of the agenda has regularly taken more than a half hour, with each member bringing different comments forward. Often, board members will share upcoming events in the community and school district, speak on topics that are occurring on the state and national level, announce resignations, recognize teacher concerns, etc. Throughout early 2023, board members shared information regarding the search for a new superintendent and their thoughts on the process. In August, board member Dan Greenwell used board member reports to share concerns about a rumor that district administration reported a parent to the FBI for domestic terrorism after he protested at board meetings in 2020. He later apologized for the accusation after the FBI confirmed no such report took place. In May 2022, Scarlett shared concerns regarding the transparency of an interim superintendent selection. At the time, an argument broke out between Scarlett and Greenwell regarding the situation. At the same meeting, the selection of Angela Bemus for associate superintendent was announced during board member reports. In 2021, board members shared opinions regarding a mask mandate for the COVID-19 pandemic during that portion of the meetings. In the past few years during the last meeting for outgoing board members, they have given goodbye statements during board member reports. Board members have also announced their resignation from the board during that portion of the meeting. NILIN, West Bank Count the rings of the gnarled olive trees dotting Mohammed Mousas land in the West Bank village of Nilin: They've been here centuries, far before the Palestinian family's livelihood came to depend on the whims of Israeli occupation. When Israel established a checkpoint near the Mousas' land a decade ago, the family converted their ancestral farm into a parking lot for Palestinian workers entering Israel. But the lot has been empty since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip, and Israel, fearing more attacks, barred Palestinian workers from the West Bank from entering Israel. In the fifth month of the war, the family is out of savings, running up debt at supermarkets and selling heirlooms to put food on the table. I've sold my mother's gold, my phone, my bicycle, Mousa said. There's nothing more to sell. Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, unleashed an unimaginable humanitarian crisis and decimated the strips economy. But Israel's near-complete severance of economic ties with the West Bank also has had serious repercussions for Palestinians there. Economists and Palestinian officials say the territory faces a dire economic crisis that also weakens the Palestinian Authority, which administers autonomous pockets in the West Bank. Under interim peace deals from a generation ago, the self-rule government was meant to expand and eventually run a future Palestinian state. The fallout from Israel's decision is felt keenly in Nilin. Before October, over 10,000 Palestinian workers crossed the checkpoint there daily, heading to Israeli construction sites and farms. Israeli shoppers used the crossing to enter the West Bank. An estimated 200,000 Palestinians worked in Israel and Israeli settlements before the war, according to the Israeli workers' hotline Kav LaOved. The jobs pay much higher wages than what is available in the West Bank. The checkpoint gate is now bolted shut, eyed by armed Israeli guards in a watchtower nearby. A third of the village's 6,400 residents used to work in Israel, and all lost their jobs after Oct. 7, according to municipality official Nidal Khawaja. A fifth of the villages university students have delayed their semesters, unable to pay tuition. The towns commercial revenue has dropped 40%. Whats true in Nilin is true across the West Bank, where a third of workers are now unemployed, up from 13% before the war, according to the World Bank. Salaries for government employees have been slashed, and intermittent closures of military checkpoints have stifled commerce. Israel operates 400 checkpoints in the territory, the Palestinian Economic Ministry said, turning what should be short supply trips into hourslong journeys. When the checkpoints are closed, they can also prevent the passage of trucks. Israel says the restrictions are meant as a security measure. The Palestinian economy in the West Bank contracted by over a fifth in the last quarter of 2023, according to the Palestinian economic ministry. A third of businesses in the territory either closed or reduced production and a third of jobs were lost. Daily losses run to $25 million. The question isnt if there is a crisis, said Khawaja, the official from Nilin. The crisis is already here. The crisis is compounded by the inability of the territorys largest employer, the Palestinian Authority, to pay full salaries. Under interim peace accords in the 1990s, Israel collects tax revenues on behalf of the Palestinians, transferring them to the Palestinian Authority, which uses them in part to pay wages. Since October, Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has held up transfers to Gaza, prompting the Palestinian Authority to refuse to accept any of the money. The U.S. has repeatedly urged Israel to release funds, to no avail. Last week, the PA said it would transfer 60% of December salaries to workers over a month late. If the crisis in the Palestinian Authoritys finances continues, it will lead to the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian Economic Minister Khalid Al-Esseily said. If paying salaries is the essential remaining raison detre of the Palestinian Authority, then it may as well collapse, as the situation calls for far more than that from it," said Khalidi. The crisis comes as the U.S. doubles down on calls for a revitalized PA to govern a post-war Palestinian state, starting with the West Bank and Gaza. Though Israeli officials have said workers from Gaza will never again enter Israel, Israeli media reported last week that officials are considering a program to allow workers over the age of 45 from the West Bank to return to Israel. The government also has allowed some 8,000 Palestinians to return to work in Israeli settlements. But the future of the labor arrangement remains uncertain. The lack of Palestinian workers also has hit Israel. Israel's Finance Ministry said in December that the economy was losing $830 million a month as a result. As of December, half the construction sites in Israel had shut down. The industry is at a complete freeze," Raul Sargo, head of the Israeli Builders Association, told Israel's parliament in December. There is no immediate alternative. The state accustomed us to Palestinian workers. Israel-Hamas war at 100 days Iowa Rep. Heather Hora, R-Washington, announced she will seek re-election to a second term. Hora was elected in 2022, besting Democrat Eileen Beran of Kalona for the two-year term to represent House District 92, which covers all of Washington County and parts of Johnson County. Co-owner and vice president of HK Farms Inc., a family farming corporation specializing in corn, soybeans and hogs, Hora serves as the vice chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and as a member of the House Agriculture, Education, Natural Resources, and Veterans Affairs committees. "I am proud of the work I have been part of during my time here, Hora said in a statement. It is an honor to get to represent House District 92 and the State as a whole. Getting to work on legislation my constituents care most about has been very fulfilling. I look forward to continuing this work in the Iowa House. Hora was endorsed by Gov. Kim Reynolds ahead of the 2022 June primary for her support of Reynolds push to create taxpayer-funded scholarships to pay for private school tuition. Her other priorities include property tax relief and strengthening programs intended to grow the states workforce, like Future Ready Iowa. Bohannan endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund Planned Parenthood Action Fund this week announced it is endorsing Iowa City Democrat Christina Bohannans congressional campaign. Bohannan, the University of Iowa law professor and former state representative, is making her second bid for Iowas 1st Congressional District, which covers 20 counties in Southeast Iowa, including Scott and Muscatine counties. The district is currently represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, of Ottumwa. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, in its announcement, said Bohannan has been unwavering in her support for reproductive freedom and is putting it at the forefront of her campaign. The abortion rights group said Miller-Meeks has repeatedly attacked Iowans reproductive freedom, including co-sponsoring a national abortion ban with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the womans life, supporting legislation that could punish doctors, and voting to allow states to ban abortion by blocking consideration of the Womens Health Protection Act, which would have codified a federal right to abortion. Miller-Meeks has said she supports a national 15-week ban on abortion with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. She also co-sponsored the Life At Conception Act, which would criminalize abortion but would not allow the woman having the procedure to be prosecuted. It has no exceptions for rape, incest or the womans life. Bohannan told The Gazette last month she supports a return to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned in 2022 that protected a woman's right to an abortion prior to the viability of the fetus. Im honored to have the support of Planned Parenthood in the critical fight to protect reproductive freedoms, Bohannan said in statement. There is an assault on abortion access happening here in Iowa. As a mother, this fight is personal. Iowans can always count on me to stand up for their freedoms in Congress. The presidential candidate raising the most from individual donations in each state The presidential candidate raising the most from individual donations in each state Presidential support varies by region 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 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 This week, a court in Fulton County, Georgia, heard arguments about whether a romantic relationship between District Attorney Fani Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade disqualified her from continuing to try the Trump election interference case. The hearings delved into intimate personal and financial details, the complexity of divorce, and what actually constitutes a conflict of interest. Dahlia Lithwick and Jeremy Stahl discussed the hearing on this weeks Amicus; their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. To listen to the full episode of Amicus, join Slate Plus. Dahlia Lithwick: What are the options ahead in this case? What are the choices that Judge McAfee is gonna have to wrestle with as he thinks about what it is that he has to do and how? In turn, does that affect the timing of this massive, sprawling, what wouldve been a huge, huge, momentous case? Jeremy Stahl: Its important first to note, I think, that this is a very solid prosecution. Fani Willis brought a very strong case. Shes already wonand shes the first prosecutor, I think, in these big Trump cases to have wonmultiple plea deals with Trumps big co-defendantsSidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis, otherswho have confessed, essentially, to some of the smaller charges in exchange for their testimony. These were big, important wins for the case against Donald Trump and the case that Donald Trump committed a crime to try to steal an election. So shes accomplished that already. And the possibility of this case was that she would do more of that, right? That was the promise of this case. So its important to lay those stakes on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think to answer your question: Its a very convoluted and difficult road. I think [Judge McAfee] can do a number of things. I think he can suggest that Nathan Wade should no longer be on the prosecution team, perhaps. He can say, You know what, this is not a conflict of interest that actually prejudices the defendants in any way, because it really is hard to see how this specific set of facts does go to the detriment of these defendants. Although I suppose a case could be made for that. So he could say, No, were not gonna disqualify. He could say the entire office is disqualified. And its this last option where things get really complex and difficult. If he does that, this decision about who becomes the new prosecutor, if there is a new prosecutor, goes to this official that has power over this in the state of Georgia. Advertisement Related From Slate Welp, It Looks Like Fani Willis Torched Her Case Against Trump Read More This has already happened. Once in this series of cases [with] Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Fani Willis was investigating him as part of this scheme to keep Trump in power during the 2020 election. She had done a fundraiser or something like that for one of Burt Jones opponents. The judge in that case said that this was a conflict of interest, and Willis was disqualified. That disqualification then got kicked up to this council that is supposed to determine these things. This was more than a year ago. The council has still not appointed a new prosecutor in that case. Advertisement The fact of the matter is that this could put the case on hold indefinitely. Even if a new prosecutor is selected, there is no guarantee that the prosecutor will decide to go forward with the case. Things are very much up in the air in a way that is not looking great. Advertisement Advertisement It sort of makes me think of all the times that we talk about judicial ethics and the Supreme Court, particularly where we insist that judges and justices act impeccably. And, boy, we learned, whether we wanted to or not, on Thursday, just a whole lot about how relationships work, and what sexism is, and who makes sandwiches in the relationship, and travel to tattoo parlors around the world. The whole thing feels like a kind of desperate black eye to the way we think about how we would like to see the legal system perform. This raises a question for me, actually, because I know about your own previous professional experience. You were actually a divorce lawyer in a past life. And a lot of this stems from some divorce proceedings between Nathan Wade and his soon-to-be ex-wife. Advertisement A lot of the revelations around the relationship between DA Willis and Nathan Wade stem from that. And a lot of the details that were explored in this hearing had to do with the complexity of that situationthe complexity of a divorce, the complexity of relationships during a period of separation, or when a marriage is irrevocably broken. Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Wade said his marriage was broken in 2015, so that left him free to engage in romantic relationships, and all these things. They were staying together for the kids. There is just so much messiness and complexity of actual personal relationships going on here, and you have some knowledge and experience of what that looks like from the perspective of a lawyer trying to sort through these things. Advertisement I had a couple of thoughts on Thursday about this. I always have to remind myself of the Michael Newdow Pledge of Allegiance case that made its way all the way up to the Supreme Court, where Michael Newdow famously did not want his daughter to have to say the pledge and say the words under God. Advertisement He argued it himself at the court. That started as a massive dispute between divorcing parents, which is a part of the case that we always forget about. So its true: While I was listening to disgruntled colleagues, former colleagues, talking about behavior and thinking about illness and COVID, and all of the ways that this is just unhappy families being unhappy in different ways, I was a little bit reminded of the first rule of family law as I was taught it, which is that criminal lawyers tend to meet the folks that they represent acting their very best, trying to behave really magnificently. Family lawyers tend to meet pillars of the community behaving really badly. People who in every other context are utterly beyond reproach, and yet theres stuff stashed under the bed and horrible misconduct online. I think in some sense, what youre poking atand its trueis that this is the kind of stuff that probably exists in so many, not just divorces, but just every kind of relationship as it dissolves and begins with someone else. And its the kind of stuff none of us wants to know about because it always paints everybody in the worst possible light. On Thursday, the Justice Department announced charges against an FBI informant with inventing the claims that the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had hired Hunter Biden as a way of channeling bribes to Joe Biden. David Weissthe Trump-appointed special counsel who had also levied charges against Hunter Bidenannounced the charges, contending that the informant had transformed his routine and unextraordinary business contacts into salacious allegations targeting the president. The informant, 43-year-old Alexander Smirnov, had allegedly given agents false information in 2020 and was known to strongly dislike Joe Biden. According to the indictment, Smirnovs story fell apart upon questioning in 2023. He was arrested in Las Vegas on Wednesday. So, just how much does it matter to Republicans that this FBI informant has been charged with fabricating his claims? How much does it change the narrative about the Biden crime family that has become entrenched among both right-wing politicians and media? We cant assume that this development will be taken seriously on the right, given Trump supporters distrust of the FBI. On Fox News, the biggest peddler of this narrative, the hosts ignored the news. But if it were taken seriously, it would come as a significant blow. The FBI informant, who had not previously been publicly named, was the star figure of possibly the most credible accusation against the president. You may recall the whole drama from May 2023 in which Rep. James Comer and Sen. Chuck Grassley demanded that the FBI release an unclassified record alleging a criminal scheme involving thenVice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. That was the form that contained this fabrication from Smirnov. Advertisement Known in the Fox News internet-sleuth community as an FD-1023 form, it contained claims from an informant asserting that the then-unnamed Smirnov had spoken with Burismas founder and discovered that Burisma officials had tried to pay the two Bidens $5 million each for their help in ousting Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who had been investigating Burisma for corruption. If that were true, it would have been a real bombshell: As vice president, Joe Biden would have leveraged his power over U.S. foreign policy to protect a foreign company from prosecution in exchange for a bribe. In other words, it would have been a clear-cut case of corruption. But there was a real reason the FBI resisted sharing this form: It contained an unsubstantiated allegation from a dubiously reliable source. In 2020 the Trump DOJ had investigated Smirnovs claims and failed to find any evidence supporting them. There was no reason to present the allegations as legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI was right to worry that releasing the form would be dangerous. When it gave a redacted version of the form to the legislators, the Republican hype machine went into overdrive. In his position as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Comer repeatedly alluded to proof of corruption, seemingly based on the form. But more importantly, Fox News latched on to the allegations, accusing the FBI of covering up for the Bidens and portraying the informant as highly credible and in danger of retaliation. Sean Hannity emerged as the forms biggest booster. According to data from the liberal group Media Matters, his show aired 85 segments promoting the bribery claim in 2023. On Fox, the presidents corruption became an assumed truth. Smirnovs claims also became central to the House GOPs failed effort to impeach Biden. Advertisement One might hope that there would be vast recriminations and public embarrassment now that the feds have formally charged the source of so much drama with making it all up. But the damage in public perception from this episode is done and likely cant be corrected with the news of the informants arrest. Even if the right did take it seriously, though, Fox News still has a few other Biden crime family storylines to mine that are not connected to Smirnov or his form. As the Media Matters data showed, although Smirnovs claims were the most exciting accusations, Hannity had even more segments (though fewer triumphant monologues) on Comers vague claims that Hunter Biden had used shell companies to launder the money they were receiving from foreign nationals. (The Washington Post reported that these were all actually legitimate businesses, except for one short-lived company that may have been unconnected with Hunter Biden.) Advertisement Related From Slate Why Republicans Are So Mad at the FBI Read More Then theres the connected claim from a Comer memo that the committee had found more than $20 million in payments from foreign sources to Biden family members or their associates. None of the payments were directly connected to Joe Biden, and the Post found that only $7 million of that total had gone to Biden family members. Advertisement Theres also the 2017 email in which a Hunter Biden associate used the phrase 10 held by H for the big guy? in discussions of a partnership between Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden and the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy. The draft agreement and later official agreement that resulted from this exchange made no mention of Joe Biden; theres no evidence the president was involved in any of this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And finally, theres a threatening 2017 WhatsApp message that Hunter sent to a Chinese executive: I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Democrats have maintained that this was pure bluster from Hunter, who was struggling with drug addiction at the time. An associate of Hunters testified that they were trying to create the illusion of access. There are even more snippets the right has fixated on. For years now, the right-wing media world has been meticulously scouring all communications and documents related to Hunter Biden for evidence of his father betraying the American public. While officials have found evidence of Hunters illegal and unethical behavior around his taxes and use of firearms, there has been nothing officially tying Joe Biden to any wrongdoing. Smirnovs claims were the most likely source of anything solid showing that the president was involved. Joe Biden may have been reckless in failing to prevent his son from using his family name for clout, but the Republicans case for actual corruption is now a lot emptier. The bad climate news keeps coming: A new study adds to the evidence that the Atlantic Oceans critical system of currents will eventually collapse in response to melting ice sheets in Greenland (thanks, global warming). These currents shuttle waterand along with the water, heatbetween the poles, influencing climate around the world. It would be a pretty big problem if the system, called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (or AMOC for short), stopped working. You might be wondering how worried you should be. Lets get into it. If the AMOC is so important, why hadnt I heard of it before now? You have, actually! The AMOC collapses in the movie The Day After Tomorrow. And the famous Gulf Stream is one of the currents that contributes to the AMOC. It moves warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up toward Europe, which is why Western Europe experiences a relatively milder climate than the same latitude in North America. And what exactly is it doing? The AMOC is like the thermostat of the earth, says oceanographer Rene van Westen of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who led the new Science Advances study. It helps keep global temperatures from going too far to one extreme or another. Our atmosphere, which is just tootling around doing its thing, is directly affected by the surface temperature of the ocean, says Lynne Talley, a world expert on ocean circulation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. And that is affected by the water moving around in the depths. Advertisement OK, so ocean water is always flowing around like this, transporting heat and regulating temperature how? Ocean circulation is driven by density differences, which depend on the salinity and the temperature of the water. Cold, salty water is heavier than warm, fresh water. When flowing water reaches Greenland, it becomes very cold and salty, causing it to sink and flow south, where the water warms and rises closer to the surface again. Van Westen compares the process to a conveyor belt going around and around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate What Is the Stanley Cup Craze Really About? I Have a Few Ideas. Read More Changing the salinity of the water messes up the way the water flows. Thats why the melting of the Greenland ice sheets is a big problem: Its injecting a ton of freshwater into the ocean far north, where the water is usually very salty. The more freshwater, the weaker the circulationnot to mention that atmospheric temperatures are also increasing, which also makes water lighter. The new study shows that if the density dynamics change enough, the conveyor belt will eventually stop moving, aka collapse. That means it wont transport any water, saline, or heat across the globe. Advertisement So what happens to the global climate if it collapses? It wont be a total Day After Tomorrow situation. Right? If AMOC collapses, heat will linger in the Southern Hemisphere, warming South America and Australia and causing Western Europe to cool down. Things definitely wont happen as fast as they do in the movie, or be as dramatic. For example, it will take about 100 years for temperatures to decrease 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in Western Europe. While it might sound nice that some areas would cool down, it will get too cold in many places. For instance, in Bergen, Norway, measurements for the month of February show as much as a 35-degree decline per century, which is really crazy, says van Westen. Talley doesnt foresee the cooling to cause an ice age as it did in The Day After Tomorrow[global] warming will not bring an ice age! she saysbut the decline will be significant. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the sea level will rise up to a meter in some places, says van Westen; the East Coast of the U.S. will be particularly affected. And there will be less precipitation in Western Europe, which will have massive impacts on agriculture there. You cannot adapt to this, noted Peter Ditlevsen, an ice climate researcher at the University of Copenhagen, to Inside Climate News. Theres some studies of what happens to agriculture in Great Britain, and it becomes like trying to grow potatoes in northern Norway. Advertisement Are we already seeing problems with the AMOC, or is this like an all-or-nothing thing? Since the 1950s, AMOCs circulation strength has decreased by somewhere between 10 and 15 percent, says van Westen. But as long as the water hasnt freshened too much from glacier melt, the conveyor belt will keep on cranking, says Talley. Van Westens recent study found that once theres enough fresh water input, the slow decline thats been happening will drop off like a cliff, and AMOC will essentially grind to a halt. Advertisement How do scientists even know whats going on with currents deep in the ocean? A huge effort has been in place for decades to monitor changes in the AMOC. Its extremely expensive to maintain, says Talley, but worth it to understand whats happening in the ocean. Since 2004, the AMOC flow has been continuously recorded by instruments deployed near the Florida Strait in the Atlantic Ocean, in a program called the RAPID-MOCHA array. Meanwhile, a fleet of 4,000 floats around the worldnamed Argo, after Jasons ship in Greek mythology measures temperature and salinity in the upper part of the ocean, while satellites measure wind. All of this information can then be used in computer simulations to calculate what might happen with the current in the future. OK, the million-dollar question: When will the AMOC collapse happen? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a million-dollar question for a reason. No one really knows, but scientists are trying to figure that out. A 2023 paper proposes that it could happen any time between 2025 and 2095, but other scientists are skeptical that we can home in that specifically. Well thats terrifying! What do I do with this information?! It is pretty alarming. I hope that not everybody is panicking, says van Westen. But I also hope that people take the climate crisis really seriously. The solution is, as we know well, reducing greenhouse emissions, which will decrease both atmospheric warming and the speed of glacier melt. And while these changes really need to happen at the political and public policy level, he thinks its important to remember that individual actions do matter, too. All the small contributions will help. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/battle-for-avdeyevka-the-view-from-donetsk-1116832006.html Battle for Avdeyevka: The View From Donetsk Battle for Avdeyevka: The View From Donetsk Sputnik International Not only have I lived in Donetsk under shelling from the Nazi strongpoint of Avdeyevka for almost ten years, but my first military position, back in December 2014, was in Yasinovataya, just across the Donetsk - Gorlovka Highway from Avdeyevka. 2024-02-17T02:08+0000 2024-02-17T02:08+0000 2024-02-17T02:08+0000 donetsk ukraine crisis russia's special operation in ukraine russian forces high mobility artillery rocket system (himars) nazis ukraine russia avdeyevka https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/10/1116828818_0:176:3016:1873_1920x0_80_0_0_f97692eb372b9032781230ba69798257.jpg Not only have I lived in Donetsk under shelling from the Nazi strongpoint of Avdeyevka for almost ten years, but my first military position, back in December 2014, was in Yasinovataya, just across the Donetsk - Gorlovka Highway from Avdeyevka.In 2016, I was in Avdeyevka, when DPR forces pushed back a Ukrainian advance into what was then the Grey Zone residential area of Avdeyevka, on the north side of the highway. Shortly after my visit, the entire residential area of Avdeyevka was razed to the ground by Ukrainian artillery, and until recently, everything north of the highway has been under control of Banderastan. In the summer of 2017, I served on the very front line of the Avdeyevka front. One side of the highway was ours (DPR), the other side belonged to the Ukrainians. I could look through a periscope and see Ukrainian flags flying a few hundred meters away.Most of the shelling of Donetsk civilian areas over the last ten years have come from Avdeyevka, including the recent mass murder of 27 civilians at the Tekstilshchik Market, in my neighborhood, less than a month ago. Avdeyevka was known as an impregnable fortress of Nazi power, and yet I have lived to see it begin to fall. Many of my friends, both civilian and military, did not. But those of us who lived, swore a solemn oath on their blood that we would see it fall, or die like they did, trying. That's why I say I feel this victory in my soul, because I know my friends feel it in theirs today, even from another world. And today, we kept that promise.And I feel it in my bones today, too, because today, instead of the steady rumble of Avdeyevka artillery, there was silence. There hasn't been any shelling of Donetsk today, at all. Today, the Nazis who have bombed us for almost a decade from Avdeyevka are too busy running for their lives to target civilians or anyone else. My wife even commented today, It's been really quiet today. So far, from experience, we know that every time we have a significant military victory, the Nazis take it out on our civilians. The Nazis have HIMARS, CAESAR and TOCHKA-U, that can target Donetsk from far behind Avdeyevka, and we know what kind of atrocities to expect in the coming days. But we are not going anywhere, we are ready to face whatever comes. We know there will be retribution by the Nazis against civilians soon. But we stand fast, civilians and soldiers, ready to move forward, for the future of humanity. donetsk ukraine russia avdeyevka Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg avdeevka liberated, avdiivka liberated, avdeyevka liberated, russia liberate avdiivka, russia liberates avdeevka, russia liberates avdeyevka, 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/20240217/china-russia-contribute-to-regional-global-stability-1116846345.html China, Russia Contribute to Regional, Global Stability China, Russia Contribute to Regional, Global Stability Sputnik International China and Russia contribute to the strategic stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday, adding that Beijing has consistently promoted a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. 2024-02-17T13:52+0000 2024-02-17T13:52+0000 2024-02-17T13:52+0000 world russia china wang yi cooperation stability https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1114998112_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6b35ce9c2a0ae202b9b4781ad3548c1a.jpg "Russia is China's largest neighboring country. A China-Russia relationship that grows steadily on the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, meets the shared interest of the two countries, serves the strategic stability of the Asia-Pacific and the world," Wang said at the Munich Security Conference. Wang noted that Beijing "has never given up on promoting peace or slackened its efforts to facilitate talks" on the Ukrainian crisis. Chinese President Xi Jinping had an in-depth exchange of views on this issue with world leaders, including of both Russia and Ukraine, the minister said, noting that China had published its position paper on this matter and the country's special envoy traveled intensively to mediate among different parties. This year, the Munich Security Conference is taking place from February 16-18. Over 450 high-profile officials are expected to attend the meeting to discuss international security issues, including heads of state, ministers, leading personalities of international and non-governmental organizations, high-ranking representatives of industry, media, academia, and civil society. The forum was founded in 1963. In February 2023, Beijing released a 12-point document titled "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which underscores respect for the sovereignty of all countries, the cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian delegations have engaged in several rounds of peace talks in the early days of the conflict, but the negotiation ultimately reached an impasse. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240208/russia-china-must-cooperate-closely-to-ensure-security-oppose-external-interference---xi-1116664318.html russia china 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 china and russia, chinese foreign minister wang yi, ukraine crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/diplomatic-cables-bidens-support-for-israel-has-poisoned-allies-attitudes-toward-us-1116849441.html Diplomatic Cables: Bidens Support for Israel Has Poisoned Allies Attitudes Toward US Diplomatic Cables: Bidens Support for Israel Has Poisoned Allies Attitudes Toward US Sputnik International The Biden administration has offered unequivocal support for Israels punitive operations in spite of international condemnation of Tel Aviv and calls for an urgent ceasefire. Top US allies in the Middle East have taken or threatened to take serious steps to distance themselves from Washington amid the crisis. 2024-02-17T18:14+0000 2024-02-17T18:14+0000 2024-02-17T18:14+0000 world joe biden benjamin netanyahu us israel saudi arabia state department hamas palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/11/1116849284_0:136:2595:1595_1920x0_80_0_0_6b022ff73ae4feb4118e36866579ab1f.jpg US diplomats stationed in Middle Eastern countries have been sending warning signals to Washington about the lasting anti-American sentiment stirred up in the region thanks to the Biden administrations stubborn support for Tel Avivs military actions in Gaza.The warnings, collected by the State Department over recent weeks and seen by ABC News, reportedly prompted a meeting between officials and US intelligence services to evaluate just how much damage had been done.A cable from the US diplomatic mission in Morocco, for example, indicated that pro-US collaborators in the Northwest African country felt that ties with the US were now toxic thanks to the blank check Biden gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israels Gaza operations.An anonymous official told the network that the issue has spread beyond the Middle East to other Muslim majority countries, including Indonesia. Meanwhile, the enduring hit to US popularity in the Mideast is said to pose a threat to US plans for post-conflict diplomacy, as well as Washingtons long-standing push for normalization with Israel.The diplomatic downturn abroad has also been matched at home, with the administration quietly reaching out to American Muslim communities in battleground states like Michigan amid fears that they could stay home come November instead of coming out to reelect Joe Biden.Bidens handlers have sought to balance his comments on the Palestinian-Israeli crisis in recent weeks, but despite the posturing, the US is reportedly proceeding with plans to supply Israel with additional weapons, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits and bomb fuses, while simultaneously calling publicly for a temporary ceasefire.Washingtons duplicity has threatened to unravel decades of US diplomacy in the region. Last week, officials warned that Egypt is considering suspending its landmark 1978 Camp David peace agreement with Israel the keystone to US normalization strategy.Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of former regional arch adversaries Saudi Arabia and Iran vowed on Friday to expand their bilateral cooperation, while jointly blasting Israel over its crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Saudi Arabia welcomed Irans proposal for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperations foreign ministers to stop Israels genocide.The latest escalation of the 75-year-old Palestinian-Israeli crisis began on October 7 after Hamas carried out surprise raids into southern Israel, catching the military off guard and taking hundreds of hostages. Over 1,450 Israelis and nearly 29,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in the conflict to date, with some 1.9 million of Gazas 2.1 million residents displaced in the fighting. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240215/evacuation-of-refugees-in-rafah-to-supposed-safe-zone-is-illusion---un-1116800553.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/us-prepares-to-supply-weapons-to-israel-despite-calls-for-ceasefire---report-1116841340.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240216/iran-saudi-arabia-inch-closer-to-military-cooperation-as-us-loses-grip-in-mideast---analyst-1116815201.html israel saudi arabia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov how have middle eastern countries responded to us support for israel, how is biden undermining us mideast policy, will us lose allies for supporting israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/fani-willis-blasts-former-lover-in-stunning-testimony-1116833791.html Fani Willis Blasts Former Lover in Stunning Testimony Fani Willis Blasts Former Lover in Stunning Testimony Sputnik International On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss current events from around the globe, including the Fani Willis testimony. 2024-02-17T04:02+0000 2024-02-17T04:02+0000 2024-02-17T11:04+0000 the final countdown fani willis jeffrey epstein gaza strip rafah israel palestine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/10/1116834744_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_7fbb1a5b77c577caf172b3691330a91e.jpg Fani Willis Blasts Former Lover in Stunning Testimony Sputnik International On this episode of The Final Countdown, hosts Angie Wong and Ted Rall discuss current events from around the globe, including the Fani Willis testimony. The first hour begins with attorney Steve Gill discussing the ongoing Fani Willis hearing and all of its bombshell moments. Then, counselor-at-law, Tyler Nixon, joins later to weigh in on the heated testimony.The second hour begins with the founder and executive director of Lynn's Warriors, Lynn Shaw, on why Jeffrey Epstein victims are suing the FBI.The show closes with the Managing editor of Covert Action Magazine Jeremy Kuzmarov, who shares his expertise on the latest out of Gaza, including Israel's planned Rafah offensive.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 gaza strip rafah israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.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 Ted Rall https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125340_0:0:360:360_100x100_80_0_0_1ed1a3494a53cde87e19521c3658fe92.jpg fanni willis testimony, jeffrey epstein victims sue fbi, gaza war https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/iran-showcases-advanced-homegrown-air-defense-systems-1116842683.html Iran Showcases Advanced Homegrown Air Defense Systems Iran Showcases Advanced Homegrown Air Defense Systems Sputnik International Tehran's quest for self-sufficiency in modern indigenous military equipment has led to the development of new air defense weapon systems capable of intercepting multiple aerial targets within a range of less than 100 kilometers. 2024-02-17T15:07+0000 2024-02-17T15:07+0000 2024-02-17T16:33+0000 world iran tehran anti-ballistic missile (abm) treaty newsfeed middle east military & intelligence defense system video https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/13/1116260948_41:0:2880:1597_1920x0_80_0_0_0a2efe3deb6b7ad0e3cd9d933d947e66.jpg Iran has presented its latest advancements in anti-ballistic missile (ABM) and low-altitude air defense (LAAD) systems at an event in TehranThe event was attended by Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, Iran's Press TV reported.Among the new systems was the country's homegrown Arman (Aspiration), also known as Tactical Sayyad (Hunter) ABM defense system. It can track and detect 24 targets at roughly 180 kilometers (111 miles) and engage multiple targets at once within a range of about 120 kilometers (74.5 miles).The Arman system has short-range self-defense features compared to models like the Khordad-3 and Khordad-15 systems.Also unveiled during the event was the Azarakhsh (Thunderbolt) low-altitude air defense system. It is designed to deliver close-range and ground-to-air firepower to protect frontline combat zones, mobile forces, key sites and critical infrastructure and specialized or autonomous operations.Last December, Iran unveiled an advanced, locally-built naval remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). The submersible drone is built for minesweeping missions, and can function continuously for 24 hours underwater, reaching depths of 200 meters. The new system is set to be a pivotal asset for the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy as an addition to its HR-53 electromagnetic signal-generating mine-sweeping helicopters and manned minesweepers such as the Shahin.The Islamic Republic's military-industrial complex has evolved over the past four decades after it weaned itself off Western arms supplies, joining the club of a few regional military powers capable of designing, developing, and producing homegrown military hardware to deter its well-funded adversaries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240216/iran-saudi-arabia-inch-closer-to-military-cooperation-as-us-loses-grip-in-mideast---analyst-1116815201.html iran tehran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg iran defense ministry, anti-ballistic missile, low-altitude air defense, brigadier general mohammad-reza ashtiani, arman, tactical sayyad, khordad-3, khordad-15, azarakhsh, hr-53 electromagnetic signal-generating mine-sweeping choppers, islamic republic of iran navy. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/russian-air-defenses-down-33-ukrainian-drones-over-5-regions-overnight---mod-1116838369.html Russian Air Defenses Down 33 Ukrainian Drones Over 5 Regions Overnight - MoD Russian Air Defenses Down 33 Ukrainian Drones Over 5 Regions Overnight - MoD Sputnik International Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 33 Ukrainian drones over the regions of Kaluga, Voronezh, Bryansk, Belgorod and Kursk overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. 2024-02-17T06:16+0000 2024-02-17T06:16+0000 2024-02-17T06:16+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine voronezh kursk russian defense ministry bryansk kaluga russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0f/1116796197_0:127:2841:1725_1920x0_80_0_0_0deac26aedd11c018f4ade5212dc4b2b.jpg "Tonight, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using 33 aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles on facilities on Russia's territory was stopped. On-duty air defense systems intercepted and destroyed over the territories of Belgorod (four drones), Voronezh (four drones), Kursk (one drone), Bryansk (18 drones) and Kaluga (six drones) regions," the ministry said in a statement.Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240216/russian-air-defenses-destroy-5-drones-over-belgorod-region-black-sea---mod-1116813578.html bryansk kaluga 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, russian air defense systems, russian defense ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/stoltenberg-admits-nato-has-munitions-problems-but-claims-alliance-stronger-than-russia-1116842090.html Stoltenberg Admits NATO Has Munitions Problems, But Claims Alliance Stronger Than Russia Stoltenberg Admits NATO Has Munitions Problems, But Claims Alliance Stronger Than Russia Sputnik International NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday acknowledged the alliance's problems with military stockpiles, but still claimed that NATO was stronger than Russia, announcing plans to "ramp up" military production. 2024-02-17T11:33+0000 2024-02-17T11:33+0000 2024-02-17T11:33+0000 world jens stoltenberg sergey lavrov russia ukraine nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0e/1110352244_0:0:3106:1748_1920x0_80_0_0_92254df016a5f7bd7299f3637e5dd6e9.jpg "Militarily we are stronger than Russia. But at the same time I think that war in Ukraine has demonstrated that there are some serious gaps. For instance, when it comes to sustainment along, I think is that we have all the advanced weapon systems, but they need spare parts, they need maintenance and they also need ammunition. And in the beginning of war in Ukraine we depleted our stocks, but now they are running quite low. So, now we are focusing extremely so much on how to ramp up production," Stoltenberg said at the Munich Security Conference 2024.Western countries have been providing Ukraine with military aid since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. The support evolved from light artillery munitions and training to heavier weapons, including tanks and jets. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240216/tucker-carlson-believes-ukraine-will-never-repay-60bln-to-us-if-aid-provided-in-loan-1116814343.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 nato has munition problems, nato secretary general jens stoltenberg https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/ukrainian-forces-chaotically-fleeing-from-avdeyevka---dpr-official-1116841915.html Ukrainian Forces Chaotically Fleeing From Avdeyevka - DPR Official Ukrainian Forces Chaotically Fleeing From Avdeyevka - DPR Official Sputnik International The Ukrainian armed forces are chaotically leaving their positions in Avdeyevka, abandoning the wounded, it is a flight, advisor to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Yan Gagin told Sputnik. 2024-02-17T12:00+0000 2024-02-17T12:00+0000 2024-02-17T12:00+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian armed forces russian defense ministry ukraine kiev donetsk russian armed forces https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/03/1116571647_0:197:2941:1851_1920x0_80_0_0_3d94d74d7ea141eae0773e013699eff3.jpg Ukrainian troops are chaotically leaving their positions in Avdeyevka, abandoning the wounded - it is a flight, adviser to the head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Yan Gagin told Sputnik.On Friday night, Syrsky announced the decision to withdraw Ukrainian units from Avdeyevka and the transition to defense. The Ukrainian Armed Forces said earlier that the situation for Ukrainian troops in the Avdeyevka area is critical, worse than in Artemovsk (Bakhmut), which Kiev lost in May 2023.Gagin stressed that it is premature to talk about Avdeyevka coming under Russian control, as it is necessary to wait for an official report from the Russian Defense Ministry.Avdeyevka is a northern suburb of the city of Donetsk and served as a powerful fortified area for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/russia-well-equipped-to-take-ukraines-impregnable-fortress-of-avdeyevka-1116783548.html ukraine kiev donetsk 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 fleeing from avdeyevka, ukrainian armed forces, abandoning the wounded https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/us-prepares-to-supply-weapons-to-israel-despite-calls-for-ceasefire---report-1116841340.html US Prepares to Supply Weapons to Israel Despite Calls for Ceasefire - Report US Prepares to Supply Weapons to Israel Despite Calls for Ceasefire - Report Sputnik International The administration of US President Joe Biden is preparing to deliver a batch of weapons to Israel, including bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits and bomb fuses, despite US calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the situation. 2024-02-17T09:16+0000 2024-02-17T09:16+0000 2024-02-17T09:16+0000 world middle east palestine-israel conflict gaza strip israel hamas joint direct attack munition (jdam) benjamin netanyahu joe biden https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/01/1115933766_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_bc300dc7ba60370a69f8ef3b6967244a.jpg The amount of weapons to be supplied is worth tens of millions of dollars, the sources said. On Friday, Biden said he had raised with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to allow for the withdrawal of the remaining hostages, adding that he did not expect Israel to attempt a large-scale ground offensive while this initiative was being considered. On October 7, 2023, 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. At least 28,775 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said. On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240215/israel-rejects-hamas-ceasefire-offer-calls-movements-demands-delusional-1116787485.html gaza strip israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International supply weapons to israel, calls for ceasefire, gaza strip https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/us-think-tank-says-ukraine-russia-peace-deal-possible-desirable-1116834517.html US Think Tank Says Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal Possible, Desirable US Think Tank Says Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal Possible, Desirable Sputnik International A negotiated settlement to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is both possible and desirable, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft said on Friday. 2024-02-17T01:35+0000 2024-02-17T01:35+0000 2024-02-17T01:35+0000 world ukraine crisis ukrainian crisis ukrainian conflict us ukraine russia peace deal peace plan peace process https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/06/1116623246_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_bc0fb05d6747dc91c6050c53677e0828.jpg Former CIA analyst George Beebe and Eurasia expert Anatol Lieven, the authors of the 43-page paper, believe that it is possible to reach a compromise by diplomatic means.The United States and its allies cannot fix Ukraines "acute manpower problems" without direct involvement in the conflict, the authors clarified. Russia has withstood sanctions and improved its military, whereas Ukraine has gradually exhausted its forces, according to the authors. There is "little realistic prospect" of future Ukrainian territorial gains, Beebe and Lieven insisted. Ukraines best hope lies in a negotiated settlement that prevents future escalation and bolsters regional and global security, the analysts highlighted. The US should publicly support calls from China, Brazil, and other countries to hold peace talks, the authors said. US officials should engage with Russian counterparts through both formal and informal channels to help build trust and bolster dialogue, the analysts said. A negotiated settlement must address key concerns of Russia, Ukraine, and western countries alike, the report said. Ukraine must obtain security guarantees and a path to economic reconstruction, Russia must secure assurances that Ukraine will not host NATO weapons or forces, and the US and Europe must receive promises from Moscow not to leverage success in Ukraine into broader threats, Beebe and Lieven explained. US public rhetoric should demonstrate openness to peace talks instead of a belief that the conflict ought to continue indefinitely, the analysts stressed. 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 conflict settlement, conflict resolution, russia-nato showdown, us expansionism, nato expansion, russia-us war, war psychosis, russian forces, russia advances, russia attacks, russian threat, russia threat, us hegemony, western pressure, western world, western dominance, us dominance, anti-russian campaign, anti-russian bias, anti-russian sentiment, antirussian campaign, western dominance, unipolar world, western arrogance, western rules, western arrogance, western influence, western interference, us arms for ukraine, us assistance to ukraine, aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine, 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/20240217/watch-russian-su-25-attack-aircraft-hit-ukrainian-camouflaged-equipment-and-manpower-1116838609.html Watch Russian Su-25 Attack Aircraft Hit Ukrainian Camouflaged Equipment and Manpower Watch Russian Su-25 Attack Aircraft Hit Ukrainian Camouflaged Equipment and Manpower Sputnik International The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing Russian Su-25 attack aircraft attacking Ukrainian camouflaged equipment and manpower in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). 2024-02-17T10:00+0000 2024-02-17T10:00+0000 2024-02-17T10:00+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine video russia ukraine russian defense ministry su-25 https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/11/1116839119_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_600c9878c05b9685330340a2907f9374.jpg The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing Su-25 attack aircraft striking Ukrainian camouflaged equipment and manpower in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). According to the ministry, the targets were successfully hit.Russias Su-25 is specifically designed to engage ground targets and provide close air support for ground forces. The aircraft's armor protection and ability to withstand damage make it a resilient platform for close combat operations. 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 Russian Su-25 attack aircraft struck Ukrainian camouflaged equipment and manpower in the DPR Sputnik International Russian Su-25 attack aircraft struck Ukrainian camouflaged equipment and manpower in the DPR 2024-02-17T10:00+0000 true PT0M26S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian su-25 attack aircraft, ukrainian camouflaged equipment and manpower https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/western-media-prefers-interview-with-evil-hamas-over-russian-president-1116835779.html Western Media Prefers Interview With Evil Hamas Over Russian President Western Media Prefers Interview With Evil Hamas Over Russian President Sputnik International The fact that a mainstream journalist can air an interview with a Hamas fighter and not with the Russian president reveals the extent of the demonization the leader faces in Western media. 2024-02-17T03:02+0000 2024-02-17T03:02+0000 2024-02-17T03:08+0000 world palestine-israel conflict vladimir putin tucker carlson russia israel hamas cbs freedom of speech censorship https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/11/1116835622_0:0:2000:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_38f5246d75b58c62dd9bcac1055275d4.jpg The double standards of Western mainstream media were on vivid display recently when US television network CBS aired several minutes of footage from an interview with a Hamas recruiter, but nothing from journalist Tucker Carlsons historic interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.The discussion with the representative of Hamas, which is heavily stigmatized and labeled as a terrorist group in the West, was conducted by CBS foreign correspondent Debora Patta. Clips from the interview were aired twice on CBS news broadcasts once on the networks morning news program and again on an evening news broadcast. The sitdown also formed the basis of an article on CBS website.In total, more than 12 minutes of television coverage were dedicated to the interview.The networks coverage was peppered with loaded language and inaccuracies typical of Western media when covering the Palestine-Israel conflict; for instance, Patta called the Hamas members statement that the group killed no civilians during their October 7 operation a blatant lie. Reporting in recent months has revealed that Hamas operation targeted Israeli military and police installations, while an investigation in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz discovered that many of the most sensational claims about events that day were fabricated by a discredited Israeli organization known as Zaka.With many of the civilian casualties on October 7 caused by IDF crossfire and others likely attributable to non-Hamas groups, the statement that Hamas was directly responsible for no civilian casualties on October 7 remains plausible.Still, if CBS reporting on Hamas remained as flawed as ever, at least the network conducted reporting on the group. Meanwhile, the major broadcaster, along with other US mainstream news outlets, devoted no coverage at all to Tucker Carlsons interview with the Russian president despite the discussion racking up over two hundred million views online.The only reference to the interview at all was offered cryptically during a short discussion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys power struggle with former military chief Valery Zaluzhny. During the coverage, an on-screen chyron briefly noted that President Putin had expressed openness to negotiation on the Donbas conflict a revelation that emerged from Carlsons historic sitdown. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/watch-in-full-president-putins-interview-to-tucker-carlson-1116683752.html russia israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg carlson-putin interview, tucker carlson, tucker carlson interview vladimir putin, tucker carlson in moscow, tucker carlson in russia, death threat, sanctions on carlson, us hegemony, us media, media censorship, genocide, ethnic cleansing, 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 https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/why-ukraines-ambitions-to-buy-fifth-gen-jet-which-doesnt-exist-yet-will-crash-and-burn-1116847266.html Why Ukraine's Ambitions to Buy Fifth-Gen Jet Which Doesnt Exist Yet Will Crash and Burn Why Ukraine's Ambitions to Buy Fifth-Gen Jet Which Doesnt Exist Yet Will Crash and Burn Sputnik International Western military observers monitoring the Ukrainian crisis are holding their breath in bated anticipation ahead of the arrival of the F-16 fighter jets long promised to Kiev, which Russia has vowed to shoot out of the skies as soon as theyre deployed. But some Ukrainian officials are already setting their sights on far more ambitious goals. 2024-02-17T16:56+0000 2024-02-17T16:56+0000 2024-02-17T16:56+0000 analysis viktor litovkin military & intelligence turkiye kiev ukraine nato air force f-35 eurofighter typhoon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104808/67/1048086796_0:193:2201:1431_1920x0_80_0_0_1ca7c7286be3c400b418230ac71d70eb.jpg Ukraines ambassador to Ankara has announced Kievs plans to purchase Turkiyes new Kaan stealth multirole/air superiority fighter once the advanced prospective fifth-generation enters production.Bodnar claimed that Ukrainian defense companies are working on the Kaans engines and working and competing for the Kaan project, and stressed that the promising new plane has the full potential to compete with the F-35 and the F-22."What is the Kaan?Development work on Turkiyes ambitious national fifth-generation aircraft officially commenced in late 2010, with the project led by the Turkish Aerospace Industries and TUSAS Engine Industries (a manufacturer of licensed General Electric-designed engines). Turkiye received development and engineering assistance from the UKs BAE Systems on the project, and tapped Eurofighter Typhoon engine maker Eurojet and Rolls Royce for assistance on the planes power plants.The Kaan program was formally unveiled to the press in 2021, with design and qualifications expected to be completed by 2029, a critical design review carried out as soon as later this year, and the first flight made by 2026. Mass production is expected to start in 2029, coinciding with the retirement of Turkiyes fleet of F-16 fighters in the 2030s.Ukrainian Officials Heads in the CloudsFor now, the Kaan has only taxied along the runway and been shown off externally, Major Andrei Krasnoperov, a Russian Aerospace Forces veteran and military expert, told Sputnik, pointing to the amount of time and resources necessary to put a true fifth-generation fighter aircraft into service.Pointing to Russias experiences developing the Sukhoi Su-57 jet, Krasnoperov intimated that Kievs expectations on purchasing the aircraft from Turkiye in the foreseeable future are absolutely unrealistic.A fifth-generation aircraft must meet all the requirements in terms of speed, avionics, and all sorts of aviation equipment, plus stealth. But for now the plane has only been seen taxiing along the runway. Thats all there is to say about it, the Russian major and first-class instructor pilot said. To prove that a plane is a plane it is at least necessary for it to take off. If it hasnt, and these delays indicate that it is still raw.Retired Russian Army Colonel and military analyst Viktor Litovkin agrees, saying that its hard to speak of the Kaans final form at this stage, and that talking about the systems characteristics and prospects will be possible only once the plane is airborne.Building a plane is a long and very serious process, Litovkin told Sputnik.Before an aircraft takes off, a huge amount of testing is carried out on the ground. And only then, when all ground testing activities are completed, is the first attempt to lift the plane into the air organized. Then it ascends into the air and immediately lands, or circles over the airfield, the expert noted.We have the Su-57, which made its first flight back in 2010. But we still have only about ten-fifteen of these aircraft in service, because were still mastering this aircraft, looking for its advantages and shortcomings, what needs to be improved, what needs to be refined. It had one engine type. Now a second-order engine is being created for it; it also needs to be adapted and found out how it interacts with the aircraft, and so on. This is a very serious process, and not just one, two, lets fly. It doesnt happen that way, the observer summed up.The problem for Kiev, as former Swedish Armed Forces officer Mikael Valterron told Sputnik on Friday while discussing long-term security pacts with NATO countries, is that Ukraine urgently needs defense equipment for the Western blocs proxy war against Russia now, not ten years down the line.Will Turkiye Agree to Sell the Planes to Kiev?Then there are questions of financing. Where would Kiev get financing to purchase fifth-gen fighters from Turkiye without being propped up by NATO? Would Turkiye agree to sell the aircraft to Ukraine before equipping their own Air Force first? At present, Ankara plans to deliver the first 10 Block-1 Kaan jets to the Air Force between 2030 and 2033, with mass production of additional planes planned for 2034-2040. Ambassador Bodnars comments on plans to buy the new fifth-gen jets are highly ambitious, unless Kiev envisions the present proxy war becoming a NATO Hundred Years War against Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240125/moldova-has-no-plans-for-hosting-f-16-jets-on-its-territory-for-ukraine---defense-minister-1116371974.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240217/stoltenberg-admits-nato-has-munitions-problems-but-claims-alliance-stronger-than-russia-1116842090.html turkiye kiev ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov what is the new fifth-gen fighter jet ukraine wants, will turkey sell ukraine its fifth-gen fighter jet Garrett Rooney was the star of the 10-race card at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Friday, Feb. 16, driving half of the night's winners. Rooney was a winner right out of the starting gate, sweeping the first three races for pacers with the Tom Bain-trained Money On The Beach ($4.30), trainer Heather Pickett's homebred Drinkin Buddy ($2.50) and the mare Cinderella Delight ($2.90) for the Stewart McQueen stable. He later drove back-to-back winners for trainer Cameron McQueen, taking the sixth race with trotting mare Champagne Bettin ($3.60) and the seventh with pacing mare Better Not Sass ($3.20). Rooney achieved his five wins driving in just eight races. His lucrative evening also included a pair of runner-up finishes and a fifth-place cheque. With his five Friday wins, Rooney moved into a tie atop the 2024 driver standings at the London, Ont. oval with Tyler Borth. Both reinsmen have won 33 races so far this year at The Raceway. Rooney is coming off consecutive million-dollar seasons, including a career-best 2023 campaign in which his mounts won 264 races and $1.4 million in purse earnings. The Iona, Ont. driver has won 1,548 races lifetime with earnings over $8.2 million. The program concluded with a memorable win for new trainer Ken Ellis. Completing a driving double, Tyler Moore guided four-year-old trotting gelding Wolinak to a wire-to-wire victory in a $7,600 conditioned claiming trot in 2:00.1, keeping pocket-popper The Ballykeel Deal at bay and marking the first training triumph of Ellis's career. It took just four starts for Ellis to make it to the winner's circle. The 36-year-old resident of Guelph, Ont. trains and leases the Wheeling N Dealin gelding, who paid $4.80 to win as the 7-5 favourite. To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway. (Standardbred Canada) East Iredell Middle School will be known as East Iredell Middle School, a Dual Immersion and World Language Academy next year, according to Iredell-Statesville Schools. I-SS said this transformation signifies the districts commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities that prepares students for success. As a district, we are proud to introduce East Iredell Middle Schools new identity as a Dual Immersion and World Language Academy, Superintendent Jeff James said. This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering cultural awareness, language proficiency, and academic excellence among our students. With the addition of the dual immersion program and comprehensive world language curriculum, students at East Iredell Middle School will not only become fluent in a second language but will also gain valuable skills and cultural understanding that will set them apart in todays interconnected world. For the 2024-25 school year, students at East Iredell Middle School will experience more opportunities according to the school system as the Dual Immersion Program offers students the opportunity to become bilingual through immersive instruction in both English and Spanish. It also will offer advanced studies, and high school credits. I am thrilled to be able to offer students at East Iredell Middle School these options, Lisa Brooks, principal at East Iredell Middle School, said. Being able to implement a World Language Academy, and the option of Dual Immersion at the school will provide our students with skills that will give them an advantage in navigating their future. Students can enroll by completing the preregistration form to participate in the Dual Immersion program. All students should complete the Iredell-Statesville Schools Student Reassignment Application to attend the dual immersion program or world language academy. This application is open and located at www.issnc.org. The names and Social Security numbers of about 57,000 Bank of America customers, including 3,258 in North Carolina, may have been exposed in a data breach, according to notifications from the N.C. and Maine attorney generals offices. The potential data that could have been stolen includes: first and last name; address; business email address; date of birth; Social Security number; and other account information. The N.C. AGs office said Thursday it was notified Feb. 2 by a customer-warning notice from Infosys McCamish Systems LLC of Atlanta. Yahoo Finance reported the cyberattack was done by a ransomware group known as LockBit. Infosys provides services for deferred compensation plans, including plans serviced by Bank of America in which customers based in Maine are participants. Infosys submitted to both AG offices an explanatory letter that could be sent to customers, which stated that out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying you about this incident and providing tools to help you protect against possible identity theft or fraud. Infosys said the data breach occurred Nov. 3 when an outside group gained access to its data systems. Infosys notified the bank on Nov. 24 that data concerning deferred compensation plans serviced by Bank of America may have been compromised, but that the banks own systems were not compromised. Infosys said a review was conducted by a third-party forensic firm to review its recovery plan. It said as of the time of the notice, it had found no evidence of continued threat actor access, tooling or persistence in the IMS environment. The group cautioned that it is unlikely that we will be able to determine with certainty what personal information was accessed as a result of this incident. Infosys said that the bank is providing a free two-year membership in an identity-theft protection service provided by Experian IdentityWorks. Activation of the membership is required at www.experianidworks.com/bac/. Other Triad-tied data breaches Bank of America is the latest corporation with ties to the Triad to experience a major data breach. VF Corp. reported Jan. 18 that hackers were able to steal the personal data of at least 35.5 million customers during a December cyberattack. The breach disrupted its distribution operations, including its ability to fulfill customer orders that played a role in lower quarterly sales. HanesBrands Inc. disclosed in a May 31, 2022, regulatory filing that it began experiencing a ransomware attack on May 24, 2022. Ransomware is a type of malicious software employed by hackers that can block access to a computer system until a ransom is paid. In recent years, the targets have shifted from individuals to governments, companies, nonprofits and health care systems. HanesBrands said the ransomware attack affected its global supply chain network and ability to fulfill customer orders for about three weeks. HanesBrands reported receiving at least $20.5 million in insurance compensation in 2023 for the 2022 ransomware attack that cost the manufacturer about $100 million in global sales. Atrium Health and Novant Health Inc. were notified in September of being victims of an apparent data breach by the Russian Clop cybercriminal group, according to media and healthcare industry reports. The breach occurred May 28-29 over the Memorial Day holiday period, involving software groups Progress Software and Microsoft subsidiary Nuance Communications, according to the companies. Although the breach was discovered on May 31, Nuance said that around July 10 it confirmed that certain individuals personal information was affected by the incident. Impacted customers were notified. Neither group has said how many North Carolina consumers have been affected. In February 2023, Pepsi Bottling Ventures LLC, which has more than 550 employees in Winston-Salem, disclosed a data breach affecting the personal information of its 2,300 workforce in five states. A landslide outside of Vancouver has halted passenger rail between Portland and Seattle until Sunday morning. According to a press release by Amtrak, a landslide due to past weather conditions has caused a 48-hour moratorium suspending passenger travel between the region's two largest metro areas. Janet Matkin, communications manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation's Rail, Fright, and Ports Division, told The Daily News the slide is about 7 miles north of Vancouver. BNSF is working to stabilize the slope, but it will take several weeks and "good weather," said Matkin. Trains 500, 502, 506, 509, and 511 are canceled, and alternative transportation will be provided. Train 503 is canceled, and trains 504 and 508 will end their journey in Portland. Trains 505 and 507 will start in Portland, but trains 504 and 508 will end in Portland. Amtrak said alternative transportation will be arranged for affected travelers. Train 518 will start its journey from Seattle, and train 517 will end its route in Seattle. For those who plan on riding the Coast Starlight, train 11 will start from Portland, and train 14 will end there. An Ariel man was injured this week when his white Chevrolet Camaro collided into a barrier on Interstate 5 and was struck by another car. According to a Washington State Patrol press release, the incident occurred minutes before 11 p.m. Wednesday on the northbound lanes of I-5 near milepost 20, just past Woodland State Airport. Jason P. Telvin, 37, of Ariel, was driving the Camaro, and Timothy W. Storey, 34, of Greer, South Carolina was driving another car, both northbound, when Telvin lost control of his vehicle, striking the cable barrier. Storey hit Telvin in his gray Kia Sportage, as the Camaro was resting in the center lane, the press release states. Telvin was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest after sustaining injuries from the crash. It is unknown whether he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. Storey was wearing his seatbelt and did not suffer any injuries. Both vehicles were described as totaled. It is unclear whether or not the crash was caused by intoxication and the incident is currently being investigated, the release states. Longview is looking for funding and a new location for its severe weather shelter after the current provider, First Christian Church on Kessler Avenue, has opted out due to what church leaders call continual costs and compassion fatigue. The severe weather shelter is open during the coldest nights of the year as a respite for people who would otherwise be sleeping outside. Unlike a warming center, which is open during the day, the severe weather shelter is only reserved for nighttime dwelling when the outside temperature drops below 35 degrees. The church, located across from Lake Sacajawea and adjacent from Kessler Elementary School, hosted the shelter in its community center, where volunteers from Longviews greater faith community and a team of staff monitored shelter residents overnight. The shelter receives government funded grants and donations, but the church still picks up costs, especially when it was open more than 50 nights from Nov. 4, 2022, to Jan. 6, 2023. This was the longest period of time the shelter was open for one year, twice as long as previous years, due to prolonged severe weather that rocked Southwest Washington that year. Beth Fox, pastor at Longview First Christian, said the church stepped up to host the shelter in 2019 because they had the space and the congregation was looking for a mission. Now, after five years of operating the shelter, Fox said the congregation is burnt out. There has been fatigue, compassion fatigue, and it scares people to know theres not enough money in the budget to fund all of this stuff, Fox said. Guessing game Fox said the church will not host the shelter again and the congregation is shifting its missions focus to providing health and hygiene products through its Family Essentials Closet ministry. She said they are hosting the 2023-24 season because another site couldnt be secured in time. Grants and contracts from local governments account for up to about 68% of total funding for the shelter, which opened at First Christian in the winter of 2019-2020, the year Fox became pastor, as the official area cold weather shelter, qualifying it for grants to operate and pay staff. Typically, the shelter is staffed with two social workers every night its open. Still, Fox and her husband, Matt, said extra operational costs for the church come out of their own pockets. Hosting the overnight shelter drives up utility bills, and Fox frequently purchases items like bleach and blankets to keep the shelter running smoothly. Those little costs over the span of five years, she said, have added up. The unpredictability of how often the shelter will be needed adds to the difficulty in finding a replacement site. Reverend Allison Mattocks, pastor at United Methodist and a committee member on the Kelso/Longview Ministerial Association, said it was impossible to predict that last years winter was going to be so harsh. Its always a guessing game, Mattocks said. Were never sure how many nights well need to stay open. On a typical year the shelter is open around 30 nights, Mattocks said. This season, the shelter has only been open for 12 nights. How much does running the shelter cost? Dian Cooper, who is also on a committee for the shelter, said other churches have discussed taking over operations, but nothing is set in stone yet. Cooper said having a dedicated space for the shelter would make it easier to staff and find funding for, but finding a church to host for an extended period of time is a difficult ask. Many of us agree that there needs to be a more permanent solution, Cooper said. Having a more permanent, year-round place would be easier to sustain because the shelter could hire dedicated staff. Cooper, who retired from her role as CEO of Cowlitz Family Health Center in 2021 and is now on the Cowlitz County Homeless Housing Task Force, is the primary grant writer for the Longview severe weather shelter. She said last year the shelter secured grant funding from the Firstenberg Foundation and the Community Foundation, as well as $9,000 each from Cowlitz County and the city of Longview to operate the shelter. Accounting for staff payment, laundering of blankets, extra waste disposal and cleaning, it typically costs $950 to $1,000 per night to keep the shelter open. None of the grants are guaranteed for multiple years, and not a lot of foundations want to fund operations like these, Cooper said. And with fluctuating temperatures, the need from one year to the next is becoming more and more unpredictable. But the temperature outside is warming. Cooper said that the shelter only being open 12 nights during the 2023-24 season could mean that whatever funding is leftover will be put toward the shelter next winter. The city of Longview is also requesting an annual $1.6 million from the state Legislature for the next two years to go toward funding housing and shelter initiatives. A new cold weather shelter is on that list of potential funding uses, as well as HOPE Village the citys emergency housing tiny homes for the homeless and a warming center. Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson of Longview said he is prioritizing getting this funding approved, saying he likes the list of options Longview has given itself for using the $1.6 million. During the last legislative session, Wilson previously said he helped Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, with a budget amendment to remove $2.5 million in the Senates capital budget for HOPE Village, and instead give the money to a homeless shelter in Chehalis. At the time, Braun said the move was made due to concerns over local support of HOPE Village. Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons is seeking re-election for a fourth term and has over 20 years of experience as a prosecutor. He is one of two candidates seeking the positions Republican nomination in Marchs primary. Parsons was elected as district attorney in 2013 after he worked as a prosecutor in Brazos County for more than a decade. Parsons pointed toward his track record leading the DAs office with numbers showing cases in the county are moving quicker through the system in relation to other counties and the county is punishing violent criminals at a higher level than its counterparts. His campaign website states under his watch, prosecution of sexual assault-related felonies has increased by over 800% while prosecution of domestic violence offenders has increased by almost 500%. He also states prison time for defendants who commit murder, and robbers of banks, convenience stores and small businesses also has increased during his tenure. We are one of the best in the state of Texas when it comes to disposing of cases quickly and effectively, but theres more work to be done as we progress in terms of technology, Parsons said. Theres different types of crimes, things like possession of child pornography, child grooming, human trafficking cases that we want to be on the cutting edge of, just like we were with our sexual assaults here and our domestic violence cases. Thats kind of become a model for the state of Texas. I think that were doing good work. I think that the numbers prove that. And I think that the citizens see and understand that when they come into the DAs office, they know that we are going to be tough on criminals, were going to be ethical, were going to try whats called a clean case, which means its a case thats probably not going to get reversed on appeal sometime in the future and we have the skill and experience at every level that we can get it done in the courtroom and not just talk tough. If re-elected, Parsons said he would like to work more with businesses on white-collar crimes in different ways. He said internal thefts are hard to catch, and cases can be limited by lack of courtroom-quality evidence. His solution is to bring in a forensic accountant to have an expert available to look at evidence, but also have panels with local businesses on how they can protect themselves from these types of crimes. During his last term, Parsons said there was a focus on human trafficking and looking at evidence through computers and cellphones. He noted crimes are often captured on phones these days and said he would like to continue working with law enforcement on getting evidence from those places, including social media apps such as Facebook and Snapchat. Parsons said hes also been endorsed by a number of local law enforcement leaders. A successful DAs office, in Parsons opinion, is having an experienced team trying the toughest cases, but also having that team train the next generation. He said he thinks his current team of supervisors has experience that cannot be replaced. In my opinion, the DAs office works well when theres not on-the-job training in the head spot, the elected DA spot, Parsons said. The DA can go in and look at cases and put their input and philosophy on cases based on experience, skill and the respect of prosecutors in the room, but also the people who are beneath them can go in and train the next generation of individuals because theyre going to have to take the cases because the DA cant be in all places at once. Parsons said his experience trying capital murder and death penalty cases, along with other murder and homicide cases, separates him as a candidate. He handled the 2015 case of Gabriel Hall, who was found guilty of killing a retired Texas A&M professor by stabbing and shooting him in his garage back in 2011. Its one thing to say youre going to be able to do something, Parsons said, but its another to actually go and do it. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors grew its stake in shares of AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 21.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 123 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors holdings in AutoZone were worth $312,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of AZO. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new position in AutoZone during the third quarter worth $25,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. purchased a new position in AutoZone during the second quarter worth $32,000. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp increased its position in AutoZone by 166.7% during the third quarter. MUFG Americas Holdings Corp now owns 16 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Mascoma Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the third quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, ORG Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the third quarter valued at $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.34% of the companys stock. Get AutoZone alerts: Insider Activity at AutoZone In related news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 414 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,541.85, for a total value of $1,052,325.90. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 3,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,820,219.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 414 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,541.85, for a total transaction of $1,052,325.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 3,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,820,219.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, COO Thomas B. Newbern sold 7,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,551.62, for a total value of $19,902,636.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 2,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,427,530.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 14,807 shares of company stock valued at $38,827,861 over the last three months. 2.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on AutoZone from $2,750.00 to $2,900.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Raymond James raised AutoZone from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $2,850.00 to $3,100.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Stephens lifted their price objective on AutoZone from $3,000.00 to $3,070.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Barclays reduced their target price on AutoZone from $2,800.00 to $2,779.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 12th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on AutoZone from $2,933.00 to $3,027.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $2,857.12. Get Our Latest Stock Report on AZO AutoZone Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:AZO traded up $2.95 during trading on Friday, hitting $2,727.83. The companys stock had a trading volume of 152,204 shares, compared to its average volume of 162,277. AutoZone, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2,277.88 and a fifty-two week high of $2,855.21. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $2,671.31 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $2,594.01. The company has a market capitalization of $47.16 billion, a PE ratio of 19.80, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.70. AutoZone (NYSE:AZO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 5th. The company reported $32.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $31.57 by $0.98. The firm had revenue of $4.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.19 billion. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 57.23% and a net margin of 14.62%. AutoZones quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $27.45 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that AutoZone, Inc. will post 150.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AutoZone Company Profile (Free Report) AutoZone, Inc retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AutoZone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoZone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its price objective lifted by CIBC from C$58.00 to C$63.00 in a report released on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the banks stock. BNS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Desjardins upped their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$64.00 price target on Bank of Nova Scotia and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. TD Securities reduced their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$59.00 to C$56.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Bank of America cut their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$68.00 to C$60.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, National Bankshares upped 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 report on Wednesday, December 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$65.34. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Bank of Nova Scotia Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of BNS stock opened at C$63.86 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$77.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.05, a P/E/G ratio of 11.06 and a beta of 0.95. Bank of Nova Scotia has a twelve month low of C$55.20 and a twelve month high of C$73.30. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$62.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$61.81. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 28th. The bank reported C$1.26 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.68 by C($0.42). Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 25.33% and a return on equity of 9.81%. The company had revenue of C$8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$8.28 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Bank of Nova Scotia will post 6.5758836 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of Nova Scotia Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 29th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 3rd were paid a dividend of $1.06 per share. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 2nd. Bank of Nova Scotias dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 73.36%. Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile (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 Articles 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. Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB Free Report) had its target price hoisted by CIBC from C$32.00 to C$34.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBC currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. TD Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$32.00 to C$34.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Raymond James lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$33.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 23rd. National Bankshares lifted their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Finally, Scotiabank decreased their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$33.00 to C$32.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$34.09. Get Canadian Western Bank alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CWB Canadian Western Bank Trading Down 0.1 % Canadian Western Bank stock opened at C$28.35 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$30.02 and a 200-day moving average price of C$28.60. The firm has a market capitalization of C$2.73 billion, a PE ratio of 8.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.57. Canadian Western Bank has a 12-month low of C$22.96 and a 12-month high of C$31.64. Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, December 8th. The company reported C$0.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.89 by C$0.05. The firm had revenue of C$291.76 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$292.40 million. Canadian Western Bank had a net margin of 32.29% and a return on equity of 9.04%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Canadian Western Bank will post 3.6497462 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Western Bank Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st were issued a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $1.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.80%. This is a positive change from Canadian Western Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. Canadian Western Banks payout ratio is currently 39.05%. Insider Activity In other news, Senior Officer Vladimir Ahmad sold 2,253 shares of Canadian Western Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$30.00, for a total value of C$67,590.00. Company insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Canadian Western Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, notice, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; agriculture lending products; mortgages; lines of credits; registered retirement savings loans; consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dr. Martens plc (LON:DOCS Get Free Report) insider Kenny Wilson acquired 172 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 87 ($1.10) per share, for a total transaction of 149.64 ($188.99). Kenny Wilson also recently made the following trade(s): Get Dr. Martens alerts: On Monday, December 11th, Kenny Wilson bought 164 shares of Dr. Martens stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 91 ($1.15) per share, for a total transaction of 149.24 ($188.48). Dr. Martens Stock Performance Shares of DOCS stock opened at GBX 95.05 ($1.20) on Friday. Dr. Martens plc has a one year low of GBX 72.25 ($0.91) and a one year high of GBX 174.70 ($2.21). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 143.48, a current ratio of 2.44 and a quick ratio of 1.13. The stock has a market cap of 914.01 million, a PE ratio of 950.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.04 and a beta of -0.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 85.68 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 116.39. Dr. Martens Cuts Dividend Dr. Martens Company Profile The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, January 4th were paid a dividend of GBX 1.56 ($0.02) per share. This represents a yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 4th. Dr. Martenss payout ratio is presently 6,000.00%. (Get Free Report) Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. It offers originals, fusion, kids, and casual, as well as accessories. The company offers its products under the Dr. Martens brand name. Dr. Martens plc was founded in 1945 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Hold from the five research firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $90.20. LYG has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. Bank of America downgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on LYG Lloyds Banking Group Price Performance Institutional Trading of Lloyds Banking Group Shares of LYG opened at $2.14 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $2.24 and its 200-day moving average is $2.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.30. Lloyds Banking Group has a 12-month low of $1.88 and a 12-month high of $2.56. Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in LYG. Raymond James & Associates lifted its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 56.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 1,373,751 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,311,000 after acquiring an additional 497,197 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its position in Lloyds Banking Group by 11.5% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 437,570 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,055,000 after acquiring an additional 44,960 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in Lloyds Banking Group by 16.1% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 317,152 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $764,000 after acquiring an additional 43,970 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE increased its position in Lloyds Banking Group by 5.0% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 323,199 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $778,000 after acquiring an additional 15,481 shares during the period. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 38.4% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 73,541 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $177,000 after buying an additional 20,390 shares during the period. 2.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Lloyds Banking Group Company Profile (Get Free Report Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal and small business customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Wednesday. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, November 13th. They set a hold rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a sell rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $57.00 to $58.00 in a report on Friday, November 3rd. HSBC began coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. They set a hold rating and a $68.00 target price on the stock. TheStreet lowered shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Wedbush restated a neutral rating and set a $70.00 target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Molson Coors Beverage has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $66.33. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Molson Coors Beverage Molson Coors Beverage Stock Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE:TAP opened at $62.15 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $62.10 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.70. The stock has a market cap of $13.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.82. Molson Coors Beverage has a fifty-two week low of $49.32 and a fifty-two week high of $70.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by $0.07. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 6.83% and a return on equity of 8.89%. The company had revenue of $2.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.78 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Molson Coors Beverage Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $0.44 dividend. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.83%. 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. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.61%. Insider Activity at Molson Coors Beverage In other Molson Coors Beverage news, CFO Tracey Joubert sold 2,771 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.37, for a total value of $167,285.27. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 60,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,654,679.06. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 2.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Molson Coors Beverage A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TAP. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,329,879 shares of the companys stock worth $1,138,589,000 after buying an additional 1,235,013 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,727,747 shares of the companys stock worth $465,887,000 after buying an additional 143,757 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,721,084 shares of the companys stock worth $252,011,000 after buying an additional 49,044 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,940,342 shares of the companys stock worth $258,741,000 after buying an additional 80,858 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 76.0% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,475,114 shares of the companys stock worth $218,168,000 after buying an additional 1,500,269 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.95% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS Free Report) had its target price lifted by Royal Bank of Canada from $105.00 to $120.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the aerospace companys stock. LDOS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. TheStreet lowered shares of Leidos from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Barclays raised shares of Leidos from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Argus raised shares of Leidos from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $120.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Leidos from $115.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Leidos from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Leidos presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $123.09. Get Leidos alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on LDOS Leidos Price Performance Shares of LDOS opened at $123.83 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $16.81 billion, a PE ratio of 87.20, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50 day moving average price is $110.63 and its 200 day moving average price is $102.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.34. Leidos has a twelve month low of $76.58 and a twelve month high of $124.93. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The aerospace company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.74 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $3.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.81 billion. Leidos had a net margin of 1.29% and a return on equity of 22.92%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.83 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Leidos will post 7.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. Leidos Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be paid a $0.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.23%. Leidoss payout ratio is 107.04%. Insider Transactions at Leidos In other Leidos news, Director Surya N. Mohapatra sold 2,401 shares of Leidos stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.83, for a total transaction of $254,097.83. Following the sale, the director now owns 19,089 shares in the company, valued at $2,020,188.87. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 1.52% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Leidos Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of Leidos by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 11,633 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $708,000 after purchasing an additional 344 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Leidos by 1.4% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,161,653 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $107,058,000 after buying an additional 16,250 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Leidos by 20.2% in the third quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 178,171 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $16,420,000 after buying an additional 29,899 shares during the last quarter. Heartland Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Leidos in the third quarter valued at about $3,169,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Leidos by 17.0% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 17,563,014 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,553,976,000 after buying an additional 2,552,908 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.71% of the companys stock. Leidos Company Profile (Get Free Report) Leidos Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides services and solutions in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Defense Solutions, Civil, and Health. The Defense Solutions segment offers national security solutions and systems for air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace for the U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Leidos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Leidos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (NYSEARCA:EPI Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $44.08 and last traded at $43.99, with a volume of 264326 shares. The stock had previously closed at $43.57. WisdomTree India Earnings Fund Trading Up 0.1 % The stock has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion, a PE ratio of 9.65 and a beta of 0.72. The companys 50-day moving average is $41.76 and its 200 day moving average is $38.54. Get WisdomTree India Earnings Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On WisdomTree India Earnings Fund A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EPI. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund by 13,594,672.7% during the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,495,425 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $61,312,000 after buying an additional 1,495,414 shares during the last quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. raised its position in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund by 243.1% during the 4th quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. now owns 1,387,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $56,857,000 after buying an additional 983,112 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its position in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund by 87.6% during the 3rd quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,912,541 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $70,305,000 after buying an additional 893,059 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in shares of WisdomTree India Earnings Fund by 76.4% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,434,798 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $52,743,000 after purchasing an additional 621,546 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Miracle Mile Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of WisdomTree India Earnings Fund by 69.1% during the 4th quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 1,010,778 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $41,442,000 after purchasing an additional 412,867 shares in the last quarter. About WisdomTree India Earnings Fund WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (The Fund) seeks to track the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the WisdomTree India Earnings Index. The Index measures the performance of profitable companies incorporated and traded in India that are eligible to be purchased by foreign investors and that meet specific criteria developed by WisdomTree Investments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree India Earnings Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree India Earnings Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. A miniaturized surgical robot developed by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and his colleagues has successfully accomplished its first mission in space. Piloted by six surgeons on the ground in Lincoln, the miniature robot successfully completed a remote surgical simulation Saturday aboard the International Space Station, which is orbiting 250 miles above Earth. The robot, known as MIRA, for Miniaturized In Vivo Robotic Assistant, was developed under the leadership of Shane Farritor, a UNL engineering professor and co-founder of Lincoln startup Virtual Incision. A space-going version of the robot, which can be pre-programmed or operated remotely, blasted off Jan. 30 from Floridas Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. On Saturday, six surgeons from across the United States took turns operating spaceMIRA using hand and foot controls in Virtual Incisions offices. SpaceMIRA is the first surgical robot aboard the space station, and Saturdays simulation marked one of the first times remote surgery tasks have been tested in space. It was fantastic, Farritor said. I couldnt imagine it being better. The device, he said, functioned flawlessly and communications were good. Each surgeon performed a specific task. The experiment was intended to help identify the next steps for creating surgical technologies suitable for long-distance space travel. But Farritors team, and the surgeons involved in the test, also are focused on the devices potential uses on Earth. Its a great leap for surgery Remote surgery, Farritor has said, has the potential to help patients get the care they need when no doctor is at hand. That could include small hospitals, rural roadsides, battlefields or space. On the battlefield, for instance, a surgeon might be able to remain in a safe place while remotely delivering care to an injured soldier in a forward location. The robot device is designed to be used inside the body to perform surgery, unlike the large robotic-assisted surgical systems now used in a growing list of minimally invasive abdominal and heart surgeries. Those systems sit outside the body and occupy a significant portion of an operating room. Its a great leap for surgery, Dr. Ted Voloyiannis of Texas Oncology in Houston, said in a statement. Voloyiannis has performed more than 2,000 robotic surgeries during the past 15 years. SpaceMIRA, which is about 30 inches long and weighs about 2 pounds, performed its maneuvers while inside a microwave-sized experiment locker allocated by NASA. For the test, the surgeons maneuvered the device equipped with a camera and two arms, with a grasper on the left and a pair of scissors on the right to manipulate simulated tissue, in this case, rubber bands. The surgeons used the grasper to pull the bands taut, creating tension, and dissecting them with the scissors. Because they were providing guidance from the ground, the team had to address signal latency, in this case the two-thirds to three-fourths of a second delay between action at the control center being executed by the robot aboard the space station. Dr. Michael Jobst, a Lincoln-based colorectal surgeon who participated in the test, said the surgeons had to wait a little bit for the movement to happen. Jobst has participated in 15 previous procedures with MIRA, including using it in a 2021 clinical study to remove part of a patients colon during procedures at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln. Farritor, who with his colleagues began developing MIRA nearly 20 years ago, said the team hopes to hear soon about the results of its application to the Food and Drug Administration to use the device in more earthly pursuits. SpaceMIRAs success at a space station orbiting 250 miles above Earth indicates how useful it can be for health care facilities on the ground, he said in a statement. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 An Omaha-area senator more used to fighting the growth of Medicaid on Thursday urged colleagues to add coverage of anti-obesity medications to the states Medicaid plan. State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston called the proposed coverage a proactive step that could help people deal with a complex health condition linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers and other serious health problems. He told members of the Health and Human Services Committee that obesity increases the costs of health care, reduces productivity, affects peoples quality of life and causes premature death. My interest is to say: Can we make this a cost savings by doing more preventive and more aggressive health care to this particular population? he said. The bill (LB907), which Riepe introduced, would require Nebraska Medicaid to provide comprehensive coverage of obesity, including intensive behavioral therapy and anti-obesity medications approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. He said state Medicaid currently covers behavioral health and bariatric surgery, which includes stomach bypasses and other procedures. But it does not cover the newer, more-effective weight management drugs that have come on the market in recent years. Those include semaglutide, better known by the brand names Wegovy or Ozempic, and tirzepatide, known by the brand names Zepbound or Mounjaro. Dr. Brianna Johnson-Rabbett, an endocrinologist testifying on behalf of the Nebraska Medical Association, said she sees stark differences between patients who have insurance and can afford the new medications and those without coverage. The first group is far more likely to be able to control blood sugar without insulin, bring down blood pressure without medication or avoid joint replacement surgery. Obesity is a disease for which there are effective options, she said. But she said the new medications are not for everyone with extra weight. The FDA approved them for people with a body mass index of 30 or more, or those who have a BMI of 27 or more along with a health condition. Johnson-Rabbett questioned the cost estimates for the bill produced by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The estimates assumed that 60% of Medicaid patients with BMIs of 30 or more and 15% of those with BMIs between 25 and 29 would take the drugs. However, in other states that have such coverage, no more than 1.4% of Medicaid patients who meet medical criteria for the medications actually go on them, she said. The legislative fiscal office doubled that utilization rate and came up with an estimated state cost of $3.2 million. The HHS estimate was nearly $42.4 million. Top Journal Star photos for February 2024 Danang aims for at least $200 mln hi-tech investment this year By Minh Minh Sat, February 17, 2024 | 4:30 pm GMT+7 Danang, an economic hub in central Vietnam, is targeting to attract at least three high-tech projects with a combined capital of $200 million this year, according to the Danang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority (DHPIZA). The three target industries are aerospace technology, semiconductors and high-quality medical devices, the authority told the citys Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam at a Friday meeting. Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam (left) hands over a Lunar New Year gift to Vu Quang Hung, director of the Danang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority (DHPIZA), February 16, 2034. Photo courtesy of Danang newspaper. During 2023, the DHPIZA licensed 19 projects with a combined investment of $258.6 million, exceeding its $200 million target set for the year. So far, the authority has attracted a total of 526 projects worth $3.413 billion. The outlook on foreign investment into the city is bright as a number of semiconductor producers from Taiwan and Japan have shown interest in landing in Danang, according to the DHPIZA. In addition, Taiwanese electronics maker Foxlink is set to increase its investment to $400 million in the future, while South Korea-invested ICT Vina has a capex plan of $277 million in the city. To accommodate future investments, the authority plans to expand the high-tech park by 700 hectares. Also on Friday, Vice Chairman Le Quang Nam toured several foreign-invested companies including ICT Vina, Universal Alloy Corporation Vietnam, and Synopsys Vietnam operating in the city to offer encouragement on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. At the meeting with Synopsys Vietnam executives, Nam said that the city is accelerating a project to build a second software park to provide better operating conditions for information technology and semiconductor companies. Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes beams with pride when she thinks about the opportunity she has to help other women grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, network support and national recognition. The longtime Orangeburg businesswoman has that potential after being named the 2023-24 national president of the American Business Womens Association, or ABWA. Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes named national president of ABWA Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, who is owner of Rachelles Island Inc. and Thee Matriarch Bed & Breakfast, Meeting and Events Venue, has been na Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, who is owner of Rachelles Island Inc. and Thee Matriarch Bed & Breakfast, Meeting and Events Venue, said the appointment is an achievement other women can share in, as well. Its not just how I feel about being the 74th national president of ABWA. Its how I feel as a founder of a local chapter in my community thats impacting the women in my community personally and professionally. That was the vision, she said. Im happy to say that we are journeying into our 75th anniversary Sept. 20 of 2024. Were having a grand celebration in Kansas, which is the home of ABWA ... Ive named our board the Visionary All-Stars Board, Jamerson-Holmes said. Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes is the founder of the local EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter in Orangeburg. I feel as though we are the Olympic team to journey ABWA into its 75th anniversary (and) for the next 75 to 100 years so we can be here and pay it forward for other women to be able to have this opportunity to enhance themselves personally and professionally on a national level, she said. Jamerson-Holmes founded the local EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter in Orangeburg. The chapter was chartered on May 20, 2018 with more than 100 women. I was a 16-year vision for what I wanted to start in Orangeburg. That vision came to fruition in 2018. So it was a dream. It was something I wanted to do to leave a legacy for my community, she said. Jamerson-Holmes continued, Even though we have the word business in our name, we are a womens professional organization. So any woman that is a working professional, entrepreneur, retiree, student, if she has a desire to enhance herself personally and professionally, then this association is for her. ... I love the fact that we are a diverse and inclusive organization. The organization also accepts men for membership, she said. The EmpowerHer ABWA chapter has garnered several awards and recognitions since its inception, including reaching ABWA Level 1 Best Practices In League Management for five consecutive years from 2019 to 2023. The local chapter also earned the ABWA Brilliance Unleashed Award in 2019 for being one of the Top 10 chapters in the nation. My goal is to enhance our members mindset that the investment in themselves is the best investment that they could ever make. How do you maximize and leverage on the return of your membership upon a national level? ... How do you take that and expand your network? If you expand your network, you expand your net worth, Jamerson-Holmes said. She continued, You expand your network also through professional development. Every chapter in ABWA has a monthly professional development speaker and session that you can attend in person or virtually ... either free or at a nominal coast for membership. Thats what were doing. There are currently 65 members of the local EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter, with Dr. Gail Hamilton serving as president. Jamerson-Holmes said an ABWA chapter actually existed in Orangeburg decades ago. While that chapter had long since disbanded, its president was her former teacher and her mother had been a member. Jamerson-Holmes said her mother is now a charter member of the EmpowerHer chapter. It was in existence 30 years. Its been disbanded now about 15 years. It was called the Orangeburg Charter Chapter of ABWA. ... Even though the local chapter had disbanded ... quite a few of them still continue to keep their national membership, Jamerson-Holmes said. That goes to show you that our ABWA association is her for every step of a womans life, and not just when shes working. We give relevant information for women throughout every stage of their life, she said. The businesswoman said being able to carry on the legacy of ABWA in the local community is important to her. The vision has come to fruition not just in saying were a chapter, but in knowing the women that weve impacted (and) how theyve grown personally and professionally. Theyve been able to take that recognition and the information that they have learned through our APEX online courses, she said, as well as attend monthly professional development sessions and network. Through that our members have gotten raises, promotions, gone into business for themselves. Their businesses have flourished, theyve been able to start nonprofits, Jamerson-Holmes said, noting that ABWA also offers student memberships. It was very important that our chapter paid it forward and that we were a bridge between college students going into their career. With that, were able to mentor them. Were able to partner with them to say, OK, what career are you looking at going into? Who can we tap you into? ... Those things were very important to me as founder of the chapter and also as the national president, she said. ABWA has awarded nearly $18 million in scholarships to more than 18,000 for higher education through its Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund, or SBMEF. As national president, Jamerson-Holmes had a scholarship named in her honor. Im happy to say that quite a few women in Orangeburg have gotten scholarships from SBMEF. So Im excited to say that as the national president, a $10,000 scholarship will be named in my honor through SBMEF, she said. So I get the opportunity to set the criteria and to also name the institution that a student could go to that would have the opportunity to receive this award that will be awarded in 2025. My request is that the student would be attending South Carolina State University or Claflin University to be able to receive this $10,000 scholarship in my name, Jamerson-Holmes said. The local EmpowerHer ABWA chapter has been recognized with proclamations from both Orangeburg County Council and Orangeburg City Council. The S.C. House of Representatives also presented the chapter with a resolution on the chapters fifth anniversary. Last year our chapter presented the inaugural South Carolina ABWA Say at the State House and (2023 Founders Day Luncheon) during Womens History Month. It is our signature Womens History Month program. We will host the second one on March 7, 2024, Jamerson-Holmes said. She said she has been fueled with encouragement and inspiration to be able to go after dreams through the support of the local community she grew up in. Thats what my community has done for me, whether Ive lived in Orangeburg, I was at school at Winthrop University, or I lived in New York. It didnt matter where I was, my community always supported and backed me, she said. This is the way as a philanthropist that Im giving back to my community because this will live on far beyond me, and thats the purpose, Jamerson-Holmes said. IN PHOTOS: American Business Women's Association National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes CHEYENNE The governor of Wyoming, whoever he or she may be, has enormous power. Not so much for the Wyoming Legislature, a body of part-time legislators who meet in session for only 60 days every other year. The exceptions are those special sessions held for critical issues. Yet it is only while they are in session that the Legislature has power to pass laws. Fewer than 10 other states have the same short sessions. They include Utah and South Dakota in this region. All those Wyoming interim committees that meet throughout the spring and summer are doing necessary preparatory work, but the committees cant pass laws. They can only recommend. Short sessions may be considered a blessing by some but they are a handicap if the executive branch is doing something contrary to what the legislators wanted when they passed a new law. In the handful of states like Wyoming the legislators must wait until the next session to deal with the problem. Unless it has been taken care of earlier through some compromise between the agency and the Legislatures lawyers. In those few cases where nothing was resolved, the issue ends up before the legislative Management Council, the administrative arm of the Legislature. Thats what happened last week. The council voted 7-2 to sponsor a legislative order to prevent the Department of Education from enforcing a new rule governing grants for career and technical education programs. The Legislature last year passed a bill authorizing $350,000 per year maximum for the CTE program. The Department of Education changed that number to a maximum of $150,000 to $200,000 per year. The purpose of the change was to expand the program to more school districts, Dicky Shanor, deputy school superintendent, told the council. The Legislatures Education Committee wanted the larger amount for existing programs to get grants for large projects. said Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie. The order may prompt more efforts at compromise on the language. Meanwhile it can be introduced in the budget session by only a majority vote. Other non-budget bills require a two-thirds majority vote to be considered. At any rate, council also discussed a proposal by Rep. Mike Yen, D-Jackson, to give the management council authority to temporarily pause executive branch rules if they are being enforced contrary to legislative intent. This raised constitutional questions at the same time as other council members congratulated Yin for bringing it forward. As House Speaker Albert Sommers, R-Pinedale, said, he would like to give the Legislature more control. The upshot was the council will treat Yins idea as an interim study. What is prompting all this interest in rules are those that the new Secretary of State Chuck Gray is working on regarding election access. At the same time, I think the Legislature has been hungry for more control for years. The institution lost a lot of authority in 1998 when the Supreme Court Legislature supported the budget bill vetoes of Republican Gov. Jim Geringer. That budget was put together two years earlier during the special session on school district reform. During that special session, legislators, angry and frustrated by the 1995 Wyoming Supreme Court opinion that threw out their entire school finance and construction program as unconstitutional, were not in a good mood. As soon as they passed the new budget, they left town. This left Geringer alone with the budget for 10 days. He vetoed parts of the budget that contained policy but not money. That was the basis of the Legislatures lawsuit. The Supreme Court sided with the governor in an opinion that focused on the interpretation of the word any in the Constitution when referring to bills. The Legislature subsequently got smart and passed a rule to get the budget to the governor a good three days before the session ended. That gave them the chance to vote to over-ride. Getting more interim power is going to be more difficult. A new camera system is being installed along this countrys roadways with the aim of tackling traffic congestion and reducing the countrys crime. This was said yesterday by Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, who spoke with the media at the intersection of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Golden Grove Road in Piarco. With ten people murdered between Thursday and Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley took to Facebook yesterday to assure citizens that State agencies will not give up the fight to rid our streets and other places of the evil that is now widespread as a gun culture in Trinidad and Tobago. And in a voice note to the media, Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher said, We are determined to dismantle criminal gangs and make a difference in transforming impacted communities. Years ago, our parents told us not to sit too close to the TV because it would hurt our eyes. Today, we have virtual reality headsets, where the lenses and our eyes are separated by mere millimeters. Some people use that fact to argue that VR is dangerous. But the truth is, holding screens that close to your eyes is perfectly safe, as far as weve been able to determine. Light, even if it were dangerous, hits your eye with roughly the same intensity whether from an inch away or 20 feet away. The idea that TVs hurt you up close arose because of something other than light. Find out what that is below, along with a stunt you should not try at home. 15 Rockets Red Glare Instead of lightbulbs, photographers used to add flash to cameras using pocket explosives. Cartridges of fulminate were activated by pressure and exploded, producing firework-like light, since film needed light that bright to capture images. 14 Gas Attack Leading Aircraftman Ronald Maddison didnt know what he was in for when the RAF put something in a patch on his uniform. He just knew this was an experiment of some kind, and they were paying him 15 shillings. The patch released nerve gas, and it killed him. 13 Pure Gibberish The words My sex is on fire from the Kings of Leon song was supposed to be a placeholder line. Those were just six syllables they had to fill, so they used that till they thought of something better, and then never did think of anything better. 12 Space Germs Lactobacillus plantarum lives in our saliva and is benign enough normally. Take it up to the space station, however? It thrives, spreads and starts eating away at the titanium there. Advertisement Advertisement 11 A Cat by Any Name Several countries each call some animal a panther, but theres really no separate panther species. In Africa, when they call a black cat a panther, thats really a leopard. In Central America, when they call a black cat a panther, thats really a jaguar. We also call mountain lions panthers, but that animals better referred to as a cougar. Cburnett/Wiki Commons This is Panthera onca, but thats just the scientific name for any jaguar. 10 Superbeer Texas used to forbid the sale of any beer that was more than 4 percent alcohol. Brewers got around this by labeling any beers stronger than that as in Texas, malt liquor. Advertisement Advertisement 9 Too Gross to Consider When scientists first pointed out that sewage contaminating the drinking water supply led to cholera outbreaks, people didnt want to hear it. They dismissed the idea as disgusting. Which it was, but it was really the drinking sewage part that was disgusting, not the scientific theory. 8 The Four Faces The original plan for Mount Rushmore was for it to be Old West-themed, not to honor four presidents. Because of this, the original faces they wanted to carve up there included Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea and Buffalo Bill. Advertisement Advertisement 7 Unsatisfactory Performance A Mexican drug lord died receiving plastic surgery. The failed surgeons bodies were later found embedded in cement. Unless, as one theory suggests, the gang faked his death, and they killed the surgeons to complete the ruse. 6 Warwolf the Great King Edward I ordered the biggest trebuchet ever made, to lay siege to a Scottish castle. The Scots surrendered, but Edward rejected the surrender because he really wanted to fire his trebuchet. Kumpel von McKarri Heres a recreation, as we have no photos from the year 1304. Advertisement Advertisement 5 The Radioactive Television Sitting close to the TV isnt bad for your eyes, or dangerous in any way. The myth stems from the 1960s, when GE sold TVs that emitted X-rays. These were dangerous up close but were considered safe from six feet or more away. 4 Side-Splitting Stunt In 1985, daredevil Karel Soucek performed a stunt in the Houston Astrodome, where hed drop 180 feet into a tank of water, while encased in a protective barrel. Sadly, he missed the tank while descending, and that was the end of Karel Soucek. Advertisement Advertisement 3 Ne-CO-Mancy House inspectors look at the homes that owners claim are haunted, and theyve noticed something linking them. Often, these houses contain carbon monoxide leaks. The stuff people report as signs of haunting might be their own carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms. 2 I Slimey A lab designed a smartwatch thats activated by a living slime mold. Complications ensued when the test users grew emotionally attached to slime in their devices, finding it difficult to let the slime die. Advertisement Advertisement After an unprecedented effort to stave off unsheltered street releases of newly arrived migrants in Tucson, the nonprofit Casa Alitas and its local partners are now facing a reckoning. At the end of March, the federal funding that has supported Pima Countys migrant-aid effort will be exhausted. With no additional funds in sight, county officials say by April, Casa Alitas shelters will have dozens of layoffs and Tucsonans will begin seeing Border Patrol agents releasing hundreds of legally processed migrants each day onto the streets, with little to no support services. What we are about to experience with street releases is homelessness on steroids, Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher wrote in a memo to the Board of Supervisors late Friday afternoon. Inaction in the U.S. Congress means the chance of renewed federal funding before April is negligible, if not zero, Lesher wrote. So county officials are starting to wind down Pima Countys critical role in the local migrant-aid effort, including logistical coordination, contracts management and the administration of funding reimbursement for contracted agencies, like the nonprofit Catholic Community Services, which oversees the Casa Alitas program, she said. Catholic Community Services shelters will lose 30 staff positions, the memo said. The number of unsheltered releases will depend on the pace of migrant arrivals in the region but at current volumes, Tucson could see up to 400 people released by Border Patrol each day. Pima County is analyzing possible ways to use the countys general funds to help mitigate the fall-out, Lesher said in the memo. But every dollar spent helping legally processed asylum seekers move on to their destination cities will be a dollar we cant spend on county residents who are struggling financially to afford adequate housing, or who are suffering from mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction, she said. The Senates failed bipartisan border-security package, co-sponsored by Kyrsten Sinema, I-Arizona, would have appropriated $1.4 billion to support temporary shelter for migrants and related support services throughout the country. GOP legislators called the long-awaited legislation dead on arrival within hours of its release, and the Senate voted to kill the bill a few days later. It is severely frustrating and disappointing that we are in this situation, Lesher said. This is a crisis of the federal governments making due to the failure to pass sensible border and immigration reform and to provide the necessary funding to local jurisdictions forced to deal with the deleterious effects of federal border policy. Keeps me awake at night Even before Fridays notice from Lesher, local religious leaders have been working on contingency plans in case federal support didnt come through, and contemplating the consequences for vulnerable migrants arriving here. Its the kind of thing that keeps me awake at night, Bishop of Tucson Edward Weisenburger said earlier this month. Weisenburger oversees Catholic-affiliated programs within the Diocese of Tucson to ensure they are fulfilling their religious mission. For Weisenburger, Casa Alitas migrant-aid effort, through Catholic Community Services, is an embodiment of the Gospel. Hes been moved to witness the gratitude of the migrant families, who often arrive at Casa Alitas having walked through the soles of their shoes, he said. Its particularly emotional to see the sheer joy on the faces of children, who arrive with no possessions, to receive a small toy from volunteers at Casa Alitas, he said. It flows from Matthews Gospel, where he says, What you do to the least of these little ones, you do to me, he said. I think its one of the areas where Jesus is speaking profoundly, directly and literally. In recent weeks, Border Patrol has been releasing about 1,000 migrants per day in the Tucson sector, about half of them in Pima County and half in Santa Cruz and Cochise counties. Pima Countys migrant-aid relief effort now costs $1 million to $1.4 million per week, county officials say. Without the assurance of more federal support, we have contracts that are going to start expiring and we cant in good conscience extend those contracts without knowing theres going to be funding there, said Pima County spokesman Mark Evans. Catholic Community Services, or CCS, intends to continue their mission of helping refugees and asylum seekers, but using donor funds alone, the agency could likely only cover services for about 100 migrants per day, Lesher said in the memo. CCS is still developing its operational and funding plan for April 1 onward, Lesher wrote to supervisors. I will have more details for you on that soon, including the possibility of continuing to rent county facilities to CCS. Leshers memo described two possible contingency plans to assist arriving migrants, ranging from a monthly cost of $126,000 to offer the bare necessities, to more than $1 million per month for a more robust offerings, including support staff and food. But Leshers recommendation was that the county not fund any of the options even though she acknowledged Tucson local governments would still likely face costs related to increased homelessness. I believe it would be imprudent for the taxpayers of Pima County to also have to absorb the cost of providing even this minimal amount of sheltering as described above, as this is a federal problem that requires federal funding, she said. Coordinated effort Since 2019, the Tucson regions migrant-aid coalition has been allocated $65 million in mostly federal funding to temporarily shelter more than 400,000 legally processed migrants who have passed through here. The countys objective, since it agreed to assist the sheltering effort in 2019, has been to protect Tucson and the county from having hundreds of people with limited resources and English-language skills released onto city streets every day, Lesher said. County and city participation in this effort has prevented a humanitarian crisis from occurring daily. Border Patrol agents release migrants to Casa Alitas care or into border communities, after they are finger-printed, given facial scans and background checks, and had their belongings inspected. Thanks to dozens of state-contracted buses, those released in small border communities like Nogales, Bisbee and Douglas have been transported quickly to Tucson, where theres shelter and transportation infrastructure allowing migrants to rest, get medical attention and other supports before traveling to family or sponsors in the interior of the U.S., usually within one or two days. Without that assistance, hundreds of migrants a day will be left unsheltered in border towns where theres little infrastructure to house them, said Sobeira Castro, director of emergency management for Santa Cruz County. Migrants arrive without food, without ways to charge their cell phones, if they have them, and with inadequate clothing for cold weather, she said. Especially in the winter months, many who arrive are dealing with illness, too. Without Pima County and Casa Alitas assistance, we would not be able to help these migrants. They would be basically unsheltered within the community and left on their own, without any guidance, Castro said. In preparation for the loss of Pima Countys support, Castro said her team has been developing posters in three languages that theyll post in public spaces, with information on the citys limited resources and maps to help migrants orient themselves. Some of them dont even know exactly where they are when border agents drop them off, she said. Overcoming challenges Casa Alitas director Diego Pina Lopez started at Casa Alitas as an intern in 2015. Hes watched the program expand from a five-bedroom house, to operating out of the Benedictine Monastery in 2019, before expanding operations to the Welcome Center on Ajo Way and the Drexel Center, which it leases from Pima County, to meet surging demand. The agency also utilizes space in local hotels, through local government contracts, to help with overflow capacity. I think weve learned a lot in the last 1.5 years of (higher) flows and adapting, Pina Lopez said. Long-time volunteer Debbie Bachel, 67, said shes been amazed by Casa Alitas ability to adjust to the increased pace of arrivals. After the pandemic, when wed see 100 people a day, we thought, Oh my goodness, how are we going to do it? she said. Now were up to 1,000 to 1,300 (per day,) and we can do it. Bachel said the camaraderie between volunteers and staff, as well as Pina Lopezs leadership, drive that success. Its like a family, she said. Ive worked with several charities, but Ive never felt as much as I do with Casa Alitas like Im a team member. Some volunteers at Casa Alitas say they feel a personal connection to the new arrivals. As a second-generation American, Iris Weisman, 70, said she chose to volunteer with asylum seekers out of gratitude for those who helped her grandparents when they arrived in the U.S. from Belarus and Russia. It was very personal to me, Weisman said. Her grandmother fled Russia alone at age 14, arriving at Ellis Island in New York speaking no English, with nothing but a piece of paper with her brothers address written on it, she said. When no one had come to pick her up by midnight, a security guard pinned the address to her coat and put her on a bus, asking the driver to make sure she got off at the right stop to find her brothers home, which she did, Weisman said. When I think about that, this is time for me to give back, in a way, she said. To be like that security guard and help people who are also escaping terrible lives, and who need just a little help to get from here to where theyre planning on going. One of Casa Alitas newest helpers, 18-year-old Chris Amanat, said he was inspired by his own family history when he chose Casa Alitas for his senior-year internship through BASIS Tucson North charter high school. Amanat is fluent in French and Mandarin, and his skills have been an asset as hes helped do intake for an increasingly diverse group of people arriving at Casa Alitas, including many from the African country of Mauritania, where French is spoken. Hearing asylum seekers stories of their homeland, and the circumstances they left behind, strikes a chord with Amanat, who is the child of immigrants, too: His fathers family moved from Iran to St. Louis when his father was an infant, and his mothers family immigrated from China. Ive grown up with those stories throughout my childhood, he said. Its been very meaningful to meet people on their first steps. I try to be very welcoming. They remind me of what my family must have faced when they first came here. Harassment continues On top of the funding uncertainty, Casa Alitas staff and volunteers are also facing an escalation in hostility often rooted in falsehoods, fueled by right-wing media personalities who have wracked up millions of views on their social media posts making false accusations about the migrant-aid effort in Tucson and elsewhere. About 98% of Casa Alitas guests pay for their own transportation to reach family or sponsors in the interior of the U.S., Pina Lopez said, despite false claims spread widely including by Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb that migrants are receiving generous Visa cards, phones and plane tickets to wherever they want. For two weeks, Lamb, a Republican running for Kyrsten Sinemas U.S. Senate seat, has not responded to the Arizona Daily Stars requests for comment on his false assertions about non-governmental organizations, including that migrants receive $5,000 Visa cards. Casa Alitas and Catholic Community Services have increasingly become the target of right-wing ire and conspiracy theories. Social media personalities have been showing up with video cameras unannounced at Casa Alitas shelters and demanding access, while falsely accusing staff, volunteers and local law enforcement of participating in, or refusing to investigate, human trafficking. The targeted harassment has ramped up since January, when right-wing media personality James OKeefe shared multiple videos filled with false claims about Casa Alitas. In one video with nearly 3 million views, he claimed the Casa Alitas Drexel Center was a secret facility that none of the American people knew about until now. Thats just absurd, said Evans of Pima County. Theyre only secret to people who dont know how to use Google. The Drexel Centers purchase, and Casa Alitas work generally, have been covered by local, state, national and even international news outlets. Pima Countys Board of Supervisors publicly debates and votes to approve funding for the programs, as the Star and other outlets have routinely reported. Just a month or so ago, I did an interview with the Financial Times of London, Evans said. Weve been completely open and transparent about what were doing here and why were doing it. Were trying to protect the community from the deleterious effects of what would happen if hundreds of people a day were being released (without shelter) in Tucson. Casa Alitas has also given tours to Arizonas Congressional delegation, including Reps. Juan Ciscomani, Ruben Gallego and Raul Grijalva, and Sens. Mark Kelly and Sinema, as well as Gov. Katie Hobbs, Evans said. But two conservative legislators are now the latest to have shown up at Casa Alitas facilities, unannounced and with a camera running. While in Arizona for a committee hearing in early February, Reps. Tom Tiffany, R-Wisconsin, and Doug LaMalfa, R-California, filmed their own attempt to enter a Tucson hotel where Casa Alitas shelters migrants when its other facilities are full. The day before, OKeefe had posted a video of himself in costume, with a secret camera, at the same hotel, in a video that garnered 4.4 million views. Tiffanys office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. He and LaMalfa shared a video of their visit on X, formerly Twitter, falsely claiming that OKeefe had exposed that the hotel was housing illegals. Tiffanys Feb. 9 post now has more than 2 million views and nearly 3,000 comments underneath, including from Elon Musk. Casa Alitas staff had been told to call police if strangers showed up demanding access, Evans said, and thats what they did when the unfamiliar legislators showed up last week. They were rightly skeptical of who was there, he said. They were anxious and spooked from the secret videos of them posted on Internet, and the Internet harassment they were experiencing from the day before, when OKeefe posted his video. In a Wednesday interview, Rep. LaMalfa told the Star that as legislators, he and Tiffany should have been allowed to inspect the facility and conduct interviews, whether or not theyd given notice. We showed ID, he said. We wanted to see exactly how theyre running their operation there. When they would not even talk to us, thats what was concerning. They wont tell us what theyre doing. LaMalfa falsely claimed to the Star that Casa Alitas was harboring illegals. All migrants housed at Casa Alitas have been processed and released by Border Patrol. Once they are released by Border Patrol, with a notice-to-appear for a court hearing, they are present in the country legally. LaMalfa said nongovernmental organizations really dont seem to have accountability. Theyre getting a lot of money pushed at them to (shelter) people here that really dont have any place here, he said. It isnt unreasonable for members of Congress, who are in charge of appropriating the money to do that, to be able to look at how the processes are working and what theyre dealing with. Evans, and Casa Alitas director Pina Lopez, said the legislators would have been welcomed if anyone had known they were coming. If Rep. Tiffany had reached out to CCS or reached out to the county, we absolutely would have accommodated him and arranged for a tour for him to see what were doing and the successes in protecting the community, Evans said. But we werent given that opportunity. He just showed up. So he got rejected and took to the Internet to complain about it. Love conquers fear For decades, U.S. legislators have failed to enact comprehensive reform to allow the U.S. immigration and asylum systems to cope with the new reality at the border, where most are turning themselves in to Border Patrol agents to request asylum and increasingly, families are arriving from diverse parts of the world. In the Tucson sector, more than half of the 250,000 migrant apprehensions between ports of entry in fiscal year 2024, which began in October, have been members of families or unaccompanied children, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Bishop Weisenburger said, from the Christian perspective, centering the humanity of the most vulnerable among us is crucial in making moral policy decisions. How easy it is that we vilify immigrants, he said. But these are human beings. If you speak of immigration in the abstract, its easy to make decisions. But if you go down and talk to someone whose relatives have been murdered, whose child finally died from hunger, youll come to some different conclusions. Even as social-media personalities seek to exploit anxiety about immigration, Weisenburger counsels avoidance of fear-based reactions. Fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not be the main driver behind decisions, Weisenburger said, referencing a message from the Gospel of John: Fear always takes us where we do not want to go, he said. Perfect love casts out all fear. The scriptures are one long story of every time we give in to fear, we make pretty bad decisions, he said. If we allow love to come to life within us, we make much better decisions. And then, we work together and we actually fix some of these problems, and we make the world a better place. Photos of the U.S. Mexico border fence U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Douglas, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Lochiel, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near Sasabe and Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. U.S. Mexico border near San Luis, Ariz. Tucson Unified School District officials are hustling to find answers to their funding puzzle as COVID relief ends and Title I cuts loom. One possible solution to the pandemic funding loss is a package of cuts in administrative staff, namely assistant principals, office assistants and administrative secretaries. Also on the table because of the separate reduction in Title I money the district might face: A 15% budget cut to all TUSD schools and departments. The last round of federal COVID relief funding, ESSER III, expires Sept. 30. The district used $3.6 million of its $172.9 million award to pay for pandemic-spurred learning recovery specialists. Saving those specialists jobs, for 54 math and reading interventionists and 46 response to intervention professionals, has become a priority. TUSD data show a correlation between improved student performance and presence of the specialists. The possible cuts to administrative staff, presented to the Governing Board at Tuesday nights meeting, would eliminate 39 positions, leaving $3.25 million to be rerouted to sustainably fund the learning recovery specialists. This is not a recommended path that the administration would advise the board (to take), TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said of the staffing cuts. This is where a lot of the work to support our students and families is happening. In times of budget reductions, we begin with positions, programs and opportunities furthest away from the classroom, furthest away from the school will always be our true north, Trujillo said. However, TUSD has a formula for administrative staff-to-student ratios. For example, TUSDs ideal students-to-assistant-principal formula is 600:1. Currently, that would be 26 full-time equivalent assistant principals. Yet, the district has 54 FTE assistant principals on the roster. Spreading people thin Several opponents of cutting assistant principals took to the podium Tuesday. Seven years ago, TUSD did exactly what theyre discussing now, said Valencia Middle School Principal Stacey Gist. Schools were constantly labeled Ds and Fs and school safety was a huge concern. The board can look at discipline data, academic data and building administrator turnover. Main (assistant principal) priorities are supporting teachers and school safety daily. Gist is also president of Educational Leaders Incorporated, an employee group representing principals, assistant principals, school psychologists and research project managers. Luke Skiba, a credit recovery teacher at Tucson High Magnet School, said, We would be spreading more people thin and contribute to a lack of quality within our schools. People who do not directly work in schools daily should be considered for budget cuts over the already overworked school employees on our campuses. Other plan abandoned Still, the public outcry for saving these administrative positions paled in comparison to the first solution TUSD considered, and abandoned, for its problem as COVID funding ends: Eliminating the Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness (EDI) Department and reallocating its funding source, desegregation funds. That proposal drew a standing room-only crowd of EDI supporters at the boards Jan. 30 meeting. The EDI department oversees support for unhoused students and LGBTQ students, as well as the multicultural curriculum. TUSD finance chief Ricky Hernandez told the Arizona Daily Star the plan to eliminate the diversity department is off the table after that meeting. Indications are that letting the districts learning recovery specialist positions disappear also is unlikely. To keep these teachers is very important to our district, to our students, who will continue on year after year learning, graduating and just being so proud to come to school and to be able to read with their peers, said Governing Board member Jennifer Eckstrom. Cuts to assistant principal, office assistant and administrative secretary jobs are still possible, but district leaders are working on other options, Hernandez said. 15% budget cut? And TUSDs budget plot thickens, as good news concerning the districts poverty rate brings with it the possibility of reduced federal funding under Title I. Were just making projections at this point, said TUSD grants and federal funds director Jon Lansa. Those are things that Im having to take into account when setting budgets for schools so that were not pulling money back from schools next year. That would be worst case scenario. Were trying to avoid that situation. Lansa presented a few options Tuesday to make up for potentially lost Title I funds in FY2025. Those include a 15% budget cut to all TUSD schools and departments. Title I funds are based on a schools poverty rate. In fiscal year 2025, it is projected 85 of TUSDs schools will be Title I schools. The federal dollars back efforts to support student achievement in high-poverty schools. In TUSDs case, that includes, but is not limited to, districtwide summer school, preschool and family engagement efforts. The districts poverty rate currently stands at 19% and it receives $24.3 million in Title I funding. Title I distribution is calculated based on school-aged individuals regardless of their school enrollment, which means students enrolled in charter, private and other public school alternatives are included in the equation. Indications are TUSDs poverty rate will drop by 2025, Lansa said. For the last couple years, it was going up. Now were seeing this drop and thats what were having to plan for. Tucson Unified isnt alone, he said. Many Pima County schools poverty rates are projected to improve, meaning the schools will likely lose some Title I support. Overall student numbers also play a role. That population is also expected to decrease. Additionally, about $890,000 of TUSDs Title I allocations go to private schools, Lansa explained. Thats decided by the number of students from TUSDs coverage area attending private schools. Were mandated that (Title I) money follows them, he said. To me, touching Title I funds is sort of I dont know if sacrilegious is the right word, but its hurtful, Governing Board President Natalie Luna Rose said. Im hoping that and praying that perhaps the allocations that you get in March will look different. Local and state officials gathered in a small room Friday at Pima Countys historic courthouse to create a hive mind in addressing gun violence here and across the state. In attendance were Democrats State Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover and Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott. Joining them were dozens of residents and community activists hoping to hear what state officials are doing to try to tighten gun laws and create ways local officials can curb violence in their own districts. Gutierrez, who works as a Tucson High Magnet School teacher as well as state representative, said she sees the impact gun violence is having on students and teachers alike. In fact, its the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 15-17 in Arizona, she noted. I dont consider myself a survivor, she said. But Im definitely adjacent to it. Gutierrez vowed she will not rest until these laws are passed. Im not going to go back and tell my students I did nothing. Scott agreed, adding that while the legislator, in the political minority at the GOP-controlled Legislature probably wont pass such laws, the move is to put the bills out there and let the public know who is standing in the way of common sense laws moving forward. He said 71% of Arizona residents surveyed would welcome common sense gun laws moving forward. Proposed laws would include red flag laws, which would flag gun owners who have threatened harm to oneself or others, as well as keeping guns out of the hands of other prohibited possessors. Rexs office said updated laws would address gun violence by giving local governments greater flexibility, protecting educational institutions from threats, and keeping weapons out of the hands of prohibited possessors. For Gutierrez, its about reaching across the aisle and working with Republicans to promote such laws. We have to at least put it out there, Scott said. We need to take these steps in order to move forward. The Gila Bend groundwater basin about 125 miles northwest of Tucson has one of the fastest-falling aquifers known on the planet, a new study shows. The aquifer in the Gila Bend Basin where pumping isnt regulated fell faster from 2000 through 2020 than all but two others in the U.S. and all but 46 others among 1,693 groundwater basins around the world analyzed by the researchers. But the same study gives high marks to Tucson Waters efforts to replenish the aquifer here with renewable water brought by the Central Arizona Project canal from the Colorado River. Thats resulted in some of the fastest-rising water levels among those analyzed. Specifically for the Tucson area, the study found that: The water table in the basin including most of Tucson, which the study calls the Upper Santa Cruz Basin, rose faster since 2000 than all but 18 of the aquifers studied worldwide. Two individual monitoring wells in the Avra Valley where Tucson Water is replenishing the aquifer ranked among the top 500 fastest-rising such wells in that period, among about 170,000 total wells examined. But in Gila Bend, by contrast, Elizabeth McClure, a longtime resident who has raised concerns about water levels, said shes shocked the basin made a global list of rapidly declining wells. Its incredibly crazy to me. You wouldnt think Gila Bend would be on a list like that, said the 67-year-old. For me, it makes the issue even more critical than what I thought. Declines can be slowed The massive study analyzed groundwater level trends in more than 40 countries. Groundwater level declines were widespread worldwide. Overall, 1,201 basins, or 71% of all studied, showed declines. Worse, the study found that in 30% of the 1,693 aquifers, the rate of decline has accelerated since 2000, compared to the 20th centurys last two decades. The declines were especially large in aquifers located in arid climates where a large portion of the landscape is under cultivation for farming. Overall, the study said irrigation worldwide is estimated to account for 70% of global groundwater withdrawals. A similar proportion of Arizona groundwater is used by farmers. The Gila Bend Basin fits that category. Its local economy depends heavily on growing cattle feed thats used in dairies there and in central Arizona in general. Its use of groundwater is unregulated, which many critics say dramatically increases the rate of groundwater pumping compared to what nature puts back into the aquifer through rainfall. But the experience of rising water levels and monitoring wells in the Tucson area is one example of what the researchers cited when they wrote: Our analysis of groundwater levels suggests that long-term groundwater losses are neither universal nor inevitable. Water levels in the aquifer in much of Tucson have climbed steadily since Tucson Water started putting most of its Colorado River supply into the ground to replenish the aquifer at the beginning of the 21st century, both the new study and a Tucson Water map show. The study also cited the experience of Albuquerque, where groundwater levels have been rising since about 2008 because of its increased use of surface water. That water also comes from the Colorado River Basin, through a smaller-scale version of the CAP known as the San Juan-Chama Basin project. In 16% of the aquifer systems, groundwater level declines reversed defined as cases in which groundwater levels declined in the late 20th century but rose in the early 21st century. said the study, prepared by researchers from the U.S., South Africa, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Declines can be slowed, stopped, and even reversed, but much work needs to be done to address groundwater depletion, because of its prevalence, researcher Scott Jasechko told the Arizona Daily Star. One of the studys eight co-authors, Jasechko is a hydrology professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara. While considerably more aquifers around the world are in bad shape than are okay, I think it would be wise to learn from the positive cases where things have turned around, so we can think about implementing those kinds of solutions in other places where groundwater levels are declining, he said. Farms, state regulators at odds The studys release last month came around the same time the Arizona Department of Water Resources announced it was considering imposing a management system on the Gila Bend Basin for the first time. The basins wells have fallen about 4 feet a year since 2000, the department found, which matches the global studys findings. Continued declines on that scale can hurt water quality, jack up pumping costs, and trigger land subsidence, which ADWR has already documented to have increased significantly in the Gila Bend Basin over the past decade. The Gila Bend Basin is mainly low desert, interspersed with mountains that reach 3,200 feet high. The town of Gila Bend has around 1,850 residents, who rely on groundwater from town wells for drinking. Precipitation tops out at 8 inches on the valley floor and 12 inches in the mountains far less than Tucson and Mount Lemmon get in a typical year. The Gila River runs through the basin but only carries water there after rains and has been plagued by drought. And unlike Tucson, the basin does not have access to water from the Colorado River. Sixty-four farms grow crops on more than 50,000 acres in the Gila Bend Basin, the U.S. Agriculture Department reported in 2023. Most commonly grown are forage crops such as alfalfa, barley, wheat and corn, which are used to feed dairy cattle, said Robert Van Hofwegen, manager of the Paloma Irrigation District within the basin. The basin has six dairies, which furnish almost 20% of all Arizonas milk production, he said. The states measurements of water level decline were taken in 18 index wells around the basin that the department checks at least annually, said Ryan Mitchell, ADWRs chief hydrologist, at a recent public meeting. The Jan. 30 meeting was called to discuss possibly creating a state-run Active Management Area for the basin, which would allow the state to impose conservation requirements on the farmers and require them to install water meters on their wells. Thats an action many farmers there strenuously oppose. Besides having the fastest average water level decline in the state, the Gila Bend Basin had the well that fell the farthest from 2000 to 2020 of any state-measured index well 185 feet, ADWR said in an April 2023 report. Notably, the Gila Bend Basins declines since 2000 exceeded even those in aquifers in Californias Central Valley, long notorious for its chronic over-pumping of the aquifer by farms, the new global study shows. In some cases, Central Valley wells have fallen faster than 4 feet per year during droughts, but then rebounded during Californias frequent events of very heavy rainfall and flooding storms that strike Arizona much less often. Some individual Central Valley wells are probably falling at rates comparable to or even faster than those in the Gila Bend Basin, but an individual well is not the same as an aquifer, Jasechko said. Why is it falling so fast? Some Gila Bend Basin farmers say their groundwater levels have been heavily impacted over the last few decades by other forces besides pumping. They include the raising of Roosevelt Dam east of Phoenix in the late 1990s on the Salt River, a Gila River tributary, to store more water for Phoenix. Another factor was diversion of a lot of sewage effluent from the Gila River starting in the 1980s for use at the then-new Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in suburban Buckeye. We used to get a significant amount of effluent from Phoenix, said Van Hofwegen, of the Paloma Irrigation District, which delivers water to 15 customers growing crops on about 30,000 acres. Over time, people above us with rights are taking it. Were not seeing what we used to. Also, the Phoenix cities reuse much more effluent than before, to extend their water supplies, meaning less effluent leaves that area, he said. Many people want to say its wasted water when it leaves (the sewage) treatment system, he said of the effluent. Thats anything but the truth. If water goes down the river, it recharges an aquifer. Then theres the drought. Last year, the Gila River carried water through the basin for about 90 days. But that was only the fourth time the river has brought in any water in the last 20 years, Van Hofwegen said. Another possible factor is since 2000, people drilled or deepened 51 wells within the basin either to irrigate crops or water their livestock, a database from Arizona State Universitys Kyl Center for Water Policy shows. The database draws from ADWR well records. Thats a lot fewer than the 269 wells drilled or deepened for farming and livestock watering since 2000 in the Willcox Basin southeast of Tucson. There, dozens of homeowners have reported their wells drying up. But the average new and deepened well depths in the Gila Bend Basin havent been much less than in the Willcox Basin 1,200 feet versus 1,500 feet in recent years. Additional wells generally mean more demand, which contributes to the water tables decline, but this is kind of a chicken-or-the-egg question. Wells are drilled deeper for a reason: Its costly to drill wells the deeper the well, the higher the cost, said Sarah Porter, the Kyl Centers director. And because of the additional energy required, pumping from greater depths typically results in more costly water. In any event, what happened in the 1990s is only part of the story, Porter said of the farmers concerns. There are now more and deeper wells, all 18 index wells have declined over the last 20 years and the subsidence rate is increasing, Porter said, referring to the sinking and cracking of land due to pumping. Because there are no metering requirements for rural areas, we dont have withdrawal data to give us a more complete picture. While the farmers concern about upstream diversions may be accurate, it must be realized that that likely was never their water other parties have the right to it, Porter said. In fact, the river flows could decline even further because the Salt River Project is about to do a pilot project to boost the amount of water it stores in Roosevelt Dam upstream of Phoenix, she said. If that becomes a permanent change, the Gila Bend area will get even less river water. The aquifer is being depleted due to increasing groundwater demand or persistent groundwater demand, Porter said. Its not going to be replenished. McClure, the longtime Gila Bend resident worried about water levels, said she thinks the farmers are trying to discredit ADWRs findings. Theyre trying to insinuate that the numbers are not as serious as ADWR says. Gila provides minimal recharge Responding to questions from the Star, ADWR responded mostly in general terms, saying only, When the outflows exceed the inflows, you will see groundwater level declines. The Gila Bend Basin is experiencing a significant discrepancy in inflows and outflows. The department also declined to respond directly to farmers concerns that upstream depletions lowered the aquifer. ADWR downplayed the benefits to the basins aquifer from river flows that recharge it. In rivers and streams like this section of the Gila River that only carry water after storms, the flows only provide minimal aquifer recharge, allowing no more than 10% of the surface flow to seep into the aquifer, the department said. Van Hofgren said quite a few wells in his district rose after last years prolonged river flows amid the long drought. If last years Gila River flows repeat themselves for a couple more years, we could see significant recharge in the basin. But ADWR said that of 18 index wells it measured in late 2023, only four showed water level rises. What now? These challenges are manageable by the right approach, Van Hofwegen said. Those wells that rose are in a very porous, productive part of the aquifer, where it is easier to pump the water but also easier to recharge that water, he said. The basins ability to recharge water is very unique for Arizona groundwater basins, he said. Our current challenges are not necessarily permanent challenges. With recharge we could recover. But how will that happen? If that was easy to answer, water would not be such a hot topic, he said. Today, two competing bills in the Legislature offer different approaches to how pumping in rural basins like this one would be regulated. A bill favored by Senate Republicans would authorize creation of groundwater basin management areas and require some conservation, but it would establish a complex, lengthy process for creating them that has sparked sharp criticism in some quarters. A bill pushed by House Democrats would make it simpler to create state-run management areas in rural basins (Tucson and Phoenix already have them) and would require stricter conservation, but opponents say it gives too much power over appointing the basins to the governor. What happens to the Gila Bend Basin could well depend on how this clash ultimately plays out. Colorado River cuts loom large Tucson was dependent for groundwater for decades in the 1900s and its wells dropped precipitously. But today, most if not all of the water delivered to the 730,000-plus residents of Tucson Waters service area is CAP water from the Colorado. The utility started recharging that water into the aquifer in 2001 and since 2012 has put almost of that supply into the ground and pumped it out as needed. As a result, the increases in some well levels here are among the largest in the world, the new study found. In midtown Tucson and on much of the east side, the water table rose more than 3 feet a year annually from 2000 through 2022, a Tucson Water map shows. Water levels have risen at around 7 feet per year in that period on a section of the south side near where interstates 10 and 19 meet. All of those areas were heavily pumped for drinking water starting around World War II but arent pumped much anymore, if at all. The study analyzed water levels in monitoring wells across the entire Upper Santa Cruz Basin, which covers both city and suburban areas from Oracle Junction north of Tucson to Green Valley south of it. Because the basin includes many suburban areas where groundwater still is being pumped for drinking, the average reading of 48 monitoring wells analyzed for the study showed a much smaller rise of about 1.15 feet a year from 2000 through 2020. In the Avra Valley, the Tucson Water map and the new study showed a maximum increase of 208 feet since 2000 at a monitoring well less than a mile south of the Southern Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project. Thats one of two sets of recharge basins in the valley where CAP replenishes groundwater. That increase was the 117th fastest rise of any of the 170,000 monitoring wells globally that the study reviewed, researcher Jasechko said. Before recharge began, that wells water level had fallen 54 feet from 1954 to 2004, he said. At a second monitoring well farther north, the water level rose 148 feet from 1997 through 2021. That ranked as the 478th fastest rising monitoring well studied, Jasechko said. That well lies about a mile north of the second set of city recharge basins, known as the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project. Tucson Water recharges CAP into those basins for two purposes. It places the large majority of its annual CAP supply of 144,191 acre-feet into the aquifer for water treatment and pumps it back out each year for delivery to the utilitys customers. The rest is left in the ground to be stored for future use if the citys annual supply is cut back due to Colorado River shortages. Tucson has been able to store nearly six years worth of drinking water supplies in recharge basins. But the future looks muddier. Thats due to the likelihood of CAP delivery cutbacks to Tucson and other Arizona cities because of Colorado River shortages. Last year, for instance, Tucson agreed to leave more than one-third of its CAP supply in Lake Mead to raise the depleted reservoirs water level. In 2024 and 2025, due to leaving water in Mead, Tucson Water estimates barely a fourth, at most, of what the city has historically stored in its recharge basins may be available for long-term storage, utility spokeswoman Natalie DeRoock told the Star. Beyond 2025, how much CAP water Tucson will have for delivery or storage is a big unknown, due to ongoing negotiations over how the Colorado River will be managed after its operating guidelines expire at the end of 2026. More cuts in CAP supplies are expected but nobody knows how big yet. Raytheons Tucson operation is serving a critical and growing role in providing the nation and its allies with weapons to counter the rapidly evolving threat of drone warfare and the Pentagon wants more, and fast. The Army recently awarded Raytheon a $75 million contract to produce 600 of its Coyote 2C drone interceptors, which in testing has shown it can destroy small, unmanned aircraft by streaking to them and exploding at close range. The contract award, announced Feb. 9, was part of a Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority notification to Congress, the Army said. The recent contract comes after the Army awarded Raytheon $237 million in April to produce anti-drone systems, including radars and Coyote interceptors. And the Army wants thousands more Coyotes in the future. In December, the Army filed a notice that it intends to contract with Raytheon to supply 6,000 missile-like Coyote 2 kinetic interceptors, which use explosive warheads, along with 700 non-kinetic Coyote interceptors, which can knock drones out of commission using electronic means like jamming. The contracting notice also calls for Raytheon to provide 152 of its Ku-band Radio Frequency Systems, or KuRFS, including 33 mobile radars, and 277 Coyote launchers with 25 mobile launchers. Originally developed by Raytheon for the Army in 2012 to detect and track rocket, artillery and mortar attacks in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the KuRFS radar provides persistent, 360-degree coverage and are said to be sensitive enough to detect a 9-millimeter bullet. Together with a Northrop Grumman command and control system and other hardware, the Raytheon systems form LIDS the Armys Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System. Growing threat The Pentagon has been clamoring for new counter-drone systems to meet the threat from small, inexpensive drones that have become a major threat to U.S. and allied ground troops in Syria and Iraq and shipping in the Red Sea. In 2020, the Army began deploying LIDS to the U.S. Central Command area, which includes the Middle East and parts of Asia, though details of their operations have been kept secret. Theres some phenomenal capabilities out there, including the Coyote thats working and the demand for that is off the charts, said Riki Ellison, a former Tucsonan who closely follows developments in drone warfare as founding chairman of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance in Virginia. Raytheon declined to answer specific questions about the operational use of its counter-drone weapons but said its prepared to help the nation meet that threat. The threat posed by enemy drones is real and proliferating; evident in current-day conflicts around the globe, the company said in a prepared statement. Raytheon has developed the enabling technologies, as well as complete and customizable systems, that enable ground forces to defeat complex unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, threats in any environment. Evolving Coyote The Coyote originally developed as part of a Navy research program in the early 2000s by a Tucson tech startup later acquired by Raytheon initially was a small, relatively low-cost, propeller-driven drone. Designed to be tube-launched from ground, sea or air, the Coyote 1 had flip-out wings and an electric-powered pusher propeller allowing it to loiter aloft for up to an hour individually or networked together in swarms. Raytheon paired the Coyote with its KuRFS radar to create the Howler Counter Unmanned Aerial System, which was deployed by the Army in 2019 after the service declared defense against drones and other airborne threats an urgent operational need. Raytheon later developed the Coyote 2, with improved sensors and a jet engine for increased speed and range, and narrow stability and control fins instead of a long main wing and tail-fin assembly. Looking and flying more like a missile than a drone, the radar-guided Coyote Block 2 uses a proximity fuse to detonate a blast-fragmentation warhead near a drone or other threat, with a reported range of about 15 kilometers or just over 9 miles. The Army funded development of an enhanced target seeker in 2021. Raytheon also has developed the Coyote Block 3, a propeller-driven, winged version similar to the Coyote 1 that can down drone targets using unspecified non-kinetic weapons, which could include things like microwave pulses or jamming to bring down targets without contact. Coyote at sea In May, the Navy awarded Raytheon a contract worth up to nearly $150 million to upgrade its Coyote 3 drone for future missions, including precision-strike capabilities and the ability to launch from unmanned surface vessels and submarines. The Coyote 2 and 3 have downed multiple drone targets in testing, including a test last summer at the Yuma Proving Ground in which the system took on a swarm of 30 drone targets and downed several single targets and swarms, Raytheon said. Both the Coyote 2 and 3 are in active production supporting current contracts, with much of the work performed in Tucson, Raytheon said. As the threat of unmanned systems continues to grow, the performance and reliability of a complete (counter-drone) system is critical, Raytheon said. With KuRFS and Coyote, we can help to give our warfighters a decisive advantage over enemy drones with an effective solution to counter the threat. U.S. allies also are interested in the Coyote, and in 2020, the U.S. government approved the Coyote 2 system for foreign sales. In late 2022, the State Department approved the proposed sale potentially worth about $1 billion of 10 fixed-site LIDS, including 200 Coyotes, to Qatar, though no production contracts have been made public. While the Army has not listed unit costs for the low-cost Coyote, they reportedly have a price tag of about $100,000 each, and the recent Army contract works out to $125,000 apiece. Thats much cheaper than longer-range naval missiles reportedly being used in some cases to down scores of drones and missiles fired from Yemen by Houthi rebels against shipping in the Red Sea, which analysts say include small- to mid-sized drones the Coyote is designed to defeat. The Pentagon has reported that Navy ships have downed scores of Houthi drones and missiles but hasnt officially released details about the weapons used. Military analysts say the Navy has likely used Raytheons Standard Missile-2 ship-defense missile, which cost about $2 million per copy. U.S. warships in the area also carry the $4 million, multi-role SM-6 interceptor, which was reportedly used to shoot down a Houthi anti-ship missile in late January, though the Pentagon hasnt confirmed the reports. For ship defense, Navy warships including destroyers and cruisers deployed to the Red Sea also are equipped with Raytheons Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, which cost about $1.7 million each, and its smaller Rolling Airframe Missile ship-defense system, at about $900,000 per copy. Those U.S interceptors cost many times more than the Houthis larger drones, whose cost is estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars to around $100,000, and their older or copied Iranian missiles. Last line of defense But Ellison said that cost comparison misses the point. The number one thing is, the value of these weapons systems is not what they intercept, its what they protect, he said. So those SM-6s are protecting a $2 billion ship with 300 U.S. Navy sailors on it. Beyond the cost curve concern, Ellison said, is that the barrage of Houthi drones and missiles is requiring U.S. forces to use up its arsenal faster than it can be replenished by Raytheon and other contractors already struggling to make extra weapons to replenish those used to help Ukraine. Youve got to look at, in warfare, that the other side has figured out how to engage your expensive weapons with their least expensive weapons and thats a win for them no matter if they hit the ship or not, or hit the base or not, theyre expending your capabilities, he said. Navy warships also mount Raytheons Phalanx Close-in Weapon system, a radar-guided, rapid-fire 20-millimeter cannon that is seen as the last line of ship defense. According to reports by CNN and Navy Times attributed to Pentagon officials, the Navy destroyer USS Gravely used a Phalanx system to down a Houthi missile within a mile of the ship in the Red Sea in late January. Directing energy So-called directed-energy weapons using high-powered bursts of energy or lasers can down drones and other aerial threats much more cheaply than missiles and dont have to be stored and reloaded. But such systems come at a high upfront cost, and laser systems in particular can have trouble with atmospheric effects like fog and smoke. A few U.S. directed-energy systems have already been deployed and some are still in development, with Raytheon involved several efforts. In 2019, the Air Force deployed Raytheons ground-based, mobile High-Energy Laser Weapon System, or HELWS, overseas for base and force protection. The system has more than 25,000 hours of operation and is certified for use in combat, with multiple additional systems now deployed, Raytheon says. The company, which does its laser contract work mainly in McKinney, Texas, also is supplying the laser unit for the Armys Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system, with prime contractor Kord Technologies. The Army said four prototypes of that system were delivered to an Army air-defense artillery regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in September. Drone zappers Raytheon also has developed directed-energy systems designed to jam drone communications or disable them with pulses of energy. In late January, Raytheon announced that the Air Force Research Laboratory had successfully completed a three-week field test of the Counter-Electronic High-Power Microwave Extended-Range Air Base Defense system, or CHIMERA, at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The CHIMERA, which fires highly concentrated radio energy at multiple middle-to-long-range targets, successfully directed energy at static targets and successful detected and tracked aerial targets, Raytheon said. In December, Raytheon said it will build two high-power microwave antenna systems for the Navy and Air Force that will use directed energy to defeat drones and other airborne threats. The three-year, $31.3 million contract is part of the Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program. The Pentagon has not released details of combat use of directed-energy weapons. The Government Accountability Office in a report issued in April 2023 found that despite decades of development work, the Pentagon has struggled to move its directed-energy programs from development to production, recommending that the armed services reach transition agreements with defense contractors. WASHINGTON (AP) Doctors in states with strict abortion restrictions say an increasing number of pregnant women are seeking early prenatal testing. They're hoping to detect serious problems while they still have time to choose whether to continue the pregnancy or have an abortion. But early ultrasounds show far less about the condition of a fetus than later ones. And genetic screenings may be inaccurate. Since Roe v. Wade, about half the states have put in abortion bans or restrictions. And that's started the clock ticking. Many health care providers say more patients are deciding the fate of their pregnancies based on whatever information they can gather before state bans kick in. Officials in central Oregon this week reported a case of bubonic plague in a resident who likely got the disease from a sick pet cat. The infected resident and the residents close contacts have all been provided medication, public health officials say, and people in the community are not believed to be at risk. The cat was treated but did not survive. Plague isnt common, but it also isnt unheard of in the western United States, where a handful of cases occur every year. Here are a few things to know about what the plague is, who is at risk and how a disease that was once a harbinger of death became a treatable illness. PHOENIX When it comes to being a fair judge, does it matter what your brother thinks of the parties and their claim? Well, what if hes an attorney, who made social media posts calling the plaintiffs Yahoos, described their lawsuit a cow pie and predicted the case is so flawed it would be thrown out? Thats the issue raised by the attorneys for Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma who wants Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Tim Ryan to disqualify himself from hearing their claim against Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. They said the posts on X, formerly Twitter, by Ryans older brother, Tom, suggest that they cannot get a fair and impartial trial in Judge Ryans court. Tom Ryan, also an attorney, does not deny the various posts on social media. And he told Capitol Media Services he stands by his comments about both the Republican legislative leaders and the merits of their lawsuit. In fact, he doubled down on them. I havent lost my right to comment on stupid lawsuits and call politicians chucklenuts and yahoos, as far as I can tell, he said. But he said he made those posts before the case was assigned to his brother on Feb. 1. And the elder Ryan said the judge doesnt even have a social media account, much less follow his posts. Doesnt matter, said Kory Langhofer, one of the attorneys for Petersen and Toma. The plaintiffs are not alleging that Judge Ryan has communicated with his brother about any aspect of this proceeding, or even that he is subjectively aware of the social media postings, the legal team for the GOP lawmakers wrote in the pleading, which is likely to go to another judge to decide whether to move the case from Ryans court. But they said that the unique circumstances of this case create a perception that the judges ability to carry out judicial responsibilities with impartiality is impaired. Judge Ryan, who will get first crack at the question of whether he should step aside, declined comment. Langhofer said if he does not, the case will go to the courts presiding judge. The underlying lawsuit challenges various items in the new Elections Procedures Manual. It is designed to provide more specific guidance for local officials than state law. Petersen and Toma contend there are items in the manual that do not conform to state law. Some are technical, like what happens when a county recorder gets notified that someone has moved. The lawsuit says the only option is to cancel someones registration; the manual says it is placed on inactive status and may later be canceled. Then theres the question of a state law that requires counties to conduct monthly checks of registered voters if there is reason to believe someone is not a citizen. The lawsuit says the plain language of the statute requires such check, even on mere allegations by an outsider, that someone is not a citizen. Fontes, however, says that third-party allegations of non-citizenship are not enough to initiate the process. Potentially most serious is the certification of elections. The manual says that if county officials do not get official results to his office by the deadline, the secretary of state must proceed with the state canvass without including the votes of the missing county. Petersen and Toma, however, contend the county supervisors are not mere rubber stamps of the results reported to them. They say the law requiring a county canvass says the supervisors, on their own, must determine the vote, something that might take extra time. Further, they say what Fontes put in the manual would allow him to disenfranchise the voters of an entire county, something they say is illegal. All this led to a series of social media posts by Tom Ryan after the case was filed Jan. 31. The elder Ryan has himself handled various cases involving elections and election officials and, in many more cases, commented on new and pending lawsuits. In this case, it started with him calling the litigation frivolous and performance litigation to destroy and undermine Arizona citizens confidence in Arizona elections. He then went on to explain how, from a legal perspective, he believes it is flawed, saying Petersen and Toma lack legal standing, using as precedent a court ruling from a fight years earlier between then-Gov. Janet Napolitano and Ken Bennett, who was at the time the Senate president. No matter how much whipped cream you put on a cowpie, its never going to be delectable, he wrote. And he then asked where is the proof that the Senate and House authorized these two Yahoos to sue on their behalf. All those comments, the GOP leaders, require their case be moved to another judge. Whether they embody or influence his brothers views or not, Mr. Ryans public tirade has justifiably undermined plaintiffs confidence in the courts impartiality, their lawsuit says. It might be one thing, they say, if Tom Ryan had opined on the general subject matter of the case or expressed some political preference. That, by itself, they concede, would not provide grounds to disqualify Judge Ryan. But that, they say, is not the case here. He advanced what is functionally equivalent to public legal advocacy with respect to the merits of specific claims and issues pending in a specific proceeding over which his brother is presiding, Petersen and Toma argue. And they said Tom Ryans online prediction that their lawsuit would be thrown out suggest foreknowledge of the proceedings disposition, including his admonition that then plaintiffs are about to go through some things. Stay tuned! Melissa Jacques Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Melissa Jacques 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 Correction: This story originally incorrectly described an audit conducted into disbursals from the Governors Emergency Educational Relief fund administered by ClassWallet. The story has been corrected. OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Kevin Stitts office is considering more options for pursuing the case Attorney General Gentner Drummond has dismissed twice, including earlier this week. In a press conference this Friday, the governor said his general counsel was considering options to continue pursuing a lawsuit against ClassWallet, including possibly bringing the issue before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Stitt also strongly criticized Drummond for dismissing the case Tuesday. Its really a head scratcher why the attorney general doesnt want to hold that vendor accountable and wants to dismiss this case, said Stitt. In response to the governors comments on Friday, Drummonds office said: The only headscratcher is the notion that the governor wants to blame a vendor that did exactly as they were told to by his administration. By dismissing the suit, the Attorney General is protecting Oklahoma taxpayers from having to pay legal fees or other costs in pursuit of the meritless lawsuit. Stitt explained his view of the lawsuit against ClassWallet. A vendor took money from the state to administer a program. They administered it incorrectly according to our internal audit, said Stitt. Were going to hold them accountable, as long as I am governor. I dont know how much clearer I can be. An independent audit was done by State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd into disbursals from the COVID-era Governors Emergency Educational Relief, or GEER, fund administered by ClassWallet. The independent audit found more than $1.83 million in questionable expenditures for that program and another $6.5 million in questioned expenditures in another program also funded by GEER, according to previous reporting from the Tulsa World. In press releases on the subject, Drummond has contested Stitts claim that the case is a straight contract law case. Drummond has placed the blame for mismanagement of funds squarely on the state. Drummond wrote in a email to the governor this January that the overwhelming evidence shows no oversight and no control measures and suggests that no one in your administration tried to shut off the spigot of these improper expenditures. In his correspondence with the governor, Drummond has named State Superintendent Ryan Walters as one of the individuals at fault for mismanaging funds. Walters was CEO of the nonprofit Every Kid Counts Oklahoma at the time these funds were being disbursed. The nonprofit gave grants from the GEER funds to students parents through ClassWallet. Drummond specifically cited two words in Walters emails to ClassWallet. He told ClassWallet to give parents blanket approval for all purchases. Despite Drummonds opposition to the case, Stitt is determined to pursue it, saying, As long as Im governor, I want to hold these vendors accountable. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Art Haddaway Owasso Reporter Editor Follow Art Haddaway 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 Collinsville Public Schools is benefiting from the generosity of a national fast-food chain. The local school district recently received a $29,000 grant from the Arbys Foundation to help pay off its student lunch debt. We are very excited and thrilled that this foundation is doing amazing things for our community, CPS Child Nutrition Director Michell Janah told the Owasso Reporter. Its pretty phenomenal. Janah applied for the grant in the fall as part of the foundations $1 million initiative to eliminate the lunch debt for more than 47,000 students at 762 schools across the country. When I got the news that we got every little bit of it (the $29,000), I was over the moon, she said. Arbys donation will impact nearly 600 Collinsville students who carry a lunch debt. CPS will use the funds to completely reset the deficit an endeavor that Janah was passionate about pursuing. I felt like if we would be able to wipe all of our debt, we could give our kids a little extra, Janah said. They shouldnt have to focus on meals they should be focusing on their studies and the future. Four other Oklahoma public-school districts Clinton, Edmond, Jay and Noble also received grants from Arbys totaling a collected $67,500 and impacting 3,560 students. The Arbys Foundation anticipates giving out nearly 200 local grants across the U.S. through its latest initiative. Tim Stanley Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Tim Stanley 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 Jeff Hall, a Tulsa Housing Authority executive and leader in affordable housing initiatives in Tulsa, is taking his expertise to the Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation. Hall has been named the foundations new senior program officer for housing and will assist with its ongoing grantmaking in support of affordable, mixed-income housing, it was announced last week. He will start in the new role April 1. Jeff Hall has community-wide respect in Tulsas nonprofit housing space, said Bill Major, foundation president. He brings an established track record of listening before leading when he works with the community, residents, developers and financial partners. That thoughtful approach mirrors what the Anne & Henry Zarrow trustees hope to bring to all our grantmaking. Hall, vice president of development services at THA, has been with the authority since 2018 and is a key part of a team responsible for forging public-private partnerships behind the largest mixed-income housing developments in the city. Hall oversaw community-driven master planning as well as financing of the projects, establishing along the way a partner network of over 60 public offices and nonprofit agencies to support residents in redeveloping neighborhoods. The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundations established portfolio of grants includes more than $61 million in awards already made, helping launch such efforts as Housing Solutions, a lead nonprofit agency for the Tulsa Continuum of Care; supportive housing complexes at Mental Health Association Oklahoma; Green Country Habitats commercial-scale housing development Boomtown; and the establishment of CDFI Friendly Tulsa and THAs HUD-awarded Choice Neighborhood Initiatives. The foundation most recently funded the Tulsa Housing Study and the subsequent Community-Informed Tulsa Housing Plan. Jeff will help us listen for those most impactful opportunities, Major said. He understands that housing and good housing policy is an economic development tool and a stabilizing factor for educational outcomes and neighborhood development. Courtney Knoblock, foundation program director, said: Charitable dollars are a very small piece of the housing financing puzzle. But, if they are awarded well, charitable funding can leverage much greater investment or inform the research needed for sound policy changes that are often low-to-no cost for a community. That is an approach that Jeff Hall understands. Prior to THA, Hall oversaw master planning for mixed income and public housing sites in Nashville. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A new state report found that domestic violence homicides declined by 11% during 2022 in Oklahoma, but state totals for the past four years continue to remain relatively high, prompting concern. The report, issued by the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, identified 105 domestic violence-related deaths in the state in 2022. In 2021, the review board IDd 118 domestic violence-related deaths in the state, compared to 114 in 2019 and 119 in 2020. The yearly figures for the past four years are more than those recorded annually from 2012 to 2018, when the state averaged 90 domestic violence-related deaths per year. Although we saw fewer instances of domestic violence homicides in 2022, this horrific crime is tragically rampant in Oklahoma, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a news release. I appreciate the difficult work the board completed and the recommendations they have developed to help reduce domestic violence-related deaths, Drummond said. Oklahoma can and must do better. Among its recommendations, the review board called on the state Legislature to increase funding for the AGs domestic violence and sexual assault programs and to toughen criminal law dealing with domestic violence crimes. The review board also recommended that the states Oklahoma 911 Management Authority include in its training program courses that teach domestic violence-related education as well as best practices when answering domestic violence-related emergency calls. The review board also found that the number of victim protective orders issued by state courts totaled 20,356 in 2022, a 6.1% increase compared with the number filed in 2021. Meanwhile, the number of victim protective orders issued in Tulsa increased by 5.2%, going from 4,231 in 2021 to 4,453 in 2022. Regarding funding, the review board recommended that the state Legislature increase revenue allocated to the AGs certified domestic violence and sexual assault programs from $6.1 million in fiscal year 2024 to $16.1 million in fiscal year 2025. Oklahoma has consistently been ranked in the top 10 of states of women murdered by men in single-victim/single-offender incidents since 1996, according to the report. The most recent state rankings placed Oklahoma as second in the nation for women being killed by men when analyzing 2020 homicide data. Among the 2022 victims of domestic-related homicides in the state, 43% were female victims, according to the report. The review board identified a dramatic drop in federal funding for crime victim assistance programs as one reason for the needed increase in state funds. Federal funding for four crime victim programs in the state has declined from $44.2 million in 2018 to $21.2 million in 2023. Some federal grant monies to the state come from the Victims of Crime Act assistance funds, which derives revenue from fines and assessments on criminals prosecuted in federal court. In recent years, the number of federal prosecutions that would result in large fines and assessments, and subsequently more Victims of Crime Act funds, have dwindled, according to the review board. Tracey Lyall, chief executive officer of Domestic Violence Intervention Services Inc. in Tulsa, said the annual report from the AGs Office always causes her some heartache. Were talking about the high numbers in the state, and its my understanding Tulsa County was still the highest in the state in this report, Lyall said, referring to county-level numbers of domestic violence-related deaths. The review board identified 35 of the 105 state domestic violence homicides in 2022 as occurring in Tulsa County. Oklahoma County recorded the second most domestic violence homicides in 2022 23 cases according to the report. So it just points out that we have much more work to do around domestic violence in terms of keeping families safe and preventing domestic violence homicides, Lyall said. Domestic Violence Intervention Services in Tulsa provides intervention and prevention services to women, men and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. Domestic violence fatalities peaked in 2020 in Oklahoma during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lyall attributed multiple issues that include high poverty rates, pretty relaxed firearm laws, and high rates of methamphetamine use as factors contributing to the domestic violence problem in the state. So you put a lot of those factors together, again, you are adding up a lot of risk factors for families to not be safe, she said. The need translates to DVIS emergency shelter staying continuously at capacity and a waiting list for individual domestic violence outpatient counseling, Lyall said. Often, we have to problem solve with them (victims) to find other places to stay until a shelter bed opens up, she said. So the demand has stayed relatively high for use throughout the pandemic and currently, Lyall said. She said she is hopeful that the Legislature will approve the requested increase in funding for domestic violence and sex abuse services. It is critical for us to continue serving the number of people we need to serve in the state, but it also has been about 20-plus years since weve had any increases in that state funding, Lyall said. The review board also recommended that state law be amended for domestic violence crimes to require those convicted to serve at least 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole. The review board also recommended that state law regarding domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon charges be expanded to include deadly weapons other than just a firearm, as is the current law. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Felix Clary Tulsa World Indigenous Affairs Reporter Follow Felix Clary 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 Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. on Friday announced the tribes purchase of north Tulsas Greater Sunrise Church building for community gatherings. The building will be leased to the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, which serves Cherokee citizens who do not live in Tahlequah but participate in the various programs and services of the Cherokee Nation. The building, located at 1205 E. 46th St. North, will be renovated and available for the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization or any other Cherokee organization that needs a spot for gatherings, meetings and more. Additionally, the Cherokee Nation plans to analyze the biggest need in north Tulsa and will place Cherokee Nation departments and resources accordingly in the building, said Canaan Duncan, the Cherokee Nation deputy secretary of state. Hoskin made the announcement at the tribes Black History Month Celebration at the Greenwood Cultural Center. The Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Tribes and the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization attended the event. Hoskin also signed a proclamation to officially declare February the Cherokee Nations Black History Month. As Cherokees, we know how important community is. Its vital for Cherokee community organizations to have a space where they can meet to fellowship. Having a home for the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization will serve our Cherokee citizens of North Tulsa and the greater area for years to come, Hoskin said. The Cherokee Nation now owns 39 community buildings. This purchase is its first of 2024. 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 Gov. Kevin Stitt and the states top legislative leaders seem to have arrived on the same page in planning to deliver tax relief to Oklahomans this year. Its still uncertain, however, how many tax cuts might pass through the Legislature and what kind of relief people might see. Elimination of the states portion of the tax that people pay on groceries would seem to be a strong prospect. Another possibility would be a 0.25 percentage point reduction in personal income taxes that Oklahomans pay. In a press conference on Friday, Stitt said he would favor passage of both cuts. Speaker of the House Charles McCall also has stated strong support for both. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat has said he doesnt believe the state can afford the loss in revenue that both cuts would bring. According to projections of the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the grocery tax cut, as outlined in House Bill 1955, which specifically would eliminate only the states 4.5% portion of the tax, would reduce state revenues by an estimated $370 million in 2024. The income tax reduction, as outlined by HB1002XXX, would provide for the 0.25 percentage point reduction in all brackets and would lower the states top marginal income tax rate from 4.75% to 4.5%. The OTC has said the impact passage of the measure would have would vary depending on when it might pass. The decrease in FY 2024 would be anywhere from zero dollars to nearly $61 million, and the impact on FY 25 would be expected to be between $61 million and $284 million. While Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said in comments this week that he didnt think the math would add up for the state to afford both cuts, McCall, R-Atoka, said both cuts should be doable. However, he allowed that some adjustments might have to be made in the states budget this year. At his press conference on Friday, Stitt was bullish on both cuts. He said he would 100% sign both. To buttress his argument for substantial tax relief for Oklahomans, Stitt arrived at the press conference with a graphic chart indicating that government spending had all but doubled from about $6.6 billion in 2010 to nearly $13 billion in 2023. Lets give some of that back to the taxpayer. Lets do something for the taxpayer and not just keep figuring out ways to grow government in this building, he said. Asked which of the tax cuts he would prefer if he had to choose, Stitt said he would favor the 0.25 percentage point income tax reduction. Long-term, my job is to try to grow the state and make us the most business-friendly state, and I would prefer to have an income tax cut (and eventually) get us down to zero, he said. He suggested that a tax credit on groceries for some lower-income Oklahomans might still be workable if agreement cant be reached on eliminating the states 4.5% grocery tax. I do think we could afford both of them, Stitt said, but if I had to choose I would say the income tax. I know how business-friendly that is, and thats going to help education, infrastructure, workforce and quality of life because were going to have more and more businesses moving here. McCall, too, has said he would favor the income tax reduction. He also has said any revenue lost by the state associated with the tax cut would be offset eventually by increases in revenue resulting from economic expansion and increased consumer confidence and spending. Treat has shown preference for the grocery sales tax cut, though he said the Republican caucus in the Senate hasnt yet arrived at a consensus. My position is that I want to see immediate relief with the grocery tax elimination, he said. Thats the quickest way to help average Oklahoma families, and its a much more meaningful cut for most families. Treat also asserted that any cut that results in a loss of $200 million or more in state revenue would likely necessitate a more critical approach to budget making in the future. We want to make sure we leave a healthy balance in cash so that we dont spend through (our) reserves if we come upon hard times, the Senate leader said, but if we do anything in substantive tax relief thats above $200 million, you really kind of flatten budgets going forward. At his conference on Friday, Stitt said hes hopeful to have tax relief legislation which has already cleared the House on his desk and ready to sign next week. They (the Senate) could take both of those up bam and be on my desk next week, he said. Lets get that going. That would be great. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Editorials Editor Follow Ginnie Graham 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 Last week my 16-year-old daughter was involved in an inter-city youth program that encourages civic participation, starting with a discussion of challenges facing our community. In getting to know each other, the youths naturally bring up their schools. Public school kids know best whats happening in their classrooms. They know what they have and what they dont. Kids compare notes. Heres a sampling of their informal wish list, and it shouldnt surprise anyone: more AP classes, smaller classes, on-site mental health counselors and fully funded extracurricular programs. (They loathe year-round fundraising, too.) They realized an imbalance, or an inequity, among schools: the wealthier the student body, the more resources they have. All agreed that the have-nots ought to have the same opportunities. You know, all these problems could be fixed with more money. Why doesnt Oklahoma just pay for these things? my daughter asked. Its nice when kids mature to the point of having such conversations, even if she wandered off when I started on taxation theories. She is right. Many of the problems facing public schools could be solved if more money were invested in education. Ten years of mandated cuts and stagnant wages started the course for the crisis felt in classrooms today. The politically fueled, anti-public school sentiment causes further erosion. The belief that throwing money at a problem doesnt work just isnt true. A lot of problems get solved with money, including public services. Consider the foster care system at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. It took a class-action lawsuit to force a unique settlement agreement to make reforms. Part of that included salary increases for staff and foster parents and hiring more workers to lower caseloads. That agreement staved off cuts during the state revenue failures, making the foster care program the only DHS division not to suffer through reductions. It was the one area that received more funding. The result has been an improved system that now is receiving national attention. More foster children are safe and better cared for while in state custody. Oklahomans with developmental disabilities seeking home-based services had to wait 13 years to get help before the Legislature stepped in with a $32.5 million investment in 2022. At that time 5,100 people were on a wait list. Once the funding was made available, DHS started seeking placements for all on the list. Currently, the agency is on track to serve applicants within two years. Many state services are faltering that could be helped with money. The waiting list for 7,500 potential workers through CareerTech could be alleviated with $42 million. Delayed maintenance at state parks led to problems such as deteriorated underground electronic lines shocking campers at Tenkiller State Park and an unaddressed cave-in at Alabaster Caverns State Park leaving cabins unusable. That can be fixed with $350 million. Locally, public investments are more obvious to taxpayers. Want a wider road? Pay for it. Want a street light? Pay for it. Want a lake built in the middle of the Arkansas River? Pay for it. Tulsas investments have paid off. The packed downtown on Tuesday for the Eagles and Steely Dan concert at the BOK Center is a reminder of just how much the arena remains a draw. But I recall vividly the no crowd voting down the arena in tax packages presented in 1997 and 2000. The arena finally got the public funding needed to exist through the 2003 passage of Vision 2025. Tulsans have since learned how effective tax packages can be in fixing problems and improving the city. Thats evident with the citys inclusion of $75 million for housing as part of the voter-approved $814 million Improve Our Tulsa 3 capital improvements package. Nationally, some cities have spiraled into a housing and homelessness crisis. Tulsa is not at that point, but the problem is accelerating. Historically, nonprofits and philanthropists in Tulsa addressed homelessness, and the private sector handled housing development. That setup allowed the city to escape offering up public investments. That happens too often: an expectation that donors, churches and nonprofits can handle a social problem. That ignores the reality that government has a bigger reach and that public problems deserve a public response. Mayor G.T. Bynum told World staff writer Kevin Canfield last year how the public investment is bolstered by whats provided by the nonprofit and private sectors. Government has to play a role if were going to build the (housing) units we need. Improve Our Tulsa would provide part of the funding to cover this need, combined with federal and philanthropic support. Even with the pandemic, the government stepped in with aid to prevent a complete collapse of the economy extending unemployment benefits, offering forgivable loans to businesses and providing funds to purchase medical supplies. The COVID-19 crisis also attracted fraud and mismanagement, some of which Oklahomas state auditor and attorney general are continuing to investigate. While money can solve problems, it doesnt escape the need for tight oversight, transparency and having a well thought-out plan. With my daughter, I explained how the state holds nearly $5 billion in various savings accounts, just sitting there. Its being used as evidence that Oklahoma public services are doing so well that residents are owed a tax cut. It would result in about $93 in savings for our household. That got an immediate teenage eye roll, which made me laugh. If every state lawmaker could break down their logic to a teenager, then maybe wed end up with priorities in better order. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Check out the news you should not miss today in Vietnam Society A 53-year-old American was treated for myocardial infarction at the Ninh Thuan General Hospital in south-central Vietnam on February 8 while he was visiting Ninh Thuan Province for Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, said a representative from the hospital. A buffalo was gunned down on Thursday afternoon after the aggressive animal butted an 80-year-old woman to death and injured two other locals in Le Thuy District under Quang Binh Province, located in north-central Vietnam, an official said on Friday. Over 1.5 million passengers traveled through local airports from February 8 to 14, which coincided with the Tet holiday, up 11 percent year on year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. Temperatures in the southern region are forecast to soar on Friday, with the highest level at 36 degrees Celsius, while scattered rains might hit many localities in the northern and central regions, according to the national weather center. Lifestyle Nha Trang, a popular beach city in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, welcomed three international cruise ships, with a combined 6,200 passengers on board, between Wednesday and Friday. A two-day bicycle tour linking two international border gates of Vietnam and China was launched on Friday, helping to enhance tourism ties between the two countries and promising exciting experiences for visitors to Vietnam's northernmost province of Ha Giang, reported the Vietnam News Agency. World News Donald Trump must pay US$354.9 million in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a New York judge ruled on Friday, handing the former U.S. president another legal setback in a civil case that imperils his real estate empire, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A blaze erupted at a house down an alley in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City at daybreak on Saturday, leaving four dead. Locals discovered the fire at the house on Cach Mang Thang 8 Street at 3:40 am, but tried in vain to put it out. The flames engulfed the house and then spread to two neighboring dwellings, creating a column of smoke. After being notified of the inferno, dozens of firefighters and rescuers quickly approached the scene for firefighting efforts. Several fire trucks were also dispatched to the alley. The blaze was completely extinguished within one hour of firefighting efforts. Police are investigating the cause of the flames. According to local reports, the burned-down residence was occupied by seven people. Three individuals managed to escape the fire, while four others lost their lives to the fierce flames. Residents in the two neighboring houses quickly opened their doors and ran out of the dwellings to save themselves from the fire. An ambulance arrives at an alley in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City after a fire broke out on February 17, 2024. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Locals follow firefighting operations in an alley in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, February 17, 2024. Photo: Dieu Loc / Tuoi Tre Competent forces cordon off an alley where a fire erupted in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, February 17, 2024. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Traffic police officers block a section of Cach Mang Thang 8 Street in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City to investigate the cause of a fire breaking out at daybreak on February 17, 2024. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A sugarcane juice stall located outside the Tran Temple, a popular tourist destination in Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam, has been temporarily suspended, pending local authorities investigation into allegations that the stall owner resold leftover drinks to unsuspecting travelers. Senior Lieutenant Bui Trung Thanh, chief of the Tien Duc Commune police in Hung Ha District of the province, confirmed on Friday afternoon to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that officers have instructed the stall to halt its operations. This suspension is in place for local forces to verify the allegations regarding the resale of leftover drinks by the stall owner. Police officers have temporarily confiscated all the equipment and facilities associated with this stall while awaiting the results of the verification process, Thanh said. Earlier on the same day, a video clip circulating on social media depicted a woman purportedly combining leftover sugarcane juice drinks from previous customers with fresh ones, raising concerns about the hygiene and safety practices at her stall. The video footage revealed the drink seller washing used straws and subsequently reusing them for new guests, giving rise to worries about hygiene practices at the stall. The video clip quickly sparked anger among netizens, given that these unhygienic practices occurred while many travelers were enjoying their visits to spiritual tourism sites, including the Tran Temple in the province. This photo shows the sugarcane juice stall in front of the Tran Temple in Tien Duc Commune, Hung Ha District, Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam. The temple is renowned for housing the tombs of the first three emperors of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) in Vietnam. "If indeed such an incident occurred, we will address it with utmost seriousness to make it a deterrent to other drink sellers, aiming to prevent such happenings in the future," stated Thanh. Since the commencement of the 2024 Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday on February 8, approximately 200 food and drink stalls have been in operation in the area, according to the official. In response to the incident, the commune's administration has issued a reminder to all other food and drink caterers, urging strict adherence to food hygiene and safety regulations Local authorities are encouraging the public to promptly report any similar cases to competent agencies. The temple serves as the venue for the 'Tran Temple Festival,' a captivating event scheduled to take place for six days, from February 22 to 27. This annual traditional activity is dedicated to commemorating the merits of the emperors of the Tran Dynasty. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Local authorities in Tien Giang Province, situated in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, honored a man this weekend for his courageous act of rescuing a three-year-old boy who had been callously thrown into a river by a drug abuser. Phan Quoc Huy, aged 30, was awarded a certificate of merit at a ceremony conducted by the administration of Cai Be District in the province on Saturday. This recognition serves as a high appreciation for Huy's courageous act, which occurred six days earlier, in rescuing the three-year-old boy. The person responsible for throwing the boy into the Ma Voi River is identified as Le Huynh Hai, a 25-year-old local man. He was apprehended by authorities one day after committing this cruel act. As outlined in the case file, Hai, having consumed drugs, walked from his residence in Hau My Trinh Commune to Cai Nua Market in Hau Thanh Commune on the morning of February 11. Around 6:00 pm on the same day, Hai was positioned near a gasoline station in Hau Thanh when he observed the three-year-old boy, L.N.K.T., seated on a bench in front of his residence nearby. Hai approached T., took the boy in his arms, and proceeded toward the river, approximately 80 meters away from the victim's house. Upon reaching the riverbank, Hai callously threw T. into the water before walking away. Witnessing Hai's reprehensible act, Huy promptly rushed to the river, leaped in, and successfully rescued the boy, bringing him safely ashore. Following the rescue, Huy transported T. to a local hospital for thorough medical examination and care. The boy recovered and he was later discharged from the hospital. After receiving reports about the incident, local police launched a search for Hai and managed to apprehend him on February 12 in My Hoi Commune within the same district. Hai has admitted guilt in committing the crime, and local authorities are currently proceeding with the necessary legal procedures to address his actions. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A water buffalo was gunned down on Thursday afternoon after the aggressive animal butted an 80-year-old woman to death and injured two other locals in Le Thuy District under Quang Binh Province, located in north-central Vietnam, an official said on Friday. The buffalo ran loose after it was bought by T.M.Q., who lives in Loc Thuy Commune under the district, a few days ago. The leader of the Loc Thuy Peoples Committee said that the commune administration mobilized forces to mow down the attacking water buffalo. The incident unfolded at 4:30 pm on Thursday. While L.T.D. was walking along a local road in Tuy Loc Hamlet, Loc Thuy Commune, she was butted several times by an aggressive male buffalo, leading to her death on the spot. Residents discovered the incident, but tried in vain to prevent the animal. Its owner and another local chased the fierce buffalo away, but they were wounded severely by the animal. They were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Due to its ferocity, the local administration decided to gun down the buffalo to reduce casualties. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The European Broadcasting Union has backed Israel appearing in this years Eurovision event in Malmo, Sweden. The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments, EBU director general, Noel Curran, said. Our governing bodies did review the participants list for the 2024 contest and agreed that the Israeli public broadcaster Kan met all the competition rules for this year and can participate, as it has for the past 50 years. Finnish and Icelandic artists are among those who called for Israel to be banned over the ongoing Gaza War. By contrast, a letting supporting Israels participation was signed by the likes of Gene Simmons, Helen Mirren, Boy George, Emmy Rossum, Mayam Bialik, Selma Blair, Mayim Bialik, Ginnifer Goodwin, Liev Schreiber, Julianna Margulies, Scooter Braun and Debra Messing. As the Agence France Press reports, Mr. Curran also rejects comparisons with recent bans for Russia. In the case of Russia, the Russian broadcasters themselves were suspended from the EBU due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values, he said. The relationship between Kan and the Israeli government is fundamentally different to the relationship that exists between those Russian members and the state, with the Israeli government in recent years threatening to close down the broadcaster. In January, more than 1,400 artists based in Finland signed a petition calling for Israel to be excluded from this years contest. Their petition said: It is not in accordance with our values that a country that commits war crimes and continues a military occupation is given a public stage to polish its image in the name of music. At the same time other participating countries end up giving their support to Israels policies. Eden Golan (pictured) will represent Israel at the song contest in May. Her song has yet to be announced. Source: Guardian Arshad Ahmed | Two Circles As a four-year-old boy, Zeyad Masroor Khan did not know the pitfalls of living in Aligarh, a city he called his, but only in fragments as he lived in a Muslim ghetto. Support TwoCircles So much removed from the communal realities lurking around him, Khans first encounter with the truth of the city crystallised when he first turned on a light switch in Farsh Manzil, his house, which led to a frantic commotion as calls of riot grew louder around him. In his coming-of-age memoir, City on Fire: A Boyhood In Aligarh published in December 2023, Khan earnestly recollects his days in a Muslim ghetto, Upar Kot, as a child in the wake of the Babri demolition. The book is Khans first-person experience of growing up in between communal fissures in Aligarh and the overt display of prejudice against his religious identity that he came to terms with from city to city. The memoir is also quite telling of discrimination and tacit bitterness that shadow Muslims in India regardless of their social status. It is also the authors catharsis from years of bottling up feelings that emerged from living in a communal vortex. In the words of the author himself, the memoir is both his escape and refuge. It also offers instances of humility and kindness albeit fewer in number which reaffirm Khans idea of pluralistic India in harmony. But with a burgeoning majoritarian overdrive where hatred against Khan and people from his religion is celebrated, the book also uncovers what his idea of India has at stake amid the question of hope. Khan, 35, is a journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Delhi. He has formerly worked with Vice India, Reuters, Deccan Herald, and Brut India in different positions. Khans memoir is also a recollection of his days through different episodes of communal violence in the city and elsewhere that shaped him and with him, the very idea of India now as well. City on Fire: A Boyhood In Aligarh is also a cautionary tale about how popular culture has engineered the otherization of Muslims and what is at stake for India. In an interview with Two Circles, Khan discusses his book. Q. How and when did you feel that you must pen down your lived experience in this memoir? What was the trigger? I have been meaning to write this book for eight years, but the Delhi riot of 2020 was one of the triggers. During the Delhi riot of 2020, I saw the powers that were attacking you, celebrating your deaths, and pinning the blame on you (referring to Muslims). I have grown up seeing these things in Aligarh where after a communal flare-up, the police would shoot at Muslim boys, and arrest Muslim boys. I thought Delhi was a safer place for me after I moved in here and that I had evaded the riots, but the Delhi riots broke my delusion. Q. You described Farsh Manzil as the cusp of two civilisations in a town simmering communal tension. How was it for you to live in Farsh Manzil in Aligarh? It was a beautiful childhood in Farsh Manzil, like every life in the world. The Muslims lived on the top of the slope and the Hindus at the bottom in the century old Farsh Manzil building. There were times when invectives and abuses would fly in the air after communal tension, but for some reason, everybody used to come together for friendship. Q. What were your memories from the riot that led to the demolition of Babri? You were four, but any anecdotes? I have just one memory of that time. During the Babri demolition, there was a button in my home. I did not know what the button was for, but when I pressed it, all hell broke loose in the Muslim neighbourhood. The button was to alert the Muslims against a charged-up Hindu mob during riots. The button was not only installed in our home. It was a defence mechanism used by the Muslims in the neighbourhood to protect themselves. Q. In Daant kati Roti we were introduced to how friends, even the closest ones as well, could turn hostile and indifferent to us during communal violence. Can you share any personal experience of such betrayals? In my book, I gave examples of how friends did not stand up for friends because they belonged to a different religion. I also narrated how a girl was left to die by her Hindu friends. In my case, the son of the grocery shop owner from whom my family had been shopping for three generations, pointed me out to a Hindu mob in another Hindu-Muslim riot in Aligarh. Q. In retrospect, is the Aligarh of your childhood kinder to the Aligarh you visit now? To be honest, even with all the violence, the Aligarh of my childhood was kinder to the Aligarh now. Aligarh now sees less violence but its people have too much violence on their minds. During those times religious slurs against Muslims were discouraged by elderly people, but now slurs against Muslims are a good thing. Q. You have gone through the memories of three riots The Babri when you were 4, the Gujarat riot when you were 14, and the most recent the Delhi riot that have occupied a better part of your boyhood. For a Muslim growing up in Northern India, how did these shape your transition from a boy to a man? As a boy, I would shy away from my Muslim identity, that it was just a mosque (referring to the demolition of Babri) and that Muslims should let it go. And, that I would want to rise above and leave my ghetto. But as a man, I acknowledge these things. I dont run away from my identity and the fact that I come from a ghetto. Earlier, I was ashamed of it, but now I wear it as my ornament. Q. Your memoir is also a cautionary tale on how popular culture has fuelled the otherisation of a community. How do you see present India? I used to read a lot of comic books and would see no Muslim heroes. The Muslims were always sidekicks and negative characters. Even in Bollywood, a Muslim is seen beating his wife. It alienates the Muslims. I also find Muslims playing good Samaritans in films as dehumanising. Show them how they are in the country. They do not need to be too good to deserve similar rights in the country. Do not show them in boxes. Q. Looking back, an India that your grandfather chose during the partition has now become an India you find difficult to recognize. Is there any hope left? I get asked this question a lot. Giving up on hope is a privileged thing. The privileged, in my opinion, are those who do not show resilience. They are those who lose hope. The poor who are living in India, show hope, and I get my hope from these people. So, there is hope for a change. The 312-page book is published by HarperCollins India. It is available in Hardcover and Kindle editions, priced at INR 423 (USD 5.09) and INR 205.2 (USD 2.47), and is available on Amazon. Arshad Ahmed is an independent journalist based in Assam. About 15,000 Kurds marched in the German city of Cologne Saturday to demand the liberation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan (INA FASSBENDER) About 15,000 Kurds marched in the German city of Cologne Saturday to demand the liberation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has spent the past 25 years in a Turkish jail. Police intervened to remove some symbols that are banned in Germany, but made no arrests. Ocalan's Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is considered a terrorist group by most Western countries, and public displays of some of its symbols is illegal in Germany. The Cologne protesters marched calmly, with thousands of flags showing Ocalan's mustachioed image, which is legal. The marchers demanded the release of the 74-year-old former guerrilla, who has been held in an island prison near Istanbul ever since Turkish security agents seized him in Kenya in 1999 and has spent much of that time in isolation. "He is the greatest revolutionary of the 21st century because with his philosophy and his ideology he provides the opportunity to change our societies, and not just in Kurdistan," said Virginia, a 25-year-old teacher. "We are here for the freedom of Ocalan, and freedom for Kurdistan's people," said Sakir, a 50-year-old entrepreneur. Ocalan's entourage has had no contact with him since March 2021 and his last meeting with his lawyers was in 2019. Despite his isolation, he continues to personify the Kurdish national movement for many of his followers, including in the diaspora, who refer to him simply as "Apo", or "uncle" in Kurdish. The conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state has left 40,000 dead since 1984. bur-jpl/ylf/gv/giv Welcome Guest! You are here: Home India Not my choice: French Journalist leaves India amid expulsion threat In a statement released Friday, Vanessa Dougnac said she has been forced to take this decision and leaving the country is not her choice. Read More Saturday February 17, 2024 11:03 AM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi: French Journalist Vanessa Dougnac has finally decided to leave India after 25 years in the country amid expulsion threat and fearing her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status will be cancelled. In a statement released Friday, Vanessa Dougnac said she has been forced to take this decision and leaving the country is not her choice. Vanessa, who has been living in India for 25 years now, has studied, married an Indian and has a son. Vanessa is accused of malicious reporting. She however denied the accusations. She had worked as South Asia Correspondent for La Croix, Le Point, Le Temps and Le Soir. France had raised her issue with the Government of India during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the country where he was the Chief Guest at the annual Republic Day Celebrations . Read her full statement below: I am writing these words in tears. Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came to 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, and raised my son, and which I call my home. Leaving is not my choice. I am being forced to leave by the Government of India. Sixteen months ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs denied my right to work as a journalist, providing no reasons or justifications, and no hearing. Since then, the Ministry has not once responded to my repeated requests for explanations or review of this arbitrary action. Last month, I was sent a notice that accused me and my articles of being malicious, of harming the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India and required me to respond to why my Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card should not be cancelled. The notice further claimed that my articles could provoke disorder and disturb peace. Today, I am unable to work and have been unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state. It has become clear that I cannot keep living in India and earning my livelihood. I am fighting these accusations before the competent forums and I have full faith in the legal process. But I cant afford to wait for its outcome. The proceedings with respect to my OCI status have shattered me, especially now that I see them as part of a wider effort by the Government of India to curb dissent from the OCI community. The authorities had earlier suggested I should change my profession. But I am a journalist, a profession that I hold dear to my heart, and I cannot agree to give it up because of unproven accusations. I would like to thank all the individuals, friends, and colleagues from the journalist fraternity who reached out to me to show their support. I am immensely grateful for the extraordinary 23 years I spent as a journalist in India. I led a life filled with adventures and interactions across the subcontinent and had the opportunity to witness over two decades of Indias history. Being a foreign correspondent in India seeking to share with my French-speaking readers the complexity and richness of this country, was a privilege and an honor. I will cherish the memories I have of the warmth of the people and the beauty of this immense region. Delhi was my beloved city, where I lived my life. To bid farewell to it now is a tremendous sorrow. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Health San Francisco: Hundreds rallied against outsourcing at SF General Hospital The City spends on average $5.2 billion each year on contractsand the vast majority of these dollars are outsourced and awarded to contractors based outside of San Francisco. Read More Saturday February 17, 2024 6:06 PM , ummid.com News Network San Francisco: Over 500 San Francisco city workers represented by SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, and other City unions Friday Feb 16, 2024 rallied outside of San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center to shed light on the dangerous impacts of understaffing. The City spends on average $5.2 billion each year on contractsand the vast majority of these dollars are outsourced and awarded to contractors based outside of San Francisco. At least one in 10 contract requests are due to lack of staff. In bargaining with City unions, the City administration has recently rejected demands to prevent wasteful spending on contracting out. "This hospital has reported that its nurses have missed over 16,000 breaks. We're just asking for a bite of food during a 12-hour shift," said Heather Bollinger, RN (she/her), registered nurse at SFGH and SEIU 1021 RN chapter president. "We love our jobs and we love taking care of our community. We continue to show up every day. It's time for the City to show up for us, staff up, and stop bringing people in on short-term contracts that we cannot afford, and invest in the people who have proven that they will stay, Bollinger added. "A short-staffed hospital means our patients are waiting longer for care, and in some cases going unseen," said Zach Vickers (he/him), physical therapist at SFGH and IFPTE Local 21 member. "We serve San Francisco's most vulnerable populations. We are their safety net and without our care they suffer. Our patients deserve better and the city needs to staff up, Vickers said. In attendance were City and County of San Francisco employees represented by SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, Teamsters 856, IBEW Local 6, UA Local 38, IATSE Local 16, SMW Local 104, Laborers' Local 261, Stationary Engineers Local 39, TWU Local 250-A. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Chinese C919 jetliner arrives in Singapore to attend airshow SIingapore, Feb 17 (UNI) Chinese passenger jet C919 arrived at Changi Airport Saturday after a non-stop flight of nearly six hours to attend Singapore Airshow 2024, according to China Eastern Airlines Singapore Branch. The jetliner will perform flight demonstrations at the airshow, which will last from February 20 to February 25, said the airshow organizer. Five aircraft developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd., including C919, will meet the public at the airshow, which marks their first "group appearance" overseas, said China Eastern Airlines Singapore Branch. HA NOI Viet Nam is experiencing a strong shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles. The supportive and preferential policies implemented by the Government, such as the exemption of registration fees and reductions in special consumption tax for EVs, have played a significant role in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The increase in the number of electric vehicles from 138 units in 2019 to over 28,000 electric vehicles and 3,557 hybrid vehicles in September 2023 is a clear indication of the growing interest in these vehicles among consumers. In addition, the presence of more than two million electric motorbikes further demonstrates the popularity of electric-powered transportation options in Viet Nam. The forecast for the domestic electric vehicle market to make a leap from 2024 is encouraging. With the participation of both domestic and foreign car manufacturers, the market is expected to expand further. VinFast, along with other automobile companies operating in the country, is gradually transitioning to electric vehicles and "green" energy-powered vehicles. Many domestic car makers have already introduced hybrid car models to the Vietnamese market. Brands like Honda, Kia, Hyundai, BMW and Toyota have brought hybrid options such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW XM, Toyota Yaris Cross, Corolla Altis and Innova Cross to the market. This diverse range of hybrid models provides consumers with more choices and contributes to the overall growth of the electric vehicle market in Viet Nam. Chinese car manufacturers are looking to re-enter the Vietnamese market by introducing new electric and hybrid car models. These manufacturers have committed to a long-term development roadmap, including investing in manufacturing and assembly plants in Viet Nam through strategic partnerships. The Vietnamese Government has issued regulations promoting the use of electrified vehicles to address declining air quality and promote green economic development. Preferential policies have been implemented to support the electric car manufacturing and assembly industry, as well as policies to encourage the use of electric vehicles. However, challenges such as incomplete awareness of businesses about green energy conversion, lack of charging station infrastructure, and insufficient mechanisms to encourage consumption and use of electric vehicles still exist. An electrified vehicle exhibition held recently in Ha Noi provided consumers with the opportunity to test drive and learn about EV technology. The exhibition showcased electrified vehicle product lines and accessories from major brands in Viet Nam, offering consumers a different perspective on green vehicles. According to representatives of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), the transition to electrified and environmentally friendly vehicles is vital. Price remains a significant factor, with electric cars generally being more expensive due to the high cost of batteries. VAMA suggests that the transition to electric vehicles should be approached in a balanced manner to avoid disrupting the market. Head of the VAMA Policy Subcommittee Nguyen Trung Hieu predicts that the trend of using electric vehicles will continue to grow in 2024, with increased consumer demand. While the entry of Chinese car manufacturers may not significantly impact the market share of Vietnamese electric car company VinFast, it will contribute to the expansion of the electric car segment in the market. VinFast primarily targets customers looking to convert from traditional car brands to electric vehicles. Automobile expert Le Truong Giang suggests that despite the challenges faced by the global auto industry, the trend of shifting towards electric cars will continue strongly in 2024. Giang predicts many new electric car models will be launched in the local market. VNS HCM CITY Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the financial challenges faced by lossmaking national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines. During a recent meeting with the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC), which oversees public investment in 19 corporations, the PM asked the SCIC to submit a plan within this month. Vietnam Airlines reported losses of VN11 trillion ($458 million) in 2022 and VN5.5 trillion last year, resulting in accumulated losses of over VN40 trillion. While the airlines business result showed signs of improvement in 2023, its consolidated post-tax profit remained negative at about VN5.5 trillion. Vietnam Airlines has finalised a restructuring plan, currently awaiting review by shareholders and the Government. This plan includes asset restructuring and the issuance of shares to raise capital. In addition, the PM has asked the Ministry of Finance to revise a decree on government investment to allow Vietnam Airlines to divest its stake in Pacific Airlines. In addition to addressing the problems facing the carrier, the Government is also focusing on the operation efficiency of other State-owned corporations. The PM has called on the National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and Vietnam National Coal Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) to ensure sufficient coal and gas supplies for electricity production as the dry season approaches. In addition, the PM has requested Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) to make plans to guarantee power supply during the upcoming dry season. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been asked to create a proper mechanism for managing petroleum business intermediaries and creating appropriate electricity prices. The Government will be creating favourable conditions and addressing legal issues related to taxes, land, real estate, and housing in order to facilitate the growth of State-owned corporations, the PM noted. VNS HA NOI The southeast region has been enjoying a great chance to develop the semiconductor chip industry thanks to its endless efforts to improve human resources for the industry and visits of technology giants to study investment opportunities there. Promoting local advantages Late last year, Saigon Hi-Tech Park in HCM City granted an investment certificate to Dutch BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (BESI) to manufacture semiconductor equipment components. A representative of BESI revealed that the company decided to rent a 2,000-metre ready-built factory in the park and pour more than US$4.9 million into the 50-year project in the first phase, vov.vn reported. The US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and leaders of major US semiconductor companies such as Intel, Qualcom, Ampere and ARM also paid a visit to the park to learn about high-tech development infrastructure, especially in the semiconductor industry that US firms had an interest in. Meanwhile, in early 2024, Lac Hong University in ong Nai Provine and Sun Edu Co teamed up to establish a semiconductor chip centre to train high-quality human resources, conduct scientific research and transfer technology, promoting the development of the province's semiconductor chip industry. In October 2023, the US-based Coherent Corp proposed bringing high-tech projects in advanced optics, measurement, and semiconductor component manufacturing to ong Nai. The company aimed to support these high-tech projects by focusing on cultivating a highly skilled workforce and ensuring the availability of key utilities and services such as electricity, water and IT, all fundamental elements that would foster an attractive investment climate, Vietnam Investment Review newspaper cited Steve Rummel, senior vice president of Coherent, as saying. According to experts, ong Nai had many advantages in developing the sector such as a favourable geographical location, good traffic connections, abundant human resources and many high-tech operating enterprises. Deputy Chairman of ong Nai People's Committee Nguyen Son Hung said that his province had been concentrating on developing infrastructure, facilitating science and technology transfer, and improving the quality of human resources in science and technology. The province had built a mechanism to develop the semiconductor chip industry, focusing on drawing up open policies, developing sufficient infrastructure, and ensuring smart management in parallel with attracting investment, Hung said. He added that his locality would also encourage universities to provide high-quality human resources for the semiconductor chip industry. At the same time, Binh Duong, another southeast province, also considered semiconductor chips one of its important industries. Nguyen Loc Ha, deputy chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said participating in the value chain of the semiconductor chip industry was a must and also a top priority for Binh Duong, helping the locality realise its socio-economic development goals in the next stages. Human resource training a must Head of Saigon Hi-tech Park in HCM City Nguyen Anh Thi said the southeast region including HCM City had huge potential to develop the semiconductor chip industry. However, to take advantage of the opportunity, HCM City needs to improve the skills of about 40,000 engineers from now to 2030, or about 6,000 engineers each year. He said the park has recently cooperated with Vietnam National University-HCM City and other schools to deploy R&D activities, training, and incubation of high technology. Besides the city, Binh Duong Province also had a lot of potential to develop human resources for this industry, Thi added. ong Nai Province's Deputy Chairman Hung agreed. He told a Vietnam News Agency correspondent that developing highly qualified personnel resources for the industry was very important and needed to be done quickly and comprehensively, from basic research to management, teaching, training and practice, and linking extensive support resources from a team of domestic and international experts. Currently, Viet Nam has around 6,000 engineers working in the semiconductor industry for both domestic and foreign enterprises. The country aims to train 50,000 highly-skilled engineers between now and 2030, with a particular focus on those specialising in semiconductor chip design. VNS HA NOI Becoming a resident doctor is a dream of many medical students because most successful professors in Viet Nam graduated from resident doctor training courses. Expanding the training of resident doctors a highly skilled medical workforce can meet domestic demand and catch up with current global trends. A resident doctor is defined as someone who has graduated from medical school and is completing a post-graduate training programme. Among all occupations, a doctor is the only one that requires continuous postgraduate study to be able to do practical jobs. Globally, there are currently two main doctor training models. The first, and most popular, is the six-year university training course in which after graduating, students will have a medical doctor degree. They must study for three to five more years depending on their major before they can practise the job. The second requires high-school students to have another bachelor's degree, possibly close to medicine, to qualify for medical school and study for the next four years before being allowed to practise. The second model is mainly popular in countries such as the United States, Canada, Singapore and the UK. Professor oan Quoc Hung, deputy director in charge of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Centre at the Viet Nam-Germany Hospital, said both models require students to continue to take training courses in three to five years which focus on practical skills after basic training (four to six years). In Viet Nam, during the wars since 1954, doctors were trained for five to six years with no resident doctor training. In 1974, the Hanoi Medical University opened the countrys first resident doctor training course. Each course trained just 10 to 20 doctors with strict requirements, limited space for accommodation and a shortage of hospitals and lecturers. Professor Nguyen Huu Tu, principle of the Hanoi Medical University, said resident doctors play an extremely important role in meeting the increasing demand for high-quality public medical examination and treatment. It is necessary to expand the resident doctor training model to meet the needs of society and at the same time catch up with current international trends, he said. Citing France as an example, he said this country used to have the resident doctor training rate of only about 10-20 per cent which increased to 50 per cent. Now all doctors in France take resident training courses. The Hanoi Medical University is training the largest number of resident doctors in the country with about 440 resident doctors trained every year in all specialties. As of 2014, the university trained 1,770 resident physicians practising at major hospitals, mainly central hospitals across the country. Professor Ta Thanh Van, chairman of the council of the Hanoi Medical University, said: We should not limit the resident doctor training quota like what we are doing now. Most of the resident doctors work at central-level hospitals. Localities have a lot of demand for recruiting resident doctors. Currently, provincial hospitals have almost no resident doctors, he said. Of the 1,770 resident doctors who have graduated, only two returned to Ha Noi and fewer than 10 doctors returned to localities to work, he said. "If we expand resident doctor training following to international trends, we will not be afraid of having a shortage of doctors. Otherwise, many provincial hospitals will have high quality human resources," he said. In fact, many private hospitals and local health departments such as Tam Anh, Vinmec Hospital, health departments of Thanh Hoa, Bac Giang provinces and Ha Noi ordered the Hanoi Medical University to train resident doctors. Professor Nguyen Duy Anh, director of the National Obstetrics Hospital, said: "When completing resident doctor training, we should offer preferential policies or encourage doctors to rotate working at provincial hospitals." VNS To Nhu CENTRAL HIGHLANDS Y Pot Nie, 36, an E e ethnic man, stands at his booth at the eighth National Farmers Forum, taking place in Ha Noi, and inviting visitors to try a cup of his coffee. Nie, director of E e Cafe Joint Stock Company, was honoured as one of 100 outstanding Vietnamese farmers at the forum. He said the Robusta coffee product of his company was recognised with four stars under the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) programme since 2022. After five years of operation, his company has provided full-time jobs for 30 local people with a salary of VN5-7 million (US$204-286) per month, as well as more than 100 part-time jobs. Nie said that he was born and raised in Kla Village, Dray Sap Commune, Krong Ana District in the Central Highlands province of ak Lak, the land of coffee trees. Coffee trees have been associated with my life since I was a child, he said. That was also the reason why, even though he spent six years studying at a Nang College of Medical and Pharmacy and then worked at the Military Hospital 175 after graduation, he still decided to return to his hometown to found a start-up planting coffee trees. I want to improve the value of coffee beans produced by local people, he said. At first, he learned and practised the traditional coffee roasting and grinding methods of the E e ethnic people, and then he sent them to his friends to try. The roasting process determines the flavour of coffee, he said. According to him, during the roasting process, the fire must be kept steady and low to maintain the natural flavour of the coffee fruit. This is a coffee roasting recipe that I inherited from the ancestors. The smell of smoke mixed with the smell of coffee will create a special flavour for the coffee products," he said. He also introduced his products for sale on social networking sites. Unexpectedly, the products were very broadly welcomed. In 2019, he established his company. Every beginning is difficult When he started his business, he also faced opposition from his family. His family wanted him to continue working in the health sector. "They did not want me to quit my job with a stable income for a start-up and meet with numerous difficulties and challenges," he said. In the meantime, local farmers did not believe in the organic farming method that he pursued. Most local farmers followed popular methods, using pesticides and chemical fertilisers, he said. Thus, changing their farming habits towards organic practices was not easy, he added. But he was never discouraged. He spent both money and time to promote his coffee products at fairs and exhibitions. In addition, he also improved his English to approach customers and promote his coffee products on foreign trading floors. Step by step, his brand gradually gained a foothold in the market. The villagers no longer doubted his direction but volunteered to cooperate to form an organic coffee processing area, without using chemical fertilisers or pesticides. His company has linked with 50 local households in the village to expand the raw material area to more than 100ha of Robusta coffee so far. In addition, the company has planned to coordinate with other communes in the district to expand the coverage of about 1,000ha of coffee trees. Farming following the organic method helps to increase the price of the coffee products, he said. The price of coffee products of his company, purchased by businesses, was usually 10-50 per cent higher than regular coffee products, he added. From two coffee products originally, his company now has eight product lines with two forms of powdered coffee and instant coffee. His coffee products have been exported to the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia and Mongolia, and have reached 56 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide so far. VNS From two coffee products originally, his company now has eight product lines with two forms of powdered coffee and instant coffee. His coffee products have been exported to the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia and Mongolia, and have reached 56 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide so far. About author You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Vietnam has long been one of Southeast Asias largest markets for beer and alcohol consumption. However, statistics show the countrys beer industry is facing its most significant downturn in over two decades as consumer habits and societal views change. Industry leaders are taking notice and adapting their businesses to remain viable in this evolving landscape. According to the Vietnam Beer, Alcohol and Beverage Association (VBA), domestic beer consumption declined approximately 20-30% from its peak in 2019. This represents the sharpest annual fall the industry has witnessed since at least the late 1990s. Consumption had grown steadily at 5-6% annually in the preceding years. However, in 2021 beer sales decreased 10-15% compared to the prior high watermark, and in 2022 sales lagged 2019 levels by another estimated 5-7%. Sales data released by Vietnam's two largest brewers, Sabeco and Habeco, corroborate this industry downturn. In the first nine months of 2023, Sabeco's revenue was down 12% year-over-year to VND22.1 trillion (US$931 million). Net profit declined even more sharply, dropping 26% to VND3.28 trillion ($140 million). Meanwhile, Habeco reported a nearly 6.3% revenue fall to VND5.63 trillion ($240 million) over the same period. Its net profit shrank nearly 39% to just VND291 billion ($12.5 million). The causes of shrinking demand are both health-related and generational. Surveys show younger consumers place more importance on wellness, fitness, and sobriety compared to prior generations. About 50% of respondents in 1990-2000 polls said beer was their favorite drink versus just 37% saying the same in recent years. The rising costs of healthcare are also a deterrent for many to curb alcohol consumption. Additionally, Vietnam and other countries have implemented stricter regulations on alcohol sales and marketing in the name of public welfare. Vietnam remains Southeast Asias second highest per capita alcohol consumer behind Timor-Leste. Average annual consumption was 8.3 liters of pure alcohol equivalent to around 170 liters of beer per person in 2022. However, changing social mores indicate this status may not hold for long if current trends persist. VBA Chairman Nguyen Van Viet acknowledges market difficulties, saying 2019 was the peak year for the beverage industry...the beer market has been very gloomy since and there are no signs of recovery by year-end. International brewers are responding to shifting global currents as well. Anheuser-Busch InBev, the worlds largest beer company, predicts non- and low-alcohol beer sales could amount to one-fifth of its total revenues by 2025. This segment grew 25% in value to top $11 billion globally in 2022, attracting increasing commitments from alcohol-focused brands. Heineken recently announced plans to invest 1 billion in new product categories like craft beer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages by 2023. Competition is also intensifying as non-beer beverage giants launch no- and low-alcohol drinks. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and other leading non-alcoholic drink producers directly challenge core beer company markets. At the same time, the number of small independent brewers proliferates. The U.S. beer industry landscape exemplifies this phenomenon, expanding from around 1,500 brands in the 1990s to over 9,700 currently. In Vietnam, industry experts forecast a 25% increase in the non-alcohol beverage segment from 2022-2026. To remain profitable, local brewers like Sabeco will need to transition parts of their operations and branding accordingly. Some tactics under consideration include developing new drink lines close to the tastes of favorite beer labels yet with zero alcohol content. Targeting health-conscious younger adults early could allow first-mover advantages to be retained even as customer profiles evolve. Regional expansion of non-beer offerings similar to Moc Chau sparkling water may also diversify revenue streams. Whether through product innovation, market segmentation or acquisition, adapting to changing social landscapes will determine which brands can endure in eras when even historically strongholds like beer face challenging conditions. More so than any recent global recession, shifts in cultural norms pose risks as substantial to the bottom lines of alcohol purveyors everywhere. How major Vietnamese producers like Sabeco and Habeco pivot their investments over the next few years may strongly influence whether they can maintain leadership roles during this ongoing transition. With determination and foresight, opportunity remains for those willing to meet the needs of tomorrow's customers today. Only time will tell which firms prove most adept at this high-stakes balancing act. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) The deaths of two people who were shot in a dorm room at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Friday morning will be investigated as homicides, police said. The victims, who were not immediately identified, were found dead when police responded to a report of a shooting around 6 a.m. At this point in our investigation, this incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides, the Colorado Springs Police Department said in a statement on social media Friday evening. The coroner's office will determine how they died, but each person was shot at least once in what appeared to be an isolated incident, police spokesperson Ira Cronin said at a briefing. A lockdown across campus lasted for about 90 minutes and later was isolated to a student apartment complex on campus, school spokesperson Chris Valentine said. Following the lockdown, the campus about 69 miles (111 kilometers) south of Denver remained closed for the day. The campus was also closed on Saturday and Sunday, but walk-in counseling was being offered at the wellness center on both days, the university said. The university said that on Monday, classes are cancelled but the walk-in counseling will also be offered that day, along with spaces on campus being open to offering food and support and a planned walk across campus. The school has more than 11,000 students and nearly 2,000 faculty and staff. Issues at the Texas-Mexico border remain the top priority for both candidates in the Republican primary for Texas House District 56, while both also have potential solutions for Bosque River water issues and differing opinions on school vouchers. The District 56 race is wide open, with 20-year incumbent Rep. Charles Doc Anderson retiring. Three candidates have filed for the race. Businessman Pat Curry and state elections official Devvie Duke will face off in the March 5 Republican primary for the nomination to face lawyer Erin Shank, the only Democratic candidate, in the November general election. Early voting for the primary will start Tuesday and continue through March 1. Both Curry and Duke have garnered local and statewide support in the race. Curry is endorsed by McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, while Duke has picked up endorsements from Anderson and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Border Both candidates have identified the crisis at the Texas-Mexico border as the biggest issue for their campaigns. Curry said he has a ranch along the border and visited Zapata County, south of Laredo, earlier this month with McNamara and called the situation an all-out war. The border is the number one issue of our country, Curry said. The Biden administration and the Democrats in general are promoting (illegal immigration) by catch and release. Curry said Biden has the power to shut down the border but is not doing so, leaving Texas to fend for itself. While state governments do not have any power over U.S. immigration laws, Abbott has declared the situation at the border an invasion and has mobilized the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy razor wire and arrest crossing migrants, tactics which have led to clashes with the federal government. The states ability to protect itself is absolutely the right stand, Curry said. The razor wire is working. Now you have them spread out and so you have law enforcement coming together, and since the federal government wont supply enough law enforcement to protect our border and to process these people properly, we have to do it. Curry said migrants should be funneled to legal points of entry, where they can be properly and legally processed. He said he is in full support of Abbotts Operation Lone Star effort at the border. Duke said the border is not an immigration issue, but rather an issue of national security. She said she is concerned by reported human trafficking across the border, and also is in full support of Operation Lone Star due to the Biden administrations failure to uphold immigration laws. More moneys being made by human trafficking than even drugs now. We have thousands of military-age men coming across that border, Duke said. (The federal government) is bringing people into the country, and these are not asylum seekers. They are just allowing open borders. That is not part of our Constitution. So I think theres a complete failure to hold that up. Bidens policies are open borders. Duke said she is in support of finishing the border wall, and supports Donald Trump for president in the 2024 election because of his border policies. Duke also said she would consider support for making legal immigration an easier process to de-incentivize illegal crossing, but called for a two-year shutdown of the border to get the current situation under control. We have great legal immigrants in this in this country that I respect, Duke said. They often make better Americans than we do because theyve come from communist areas. Im in full support of legal immigration. But this invasion and what we have going on here, its not good for our country, its not good for the people trying to come in. Bosque water In terms of Waco-area issues, both candidates said as freshmen legislators, they would attempt to solve the issue that reemerged at the Legislature last year regarding pollution from dairies in the Bosque River watershed and related regulations. Duke also highlighted election integrity as a big local issue for her. Curry said he also wants to address shortcomings in Wacos mental health care network. Last year, many Waco civic leaders were alarmed by the Texas Legislatures consideration of House Bill 2827, which passed in the House but died in a Senate committee. The bill aimed to remove regulations specific to dairy farmers in the Bosque River watershed, the main source of Wacos drinking water. The regulations were implemented some 20 years ago after the river was federally designated as impaired for excessive phosphorous and algae, conditions that led to Waco waters notoriety at the time for foul odor and flavor. Curry said his goal is to solve the Bosque water issue quickly and without having to pass major legislation. Curry said he believes he can achieve this by working to diversify Wacos water supply so it is not as reliant on Lake Waco. New municipal water sources also would help avert more water shortages, he said. The issue that got me into this race, which was the water, I think thats very solvable, Curry said. My goal is to make sure that that gets solved quickly. Curry using more groundwater from the Trinity Aquifer is one alternative to Lake Waco. Curry also said he plans to bring local elected representatives and dairy farmers together to work on a mutually beneficial solution that would help dairy farmers grow while also protecting Wacos water supply. Duke also said she is in favor of diversifying Wacos water sources, as she is in favor of less regulations and does not want to place an undue burden on dairy farmers in neighboring counties. Duke said she feels the current law on the books protecting the Bosque River still works and should be kept for the future. Wesley Lloyd, an attorney with Freeman Mills who formerly represented the city in litigation against dairy farmers, said he does not feel the issue can be solved outside the Legislature. The parties on the different sides have been at the table for a long time without achieving a solution, he said. Lloyd said Waco could diversify but that groundwater is not a great option locally. He said Waco should not have to find other water sources to offset the effects of its main source being polluted. Protect the lake, Lloyd said. Its not even debatable what was causing the problem. Its not like theres an argument. School vouchers Curry and Duke have differing opinions on Abbotts push for publicly funded vouchers offsetting private school tuition, also called education savings accounts. Duke said she has not seen a version of the bill she could support, but if future versions of a school voucher bill include a reallocation of public education money and teacher pay raises, she would support it. I think that maybe some changes really have to be done. Our school administrations are very bloated, Duke said. Youve got superintendents making well over half-a-million dollars, and then youve got the teachers that are way down on the scale of whats being paid nationally as an average. So I think that shifting, spending smarter, is what we have to do. Duke said she is wary of adding more regulations and creating a mini IRS to regulate the voucher program. She said the Legislatures focus should be on educating all students and supporting teachers and parents, not taking away funding from public schools to redirect to private schools. Curry on the other hand said he is supportive of vouchers because public schools are already open enrollment, meaning parents already have school choice for public schools, but not private schools. However, Curry said he wants to see a pilot version of the program in action to make sure it works before it is widely implemented. Initial versions of the voucher bill would have only made them available to 25,000 students. The program that they were trying to pass, and I know were going to have to deal with this, again, was a test, Curry said. It was a test for a maximum of 25,000 students a year for a maximum of three to four years. So lets just say its four years and its 100,000 students: 100,000 students out of 5.4 million is definitely a small test. Curry said Abbott did not intend to redirect money from public schools to private schools. He said if elected, he would push for more public school funding and teacher pay raises. He also said he aims to give more funding to schools to implement new safety standards mandated by the Legislature, which many school officials said were underfunded. We need better education. We need to make sure that our educational facilities are educating our children for the jobs that we are creating, no doubt about that, Curry said. Im going to fight for that. That is certainly going to hit one of my top issues. They can talk about ESAs (education savings accounts) all they want. And the fact is, is I want to make sure that we have a solid test. I want to make sure that were paying for the test as a test and not taking money from schools to do it. Lets not chase a rabbit down a hole on ESA when we really need to be focusing on the wolf thats chasing the rabbit. And thats the school funding issue itself. Pot, public corruption Regarding other issues, both Duke and Curry said they are against the legalization of marijuana or the expansion of Texas limited medical marijuana program. Duke said legalization would have a negative impact on mental health, make people not want to work, and would increase crime. Curry said legalization would result in people showing up to work high and more people driving under the influence of marijuana. Curry also said he feels the medical marijuana systems in states such as Oklahoma have been abused, as doctors gave out too many authorizations for use without any oversight. Duke also said she feels there is an issue with public corruption in the state of Texas due to lobbying. She said lobbying should be limited. If elected, she would be resistant to lobbying and would not blindly follow what Texas Republicans are pushing for, instead following her own moral compass, she said. Most of the Republicans in office voted to allow the chairmanship to Democrats, and I would definitely not be with that, Duke said, referring to Democrats chairing legislative committees. Ive got my own compass and thats what I would stick with. Curry said he does not see a widespread problem with public official corruption. In terms of what issues he would break with the Republican Party on, Curry said he is against the use of impeachment as a political weapon, and said removal from office should not be politically motivated. The global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were a wake-up call to Americas alarming overreliance on imports of a broad range of critical products and materials. In the harrowing months that brought shortages and price spikes of essential goods everything from personal protective equipment for first responders to computer chips for cars bipartisan consensus formed around taking decisive action to bring critical industries home and reenergize our industrial base. The most acute period of crisis is over. Theres some critical progress worth celebrating in our efforts to shore up our supply chains a reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing and surging investments in battery production are two notable examples. However, with too many essential products and materials, our efforts to ramp up domestic production have fallen short. In fact, for some essential supply chains, deeply concerning trends are moving from bad to worse. There is no more troubling example than the nations mineral supply chains the front end of our national, economic and food security. U.S. mineral import reliance has never been greater, and our dependence on geopolitical rivals notably China or unstable nations for our mineral imports is spiraling out of control. The problem isnt a lack of domestic resources the United States has vast mineral reserves but a somewhat incoherent and often counterproductive policy. Instead of leaning into our domestic mineral potential and fixing a duplicative mine-permitting system, which is handcuffing our ability to meet demand, we continue looking overseas for the minerals we could produce at home. Were even backsliding on important policies aimed at supporting domestic production. Consider an effort to open our fertilizer supply chains to increased competition from state-backed phosphate producers in Morocco and Russia. While not given the same kind of attention as rare earth or battery minerals, fertilizer supply chains are the very foundation of our food security. And our domestic fertilizer industrial base is under alarming pressure. The U.S. government put a countervailing duty to offset illegally subsidized phosphate products from Russia and Morocco, but theres mounting pressure to lower it. This misguided effort, sold as a vehicle to reduce costs for American farmers, could hand our fertilizer supply chains to Russian oligarchs and a state-backed phosphate producer in Morocco with labor and environmental standards that pale in comparison to ours. Allowing Russian and Moroccan entities to seize our fertilizer supply chains could make rebuilding them domestically difficult, if not impossible. This is the opposite approach of what we should be doing to fortify our supply chains. Weve seen these mistakes before. The United States was once the worlds largest rare-earth producer, but we allowed Chinese companies to swallow that industry. China now controls 70 percent of the worlds rare-earth production and has placed itself directly in the center of countless critical supply chains essential to our economic and national security. Were now scrambling to undo the damage caused by our policy failures. We cant make those mistakes again. We must move now to secure our economic and national security by building reliable and lasting domestic mineral supply chains under world-leading environmental and labor standards. We must focus on ramping up production at home instead of deepening our mineral import overreliance. Continuing to offshore our mineral supply chains is policy malpractice. This is a moment to reshore and reinvest in American workers and industry, not let critical parts of our industrial base slip through our fingers. HUDSON Over the last month or so many Iowans have learned more about what area education agencies do for schools and families. Two bills working their way through the Legislature could drastically change how AEAs are funded and the services they provide. Iowas nine AEAs, governmental agencies separate from the Department of Education, provide special education to school districts and assist with classroom equipment and media services, professional development and talented and gifted instruction, among other services. Urban school districts like Waterloo and Cedar Falls may be able to find resources to assist them if the services AEAs provides are altered. But smaller communities like Hudson Community School District, served by Central Rivers Area Education Agency in Cedar Falls would have fewer options. For Kevin Murray, technology coordinator for Hudson Schools, having access to Central Rivers information technology services is crucial. He utilizes the AEA for all IT issues. Without the AEA, Hudson would have to find other ways to get equipment serviced. When I need to get equipment fixed they are here as soon as they can get here. We have roughly 950 iPads out to students, and each teacher has a Mac Book. We are so lucky that we can send our equipment to the AEA and have it fixed correctly. If the item is under warranty and they cannot fix it, we get a new one right away, Murray said. Without AEA support, rural schools would have to seek technology services from a third party. Murray is not looking forward to that possibility. The AEA does an awesome job negotiating statewide contracts. Whether its software, hardware, anything that I need, they help. Im on a very limited budget, so when my superintendent tells me I have this much that I can spend, thats it. AEAs can get a statewide contract for us within our budget, and I do not have to do any work. It really helps, Murray said. AEAs also offer general education services such as professional training for teachers, free digital resources, and media services like graphic design and printing. Beth Strike, director of communications and creative services for Central Rivers AEA, said the agencies reduce costs for the districts they serve. Since we have our own creative services team we can provide everything from color copies, flash cards, and digital copying services at a bulk rate. If those services need to be outsourced they can cost more overall, which can eat away at a schools budget, Strike said. The AEA also provides media services. Central Rivers, in partnership with Iowa company Perfection Learning, offers librarians the ability to purchase books from the 2024-25 Iowa Association of School Librarians award list at a discount. Central Rivers defrays half the cost of one set of books for the grades served in each building. Jennifer Cooper has been with Central Rivers for nearly 30 years. She provides speech therapy to students in the early access program (which serves children from birth to age 3) through high school at both Hudson and Gladbrook/Reinbeck school districts. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she helps a student read a picture book. When the student has difficulty with a word, Cooper takes the time to help her sound out each syllable. By the time they are done with the story the student is beaming with pride over completing the lesson. After the student leaves, Cooper reflects on what she does. I love working with the kids; they are the best part of my day. But I also enjoy working with other teachers to come up with new goals and ideas, Cooper says. Her goal as an educator is simple. I just keep coming and providing my direct service to the kids the same as I always have, she says. If AEA legislation is passed, Cooper thinks her position wont change that much. I will continue to keep providing services to my students the same way I always have. It may look a different, but I would still provide direct services they need. In a blog post last month, Hudson Superintendent Anthony Voss summed up the anxiety being felt by educators surrounding the AEA reform plans. Smaller schools like Hudson simply dont have the resources to leverage the void that would be left if these changes are enacted. I urge caution and deliberation. I encourage our legislators to ask questions, not only of the AEA but of their local public school district. Perhaps changes are necessary, but first it would be wise to have a full accounting of the changes that are being proposed and a plan to mitigate this loss in service, Voss wrote. Close River Hills School student Carter celebrates after knocking down pins during a bowling game at the Special Olympics on Friday. River Hills School student Derek celebrates the 100th day of school on Friday. Rep. Bob Kressig greets River Hills School student Derek as he comes to school on Friday. Rep. Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, asks questions to River Hills School staff about assistive technology for special education students on Friday. Tyler and his assistant Lexi dance in the River Hills School gym before the Special Olympics event kicks off on Friday. Special Education Consultant Whitney Aldrich demonstrates how to use an augmentative and alternative communication learning device to Reps. Jerome Amos Jr. and Bob Kressig at River Hills Schools on Friday. Sen. Sandy Salmon speaks to a retired River Hills School educator on Friday. River Hills School students exit school buses on Friday. Iowa legislators visit Rivers Hill School Iowa legislators visited River Hills School in Cedar Falls amidst bills concerning Area Education Agencies in the statehouse on Feb. 2, 2024. River Hills School student Carter celebrates after knocking down pins during a bowling game at the Special Olympics on Friday. River Hills School student Derek celebrates the 100th day of school on Friday. Rep. Bob Kressig greets River Hills School student Derek as he comes to school on Friday. Rep. Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, asks questions to River Hills School staff about assistive technology for special education students on Friday. Tyler and his assistant Lexi dance in the River Hills School gym before the Special Olympics event kicks off on Friday. Special Education Consultant Whitney Aldrich demonstrates how to use an augmentative and alternative communication learning device to Reps. Jerome Amos Jr. and Bob Kressig at River Hills Schools on Friday. Sen. Sandy Salmon speaks to a retired River Hills School educator on Friday. River Hills School students exit school buses on Friday. I just finished reading Anyplace But Here: The Uncomfortable Convergence Between Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System, an incredibly insightful book by Tony Thompson, sheriff of Black Hawk County. He gives the reader a privileged sneak peek behind the curtain of the mental health crisis in this country. His thesis is that the patients/victims of a failing medical and mental health care delivery system are becoming criminals by definition of our laws and codes. His book goes on to prove this thesis and to propose solutions. I also had a privileged sneak peek behind the curtain of this crisis, although it was not by choice. I am a criminal and lived behind bars for 10 years. I also was a board certified family practice physician who lived in tiny cells with mentally ill patients/criminals. Luckily, I do not have a mental health diagnosis except for being dumb enough to use and sell methamphetamine. According to the US Department of Justice, 64% of all inmates in jails have had some type of mental health problem. The crisis we are facing is due to the convergence of those who are mentally ill with the criminal justice system. Sheriff Thompson correctly surmises that the average citizen has no clue as to the enormity of this problem that this world is foreign. Based on my medical training and experience, I concur with the sheriff on every point he makes in his book. He states that, just the simplest brush with a cop for some of these patients can chain them for life to the walls of the criminal justice system. I have given many lectures since my release from prison, and I have enumerated one story after another of people that have no business being in prison except that it has become easier to warehouse them than it is to treat them. Of course they need to serve a sentence if they committed a crime, but so many of the petty crimes they committed were predictable and could have been prevented. We spend way too much of the state budget on the prison system after crimes have taken place, because funding proactively is not the way the government generally works. The sheriff goes on to state, My jail is the largest mental health care facility in my county. This is not the way we should spend our health care and criminal care dollars. The sheriff outlines many ideas and proposals to help deal with this crisis. I wont detail them here except to say that I believe he is on the right track, and I hope our legislators listen to him and enact meaningful reform. His book reminded me of other problems that need to be dealt with proactively. He touches on the illogical ways we deal with sex offenders. That is a subject that is anathema to politicians and needs to be dealt with realistically. The climate change issue and the solvency of Social Security and Medicare are topics that need to be addressed by politicians now, not later. Sheriff Thompson was not in charge when I was in the Black Hawk County Jail. I do not know him. He is retiring soon, but I hope that he is contemplating running for elected political office. He is a forward thinking rationalist and has proposed thoughtful solutions to a problem that no one wants to deal with. I applaud his effort to confront this crisis head on. By Rebecca Black, PA Two men have been arrested after Dublin saw thousands of protestors take to the streets in support of Palestine this afternoon. They were detained for public order offences in Dublin City Centre this afternoon and have been charged to appear in court at a later date. Protestors represented over 100 different organisations, with the large crowds taking over an hour to pass through O'Connell Street. People travelled from across Ireland to take part in the National Demonstration event. Organisers the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it was the fourth such national mobilisation since March. They have called for an end to Israels action in Gaza and for the Government to take action to hold Israel accountable. What a turnout! The view from the stage at our huge @ipsc48 National Demonstration for Palestine. The streets are with Palestine! #GazaGenocide #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/gEBUiz0yl2 IPSC (@ipsc48) February 17, 2024 Crowds gathered at Parnell Square before a procession across the city centre to the Department of Foreign Affairs, where there were speeches and performances of Irish and Palestinian music. Banners read Freedom and justice for Palestine, and others called for a ceasefire in Gaza now. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the speakers. He said that no politician should shake hands with US President Joe Biden because of the administrations stance on Gaza and Israel and because of his support for Israel. Events organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign also took place at a number of other places on Saturday, including Cork, Ennis, Armagh and Waterford. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (11 16 February 2024) In the period from 11 to 16 February, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered 30 group strikes by long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at facilities of Ukrainian military industrial complex producing and repairing aircraft engines, radio-electronic equipment and ammunition. Moreover, strikes were delivered factories producing fuel and lubricants for AFU hardware, warehouses of military and technical equipment, as well as deployment points of AFU units and nationalist formations. Over the week, in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and repelled 18 attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 25th Airborne Brigade, 30th, 32nd, 43rd, 44th, and 60th mechanised brigades, 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade near Sinkovka, Tabayevka, Timkovka (Kharkov region) and Terni (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, enemy manpower was struck near Novoselkovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Kislovka, and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 775 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front lines and supported by aviation and artillery repelled 14 enemy attacks. Moreover, losses were inflicted on units of the AFU 24th, 60th, and 63rd mechanised brigades near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Yampolovka, and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 1,585 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, four tanks, 44 armoured fighting vehicles, 82 motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and repelled 46 enemy attacks near Belogorovka, Bogdanovka, Kleshcheyevka, Leninskoye, Novomikhailovka, and Shumy (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, AFU and Ukrainian National Guard units suffered losses near Kurdyumovka, Andreyevka, Georgiyevka, and Katerinovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,820 Ukrainian troops, 11 tanks, 14 armoured fighting vehicles, 84 motor vehicles, and 25 field artillery guns. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front lines and repelled three enemy attacks. Unist of the AFU 58th Infantry Brigade, 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 127th and 128th territorial defence brigades suffered losses near Vladimirovka, Urozhaynoye, Vodyanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 1,060 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, ten armoured fighting vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and 12 field artillery guns. In Kherson region, aviation and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 35th Marines Brigade, 121st Territorial Defence Brigade, and 23rd Ukrainian National Guard Brigade near Tyaginka, Ivanovka, Yantarnoye (Kherson region), and Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 310 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and 14 field artillery guns. Aviation and air defence units intercepted one Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 aircraft and Mi-24 helicopter, 36 HIMARS, Vampire, and Olkha MLRS projectiles, one JDAM guided aerial bomb, as well as neutralised 405 unmanned aerial vehicles. 35 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered over the past week. In total, 571 airplanes and 266 helicopters, 12,571 unmanned aerial vehicles, 469 air defence missile systems, 15,060 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,221 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,067 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 18,747 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR Its the timing!!!! Russia goes to the polls on March 15 -17. DUMA: Washington and Brussels are to blame for Navalnys death. The cause will be determined by forensic experts and the investigation. But when, without waiting for results, accusations and statements from politicians and heads of unfriendly states sound like carbon copies, you first need to answer the question: Who benefits from Navalnys death today? Absolutely obvious: to those who imposed more than 19 thousand sanctions against Russia, aiming to tear its economy to shreds; to those who are losing the war in Ukraine; for those who are not supported by their own population and have no chance of winning elections, but at the same time want to retain power by any means; to those who are eager to seize the gold and foreign exchange resources of our country; those who want to destroy Russia are doing everything to stop its development. All of them, their names are well known: from the Secretary General of NATO and the US leadership to Scholz, Sunak and Zelensky, are the perpetrators of Navalnys death. It is they who have made a huge number of failed decisions and cling to their positions who benefit from his death. WtR We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! 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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 Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, while addressing the audience during the inaugural session at the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology in New Delhi, said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has been a steadfast guardian of India's broadcasting industry, steering it through the winds of change with wisdom and foresight. Its unwavering commitment in promoting public service broadcasting, designing and implementing inclusive policies, media literacy initiatives and encouraging private participation in broadcasting and media industry has laid the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive and resilient broadcasting and media ecosystem in India, which is diverse, informative, and responsible. The Minister called for strengthening of Public Service Broadcasting to provide quality content that caters to the diverse needs of our nation saying India must carve its unique path, recognizing the rich canvas of our cultural heritage. He further remarked that Prasar Bharati, has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of our nation. From the grainy black-and-white screens of Doordarshan to its HD and Now 4K digital transition, from analog Medium Wave to DRM and now FM of Akashvani, the diverse programming of Doordarshan and All India Radio has informed, educated, and entertained generations of Indians. From the analog era to the dynamic digital landscape of today, our broadcasters have traversed a path marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he said. Thakur added that technological advancements present both opportunities and challenges and the demand for high-quality, personalized content across multiple platforms is surging. To that end, developing the latest generation of broadcasting equipment has become an imperative. Stating that there was a need to encourage indigenous R&D, nurturing our scientific talent and fostering partnerships between industry and academia, he said that Our actions today will determine the success of our dream for self-reliant broadcasting. The Minister went on to state that New Direct to Mobile (D2M) technologies offer exciting content possibilities for terrestrial broadcasting not only to television but also on handheld devices Mobile phones, pads, etc., on anywhere, any time basis, and that too without the need of Internet. We must explore and embrace innovative options of broadcasting like Next Gen broadcasting which shall not only ensure wider reach to cater to all strata of our society but also serve as a catalyst for ever evolving user experience. He further delved into the importance of data security and said that in an increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding data privacy and security of sensitive information is of paramount importance. India's efforts in developing indigenous cyber-security solutions underscore our commitment to data security, aligning with global Data Protection regulations. As we harness the power of technology to drive innovation in the broadcasting eco-system, let us ensure that we prioritize the protection of sensitive information and also not forget steps required for the integrity of our digital infrastructure. The Minister reminded the audience of our responsibility towards the environment and said that embracing sustainable practices in broadcasting operations is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity also. By minimizing our carbon footprint and reducing waste, we can lead global initiatives like the ABU's "Green Broadcasting" project. India's research and development in solar-powered broadcast equipment and energy-efficient studios position us as leaders in sustainable broadcasting, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship, he added. Noting that the media landscape was undergoing a metamorphosis with audiences taste migrating to OTT platforms and demanding personalized content, Thakur said that we must acknowledge this shift and adapt accordingly. Our content creation strategies, latest technology adoption and regulatory frameworks need to evolve at a rapid pace to remain relevant in this dynamic environment. On the same note the Minister cautioned that content regulation also requires careful consideration. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and upholding societal values is paramount. We must foster an environment where creative expression thrives within reasonable boundaries, ensuring responsible and ethical content. Speaking about this edition of the Expo, Thakur said that the BES Expo serves as a perfect platform for this critical collaboration of sharing wisdom & knowledge, exchanging ideas, and forging partnerships that will shape the future of the broadcasting industry. The E-Gaming Federation (EGF), Indias foremost skill-gaming industry body signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissionerate of Health Services, Government of Maharashtra to promote Responsible Gaming in the state. Reiterating EGFs commitment to player protection and responsible play, the 360-degree campaign will create awareness around responsible gaming practices to foster a safer gaming environment for the players. The landmark agreement outlines collaborative efforts of EGF and the Maharashtra Government in implementing comprehensive initiatives to address and educate youth in making well-informed decisions while playing online. Maharashtra has been one of the most progressive states in the country which has embraced technology and innovation and set an example for others to follow. The state is in the top three online gaming states in India with two online gaming unicorn startups based in Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in December 2022, also noted the need for a social outreach campaign to empower players with the knowledge and tools to instill responsible gaming behavior. Announcing the MoU, Shri. Dheeraj Kumar, Commissioner, Health Services & MD NHM said, India's online gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Maharashtra leading the charge in cultivating a dynamic digital environment. By embracing technology and innovation, our state serves as a beacon for others to emulate. The collaborative effort between the Maharashtra government and EGF represents a crucial stride in combating the risks linked to irresponsible gaming. Our foremost objective is to advocate for responsible behaviour, raising awareness and offering support services like counselling to aid individuals, prioritizing the well-being of our citizens. Anuraag Saxena, CEO, EGF said, We are proud to be a part of this important campaign with Maharashtra government. The campaign exemplifies our commitment to encouraging a healthy gaming environment for all. EGF has always emphasized the importance of enabling responsible gaming for the players and platforms that promote safe and transparent play. This campaign is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to support and promote dialogue for a secure gaming environment." EGF is the first Federation to encourage responsible gameplay and has created responsible gaming initiatives and best practices for the industry. The Federation has always led by example and set a benchmark for responsible gaming within the industry. This first-of-a-kind partnership with the Maharashtra government reinforces EGFs pioneer commitment to the gaming sector. EGF is the unified voice of the online skill gaming sector in India, representing the views of an overwhelming majority. The Federation counts the top 5 Gaming Developers and Operators in India, including a Unicorn amongst its members. Kaizzen, a leading PR and Digital Media Agency, has partnered with Ghost Kitchens, an advanced restaurant brand curator! This collaboration is undoubtedly a significant step forward for both parties. Kaizzen's reputation in PR and digital media coupled with Ghost Kitchens' expertise in curating cloud kitchen brands creates a powerful synergy. By leveraging Kaizzen's strengths in marketing and communication, Ghost Kitchens can effectively reach and engage with its target audience, establishing itself as a frontrunner in the competitive food-tech market in India. This collaboration opens up a plethora of opportunities for both companies to innovate, grow, and make a significant impact in the industry. Kurkure, India's most loved snack brand unveils its latest positioning, Chatpate Se Sab Patein as a stance against conformity, encouraging individuals to embrace their orginality. This positioning has been brought to life through a campaign a TVC spearheaded by its charismatic brand ambassador Sara Ali Khan. This campaign perfectly captures the essence of breaking conformity while maintaining the warmth and quirkiness that Kurkure has always been known for. Kurkure has always been a family entertainer and a household name in the country, infusing quirky masti through compelling storytelling and innovative products. Upholding this very spirit with Chatpate Se Sab Patein, the brand aspires to inspire individuals to liberate themselves from the pressures of a set culture and wholeheartedly embrace the freeing spirit of anti-hustle. Embracing a balanced lifestyle over relentless work, this culture reflects a collective desire for well-being and fulfillment, challenging traditional notions of success with a more holistic approach. The TVC kicks off with Sara as a bride, looking radiant on her wedding day, standing on the stage. When her boss, Sanjay, gets on the stage to congratulate her it results in a delightful exchange, he cheekily accuses Sara for not answering his phone in the morning. This elicits her witty "Sanjay" comebacks as she bites her a pellet of Kukure. Transitioning into a flashback where she is humorously cites examples of the different uncalled-for situations created by her boss and each of her family members comically contributing these instances to Sanjay with synchronized chants. Sara, in good spirits, jests about the reason her phone is always busy, the person who wishes her good morning before her mother, the person who keeps the chanting longer than her grandmother and the person who will unexpectedly be third wheeling on her honeymoon with Sanjay being at the epicentre of all these situations. The revelation of Sanjay as her boss results in a playful interaction, leaving the wedding guests in laughter. The TVC concludes with Sanjay claiming that hes just her boss and only wants kaam with a swift and witty reply from Sara- Thats right Sir, CalmDown! The scene effortlessly transitions to the satisfying crunch of Chatpate Kurkure, emphasizing the tagline Chatpate Se Sab Patein. Sharing her thoughts on the campaign, Brand Ambassador Sara Ali Khan said, What is life without a harmonious work-life balance? Honestly, for me, it is nothing! Kurkures 'Chatpate Se Sab Patein brilliantly takes on the cause of championing a balanced life with a twist of humour and relatability. I truly enjoyed playing a part in such a strong and often ignored narrative taken up by Kurkure. Im sure our viewers will resonate with the feeling of having a Sanjay in their life and my one mantra to all of them will be- Stay calm, bite into your favourite Kurkure and let the fun unfold. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Ali Khan (@saraalikhan95) Expressing her excitement, Aastha Bhasin, Category Lead, Kurkure, at PepsiCo India, Kurkure, Indias cherished snack brand, has woven itself into the fabric of India households through its quirky taglines and compelling narratives over the years. As a brand that strives on its close connection with its consumers, we realised the challenges that come with conformism and a fast-paced hustle culture. Backed by this very insight, were thrilled to introduce our fresh positioning - Chatpate Se Sab Patein. Infused with a dash of humour and cheek, this positioning encourages individuals to liberate themselves from the shackles of conformity and embrace a balanced life. Rooted in Kurkure's creative essence, our campaign film, starring Sara, masterfully captures the heart of this narrative. She not only impeccably embodies the protagonist's role but also infuses authenticity and relatability into the storyline, staying true to Kurkure's distinctive and flavorful identity. Vikram Pandey (Spiky), National Creative Director, Leo Burnett said, Kurkure as a brand has always encouraged its consumers to make brave choices albeit with its signature quirky humour. With this film we wanted to use this humour to land an important message against toxic conformity. One such example that our film brings to life is that of toxic bosses. Often working long hours has been seen as badge of honour, but in reality, it takes away from precious family time. Kurkure encourages everyone to break these toxic cycles as #ChatpateSeSabPatein Mortein, one of the worlds leading brands in pest control, has released an ad film under its ongoing campaign, #MorteinKiRakshaJyoti, expressing gratitude to the caregivers of the society. The film encourages people to recognize the selfless work of the community workers, who are working round the clock and extend the Raksha Jyoti to them and safeguard them from mosquito-borne diseases. To stay protected from disease-carrying mosquitoes, every family relies on various pest control solutions, however, the individuals who tirelessly ensure the safety of the entire society are often exposed to diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. With this campaign film, Mortein emphasizes the importance of taking care of those who care for society, providing them with the shield of Morteins protection. Saurabh Jain, Regional Marketing Director, South Asia - Hygiene, Reckitt said, "For years, Mortein has been a trusted pest control solution across Indian homes and is committed to protect families against mosquito-borne diseases. With the release of our film, we want to draw attention to the health and safety of the community workers, the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure our security. The films core message Unki raksha kare jo roz hamari raksha karein urges people to protect the protectors with Mortein Liquid Vaporisers, safeguarding them from disease-carrying mosquitoes. Conceptualised by Havas Worldwide India, the film beautifully captures the message in a poignant scene, where a mother and her kids demonstrate compassion to the security guard of their housing society by providing him with a Mortein liquid vaporizer for his cabin. The film highlights the selfless dedication of the community workers who are consistently looking out for the world and ensuring our overall safety. The mother then urges her kids to protect the ones who protect the world, hence encapsulating the campaign message - Unki raksha kare jo roz hamari raksha karein with Mortein. Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer, Havas Worldwide India said, "Mortein's mission against mosquito-borne diseases sparked our inspiration. Having grown up under the protection of diligent security guards, we now recognize the risks they face. Identifying an opportunity for meaningful change through compelling storytelling, our goal is singular: to enhance the lives of community workers under Mortein's Raksha Jyoti initiative. We envision extending this effort to contribute to a Malaria and Dengue-free India." Creative Agency Credits: Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer Tarun Jha, Chief Executive Officer Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer Kundan Joshee, Managing Partner Avinash Chandra, Vice President Annie Joshi, Associate Account Director Kokila Srivastava, Copy Supervisor Anuraag Srivastava, Vice President Strategy Aatur Sharma, Films Consultant Production house: The Film Folks Director: Pooja Khemani Others Specials The centuries-old Japan-India relationship will be among the top three economic partnerships for both countries: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar Array ( [galleryId] => 853b4d2763cc7a79956df1d40a2ab9766becf3e26ea8f8ee [thumbImage] => https://ngs-space1.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/am/uploads/mediaGallery/image/1708159186417.jpg-thmb [largeImage] => https://ngs-space1.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/am/uploads/mediaGallery/image/1708159186417.jpg-sldr [fullImage] => https://ngs-space1.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/am/uploads/mediaGallery/image/1708159186417.jpg-org [videoObj] => [caption] => The centuries-old Japan-India relationship will be among the top three economic partnerships for both countries: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar [altText] => The centuries-old Japan-India relationship will be among the top three economic partnerships for both countries: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar [description] => The centuries-old Japan-India relationship will be among the top three economic partnerships for both countries: Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar [title] => ) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 16: The Mizuho India Japan Study Centre (MIJSC), an Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore Centre of Excellence celebrated its 6th Foundation Day. Mrs Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Limited, delivered the keynote address at the event. In her address, Mrs Kirloskar said, India and Japan are societies that have a lot in common and some synergistic differences. We are both Eastern, spiritually vital cultures. We have both progressed over the past seven decades, one recovering from colonialism and the other from the devastation of World War II. At the same time, we have differences that are complementary to each other. India is a young, diverse country with a demographic dividend to reap, while Japans mature society is wise and stable. India's growing strength in new-age technologies complements Japan's leadership in automotive and electronics. Indian polity is boisterous and diverse, complementing Japans serenity. Mrs. Kirloskar also stated that the next three decades would see the rise of a new India and a contemporary Japan; the centuries-old Japan-India relationship will be among the top three economic partnerships for both countries. To accelerate and sustain partnerships and exchanges with the Japanese, in my experience, there are four values that are important: Build Trust, Institutionalize Respect, Humility, and Patience, she expressed. The MIJSC focuses on promoting mutual understanding and collaboration between India and Japan. Through research, teaching, and policy outreach efforts, the centre aims to facilitate collaborative initiatives among academia, industry, and government agencies of both countries to work on areas of mutual interest. Shelby County school leaders are investigating after a disturbing photo surfaced of Calera High School students reenacting George Floyds murder. WBRC reported that six students were shown in the photo, which was posted by a former student in September and brought to school leaders attention this week. According to the station, one student was pictured lying on the ground while another student put their knee on his neck the same position Floyd was in when he was killed at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020. Another student acted as if he was handcuffing the student. AL.com has not seen the photo firsthand but has confirmed the incident through the school district. Calera High School administrators and district leaders are aware of the photo and are investigating, a spokeswoman for Shelby County Schools told AL.com. The photo was taken last summer and was posted to a former students social media account in September. School officials were unaware of the photo until it was brought to their attention this week. Floyd, a Black 46-year-old father of five, was pronounced dead on May 25, 2020 after Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes. Three other officers did not intervene, despite Floyd repeatedly saying he could not breathe. The incident sparked a wave of protests against police brutality and systemic racism across the country. Chauvin was found guilty of murder in 2021. Shelby County parents, under the condition of anonymity, told WBRC that they were infuriated when they saw the photo. They hope the community can come together and openly talk about racism. This is something that is taught, these children dont come into the world thinking that the death of a man at the hands of public servants is a laughing matter or is funny, one parent told the station. Thats not a laughing matter. School leaders in California, Colorado, Oklahoma and several other states have launched investigations into similar social media posts since 2020, according to local news reports, but many declined to provide details about any disciplinary actions taken. Calera High School says in its code of conduct that it prohibits any form of hate speech or use of racially offensive images. Students can face suspension or further penalties for using personal or school technology for any inappropriate activities. District officials did not answer AL.coms questions about any disciplinary actions taken or steps school leaders are taking to address the photo with the school community. Leaders did confirm that the student who posted the photo is no longer enrolled at Calera High. A 21-year-old man was killed this weekend in a single-vehicle crash on County Road 25 in Cleburne County, authorities said Saturday. State troopers identified the man as Ethan L. Bailey of Ranburne. Bailey was remembered on social media Saturday morning as one of the sweetest and kindest souls around. He was engaged to be married. Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene around midnight Saturday after his 2001 Ford Ranger left the roadway and overturned about 13 miles outside of Ranburne, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car, ALEA said. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Highway Patrol Division is continuing to investigate the incident and has not provided any further information. Roebuck community members are fighting to keep their neighborhoods Truist bank open amidst multiple closures in the area. Our community is starting to drift away, said resident Cereta Smith. Because we dont have restaurants. We dont have shopping. And now our banks are leaving, leaving us with substandard amenities in our community. To have to go to another city to do my banking, to do my shopping, to have to go out to eat a nice dinner, its making it inconvenient. And my dollars are going to another municipality, which I think is somewhat sad. MONTGOMERY -- The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved legislation banning the sale of meat produced from cultured animal cells. Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Mobile, makes it a Class C felony to manufacture, sell or distribute cultivated meat. Cultivated meat is grown in labs using animal cells but without having to raise and kill animals. A Fort Payne woman charged with capital murder for allegedly kidnapping a Hartselle woman and pushing her off a cliff in 2021 submitted character reference letters, along with one she personally wrote, to a Dekalb County judge Tuesday. Jessie Eden Kelly, 22, is accused of killing Mary Elizabeth Isbell, a Hartselle woman who disappeared in 2021. Kelly remained in Cherokee County Jail with no bond on Thursday. Loretta Kay Carr, 45 Kellys mother is also charged with capital murder in Isbells death. She remained in Dekalb County Jail with no bond on Thursday. According to the Dekalb County Sheriffs Office, the pair are deliberately being held in separate locations ahead of trial. I ask that the court to please take these letters in consideration on my behalf of who I am, rather than just what Im being portrayed in black and white, Kelly wrote in a letter to a judge dated Feb. 7. At the time of her mothers arrest in June, Kelly was in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to Missouri on a felony theft charge, according to a Dekalb County sheriffs spokesperson. She was extradited to Alabama in July. Eight letters in support of Kelly, all apparently from fellow incarcerated women, were also filed in Dekalb County District Court on Tuesday. She is really a bright, well-meaning and intelligent young woman who I feel could be easily taken advantage of due to her sweet nature and trusting spirit, wrote one woman, who said she shared a cell with Kelly in Cherokee County Jail. Another Cherokee County inmate wrote that she was bunkmates with Kelly for four months. She described Kelly as a kind-hearted child of God. Several of the letters describe Kelly as naive and innocent. I dont think she completely grasps how serious her situation is, another woman wrote. A multi-agency search team discovered Isbells remains in Little River Canyon National Preserve in late June, around what would have been her 39th birthday. Her ex-husband had reported her missing almost two years earlier. At the time of the report, Hartselle police were able to determine Isbell was in DeKalb County based on phone records, according to the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said a search warrant of Isbells DeKalb County residence showed signs of a struggle. Months later, a credible tip, witness statements, and one of the defendants statements led investigators to charge Carr and Kelly in Isbells death, according to DeKalb County Chief Investigator Nick Brown. One of the co-defendants was very cooperative and helped lead us to Marys remains, Brown said. The suspects and the victim were acquaintances via a boyfriend, according to Brown. An investigators affidavit filed in DeKalb County District Court alleges Carr and Kelly caused the death of Isbell on or around Oct. 18, 2021. They did so by pushing her off a cliff and during her abduction or attempt to abduct, according to the affidavit. Brown, who said Isbells cause of death appeared to be a result of being thrown from the cliff, said its one of the most heinous cases of his career. Little River Canyon National Preserve sits atop Lookout Mountain and covers around 15,000 acres near Fort Payne. Thank you so kindly for your time, your honor, Kelly wrote. I highly appreciate it. david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. @DD_DavidGambino ___ (c)2024 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A hail of gunfire left four men dead in Birminghams Smithfield community Friday afternoon. Birmingham police late Friday identified the victims as Cortez Ray, 32, Talton Tait, 36, Terrell Edwards, 38, and Kevin McGhee, 38. Dozens of shots rang out about 2:45 p.m. in the 900 block of Center Street North. Police said the men were standing outside of a house where people get their cars washed when it appears someone drove by and opened fire. Ray, Tait, and Edwards were pronounced dead on the scene. McGhee died a short time later at UAB Hospital. No suspects are in custody, Police Chief Scott Thurmond said. Were in the early stages of this investigation trying to determine exactly what happened and who may be responsible for this particular heinous crime, Thurmond said. It is really disgusting that these things continue to happen in our city over and over again and people got to learn other ways to resolve their conflicts It disturbs the entire neighborhood, the chief added. It is not common for four people to die in one act of violence in Birmingham, Thurmond added. Its something thats going to rock our city, its going to rock this neighborhood. Investigators believe there were at least two shooters and said the shooting was targeted. Police marked 34 shell casings early on but said they expected to find many more. Two of the victims collapsed outside of the house where the shooting happened and a third ran less than a half a block away and collapsed on the side of another house. It was a chaotic scene in the neighborhood as dozens of family members and friends flocked to the scene, many highly emotional. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. An interracial church in Huntsville, formed when an all-white congregation merged with an all-Black congregation near Alabama A&M University, has been closed. The former Holy Cross-St. Christopher Episcopal Church has been declared dormant, said Bishop Glenda Curry, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. It was a gradual decline, Curry said. They had gotten so small, they couldnt keep up their building They just dwindled over time. In 1954, eight faculty members of Alabama A&M formed Holy Cross Episcopal Church and began meeting in a trailer near campus until the construction of a building in 1963. In 1961, a group of white Episcopalians founded St. Christophers Episcopal Church a few miles away. The two congregations merged in 1976. In recent years, the church was down to four remaining members, one Black and three white, and the building had suffered a roof collapse several years ago that was never repaired. We reached a point where they condemned the building, Curry said. Curry said she took part in a de-consecration service of the church in 2020, which means it was no longer used for worship services. It was sad, she said. About 35 people from all around Huntsville came. The remaining six members then met for awhile in the annex at nearby Lakeside United Methodist Church. It had gotten to the point where it was a Bible study, Curry said. Every one of them had another church they were going to, but they just didnt want to let go, she said. They didnt want to be accommodated in another Episcopal church. The diocese donated the building to be used for benevolent causes, Curry said. We gave it to a development corporation that was a public development group working with the university, Curry said. We tried to help somebody else use it for a good reason. Its across the street from A&M University. St. Columba in the Cove in Huntsville had also been declared dormant several years ago, Curry said. Dormant means if there was a groundswell of people who showed up and suddenly wanted to open it again, they could still do that without having to re-charter it, she said. New church planned in McCalla Curry said that the diocese is planting a new church in McCalla called Riverside Church that will begin meeting in April at one of the McAdory School buildings. Its not going to be as traditional, Curry said. Were in the early stages of it. The pilot killed when his Cessna crashed into the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa County Friday is being remembered as a man who loved his family and always put them first. Edward Todd, the 67-year-old owner of Todd Media Aerial Photography, left the Tuscaloosa airport at 9:11 a.m. Friday in his single-engine Cessna 172, flight records show. He was set to arrive back there at 10:16 a.m. Instead, his flight went off the radar. Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene about 10:30 a.m. at Burchfield Branch Park Road on Lock 17 Road. That Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also responded, and is leading the ground investigation. Kurt Harris, who was fishing on the river, recorded the plane about one minute before it disappeared. Harris took the video at 10:15 a.m., and said it was about three miles from where the plane crashed. He said they did not hear anything but were surprised at the time that the plane was flying so low. Investigators said the plan may have struck a power pole before going into the water. Todds body was recovered Friday afternoon. Authorities investigate a fatal plane crash Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in the Black Warrior River.(Contributed) Todds company provided aerial photography services to architects, contractors, developers, realtors, owners, the news media, and many others for over 14 years, according to his website. Todd was also a certified flight instructor and operated Todd Flight Instruction. He truly loved having his own flight school so that he could teach young people how to fly,' his sister, Rebecca Todd Minder, told AL.com. Photography and flying were his passions, and he loved having the opportunity pass those two on to younger generations. Flight records show Todd was in the air most days, and flew Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before his final flight on Friday. Minder, memorialized her brother in a Friday night Facebook post. I feel broken and lost, Minder said. He was the smartest person in our family, turning his hobbies of flying and photography into careers. His office was in the sky, and he got to witness Gods gift from a perspective many never witness, she said. Todd was a husband, father of five adult children, and a grandfather. Family described him as selfless. He made sacrifices, working three or four jobs at a time so that he could provide for his five children, she said, and even tried to stay in shape so that he could be there to play with his many grandchildren. I adore my brother, Minder said. I miss him already. Ana Maria Knezevic traveled from South Florida to Spain in December to get away for a while. Her family and friends say the naturalized American originally from Colombia has been going through a nasty divorce from her Serbian husband, but the trip was also a chance to explore new places. Then, she vanished two weeks ago, shortly after a man wearing a motorcycle helmet disabled the security cameras at her Madrid apartment building by spray painting the lenses. The next day, two friends received separate text messages one in English, one in Spanish from the 40-year-olds phone saying she was running off for a few days with a man she had just met. She wouldnt do this ... it is very unsafe and crazy behavior. She wouldnt do that. She wouldnt do that, said Sanna Rameau, the friend who got the English text. It was written, she said, in an emotionless style that wasnt Anas. The Spanish message was so flat it appeared to have been written in English and run through Google Translate, she said. It just didnt make sense, Rameau told The Associated Press. Shes also tiny smaller than the 4-feet-11-inches tall (1.5 meters) listed on her drivers license, Rameau said. I can lift her up with one arm and carry her away, the friend said. Police in Madrid and Fort Lauderdale were notified, launching investigations on each side of the Atlantic. Both agencies are being closed mouthed about where the search stands, with each declining comment. The American embassy in Madrid also declined comment. Spains Missing Persons Association has posted Knezevics photograph around the nations capital, but has not received any responses, spokesman Joaquin Amills said. David and Ana Knezevic have been married for 13 years and own EOX Technology Solutions Inc., which does computer support for South Florida businesses. Records show they also own a home and two other Fort Lauderdale properties, one of those currently under foreclosure. Anas brother, Juan Henao, called the divorce nasty in an interview with a Fort Lauderdale detective, a report shows. There is a substantial amount of money on the line to be split up between the two and David is not happy about it, the report says. David Knezevics current whereabouts are unknown. Henao told the detective he believes his brother-in-law traveled to his home country of Serbia in January. After Ana disappeared, Henao texted David to ask if he knew her whereabouts. He replied Whats up? before telling Henao that Ana was missing, which he already knew. Nothing else besides that, Henao said. In a short phone interview, Henao said he hopes the international attention will make finding Ana a top police priority. Lets just keep pushing and see if that will get them to do more to help us find my sister, he said. No one answered the door Thursday at the Knezevics Fort Lauderdale home, where the mailbox is overflowing and the cars are covered in dirt and dust. No one answered the phone at their company, and David Knezevic did not respond to emails and a voicemail. Rameau said Ana never mentioned fearing her husband or that he was abusive. She never said to me that she felt in danger, said Rameau. Ana chose an apartment in Madrids wealthy and fashionable Salamanca quarter, traveled with Rameau in Austria in January, and planned to see a Spanish friend in Barcelona on Feb. 5 before reuniting with Rameau in Madrid starting Feb. 8. But on Feb. 2 at about 9:30 p.m., the helmet-wearing man disabled the apartment complexs security cameras something no one searching for Ana knew for almost a week. She had a normal phone call with a friend about a half hour later. Neighbors said they last saw her about that time. The next day, Rameau became alarmed when she got a text from Anas phone. I met someone wonderful!! He has a summer house 2H (hours) from Madrid, it read. We are going there now and I will spend a few days there. Signal is spotty. Ill call you when I get back. That was followed a minute later by a second text: Yesterday after therapy I needed a walk and he approached me on the street! Amazing connection. Like I never had. The Spanish friend got similar texts, the ones that appeared to have been translated by computer. Rameau said there is no chance she would run off with a stranger, and never told her friend that night she had met someone. Rameau and the Spanish friend contacted police after she didnt respond to their increasingly frantic calls and texts. Firefighters went to her apartment for a wellness check, looked inside and found nothing amiss, Rameau said. Madrid police said they would investigate if she didnt show up for her Barcelona trip. When she didnt, detectives asked a Spanish judge for permission to search her phone records and apartment, but absent strong evidence of a crime, they were denied. Rameau and the Spanish friend then went to her building on Feb. 8, and learned from a clerk about the helmeted man painting the cameras. They alerted police. Now, Anas family and friends wait for news. Im just desperate to find answers, Rameau said. Im just desperate to find a reason for who could have done this. This is an opinion column. When Republicans swept into office on a massive red wave and took control of the Alabama Legislature in 2010, they did so with the promise to make the states ethics laws the toughest in the country. They delivered on that promise, passing those reforms in a special session. A promise made. A promise kept. And a promise lawmakers have been trying to claw back ever since those reforms ensnared one of their own, former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. He went to prison in 2016 for breaking the very laws he helped get passed. The last time lawmakers tried to upend the state ethics law in 2019, their proposal would have made gifts to public officials legal again and have made bribery a misdemeanor. This time around, lawmakers seem to be taking an equally subtle approach making ethics crimes not crimes anymore. The Alabama Ethics Commission is charged with holding public officials accountable. But a draft bill being circulated among lawmakers and shared in a committee meeting this week would strip the commission of much of its authority, make its director beholden to lawmakers and turn things that are currently crimes punishable with time to prison into civil offenses and reprimands. Dont take my word for it. Just read what it says in the bills own description of what it does. This bill would remove all criminal penalties from the ethics code and would authorize the commission to impose private censures, public reprimands, civil penalties, and restitution, it says. Thats right. Private censures and public reprimands for things that currently carry time behind bars. The language of the bill is simple enough, but Im not a lawyer. So I called someone who is to make sure I was reading it right. Before Matt Hart was a defense attorney in private practice, he was one of the states toughest corruption prosecutors, having put many officials behind bars, including Hubbard. Hart had already read the draft when I called him. There are numerous things that are illegal under the law that would be legal under this bill, Hart told me. For instance, the law today prohibits public officials from doing things that would unduly benefit a family member. But who counts as a family member? The draft bill narrows that to spouses and dependent children. In other words, if youre a public official and you give a no-bid contract to your kid, so long as that kid doesnt live in your house or eat your food, youre in the clear. And while were passing public wealth around the family tree, theres nothing here to stop public officials from throwing a little business to mom or dad, or even that annoying brother-in-law. This bill makes legit all deals with brother-in-laws and cousins and nephews. Heck, siblings arent covered, either, so officials can make deals with their brothers and sisters, too, and cut out the matrimonial middlemen. If the Alabama Ethics Commission doesnt like it, I guess they could censure away. Like thats going to do a lot of good. Credentialed as he is, I didnt want to rest on Hart alone. So I called a former lawmaker who hasnt always seen eye-to-eye with Hart, former state Rep. Mike Ball. Ball was a friend of Hubbard and didnt think Hart had treated his friend fairly when Hart prosecuted and convicted him. The two of them rarely agree, and unless you have a lot of time to kill, dont even mention one around the other. Nonetheless, Ball also says he thinks the bill, as drafted, is bad. If I were still in the Legislature, I wouldnt let this bill out of my committee, Ball said. Ball believes the state needs an independent Ethics Commission to hold public officials accountable. This bill leaves the commission exposed to the whims and retaliation of lawmakers. It would empower the Legislature to remove commissioners who it doesnt like, give lawmakers approval power over new commission directors when theyre hired and let lawmakers revisit those approvals every five years. In short, if the director of the Ethics Commission, or the commission itself, does something to upset lawmakers, they could get fired. I called the lawmaker spearheading this effort, state Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, to ask him why he thought any of this was necessary. Simpson told me the draft bill makes the ethics law stronger. When I pointed out the bill would make it open season for public contracts between officials and their non-dependant family members, Simpson conceded that maybe it had gone too far in narrowing the law. Thats why we put this draft out there, so people can give their feedback and we can fix any problems with it, he said. But, the thing is, the brother-in-law problem wasnt an oversight. Whoever wrote this bill deliberately narrowed it and you dont need a law license to figure that out. Simpson and I spent the better part of half an hour talking in circles about what his bill does. Simpson argued that the bill would protect against a rogue ethics commission abusing its powers. He criticized the secret informal opinions the commission gives public officials seeking clarity on the law. I happen to hate these secret opinions, too, and think they should be public, and I was relieved that Simpson and I found something we could agree on. The trouble is, Simpsons bill would still allow those secret opinions. It doesnt even fix the things Simpson says are wrong with the Ethics Commission. Ethics laws, Simpson said, are difficult for public officials and employees to understand and a burden on teachers, and firefighters and so on. But the only folks I ever hear fussing about it arent firefighters. Ive never had a teacher call to fuss about the law or email me a question about an ethical quandary. Only lawmakers, lobbyists and the people who pay them. The Alabama Legislature did something right in 2010. It put consequences in place for unethical public officials and constant reminders theyre playing with the publics money. For the most part, the law has worked. Just ask Mike Hubbard. But Simpson is right about it being time for the Legislature to do something different. And they can start by leaving the law alone. Kyle Whitmire is the 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. You can follow him on Threads here and subscribe to his weekly newsletter, Alabamafication. Three couples whose frozen embryos were destroyed when a wandering Mobile hospital patient dropped the specimens can sue for wrongful death because the embryos were children, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Friday in reversing a judges decision to throw out the case. The Center for Reproductive Medicine, a fertility clinic used by the couples, and Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, where the embryos were being stored, claimed the couples could not sue for wrongful death because Alabamas Wrongful Death of a Minor Act does not cover embryos outside the womb. But the Alabama Supreme Court disagreed when it reversed Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Jill Parrish Phillips ruling to dismiss the case in 2022. The Wrongful Death of a Minor Act applies to all unborn children, regardless of their location, wrote Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell. [T]he Wrongful Death of a Minor Act is sweeping and unqualified. It applies to all children, born and unborn, without limitation. It is not the role of this Court to craft a new limitation based on our own view of what is or is not wise public policy. That is especially true where, as here, the People of this State have adopted a Constitutional amendment directly aimed at stopping courts from excluding unborn life from legal protection. The couples accused the defendants of wrongful death, negligence and breach of contract in two lawsuits filed in 2021 in Mobile County Circuit Court. Mobile Infirmary allowed one of its patients to leave and/or elope from his or her room in the Infirmarys hospital area and access the cryogenic storage area, according to one of the lawsuits. The patient removed embryos from the freezer, and it is believed that the cryopreservations subzero temperatures burned the eloping patients hands, causing him or her to drop the cryopreserved embryonic human beings on the floor, where they began to slowly die, one of the filings stated. By the time hospital staff noticed the incident, all of the embryos died, according to the lawsuits. Pew Research succinctly states that American society sums up the genders as, Strong men; caring women. Here is a composite of research studies that address not just perceptions, but psychological profiling of thousands of Americans in statistically valid samples and what those subjects say are masculine and feminine traits: Traits traditionally viewed as masculine include courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness. Traits traditionally cited as feminine include gracefulness, gentleness, empathy, humility, and sensitivity. Let that settle in. You can see how our national persona, as in what it means to be an American, has morphed from the character profile of strong men to the hypersensitivity of caring women, coinciding with the escalated role of women in American society supported by the polite, cooperative submission of former male dominance. An argument can be made in a foreign country with a different founding and ideology (say, China) to aspire to a goal of tranquil banality for all, gender-neutral, a pacified people all dressed in beige resignedly relying on its authoritarian government to come up with the grand plan for their mutual and identical outcomes for the remainder of their quiet, unimportant lives. Are they internally desperate? Who knows, maybe not. Maybe they like it that way, or at least, they know not to question it. They are not American. They have submitted. Such is Marxism. Their utopia includes no stress of striving, no meritocratic competition for position: just come to accept quite a bit less spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and cool the pursuit of success or improvement. Rest obediently in the knowledge you are not leaving anyone behind through your lazy sacrifice. That is your new duty: not independence, free will, love of country, or other beliefs. In the new America, they call this diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal of identity politics is the endeavor by the disenfranchised to strip individuality and self-reliance from the American psyche as selfish traits and to instead embrace the idea of belonging to a supposedly oppressed group, even a majority group like females. American men have accepted their diminished role without a fight, indeed with complicity if not outright enthusiasm. The initiatives, cooperation, support, and votes of male citizens were necessary for every civil rights and equality cause. From the 800,000 deaths inflicted on American men to end slavery during the Civil War; to voting for Womens Suffrage and the Civil Rights Act; and all the laws that later supported that including Affirmative Action; desegregation and forced busing to enforce desegregation all were sponsored by and carried through by male citizens. Men did not resist; they proposed these causes through law and government enforcement. These male protagonists, supporters and victors were and are not in fact racist or misogynistic, as we are told to believe: they were those who gave their lives and proposed all these legislative acts and passed them into law to further the ideal of equality of all men and women, with honor. T he English-American Founders and the subsequent generations of European descent male American citizens forged the country. They invented and created the machines of industry and commerce and means of production to foster the worlds greatest economy under that constitutional republic that provides for unprecedented liberty. That document and our adherence to it is core to what grew to be in the minds of many, the greatest country ever formed. This demographic dies far disproportionately in wars and are the most devoted to sustaining a free America. They are the backbone, nervous system, and heart of America, but exist with all the other parts of what forms a strong nation. Saddening is the media portrayal and even the professed beliefs of President Biden, that male nationalists are sinister purveyors of systemic problems in America, as the President said about them at Howard in May 2023, The most dangerous terrorist threat to the Homeland. More unintentional irony: those wanting to preserve the country as free are the greatest threat to the country. Now those male European descendants commit 70% of all suicides while being 31% of the population as supposedly the entrenched, privileged patriarchy that should be further diminished. Where did they go wrong? Did they let the country down? What more should they be doing? They seem not to be holding any others back but have little left to give. But the nation desperately needs them to not give up on America, despite the disparagement. It seems quite the paradox that as the media tells it, the founding principles leading to the greatest nation are themselves, the very perceived problems with the greatest nation. We are witnessing a new rise of authoritarianism in opposition to freedom. Men do not want to be ruled. Look at the national submission to COVID mandates: this was a pure feminine reaction favoring security. We are on the brink of total submission to authority. Please, keep me safe! Thats all I ask! We the People, men pointedly, meekly allowed ourselves to submit to loss of freedom imposed by a vastly overreaching government. We consented to be so governed. The despair of men who have lost their role and identity as independent and strong seems to be cheered on in the guilt-ridden media who see masculinity as a sickness. Their concern is that men are not adapting as anticipatedsome are resisting. Next, we focus on a great distinction between genders: the noble concept of honor is archetypically male. This is a core spiritual aspect of masculinity, not a disgrace as seemingly the scientific press would have honor reduced to aggressive behavior. Honor is a voluntary constraint on behavior that is in the unspoken creed of being a decent man, which will involve sacrifice to achieve something close to virtue. When you have honor, decisions are not as complicated because all the wrong actions are removed, even if it takes a moment to remember; you have honor. You are honor bound and glad for its grounding, even though it is binding. Honor can be lost, even through a decision not to act when honor dictated action. It is the most serious offense to have dishonored oneself, where a mans sense of worth falls into doubt. For honorable men, external justice for actions is accepted but secondary to ones own self-disgrace. Honor is an instrumental part of an understood creed for American men. It is fast disappearing under steady attack in the feminine United States of 2024, where honor is considered archaic and limiting and again, too masculine. Go along, embrace weakness (sexy!) and compliance: it is easier. Honor can disappear from a society, as a religion can, when the believers die off. When we look for strong men to defend American values, it matters not to their peers of honorable men that they lose favor with those who do not hold honor in high regard. No male demographic wants to be cast as victims or without honor, but the nonsense thrown about to diminish most groups is meant to keep them down, as is the welfare state that discards them. Despite continuous efforts to divide us, all men who share American values will join with a return to masculinity and honor in America, and indeed, studies show virtually all women want strong men, not mousy supplicants. It is a minority Left position that views masculinity as something to be extinguished. Think back to 1776: where would we be in 2024 without that incredible generation of brave, masculine, honorable men that forged our nation, breaking from a world of monarchies and government rule? Look where it took us. Now it is in our hands to preserve America despite the ever-intrusive grasp of government tentacles. Do not take another step back, honorable men of America. We need a resurgence of original American values where government does not rule, it serves, and it is going to take masculine virtues to make that happen by making a firm stand and a return to what we remember with pride was America just three years ago: liberty, individualism, independence, limited government and honor. Image: Manfred Werner A third year has passed since the death of Rush Limbaugh. The day of the sad news, millions of people were sensible of a loss. Something they depended on for reassurance, reinforcement, confidence, strength, amusement, and interest was now gone and never would come again. Limbaugh was an optimist, and optimists are like bonfires. The shivering gathered about him for warmth -- those fearing an awful and incomprehensible transformation in their country, those to whom the triumph of Marxism looked to be inevitable. His listeners had this consolation -- that at the appointed hour the ebullient voice would issue from the radio, and for a time they would be in the company of a friend, who saw what they saw but had it all figured out and was himself unafraid. Naturally, the leftist bullies hated him for ridiculing their piffle, but above all because he was dauntless. And he made others so, as did Donald Trump. Intellectuals who fancy themselves conservatives, but of such refinement and probity as to join occasionally with the liberals also shunned him. They could scarcely play the role they coveted while acknowledging such a man as Rush Limbaugh to be a leader of the conservative movement, a man who spoke to and in the voice of the Republican base. It was the respect of educated liberals and not the hooting of the rabble that was to be garnered, thought those who would evolve into the never-Trumpers. But doing justice to Limbaughs nominally conservative antagonists, their enmity also sprang from matters more interesting than snobbery. They thought themselves possessed of a certain moderation -- they sometimes called themselves moderates, at any rate. They displayed this moderation in reaching out to the other side (across the aisle), and typically in joining the liberals on what came to be called the social issues. Republican politicians of this stripe often were informed by the consultant class, as Limbaugh dubbed them. Professional political advisers typically would tell their charges not to offend moderate voters by showing anger at Democrats, no matter what the latter said or did, or by taking strong positions in opposition to abortion, for traditional marriage, or for the inclusion of religion in the public square. Wealthy donors would say the same thing to Republican politicians. And so, Limbaugh challenged such politicians and derided their timidity before the Left. How many books have been written about great moderates in American history? he asked, more than once. And, of course, the answer was, none, so long as moderation was understood to be the quality of those said to possess it in our time. Moderation, for centuries numbered among the cardinal virtues, now turned out to be doing anything rather than take a stand on issues that excite enmity. Against the so-called moderates, Republican consultants, major donors, and NeverTrumpers Limbaugh advanced his own brand of populism. Populism, as such, intellectuals associate with demagoguery -- playing upon the basest instincts of ordinary people and sanctifying their ignorance. That accusation was directed at President Trump often enough. The presupposition underlying the accusation is that there is a virtuous class of legislators -- educated, high-minded, and thus immune to the prejudices of the vulgar. The demagogic politician raises the common folk against them, persuading them to surrender to him their liberty. A popular orator like Rush Limbaugh facilitated the demagogue Trump in doing so and threatened that exemplary group of people who constituted the leadership of both political parties in Washington. But the legislators in Washington, with exceptions, and the army of unelected administrators and congressional staff have not been precisely a class of high-minded and enlightened public servants, these several decades. They sacrificed the nations commerce to a sinister foreign despotism, which then absorbed nearly all its manufacturing. They opened American borders to an untrammeled influx of destitute foreigners, without regard to the prosperity or security of the people they were elected to represent. Under both political parties, the national debt soared to an astronomical level. Freedom of speech and religion, to say nothing of the right to bear arms, are in jeopardy. American troops have been sent to the four corners of the world for indefinite periods to fight and die with no apparent strategy for victory. And the Constitution itself, owing to decisions of the Supreme Court, was deformed so as to menace the spiritual compass of most Americans. The recent incremental movement back from that predicament is attributable to the change in the Courts membership under President Trump, as well as to the merit of individual justices. The populism of Rush Limbaugh represented the most lucid perception of these realties, realities that accounted in large measure for Trumps ascent. Limbaughs was a practical wisdom, the kind that all men may glean from experience, though not in the same degree and only if they are attentive to its lessons. Because experience and not theoretical study is the source of practical wisdom, the kind associated with politics, it will appear beguilingly simple. But to perceive, while in the midst of a societys turmoil, the direction from which danger approaches is not simple. Mans vision of the world is easily distorted by his emotional bent -- if the uneducated are prey to demagogues who sound like one of them, then the educated similarly will be entranced by bad men who sound sophisticated. Hence, the great admiration of academics for a character like Barack Obama. In the December 23, 2020 broadcast, the final one of that year, Rush Limbaugh told his audience, It will never be time to give up on the United States. It will never be time to give up on yourself. He continued therein the message of a recent prior broadcast, in which he assured the listeners that none of them were alone, despite the nations travails, and that many people were endeavoring to turn its affairs around. America is worth fighting for, he added. With these valedictory utterances, Mr. Limbaugh charged us to deport ourselves as free citizens and never to despair. And so, we will not abandon our constitutional republic or our faith. We will not submit, in victory or defeat, to those determined to destroy them. At the beginning of Liam Neesons film, Michael Collins, about the Irish revolutionary leader, there is a monologue and eulogy by one of Collinss friends. The friend says, in part: Some people are what the times demand, and life without them seems impossible. But hes dead, and life is possible. He made it possible. Rush Limbaugh is gone, but life is possible, and victory is possible. America is worth fighting for, and we are worth fighting for as well. Let us then be of stout heart, and it will all come right in the end. Today, however I ignore the state of the nation and see only the silent radio on my desk. In remembrance, I listen still to what was always for me a voice of hope and noble purpose. Image: Gage Skidmore Peaceful transition of power? Not on your life with the scheming leftist Bidenites currently entrenched in the White House. According to Fox News, citing a report from the Associated Press, they are busy as beavers these days, 'bracing' for a second President Trump term, and preparing to 'thwart' his capacity to govern. The Associated Press report reads: A collection of activists, advocates and legal experts is promoting new federal rules to limit presidential power while urging Bidens White House to do more to protect his accomplishments and limit Trump in a possible second term. All of that is happening with far less fanfare than plans by Trump supporters to create a conservative government-in-waiting via an effort known as Project 2025. The Office of Personnel Management, the federal governments chief human resources agency, proposed a rule against reclassifying tens of thousands of workers so they can be more easily fired. According to spokesperson Viet Tran, the office will finalize the rule in April. That means that a future administration would likely have to spend months or even years unwinding it if they want to try to do so. Which is frankly shocking. Obviously, what the voters want is unimportant. That they elect Trump to clean out this establishment of partisan plotters is of no conscience-twinging importance to them at all as they plot to ensure their permanent power, because in their minds, they have a "divine right" to rule. "Activists, advocates, legal experts"? This sounds like the same bunch that created the "shadow campaign that saved the 2020 election," in the famous 2021 Time magazine piece by Molly Ball. They did succeed in rigging the election against Trump -- and the voters -- at least once. So now they are active again, and they do what they do, working to make the transition from one party to another as hellish as possible, working out ways to tie Trump's hands, impede his ability to govern, and if the American people who voted for him lose out, not their problem. So much for civil society. So much for the comity of democracy. This is warfare and they've fired the first shots. It's very disturbing that they are attempting to tie Trump's hands here should he win the election, which they seem to be banking on, and thus, are determined that he is forced to lead a bureaucracy that has no loyalty to him whatsoever, and zero professionalism, too. We all know how they plotted, connived, lied and deceived in his previous term. The layoffs prevention measure is probably significant in that we have an example before us of what happens when a government lays off thousands of useless and mischief-making bureaucrats, in the presidency of Javier Milei of Argentina. Milei acted swiftly to lay off one third of Argentina's worthless bureaucrats and now his government has posted its first surplus in memory. His country's economy is recovering, his people are happy, his political support remains high, and his success is a model for other nations now about how to fix a wokester-wrecked economy. The U.S. wokesters, won't accept that they are servants of the people and serve at the voters' pleasure. They demand an arrangement to keep them in power forever, and will make Trump's life hell should he return to power on a popular wave in 2024. What Biden gets out of this is not entirely apparent, but obviously, a loyal government bureaucracy in his post-presidency could come in pretty handy with regards to the Biden Family Business, in opportunities to be had, in favorable regulatory rulings, and in staying out of the crosshairs of the law as they carry on what they carry on to build their family fortune and continue their political influence. It could be that Biden owes favors to the deep state and this is his way of paying them back with interest. It could be that Barack Obama is pulling the strings here, paving his way for some kind of return to power, even if by proxy. Trump and his camp should make this sneaky move to extend bureaucrat power as public as possible so as to give voters yet another reason to vote for him and vote for a GOP Congress to work with. We all know how sleazy and unprofessional and politicized these supposed servants of the people are. They have failed at impartial professionalism and by this alone need to be thrown out on their ears. One can only hope that the Trump team finds a way to surprise them. Image: Open Clipart // Creative Commons Zero 1.0 Public Domain License Hamas slaughtered 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped over 200 more, many of whom it murdered or let die. Now, the Biden administration is thinking about rewarding Hamas with a state carved out of Israels sovereign territory. Only lunacy disconnected from the way the world actually works can explain this plan. Joe Biden (or, more likely, his handlers) has decided that pandering to his base is more important than Israels continued existence. Or perhaps he and his Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, live in such a leftist fantasy world that they do not believe that rewarding cold-blooded terrorism with a state wont have any negative repercussions for Israel. To sustain this fantasy, Biden and Blinken would have to believe that: Given their own state, Palestinians will no longer have a desire or a need to destroy the State of Israel. Israel does not have the right to veto a two-state solution. Israel does not have the right or the need for an absolute victory over Hamas in order to prevent future terrorist attacks. Humanitarian concerns (for Gazans, not Israelis) trump military necessity. Israel is strong enough to survive no matter what changes or policies are enacted against its interests. Israels 7.2 million Jews are simply less important than keeping the worlds 1.7 billion Muslims happy. The U.S. must militarily leave the Middle East (except for keeping a minor presence agreeable to Iran.) A nuclear-armed Iran is acceptable, and Iran can be trusted to use Western values governing their use. Saudia Arabia must and will be able to make peace with Iran, and the two nations will thrive in their separate spheres of influence once the Palestinian issue is resolved. That Biden and Blinken believe these risible ideas is bad enough. An even more frightening and evil view is that Blinken and Biden know the above-listed assumptions are fallacious. Image: Biden and Blinken, in charge of Americas foreign policy. YouTube screen grabs. Still, America has a long history of supporting Israel. Why has Biden suddenly turned on her? I see three reasons: Israel is now an impediment to the vision that the Biden camp has for the future of the Middle East Biden understands that Iran will not accept the continued existence of Israel. In keeping with Obamas policy, Biden wants to shift power over the Middle East to Iran. That means Israel must go. Pure political expediency because Bidens base hates Israel. This April, the Jewish Passover will be celebrated as it has been for over 3,300 hundred years. Passover is one of Judaisms most sacred holidays, celebrating escape from bondage in Egypt. Its entirely possible that, in the year 2024, Antony Blinken, who loves to waive around the fact that his stepfather survived the Holocaust, will be the instrument that leads his fellow Jews to be slaughtered. How many other leftists in our government, businesses, and even our religious institutions, whether Jewish or not, are so committed to their delusions about how the world works that they would welcome another modern-day Holocaust? Weve already had a small sample of what such terror looks like last October. Instead of a united wall of people screaming Never Again, we see both leftist ideologues and political pragmatists willing to throw Israel to the wolves. Theyve aligned with those protestors who ally their support for the people in Gaza and the West Bank by demonstrating such intense hatred of Jews the Nazis would be proud. Antony Blinken has a legal and moral responsibility to resign as Secretary of State rather than participate any further in the destruction of the only Democratic country in the Middle East. God Bless America. Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com. When Joe Biden became president America was energy independent, an exporter of energy. He ended that enviable state of affairs on day one. Bidens anti-American no-reliable energy policies have badly damaged America, while encouraging Americas enemies, particularly China. This is evident in rare earth mining and processing, where China has cornered the world market. Wyoming can change that: Theres a modern-day gold rush happening in the attempt to dig green-energy rare earth minerals out of the ground. Some believe Wyoming could be Americas answer to Chinas lock on the market. And one of a handful of Wyoming companies in the rush may have hit the mother lode. American Rare Earths Inc. has its sights on thousands of acres of land near Wheatland, Wyoming. The company disclosed in a technical report on Wednesday that it found 64% more rare earth minerals than it had originally envisioned in a March 2023 assessment of the land. Graphic: Twitter (X) screenshot The newly disclosed figure of 2.34 billion metric tons of rare earth minerals found southwest of Wheatland by American Rare Earths Inc. could dwarf in size the 1.2 million metric ton estimates in northeastern Wyoming that one of its competitors claimed was one of the biggest discoveries in the world. A metric ton equals about 2,200 pounds while a ton is 2,000 pounds. This exceeded our wildest dreams, and we only drilled on about 25% of the property, said Donald Swartz, CEO of American Rare Earths. The company is the U.S.-based unit of an Australian-founded exploration company working in Wyoming. Theres reason to believe this find will be, by far, the biggest in the world. These results are illustrative of the enormous potential of the project, Swartz told Cowboy State Daily. Typically, youll see the resource decrease as infill drilling takes place instead were seeing the opposite, with only 25% of the project being drilled to this point. The rare earth minerals bonanza is the result of consumers starved for magnet metals integral to the green transition to electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer goods, robots and military drones, missiles and chips needed for sophisticated computing power. American Rare Earths wants to mine and process these metals particularly neodymium and praseodymium through its Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. unit. America is essentially dependent on China for the operation of our military. Legal Insurrection adds context: The last time we visited the issue of rare earth minerals at Legal Insurrection, the Chinese had shut down the export of 2 important rare earth metals used in semiconductor manufacture: gallium and germanium. In December, China imposed a trade ban on rare earth extraction equipment. The second shot was new trade ban imposed by China on specialized rare earth production equipment, which means rivals will have to develop their own processes for extracting commercial quantities of metals needed in a variety of technologies. Rare earths have been a Chinese specialty for decades thanks to large deposits of ore and through the application of smart mining and treatment methods which evolved just in time to catch surging demand. While not household names it would not be possible to run the modern world without neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, or dysprosium, four of the 17 elements that make up the rare earth family. For the entire Mummified Meat Puppet Administration (MMPA), its front puppet Joe Biden has consistently acted to damage Americas energy independence and military primacy. His malign actions have directly benefited Americas enemies, particularly China. Ive frequently wondered if Biden were trying to damage America to the benefit of our enemies, what would he be doing differently? For the past three years weve been consistently learning more and more about the Biden familys lucrative connections to China and other enemy nations. Coincidentally or not, so much of what Biden has done at the bidding of his handlers has benefited China and damaged America. Should we go to war with China, they could starve us of many of the essentials for any modern military, and the MMPA has done nothing to address that vulnerability. How can one explain Bidens allowing a Chinese intelligence-gathering platform to cross the United States unmolested, hovering over key military installations, sending its take to Chinese satellites? How can allowing tens of thousands of military-aged, single Chinese men to illegally cross the border be anything other than purposeful? The Wyoming discovery has the potential to erase Chinas rare earth dominance and with it, Chinas ability to hold hostage our national security. Biden will soon have the opportunity to demonstrate to which country he owes allegiance. Will he fast-track the permits needed to exploit that find, will he boost Wyomings and Americas economies, or continue to give Americans cause to believe hes compromised by our most dangerous enemy? Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. According to an exclusive Breitbart News item published yesterday: The overwhelming majority of general election voters say only American citizens should be allowed to vote in United States elections, a new poll exclusively shared with Breitbart News finds. Author John Binder reported that the data came from a survey sample of 1,000 general election voters and that the overwhelming majority number rang in at 85.5%, which is around 6-in-7 of the polled voters. Furthermore, the opinion that only American citizens should vote in American elections wasnt exclusive to the federal level, but the municipal level as well. Now, Id like to know where this other 14.5% is, that 1-in-7 person who thinks non-citizens should be allowed to vote, because Im just going to go out on a limb here and assume that he/she/it is a Democrat voter. And, just as much as the party and voter base supports noncitizens voting in our elections, they also support elections by mailbut Im wondering if any of these Democrat voters have followed the mail-in-ballots-and-illegals-voting plank to its logical conclusion? I highly doubt it. If they believe noncitizens should be allowed to vote, and mail-in ballots are a legitimate way to conduct elections, then why not just mail every person in the world a ballot? Thats obviously the logical conclusion to what theyre advocating. Dont the people in Portugal have political opinions? Can the Chinese communists vote too? What about Mileis supporters in Argentina? Mileis detractors? Putin? Can Vladimir Putin get a ballot? Iran? Hamas, or what the left calls the Palestinian people? What about Israelis? Would the Democrats support their right to vote? Maybe, to save time and postage, we could just print out tens of billions of ballotsjust to be safe and make sure weve got everyone in the world coveredand fill them out right here at home. After-all, many of the mail-in voters do that anyway; recall this, from The Heartland Institute via Yahoo News: A new poll by The Heartland Institute and Rasmussen Reports found one-in-five voters who cast mail-in ballots during the 2020 presidential election admit to participating in at least one kind of voter fraud. When asked, During the 2020 election, did you fill out a ballot, in part or in full, on behalf of a friend or family member, such as a spouse or child?, 21% of respondents who said they voted by mail answered yes. (Filling out a ballot for someone else is illegal in all states, although many states allow people to assist others with voting.) Additionally, 17% of mail-in voters said they voted in a state where you were no longer a permanent resident. Seventeen percent of mail-in voters also admitted to signing a ballot or ballot envelope on behalf of a friend or family member. (Both voting in a state where you are no longer a permanent resident and forging a signature on a ballot or ballot envelope are fraudulent activities that invalidate votes, when caught by election officials.) According to election data, more than 43 percent of 2020 voters cast ballots by mail, the highest percentage in U.S. history. As a side note, Pew Research found that Biden voters [were] nearly twice as likely as Trump voters to say they voted by mail according to post-election data. And, if filling out ballots on behalf of another person is going to be the new rallying cry, then do animals get a say too? (Especially with trans ideology quickly becoming the Democrat lefts settled science platform.) If illegal votes now count, then can I get a ballot for my Yorkie? Im pretty sure Indy likes his cozy first world dog life, and if he had a say, hed definitely be a Trump supporter because he certainly doesnt want to starve and he likes having a roof over his head. If not citizenship, are there any standards a person must meet in order to vote? Do they have to be able to read? Do they have to be a certain age? If theyre mentally ill and have multiple personalities, does each personality get a vote? Can a person still vote in American elections if theyre not citizens, are new to the area after a hike through the Mexican desert, and openly announce that theyre here to undermine Americas founding principles because it suits them? Confirmed: Migrants for Biden 2024 pic.twitter.com/HEK8lVhonD Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) February 5, 2024 Heres another statistic to consider: 1-in-3 Democrats is just as stupid as the other two. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. The answer is increasing the labor participation rate and maintaining a sustainable worker to Social Security beneficiary ratio. As of January 2024, the civilian noninstitutional population (population over age 16 not in the military or institutionalized) was 267.5 million. Of this number, the number of workers was 167.3 million. The labor participation rate was 62.5% In 2023, Social Security receipts were $1,350.7 billion and expenditures were $1.392.1 billion for a deficit $41.4 billion. The Social Security trust fund will be depleted by 2034 if no action is taken. What are the conventional solutions? Raise payroll taxes. Somewhere along the line we have forgotten that when we raise taxes, we give up more of our freedoms -- in this case to Washington D.C. Also, the more we raise taxes, the more difficult it is for young couples to financially afford having children. Means test Social Security. When the employee and employer contributed 12.4% of the first $168,000 of 2024 income, there is an expectation that the beneficiary actually receives a benefit -- the Social Security contract makes Social Security available to all participants who contributed into Social Security. Breaking the contract wont play well in Peoria. Raise the earnings cap on Social Security. Is it possible to tax the top 5% earners (income over $336,000/year) and save Social Security? A single individual in California would pay just under 9% of their income in state income taxes, 30% in federal income taxes, and 6.2% (of course the employer will pay the other 6.2%) for a tax rate of nearly 45% -- at what point does someone say it isnt worth working any longer? Raise the retirement age. Raising the retirement age would solve the financial of Social Security -- it would also be demonized by politicians trying to persuade the independents they need to win elections and would cost political careers (not necessarily a bad thing). The people we elect to be responsible arent capable of doing the responsible thing. Here is the unconventional solution. Raise the labor participation rate and officially lock in the worker-to-retiree ratio at a sustainable 2.8 workers per Social Security beneficiary. In April 2001, the labor participation rate was 66.9%. November 2006, the labor participation rate was 66.3%. We are currently at a 62.5% labor participation rate. What would happen to Social Security in 2024 if labor participation was increased to 66%? There would be 9.3 million more workers. The number of employed civilians would increase from 167.3 million to 176.6 million. Social Security receipts would increase 5.6% translating to Social Security having a surplus of $34.2 billion instead of the $39.4 actual deficit incurred in 2023. Increasing the labor participation rate to 66% would have increased the worker-to-beneficiary ratio from 2.5 workers to 2.66 workers to beneficiary. Get to 70% labor participation rate and we actually achieve a 2.79 worker to Social Security beneficiary ratio. It should be noted that the highest labor participation rate since January 1948 occurred in April 2000 at 67.3%. There are obviously many benefits to increasing the labor participation rate apart from putting Social Security (and Medicare) on solid financial footing. Greater labor participation leads to more tax revenue and lower deficits for starters. How do we achieve greater labor participation? Enact polices that encourage work. At the most basic level a work requirement for those on public assistance. Enact policies that encourage manufacturing here in the USA. Common-sense regulation that doesnt strangle innovation and encourages production here in the USA. For example, ending the endless permitting process for mining our natural resources, building a nuclear power plant or a factory in the United States. Appropriate tort reform that makes a business comfortable in building and innovating in the USA (as opposed to innovating in the USA and building outside of the USA). A simple idea stolen from the rest of the world. The loser pays the winners reasonable legal fees. More capitalism and less government. Can we get to 70% labor participation in the next four years? Can families once again feel comfortable having 2.1 children per couple (1.78 as of 2022 replacement rate is 2.1)? Image: SSA Perhaps youve seen texts or heard people talking about Tucker Carlsons interview with Mike Benz regarding the national security states vast censorship regime operating within America. You might have thought to yourself, Well, I already know that. No, you really dont. Until you take the hour to listen to the interview, you have absolutely no true understanding of whats been happening in America since the second Obama administration and with increased power, fury, and vindictiveness since the Americans dared to elect Trump. If you dont have time to watch the whole thing (and Ive embedded the video at the end of this post, along with Scott Adamss commentary), heres the gist: Mike Benz used to hold the cyber portfolio at the State Department and is now the executive director of the Foundation for Freedom Online. Hes seen the system from the inside and studied it from the outside. This is the broad outline of what he told Tucker: Since the very beginning, the internet has been a federal program with its roots in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA, as you may know, is the research and development arm of the Department of Defense. Google started with a grant from DARPA to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who also got funding from CIA and NSA programs. The governments original purpose in creating the internet was free speech oriented. National security agencies wanted to use free access to information to create soft coups against governments the U.S. disliked, which, in those days, were totalitarian governments. Image: Tucker Carlson and Mike Benz. X screen grab. By providing dissenters with a way to come together, the U.S. didnt need military coups such as those attempted against Cuba and carried out successfully in Iran. Instead, throughout the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations, the government could control their opponents information systems and, fairly reliably, their elections. According to Benz, the system worked wonderfully all the way through the Arab Spring, when the internet facilitated Obamas dream of overthrowing Sunni governments to help facilitate Irans rise within the Muslim sphere of influence. When ISIS rose up from the ashes of the Arab Spring, the U.S. government got the mandate to create a new technology that would track ISIS on social media. This new artificial intelligence can understand and map everything said on social media and, with a few lines of code, delete tens of millions of posts. The NATO alliance, however, got frightened of the internets ability to overthrow governments when dissidents used it in Crimea to ally, not with the Wests preferred Ukrainian leaders, but with Putin and Russia. Suddenly, Europe decided that the internet needed to be censored. The push to control the internet in Europe accelerated with the Brexit movement. Obama, of course, was on board with the push to censor the internet. After all, he was (and is) a globalist, as were (and, mostly, are) Europes leaders. Theyd staked out a post-WWII and post-Cold War global power structure that worked perfectly well for them. The rise of a new nationalism, not one grounded in Nazi-style world domination but in smaller governments working to benefit the people within their own borders, was anathema to the globalists. For Obama, the Deep State, and the Vichy Republicans, the crisis in America came with Trumps election. Until then, the media universe, which rose up during WWII, was stable and was controlled by various departments within the United States government, which could dictate how to cover stories. (Fox, included.) These institutions were caught off guard when social media, only a decade old, broke free of the government stranglehold and placed Trump in office. The Russia Hoax was the Deep States reaction, and it was a very clever one. Up until 2016, the internet censorship and control system could be directed only out of America. After all, in America, we have the First Amendment. However, by identifying Trump as a Russian asset, which meant all his supporters were also Russian assets, the foreign threat became a domestic one. National security and the defense of democracy required turning global censorship and content manipulation tools for use on the home front. As Tucker summed it, Weve just identified our new enemy as democracy within our own countries. I think that's what you're saying. They feared that the people, the citizens of their own countries would get their way, and they went to war against that. There was a temporary problem when it turned out that the Russian collusion story was, in fact, completely faked, but that didnt stop the government and its allies (many of whom are former government operatives in the private sector, such as the seven CIA heads all affiliated with the Atlantic Council). All they needed was a trigger to use the censorship software developed during ISISs heyday to silence Americans. COVID and mail-in voting provided what they needed. Opposing the COVID regime and shutdowns, masks, mandatory vaccinations, and mail-in ballots were now national security threats to democracy. The mail-in ballots mattered most because the national security infrastructure knew that those ballots would send Biden to the White House. Then, working with social media organizations that the national security infrastructure bullied and cajoled (and often had a friendly alliance with), the Deep State systematically deleted, hid, or made it impossible to share on social media most content opposing the COVID regime. Bidens win was locked in. Currently, Europe is escalating the problem. Working with American covert censorship organizations such as Newsguard (run by CIA, NSA, and other national security people), its enacted a new law banning disinformation on social mediawith European governments, of course, defining disinformationand imposing enormous financial penalties for running afoul of the law. Musks X, with its commitment to free speech, is a special target. Ive given you about 20% of what Benz has to say. Its amazing and horrifying. Scott Adams was correct when he tweeted out that it should be a game-changer (although, probably, the fix is in so hard and deep that nothing can change): This is the most extraordinary thing I have ever seen. Im not exaggerating. This is like a mushroom trip without the mushrooms. Clear your schedule tonight and listen together. In a week, everyone who has not listened to this will look like an idiot to everyone who has. https://t.co/P4AcWsRIyK Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) February 17, 2024 UPDATE: Facebook has 40,000 people working on "election integrity." That seems like appropriate information in light of Benz's facts. Over the top is how President Biden recently referred to Israels prosecution of the war with Hamas. This, after relentless, withering pressure accusing Israel of genocide and demanding an immediate ceasefire (code word for Israeli surrender) from the global Arab community, the American Arab community, the United Nations, and the progressive left. Why? Because Hamas is close to being annihilated, which is anathema to all these groups. They want Hamas to survive to fight another day actually, to fight every day, until the one tiny Jewish state is finally destroyed. It never was about the Palestinian civilians, whom the world longs to protect about as much as Hamas does. Its all about antisemitism in the 21st century, just like every other century. In recent weeks, President Biden has been succumbing to this pressure as he increasingly criticizes Israel over civilian collateral damage. My, how quickly the political winds shift when an election looms. On February 8, just four months after Biden declared that he unequivocally stands with Israel, he offered one of his sharpest rebukes to date. Biden told reporters at the White House that he is of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza in the Gaza Strip has been over the top. This criticism from the American president is immensely damaging. It carelessly lends credibility to the incredible and dishonest claim that Israel is committing genocide when the only attempted genocide in this conflict is on the part of Hamas and Iran against Israel. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken has similarly revised his previous unconditional support for Israel and its strategy in fighting the war. As recently as December 20, Blinken remarked that what is striking to me is that ... we hear many countries urging the end to this conflict, which we would all like to see, I hear virtually no one ... demanding of Hamas that it stop hiding behind civilians, that it lay down its arms, that it surrenders. This is over tomorrow if Hamas does that. Now, just a few weeks later, he says that Israel must do more to protect Palestinian civilians in its war with Hamas as Israeli tanks have inched their way deeper into Rafah, the main city of the southern Gaza Strip. Paradoxically, Blinken acknowledges that fighting Hamas, which hides among civilians and fires from schools and hospitals, makes it incredibly challenging for Israel. He goes on to say, But the daily toll on Gazans, particularly on children, is far too high. Thanks to Biden for acknowledging this, but he cannot have it both ways. When one side (Hamas) employs as its primary strategy, embedding itself within its own civilian population to cynically benefit from anti-Israel media criticism over the civilian casualties it causes, there are going to be casualties. And the blame obviously lies squarely on Hamas, not Israel. Israel has, arguably, the most moral army in military history one that does not target civilians, even now, in a war for her survival. Where is the evidence of this? Israel warns civilians of imminent danger by dropping millions of leaflets, repeatedly phoning; texting; and even roof-knocking, which is when the IAF (Israeli Air Force) nudges a building with a loud but non-lethal bomb that counsels civilians to evacuate. What other armies can credibly claim a similar approach to protecting noncombatants in their wars? Certainly we (America) cannot. During WWII, America and the allies dropped 6,000 tons of explosives on German cities. In the Pacific, we napalmed 67 Japanese cities and released the first atomic bombs. All of this on civilian cities to break enemy morale and hasten an end to the war. Although still very controversial, many military scholars believe that these actions did indeed bring about the end of the wars in both the European and Pacific theaters not by months, but years. In Japan alone, although at least 650,000 civilians were killed by our bombing, had we invaded Japan, the estimated loss of life would have been greater than 2 million. War is hell, and a corollary of war is collateral damage. We must accept that. But for Biden and company to capitulate to political pressure and disingenuously accuse tiny Israel of conducting the war unethically as she fights for her life in an impossible conflict against nihilists, is truly over the top. Image via Picryl. Doesn't the timing of the arrest of the FBI informant giving witness about the Bidens and their corrupt activities seem suspect? According to the Associated Press: WASHINGTON (AP) An FBI informant has been charged with fabricating a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company, a claim that is central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Alexander Smirnov [allegedly] falsely reported to the FBI in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016, prosecutors said in an indictment. Smirnov told his handler that an executive claimed to have hired Hunter Biden to protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems, according to court documents. Of course, the media has no questions because they are cheering. The media buried the story of the Hunter Biden laptop before the 2020 election and have had little to no interest in all the kickbacks indicated within its contents to Hunter and Jim Biden. They haven't had any interest in all the shell companies described, nor how the money flows to nine Biden family members, including grandchildren. No matter how many times they have seen indicators of Joe's involvement with business associates, they continue with the talking points that there is no evidence that Joe knew of, was involved, or benefitted from, the kickbacks described in Hunter's laptop, from around the world. They didn't care that Joe bragged that he got the Burisma prosecutor canned by threatening to withhold one billion in U.S. aid from Ukraine while his son was getting paid over a million a year by Burisma despite having no knowledge about the business. That is pure blackmail. But an FBI informant gets arrested in February 2024 for false statements about one specific claim about the Bidens and all of a sudden the story is widely reported because the media, along with all other Democrats, don't really care about the Biden family corruption and want the story and impeachment inquiry killed. According to CNN: During Joe Bidens campaign for presidency, Smirnov allegedly submitted reports to the FBI about two meetings with Burisma executives from 2015 and 2016, during which the executives admitted that they hired Hunter Biden to protect us, through his dad, from all kinds of problems. Smirnov also allegedly reported that executives paid $5 million each to Joe and Hunter Biden while Joe Biden was vice president so that Hunter would take care of all those issues through his dad, referring to a criminal investigation being conducted by the then-Ukrainian prosecutor general into Burisma. So here are a few questions that should be asked by the media but won't be because their main interest has always been to protect and reelect Biden or some other Democrat. When did the FBI receive the document from the informant about the bribery since the bribery accusation was from eight or nine years ago? When did the investigation of the document begin and end? Why wasn't the public told that it was a lie as soon as the allegation came out instead of waiting until after an impeachment inquiry started? Doesn't that seem suspicious since they have had the document for years? How much has the FBI paid the informant since he has been a reliable informant since 2010? When did they stop using him as an informant? And here are a couple questions about another person who gave the FBI false information: Why didn't the FBI arrest Christopher Steele for giving them a fake dossier to try to destroy Trump. After all, they offered him $1 million if he could prove it was true. According to CNN: Shortly before the 2016 election, the FBI offered retired British spy Christopher Steele up to $1 million to prove the explosive allegations in his dossier about Donald Trump, a senior FBI analyst testified Tuesday. Why did the FBI continue to use the Steele dossier as a justification to spy and do the Mueller investigation when they knew it was false? This is from Sen. Charles Grassley's website: WASHINGTON Despite multiple reports in 2017 warning that claims in an anti-Trump dossier were false and part of a Russian disinformation campaign, the FBI continued to rely on the Democrat-funded opposition research to spy on a Trump campaign aide. And a final question: Why wasn't Steele arrested for providing a false document and why aren't FBI agents who lied to the FISA court in jail? I guess some people are just above the law. The timing of the arrest of this informant looks like an effort by the FBI to kill the impeachment inquiry since they have never shown any curiosity about Joe's ability to line his family's pockets with kickbacks while he was in power. Of course, they also never had any interest in the Clinton's lining their pockets with kickbacks while Hillary was in power, either. Is it any wonder we have so many politicians who have enriched themselves while sucking off the public trough when the FBI has so little interest, especially when they happen to be Democrats? Image: public domain The results of the 2024 Bafta film awards will not be revealed until Sunday night, but one outcome is already certain: there will be no British winner of either best actor or best supporting actor. This is because no UK performers have been nominated in these categories the first time since 1976 this has happened in the same year. Ireland is represented on both shortlists, however, with Barry Keoghan (for the film Saltburn) and Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) among the nominees for best actor, and Paul Mescal (All Of Us Strangers) in the running for best supporting actor. A win for either Keoghan or Murphy would mark the first time an Irish-born performer has picked up the Bafta for best actor. (PA Graphics) But they face strong competition in the shape of fellow nominees Bradley Cooper (Maestro), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) and Tee Yoo (Past Lives). One of the people up against Mescal for best supporting actor is Robert De Niro, for his role in Killers Of The Flower Moon. Despite appearing in films for more than half a century and being nominated eight times, De Niro has yet to win a Bafta so this could be his year. The award for best actress is the only one of the Bafta acting categories never to have been won by a non-white performer. Two of this years nominees for best actress are non-white: Fantasia Barrino, for The Color Purple, and Vivian Oparah, for Rye Lane. If either of them win, they will make history. Oparah is one of just five UK acting nominees this year, along with Carey Mulligan (best actress, Maestro); Emily Blunt (best supporting actress, Oppenheimer); Claire Foy (best supporting actress, All Of Us Strangers); and Rosamund Pike (best supporting actress, Saltburn). The UKs tally of five of the 24 acting nominations, or 21% of the total, is one of the lowest in recent years. (PA Graphics) The average since 2000 has been 33%. In 2002, 60% of acting nominations went to British talent, and this remains the highest proportion so far this century. The UKs best hopes for success might come in the categories that recognise achievement behind the camera. British filmmaker Christopher Nolan could win his first ever Bafta, for his work on the blockbuster biographical drama Oppenheimer. Nolan is nominated for best director and best adapted screenplay, besides getting a nod as a producer in the category for best film. Up against Nolan for both best director and best adapted screenplay are fellow UK filmmakers Andrew Haigh (for All Of Us Strangers) and Jonathan Glazer (The Zone Of Interest). Jacqueline Durran could collect the fourth Bafta film award of her career if she wins best costume design (Barbie). The UK has a strong showing in the category for best original score, with nominations for Jerskin Fendrix (Poor Things), Daniel Pemberton (Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse) and Anthony Willis (Saltburn). The award for production design also has a number of UK nominees, including Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer (Barbie), Shona Heath and James Price (Poor Things) and Chris Oddy (The Zone Of Interest). Four of the five films nominated for best visual effects feature UK talent, as do three of the five films nominated for best sound. (PA Graphics) Meanwhile, Thelma Schoonmaker could become the first person to win the award for best editing on three occasions. She is nominated this year for Killers Of The Flower Moon and won previously for Raging Bull in 1982 and Goodfellas in 1991 all of them films directed by her longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese. In 2022, women made up half of the six nominees for best director, and in 2021 they outnumbered men by four to two. This year, as in 2023, just one woman has been nominated: Justine Triet, for the film Anatomy Of A Fall. Female directors overlooked this year include Greta Gerwig (Barbie), Emerald Fennell (Saltburn) and Celine Song (Past Lives). There have been only three female winners of the best director award in Bafta history: Kathryn Bigelow (for The Hurt Locker in 2010), Chloe Zhao (Nomadland in 2021) and Jane Campion (The Power Of The Dog in 2022). The film with the most nominations at this years awards is Oppenheimer with 13, followed by Poor Things (11), Killers Of The Flower Moon (nine) and The Zone Of Interest (nine). The most Bafta wins clocked up by a film in a single year is nine, set by Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid in 1971 so a good night for any of the 2024 front-runners could see this record broken. There will be consequences for the death of Alexei Navalny, Lord David Cameron has said, as Western capitals pinned the blame on Vladimir Putin. G7 foreign ministers on Saturday called on Russia to fully clarify how the jailed Russian opposition leader died, as protests and gatherings took place around the world in the wake of his death. In a statement released following a meeting in Munich, the ministers expressed their outrage at the death in detention of Alexei Navalny, unjustly sentenced for legitimate political activities and his fight against corruption. They demanded Russian Authorities to fully clarify the circumstances of his death. They called on Russia to stop its unacceptable persecution of political dissent, as well as systematic repression of freedom of expression and unduly limitation of civil rights, according to the statement released by the Italian foreign minister, who is currently chairing the group. In London, the Foreign Office summoned diplomats at the Russian Embassy and called for Mr Navalnys death to be investigated fully and transparently. Britain has joined other western countries in condemning the Kremlin after Russias federal prison service said in a statement that the 47-year-old politician and anti-corruption campaigner had died. According to the agency, he became unwell after a walk on Friday and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived but he died despite attempts to resuscitate him, it said. His spokeswoman confirmed his death on Saturday. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kira Yarmysh said: His death occurred on February 16 at 2.17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexeys mother. We demand that Alexey (sic) Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. There should be consequences, the Foreign Secretary told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron is at the Munich Security Conference with fellow world leaders (Stoyan Nenov/PA) We dont announce them in advance, so I cant say anymore than that. But that is what we will be looking at. Of course we have already summoned the ambassador and made clear our views about this dreadful event and the way this person was treated. He said he would be meeting with G7 foreign ministers at the German gathering: I am clear that we will be taking action and I would urge others do to the same. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer gave his backing to the Government, telling Sky News: Russia has to be held to account on this. The Government is right about that. Floral tributes outside the Russian embassy in London for Alexei Navalny, who died on Friday (Jordan Pettitt/PA) It is a reminder of the constant threat of Russia. Its one of the reasons Im here at the Munich Security Conference to be clear about the priorities and the challenges that I see as Labour leader. Critics of Mr Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine is now approach its second anniversary, said the Russian leader had wanted to send a message both to activists inside Russia but also to the West. His death comes less than a month before an election that will give Mr Putin another six years in power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the same conference on Saturday alongside other world leaders, told those attending: Putin kills whoever he wants. After the murder of Alexei Navalny, its absurd to perceive Putin as a supposedly legitimate head of a Russian state and he is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany (Matthias Schrader/AP) He has just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear message as the Munich Security Conference opened, Putin murdered another opposition leader. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Mr Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. Hours after Mr Navalnys death was reported, his widow Yulia Navalnaya made an appearance in Munich. I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband, she said. US President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. British author and playwright Hanif Kureishi has said he is interested in trying to help disabled writers after he was left paralysed after a fall on Boxing Day in 2022. The 69-year-old writer said he is getting used to the fact that Im a disabled person now, adding that the losses are abominable. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: When I start to feel stronger, I would be interested in trying to help disabled writers. A lot of attention is paid to writers of colour and women. But rarely do you hear people talking about disabled writers, so if theres anything I can do in the future, to help them, in terms of equipment or agents, I would like to get involved with that. Asked if he would support the idea of the lead roles in My Beautiful Laundrette, currently playing at The National Theatre, going to disabled actors, Kureishi said: Its not something I would have thought of before my accident you never notice these things. But that would interest me now in fact, I would be thrilled by that. Speaking further on his disability, he said: You see the world as being a much more perilous place than you saw it as before you realise how frail the human condition is. Its a mercy that the worst of it is over, he added. Ive just got to get used to the fact that Im a disabled person now. Hanif Kureishi performs Letter from James Baldwin during the fourth night of the Letters Live series at the Freemasons Hall, London (Anthony Devlin/PA) The losses are abominable. The Bromley-born writer has documented his experience following the fall in a series of dispatches on Substack called The Kureishi Chronicles. Speaking to The Telegraph about what happened that fateful day, he said: I was sitting in Isabellas (his partners) apartment, and felt faint. I put my head between my legs, and then passed out. Apparently when I passed out I stood up and took a couple of steps, and fell flat on my face. I was on the floor in a pool of blood, paralysed. Isabella was with me, and I thought I was going to die. I thought: Ive got four or five breaths left. Its all over for me. Discussing his physical state at the moment, he said: Im feeling a bit stronger in my shoulders, my arms, and my legs. But I cant grip anything. Novelist Hanif Kureishi is made a CBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace for services to literature and drama (Martin Keene/PA) I cant hold anything. I cant move my fingers. Im hoping something might come back but the hands are apparently the last thing to come back. He added: The doctors will never make a prediction but they will say people continue to improve if they do physio and exercises youre not going to deteriorate, at least. The screen writer was nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay in 1987 for the film My Beautiful Laundrette. His debut 1990 novel The Buddha Of Suburbia won him a Whitbread Award (now known as the Costa Book Awards) for best first novel that year, and it was later adapted for a BBC television series with a soundtrack by David Bowie. In 2008 he was made a CBE for services to literature and drama and his second novel, The Black Album, was adapted for the stage in 2009. Sir Keir Starmer has said that a Labour government would work with whoever becomes the next US president, amid questions about what a second Trump administration would mean for Nato and transatlantic ties. The Labour leader on Saturday met with several world leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Sir Keir, in a post on X, said he and Mr Blinken discussed the crisis in the Middle East. The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is so valuable, for mutual economic and national security. Today I met with @SecBlinken to discuss the continued special relationship and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/WizOsaSkha Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 17, 2024 The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is so valuable, for mutual economic and national security, he said. His visit, with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and shadow defence secretary John Healey, is believed to be the first by a Labour leader since 2010. Sir Keir, speaking to BBC News, was pressed on fears in some capitals that Donald Trumps return to the White House could usher in an era of American isolationism. It came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a fresh appeal to Western capitals, especially Washington, to ensure aid keeps flowing to Kyiv in the fight against Russia. Sir Keir said: One of the issues that everybody here in the Munich Security Conference is discussing is what the various elections across the globe will mean for security in the future. And I think there is a feeling that the challenge will enhance as we go forward, and that Europe needs to stand together and talk about the defence not just now but for the future. Now, obviously, as you would expect, if were elected into government, we will deal with whoever the American people choose to be their president. But of course, we redouble our commitment to Nato. Thats one of the reasons Im here in Munich, talking about the challenges not just of today but tomorrow and how the UK can play its full part in that. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has been among the senior politicians at the conference, with senior Tory MPs also in attendance. Attendees have been left reeling at the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, with US vice president Kamala Harris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz among those in attendance. Mr Healey is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with Nato officials, defence ministers and US senators as part of the visit, while Mr Lammy will be taking part in a panel discussion on Sunday. Labours shadow Scottish secretary challenged Rishi Sunak to put the country out of this Tory misery and call a general election now. Ian Murray said Labour had now set its sights firmly on first place. While the party had been in the doldrums in Scotland after support for the SNP soared in the wake of the 2014 independence referendum, polls suggest Labours popularity north of the border is now increasing. With an election to take place some time this year, Mr Murray said that Labour could turn Glasgow, once part of its heartlands but where it has no MPs and no constituency MSPs, red again. Labour wants Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to name the date for the general election (Dan Kitwood/PA) Mr Murray said that when the general election comes, in every community from Largs to Leith we can elect Labour MPs who will stand up for you and your family. Speaking at the Scottish Labour conference he said: Here in Glasgow, the birthplace of the modern Labour movement, we can turn the city red. In Edinburgh, we can deliver Labour MPs again. In the last UK general election Mr Murray was the only Labour MP returned from Scotland, though his party was buoyed by a victory in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West byelection last October. Under the leadership of Anas Sarwar in Scotland, and Sir Keir Starmer, he said the party was now a credible government-in-waiting. Adding that Scotland could lead the way in getting rid of the Tories Mr Murray called on the Prime Minister to name the date for the next general election. He said: Mr Sunak, if youre watching, and I doubt it, call the election and put yourself and the country out of this Tory misery now. His plea came as he described the Conservative Party as out of touch and uninterested in the challenges of working people. Mr Murray said: They have failed in everything theyve done. Everything is worse. Nothing works. Working people are poorer while having to deal with the highest tax burden in 70 years. He said the UK Conservative government and the SNP-led Scottish Government were more interested in fighting each other about the constitution, causing rammies, than growing our economy. But Mr Murray said this meant we cant fund public services, because there is no growth. We cant clean up the streets, because there is no growth. And we cant deliver opportunity for the next generation because there is no growth. Shadow secretary of state for Scotland Ian Murray receives a hug from his daughter Zola at the end of his speech (Jane Barlow/PA) But under a Labour government, he said, Sir Keir had made clear the primary mission in government would be to grow the economy. The shadow Scottish secretary also set the target of having a Scottish trade mission to every continent in the first two years of a Labour government, to help promote local produce. Promoting Brand Scotland would be an integral part of our plan to grow Scotlands economy, Mr Murray added. He told the conference: Wherever you go in the world there is positive recognition for our culture, products and services from whisky, medicine and smoked salmon to computer game development, higher education and financial services. As Scottish Secretary, I want to lead a Scottish trade mission to every continent in the first two years. The Foreign Secretary has urged China to use its influence to pressure Iran over Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in a meeting with the Chinese foreign minister. A statement from the Foreign Office (FCDO) said Lord David Cameron met with Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference on Friday to support constructive engagement between the two nations. Lord Cameron stressed with Mr Yi that Russias war on Ukraine threatens international rules, while pushing the UKs stance on human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. He also reiterated his calls for the release of British citizen Jimmy Lai, who was arrested in 2020 in Hong Kong during a crackdown on massive pro-democracy protests. The 76-year-old media tycoon, who founded the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has been in jail for three years. Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi (Andrea Verdelli/ AP) The pair also spoke about working together on climate change and solidifying trade links and cultural ties between the two nations. Lord Cameron has been among the senior politicians at the conference, with the Foreign Secretary appearing at a panel event on Friday. He laughed off a rebuke from a high-profile Republican following his call for US legislators to pass a bill providing support for Ukraine. Right-winger Marjorie Taylor Greene told Lord Cameron to kiss my ass following his intervention, amid concern in the UK and Europe about wavering support in Washington for the war against Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, the Foreign Secretary said: I went to the Republican study group lunch, talking about exactly this issue. We didnt get anatomical at that stage, it was very early in our relationship. But he said he would continue to make the plea for the multibillion-dollar foreign aid package making its way through Congress. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and shadow defence secretary John Healey are also expected to attend the conference to stress the partys commitment to Nato and defence. It comes as attendees of the conference were left reeling at the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, with US vice-president Kamala Harris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also among those in attendance. Ministers have written to police chiefs to encourage officers to make robust use of powers to protect politicians, in the wake of a pro-Palestinian protest at the home of a prominent Tory MP. Security minister Tom Tugendhat and policing minister Chris Philp made the unusual step of writing to chief constables after activists calling for a ceasefire gathered at the Dorset home of Tobias Ellwood. The letter, seen by the Telegraph, says: This will be an election year. That makes it all the more important that candidates, both locally and nationally, are free to make their arguments to our communities without fear. You have my full support in making robust use of all your powers to ensure that the security of our elected representatives is protected, and our democratic values upheld. The two ministers tell chief constables that the Government has confirmed that, where the facts support it so the conditions are met, section 42 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 can be used by the police to direct protesters away from a residential dwelling, in order to prevent harassment, alarm or distress to the resident. Mr Ellwood and his family were not at home during the demonstration, after being warned by police to stay away. But the action was condemned by Conservative colleagues. Protests have been held across the country in recent months to call for a ceasefire, as the death toll from the Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues to rise. There have also been warnings of a growing volume of antisemitic incidents in the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7, amid heightened tensions over the conflict. The Bournemouth East MP, writing in the Telegraph, said it was a mystery why he was targeted. He added: I was the only MP in the Commons debate after the barbaric Oct 7 attacks, but before Israel sent in the tanks, to counsel against a full-scale ground invasion at this time as there was no emergency governance, security or humanitarian plan in place. Last Monday morning (hours before this demonstration I criticised Benjamin Netanyahu directly on his plans to take Rafah. Tobias Ellwood has condemned the demonstration at his home (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He said: Though this was the first pro-Palestinian targeting of an MPs house, it is far from an isolated incident. Fellow MPs agree we are witnessing a growing trend where public servants increasingly face intimidation and threats. Mr Tugendhat warned against such incidents becoming the norm. The minister told the paper: Theres a chilling effect that these people are having. They think of themselves as progressive and on the side of right. They are not. They are shouting down debate, and silencing democracy. A mother who rowed across the Atlantic Ocean solo as part of the Worlds Toughest Row race was reunited with her family after two months at sea. Leanne Maiden, 42, a mother-of-two, who lives in Glasgow, become the first South African solo woman to conquer the worlds toughest row a 3,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua. Mrs Maiden, an osteopath originally from Johannesburg, spent 66 days and five hours at sea, beating an estimate of 85 days. She navigated 20ft waves and temperatures as low as 10C, and faced humidity with highs above 30C towards the end, and arrived on Saturday. After her sailing partner pulled out months before the start date of December 13, Mrs Maiden decided to row the 3,000 miles by herself, starting from the Canary Islands, in a bid to raise money for charity. Mrs Maiden, who lives in Bearsden, East Renfrewshire, rowed as many as 70 nautical miles in 24-hour periods, for up to 14 hours per day, with no toilet on board just a bucket. She said lockdown inspired her to make changes in her life. She raised more than 20,000 for charity and said she was sad it was over but also relieved. Leanne Maiden spent 66 days and five hours at sea (Worlds Toughest Row/PA) Mrs Maiden said: This experience has changed my life. I hope Ive shown other mums that anything is possible. When you become a mum you can lose part of your identity. This has helped me rediscover who I am and what Im capable of. I am so glad to be back with my husband and kids while Ive missed them terribly, I think Ill be a better mother and partner having been through this incredible experience. This isnt a rowing challenge, its a challenge of the human spirit. It strips you down and leaves you exposed and its there where you find your toughness. Ive proved to myself how resilient I can be. Im so glad I bit the bullet and just went for it there were so many reasons not to. That mindset stops you from taking big leaps that can change your life. Thinking of the three incredible charities I was rowing for kept me going during the toughest times. The first week was incredibly difficult but after that I got into the groove and began to enjoy the solitude and the personal growth that came with this crazy journey. The feeling of arriving in Antigua was just incredible a real mix of elation, relief, and sadness that its all over. Ive had to overcome so many obstacles, some seemed so catastrophic that I laugh. Im relieved that Ive made it and especially relieved I made it before I ran out of toilet paper. Now Ive been able to hug my family, I cant wait to have a shower. Im a mum. I did this for my children, to inspire them to step out of their comfort zone, and if I can inspire anyone to step out of their comfort zone its worth 66 days at sea. In Antigua Mrs Maiden was reunited with her two sons, Blair, seven, and Ruaridh, eight, and her husband Craig. She has raised more than 20,000 for The Polar Academy UK, The Womens Fund for Scotland and The Mabel Foundation. Mrs Maiden said: It dawned on me it was all going to end soon, and I wasnt quite ready. Not that I wasnt excited to see my husband and children but it had just been me and the deep blue sea for so long, so I just tried to enjoy my last few days of calm and solitude. I didnt grow up around water and hadnt spent a lot of time around it until I moved to Scotland. So to put all my faith in this tiny little rowboat as its thrown me about in massive waves has been a huge deal, but its without a doubt one of the best things Ive ever done. Sponsor and neighbour Jamie Lunn, director of Wolfcraig Distillers, said: When she first came to us with this crazy idea we always knew she would do it. Shes a very special woman and we are so inspired by her strength and determination. Scottish musician Amy Macdonald posted a video on Instagram praising Mrs Maiden. She wrote: Leanne has been out on the Atlantic Ocean rowing since December 13 totally on her own; no flipping internet, no tv, no nothingat the times the waves have been like stuff you see in the movies. She capsized. She got hit 180. And she was all on her own. My mind is blown by this and shes about to touch land. Its unbelievable. Crazy. ??| Hace pocas horas, en un panel sobre la reforma de las Naciones Unidas en el marco de la Conferencia de Seguridad de Munich, el canciller @J_GonzalezOFr presento la propuesta ????: UNM3 Initiative. pic.twitter.com/1RdBqcP5BU Scotlands Labour leader has said an SNP motion which will force a second Westminster vote on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seems perfectly reasonable. Anas Sarwar backed an end to violence in Gaza during his Scottish Labour conference speech on Friday. However, Mr Sarwar has been urged to whip his two Scottish Labour MPs Ian Murray and Michael Shanks to vote for an immediate ceasefire when the SNP table a Commons motion next week. Mr Sarwar has in recent weeks dismissed suggestions of a difference between his partys position and that of the UK party under Sir Keir Starmer. In a previous Westminster vote in November, Sir Keir favoured humanitarian pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza, with Labour then losing 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides who rebelled to vote for a full ceasefire. Sir Keir has now backed an end to the violence, but has stopped short of confirming how he will urge MPs to vote. Speaking to journalists at the Scottish Labour conference on Saturday, Mr Sarwar said there was probably not any distance at all now between his views and Sir Keirs. He added: Its pretty clear that Labour supports a ceasefire and wants to see alongside that ceasefire an immediate end to rocket fire, immediate release of hostages, immediate access to humanitarian aid. Mr Sarwar was shown the SNP motion by journalists and then said: Look, it seems perfectly reasonable, but we will look and see what the motion tabled this week looks like and what any amendments look like. We all want the same thing Stephen Flynn (the SNPs Westminster leader) and I both want an immediate ceasefire and I believe the UK (Labour) party and the Scottish both want that. Westminster SNP Group leader Stephen Flynn (Jane Barlow/PA) He added: I think it looks like a pretty decent motion, but if we can send a unified message from the UK Parliament, then we should take that opportunity. I hope people will engage in good faith and trying to find that unified position from the UK Parliament because that in the end is more important that two political parties having a go at each other, when in actual fact what matters here is the people living in Israel and Palestine who are fearing for their lives. Thats more important than our internal politics. Earlier in the day, Sir Keir Starmer told Sky during the Munich Security Conference: Im very clear that we all want a ceasefire. The question therefore is: how do we get there? It comes after the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow backed immediate calls for a ceasefire after the partys constitution spokesman Neil Bibby called for unequivocal support. Delegates unanimously backed the calls which called for an end to rocket fire into and out of Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas and the restoration of essential supplies. The motion also backed calls for a two-state solution to be reached between Israel and Palestine. The SNPs Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, said: Its time for Sir Keir Starmer to commit to supporting our motion for an immediate ceasefire. There can be no more delays. Thousands of children, women and civilians have lost their life since both the Tories and Labour cowardly rejected our last motion they cannot make that same mistake again. History will remember this vote. Questions must also be asked of Scotlands two Labour MPs. Will they follow their Scottish leader, or their leader in London? That decision will tell you exactly where Scottish Labour MPs loyalties truly lie. With each day Sir Keir Starmer equivocates, the more innocent civilians die. This has to end and end now. A Star Wars script left in a London flat by Harrison Ford has been sold at an auction for 10,795. The fourth draft of the screenplay for the first Star Wars movie, originally titled The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, had an estimated selling price of 8,000-12,000 and was bought by an Austrian private collector. The script from March 15 1976, sold on Saturday, was used by Ford and then left in a London flat he was renting at the time while he filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. The fourth draft of a screenplay for the first filmed Star Wars movie, originally titled as The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, left by Harrison Ford in a London flat (Excalibur Auctions/PA) It is incomplete and unbound, with differing-coloured pages indicating revisions and includes scenes and characters that were cut from the final edit. On page 56, Ford is introduced as the cynical hero Han Solo in the George Lucas script, according to Excalibur Auctions in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Alongside the script Ford left other items including shooting schedules, a call sheet and collections of notes which sold in a bundle to a UK buyer for 4,826. These sheets of paper included a handwritten note which appeared to refer to a meeting between Ford and British producer Robert Watts. Watts and Ford would go onto work on 1981s Raiders Of The Lost Ark, 1983s Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and 1989s Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. Ford shot to fame after starring as Solo in George Lucass 1977 science fiction epic. He appeared in the original movies sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983), before reprising the role for The Force Awakens in 2015. Star Wars creator Lucas and director Steven Spielberg would also cast Ford in another famous role, as archaeologist Indiana Jones, for Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Ford appeared in four sequels, the last of which was released last year. Another item sold was a typed letter from a friend in which Ford is asked about why he has not called his wife, Mary Marquardt, before they divorced in 1979. The letter, date April 16 1976, also discussed his contracts and future film prospects and was sold for 177.80. One of Harrison Fords hand-written notes on reverse of a call sheet (Excalibur Auctions/PA) Ford would go on to marry E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison before they also ended their marriage in 2004. She died in 2015. Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart has been Fords wife since 2010. The items had been tucked away for 50 years in a private home in Notting Hill, London. The owners of the home had rented out the top two floors to Ford, who had co-stars Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker, visit him during his stay. Excalibur Auctions auctioneer Jonathan Torode said: The sale saw competitive bidding from around the globe for these never-before-seen pieces of Star Wars history. Although other copies of this script have come to market previously, this sale saw a new record set for a Star Walker script, which shows how a personal link to the items is so enticing to Star Wars fans. The personal provenance makes them totally unique. We hope they will be as treasured by their new owners as much as they were by the previous ones. All figures include the buyers premium. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to be at a major security conference in Germany on Saturday for talks and meetings with world leaders. The Labour leader will arrive at the Munich Security Conference fresh from two by-election victories, with Sir Keir expected to use the major annual event to stress his partys commitment to Nato and defence. His visit, with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and shadow defence secretary John Healey, is believed to be the first Labour leader has attended since 2010. Lord Cameron has been among the senior politicians at the conference, with the Foreign Secretary appearing at a panel event on Friday. Attendees have been left reeling at the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, with US vice president Kamala Harris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz among those in attendance. Mr Healey is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with Nato officials, defence ministers and US senators as part of the visit, while Mr Lammy will be taking part in a panel discussion on Sunday. Tens of thousands of people have taken part in a major demonstration for Palestine in Dublin. People travelled from across Ireland to take part in the National Demonstration event in the Irish capital. Organisers the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign said it was the fourth such national mobilisation since March. They have called for an end to Israels action in Gaza and for the Irish government to take action to hold Israel accountable. What a turnout! The view from the stage at our huge @ipsc48 National Demonstration for Palestine. The streets are with Palestine! #GazaGenocide #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/gEBUiz0yl2 IPSC (@ipsc48) February 17, 2024 Crowds gathered at Parnell Square before a procession across the city centre to the Department of Foreign Affairs, where there were speeches and performances of Irish and Palestinian music. Banners read Freedom and justice for Palestine, and others called for a ceasefire in Gaza now. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the speakers. He said that no Irish politician should shake hands with US President Joe Biden because of the administrations stance on Gaza and Israel and because of his support for Israel. Events organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign also took place at a number of other places on Saturday, including Cork, Ennis, Armagh and Waterford. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have marched through Glasgow to protest outside the Scottish Labour conference taking place in the city, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. After a rally in George Square, they made their way through the city centre to the Scottish Exhibition Centre where Labour members are gathering. Carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, the protest march arrived outside the conference centre just after 3pm. Scottish Labour delegates backed a motion on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire. Among the speakers at the George Square rally was Scottish Trades Union Congress general secretary Roz Foyer. Roz Foyer addressed the crowds (Andrew Milligan/PA) She told the PA news agency: Yesterday I addressed the Scottish Labour Party conference and gave a very clear message that the trade union movement will not stand by in silence and watch genocide take place. And I was heartened to hear the message from the Scottish Labour leader, which unequivocally was a call for an immediate ceasefire now. Asked about Sir Keir Starmers position on the Israel-Hamas war, she said: Lets just call for a ceasefire now, lets start to put the same pressure on Israel that our international leaders have been putting on Russia. There is no difference here, we need to start to make sure that we are protecting human life. Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer was also at the rally in George Square. Enough is enough. This coming week the SNP will force a vote in the House of Commons calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. History will judge us all by how we respond. #CeasefireNow #Gaza pic.twitter.com/YIzRnMHzhX Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) February 14, 2024 He told PA: Labour have been given countless opportunities to unequivocally support calls for an immediate ceasefire and help end this brutality. Instead, Keir Starmer defended Israels illegal use of collective punishment when they cut off water and electricity for Gazan civilians, and his shadow foreign secretary provided a mealy mouthed justification for their bombing of a refugee camp. Now Scottish Labour cant even confirm if their two MPs will vote to support the ceasefire motion passed by their conference. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said both he and Sir Keir want to see an immediate end to the violence. During a Westminster vote on the issue in November, Labour lost 10 shadow ministers and parliamentary aides who rebelled against the leaderships stance on Gaza. Another vote will take place in Westminster next week (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The SNP will be bringing the issue back to the Commons next week, with a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire. SNP foreign affairs spokesman Brendan OHara said: The time for warm words is over. More than 28,000 Palestinian children, women and civilians have now been killed since Westminster failed to back a ceasefire in November. I urge Anas Sarwar to ensure Labour MPs dont repeat the same devastating mistake they made when they opposed a ceasefire in November, he needs to show some leadership and whip them to vote in favour this time. On Friday, Mr Sarwar sought to play down any differences between his position and that of Sir Keir. He told BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland programme they both want violence to stop right now, along with the delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and a pathway to a two-state solution. Mr Sarwar also said open conversations are happening with Labours two Scottish MPs, Ian Murray and Michael Shanks, ahead of the Westminster debate. He said: We shouldnt be stuck on the semantics because this is a really important issue of life and death for people right now in Gaza and in Israel. The idea that this is about the semantics within one political party thats in opposition. Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that a lack of long-range weapons is limiting the countrys fightback against Vladimir Putins forces, amid concerns about wavering support among US Republicans for the war effort. It comes as both Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer travelled to the Munich Security Conference with a message of firm British backing for Kyiv. The Ukrainian President, who spoke alongside other world leaders at the German gathering, also said he is willing to take US presidential frontrunner Donald Trump to the Ukrainian frontline. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer gave his support to Ukraine (Joe Giddens/PA) Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he told those attending. Mr Zelensky used the conference to urge the West to continue to back the Ukrainian armed forces, as the two-year anniversary of the invasion approaches. Republicans aligned to former American president Donald Trump have been vocal in expressing scepticism about funding for the fight in eastern Europe. Hardline Republicans aligned with Donald Trump are against the funding (Brian Lawless/PA) Lord Cameron, who is also at the conference, has been among the European leaders urging US politicians to back a multibillion-dollar foreign aid package making its way through US congress. On Saturday, he said backing from the UK, the European Union and Washington would make a real difference to the fight against Russia. A bill has passed through the US senate but faces a deeply uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where hardline Republicans aligned with Mr Trump oppose the legislation. Mr Zelensky said that he was willing to show Mr Trump the real war. If Mr Trump will come, I am ready to go with him to the frontline. There is no one for whom the ongoing war in Europe does not pose a threat. This war defines more than just the place of Ukraine or entire Europe in the world. This is Russias war against any rules at all. But how long will the world let Russia be like this? This is the main pic.twitter.com/IEPPsDut0q Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2024 What does it mean, the real war not Instagram, the real war? the Ukrainian President said. Mr Zelenskys appearance came as Ukraines military chief said early on Saturday that he is withdrawing troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where they have battled a Russian assault for four months. Lord Cameron, who has been explicit in his call for Republicans to back Ukraine, did not comment directly on the withdrawal, but pointed to successes for Kyiv elsewhere. Things that happen in Ukraine, that is for the Ukraine armed forces to decide, the Foreign Secretary said. But I would point you towards the Black Sea, where yet again another Russian ship has been sunk by incredibly brave Ukrainian action. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron hailed Ukrainian successes (Stoyan Nenov/PA) What I am clear about is that Britain is absolutely in the lead in providing that support, Lord Cameron told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference. Most of all is: look at what Ukraines allies have. If you add up our economies, we outmatch Russia 25-to-one. Weve got ability to give that diplomatic military, economic, moral support, we have just got to make that difference count. Are we doing enough at the moment? No I want us to do more. I know that Britain is doing what it can, the European Union has voted through its package to give massive support to Ukraine. We now need the US congress to do the same. Putin should be held accountable for the death of Alexei Navalny. My reaction to todays tragic news. pic.twitter.com/qvswRrXlrr David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 16, 2024 If all those three things line up, I think that will make a real difference. Senior Tory MPs including Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns are among those at the security gathering, which is also being attended by Sir Keir marking the first time a Labour leader has travelled to the conference since 2010. Sir Keir told Sky News that all British political parties stand as one behind Ukraine, regardless of who wins the next general election. I had the opportunity to go to see the President in Kyiv just last year, and to personally assure him that if theres a change of governments in 2024 in the election that we will have, therell be no change of approach from the UK and the support that we provide for Ukraine. Its why weve been very consistent in our support so far, and well continue that if were privileged enough to form a government, but he is absolutely right to remind us of the ever-present threat of Russia and the aggression that continues in Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine. We stand with our allies and international partners here in Munich, and we stand as one in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile Defence Secretary Grant Shapps used an interview with the Financial Times to call on Nato members to step up on defence spending, suggesting it would make security concerns much less relevant. The move comes after Mr Trumps widely criticised remarks in which he recalled how as president he told an unidentified Nato member that he would encourage Russia to do as it wishes in cases of allies who are delinquent. Allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are demanding that Russian authorities release his body to his mother and lawyer, claiming it is being deliberately withheld. Russian authorities announced Navalny died in an Arctic prison camp on Friday. The complaint came as hundreds of Russians paying their respects to the vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin at memorials across the country were detained by authorities, according to human rights observers. After expressing skepticism over whether he died, Navalny's team confirmed his death, alleging the 47-year-old was murdered and that Russian investigative authorities took away his body for further examination, according to Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson. PHOTO: In this Feb. 20, 2021, file photo, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny stands inside a glass cell during a court hearing at the Babushkinsky district court in Moscow. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images, FILE) Navalny's team claimed that Russian authorities are deliberately withholding his body from his family and lawyer, expressing concern that authorities could be trying to cover up signs of how he died if he was murdered. MORE: Alexei Navalny, vocal critic of Vladimir Putin, dies in prison: Russian government Yarmysh said local investigative police have indicated Navalny's body won't be handed over until after a new "examination" is completed next week. Navalny's team also claimed that his body is not in the morgue in Salekhard -- the town near to the prison colony where he died -- despite officials telling them so. PHOTO: In this May 5, 2018, file photo, Alexei Navalny is detained during an anti-Putin protest rally in Pushkin Square in Moscow. (Gleb Schelkunov/Kommersant via Polaris via Newscom, FILE) Another of Navalny's associates, Ivan Zhdanov, suggested that the body has not been released as the cause of death has not been established. "When Alexey's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Zhdanov said in a statement. Navalny's team said they were told that a histological examination was performed on his body. "The results will supposedly be available next week. It's obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body," his team said in a statement. PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a video address at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, on Feb. 17, 2024. (Sputnik via Reuters) Navalny's death drew response from around the world, with world leaders sharing their condolences and U.S. officials blaming his death on Putin. President Joe Biden issued remarks on Friday, saying he was both "not surprised and outraged" while placing the blame directly on Putin and his allies. Asked whether the U.S. is considering imposing more sanctions against Russia, Biden told reporters that the U.S. is looking at a number of options. MORE: US weighs response to Navalnys reported death Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pushed back Friday against the reaction from NATO leaders to Navalny's death, calling the accusations against Russia "self-exposing" and saying there hasn't been a forensic examination yet, but the West's conclusions were already ready. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also denounced the blame from Western countries. "The statements of Western countries are completely obvious," Peskov said. "There is no statement from doctors, no information from forensic experts, no final information from the Federal Penitentiary Service, no information about the causes of death. And there are such statements. It is obvious that they are absolutely rabid. We consider such statements absolutely unacceptable." Meanwhile, at least 401 people have been arrested in 32 Russian cities as people try to leave flowers at sites to pay their respects to Navalny on Friday and Saturday, according to OVD-Info, an independent Russian human rights media project aimed at combating political persecution. Police in riot gear were seen in video footage detaining some and threatening to disperse people. PHOTO: In this May 5, 2018, file photo, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny addresses supporters during an unauthorized anti-Putin rally in Moscow, two days ahead of Vladimir Putin's inauguration for a fourth Kremlin term. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images, FILE) In Moscow, dozens of police were posted by the monument to Victims of Political Repression, which honors victims of the Soviet-era police state, according to videos circulating. The videos show dozens of police officers appearing to roughly detain people and dragging some into police vans. In St. Petersburg, photos show police in full riot gear on guard at a similar monument where people have brought flowers. Thousands of Russians also gathered in cities elsewhere around the world, including London, to protest Navalny's death on Friday night. ABC News' Natalia Shumskaia contributed to this report Alexei Navalny's allies accuse Russian authorities of deliberately withholding his body originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito temporarily halted the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion settlement Friday following decades of sexual abuse claims after a group of claimants appealed. Alito issued the stay "pending further order of the undersigned or of the Court." The stay gives the court additional time to decide a February 9 request by the 144 abuse claimants seeking to block the settlement from moving forward. The claimants are a small group of the 82,000 who filed claims for payment in the Boy Scouts of America's bankruptcy. They previously asked the Court to halt the organization's bankruptcy settlement, arguing that the settlement unlawfully prevents them from pursuing lawsuits against other organizations that are not bankrupt, including churches that ran scouting programs and local Boy Scout councils. FEDERAL JUDGE UPHOLDS $2.4 BILLION BANKRUPTCY PLAN FOR THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Retired bankruptcy judge Barbara Houser, the trustee in charge of administering the Boy Scouts settlement, said the order will suspend all work on the settlement, including "evaluating claims and mailing checks to abuse survivors," according to Reuters. More than 3,000 men have already been paid nearly $8 million by the settlement trust. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito temporarily halted the Boy Scouts of America's $2.46 billion settlement following decades of sexual abuse claims after a group of claimants appealed. "This is an administrative stay only and is not a decision on the merits of the plaintiffs application for a stay of the plan," the Boy Scouts of America told Fox News Digital in a statement. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP JUDGE TOSSES GIRL SCOUTS' RECRUITMENT SUIT VS. BOY SCOUTS "As BSAs brief in opposition to the stay application explained to the Court, the BSA plan has already been effective for ten months and will fully compensate all Scouting-abuse survivors. Staying that plan now would inflict severe harm on both the Scouting movement and Scouting-abuse survivors, many of whom have already waited decades for compensation and emotional closure," the organization said. "We look forward to the Courts ruling soon on the stay application. We hope the Court will swiftly deny the application and permit the BSA plans settlement trustee to resume her work compensating survivors." "Theyve waited a long time to be able to bring claims for their abuse in Scouting," Gillion Dumas, one of the lawyers whose firm is currently representing 69 of the claimants, told Fox News Digital. "They appealed the Boy Scout bankruptcy because the plan takes away their right to sue sponsoring organizations and local Boy Scout councils - organizations that caused their abuse and are not bankrupt. These claimants are excited about the Courts order. While the order is temporary, it shows that the Supreme Court takes their appeal seriously," Dumas said. DELAWARE JUDGE APPROVES $2.46 BILLION REORGANIZATION PLAN FOR BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TO SETTLE ABUSE CLAIMS John Reeves, an attorney representing the claimants, told Fox News Digital that temporary stays such as the one issued by Alito only occur "in the most extraordinary of circumstances," thus demonstrating "how seriously he and the other justices are taking the claimants' argument." "Only the national Boy Scouts of America organization has declared bankruptcy, but its bankruptcy plan also discharges non-bankrupt Local Councils and Chartered Organizations from civil liability," Reeves said. "This is a blatant violation of the claimants' due process rights. We look forward to further litigating this issue before the Court, and are cautiously optimistic that it will ultimately grant us a full, permanent stay of the bankruptcy plan." Fox News Digital has reached out to Dumas for additional comment. The bankruptcy deal was upheld by a federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Delaware last March. The plan would allow the Texas-based organization to continue operating while it compensated the sexual abuse claimants. A Boy Scout uniform hangs in a store at the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America on July 27, 2015 in San Rafael, California. The Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy in 2020 following the passing of several laws allowing accusers the opportunity to sue over abuse allegations that were decades old. The ruling rejected arguments claiming the bankruptcy plan was not proposed in good faith and that it improperly strips insurers and survivors of their rights. The Boy Scouts filed for bankruptcy in 2020 following the passing of several laws allowing accusers the opportunity to sue over abuse allegations that were decades old. The organization later reached a settlement that was approved in court in 2022. The settlement would pay between $3,500 and $2.7 million to abuse victims. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source:Alito pauses Boy Scouts $2.46 billion abuse settlement When I crave cozy comfort food, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of mac and cheese. Sure, the stuff from the box is tasty and nostalgic, but as a food writer and curious cook, I'm always on the hunt for ways to elevate what I'm cooking. When I stumbled upon Blake Lively's famous recipe hack for better boxed mac and cheese, I was instantly intrigued and knew I had to give it a try. The actress, wife to Hollywood hunk Ryan Reynoldsand best friend to Taylor Swiftwouldn't be the first celebrity I'd think of as a secret mac and cheese whisperer, but her hack calls for minimal effort, minimal ingredients and so much cheese, all three things I fully support. Here's what happened when I made the recipe in my kitchen. Get the recipe: Blake Lively's Boxed Mac and Cheese Hack Ingredients for Blake Lively's Mac and Cheese Hack Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel Ingredients for Blake Livelys Mac and Cheese Hack For this mac and cheese, you need favorite boxed mac and cheese (Blake uses her friend Gal Gadot's brand Goodles, so thats what I grabbed), a block of sharp cheddar, a block of cream cheese, a block of Gouda cheese and whole milk. Related: Patti LaBelles Easy Mac and Cheese Is Practically Perfect How to Make Blake Livelys Mac and Cheese Hack Start by slicing off one-third of the block of cream cheese. Let it sit out on the counter while you cook the noodles and shred the cheese. Put a pot of water on to boil and boil the noodles according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, shred the cheddar and Gouda until you have "two big handfuls of cheese." (Because the recipe doesn't have ingredient amounts, there's a lot of guessing here.) Drain the noodles and add them back to the pot. Add the cheese sauce packet, the grated cheeses and the cream cheese and splash of milk (I used a little less than a quarter of a cup). Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly. Eat immediately. Bowl of mac and cheese Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel What I Thought of Blake Livelys Mac and Cheese Hack My initial thought after taking a bite was that wow, this bowl is heavy. Maybe it was the added protein and fiber in the Goodles' mac and cheese, but this was one filling bowl. It was so rich that I had to put my spoon down after a couple of bites! While I'm never one to ever complain about too much cheese, the cheese-to-noodle ratio in Blake's recipe hack felt just slightly imbalanced, and that could be due to the lack of specific measurements she provides. "Two big handfuls" can look different depending on the person. The noodles posed another minor issue: I found they didn't fully cling to the cheese sauce like I expected them to. The next time I try this (and there will be a next time because I bought four boxes of Goodles), I plan to add a bit more milk and less milk in the hopes of creating a silkier sauce. I might throw in some broccoli, too, for color and texture. This recipe hack required a little extra work, but I'd say it only took about 15 minutes longer than making standard boxed mac and cheese. I loved the bold punch of flavor that came through from the first bite. And take a look that electric color! The orange hue from the addition of extra cheese was a nostalgic throwback to the blue box of Kraft Mac & Cheese that I Ioved eating for dinner growing up. Related: 13 Best Boxed Mac and Cheese Brands Bowl of mac and cheese Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel Tips for Making Blake Livelys Mac and Cheese Hack Check your cheese. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheese has starch added that might affect how the cheese melts. Play around with cheese combinations. I used two generous handfuls of shredded cheddar and Gouda, per Blake's suggestion, and 1/3 of a block of cream cheese. But some home cooks online say theyve had luck with just adding in cream cheese or using different blends of cheeses. It's your mac and cheese, find what you like and go with it. Up next: I Tried the Viral Mac & Cheese That Broke the Internet, and It Was the Best I've Ever Tasted Before demonstrating himself to be one of Mexicos most original and exciting new filmmaking talents, Alonso Ruizpalacios washed dishes in a bustling big-city kitchen. That experience informs every second of the Museo directors fourth feature, La Cocina, a thrilling in-spirit adaptation of Arnold Weskers 1957 play The Kitchen, transposed from midcentury London to modern-day New York. A chaotic symphony of nearly two dozen characters, this black-and-white indie confection (garnished with sparing touches of color) mixes biting social critique with stylistic bravura. The setting is in the guts of a high-volume midtown Manhattan restaurant called The Grill a hectic pressure cooker where personal and professional concerns come to a boil. More from Variety The food looks edible at best, and a lot less enticing after weve witnessed the commotion that goes into preparing it. In Ruizpalacios version, practically the entire staff not Rooney Maras pregnant waitress, but the ones touching the food, at least are immigrants caught between the proverbial frying pan (sweating into their orders amid the midday rush) and the fire (of losing their work status, which exposes them to the risk of deportation). Wesker would have approved of Ruizpalacios changes. As the left-leaning playwright explained at the time: The world might have been a stage for Shakespeare but to me it is a kitchen, where people come and go and cannot stay long enough to understand each other, and friendships, loves and enmities are forgotten as quickly as they are made. The Mexican writer-director shares Weskers solidarity-minded admiration for the soldiers of food service, taking an immersive approach to their work. La Cocina thrusts us into the trenches, while updating the issues that threaten to derail another chaotic day in the operation from the waitress weighing whether to abort to an investigation into roughly $800 missing from the till (almost exactly the cost of the procedure). Ruizpalacios actually opens the film far from 49th Street, where rats eat the leftovers of yesterdays slop. Theres a dreamy, slightly amateurish quality to the slow-motion prologue, which follows Estela (Anna Diaz), a young Mexican immigrant with experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant, as she makes the pilgrimage to this glamorously located but otherwise unremarkable establishment to interview for a job. Its a logical way in not unlike the Mad Men pilot, which followed inexperienced Peggy into a daunting workplace environment, letting audiences learn the ropes alongside the new girl. Here, Estela serves as our guide, then moves to the background. She knows to drop the name of family friend Pedro (Raul Briones), who preps poultry dishes all day at The Grill. That strategy gets her the job, even if Pedro himself is on thin ice, three strikes away from being fired. He shows up late for work and quickly becomes the primary suspect in the register robbery an invention that serves to exposing prejudices at play in the workplace. Ruizpalacios toys with audiences assumptions as well (we cant help but wonder who stole the money), selectively revealing certain key details like the fact that Pedro and Maras character, Julia, are a couple. Come to find, shes carrying his child. At 139 minutes, the movie takes its time, gradually building toward the lunchtime surge. In the quiet before the storm, the lovers stress about non-work things. Using a special ingredient Estela brought from Mexico, Pedro whips up a sandwich as a declaration of his love for Julia. She repays him with a quickie in the walk-in fridge. Though Briones has the showier part, Julia asserts a disproportionate power over Pedro: Its ultimately her decision whether to keep the baby, and tied up in that choice is the fate of their relationship and his own visa status. To the extent that this kitchen serves as a microcosm through which to understand the world, La Cocina focuses viewers attention on just how much society exploits immigrant labor. Julia and the other white women interact with the customers, but behind the swinging doors, American citizens are in the minority. Ruizpalacios layers all the different languages in one exhilarating montage, where we see the micro-dynamics that go into making this operation run. Speak English! bellows the aggro guy at the steak station, brandishing his knives like hes ready to murder someone. While the impatient diners (rarely seen) demand service, the line cooks shift into battle mode. The tension builds as the incoming orders accelerate, chattering away on a receipt printer Pedro comes to view as a personal enemy until he snaps, triggered by a slur from one of the waitresses. We were warned, but who could have foreseen such an epic meltdown? Imagine Network anchor Howard Beale imploding in the bowels of a New York tourist trap. Its equal parts hilarious and horrible: an over-the-top catharsis for anyone who ever punched the clock in a kitchen. The way Ruizpalacios handles his ensemble nearly 20 employees, ranging from tough-love manager Rashid (Oded Fehr) to the lowliest busboy mirrors the energy of a boisterous, late-career Altman movie, even if DP Juan Pablo Ramirezs crisp monochrome cinematography suggests something scrappier (more in line with the helmers indie debut, Gueros). Covering so many characters requires careful choreography, especially as the kitchen spirals out of control during the lunchtime surge. At one point, a broken soda machine floods the premises, such that line cooks and servers alike are practically swimming to their stations. La Cocina confronts the craziness head-on as this industrial kitchen starts to feel like the galley of one of those Roman slave ships from Ben-Hur. If the United States is a melting pot, this is the furnace. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 12:23 | Lima, Feb. 17. "I hope to work with you with the same intensity, dedication, and human warmth with which you worked with Alex Contreras," he stated. was first sworn in as Economy and Finance official in 2020. Last Tuesday, Minister Arista assumed the MEF portfolio for the second time. He Moreover, he has experience in the public sector after having served as Agriculture minister in 2018. The new Economy and Finance sector's head is an economist by profession, graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. He also holds a master's degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the United States of America. Former Rep. George Santos filed a civil lawsuit against Jimmy Kimmel on Saturday accusing the late-night television host of using fake names to request Cameo videos from the former lawmaker and then misusing them on his show. Santos sued Kimmel for copyright infringement, fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. He is seeking at least $750,000 in damages. Santos said in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that Kimmel submitted at least 14 requests for clips on the site Cameo, where celebrities sell short personalized video messages. Kimmel provided phony names and narratives, the lawsuit says, and sent fake requests ... from fake user profiles created by Kimmel as part of the fraud. The lawsuit was first reported by the New York Post. It says that Kimmel chose the personal use licenses for all the Cameo videos with the intention to violate such licenses by broadcasting and commercially exploiting the Cameo videos on national television. Jimmy Kimmel on Representatives for Kimmel did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. NBC News also reached out to ABC and Disney, both named as defendants, for comment. The lawsuit says that Kimmel began using the videos on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in December, telling his audience that Santos had a new gig making videos on Cameo for $400 a pop and that Kimmel could not resist sending him ridiculous requests. Some of the videos were played during a segment titled Will Santos Say It? During a Dec. 11 episode of the show, Kimmel joked about possibly getting sued by Santos, according to the lawsuit. Could you imagine if I get sued by George Santos for a fraud? I mean how good would that be? It would be like a dream come true, Kimmel said, according to the suit. So since I started buying his videos his rates went way up to $500 a piece. He should be thanking me for buying these videos. Kimmel then played two more of the videos, the suit says. A lawyer for Santos sent Kimmel a cease-and-desist letter on Dec. 12 and demanded that the videos be removed from YouTube and TikTok accounts associated with the show. Kevin L. Boyce, Franklin County commissioner A 2019 decision by the Franklin County Commissioners that the county needed to do more to combat growing societal inequities is continuing to pump general-fund dollars into a locally created program promoting equity in health care. Late last month the commission announced continuing grants totaling $1.68 million to nine organizations intended to reduce disparities in health outcomes primarily for populations that have been historically underserved by health providers. The county spent about a year examining what it could do, and "what we learned is that the inequities that exist in health care and wellness were a core part of the central reason that we're still experiencing these disparities," Kevin Boyce, president of the three-member board of commissioners, told The Dispatch. This year's recipients, a continuation of last year's funding to provide continuity, are: Physicians CareConnection: $500,000 for Helping Our People Everyday (H.O.P.E.), which provides care coordination for vulnerable populations. PrimaryOne Health: $500,000 to offer comprehensive, high-quality, affordable health care and supportive services to meet the health needs of women and their families. Cancer Support Community of Central Ohio: $150,000 to reduce barriers to cancer care by providing appropriate support, education, programs, and wrap-around services for Black and LGBTQIA+ individuals who are impacted by cancer and experiencing poverty. Catholic Social Services Inc.: $50,000 to provide a variety of social services to central Ohios Hispanic population. Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio: $150,000 to provide affordable and appropriate pharmacy services and coordinate access to health care for vulnerable populations. Childrens Hunger Alliance: $150,000 to provide healthy and nutritious meals to children at risk for food insecurity, increase access to nutritious foods, and educate children about healthy eating and physical activity. FESTA: $8,000 to highlight the need for fitness and to address physical and mental health among young people. Lutheran Social Services: $50,000 to provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision care for people who are experiencing homelessness. OhioHealth Cooperation: $125,000 to provide comprehensive prenatal, postpartum, and womens health care to women residing in Franklin County via the Wellness on Wheels mobile health unit. Boyce said the decision to not to reopen the grant funding this year, but to continue funding previous programs, was because "it's not enough to give a grant for one year and say, 'Good luck.' ... You've got to see it over the course of a couple years." That said, given that 50 local organizations originally applied for funding in 2021, it's likely that the county will begin accepting requests for proposals for different programs at some point. While Franklin County has thrived economically, it hasn't been equitable, particularly for minorities, with the quality of services varying greatly by ZIP code. Health care and mental health care should be viewed as human rights, Boyce said. "Our community already has world-class health options available, but they're not equally available, or equitably available," said Tyler Lowry, a spokesperson for the commissioners. "It's about making good health care available throughout the community." Recipients are required to demonstrate that they are providing health care focused on long-term improvements outcomes. The commissioners 2019 Rise Together Blueprint for Addressing Poverty in Franklin County identified disparate health outcomes as both a symptom and cause of poverty in our community. The grants have been administered by the commissioners Community Partnership agency, which oversaw more than $25 million in total grant funding last year. As a heart patient, I know something about the miracles of modern medicine, but I can also see that those miracles are conditional and that there are disparities that are holding some of our residents back from getting the care or preventative care that they deserve, Commissioner John OGrady said in a written statement. "These health equity grants are an acknowledgment that there is much work to be done and a step in the right direction. wbush@gannett.com @ReporterBush This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: $1.7 million in health-equity grants allocated by Franklin County Two days after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory rally ended in gunfire, Kansas City continues to reel from the mass shooting that left one woman dead and 22 others shot, including children. As of Friday, two juveniles faced gun-related and resisting arrest charges, according to the family court division of Jackson County Circuit Court. Additional criminal charges were expected. Fundraisers were set up to help the victims and their families, including that of 43-year-old Lisa Lopez-Galvan, the Johnson County mother of two and beloved radio personality who was killed Wednesday. At least 39 patients were admitted to area hospitals with various injuries, including gunshot wounds. One remained in critical condition. In Jefferson City, Republican lawmakers scrapped two bills that would have further loosened gun possession laws and given tax breaks for firearms-related purchases. And in the aftermath of the shooting, questions about the security of the parade and rally remain unanswered by Kansas City police. Heres a closer look at some of The Stars latest headlines: Teens charged As Kansas City police continue to investigate the shooting, two juveniles detained since Wednesday now face gun-related and resisting arrest offenses. Additional charges are expected. The charges were announced Friday afternoon in a written statement issued by the family court division of Jackson County Circuit Court. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said Wednesday that she was grateful the criminal charges had been filed, and that the police department will not relent until everyone who may have played a part in these crimes is apprehended. After gunfire broke out, some people took cover and others fled during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Union Station in Kansas City. 1 patient critical: Hospitals As of Friday afternoon, the only known patient still in critical condition was being treated for a gunshot wound at University Health, formerly Truman Medical Center. Many patients were being released, according to figures provided by Childrens Mercy Hospital, St. Lukes Health System, University Health and the University of Kansas Health System. But several people, including one who was trampled, continued to receive medical attention for gunshot wounds and other injuries stemming from the chaos. Funds raised for victims Three verified GoFundMe online fundraisers have been established to provide financial support for the victims. One was created specifically for the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, the Johnson County woman killed Wednesday. Another two were set up by Kansas Citians to provide broader help to other victims, including a Leavenworth family who were all shot. Among those making donations was pop star Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She gave $100,000 to a GoFundMe set up for the family of Lopez-Galvan. Members of the community, including Jermaine Reed, left, a former City Council member, and Abbey Lewis, 22, second from right, and Jackie Batista-Martinez, 26, right, both of Kansas City, gathered at Skywalk Memorial Park in Kansas City for a candlelight vigil Thursday night to show support for the victims of the mass shooting, including Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was killed in the shooting on Wednesday during the Chiefs Super Bowl rally. Not the time Missouri House Republicans scrapped two gun-related bills following the mass shooting. House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, told The Star on Friday that House Republicans this year would no longer pursue the two bills. One would allow guns on public transit and inside churches; the other would exempt firearms and ammunition from sales taxes. Now is not the appropriate time to be taking up those bills and therefore they will not be brought up this session, Patterson said in a statement, adding that he continues to believe both proposals are worthy of debate. Terrifyingly clear A resident of an apartment building near Union Station captured video of the moment the shooting started and the horrific aftermath. The resident, who asked not to be identified out of safety concerns, told The Star the camera had been set up to stream the event on the internet. I didnt expect it to capture a 20-plus-person mass shooting, the resident said, adding that the audio gave a terrifyingly clear representation of what had taken place. Gun pickup ends in charge A Wichita man faces a felony charge in Jackson County after allegedly picking up a firearm off the ground after the mass shooting. Jose Castillo, 36, who has a previous felony conviction out of Kansas, is legally barred from possessing firearms. He claimed he was going to give it to an officer but was taken into custody shortly thereafter. Were there security gaps? Before the shooting Wednesday, Graves, Kansas Citys police chief, promised a fun-filled and safe victory parade. More than 850 law enforcement officers were stationed along the parade route and at the Chiefs afterparty outside Union Station. But the day ended in tragedy. And as two juveniles face charges, questions of how the shooting could have unfolded in the first place despite security measures remain unanswered by Kansas City police. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves speaks during a press conference about the Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Kansas City. Get him! A 30-year-old Navy veteran provided his account of the shooting in an interview with The Star, describing how he helped apprehend a person thought to be a suspect. Tony Janssens, who was to the west of Union Station when the shooting occurred, is still sorting through the shock of the experience. But he said he was glad I could help as best I can. Janssens overheard a crowd yelling, Get him! He then helped chase down the subject until others made a tackle and officers rushed in. The Stars Robert A. Cronkleton, Glenn E. Rice, Mike Hendricks, Kacen Bayless, Kendrick Calfee, Katie Moore, Sarah Ritter, Laura Bauer, Joseph Hernandez, Natalie Wallington and Jenna Thompson contributed to this report. The judges decision was stunning, but so were the allegations. After the 2014 murder trial of a New York man accused of killing his wife, the judge wrote that the defendants lawyer was so unprepared and inexperienced that he relied on Google for help with forensics and pulled questions directly from an Australian web page, DNA for Defence Lawyers. On Oct. 6, 2022, the judge overturned the conviction of Ganesh Ramsaran, 48, and ordered a new trial, citing the defense lawyers egregious conduct. Four months ago, that case concluded with a plea agreement. In a courtroom southeast of Syracuse, Ramsaran former IBM project manager and marathon runner known as Remy pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the disappearance and death more than a decade ago of his wife, Jen Ramsaran, 36. Remy, who had been serving a 25-to-life prison term, was sentenced to 22 years. Including time hes already spent behind bars, hes expected to remain in prison for less than a decade. But in an exclusive interview with Dateline, Remy said he pleaded guilty in Jens death only because it was the smartest thing to do legally. Im innocent, he said. Ive always been innocent. Remys former lawyer, Gilberto Garcia, declined to comment on a detailed list of questions from Dateline about the allegations described in the judges decision but said he respects the order that granted a new trial. The perfect life: A wife and a girlfriend Jen, who had three children with Remy, disappeared on Dec. 11, 2012. Remy told Dateline that before she vanished, shed gone shopping in Syracuse, roughly 60 miles from their home in the small town of New Berlin. Hed done some work on a project, then went for a run, he said. When Remy didnt hear from her by that night, he called 911 and reported her missing, a transcript of the call shows. Remy Ramsaran and Jennifer Ramsaran. (Dateline) In the days that followed, Remy found Jens cellphone in a creek bed using the Find My iPhone app, the Chenango County sheriffs detective who investigated the case, Richard Cobb, told Dateline at the time. On Dec. 16, Jens father alerted authorities that he had spotted her van a Chrysler Town & Country abandoned in a nearby apartment building parking lot. Jen wasnt found for another two months, when her remains were spotted at the bottom of a snowy embankment that had begun to thaw, Cobb said. Her body was so decomposed that medical officials were unable to determine exactly what killed her, the forensic pathologist later testified at trial, but her death was ruled a homicide. On May 17, 2013, six months after Jen vanished, Remy was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder. Authorities had come to doubt Remys account only one security camera positioned along what hed described as his running route actually captured him that morning, for instance and believed the killing was motivated by an obsession-fueled affair Remy had with Jens close friend, the prosecutor at the time previously told Dateline. When December 11th rolled around, it was time for him to get rid of his wife, the prosecutor, Joe McBride, said in court. Remy Ramsaran and Jennifer Ramsaran. (Dateline) In an interview with Dateline after he was charged, Remy rejected this account. He said hed tried to help authorities find Jen and added that people have affairs all the time and they dont wind up killing their wives. I had the perfect life, he said. I had a wife. Had a girlfriend. I have kids. I have everything anyone would want. The worst thing to have ever happened to me is Jen go missing. Absolutely worst thing. $120,000 legal bill When the murder trial got underway in September 2014, Gilberto Garcia was defending him. Remy had ditched two seasoned criminal defense lawyers for the New Jersey attorney, who Remys father said he hired on referral from a friend, according to the judges 2022 decision that overturned the conviction. The family paid Garcia more than $120,000 in the months that followed and believed the lawyer would look into presenting a defense based on cell tower data, according to the decision. Remy later told Dateline he was initially impressed with Garcia, who Remy said recounted doing all sorts of criminal work. But Remy said he was floored when the lawyer put him on the stand without properly preparing him. And Remy was furious when his lawyer rested without calling a single expert witness to challenge the prosecutions case even though he and his family believed part of the money theyd paid the lawyer was for that purpose. After a three-week trial, Remy was found guilty. In 2016, an appeals court overturned the verdict after finding that Garcia hadnt objected to what the court described as McBrides mischaracterization of a forensic experts testimony. Prosecutors appealed the decision, and the states high court reversed the reversal, saying that Garcias conduct hadnt amounted to ineffective assistance of counsel. Roughly two years later, Remys father found a new legal team to review what had happened at trial, and the lawyers quickly concluded that the conviction was bad, one of the attorneys, David Hammond, told Dateline. So they filed whats known as a collateral attack or a motion that allowed them to raise what they viewed as additional problems with Garcias representation. The new defense attorneys found that Garcia had almost no criminal law experience, Hammond said, and they discovered time-stamped printouts showing that during the trial he Googled forensic issues like DNA. The lawyers found that an investigator working for Remys previous legal team located a witness who could have challenged a key part of the prosecutions theory of the murder their timeline for the day Jen disappeared yet he was never called to testify. In October 2020, the judge who presided over Remys criminal trial held a two-day hearing on the matter in which Remy, his former defense lawyer and the witness who was never called all testified. The investigator who found the witness also testified that hed given the persons details to Garcia. According to a transcript of the hearing, Garcia said he was very clear with the Ramsaran family that hed tried just one criminal case in the mid-1990s and a few other preliminary criminal matters, including a bail application. Under questioning from Hammond, Garcia acknowledged that hed withdrawn from the 1990s trial because he felt incompetent. He added that Remys family who had taken out a mortgage to pay for a lawyer was tight for money, but I was willing, because of my inexperience, to take this case. I did not have the trial experience to be able to take on a murder case, he added. That is undeniable. According to the transcript, Garcia denied telling Remy or his family that he planned on consulting with experts. Garcia said he believed they would be too expensive. He also acknowledged using Google and encyclopedia-type sites to do his own research on forensics, including the Australian web page. I never stopped working, Garcia said. Even during the trial, I was still doing research. Garcia said he wasnt aware of the witness who was never called. He was not asked directly about Remys contention that he didnt prepare Remy for testifying a claim Remy repeated during the hearing but Garcia said they discussed his potential testimony before the trial. Two years later, Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir issued a blistering 17-page decision on Garcias conduct in the case. The lawyers testimony during the two-day hearing revealed his sheer lack of knowledge regarding any of the technical and scientific issues relevant to the criminal proceeding, the judge wrote. This is one of those rare cases where the attorneys conduct constituted egregious and prejudicial error such that defendant did not receive a fair trial, Revoir wrote. The judge vacated Remys verdict and ordered a new trial. He pled guilty he is guilty The plea offered to Remy last year came amid mounting challenges for the prosecution. Cobb, the sheriffs detective who investigated Jens killing, had died, as had a key witness who examined Remys work computer, according to Ben Bergman, the special prosecutor appointed to handle the case for Chenango County. Another witness who testified in the first trial the last person to talk to Jen before she disappeared was no longer cooperative, Bergman told Dateline. As the trial approached, Bergman said he met with Jens parents and talked through the upsides and downsides of a potential plea. They agreed to go ahead with an agreement, Bergman said, because what they really wanted was something more than a lengthy prison sentence. They wanted him to go into that courtroom and say that he was guilty, Bergman said. To Remys new defense lawyers, the weaknesses in Bergmans case combined with a stronger defense that could potentially include new evidence, like DNA discovered under Jens fingernails that wasnt Remys, meant the prosecution wouldnt be a slam dunk, Hammond said. And Bergmans offer of 22 years and a reduced charge of manslaughter meant that Remy could avoid the uncertainty of a trial and walk out of prison around 2031, his lawyer said. Remy said he initially pushed back, but later realized he didnt want to be like some inmates he said hed come to know in prison a person who claims innocence but remains stuck behind bars for decades. As part of the offer, Bergman said in an email to NBC News, he wanted Remy to provide an account of the killing. But Remy said he rejected the request and agreed to saying just one thing Guilty. Thats the only word Ive ever said during this time, he said. Theres nothing for me to say otherwise. Bergman said he consulted with Jens parents when Remy declined to offer details and so long as he uttered the word Guilty as to causing her death, they were satisfied. So, if it was acceptable to the parents, it was acceptable to me, he said by email. And though Remy is now claiming innocence, He pled guilty, under oath, because he is guilty. Period, Bergman said. I do not believe any reasonable person, who was truly innocent, would plead guilty to killing the mother of his children. Although New York state allows people who admit to a crime to later appeal their guilty plea, Remy cannot. As part of the agreement, Bergman said, he waived that right. The announcement of Alexey Navalnys death on Friday thrust fresh urgency into the roiling debate in Washington over how forcefully to counter Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, a question of wide-ranging consequence on which President Joe Biden and his likely opponent Donald Trump have adopted diametrically opposed positions. The disparity in how the two men reacted to the news underscored the divide. Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putins brutality. Nobody should be fooled, Biden said from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Friday, forcefully pinning blame on Putin and his thugs. Trump, meanwhile, said nothing directly about the Russian opposition leader in a post that his campaign said was his official response to Navalnys death. Instead, he spent the morning posting more than 20 times on Truth Social about his criminal cases, his election poll numbers, immigrants in the US, his GOP presidential rival Nikki Haley, the Teamsters labor union and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testimony in Georgia. For Democrats and a minority of Republicans who are proponents of a muscular American presence in Europe within the NATO defense alliance, Navalnys death served as yet another grim reminder of Putins brutality and the necessity of a US-led effort to isolate Moscow. But for skeptics in the Trump camp, it was far from clear whether even the death in a notoriously brutal prison camp of Putins leading critic would alter a hardening view that Russias aggression no longer requires robust western reprisals, and that the nearly 80-year-old US-led security architecture in Europe is outdated. The stakes could hardly be higher, and Biden warned forcefully from the White House that history is watching the debate unfold. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten, Biden said Friday. Its going to go down in the pages of history. It really is. Its consequential. And the clock is ticking. The decision US politicians make in the coming weeks and months on whether to continue sending assistance to Ukraine could dramatically alter the battlefield realties there and send a global signal of American willingness not only to push back on Russia but to involve itself abroad at all. Other top Biden administration officials wasted little time pinning blame on Navalnys death directly on Putin, even as the Kremlin said it was working to determine the cause. Whatever story they tell, let us be clear Russia is responsible and well have more to say on this later, Vice President Kamala Harris said at the start of an address at the Munich Security Conference, where American support for Ukraine and to its NATO commitments has been a central and pressing topic of conversation. A few moments earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken linked Navalnys death directly to Russias president. His death in a Russian prison and the fixation and fear of one man only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built, the US top diplomat said at the start of a meeting with Indian officials on the sidelines of the Munich gathering. Lingering just underneath those pronouncements was the reality that in the United States, the long-held consensus on the value of alliances and systems to guard against Russian aggression is fraying. Asked whether Navalnys death might spur Congress to act in providing more Ukraine aid, Biden was hopeful. I hope to God it helps, he said. Trump has shattered orthodox thinking Trump, who seems to be reveling in undermining what had been a bipartisan consensus in American foreign policy for more than 70 years, has said he would encourage Russia to attack NATO allies who didnt pay a remark that sent shockwaves through the defense alliance, which had already been bracing for his potential return to office in 2025, but was hardly surprising to his followers. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and fellow Republicans have refused to consider a spending package that includes around $60 billion in new funding for Ukraine, despite administration warnings that Ukrainian troops are running out of ammunition and failing to support Kyiv would amount to a victory for Putin. Even so, Johnson said in a statement Friday that Putin is likely directly responsible for Navalnys death. And Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host with a major conservative following, returned from an interview with Putin last week (which even Putin complained was too soft) proclaiming how much nicer and cleaner Moscow was than any American city. Trump has reportedly mused about selecting Carlson as a running mate. A select number of Republicans have sought to guard against the growing strain of isolationism within their party. On Friday, Trumps sole remaining competitor for the Republican presidential nomination, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, assailed her opponent for saying he would encourage Russia to invade other nations and called the comments so disturbing. That means Donald Trump is siding with a thug who kills his political opponents, Haley told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on The Source, after saying Putin is absolutely directly responsible for Navalnys death. Hes siding with someone who has made no bones about wanting to destroy America. Hes siding with someone who arrests American journalists and holds them hostage. And hes siding with the dictator, instead of siding with our allies who stood with us at 9/11, Haley added. For Biden and his top officials, the assault on international norms and institutions has generated both fury and concern. Biden was aghast at Trumps remark when he learned about it last weekend and condemned it as dumb and un-American in a speech from the White House on Tuesday. A campaign issue On Friday, the Biden campaign unveiled a new digital ad blasting Trumps comment. Every president since Truman has been a rock-solid supporter of NATO - except for Donald Trump, a narrator says as images of Trump with Putin flashes across the screen. Trump wants to walk away from NATO. Hes even given Putin and Russia the greenlight to attack Americas allies. Part of a three-week, six-figure digital ad campaign, the spot is set to run through Super Tuesday targeting voters in the battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The campaign said it was looking to reach more than 2.5 million Americans who identify as Estonian, Finnish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian and Polish all NATO countries bordering Russia. In 2021, Biden emerged from his first (and, so far, only) face-to-face meeting with Putin to say he had warned his counterpart that hed be punished if Navalny were to die in prison. I made it clear to him that I believe the consequences of that would be devastating for Russia, Biden said in Geneva, where the summit was held. Since then, the United States and its partners in Europe and Asia have piled sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, seeking to isolate the country from the global financial system and ratchet up costs on the perpetrators of the war. But its those same sanctions that have caused energy prices to rise in Europe and taken a toll on the global economy, lending grist to some Republican efforts to halt foreign funding for Ukraines military and urge an immediate end to the conflict. As American assistance for Ukraine wavers, defense officials have warned of the consequences on the battlefield. On Friday, an official told reporters the US is sixteenth in the world among the countries providing security assistance to Ukraine when considering the percentage of GDP. At this point, the United States is were not the top donor to Ukraine when it comes to security assistance, or economic assistance for that matter, the official told reporters. When you look at security assistance, were actually the sixteenth in the world when it comes to percentage of GDP. So we have a lot to appreciate from our allies and partners. Harris, who was already preparing to provide reassurances to rattled allies during her visit to the Munich conference this week, sought to underscore American commitment to protecting democracy and freedom around the world, and took veiled aim at Trump for suggesting otherwise. They suggest its in the best interest of the American people to isolate ourselves from the world, to flout common understandings among nations, to embrace dictators, and adopt the repressive tactics and abandon commitments to our allies in favor of unilateral action, Harris said in her remarks at the yearly gathering of US and European leaders, which has traditionally acted as a citadel of transatlanticism. Let me be clearthat worldview is dangerous, destabilizing and indeed shortsighted, she said. Shortly after Harris left the stage, Navalnys wife made a surprise appearance in Munich to urge the international community to fight against Putins horrific regime. They will be brought to justice, and this day will come soon, she said. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Haley Britzky, Lauren Fox, Kate Sullivan and Kit Maher contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Many states have rejected federal funds on principle or for technical reasons Lower-income families with school-age kids can get help from the federal government paying for groceries this summer, unless they live in one of the 14 states that have said no to joining the program this year. The reasons for the rejections, all from states with Republican governors, include philosophical objections to welfare programs, technical challenges due to aging computer systems and satisfaction with other summer nutrition programs reaching far fewer children. The impact falls on people like Otibehia Allen, a single mom of five in Clarksdale, Mississippi, who makes too much to qualify for some public assistance programs. She could have received $480 in aid over three months this summer if her state participated. It would have helped us a whole lot, especially with the boys, Allen said. Theyre growing children. They eat a lot. Many states have rejected federal funds on principle or for technical reasons. In 2021, 26 states cut short the enhanced unemployment benefits people received during the coronavirus pandemic. Twenty-two states have turned down the mostly federally funded expansion of Medicaid eligibility to provide health insurance to more lower-income adults. A dozen of those states have reconsidered and expanded Medicaid. The Summer EBT program, a response to increased child hunger when school is out, involves much less money. The federal government launched pilot versions in 2011, expanded it nationally during the pandemic and then Congress made it permanent within a spending bill adopted in December 2022. States must split the administrative costs 50/50, and the federal government funds the benefits, which are expected to cost $2.5 billion this year and help feed 21 million children. Another 10 million eligible kids live in states that turned down the funding. For each of three summer months, families with children in free or reduced-price school lunch programs will get $40 per qualifying child on an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card. It can only cover groceries and food from farmers markets. A sign noting the acceptance of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that are used by state welfare departments to issue benefits is displayed at a grocery store on December 04, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Family size determines the income limits. A family of three making under about $46,000 would qualify in most of the country. States had until the end of 2023 to decide whether they would join this summer. They can enroll in future years even if they skip it in 2024. Vermont plans to do that after replacing a state computer system. The spending measure provided some broad outlines a year earlier and the U.S. Department of Agriculture shared details with the states throughout 2023. But the interim final rules were not published until Dec. 29, timing that some states said proved problematic for deciding whether to join. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said late rulemaking factored into its opting out, along with needing lawmakers to approve funding for the states administrative cost share. Texas lawmakers arent scheduled to convene this year. Spokesperson Thomas Vazquez said via email that Texas would consider joining later. Its the other way around in Tennessee, which opted into the lunch program for 2024 but doesnt plan to continue in 2025. Like leaders in other states, Republican Gov. Bill Lees office said the initiative is a pandemic-era benefit and that other food programs already exist. But Food Research and Action Center, an advocacy group targeting hunger, has found that the main federally funded summer nutrition program doesnt reach most qualified children. During the summer of 2022, it fed only one of every nine children served by the free or reduced-price lunch program nationwide during the 2021-2022 school year. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee responds to questions during a news conference Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File) Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder said she turned down the Summer EBT card funds because she wanted to prioritize the current summer meals programs, which require minimal state funding. I generally prefer those meals getting directly to kids, she told The Associated Press. At the feeding sites, we know thats happening. Still, she said the summer sites in her rural state need improvement. In 2022, they served about 9,400 summer lunches daily, which is only one-fifth of the daily average for free and reduced price lunches in the 2021-22 school year. Six of Wyomings 23 counties have no sites. And even though the federal government last year started letting families take home a weeks worth of meals for children, Wyoming sites offered only in-person meals. Wyomings share of administrative costs this year would have been about $1.1 million, and about $690,000 annually in the future, Defenfelder said. Republican governors currently lead all the rejecting states, but Louisiana had a Democrat with one week left in his term when the deadline hit. In some places, the rejections have had a partisan edge. In Mississippi, one of the states with the most food insecurity for children, some 324,000 children including four of Allens would have been eligible. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves office declared it an unnecessary big government program, saying that if Washington, D.C. Democrats had their way, Americans would still be locked down, subjected to COVID vaccine and mask mandates, and welfare rolls wouldve exploded. Allen, who works as a transportation dispatcher and scheduler, thinks Reeves priorities are misplaced. She pointed to the states implementation of an abortion ban in 2022. Why do you care so much about my uterus and how many babies Im having or aborting? Allen said. Why is that a concern when I still have to feed this child, but youre not helping me do that? The rejections have drawn backlash. In Nebraska, Republican Gov. Jim Pillen sparked a firestorm of criticism when he justified rejecting the money by explaining, I dont believe in welfare. But he reversed course on Monday and said the state would join the program after a Democratic lawmaker introduced a bill to require participation. He said he was swayed by hearing stories about hunger from high school students. Gov. Jim Pillen is joined by other state senators as he announces that the state will participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer Program after previously saying Nebraska wouldnt take part during a press conference in the Warner Chamber at the Capitol, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Lincoln, Neb. (Kenneth Ferriera/Lincoln Journal Star via AP) Lisa Davis, senior vice president of the No Kid Hungry Campaign for Share Our Strength, said she believes all the states can be persuaded to join in the coming years. Childhood hunger is one of the few issues that brings everyone together, she said. The remaining holdouts are Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming. Officials in Iowas two most populous counties are requesting the state-rejected funds anyway, though the program offers no pathway to fund local governments instead of states. In Iowas rejection, Gov. Kim Reynolds said it was not a long-term solution. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic, the Republican said in a statement. But Crystal FitzSimons, director of school programs at Food Research and Action Center, cited research that families buy more nutritional food when their grocery subsidies increase. Its a missed opportunity when kids are going hungry, she said. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post 14 GOP-led states have turned down federal money to feed low-income kids in the summer. Heres why appeared first on TheGrio. No Minnesota natural resource has received more attention in recent months than the northeast's deer herd. Beginning in mid-November, at 18 separate meetings held from St. Cloud in the south to International Falls in the north, and from Detroit Lakes in the west to Carlton in the east, about 8,000 hunters have attended gatherings hosted by the new group Hunters For Hunters to air grievances about too few deer in the Arrowhead. The hunters' primary complaint, based on their experiences in the field, is that wolves have reduced the region's deer population and are keeping deer numbers low. Whether they are correct about wolves or not, the hunters, in a broader sense, are worried that their traditions and even lifestyles are being threatened. And in fact they are, because deer hunter participation has dropped markedly in the northeast, and the whitetail harvest there last fall was only about half what it was 11 years ago. In a November column, I wrote that because deer populations are so depressed in parts of the northeast, wolves are their greatest threat to recovery. My reasoning was that in those areas, wolves appear to be sustaining themselves on food sources other than deer, and therefore at least for the time being their numbers are not tracking downward in concert with deer populations, as is usually the case in predator-prey cycles. Perhaps a deer-wolf population imbalance exists in those areas, and perhaps as researchers from the Voyageurs Wolf Project, an adjunct of the University of Minnesota, say it doesn't. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. Rob Eldridge doesn't think so. In 2020, he and his wife, Amra, moved with their four kids from the Twin Cities to a home in Deer Permit Area (DPA) 119, bordering Voyageurs National Park, where wolf numbers have been stable, according to the Voyageurs Wolf Project. Off the grid, the Eldridges' home can be reached only by snowmobile or ATV. "The first years we were here, I hunted deer because I wanted to feed my family," Eldridge said. "We have cameras in our woods and initially we saw deer. Now all we see are wolves and no deer. Last year I didn't even buy a hunting license." He wasn't alone. In 2022, only 145,000 deer hunters went afield in the northeast, about 36,000 fewer than in 2012. Hunter success in that decade fell from 31% to 22%. Eric Michel is the DNR researcher who compiles deer harvest and other data to assess the size of the state's whitetail populations. According to his estimates, deer numbers in Eldridge's hunting area fell from .80 bucks and .11 does per square mile in 2012, to .29 bucks and zero does per square mile in 2022. Hunters' deer harvests in DPA 119 also declined, from 859 to 227. Deer numbers are so low in DPA 119, Michel said, that hunters are allowed to kill only bucks. Deer herds require a certain percentage of adult females, he said, to sustain or increase their size. "The number of adult females in a population has the most impact on its reproductive capacity," he said. "That's why we protect them by restricting the number of antlerless permits we issue to hunters." Michel also inputs data from the DNR's Winter Severity Index (WSI) into his deer population estimates. The index scores winter temperatures and snow depths to determine a cold-weather season's impact on deer. The winter of 2013 was a deer killer across northern Minnesota. As a result, as the accompanying graphic shows, the northeast's (Zone 100) whitetail harvest the following year was less than half what it was two years earlier in 2012. The most recent two winters were severe as well, contributing to a harvest of 29,000 deer last fall in the northeast, lower even than the 2014 kill of 32,000. So, yes, as deer and wolf researchers and hunters have long attested: winter weather in the north is a primary determinant of whitetail populations. The problem is, weather is what it is we can't do anything about it. Forest habitat, however, is another issue. Could northeast woodlands be managed in ways that increase deer and, yes, wolf populations, and stabilize them at higher levels? Mike Schrage, a wildlife biologist with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and overseer of wolf and moose studies, thinks so. The primary driver of deer and moose populations in the northeast, he believes, isn't wolves which, he acknowledges, some Fond du Lac members would hunt and trap if the band allowed it but the availability of quality habitat. More burning on the landscape would help, he said, and more wildlife-friendly logging. "I wish deer hunters would see habitat and its effect on deer the same way they see wolf tracks," he said. "I wish they held county and state foresters to the same standards they hold wildlife managers." Schrage's sentiments echo those of Stephen Thomforde, a Duluth ecologist who has hunted for decades near Ely. They and others say that increasing the breadth and quality of northeast habitat is the best chance hunters have to boost the region's deer numbers. State, tribal, federal and other landowners could do this by preserving and regenerating white cedar and other winter cover, and by replanting logged areas with trees that benefit deer and other wildlife. "As always with wildlife, it's not the number of predators on the landscape or the number of game animals we shoot, it's the habitat," Thomforde said, adding that improving the region's winter deer cover would disperse whitetails more evenly across the landscape. The habitat idea has merit, if only because, for the indefinite future, Minnesota wolves are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Even if their management is returned to the state a big if any wolf hunting and trapping seasons Minnesota enacts likely will be intended to benefit moose in specific areas and to minimize livestock depredation, not reduce the state's overall wolf numbers. So why not work toward improving the state's North Woods forest habitat? "If we had a combination of logging and burning regenerating more of the northeast, as the region has been regenerated throughout history," Thomforde said, "deer would say 'amen, brother,' and so would wolves. But deer numbers would be higher than they are now." Whether that pitch has enough zing to attract 8,000 deer hunters to gather in 18 Minnesota towns in just a few months is, of course, another question. But the DNR as I also suggested in my November column would do well to call the meetings and see what happens. Everyone could benefit, including deer. 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: Sophia Chitlik Political party: Democrat Age as of March 5, 2024: 34 Campaign website: https://sophiafornc.com Current occupation: Self-employed, investor and board member Professional experience: I began my career on the Obama campaign and later served in the White House and the Department of Labor as a political appointee. I went on to work as a Chief of Staff, eventually rising to become a Chief Operating Officer of an eight-figure education nonprofit. I then worked as a strategic planning consultant, partnering with CEOs in the public and private sector. I have spent the past five years investing in women-led companies and nonprofits in Durham and beyond. Education: New York University, Bachelor of Arts, Individualized Study (Magna Cum Laude), Concentration in Political Community Building. What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? I have worked at the intersection of politics, policy and community engagement for my entire career, including serving at the U.S. Department of Labor. Additional civic involvement includes: Founding Board Chair, Aya Birth & Community Wellness; pro-bono advisor to Mi Maletin; member, NC Funders for Maternal Health; Jewish For Good Young Leadership Award Winner; Narrow Bridge Fund, Co-Founder; At The Well, Founding Board Secretary; Startingbloc fellow. What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it? Quality public education. My priorities to create opportunity and education at every age include: Expanding public pre-kindergarten access to all 3- and 4-year-olds. Making pay for teachers and classified staff competitive. Strengthening our public schools and keeping charter schools accountable. Eliminating the arbitrary cap on special needs funding. Increasing career readiness programs like summer jobs and paid apprenticeships. Making school breakfast and lunch free, healthy and accessible. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? There is not yet a broad consensus within either party about the expansion of midwifery, which is an issue I would lead on if elected. Were facing a maternal mortality crisis that is disproportionately impacting Black families, especially in District 22. We need to make it legal for Certified Professional Midwives to practice in North Carolina (as they do in 36 other states), which is why I support House Bill 751 and the North Carolina MOMnibus Bill introduced by Sen. Natalie Murdock. What legislation would you support to help North Carolinians who are struggling to make ends meet? Too many people are working full-time and still arent making enough to support their families. We need a moral and legislative reorientation towards supporting working families. I would do this by raising the minimum wage, stabilizing the child care industry, supporting domestic workers and child care providers, providing paid sick and family leave, restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing unemployment benefits and tackling health care debt. What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money? The so-called Opportunity Scholarship Program, which diverts hundreds of millions of dollars away from public schools that need this money to pay and retain teachers and maintain existing school buildings, is a grave misuse of taxpayer funds. These school vouchers blur the lines between church and state and increase segregation. Instead, I would support moving that money to our public schools and funding our schools at the levels recommended by the Leandro Plan. Should the new law exempting state lawmakers from the public records law be repealed? Yes. Would you support a bill allowing for additional casinos and legalizing video gambling machines? Yes, so long as low-income communities are not targeted and the revenues continue to go to community college and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) scholarships. Generally, Im in favor of a decriminalization and regulation approach to gambling and recreational marijuana. How would you increase confidence in elections? Expand voting rights and end gerrymandering. If elected, I would work to make voter registration automatic (Senate Bill 471), repeal Senate Bill 747, and expand same day registration, early voting and absentee voting. Lawmakers have everything to gain from gerrymandering districts to suit their needs, and I believe that this kind of corrupt redistricting is one of the greatest threats to our democracy. Redistricting should be led by a bipartisan commission of citizens, which is why I support Senate Bill 642. The fatal shootings of two people who were discovered dead in a dorm room at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs on Friday morning are being investigated as homicides, police said. University and Colorado Springs police officers responded just after 6 a.m. to a call about shots at the Alpine Village campus dormitories, police said. Each of the two people, who have not been identified, had at least one gunshot wound, police said. Officials did not say if they were students. cop car murder homicide shooting (KOAA) Both deaths are being treated as homicides, but the coroner will determine the cause and manner of death, Colorado Springs Police said. This incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides, police said later on social media. We are continuing to develop and follow investigative leads and will provide additional information when it becomes available. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for the family of these two individuals. A tragedy like this is unimaginable, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said at a news conference. The shooting caused a lockdown at the university, which has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students. The campus was closed Friday and will remain closed through the weekend. University Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said that today is a tragic day. Details about the victims, suspects and a motive were not released. (KOAA NEWS5) My heart is broken for the victims of todays senseless violence, and I join in the grieving with their family and friends, and the entire community, Sobanet said. She said it was an isolated shooting event. Counselors from other campuses in Colorado were assisting in the aftermath. Mayor Yemi Mobolade said that the university is a family and part of the larger Colorado Springs family. And we know that there are a lot of questions that have emerged from the events of this morning, he said. But what we know is that were mourning two lives that were lost. At the event "Latin America in the Changing Global Era: Rethinking multilateralism for security, democracy, and development," organized by Fedesarrollo, the Peruvian government official detailed the previous actions for crafting this regulatory document. "We got to work fast seeking, within the existing Andean regulations, an agreement," Gonzalez-Olaechea expressed on Friday. He said the four member countries ordered that their Defense, Interior, Migrations, and Justice teams drive advances, with a view to the meeting held on January 21 in Lima, where Decision No. 922 was approved by which the Resolute Action Plan (PAR) was adopted . This document prioritizes spheres of action related to security and the fight against transnational organized crime in the Andean subregion. "We adopted a binding document within 10 hours: Decision No. 922, which is an Andean Law. The Resolute Action Plan contains 13 scopes of action, with 28 specific measures (...)," he indicated. MESA, Ariz. (AP) The memories came rushing back to Carl Edwards Jr. right when he arrived for another spring training with the Chicago Cubs. I walked in and the first thing I could say was, Man, this is where it all started for me, he said Saturday. To be back here in the Cubbie blue, it just feels amazing. Edwards is trying to make the Cubs' roster again after he broke into the majors with the team in 2015. The wiry reliever agreed to a minor league deal with Chicago last month that included an invitation to big league camp for spring training. He spent the last two years with Washington, going 7-6 with four saves and a 3.07 ERA in 89 appearances. He missed most of last season after he was placed on the injured list in June with right shoulder inflammation. Last year cut short a little bit by injury but a reliever in this league whos had success, so I think health is important for him for sure, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. And our job right now is lets get a healthy version of him. The 32-year-old Edwards had a 3.30 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 174 1/3 innings over 192 appearances in his first stint with the Cubs. The biggest highlight was helping the franchise win the World Series in 2016 for the first time in 108 years. I kind of look at it like I would go into any other spring training, Edwards said. As long as I take care of my business and do what I got to do and prove my durability, then I think I have a good chance to make the team. Edwards was a 48th-round pick by Texas in the 2011 amateur draft. The right-hander was acquired by Chicago in a 2013 trade that moved Matt Garza to the Rangers. He also has played for San Diego, Seattle, Atlanta and Toronto, and he is eager to pass along what he has learned along the way to the young players with the Cubs. I feel like I've been doing that everywhere ever since I left here, Edwards said. "You always have that name of you won the World Series. So everybody wants to talk to you about it. The biggest thing here is what I tell the guys a lot, it's like: Hey guys, were going to have fun. No matter what.' Edwards has been having fun this spring reminiscing with Kyle Hendricks, who also was on the 2016 Cubs team. And he has a connection to catcher Jorge Alfaro, another non-roster invitee who he knows from his time in the Rangers' system. Me and Kyle, I talk to him every day, Edwards said. Still the same guy. Has not changed one bit. Always has a big smile and always has positive things to talk about. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Europe's attempt to give workers at Uber, Deliveroo and other online platforms more social and labour rights failed a second time after France and three other countries abstained from voting on the watered-down political deal. Belgium, the current holder of the rotating EU presidency, is unlikely to muster enough support for yet another attempt, especially as the European Parliament which has to endorse a final deal, gradually winds down ahead of elections in June. Still, it was doubtful whether the weaker provisional agreement would have benefited gig workers as it stripped out key criteria determining whether a worker was an employee, in effect maintaining the status quo which is currently based on national laws and court rulings. EU lawmakers and Belgium had clinched the deal last week, the second attempt after a December agreement failed to get the support of France and several other EU governments. "The final compromise deal on the Platform Work Directive was put forward for endorsement by ambassadors at Coreper," Belgium's EU representation said on X social media. Coreper refers to the ambassadors' meeting. "Unfortunately the necessary QMV (qualified majority voting) wasn't found," it said, adding that it will now consider the next steps. France, Greece, Estonia and Germany refrained from voting, EU diplomats said. That in effect torpedoed the political deal. Uber, which had lobbied against the draft rules, said any proposal must weigh drivers' and couriers' differing requirements. "While the future of the Directive is now uncertain, what remains clear is that any EU-wide rules must maintain the independence platform workers prefer while giving them the protections they deserve," an Uber spokesperson said. The European Transport Workers' Federation was scathing of the EU countries' failure to find a consensus. "The failure of member states has dashed hopes that an EU directive would help end bogus self-employment and give platform workers employment contracts," the lobbying group said. "The well-funded and highly politically connected platform lobby has used its influence in Brussels and in member states to stop any form of regulation at the EU level." The European Commission had proposed the draft rules in 2021, with an estimated 40 million gig economy workers in the European Union in mind. (Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Tomasz Janowski and David Evans) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A former FBI official was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Friday for hiding $225,000 in payments from a former Albanian intelligence officer while serving in a prominent role at the agency, the Justice Department said. Charles McGonigal, 55, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after pleading guilty to concealing the payments while he oversaw counterintelligence and national-security matters as the top agent in the FBI's New York office between 2017 and 2019. It is the second prison sentence for McGonigal, who was sentenced to more than four years in December for working for Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch under U.S. sanctions whom prosecutors have called President Vladimir Putin's "henchman." According to the Justice Department, McGonigal did not tell the FBI that he was paid by the Albanian official and traveled abroad with him on private business. His prison sentence will start once he completes his sentence for working for Deripaska, the Justice Department said. (Reporting by Andy Sullivan in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Jack Queen NEW YORK (Reuters) - Donald Trump's $355 million civil fraud judgment could squeeze the former U.S. president's cash reserves in the coming months and sharply limit his ability to obtain credit. Here is an explanation for how the Friday order by a New York state judge could affect Trump's finances as he seeks the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 U.S. election. WHAT WAS THE RULING? Justice Arthur Engoron found that Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth to obtain better loan terms. In addition to imposing monetary penalties, he barred Trump from running a corporation in New York for three years, and also ordered that no bank chartered or registered in the state lend to Trump and several of his businesses and entities for three years. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the case a political vendetta by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. HOW WILL THE DECISION IMPACT TRUMP'S REAL ESTATE EMPIRE? Trump's holdings consist of a global network of roughly 500 entities spanning real estate, licensing and other business ventures. The former president's finances are opaque, but Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.6 billion, most of it tied up in real estate. Trump testified in an April deposition that he had roughly $400 million in cash. Though he could sell parts of his portfolio to satisfy the judgment, it is unclear how much his property holdings are worth, given the headwinds in the commercial real estate sector. IS TRUMP FINANCIALLY ABLE TO PAY THE FULL JUDGMENT? The ban on applying for loans from banks registered or chartered in New York could severely restrict Trump's ability to raise cash. In addition to the $354.9 million judgment in the civil fraud case, Trump must pay $83 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll after a jury found he defamed her when he denied raping her in the 1990s. Another Manhattan jury in May 2023 ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million in damages after a trial in a separate defamation and sexual assault case that she brought. Trump has denied raping Carroll. He is appealing the first verdict and has said he will appeal the second. Trump's portfolio could see a major windfall if he were to sell his stake in his social media platform Truth Social, the value of which has soared as his bid to return to the White House gathers steam. Trump's stake in the company, Trump Media & Technology Group, is now worth about $4 billion, based on trading in the shares of a black-check acquisition vehicle that has agreed to merge with it. If the deal closes, Trump would be able to sell his shares in the combined company six months later. U.S. financial regulators gave the deal a green light this week, raising the prospect it could close in the first half of 2024. CAN TRUMP USE CAMPAIGN FUNDS TO PAY THE JUDGMENT? No, because unlike many of Trump's legal troubles, the case brought by James was not related to his campaign or his conduct as a president or political candidate. Some legal experts have said damages awards are strictly personal expenses, regardless of assertions by Trump and his lawyers that the case brought against him was politically motivated. WHEN WILL TRUMP HAVE TO PAY? Trump's lawyers have vowed to appeal the decision. He could be required to deposit the full amount of the judgment against him plus interest during any appeal, which is standard practice in similar cases. Trump could also post a smaller amount with collateral and interest by securing a type of loan called an appeal bond. But he could have trouble finding a lender after Engoron ruled that he lied to banks about his wealth. The appeal could take more than a year, and it is not yet clear whether an appellate court would put Engoron's Friday decision on hold during the process. WHAT HAPPENS IF TRUMP FAILS TO PAY? If he exhausts his appeals and refuses to pay in the civil fraud case, Trump could be held in contempt of court and hit with additional fines. The state could also seek to garnish Trump's wages. Imprisonment would be possible but extremely unlikely. (Reporting by Jack Queen; additional reporting by Greg Roumeliotis; Editing by Will Dunham, Noeleen Walder, Amy Stevens and Daniel Wallis) A 500-gallon underground propane tank was found at a Virginia home that exploded Friday, killing one firefighter and injuring others, officials said Saturday. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue were called to the home in Sterling around 7:40 p.m. for a gas leak, Chief Keith Johnson said at a news conference. house explosion fire caution tape (NBC Washington) The tank was leaking propane that had migrated into the homes, he said. Firefighters were inside when the home exploded, Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief of Operations James Williams previously said. Total devastation, is how Williams described the scene and damage. Theres a debris field well into the street and into the neighboring homes. Officials initially said nine firefighters suffered injuries that ranged from serious to less severe. Loudoun County Fire said Saturday that at least 10 people had been injured, including two occupants of the home who suffered minor injuries. The occupants and their pets were removed from the residence by firefighters, officials said. Four first responders remain in the hospital. The firefighter who was killed was identified Saturday as Trevor Brown, 45, of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company. Please keep Firefighter Browns family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and we ask that the familys privacy be respected, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said in a post on X. Johnson said they have not yet determined a complete cause of the explosion. We can assume it was propane-related, but no complete cause has been initiated, he said. The fire is under investigation by the Loudoun County Fire Marshals Office, supported by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Utility Washington Gas was at the scene and assisted in the investigation. Sterling is a community of around 30,000 in Loudoun County, west of Washington, D.C. BANGKOK (Reuters) -Jailed former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra will be released from hospital detention on Sunday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said. Billionaire political heavyweight Thaksin, 74, who was Thailand's prime minister from 2001-2006, has been in detention since August, after making a dramatic homecoming from 15 years in self-exile overseas to avoid prison for a conflict of interest. He had his eight-year jail term commuted to a year by the King after his return and has served six months in hospital detention due to an undisclosed health condition. Thaksin was granted parole earlier this week but it was not certain until now when he would be freed. Sunday is the first day of his parole eligibility. "It will be on the 18th," Prime Minister Srettha told reporters on Saturday, adding that he did not know the details and that "everything would be in accordance to the law." Despite being granted parole, Thaksin could face further legal troubles as public prosecutors are considering charging him for insulting the monarchy during a 2015 media 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. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Stephen Coates and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Former national security adviser John Bolton said Congress should pass more Ukraine aid in the wake of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. I think the way to express our feeling, really, is in the U.S. especially, is to get this Ukraine aid package approved, and get it out of the political turmoil that its gone through for reasons, in substantial part, utterly unrelated to Ukraine, Bolton said on SiriusXMs The Julie Mason Show in an interview that aired Friday. President Biden also used Friday remarks following Navalnys death to press House Republicans to pass more Ukraine aid. He said the opposition leaders passing reminds us of the stakes of this moment. We have to provide the funding so Ukraine can keep defending itself against Putins vicious onslaughts and war crimes, Biden said. History is watching the House of Representatives, the president added. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. Bolton noted that former President Trump is opposed to more Ukraine aid, and that some Republicans are following his lead. However, he also said that he thinks most of the House thinks this aid needs to be approved. I just hope they can get through the procedural morass beyond that, Bolton continued. The Senate has already passed a package that features $60 billion for Ukraine, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated it is not going to make it to a vote in the lower chamber. The White House went after Johnson on Thursday for beginning a house recess and not bringing the Senates Ukraine aid package to the floor for a vote. Every day that Speaker Johnson causes our national security to deteriorate, America loses. And every day that he puts off a clean vote, congressional Republicans standing with the American people plunges, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said. Running away for an early vacation only worsens both problems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -The hundreds of flowers and candles laid in Moscow on Friday to honour the memory of Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition leader, were taken away overnight in black bags. Russia's prison service said that Navalny, 47, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony. Several dozen roses and carnations remained in the softening snow on Saturday at the monument to the victims of Soviet repression, which sits in the shadow of the former KGB headquarters on Lubyanka Square in central Moscow. Vladimir Nikitin, 36, was alone laying a carnation at the Solovetsky Stone, which hails from the islands with the same name in the White Sea where one of the first "Gulag" forced labour camps was founded in 1923 by the Bolsheviks. Policemen looked on. When asked for an interview by Reuters, Nikitin asked to speak in the underpass which threads beneath Lubyanka Square, citing the fear of detention. "Navalny's death is terrible: hopes have been smashed," Nikitin said. "Navalny was a very serious man, a brave man and now he is no longer with us. He spoke the truth - and that was very dangerous because some people didn't like the truth." At the "Wall of Sorrow" memorial on the avenue named after Soviet physicist and dissent Andrei Sakharov, some Russians laid flowers beside pictures of Navalny. One message read: "We will not forget, nor shall we forgive." "I came because I have grief," said Arkady, who declined to give his second name. "He was a man who I respected. I had hopes that he was someone who could do something in the future." The West, including U.S. President Joe Biden, blamed President Vladimir Putin for the death. Western leaders did not cite evidence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the reaction of Western leaders to the death was unacceptable and "absolutely rabid". Russian authorities viewed Navalny and his supporters as extremists with links to the CIA intelligence agency who are seeking to destabilise Russia. They have outlawed his movement, forcing many of his followers to flee abroad. The death of Navalny, a former lawyer, robs the disparate Russian opposition of its most charismatic and courageous leader as Putin prepares for an election that will keep the former KGB spy in power until at least 2030. DEATH IN PRISON The OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 110 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials to Navalny, including 64 in Russia's former imperial capital, St Petersburg. Navalny rose to prominence more than a decade ago by documenting and poking fun at what he said was the vast corruption and opulence of the "crooks and thieves" running Putin's Russia. At the time of his death he was serving prison sentences totalling more than 30 years on a host of charges of extremism and fraud, which he denied and said were politically motivated. His mother, Lyudmila, was travelling to the IK-3 penal colony in the Yamal-Nenets region, about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow, where he died, Russian media reported. Navalny's supporters - including in the West - cast him as a Russian version of South Africa's Nelson Mandela, who would one day walk free to lead the country. His spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, said there was "almost no hope" that he was alive. His wife, Yulia, told the Munich Security Conference that Putin bore responsibility for her husband's death and that the world should come together to defeat the "horrific regime" in Moscow and reclaim Russia. Some Russians, though, dismissed such a view as a classic case of wishful thinking, and pointed to an opinion poll showing that most Russians disapproved of him and that Putin was vastly more popular. "Navalny's death is very beneficial to Putin's opponents," said Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. "They will use it to undermine the legitimacy of the presidential election in Russia, use it to not recognise Putin as the legitimate president. They are trying to present Putin not as the president of a hostile country, but as a criminal with whom no one should have to deal." News of Navalny's death came just hours before Ukraine withdrew from the south of the city of Avdiivka, paving the way for Russia's biggest advance in the country since May 2023. WEST 'NOT OUR FRIEND' At "Patriki", or Patriarch's Ponds, the centre of Moscow nightlife, many young Russians revelled away Friday night just hours after news of Navalny's death. There was no sign of sadness. "It is sad of course when anybody dies," Olga Kazakova, a Russian, told Reuters in central Moscow on Saturday. "But you in the West paint him as someone he was not. The West is not our friend - you are fighting against us in Ukraine." On the bridge beside the Kremlin where opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was shot dead on Feb. 27, 2015, flowers were also removed overnight. A makeshift vase of white and red carnations remained with a small printed piece of paper. "Boris Nemtsov was shot in the back and murdered here," the note said. Policemen looked on as children made their way through the snow piled up in the shadow of Saint Basil's Cathedral. (Reporting by Guy FaulconbridgeEditing by Frances Kerry and Jan Harvey) The parents of two girls shot during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade are thanking Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes for their outpouring of care and support. In a Feb. 16 press release obtained by NBC News, the Reyes family issued an update regarding the status of their daughters, ages 8 and 10. The two girls sustained leg injuries during the Feb. 14 shooting at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, that left one woman dead and 22 injured. In addition to a statement, the Reyes family shared pictures of the two girls being visited by the football quarterback and his wife. Patrick and Brittany Mahomes (Courtesy Reyes Family) On behalf of the Reyes Family, we are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and prayers during this difficult time, the statement reads in part. Our family, along with the other families impacted by this senseless act, are still healing physically and emotionally. Representatives for the Reyes family did not immediately respond to TODAY.com's request for the names of the victims' parents or the nature of Mahomes and Brittany's visit. The statement went on to note that the two sisters will be in casts for several months after undergoing surgery to treat their gunshot wounds but are making good progress in their recovery. We will endure follow-up doctors visits for the next few years. They are receiving physical therapy to regain their strength and mobility, the statement continued. While we are relieved by their progress, the emotional healing continues for all of us. 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. Patrick and Brittany Mahomes (Courtesy Reyes Family) The family included in their statement a link to a GoFundMe campaign requesting help covering medical expenses for the two girls. The statement concluded with the family expressing their appreciation to the hospital staff currently treating their daughters, as well as a thank you to Mahomes and Brittnay. We want to give a personal thank you to the staff of Childrens Mercy Hospital and Patrick & Brittany Mahomes for their outpouring care, love, and support, the statement said. On the day of the shooting, Mahomes reacted to news of the shooting with a post shared on his X page. Praying for Kansas City Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024 Praying for Kansas City, he wrote. On Friday, he shared another post announcing that the Chiefs had created an emergency response fund following the shooting. "Just like #ChiefsKingdom has always been there for me and my family, we want to be there for them," he wrote in the announcement. "The @Chiefs have launched #KCStrong, an emergency response fund supporting victims and their families, violence prevention and mental health services, and first responders." Just like #ChiefsKingdom has always been there for me and my family, we want to be there for them. The @Chiefs have launched #KCStrong, an emergency response fund supporting victims and their families, violence prevention and mental health services, and first responders. pic.twitter.com/sYMnPgCWL0 Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 16, 2024 His wife shared his announcement post to her Instagram story. The day before, Brittany Mahomes had added her thoughts to the discourse around the parade shooting. Shooting people is never the answer, she wrote in her post. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough. Highly embarrassed and disappointed in this, Super Bowl wins will never be the same because of this, its devastating, she continued. Lives lost and people injured during something that was (supposed) to be a celebration. Horrible and traumatizing. As of Feb. 16, two juveniles have been charged in the shooting, officials said. Authorities have said they believe a dispute led to the gunfire and said there was no evidence of violent extremism or terrorism. This article was originally published on TODAY.com MUNICH (Reuters) - Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Saturday the pattern of negotiations for a framework ceasefire deal for the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was "not very promising" in recent days. "The pattern in the last few days are not really very promising but, as I always repeat, we will always remain optimistic and will always remain pushing," Sheikh Mohammed said at the Munich Security Conference. Sheikh Mohammed, who is also foreign minister, said he could not get into the details of negotiations but as with past deals there were two elements, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the number of Palestinians who would be released in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. "I believe in this agreement we are talking at a bigger scale and we still see some difficulties on the humanitarian part of these negotiations," he said. He added that he thought that if negotiations on the humanitarian element of any deal progressed then the obstacle over the numbers of those released would be ultimately tackled. Talks involving officials from Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the United States have so far not yielded a deal for a pause in the fighting. (Reporting by Maha El Dahan and Hatem Maher; Editing by Frances Kerry) After signing the accord by which contract negotiations between Peru and Canada for the implementation of said project begin, Mrs. Boluarte stated that "it will bring development, progress, and of course, the country's growth." This stage will foster the creation of an agro-exports hub in northern Peru. She added that it will entail a total investment of US$750 million. The top official said the execution of Chavimochic's third stage will incorporate 63,000 new hectares into local agriculture. "We will continue betting on the north," she expressed. The Head of State indicated that Chavimochic Project's reactivation is part of her government's policy of unblocking (public) works which had been "abandoned due to corruption." The signing of the above-mentioned document took place in the town of Palo Redondo, Chao district, Viru province. Citizen security Later, President Boluarte pointed out that concrete actions are being taken in Trujillo and Pataz, La Libertad region localities declared in emergency due to citizen insecurity. In the first case, the top official said special operations by specialized police groups have been arranged in those five districts most affected by crime. In Pataz, four police camps will be set up on the outskirts of the premises of the same number of companies dedicated to mining activities. In them, 50 police agents will monitor entrance to said facilities. The president also expressed gratitude to La Libertad Region Governor Cesar Acuna. Moreover, she said the Executive Branch plus local and regional governments carry out "honest, transparent, and articulated work" in this area of Peru. CHAVIMOCHIC VA! ?? ?????????? ? En un dia historico para el pais, y en especial para el norte peruano, la presidenta de la republica, Dina Boluarte Zegarra, lidero la firma del acta para el inicio de negociaciones del contrato de Gobierno a Gobierno entre Peru y Canada para iniciar, pic.twitter.com/PpYqaSPzZM There are fears that the lack of ammunition is affecting performance as well as morale in Ukrainian ranks Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an urgent appeal for more weapons to avoid a "catastrophic" situation in Europe. An "artificial deficit of weapons" will only help Russia, Mr Zelensky told an international conference in Germany. Ukrainian troops have been running out of ammunition as vital US support has been held up by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Congress. Mr Zelensky said he was prepared to tour the front lines with Mr Trump. "If Mr Trump will come, I am ready to go with him to the front line. What does it mean, the real war, not Instagram, the real war," the Ukrainian president said. President Joe Biden assured Mr Zelensky during a phone call on Saturday that the US was committed to supporting Ukraine's fight against "Russia's brutal invasion", the White House said in a statement. Mr Biden also said that earlier in the day "Ukraine's military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russia's first notable gains in months". Avdiivka - a gateway to the Russian-seized Donetsk regional capital in the east - had for months witnessed some of the fiercest fighting before the Ukrainian pull-out announced by the country's top military commander. For his part, President Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the two leaders discussed the current situation on the front line. He said he was "grateful to have President Biden's full support", adding that he hoped Congress would make a "wise decision" on approving a stalled aid package for Ukraine. US Vice-President Kamala Harris had earlier repeated assurances of support to Kyiv. The US "can't play political games" over the military aid, she said at a joint news conference with Mr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference. The gathering of world leaders and senior defence officials comes one week before the two-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The president told delegates Ukrainian efforts were "limited only by the sufficiency and length of range of our strength". The British Broadcasting Corporation "Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," he said. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," he said. "We can get our land back." He went on to warn that the Russian leader would make the next few years "catastrophic" for many more countries if the Western world did not stand up to him. "Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it?" Mr Zelensky told the conference. Ukraine is critically dependent on weapons supplies from the US and other Western allies to keep fighting Russia - a much bigger military force with an abundance of artillery ammunition. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said help for Ukraine from the UK, the EU and the US would make a "real difference" to the fight against Russia. But earlier this week, the US Senate approved a $95bn (75bn) foreign aid package - including $60bn for Ukraine - after months of political wrangling, but it faces an uphill battle in the House of Representatives, where members of the Republican Party who are loyal to Mr Trump seem unwilling to pass the measure. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the Munich conference Europe should help Ukraine more because it was in its interests, and stop "all that whining and moaning about Trump". Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said a Putin victory in Ukraine was "not only a tragedy for the Ukrainians but it sends not only a message to Putin but also to [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping], that when they use military force, they get what they want. So what happens in Ukraine today and can happen in Taiwan tomorrow. And therefore I strongly believe that it's a good deal for the United States to support Ukraine. It's not charity, it's an investment into their own security." (Reuters) -British Foreign Minister David Cameron met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement. Cameron told his counterpart that China should use its influence on Iran to pressure the Houthi militants over their actions in the Red Sea, the statement on Saturday said. Cameron also set out Britain's position on human rights issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, raised the case of British parliamentarians sanctioned by China, and again called for the release of media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Wang said both sides should strengthen strategic communication and play their roles in promoting security and maintaining peace, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Saturday. Wang also said the two sides should make joint efforts to expand "the convergence of interests" and properly handle differences and contradictions to push their relations back on the right track. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's appointment of former British leader Cameron as foreign minister last year caused concern among some lawmakers in his Conservative Party about what it would mean for the government's approach to China. Cameron heralded a "golden era" in relations with China in 2015, something Sunak has said is over. Sunak has instead sought to balance national security interests with better cooperation on trade and climate change. Cameron said in December last year that "the UK will continue to engage with China where it furthers our interests". (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Albee Zhang in Beijing) WASHINGTON (AP) When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with congressional leaders in Washington late last year he told them privately what is now public: With U.S. weapons, they could win the war against Russia, but without them Russian President Vladimir Putin would be victorious. In a subsequent meeting with new House Speaker Mike Johnson, a looming deadline for the supplies came into focus. Now, with U.S. aid for Ukraine teetering in Congress, it's up to Johnson to decide what happens next. The Republican's leadership will determine whether the House will agree to approve more aid for Ukraine or allow the U.S. commitment to wither, the end of the line for the embattled young democracy in Kyiv. President Joe Biden, in a call Saturday with Zelenskyy after Ukraine announced it was withdrawing troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka, stressed the need for urgent congressional action to resupply Ukrainian forces, according to a White House summary of the conversation. Biden also reaffirmed the strong bipartisan support in the U.S. government and among Americans for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said. Zelenskyy said at a news conference with Vice President Kamala Harris in Germany that Ukraine was counting on a positive decision from Congress for the vital aid from its strategic partner. Earlier at a security conference in Munich, he warned of an "artificial deficit of arms for his country. The political and policy decisions ahead in Congress are gravely uncertain. Johnson is insisting he won't be rushed into approving the $95.3 billion foreign aid package from the Senate, despite overwhelming support from most Democrats and almost half the Republicans. But he has yet to chart a path forward in his chamber. While many in Congress view Putin as a global threat, particularly after Russia intervened in the 2016 election in favor of Donald Trump, Johnson's colleagues on the far right are increasingly ambivalent about Putin's aggression and authoritarian leadership, as seen in conservative Tucker Carlson's admiring videos from Moscow after his recent interview with the Russian leader. Even the sudden death of Alexei Navalny, the most famous political prisoner in Russia and Putin's biggest rival, did not appear to move the House speaker Friday to commit to support for Ukraine. "As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States, and our partners, must be using every means available to cut off Putins ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states, Johnson, R-La., said in a statement. Just months on the job, the new speaker is prone to dithering on big questions of the day as he tries to unite his deeply fractured but paper-thin House GOP majority, which is filled with up-and-coming figures challenging his leadership and, at times, threatening his ouster. In one of his first interviews since taking the gavel in October, Johnson told Fox News Sean Hannity that Congress was not going to abandon Ukraine. But in the months since, Johnson's bottom-up leadership style, in which he tries to hear out all comers, has created a leadership vacuum on Ukraine aid that others are increasingly willing and able to fill. Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a Trump ally who opposes more aid to Ukraine, said he hopes to lead a new generation of Republican lawmakers eager to turn away from traditional GOP interventionism around the world. Gaetz said he believes additional U.S. military aid for Ukraine risks escalating the conflict in ways potentially harmful to Americans. "And I think that is a lot more significant to my constituents than which dude gets to run Crimea," Gaetz said, referring to the region Russia has claimed from Ukraine as its own. If the $95 billion aid package was put to a vote, Johnson would find overwhelming support in the House from a coalition of Democrats and Republicans. Anchoring the package is $61 billion for Ukraine, mainly in the form of military equipment from the U.S. It also sends foreign assistance and humanitarian aid to Israel, Gaza and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. There is only Plan A, which is to ensure that Ukraine receives what it needs, Harris said alongside Zelenskyy in Munich. She added that we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games. Biden and the Democratic congressional leaders are imploring the speaker to cast off his right wing and join forces with them to send a sweeping bipartisan message of U.S. leadership in supporting Ukraine and confirming the U.S. commitment to its allies around the world, especially as Trump criticizes the NATO alliance. House Republicans can either choose Americas national security interests or choose Vladimir Putin and Russia that is not a difficult choice, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said after speaking with Johnson midweek. The national security bill should be put on the floor for an up or down vote, and it will pass with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans, Jeffries said. But for Johnson, eyeing his own political future, the choices are different. If he reaches across the aisle to Democrats for a partnership, he is likely to face immediate calls for his ouster. That's what happened when the far right booted his predecessor, former GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy, after he joined forces with Democrats to pass legislation last fall to keep the federal government from shutting down. Congress is away for a recess, but various coalitions of lawmakers have stepped into the void trying to engineer solutions to help Johnson broker the divide. One idea, from centrist Republican and Democratic lawmakers, would be to scale back the package to $66 billion, primarily military aid, with nearly $48 billion for Ukraine, but without the economic or humanitarian aid of the Senate-passed bill. It also would tack on strict immigration controls on the U.S.-Mexico border similar to some that Republicans had pushed for, but ultimately rejected, in the Senate compromise. Another idea is to seize some of the $300 billion in Russian assets that are parked in U.S. banks, something the Biden administration has considered and Johnson appeared to reference in his statement Friday as he searches for ways to avoid using taxpayer money to pay for the military aid to Ukraine. One long-shot proposal would be to use a procedural tool, known as a discharge petition, to force the House to vote on the Senate package. But that would require a level of support that appears out of reach on both sides of the aisle. Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, an Air Force veteran who recently traveled to the Baltic region where National Guard troops from her state partnered with Lithuanian allies, said it boggles my mind that colleagues dont understand the Russia threat. When Johnson said the House will work its will rather than take up the Senate package, Houlahan said the Houses will is to vote for it. He knows better than this that there are more than 300 of us who are willing to vote for this package, she said. He is the speaker of the House," she said. "He is not the speaker of the Republicans. ___ AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Munich contributed to this report. Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday is no room in the Republican party for apologists for President Vladimir Putin after Russian authorities reported the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Pence issued a strong rebuke of the Russian leader in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. Putin is a war criminal and only understands strength. Russias unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine has killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men, women and children. Russias brutality must be met with American strength, he added. Pence further urged Congress to set aside the politics of the moment and to pass aid to Ukraine and Russia with the military resources they need to defeat their enemies and ours. The Senate earlier this week passed a $95 billion package that included aid for Ukraine, Israel and other foreign policy priorities, but Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) quickly shot it down. The fate of Ukraine aid is now uncertain, but Democrats have been working to come up with a Plan B. The Russian Federal Prison Service said Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived and its crew tried to rehabilitate him but was unsuccessful, it added. His death has not been confirmed by the U.S. or Navalnys lawyers, and his wife on Friday cautioned that Putins government always lies. Navalny had been imprisoned since January 2021, when he returned to Russia after recovering from a poisoning that he blamed on Putin. Putin has denied trying to kill him with the nerve agent. The news of the death of Navalny sent shockwaves throughout the international community. Navalnys team had warned repeatedly that he could be killed in prison, and his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said on X she did not have confirmation of his death, but his lawyer was on his way to the prison. Pence has been a sharp critic of Putin and has issued statements criticizing former President Trump for praising the Russian president. When Vladimir Putin rolled into Ukraine, the former president called him a genius, Pence said during his CNN town hall in 2023 while campaigning for the Republican nomination for President. I know the difference between a genius and a war criminal, and I know who needs to win in the war in Ukraine, and its the people fighting for their freedom and fighting to restore their national sovereignty in Ukraine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PHOENIX (AP) The Arizona Diamondbacks and veteran slugger Randal Grichuk agreed Saturday on a $2 million, one-year contract with a mutual option for 2025, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because the deal, which was first reported by ESPN, hadn't been officially announced. Grichuk will be paid $1.5 million this season and would make $6 million in 2025, or the D-backs could pay a $500,000 buyout. The 32-year-old Grichuk has 191 career homers with the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies and Angels. He split time between the Rockies and Angels last season, hitting .267 with 16 homers. Grichuk gives the defending National League champions some more right-handed power in a lineup that includes Eugenio Suarez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Christian Walker. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When Prince Harry and wife Duchess Meghan jetted off to the United States in 2020, it raised lots of questions about how dual citizenship works for members of the royal family. Are these aristocratic figureheads allowed to hold citizenship in another country? And would other countries accept their applications for citizenship even when theyre rulers of a different country? These thoughts recently resurfaced when the Duke of Sussex sat down for an interview with Good Morning America, where he shared his opinions on becoming a U.S. citizen. American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly not something thats a high priority for me right now, he told GMAs Will Reeve. Do I feel American? No. I dont know how I feel. However, despite not necessarily feeling American, the royal still remarked that living in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two kids, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, is amazing. He added, I love every single day. So, what would the process be like if Prince Harry did decide to become a U.S. citizen? Heres everything we know. Can royal family members become citizens of other countries? Well, yes and no. According to American law firm Norris McLaughlin, Prince Harry could become a citizen of the United Statesbut he would have to renounce any title or order of nobility he held before that, per the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. This means he could become a dual citizen of both the U.S. and U.K., but would likely lose his title as Duke of Sussex. The firm also notes that if Harry became a U.S. citizen, he would likely have to pay worldwide taxes. However, that is from the American side of things. Rhere is no official law in the U.K. that prevents Harry from becoming a citizen of another country. If Harry does not decide to become a U.S. citizen, he is considered a permanent resident here instead, meaning he could keep his title. What about people who marry into the royal family? You may be wondering about Duchess Meghan, an American citizen who married Prince Harry. Did she get automatic U.K. citizenship when she married into the family? The answer is no, and the duchess actually talked about the British citizenship process on her Archetypes podcast. That citizenship exam is so hard! the Suits star remarked in the 2022 episode. I was studying for it, and I remember going, Oh my goodness. I would ask my husband, Did you know this? Did you know this? And people went, Oh, I had no idea. Despite the fact that she took and passed the test, Meghan is still not a U.K. citizen because she did not live in the country long enough to obtain citizenship. (The required period is three years.) She ultimately abandoned plans for citizenship when she and Harry moved their family to the U.S. in 2020. Still, this proves that, despite being an American citizen, Meghan would have been eligible to be a British citizen as well. Furthermore, even if Harry decided to become a U.S. citizen, Meghan might be able to keep her titles, because U.S. law does not prohibit Americans from accepting (and keeping) titles from other countries. If Harry were forced to renounce his dukedom, however, Meghans title would likely go with it. What about royals born with dual citizenship? Now youre probably curious about Meghan and Harrys two children, who do possess both U.K. and U.S. citizenship. When Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were born, they automatically became dual citizens, since both of their parents were citizens of their respective countries at the time of their birth. Down the line, though, some of these things may change. The National Constitution Center notes that other royals, like Prince Albert of Monaco and Queen Noor of Jordan, renounced their American citizenship when they turned 18, so as to avoid a conflict of interest with their royal status. Because Archie and Lilibet both reside in the U.S. (and their parents are not senior royals), its unclear what the future holds for them. If Archie or Lilibet have any future children in the U.S., though, these descendants would have to apply for U.K. citizenship. The U.K. government site notes, British citizenship is normally automatically passed down one generation to children born outside the U.K. Do royal family members require passports? As noted on the official royal family website, all members require passports to travel overseas, except for the monarch of the United Kingdom. An update from the time of Queen Elizabeth IIs reign reads: When travelling overseas, The Queen does not require a British passport. As a British passport is issued in the name of Her Majesty, it is unnecessary for The Queen to possess one. All other members of the Royal Family, including The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales, have passports. The same rule would apply to King Charles, who took over as monarch when his mother passed away in September 2022. You Might Also Like The Russian advance into the ruins of the city of Avdiivka was only a matter of time. Ukrainian forces were vastly outnumbered and had suffered a daily onslaught since October, in a city that has been on the frontlines since Russian-backed separatists launched a rebellion against Kyiv in the spring of 2014. The Russians have sustained huge losses in men and material since beginning their fall drive against the city, where some 1,000 civilians have clung on despite constant attempts by the Donetsk authorities to persuade them to leave. In December, US officials estimated that the Russian military had suffered more than 13,000 casualties along the Avdiivka-Novopavlivka axis in just a few weeks. The Russians began the assault on the city with heavy armor but sustained heavy losses, in part because of accurate Ukrainian drone attacks. More recently they changed tactics, sending dozens of small squads of infantry into the city to fight at close quarters. The Ukrainian military acknowledged in December that the concentration of Russian forces would ultimately prevail. Then Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, said that the enemy has the ability to concentrate its forces, including artillery and aviation, in one direction or another. And they can make it so that in two-three months the town [Avdiivka] will have the same fate as Bakhmut, which ultimately fell in the spring. On Friday, Maksym Zhoryn, the deputy commander of Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade, said his men were outnumbered 15 to one and that the Russians had sent seven brigades, totalling about 15,000 men, into the fight. Ultimately, the sheer mass of Russian forces, along with their aerial superiority, left the defense of the city untenable, and threatened to encircle the Ukrainian brigades still defending it. Ukraines new commander in chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, ordered a withdrawal, and according to the Institute for the Study of War, the continued marginal rate of Russian advance in and around Avdiivka suggests that Ukrainian forces are currently conducting a relatively controlled withdrawal from Avdiivka. The Ukrainian withdrawal to more favorable defensive lines appears to have come at a cost, as Russian units mined some routes. And ISW warns that Ukrainian forces may have to stabilize the frontline by counter-attacking in the area where Russian forces are trying to close the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka in order to conduct an orderly withdrawal. Much of Avdiivka now lies in ruins. - Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Nuzhnenko via Reuters There are already indications that not all Ukrainian units were able to escape an ever-tightening noose. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Tavria group defending the area, said Saturday that the withdrawal was carried out in accordance with the plan that had been developed and yet, a number of Ukrainian servicemen were taken prisoner at the final stage of the operation, under pressure from the enemys superior forces. The Ukrainians will hope that their withdrawal to more defensible and already prepared positions will stem Russian advances, as they would likely suffer considerable losses if they decided to frontally attack these Ukrainian positions across open fields, in the view of the ISW. Even so, as Zhorin admitted Saturday, The overall situation in this area is difficult, and we are facing some very tough battles ahead. There are other parts of Donetsk and Kharkiv regions where Ukrainian forces are under pressure. The Russians have recently made incremental gains around Mariinka, south of Avdiivka. They are inheriting urban wastelands in what has become a gruesome battle of attrition, but the Russian Defense Ministry can laud such operations as progress as the Presidential election approaches. There are military parallels in Avdiivka with the loss of Bakhmut last year, when the Ukrainians hung on to parts of the city to inflict as many casualties on Russian attacking units as possible, even as they took heavy losses themselves. President Volodymr Zelensky said at the Munich Security Conference Saturday: Since October they have been attacking this poor Avdiivka with all the armaments, with all the power that they had, with thousands of their soldiers, who died, tens of, dozens of thousands. Thats what Russia has achieved. Its a depletion of their army. And I think that this is the task that our military people are doing every day and while saving our lives. Zelensky claimed that for every Ukrainian soldier lost in and around Avdiivka seven Russians had been killed. He also repeated the point that Russian airstrikes had been carried out against the Ukrainian defenders at will, and appealed for Ukraines allies to unblock the skies. On Friday, one commander in Avdiivka said his troops had been subjected to 60 air strikes over the previous 24 hours. Ukraines much larger problem is that it is defending a frontline that is 1,000 kilometers long with a chronic shortage of artillery shells and other munitions, as a $60 billion package of US military aid has been held up in Congress since December and Europe is struggling to send what it had pledged. In addition, Ukraines better units have been fighting almost non-stop for two years, while Russia mobilized an additional 300,000 troops to increase its numerical superiority. The Ukrainians are adapting swiftly to a new stance of active defense that will continue to bleed Russian forces. But they can only win the battle here and across the front lines with both a step-change in technology and a further infusion of western hardware. The arrival of the F-16 combat aircraft should at least tilt the balance in the sky, but long-range missile systems to hit the Russian rear are also an urgent need, and one that many western governments have been wary of providing. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Courtesy of Liana Satenstein "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." I scored the juiciest, most in-demand accessory at New York Fashion Week. It wasnt a new intrecciato Bottega bag handcrafted in some storied factory in Italy. Nor was it a butter-soft leather jacket from the latest Phoebe Philo drop, with a price tag equivalent to a mortgage payment. No, it was a pale pink 40-ounce Stanley Cup with a thick protruding straw, officially named the Adventure Quencher H2.0 Travel Tumbler, that retails for $45. Okay, maybe it wasnt the hottest thing at Fashion Week, but it certainly has been the hottest accessory on social media. Stanley, a camping and outdoors company famous for creating insulated bottles over 100 years ago, has seen their chuggers blow up on TikTok. Recently, Stanley Cups collaborated with Starbucks on a collection of searing pink and red cups that became so popular that they have become a new resource for scalpers, ending up on StockX, a platform typically reserved for rare sneakers, for $250 and up. On eBay, I found one for $355, which the seller ensured CUP IN HAND! I am selling the cup. There are a lot of scammers on eBay trying to sell pictures of the cup. Dont be fooled! Shop Now There she is. amazon.com $35.00 The recycled aluminum vessel has inspired countless think-pieces and mini-investigations, including in The New Yorker and The New York Times and The Atlantic, all attempting to trace and make sense of its virality. The official Stanley TikTok has a fun way of integrating their fans into their page: In one video, which has been viewed over 56.6 million times, a woman shows how her car caught on fire, and yet, the Stanley Cup has remained intact in its cup holder. (Stanley later gifted her a new car, which they also put on social media). The rabid obsession with the drinking vessel has translated to plenty of big-time moolah, too. Revenue for the brand has increased from $73 million in 2019 to a whopping $750 million in 2023, according to CNBC . Courtesy of Liana Satenstein The zaftig mug is a craze very much outside of fashions epicenters. I watched a video on TikTok showing a ferocious pilgrimage to Target for an exclusive Starbucks x Stanley Cup drop. It included a post-apocalyptic mob of women running towards their goodies like New Yorkers at a sample sale for The Row. The cup is great for chugging in an SUV, with its plump container resting easy in a cup holder. And it makes sense slapped down on an office desk. But what about its fashion appeal? Is it comfortable to haul along to a fashion show? And, more importantly, does the status of a Stanley Cup still hold up? Would sipping sink water from it while sitting front row at Thom Browne, watching model Alex Consani shed a jacket that took months to hand-stitch to a recitations of Edgar Allen Poes The Raven, enhance its power or diminish it? If no one notices your Stanley Cup, do you even have one? And if they do notice it and hate it, what does that mean? Courtesy of Liana Satenstein My first day with my new appendage, I took an electric Citibike from south Brooklyn to the Eckahus Latta show in Tribeca with my new cup nestledexcept for the strawinto my vintage Y2K-era Louis Vuitton Citi Multipli bag. At stoplights, Id lean over and take a swig. By the time I got to the show, there was a thin layer of water sloshing around at the cap. No big deal. Courtesy of Liana Satenstein The real tidal wave of commotion happened when I entered the building. I was swarmed by a small group of friends and colleagues who saw the top of the Stanley Cup peeking out of my bag, almost as if it were a swaddled newborn peekabooing its tiny head from a blanket. Cue the cries of "Is that a Stanley Cup?" and "I cannot." I relished the attention so much that by the end of the show, I was carrying the cup around with lumpen pride like it was some kind of trophy. Courtesy of Liana Satenstein The next day, I checked what bags I had in my carryall arsenal. Was it possible to chic-afy this Stanley Cup? I grabbed a Michael Kors-era Celine PVC bag from spring 2000a collection that essentially revolves around a hot-bodied oligarchs side piece stepping off of a helicopter. I plopped my filled-to-the-brim cup into the clear bag and headed out to fashion week, showing off the Stanleys buxom steel bod to the world. Courtesy of Liana Satenstein The Stanley Cup was a hit: a mini celebrity or maybe a sideshow freak. Showgoers loved to take photos of it. Interview editor Taylore Scarabelli gleefully wrote subverting the basic bitch in response to a photo of me sipping from it. She has a point. The Stanley Cup has so far been relegated to mass market basic bitch-dom. But there is always a chance that it might be on the arms of downtown girlies or on runways in a few seasons. Fashion has a history of glomming onto ironic trends and transforming them into something cheeky and chic. There was the UGG craze, which managed to seep its way from sororities onto the feet of fashion women and later integrate with brands. Telfar, Y/Project, Collina Strada have all released their iteration of the sheepskin boot. And lets not forget the bulbous resin Crocs, which went from the hooves of Mario Batali to the runways of Balenciaga, where they were transformed with violent girthy platforms and adorned with brutalist spikes, and Simone Rocha, where they were twisted into a confectionery, bedazzled lady clog. The fashion potential might be realer than youd think: The former Chief Marketing Officer of Crocs Terrence Reilly is now the President of Stanley. Bringing the Stanley Cup to fashion week was admittedly a party trick: a conversation starter, and one dripping with irony at that. Perhaps, though, Im just an early adopter of fashions next obsession. Maybe there is a fashion collaboration in the near future. After all, it serves as an incredible easel to be freaked with; a tabula rasa of sorts, and a heritage item in its own right. Fashion is always thirsty, after all. Drink up. You Might Also Like Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno were born at the Houston Zoo last Valentine's Day. Jackelin Reyna/Houston Zoo Last year, the Houston Zoo had an extra-special Valentines Day surprise: their 90-year-old radiated tortoise, Mr. Pickles, became a dad for the very first time. Now, one year later, these dill-ightful tortoise triplets are celebrating their first birthday. One-year-old Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno are not only adorabletheyre also crucial in the conservation of radiated tortoise genetics. Ninety-year-old Mr. Pickles, their father, is the oldest animal at the Houston Zoo and has been with Mrs. Pickles, his companion, since she arrived at the park in 1996. The pair's reproduction is a big dill; Mr. Pickles is considered one of the most genetically valuable radiated tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. Due to illegal over-collection for the pet trade and the reptiles tendency to yield few offspring, radiated tortoises are now critically endangered. Jackelin Reyna/Houston Zoo The survival of these little Pickles is largely due to perfect timing and intervention from the zoos Animal Care Team. One day, at the zoos closing time, Mrs. Pickles happened to lay her eggs in the soil in front of a herpetology keeper. ...Its unlikely the eggs would have hatched on their own if the keeper hadnt been in the right place at the right time, the Houston Zoo shared in a release last year announcing the triplets birth. As radiated tortoises are native to southern Madagascara climate quite different from Houstonthe Animal Care Team went to work retrieving and monitoring the eggs to give the future tortoises their best shot at survival. First, the eggs were cooled off to mimic temperatures in the wild, and then the soon-to-be-Pickles were protected in an 80-degree incubator. Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno hatched on Valentines Day 2023. Now shell-ebrating their first birthday, each Junior Pickles weighs about 116 grams and is nearly six times its original size. But Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno still have some growing up to do: Radiated tortoises can weigh up to 35 pounds with a shell length of up to 16 inches. Jackelin Reyna/Houston Zoo Heres an added pickle perk: The Houston Zoo uses a portion of all membership and admission sales to assist zoo partners in Madagascar in replanting habitats like those Mr. Pickles, Mrs. Pickles, Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno would need to survive in the wild. Next time youre in Houston, Texas, relish in these little Pickles (and the importance of tortoise conservation) at the zoo's Reptile and Amphibian House. For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. A dead North Atlantic white whale is prepared to be towed to Tybee Island from about 20 miles off shore Thursday. A young female North Atlantic right whale found dead this week off the Georgia coast suffered injuries that were likely the result of being hit by a passing vessel, federal officials said Friday. Investigators found evidence of blunt-force trauma, including fractures of the skull. The injuries are consistent with a vessel strike prior to death, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Fisheries division said Friday. The year-old female, known as Pilgrim, was discovered Wednesday floating about 20 miles off the coast of Tybee Island. An aerial survey team from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute searched and found the carcass, which had been heavily scavenged by sharks, NOAA reported. On Thursday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Sea Tow service brought the whale ashore to Tybee Island. The remains were buried Thursday evening following the examination. In all, five North Atlantic right whales have been found dead, seriously injured or classified as missing since mid-December. Wildlife officials and onlookers surround a dead North Atlantic right whale after it was towed to Tybee Island from about 20 miles off shore Thursday. Warm reception: New Gray's Reef research vessel aims to capture climate impacts off Georgia coast The latest discovery came just days after a dead right whale was found off the Massachusetts coast, near Marthas Vineyard. The two deaths bring the total of North Atlantic right whale fatalities to 38 since 2017, a spate that prompted NOAA to declare an official "Unusual Mortality Event." During the current birthing season, which runs from November through March, 17 calves have been observed, including the two that died and a third that was struck by a vessel and is believed to be seriously injured, NOAA said. The announcement of the likely cause of death in the latest incident brought renewed criticism over the pace of the federal governments deliberations of proposed expansions of vessel speed limits aimed at protecting right whales from being struck. Its profoundly disturbing to see yet another North Atlantic right whale hit and killed by a vessel while were waiting for long-overdue federal protections, said Catherine Kilduff, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Every death brings these beleaguered whales one big step closer to extinction, especially when we lose young females. We need immediate science-based action that slows vessels down. Opponents of the expanded rules say they will negatively impact Georgias ports and fishing industry. Sharks circle a dead North Atlantic right whale calf discovered off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia. Natural progression: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge goes with flow to combat climate change Any premature loss threatens the prospective recovery of right whales, which have been protected for a half-century under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Atlantic teemed with as many as 21,000 right whales before their population was decimated by commercial whaling in the late 19th century, driving their numbers down to an estimated 100. There are believed to be about 340 remaining, including fewer than 70 reproducing females. Just a dozen calves were identified during the 2022-2023 season, but not all of them survived. John Deem covers climate change and the environment in coastal Georgia. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Right whale killed off Georgia coast likely hit by vessel YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. On February 17, in the framework of the working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany in the delegation led by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan held a meeting with Lithuania's Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anusauskas, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported. According to the source, the discussion focused on the current state and future prospects of cooperation between both countries. Several agreements were reached to enhance collaboration, particularly within the European Union and NATO frameworks. Additionally, the ministers addressed various bilateral matters, including regional security issues. WASHINGTON Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the West to swiftly and decisively aid Ukraine as it defends itself against Russias invasion while taking an apparent swipe at Congress for its continued stalemate over foreign assistance. First, we all must do not something, but everything possible to defeat the aggressor, Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Please, everyone remember that dictators do not go on vacation. Both the House and Senate are out of session for the next week while Congress has been at a standstill over passing a foreign aid package that includes continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine, which Zelenskyy has pleaded for. The bolder and more active America was along with the others on the right side of history, the more successful freedom was, Zelenskyy said in his remarks of the U.S.s role in preserving democracy. The world would have long been divided among the dreams of a few dictatorships if it was not the American dream that always left enough space for the peoples dreams. Zelenskyy said later on Saturday through a translator during a news conference alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, that the package is a "way forward." The weapons would not ensure victory for Ukraine, he acknowledged. "But moving forward is much much better than stagnation on the battlefield." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Congress has so far failed to pass a national security and foreign aid spending deal in part because of House Republicans adamance that any foreign aid must be passed along with changes in border and migrant policy. National security begins with border security, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters on Tuesday. A small group of bipartisan Senate negotiators, blessed by their party leaders and colleagues in the upper chamber to hash out the deal, released a foreign aid spending deal that included sweeping changes to border and migrant policy, but the bill was later effectively killed by House Republicans who said the deal wasnt enough to address the crisis on the southern border. In response, the Senate passed standalone legislation with the foreign aid spending omitting the border and migrant provisions, but Johnson later released a statement saying any package related to overseas spending but tied to the southern border. And underscoring just how far Congress still is from passing Ukraine aid, Johnson also told reporters this week he was focused on averting a government shutdown, for which parts of government funding expire on March 1. The lower chamber, he said, still needs time to evaluate the Senates foreign aid proposal. Regardless, Harris reiterated that there is bipartisan consensus in Congress on support for Ukraine in spite of the months of bickering that has prevented the United States from sending the ally additional equipment and cash. "The United States stands with Ukraine. And we have been proud to stand with Ukraine over the last two years. And President Joe Biden and I will continue to stand with Ukraine," she said as the joint news conference began. Speaking in Munich on Friday, Harris chided Republicans such as President Donald Trump who do not want to pay for Europe's security. The Biden administration believes it is in America's strategic interest to defend its allies, she said. "However, there are some in the United States who disagree. They suggest it is in the best interest of the American people to isolate ourselves from the world, to flout common understandings among nations, to embrace dictators and adopt their repressive tactics, and abandon commitments to our allies in favor of unilateral action." Two times in the past week Trump has suggested the U.S. would not protect countries that are part of the NATO alliance that do not spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Relaying an alleged conversation he says he had while he was president Trump said last weekend that he told the leader of a NATO nation: You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? ... No I would not protect you." Harris was having none of it on Friday. "I firmly believe our commitment to build and sustain alliances has helped America become the most powerful and prosperous country in the world alliances that have prevented wars, defended freedom, and maintained stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. To put all of that at risk would be foolish," she said. It is up to Americans to decide, she said, whether the U.S. will remain a global power or "turn inward, whether it is in our interest to defend longstanding rules and norms that have provided for unprecedented peace and prosperity or allow them to be trampled." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zelenskyy swipes Congress over aid: 'Dictators do not go on vacation' 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 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechirvan Idris Barzani, the PM's Office said. The interlocutors emphasized the continuous development of trade and economic cooperation. In that context, the need to expand and deepen business ties was emphasized. The sides also exchanged views on other topics of regional importance. In a rare poetry reading organized by Efe Balkcoglu and Sibel Erol and focused on often unacknowledged voices in contemporary Turkey, the works of three dissident authors are to be presented as a serious Turkish delight for mind and tongue. The presentation on Feb. 23 both in person and on Zoom will feature Sevinc Calhanoglu, a feminist poet and artist who, Im told, writes mostly about womens experiences under Turkish patriarchy; Frat Demir, a gay Kurdish poet who, Im told, writes highly politically charged poems criticizing the Turkish governments discriminatory rhetoric against Kurds; and Nicholas Glastonbury reading his translations of the late queer leftist poet Arkadas Z. Ozger, who was brutally murdered in an unsolved hate crime against the LQBTQ+ community and Turkeys leftist movement. Per the presenters: The standoff between the protestors and security personnel at two points on the Punjab-Haryana border entered its fourth day A farmer at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo' protest, near Patiala district, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Several farmers' unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh or nationwide strike today. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Though the third-round meeting between the Centre and leaders of protesting farmers unions remained inconclusive, the Centre asserted that there were some positive developments and that another round of talks will be held on Sunday. Meanwhile, on Friday, the standoff between the protestors and security personnel at two points on the Punjab-Haryana border entered its fourth day, with farmers trying to breach past the barricades and the security forces resorting to firing teargas shells in their bid to disperse the agitators. After the five-hour-long meeting that started late on Thursday evening and continued till about 1.30 am on Friday, Union agriculture minister Arjun Munda said the talks took place in a good atmosphere and there was positive discussion. The minister said that the talks will continue and another meeting will take place at 6 pm on Sunday, adding that a solution will be found by sitting together. As the deadlock persisted, the general secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Sarwan Singh Pandher urged an intervention from the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the farmers' issues. Calling for an amicable solution, Pandher said, "A detailed discussion was held on our demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP and a debt waiver. The ministers said they need time. We want a positive result and any confrontation should be avoided. Otherwise, our programme to go to Delhi stands." Urging the Punjab government to maintain law and order in the state, Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur expressed hope that farmers will not resort to violence and vandalism. "I am fully confident that the talks will be cordial on Sunday as well and we will work towards a resolution of the issues," Mr Thakur said. Meanwhile, the Gramin Bharat Bandh call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on Friday passed off peacefully. Farmers owing allegiance to different factions held demonstrations at several places in Punjab and Haryana. Protests were also held in parts of western Uttar Pradesh. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait participated in a protest held at the Delhi-Dehradun national highway in Muzaffarnagar. Speaking to the media, he said, "We are holding a protest for the demands, including the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report and the loan waiver, among others." On being asked if he has any plans to go to Delhi, Mr Tikait said, "A meeting is scheduled for Saturday, where planning for the future course of action will be made." The Samyukt Kisan Morcha reiterated that it will intensify agitation in the coming days if demands are not met soon. A day after an uneasy calm persisted at the Punjab-Haryana border, it once again witnessed clashes between the farmers and the security forces on Friday when the protesters tried to cross the fortified border, forcing the security personnel to resort to teargas shelling for a brief time. In return, the agitators pelted stones at the forces. After the fresh confrontation was witnessed, the Congress condemned the police action against farmers and urged the government to fulfil its promises. The party also hit out at the Haryana government, alleging it was creating impediments and committing brutality against peaceful farmers. In Delhi, the situation remained calm. The Delhi police is on high alert and security remains tight. The two border points -- Singhu and Tikri -- between Delhi and Haryana remained closed for traffic, with a heavy deployment of security personnel in anti-riot gear. Traffic movement is, however, allowed at the Ghazipur border with Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi police is keeping extra vigil and has put up barricades in the central part of the city leading to the Parliament and other sensitive locations. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. At the tripartite meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Munich, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that Germany and Europe are ready to support peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "Germany and Europe are ready to support the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan within their capabilities. I have confirmed this during the discussions with both countries. It's good that both sides have agreed to resolve open issues without new violence," Scholz posted on X. The Law Commission has recommended a comprehensive law to deal with the situation and compulsory registration of such alliances While presenting the report Law on Matrimonial Issues Relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India to the law ministry, panel chairman Justice (Retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi said the Commission is of the opinion that the proposed central legislation should be comprehensive enough to cater to all facets involving marriages of NRIs as well as foreign citizens of Indian origin with that of Indian citizens. (Representational Image/PTI) New Delhi: Describing as a worrisome trend the rising cases of fraudulent marriages between NRIs and Indian citizens, the Law Commission has recommended a comprehensive law to deal with the situation and compulsory registration of such alliances. While presenting the report Law on Matrimonial Issues Relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India to the law ministry, panel chairman Justice (Retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi said the Commission is of the opinion that the proposed central legislation should be comprehensive enough to cater to all facets involving marriages of NRIs as well as foreign citizens of Indian origin with that of Indian citizens. The rising occurrence of fraudulent marriages involving NRIs marrying Indian partners is a worrisome trend. Several reports highlight an increasing pattern where these marriages turn out to be deceptive, putting Indian spouses, especially women, in precarious situations, Justice Awasthi said in his covering letter to law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday. Such a legislation, the panel said, should be made applicable not only to the NRIs but also to those individuals who come within the definition of OCIs as laid down in the Citizenship Act, 1955. It is further recommended that all marriages between the NRIs/OCIs and Indian citizens should be made compulsorily registered in India, Justice Awasthi said. He said the comprehensive central legislation should also include provisions on divorce, maintenance of spouse, custody and maintenance of children, serving of summons, warrants, or judicial documents on the NRIs and OCIs. Further, it is recommended that requisite amendments need to be introduced in the Passports Act, 1967 in order to mandate the declaration of marital status, the linking of a spouse's passport with the other and mentioning of the marriage registration number on the passports of both the spouses, he told the government. The commission recalled that in order to deal with the emerging situation, the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on February 11, 2019. Initially, the 16th (previous) Lok Sabha referred the bill to the Committee on External Affairs. Subsequently, the same bill was again referred to the Committee on External Affairs after the 17th (present) Lok Sabha was constituted, for further examination. As deliberations continued, the Law Commission received a reference on the NRI Bill, 2019 from the Ministry of External Affairs, conveyed through the Law Ministry in April last. The tribunal will hear the matter next Wednesday before a final decision is taken on the matter The accounts, including those of the Indian Youth Congress, were frozen on an income-tax demand of Rs 210 crore for 2018-19, an election year, Maken said. (PTI File) New Delhi: The Congress' main bank accounts were frozen on Friday over an income-tax demand of Rs 210 crore, but in relief to the party, which said the move had impacted all political activity, an I-T appellate tribunal later allowed it to operate them pending a further hearing next week. The tax tribunal, however, told the Congress that there will be a Rs 115 crores lien on the bank account. Party leader Vivek Tankha, who appeared before the tribunal against the order, said he told the tribunal that the Congress will not be able to participate in the "festival of elections" if its accounts remain frozen. The tribunal will hear the matter next Wednesday before a final decision is taken on the matter. In effect, the Congress will be allowed to operate its accounts but will have to keep a minimum balance of Rs 115 crore. Congress treasurer Ajay Maken, who had earlier addressed a press conference to announce that the income-tax authorities had frozen its accounts, said the tribunal has put a lien of Rs 115 crore on its accounts and the party has been allowed to spend over and above that. "On our petition, the income-tax department and the income-tax appellate tribunal (ITAT) said that we have to ensure that Rs 115 crore have to be kept in the banks. This Rs 115 crore is the lien marked in the bank accounts," Maken said while detailing the tribunal order. "We can spend an amount over and above that," he said in a post on X using the hashtag "#DemocracyFrozen". "This means that Rs 115 crore have been frozen. This Rs 115 crore is much more than we have in our current accounts," he added. The Congress treasurer had earlier said the freezing of its accounts on "flimsy grounds" had affected all political activity of the party barely two weeks before the general election was announced. The accounts, including those of the Indian Youth Congress, were frozen on an income-tax demand of Rs 210 crore for 2018-19, an election year, Maken said. According to him, the party filed its I-T returns for the concerned year a few days late and that is why this action was taken. The matter, he said, also pertains to a discrepancy in cash receipts of Rs 14.4 lakh given to the party by its MLAs and MPs as donations made from their salaries. Maken also said the I-T authorities' orders freezing the accounts had come on Wednesday. While Maken said four main bank accounts were frozen, sources later put the number at nine. The party was unable to use even the funds received under its crowdfunding scheme, Maken said at the press conference. Several party leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, expressed their outrage and alleged that the government's move was an attack on democracy. Terming the government "power drunk" for freezing the accounts of India's largest Opposition party just before the Lok Sabha elections, Kharge said in his post on X that it was a "deep assault" on democracy. The unconstitutional money collected by the BJP will be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by the Congress through crowdfunding shall be sealed, the party president said. "That is why I have said that there won't be any elections in the future. We appeal to the judiciary to save the multi-party system in this country and protect India's democracy," the Congress president said. "Don't be afraid Modi ji, the Congress is not the name of the power of money but of the power of people... We have never bowed before dictatorship, nor will we ever bow down," Gandhi said. "Every Congress worker will fight tooth and nail to protect India's democracy," he added, using the hashtag "#DemocracyUnderAttack". "Not just the Congress party's accounts, but India's democracy has been frozen," Congresss organisational general secretary K.C. Venugopal said. Pointing out that the government's dictatorial attitude came barely a month before the 2024 elections, Venugopal made a reference to the Supreme Court scrapping the electoral bond scheme for political funding on Thursday. "When one avenue to tilt the balance was struck down by the courts yesterday, the government has chosen a new route now." "The BJP has hoarded over Rs 6,500 crore through the illegal electoral bond scandal, which remains untouched, but the earnest donations of ordinary INC workers and supporters are frozen," he said on X, adding that the party will fight "this new assault on democracy tooth and nail." The BJP rubbished as a lie the Congress' allegation that the government was behind the income-tax department freezing its bank accounts, claiming that the more it is defeated in polls, the more belligerent it has become in "showering abuses" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party. Speaking to reporters, BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the I-T action was a routine process as the Congress had not followed due procedure in either filing taxes or adhering to rules and regulations regarding appeal. "The BJP has nothing to do with it at all. It is a routine I-T process. We condemn the palpable lies being made out by the Congress," he said. Says first denied Lord Ram, now chanting Jai Shri Ram NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 26,750 crores in Haryana and Rajasthan. Addressing rallies in Rewari in Haryana and Jaipur in Rajasthan (virtually), the Prime Minister flayed the Congress for keeping the interests of one family above those of the country. He said the Congress neither has the foresight to frame positive policies nor the road map for them. In Rewari, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). During his visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation for multiple development projects in Haryana worth more than Rs 9,770 crores related to urban transport, health, rail and tourism. Mr Modi asserted that India has touched new heights in the world today and that it has been possible because of people's blessings. Referring to his visit to the UAE and Qatar earlier this week, the Prime Minister said that the respect that India now gets from every corner is not of Modi alone but of every Indian. Launching a stinging attack on the Congress, Mr Modi said that those who used to call Lord Ram imaginary and did not want a temple in Ayodhya to be constructed are also chanting "Jai Siya Ram" now. The Prime Minister noted that for decades, the Congress had created obstacles in the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Modi said that he had given a guarantee and fulfilled it by scrapping Article 370. The Congress' track record is to keep the interest of one family above that of the country and its people, he charged. The Congress' track record is of the biggest scams in history, he said. Mr Modi said that his first programme after the BJP declared him as its prime ministerial candidate in the run-up to the 2014 general elections was in Rewari in September 2013. "As prime ministerial candidate, I had given some guarantees. The country wanted a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and it has been fulfilled, he said. Mr Modi further noted that people are now saying that since he has come to Rewari again, the BJP-led NDA will win more than 400 seats this time -- 'Abki Baar NDA Sarkar 400 Paar' -- with people's blessings. Seats are important in a democracy, but for me, people's blessings are the biggest asset, he said, asserting that India could successfully host the G-20 summit last year because of people's blessings. In the 10 years of his government, India rose from the eleventh spot to become the fifth largest economy in the world and it was due to people's blessings. I need your blessings to make India the third largest economy in my third term in the coming years," the Prime Minister said. Earlier, virtually addressing the Viksit Bharat, Viksit Rajasthan event in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones of projects worth about `17,000 crores and inaugurated various development works catering to different sectors, including roads, railways, solar energy, power transmission, drinking water, and petroleum and natural gas. In his address, he again attacked the Congress, saying that everyone is leaving the party as it is trapped in the vicious circle of nepotism and dynastic politics. "The Congress has only one agenda -- oppose Modi. They spread such things against Modi, which can divide society. This is what happens to a party when it gets trapped in the vicious cycle of dynastic politics. Today, everyone is leaving the Congress and only one family is seen there," he said. He stated that the biggest challenge with the Congress is that it lacks the foresight to frame positive policies. He said, "Neither can the Congress foresee the future nor does it have any road map for it." "When Modi fulfils his guarantees, some people lose sleep. You are looking at the situation of the Congress; you have recently taught a lesson to the Congress, but it does not accept it," he said, referring to the Rajasthan Assembly election results. "They do not even take the name of 'Viksit Bharat' because Modi is working for it. They avoid 'Make in India' because Modi promotes it. They do not speak about 'Vocal for Local' because Modi insists on it. When India became the fifth-largest economic power, the whole country was happy, but the Congress people were not happy. When Modi says that India will become number three in the world in the next term, the whole country is filled with confidence, but the Congress people find disappointment in this too," he said. Mr Modi mentioned that during the Congress era, the entire country faced darkness due to the shortage of electricity. "Even if electricity came, it came for a short period of time. Crores of houses did not have electricity connections. No country can develop without electricity. It would have taken decades to solve this problem at the speed at which the Congress was working, he said. Mr Modi pointed out that after coming to power, his government focused on getting the country out of this power shortage and made policies, took decisions and laid emphasis on the new sector of solar energy. He said that the situation has completely changed today and India has become one of the leading countries in the world in terms of generating electricity from solar energy. "The BJP's double-engine government is working rapidly to make Rajasthan self-reliant in electricity production," the Prime Minister said. Nadda said the last decade under Modi's leadership had been full of accomplishments for the BJP and the country New Delhi: BJP president J.P. Nadda, who chaired the BJP office bearers meeting, said the party had expanded its presence to nearly 8.5 lakh booths out of the total 10.46 lakh booths in the country. He said the BJP, which was ruling in five states in 2014, was now in power in 12 states and the NDA in 17 states. Introducing a new acronym, 'GYAN' (knowledge), which he elaborated as Gareeb (poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmer), and Nari (women), Nadda highlighted that Modi had dismantled the "vote bank politics" constructed by the opposition and prioritised these segments, irrespective of caste and community. Nadda said the last decade under Modi's leadership had been full of accomplishments for the BJP and the country. He said the party had made a mark as a party of development and good governance and its schemes, initiatives and reforms had transformed several lives. He also said the party had fulfilled its core agenda of abrogating Article 370, which was opposed by Mookherjee, who died in detention in Kashmir in 1953. He quoted Modi as saying that 370 was not just a number for the BJP, but a symbol of a deep sentiment and that each of the 370 seats that the party aimed to win would represent Mookherjee's legacy. The BJP president sounded confident that out of the 161 Lok Sabha seats lost by the party in 2019, it is confident of winning most of them as party leaders including union ministers have visited these constituencies, listened to people their queries and resolved them. Central ministers visited these seats during the 'Lok Sabha Pravas Yojana' 430 times. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, who briefed the media about the meeting, said Modi also told the party workers that the Opposition would raise unnecessary and emotional issues during the polls, but they should stick to the issues of development, pro-poor policies and the country's rising global standing. The BJP general secretary said Modi has been the head of a government, including more than 12 years as Gujarat chief minister, for nearly 23 years and there has been no allegation of corruption. It's been an 'aarop mukt' and a 'vikas yukt' period," he said quoting the PM, adding that there has been no instance of such a long tenure of anyone holding constitutional positions not drawing any taint. Around 11,500 BJP leaders, including Chief Ministers, MPs, union ministers and state unit presidents, are attending the national council meeting in the national capital, where they will seek guidance from the party's top brass, including Modi, who is confident of scoring a third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP will be launching a campaign to reach out to beneficiaries of various Central government schemes from February 25. It will also be starting a 'Sampark Abhiyan' targeting women's self-help groups and NGOs in the upcoming days where work done by the Modi government for the welfare of the underprivileged will be disseminated. by Stefano Caprio A man full of life, passion, and humour, he was able to adapt to the harshest conditions. His soul, more than his ideas and programmes, counted. With death, Alexei Navalny becomes the embodiment of a defeated Russia, showing the inconsistency of its claims to domination and empire. And it lays bare the shame of Putin's Russian world. In Alexei Navalnys latest video, posted online by his lawyers right after his sudden death "during a walk" in the pleasant camp in Russias far north, we see Vladimir Putins great opponent in his last court appearance via remote link in one of his many trials, his usual energetic and jovial self, acting as the real master of the situation in the face of the pettiness of judges and prosecutors. This was Alexeis true charisma, as the most loved and popular dissident of the Putin era, ever since he led masses of protesters and young people into the streets of Moscow and across Russia, starting with Putin's re-election in 2012 and all the years of ruinous neo-Stalinist slide in Russian society. He was a man full of life, passion, and humour with the ability to adapt to even the harshest conditions. More than his ideas and programmes, which were criticised and confusing in many respects, it was his soul that counted, the Russian soul that died suddenly in the winter frost. The echoes of the Navalnys ordeal between the concentration camps in Vladimir and those of the Yamalo Nenetskaya region in the last two years highlight the indomitable spirit of so many people oppressed in Russian history, recent and ancient, from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago and the young Fyodor Dostoevsky's The House of the Dead in exile in Siberia to the 17th century Protopope Avvakum in The Life Written by Himself, repeatedly jailed for opposing tsar and patriarch, to defend the true faith of the Russians. The martyrdom chosen by Navalny, who returned home after being poisoned, knowing full well how it would end, puts him on par to a martyred saint like the Metropolitan of Moscow Philip II who refused to bless the massacres of Ivan the Terrible, and was finally strangled in the monastic cell where he had been imprisoned. He, too, had survived previous assassination attempts, like when a ferocious bear was put in his cell only to be tamed, a sign of the greatness of the soul in the face of the ruthlessness of the powerful. The metropolitan was killed with bare hands, by Malyuta Skuratov, head of Oprichnina, the forerunner of Russias political police, from the Tsarist Okhrana to the CHEKA-NKVD-KGB-FSB, with Vladimir Putin as the last heir. Other examples can show even more this tragic historical picture of a soul so often crushed, trying each time to rise again like a firebird, the Zhar-Ptitsa (-) of Russian literature and music. In the oldest literature of Kievan Rus, the true masterpiece is The Tale of Igor's Campaign ( ), which celebrates the sacrifice of a young prince who throws himself into a fight against the invading peoples of Asia, the Pechenegs and the Khazars, ahead of the Tatars, knowing full well that he is going to meet his death. It is a defeated Russia that shows the inconsistency of its claims to domination and empire, it is Navalny's Russia that lays bare the shame of Putin's Russian world. As one commentator put it on the Telegram channel Rodina Slonov ( ), the Birthplace of Elephants, a euphemism given to the USSR in Stalin's time: Putin's assassination of Navalny means the end of a whole era in Russia's recent history, the age of Putin's authoritarian rule. The comment goes on to say: Navalny's struggle with the Putin regime was the symbol of this era, which gave hope for change in Russia, to change course and not end in nothing . . . His assassination is the last nail in Russia's coffin. The authoritarian era is over, the totalitarian era has begun, which will end with the disintegration of the entire country. The fact that Navalny's death already referred to as "Special Operation thrombosis" in reference to the surprising blood clot that developed during the hour of fresh air at 20 degrees below zero is deemed a deliberate assassination does not actually refer to any actual evidence suggesting violent acts like poisoning, similar to the Novichok found in his blood by German doctors in 2020. It is the long series of arrests, imprisonments, convictions, and transfers that indicates the will to crush him, to silence him, to get rid of his presence, so annoying for the almighty and arrogant caste used to repression and invasion. It is also not unsurprising that it coincides with the last month before the tsars holy re-election, given Putin's propensity for symbolic timing, from 16 February to 16 March, like the explosion of Prigozhin's plane, exactly two months after the Wagner Groups march on the Kremlin. Some even think that Russian leaders wanted at all costs to avoid including Navalny in the prisoner exchanges between Russia and America, with negotiations underway to transfer him together with the American journalist Evan Gershkovich, in exchange for the Russian Vadim Krasikov who killed the Chechen commander Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, an operation that the American journalist Tucker Carlson hinted at in his interview with Putin a few days ago. Navalny officially died at 2:17 pm, which was reported in a press release by the prison administration at 2:19 pm, carried by TASS outlets at 2:20 pm. By 2:23 pm, six minutes after the death, the cause was described as probable formation of a blood clot," without any autopsy or confirmation from qualified doctors. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the "unpleasant news" at 2:30 pm, less than a quarter of an hour after Navalny's death. The official timetable, not the postulations of evil Westerners, shows that it was a planned operation, agreed upon at the highest level, down to the last minute, with communiques ready to go. Putin will obviously have no qualms about denying any unpleasant evidence as this is his best professional qualification since his KGB days, but there is no way to hide a crime of such sensational magnitude, so much so that spontaneous, emotionally charged protests have broken out across Russia, a sign that Navalnys flame still burns in the depths of Russians soul. Of course, one cannot expect that the show of solidarity of protesters, which was immediately repressed by the police, can top the mountains of flowers piled up on top of the monument to Stalin's victims. As much as he was able to bring hundreds of thousands of people into the streets in past years, his martyrdom will not provoke a revolt against Putin's totalitarian regime, bound to last for who knows how much longer. As always in Russian history, the "weather factor" becomes decisive: spring is always too short compared to the endless winter, the "thaw" gives way to "stagnation". With the disappearance of the great opponent, the dictators real stuff also disappears for good; he too was given up for dead or dying many times, and now is evidently devoid of any breath of human life. An anonymous brood of faceless beings remains in place, as was the case of the Soviet politburo, led by an embalmed Leonid Brezhnev, to ideally merge with Lenin's mummy in the mausoleum in Red Square. Not that Russia lacks people worthy of representing political and ideological alternatives, including a few hundred political prisoners, among them high-level figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, and many more. Then, there are thousands of Russians actively debating the future of the country while in exile, such as Putin's first real adversary, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who survived a decade in a concentration camp only because the tsar thought he had nothing to fear, or the chess champion Garry Kasparov and others, including many of Navalnys followers, and his wife Yulia, who received the news of his death at the Munich Security Conference. Russia's future is still to be made, despite the Kremlins decision to condemn the country to death. Navalny was a Christian, who read the Bible in the concentration camp like so many other martyrs before him. His fate brings to mind characters in one of Dostoevsky's great novels, Crime and Punishment, the murderer Raskolnikov, who justified his crime by believing that he was a superman, but in the end was convicted and sent to in Siberia as punishment. He went with Sonya, a young woman forced into prostitution by her fathers and societys violence. Together with her love, she gave him a Bible, to teach him to suffer for the salvation of his soul, and for that of the whole world. ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY SUNDAY, CLICK HERE. Hundreds of Nepali doctors saw their US medical licensing scores invalidated on suspicion of cheating. They slam examination administrators for linking national origin to possible cheating, saying it discriminates against them and unfairly casts doubt on their training. This also casts a shadow over 1,500 Nepali doctors already working in the United States. Kathmandu (AsiaNews/Agencies) About 800 Nepali doctors who took an exam that would allow them to join a medical programme (master's degree or specialisation) and practice in the United States have had their scores invalidated by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). USMLE administrators said they invalidated some test scores after identifying a pattern of anomalous exam performance associated with Nepal. Such a decision discredits Nepali medical practitioners in Nepal and in the United States. For one of them, Dr Puja, Tagging Nepalis means that medical programmes are not going to consider your application because they dont want to take the risk. The USMLE is a very demanding three-step exam, with each part entailing long hours of testing. A passing grade allows international medical school graduates to practise medicine in the United States. Tens of thousands apply each year. The USMLEs statement said the anomalous exam performance of the affected Nepali students could be indicative of prior unauthorised access to secure exam content. But Puja and others involved say that the USMLE has not offered any concrete evidence to prove Nepali students may have cheated, and that all students with high scores, regardless of their nationality, should be investigated. Otherwise, this is just discrimination. The only evidence to back possible fraud alleged by the US body comes from a medical news website that reported how exam questions were being sold on social media for 300 to 2,000 dollars. A quick search for such materials on Facebook leads to posts with a now-dysfunctional WhatsApp chat group. According to Ramu Kharel, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Brown University, although the exams integrity is important and cheating should not be allowed, associating the problem with a particular nationality could lead to negative consequences, not just for exam takers but also for those already practising outside Nepal and the United States. The US healthcare system employs many international medical graduates, with one in five active physicians born and trained abroad in 2021, including an estimated 1,500 Nepali physicians. It makes sense to investigate suspicious test scores but naming Nepal only adds to the stigma against international medical graduates from Nepal, said Bibhav Acharya, a psychiatrist and associate professor from University of California San Francisco. The latest data from the Nepal Medical Council, which registers and licences doctors to practise in Nepal, showed that, in 2022, nearly 500 professionals had obtained the Good Standing Certificate - a document required to work and reside abroad - to practise in the United States, up from about 270 in 2021 and 2020. Today's headlines: Thousands of young men try to leave Myanmar after conscription is introduced. A few weeks before Indias elections, the opposition Congress party has its bank accounts frozen. Satellite photos show Egypt is building a wall next to the Rafah crossing. Japan successfully launched the new H3 space rocket. US and China agree to hold follow-up talks on North Korea and the Middle East. HONG KONG Hong Kong activist Koo Sze-yiu, 78, who suffers from terminal cancer, was jailed for organising a peaceful protest with a prop coffin against China's political crackdown in Hong Kong. Chief Magistrate Victor So sentenced Koo on Friday to nine months in prison for "attempted sedition" under the National Security Act. Koo planned a demonstration last December against local elections, which excluded pro-democracy candidates. MYANMAR More than a thousand young people lined up outside the Thai embassy in Yangon to get a tourist visa to leave Myanmar after the junta imposed military service. The army wants to enforce a law that allows it to recall men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 to serve for at least two years as it struggles to crack down on opposition to the 2021 coup. INDIA India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, said that its bank accounts have been frozen for an income tax assessment amounting to 2.1 billion rupees (US$ 25.3 million) in connection with a dispute over tax dues. The party called the action, just weeks before the election, a deep attack on Indian democracy", noting, however, that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal allowed the party to partially operate its accounts until next Wednesday, when it will hear the case. ISRAEL PALESTINE EGYPT Egypt is building a buffer zone near the border with the Gaza Strip as fears grow in Cairo of an imminent Israeli ground invasion of the southern city of Rafah, which could force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians across the border. Several satellite images support this. Footage of the site in the Sinai Desert shows that an area is being built that could offer a basic shelter for tens of thousands of Palestinians with concrete walls erected on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the only non-Israeli crossing to and from Gaza. CHINA UNITED STATES US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with China's top diplomat Wang Yi to start talks on two "hot issues: North Korea and the Middle East. During a candid and constructive discussion in Munich, Blinken also expressed concern about China's support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine and stressed the importance of working to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the South China Sea, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. JAPAN Japan successfully launched its new H3 rocket on Saturday morning, nearly a year after the failed attempt that cast doubt on the country's space aspirations. The spacecraft will likely be used to deliver supplies and materials to the International Space Station and the Gateway, a moon-orbiting outpost planned as part of the US-led Artemis space program. BELARUS Like in Russia, Belorussian authorities have seized government opponents' assets without due process and auctioned them off, including flats owned by anti-Lukashenko candidates, as well as those of Veronika Tsepkalo, wife of politician Valery, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and her assistant Pavel Latushko, all now in exile. GEORGIA In Georgia, controversy continues between President Salome Zourabichvili and representatives of the countrys ruling Georgian Dream party, including Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, according to whom "the president's participation in the Munich Security Conference has the sole purpose of damaging our country's international reputation. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenia-US engagement remains strong, the countries are committed to closer strategic dialogue, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in a post on X. Glad to meet @SecBlinken on the margins of the discussion with Nikol Pashinyan at MSC2024. Armenia-US engagement remains strong & we are committed to further enhance our strategic dialogue, Mirzoyan said. I am celebrating my 35th anniversary this year. I'll either go out for a track day with my friends or throw a BBQ party in front of my home. But in just a few years, Mattel will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Hot Wheels. '56 Chevy Photo: eBay/User jes3747 '71 AMC Javelin AMX Photo: eBay/User JMREGarage '60s Ford Econoline Pickup Photo: eBay/User F1 SPEED AUCTIONS Custom '69 Volkswagen Squareback '71 Datsun Bluebird 510 Wagon Photo: eBay/User thexdking Volkswagen T-1 Drag Bus '78 Dodge Li'l Red Express Pickup Photo: eBay/User vega6669 '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser '69 Chevy Camaro Photo: eBay/User pickermark '65 Ford Galaxie That's right, I wasn't even born when the initial Sweet Sixteen set arrived. But I was already an avid collector for the 50th anniversary. And it was a massive deal for the diecast manufacturer. It released multiple sets, including the 50th Anniversary Black & Gold Collection, the 50th Anniversary Originals Collection, and the 50th Anniversary Zamac Flames Collection, to name just a few.But I fancy a different release: the 50th Anniversary Favorites. It's a collection of ten castings, one of which has two variations to look for. I've done the math, and purchasing the entire set will cost between $146 and $544 before shipping. Getting them one by one can be time-consuming, but there's a way out of that.Look for the Factory Sealed Box Set with all of them inside, which will set you back between $250 to $300no more running around for multiple packages! But let's dive into the topic and see what exciting vehicles this collection included. Mattel used castings from multiple designers for this release. The '56 Chevy is the only one to bear Larry Wood's signature. And it's also the second oldest vehicle on the list, debuting in 2008.A complete collection includes 18 variations; only three have Real Riders wheels. The 2010 10th Annual Nationals Convention has to be the rarest of the bunch, with only 2,400 units ever leaving the factory. The 50th Anniversary Favorites iteration showed up after a six-year hiatus. It featured a Maroon finish with white and pink pinstripes and an anniversary logo on the rear.It rolls on 5-Spoke Mag-Style Real Rider, as expected. We have not heard about an update for this casting since 2018. If we don't get a new release this year, I doubt we will ever see it again. Price-wise, this item will cost between $10 and $32, depending on the seller.The '71 AMC Javelin AMX is Jun Imai's first of three castings in the Anniversary set. It's also one of the rarest/least-used ones. We saw the most recent iteration in the 2024 Ultra Hots series. And there are only three other Javelins to look out for if you're a completionist.Up until 2024, it was a Premium-exclusive casting. I like the 2012 design in Metallic Dark Grey and Yellow. But the 2018 red, white, and blue variation is almost as good. The Anniversary logo is much more prominent this time than the '56 Chevy.But at least the designer didn't make the Hot Wheels logo as big as the car is, which would have made it a lot worse. You can buy this model individually for as little as $6.The '60s Ford Econoline Pickup is the first truck in this particular set. Mark Jones designed this one, and it's his only appearance in the series. The Econoline Pickup is the newest casting, debuting in the 2017 Pop Culture: Star Wars Bounty Hunter set.It's a Premium-exclusive with only four variations in all these years. It last appeared as a Collector Edition model in 2020, featuring a Spectraflame Purple paint job. Mattel opted for a Metallic Copper finish on the 2018 Anniversary model, and the Real Riders Steelies are a great addition to the package.I have mixed feelings about the black flames, but it's a signature move from the manufacturer. Some people are willing to let go of their tiny Econolines for $4, which is quite a bargain.In a set of ten vehicles, Mattel only included two European models. And they're both Volkswagens. Phil Riehlman designed both the Custom '69 Squareback and the T-1 Drag bus, but he has one more casting at the end of the series.Between 2010 and 2024, we've had 20 variations of the Squareback. Some were decent, and I enjoyed the 2012 Nostalgic Brands: Hershey edition. The diecast manufacturer hit the sweet spot with the 2018 release. The dark green paint job and VW Service decals felt like the perfect blend of visuals for a classic vehicle like this one.I imagine a VW Premium Collector Set with the Squareback and three more vehicles. You'll see one with an asking price of over $70 on eBay. Do yourself a favor and look for the sub-$25 listings.I'm starting to feel like this casting is chasing me around. I keep bumping into it every other week. And it's a constant reminder of how big a mistake I made a few years ago by selling the 50th Anniversary iteration.It's undoubtedly one of the highlights of this set. But a fair warning is needed: set a decent budget aside if you want to get all 30+ variations. Hot Wheels Datsuns have a tendency to be pricey. Surprisingly, you can still buy the 2018 variation for less than $25. Mattel kept things simple with this Anniversary iteration, too.The metallic light blue paint job works well with the white, red, and silver stripes. And you couldn't hope for a better set of wheels than the Classic 4-Spoke Real Riders.You shouldn't mistake the T-1 Drag Bus for the regular Drag Bus. The latter debuted in 1996, while the T-1 variation appeared in 2010. Naturally, you'll spot many similarities, as Phil Riehlman designed both castings.It's another viral model on this list, the only one with a cool feature: the body lifts, exposing the engine and chassis. The complete collection includes 13 variations: they're all Premium models! Two are particularly rare, with 2,000 and 2,600 units available, respectively.The T-1 Drag Bus is the only ZAMAC appearance in the 50th Anniversary Favorites set, and the flame livery strikes again. Given the current circumstances, $10 to $70 will buy you one of these, and we might never see a new release of this casting.If you ask me, the '78 Dodge Li'l Red Express Pickup is the most boring casting in the entire set. It's Paul DeLorean's only contribution to this collection and one of only three Premium variations to come out of the factory.It featured Mag-Style Real Riders, just like the 2020 Vintage Oil variation. You can pick it up for as little as $12, so avoid any listings for over $20. Mattel is developing a new variation later this year, which will be part of a Mopar -themed 5-pack.Few Hot Wheels vehicles are more popular than the Datsun and the Drag Bus. And the '55 Chevy Bel Air Gasser is one of them. Supporting that statement is that the diecast manufacturer developed two variations for the 2018 Anniversary set. The yellow and magenta Gasser can fetch anywhere between $10 to $180.But it all gets more challenging with the dark blue and white model. You'll have a tough time finding one for less than $70, while some more brave sellers are asking $275 for it. In hindsight, paying under $300 for the Factory Sealed Box Set makes perfect sense now. I guess you could say that it's a big deal.As we're getting close to the end of this set, we've reached the oldest casting on the list. Phil Riehlman designed the '69 Chevy Camaro for its 2007 Toy Fair release. It became a Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt model in 2008. It's the second most popular casting on the list regarding the number of variations, with 38 releases (compared to Gasser's 45).I'll take a yellow car anytime, so I'm sold on the looks of the Anniversary Camaro. The 10-spoke wheels have a good amount of dish to gawk at, and the lack of a crowded livery reinforces the idea that this is an adult collector model.The last item in the 2018 Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Favorites collection also hails from the USA. It's Jun Imai's third casting on the list, with 13 variations available between 2011 and 2022.The First Edition Galaxie is still one of the nicest ones money can buy. And I think the Team Transport model underperformed for some reason. Mattel hit the nail on the head with the Gulf Livery on the anniversary model: that always draws in a crowd! Just like the Ford Econoline, the Galaxie sits on Real Riders Steelies.And I was surprised to see you can buy one for less than $10. But you'll need more than that to buy the remaining variations. Excuse me, I might head to the nearest toy store and see if they've brought in any new collectibles. LSD 4WD Toyota had some ups and downs last year it didn't beat General Motors in America (2.6 to 2.24 million units), but it hammered the runner-up Volkswagen AG for the title of the worldwide biggest automaker. In fact, given its namesake brand and Lexus performance, Toyota could have beaten VW and its many subsidiaries with those two alone.But that's in the past. 2024 is an all-new year, and things can change in a heartbeat, so the company needs to keep up the excellent work. Actually, they have slowed down with the new model announcements, and now they're into promoting the all-new nameplates that have already arrived like was the case with the latest Super Bowl and the N400 Tacoma. The Japanese company will soon bring the i-Force Max hybrid version of the mid-size pickup truck to nationwide dealerships to make sure it's the segment's best-seller all over again. But it won't be the only one sporting the 326-horsepower hybrid powertrain, as Toyota will soon unleash the 2024 Land Cruiser. This is clearly one of the most anticipated models arriving on dealer lots this year, not just among SUVs.After a sabbatical that now verges on four years, Toyota's longest-running nameplate will return to the market at a much more affordable price point (mid-$50k) thanks to a 'dirty' little secret. This isn't the direct heir to the Land Cruiser last sold in the US because it's based on the J250 style instead of J300, meaning we are now dealing with the 2024 Lexus GX sibling or Land Cruiser Prado (or 250) in other regions.This version is coming back to the United States instead of the J300 Land Cruiser introduced to foreign regions, and it also gave up on the V8 lifestyle. So, instead of a naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8, the fresh successor has a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four, hybrid assistance, and 326 horsepower plus 465 pound-feet of torque. It compares quite evenly to the old model's 381 horsepower and lower 401 lb-ft of torque while it can still two up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) "and stays true to its heritage as a durable off-roader." It also comes with the latest features like optional 12.3-inch touchscreen displays, the newest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, the latest version of Multi Terrain Monitor, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 on all grades.Speaking of the latter, only three trims are on offer, at least initially 1958, Land Cruiser, and First Edition , with the last solely offered to the first 5,000 reservation holders. Of course, it will have all the bells and whistles, like 18-inch wheels, round LED headlights, a dual-tone body, a roof rack, rock rails, or skid plates. Creature comforts are not forgotten if we think about the leather seats with heating and ventilation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, OTA updates, 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, 4G connectivity, or head-up display and Smart Key System.Seven exterior colors are available - Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Underground, Black, Meteor Shower, Trail Dust, and Heritage Blue, with the latter two being two-tone offerings featuring a Grayscape roof. Suppose you fear cannibalization with the potentially upcoming next-generation 4Runner. In that case, it's going to be tricky business if the company offers the same powertrain, but the 2024 Land Cruiser is also larger than its 4Runner sibling it's slightly longer, much broader, and slightly taller. However, the old-school 4Runner is somewhat more capable off-road if we take into account its marginally better ground clearance (nine inches compared to 8.7 inches).No worries, though, as the Land Cruiser won't disappoint given its multitude of goodies. There's an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto), a standard electronic locking rear differential, a new front stabilizer bar disconnect on the top grades, rock rails, full coverage high-strength steel skid plates, front tow/recovery hooks, and more. Multi-Terrain Select is functional in WD-High and-Low, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, and "an approach angle up to 31.0 degrees and max departure to 22.0 degrees while breakover angle reaches 25.0 degrees."More importantly, Toyota estimates that fuel economy will significantly improve from just 14 mpg (combined) for the old Land Cruiser to an average of 27 mpg so it will be highly competitive against SUVs that also feature auto boxes like the new LC, such as Ford Bronco or Land Rover Defender 110. The TNGA-F body-on-frame platform that's also used for numerous other Toyotas, including the new Tacoma and GX , should be more than reliable as it's been in use for some years already. Last but not least, the Land Cruiser should feel posh, tech-savvy, and just as adventurous as ever from the inside, while a Land Cruiser Se all-electric model that could go against the Rivan R1S is probably more than a few years away despite the futuristic concept presentation seen last year at the Japan Mobility Show. SUV For example, the Italian brand recently claimed it posted the "strongest growth of global premium" marques in 2023. The results were quite positive, indeed, with a jump of 30% on a worldwide level compared to 2022. This was mainly due to the debut of the Tonale compact crossoverand the continued attention bestowed upon the facelifted Giulia sedan and Stelvio crossover SUV.The company will probably carry the momentum forward. Later this year (April 10), they are set to reveal the Milano subcompact crossover SUV that's coming where the MiTo once stood as a passenger car. This is an all-new development solely for Alfa Romeo, while inside the world of Stellantis is just another derivative of the CMP-based CUVs like the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, DS Automobiles DS 3 Crossback, Jeep Avenger, or the all-new Fiat 600.However, we can easily dispute the "strongest growth" affirmation because when Toyota posted its record sales for 2023 and kept its title as the world's largest automaker, its titular brand was aided in the feat by the Lexus subsidiary, which teleported to a record performance of 824k units last year, up 132% compared to 2022. That's 102% more than Alfa Rome o, so I don't really see their bragging point.Alas, I would be willing to forget about the transgression if they, for once, listened to the rumor mill and the imaginative realm of digital car content creators all of which have constantly asked Alfa Romeo to give us a derivative of the Giulia that would better fight the station wagon body style of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4 Avant.For example, Nikita Chuicko, the virtual artist better known as kelsonik on social media, thinks now is the right time to CGI-work on yet another feisty station wagon after he recently concluded some magic work on the newly introduced 660-example Audi RS 6 Avant GT special edition. Maybe he even heard that Audi promised it would keep on churning out high-performance estates like the RS 4 Avant, too.Anyway, this is not the first time this pixel master dreams of a feisty Alfa Romeo Giulia Wagon, and even though this one doesn't explicitly include Quadrifoglio in its title, we would dare to assume it's a given all because the BMW M3 Touring is out there waiting for actual competition after hunting down all RS 4 Avants. Additionally, it also comes with an unofficial evolution of the new Alfa Romeo face. So, what do you think? Could this represent a threat to the established German triumvirate? Buried in mud and entangled in vegetation. This is how a group of explorers found a car eaten out by rust, in the middle of the jungle of Panama. There are no roads there, just trees, mud, and swamps. So, how in the world did that car get there? Photo: Science Channel | YouTube The mystery of the Chevrolet Corvair found in the middle of the jungle Photo: Science Channel | YouTube There was a gold mine in the area Darien Gap is the only stretch of land that connects South America to North America. It covers 10,000 square miles between Panama and Colombia, along the Atrato River. It is just mountains, tangled trees, and swamps. There are no roads in the Darien Gap, so you can't just drive a car there. Besides, any project of building one faced backlash. Road-building in the area would be detrimental to the environment.So, the only way to put a car there, in no man's land, would be to parachute it there. But why would anybody do that? It just doesn't make sense.However, in the middle of nowhere, a group of adventurous explorers found a red sedan covered in rust . How in the world did that car get there? It is a rainforest with no roads, no trails, no space for a car.It is a labyrinth of trees, just water and wild animals, a land where the Zika virus and the malaria are at home. Law enforcement and medical assistance are non-existent, and you can rarely get a signal on your phone. It is hot and humid, and everything in between.You can bump into just about anything there, thieves, drug and human traffickers included, because it is a no man's land, and there is a chance that once you go in, you don't come out again. But a car? What would a car do there, abandoned in the jungle between Panama and Columbia?The shell of the automobile was found covered with vegetation that had grown up all over its body that must have once shined in bright red. It is obvious that it has been sitting there, not moving a single inch, just sinking into the jungle floor, for decades.The windows and tires are long gone. There is no badge, absolutely nothing to identify the mystery car. It is a left-hand drive model and has a rear-mounted engine. All these clues, plus the design cues, indicated one single model: the Chevrolet Corvair Introduced by the American automaker in 1959, the Corvair shot to fame. However, soon after deliveries started, when it turned out it had a rear independent suspension issue that could make it flip over, sales figures went crashing down.The Corvair remained in production for only a decade, seeing two generations, and it was not sold in Central or South America. Somehow, it got there. But how in the world did it get there? It is miles away from the highway.In 1960, a caravan of three Corvairs and three supply trucks left from Chicago to Panama, intending to return with footage for two promotional films to be used by a dealership, hoping to sell more cars.The caravan made it to Panama City, and, in January 1961, the three Corvairs and the two trucks started off to the Darien Gap and into Columbia on a 70-mile distance. They would have covered the distance in around one hour if there was a road to their destination. But there wasn't any.The plan was a total failure right from the start. They did not know what to expect and did not even consider that it would be impossible to reach their destination on that route.The publicity stunt failed. The 12 men on board the vehicles had to cut their way through the vegetation. They also had to construct rafts to make the cars float along the rivers they encountered. Two support vehicles were lost along the way, including the fuel truck.Four months later, only two of the three Chevrolets made it to their destination. One had to be left behind. The team had miscalculated the amount of fuel they needed for each of the vehicles, and one of the Chevies ran out of gasoline.Several team members went back to get some. But by the time they returned, the locals had already started collecting parts from the car to resell them. So, there was no way they could get it out of there.Today, over seven decades later, the car stands proof that you should not mess with the jungle and the forces of nature.Miles north from the location where the car was found, there is a rusted locomotive. Scientists do know how it got in the area. There was once a railway there, but the vegetation absorbed the rails.In the early 20th century, mining operations started in Panama. The remains of the locomotive are linked to an abandoned British gold mine in Santa Cruz de Cana.The railroad navigated for 30 miles to transport workers, supplies, and gold. When the mining operations For Australians who love their lawn, they know how hard it can be to contend with the myriad pests and weeds that are keen to colonise it. And there is an old foe taking over, with homeowners being urged to be on the look out if they notice larges patches of their lawn suddenly eaten away overnight. Summer rains experienced across much of the east coast in recent weeks have created a "perfect storm" for a familiar backyard bandit the armyworm. Commonly referred to as lawn grubs, residents in Queensland have reported infestations ruining their lawns as authorities continue to grapple with how best to deal with a notorious species of the pest which is wreaking havoc after it was first discovered in Australia just four years ago. Known as Fall armyworms, the pest only reached the Australian mainland in 2020, but given they can turn your lawn from green to brown almost overnight, and cause millions of dollars worth of damage to crops, the little grubs are hard to miss. "They're rapidly taking over the northern and eastern states of Australia and having a huge effect on the agriculture and turf industry," says Warren Howard from All Grass Solutions, located south of Brisbane. Lawn care exeprts say there's been a 'perfect storm' for lawn grubs. Source: 7News But as for the common armyworm, their numbers are strong at the moment, thanks to the wet conditions, with workers like him inundated with calls to deal with the grassy invader. "It's exponential. Every second call is 'Hey my lawn is dying, what am I doing wrong? Help us' ... It's a perfect storm with all the moisture," he told 7News after attending one customer's home to deal with an infestation. The grubs will tear through a lawn, before marching onto the next food source hence the name. They come out and feed at night, so residents can often wake up to a rude surprise. Story continues On social media, other Aussies are also looking for help and offering advice on how to deal with the grubs and sharing tips on the best pesticide options. One Perth resident pulled dozens and dozens from her lawn after initially mistaking them for harmless caterpillars. "Guess I should be flattered they are attracted to healthy lawns," she joked. Some people have shared their infestation online. Source: Facebook/TikTok Fall armyworm devastating Queensland growers Meanwhile those who depend on their backyard for their livelihood are contending with the worst incursion of Fall armyworm (FAW) reported in the country. They're being detected at unprecedented levels in sorghum crops across Central Queensland, the Western and Darling Downs and northern New South Wales. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) principal entomologist Melina Miles last week urged growers to work with the authorities to best mitigate the scourge. "We know that FAW can be devastating and we're seeing significant crop damage in southern and Central Queensland," she said. "In many regions, rain in December has meant later crops, resulting in the coincidence of high FAW activity and susceptible crops. It is also possible that the weather systems associated with the recent cyclones has facilitated the movement of large FAW populations into central Queensland." According to AgForce Queensland, Central Queensland grower Scott Muller said in previous years he didn't worry too much about the new pest but lamented this season they are at near "plague proportions". "With small crops they can almost decimate it," he said. Some of the worst affected crops in central Queensland have seen whole-plant defoliation Source: Grains Research and Development Corporation The species originated in the Americas and after arriving on the Australian mainland four years ago, they're almost certainly here to stay. There is plenty farmers can do to fight back, including crop checks, chemical pesticides, and biological controls such as wasps, however there is no panacea. According to the experts, the Fall armyworm has never been eradicated from any country it has invaded. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A Rolls-Royce Cullinan sporting the Mansory touch wears the world's most expensive license plates. The flashy SUV resides in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and is dressed in carbon fiber and gold. Photo: Mansory SUV Mansory elegantly calls it "Linea d'oro," which is Italian for "Line of Gold." The Cullinan modded by the German tuner comes with all the drama of a striking wide body kit, a turquoise-matte black exterior color combo, and gold leaf details.Back in April 2023, in Dubai, a license plate sold for a mind-blowing AED 55 million UAE dirhams, which is the equivalent of $14.97 million, becoming the world's most expensive license plate.The auction was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dubai, raising a total of AED 100 million ($27 million) for the One Billion Meals campaign, which aims to combat world hunger. The winning bid was reportedly placed by Pavel Valeryevich Durov, a French-Emirati businessman who founded the Telegram app.The previous record for the most expensive license plate was held by the registration plate "Dubai 1," which sold in 2008 for a staggering AED 52.2 million ($14.2 million).Today, a car that is worthy of it is wearing the exclusive plate. It reads "Dubai 7." Before the auction, it showed up on the super exclusive Bugatti Divo, one of the 40 ever built.The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Linea dOro is a one-off, head-turning luxury. What catches the eye right from the start is the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot sculpture, which looks as if it is made of transparent turquoise glass.The front end displays the typical massive grille with vertical slats sporting a glossy dark finish, while the area of the LED headlights and the fenders have turned turquoise, with the shade covering the front half of the doors.Meanwhile, the hood is made of exposed forged carbon fiber with 24-carat gold leaf accents, reminding everyone that it lives in the land of the rich. The turquoise paint gradually shifts to matte black toward the rear end of the luxury SUV with tinted glass to protect the privacy of the precious occupants.The vehicle now rides on a set of aerodynamically optimized 24-inch Mansory FD.15 forged wheels in gloss black. Mansory could not have stayed out of the cabin, literally. The German tuning house wrapped the seats, door panels, and steering wheel in the same color combination, with the dashboard finished in carbon fiber with integrated gold leaf accents.When it drove through the gate of the factory in Goodwood, England, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan was powered by the stock 6.6-liter V12 engine, pumping out 563 horsepower (571 metric horsepower) and 626 pound-feet (850 Newton meters) of torque. Mansory could not have stayed away from the engine bay either. So, now, the Cullinan enjoys the presence of over 600 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. So, do you happen to be able to afford at least $1.5 million (or 1.4 million) for this street-legal rally-raid hypertruck? It comes from California-based Scarbo Vintage company, and yes, you can drive it on any American road or highway. Bonus: there's also an emission-free option! Photo: Scarbo Vintage Photo: Scarbo Vintage 4WD Photo: Scarbo Vintage SUV Photo: Scarbo Vintage kW EV kWh Photo: Scarbo Vintage This little Californian enthusiastic auto design and manufacturing company may have exaggerated its claim of being the first to put a "street-legal Hypertruck" on the market. I wonder what Hennessey or Shelby have to say about that.For instance, Hennessey Mammoth (based on the Ram 1500 TRX) has an upgraded 6.2-liter V8 sporting 1,012 horsepower and 969 lb-ft of torque. This results in a sprint of just 3.2 seconds to 60 mph (96 kph) or an elapsed quarter-mile time of 11.4 seconds. Not bad at all for a more-than-6,400-pound (2.9-ton) pick-up truck, huh?Well, Scarbo Vintage's proposition is another kind of monster, and it's not meant to compete with Hennessey Mammoth or Shelby F-150 Super Snake. Actually, the initial project was meant to become a very competitive desert race truck for Baja.But, after 14 years of development, the Scarbo Vintage team decided to give it a try and convert it into a street-legal car. It premiered this February at the F.A.T. International Ice Race in Aspen, Colorado - the perfect ground for "the world's first street-legal Hypertruck" syntagm to make some buzz.Does it look familiar? Of course, the strong references to the iconic Land Rover Defender are meant to appeal to those searching for a high level of offroad performance. The grill, the front and backlights, the doors, or the roofline make for a compelling and easy-to-spot appearance, especially for "les connaisseurs."The 40-inch tires on 20-inch forged wheels instantly make any offroad fan drool, giving this "Landy" a very "Humvee" stance - mainly thanks to the inboard pushrod front and rear suspension with 30 inches of total wheel travel.Thanks to the air-ride suspension with user-adjustable height control and valving, you can only imagine how those long jumps in the air will feel on those movie hill roads. Or you can simply enjoy it in the vast American desert areas, far from any other driver, pedestrian, biker Well, more on the "vast" issues just in a few moments.Back to the offroad technical menu, there's a mandatory high- and low-range transfer case, selectable 2WD andmodes, and also selectable front and rear locking differentials. There's also a handy four-wheel steering, but I doubt the SV Rover has the tank turn capability Rivian is so proud of. Did I mention the Brembo 6-piston brake system with 400 mm carbon ceramic rotors?So far, so good: it's a compelling Baja truck. But why the one and a half million dollars when the package I mentioned is much less? Well, there are other goodies on the menu. For instance, the bodywork is made from carbon fiber and aluminum, which helps a lot in lowering the weight and thus improving high performance.While a Baja race truck has nothing to do with comfort and luxury, the SV Rover's interior has little in common with the spartan environment of a race car. Don't expect a Lamborghini or Ferrari feeling, either, but you can enjoy the Alcantara interior with billet aluminum accents and large digital cockpit and multimedia displays.Oh, there are also climate controls, power windows, and power door locks and I'm not making fun of you. Count in the handy push-button start and the rear cargo area, and here you have it: a two-seat, comfortable, and practical enough supercar in disguise.I wonder if it can eclipse a yellow Lambo Urus Frankly, in terms of interior luxury or exterior design, it can't. But it's rivaling the Italian bull in terms of sheer power and high performance, thanks to its 1,000-horsepower output. And, of course, you'd be crazy to take the Lambooffroad.Lamborghini Urus comes with a state-of-the-art 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 and 666 horsepower. Ferrari Purosangue is better, as its 6.5-liter V12 is good for 725 horsepower. Well, SV Rover's supercharged big displacement V8 is tuned to around 1,000 horsepower and "tamed" by an 8-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Just like the "raging bull" and the "prancing horse."Still, what the Italian super-SUVs don't have? An all-electric powertrain, which, oddly, SV Rover can provide if the customer wishes. The electric motor's peak power is rated at 750. This translates to a theoretical 1,005 horsepower, but the electric motor promises another level of feeling in real life thanks to its undisclosed massive torque.Sadly, your senses won't be thrilled too much. While the V8 version is fitted with a more-than-generous 65-gallon fuel tank (around 250 liters), the battery capacity for theversion is only 75Just to put things into perspective, the former Tesla Model X fitted with a similar capacity battery had an EPA-rated range of only 220 miles (around 350 km). One cannot expect a better value for the electric SV Rover , so I expect the customization program to also consist of higher-capacity batteries.In the end, I cannot but wonder if the Cyberbeast (the 845-hp tri-motor Cybertruck we're still waiting to be available) or the 1,000-hp GMC Hummer EV are really "hypertrucks", as they both promise around 3 seconds for the 0-60 mph. Or better: what is a hypertruck all about?Depending on your own definition, the Scarbo SV Rover could really be "the first street-legal Hypertruck." Or "the first street-legal electric Hypertruck," at least. But let's face it, you won't spend the money on this syntagm. There's nothing similar to this crazy truck on the market right now. So, maybe it's worth it if you have the money for a Bugatti or a Rimac. Chevrolet tackled the pony car market with a well-rounded competitor. The Camaro was available with more than a handful of engines, 80 factory-installed options, and 40 dealer options. Additionally, it came with three trim packages, most notably the SS and the RS. But 1967 also marked the arrival of the iconic Z28.The brainchild of Vince Piggins, the Z28 was conceived as a track-ready Camaro . It left the assembly line with a beefed-up suspension, front disc brakes, and a four-speed close-ratio manual. The latter mated to a 302-cubic-inch (4.9-liter) V8 engine. The high-output small-block unit was designed for the Trans-Am racing series. The unit was rated at 290 horsepower.The Z28 found 7,199 customers in 1968. The following year, sales soared to 20,302 examples, about 8.3% of the total Camaro production. However, the first-year 1967 version is a rare gem. That's because the Z28 package wasn't mentioned in Chevrolet's sales literature in 1967. Unknown to most buyers, the Z28 was ordered in just 602 units.It's the kind of classic many of us may never see in the metal. And it's also the type of rig rarely found in junkyards or barns. But some of them are still hidden from sight. The example you see here was recently brought back into the light after spending more than 40 years in storage. Specifically, this Z28 was last titled in 1977, so it sat for about 46 years. Based on the work it had done, I'm assuming it resurfaced in 2023.That's right, this Camaro did not rot away in a barn. It's a two-owner car that was parked in a garage. It's not one of those unrestored time capsules, though. The pony car got a makeover inside and out, and its 302 V8 engine was rebuilt. But it's as authentic as they get.This Z28 still relies on its numbers-matching engine and transmission combo, and it's finished in the rather iconic Ermine White with black stripes livery. On the other hand, the Camaro got a rear spoiler and a blacked-out rear fascia panel at some point, and both are still on the car. But it's just a few mods away from becoming a factory-correct rig.Located in East Aurora, New York, this Z28 is looking for a new owner to pamper it and drive it to classic car shows. The vehicle comes with a certificate of authenticity from note Camaro expert Jerry MacNeish. It's also included in the 1967 Z28 registry. Price? Well, Camaro Specialties wants to move it for $125,000 . That's a lot of dough but still not a terrible sticker, given that a handful of Z28s have changed hands for $150,000 to $275,000 in recent years. E-bikes are growing in popularity, but often, they're carbon copies of one another. Well, one crew from the UK, Temple Cycles, is here to show us their classic spin on a modern machine. Photo: Temple Cycles Photo: Temple Cycles Photo: Temple Cycles EV Ladies and gents, we've all seen neighborhoods flooded with e-bikes that look the same, even though they're from different brands: we'll talk more about that in a later article. And so, in the spirit of finding something that stands apart from all others on the market, I've arrived at Temple Cycles.If this name sounds familiar, it might be because we've covered their work before, but this time around, it's their e-bike lineup that we'll be diving into, and for a good reason: these babies come across with a classic and timeless look but are powered by some of the best tech on the market. Just be warned, they are not cheap, with both the step-through and step-over versions coming in with a price tag starting at 3,985, so a tad over $5,000 (at current exchange rates).Now, both machines you see in the image gallery are fitted with the same components, and the only real difference is the frame style. But even the step-through isn't a full step-through; it still has a top tube, albeit sitting much lower on the seat tube. I do like how the top tube has a slight MTB look to it Personally, I'm not a big step-through fan, although I understand their safety and comfort appeal. So, I'll be focusing the rest of this article's attention on the step-over version. Be sure to compare and contrast both of these bikes with the images in the gallery.Overall, Temple has chosen nothing more than 6061 aluminum to bring these two bikes to life, which, if you know how this crew typically rolls, is a divergence from the Reynolds steel they typically use. Why the change? While the manufacturer doesn't tell us why, it could be because of the presence of the mid-mounted motor and battery integrated into the downtube.The presence of these systems changes the dynamics of a frame depending on the building block (base material) used to bring it to life. Aluminum is also a way to reduce a bike's overall weight, an important aspect to consider when building an e-bike . After all, these are urban bikes, and as such, need to be maneuverable.Speaking of weight, the heaviest of the two versions is the step-over, coming in with a weight of around 19 kg (42 lbs), which, if we consider that there's a mid-mounted motor added to this thing, and a battery pack, not to mention wires and gearing, that's not bad at all.As for those precious electronics, I loved the fact that Temple didn't just want to offer the general public an e-bike that they could use for a year or two and then toss out the window. No, they chose to create a frame with a mid-drive; it's what you want if you're looking for power, durability, and control As for the manufacturer that Temple chose to go with, Bafang is the crew, and before you start losing your cookies over that name, do consider that Bafang is one of the grandfathers of this industry, and since I've tested their gear before, I can safely say that you should have no issues with the M420 motor. It is, however, limited to a top speed of just 25 kph (15.5 mph).It spits out a peak of 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque and runs under 250 W, so there's power to climb whatever your city throws at you, and it won't require that you recharge your battery after every ride. A battery with 504 Wh is provided by Samsung and, together with the motor, can attain a peak range of up to 120 km (75 mi). That's huge!Now, cities are rarely perfect, and one important feature to note about these bikes is that they're tuned to run 38 mm tires. This, for me, is one of those tire sizes that isn't too big, nor too small, but just right. It's small enough to let you catch some serious speed, but it's also large enough to reduce some of the bumps the road throws your way. You might even be able to hit the occasional hard-pack dirt road.Finally, my favorite part of these two bikes is their ability to accommodate cargo racks. Why is this so important? Well, first of all, with cargo racks, you'll be able to leave the car at home for light trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, even to work, but come the weekend, everything changes.On Saturday morning, before the sun even breaks the horizon, you load up yourwith things like water, snacks, and food, and after meeting up with the rest of the gang, aim for the outskirts of town, camping out overnight and getting away from the quotidian . Oh, and you did it all without a drop of gas being used and looking damn stylish. I think it's time to get a new e-bike. 17 February 2024 19:32 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Currently, the attention of the world is focused on Munich where the 60th security conference is being held. All prominent politicians, leaders of countries, businesspersons, and so on are participating in the event. As a matter of course, Azerbaijan, the biggest and strongest country in its region in terms of economy, demography, and military, is among the attendees, and one of the countries that draws the attention of international media outlets due to the recent occurrences. It is worth noting that this year is the first time that Azerbaijan is attending the Munich Security Conference as a whole sovereign country liberating every inch of its occupied territories. Moreover, Azerbaijan is the first country among the former Soviet republics subjected to separatism that was able to reclaim its territorial integrity. All these factors ramp up the interest in Azerbaijan and its leader further. The CEOs of different International Companies and the leaders of countries are interested in holding meetings with President Ilham Aliyev to achieve cooperation with Azerbaijan. The first meeting was held yesterday with the Co-General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A of Italy Lorenzo Mariani, as per the latter`s request. Expressing his gratitude for the meeting, Lorenzo Mariani sincerely congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the presidential election on behalf of the Leonardo S.p.A family. He lauded the successful development of the company's collaboration with the country, based on the strategic partnership between Italy and Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev commended the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Leonardo S.p.A. The second meeting was held with OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta Ian Borg, as per hid request. Ian Borg also congratulated the President on the victory in the presidential election. Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, the Azerbaijani leader, in return, offered his congratulations on the Malta's OSCE Chairmanship. Besides, the President touched upon Garabagh conflict and noted that it had been resolved, with Azerbaijan securing its sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan is bilateral in nature. The third meeting was held between President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso, as per the latters request. The meeting discussed increasing the fleet of Azerbaijan in the Caspian and Black Seas, the Middle Corridor, and COP 29. Odile Renaud-Basso noted that the EBRD attaches great importance to the Middle Corridor project and highly appreciates cooperation with Azerbaijan in this context, expressing readiness to participate in such projects. The next meeting was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and U.S. Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein, as per the latters request. The sides exchanged views on projects involving cooperation between Azerbaijan and USA and export of hydrocarbon resources from the Caspian Sea to the world markets. The meeting discussed development of the Middle Corridor and Azerbaijans role in this process as well as cooperation within the COP29 framework. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also met with President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, as per the latters request. During the conversation, they exchanged views on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel across various areas, highlighting the activity of the intergovernmental commission, and touching upon economic, trade, cultural, and humanitarian ties. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev also met with Managing Director of the German Eastern Business Association Michael Harms, as per the latters request. Michael Harms expressed German businessmen`s interest in expanding economic relations with Azerbaijan. He briefed President Ilham Aliyev on the upcoming visit of representatives from companies to Azerbaijan in February, particularly those interested in transportation, logistics, industry, renewable energy, and other sectors. He highlighted that this visit would involve the largest delegation in terms of representation and the number of participating businesspersons, a direct outcome of the Azerbaijani President's meeting with businessmen during his last years visit to Germany. One of the most expected meeting was held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish Foreign Minister Turkiye Hakan Fidan, as per the latters request. During the conversation, the sides reiterated that Turkiye-Azerbaijan friendly and brotherly relations are developing in all fields, expressing confidence in further expanding cooperation. The meeting discussed Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, peace treaty talks and regional security. Later Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, at the latters request. At the meeting President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts in the field of climate change through its involvement with the COP. Azerbaijan is also undertaking serious measures at the national level in the field of renewable energy and green transition, closely supporting the initiatives in this area at both regional and global scales. Climate finance will be the central focus of COP29, and Azerbaijan remains committed to fostering global solidarity, especially between the Global North and the Global South. The meeting heard the significance of the project related to the seabed of the Black Sea and emphasized the establishment of a renewable line on the Caspian seabed, highlighting collaborative efforts with Central Asian countries. President Ilham Aliyev extended an invitation to John Kerry to visit Azerbaijan to participate in COP29. John Kerry expressed his pleasure in participating in COP29. The next meeting was held with the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, as per the latters request. The sides reviewed issues regarding the development of economic, commercial, cultural, and humanitarian relations between the Region and Azerbaijan. Nechervan Barzani also conveyed his congratulations on Azerbaijans hosting of the COP29. It is worth noting the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the initiative of Olaf Scholz, is considered the most important and expected for the international media outlets. It should be mentioned that Olaf Scholz is not a mediator in the meeting but a host. As the President stated previously, there is no need for any mediator anymore, the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations are bilateral in nature. Besides, despite many speculations, as the Azerbaijani President stated the Garabagh conflict has been resolved. Unfortunately some forces either do not want or cannot accept the reality. For once and all, everyone should understand that any negotiations over the Garabagh is out of the question. Azerbaijan supports the normalization process in a bilateral format. However, the efforts of goodwill platforms for peace are appreciated. The main issue is the normalization of relations between the two countries and the development of the peace agenda. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 18:32 (UTC+04:00) The total trade volume between Iran and India amounted to $1.836 bln in 2023, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement, Azernews reports. The trade turnover between the two countries decreased by 26 percent compared to the previous year, when the figure stood at $2.499 bln in 2022. According to the Ministry, Iran exported $699 mln worth of goods to India in the last year and there was no significant change compared to 2022. In 2023, petroleum products were the main commodity imported by India from Iran, with India importing such products worth $221 mln this year. This is an increase of 26 percent over the previous year. Raw materials for dyes and various fruits were also among the largest exports from Iran to India in 2023. Exports of goods from India to Iran for January-December 2023 decreased by 35 percent to $1.187 bln. In the previous year, exports from India to Iran amounted to $1.847 bln. Rice was the major export product from India to Iran in 2023. Rice exports from India to Iran declined 34 percent in 2023, from $1.98 bln in 2022 to $723 mln. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 12:40 (UTC+04:00) International rating agency Fitch Ratings expects that oil prices higher than planned in the budget of Azerbaijan and the growth of non-oil revenues will contribute to the preservation of the state budget surplus, despite the increase in expenditures for the restoration of liberated territories, Azernews reports. The rating action said in connection with the affirmation of Azerbaijan's long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB+' with a positive outlook. "According to our estimates, the consolidated budget surplus will grow to 7.8% of GDP in 2023. Despite this, Azerbaijan has postponed for one year (until 2027) the targeted reduction of the non-energy primary deficit to 17.5% of non-oil GDP (from 25% in 2023). in line with its budget rule to meet Garabagh and defense-related spending commitments," the agency notes. The government has also increased the public debt ceiling to 30% of GDP (previously 20%). Fitch believes that this rule has limited practice and a weak institutional framework in terms of oversight and setting budget targets. The agency emphasizes that the country's public debt rose to 21.8% of GDP in 2023 after the government borrowed more than 8% of GDP domestic guaranteed debt from non-banking credit institution Agrarkredit. Fitch forecasts that debt will average 21.6% of GDP in 2024-2025, the lowest in the BB category. External government guarantees and re-lending have fallen to USD 6 bln (8.2% of GDP) in 2023, much of it related to the Southern Gas Corridor project, which is profitable and unlikely to require government support. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 13:44 (UTC+04:00) Delegation of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan visited the country to study the experience of Azerbaijan in developing new information systems of tax administration within the framework of reforms carried out in the field of digitalization in Kazakhstan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. On February 14-15, the delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Anuar Suleimenov held a number of meetings in the State Tax Service and exchanged experience. Representatives of the State Tax Service informed the guests about the successfully applied "VAT Refund" project in Azerbaijan, administration of refund of part of VAT paid for residential and non-residential premises purchased by non-cash means, introduction of online cash, registers, single deposit account for VAT, as well as achievements in the field of international taxation. Gave details of the achievements. Interest in the meetings was also aroused by the electronic document flow between taxpayers and tax authorities through the system "online case management", the structure of submodules of the Automated Tax Information System (ATIS) (Declaration, Case Management, Personal Cabinet, Debt, TIN). In addition, the guests were presented information on identification of risky taxpayer of the State Tax Service on import-export operations and criteria of risky operations, including digital solutions used in this area and future plans in this regard. During the meetings, in addition to the achievements in the tax system of Azerbaijan, the project of "Common Declaration System" being finalized in Kazakhstan, as well as the experience of this country in the field of tax administration of "goods to be noted and should be noted". Recently, an agreement was reached to hold online meetings on the experience of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan on international taxation and import-export issues. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 23:59 (UTC+04:00) Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan Kanat Sharlapayev during the meeting of the Kazakh-German Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation said that the development of the Middle Corridor is of great importance for Kazakhstan, Azernews reports. "Development of the Trans-Caspian international transportation route is of great importance for Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier of energy resources and strategic goods to Europe," he said. According to the Minister, strategic synergy with Germany, combined with a convenient geographical location at the crossroads of intercontinental transportation routes, including energy supply routes, strengthens Kazakhstan's position as a regional investment hub and one of the key players in the global energy arena. As the minister noted, strengthening Kazakhstan's industrial potential is also among the strategic areas of cooperation with Germany. "For our republic, Germany as an industrial power with its key competencies is the most suitable partner. The government of Kazakhstan faces the task to further improve conditions for attracting large private investments, institutional environment for business and harmonization of legislative regulation", - said Sharlapayev. Note that the Middle Corridor connects the networks of container rail freight transportation of China and the European Union through the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye and Eastern Europe. Multilateral multimodal transportation infrastructure links ferry terminals of the Caspian and Black Seas with railway systems of China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Ukraine and Poland. The middle corridor facilitates increased cargo traffic from China to Turkiye, as well as to European countries and in the opposite direction. A route train along this corridor delivers cargo from China to Europe in an average of 20-25 days, and this is one of the main advantages of this transport corridor. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 10:39 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Since November 1991, during the occupation of the villages of Jamilli, Karkijahan, Gushchular, Malibeyli and Meshali, Armenian armed formations have committed war crimes against the civilian population, Azernews reports. Armenian armed forces surrounded Azerbaijani-populated villages and towns in the mountainous part of Garabagh and isolated them from each other, then invaded and occupied the civilian population, looted and burned houses and farms. The tragedy (massacre) in Garadaghli, which took place on February 17, 1992, is one of the saddest and most unforgettable events of the Garabagh war. The village of Garadaghli is located 13 kilometers west of the district center of Khojavand, on the outskirts of the Khojavand-Khankandi highway, in the foothills. The tragic days of Garadaghli village began in 1988 when Armenian separatism broke out. History November 24, 1990 Three villagers were brutally murdered by Armenian robbers 6 kilometers from the Khojavand-Khankandi road. January 9, 1991. A UAZ car heading to Garadaghli village was shot at by Armenians, one person was killed and 4 people were wounded. Two of them died of their injuries. March 8, 1991. 2 people were brutally killed near the village. June 28, 1991. Three men and three women were burned alive on a farm near the village. September 8, 1991. A passenger bus traveling from Aghdam to Garadaghli was shot at by Armenian bandits, 8 out of 40 passengers were killed. January 8, 1992. Another Azerbaijani was brutally murdered near the village, and Armenians robbed about 100 sheep. Genocide During those events, 118 people were taken prisoner and 33 were shot. Armenian executioners dumped the dead and wounded into a farmer's well and filled it with earth. A total of 68 people were killed and 50 were released with great difficulty. 10 of the hostages were women, two were schoolchildren. 18 of those released, including 5 women, died of incurable wounds. As a result of the crime of genocide in Garadaghli village 4 people from each of two families were killed, 43 heads of families were killed, 146 children were left orphans. During the attacks of Armenian armed forces 10 women and 8 children of school age were killed. A total of 91 people were killed, every tenth resident of the village. In the village 200 houses, 1 house of culture, a secondary school building with 320 seats, a hospital building with 25 beds and other objects, historical, religious and cultural monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis, as well as a cemetery were destroyed. The village with 200 residential houses and 800 inhabitants became a terrible victim of Armenian cruelty. Nothing is forgotten... On the initiative of the executive authority of Khojavand district, documentary films "Genocide: Garadaghli" in Azerbaijani, Russian and English languages, "Garadaghli Genocide: Continuation..." and "Garadaghli, Struggle" in Azerbaijani, Russian, English and French languages to bring the tragedy of Garadaghli to the world community. The book "Garadagh genocide in the language of eyewitnesses" was prepared about the genocide committed in the village. Memorial complexes were erected in Yeni Garadaghly, Yeni Khojavand and Nargiztapa district to immortalize the memory of the Martyrs. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz An Australian musician has hit out at Jetstar over the seemingly reckless handling of his priority luggage, despite a sweet note explaining to baggage handlers the contents of the bag were vital to his livelihood. Sydney artist Tim McArtney was travelling from Melbourne to Launceston last Saturday on flight JQ 731when he had to check a musical instrument to be loaded onto the flight. Trying to get ahead of any carelessness, he attached a note with a simple sentiment for those about to handle the bag. "Please take care of me," it read with a smiley face. "This instrument is my income." Despite his best efforts, Tim's case didn't look too good when it turned up in Tasmania. Source: Facebook However when collecting the case after the flight, he was less than impressed. Photos of the item show it badly damaged with scratches, a dent and multiple parts of the case broken. The state of it seems to indicate the case was unsecured during the flight or dropped multiple times. Yahoo understands Jetstar reached out to Tim on Wednesday to apologise and offer to reimburse him for the cost of a new case. The airline said the instrument itself was not damaged due to the evidently rough handling of the luggage. After the frustrated passenger shared photos of the broken case online, many were quick to urge him to demand compensation. "As someone who always flies with a guitar, this is scary as s**t," one person commented. "That is some serious mishandling." Jetstar says it has reached out to the customer and offered a refund. Source: Facebook Baggage handlers stood down over bad behaviour It's not the first time Qantas, which owns Jetstar and contracts baggage handling services from other providers, has faced scrutiny over the egregiously rough handling of customers' checked luggage. An incident at Melbourne airport a little over a year ago saw two baggage handlers fired after they were caught on camera brazenly kicking and hurling luggage onto a conveyor belt. Just last week, a baggage handler was told he will never work for Qantas again after scrawling the word "c**t" on a tag used by the airline to indicate a passenger's bag is heavy and may require assisted lifting. Story continues "This is clearly unacceptable behaviour," a Qantas spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "Menzies, our ground handling provider at Perth Airport, has assured us that the baggage handler involved will never work on Qantas Group aircraft again." If your bags are ever damaged upon collection, Qantas tells customers to seek out the baggage services counter at the airport and lodge a damaged bag report. If you're in a hurry or have already left the airport, you can fill out a complaint on the airline's online Customer Care Form. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 17 February 2024 10:06 (UTC+04:00) On February 16, Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien at the request of the other side within the Munich Security Conference, Azernews reports, citing the MFA. During the meeting, the two countries discussed bilateral and multilateral agenda issues, as well as the prospects of the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a bilateral basis, according to the information. After 5 months of stability, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the Armenian provocation, as a result of which an Azerbaijani serviceman was wounded as a result of sniper fire without any provoking factors, is aimed at undermining the peace process. At the same time, the inadmissibility of their "binocular diplomacy" as a means of propaganda against Azerbaijan, which contradicts the stated goals of the EU mission in Armenia, such as the promotion of regional stability and confidence building between Azerbaijan and Armenia. As for the draft peace agreement, the existing claims against the territorial sovereignty and sovereignty of our country in the Armenian Constitution, legislative acts, international organizations and courts were mentioned once again and the importance of rejecting those claims was stressed. At the meeting, as well as other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest," the information says. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 12:08 (UTC+04:00) President of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) Alok Sharma visited the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Member of the COP29 Organizing Committee and UN High-Level Leader on Climate Nigar Arpadarai wrote about it on her page in social network "X". It is reported that during the meeting the parties discussed preparations for COP29. The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) was held in 2021 in Glasgow. This year Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 10:57 (UTC+04:00) U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Jeffrey Pyatt wrote on his page on social network "X" that the U.S. supports Baku's climate priorities within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP29, Azernews reports "The meeting with Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov is aimed at discussing support for Baku's COP29 climate priorities, reducing methane emissions, and diversifying energy routes and supplies in the Caspian region," the publication reads. This year Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will host about 70-80 thousand foreign guests within two weeks. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 13:06 (UTC+04:00) UK Minister for Energy Security and Zero Emissions Strategy Graham Stuart will visit Azerbaijan next week where he will hold a series of bilateral meetings in Baku, Azernews reports. Also on February 22, the Minister for Energy Security will deliver a lecture at the ADA University, speaking about the UK's experience in holding COP26 in connection with the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan in November this year. The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) was held in Glasgow in 2021. This year Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP29. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will host about 70-80 thousand foreign guests during the two weeks. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 11:47 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien called on Armenia to amend its constitution, Azernews reports. It is important that Armenia's constitution, legislative acts, international organizations and courts abandon the ongoing claims against our country's territorial sovereignty and sovereignty. "Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that the Armenian provocation committed after five months of stability, as a result of which an Azerbaijani serviceman was wounded by a sniper shot, is aimed at undermining the peace process," the ministry's information says. On February 12, the Armenian Armed Forces shelled the positions of the troops of the State Border Guard Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan in the direction of the village of Kollugishlak in Zangilan district, as a result of which serviceman Parviz Agakishi oglu Khalilzade was wounded. The meeting also included exchange of views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 11:57 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in Munich, at the latters request, Azernews reports. During the meeting, John Kerry congratulated the head of state on his victory in the presidential election and on Bakus hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the congratulations. He warmly recalled his meetings with President Ilham Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the congratulations. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts in the field of climate change through its involvement with the COP. Azerbaijan is also undertaking serious measures at the national level in the field of renewable energy and green transition, closely supporting the initiatives in this area at both regional and global scales. Climate finance will be the central focus of COP29, and Azerbaijan remains committed to fostering global solidarity, especially between the Global North and the Global South. Azerbaijan, with its four-year presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement, has a very good experience in this regard. Furthermore, Azerbaijan takes an active part in various platforms, leveraging this engagement to promote the realization of global solidarity goals. In the context of regional initiatives, the head of state underscored the significance of the project related to the seabed of the Black Sea and emphasized the establishment of a renewable line on the Caspian seabed, highlighting collaborative efforts with Central Asian countries. John Kerry highlighted the climate finance as one of the foremost contemporary issues. He noted the rapid technological advancement related to green transitions with the positive outcomes achieved in this regard. John Kerry expressed hope that decisions to be adopted in Baku would give a serious impetus to international efforts in the climate change process. President Ilham Aliyev extended an invitation to John Kerry to visit Azerbaijan to participate in COP29. John Kerry expressed his pleasure in participating in COP29. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 14:51 (UTC+04:00) Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov has sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, Azernews reports. Aripov congratulated Asadov on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities. The letter expresses hope for close cooperation in realization of important tasks set before the governments of the two countries by the Heads of State for further development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations of friendship, brotherhood and strategic partnership. A. Aripov also noted that he is confident that the agreements reached in transport and logistics, energy, industrial, agricultural, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres will be consistently realized. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 15:33 (UTC+04:00) In order to propagandize and provide explanatory information on the rules of admission to special educational institutions, the Azerbaijan Armys Training and Educational Center has hosted a meeting between representatives of the National Defense University and the heads of pre-conscription training of youth of general secondary schools of the republic, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Defense. First, the memory of National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. At the meeting, the participants had a detailed exchange of views on instilling interest in the officer profession among the youth, including more effective organization of military-patriotic work in secondary educational institutions, and heard the proposals of heads of pre-conscription training. The officers of the propaganda group of the National Defense University informed in detail about the rules of admission to the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, the Military Medical Faculty of the Azerbaijan Medical University, military colleges and military lyceums, spoke about the provision of military educational institutions, social and living conditions, as well as answered questions related to admission. The event also featured the screening of videos on military schools and military-patriotic spirit, the ministry said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 16:48 (UTC+04:00) 32 years have passed since the crime of genocide committed by Armenian armed forces against civilians in Garadaghli village of Khojavand region, Azernews reports. After 4 years of heroic struggle against Armenian invaders Garadaghli village was occupied and burnt on February 17, 1992, genocide was committed against the peaceful population. During the occupation 118 people were taken prisoner, 33 were shot. Armenian executioners buried the dead and wounded in one place, pouring them into a household well. In total, 68 of the captives and hostages were killed, 50 were released from captivity with great difficulty. Of the hostages, 10 were women, 2 were schoolchildren. 5 of those released were women, 18 died after incurable RAN. Among those killed during the fighting of the Armenian armed forces in Garadaghli are 10 women and 8 school children. In Garadaghli village 91 people were killed, every 10th inhabitant of the village. About 800 villagers were evicted from their homeland. Azertac regional correspondent reports that Khojavand residents of Beylagan district visited the memorial complex erected in New Garadaghli village to commemorate the martyrs on the anniversary of the Garadaghli tragedy. Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Rovshan Rzayev, Head of Khojavand District Executive Authority Eyvaz Huseynov, residents of Garadaghli village, public representatives of the district, members of the families of the martyrs, former soldiers laid flowers at the memorial complex and expressed their respect for the spirit of the martyrs. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 17:13 (UTC+04:00) Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been instructed to hold a meeting of the commission on border delimitation, Azernews reports. This was announced during the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Munich. It was noted that the Foreign Ministries of the two countries were instructed to hold a meeting on the peace treaty and a meeting of the commission on border delimitation in the near future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A US-style Ford mega truck's parking fail has sparked a serious discussion about Australia's ability to cater for enormous vehicles. There is an increasing number of large utes appearing on Australian roads but their size is proving problematic when it comes to parking with the one in question parking over two bays in a Coles carpark in southeast Melbourne. The Ford truck's parking fail in southeast Melbourne sparked a discussion online about the rise in the US-style large vehicles. Source: Facebook A shopper snapped a picture of the imposing truck and shared it online, joking it was so big it should be treated similarly to a plane. "Should have his own traffic control team riding around in him with the size of that rig," the man wrote. However, others pointed to the fact that the driver had no other choice than to claim two parking spaces as the truck wouldn't fit into one. "Look, it's not their fault that the parks aren't big enough," one said. "If he tried to park within the lines hed be wasting his time, [it's] logical to park this way to leave room. Take out 2 parks instead of 3," another said. Aussies' mixed feelings about mega trucks In 2021 more than 50 per cent of cars sold in Australia were SUVs according to Budget Direct and their popularity certainly doesn't seem to be diminishing. In 2023 the best selling car model was the large Ford Ranger ute. There is a rise in the number of US-style large utes parking over multiple parking spaces. Source: Reddit While some complimented the driver on his "nice rig" others were against such large vehicles being on Aussie roads. "Why the hell do you need something this big?" one questioned, while another sharing they believe the manta "cant park it, dont drive it" should be adopted. Push for larger car parking spaces Standards Australia have proposed the length of a standard car park space be increased to keep up with the boom in large car purchases. However, an expert claims big infrastructural changes would need to be made in already size restricted cities to accommodate for these trucks. Story continues "The question becomes, how do we use this space? If we want to make our car parks bigger, we get fewer of them, we lose space for bike lanes, we lose space for parks, we lose space for shops," Monash University lecturer Julian O'Shea told Yahoo News previously. Different countries are suggesting higher parking fees should be paid to park these trucks and even restricting areas where they can be driven when space is "at a premium". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 17 February 2024 18:20 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with European Commission Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maros Sefcovic, Azernews reports. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Egyptian Menkaur Pyramid Review Committee (MPRC) has unanimously rejected a plan to restore granite body blocks that have been scattered around the smallest of the three pyramids of Giza for thousands of years at the monument to protect the site's universal and archaeological value, Azernews reports, citing foreign media outlets. The committee includes engineers and archaeologists, in particular pyramid specialists from Egypt, the USA, the Czech Republic and Germany. It is said that the committee rejected the restoration project, citing the importance of preserving the pyramid in its current state, taking into account its exceptional universal and archaeological value. The decision was submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Ancient Monuments of Egypt. The committee's report says: "It is impossible to determine the exact starting position of any block of the hull. Therefore, none of them can be returned to their original place in the pyramid. As a result, the re-installation of the casing blocks will change the ancient, original fabric and appearance of the pyramid, destroying important evidence of how the ancient Egyptians designed them." According to the report, preliminary permission was given for archaeological excavations to identify the Menkaur Pyramid boat pits (similar to those found near the pyramids of Khufu and Khafra), subject to open and detailed scientific research to be submitted to the Committee. At the same time, the search for boat pits around the pyramid should be neither a priority nor a reason to excavate the foundation of the Menkaur pyramid. This project should provide stronger scientific justification for such excavations. The Committee also approved a proposed scientific and archaeological project to explore the Menkaur pyramid, systematically collect granite blocks that fell from its outer shell, and excavate to identify the surrounding inclined debris, as well as clean up the area. The report also reflected the necessary procedures for coordinating the restoration of the mentioned pyramid with UNESCO. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 19:06 (UTC+04:00) The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced additional funding for a program to "secure Armenia's energy sector," Azernews reports. Another $5 million will be allocated to accelerate the implementation of projects in the field of electric power, which will reduce Armenia's dependence on Russian and Iranian natural gas, the document says. According to the document, the American agency's project in Armenia is implemented by Tetra Tech Company. After providing additional funding, its budget will amount to $15.7 million. "With the additional funding, Tetra Tech will provide technical assistance and other services to accelerate (the implementation of) key projects in the electricity sector that will increase the use of renewable energy sources and reduce Armenia's dependence on Russian and Iranian natural gas," the document says. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 19:45 (UTC+04:00) In an article in The Hill, Ugandan President and Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Yoweri Museveni said that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and multipolarity should not be seen as a threat to the West but as a force for peace in dangerous times, Azernews reports. He stressed that NAM member countries are ready to cooperate with all in the name of ideals such as equality, mutual interests and peaceful coexistence, which originally formed the basis for the establishment of the organization. According to Museveni, many did not believe in the strength of the Non-Aligned Movement and assumed it was destined to repeat the fate of the Berlin Wall. "However, as the fissures between the great powers deepen, with some proclaiming a 'Cold War 2.0' between the West and China, the Movement is regaining relevance," he said. "Today, the organization has also undergone a transformation. The 120 member countries, home to more than 4.6 billion people, form the largest bloc of countries at the UN. Starting from poverty, its members now occupy positions ranging from global financial centers, technology hubs and manufacturing facilities to major energy exporters. This great alliance of humanity and diversity should not be downgraded to a great rivalry, which is not in its own interest," he said. The Ugandan leader emphasized that the Non-Aligned Movement is a boon to the world and its positions should not be seen as "anti-Western." "As global tensions rise, the Non-Aligned Movement can also use its collective weight to reform global institutions to better cope with today's challenges. For example, this is the case with the UN Security Council, where permanent members with veto power represent the victorious countries of World War II and can hinder effective action," the NAM chairman said. We would like to remind that the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement was held in Kampala (Uganda) on January 15-20 this year, at which the chairmanship of the organization passed from Azerbaijan to Uganda. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 20:23 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye reduced its electrical equipment exports to Russia by 48.4 percent to $31.2 million in January 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Azernews reports, citing TurkicWorld. The ministry also said that Turkiye exported $16.3 million worth of electrical equipment in the last 12 months (January 2024-January 2023). It should be noted that Turkiye's exports of electrical equipment to world markets increased by 3.2 percent in January 2024 compared to the same month in 2023, totaling $1.2 million. In January-December 2023, Turkiye's exports of electrical equipment increased by 7 percent compared to the same period in 2022 and amounted to 16.2 billion dollars. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 17 February 2024 20:57 (UTC+04:00) "Somalia will start producing oil on its territory for the first time in history later this year," said Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, Azernews reports, citing TACC. The first oil is expected to be extracted from fields in Galmudug, Southwest and Jubaland states. In October 2022, Somalia signed an agreement to develop oil reserves with US-based Coastline Exploration. The agreement, based on a production sharing principle, grants Coastline Exploration the right to explore for oil in seven blocks. Geoseismic studies have shown that Somalia has potential oil and natural gas reserves equivalent to 30 billion barrels. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz There is mounting international concern the humanitarian crisis in Gaza could worsen sharply if the Israeli military decides to storm the southern border city of Rafah, where more than half of the densely populated enclave's people are taking shelter in anticipation of a major attack. An Israeli air strike hit two houses in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday (local time), killing 10 people and wounding several others, health officials said. Palestinians shelter at the border with Egypt, amid fears of an exodus of Palestinians into Egypt, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Taken in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 16. Source: Reuters Israel's air and ground offensive has since devastated much of Gaza, killing 28,775 people, also mostly civilians according to Palestinian health authorities, and forcing nearly all of its more than two million inhabitants from their homes. Doctors Without Borders is the latest group to join the chorus of concern, warning earlier today an Israeli offensive on Rafah would be "catastrophic" for those sheltering in the city. "Rafah is the end of the line," the humanitarian organisation said. "There is nowhere else to flee." A full-scale military attack on #Rafah will be catastrophic for the 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering there after four months of war. Rafah is the end of the line. There is nowhere else to flee. #CeasefireNOW pic.twitter.com/4VWfIs7Hno Doctors w/o Borders (@MSF_USA) February 16, 2024 Satellite images along Egypt-Gaza border appears to show Cairo building a wall However speculation is growing as to where some are likely to flee in the event of Israeli forces moving in, with satellite images ostensibly showing construction work being carried out along the Egyptian border with Gaza, potentially in preparation for processing and housing Palestinian refugees. Story continues According to the BBC, unnamed Egyptian sources claim the work is being done to set up an isolated buffer zone containing a walled enclosure in Egypt's North Sinai province in case Israel goes ahead with a planned ground offensive in Gaza's southernmost enclave. Egypt has denied the claim while Israel's Minister for Defence, Yoav Gallant, has also said the country "has no intention of evacuating Palestinian civilians to Egypt". A satellite image shows the construction of a wall along the Egypt-Gaza border near Rafah, February 15, 2024. Source: Maxar Technologies The satellite images taken in the last 48 hours have made global headlines. Source: Reuters Israeli forces remained in Nasser Hospital in the town of Khan Younis about a 15 minute drive north of Rafah after raiding it early on Thursday. The Gaza Health Ministry said five intensive care patients died on Friday due to power outages and lack of oxygen supply caused by the attack. Israel said it moved into the hospital because Hamas militants were hiding there. The Israeli military said on Friday its troops detained more than 20 militants in the hospital who participated in the October 7 attacks on Israel and dozens of others for questioning. A woman rests with children, as Palestinian arrive in Rafah after they were evacuated from Nasser hospital in Khan Younis due to the Israeli ground operation. Source: Reuters Kites fly, as smoke rises during an Israeli ground operation in Khan Younis. Source: Reuters Dutton backs Israel after joint statement from Albanese and PMs of Canada, NZ Humanitarian organisations and leaders around the world have called on Israel not to send forces into Rafah, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who took the step of releasing a joint statement with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts on Thursday. Such an invasion would be catastrophic, they said, with 1.5 million Palestinians taking refuge in the area, many at the behest of Israeli forces. "Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas", the statement said. "We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go." In contrast, on Friday Peter Dutton backed Israel's war on Hamas, making his remarks in response to the joint statement from the three leaders. "Israel has provided a response to make sure their country is secure," he said. "We want an end to the conflict as quickly as possible but that can't happen until the terrorists release those children in particular, those women, and the other hostages." More than 1200 people were killed and 240 others taken hostage when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, in what the Australian government has declared a terror event. More than 100 hostages have been released. with Reuters Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Theresa Opeka The North Carolina State Election Board held a webinar Wednesday for the media to discuss the changes with the new photo ID requirement when voting.Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in the state starting with the municipal elections this fall.Early voting begins on Oct. 19 in 385 municipalities across North Carolina. About 465 cities, towns, and villages in 86 counties are conducting elections this November. The early voting period runs from Thursday until Saturday, Nov. 4.If voters aren't sure where to vote, they can use the voter search tool on the NCSBE website and look up their sample ballot. If they don't have a sample ballot attached to their voter record, they are not eligible to vote for any contests in November.A photo ID requirement was added to the state's constitution in 2018, but there have been various legal cases against it. Democrats had held a 4-3 Democratic majority in the N.C. Supreme Court in December.A 5-2 ruling from the now Republican-led state high court on Apr. 28 overturned the ruling from the same court in December.Both rulings involved party-line votes from the justices.The NCSBE responded to the April ruling by preparing to implement the ID law for 2023.Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director of the State Board of Elections, said they immediately got to work after the April ruling getting things in place, but it has been a challenge rolling out new ID-making equipment due to the injunction that took place back in 2019.she said.When voters go to the polls, they will be asked for a form of photo identification, such as a driver's license. Other common forms of acceptable ID include military or veterans ID cards issued by the federal government and college student and public employer ID cards that the board has approved for use in voting. A detailed list of acceptable ID's can be found on the NCSBE Voter ID web page.Any voter who does not have an acceptable form of ID can still get one through their county board of elections between now and the end of the early voting period on Nov 4. A voter will provide their name, date of birth, and last four of their Social Security number and have their photo taken.If voters don't have an ID when they vote, they can still vote a provisional ballot and fill out an ID exception form. Voters can also vote and then return to the county board of elections after Election Day and before the county canvas, which is the 10th day after Election Day, and show an ID to have their ballot counted.Voters who vote by mail will include a photocopy of their ID when they return their ballot or can also fill out an ID exception form explaining why they can't include a photocopy of their ID with their ballot.A question was raised about a driver's license or any other acceptable form of ID not having a matching address that is in the voter registration records. Paul Cox, general counsel to NCSBE, said that poll workers would not be looking at addresses on the ID, only the picture, to see if it resembles the person in line to vote. He said the state statute states that the address on your photo ID does not have to match the address in the voter registration records. In that case, voters will receive a regular ballot, not a provisional one.Bell said things have been running smoothly with the new photo ID requirement. There were no major issues for elections in Charlotte, Sanford in September, and some municipalities in October. Most voters have presented driver's licenses and other forms of ID, including university ID's, and very few had voted with provisional ballots or exception forms.She also credited the media, social media, and county board of elections workers for helping get the word about the new requirement since they didn't have an advertising budget with the state budget being held up for months. She said now that it is in place, they are glad to have the funding to do a robust outreach campaign, and some of that will go towards advertising, community events, and mailers that will have a broader reach.Regarding the 2024 campaign season, Bell said they are still working on specifics but plan to use mailers since they worked well with a previous judicial voter guide and will also do some cross-matching and some community outreach.A reporter asked if the NCSBE's budget process was complicated by the legislature's requirements that some of the funding has to go to the Voter ID process and fund some changes in S.B. 747, Election Law Changes, along with lawsuits challenging it.Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, but the General Assembly overrode that veto on Oct. 10. It requires, among other measures, that election day be the deadline for absentee votes. It also bans private groups from covering some elections' administrative costs and clarifies the rights and duties of election observers.Bell said regarding the budget that they didn't receive everything they requested but will make the best use of what they have been provided.Regarding the Voter ID requirements and changes with S.B. 747 that will go into effect in January, they are mapping out a plan to do that.she said. Under the cover of Covid, and now in the shadow of the infamous Election Irregularities of that fated 2020 presidential election, with current emerging alleged election fraud in Nevada and Pennsylvania inconveniently slipping into the public discourse, there is proved a colluded ongoing Election Interference in the nomination of the Republican candidate, the likes of which has never occurred in our Constitutional Republic's history, albeit, the question remains: Do you support the plain-sight Election Interference of the Democratic Socialist party, employing its minions in their Propagandistic Media, and their Two Tiered Justice System? 98.25% No, I do not support Election Interference; I am a patriot unto our Constitution.1.75% Yes, I do support Election Interference; the alternative, Donald Trump, to this mentally diminished president is far worse.0% "What, me worry" if elections are rigged? Opposition is mounting from conservatives to President Trump's endorsement of NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley for chairman of the Republican National Committee. Whatley is viewed by many in the party as an opportunist and self-promoter. He was also handpicked by liberal Republican US Senator Thom Tillis to run for NCGOP chairman. Tillis has since been censured for his liberal record by the NC Republican state convention, something Whatley fought hard to try to stop. Whatley has a long history of trying to take credit for things others have done and overstating accomplishments. The Gateway Pundit is pointing out that Whatley has downplayed voting fraud problems and actually told voters to disregard Trump's endorsement of conservative Congressman Ted Budd for US Senate in the 2022 primary. (Conservatives are happy that Trump got that one right). https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/02/trump-endorsed-michael-whatley-rnc-chair-previously-told/ A leading conservative NC political site, The Daily Haymaker has also weighed in on the Whatley problem: https://dailyhaymaker.com/making-north-carolinas-problem-a-national-problem/ Trump too often seems to get bad advice on his actions in North Carolina. One remembers when Trump endorsed Thom Tillis in the 2020 US Senate primary, crashing the campaign of a very promising conservative challenger. When Trump announced that endorsement at a major Trump rally, the crowd of Trump supporters loudly booed Trump's onstage announcement of the endorsement. Now Trump is also endorsing do-nothing Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson for governor, a move that has many Trump supporting conservatives very upset. It is seen as a replay of his Tillis endorsement, but this time Robinson's challengers are not going to end their campaigns. Robinson is being challenged both from the right by conservative State Treasurer Dale Folwell and from the left by wealthy Tillis-endorsed trial lawyer Bill Graham. Trump will not lose any votes for himself over it, but voters are learning that as in the Tillis endorsement, sometimes Trump is getting very bad advice in making endorsements. Martin Evers, MD, a former physician in Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for unlawfully prescribing oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone to three patients, including one woman who died as a result of using the drugs. In addition, Dr. Evers was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and will be supervised by a probation officer for three years following his release, according to a Feb. 12 news release from the Justice Department. Dr. Evers was convicted by a jury in 2022 and found guilty of all 71 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. The jury determined that Dr. Evers repeatedly prescribed drugs outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes. Following the case, Dr. Evers is no longer licensed to practice medicine, the release said. El Centro (Calif.) Regional Medical Center had a rough 2023. Recently, its CEO spoke out to address community concerns. In January 2023, Healthcare Management Partners, the Nashville, Tenn.-based consulting firm appointed to advise the hospital, terminated its agreement. The hospital's CEO and CFO, both directors of the consulting firm, resigned in short order. The hospital an affiliate of UC San Diego Health named Pablo Velez, PhD, RN, to the helm in April. ECRMC received a $28 million zero-interest loan from the state in August and continued to report financial distress through the year's end. Dr. Velez spoke out on ECRMC's turbulent year in a Feb. 2 letter to the local newspaper, the Holtville Tribune. "Over the last year, constant attacks and scrutinizing over the financial position of ECRMC have portrayed a poor image of the hospital," Dr. Velez said. "I want to alleviate community concerns and provide the community with accurate and reliable information." In the letter, Dr. Velez wrote that the hospital "is [financially] stable at this point." He claimed that the debt was incurred from statewide measures that required all buildings to comply with new earthquake regulations. The hospital has also "right sized" by decreasing the number of care providers to better align with the number of patients seen post-COVID. ECRMC is limiting its use of travel nurses and unnecessary overtime, improving contract management and creating new programs and services, according to Dr. Velez. Throughout Dr. Velez's tenure, ECRMC and the city of El Centro have advocated for a bill that would consolidate three health districts in Imperial County into a single district. One of the other players, Brawley, Calif.-based Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, has argued against the bill, claiming the project is not feasible or fundable. Dr. Velez concluded his letter by reiterating support for the consolidation measure. "We all need to preserve our precious healthcare resources; consolidation of both hospitals is good for the community so that we reduce expenses and improve healthcare in our Imperial Valley," he wrote. Read the full letter here. John Lloyd, former co-CEO of Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health, has died, according to a Feb. 16 news release shared with Becker's. Mr. Lloyd retired in 2018 after co-leading the health system with Robert Garrett since the 2016 merger of Neptune, N.J.-based Meridian Health and Hackensack (N.J.) University Health Network, which formed Hackensack Meridian Health. Mr. Garrett is currently the sole CEO. "John's legacy lives on in New Jersey and at Hackensack Meridian Health. Beyond being a visionary leader, John was a wonderful man, well-known throughout HMH as being someone who truly cared for each and every team member," Mr. Garrett said in the release. "He brought his authentic self to work every day, and dedicated his life to serving his team, and our patients. It was a privilege to work beside him as co-CEO. He was a great colleague, mentor and a true friend. Our network extends our deepest condolences to the entire Lloyd family." During his career, Mr. Lloyd led the merger of Jersey Shore University Medical Center with Ocean Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center to create Meridian Health in 1997. He also is a past recipient of the Medical Executive Award from the Academy of Medicine of New Jersey and the Distinguished Business Leader Award from West Long Branch, N.J.-based Monmouth University. Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the latest system to adopt a patient code of conduct amid a national increase of violence against healthcare workers, the system announced Feb. 16. According to a Feb. 5 report from National Nurses United, 81.6% of nurses reported that they have experienced workplace violence, with half also noting they have seen instances of violence increase in the last year. Aside from reminder signs around the facilities stating things like "All people are welcome here. But all behavior isn't," Vanderbilt's new patient code of conduct includes definitions of unacceptable mistreatment patients are forbidden from engaging in at any of its facilities. This includes racist or discriminatory behavior, physical and verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sexual threats and more. Violations of the new patient code can range from restrictions to termination of care in non-emergent situations. A patient will have a chance to respond and speak to any behavior, if appropriate for the situation, before any penalties are imposed, the release notes. Vanderbilt is the latest to follow what other large health systems in the U.S. have implemented related to patient conduct. Boston-based Mass General Brigham adopted its own code of patient conduct in November 2022. Milford (Mass.) Regional Medical Center announced Jan. 22 it would adopt a patient code of conduct. "Patient/visitor codes of conduct are not new," a spokesperson for the American Hospital Association told Becker's. "A large number of hospitals and health systems have patient/visitor codes of conduct, but recently we've noticed more support and promotion of these behavioral standards along with signage as an effort to reduce workplace violence. Some hospitals have told us that these codes of conduct help set a tone of mutual respect and understanding with the patients and communities they serve." Orange, Calif.-based UCI Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation a Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health business unit have broken ground on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Irvine, Calif., as part of a joint venture partnership. A 68,000-square-foot, two-story facility, the UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital will act as a stand-alone hospital with 52 beds, according to a Feb. 16 Lifepoint Health news release. The hospital will comprise a specialized acquired brain injury unit, an imaging suite for on-site radiology, a dialysis suite, multidisciplinary therapy gymnasiums with therapeutic technologies, outdoor courtyards, and additional space for patients. All units in the facility will be designed to meet patient needs for those receiving acute inpatient rehabilitation care for traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, amputation, and other disorders and injuries. UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital will more than triple the health system's inpatient rehabilitation capacity and will be jointly operated by UCI Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation. It is expected to open sometime in 2025, the release said. An academic health system, UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of Irvine-based University of California. Along with its main campus, Orange-based UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed acute care hospital, the health system also comprises primary and specialty care offices. Lifepoint Rehabilitation comprises more than 40 freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities and over 250 hospital-based rehabilitation units, medical, surgical and outpatient therapy settings. Members of the New York State Nurses Association and Northwell Health's Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, N.Y., reached a tentative labor contract on Feb. 15. The union and hospital reached the agreement days after the union announced plans to strike at Peconic and Northwell Health's Long Island Jewish Valley Stream (N.Y.) beginning Feb. 21 unless tentative contracts could be reached beforehand. Union members have not reached a tentative agreement with Long Island Jewish Valley Stream. At Peconic, the tentative contract includes staffing improvements, stronger and expedited safe staffing enforcement, protection of union members' health and pension benefits, and significant pay increases, according to the NYSNA. The union plans to release additional details about the agreement pending a Feb. 20 ratification vote. Chris Honor, BSN, RN, local president at Peconic Bay and NYSNA Southeastern regional director, said in a Feb. 16 news release: "Our NYSNA negotiating committee worked hard on this tentative agreement and are proud of the safe staffing improvements and the fact that it will take us from some of the lowest paid healthcare workers on Long Island to being competitive with other hospitals." A spokesperson for Northwell shared the following statement with Becker's: "Peconic Bay Medical Center is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with NYSNA. From the start of negotiations, our sole focus remained ensuring that our patients continue to receive world-class care and our dedicated nurses and allied health professionals can continue to serve in the best environment to provide that care. The agreement provides competitive compensation and benefits and reaffirms our commitment to our team members and delivering safe, high-quality care." The NYSNA represents about 700 nurses and healthcare professionals at the Northwell facilities, according to a Feb. 9 NYSNA news release. Northwell, based in New Hyde Park, N.Y., has more than 85,000 employees total. Auburn bowling alley Falcon Lanes has closed, according to a post on its Facebook page on Friday afternoon. The 75 Pulaski St. bowling alley had been closed since early January. According to previous posts on the bowling alley's Facebook page, ownership had been working with the city's Code Enforcement Office and the Auburn Fire Department to bring the building into compliance following problems with its heating system. Friday, the bowling alley posted that it will not reopen, saying it was not affordable. "I would like to thank you all for your years of loyalty and patronage of my business," the post continued. "I cherish all the lasting friendships we've made through the years." Bowlers were allowed into the alley one last time on Saturday to empty their lockers, using only flashlights. Longtime bowler Donald Young, 84, talked with The Citizen about working as a pinsetter some 70 years ago when he was in high school. He's bowled at Falcon Lanes his whole life. "I'm going to really miss it," he said. According to The Citizen archives, Gary Feldman and his late wife, Linda, purchased Falcon Lanes in 2007 after previously operating Cedar House Lanes in Skaneateles. Gary continues to own the building, while his granddaughter Michelle owns the business, which includes bar and kitchen Tidal Wave. Michelle is a star bowler who won 14 professional titles and was Bowling Digest's 2002 Bowler of the Year. The 16-lane alley was previously named Polish Falcons Nest 74, which had been in operation for more than 100 years when the Feldmans bought it. It was first located on Washington Street. Along with bowling, Falcon Lanes hosted live music, trivia nights and other community events. It was the last bowling alley in the city of Auburn, with the closest being Starlite Lanes in Aurelius. Gallery: Falcon Lanes in Auburn opens its doors one last time for bowlers to empty lockers Newark, Del.-based ChristianaCare has rolled out virtual nursing at more than hospital 500 beds and experienced declines in patient lengths of stay and readmission rates. Virtual nursing is now at 41% of the acute care beds at the health system's two Delaware hospitals, serving nearly 19,000 patients so far. "We see virtual nursing as another tool to help our caregivers serve with love and excellence," said Michelle Collins, MSN, RN, vice president of nursing professional excellence at ChristianaCare, in a Feb. 8 news release. "And let's be honest we all want good care to be as easy as pushing a button." The virtual nurses help bedside nurses with admissions, medication histories, patient education, lab work monitoring, and discharge planning. Despite being the top trusted profession in the U.S. for 22 years running, nurses are the least respected and most stressed, according to experts and national data. In an analysis of the nation's 873 most stressful jobs, five of the top 10 are in healthcare. The roles are urologists (No. 1), anesthesiology assistants (No. 3), acute care nurses (No. 6), obstetricians and gynecologists (No. 7), and nurse anesthetists (No. 10). The results weren't surprising to Rachael Drake, MSN, RN, divisional chief nursing officer at MUSC Health, or to Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, RN, president of the American Nurses Association. Nursing is inherently stressful, Dr. Mensik Kennedy said, but extra stressors are burdening the workforce. These include an increase in high-acuity cases and staffing challenges, including early retirements and new nurses leaving the industry. At Charleston, S.C.-based MUSC Health, the long-term effect of this stress is appearing through more callouts and higher turnover in high-demand units. There has also been more interest in the system's employee assistance program because of substance use disorders. "We know that nurses, there are struggles with alcoholism, there are struggles with medication [misuse]. They're not immune to any of that," Ms. Drake told Becker's. "Post-COVID, you've seen that increase in alcohol and drug addiction among nurses." Decreasing the stigma around asking for help can go a long way, she said. Dr. Mensik Kennedy said she thinks most health systems undervalue nurses, only seeing their largest labor force as an expendable cost: "They think that they can accomplish patient care without nurses." "I think maybe hospital executives think they have to create their own wheel and create their own thing," Dr. Mensik Kennedy said, "when there are tools and resources available off the shelf that they can put into practice right now for their staff." Those resources include institutional offerings such as employee assistance programs and counseling services plus simply asking front-line staff about their well-being. These questions and check-ins fortify the psychological safety in an organization, according to Ms. Drake, who served at another South Carolina hospital before joining MUSC in October. "When we're rounding, we're asking those questions one on one about well-being. Is there anything I can do to support your well-being?" she said, adding that showing appreciation to front-line workers boosts morale and reduces stress. "As a CNO, I round on my leaders, and leaders are rounding on all the front-line employees." Dr. Mensik Kennedy also recommended implementing shared governance and elevating nurses' voices, such as appointing more nurses to healthcare organization boards. Only 5% of hospital board members are nurses. The ANA also offers resources for improving well-being and "stress first aid," a new program being piloted in four states focusing on the needs of younger nurses and nurses of color. Proliance Orthopedic Associates isn't just replacing joints, they're revolutionizing orthopedic care. Join Timothy Alton, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, Proliance Orthopedic Associates, to discover how they keep costs down, excitement levels up, and bone health thriving in this exploration of innovation and healthy mobility. Summary Proliance Orthopedic Associates Innovation in Orthopedic Care Dr. Timothy Alton: Revolutionizing Orthopedic Care Dr. Alton, an orthopedic surgeon at Proliance Orthopedic Associates in Seattle, discusses his journey to specializing in joint reconstruction and replacement and how he balances patient relationships with staying innovative and tech-forward. He also shares the practice's approach to keeping up with new technologies while keeping costs affordable for patients, including their partnership with DePuy Synthes. Advanced Technology in Outpatient Surgeries Dr. Alton discusses the use of advanced technology in outpatient surgeries, specifically in ambulatory surgery centers. He emphasizes the importance of offering patients the same level of care and technology in both hospital and ambulatory settings. Dr. Alton also highlights the benefits of using technologies such as robotics in knee replacements, hip navigation systems, and patient engagement tools for improved efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. He predicts that there will be a continued push towards performing more joint replacements in ambulatory centers due to the positive patient experience and financial incentives. Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com This episode aired on 02/08/2024 and can be listened here. Subscribe to Beckers Healthcare Podcast here. US industry group Airlines for America is among those piling pressure on planners Dublin Airport's operator DAA wants the limit on passenger numbers raised from 32 million annually to 40 million. Photo: PA Major airlines are warning they will move business away from Ireland and bring multinationals with them, if permission to expand Dublin Airport is refused. The powerful US industry group Airlines for America (A4A) is among those piling pressure on planners to rapidly approve an increase in the passenger cap from 32 million to 40 million annually. It said the cap on passenger numbers must be lifted if Ireland is to sustain and grow current levels of US tourism and foreign direct investment. Three US companies Apple, Microsoft and Google are responsible for one-third of Irelands corporation tax, it said in a submission to Fingal County Council. Failure to cater to US-Ireland passenger demand will have a significant negative impact on the Irish economy. A4As members include American Airlines, United, Delta, FedEx and UPS, which are among the worlds largest passenger and cargo carriers. The groups warning that the entire Irish economy is on the line is echoed by multiple airlines and business lobbies ahead of the update, due shortly from Fingal planners, on their assessment of DAAs application. IAG cannot stress enough the urgency for Fingal County Council to make a decision to increase the passenger cap As well as seeking to raise passenger numbers by 25%, the DAA wants permission to build extensive new facilities to accommodate the increase. Kenny Jacobs, DAA chief executive, has said the restrictions are holding back the growth of the airport and businesses reliant on it. However, the claims by airlines that they would not only have to forego growth but would have difficulty maintaining existing services will cause alarm across the industry. British Airways said even a delay in raising the cap posed significant risks to the Irish economy. It warned: The lack of certainty over the cap makes it challenging to forecast effectively and may compel British Airways to focus on other destinations or airports. That message is underlined in a submission by British Airways parent company, IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus, Vueling and Iberia Express. IAG cannot stress enough the urgency for Fingal County Council to make a decision to increase the passenger cap, it said. It said all IAG carriers may have to turn their attention to other airports. Separately, Aer Lingus pointed out that it employs over 5,000 workers, most of them at Dublin Airport, and had made significant investments in expanding its fleet, with new aircraft due for delivery this year and next year. These investments were made on the basis that the resulting growth would be accommodated at Dublin Airport, it said. Spanish operator Vueling added that lifting the cap was essential for maintaining and developing global routes. If the current passenger cap is kept, it could lead to airlines such as ourselves choosing other airports over Dublin Emirates stressed its purchase of Irish products and its employment of more than 200 Irish cabin crew with significant additional recruitment under way. Without the increase in passenger numbers to 40 million, we are unable to grow our business and may need to look at other destinations or airports as a more viable option, it said. SAS Scandinavian Airlines cautioned: If the current passenger cap is kept, it could lead to airlines such as ourselves choosing other airports over Dublin. SunExpress, an expanding Turkish airline, said: We would be forced to grow at airports other than Dublin Airport, resulting in a decrease of our offer at Dublin Airport, it said. Canadian airline Air Transat said the airport expansion was essential to provide greater flexibility in scheduling. This flexibility can be a key factor in making investment decisions, it warned. Etihad, JetBlue, Egyptair, WestJet, Aegean Airlines, HiSky, Aurigny and Emerald Airlines have also made submissions stressing the importance of allowing the airport grow to accommodate their expansion plans. Ryanair, Dublin Airports largest user, said it intended increasing passenger numbers by 76% over the next 10 years and said Dublin would have to expand to secure a portion of that growth. Airlines for America signalled similar growth prospects. The number of passengers travelling between the United States and Ireland grew by 76% between 2013 and 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 5.8%, it said. A4A is anticipating a similar annual increase in US-Ireland passenger traffic in the coming years. The scale of anticipated growth across the sector has prompted hundreds of submissions to planners pleading for the expansion to be refused. Residents living beneath flight paths say they are plagued by noise from overhead aircraft and cannot cope with more. Environmental campaigners say that to allow an already energy-intensive, high-emission business to expand further would make nonsense of the countrys climate action promises and emission-reduction obligations. The pro-expansion side repeatedly cites the National Aviation Policy, which targets Dublin Airport for growth. However, the same policy says repeatedly that such growth must be sustainable, which opposing groups say it will not be. The clash calls attention to a discussion not yet had in the Government or industry in this country about what level of economic expansion is compatible with or responsible in a climate crisis. Industry groupings such as IBEC and the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation have signed up to climate action pledges, but are pushing for the airport expansion. An update is due from Fingal County Council by Monday, but it is expected planners will look for more time and/or further information before reaching a final decision. The DAAs planning application runs to over 7,000 pages, and more than 370 submissions have been received from individuals, residents groups, politicians, airlines, companies and tourism, export and general business associations. The council said: An initial decision on the application is due later this month. Blu Hydrangea with dance partner Simone Arena on 'Dancing with the Stars'. Photo: Kyran OBrien/kobpix Dancing with the Stars drag queen Blu Hydrangea has spoken about being overwhelmed by the support of the shows audience. Joshua Cargill (27) said people are now starting to see they are just a person living their life with drag being a creative outlet to do that. I've been so overwhelmed by the amount of people who have reached out and said they're watching and voting, said the Belfast resident, who identifies as non-binary. We were just having a wee dinner with my partner and a little old lady came up and said: I recognised you as soon as I came in, I loved you doing Barbie and I hope you win. I'm used to being in places that serve the LGBTQ+ community, like Drag Race or queer bars that's where I would be safe, in this queer bubble. But since being on the show, the people who've stopped me and said: You're doing great, are people who are of an older generation, who I didn't think that I had in my audience before. It's lovely because that means that what I'm doing is working me being on TV every week, visibly queer, is not offending these people or making them feel like I'm a menace to society. They're seeing I'm just a person living my life and drag is my creative outlet to do that. That's exactly why I'm doing the show and I just hope that continues, said Cargill. Blu Hydrangea pictured at the RTS NI Programme Awards Ceremony in Belfasts City Hall (William Cherry/Presseye) The Co Down native grew up in Hillsborough and came out as gay to his parents at the age of 18, which took them aback. "More so because they're just scared for what life could be like for me as a queer person in Northern Ireland. My parents have always loved me, but I was raised to be on the more conservative side. I remember my parents saying: You cant bring home anyone thats a man or that's a different religion than you that was a joke that my dad would say. "I think I've broadened their horizons for sure, said Cargill, who described their parents as their biggest supporters. When Cargill came out as a drag queen, they remembered their father saying: As long as you're making money, as long as you look good, it's dead on. The Northern Irish drag queen dedicated last weeks Pasodoble to the drag icon RuPaul, who changed Blus life forever after they won RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World two years ago. I used to just be working five nights a week in a bar in Belfast, performing for very little money. As soon as I got the call, I was on the show, it came out and since then it's been 180 degrees change. Next week, Blu and their pro dance partner Simone Arena will deliver a hard-hitting and powerful performance a Viennese waltz to Lose Control by Teddy Swims. "We've been able to spin the meaning of the song to something personal to me. It's about me having so much control and power as Blu and then losing part of that whenever I become Josh. And then throughout the dance that will be me trying to regain my power so it's going to be a very stripped-back version of Blu in something that you haven't seen quite yet. Dancing with the Stars returns to RTE One on Saturday at 6.30pm. Local thespians give their view on whether or not the art form is suffering due to over sensitivities Theatre goers attending the opening night at the rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superatar' at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast get a taste of real life drama. Patrons had to brave the line of 150 Free Presbyterians protesting at the staging of the production which they describe as ' a complete blasphemy.' 10/1/1974 In 2001, a group of Free Presbyterians staged a protest outside Belfasts Grand Opera House on the opening night of global musical blockbuster Jesus Christ Superstar. It was a repeat of scenes outside The Lyric 27 years previously when Free Presbyterians protested the venue in 1974 over the same production. The crowd who formed a picket line outside the Opera House described the production created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice as blasphemous and irreverent.The protest prompted the theatre director at the time, Derek Nicholls to tell this newspaper that people who think the show is wrong are entitled to their own opinion, adding: I dont think anybody comes to Jesus Christ Superstar without knowing what its all about. Take Five with Jack Warnock Favourite book? Since I was young, Ive been an avid Harry Potter reader, and still go back to it today. My mum is from Monaghan so we used to make trips all the time from Maghera and listen to the Stephen Fry audiobooks on the journey, we were engrossed it must have been an easy way to keep us quiet. In recent years I enjoyed Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Ive started one of her other books, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Favourite song? Thats a toughie, there are so many. As a trad musician, I couldnt pick one song, but Im a huge fan of lots of great trad bands, from the revolutionary ones of the 70s like The Bothy Band to more modern groups like Flook and the Olllam. One trad song that I always loved was The Cocks Are Crowing, specifically John Doyles version, the guitar work is sublime. Outside of trad, Im a big fan of basically anything, but in my Spotify Wrapped for 2023 all of my top five songs were from Lizzy McAlpines outstanding album Five Seconds Flat. Impossible to pick a favourite from that one. Sammy Copleys breathtaking songwriting is also highly recommended, and as someone who has many friends constantly moving down under to work, my favourite has to be Irish Goodbye. Favourite film? Im a huge fan of anything Edgar Wright has directed, and probably my favourite film is Hot Fuzz for numerous reasons. I also really enjoyed Last Night in Soho which he worked on, and basically anything else hes touched. Wes Anderson movies are always a fun recommendation, with my favourite being The Grand Budapest Hotel. One that I remembered quite recently but which is hard to find is The Music Never Stopped with J.K. Simmons, about a man trying to reconnect with his estranged son through music therapy after he suffers from a brain tumour affecting his memories. Favourite place? Ive been lucky to travel around a lot with music and loved Switzerland, in particular Lucerne. Theres his amazing wooden bridge which was built in the 14th century that runs across the river through the middle of town. Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada is also a stunning place. The festival Celtic Colours is held there around October annually, and the colours of the leaves on the trees are just stunning as you fly in. The people are warm and friendly, and the craic is great. Plus they have lots of good music. Id be remiss to miss out on Donegal, specifically Gaoth Dobhair, and I have a real soft spot for Moville for its gorgeous scenery, plus my cousin Clodagh lives there too. Favourite meal? One subject that I have surprisingly little to say about. Im not much of a cook myself, though thats been changing in recent months, with many questionable versions of recipes appearing in my kitchen. I like to think theyre improving. Generally, if you put anything meaty in front of me, Ill eat it, but I have to admit, in particular, Im a sucker for a good steak sandwich. Jack Warnock performs as part of The Songs of Shane MacGowan concert in Mandela Hall on February 24 and Festival Club on February 25 with Piaras O Lorcain and Megan McGinley. For information on other Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend events, see belfasttradfest.com The director of the Oscar-winning documentary on Alexei Navalny has said he is grateful to the late Russian opposition leader for his final message to the world to safeguard and install democracy. Navalny director Daniel Roher became close to his subject and his family when he interviewed the democracy champion before he was sent to prison in January 2021. Roher kept in contact until Navalnys death in a Russian penal colony, reported on Friday. The Canadian documentary filmmaker told the PA news agency that he was delighted and not surprised that Navalnys wife Yulia Navalnaya had addressed world leaders in Germany, just hours after her husbands death was announced. Floral tributes outside the Russian Embassy in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He said her very commanding two-minute address allowed her to be the moral centre of the universe briefly when she told Russian President Vladimir Putin that him and his associates bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. Roher said: I dont know how the political structure of the (opposition) organisation and Yulia will change in the next couple of weeks and months, but I know that the family is passionate and activated and now, perhaps, vengeful. He says he has refrained from reaching out to Navalnaya, who attended his wedding, as he wants to give her respect and space. When the time is right, I will send her a message and remind her how much I care about her and her family, how much gratitude I have for her, and how I will never forget, till the day I die her husband and his vital message for us all, which is to not be inactive, to be active citizens, to participate in democracy and help safeguard it where it is fragile (and) to help install it where it is non-existent, he added. Reflecting on asking Navalny in a memorable moment in the documentary for his message to the Russian people if he is imprisoned or killed, Roher said it had been uncomfortable to ask this of a friend. Im sad about how prophetic its become today, the director added. Navalny says in the 2022 film: If they decided to kill me, it means we are incredibly strong. We need to utilise this power to not give up. Roher also said he has no reason to be surprised at the death of Navalny, but admitted he was shocked at hearing the news. He called his reaction being more akin to cognitive dissonance, having a fraction of disbelief at the devastating news. 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 Thats what I was experiencing in that moment, and part of it lingers, even with the clarity of time, he added. Roher says that it would have been uncomfortable or taboo to try and stop Navalny going home to Russia where he faced certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. The director added: He understood the dangers. He was not a naive man, he did things with both eyes open, and I think it will be up to history to judge and debate the value and virtue of his decisions. But in spite of what happened yesterday, he will always be a figure of courage and heroism to millions. Roher also described him as curious, and someone who used their obsession and interest and passion as fuel for his political life. He also criticised the Foreign Secretary after Lord David Cameron told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference attended by Navalnys wife that there will be consequences over the death of the 47-year-old. A protest opposite the Russian Embassy in London (Jonathan Brady/PA) Roher told PA: Talk is cheap act, have the political courage to act I take anything the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary say with a grain of salt. They dont have the moral clarity that Navalny had, they dont have the courage that Navalny had. These people dont act, they talk, and I think thats why a lot of people think politicians are full of shit. He said that Navalnys life teaches us that we must have hope, we must not be afraid, we must not be inactive. Roher said Navalny intentionally designed the opposition organisation for its continuity in the event of his possible death. However, the director said: He didnt want to die. The man loved life, he loved his family. He was a very bright figure. But he knew that his job was dangerous, and what has come to pass, this tragedy that has unfolded It reminds me of that old adage that the night is darkest before the dawn. And I know that theres a wealth of talents in the Russian opposition. Rohers film, Navalny, won the Oscar for best documentary at the 2023 Academy Awards. I loved my job... I was never satisfied with anything but the truth: Veteran journalist reflects on career in memoir Journalist Eamonn Mallie looks back at his career and the pivotal moments in Northern Irelands history, writes Mark Bain Journalist Eamonn Mallie Mark Bain Sat 17 Feb 2024 at 12:00 Theres a famous scene around half an hour into the 1975 movie Jaws the same year Eamonn Mallie began his career in journalism where Quint (maverick actor Robert Shaw who lived the final years of his life in Ireland) announces his presence to the room. In the past year, NIO underwent significant transformations, embracing the new and achieving several milestone collaborations that hold great significance for the company. Simultaneously navigating through cycles of cooperation and transformation, NIO overcame various challenges, paving the way for a more promising 2024. NIO's delivery center in Nanxiang district, Shanghai; photo credit: NIO Gasgoo conducted a year-end review of key automotive and component companies, offering you a retrospective on the noteworthy events that unfolded for NIO in 2023. NIO launches ET9 flagship sedan model on NIO Day 2023 On December 23, 2023, Chinese prominent electric vehicle manufacturer NIO officially launched the ET9, its fire new flagship all-electric sedan model, at the NIO Day 2023, its most important event of the year. NIO secures $2.2 billion strategic investment from Abu Dhabi's CYVN On December 18th, NIO inked a new share subscription agreement with CYVN Holdings L.L.C ("CYVN Holdings"), through its affiliate CYVN Investments RSC Ltd (the "Investor" or "CYVN"), an investment vehicle based in Abu Dhabi. As per the agreement, CYVN will make a strategic investment of approximately $2.2 billion in cash to subscribe for 294 million newly issued Class A ordinary shares of NIO at a per share purchase price of US$7.50 (the "December Investment Transaction"). NIO's ET7 powered by 150kWh battery pack achieves 1,044-km road trip On December 17 at 6:30 AM, William Bin Li, the founder, chairman, and CEO of NIO, embarked on a live test drive from Shanghai to evaluate the extended range of the 150kWh battery pack with an ET7 sedan. By 10:47 PM on the same day, NIO officially announced that the 150kWh battery had covered a remarkable 1,044 kilometers in a total driving time of 12.4 hours (excluding stops), averaging a speed of 83.9 km/h. NIO, Germany's RWE forge partnership on power supply Chinse electric vehicle maker NIO and RWE, one of the leading companies in renewable energy in Europe, recently inked a cooperation agreement under which the latter will take over the green power supply for NIO properties that do not directly source electricity from the property owner. NIO's 2,200th battery swap station in China goes live On December 6, NIO announced the launch of its 2,200th battery swap station in China, which is situated at the Wuwei Service Area on the G30 Expressway. This new facility addition strengthens NIO's battery swapping network along the Silk Road, with a total of 12 battery swap stations and 47 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations now spanning from Xi'an to Horgos. NIO, Geely join hands to develop battery swapping-related businesses On November 29, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ("Geely Holding") and NIO Holding Ltd. ("NIO") signed a strategic cooperation agreement on battery swapping. The collaboration encompasses a broad spectrum, including battery standards, battery swapping technology, construction and operation of power swap service network, R&D and customization of battery-swap-enabled vehicle models, and battery asset management and operation. NIO, Changan Auto join forces to develop battery swap-related business On November 21, Changan Auto and NIO signed a cooperative agreement in Chongqing city on battery swap-related businesses. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to establish battery swap standards, facilitate the construction and sharing of battery swap networks, engage in joint R&D of battery-swap-enabled vehicle models, and implement an efficient battery asset management system. NIO, Baolong Automotive forge comprehensive partnership Chinese new energy vehicle maker NIO and auto parts supplier Baolong Automotive recently inked a strategic partnership agreement, according to a press release Baolong issued on its WeChat account on October 30. NIO begins selling first smartphone On September 21, 2023, during the NIO IN 2023 (NIO's innovative technology event), the Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) maker NIO launched its debut smartphone, the NIO Phone, and made it instantly available for purchase. The NIO Phone comes with three variants, which are priced at 6,499 yuan, 6,899 yuan, and 7,499 yuan for the Performance, Flagship, and EPedition, respectively. NIO puts All-New EC6 onto market On September 15, NIO officially revealed the prices for its midsize SUV, the All-New EC6. The vehicle is available in two trim levels, priced at 358,000 yuan and 416,000 yuan, respectively. For those interested in battery leasing, both variants are priced at 288,000 yuan. Battery rental options are available at 980 yuan per month and 1,680 yuan per month, respectively. NIO Power to co-construct EV charging, power swap infrastructures with Ascott On August 27, NIO Power and Ascott China, a subsidiary of CapitaLand Group's Ascott Limited, formally inked an agreement for cooperation on green energy. The partnership aims to jointly construct electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping infrastructures, so as to advance sustainable development and enhance the overall user experience. NIO's first third-gen power swap station in Europe comes online On August 17, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker NIO announced the official launch of the inaugural European-spec third-generation battery swap station and a blazing 500kW ultra-fast charging station. NIO launches V2G charging pile, new pricing standard for battery swap service At the NIO Power Day 2023 held on July 20, NIO announced the official opening of the "Power Journeys Silk Road" power replenishment route, and unveiled multiple innovative services, technologies, and products, including the "On-a-Daily-Basis Flexible Battery Upgrade Service," new battery swap pricing, and the V2G charging pile. NIO announces completion of strategic equity investment from CYVN NIO, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, on July 13 announced the successful completion of the previously disclosed strategic investment of $738.5 million from CYVN Investments RSC Ltd., an affiliate of CYVN Holdings L.L.C., an investment vehicle majority owned by the Abu Dhabi Government with a strategic focus on advanced and smart mobility (collectively referred to as CYVN Entities). NIO's NOP+ feature goes live on roads within 5th Ring Road in Beijing On July 10, NIO's Navigation on Pilot Plus (NOP+) feature came online for highways and urban expressways within the 5th Ring Road in Beijing. With this update, NIO's NOP+ achieves full coverage on the 2nd Ring Road, 3rd Ring Road, 4th Ring Road, and 5th Ring Road, expressways, and highways within Beijing, providing a more seamless and convenient NOP+ travel experience. NIO inaugurates innovation center in Berlin On July 4 local time, the NIO Berlin Innovation Center was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in the company's international expansion. The Innovation Center aims to enhance the intelligent experience for European users through localized R&D, thus signaling NIO's commitment to tailor its products and services to the specific needs of the European market. NIO Power, CNOOC team up on building EV charging, battery swapping infrastructures On June 27, NIO Power and CNOOC Refinery, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (referred to as "CNOOC")s wholly-owned refinery subsidiary, officially signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement in Hefei city, according to a press released NIO posted on its WeChat account. NIO announces investment support from CYVN Holdings NIO Inc., a Chinese pioneer player in the premium smart electric vehicle market, announced on June 20 that it has reached a share subscription agreement with CYVN Holdings L.L.C. (referred to as the "Investor" or "CYVN Holdings"), an investment entity primarily owned by the Abu Dhabi Government focused on advanced and smart mobility. Under the agreement, the Investor will invest a total of US$738.5 million in cash to subscribe to 84,695,543 newly issued Class A ordinary shares of NIO at a per share purchase price of US$8.72. This price represents the volume weighted average price of Class A ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange over the seven consecutive trading days leading up to June 19, 2023 (referred to as the Investment Transaction). NIO's first touring model hits market worldwide On June 15th, NIO, a leading name in China's electric vehicle industry, put its first touring model - the ET5 Touring, onto the market. The highlight of this release is the simultaneous global launch of the ET5 Touring, followed by next-day deliveries worldwide. NIO reduces prices across entire product lineup On June 12, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, NIO, announced a price adjustment for its entire range of new cars, as well as a modification to the benefits package for first-time car owners. NIO upgrades Banyan intelligent vehicle system to 2.0.0 version NIO unveiled in late May the new version of its Banyan smart in-car system, called Banyang 2.0.0, touting its focus on "efficiency, understanding, and freedom." All-new NIO ES6 hits market, starting at 368,000 yuan with battery On the evening of May 24, the all-new NIO ES6 officially hit the market, with two trim levels offered, which start at 368,000 yuan and 426,000 yuan with the battery pack, respectively. Through the battery rental solution, the all-new ES6 without battery pack will be priced at 298,000 yuan. Users are allowed to use the 75kWh battery by paying 980 yuan per month, and 1,680 yuan each month for the 100kWh battery. NIO, Autoliv step up cooperation to shape new mobility mode Chinese new energy vehicle startup NIO and the global vehicle safety systems supplier Autoliv signed a strategic cooperation agreement on May 17 to jointly shape a new mobility mode, according to a post on Autolivs WeChat account. NIO, NXP ally on 4D imaging radar deployment NXP Semiconductors (NXP) announced on May 2 that NIO, Chinese smart new energy vehicle startup, will leverage NXP's cutting-edge automotive radar technology, including its state-of-the-art imaging radar solution. NIO's power swap service covers entirety of G3 Expressway in China On April 23, Chinese new energy vehicle startup NIO announced that its battery swap service reach now fully covers the G3 Beijing-Taipei Expressway, totaling 2,030km. NIO puts first 3rd-generation Power Swap stations into use NIO announced on Apr. 14 that the first 10 NIO third-generation Power Swap stations have come online. The aforesaid battery swap stations are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Qingdao, Hefei, Harbin, Wuxi, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou cities. NIO, Tuopu Group to cooperate on R&D, manufacturing, supply of NEV auto parts Chinese auto parts supplier Ningbo Tuopu Group announced on March 16 it has signed a framework agreement with the new energy vehicle startup NIO to carry out the strategic cooperation on the R&D, manufacturing, and supply of NEV-related auto parts. NIO's first Denmark-based power swap station starts operation On Mar. 6, NIO saw its first Denmark-based battery swap station go live in Slagelse, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup announced via its WeChat account. Slagelse is in the western part of Zealand, Denmark, and is about 100 kilometers southwest of Copenhagen. Next to the E20 highway, the new station is able to provide convenient charging services for users traveling to and from Sweden, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, with its service reaches extending to five European countries. CATL, NIO step up strategic cooperation with 5-year agreement On Jan. 17, Chinese battery giant CATL and the electric vehicle startup NIO signed a five-year agreement for an all-around strategic cooperation, according to a post on CATL's WeChat account. The girlfriend of a teenager killed in a road crash is keeping his memory alive by organising a charity skydive in the Co Down mans name. Cathal McCrory (18) died after an accident near Katesbridge last November. Two other people were taken to hospital following the single-vehicle collision, but the Dromore native, a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mourners at the funeral for the teenager, who was known affectionately as Iggy, were told that he was a wee lad with a big heart. Now, Cathals grieving girlfriend, Skye Milliken (17), alongside his two friends Riain and Ruairi McAvoy, his cousin Natasha Murray and his brother Ronan McCrory, is completing a skydive to raise money for Air Ambulance NI. Cathal McCrory Skye explained that she came up with the idea for a skydive as her sister had previously completed one in honour of their older brother, who died by suicide in 2020. I thought it would be a good idea to keep Cathals memory alive while supporting a charity that saves multiple lives every day, she told the Belfast Telegraph. Air Ambulance NI attended Cathals car collision and Skye said his accident highlights the crucial role these services can play in providing rapid and life-saving assistance during emergencies. Life without him has been hard and, honestly, the worst pain Ive ever had to go through, but its made me appreciate life and living on this tiny island, she added. His passing has made me realise that you do only live once and to never take it for granted. He always said to me: Im going to live the life I want, I dont care what people think. You only live once. And thats what he did. He always lived his short life to the fullest, with no regrets. His death has brought our whole community closer together and made us all appreciate one another, but doing things like this to honour him makes me feel closer to him in a way. Skye Milliken and Cathal 'Iggy' McCrory While Skye joked that her friends thought she had gone mad after suggesting the concept of a skydive, the community is fully supportive of the initiative and more than 1,800 had been donated to a dedicated online fundraising page within hours of its creation. Whilst a specific date for the skydive has not yet been set, Skye says they are hoping to do it in September, the month which would have marked Cathals 19th birthday. The GoFundMe page states: The funds raised will directly contribute to ensuring that the Air Ambulance team have the resources they need to respond swiftly to incidents. Unfortunately Cathal did not get to use these resources, but by supporting this cause we aim to prevent other families from enduring the pain we now face. Your generosity will make a lasting impact, transforming our grief into a force for good. Together, lets ensure that Cathals legacy lives on through the support we provide to the Air Ambulance service, helping them save lives and bring hope to those in desperate situations. Thank you for helping us to remember our Cathal (Iggy) McCrory. You can donate to the fundraising page here: First Minister Michelle O'Neill appears on RTE's Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty. Pic via Sinn Fein/X. First Minister Michelle ONeill has insisted power-sharing is compatible with pursuing a united Ireland after being asked if she will be the last leader at Stormont during her appearance on the Late Late Show. Sinn Feins vice president promised to give it my all to remain in the top job when asked by host Patrick Kielty if she thinks a unionist will ever hold the position again. "Im going to work to ensure that Im staying in this post for as long as I possibly can, she replied. "I know Im the Good Friday Agreement generation, I know I can do great things in this role. Ms ONeill pledged to work for a better future and pursue prosperity and hope for all during the interview on Friday nights show on RTE. 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 Asked if she thinks she will be the last First Minister, she claimed good power-sharing is possible while advocating for constitutional change. Ms ONeill called for the maturity needed to have difficult conversations and added: "Who knows where the next 10 years will take us? The first nationalist leader in NI said she believes unity is within touching distance and referred to a decade of opportunity and change. I dont think anyone thinks its going to happen tomorrow, but the prudent thing to do now is to plan, Ms ONeill said. Plan for what it [a united Ireland] would look like. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Mid-Ulster MLA also told the NI-born presenter that she could never express enough gratitude to her mum Kathleen for the sacrifices she made which allowed her to rise to the top. Ms ONeill said mummy was just amazing, mummy and daddy both when she gave birth to her daughter Saoirse at the age of 16. Mummy quit work so she could stay at home, she explained, describing her as the centre piece of our family and a strong role model. "I could never thank her enough, she added. . Ms ONeill, who also paid tribute to her late father Brendan, reflected on a whirlwind two weeks since being sworn into office at Stormont. Its been an immense journey, she said. "Everybody is very proud, Im proud its just such a big moment in the history of our island. My family are proud. Ms ONeill said it has been strange to see TV crews roaming around her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone, asking [residents] what shes like?. Asked by the host if interviewees have been telling the truth, Ms ONeill replied absolutely. She then joked that theyve all been paid off. Ms ONeill has been popping up as a guest on numerous high-profile shows since being sworn into office at the beginning of this month, including Good Morning Britain and LBC radio. She previously appeared on the Late Late Show back 2021 when she opened up about her political history and ambitions with former host Ryan Tubridy. On that occasion Ms ONeill also spoke about her hopes for post-Brexit Ireland and discussing the controversy around her attendance at Bobby Storeys funeral during the pandemic. In latest LucidTalk poll results, Sinn Fein remains most popular party on 31%DUP down four points to 24% with Alliance still third but dropping two to 14%UUP up two to 10% with TUV also up two to 6%As for the party leaders, SFs Michelle ONeill sees huge rise in popularity Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's DUP have dropped four points in the latest Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk poll with Doug Beattie's UUP up two to 10% and the TUV, led by Jim Allister, up two to 6%. The DUP has suffered a sharp drop in support since its return to Stormont with both the TUV and Ulster Unionists gaining ground, according to a new poll. Sir Jeffrey Donaldsons party is down four points to 24% with its republican rival once again opening up a comfortable lead. On 31%, Sinn Fein is unchanged from our November poll, but Michelle ONeills personal rating has risen even further and she is the most popular party leader in Northern Ireland by a considerable distance. While Sir Jeffreys personal score has improved and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has polled well with unionist voters, the DUP will be concerned about the drift in support away from the party. Alliance remains the third largest party, although it is down two points to 14%. The LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph shows the UUP up two points to 10%. The SDLP is up one point to 7% while the TUV is up two points to 6%. Aontu is up one point to 2%, while the Greens are down a point to 1% and People Before Profit are unchanged on 1%. Some 3,207 people took part in our online poll conducted from February 9-12. The sample was scientifically weighted to reflect the Northern Ireland population. It is the first snapshot in public opinion since the DUP returned to power-sharing earlier this month, ending a two-year boycott of the political institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements. However, Sir Jeffreys decision to return to Stormont has been controversial, with three senior DUP figures Lord Dodds, Lord Morrow and Sammy Wilson speaking out against it. The poll shows Michelle ONeill has clearly impressed voters since becoming First Minister. She remains the most popular local party leader with 54% saying she is doing a good or great job up 11 points from six months ago which was the last time we asked the public to score the party leaders personally. Naomi Long is unchanged in second place (38%) with Sir Jeffrey (36%) up 12 points the biggest rise of any party leader taking him from fifth place last time to third in popularity. Doug Beattie is up one point to 35%, with Colum Eastwood up five points to 31%. Despite the rise in support for the TUV, Jim Allisters personal rating has dropped three points with just 20% of voters scoring him positively. Sir Jeffrey will be happy that he remains the most popular leader among unionist voters with 61% saying he is doing a great or good job up five points. Jim Allister is a distant second on 40% down 11 points from six months ago. Just one in four unionists rate Doug Beattie positively. The DUP leaders approval rating has risen most among nationalist and other voters. Some 16% of Sinn Fein and SDLP supporters now view him positively, compared to just 6% when devolution was down. And 25% of Alliance and Green voters say hes doing a great or good job compared to just 2% last time. However, Michelle ONeill remains far more popular with this section of the electorate than Sir Jeffrey. On 71%, her approval rating among Alliance and Green voters is not that far behind what it is with nationalists (86%). Naomi Long continues to be viewed more positively by nationalists (58%) than Colum Eastwood (50%), although the SDLP leader is up 10 points with voters from his own community than last time. The Alliance leader remains very unpopular with DUP, UUP and TUV supporters more than twice as many (17%) of who rate Michelle ONeill more highly than Mrs Long (8%). Doug Beattie has also suffered a further fall in popularity among voters in his own community. He remains significantly better liked by Alliance supporters and nationalists 46% and 39% of whom view him positively with just 25% of unionists seeing him in the same light. Given the controversy over her becoming the first unelected Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly likely wont be disappointed with her personal scores. Some 31% of voters see her positively the same as Mr Eastwood with 33% viewing her negatively and the greatest number (36%) saying they remain undecided. Her approval rating among unionists was 54% ahead of both the UUP and TUV leaders but just 18% of Alliance and 13% of nationalists say shes doing a great or good job. Neither the Prime Minister nor the Secretary of State impress Northern Ireland voters, although both have seen a slight rise in their personal scores compared to six months ago. Rishi Sunak is up two points to 9% while Chris Heaton-Harris is up four points to 8%. Some 71% of people believe the Secretary of State is doing a poor job, with 70% saying the same of the Prime Minister. How the poll was carried out online Polling was carried out online from 1pm on February 9 to 9pm on February 12, using the established LucidTalk Northern Ireland online opinion panel. Comprising 16,236 members, it is balanced to be demographically representative of Northern Ire- land. Some 3,207 full responses were received, and these were authenticated, audited, weighted and modelled into a 1,049 NI representative response data-set used for analysis for the final results. Weighting was carried out by age, gender, socio-economic group, previous NI voting patterns, constituency, constitutional position, political-party support and religious affiliation to produce a robust Northern Ireland representative opinion sample. All results are accurate in terms of being NI representative to within an error of +/-2.3% at 95% confidence. LucidTalk is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its regulations. LucidTalk is the only NI or Ireland based polling and market research company who is a member of the British Polling Council. First Minister Michelle ONeill has spoken of the importance of reaching out to all communities in NI (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Stormont First Minister Michelle ONeill has said she wants to attend events that are important to the unionist community, stating that political leaders in Northern Ireland need to step outside of our traditional comfort zones. Ms ONeill told of her pride at attending an event this week on The Shankill Road in Belfast alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The Sinn Fein politician became the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland when the Stormont powersharing institutions were restored almost two weeks ago. During an appearance on RTEs The Late, Late Show, Ms ONeill said she had been getting on well with the DUPs Ms Little-Pengelly, stating they had had a positive first two weeks in office. Stormont deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly (left) and First Minister Michelle ONeill (right) on the Shankill Road (Rebecca Black/PA) She said: Were both tasked with leadership, given that responsibility to lead and were determined to do that together. We want to work together, we have come from two very different political backgrounds, two different lived experiences, two different outlooks for where we think we should be in the future, in particular in relation to constitutional change. But thats alright, isnt it? Its fine to have that different viewpoint but also working towards day-to-day things like public services, health, education, childcare and this week was a great opportunity for us because we both prioritised childcare. We went into a childcare setting in north Belfast, and we also went into a childcare setting on the Shankill Road. I believe thats the first time that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister have ever stood on the Shankill Road side by side visiting a project. I was pleased that we were able to do that, but I dont think Emma or I looked at the children in north Belfast or the children on the Shankill and thought for a second that they were different, they are children and everything that were doing is about building that better future for them. So I just thought that that was a fabulous thing for us to do. Michelle ONeill attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey (Phil Noble/PA) Ms ONeill said she had an open mind about accepting any invitations to attend events from the unionist community as First Minister. She said: I would gladly receive invitations to anything that anyone wants to send me one for. I just think its important that we all step outside of our traditional comfort zones and find ways to reach others out there. Im a Republican, Im very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and what I want to achieve, but I also think that if were going to lead and be political leaders in todays society, 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, then we all have to be focused on the future. I do think things that are very important symbolically, in particular for those from the British tradition, for example, myself attending the Queens funeral, or King Charless coronation, thats really really important if Im going to represent everybody in society and I believe that I can fairly represent everybody in society. And I want to demonstrate that not just by saying that, but by doing things that actually really mean something to people. Ms ONeill was also asked if she would attend IRA commemorations during her time as First Minister. She said: We have a very tragic past, a very difficult past where so much hurt and injury has been caused, many injustices out there. I think we have to respect that everybody has a right to remember their dead and we should just be respectful of that and create that space for each other.Clearly, I am First Minister for everybody now. I will be very true to that pledge that Ive made. So any invitations that I would take up but always be very mindful of the office that I hold because I want to represent everybody fairly. And that includes Republicans because I think thats important to say also, I want to represent the community that I come from and the background that I come from, but I can also do that and also represent everybody else there in society. Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday condemned Israels offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end. Moussa Faki, chairman of the African Union Commission, said Israels offensive was the most flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and accused Israel of having exterminated Gazas inhabitants. Mr Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit. Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind, Mr Faki said to applause from delegates. We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine. 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 Azali Assoumani, president of the Comoros and the outgoing chairman of the African Union, praised the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice and condemned the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine under our nose. The international community cannot close its eyes to the atrocities that are committed, that have not only created chaos in Palestine but also have disastrous consequences in the rest of the world, Mr Assoumani said. A quarter of Gazas residents are starving because of the war, which began with Hamas assault into Israel on October 7, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250. Israel denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants. It says Hamas tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. During last years AU summit, an Israeli delegate was unceremoniously removed from the plenary hall amid a row over the countrys observer status there. Concern over conflicts and the resurgence of coups across Africa also underscored the opening of this years summit. Mr Faki cited tensions over Senegals postponed election and violence in eastern Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Libya. He called for a revival of the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-Africanism to overcome the many challenges facing the continent of 1.3 billion people. A woman touches a photo of Alexei Navalny after laying flowers paying the last respects to him at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) Alexei Navalnys spokesperson has confirmed that the Russian opposition leader died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was murdered, but it is unclear where his body is. An official note handed to Mr Navalnys mother stated that he died at 2.17pm local time on Friday, Kira Yarmysh said. She added that an employee of the prison colony said that Mr Navalnys body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a probe into his death. Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Mr Navalnys mother had been told by prison officials that her son had perished due to sudden death syndrome when she arrived at his former penal colony on Saturday with one of the politicians lawyers. A car carrying Lyudmila Navalnaya arrives at the prison colony in the town of Kharp (AP) When a lawyer and Mr Navalnys mother visited the mortuary in Salekhard, it was closed, Mr Navalnys team wrote on its Telegram channel. The lawyer called the mortuary and was told that Mr Navalnys body is not there, his team said. Another of Mr Navalnys lawyers went to Salekhards Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Mr Navalnys death has not yet been established and that new investigations are being done with the results to be released next week, Ms Yarmysh said. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding that his team demand that Alexei Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Mr Navalny felt sick after a walk and became unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometres (1,200 miles) north-east of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he could not be revived. The cause of death is still being established, it said. A woman lays flowers at the monument where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, with the Federal Security Service (FSB, Soviet KGB successor) building in the background, in Moscow (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the opposition leader would live on forever in millions of hearts. Navalny was murdered. We still dont know how well keep on living, but together, well think of something, she wrote on X. Arrests continued on Saturday after more than 359 people were detained in various Russian cities on Friday when they came to lay flowers in memory of Mr Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia. The tributes were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Mr Navalny there. Police detain a man in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Mr Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. The news of Mr Navalnys death comes less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. A police officer watches as a man lays flowers at the monument where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, in St Petersburg (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) It shows that the sentence in Russia now for opposition is not merely imprisonment, but death, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. Hours after Mr Navalnys death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at a security conference in Germany where many world leaders had gathered. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. US President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. The Kremlin bristled at the outpouring of anger from world leaders, with Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that medics have not issued their verdict on the cause of Mr Navalnys death. President Joe Biden said that the apparent death of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny brings new urgency to the need for Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine to stave off Moscows invasion. Speaking at the White House, Mr Biden said that no matter the cause, he holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for Mr Navalnys death. He added, I hope to God it helps push US officials to send more aid to Ukraine. Mr Biden said that history is watching lawmakers in the House, which hasnt moved to take up a Senate-passed bill that would send funds and armaments to Ukraine, whose troops US officials say are running out of critical munitions. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten, Mr Biden said. And the clock is ticking. This has to happen. We have to help now. Mr Biden said the US had not confirmed Mr Navalnys death in a Russian prison above the Arctic Circle, but that he had no reason to doubt it either. The president sharply criticised House Republicans for letting the chamber enter a two-week recess without moving on the Ukraine funding. What are they thinking my God, Mr Biden said. This is bizarre and its just reinforcing all of the concern I wont say panic but real concern about the United States being a responsible ally. Mr Biden added that the US has not confirmed Mr Navalnys death but that he had no reason to doubt Russian reports (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Republican Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this week said the House wont be rushed to pass the aid, but on Friday he said Mr Putin was a vicious dictator and the world knows he is likely directly responsible for the sudden death of his most prominent political opponent. Mr Johnson said in a statement: We must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition. As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States and our partners must be using every means available to cut off Putins ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states. Lawmakers who have pushed for the Ukraine aid blamed the Republicans, who have sided with former President Donald Trump as he has urged its defeat. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, Shame on the pro-Putin MAGA extremists who continue to block bipartisan national security legislation in the House, referencing Mr Trumps Make American Great Again slogan. 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 North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, one of 22 Republicans who voted for the Senate-passed Ukraine aid package, said that Mr Navalny laid down his life fighting for a country he loved and that Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. Mr Tillis posted on X: History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy. Nor will history be kind to Americas leaders who stay silent because they fear backlash from online pundits. Mr Biden, eyeing a likely general election rematch against Mr Trump this November, said American presidents from Harry Truman on are rolling over in their graves hearing Mr Trumps comments suggesting that the US might not defend its Nato allies who fail to meet their defence spending targets if attacked. As long as Im president, America stands by its sacred commitment to our allies, Mr Biden said. The destruction after an Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) Talks on a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza have not been progressing as expected in the past few days, after good progress in recent weeks, key mediator Qatar said on Saturday, as Israels prime minister accused the Hamas militant group of not changing its delusional demands. Speaking during the Munich Security Conference, Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Thani, said there were difficulties in the humanitarian part of the negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under pressure to bring home remaining hostages taken in the October 7 Hamas attack, said he sent a delegation to ceasefire talks in Cairo earlier in the week at the request of US President Joe Biden, but does not see the point in sending them again. Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Palestinians held by Israel. Mr Netanyahu also rejected international concern about a planned Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, a city on southern Gazas border with Egypt. He said total victory against Hamas requires the offensive, once people living there evacuate to safe areas. Where they will go in largely devastated Gaza is not clear. New airstrikes in central Gaza on Saturday killed more than 40 people, including children, and wounded at least 50, according to Associated Press journalists and hospital officials. Israels military said it carried out strikes there against Hamas. Five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house outside Khan Younis in the south, according to health officials, and another five people, including three children, were killed in an airstrike on a building north of Rafah. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, director of Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital, said other bodies were being pulled from the rubble. Israels air and ground offensive was triggered by the October 7 attack that killed some 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 others hostage. A destroyed building in Rafah (Hatem Ali/AP) The Gaza Health Ministry on Saturday raised the overall death toll in Gaza to 28,858, saying the bodies of 83 people killed in Israeli bombardments were taken to hospitals in the past 24 hours. The count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but the ministry says two-thirds of those killed are women and children. The war also has caused widespread destruction, displaced some 80% of Gazas population and sparked a humanitarian crisis in the Hamas-run enclave. More than half of Gazas 2.3 million people are packed into Rafah, which Israel portrays as the last significant stronghold of Hamas fighters. Mr Biden has urged Israel not to carry out an operation there without a credible plan to protect civilians and to instead focus on a ceasefire. Egypt has said an operation could threaten diplomatic relations. Israel has said it has no plans to force Palestinians into Egypt. New satellite photos, however, indicate that Egypt is preparing for that scenario. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The images show Egypt building a wall and levelling land near its border with Gaza. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, who also spoke at the Munich Security Conference, said it is not our intention to provide any safe areas or facilities, but we will provide the support to the innocent civilians, if that was to take place. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said during a call with Frances leader that Egypt categorically rejected the displacement of Palestinians to Egypt in any way, shape or form, according to Mr el-Sisis office. Two senior Egyptian officials said Egypt is building additional defensive lines in an existing buffer zone that extends three miles from the border. The buffer zone, built as part of Egypts battle against an insurgency by the so-called Islamic State group, was meant to prevent weapons smuggling to and from Gaza. Police officers detain a man laying flowers for Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St Petersburg, Russia (AP) Floral tributes to Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe who died on Friday in a Russian penal colony, were removed overnight by groups of unidentified people while police watched, videos on Russian social media show. More than 100 people were detained in eight cities across Russia after they came to lay flowers in memory of Mr Navalny, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia. On Saturday, police blocked access to a memorial in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk and detained several people there as well as in another Siberian city, Surgut, OVD-Info said. Video shared on social media from Novosibirsk showed people sticking red flowers upright in the snow under the watchful eye of police who blocked access to the memorial with ticker tape. A man lays flowers for Alexei Navalny at the monument where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, with the Federal Security Service (FSB, Soviet KGB successor) building in the background, in Moscow, Russia (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) In Moscow, flowers were removed overnight from a memorial near the headquarters of Russias Federal Security Service by a large group while police looked on, a video showed. But by morning more flowers had appeared. The news of Mr Navalnys death comes less than a month before an election that will give Mr Putin another six years in power. It shows that the sentence in Russia now for opposition is not merely imprisonment, but death, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. The circumstances of Mr Navalnys death are still largely unclear. Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Mr Navalny felt sick after a walk on Friday and lost consciousness at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometres (1,200 miles) north-east of Moscow. An ambulance arrived but he could not be revived, and the cause of death is still being established, it said. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. A portrait of Alexei Navalny on the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Mr Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. Hours after Mr Navalnys death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at a security conference in Germany where many leaders had gathered. She said she had considered cancelling, but then I thought what Alexei would do in my place. And Im sure he would be here, adding that she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources. But if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. And this day will come very soon, Ms Navalnaya said. US President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. Mr Navalny could have lived safely in exile, but returned home despite knowing he could be imprisoned or killed because he believed so deeply in his country, in Russia. Police officers detain a woman who laid flowers for Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St Petersburg (AP) In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Mr Navalny has probably now paid for this courage with his life. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Mr Putin was told of Mr Navalnys death. The opposition leaders spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, said on X, formerly Twitter, that the team had no confirmation yet. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany (Matthias Schrader/AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned allies that an artificial deficit of weapons for his country risks giving Russia breathing space, hours after his military chief said he was withdrawing troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka. Mr Zelensky spoke to the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security and foreign policy officials. Ukraine is back on the defensive against Russia in the nearly two-year-old war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Matthias Schrader/AP) We can get our land back, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield. Our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of range of our strength, he added, pointing to the situation in Avdiivka. Ukrainian commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said early on Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the city, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months, to avoid encirclement and save soldiers lives. Dear friends, unfortunately keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, Mr Zelensky said. The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results. The president said that the troop withdrawal was a correct decision and emphasised the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers lives. He suggested that Russia has achieved little, adding that it has been attacking Avdiivka with all the power that they had since October and lost thousands of soldiers thats what Russia has achieved. Its a depletion of their army. Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Matthias Schrader/AP) Were just waiting for weapons that were short of, he added, pointing to a lack of long-range weapons. Thats why our weapon today is our soldiers, our people. Mr Zelensky on Friday went to Berlin and Paris, where he signed long-term bilateral security agreements with Germany and France, following a similar agreement with Britain last month. Ukraines European allies are appealing to the US Congress to approve a package that includes aid for Ukraine, 60 billion dollars (47.6 billion) that would go largely to US defence entities to manufacture missiles, munitions and other military hardware for the battlefields in Ukraine. The package faces resistance from House Republicans. Mr Zelensky said on Saturday that the US did a lot for us and thanked Washington for bipartisan support. He said he planned to meet US senators in Munich on Saturday. They have to understand (that) only in unity we can win (against) Russia, he said. Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference (Matthias Schrader/AP) Asked whether it would be a good idea to invite former US president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump to Kyiv, Mr Zelensky replied: I invited publicly, but it depends on his wishes. If he will come, Im ready even to go with him to the front line, he added. US vice president Kamala Harris said after meeting Mr Zelensky later on Saturday in Munich that it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support. History shows us: if we allow an aggressor like Putin to take land with impunity, they keep going. The other would-be aggressors then become emboldened, Ms Harris said. She added that we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games. Standing next to Ms Harris, Mr Zelensky told reporters that the aid package stuck in Congress is vital. It would provide a step forward for Ukraine, and moving forward is much, much better than stagnation on the battlefield, he said, stressing that Kyiv is counting on the US to remain a strategic partner. Also at the conference, Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Congresss delay has meant the flow of US weapons and ammunition dropped, with a direct impact on the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US vice president Kamala Harris at the Munich Security Conference in Germany (Tobias Schwarz/Pool via AP) Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine, he said. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, pointed to the history of the 1930s. If America isolates itself, it eventually is going to cost you more, she said, warning that if aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardising global security. Mr Zelensky argued that among us, there is no-one for whom the ongoing war in Europe does not pose a threat. Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end, he said. Ask yourself why is Putin still able to continue it. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country is Ukraines second-biggest military supplier after the US, renewed his call for other European countries to step up with more deliveries, and pointed to Americas military aid since the war began. A comparable effort must be the least that every European country also does, he said. TALLAHASSEEFlorida state senators have officially combined legislation that will now ban social media use for minors under the age of 16 years and implement mandatory age verification requirements for adult users looking to access pornography in the state. A debate over potential constitutionality and whether the measure infringes on parental rights, a hallmark of Florida's conservative pedigree, is currently taking place. However, Republican House Speaker Paul Renner of Palm Coast indicated that the bill, House Bill 1, will become a priority for his chamber to pass after the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee revamped the entire proposal to include the two issues. The bill was advanced out of committee on a vote of 12-5 in favor and now faces a floor vote in the state Senate. I believe that we have to do something to protect our kids, Sen. Rosalind Osgood, D-Fort Lauderdale, said during the committee hearing, via the News Service of Florida. She voted for the bill. I believe we were wrong to just turn our kids over to social media. This week I joined the ranks of the many citizens of Belfast and beyond who have been parked in at their home and discovered over the course of an extraordinary four hours that there is literally nothing you can do about it even if you really do need to get out as soon as possible. Judge refuses brothel-keeping co-accuseds request to meet up on most romantic day of year An alleged pimp forced to spend Valentines Day apart from her boyfriend due to prostitution and human trafficking charges has claimed it has put her in poor health. Flortine Ciurar (35) and her lover Petru Balogh (26) are accused of running a Belfast sex trafficking ring and failed in a legal bid to spend quality time together last Wednesday. Lawyers for the pair told Belfast Magistrates Court the couple were desperate to see each other on the most romantic day of the year, but a judge dismissed the application and banned any contact. Speaking to Sunday Life on the lovers day last week, Ciurar said she had suffered heart problems as a result of the stress of being apart from her beloved. Its very sad, she said: Its not good for my health, I would love to be able to see him again soon. Hopefully it wont be too long. Its been a very long time, six months now, and all that time I am not sleeping. I have had friends and family staying with me, its very stressful to be alone like this. We just want to be together, maybe we can spend Valentines Day together next year. I have had several heart attacks in the past and have been admitted to hospital three or four times recently with heart palpitations. Balogh wasnt at home when this newspaper called to the door but a family member told us they believe the allegations would be cleared up in due course. They said: Flortine is going to take this to a court in Romania when its all finished because its all wrong, over half a year they have been apart, its so hard for them. There is too much pressure on this family, its not fair. Ciurar, of Glenbrook Street, and Balogh, of Lawrence Street, both in Belfast, deny charges of controlling prostitution for gain, brothel keeping, human trafficking and money laundering. Inquiries against the couple began in June 2022 after a woman informed police she had fled from the pair. She claimed to have been lured to Northern Ireland from Romania with the bogus offer of a job working for Amazon. Balogh and Ciurar have been on bail since August last year under strict orders not to contact one another. Ciurars barrister, Sean OHare, previously told Laganside Magistrates Court his client has no other support network in Belfast. They would even agree to meet in a police station for a couple of hours, if that would ease concerns, Mr OHare said. Opposing the application, an investigating detective revealed three new witnesses have come forward in Romania. District Judge Steven Keown denied the defendants bid to be allowed to meet up on the basis the ban remains necessary and appropriate. He said: That situation does not change for a period of a couple of hours, even on Valentines Day. The most romantic day of the year isnt the only time the pair have been refused permission to be together, with a magistrate doing the same over the Christmas period at the end of last year. 20-year-old with more than 100 criminal convictions jailed again A thief who burgled five homes in under two hours has been jailed. Jordan Hamill was ordered to spend half of his 32-month sentence in a young offenders centre but will soon be freed because of time served. The 20-year-old, from Leeson Street in west Belfast, had already admitted five charges of burglary when he appeared at Downpatrick Crown Court on Thursday. The hearing was told he had more than 100 criminal convictions and had spent around a quarter of his life in custody. Hamill targeted three neighbouring homes at The Courtyard in Crawfordsburn and two on the Old Windmill Road, also Crawfordsburn. The crimes were committed within 90 minutes of each other on March 26, 2022. In four of the burglaries, Hamill broke into the properties with intent to steal. He took car keys and a hammer from a fifth property. Charges of stealing a JBL speaker and a power adapter from inside a car and attempting to steal a Honda Jazz were left on the books. Judge Geoffrey Miller told the court a couple had walked into their kitchen to find Hamill looking at them. He ran out of the property and got into the Honda Jazz before the owner got him out. Forty-five minutes later, the next victim went to investigate a noise and found Hamill standing in a bedroom with his stepdaughters iPad. After the householder shouted at him, he slurred dont hurt me and then fled the home empty-handed. He was later spotted on North Queen Street in Belfast and then arrested in a flat while clearly under the influence of drink or drugs. The stolen speaker and power adapter were found on him and the clothes he was wearing matched CCTV footage, but Hamill refused to answer police questions during interviews. Judge Miller said the same footage showed the defendant had used public transport during his crime spree. He continued: (His) youth is possibly the strongest point in mitigation. The judge added that but for Hamills guilty pleas, he would have imposed a 44-month custodial sentence. Shutterstock.com For most people, to meditate is to come home to who you really are. Practicing meditation allows you to drop through the geographics of confusion to a place where your good heart and wisdom are present, even amid profound challenges. The word meditation is like the word sport. Its a general term referring to numerous different approaches to mental training, each of which strengthens different capacities like concentration, attention, and wisdom. The most common meditation practice in Buddhism is promoting attentional balance by bringing your attention to one object, like a physical sensation, the breath, a word, an image or a quality of mind and heart. This type of meditation strengthens the ability to stay grounded and focused on seeing clearly whatever is arising in the present moment. A critical step in all meditation practices is the development of a compassionate heart. This is fundamentally about benefiting others, thus enhancing our unselfishness and moving us away from self-centeredness. This aspect of practice envelops all of what we do and how we meet the world and is a reflection of our character. Other practices focus on the development of other healthy mental qualities, like unselfish joy, loving-kindness, happiness, patience, generosity, insight, concentration, and wholeheartedness. Watering the seeds of our natural wisdom is developed through specific practices. For example, as we meditate, we might realize that no matter how solid things are or might feel, impermanence always prevails. On the other hand, we may realize that theres no separate self, and everything is made of parts and is contingent on everything else, which are powerful realizations. Theres also the meditation of nonmeditation, which involves no technique. This technique is the most challenging because our busy minds are constantly churning, and relaxing may not be easy for us. However, one day, well drop into a quality of awareness where choosing isnt necessary and where our opinions fall away, and we will become free of stories, narratives, and constructs. We can simply flow in the present moment without the artifice of any specific top-down practice, meditating on our experience. These short meditation practices, found in Joan Halifaxs In a Moment, In a Breath: 55 Meditations to Cultivate a Courageous Heart, are for use in our everyday lives. While these meditations are rooted in Buddhist traditions, theyre meant to be accessible and help all. In a moment and a breath, we can remind ourselves to get grounded, remember our motivation not to cause harm and to help others, and have the wherewithal to meet whatever the moment is giving. Here are some meditations to develop a courageous heart. Connecting with the earth. Sit comfortably and let your attention rest on your body and breath. Now, tap into your connection with the earth and invite the earths stability into your heart, body and mind. Finally, experience the strength of your connection with the earth. Supported by the earth. On your in-breath, focus your attention on the in-breath. On the out-breath, put your attention on your whole body. Now, shift your focus to the sensation of your feet on the floor or your tailbone on the cushion of your chair. Sense support and strength through this connection to the earth and rest in the experience of being stable, grounded and at peace. Opening the hearts door. Sit in a relaxed way and bring your focus to your chest. Tune in to the open, tender feeling of your heart and reflect on the fact that everyone faces challenges. Think back to a time when you were struggling and imagine being free from suffering and helping others with being free of suffering. Feel the strength of your resolve coming from your stomach. Let go of any tightness in your chest as you let your breath pass through your heart. Remind yourself of your tenderness and commitment to serving others. Tell yourself, My hearts door is open. Soft front, strong back. On your inhalation, focus your attention and release all interruptions. When you exhale, drop your attention into your body and relax, feeling your spine, which exemplifies poise. Through your back, you can be whatever is present. Experience the front of your body as receptive, permeable, and open. Through your open heart, bring the world into your experience and let your strong back and open heart give you an authentic presence. Bearing witness. Remember your intention to be of genuine benefit to others. Let your heart, mind and body settle with your breaths support. Give yourself time and become relaxed, receptive, still and open. Imagine sitting across from someone whos struggling or happy. Bearing witness, dont separate yourself from whatever they experience. Without evaluating or judging, become the situation. Youre not this person, but youre also not separate from this person. Rest in this experience of being intertwined as you bear witness to the suffering and joy of this life. Embrace the unknown. Call your attention to your breath and allow your body to settle. Envision a just and peaceful future. Sitting with the unknown, ask yourself what might truly serve and see what comes up in your heart. Recall your promise to end suffering and act from love, courage and wisdom. Tuning your mind toward your body. Take a deep breath and let your body settle. Transfer your attention to your scalp, and as thoughts arise, let them arise. Then, shift your attention to your forehead, letting go of any worries. Breathe into your eyes and let them relax. Bring awareness to your ears, feeling grateful for the ability to listen. Move your attention to your mouth and let out a slight smile. Continue to breathe into and relax your neck and throat, hands and arms, shoulders, spine, heart, pelvis, and feet. Relax with a quiet and open heart, mind and body. These meditations may be short, but they can help in the busyness of our daily lives and support better decision-making. For example, when you wake up in the morning, you can take some time to drop into your breath and remember your intention. So, if you have the time, try one of these brief meditations and watch how your life improves. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Occasional snow showers. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Editor's Note: This is the first of two articles highlighting election contests to fill seats representing Bennington on the Mount Anthony Union School District Board. BENNINGTON Incumbent Katie Aiken is facing a challenge in the annual March election from Frank Barnes, a retired longtime educator and administrator in local schools. They are competing for a two-year term on the Mount Anthony Union School District Board as a Bennington representative. My priorities would be to do my best to make sure that our students are given every opportunity to reach their full potential in life beyond high school, Barnes said. I want our students to be prepared to navigate the paths that lie before them in our transformative world: as employees, employers, artists, leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and good citizens. He added, For my part, I would look carefully at the issues that come before the board primarily education, budgetary, and policy issues and bring a voice to the table that understands the classroom experience, education leadership, education statutes, and the practical concerns of a taxpayer. Of her priorities, Aiken said, I have been honored to serve as an appointed member of the MAU school board throughout this past year. If I am elected in March and allowed to retain my seat, my goal would be to continue to ensure the social-emotional well-being for all students is made a high priority. My background and work in youth mental health in this community allows me to understand the current mental health needs of our local adolescents and their families. I would continue to bring this knowledge and passion to the table to ensure this need is incorporated in all decisions that are made for our students. She added, Given my prior education experience, I also am well-versed on the struggles and strengths that our middle and high school possesses from an inside perspective. I will be able to utilize this experience to help make decisions that are carefully considered from a practical standpoint, which is important. Aiken said her knowledge and close working relationship with many local agencies also allows me to bring a collaborative approach with helpful connections to expand the options and sharing of resources to strengthen the possibilities for our students. Frank Barnes Bennington has been my home for the past 27 years, Barnes said. I am a lifelong learner with two degrees from Bennington College (including a master of arts in teaching), an advanced degree of graduate study in education from Castleton University (now Vermont State University), and numerous other certificates related to education, including National Board Teacher Certification, which I earned in 2006. He served as an educator in the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union system from 1999 until his retirement in 2021. Barnes was an English teacher for 11 years, an assistant administrator at the high school for nearly two years, and served as the director of Educational Technology for his last 10 years in the SVSU. He served on SVSU committees, including the Policy, Curriculum, Teacher Evaluation, and Safety committees, and was part of a team that studied the concept of Freshman Academy before bringing it to the high school. Outside of his duties as an employee of the SVSU, Barnes said, I provided teacher support as a [Vermont-National Education Association] building representative; served three years as a member of the Vermont Principals Association's Professional Learning and Support Committee, and was a member of two school evaluation/review teams for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. He previously served as a member of the Catamount Access Television board of directors for five years, including as president, and recently rejoined that board. Katie Aiken I am a lifelong resident of the Bennington area and graduated from Mount Anthony Union, Aiken said. After attending college, I worked for the SVSU school district in both the high school and middle school for approximately eight years with students who required (early intervention services). She left to return to college to pursue a degree in social work, receiving a bachelors degree in human services. Aiken then worked with local agencies to serve various populations, including low-income families, adults with developmental disabilities, and families experiencing homelessness. Beginning in 2014, she said, I shifted my career focus to mental health, and began working for United Counseling Services in the Childrens Division. She later obtained a masters degree in clinical social work in 2018 while continuing to work with children and adolescents. In 2020, she transferred to the clinical services division of UCS, working as an outpatient clinician, where she is currently employed, and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Aiken also has worked with the state Department of Children and Families as a foster and adoptive parent for several years, and provided several trainings throughout Bennington County in mental health first aid, childhood trauma and suicide prevention. She was a volunteer for two years with Project Against Violent Encounters, taking calls on PAVEs domestic violence hotline. She recently was appointed by Gov. Phil Scott to the state Human Services Board, which she said allows me the opportunity to advocate for and assist underserved populations at the state level. Editor's Note: Two candidates are vying for a three-year Pownal Selectboard seat in the March town election. Incumbent Robert Jarvis is being challenged by Karl Strohmaier, a member of the town Development Review Board. POWNAL Selectboard member Robert Jarvis faces a challenge from Karl Strohmaier for a three-year term in the March annual election. Strohmaier, who serves as vice chairman of the Development Review Board, said, My first priority is simple ... an agency, and those it serves, always benefits from reviewing its responsibilities as well as its goals and limitations. He added, I would encourage the board members to invest some of their time and energy in the ongoing education provided by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. Such information received would help clarify what the board is attempting to do for the people in Pownal. Farm family I spent my childhood in Pownal on the family farm, then known as Pine Hill View Farm, Strohmaier said, and going to school, working on the farm on weekends and vacations; going to 4H meetings and enjoying a large family headed by my late grandparents, William and Blanche Strohmaier, and many friends. After graduating from Mount Anthony Union High School, he said, I went to Lyndon State College and also took some courses in Southern Vermont College. While in Lyndon, I served on their rescue squad and later served on Pownal Rescue Squad. Strohmaier also served on the board of Oak Hill Childrens Center in Pownal and the Farm Service Agency Board in Rutland, and is a current member of the town Development Review Board. He said hes an active member of the board of Meadow View Farm LLC and Agent and a Past Master of Mount Anthony Masonic Lodge No. 13. Honored to serve It has been the honor and privilege of my life to have served Pownal for the past six years, Jarvis said. And I am asking the good people of Pownal for their support to continue to serve. I am proud of the accomplishments and improvements we as a town have been able to deliver. He added, We have some work left to do to enhance transparency in how we conduct town business, and to ensure that our citizens, boards and commissions are included in every major decision we make. The top priorities, he said, are to streamline and formalize procedures and policies, ensure the discipline to adhere to those processes and procedures, and facilitate open discussions that include multiple opportunities for robust citizen input. Jarvis said that with a focus on process over personality, we can ensure that ideas and projects initiated by the town are fully researched with information presented to the public before taking action. I would also like to see far less use of executive session. We are blessed to have an effective and competent staff, he said. We need to take advantage of their strengths, establish realistic goals, and help them grow professionally with more formalized reviews and training opportunities. He said he would continue to work to ensure our government respects and represents all of our citizens. The tremendous improvements in the functioning of our town government need to continue. As a town, we will always have differences of opinion. How we handle our differences and ensure all of our citizens are represented is the key to good government. Jarvis graduated from Mount Anthony Union High School in 1977 and later received a bachelors degree from Skidmore College in mathematics and business, and a masters degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in manufacturing systems engineering. He served as an officer in the Navy from 1981 to 1986. Jarvis currently works for a Supply Chain Optimization Software company. Workers dismantle the stage outside of Union Station on Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming a 44-year-old migrant was identified as one of the shooters at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade on Wednesday. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. NEW YORK, N.Y. Williamstown Theatre Festival will return with a full season this summer. This summer were going to get back to what we do best. Were going to do full-scale productions, Interim Artistic Director Jenny Gersten announced during the festivals 70th anniversary gala at City Winery on Monday, Feb. 12. Were going to bring back the cabaret. Were going to do special programming on the mainstage, music and comedy like weve been doing. Sign up for the In The Berkshires This Week newsletter Sign up Im especially thrilled that were going to announce a partnership, a very special one, with our friends at Mass MoCA. Were going to announce the shows later this month, so stay tuned. Gersten did not offer any further hints at what a full season would look like or how many productions would take place. Raphael Picciarelli, WTFs newly announced managing director of strategy and transformation, who joined Gersten at the podium, added that the festival would have special programming in July. Well be stepping toward the future. Well be producing this expansive weekend where our season is surrounded by the theatrical experiences that reflect the vision for our future festival. Were crafting a full journey with a calendar of events that offer a new kind of immersion in the Berkshires, Picciarelli said, promising more details to come this spring. The commitment to a full season came midway through the fundraiser gala, following a video featuring festival artists Jessica Hecht, Dominique Morisseau, Blair Underwood, Will Frears, Bess Wohl and more that alluded to the festivals future programming and offerings. Among the highlights of the video: Williamstown Theatre Festival will be a platform of connection, to one another, to nature, to difference, to diversity, to culture, to theater. During the summer months, the festival will offer a new kind of immersion in its the natural environment of the Berkshires. Audiences will engage with a full calendar events that expands their understanding of theater from traditional performances to inspired, groundbreaking experiences producing the kind of thoughtful experiences that delight, challenge and spark growth. Prominent artists will be given agency to do the kind of work they've only dared to dream and the freedom by which to do it. Emerging artists will be provided opportunities for learning both professionally and artistically, that will advance them to the next stage of their careers. In order to support a vibrant, summer festival WTF will engage with audiences all four seasons of the year. Throughout the year, WTF will produce digital and live pop-up, programming that gives audiences a peek behind the curtain into the process of the making of the festival, begins to tell a story well before the curtain rises and creates small moments of connection to in-person storytelling. Williamstown [Theatre Festival] is part of the historic pillars that have traditionally defined American theater and now they will be part of shaping its future, Hecht said in the video. Today, [WTF] embarks at an experiment to become the very thing artists want, audiences need and the world benefits wholly from. They are transforming forward. Most recently, the festival announced it is moving toward a rotating collective artistic leadership model, focusing on fostering "shared ownership for the festival's artistic vision." The new artistic model will eliminate the role of artistic director and bring on a rotating collective of artists to program the summer theater festival. Two managing directors will work with the staff and the artists collective and oversee administrative matters. Festival officials' announced the restructuring. Gersten, who will remain with the festival through the end of the 2024 season, was the star of the evening. The gala celebrated not only the upcoming 70th anniversary season, but also Gerstens long-standing relationship with and dedication to the festival. Jenny has been with Williamstown since 1996 but she has had a lot of jobs. I got this from her LinkedIn, genuinely. You can go on Linkedin and find Jenny Gersten, which feels wrong. Jenny is a producer, as at New York City Center where she helps oversee the Encores! programming; a creative producer at Virgin Voyages, the line producer on the Beetlejuice tour; the manager of a 7-11 in Yonkers and on Saturday nights she can be found waiting outside the Moulin Rouge in her pedicab, joked comedian and gala host Alex Edelman. She is the mother to two wonderful sons, one of them is here tonight Gus who is meeting her for the very first time. If we follow so many beautiful things in New York back to their source you will find Jenny Gersten there. Among the WTF artists and celebrities on hand for the festivities were: Blythe Danner, James Naughton, Michael Ritchie, Kate Burton, Dylan Baker, Becky Ann Baker, Louisa Jacobson, Michael Stuhlbarg, Maggie Burrows, Micaela Diamond, Alex Timbers, Sanaz Toossi, Laura Benanti and Lena Hall. Several familiar Berkshire faces were also seen among the crowd of festival supporters, including: Margaret Gould Stewart (WTF board chair), Tracy and Joe Finnegan (WTF board vice chair), Mass MoCA Director Kristy Edmunds, Barrington Stage Company Artistic Director Alan Paul, Julia Bowen and Brad Svrluga (trustee), Bo and Katherine Peabody (former trustee), Jessica and Matthew C. Harris (chair emeritus) and Ira Lapidus (chair emeritus). Thank you for coming to my memorial. Seriously, everyone should be so lucky to have this kind of celebration in their life time. I'm profoundly grateful for this occasion, Gersten said, as she thanked the crowd for attending. Twenty-eight years ago, pretty much to the day. Michael Ritchie, the producer of WTF, hired me as associate producer. I had never produced theater in my life. He believed in me and that's the essence of the Williamstown Theater Festival. We say, Yes. We say, Take your shot. The alchemy of WTF is to put those, who are just beginning, together with those who have been at it for a while. And when those elements combine, there's this ineffable hum. Plus, you're in the Berkshires, which is the place that I actually consider magical. And because I started at Williamstown when I was so young I was 27 I grew roots. Gersten served as the associate producer for nine years, remaining in the position until 2004, returning as artistic director from 2010 through 2014 and then as interim artistic director in 2022. During her first run as artistic director, five productions transferred from WTF to Broadway or Off Broadway: Far From Heaven, The Elephant Man, David Byrnes Here Lies Love, American Hero, and The Bridges of Madison County. Thank you, WTF. Im going to miss you, but Im never going to leave you, she said. I took my shot. I gained so much from it. It fills my heart to know that others will follow me and become leaders who will make our beloved theater festival flourish and continue to give back to those who deserve a chance. Thank you for this wonderful celebration tonight and I cant wait to keep celebrating with you this summer. GREAT BARRINGTON A report commissioned by school officials has revealed that it was a night custodian at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School who complained to police about the contents of a book in an eighth grade classroom. That custodian, Adam Yorke, is not employed by the Berkshire Hills Regional School District as of Thursday. Yorke, who began working for the district on Oct. 24, 2022, had taken photos of certain pages of the illustrated novel, Gender Queer, in late November and brought them to police on Dec. 8 the day a police officer searched the classroom for a book, according to the report by Kevin M. Kinne of law firm Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook. The report also alleges that Yorke had made complaints in the past, saying that the teacher was teaching kids how to have gay sex, though there was no evidence that was the case, Kinne wrote. And Kinne found no evidence to support any of Yorkes claims against the teacher. The findings, however, show evidence to suggest Yorke may have been a disgruntled employee. Yorke could not be reached for comment. Berkshire Hills Superintendent Peter Dillon made the report public on Friday. It is separate from another investigation underway by the town into police actions that day. Dillon could not be immediately reached for comment. Kinnes 68-page report follows debate over what is appropriate reading for young students, as well as community outrage that a police officer would enter a classroom in response to a complaint about educational materials or allegations against a teacher. After getting permission from Dillon on the afternoon of Dec. 8, Police Chief Paul Storti sent Officer Joseph OBrien into the classroom in plain clothes that day to find the book to determine whether it contained pornography as Yorke alleged. OBrien never found the book which the teacher kept in the classroom as a supplemental book and has to be checked out with her permission but the search itself set off a firestorm about police involvement in education. The schools have their own established process for handling book challenges, but those do not offer anonymity. Other findings from the report include: Dillon and Du Bois Principal Miles Wheats original motivation for allowing the search was primarily due to Yorke's allegations he had seen a student sitting on the teachers lap and that that the teacher and a few other employees were meeting with students in private and telling students not to tell their parents about it. Dillon and Wheat did not want to "tarnish" the teacher's reputation by repeating the claims publicly. Allegations that Yorke had engaged in conversations with teachers and staff members regarding pedophilia that made others uncomfortable and also stated to a teacher that he way to solve gun violence in schools was to allow kids ot bring guns to school." Yorke was suspended for two days last year for berating a Spanish teacher over messes made by her students. Yorke then filed a discrimination complaint against the district six days before he made the Dec. 8 complaint to police. The allegation that Yorke lied during the investigation about having filed the complaint. Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue soon shut down a possible criminal probe concerning potentially obscene material and said concerns would be kicked back to the district to deal with. But Kinne's report reveals that Shugrue had concerns. In an email to Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo the afternoon of Dec. 8, Shugrue said that Gender Queer should not be in the school. I dont care if its artistic if it depicts graphic sexual illustrations it has no place for minors to view and observe do we allow heterosexual illustrated sexual books in the library? I do not think so. Until now, only the police knew Yorkes identity. The teacher had asked that it be revealed out of concern for her safety and that of her students in the larger Gay Straight Alliance club, for which she is an adviser. The teacher also has asked that her name not be published for fear she would be a target. Her attorney, Howard Cooper, said she still continues to ask that her name be withheld. Cooper said he is still digesting the report and is not ready to comment about whether the teacher feels safe enough to return to school. He commended Kinne's work, and said that right now he is most focused on "the number of established [school] policies and procedures that were ignored which led to what was obviously an extraordinarily traumatic experience for the teacher." You are the owner of this article. GREAT BARRINGTON Saying she intends to show up and advocate for the Berkshires on Beacon Hill, Leigh Davis has joined the race for the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Davis, the vice chair of the Great Barrington Select Board, announced her candidacy Friday before a crowd of about 40 supporters in front of Great Barrington Town Hall. Many held signs supporting her candidacy. After her announcement, the crowd gathered on the front steps as Davis took a selfie with her phone. Many came up to her afterward for a word of encouragement or a hug from the candidate, and she expressed her gratitude to those who turned out. In her brief remarks, Davis said shes running to make things better and that shes willing to put the work to make that happen. Together, we can make our beautiful Berkshires the affordable, equitable and sustainable place it deserves to be the place where our kids can learn a trade, attend good schools and thrive. The place where our families can be healthy and secure, she said. The place where our farmers are profitable, our businesses supported, our seniors and veterans valued, our environment protected. A place where everyone matters and everyone belongs. Davis, a Democrat, joins Stockbridge Select Board member Patrick White in the race. Theyre running to succeed longtime Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, who announced Feb. 6 he wont seek reelection. At 18 towns, the 3rd Berkshire is the largest district in the House. It includes all of the Southern Berkshires and, since 2023, the town of Dalton. Davis praised Pignatelli for his service to the district over the past 22 years. He has stepped up and served us with integrity and with grace. He focused on the problems that made a difference to residents while taking a stand on some tough issues at the Statehouse, she said. We all owe Representative Pignatelli a debt of gratitude, she said. His commitment to our community inspired me to run. Hes left some big shoes to fill and I hope Im fortunate enough to fill them. Davis said she consulted with Pignatelli before making the decision. "I hope to carry on Smittys hands-on approach to serving his constituents and be able to fight in Boston for working families, small businesses and farms, housing, and to protect the environment," she said. Davis pledged her efforts to addressing the housing crisis, making sure the Berkshires get their fair share of state funds, and promote regional cooperation between the regions rural towns. I plan to do a lot of listening these next six months, she said. I look forward to meeting the residents in Dalton and learning more about the police detail fund theyve been discussing for more than 20 years. And supporting the residents in Lee to help keep GEs toxic waste materials off their streets. And sitting down with Mount Washington leaders to learn what it took to get broadband in their town without a municipal light plan. Now Im going to tell you right now, that I dont know everything. And Im sure there will be times during the campaign when I might not have all the answers. But Im OK with that, she said. Because Im going to work hard, so I know those answers. Because Im here for the right reason: because I care. Because I know I can do the job. Davis said her natural curiosity, growing investment in her community and her late parents legacy of public service led her to the decision. As I got more involved in the Select Board different people suggested I look elsewhere and continue this journey, Davis told The Eagle ahead of the announcement. I was thinking I really enjoy working on legislation and going to the Statehouse which I did three times. It was a natural fit for me. Davis father, Lloyd Davis, was instrumental in making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday and worked in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to broaden fair and equitable access to housing. Her mother, Mary Kay Davis, was an assistant to Sargent Shriver, the founding director of the Peace Corps and husband of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Growing up in a home with two parents so active in public service it made its way into my soul, Davis said. Its naturally coming out. Davis currently works as communications and community engagement director for Construct, a Southern Berkshire housing nonprofit. She serves on 1Berkshire's board of directors and chairs a joint housing subcommittee of the Select and Planning boards in Great Barrington. While Davis platform also includes support for local farmers, mental health access and advocacy for the Berkshires on Beacon Hill, shes best known as a housing advocate. She has testified at the Statehouse in favor of legislation that would allow Great Barrington to assess a 1 percent transfer fee on transactions over $1 million, and authored a bylaw regulating short-term rentals. She was also a leading voice on a home rule petition giving Great Barrington more control over the fairgrounds property when that site was being considered for a return of horse racing. Davis said shes heard from all sides on the immediate need for more housing at all price levels in the Berkshires. That includes employers who cant expand without employee housing, workers who must make long commutes, and people forced to sleep in their cars because housing is out of reach. When you talk about housing youre talking about the impact on opportunity, Davis said. It impacts our seniors who can no longer remain in home or community. It impacts our schools and school-age population, so it has a knock-down effect on workforce development and Chapter 70 [state education] funding. And it disproportionately impacts people of color and those with disabilities. Its not going away ... its an all-hands-on-deck problem, she added. Davis acknowledges the size and diversity of the district is a challenge. She plans to meet that challenge by speaking with leaders, holding town hall-type meetings where she can hear voters concerns, and town-by-town grassroots organizing. The world is run by those who show up, she said. Its important to show up. Ive always shown up and Im going to continue to stand up and take a stand on issues. Davis professional work in housing has included professional work for the Eagle Mill project in Lee, in which the historic paper mill is being converted into 128 units. Previously, she was a university instructor in Ireland, a film editor, and a marketing manager for the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and New England Newspapers Inc., which publishes The Eagle. Davis is a graduate of Ithaca College and holds a master's degree from the National University of Ireland in Galway. Jane Kaufman is Community Voices Editor at The Berkshire Eagle. She can be reached at jkaufman@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6125. TYRINGHAM The Greek Revival edifice with a majestic colonnade and tower with decorative shells stands on a knoll overlooking Main Road. It is the only church in town. Walking in to the sanctuary, there is an expansiveness offered by both the classic proportions of the room and windows that run up to the two-story ceiling. The view is of the cemetery just beyond the church, fields and the Tyringham Cobble. It probably hasnt changed much in the 180 years since it was built. To donate Checks should be sent to: Friends of Tyringham Union Church, P.O. Box 386, Tyringham, MA 01264 For additional information and questions, email hollyketron@gmail.com In 2019, the congregation raised $535,000 locally toward sweeping renovations and updates. They thought that would be enough. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and materials and construction costs doubled. Replacing the shingle roof with a metal one, initially estimated at $80,000, cost more than $200,000. Repairing the porch and aligning those massive columns on the churchs colonnade will cost $125,000 this summer. Now, five years later, with an estimate that could exceed $1 million for the entire job, the tiny congregation is embarking on yet another fundraising campaign of $500,000. This time it is casting a wider net. While the work to be done includes adding entrances and installing a three-stop lift to make the space fully accessible, most of the attention will be focused on the basement. It will be retrofitted with an expanded kitchen, replacing two bathrooms and updating electrical and heating systems. This is a church which is cherished as a spiritual center of the valley, said Holly McLennan Ketron, who grew up in Tyringham and moved back in 2008. Almost everybody in Tyringham will have been in it. There are no plans to touch the unheated sanctuary, which is used in the summer for services. Theres a collection of handmade paddle fans in the foyer for congregants to use on hot days. In the winter, 15 or 16 people gather on Sunday mornings in what Ketron quips the crypt, the heated basement, sitting on wooden folding chairs. The Rev. Janet McKinstry, the part-time pastor, leads prayer and song from a lectern. Among those gathered are a 3-year-old, the only child in the congregation, who plays with blocks or colors during services. The rest of the congregation, another 14 or 15 people, join on Zoom. Average total attendance: 29. As a child, Ketron recalled the sanctuary being full every Sunday. When she returned in 2008, about 22 were in attendance. The church has completely reblossomed, Ketron said. We have a child in our services. Thats amazing. We have cousins and people who come up in the summer, who expand the summer congregation. But, Ketron also noted, There are 29 of us here today, and in 15 years, 22 of us will be gone. The room has a piano and a hand-painted wrap-around paper mural of the surrounding landscape. I lift up mine eyes to the hills, read the words of Psalm 121, which fringe that mural. In addition to services, the room has been used by Bidwell House Museum of Monterey in the summer to hold series of lectures and presentations. In the adjoining kitchen, the stove doesnt work. In 2017 or 2018, lifetime members Maggie Curtin and Ruth Heath decided the church needed to hold suppers again leading to the impetus to renovate. As a whole, the church has functioned as a community gathering place, for town meetings in its early days, and more recently as the backdrop for Our Town, with the colonnade serving as the stage (until the plays third act, when the audience and actors moved to the cemetery). No one knows the name of the architect of Tyringham Union Church, which was built in 1844 by Connecticut builders Porter, Carter and Crittenden. It strongly resembles two churches in Colebrook and Barkhamsted. It was first used to house a Reformed Methodist congregation, which later merged with Baptists under a Congregational minister, leading to its current name. In 2000, Cornelia Gilder, president of the Friends of Tyringham Union Church, applied for and won status for the building on the National Register of Historic Places. The roof was replaced at that time, and the tower was repaired. The decorative wooden shells were replicated in fiberglass. Gilder grew up in Lenox and has been at the church for 44 years, having married Tyringham native George Gilder. Ive lived long enough to put two roofs on this church, she said. Its absolutely central to life. It really is extremely important. She said funerals have been particularly moving, with several involving horse-drawn carts from the church to the nearby cemetery. Theres just amazing need for this church to exist and be part of the fabric of Tyringham, she said. It tends to be a place where great emotional moments occur in peoples lives. Calling herself an optimist, Gilder believes the church will continue as a religious institution. People die and people move and new people come, she said. Its sort of a miracle. Stepping aside to make room for the younger generation is an honorable concept that seems to apply to every profession except politics. Ego and power keep many pols around well past their expiration date. State Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli will not run for another term. Friends, colleagues and constituents say he'll be hard to replace State Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli will not run for another two-year term representing the 3rd Berkshire District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the longtime Democratic lawmaker told The Berkshire Eagle on Monday. When William Smitty Pignatelli announced he would not run for another term as state representative from the 3rd Berkshire District, he said it was time for a new generation of leadership to lead the district. Pignatelli echoed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who called for a new generation of leaders in announcing last September that he would not run for reelection as senator for Utah. At 64, Smitty isnt elderly by most definitions (certainly not by that of this writer), and Mitt is a youthful 76. But when Americans think of the gerontocracy standing in the way of a new generation of leaders, they are thinking specifically of Novembers presidential combatants, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Bidens forgetfulness and awkward mannerisms have raised real concern about the 81-year-olds readiness for another term, but that concern has escalated into a media fixation. It went off the charts recently when special counsel Robert Hur, charged only with determining if Biden illegally retained sensitive documents after serving as senator and vice president, went off on an unwarranted screed about Bidens poor memory. Hur, a former Justice Department official under Trump, was following the lead of another Republican special counsel, Ken Starr, who veered off from the mundane matter known as Whitewater during the Bill Clinton administration to give America the political farce known as Monicagate. In the current situation, the press again took the bait, burying the lead about Bidens innocence in the documents case to get hysterical over Hurs cheap shots on the presidents mental state. Trump, who is only four years younger than Biden, has been committing verbal gaffes and showing alarming confusion since 2016. He repeats person, man, woman, camera, TV from some mental acuity test he supposedly took at every opportunity and then confuses former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with Republican rival Nikki Haley. The press, in contrast to lesser displays of mental confusion by Biden, generally shrugs when it comes to Trumps alarming remarks. Part of this imbalance is caused by the medias overreaction to Republican complaints of bias against Trump. The result amounts to bias against Biden. The media also still treat Trump as if he is the colorful buffoon of his days as a reality TV host. That bar should have been raised considerably eight years ago. Applying age limits to federal officeholders would require changes to the Constitution that are highly unlikely to ever be enacted. Nor should they be. Many aging elected officials have served America well over the centuries and continue to do so. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be 75 when she likely defeats some Republican sacrificial lamb in November and will still be in office when she turns 80. Anyone who watches Warren as a guest of Stephen Colbert on Late Night knows how sharp and quick-witted she is. Massachusetts other U.S. senator, Edward Markey, is 77 and doesnt appear nearly ready to be put out to pasture. In contrast, the public freezes of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is the same age as Biden, were concerning. It was painful to watch Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein cling to office through serious health challenges and questions about her mental acuity before she died at the age of 90 last September. Iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ignored hints and suggestions that she step aside and allow then-President Barack Obama to appoint her successor. Beset with health problems, Ginsburg died at 87 in September 2020, paving the way for Trump to appoint Amy Coney Barrett, a hard-right conservative and abortion rights foe, to succeed her. Sadly, Ginsburgs failure to retire when she should have will contribute to the courts destruction of her legacy. There is no cut-and-dried answer as to when an aging politician should step aside for the good of party, state, district and country. In this years presidential contest, the age issue could be seen as a draw, leaving the race to be decided on other issues. For example, which candidate incited an insurrection to overturn our democracy because he couldnt deal with losing the presidency? Maybe we should start there. Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years, coming home a year ago. Andy Koziol tapped to lead West-East rail project that would bring regular passenger rail service from Boston to Pittsfield There are still many steps on the path to a functioning West-East Rail system across Massachusetts, but the Healey administration took one key step Tuesday in naming a director for the project. Were always pleased to hear about some forward locomotion, no matter how slow and steady, in the plans to better connect the commonwealth via passenger rail. In Gov. Maura Healeys announcement last week, two things jumped out at us. The obvious one is that this train now officially has a conductor, as the governor has tapped Massachusetts Department of Transportation official Andy Koziol as director of the ambitious project. In push for 'west-east' rail, Berkshire County lawmakers press for track upgrades west of Springfield West-east rail, for state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, is more than a catchphrase. Unless work for Pittsfield-to-Boston passenger rail begins in Western Massachusetts, the Lenox Democrat says, he does not expect to board that train in his lifetime. The other aspect, less tangible but still relevant to many rail advocates in our neck of the woods, is how Gov. Healey referred to the project when announcing Mr. Koziols role: Hes the director of west-east rail. Thats the west-first formulation that Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli and others have insisted on to press for Western Massachusettss full inclusion i.e., trains all the way to the Berkshires in this once-in-a-generation public transit moonshot. Hopefully that moral victory, won by regional champions like Rep. Pignatelli, will in fact result in sufficient regional equity if these trains hit the tracks. Its still a big if at this stage, hopeful as we are that the long-nurtured dream of west-east rail becomes a reality. There is much work to be done identifying and completing necessary track upgrades, inking agreements between rail business and state leaders and, critically, securing and finalizing a sufficient but responsible funding package. Getting the most out of the available funding pools and political capital will require a constant push to preserve the projects forward momentum, though the devil is in the details and an endeavor of this size has a lot of details. Now that this project has a point person, though, we look forward to hearing from Mr. Koziol about those key details. Putting a director with years of transit planning and management experience at the head of the train is a welcome step forward. Now, wed like to know what this project leader envisions and what Bay Staters can expect. What comes next and when? What is the groundwork, literally and figuratively, that is needed for this project to reach the next station and its ultimate destination beyond? What is a reasonable timeline for those benchmarks? We are eager to know, and were sure many of our Berkshire neighbors are, too. Welcome aboard, Mr. Koziol. Please make a stop in Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires soon to keep our end of the state apprised of this projects status, challenges and progress. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Billings Public Schools plans to accommodate a growing number of English learner students with its new Billings Multilingual Academy dubbed the Billings newcomer center, and it'll likely start with a group of refugee children expected to arrive in town later this spring. The number of English learner, or EL, students within BPS has risen dramatically in recent years, and it's created a unique challenge for the district to overcome in a way that best educates all BPS students. The number of identified EL students in the district rose from 25 in the 2015-2016 school year, to 245 in 2020-2021, to 348 in the current 2023-2024 school year. The new charter school, which will be state funded and housed in SD2's Lincoln Center downtown, will act as a centrally located support for families and students to enroll and begin their time within the district. The newcomer center also will help support and educate students of refugee families relocating to Billings, among a growing population of English-learning students in the district. Circumstances contributing to the rise in EL students are attributable to a variety of factors, including Billings population increase overall, during and after the COVID pandemic. Billings is one of the more affordable communities to live in in the state, with a variety of employment opportunities and career pathways. Lastly, Billings was recently identified as a Resettlement Community by the U.S. State Department for vetted refugee families. Billings will receive 50 new refugee families in the next six months as a result. BPS has been preparing for their arrival and how to best support and educate students of those families within the district. As part of the new Montana Accreditation, EL Programs are a state requirement within the school districts strategic planning. During a recent school board committee meeting discussing the topic, BPS Superintendent Erwin Garcia stated public concerns hed received over the legal status of refugees coming into Billings, or the idea that the newcomer center is incentivizing migrants to relocate to Billings. Garcia refuted those concerns, emphasizing during the meeting that the intent and responsibility of the school district is to educate youth. At the end of the day, we're not here to make that distinction, were not here to check on papers. When a student comes in, we have to take the student. We cannot deny any child of a free, public education, said Garcia. We have a responsibility, and every child that comes to our school district will be well received, well supported, and well educated. James Horan, the Denver-based president and CEO of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, helped establish the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services office in Billings, after approval from the U.S. State Department last year. Horan spoke to the legality of incoming refugees in an interview last fall. He stated that being approved for refugee status involves a complex and thorough process often taking years to complete. It involves six background checks, in-person interviews and medical examinations before entry into the U.S. They are the most highly vetted of all immigrants, he said. By the time refugees make their way to Billings, theyve already waded their way through a multitude of well-established bureaucratic procedures. We have to remember they come to us with literacy, just in a different language. Some are even multilingual, said assistant superintendent Chris Olszewski. Students who have limited English, are sometimes advanced in areas like mathematics and science. Billings newcomer center will provide direct services to students based on individual needs and will provide a proficiency-based alternative pathway for incoming students and families to choose from. The newcomer center expects to open for service starting in the 2024-2025 school year. BPS recently received approval for state funding for all three charter schools the district applied for, including the Opportunity School and the Early College School, to be housed in the Washington Innovation Center, and the Newcomer School, in the Lincoln Center. Base funding requested by the district is approximately $350,000 per school year. Final funding will not be determined until finalization of contracts next week. Were very excited for this, and what it will mean for our students, said BPS spokeswoman Melanie Willardson. A secret meeting is held annually at the posh Steigenberger Wiltchers hotel to break the worlds biggest corporations, known as the Brussels Conference on Antitrust. The parties are extravagant, security is tight, and the panel discussions are ostentatious when the wealthiest CEOs in the world congregate in the Alps or the Arabian Desert. And then theres the Brussels Conference on Antitrust, which is akin to an anti-Davos gathering where a rather less glamorous group of influential but obscure regulators pool their minds to devise strategies to topple that global order. Held annually at the posh Steigenberger Wiltchers hotel, the annual convention has grown to be one of the most significantif geekiesttickets on the transatlantic business circuit. Around a thousand corporate attorneys, lobbyists, regulators, journalists, and students attended this years event to hear from the individuals spearheading that endeavor: Jonathan Kanter of the U.S. Department of Justice, Lina Khan of the Federal Trade Commission, and their equivalents from the European Union and other regions. In an interview, Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the West has tried to weaponize Russian oil for ideological reasons. The rhetoric demonstrates how ambitious its leaders have gotten, as it talks of preserving democracy and stabilizing international politics in addition to corporate competition. The wider objectives of antitrust laws may surprise individuals who view them as exclusively economic. This year, regulators pushed for a wide range of measures, such as trade, industrial, and tax policy, to combat corporate dominance, citing it as a threat to both political and economic freedom. While seated next to a representative of South Africa, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai made the case for transitioning out of old systems and trying to create new ones that are democratic and competitive as well as breaking out of some of these colonial and post-colonial structures. She was given a round of applause for that, one of many she got that day, which was unusual on the stuffy conference circuit. Tais arrival also represents a larger change in the balance of power in international corporate governance. This years gathering was partly a celebration of American regulatory power since U.S. agencies were embroiled in high-profile lawsuits against multiple large digital corporations. The annual meeting, held each year at the upscale Steigenberger Wiltchers hotel, has become one of the most important, if nerdiest, tickets on the transatlantic business circuit. | Vlad VDK The Americans were fluent and assertive with language about democracy and liberty while many Europeans were still talking the language of protecting the competitive process, said the events organizer, Cristina Caffarra, a competition economist, in an interview afterward. That feels entirely inadequate to the task. This is new in the antitrust space, and because of President Joe Bidens active nominations and the evolving European legal environment, it has gained international attention and is now a dynamic that businesses must consider. In an interview, Tommaso Valletti, a professor at Imperial College London and the former top antitrust economist at the European Commission, stated, The EU and U.S. are largely aligned, but right now, the posture of U.S. enforcers is much more direct and aggressive. They are talking to people across the country, which is something that doesnt happen in the EU, and pushing themselves to the limit of what the law allows them to do, Valletti said. I didnt see that same posture from the Europeans at the conference, noting thats in part because of the upcoming EU parliamentary elections. In recent years, there has been a global campaign against corporate development. This push has gained traction in Europe, Britain, and now the United States, where Bidens appointments have adopted a strict form of corporate restraint. Restricting the influence of digital behemoths like Google, Apple, and Amazon is a shared goal shared by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. They routinely speak in public together, collaborate on investigations, and maintain regular communication. However, there have also been openings. Senior European antitrust official Olivier Guersent caused a scandal at the conference in Brussels while his boss, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, was in the United States. The debate is still raging in the Financial Times. In an interview with German member of the European Parliament Andreas Schwab, he maintained that competition enforcement was only a side dish to other policy areas and that there was no need for a drastic change from the present quo. He remarked of those other policy areas, None of this has to do with competition. Throughout the day, regulators and others refuted the notion that they didnt prioritize competition, which sparked rebuttals. Competition underlies and is implicated by all the work of government, said Democratic FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. And were either going to do that with open eyes thinking about the competition, the effects of different government policies and choices, or were going to do that with our eyes closed. A more direct criticism of the EU was made by Johnny Ryan of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties: We have to make sure that the next commission does not regard its job with competition as merely a side dish. Schwab, for his part, is in favor of more interventionist measures. However, he noted that industrial policy in the EU constantly clashes with the interests of the various member countries and that the constraints are spelled out in the EU Treaty. Schwab introduced a nonbinding resolution to dissolve Google in 2014. Generally there is quite a similar view on things. The Americans and Europeans both see a need to curb the dominance of the platforms, including mergers, and especially these killer acquisitions, he said in an interview. The limitations are nearly impossible to overcome, but we try to muddle through. Competition underlies and is implicated by all the work of government, said Democratic FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter (second from right). | Vlad VDK One of the panel moderators, Financial Times columnist Rana Foroohar, noted afterward that American authorities are ignoring European antitrust views because the Europeans still seem stuck in the narrow, technocratic ones. Days later, Guersent wrote back, accusing her of having a clear disdain for facts and dismissing the EUs long history of strict enforcement. As Guersent pointed out in his refutation, Europe was the region most aggressively pursuing litigation against tech giants and other global corporations for several years. For over ten years, Europe has been pursuing Google, and the United Kingdom recently unraveled a modest Meta acquisition. However, Washington has been the center of attention for the past year due to legal actions against Amazon, Google, and, most likely, Apple. The Digital Markets Act, which goes into force next month, gives European regulators a new weapon to proactively influence the actions of some of the biggest internet corporations in the world. However, there are doubts regarding the blocs capacity to uphold the rule given its constrained funding. Beyond the intramural jousting, there are other dissonances in the Brussels meeting. The opulent furnishings of the hotel provided an unusual backdrop for a populist rebellion. At least some U.S. officials were also compelled to stay somewhere else due to the hotels Chinese ownership. There were the customary complaints from the business community. While the dominance of some large tech companies is concerning, a hedge fund investor at the conference said that Wall Street is extremely uncertain about what bets are safe and whether the pushback will continue in a potential Republican administration due to regulators rhetoric around monopoly power. Concerns about governments not doing enough exist among more progressive antitrust scholars as well. They argue that if corporate power truly poses a threat to political as well as economic freedom, then the current patchy combination of approaches involving legislation, regulation, and law enforcement may not be sufficient to address the issue. This raises questions about whether the recent increase in antitrust enforcement, especially in digital markets involving the United States, was implemented too little, too late. 15 years ago, the monopoly power of internet firms such as Google and Amazon needed to be handled, according to a person who is not permitted to talk publicly but is aware of some European judges perspectives. No matter how you go about it, it will be extremely hard to change it now, the person added. Jonathan Kanter, assistant attorney general for antitrust at the Department of Justice, spoke with conference organizer Cristina Caffarra during a fireside chat. | Vlad VDK There are also doubts about this strategys viability on a domestic level. Because Tai drastically rethought U.S. policy around digital trade, which attempted to limit the dominance of Google, Meta, Amazon, and other internet firms, she faced tremendous backlash both domestically and internationally. Tai declared in October that the United States was pulling out of long-standing proposals for negotiations to encourage the free flow of data used by businesses internationally, forbid companies from being required to store data they gather locally and forbid nations from requiring software source codes to be transferred by companies. Although previous administrationsDemocratic and Republicanhave campaigned for similar measures in different trade agreements and discussions, this action signifies a fundamental shift in U.S. trade policy. However, aggressive or not, antitrust cases are not a magic bullet for reducing corporate dominance. In an unresolved action that does not yet have a trial date, the FTC sued Meta in 2020 to compel the sale of Instagram and WhatsApp. Trials in Fall 2023 against Amazon and an anticipated Justice Department case against Apple are scheduled for 2026 and 2027, respectively, and are unlikely to conclude until the next ten years. Additionally, there is a more significant structural issue. The government moves slowly; businesses move quickly. Antitrust is glacial, stated in an interview with Boston University economics professor Florian Ederer, who supported vigorous enforcement and attended the meeting. Moreover, while having legal authority, a $1 trillion tech company functions on a scale that even large agencies cant equal. You should certainly not expect us to have bright ideas about what to do about everything under the sun, said Guersent about the commissions authority under the DMA. Certainly not with 40 people. GreatGameIndia is being actively targeted by powerful forces who do not wish us to survive. Your contribution, however small help us keep afloat. We accept voluntary payment for the content available for free on this website via UPI, PayPal and Bitcoin. I feel scared. Very scared. Internet-wide surveillance and censorship, enabled by the unimaginably vast computational power of artificial intelligence (AI), is here. This is not a futuristic dystopia. Its happening now. Government agencies are working with universities and nonprofits to use AI tools to surveil and censor content on the Internet. This is not political or partisan. This is not about any particular opinion or idea. Whats happening is that a tool powerful enough to surveil everything thats said and done on the Internet (or large portions of it) is becoming available to the government to monitor all of us, all the time. And, based on that monitoring, the government and any organization or company the government partners with can then use the same tool to suppress, silence, and shut down whatever speech it doesnt like. But thats not all. Using the same tool, the government and its public-private, non-governmental partners (think, for example: the World Health Organization, or Monsanto) can also shut down any activity that is linked to the Internet. Banking, buying, selling, teaching, learning, entertaining, connecting to each other if the government-controlled AI does not like what you (or your kids!) say in a tweet or an email, it can shut down all of that for you. Yes, weve seen this on a very local and politicized scale with, for example, the Canadian truckers. But if we thought this type of activity could not, or would not, happen on a national (or even scarier global) scale, we need to wake up right now and realize its happening, and it might not be stoppable. New Documents Show Government-Funded AI Intended for Online Censorship The US House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government was formed in January 2023 to investigate matters related to the collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of information on US citizens by executive branch agencies, including whether such efforts are illegal, unconstitutional, or otherwise unethical. Unfortunately, the work of the committee is viewed, even by its own members, as largely political: Conservative lawmakers are investigating what they perceive to be the silencing of conservative voices by liberal-leaning government agencies. Nevertheless, in its investigations, this committee has uncovered some astonishing documents related to government attempts to censor the speech of American citizens. These documents have crucial and terrifying all-of-society implications. In the Subcommittees interim report, dated February 5, 2024, documents show that academic and nonprofit groups are pitching a government agency on a plan to use AI misinformation services to censor content on internet platforms. Specifically, the University of Michigan is explaining to the National Science Foundation (NSF) that the AI-powered tools funded by the NSF can be used to help social media platforms perform censorship activities without having to actually make the decisions on what should be censored. Heres how the relationship is visualized in the Subcommittees report: Heres a specific quote presented in the Subcommittees report. It comes from Speakers notes from the University of Michigans first pitch to the National Science Foundation (NSF) about its NSF-funded, AI-powered WiseDex tool. The notes are on file with the committee. Our misinformation service helps policy makers at platforms who want topush responsibility for difficult judgments to someone outside the companyby externalizing the difficult responsibility of censorship. This is an extraordinary statement on so many levels: It explicitly equates misinformation service with censorship. This is a crucial equation, because governments worldwide are pretending to combat harmful misinformation when in fact they are passing massive censorship bills. The WEF declared misinformation and disinformation the most severe global risks in the next two years, which presumably means their biggest efforts will go toward censorship. When a government contractor explicitly states that it is selling a misinformation service that helps online platforms externalize censorship the two terms are acknowledged as being interchangeable. It refers to censorship as a responsibility. In other words, it assumes that part of what the platforms should be doing is censorship. Not protecting children from sex predators or innocent citizens from misinformation just plain and simple, unadulterated censorship. It states that the role of AI is to externalize the responsibility for censorship. The Tech platforms do not want to make censorship decisions. The government wants to make those decisions but does not want to be seen as censoring. The AI tools allow the platforms to externalize the censorship decisions and the government to hide its censorship activities. All of this should end the illusion that what governments around the world are calling countering misinformation and hate speech is not straight-up censorship. What Happens When AI Censorship is Fully Implemented? Knowing that the government is already paying for AI censorship tools, we have to wrap our minds around what this entails. No manpower limits: As the Subcommittee report points out, the limits to government online censorship have, up to now, involved the large numbers of humans required to go through endless files and make censorship decisions. With AI, barely any humans need to be involved, and the amount of data that can be surveilled can be as vast as everything anyone says on a particular platform. That amount of data is incomprehensible to an individual human brain. No one is responsible: One of the most frightening aspects of AI censorship is that when AI does it, there is no human being or organization be it the government, the platforms, or the university/nonprofits who is actually responsible for the censorship. Initially, humans feed the AI tool instructions for what categories or types of language to censor, but then the machine goes ahead and makes the case-by-case decisions all by itself. No recourse for grievances: Once AI is unleashed with a set of censorship instructions, it will sweep up gazillions of online data points and apply censorship actions. If you want to contest an AI censorship action, you will have to talk to the machine. Maybe the platforms will employ humans to respond to appeals. But why would they do that, when they have AI that can automate those responses? No protection for young people: One of the claims made by government censors is that we need to protect our children from harmful online information, like content that makes them anorexic, encourages them to commit suicide, turns them into ISIS terrorists, and so on. Also from sexual exploitation. These are all serious issues that deserve attention. But they are not nearly as dangerous to vast numbers of young people as AI censorship is. The danger posed by AI censorship applies to all young people who spend a lot of time online, because it means their online activities and language can be monitored and used against them maybe not now, but whenever the government decides to go after a particular type of language or behavior. This is a much greater danger to a much greater number of children than the danger posed by any specific content, because it encompasses all the activity they conduct online, touching on nearly every aspect of their lives. Heres an example to illustrate this danger: Lets say your teenager plays lots of interactive video games online. Lets say he happens to favor games designed by Chinese companies. Maybe he also watches others play those games, and participates in chats and discussion groups about those games, in which a lot of Chinese nationals also participate. The government may decide next month, or next year, that anyone heavily engaged in Chinese-designed video games is a danger to democracy. This might result in shutting down your sons social media accounts or denying him access to financial tools, like college loans. It might also involve flagging him on employment or dating websites as dangerous or undesirable. It might mean he is denied a passport or put on a watchlist. Your teenagers life just got a lot more difficult. Much more difficult than if he was exposed to an ISIS recruitment video or suicide-glorifying TikTok post. And this would happen on a much larger scale than the sexual exploitation the censors are using as a Trojan Horse for normalizing the idea of online government censorship. Monetize-able censorship services: An AI tool owned by the government can theoretically be used by a non-governmental entity with the governments permission, and with the blessing of the platforms that want to externalize the responsibility for censorship. So while the government might be using AI to monitor and suppress, lets say as an example, anti-war sentiment a company could use it to monitor and suppress, lets say as an example, anti-fast food sentiment. The government could make a lot of money selling the services of the AI tools to 3rd parties. The platforms could also conceivably ask for a cut. Thus, AI censorship tools can potentially benefit the government, tech platforms, and private corporations. The incentives are so powerful, its almost impossible to imagine that they will not be exploited. Can We Reverse Course? I do not know how many government agencies and how many platforms are using AI censorship tools. I do not know how quickly they can scale up. I do not know what tools we have at our disposal other than raising awareness and trying to lobby politicians and file lawsuits to prevent government censorship and regulate the use of AI tools on the internet. If anyone has any other ideas, now would be the time to implement them. Published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License For reprints, please set the canonical link back to the original Brownstone Institute Article and Author. If the globalists succeed in creating a new population of transhumans, what were looking at is the death of free will Speaking Monday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the founder and executive director of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, said humankind is transitioning into The Intelligent Age powered by technologies springing forth from a Fourth Industrial Revolution. This was the same summit addressed earlier in the day by Tucker Carlson, who called out the transhumanists who think they are God and are using technology in a vain effort to improve the human condition. On the same day, one of the worlds most prominent transhumanists, Klaus Schwab, commanded center stage and gave a very different view of the world from that envisioned by Carlson. Schwab described a chilling vision of the near future in which he said human beings must prepare to have their physical, biological and digital identities integrated into one fusion. Klaus Schwab, World Governments Summit: "We have to be prepared for a world where we see a fusion of our physical, our digital & our biological dimensions.. So it will be a NEW WORLD" pic.twitter.com/ATg7aLER0K Tim Hinchliffe (@TimHinchliffe) February 12, 2024 Schwab said this revolution in technology will power a global transition of humankind into a new era that he called The Intelligent Age, in which humankind will enjoy many more opportunities and possibilities to become god-like. This includes features like linking your brain to the internet and wearing virtual-reality goggles that will ultimately rewire your brain and render it unable to tell the difference between reality and fantasy (not to mention make you look like an idiot). Schwab says a new type of human will exist in this new era. Its a transition of humankind, he said, a choice of words that was not coincidental. He used the word transition five times in a span of less than a minute. Klaus Schwab, World Government(s) Summit 2024: "We are speaking about the transition of humankind into a new era [] Today we speak about transitioning into what I would call 'The Intelligent Age.'" pic.twitter.com/Tnlsv6WNa6 Tim Hinchliffe (@TimHinchliffe) February 12, 2024 What hes talking about here is the use of machine learning and AI to create a population of hybrid beings. These hybrids will exploit the opportunities and possibilities offered by technology to evolve into a whole new species. They will transition from humans into transhumans, bearing some of the hallmarks of the previous species but incorporating new characteristics powered by artificial intelligence. Those who refuse to take advantage of these new opportunities will be left behind, unable to qualify for the best jobs and educational opportunities. You can already see that coming. AI will replace 60 percent of the jobs over the next 10 to 20 years, and those who refuse to become transhuman will be the first ones eliminated from the workforce. Eventually, you will also see purges from the upper ranks of the social strata, the so-called elites. We already are experiencing an increasingly bifurcated society, with a wider distance between the haves and the have nots leading to a much smaller middle class. The AI takeover will exacerbate this process. The generation now on the Earth may be the last one to grow up remembering what it was like to actually be human. Young children currently under the age of 8 or 9 will not remember the human experience unless they are raised by parents who guard them from this pernicious drive to automate humanity and make people into soulless cyborgs having access to more information than ever but unable to separate truth from fiction, love from hate, feelings from facts. Schwab demonstrated how this works as he has already gone down this path, submitting to what he considers a higher power. He sacrifices his own free will to the will of his god, which is AI. Schwab said he arrived at his conclusions about the Fourth Industrial Revolution not by researching and studying and then using his own ability to reason. No, he consulted ChatGPT. I had about 20 pages of text, and I asked ChatGPT, Summarize the text, and tell me now, based on our discussion, how will the new era the intelligent era look like, he said. Klaus Schwab reads ChatGPT, World Government Summit: "Envisioning a future propelled by the technologies of the 4IR we see a NEW DAWN of human civilization.. where AI, robotics, the IoT, 3D-printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing become the foundations of our daily life" pic.twitter.com/YL86IDCtxD Tim Hinchliffe (@TimHinchliffe) February 12, 2024 Schwabs top advisor at the WEF speaks similarly poisonous rhetoric about the future of humanity and its loss of free will. He says, for example, that children will be able to consult AI to determine their sexual identity. Harari says if he had been privy to AI when he was a kid he would not have had to wait till he was in his late teens to discover he was gay. So, according to Schwab and Harari, instead of going to God the Father and consulting Him about our deepest needs and aspirations as human beings, we should go to AI for such answers. And by doing this, Schwab promises the creation of a new dawn of human civilization without God. Isnt this the Tower of Babel all over again? LeoHohmann.com is 100 percent reader supported, offering independent analysis critical to living a life of freedom in the 21st century. If you appreciate my work and would like to support it, please share these articles. You may also send a donation of any size c/o Leo Hohmann, P.O. Box 291, Newnan, GA 30264. Or, you can donate via credit card below at the Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo. We all understand, in the timeless words of the poet Robert Burns, that the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Most Americans are accustomed to assessing the various failed initiatives of our countrys leaders as well-intended actions that turned out badly. The Vietnam, Afghan, and Iraq wars, the 2008 financial meltdown, and the COVID pandemic overreaction, all in hindsight, can be viewed as simply the unfolding of human stupidity in the contingency of time. In accordance, it is understandable that many are inclined to believe that our countrys current serious problems are, once again, merely the failed result of well-intentioned policies. But what if, we ask, seemingly fumbled programs were intended to be the initial throes of civilizational suicide? What if apparent missteps were actually directed at the purposeful destruction of a prosperous, free, safe, and secure society? As we examine the policies pushed by the Biden administration progressives regarding climate, national security, crime, and the border, we can rationally conclude that they are being purposely implemented to render our society unsuccessful, not successful, in its traditional aims, causing what could be the ultimate destruction of a thriving, liberal enlightenment society. Let us begin with escalating climate mandates, now reaching gas stoves and tires, seeking the total elimination of fossil fuels. Because our mainstream media, more out of reflexive conformity than malevolence, constantly amplify climate alarmism, most Americans believe climate programs are designed in good faith to protect us from planetary disasters. Climate subsidies are aimed, they are led to believe, at increasing prosperity through good green jobs in emerging green industries, all part of the supposedly improved Bidenomics economy, however counterintuitive many think them to be. When Biden, immediately upon assuming office, stopped issuing new drilling leases, canceled the Keystone Pipeline, and issued EPA regulations effectively shutting down multiple power plants in the near future, was he, however idealistically, trying to wean our country off of fossil fuels in favor of clean, renewable energy? If so, what could be wrong with that? If the administration had calculated that lost energy from stifling fossil fuel sources could actually be replaced, these initiatives, even if overly optimistic, could be viewed as well-intended. However, within the climate camp, it has been well known that fossil fuels, which power 82% of world energy needs, cannot conceivably be replaced by renewable energy to any substantial degree. So, as these policies take effect over the coming years, our hospitals and medical centers, relying on petroleum-based plastic furniture, fixtures, and equipment, energy-dependent stainless-steel implements, and high-power physical plants, will be hit hard. Health care costs will soar, while treatment will decrease to emerging society levels. Our food costs, already rising dramatically, will skyrocket as petroleum fertilizer, now tripling yields, becomes economically impractical. Housing costs, dependent on fuel-powered equipment and concrete and steel needing massive energy inputs to manufacture, will put homeownership out of reach for all but the rich and reduce housing to cramped, third-world levels. And, of course, transportation will become an expensive luxury for both people and products. But isnt this all meant well? For trusting, uncritical moderates and traditional liberals, yes. For the progressives pulling the strings, no. Maurice Strong, the Canadian socialist responsible for steering the United Nations into the bureaucratic sinecures of the climate alarmist IPCC, has stated from the outset that his intention is the diminishment of the wealth of the Western industrialized nations, making them more like less-advantaged societies. Although they tout their certainty, climate warriors conceal that for decades, their computerized GCMs (General Circulation Models) have overpredicted global warming by 300%. Well, they respond when confronted by the knowledgeable, the increased heat was swallowed by the oceans, or perhaps tamped down by those pesky aerosols. They know better, but gullible, well-intentioned believers do not. Documents from a key IPCC research center in East Anglia, the GRU, reveal the fear of climate activists that the public will learn of the Medieval Warm Period and that its temperatures were warmer than today without any claimed assistance from carbon dioxide. Progressive climatologists, in essence, know they are pushing a canard. Progressive border policies need little discussion. When Biden was elected, the country was led to believe that he would aim to control the southern border, but do so in a humane, non-Trump manner, no longer putting children in cages (which in truth and in fact were Obama-inspired). Of course, to any rational observer, it is now clear that the massive invasion at our southern border was intended by progressives. The great replacement theory is not needed to prove this invasion intentional, obvious to any observer. Three-star New York hotels and thousand-dollar-a-month payments to migrants? Free health care? These are among the positive incentives to illegally migrate, revealing intentionality after the maligned Trump proved that the border was substantially controllable. The intended result of mass migration is not just new Democratic voters; the most obvious result. It is, more significantly, a deliberately overwhelming burden on our social welfare system, heretofore supported sufficiently by taxes on a powerful economy. With more unemployment and more burdens on social welfare, the progress of the aspiring poor, primarily minorities, will be crushed. Our society is headed, as intended by progressives, to socialism, which, as Winston Churchill noted, has as its greatest virtue the equal sharing of misery. Moving to national security, the tinderbox of the Middle East was not caused by Trumps irrational temperament, which, in hindsight, has proven its deterrent value. Rather, putting Obamas progressive policies on steroids, Biden both directly sent cash to Iran and also removed oil sanctions, giving the country financial power to fund Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and, of course, Irans own depredations on U.S. troops. Bidens special Iran envoy, the pro-Hamas Rob Malley, and other pro-Iran and pro-Hamas officials influence our Middle East policy to intentionally favor our enemies. But what could be the progressive motive for Irans hegemony in the Middle East? Clearly, it is to cause the demise of right-wing leadership in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, all American allies, so that the region will be controlled by anti-American repressive regimes. Interestingly, progressives revealed their anti-democratic, authoritarian roots by supporting Mullahs who kill members of the LGBT community and subdue women. Again, Irans terrorism is not an unfortunate artifact of balanced statesmanship. Rather, it is intended to exterminate a democratic Jewish society and a Saudi regime seeking to modernize itself. In a remarkable exercise in projection, progressives at the same time deem Trump to be a Hitler stand-in. Similarly, the cause of increasing crime in our cities is no mystery. Progressives applauded, not decried, the George Floyd mayhem, largely an exercise in looting. Beautiful cities such as San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles, all run by progressives, have become dystopian hellholes. So, sincere, well-meaning liberals should, but generally do not, see that they are being led like lemmings to the sea, toward civilizational suicide, by the progressives they have long trusted as being in the liberal leadership, not the socialist vanguard. In the nineteenth century, the brilliant French observer of American culture, Count Alexis de Tocqueville, said that democratic despotism would be effectuated, if at all, not by overt state terror but by the infantilization of a trusting population. The evidence is now clearly established that moderate liberals should face reality and reject the policies of the progressive vanguard, leading them into civilizational suicide. __________________ John D. OConnor is a former federal prosecutor and the San Francisco attorney who represented W. Mark Felt during his revelation as Deep Throat in 2005. OConnor is the author of the books, Postgate: How the Washington Post Betrayed Deep Throat, Covered Up Watergate and Began Todays Partisan Advocacy Journalism and The Mysteries of Watergate: What Really Happened. We are meant to believe that history unfolds randomly and chaotically. But, if we look closely, we can see certain repeating patterns reflecting the way in which major world events are frequently manipulated behind the scenes. As the drums of war grow louder in 2024, we present, by way of warning regarding the agenda concerned, this chapter from Paul Cudenecs essay on the history of the corrupt Rothschild empire. There was a period in the 19th century when the Rothschilds gained a certain reputation for defending the peace in Europe, but with hindsight this appears to have been yet more expediency on their part. When their self-interest in the form of their investments required stability, they were against the disruption caused by war, but this was never a moral principle. Indeed, the whole success of their dynasty was founded on the way in which they exploited the opportunities presented to them by the wars that followed the French Revolution of 1789. Ferguson writes that the Rothschilds were presented with undreamed-of business opportunities by the revolutionary wars, [60] while Bouvier defines the Rothschilds as that family of merchants made rich by the long European war of 1792 to 1815. [61] According to historian Egon Caesar Corti, it was in the profits made from war at that time that we can find the real origins of the subsequent enormous fortune of the House of Rothschild. [62] The Rothschilds made money out of war in a range of different ways, not all of which were entirely legal. The disruption of established patterns of trade and banking created room for ambitious risk takers, as Ferguson puts it. [63] In their home city of Frankfurt they took advantage of food shortages and spiralling prices to operate on the black market and sold provisions to armies at a considerable profit. [64] From 1808 onwards, Nathan Rothschild (pictured) exported English guineas to the continent. Ferguson describes this as a lucrative line of business [65] and Bouvier adds that the profits were no doubt proportionate to the risks. [66] British goods, including cotton fabric, sugar, indigo and tobacco, were also transported across the Channel, via the Rothschilds warehouses, in defiance of Napoleons blockade. [67] Close to Wilhelm IX, the Elector of HesseKassel, Mayer Amschel Rothschild was involved in his purchase of thousands of mercenaries to join the British-led fight against the French forces. [68] Wars are expensive affairs and the financing has to come from somewhere. As the scale and cost of the conflict between France and the rest of Europe rose, so too did the borrowing needs of the combatant states, says Ferguson. [69] The defeat of France in the Napoleonic Wars had been financed to a large extent by British loans and subsidies to Austria, Russia and Prussia. With their establishments in Frankfurt, London and Paris, the Rothschilds had been in a uniquely good position to facilitate these transfers. [70] He says that their activities at this time ushered in a new era in financial as well as political history. The Rothschilds stretched their credit to breaking point, sometimes losing sight altogether of their assets and liabilities, gambling everything they owned for the sake of governmental commissions, interest payments and speculative gains from exchange rate and bond yield fluctuations. In 1815 alone, Nathans account with the British government totalled close to 10 million, a huge sum at that time. [71] Particularly striking is the way in which Nathan Rothschild used funds entrusted to him by Wilhelm IX as if it was his own capital, investing in hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of British government bonds and thereby securing the proximity to the British state for which his family is still known. [72] The Rothschilds network of agents across Europe also famously enabled them to be the first in London to have news of Napoleons final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, which, says Bouvier, perhaps enabled Nathan Rothschild to pull off a spectacular coup at the Stock Exchange. [73] Writes Ferguson: The Rothschilds emerged in 1815 as sterling millionaires. Almost at once, Nathan embarked on perhaps the most successful transaction of his career: a huge investment in British government bonds (consols) whereby he rode the upswing caused by the governments postwar financial stabilization, taking his profits just before the market peaked. This was Nathans supreme Meistergeschaft, realizing profits of more than 250,000 at a stroke. [74] Financing wars became something of a speciality for the Rothschilds; they loaned 1 million to Brazil to fund its war with Argentina and Uruguay in 1851, for example. [75] A couple of years later, they were back in action floating the British Governments Crimean War Loan, [76] a reflection of the near monopoly enjoyed by Rothschilds over British war finance. [77] Their involvement in this 1853-1856 conflict torpedoes the idea that they had a vested interest in maintaining the peace. Ferguson insists: Far from weakening the Rothschilds position, the Crimean War had precisely the opposite effect in that it emphatically reasserted the Rothschild houses primacy in the field of public finance. Indeed, it demonstrated that the Rothschilds had for years been exaggerating the financial dangers of war. In reality, wars and especially short wars of the sort which characterised the period from 1854 to 1871 created financial opportunities which they, with their distinctive multinational structure, were especially well placed to exploit. [78] As well as lending Britain a total of 26 million for the Crimean War, which was added to the 782 million existing national debt subsequent to the Napoleonic Wars, [79] they also lent money to France and Turkey. [80] While those two powers were both British allies in that conflict against Russia, between 1859 and 1870 the Rothschilds would find themselves repeatedly on both sides of decisive conflicts which were to recast the map of Europe, writes Ferguson. [81] The wars of the 1850s and 1860s were fought by states which were, by and large, strapped for cash; this more than anything else explains the importance of the role played by bankers in the period and the substantial profits they could make. [82] He adds that their internal communications reveal that the Rothschilds were calculating carefully to ensure that both sides in the conflict paid them for their financial services. [83] Ferguson stresses that it would be absurd to argue that there was no connection between the overall profitability of the period for the Rothschilds and the recurrence of military conflict. Far from damaging their position as the worlds leading multinational bank, the wars of the mid nineteenth-century generated unprecedented business for the Rothschilds, just as fifty years before it had been war which had set them on their way to fortune and notoriety. [84] I will mention later the political Rothschild-linked machinations behind the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, but suffice to say here that they were involved with both sides and as a result their power in France and Europe was further enhanced. [85] Having been lured into launching the war, which they lost, the French were landed with hefty reparations. Of course, the Rothschilds were on hand to provide loans to the French state to pay off Prussia. It was, quite simply, the biggest financial operation of the century, and arguably the Rothschilds crowning achievement, [86] writes Ferguson. As a percentage of GDP, French public debt was already 44 per cent in 1869, before the war, and 59 per cent in 1871, before most of the indemnity had been paid. So the total internal and external debt burden in 1871 was in the vicinity of 80 per cent of GDP. [87] It was an immense risk [88] for the Rothschilds in France to be identified with paying such large sums of money to Berlin, he adds, and it is extraordinary how little criticism was levelled at Alphonse de Rothschild for his great operation, as the family termed it. [89] Great racket would be nearer the truth! I have already described [90] the Rothschild connections to South Africa, where the Boer War of 1899-1902 was essentially a grab of gold and diamond resources for Rothschild interests including De Beers. It is worth recalling that this conflict saw the first use of concentration camps, in which the families of Dutch-origin settlers were shockingly imprisoned. A few years later the Rothschilds semi-secretly helped finance the Japanese in their war against Russia in 1904-1906 and then openly loaned a further 48 million issue to help build back the post-war Japanese economy. [91] They performed the same role on the other side of the conflict, when Russian industry recovered spectacularly thanks to the Rothschilds and other international bankers who poured massive loans into the country, [92] as Docherty and Macgregor note. The Rothschilds role in the conspiracy to start and prolong the First World War is of utmost importance, but since I have already examined it in detail elsewhere, I will not repeat myself here. I will simply remind readers that the Rothschilds and their associates were able to profit from the bloodbath in multiple ways through loans to finance the war and subsequent build back better projects, yes, but also very directly through their heavy involvement in the arms trade. One important player in this respect was wealthy international arms dealer Basil Zaharoff, deeply involved in both munitions and international politics at the time and a Rothschild man, in Docherty and Macgregors words. [93] By 1914, Zaharoff sat on the boards of Vickers and Le Nickel, both Rothschild-financed and influenced. [94] He would no doubt have agreed with James de Rothschild, who proudly told his nephews in 1866: In a war there is money to be made from having money. [95] [Audio version] See also: A Crime Against Humanity: The Great Reset of 1914-1918 [60] Niall Ferguson, The House of Rothschild: The Worlds Greatest Banker 1849-1998 (New York: Penguin, 2000), p. xxi. [61] Jean Bouvier, Les Rothschild (Brussels: Editions Complexe, 1983), p. 14. [62] Egon Caesar Corti, Les Rothschild, volume 1 (Paris: Payot, 1929) p. 31, cit. Bouvier, p. 23. [63] Ferguson, p. xxii. [64] Bouvier, p. 23. [65] Ferguson, p. xxii. [66] Bouvier, p. 41. [67] Bouvier, p. 34. [68] Bouvier, p. 25. [69] Ferguson, p. xxi. [70] Ferguson, p. 455. [71] Ferguson, p. xxiii. [72] Ferguson, p. xxii. [73] Bouvier, p. 46. [74] Ferguson, p. xxiii. [75] Ferguson, p. 68. [76] Ferguson, p. 40. [77] Ferguson, p. 73. [78] Ferguson, p. 72. [79] Ferguson, p. 73. [80] Ferguson, p. 75. [81] Ferguson, p. 89. [82] Ferguson, p. 94. [83] Ferguson, p. 98. [84] Ferguson, p. 94. [85] Ferguson, p. 190. [86] Ferguson, p. 205. [87] Ferguson, p. 205. [88] Ferguson, p. 209. [89] Ferguson, pp. 211. [90] Paul Cudenec, A Crime against humanity: The Great Reset of 1914-18, winteroak.org.uk, October 2022. [91] Takahashi Korekiyo, The Rothschilds and the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-06), pp. 20-21 cit. Gerry Docherty and Jim Macgregor, Hidden History: The Secret Origins of the First World War (Edinburgh & London: Mainstream Publishing, 2013), p. 93. [92] Jim Macgregor and Gerry Docherty, Prolonging the Agony: How the Anglo-American Establishment Deliberately Extended WWI by Three-and-a-Half Years (Walterville, OR: Trine Day, 2018), p. 442. [93] Macgregor and Docherty, Prolonging the Agony, p. 331. [94] Macgregor and Docherty, Prolonging the Agony, p. 331. [95] Ferguson, p. 149. Three Helena residents were arrested and charged as of Feb. 14 for conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs, a felony, resulting from an investigation that began in 2022, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said. Jesse Al Belling, 41, Luke Allan Lingle, 42, and Beau James Breneman, 44, were arrested following a report on Jan. 19, 2022, when St. Peters Health reported nine heroin overdoses that occurred within 36 hours, officials said. The resulting investigation by the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office, Helena Police Department and the Missouri River Drug Task Force identified three individuals in Helena, who conspired to obtained and distribute quantities of drugs from a male in Oregon, Dutton said Wednesday night in a press release. He said all three are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Court documents regarding Lingles arrest state the investigation involved Hulk heroin, a mix of fentanyl and heroin. In 2021 The Missouri River Drug Task Force had one fentanyl seizure of 15 pills. In 2023 it seized more than 66,000 fentanyl pills. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug and is about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, Dutton said. The court documents state a victim of an overdose said the heroin had a green color and it did not have a normal consistency. Officers went to Lingles residence after the report from the hospital and searched the premises, finding hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia, a plastic bag with a brown-and-black substance" later determined to be .14 grams of fentanyl and a mirror with white residue, a 12-page affidavit filed Feb. 12 in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court states. Lingle agreed to speak with agents without an attorney, while stating he is a drug user who uses methamphetamine and suboxone, which he injects, the court documents stated. He said he acquired the heroin from Breneman, who relocated his motorhome in a Helena alleyway south of 11th Avenue. Lingle reportedly told agents Breneman received a large quantity of heroin that was super strong, and due to the strength of the drug, Lingle knew Breneman would only be able to use half of his normal dose. Agents found text messages between the two about resupplying, sources, weights, prices and deliveries from 2021, the affidavit stated. Brenemans motorhome was located by agents and had a license plate registered to someone else. Documents said agents received a warrant to search the motorhome, but there was no initial response from inside until two men exited the vehicle who were identified as Breneman and Jerome Belling. Agents saw a white powder on the sink, the floor and counter tops causing agents to halt the search due to possible fentanyl hazards. The vehicle was towed to the Helena Police Departments impound, the affidavit stated. Agents located drug paraphernalia that allowed them to conclude Breneman had used them 15 minutes before officers arrived. Items seized in the motorhome were white powder, white-and-brown powder, mixed pills, a brown discolored Q-tip, cotton balls, a digital scale, a Motorola cellphone, used hypodermic needles, $200, a notebook and a burnt straw with residue, court documents stated. Jerome Belling, according to court documents told investigators he was taking care of Breneman. He said he met Breneman through his nephew, Jesse. Jerome said he had no knowledge of the drugs inside the vehicle and only uses his prescribed oxycodone. At the Law and Justice Center, Breneman was told by agents about the recent overdoses in Helena that were reported from suspected heroin use, documents state. He admitted to being a heavy heroin user and said, Ive heard about a few people that have gone out on this stuff, according to the affidavit. Breneman told agents that Jesse had recently returned from a trip to Spokane, Washington, with an ounce of the heroin mix and said he and another person used all of the drugs he received. He said, according to affidavit, he did not give it to anyone else because he was scared of the strength. When agents asked about the profits gained from cutting the heroin he said, Thats not why I was telling him to do it though Ive never had stuff good enough to cut, except this stuff. Breneman said he did not want to cut it himself because he believed it would be considered manufacturing. He also warned Jesse about distributing it to others, documents state. Agents confronted Breneman with the text messages between himself and Lingle, then he admitted he lied to agents by minimizing his involvement. He told agents that Jesse was one of his sources and Breneman distributed the drugs to others. Lingle had recently asked Breneman to help him sell the drugs because no one would buy them, which he agreed to do. Breneman gave Lingle 8 grams to cut and used brown sugar because it had the same boiling point as heroin, they found out after a Google search, according to the affidavit. On Jan. 26, 2022, Breneman told agents he would purchase an ounce of the fentanyl-laced heroin for $900 to $1,200 every couple of weeks, reports said. Breneman said he funded the purchase using unemployment money, drug sales and savings. He described the product looking odd to him when he was cooking it up, and said it must have been the fentanyl, officials said. The documents state on Feb. 10, 2022, agents tried to meet with Jesse, who agreed to speak without an attorney and denied dealing drugs, but admitted to using opioids. He told to agents that Breneman and Lingle contacted him about a trip to Idaho, where they got 80 blue M30 pills laced with fentanyl and a candle that contained an ounce of heroin. Jesse drove the drugs to Helena and gave them to Breneman. He also received 20 fentanyl pills and 4 grams of heroin as payment for making the trip, court documents state. According to the DEA Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially lethal dose and six out of 10 pills tested at DEA laboratories contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, Duttons press release said. I really appreciate that we are able to work together for the public safety of our community and even further than that, thanks to the MRDTF detectives and Lewis and Clark County Attorney Kevin Downs and his staff for their work, he said. On a recent foggy morning, researchers from multiple agencies including Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Bitterroot National Forest and the University of Montana Wildlife Coop Unit gathered at the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley near Sula as part of an effort focusing on bighorn sheep pathogens. The thick valley haze filling the river bottom worried researchers. A helicopter flying down from Kalispell to assist with their collaring and testing efforts wouldnt be able to land, they thought. But as the group reached their destination along the East Fork, the fog and clouds parted, letting through both the sun and the Quicksilver Air chopper. The research is part of two ongoing studies: the first looks at how bighorn sheep populations interact with domestic sheep to evaluate disease transmission, and the second covers statewide adaptive management of bighorn sheep by monitoring places where state agencies are actively working to improve conditions for bighorns. The two studies aim to address pathogens and commingling between domestic and wild sheep, as well as distribution, augmentations, predation, range expansion and habitat management. The more collars we have on some of these sheep, the more we can understand the circumstances during which they might interact with domestic sheep, which can be a way that some of the pathogens spread that cause pneumonia in wild sheep," said Nick DeCesare, FWP research biologist. "So were collaring both ewes and then rams which tend to move more to understand how they move and how those commingling events happen. While the East Fork herds numbers are steady now, that has not always been the case. Bighorn sheep can be susceptible to pneumonia, and the East Fork herd was hit hard in 2010 prompting a culling of symptomatic sheep by FWP in an effort to help rid the herd of the pathogen. The results nearly cut the herds numbers in half, from 185 sheep in 2009 to 87 in 2010. The herd then experienced a smaller scale outbreak in 2015. It's built back its ranks since numbering 125 in a 2023 count, the East Fork herd is the largest herd of wild sheep in the Bitterroot Valley. We're at a pretty good population now, so much so that we added back a few ewe licenses for the next hunting season, said FWP Bitterroot Biologist Rebecca Mowry. So, they're doing pretty well. But, I see the herd doing well and I sort of get a premonition that because their numbers are high again, that might mean that there's another die off coming, which, it's just hard, you can't predict it, and there's not a whole lot that we can do about it, when it does happen. Steer wrestling from a helicopter The researchers coordinated with the helicopter crew to locate and identify sheep on the ground. The helicopter team consists of a pilot and a mugger. While the pilot carefully positions the helicopter over the sheep, the mugger earns their moniker by deploying a net gun to immobilize the animal before leaping from the helicopter atop the sheep horns and all. The feat is made all the more challenging with the sound of a chopper hovering overhead. I got this hole right here, said Quicksilver Air Inc. mugger Jace Clark while pointing to a scar on his face. I got kicked in the nose by an elk." The whole event is akin to steer wrestling from a helicopter. Clark has been working on wildlife captures for seven years, and while his job is about as rough and tumble as it gets, he emphasized the importance of being careful with the animals, especially in the rocky terrain where bighorns tend to be found. Its real steep country," he said. "Youve got be real careful where you shoot them, because you could kill them. Obviously, you know, shoot them in the wrong spot and they go off a cliff. Once hobbled and blindfolded the sheep are then bagged in a heavy-duty covering and whisked away high above the tree line by the helicopter before being lowered to researchers waiting on the ground below. On the ground, researchers collar the animals with GPS tracking devices, conduct a body condition assessment, and take a series test samples including a blood draw, nasal and throat swabs and a fecal sample. The sheep are not sedated, so its important that researchers work quickly in order to reduce stress on the animals. So we're going to do a whole panel of disease testing on these animals, said Jennifer Ramsey, FWP wildlife veterinarian. So we're collecting nasal swabs, tonsil swabs, blood samples, fecal samples, kind of the gamut. And then we'll take those back and send them and have different tests done to try to get a better idea of what pathogens might be carried by these sheep. Doing some body condition assessment to see just overall body condition as a part of their health evaluation. So really, my role is animal welfare taking care of the animals. Sheep are very prone to overheating, so we're watching for that, and just looking for ear mites and other things that might be of concern, and trying to just record all that information. Once the samples are processed and organized, they will be sent to laboratories in Montana, Washington and Michigan, and tested for a large variety of factors, from pathogens that cause respiratory diseases to mineral evaluations. We'll get a pretty good idea of what pathogens are present, particularly focused on respiratory disease, Ramsey said. But then combining that with the body condition assessments that these guys are all doing gives us a good idea of what kind of health they are in." Adaptive management The adaptive management study is focused on monitoring areas where researchers are actively working to improve conditions for sheep by evaluating distribution, range expansion and habitat management. The overall study is looking at a number of different herds around the state to see what are the different things we're doing and what seems to be working and what isn't, DeCesare said. For this study area, there's been talk of doing a range expansion, of actually trying to pick up some of the sheep and move them into some good, but unoccupied habitat, he said. So before we do that, we want to have some collars on them in the sources and understand kind of survival rates and things like that. And then we potentially in a few years, we could be coming back here and moving some of these sheep with the goal of just trying to spread out their distribution and have more places occupied by sheep." Any movement of sheep in the Bitterroot would be conducted locally and considered within range, and would target areas between the East Fork and Skalkaho. Moving sheep around is one management tool we have, he said. But changing habitat is another one. The current herds in the Bitterroot are part of restocking efforts in the mid- to late-20th century. Bighorn sheep were transplanted to the Bitterroot from Sun River in Teton County. The East Fork herd was reintroduced in 1972, with 19 sheep released into Tolan Creek and an additional 16 released in Bunch Gulch. The sheep successfully established themselves, eventually splitting off to form the Skalkaho herd. They've been doing work like that in the Madison range, trying to fill in some of the native range of sheep in the Madison and picking them up from some of the more robust areas and putting them in places that are unoccupied, so kind of modeling after that, DeCesare said. In total the group collared and tested 37 bighorn sheep from the East Fork and Skalkaho herds on their recent outing. Mowry said she's interested to see what kind of pathogens are found in the sheep, but shes also excited about the data that will come from the new GPS collars. Researchers fitted GPS collars to sheep in the Painted Rocks herd years ago, but this is the first time they have been able to use GPS to track the East Fork and Skalkaho herds. When I survey them in the helicopter and I count them it's always when they're on their winter range, when they're down low and they're easier to find, but any other time of year, I don't know a whole lot about where these animals go, Mowry said. It'll just be really good to know how much they're moving, if some of these rams that we collared, if they decided to go on walkabout, we'll know about it this time. 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Advertisement The script from March 15 1976, sold on Saturday, was used by Ford and then left in a London flat he was renting at the time while he filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. The fourth draft of a screenplay for the first filmed Star Wars movie, originally titled as The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, left by Harrison Ford in a London flat (Excalibur Auctions/PA) It is incomplete and unbound, with differing-coloured pages indicating revisions and includes scenes and characters that were cut from the final edit. Advertisement On page 56, Ford is introduced as the cynical hero Han Solo in the George Lucas script, according to Excalibur Auctions in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Advertisement Alongside the script Ford left other items including shooting schedules, a call sheet and collections of notes which sold in a bundle to a UK buyer for 4,826. These sheets of paper included a handwritten note which appeared to refer to a meeting between Ford and British producer Robert Watts. Watts and Ford would go onto work on 1981s Raiders Of The Lost Ark, 1983s Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and 1989s Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. Advertisement Ford shot to fame after starring as Solo in George Lucass 1977 science fiction epic. He appeared in the original movies sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983), before reprising the role for The Force Awakens in 2015. Star Wars creator Lucas and director Steven Spielberg would also cast Ford in another famous role, as archaeologist Indiana Jones, for Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Ford appeared in four sequels, the last of which was released last year. Another item sold was a typed letter from a friend in which Ford is asked about why he has not called his wife, Mary Marquardt, before they divorced in 1979. The letter, date April 16 1976, also discussed his contracts and future film prospects and was sold for 177.80. Advertisement Advertisement One of Harrison Fords hand-written notes on reverse of a call sheet (Excalibur Auctions/PA) Ford would go on to marry E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison before they also ended their marriage in 2004. She died in 2015. Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart has been Fords wife since 2010. Advertisement The items had been tucked away for 50 years in a private home in Notting Hill, London. The owners of the home had rented out the top two floors to Ford, who had co-stars Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker, visit him during his stay. Excalibur Auctions auctioneer Jonathan Torode said: The sale saw competitive bidding from around the globe for these never-before-seen pieces of Star Wars history. Although other copies of this script have come to market previously, this sale saw a new record set for a Star Walker script, which shows how a personal link to the items is so enticing to Star Wars fans. The personal provenance makes them totally unique. We hope they will be as treasured by their new owners as much as they were by the previous ones. All figures include the buyers premium. Gardai have arrested a man after over 6 million of drugs were seized at Rosslare port. The man was arrested following a seizure of drugs worth over 6,443,000 at Rosslare Europort by Revenue Officers on Friday. Advertisement The drugs seized include approximately 288.6kg of herbal cannabis, 72.8kg of cannabis resin and 3.3kg of cocaine, with an estimated value of 6,443,640. The man, aged in his 40s, is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in County Wexford. Gardai say investigations are currently ongoing. Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is willing to take US presidential frontrunner Donald Trump to the Ukrainian frontline, amid concerns about wavering support among Republicans for the war effort. The Ukrainian president, who spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, warned that a lack of long-range weapons is limiting the countrys fightback against Vladimir Putins forces. Advertisement Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long range capabilities allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he told those attending. Mr Zelensky used the conference to urge the West to continue to back the Ukrainian armed forces, as the two-year anniversary of the invasion approaches. But Republicans aligned to former president Donald Trump have been vocal in expressing scepticism about funding for the fight in eastern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Former US president Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co Clare in Ireland Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. British foreign secretary Lord David Cameron, who is also at the conference, has been among the European leaders urging US politicians to back a multibillion-dollar foreign aid package making its way through Congress. On Saturday, he said backing from the UK, the European Union and Washington would make a real difference to the fight against Russia. The bill has passed through the Senate but faces a deeply uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where hardline Republicans aligned with Mr Trump oppose the legislation. Advertisement Mr Zelensky said that he was willing to show Mr Trump the real war. If Mr Trump will come, I am ready to go with him to the frontline. What does it mean, the real war, not Instagram, the real war, the Ukrainian president said. Mr Zelenskys appearance came as Ukraines military chief said early on Saturday that he is withdrawing troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where they have battled a Russian assault for four months. Advertisement David Cameron, who has been explicit in his call for Republicans to back Ukraine, did not comment directly on the withdrawal but pointed to successes for Kyiv elsewhere. Things that happen in Ukraine, that is for the Ukraine armed forces to decide. Advertisement But I would point you towards the Black Sea, where yet again another Russian ship has been sunk by incredibly brave Ukrainian action. Senior Tory MPs including foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns are among those at the security gathering, which is also being attended by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Advertisement Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron. Photo: Stoyan Nenov/PA. What I am clear about is that Britain is absolutely in the lead in providing that support, Lord Cameron told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference. Most of all is look at what Ukraines allies have. If you add up our economies we outmatch Russia 25-one. Weve got ability to give that diplomatic military, economic, moral support, we have just got to make that difference count. Are we doing enough at the moment? No I want us to do more. World Ukraine withdrawing from Avdiivka after lengthy Ru... Read More I know that Britain is doing what it can, the European Union has voted through its package to give massive support to Ukraine. We now need the US Congress to do the same. If all those three things line up, I think that will make a real difference. Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday condemned Israels offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end. Moussa Faki, chairman of the African Union Commission, said Israels offensive was the most flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and accused Israel of having exterminated Gazas inhabitants. Advertisement Mr Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit. Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind, Mr Faki said to applause from delegates. We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine. Opening Ceremony of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union live from Addis-Ababa in English 37th #AUSummit https://t.co/QJTVTalyje Advertisement Advertisement African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 17, 2024 Azali Assoumani, president of the Comoros and the outgoing chairman of the African Union, praised the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice and condemned the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine under our nose. Advertisement The international community cannot close its eyes to the atrocities that are committed, that have not only created chaos in Palestine but also have disastrous consequences in the rest of the world, Mr Assoumani said. A quarter of Gazas residents are starving because of the war, which began with Hamas assault into Israel on October 7, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250. Israel denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants. It says Hamas tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. Advertisement During last years AU summit, an Israeli delegate was unceremoniously removed from the plenary hall amid a row over the countrys observer status there. Concern over conflicts and the resurgence of coups across Africa also underscored the opening of this years summit. Mr Faki cited tensions over Senegals postponed election and violence in eastern Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Libya. He called for a revival of the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-Africanism to overcome the many challenges facing the continent of 1.3 billion people. Alexei Navalnys spokesperson has confirmed that the Russian opposition leader died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was murdered, but it is unclear where his body is. An official note handed to Mr Navalnys mother stated that he died at 2.17pm local time on Friday, Kira Yarmysh said. Advertisement She added that an employee of the prison colony said that Mr Navalnys body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a probe into his death. Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Mr Navalnys mother had been told by prison officials that her son had perished due to sudden death syndrome when she arrived at his former penal colony on Saturday with one of the politicians lawyers. Advertisement A car carrying Lyudmila Navalnaya arrives at the prison colony in the town of Kharp (AP) Advertisement When a lawyer and Mr Navalnys mother visited the mortuary in Salekhard, it was closed, Mr Navalnys team wrote on its Telegram channel. The lawyer called the mortuary and was told that Mr Navalnys body is not there, his team said. Another of Mr Navalnys lawyers went to Salekhards Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Mr Navalnys death has not yet been established and that new investigations are being done with the results to be released next week, Ms Yarmysh said. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding that his team demand that Alexei Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. Advertisement Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Mr Navalny felt sick after a walk and became unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometres (1,200 miles) north-east of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he could not be revived. The cause of death is still being established, it said. Advertisement A woman lays flowers at the monument where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, with the Federal Security Service (FSB, Soviet KGB successor) building in the background, in Moscow (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP) Advertisement Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the opposition leader would live on forever in millions of hearts. Navalny was murdered. We still dont know how well keep on living, but together, well think of something, she wrote on X. Arrests continued on Saturday after more than 359 people were detained in various Russian cities on Friday when they came to lay flowers in memory of Mr Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia. Advertisement The tributes were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Mr Navalny there. Police detain a man in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) Advertisement In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Mr Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. The news of Mr Navalnys death comes less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. A police officer watches as a man lays flowers at the monument where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, in St Petersburg (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP) It shows that the sentence in Russia now for opposition is not merely imprisonment, but death, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. Advertisement Hours after Mr Navalnys death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at a security conference in Germany where many world leaders had gathered. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. US President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. The Kremlin bristled at the outpouring of anger from world leaders, with Mr Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that medics have not issued their verdict on the cause of Mr Navalnys death. Keir Starmer has said that a Labour government would work with whoever becomes the next US president, amid questions about what a second Trump administration would mean for Nato and transatlantic ties. The Labour leader on Saturday travelled to the Munich Security Conference, a gathering of global politicians in Germany, to stress his partys commitment to Nato and defence. Advertisement His visit, with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and shadow defence secretary John Healey, is believed to be the first by a Labour leader since 2010. Mr Starmer, speaking to BBC News, was pressed on fears in some capitals that Donald Trumps return to the White House could usher in an era of American isolationism. Advertisement It came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a fresh appeal to Western capitals, especially Washington, to ensure aid keeps flowing to Kyiv in the fight against Russia. Advertisement Mr Starmer said: One of the issues that everybody here in the Munich Security Conference is discussing is what the various elections across the globe will mean for security in the future. And I think there is a feeling that the challenge will enhance as we go forward, and that Europe needs to stand together and talk about the defence not just now but for the future. Advertisement Now, obviously, as you would expect, if were elected into government, we will deal with whoever the American people choose to be their president. But of course, we redouble our commitment to Nato. Thats one of the reasons Im here in Munich, talking about the challenges not just of today but tomorrow and how the UK can play its full part in that. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has been among the senior politicians at the conference, with senior Tory MPs also in attendance. Attendees have been left reeling at the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, with US vice president Kamala Harris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz among those in attendance. Advertisement Mr Healey is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with Nato officials, defence ministers and US senators as part of the visit, while Mr Lammy will be taking part in a panel discussion on Sunday. U.S. Rep. Matts Rosendales decision to abandon his days-old Senate campaign hasnt discouraged Republicans running for his Eastern Montana House seat. Only one of seven candidates contacted by Lee Montana newspapers Friday indicated he would wait to see whether the currently unmoored Rosendale decided to seek reelection. Several said they had gotten into the race months ago based on assurances from Rosendale that he was committed to seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate and a potential rematch against Democratic U.S. Jon Tester. Im planning to stay in. As I was going around talking to people, they said Just run regardless of what Matt does, said Republican Joel Krautter, of Billings. Krautter planned to attend the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Cascade County on Saturday. Rosendale made no indication Thursday he would flip to the House race, saying that he would prayerfully consider what was next. Krautter noted that Rosendale wasnt listed on the program for Cascade County, which was quite a draw for candidates from several races. Former state legislator Ric Holden, who like Krautter announced his campaign last fall, but only if Rosendale didnt seek reelection, said Friday that that he was ready to campaign, having assembled a campaign staff and solicited donations. This weekend marks the beginning of a string of county-level political events that are crucial to Republican retail politics. Friday nights Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Glendive is a major Eastern Montana event for meeting local party members. Holden expected most of the Eastern Districts seven Republican House candidates to be present, plus local legislative candidates and U.S. Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy, a newcomer. It was Donald Trumps endorsement of Sheehy, within hours of Rosendales Senate kickoff, that Rosendale said sunk the two-term congressmans hopes of a Tester rematch. Rosendale also suffered a blow when House Speaker Mike Johnson cancelled plans to endorse Rosendale's Senate campaign, bowing to pressure from Republican Senate leadership, which had invested early in Sheehy's campaign. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is chaired by Montana's Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, who endorsed Sheehy last summer. Elsie Arntzen, Montanas current state school superintendent, was enroute to Glendive on Friday, stopping in counties along way to post updates on social media. Elsie Arntzen is all in, said campaign worker Sam Rubino. Similarly, Troy Downing, Montanas current state auditor was moving ahead with his campaign, according to a text from campaign staffer Will Boone. Downing was one of the few Republicans to announce for House last fall without conditioning his participation on Rosendales absence from the race. With $294,000 cash on hand at the end of 2023, including a $150,000 loan, he is also the best funded candidate. Arntzen is second. Downing is running for Congress in the open MT2, and is moving full steam ahead, according to Boone, a campaign finance director. Nothing has changed for me, said Miles City candidate and state legislator Ken Bogner. I got into this race to be a strong conservative fighter in Congress, to be the candidate to secure the southern border and to stop the out-of-control spending in D.C. Having served in the U.S. Marines and the Montana Senate, I'm the only candidate who has both military and legislative experience which is needed to fix these threats, and that is still the case. Ed Walker, a former state legislator from Billings, was cautious, planning to see what Rosendale does next. He was, however, still taking jabs at potential frontrunners, namely former congressman Denny Rehberg, whose name was polling well enough to stir some interest in the race, likely to be decided by a candidate with 30% or less of the vote. And Downing, who Walker characterized as a California transplant. My objective is to ensure that this seat remains in conservative, Republican hands, Wallker said. We need to send a true Montana conservative to represent us, not a D.C. politician, not a D.C. lobbyist, or a California phony, Rehberg held Montanas at-large House seat for a decade before unsuccessfully challenging Tester in 2012. Afterward, the Billings native joined the D.C. lobbying firm Mercury. Rehberg hasnt registered his candidacy since news of his interest in the race broke Feb. 9. Kyle Austin, a Billings pharmacist who challenged Rosendale in the 2022 House primary, said he was committed to his 2024 campaign regardless of what Rosendale does, but he didnt expect to see the incumbent pursue a third term. It sends the wrong message to the voters, if he didnt want to be there, ran for the Senate, and then he goes back to the House, said Austin, who by the time Rosendale abandoned the Senate race had parked on Billings West King Avenue a large semitrailer wrapped with a political ad. He planned to barbecue in the trailer and hit the road, stopping in Montana towns for a feed and greet. Republican candidate Stacy Zinn, of Billings, a former DEA agent, indicated early Saturday that she will be on the ballot. Primary voting begins May 6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned allies that an artificial deficit of weapons for his country risks giving Russia breathing space, hours after his military chief said he was withdrawing troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka. Mr Zelensky spoke to the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security and foreign policy officials. Advertisement Ukraine is back on the defensive against Russia in the nearly two-year-old war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Matthias Schrader/AP) Advertisement We can get our land back, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield. Advertisement Our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of range of our strength, he added, pointing to the situation in Avdiivka. Ukrainian commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said early on Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the city, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months, to avoid encirclement and save soldiers lives. Dear friends, unfortunately keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, Mr Zelensky said. Advertisement The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results. The president said that the troop withdrawal was a correct decision and emphasised the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers lives. He suggested that Russia has achieved little, adding that it has been attacking Avdiivka with all the power that they had since October and lost thousands of soldiers thats what Russia has achieved. Its a depletion of their army. Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Matthias Schrader/AP) Advertisement Were just waiting for weapons that were short of, he added, pointing to a lack of long-range weapons. Thats why our weapon today is our soldiers, our people. Advertisement Mr Zelensky on Friday went to Berlin and Paris, where he signed long-term bilateral security agreements with Germany and France, following a similar agreement with Britain last month. Advertisement Ukraines European allies are appealing to the US Congress to approve a package that includes aid for Ukraine, 60 billion dollars (47.6 billion) that would go largely to US defence entities to manufacture missiles, munitions and other military hardware for the battlefields in Ukraine. The package faces resistance from House Republicans. Mr Zelensky said on Saturday that the US did a lot for us and thanked Washington for bipartisan support. He said he planned to meet US senators in Munich on Saturday. They have to understand (that) only in unity we can win (against) Russia, he said. Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech at the Munich Security Conference (Matthias Schrader/AP) Asked whether it would be a good idea to invite former US president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump to Kyiv, Mr Zelensky replied: I invited publicly, but it depends on his wishes. If he will come, Im ready even to go with him to the front line, he added. US vice president Kamala Harris said after meeting Mr Zelensky later on Saturday in Munich that it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support. Advertisement History shows us: if we allow an aggressor like Putin to take land with impunity, they keep going. The other would-be aggressors then become emboldened, Ms Harris said. She added that we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games. Standing next to Ms Harris, Mr Zelensky told reporters that the aid package stuck in Congress is vital. It would provide a step forward for Ukraine, and moving forward is much, much better than stagnation on the battlefield, he said, stressing that Kyiv is counting on the US to remain a strategic partner. Also at the conference, Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Congresss delay has meant the flow of US weapons and ammunition dropped, with a direct impact on the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US vice president Kamala Harris at the Munich Security Conference in Germany (Tobias Schwarz/Pool via AP) Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine, he said. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, pointed to the history of the 1930s. If America isolates itself, it eventually is going to cost you more, she said, warning that if aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardising global security. Advertisement Mr Zelensky argued that among us, there is no-one for whom the ongoing war in Europe does not pose a threat. Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end, he said. Ask yourself why is Putin still able to continue it. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country is Ukraines second-biggest military supplier after the US, renewed his call for other European countries to step up with more deliveries, and pointed to Americas military aid since the war began. A comparable effort must be the least that every European country also does, he said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the February 18 edition of Sunday Life. See all 11 stories . Best-known for her chart-topping podcast How to Fail, as well as for her novels and non-fiction, British author Elizabeth Day, 45, will be in Australia later this month. Ahead of her live show tour, she opens up to Sunday Life. Whats it like stepping out from the podcast studio, and seeing your audience live? When Im on stage, I feel so privileged to be there, and I remember only too well publishing my first novel and only four people turning up. I know what its like for no one to engage or read my work. The second thing is if you come to one of my shows there is a chance youve read a book or listened to my podcast. I turn up as myself. You already know me, its a safe space for me to be in. I love that sense of community I get when I walk on that stage. I get adrenalised and nervous, but thats why I can do it and love it. Im actually an introvert, which sounds deeply ironic, but in these sorts of events I feel like I am having a deep one-on-one with everyone in the room. Youve always been so open with your audience whether through your writing or podcast. Whats that like for you? I was raised in the 1980s and the early 90s,and it was a time of great emotional repression particularly in Northern Ireland, where I was raised and where to speak unguarded thoughts was to endanger yourself. I got used to being around people who kept secrets about themselves and I wanted to do the opposite from early on in my life. I wanted to share, connect and tell stories. It feels natural to me. Some people have told me its amazing that I have shared my fertility story [Day was unable to conceive], and I understand that it does feel a step too far for some who cant talk openly, but I am only too willing to do that. Communication and connection are how I make sense of the world, and I get that in spades through my work. It helps us feel less alone. At what point in your life did you accept that you werent going to have children? Advertisement I went through what I now know is my final round of fertility treatment at the start of 2023 and we [Day and husband Justin Basini] both attached a lot of hope to it. Failure was devastating, but it also gave me an opportunity to reflect on myself, to feel all the feelings and ask myself what I needed next. It was a process of a few months, but I feel really at peace with it now. I have an incredibly rich and fulfilling life and I am lucky that the work I do brings it meaning. I dont feel lacking. Elizabeth Day I had been struggling to conceive for 12 years and thought my purpose was to be a mother. I realise now that my purpose might not be to be a mother but to speak to that extraordinary community of people who havent had their, quote unquote, happy ending and who have sought out less conventional life paths. I have an incredibly rich and fulfilling life and I am lucky that the work I do brings it meaning. I am also lucky to have a great partner in life and plenty of children by way of step-children, godchildren and nieces. I dont feel lacking but I will always feel sad about it, and thats okay with me. I can feel sad and also at peace. It was more a case of me putting myself under pressure to have children, that this was something I had to do in life. It wasnt so much a case of caring what other people thought of me. I do, however, remember a time when it was assumed I wouldnt have children because I was so interested in my career. That was hurtful and I always put people right if they ever said that. You were married once before, in your early 30s. How did you meet your now-husband? I entered a dysfunctional marriage with the wrong person [Kamal Ahmed], who I met when I was 29. We were together for seven years and married for three. It ended in divorce when I was 35. I never thought I would get divorced; a lot of shame was attached to it for me. I met my husband, Justin, on the dating app Hinge. On the day we met, I had booked a flight to LA, where I was going to start again. But then I walked into a hotel bar and my life changed. Our connection was immediate. The relationship required building, but I now understand that true love for me is feeling safe, setting a slow burn with a pace you can trust. We married in December 2020, a second marriage for both of us. Advertisement Was getting married something you always thought youd do? Yes, but I didnt put enough thought into it the first time around. I had a very conventional and traditional and heteronormative idea of what marriage was. Looking back, half the reason I wanted to do it was because its what my parents had done, what my grandparents had done, and what my peers were doing. It seemed the right thing to do. True love for me is feeling safe, setting a slow burn with a pace you can trust. Credit: Jenny Smith Photography Having been divorced once, I thought that I never wanted to get married again. But then I met Justin and changed my mind. I told him, Sorry, Ive given it some thought and I do want to get married. We both really thought about it and had multiple conversations about it. We discussed what it would mean and how important it was to have a partnership of equals. Thats when we decided to have a civil partnership its available for heterosexual couples. We liked that there was no religion involved, that it wasnt patriarchal in any way and felt respectful and equal. Yes, were married, but we dont take it for granted any single second of the day. We both came with that attitude and thats what makes our partnership special. That and the fact we communicate really well because its a second marriage for both of us. We have both been battered and bruised and weve had to do the self-work and therapy and we have become communicators. I love being married because of that sense of acceptance and safety rather than anything traditional and conventional. What was your childhood like? My earliest memories are of Dad [Tom Day] and going on adventures with him. I remember being dragged up mountains and struggling to keep up with the family. I have a sister, Catherine, who is four years older than me. Wed get to the top and have an amazing view and I can hear Dad telling us, This is why we do it. At the age of seven, he taught me to climb mountains at a slow but consistent pace. Advertisement Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has signalled new anti-doxxing laws will be aimed at criminalising the disclosure of a broad range of personal information for malicious intent, putting activists and others on notice that they could face jail time for leaking private details without consent. The federal government plans, announced last week in response to the publication of the names and details of hundreds of Jewish creatives and academics by pro-Palestinian activists, has sparked a debate about what constitutes doxxing and how best to use the law to protect individuals privacy and safety, while balancing free speech and public interest considerations. In an interview elaborating on how the government would approach drafting the laws, Dreyfus said he would undertake a consultation process to ensure the laws were precise and targeted, but the offence would be drafted to capture any publication for malicious purposes of someones private or personal information without their consent. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has confirmed new doxxing offences will carry potential jail terms. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen When pressed on what would constitute personal information and whether it would capture identifying details beyond addresses, email and places of work, Dreyfus said, It could be anything, and gave the example of publishing a photo of someones home. More than 40 asylum seekers have now been found in a remote part of Western Australia after a second group was discovered at an Indigenous campsite, adding to a political headache over border security for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Details of the discovery of a second group of 13 asylum seekers emerged on Saturday after they wandered into an Indigenous-owned campsite in Pender Bay the previous afternoon, more than 150 kilometres north of Broome on the WA north-west coast. The 13 men were given food and some basic medical care, before police were alerted. It is unclear whether the Department of Home Affairs believes all asylum seekers have been found. But government sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said the latest group was found hours after an initial cohort of 30 asylum seekers was identified on Friday. Australian Border Force said on Friday it was undertaking an operation in north-west WA and no further comment would be provided. Kyiv: Ukrainian troops withdrew from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, Ukraines new army chief said in the early hours of Saturday (Kyiv time), paving the way for Russias biggest advance since May 2023 when it captured the city of Bakhmut. The withdrawal, announced as Ukraine faces acute shortages of ammunition with US military aid delayed for months in Congress, aimed to save troops from being fully surrounded by Russian forces after months of fierce fighting, Ukrainian officials said. The city has been destroyed by months of fighting between Ukraine and Russian troops. Credit: Getty General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who took the helm of the Ukrainian military in a major shakeup last week, said Ukrainian forces had moved back to more secure positions outside the town that had a pre-war population of 32,000. I decided to withdraw our units from the town and move to defence from more favourable lines in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, he was quoted as saying in an armed forces statement. Ukraine's military chief said early Saturday that he's withdrawing troops from the city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months. The timing is critical as Russia is looking for a morale boost ahead of the second anniversary on Feb. 24 of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the March presidential election in Russia. In a short statement posted on Facebook early Saturday, Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said he had made the decision to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen." The commander-in-chief added that troops were moving to more favourable lines." Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment. We are taking measures to stabilise the situation and maintain our positions, the statement read. The withdrawal came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday made another trip to western Europe, hoping to press his country's Western allies to keep providing military support. It was Syrskyi's first major test since being appointed as Ukraine's new army chief last week. In his previous position as commander of Ukraine's ground forces, he faced criticism for holding on to the city of Bakhmut for nine months, a siege that became the war's longest and bloodiest battle and cost Ukraine dearly, but also served to sap Russia's forces. In recent days, reports emerged that Ukrainian troops in Avdiika faced a deteriorating situation. Street fighting was underway in the bombed-out city, where Ukrainian troops are outnumbered 7-to-1, according to Oleksandr Borodin, press officer of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukraine Armed Forces. Rodion Kudriashov, the brigade's Deputy Commander, said Friday that Ukrainian troops were still holding out against the onslaught of about 15,000 Russian soldiers, in his estimate, but that he expected the situation would soon become critical. The enemy is trying to penetrate our defence and in some places to bypass our positions, he said. The 3rd Brigade said on its social media account Friday that its soldiers were at the huge Avdiivka Coke Plant. Russian warplanes have been dropping about 60 bombs a day, relentlessly shelling the area and launching assaults with armour and infantry, the brigade said. A video showed dense black smoke over the factory, said to be caused by burning fuel oil reservoirs. The post said: Poisonous smog spreads all over the plant. Russian media reported the Kremlin's forces were making extensive use of plane-launched glide bombs, which fly at a shallower angle, to batter Ukrainian positions. Russian troops conducted 33 assaults in Avdiivka over the previous 24 hours, Ukraine's General Staff said Friday. The Russians have been trying to capture the city since last October but made only incremental progress before a recent push. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday that Russian forces were beginning to overwhelm Ukrainian defences in the eastern city. He said Avdiivka is at risk of falling to Russia, a development he blamed in very large part on the fact that Ukrainian forces are running out of artillery ammunition. The United States is Ukraine's biggest single supporter but some USD 60 billion for Kyiv is being held up by political disagreements among American lawmakers. Heavily fortified with a web of tunnels and concrete fortifications, Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy. Capturing Avdiivka could be a timely boost for Moscow and serve as a possible springboard for Russia to drive deeper into the region. Fewer than 1,000 people remain in the city, according to the Donetsk regional governor, Vadym Filashkin. The city, with a prewar population of about 31,000, is today a bombed-out shell of what it once was. Aerial footage of Avdiivka obtained last December showed an apocalyptic scene and hinted at Russia's staggering losses, with the bodies of about 150 soldiers most wearing Russian uniforms lying scattered along tree lines where they sought cover. However, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said Thursday that taking Avdiivka would be more of a symbolic win for the Kremlin and would not bring significant changes to the 1,500-km front line that has barely budged in recent months. The potential Russian capture of Avdiivka would not be operationally significant and would likely only offer the Kremlin immediate informational and political victories, the institute said in an assessment. Russian forces would be highly unlikely to make rapid operationally significant advances from Avdiivka if they captured the settlement, and the potential Russian capture of Avdiivka at most would set conditions for further limited tactical gains, it added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday (local time). The talks between the two leaders focused on the present state of bilateral ties. Jaishankar and Melanie Joly also exchanged views on the global situation. The talks between the two leaders come amid strained ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June 2023. India has denied the allegations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated." In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejolyon sidelines of #MSC2024. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation." The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) got underway an in-person event from February 16-18, at its traditional venue, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, according to an official statement. This year's conference is being held under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen. Earlier, Jaishankar held a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and discussed global challenges and the pathway ahead. The two leaders reviewed preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "So good to meet my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our Inter-Governmental Consultations." He also held a meeting with Argentina's counterpart, Diana Mondino and discussed economic and political cooperation between the two nations. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleasure to meet FM @DianaMondino of Argentina this evening. Discussed our economic and political cooperation. Look forward to working with her." He also met the Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias. Sharing details regarding the meeting on social media platform X, Jaishankar stated, "Glad to meet Minister of National Defense of Greece @NikosDendias on #MSC2024 sidelines. Shared perspectives on the major security challenges facing the world today." S Jaishankar met with European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Munich on Friday. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to catch up with EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF in Munich." "Exchanged perspectives on the current global situation. Looking forward to welcoming him to India," he added. Jaishankar also held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. In a post on social media platform X, the EAM posted, "Great to meet my friend US @SecBlinken this afternoon on MSC 2024 sidelines. Our talk centered on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific. Reviewed the continuing progress in our bilateral ties." Jaishankar on Friday began his engagements with United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron. In the meeting, Jaishankar and Cameron discussed India-UK bilateral cooperation and global and regional issues. Sharing details regarding the meeting, Jaishankar on X posted, "Started my engagements at #MunichSecurityConference by meeting UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron. A good discussion on our bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Also exchanged views on the cricket match underway." Jaishankar held a meeting with Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel and discussed growing bilateral partnership. The two leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict. "Nice to meet DPM and FM @GabrielMariya of Bulgaria on #MSC2024 sidelines. Discussed our growing bilateral relationship and welcomed Bulgaria's decision to join @isolaralliance. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar posted on X. Additionally, EAM Jaishankar also met with Peru's Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez Olaechea and spoke about the significant reforms in the United Nations and India-Peru economic cooperation. The vessel reported an explosion in close proximity to a missile strike, but the crew and the tanker were deemed safe, and military authorities were responding, according to the report The Houthis, a group of armed rebels based in Yemen and backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for a new missile attack on a British oil tanker amid Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The targeted vessel, identified by the United States as a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying crude oil bound for India, faced a barrage of naval missiles on the Red Sea. Yahya Saree, the group's military spokesperson, said in a televised statement on Saturday that a "large number of appropriate naval missiles" were used to target the Pollux tanker in the Red Sea in "accurate and direct" hits, Al Jazeera reported. "The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to implement and expand their military operations in defence of beloved Yemen and in confirmation of continued practical solidarity with the Palestinian people," he said. The extent of damage to the tanker was not disclosed in the statement. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident late on Friday, reporting that an attack took place on the Pollux, about 70 nautical miles northwest of al-Mukha, a port city southwest of Sanaa. The vessel reported an explosion in close proximity to a missile strike, but the crew and the tanker were deemed safe, and military authorities were responding, according to the report. The US State Department identified the targeted vessel as the Pollux, a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker en route to India, affirming that it was struck on its port side by a missile fired from Yemen. The Houthi attacks on Red Sea trade routes began in mid-November, with the group linking the disruptions to its demand for an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the delivery of aid to Palestinians under siege. Amid these developments, British Foreign Minister David Cameron engaged with China, urging Beijing to leverage its influence on Iran to pressure the Houthi rebels. This appeal took place during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the international concern over the escalating situation. In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, "On Feb 15, at approximately 4:30 pm, an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. The missile was headed toward MV Lycavitos, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned and operated bulk carrier. The ship reported no injuries but very minor damage in the attack and continued its voyage." "Additionally, between the hours of 3:10 pm - 8 pm (Sanaa time), CENTCOM forces successfully conducted two self-defence strike against three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea," it added. "Houthi assaults on maritime targets have expanded to include warships and vessels from the US and the UK following their involvement in bombing multiple governorates across Yemen earlier in the year. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has characterized its attacks on Houthi positions as self-defence strikes including recent strikes on mobile anti-ship cruise missiles in the Red Sea," the statement read further. As the conflict intensifies, the US is set to send additional bombs and weapons to Israel, despite expressing opposition to Tel Aviv's plans for a ground invasion in Rafah, southern Gaza, where a significant number of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, Al Jazeera reported. By Alex Wickham, Ellen Milligan and Alberto Nardelli The UK is working with nations including the US to provide Ukraine with thousands of new AI-enabled drones that could swarm Russian targets simultaneously, according to people familiar with the matter. Western military planners developing the technology believe it could allow Ukraine to overwhelm certain Russian positions with the unmanned vehicles, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive matters. The drones could be sent to Ukraine within months, they said, while warning the timeline could slip. Drones have become increasingly important in the Russia-Ukraine war as the conflict approaches the two-year mark, and a global race is ongoing to develop new technologies that could shape the future of warfare. Russia is ramping up its own domestic production of battle drones to support the invasion and has received significant supplies from its ally Iran. A coalition of Ukraines allies has pledged to deliver 1 million drones to the country within a year, and the military said it used naval drones to destroy a Russia warship in the Black Sea last week. In January, White House officials met defense companies to discuss innovative battlefield technologies that could aid Ukraine in its bid to combat Russias invasion. The focus on drones comes as Ukraine faces a shortage of artillery, a situation that could become so critical in the next three months that the military may have to decide to focus on a narrower war front, Bloomberg previously reported. Ukraine announced Saturday that it was withdrawing from Avdiivka after a months-long battle. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz raised the pressure on European allies to increase military aid to Ukraine, using a speech at the Munich Security Conference to warn of the political and financial cost of a Russian victory. While new drone capabilities do not replace the urgent need for shells, they may help mitigate some of that shortfall and create a new dynamic on the battlefield, the people said. The AI-enabled drones would be deployed in large fleets, communicating with each other to target enemy positions without each one having to be controlled by a human operator, one of the people said. Speaking in Munich, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy called for its allies to provide it with more long-range weapons and artillery. Keeping Ukraine in an artificial deficit of artillery and long-range weapons allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he said. American voters don't agree on much these days, with a raft of issues cleaving Republicans and Democrats. But one issue mostly remains bipartisan: conservation of public lands and the natural environment. The 14th annual Conservation in the West Poll, conducted as part of Colorado College's 21-year-old State of the West project, revealed continuing agreement on a variety of conservation topics, from believing that more time spent outdoors is good for young people to heavily weighing candidates' positions on conservation issues when choosing whom to vote for. The vast majority of voters said that issues involving clean water, clean air, wildlife and public lands were important or very important to them when deciding which candidates to support. This year a total of 85% of voters said such issues were at least important, with 38% overall saying they were very important. That tracks with past election years 86% and 41% in 2022, 80% and 44% in 2020 and marks a slight increase from 2016 (75% and 31%). The strong consideration of conservation issues tracked across party lines, albeit unevenly, with 74% of Republicans, 87% of Independents and 96% of Democrats saying this year that conservation issues were an important factor in their voting. "Most of the things we poll on are so skewed by partisanship, you know, you would think people are on different planets," said pollster Lori Weigel. "This is not one of them." Across most of the results, pollster Dave Metz noted, "Whats striking here is both the breadth and the intensity of the support" from voters for conservation policies in the West. Another thing people agreed on is that they really, really love Yellowstone National Park. The overall results were weighted to reflect state populations. Nonetheless, Yellowstone was the runaway winner for a question asking respondents to name a specific natural place they loved visiting. The national park mostly in Wyoming but with slivers in Montana and Idaho received 179 mentions. Runner-up the Grand Canyon got 78; Glacier National Park placed third with 55. Weigel, of New Bridge Strategies, and Metz, of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), conducted the poll. They noted that theirs is a bipartisan collaboration: Outside of the project, New Bridge Strategies conducts polls and research for Republican politicians while FM3 does the same for Democrats. The college and polling firms jointly released this year's results on Wednesday. This year's poll included results from almost 3,400 people in eight intermountain Western states; it did not include the Pacific states of California, Oregon and Washington. The poll began with five states in 2011: Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Pollsters added Arizona in 2012, Nevada in 2016 and Idaho in 2018. Some of the bipartisan support on specific issues or choices was newer. A strong majority of registered Democrats have long supported prioritizing conservation over energy production on public lands, but this year, for the first time, the poll found a majority of Republicans 52% agreed. The result was a record-high overall percentage of respondents choosing conservation over energy production. "This year we saw the widest margin for conservation that we have seen in this poll," Metz said. "The story here is really remarkable consistency. We see consistent prioritization of conservation by voters when it comes to public lands in the West." Another question attracted massive bipartisan support: 87% of those polled said children not spending enough time outside was a serious problem, with 51% overall calling it an extreme or very serious problem. Both figures topped numbers from when the question was asked in 2013 and 2015. And 93% said spending more time outside would help with young people's mental health 67% overall said it would help a lot. "Almost no one is dismissing it," Weigel said. "This one stretched across partisan lines, across state lines, virtually everyone was saying, yeah, this is something that we could do to really help the mental health crisis that were seeing in kids." Overall, the vast majority of those polled supported the six conservation policies polled on this year: 90% supported making oil and gas companies pay for cleanup and restoration; 89% supported combatting light pollution to improve night sky visibility; 85% supported creating new national parks, monuments and refuges; 85% supported constructing more wildlife crossings; 80% supported achieving President Joe Biden's "30 by 30" goal; and 66% supported restricting oil and gas drilling only to places with a high likelihood to produce. Much of that support played out conversely, too, with respondents largely opposing efforts to remove environmental protections. Only 27% of those polled supported removing land protections to allow more drilling, and only 10% overall strongly supported that. Specifically, 71% of respondents said they opposed removing protections of national public lands, particularly national monuments, to allow drilling and mining. Opposition to such a move was strongest in states like Montana that had recent or ongoing fights over resource extraction in existing, new, expanded or proposed monuments. New Mexico, Montana and Arizona respondents registered the highest opposition to removal of protections, at 75%, 74% and 74% respectively. There remained sharp partisan divides on some issues, such as the impacts of climate change. Results were markedly different in more conservative states particularly the oil, gas and coal juggernaut Wyoming than in their less conservative Western counterparts. Overall, 66% of those polled said the effects of climate change on their state were at least significant, with 35% saying they were very significant. That's up from 62% and 29% in 2020. But the responses varied wildly by state. In Arizona, 70% of respondents said the effects of climate change were significant; the figure was 69% in both Nevada and Mexico. Montana was around average this year, with 64% saying the effects were significant and 33% calling them very significant. But in Wyoming, only 46% of respondents said the effects were significant, and only 24% thought they were very significant. That was similar to Idaho (50% and 20%). The results also varied by age, with older people less likely to say the impacts of climate change were significant. Among Gen-Z, 82% of respondents said the impacts were significant; 73% of millennials said the same, along with 62% of Gen-X and only 59% of baby boomers. "Generally those differences between states are aligned with partisanship," Metz said of climate change-related questions in the poll. And "Theres a pretty clear correlation here with age." The broad and fervent support for conservation in the West persisted despite ongoing economic anxiety, pollsters noted. Weigel said last year, after the 13th annual poll, that economic stressors "have risen to the fore here." That poll showed 97% of respondents said rising cost of living was a serious concern; 89% described the cost of gasoline as a serious concern, too. Weigel and Metz said this year that respondents understand conservation measures can cost money, sometimes directly through taxes or fees and also indirectly, such as higher oil and gas production costs passed down to consumers. Weigel noted that voters in the states polled generally still show strong support in approving small tax increases to fund conservation efforts, so long as the funds are guaranteed to go solely to conservation. And, Metz added, "they tent to support them at levels that are pretty comparable to what we see in the polling." That may be, they said, because people seem to uniquely view conservation issues as more solvable than other problems confronting Americans. Weigel also pointed to a question this year that showed 57% of respondents sought out news on nature, wildlife or recreation. "I do think people are gravitating toward the solutions that are being offered and they want to do something," Weigel said. "Theres sort of an appetite for being informed and learning more." With conservation, Metz noted, "Theres more optimism that problems are solvable than on a lot of other issues that we poll." "People think we can figure it out," he said. "Thats not something that we see on every issue right now." United States' Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma will be on a six-day long official visit to India, Sri Lanka and Maldives next week to strengthen bilateral ties with the nations, along with reaffirming America's enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region. Verma, who is currently the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, and the second senior post in the State Department, will travel to India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka from February 18-23 to strengthen America's cooperation with each of these key Indo-Pacific partners. Shortly following the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, his trip will reaffirm the United States' enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region, a media release said. In New Delhi, Verma will meet with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance the US-Indian global strategic partnership on a full range of issues, including economic development, security, and technology, said the official statement. From India, Verma will travel to Male to meet with senior officials and advance shared priorities in increasing economic cooperation and promoting maritime security. He will also tour the planned office space for a new US Embassy in Male, which will help further increase people-to-people ties between the United States and Maldives. Verma will conclude his trip in Colombo. His meetings with senior officials will support US-Sri Lankan defence and maritime security cooperation. He will visit the Port of Colombo's West Container Terminal, where the United States is supporting Sri Lanka's ongoing economic recovery through USD 553 million in financing to transform Colombo into a regional shipping hub. Finally, he will meet with civil society leaders to hear their perspective on democratic governance in Sri Lanka and with government officials to voice US support for the protection of free speech and open discourse, a statement said. Provides continuity and stability for the life and annuity ecosystem Plans to further invest in the assets to elevate the experience for carriers, advisors, and consumers Zinnia Corporate Holdings (Zinnia or the Company), an Eldridge business and leading life and annuity insurance technology services company, today announced it will acquire the Life and Annuity Assets (the L&A Assets) of Ebix, Inc. (Ebix), a supplier of software solutions. The L&A assets will further position Zinnia as a partner of choice in the life and annuity industry, expanding its offerings with insurance focused CRM & agency management, market-leading research, quoting, illustration, and order entry tools, and a comprehensive underwriting platform, which will simplify experiences for advisors and their clients. The acquisition of the Ebix Life and Annuity Assets is transformative for Zinnia, said Michele Trogni, Zinnia Chief Executive Officer. The complementary nature of our solutions will enable us to better serve carriers, distributors, and consumers, expanding our reach as we build the modern rails of the insurance industry. We are thrilled to welcome the Ebix L&A employees to Zinnia and look forward to what we can achieve together for our clients. In a rapidly expanding life and annuity sector, this acquisition allows Zinnia to power growth and simplify insurance from product development through distribution and claims. Upon closing, Zinnia will expand its offerings with the addition of SmartOffice, Vital Sales Suite, Winflex, AnnuityNet, LifeSpeed, TPP (The Policy Processor), as well as products and services provided by the consulting organization. Ash Sawhney, President of Ebix Insurance Solutions North America, will join Zinnia heading up the newly formed Life and Annuity Exchange Solutions business, reporting to Trogni. Joining him will be members of the Ebix Life and Annuity senior leadership team and all L&A employees globally. This is a great outcome for our business, added Ash Sawhney. Zinnias commitment to invest in our products, people, and customer solutions will significantly advance our product roadmaps, which will only serve to benefit the entire industry. Zinnia has a clear vision for the future, and together, we will digitize the end-to-end processing of life and annuity products. We are looking forward to the synergies that can be generated from the new integrated Zinnia and Ebix Life and Annuity organization to improve the agility and digitization of our business integration with our distribution partners, noted Sean Grindall, VP and Head of Financial Institution Distribution at USAA Life Company. Global operations across the Ebix L&A Assets will continue as usual for customers and partners through the closing and integration process. On February 15, 2024, Zinnia received Court approval to acquire Ebix L&A Assets after being named the winning bidder. The transaction is expected to close in early March, subject to standard closing conditions. Advisors Milbank LLP is serving as Zinnias legal counsel alongside financial advisors Citi and RBC Capital Markets. C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to Zinnia. Ebix is represented by Sidley Austin LLP as legal counsel, AlixPartners, LLP and Huron Consulting Group served as financial advisors, and Jefferies LLC as its investment banker. About Zinnia Zinnia, an Eldridge business, simplifies insurance; delivering comprehensive solutions for the industry's most critical needs and creating the modern rails of the insurance industry, better enabling carriers and advisors to build, sell, and service insurance, ultimately helping more people get the coverage they need and the service they deserve. Zinnia's business lines include Carrier Solutions, providing digital third-party administration services, Distributor Solutions, offering technology & professional services for advisors, and the Policygenius consumer marketplace. Zinnia is also backed by funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm. To learn more about Zinnia, please visit https://zinnia.com/. About Ebix North American Life & Annuity Assets The Ebix Life & Annuity (L&A) division automates the life and annuity sales process from CRM, agency management, research, quoting, illustration, order entry, underwriting, policy issuance and post-issue processing. Backed by an exceptional team, the L&A division has set the standard for excellence and innovation in the industry for over two decades and is trusted by the most prominent financial institutions in the industry. With more than $128 billion of annuity premiums and over 20 million quotes, illustrations, and applications for life insurance each year, the L&A division serves as the premier platform supporting the end-to-end sales lifecycle. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240216132074/en/ Friends of the Rail Bridge has made a gallant effort to save the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge over the Missouri River. But a ruling last week by the North Dakota Supreme Court may be too much for the nonprofit preservation group to overcome. Justices unanimously ruled Friends didnt follow the proper process for challenging two state permits that cleared the way for a new bridge. The decision upheld South Central District Judge Jackson Lofgrens dismissal of the Friends lawsuit last June. BNSF Railway in 2017 announced plans to remove the old bridge and build a new one. The new bridge, to be located just north of the old bridge, will cost $100 million. BNSF says the new bridge is needed for safety and commerce. It argues the 141-year-old bridge will have outlived its usefulness by the time the new bridge opens in the summer of 2026. Construction has begun on the new structure. Friends has tried a number of novel ideas to save the old bridge so it can be turned into a pedestrian bridge, which the group believes will be a tourist attraction. It argued the state owns not only the riverbed, but any structures in the river at statehood. Attorney General Drew Wrigley refused to pursue that argument for Friends, saying the bridge belongs to BNSF. Other state and local entities refused to provide support for Friends. The State Historical Board discussed in March 2023 whether it had the authority to block destruction of the old bridge. Wrigley told board members they didnt, so the board passed a resolution stating its support for preserving the bridge while noting it didnt have authority or expertise to determine ownership. A 2019 feasibility study by North Dakota State University estimated that turning the old bridge into a walking bridge would cost just under $7 million. Friends said it was unable to raise funds due to uncertainties surrounding the bridge, but that it had potential donors lined up. The $7 million cost estimate has no doubt gone up over the years. BNSF last year provided $500,000 for a grant program to help document the history and legacy of the rail bridge. The railway also offered pieces of the old bridge for display. Of course this isnt what the Friends want. The group no doubt has some other attempts in mind to save the bridge. But the steep climb has gotten much steeper. The Tribune Editorial Board believes saving the old bridge would be nice, but it wasnt practical for BNSF to move the site of the new bridge. And Friends could never show it could get enough financial support for a pedestrian bridge to avoid seeking financial support from local entities or state government. Sometimes best intentions cant be achieved. Under the grant program the old bridge can be remembered, its history enshrined in a number of ways. There should be no gloating if and when the old bridge eventually comes down. We should be proud we were able to enjoy the old bridge and find ways to remember it. And Friends should be thanked for their yearslong effort. Discovery hasn't confirmed that 'Deadliest Catch' will return for season 20, but there are signs new episodes are in the works. For nearly two decades, Discovery Channels reality series Deadliest Catch has offered TV viewers an inside look at the rough-and-tumble world of commercial fishing. The show, which follows fishermen as they hunt the Bering Sea for crab and other seafood, last aired new episodes in September 2023. Now, fans are wondering if and when it might return with new episodes. Heres what we know so far about Deadliest Catch Season 20. Is Deadliest Catch Season 20 coming to Discovery Channel? Deadliest Catch | Discovery Channel The bad news is that Discovery Channel has not yet announced if Deadliest Catch will return for season 20. However, there are some clues that new episodes are in the works. In October 2023, about one month after the Deadliest Catch Season 19 finale, Captain Rick Shelford took to social media to tease the shows next season. Season 20 of Deadliest Catch here we come!!! Get ready for an EPIC season to come!!! wrote the F/V Aleutian Lady captain on Instagram. Deadliest Catch producer Todd Stanley has also shared some behind-the-scenes updates on the show on his YouTube channel, including clips of the crew shooting scenes for season 20. In one, the F/V Wizard can be seen in the distance, seemingly confirming the return of that vessel and Captain Keith Colburn to the show. While theres no confirmed premiere date for Deadliest Catch Season 20, new seasons of the show typically premiere between late March and mid-April. Alaska cancels snow crab season again In recent seasons of Deadliest Catch, viewers have seen the effect dramatic changes in seafood populations in the Bering Sea have had on commercial fishermen. Ahead of season 19, Alaska put a halt to fishing both snow crab and red king crab due to steep population declines. (The red king crab harvest was also canceled for the 2021-22 fishing season.) In October 2023, the state announced that the snow crab season would also be canceled for 2023-24. But in a bit of good news for fishermen, Alaska reopened the red king harvest after two years of closures, the AP reported. The closures of the fisheries have been a major financial strain for fishermen. They also created challenges for Deadliest Catch. In season 19, the show shifted to focus on fishing for golden king crab, bairdi, and cod. For people who make a living in fishing and associated industries, times are tough, former Deadliest Catch cast member Casey McManus told Seattles KING 5 News in October 2023. Youre always gonna see highs and lows as a commercial fisherman, McManus said. Sometimes its good, sometimes its bad, feast or famine. But lately, the highs are a lot lower and the lows are even lower than that. Turns out rock bottom has a basement. How to watch old episodes of Deadliest Catch As fans wait for news about the return of Deadliest Catch, they can keep themselves busy by revisiting past seasons of the reality series. Most episodes are available to stream on both discovery+ and Max. Seasons 3 and 4 are also streaming on Hulu. Past seasons are also available for purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. Dannielle and Garrick Merrifield are back in a new season of 'Seeking Sister Wife,' premiering March 4 on TLC. Dannielle and Garrick Merrifield havent given up their dream of finding the perfect sister wife. The Colorado couple is back for another installment of TLCs Seeking Sister Wife, which will follow their search for another woman to join their family. But in a trailer for season 5, which premieres March 4, Dannielle looks less convinced than ever that plural marriage is right for her. Dannielle and Garrick are courting a new woman in Seeking Sister Wife Season 5 Dannielle and Garrick joined the Seeking Sister Wife cast in season 3. Like other families on the show, they were pursuing a polygamist lifestyle, though their efforts to find a sister wife have so far been unsuccessful. When viewers first met Dannielle and Garrick, he had not only convinced his wife to allow him to pursue a relationship with another woman, but he had also gotten her to agree to a divorce. The legal split from Dannielle would allow him to marry Roberta, a Brazilian woman hed met online, and bring her to the United States. However, Roberta eventually ended the relationship. (The couple later called her a scammer.) Although bringing another woman into her marriage was obviously difficult for Dannielle, she was still heartbroken when Roberta broke up with her and Garrick. But despite the failure of that relationship, Garrick is more determined than ever to live his dream of plural marriage. This season, theyre courting a Brazilian woman named Nathalia, ET reports. However, Dannielle is not convinced that the relationship is a good idea. Garrick insists hes not just seeking to have sex freely In a trailer for the new season of Seeking Sister Wife (via Instagram), Garrick attempts to dispel some myths about polygamy while a skeptical Dannielle looks on. Some people live this lifestyle just to have sex freely, Garrick says in the clip. But that would be, like, wrong and evil. Those arent the reasons, guys. Later, Dannielle accuses Garrick of scoping out new women online. You didnt look at new people? Thats a lie, she says after he denies having a wandering eye. In an interview, Garrick says that if everyone in the relationship is on board with living a plural lifestyle, problems will emerge. You know, jealousy, if you dont face that stuff, will destroy everything, he says. Three new couples join the Seeking Sister Wife cast In addition to Garrick and Dannielle, the new season of Seeking Sister Wife will also feature the return of the Davis family, which consists of Nick and his three wives: Danielle, April, and Jennifer. Plus, three new couples join the show. Becky and Justin Ryan are a Texas couple whove been married for 26 years. After one woman theyre dating has doubts about polygamy, they connect with a new woman named Yary. But is she the right fit for them both? Shane and Ashley Sherwood are from Massachusetts. Theyre expecting their second baby and also seeking a potential sister wife. The fifth Seeking Sister Wife family are the Salahuddins from Pennsylvania Seeking Sister Wife premieres Monday, March 4 at 9 p.m. ET on TLC. Source: ET For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close OPINION: Hope that the good sense of working together prevails this legislative session The state Health Department was on-site in recent days at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst, investigating complaints filed late last year under New Yorks clinical staffing law, according to the unions that represent workers at the Kaleida Health facility. Communications Workers of America District 1 confirmed the Health Department was on-site at Millard Fillmore on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Further, CWA Local 1168 posted on its Facebook page Tuesday to tell its members to answer Health Department representatives honestly and tell them about the continued staffing crisis. We are pleased that the Department of Health is on the ground investigating what we have long known that unsafe staffing conditions continue to plague health care workers in New York hospitals, said Debora Hayes, area director for CWA District 1. The visit at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is a direct result of union members sounding the alarm, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health, the State, and our health care facilities to address unsafe staffing, in order to improve the safety and well-being of health care workers and their patients, she said. The visit comes after CWA in late November submitted nearly 8,000 unresolved staffing complaints across several hospitals, including Kaleida Healths Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital; Catholic Health Systems hospitals; Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira; and New York-Presbyterian, a downstate provider. Union submits thousands of staffing complaints at WNY hospitals to state Health Department The CWA submitted nearly 8,000 unresolved staffing complaints across several hospitals, including Buffalo General Medical Center, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira and New York-Presbyterian. The complaints often involved workers taking care of more patients than agreed upon in set staffing ratios, leading to missed breaks and longer patient wait times. A 2021 state law required New Yorks hospitals to form clinical staffing committees to create and submit minimum staffing plans to the Health Department, legislation that was seen as a key to improving workplace conditions that eroded during the Covid-19 pandemic and that have caused more caregivers to leave the industry. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is not the first Western New York facility to receive an unannounced visit from the Health Department under the clinical staffing law. CWA confirmed the Health Department also visited Mercy Hospital of Buffalo in the fall, and Erie County Medical Center has reportedly received one citation under the law. During the visits, Health Department officials conduct interviews and follow up on complaints while also ensuring staffing requirements are posted in all units and in areas accessible to the public. Asked about the Health Departments visit to Millard Fillmore, agency spokesperson Erin Clary said the department cant comment on open investigations. Michael P. Hughes, senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Kaleida, said education, compliance and monitoring are important components for the success of the states process of implementing the clinical staffing legislation. This week gave us an opportunity to show despite the historic workforce challenges that the entire health care industry is facing how we are implementing this unpaid state mandate and how we have hired over 500 new employees over the past year, he said. That includes more than 260 new nurses who are now working at the bedside. Kaleida Health remains committed to providing the highest quality health care for our patients and our community. Moving forward, Hughes said, Kaleida will remain focused on pipeline development, recruitment and retention for all positions across the organization. The unions said the Health Department visit is proof that upstate hospitals are under-resourced and need more funding in the upcoming state budget to stabilize operations and add staff. In fact, unions, employers and political officials are in the midst of a campaign to try to influence the state, and Gov. Kathy Hochul, to increase Medicaid funding for hospitals and nursing homes. Officials seek higher Medicaid reimbursements for WNY hospitals, nursing homes Officials want to increase the state's reimbursement for Medicaid patients, from 70% of what it costs hospitals and nursing homes to care for them to 100%, after years of underfunding. The staffing shortages our members face is the same for all health care workers across the state, said Jim Scordato, vice president of the Western New York hospital division for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. New York is in a health care crisis and its time that Gov. Hochul invest funds necessary to relieve struggling hospitals now, he said. The governor must stop cuts to health care and fully fund Medicaid. You cant expect hospitals to recruit and retain workers to alleviate staffing issues when they are chronically underfunded by the state. Rebecca Miller, state legislative and political director for CWA District 1, said in a recent statement that the union would like to see New York fully fund Medicaid to ensure 100% reimbursement of cost, so that hospitals have sufficient funding to ensure that most New Yorkers have access to the care they deserve, and so that hospitals are better able to immediately begin improving working conditions, retaining and stabilizing the current health care workforce, and complying with the safe staffing law. Under the 2021 staffing law, clinical staffing committees were formed at every New York hospital at the start of 2022. The committees include at least one-half clinical staff members and up to one-half hospital administrators, and each committee is tasked with developing and adopting an annual clinical staffing plan by July 1 and then implementing that plan six months later on Jan. 1. The first clinical staffing plans under the law were implemented in January 2023. Hospitals found to be in violation of the law, following an investigation, are required to submit a corrective plan of action within 45 days from when the findings are presented to the hospital. Failure to comply, the Health Department said, can lead to fines: up to $2,000 per citation and potentially other related civil penalties. To date, the Health Department has cited 15 hospitals for violations of the law, said Clary, the department spokesperson. Clary declined to comment further or disclose the names of the hospitals that have been cited, noting some of the cases may be the subject of ongoing investigations. The Buffalo News has filed a records request for the names of the hospitals cited. After a civilian reported seeing human bones sticking out of a peat bog in Northern Ireland, police went to investigate the discovery. There, they found a well-preserved skeleton of a teenage boy with portions of his skin and fingernails still intact. At first, authorities werent sure whether the remains were ancient or belonged to someone recently deceased, so they treated the investigation like a potential crime scene. This approach also ensures that any DNA evidence could be secured for any potential criminal investigation. Ultimately, this wasnt the case in this instance, said Nikki Deehan, a detective inspector with the Police Service. Forensic anthropologists confirmed that the skeleton was between 2,000 and 2,500 years old. Additionally, the individual was between the ages of 13 and 17 when he died. Radar technology showed that he was just over three feet below ground. The bog in which he was located was near a village called Bellaghy, earning the teenager the nickname of Bellaghy Boy. The boy is now part of a collection of corpses that are referred to as bog bodies. Bog bodies have been found in places like Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Some bodies had been sacrificed victims, while others were executed as criminals or had died from an accident. However, the cause of the Bellaghy Boys death is unclear. These ancient remains are known for their remarkable states of preservation, which are made possible by the chemical processes that occur within these bogs. The bogs contain few minerals, low levels of oxygen, cold temperatures, and wet, acidic soil that work together to create the ideal conditions for preservation. In addition, the presence of sphagnum moss helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Over the centuries, bog bodies from various time periods have been uncovered. The best-conserved example is the Tollund Man from Denmark, who was found with facial hair. Most of the Bellaghy Boys bones were recovered, along with bits of skin, fingernails, toenails, and even a kidney. However, his skull was missing. Researchers dont know if the skull was separated from his body before or after his death. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News Christians warn against German bill that aims to crack down on pro-life prayers Christians in Germany are expressing their concerns over a proposed bill that aims to establish censorship zones around abortion facilities, potentially penalizing pro-life prayers and offers of help, with fines up to 5,000, or $6,300. The bill, criticized for its vague language and questionable necessity, seeks to prevent actions the government deems confusing or disturbing within 100 meters of such facilities. The bill is ambiguous and lacks evidence supporting the need for this legislation, the rights group ADF International says, pointing out the governments admission of lacking concrete data on incidents near abortion facilities. The group draws parallels with the U.K.s experience, where similar buffer zones have led to legal challenges against individuals praying near abortion clinics, referring to the Public Spaces Protection Orders in the U.K. The PSPOs threaten free speech and the right to peaceful prayer, the group adds. 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 Felix Bollmann, a German lawyer and director of European Advocacy for ADF International, criticized the bill for creating confusion and potentially infringing on rights protected by both international and national law. The right to peacefully pray is protected by international and national law. No matter ones opinion on abortion, everyone suffers when we start to censor the right to speak freely, pray or engage in consensual conversations, he said. The federal government wants to ban something but doesnt know what or why. This law doesnt ban confusion, it creates more of it both for citizens trying to understand the law and police officers who will have to enforce any vague new prohibitions. Family Minister Lisa Paus of the Green Party introduced the draft law last month, aiming to balance freedom of expression with the protection of women seeking advice at abortion clinics and family planning centers from harassment, as reported by DW. The law would enforce a 100-meter buffer zone, with violations resulting in fines. Paus said at the time women should be able to receive good advice without being confronted with hatred and agitation. Thats why we are striking a balance between freedom of expression and the right of assembly, Paus was quoted as saying. The draft bill is currently with the Federal Council and is still open for amendments, according to ADF International. It will be voted on in Parliament. The proposed legislation has sparked debate in Germany over the presence and impact of pro-life protests, similar to those in the United States. Pro Familia, an abortion and family planning advice center in Frankfurt, claims that protests lead to negative effects on clients. Germanys Statistical Office reports that the country sees about 100,000 abortions annually, a decrease from 130,899 in 1996. Since 1992, abortion has been legal in Germany. In 2022, the government eliminated a law that had made it illegal for abortion providers to advertise their services, which previously could result in up to two years in prison or a fine, according to The Guardian. Home News 'Some of you are going to Hell with clean feet': Mark Driscoll responds to Super Bowl 'He Gets Us' ad While the controversial He Gets Us ad that aired during the Super Bowl stirred up plenty of conversation, pastor and author Mark Driscoll offered his own unfiltered take. In response to the 60-second Foot Washing ad, Driscoll, 53, tweeted, Jesus washed Judass feet and still sent him to hell #HeGetsUs. Jesus washed Judass feet and still sent him to hell #HeGetsUs 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 February 13, 2024 In a second post on the topic shared Wednesday, Driscoll watched the ad before calling it soft, woke, garbage, nonsense, virtue signaling to those who don't like God. Jesus Christ got murdered, he said. It's because some people felt hated by what He was teaching. All of this is just soft, woke garbage nonsense virtue signaling to those who don't like God, that you should like them because they're willing to change God for you. Jesus did wash feet. He washed the feet of a guy named Judas Iscariot before He sent him to hell. Some of you are going to hell with clean feet. But that's not an upgrade." Driscoll was one of several high-profile Evangelicals who criticized the He Gets Us ad, which featured still photographs of people washing the feet of others in various settings, including outside a family planning clinic. In a statement posted on its website, "He Gets Us" elaborated on the intended message of the ad and even noted that Jesus did wash the feet of the same disciple He would call the son of destruction in John 17:12. "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." Several commentators noted the striking commonalities of those whose feet were being washed, including Andrew Walker, an ethics and public theology professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who said the commercial had a a leftward tinge, communicating the respectability of certain sins over others in our culture. "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?" Once named among America's "most prominent and celebrated pastors" by Forbes, Driscoll resigned in disgrace as senior pastor of Seattle-based Mars Hill in October 2014 after a series of controversies, including allegations of plagiarism and fostering an abusive work environment. Two weeks after Driscoll's resignation, Mars Hill Church announced that it would dissolve. He launched Trinity Church in 2016 and later started Real Faith, a digital Bible study ministry, with his wife, Grace, and their eldest daughter, Ashley. Home News Navy Seals lawsuit against Defense Department over COVID-19 shot mandate can continue: court A lawsuit filed by several Navy Seals against the U.S. Department of Defense over its hesitancy to grant religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate can continue, according to an order from a federal court. U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor of the Northern District of Texas issued an order on Wednesday in the case of U.S. Navy Seals 1-26 et al. v. Lloyd J. Austin III, et al. OConnor argued that the plaintiffs no longer required injunctive relief from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, as it had been rescinded by the Navy and was thus a moot issue. 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 However, OConnor did allow the complaint regarding the broader vaccine accommodations policy to continue, believing that there are still ongoing harms that need to be addressed. This includes present and future harms due to hesitance to use the accommodations process going forward for any religious accommodation, wrote OConnor. This alleged disparity between how the broader accommodations policy treats medical versus religious accommodation requests remains even in a post-Mandate world. Danielle Runyan, senior counsel at the First Liberty Institute, which is helping to represent the Navy personnel, said in a statement released Thursday that rescinding the mandate was only the beginning. This has been a long and difficult journey, but our Navy SEALs dont quit, stated Runyan. While some may believe the case ended after Congress forced the Navy to repeal the mandate, nothing could be further from the truth. Rescinding the mandate was just the first step, but the real harm to these brave warriors continues because there is still no valid process for religious accommodation. First Liberty has stood arm-in-arm with our nations sailors, and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes to win. In August 2021, the Pentagon announced that it would require U.S. military personnel to receive the COVID-19 injections, citing as justification the need for combat readiness. Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved, the department is prepared to issue updated guidance, requiring all service members to be vaccinated, stated Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby at the time. These efforts ensure the safety of our service members and promote the readiness of our force, not to mention the health and safety of the communities around the country in which we live. While most armed forces personnel took the shot, thousands objected for religious reasons, noting that it had been developed through research that used aborted fetal cells. Lawsuits were filed over the mandate, with many arguing that the military had failed to provide an adequate exemption process for those opposed to taking the injection on religious grounds. In January of last year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the COVID-19 vaccine mandate was being rescinded, with him reporting in a memorandum that around 96% of military personnel were fully vaccinated. Last October, the Defense Department agreed to pay $1.8 million in fees and other litigation costs by the cases of Navy Seal 1 v. Biden and Colonel Financial Management Officer v. Austin. Home News Rachel Levine claims climate change has 'disproportionate' impact on black people Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel (Richard) Levine marked Black History Month on Thursday by releasing a video claiming climate change disproportionately affects black people. Levine also suggested the new bureaucracies established under the Biden administration dedicated to "climate change and health equity" and "environmental justice" will help tackle the alleged inequality. This #BlackHistoryMonth I'm honored to join @MinorityHealth in Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black communities. Explore more at https://t.co/cVkHNKRu7i and don't miss next Thursday's clip to hear insights from another HHS leader. pic.twitter.com/a2QlM9bpdd 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 February 15, 2024 Decked out in military uniform, the admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, explained how pleased he was to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Minority Health in "advancing better health through better understanding for black communities." "Climate change is having a disproportionate effect on the physical and mental health of black communities," Levine said. "Black Americans are more likely than white Americans to live in areas in housing that increase their susceptibility to climate-related health issues, and 65% of black Americans report feeling anxious about climate change's impact." "Through our Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and the Office of Environmental Justice, we're working with providers and community leaders to identify innovative approaches that empower communities to address to health consequences linked to climate change," Levine added. President Biden directed HHS to establish the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) by executive order in 2021, and it rolled out under Levine's authority on Aug. 31 of that year, according to its website. Intended to "address the impact of climate change on the health of the American people," OCCHE claims to serve "as a department-wide hub for climate change and health policy, programming, and analysis, in pursuit of environmental justice and equitable health outcomes." The Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) was established within the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division in 2022, and its stated mission is "to protect overburdened and underserved communities from the harm caused by environmental crimes, pollution, and climate change." Levine's assertion regarding the disproportionate effect of climate change on minorities echoes that of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report in 2021 that found "the most severe harms from climate change fall disproportionately upon underserved communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts." The impacts of climate change that we are feeling today, from extreme heat to flooding to severe storms, are expected to get worse, and people least able to prepare and cope are disproportionately exposed, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said at the time. This report punctuates the urgency of equitable action on climate change. With this level of science and data, we can more effectively center EPAs mission on achieving environmental justice for all. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has used similar arguments on a global scale, arguing that "the impacts of climate change vary greatly between countries and population groups." "This climate crisis is a deeply unfair one, with the poor being disproportionately affected," WEF Mental Health Lead Ruma Bhargava wrote in 2023. "The countries with the fewest resources are likely to bear the greatest burden in terms of loss of life and relative effect on investment and the economy." Home Opinion Biden admin. betrays Nigerians once again The Biden Administration has betrayed the Nigerian people once again. In what has become a regrettable annual tradition, Bidens State Department recently rejected calls from numerous leading human rights, religious freedom, and Christian organizations to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The CPC list is one of the United States governments main tools promoting global religious freedom. Any nation that engages in or allows particularly severe violations of religious freedom can be added to the list. The designation gives the U.S. Government the ability to leverage sanctions against offending nations. The State Department regularly includes countries on the CPC list that are known enemies of the United States such as North Korea, Cuba, China, and Iran. Theres no risk in calling them out. But the Biden administration continuously refuses to add Nigeria and several other countries for geopolitical and economic reasons. Not only does this politicize the CPC list, if not render it meaningless, but it exposes the Administrations inability to truly support religious freedom around the globe. 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 Recommendations for which countries and bad actors should be added to the CPC list come from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a congressionally mandated bi-partisan body on which I serve, specifically created to monitor the right to freedom of religion abroad and make policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State and Congress. When the State Department repeatedly rejects and ignores USCIRFs recommendations and concerns, it is failing to recognize the USCIRFs important role. If Nigeria doesnt belong on the CPC, then Im not sure who does. In 2022 alone, more than 5,000 Nigerian Christians were massacred in multiple waves of attacks, and another 1,041 were slaughtered in the first 100 days of 2023. This past Christmas, attacks on 26 Nigerian villages left nearly 200 dead with many more missing. Unbelievably, the State Departments decision to leave Nigeria off the CPC list was made just days after these horrific attacks took place. I recently traveled to Nigeria and met with Christians who have lost everything at the hands of Boko Haram, Fulani extremists, and other terrorists. Their family members have been killed, their homes and villages destroyed, their farms burned, and livestock stolen. The trauma and pain these survivors face are incredibly deep and painful. And yet, month after month, year after year, we allow these violent acts to continue. And the unchecked religious violence isnt limited to Nigeria. In India, multiple states have anti-conversion laws on the books, and religiously motivated mob violence regularly runs rampant. Since May 2023, hundreds of churches and the homes of thousands of Christians have been attacked in Manipur State, leaving more than 60,000 people displaced. India has a massive economy and is the United States biggest trading partner, which may explain why the Administration has ignored repeated calls to add it to the CPC list as well. The State Department also refuses to add Vietnam to the CPC list, which USCIRF has recommended for years. Many pastors are imprisoned there, with hundreds more living under the constant threat of arrest. Regular closures of house churches, the persecution of other religious minorities, and an egregious anti-religion law should be more than enough to qualify them for the list. Yet the State Department has willfully ignored such evidence of religious targeting and persecution. I support congressional hearings on this matter to understand why the US government is not standing up to this genocide and plan to file a Freedom of Information Act request to find out how these decisions are made. We need to uncover the State Departments rationale regarding which countries are included on the CPC list and why those that should be included continue to be left off. Even when offending countries are added to the list, the US has never fully utilized the political and economic tools available to discipline these bad actors. At its best, the CPC is a shaming tool, with the implied, but never carried out threat of potential sanctions. But now things have gotten even worse, and the list is being ignored altogether. Geopolitics and global economics are infecting what should be a system of accountability. The CPC issue is just the tip of the iceberg for the State Departments lack of accountability when it comes to upholding religious freedom. The Biden Administration failed to confront Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last summers meeting at the White House and instead rolled out the red carpet for him. Despite fist-bumping Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Biden has failed to leverage the relationship to better human and religious rights in the Middle East. Friends dont let friends engage in religious persecution. We have an obligation to hold our supposed friends to account. We know that religious freedom is a cornerstone of democratic values and human rights. The Biden Administrations failure to include countries with troubling records on the CPC list vitally threatens the effectiveness of this tool when used properly. To restore its credibility while upholding the principles of religious freedom, the State Department must reassess its criteria and ensure that the CPC list accurately reflects the harsh realities of religious minorities worldwide whether they live in the countries of our allies or our enemies. Its time for the US to reaffirm its commitment to religious freedom on the global stage. Otherwise, the cries of the dying and oppressed around the world will continue to go unheard. The views reflected here are my own views and not the views of the Commission. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority hopes to begin demolishing 24 vacant buildings in the Commodore Perry Homes project before the start of this summer as it undertakes the first phase of a $260 million redevelopment of the housing project. Buffalos public Housing Authority plans to build 405 new residential units in a new mixed-income neighborhood that transforms the complex in the Old First Ward that has been sitting vacant and boarded up for more than a decade. This is a huge step forward in our journey to revitalize this area. The demolition of the BMHA Commodore Perry buildings clears the way for a better quality of life for the residents in this area, Mayor Byron W. Brown said in a written statement. BMHA board of directors approved Thursday everything from a ground lease with Perry Homes I LLC and the Perry Homes 1 Development Fund Co. to the formation of affiliates to handle funding, construction and management of the new residences, as well as easements for demolition, land clearing, and staging and storing of construction equipment and materials. The breakdown of the complex funding package for the first phase of the transformation consists of loans, grants and equity contributions, including: $205 million in New York State Housing Finance Agency and New York Division of Housing and Community Renewal loans, plus a New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program equity contribution. $98 million from the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. $6.1 million in grants from the City of Buffalo through ReStore NY and Community Block Grant programs. $6 million in capital funds from the BMHA. $5 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development RAD Rehab Assistance aid. $1.6 million in federal energy-efficient homes funds. Browns Office of Strategic Planning on Thursday requested approval from the Common Council to use $5 million in ReStore NY funds the city obtained on behalf of the BMHA, as well as the $1.1 million contribution from Community Block Grant Funds to kick-start the work. This is a massive and complicated project which involves multiple public and private funding sources and local, state and federal government approvals to bring 405 units of modern, affordable housing to a completely reconfigured site, said BMHA Executive Director Gillian D. Brown in a written statement. Todays board actions bring three years of ambitious planning with our developer, Pennrose, LLC, with input from Perry residents to the starting line of the physical work. Construction of the existing Commodore Perry homes was completed in 1939. The mostly vacant and boarded up units make stretches of Perry Street and South Park Avenue look like deserted wastelands. The project will begin with the demolition of 24 vacant apartment buildings located on the nearly 19-acre site, bounded by Hamburg, Perry, South Park and Louisiana streets. When complete, the new affordable housing project will feature 405 residential units in 27 buildings, with 8,000 square feet of commercial space. The project will include 24 two- or three-story townhouse and residential walk-up buildings, and three five-story buildings along South Park Avenue and Louisiana Street, with 212 one- and two-bedroom units. I am proud of the work the BMHA and our Office of Strategic Planning have done to move this project forward, Brown said. Home News Christian converts slaughtered for confessing faith in Jesus; 4 children now orphaned NAIROBI, Kenya A formerly Muslim couple in eastern Uganda, parents of four young children, were slashed to death on Feb. 2, two months after putting their faith in Christ, sources said. Twaha Namwoyo, 38, and his 27-year-old wife, Nadiimu Katooko, were slain for their faith outside their house in Bulalaka village, Saala Parish, Kibuku Sub-County, Kibuku District, a neighbor said. I heard people talking and conversing loudly in Arabic and the Lugwere language, saying that Twaha is to reap the fruits of leaving Islam, the neighbor told Morning Star News on condition of anonymity. After a few minutes, I heard loud wailing coming out of Twahas house. 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 neighbor, a Christian, said his family locked the doors of their home, not knowing our fate. We kept awake the whole night in great fear. But thank God the attackers did not come to our house. Officers from the Kibuku central police station arrived and found the bodies with deep cuts, and that of Namwoyo with a swollen neck, possibly indicating strangulation. Their mutilated bodies were found outside, and the children ages 7, 5, 3 and 2 were locked inside the house, sources said. Police found several long Somali swords, knives and an axe at the scene, likely left as a warning to other Muslims considering conversion to Christianity, the neighbor said. Kibuku central police registered case No. CRB/10/2024 as a homicide. The neighbor did not recognize the assailants due to the darkness and said they could have been both local residents and outsiders. Many Muslims in Uganda speak Arabic. The couple had converted at a Christian center in Nampido village, said a friend who led them to faith. After visiting and praying with the family of Namwoyo for about six months, later my labor in Christ became a turning point for them to receive Jesus Christ on Dec. 5, 2023, the friend said. I continued discipling them in the Christian doctrines, but cautioned them to remain secret in their new-founded Christian faith. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. Originally published by Morning Star News Home News College LGBT Ash Wednesday event claims Bible's condemnation of homosexuality is 'Christian fake news' Campus pastor says he was 'unprepared' for backlash Two Christian student organizations are facing backlash over their sponsorship of an LGBT Ash Wednesday event that claimed Christianity is often a face of intolerance and the Gospel endorses homosexuality. The Glitter + Ash event, which was scheduled to be held on campus at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Kansas on Feb. 14, was sponsored by Us4U, a student-led interfaith group, and the United Methodist Campus Ministry (UMCM), according to university officials. News of the event went viral after conservative influencer Libs of TikTok shared a screenshot of the event announcement that bore the official FHSU logo. 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 Yes this is real. @FortHaysState turned Ash Wednesday into an LGBTQ event celebrating queerness with glitter and ash. This was one students reaction: pic.twitter.com/ZZGxXlBcGT Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 14, 2024 In response, an FHSU spokesperson released a statement defending the inclusion of the university brand mark on the announcement, adding it was 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, the statement added. 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. A listing for the Glitter Ash Wednesday event says the purpose of the effort is to let the world know that we are progressive, queer-positive Christians. After claiming the public face of Christianity is often a face of intolerance especially toward [LGBT-identified] people, the listing disputes the notion that the God of Christianity condemns homosexuality and transgenderism. This is Christian fake news, not the Good News of Jesus, the listing adds. Launched in 2017, more than 200 churches and faith groups took part in the initial Glitter Ash Wednesday, according to interfaith LGBT group Parity, known formerly as Presbyterian Welcome. The Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen, executive director of Parity, told The Christian Post in a 2017 interview that the purpose of Glitter Ash Wednesday is to serve as a witness to an "inclusive Christian message." For up to $15 per bottle, the organization also sells Glitter Blessings, glass nail polish-style vials that Parity says contain frankincense-scented holy oil from Jerusalem and biodegradable rainbow glitter, enough for 100 people to receive a blessing that celebrates [LGBT] people as beloved and created by a loving God. [LGBT-identified] people are told the lie that God hates them and that they arent able to be [LGBT] AND a person of faith. We know better! the website states. Not only do we know fabulous [LGBT] people of faith (and are clergy and faithful ourselves) we also know that God loves everyone, including maybe especially! those Friends of Dorothy (code for, yes, you guessed it, fabulous [LGBT] people). The group also includes a Glitter Blessing for Transfiguration Sunday from the Rev. Danielle Wilson of the U.K.s Inclusive Gathering Birmingham, which suggests that Jesus Transfiguration on the Mount was a demonstration of His shining, glittering, other-worldly divinity. Jesus has passed on the God-sparkle so that we, too, might be transformed into sources of glimmering, glittering light and gritty, scandalous hope shining and sparkling like Jesus, Wilson wrote. Not everyone understands or accepts our kind of sparkle, but we sparkle nonetheless. CP reached out to both Us4U and the United Methodist Campus Ministry for comment on Friday. Troy Miller, a local pastor both at Hays FUMC and the UMCM at FHSU, clarified to CP that churches and campus ministries are solely separate ministries, adding that there werent any partnerships between the campus ministry and Hays FUMC or Us4U. According to Miller, the campus ministry was erroneously added as a co-sponsor after Miller agreed to participate in the event. I cannot speak to the motivation of holding the event because I was not involved in its organization or promotion, Miller told CP Friday. My motivation to help was simply based on the opportunity to be part of an ecumenical effort by local pastors to impose ashes for those students and/or faculty that may not have time or ability to be part of a local church service but still desired to receive the ashes. Miller added that while his desire in ministry is to be accepting of all students no matter what, he was unprepared for the backlash over the Glitter event. I simply withdrew because I did not want myself or the UMCM to be caught in the middle of a situation I had no control over from the beginning, he explained. My withdrawal was not meant to be a commentary on any students, student organizations, local pastors, or local churches. Around the world, Ash Wednesday worship involves church services where ashes are placed in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of worshipers. Traditionally, worshipers choose to leave the ashes on their foreheads for the remainder of the day as an outward sign and symbol of grief, as well as purification and sorrow for sins. While the Bible makes no specific mention of Ash Wednesday, the practice of repentance and mourning in sackcloth and ashes is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel speaks of seeking the Lord for the release of His people from Babylonian exile with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3). After Jonah preached to the Ninevites, they responded by fasting and, upon hearing Jonahs warning, the king of Nineveh covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes (Jonah 3:6). Home News Teen facing felony charges for leaving tire marks on LGBT progress pride intersection A Florida teenager is facing felony charges for leaving tire burnout marks on a street intersection painted in the colors of the LGBT progress pride flag, marking the second time the streetscape has been deemed vandalized since it was unveiled less than three years ago. On Monday, the city of Delray Beach released a statement announcing that Dylan Brewer, 19, of Clearwater, had been arrested for vandalizing an intersection decorated in the progress pride colors that serves as a symbol of unity and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community. Video footage shared by the city, taken in the early morning hours of Feb. 4, shows a black truck driving over the intersection and leaving burnout marks. Brewers arrest follows a week-long investigation, which included law enforcement reviewing smartphone video of the crime and multiple reports from concerned citizens who witnessed Brewer engaging in these destructive acts. 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 Brewer, who turned himself in to Delray Beach Police on Monday, has been charged with felony mischief of over $1,000 and reckless driving. According to records from the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, Brewer was released on $5,250 bond early Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after he was booked. The Delray Beach website features a nearly nine-minute video about the Pride Streetscape that was unanimously approved by the City Commission in 2021. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on June 12, 2021, the fifth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub jihadist terror attack that took the lives of more than four dozen people and injured dozens of others. Located in Orlando, the Pulse Nightclub caters to the LGBT community. As explained by the city, The streetscape design includes the six colors of the traditional Pride flag as well as the five additional colors of the Progress Pride flag, which represent people of color, and trans and non-binary individuals. Brewer is not the first person to face criminal charges for vandalizing the intersection. In June 2021, just days after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Alexander Jerich, 20, was arrested for using his vehicle to perform a burnout on the streetscape. Jerich faced the same charges as Brewer, criminal mischief over $1,000 and reckless driving, as well as evidence of prejudice. Jerich did not receive jail time for the burnout incident. Instead, he was ordered to write a 25-page essay about the Pulse Nightclub terrorist attack and sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours of community service. Late last year, Jerich had his probation terminated six months early. While Brewer has been released from custody, one critic of LGBT ideology is portraying him as a political prisoner and has asked Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to pardon him. Gov. DeSantis must grant an immediate pardon for the fake crime of driving over an LGBTQ flag (which should have never been allowed to be placed there), said Anthony Sabatini, the chairman of the Lake County, Florida, Republican Party in a post on X Tuesday. Sabatini is a candidate for the United States House of Representatives. He is running in Floridas 11th Congressional District, which is held by Republican Daniel Webster. Home News Woman who claims Mike Bickle sexually abused her at 14 pens open letter Tammy Woods, a now 57-year-old mother and grandmother who claims she was groomed and sexually abused by International House of Prayer Kansas City founder Mike Bickle in the 1980s when she was just 14, has penned an open letter to him explaining why she went public. The letter, published by The Roys Report (TRR), was written on Jan. 30 to Bickle and his wife, Diane, prior to her detailing to the Kansas City Star earlier this week how she was abused. In addition to helping her find the courage to tell her story to the Kansas City Star, the letter, according to TRR, also helped her share her story with the police, her pastors, and noted attorney and Billy Grahams grandson, Boz Tchividjian. Please do not conclude this to be defamation of character, attention seeking, gold digging or vindictive revenge. We have too much history for such impositions. You have said over and over throughout the years and in this crisis that you trust my judgment. Please trust me now. This letter is the culmination of a 21-day fast and a resolve to live in light and truth instead of shadows and lies, Woods, who used her maiden name for the story explained. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe I step into the arena not with a smoking gun of bravado hoping to take down the great man of God and his legacy, but with a bleeding heart as one masterfully duped, and an appeal to my mentor, friend and abuser please own these chapters in vulnerability, humility and repentance, she reasoned, urging him to free other survivors of his alleged abuse to stop covering for him. In her interview with the Kansas City Star, Woods said the IHOPKC founder abused her in St. Louis, where he pastored a church before moving to Kansas City and starting IHOPKC in 1999. Woods claims 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 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 story emerged after an independent report released to the public on Jan. 31, and prepared by attorney Rosalee McNamara. In that report, 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. Another woman, identified as TH, also added to Bickles alleged pattern of abusing minor girls when she told TRR this month that Bickle began grooming and sexually abusing her when she was 15, and he was a 20-year-old church intern in the mid-1970s. TH said she is the ex-wife of self-styled "prophet" Bob Hartley of Hartley Hope Ministries, who was recently banned by IHOPKC from its 24/7 prayer room after he was publicly accused of sexual assault and a pattern of predatory behavior impacting multiple alleged female victims. Bickle confessed last December to engaging in "inappropriate behavior" but not "the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting" after a group of former IHOPKC leaders, known as the advocate group, leveled abuse allegations against him spanning several decades. "With a very heavy heart I want to express how deeply grieved I am that my past sins have led to so much pain, confusion, and division in the body of Christ in this hour. I sadly admit that 20+ years ago, I sinned by engaging in inappropriate behavior my moral failures were real," Bickle said in a statement published on his Facebook page while adding, "I am not admitting to the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting." Bickle's confession came after a woman, identified as Jane Doe by TRR, alleged that for approximately three years, from 1996 to 1999, before he found IHOPKC, Bickle paid for her apartment, gave her a key to his office and engaged in every sexual act with her except copulation. She said the IHOPKC founder wooed her with Scripture when she was just 19, and he was 42, then made her a kept woman for several years as he established his now popular ministry. IHOPKC leaders previously noted that they identified five of some eight women who the advocate group alleged are Bickle's victims and found the evidence thin. Three of the alleged victims called the allegations "lies.'" One of the alleged victims refused to communicate with the attorney for the ministry. Only the primary Jane Doe, whom Tchividjian currently represents, was found credible. Please free the others from their life sentence of shadows and lies. Please allow us to faithfully wound as former friends instead of scripting our cover-up as pawns to be manipulated. Please let us exhale together in closure, Woods urged Bickle in her letter. My name is not Jane Doe; it was Tammy Woods when it all began. This is not meant for law craft fodder or social media fuel. Its a wounded heart offered in honest confession to my spiritual leaders and family and extended across the miles, decades, plot twists and contexts in earnest appeal to you, the son of a boxer this is a technical knockout; please throw in the towel; please do what is true and honorable before the Lord. Home Opinion The newest ideological contagion at American universities The pro-Palestinian club demonstrations on college campuses are a symptom of our societal departure from reason. Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is a college group on about 300 college campuses today. In 1992 at SJPs inception, the college clubs initially began as less radical, decentralized student operations, according to the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA). However, in 2010 the National SJP group was founded, and that began the terroristic rhetoric found in SJP groups today. The national SJP chapter was formed at a conference sponsored by the Boycott National Committee, specifically by attendees who were members of the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) and the US Palestinian Community Network, all of which funded terror groups. Furthermore, there have also been numerous convicted terrorists who have spoken at National SJP conferences like Rasmea Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine; and Khader Adnan, a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (JCPA). 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 terroristic ideology within SJP exists in many pro-Palestinian campus clubs that have been protesting in recent months. The most obvious example is Harvards letter signed by over 30 student groups that stated that Israel was entirely responsible for the violence that occurred on October 7th. Some student groups went even further than this by celebrating the atrocity; Boston University's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter posted victory is ours on their social media following the attack. These actions, coupled with the intimidation of Jewish students on campus, show how students have successfully become radicalized independent of SJP. Chants such as Intifada and From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free are commonly heard from pro-Palestine groups. These chants are far from the mainstream. Intifada means to shake off and is a call for uprising that alludes to past violent uprisings in Palestine. Its understandable, therefore, why Jews on campus are terrified of being targeted when their classmates are calling for a violent uprising. Similarly, the phrase From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free is found in the Hamas charter and is a call for the unequivocal destruction of the Jewish people. It is undeniably a rejection of a two-state solution and a peace settlement between Palestine and Israel. In a few words, it captures an identical ideology to Hamas extremism; it is similar to saying, Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it, a sentiment quoted from the Hamas Covenant Preamble. This pattern of rising antisemitism on campus is because colleges are failing. Our college professors, instead of teaching skills that would arm students against propaganda, practice indoctrination. Many professors themselves are pro-Palestine extremists: consider the 65 Harvard faculty members who created a pro-Palestine advocacy group and the Cornell professor who praised the actions of October 7th as exhilarating. To rectify this, we need an intellectual rebirth at our universities a new enlightenment that values reason and viewpoint diversity, as well as undermines the political dogma that has led to this level of antisemitism. Protests against 'raves in the naves' come from surprising places The fuss over "silent discos" held at Canterbury Cathedral has brought some interesting social trends into the spotlight. It is often perceived to be older generations who value tradition and the ancient history of Christianity in England, while younger people challenge such beliefs and often reject the faith along the way. But it seems this divide is out of date. While the decision to host an alcohol-fuelled "silent disco" in English Christianity's most significant site has been robustly defended by the Anglican powerful, a small but committed group of younger people have launched a spirited opposition to what they see as an inappropriate use of sacred space. On the one hand, the Dean of the Cathedral, David Monteith, said in a statement that the event would be "appropriate and respectful" and that "cathedrals have always been part of community life in a way much wider than their prime focus as centres of Christian worship and mission." Other prominent Anglicans robustly came to his defence. The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Let's fill cathedrals with music. When I ministered at Ely Cathedral we organised a 'Rave in the Nave' which was very noisy - and joyful. There was loud praise of the Lord as well as just noise." He approvingly cited a vicar who believes silent discos are a way of encouraging younger people who might not normally attend church to reflect on God. However they seem to have been surprised by the resulting backlash on social media, demonstrated by nearly 2k likes on one report from Catholic journalist Edward Pentin, with most comments staunchly against using a cathedral as a nightclub. Some in the Church of England hierarchy were dismissive of people upset about these events. Matt Batten, a director of communications in a Welsh Anglican Diocese, said on X: "I've been to see horror films from the silent film era with live music in famous churches and cathedrals but no one kicked off like this ... the snobbery within church culture is ridiculous!" Fascinatingly however, some of the opposition to these events is coming not from the traditional wing of the CofE or those usually accused of such "snobbery" though complaints have certainly come from those quarters too but from what's known as "Gen Z". The event drew a rain-soaked prayer vigil that included two young atheists who disagreed with the disco. The protest's organiser, Cajetan Skowronski, has launched a petition to prevent a long schedule of upcoming discos in other sacred buildings in the UK. He told Catholic Unscripted that Canterbury Cathedral had previously been protected from pagan Vikings by Christians who were martyred for their efforts: "It's just so bitterly ironic that a new form of desecration has been thought up by the current Anglican custodians of the cathedral. "Sacred means to be set apart for God, particularly in this case set apart for the worship of God. That's what the cathedral and the cathedral grounds are for. They've been consecrated for that." This belief is more accepted in the Catholic Church, as the recent controversy over a raunchy Sabrina Carpenter pop video filmed in a New York Catholic church showed. Even influential US Bishop Robert Barron, best known through his "Word on Fire" ministry, has given his view on the Canterbury case. Typically moderate and even-handed, Bishop Robert used his Lenten reflection to criticise turning the ancient site of St Thomas Becket's murder into a "bawdy dance hall." Instead, he said, cathedrals are "meant to draw us out of ourselves into the contemplation of a higher world." It even prompted some Protestants to comment that these ancient buildings should return to the Catholic church. "At this point, despite being a baptised Anglican, I think you should give the buildings back to Rome. You are unfit custodians," said journalist Mary Harrington on X in response to the silent disco news. The younger age of some of the protesters seems to reflect an interesting trend in society of younger people yearning for tradition and older expressions of the faith. Journalist Esme Partridge wrote for Unherd: "The boomer rebellion against Christianity and attempts to modernise the church are themselves becoming outdated... young people have had enough of the profane; now, more and more are seeking the sacred." Catherine Warr, a young historian, said on X in response to Bishop Inge's comment supporting "raves": "You don't speak for my generation of Christians, and from my own experience, Gen Z Christians are some of the most traditional and conservative when compared to Millennials; your reign is over, dude. People desire real faith, meaning, and tradition in a meaningless world." According to Peter Harris, the reason for this is sociological: younger generations rebel against older sensibilities. The "boomer" generation that rebelled against Christianity and tradition in their own day might revel in activities like cathedral discos, but today's young adults do not: "Whereas cavorting in a cathedral to Eminem is Generation X's subversion of choice, for Generation Z it is to seek and honour the sacred," he argues. These changes could be just the natural pendulum swing of generational tension. But the extent of the secularisation of England and the West in general has been unknown for millennia. Are younger people observing the effects of all but completely ejecting Christianity from the public sphere, and yearning for what has been lost? A Buffalo man who fatally shot another man with an illegal gun on the 200 block of East Ferry Street pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter Friday before Erie County Court Judge Sheila DiTullio. Louis C. Goforth, 39, shot Mario Saddler, 39, who died at the scene during the January 2023 incident, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. Goforth was originally charged in April with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on March 25. Goforth remains held without bail. District Attorney John J. Flynn commended the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for its work in the investigation of the case. Harold McNeil CLEVELAND, Ohio Zubair Al Zubair boasted about marrying a princess and his vast business and family connections to world leaders. He had lots of cash and lived in an opulent Bratenahl mansion overlooking Lake Erie. He even served as East Cleveland Mayor Brandon Kings international economics adviser, giving back to his hometown. A former elementary school teacher in Springville pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt of child pornography. Frank E. Noeson III, 46, of Holland, faces a penalty of five to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. When he was a fifth-grade teacher, Noeson engaged in sexual communications with a female minor using Snapchat and persuaded the 16-year-old victim to create sexually explicit images and videos and send them to him, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case. He is also accused of engaging in sexual communications with another minor female victim, who was 15 years-old, using Snapchat, and that victim sent numerous images and videos of child pornography, Mango said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force led the investigation of this case. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. James Gardner has been backed by Erie County Republicans as their candidate for Erie County district attorney. The former assistant district attorney now working as a law clerk for Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case will likely face off against Michael J. Keane, the top deputy for Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn Jr. Gardner earned the endorsements of the countys Republican Committee, as well as the Erie County Conservative Party, and will attempt to become the first Republican to hold the seat since the late-1980s. Keane was endorsed by the Erie County Democratic Committee in November. Veteran former prosecutor Christopher Belling, who also hoped to get the endorsement of county Democrats, said at the time he would consider mounting a primary challenge. Flynn will step down in April, during the final year of his second term. Keane will assume the district attorney role for the final eight months of the year, leading up to the November election. In a statement, Gardner said hes committed to holding criminals accountable and supporting law enforcement in the face of rising crime and a border crisis. He said hell be a district attorney focused on law and order a popular Republican refrain in the state with controversy surrounding New Yorks Democratic-led recent criminal justice reforms. Democrats across New York have abandoned the rule of law, leaving our families and communities defenseless against a devastating border crisis, rising crime and reckless bail reform laws, Gardner said. Erie County taxpayers deserve a DA who will uphold the rule of law, empower law enforcement and hold criminals accountable. Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker said Gardner has demonstrated the judgment and experience necessary to best serve the people of Erie County in the DAs office. He will bring a fresh approach to this position, he said. James Gardner has the experience and discernment to serve as Erie Countys next DA, Erie County Conservative Party Chairman Ralph Lorigo added. In 2020, Republicans cross-endorsed Flynn, who promised at the time that his second term in the position would be his last. Flynn is moving into the private sector and hell join Buffalo law firm Lippes Mathias as part of its new municipal law practice. Anti-Kremlin activist Bill Browder said he believes Alexei Navalny's death was intended as a message to political opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of elections next month. Dissident Navalny, who died Friday, had been serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism in Russia, which he vehemently denied. World leaders reacted with dismay and suspicion to the death, with U.S. President Joe Biden saying "Putin is responsible." Russia's Foreign Ministry on Friday said the West's reaction to Navalny's death was "self-exposing," given that no forensic medical examination had been made available at the time. Browder, the CEO and co-founder of Hermitage Capital Management and a friend of Navalny, also accused the Russian leader of being behind the death. "Well this is happening before the presidential election and I should use that word lightly, they don't do elections in Russia, it's the fake election. But Putin has to create the sense of legitimacy and the last thing he wants to do is to have Alexei Navalny saying things from prison that gets people to not support Putin," he told CNBC's Silvia Amaro Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Barbara Corcoran turned an unpleasant retail experience into a business lesson she still uses today. Years ago, while shopping with her brother, the millionaire co-star of ABC's "Shark Tank" encountered a sales associate who left a bad taste in her mouth, she said in a recent TikTok video. "[I was] trying to pay for a tube of mascara. From what I could see, the lady behind that counter had no intention of helping us. She didn't even make eye contact," Corcoran, 74, said. "I said, 'Ma'am, can I please pay for my mascara?' And she ignored me." Corcoran grew "furious," she said, wanting to give the woman a piece of her mind, until her brother stepped in. "[He] put his hand over mine and said to me, 'Barbara, hold it. Consider: She's doing the best that she can,'" said Corcoran. "He went on to say, 'You have no idea what she dealt with before she went to work this morning, what her life is like, what's on her plate, what she has to deal with every day." Today, Corcoran thinks about those words often, she said: "She's doing the best that she can." And they taught her just how crucial empathy is as a soft skill, which she still uses as an investor and CEO. "[Those] seven simple words made me a much nicer person," Corcoran said. Activist Commentary: Carl Icahn is the grandfather of shareholder activism and a true pioneer of the strategy. He is very passionate about shareholder rights and good corporate governance and will go to extreme lengths to fight incompetent boards and over compensated managers. While Carl Icahn is not slowing down at all, in October 2020, he reached an agreement with his son Brett Icahn to rejoin the firm as the eventual successor. Brett has said that he plans to employ his father's favored approach of pushing companies to make changes designed to boost their stock prices, though he hasn't ruled out friendly bets. This is not a departure from the strategy Carl has succeeded with for many years. He can be friendly (i.e., Apple, Netflix) or he can be confrontational (i.e., Forest Labs, Biogen). Often it depends on the response of management. Brett is an impressive activist investor in his own right, not because he is Carl's son, but because he has demonstrated a long track record of extremely successful activist investing. Much has been written about the Sargon portfolio he co-headed at Icahn, which at one time totaled around $7 billion and included extremely profitable investments in companies such as Netflix and Apple. The Sargon portfolio significantly outperformed the market with an annualized return of 27%. However, prior to that Brett started in 2002 with Icahn as an analyst and was later responsible for campaigns like Hain Celestial (280.3% return versus 46.7% for the S&P 500), Take-Two Interactive (81.5% versus 64.5%) and Mentor Graphics (106.4% versus 79.4%). Carl Icahn is the quintessential, iconic corporate governance investor. When he takes a nearly 10% position in a company and does not state that he wants board seats, he generally wants them. When, as here, he states in his 13D filing that he has spoken to the company about getting board seats, he will not stop until he obtains them. On Jan. 8, JetBlue's CEO stepped down. On Jan. 16, a federal court blocked the JetBlue/Spirit merger. On Jan. 19, Carl Icahn started acquiring his position. This is an inflection point in the history of JetBlue, and there is no better time to have an activist on the board at least if you are a shareholder. This is less the case if you are the brand-new CEO. Investors seemed relieved that JetBlue wouldn't be paying $3.8 billion for Spirit, which has a market capitalization of $702 million. On Jan. 16, JetBlue's stock rose 4.9% on the development, and we believe that Icahn acquiring after the news signals that he was not a fan of the merger. The company is now appealing the decision, and we would expect Icahn and other shareholders to convey their opinion to put the merger behind them and move on with an organic plan to create value for shareholders. This plan will be happening with a new CEO, Joanna Geraghty. On Feb. 12, her first day in her new post, she had a Carl Icahn 13D on her desk. This 13D filing is certainly not a reflection on her; it is a reflection on the trading price of a company that Icahn sees as undervalued. However, former CEO Robin Hayes resigned abruptly. Geraghty was not appointed after a thorough CEO search, so it is still somewhat of an unknown as to whether she is the right person to lead JetBlue. While the Spirit deal was part of Hayes' growth strategy, Geraghty has been at JetBlue for nearly two decades, most recently as president and chief operating officer, so she would at least be aware of the company's issues. With everything moving so quickly, Icahn likely has not even been able to decide as to whether Geraghty is the right CEO for the company. That is probably one of the reasons he sought board seats. He wants a seat at the table to evaluate these important decisions as JetBlue embarks on a turnaround to close its valuation gap. As he has done so many times in the past, from a board level he can work with management in executing its plan, but he can also hold them accountable if they fail. JetBlue has an excellent brand and has historically had innovative ideas to improve the customer experience, but it has been struggling with cost controls and reliability. Among U.S. airlines, it is ninth in on-time arrivals through the first 10 months of 2023, per the Transportation Department. Yes, it is difficult for JetBlue to compete as a small player in an industry dominated by four large airlines (American, Delta, United and Southwest) that control about 80% of the domestic market. But JetBlue's last annual profit was in 2019, before the pandemic, while its peers have returned to profitability. The company said it is on track to cut as much as $200 million in costs by the end of the year and is reportedly working on $300 million in new revenue initiatives. This is a good start, but there is likely a lot more that can be done and having an experienced shareholder representative on the board during this time will be very beneficial to investors. Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments. German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz arrives for the weekly federal government cabinet meeting on Oct. 11, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. MUNICH, Germany German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday reaffirmed Berlin's commitment to spend 2% of the national gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, this year and over the longer term. "Germany will invest 2% of its GDP on defense in the 2020s, in the 2030s and beyond," Scholz told the Munich Security Conference. Germany has this commitment in 2024 through regular and special budget outlays for the first time since the early 1990s, a defense ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. "We Europeans must take much more care of our own security, now and in the future," Scholz said. It comes as NATO members across Europe have committed to upping their defense spending. Eighteen of the US-led military alliance's 31 members will meet the 2% spending target this year, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "We are making real progress," Stoltenberg said. "European allies are spending more." The dream of reconstructing a portion of the once-grand Humboldt Parkway, with its bridle path and rows of picturesque trees, was seen as the longest of long shots, for good reason. A project of such magnitude had never occurred on the oft-neglected and mostly Black East Side. Federal agency greenlights Kensington project as opposition digs in The decision comes amid mounting opposition to the project and few signs of community support at state and community meetings, as well as among public comments received for the project a state Department of Transportation-led effort that calls for a tunnel between Dodge and Sidney streets. Undaunted, residents who would later form the Restore Our Community Coalition, organized in the early 2000s, held community meetings, prodded politicians and developed a plan for Route 33, successfully pushing for feasibility studies by a state agency. Then, in January 2022, the group known as ROCC saw the skies open when Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $1 billion for the Kensington Expressway project. On Friday, group members and other supporters listened as Hochul, speaking at a jam-packed gymnasium in the Edward Sanders Community Center, announced another milestone. I am proud today to announce that the Kensington Expressway project has been officially given the green light by the federal government, the governor said. The five words issued by the Federal Highway Administration finding of no significant impact, after reviewing a related state environmental study Hochul said, now meant this project can go full steam ahead. Then, in a nod to state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, sitting in the audience, Hochul said she hoped to see construction start late this year. The state plan calls for a tunnel that stretches three-fourths of a mile on the expressway from Dodge Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Sidney Street, as well as a cover that includes trees, other landscape features and crossings that connect neighborhoods divided by the Kensington. For ROCC members watching in the first few rows, it was the moment they had waited years for. This is a great day, Cornelius Johnson said. We fought for a long time to finally see this day come to fruition. We always hoped it would come, and its here. Its something that we thought wouldnt happen, but could happen, said Richard C. Cummings. Its nice to know that hard work brings about results. ROCC member Sydney Brown, one of the speakers, asked for a moment of silence for Stephanie Barber Geter, who died 35 days ago. ROCCs longtime chairwoman was remembered as someone with an indomitable spirit whose never-say-no attitude led the community effort to undo some of the damage the Kensington has caused on the East Side. Brown also recognized Clarke Eaton, who envisioned the project, the tenacity of Lumen Ross, another champion of the effort, and expressed gratitude to Robert Kresse and the Wendt Foundation for their generosity. Stephanie would have said this day doesnt belong to her, Brown said. It belongs to all the trailblazing ROCC members and the residents of the East Side of Buffalo who joined together decades ago to bring this to fruition, Brown said. This is true community activism, Brown said, because it has been a labor of love, and an act of faith by devoted, steadfast members of our community, who became active participants in the revitalization of their own neighborhoods, to ensure better quality of life for the people who live here now and for future generations. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, a staunch supporter of the project, also reveled in the morning announcement. She had special praise for the governor, a native of the Buffalo region. I want to give my heartfelt feelings to Gov. Hochul, Peoples-Stokes said. Even though we have worked on this for a lot of years, and had a previous governor involved, no one has stepped up to the plate like Governor Hochul. She gave a rundown of cities that have done highway reclamation projects before proudly adding the East Side of Buffalo to the list. Its been a long pathway, Peoples-Stokes said. But sometimes the things that take the longest and are the hardest work are the most fulfilling. We are talking about $1 billion being spent on the East Side of Buffalo, and I have never seen that before. The governor lauded the persistence and determination of ROCC members. She also praised Peoples-Stokes, who brought the project to her attention and convinced her to pursue it. She spoke of how cavernous super highways constructed in the 1950s and 60s were built in Niagara Falls and Rochester and Syracuse, as well as Buffalo, degrading cities during white flight to the suburbs. Lives were uprooted and businesses destroyed, all in the name of moving people to the suburbs, she said. It transformed communities like Amherst and Clarence, but a lot of that transformation should have happened right here. Hochul said East Side residents were powerless to do anything about Route 33, because they were viewed as disposable, who cares? Separating Buffalo: Olmsted's Humboldt Parkway made way for Kensington Expressway For decades, the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Humboldt Parkway was a gentle, two-lane road, hugged by a bridal path that stretched east of d Now, she said, the harm done by highways is beginning to be addressed in Rochester and Syracuse, and it is Buffalos turn. The 11 acres of trees and grass atop the planned tunnel to reconstruct a part of the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Humboldt Parkway would improve health and quality of life, and help set the stage for economic development, the governor said. She mentioned upgrades to 9 miles of nearby streets on both sides of the parkway, with new sidewalks, curbs and signage that will be part of the project. Hochul also announced she has directed Dominguez to study future phases of the Kensington Expressway project. The project has traversed a rocky road getting to this point. Support has been lower than would be expected for such a massive public works project, based on attendance at DOT-led and community meetings, and in the public comments received during the environmental study. The ranks of critics seeking to change the project have grown, even as the project has headed toward approval. Forty protesters outside the community center held signs, including some that read Restore Humboldt Parkway and No Toxic Tunnel, referring to plumes of exhaust that would be dispensed at either end, which the state DOT has concluded would fall within federal standards. The East Side Parkways Coalition and other grassroots groups want to see the full restoration of the once nearly 2-mile parkway between Delaware and Martin Luther King Jr. parks, as Frederick Law Olmsted designed, and have the air that residents on both sides of the highway breathe studied to a greater degree and addressed. But Friday belonged to Hochul, Peoples-Stokes, ROCC and other supporters who saw the project finally reach the regulatory finish line. There were a lot of folks who couldnt believe we would ever find the money, or that our community deserved that type of investment, Richard A. Cummings said. We stayed persistent throughout the years to where it is today. A photo of Alexei Navalny and candles are seen in front of the Russian consulate in Krakow, Poland on February 16, 2024. A spokesperson for Putin dissident Alexei Navalny confirmed his death on Saturday, after Russian media reported his demise on Friday, citing the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he was imprisoned. Navalny's team at the time said they could not corroborate the activist's passing. On Saturday, his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said in a Google-translated post on the X social media platform, that Navalny's mother had received an official notice of his death. "His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey's mother. An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard," Yarmysh said, adding that the body had been collected by the Investigative Committee of Russia for further investigations. On Friday, the IC had said on Telegram that it is organizing a procedural check into Navalny's demise, in a Google-translated post. "We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," Yarmysh said Saturday. The death of Navalny comes less than a month ahead of presidential elections that are widely seen as likely to yield President Vladimir Putin another mandate at the helm of the country. Opposition leader Navalny had been serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism in Russia since 2021, after recovering from a nerve agent poisoning. His death has sparked a tidal wave of dismay from international leaders and high-profile figures, some of who questioned Putin's role in the incident. Navalny's demise and Moscow's ongoing full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, soon to observe its second year later this month, have dominated conversations at the Munich Security Conference this weekend. "Putin kills whoever he wants, be it an opposition leader or anyone who seems a target to him," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday at the MSC, accusing Putin of holding onto power "through corruption and violence" and stating that the death of Navalny sends a clear message to those gathered at the conference. Former U.S. President and current GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the press at Mar-a-Lago on February 16, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images MUNICH, Germany NATO members on Saturday weighed the U.S.' possible withdrawal from the military alliance if Donald Trump returns to the White House, with Hillary Clinton saying he would waste no time in quitting if re-elected. Clinton urged delegates at the Munich Security Conference to take her one-time presidential rival's tough talk "literally and seriously" as anxiety mounts over the future of the U.S.-led pact. "He will pull us out of NATO," Clinton told attendees during a lunchtime session. Trump stoked fresh concerns over the U.S.' commitment to NATO last weekend when he said he would "encourage" Russia to attack any member that doesn't meet its spending targets. He has long criticized the alliance's failure to ensure members make good on their obligation to contribute 2% of gross domestic product to defense. Amid such rhetoric, the U.S. Congress passed a bill in December aimed at preventing any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from the alliance without congressional approval. watch now U.S. Republican Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on Saturday dismissed talk of the U.S. quitting NATO, saying: "We have answered that question." "It would take a two-thirds vote in the United States Senate to get out that is never going to happen," he told CNBC in Munich. Clinton said, however, that Trump could actually just refuse to fund the alliance. "The U.S. will be there in name only," she said. Trump versus NATO Concerns over the U.S. and Europe's continued military coordination have dominated discussions at this year's annual defense summit in Germany, as the specter of a second Trump presidency looms large and a contentious aid package for Ukraine hangs in the balance in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte earlier Saturday referenced constant "moaning and whining" at the event about the future of NATO under Trump. "Stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump," he said. He was one of many European voices, including that of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said that Europe needed to become self-sufficient in the face of a more uncertain future with its closest diplomatic ally. watch now A snowy field with traces of artillery and recently destroyed Russian heavy equipment on the outskirts of the city on January 25, 2023 in Avdiivka, Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia have recently claimed gains in the Avdiivka, where Russia is continuing a long-running campaign to capture the city, located in the Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Region. Ukrainian troops withdrew from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, Kyiv's military chief said on Saturday, paving the way for Russia's biggest advance since it captured the city of Bakhmut last May. The pullback, announced as Ukraine faces acute shortages of ammunition with U.S. military aid delayed for months in Congress, aimed to save troops from being fully surrounded by Russian forces after months of fierce fighting, Kyiv said. Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who took command of the Ukrainian military in a major shake-up last week, said Ukrainian forces had moved back to more secure positions outside the town, which had a pre-war population of 32,000. "I decided to withdraw our units from the town and move to defense from more favorable lines in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen," he was quoted as saying in an armed forces statement. Nearly two years since Russia's full-scale invasion, the withdrawal is the clearest sign yet of how the tide of the war has turned in Moscow's favor after a Ukrainian counteroffensive failed to break through Russian lines last year. The withdrawal was conducted according to plan, but some Ukrainian soldiers were captured by Russia in the final stages, Brigadier-General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said, without specifying how many. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised his troops for "exhausting" Russian forces in Avdiivka and said he agreed with the decision to withdraw in order to save lives. In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskiy implored his Western allies to step up supplies of military aid and suggested the withdrawal was partly caused by a lack of weapons. "Now, (the military) will replenish, they will wait for the relevant weapons, of which there simply weren't enough, simply aren't enough," he said. "Russia has long-range weapons, while we simply don't have enough." U.S. President Joe Biden warned earlier this week that Avdiivka could fall to Russian forces because of ammunition shortages following months of Republican congressional opposition to a new U.S. military aid package for Kyiv. Capturing the town will hand President Vladimir Putin a battlefield victory as he seeks re-election next month, and is another small step towards Russia's aim of securing full control of the two provinces that make up the industrial Donbas region. Avdiivka has borne the brunt of mounting offensive pressure by Russian forces in the east since October last year, as wavering Western military aid has compounded the fatigue of troops fighting since early 2022. "We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions," Syrskyi said. The Russian defense ministry did not single out the battle for Avdiivka in a statement on Saturday, but said that Russian forces had "improved their positions" on the Donetsk front. President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaks during the 2024 Munich Security Conference on February 17, 2024 in Munich, Germany. MUNICH, Germany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was willing to take U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump, a long-time skeptic of Washington's support for Kyiv, to the war-battered front lines of Ukraine. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy on Saturday said that he had already welcomed the Republican frontrunner to see first hand the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but that the decision to come rests with Trump. "I invited him [Trump] publicly, but it depends on his wishes," he said in response to an audience question, asking whether Zelenskyy would ask Trump to come to Kyiv. "If Mr. Trump will come, I'm ready to go with him to the front lines," he added. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Trump has been highly critical of the U.S.'s continued financial and military aid for Ukraine, deeming it a non-American issue and suggesting that he would allow Russia to "take over" parts of Ukraine if he were re-elected in November. He has also spoken highly of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing admiration for the Kremlin chief's strongman approach and saying even last weekend that he would "encourage" Putin to do what he wants to NATO members who fail to meet their funding commitments. However, Trump appeared to flip the script Wednesday, telling a campaign rally that he would do more to support Ukraine than incumbent President Joe Biden a fierce advocate of funding for Kyiv. The comments came just hours after Putin said Wednesday that he would prefer the re-election of Biden in November, dubbing him a "more predictable" leader. Microsoft on Tuesday released 73 updates in its monthly Patch Tuesday release, addressing issues in Microsoft Exchange Server and Adobe and two zero-day flaws being actively exploited in Microsoft Outlook (CVE-2024-21410) and Microsoft Exchange (CVE-2024-21413). Including the recent reports that the Windows SmartScreen vulnerability (CVE-2024-21351) is under active exploitation, we have added Patch Now schedules to Microsoft Office, Windows and Exchange Server. The team at Readiness has provided this detailed infographic outlining the risks associated with each of the updates for this cycle. Known issues Microsoft publishes a list of known issues related to the operating system and platforms included each month. Windows devices using more than one monitor might (still) experience issues with desktop icons moving unexpectedly between monitors or other icon alignment issues when attempting to use Windows Copilot. Microsoft is still working on this issue. After you install KB5034129, chromium-based internet browsers such as Microsoft Edge might not open correctly. Affected browsers might display a white screen and become unresponsive when opened. (This is probably an issue mainly affecting developers using several browsers on the same system.) Microsoft is working on a fix. We expect an update in the next Edge update. There is a significant issue with the current release of Microsoft Exchange Server, which is detailed below in the Exchange Server section. Major revisions We have seen three waves of CVE vulnerability revisions from Microsoft (so far) this month which in itself is unusual made all the more so by the volume of updates in such a short time. That said, all the revisions were due to mistakes in the publication process; no additional action is required for the following: CVE-2021-43890: Windows AppX Installer Spoofing Vulnerability. Microsoft has updated the FAQs and added clarifying information to the mitigation. This is an informational change only. CVE-2023-36019: Microsoft Power Platform Connector Spoofing Vulnerability. Updated the mitigation to inform customers with existing OAuth 2.0 connectors that the connectors must be updated to use a per-connector redirect URL by March 29. This is an informational change only. CVE-2024-0056, CVE-2024-0057, CVE-2024-0057, CVE-2024-20677 and CVE-2024-21312: These were updated to resolve broken link issues. No further action required. Contrary to current documentation from Microsoft, there are two revisions that do require attention: CVE-2024-21410 and CVE-2024-21413. Both reported vulnerabilities are Preview Pane critical updates from Microsoft that affect Microsoft Outlook and Exchange Server. Though the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) says these vulnerabilities are not under active exploitation, there are severalpublished reports of active exploitation. Note: this is a serious combination of Microsoft Exchange and Outlook security issues. Mitigations and workarounds Microsoft published the following vulnerability-related mitigations for this month's release cycle: CVE-2021-43890: Windows AppX Installer Spoofing Vulnerability. This is an old patch (maybe a classic) that has been updated with two Group Policy Objects (GPOs) BlockNonAdminUserInstall and AllowAllTrustedAppToInstall that allow for mitigating this spoofing We have placed the GPO setting AllowAllTrustedAppToInstall in quotes, as we dont believe it exists (or the documentation has been removed/deleted). This may be (another) documentation issue. Each month, the team at Readiness provides detailed, actionable testing guidance based on assessing a large application portfolio and a detailed analysis of the Microsoft patches and their potential impact on the Windows platforms and application installations. For this February release, we have grouped the critical updates and required testing efforts into functional areas, including: Security AppLocker: Test basic functionality of AppLocker, including deploying AppLocker policies. Secure Launch has been updated. Administrators can ensure that Secure Launch is working through the Microsoft utilityEXE. Networking DNS has been updated for all Windows platforms, including changes to RRSIG and DNSKEY (used to decrypt/validate hash records). Microsoft has offered guidance on securing/validating DNS responses for Windows Server here and provided syntax and examples to test out DNS query resolutions. RPC clients for internal applications will require a full end-to-end test cycle. Internet Shortcuts have been updated and will require testing on both online trusted and untrusted sources. Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) will also require tests run on both host and client machines. Developers and development tools Microsoft updated the core component Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) which will affect Message Queue Services, its related Routing service and DCOM proxy. Testing must include online browsing and video/audio streaming for any affected app. SQL OLEDB has been updated, requiring database administrators to check their database connections and basic SQL commands. Microsoft Office Due to the changes to Adobe Reader and the PDF file format this month, Microsoft Word users should include a test to open, save, and print PDF files. Outlook users should test opening mail and calendar items with an additional test of opening a backup Outlook data file. Also, this month, Microsoft added a new feature to the Microsoft .NET CORE offering with SignalR. Microsoft explains: ASP.NET SignalR is a library for ASP.NET developers that simplifies the process of adding real-time web functionality to applications. Real-time web functionality is the ability to have server code push content to connected clients instantly as it becomes available, rather than having the server wait for a client to request new data. You can find documentation on getting started with SignalR here. Automated testing will help with these scenarios (especially a testing platform that offers a "delta" or comparison between builds). However, for line-of-business apps, getting the application owner (doing UAT) to test and approve the results is still essential. Windows lifecycle update This section contains important changes to servicing (and most security updates) to Windows desktop and server platforms. Microsoft Configuration Manager, Version 2207: This product reached the end of service on Feb 12. Azure Data Lake Storage Gen1: This cloud-based offering will be retired on Feb. 29. Each month, we break down the update cycle into product families (as defined by Microsoft) with the following basic groupings: Browsers (Microsoft IE and Edge); Microsoft Windows (both desktop and server); Microsoft Office; Microsoft Exchange Server; Microsoft development platforms (NET Core, .NET Core and Chakra Core); Adobe (or, if you get this far). Browsers Microsoft released three minor updates to the Chromium-based Edge (CVE-2024-1283, CVE-2024-1284, and CVE-2024-1059) and updated the following reported vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-1060: Chromium: CVE-2024-1060 Use after free in Canvas CVE-2024-1077: Chromium: CVE-2024-1077 Use after free in Network CVE-2024-21399: Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability All these updates should have minor to negligible impact on applications that integrate and operate on Chromium. Add them to your standard patch release schedule. Windows Microsoft released two critical updates (CVE-2024-21357 and CVE-2024-20684) and 41 patches rated as important for Windows that cover the following components: Windows ActiveX and WDAC OLE DB Provider; Windows Defender; Windows Internet Connection Sharing; Windows Hyper-V; Windows Kernel. The real worry this month is the Windows SmartScreen (CVE-2024-21351) update, which has been reportedly exploited in the wild. Due to this rapidly emerging threat, add this update to your Windows Patch Now release schedule. Microsoft Office Microsoft released a single critical update (CVE-2024-21413) and seven patches rated as important for the Microsoft Office productivity suite. The real concern is older versions of Microsoft Office (2016, in particular). If you are running these older versions, you will need to add these updates to your Patch Now schedule. All modern versions of Microsoft Office can add these February updates to their standard release schedule. Microsoft Exchange Server Microsoft released a single update for Microsoft Exchange server, with CVE-2024-21410 rated critical. This update will require a reboot to the target server(s). In addition, Microsoft offered this advice when patching your servers: When Setup.exe is used to run /PrepareAD, /PrepareSchema or /PrepareDomain, the installer reports that Extended Protection was configured by the installer, and it displays the following error message: 'Exchange Setup has enabled Extended Protection on all the virtual directories on this machine.'" Microsoft offers Extended Protection" as a series of documents and scripts to help secure your Exchange server. In addition, Microsoft published Mitigating Pass the Hash (PtH) Attacks and Other Credential Theft, Version 1 and 2 to help with managing the attack service of this serious vulnerability. Add this to your Patch Now schedule. Microsoft development platforms Microsoft released three updates (CVE-2024-20667, CVE-2024-21386 and CVE-2024-21404) affecting the .NET platform as well as Visual Studio 2022. These updates are expected to have minimal impact on app deployments. Add them to your standard developer release schedule. Adobe Reader (if you get this far) Adobe Reader updates are back this month (year) with the release of APSB 24-07, a priority three update for both Adobe Reader and Reader DC. Adobe notes that this vulnerability could lead to remote code execution, denial of service, and memory leaks. There are also some documented uninstall issues with Adobe Reader, which might cause deployment headaches. All this is enough to add this Adobe to our Patch Now schedule. My heart aches as I witness Gov. Kathy Hochuls indifferent stance toward older adult residents of New York. The budget proposal unveiled Jan. 16, advocating for cuts to nursing home reimbursement, deeply concerns me. Already grappling with insufficient Medicaid rates and funding, proposed cuts of millions more are distressing. Why dont older adults matter? It leaves me wondering if others, like me, will have a place to live with a warm bed and nutritious meals, a place to receive the quality health care I need, and a place to access therapy. Frail older adults are living in fear about where they will go if nursing homes are forced to close their doors. Gov. Hochul should be embarrassed about the lack of funding to nursing homes. Older adults are the fastest growing population and, for me, the socialization and quality of life I receive living in my nursing home means everything. Nursing homes provide essential care to approximately 97,000 individuals in New York. It has been reported that a vast majority, nearly 70%, of nursing home residents depend on Medicaid to ease the burden of their expenses. It pains me to see the state turning a blind eye to its responsibility to adequately fund the Medicaid rate. The state is betraying its promise to safeguard vulnerable members of our community people like me who have had a career and a family, served as a volunteer and paid taxes. The Governor has turned her back on me and older adult voters who have value as people. Our hospitals feel the strain of accommodating patients in need of nursing home care, resulting in emergency wait times of unbearable lengths. As an older adult with health challenges, I live in fear of going to the hospital and being left to die alone in a hallway. Furthermore, families desperately seeking care for their loved ones face rejections from nursing homes with no availability due to inadequate Medicaid funding. The funding shortfall also impacts the ability to attract care staff. As someone who relies on staff for my well-being, I certainly hope that funding allows the opportunity to continue to retain quality staffing. I find myself wondering why the care of older adults is not given the priority it deserves. The persistent Medicaid funding gap hangs over us like a storm cloud. My nursing home opened more than 100 years ago when Jewish women recognized a community need. Sadly, nursing homes in New York today struggle to cover operating costs. I ask our legislators to restore and increase funding to nursing homes. Older adults in New York matter. Cordelia Peterson is a resident at the Jewish Home in Rochester. Young people can provide inspiration and solutions for addressing some of the more intractable problems of these technological times. Grant Wang devised an ingenious model to detect offensive content in social media posts. Sadly, Wang lost a friend to cyberbullying, but he was able to redirect his grief from that tragedy into a tool that young people can use to help defend themselves from this all-too-prevalent scourge. The 17-year-old Williamsville East High School senior developed a model that can detect offensive content in 100 languages. It is no surprise that his work captured the attention of a nationwide science talent competition. Wang is one of 40 finalists chosen from more than 2,100 entrants in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024, which began in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Wangs ability to work on his social media detection model between AP classes and his volunteerism helping with refugee resettlement already makes him a winner. This student is making a strong positive impact on his community. *** Zandra Zantell also started making waves at a young age, when she launched her beauty business Zandras Beauty at the age of 12. She was one of the first East Side small businesses The Foundry supported more than a decade ago, and now the community-based group is getting $3 million to help it make more dreams come true for an underserved community. The Foundry will collaborate with entrepreneur service organization The Exchange at Beverly Gray in leveraging those dollars to help serve more small businesses on the East Side. The effort, reported on by The News Mike Petro, is part of a three-year small-business growth initiative supported by partners such as the City of Buffalo, Empire State Development and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. Zandras mother Tamara Zantell was recently named director of business development at the Foundry. She spoke about the encouragement her daughter received in a short video, stating: When many said no to my daughter, The Foundry said yes. Tamara Zantell is looking forward to offering other entrepreneurs the same encouragement her daughter received. The new funding will be provided through the Regional Revitalization Partnership, which invests in the East Side, in addition to Niagara Falls and Rochester. Zandras Beauty is a testament to the power of community support and investment in dreams; it needs the company of many more such enterprises. *** University at Buffalo School of Nursings online bachelors degree program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which stated: The University at Buffalo soared from a tie at No. 25 (last year) to top this years list for bachelors programs. Its a real achievement: the ranking included online bachelors programs for 339 schools, regardless of discipline. Its not news that theres a nursing shortage nationwide; The National Institutes of Health lists this as an Issue of Concern, citing a lack of potential educators, high turnover and inequitable workforce distribution. UBs online bachelors degree program ranking should help attract students and fuel this vital workforce. UBs School of Engineering and Applied Sciences online masters in engineering program also rose in the rankings, from 29 last year to 19th among 109 programs. It was No. 49 in 2022. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. Owner Kevin Willett said he is proud of all the different services and merchandise he sells out of his store, which he opened in August last year. You can learn a great deal about the priorities of Gov. Kathy Hochul in her State of the State speech and release of her 2024 budget, when it comes to which transportation projects she supports. Only months ago, she participated in the announcement of a $7.7 billion Federal Transit Administration Full Funding Grant Agreement ($3.4 billion federal/$4.3 billion local share) for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway. Now she wants to extend the Second Avenue subway west along 125th Street in Harlem for another $7 billion. Hochul also wants funding to be provided for the start of design and engineering in support of her pet $5.5 billion Brooklyn to Queens Light Rail Connector project. Hochul continues to be a vocal advocate in support of the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel (two new tunnels connecting New Jersey and Penn Station benefiting Amtrak and NJ Transit) and her $8 billion Penn Station upgrade. A new age was born in Ukraine. I saw its first beginnings in 2014, shortly after Vladimir Putin invaded Crimea, and then its full emergence as the Kremlins forces rumbled across the borders on February 24, 2022. Putins act of savage imperialism unveiled a new brutal reality. The post-war world, in which states like Russia had at least to pretend to abide by basic international norms and Europe was safe under the umbrella of U.S. security guarantees, is dead. Over the past two years, I have reported from all three fronts in Ukraine: southern, eastern and northeastern. What I have seen is not simply a land-grab by a sordid dictator, it is the emergence of a new global conflict. Putin has returned industrial war to our continent. Once more, thousands of miles of trenches stretch across front lines. Once more, tens of thousands of Europeans are dying on its battlefields. And back at home, we are still unprepared for what is to come. Putin sent his army into Ukraine, assured by his assorted regime of thugs and sycophants that resistance wouldnt last more than three days and that the would-be occupiers would be welcomed. Of course, Ukrainians greeted the invaders not with flowers but with Western-supplied Javelin and NLAW anti-tank weapons. Their spirit and resolve stunned the world. And in Washington, London and across Europe the strangest thing happened: Unity. We saw the bravery of the Ukrainians, and it gave us the resolve to help them. Ukrainian soldiers fire towards Bakhmut as Russia's war with Ukraine continues Putin thought we would just stand by. After all, we watched him destroy Chechnya, rumble into Georgia and then steal Crimea and we did nothing each time. Meanwhile, he watched us lose in Iraq, do nothing while President Bashar al-Assad gassed his own people, and then finally scuttle out of Afghanistan. The decadent West, Putin concluded, had no stomach for the fight. But this time it acted. The United States sent billions of dollars of arms and aid. Even Europe stepped up. Putin has always been clear. All he needs to do is wait. The West and its allies will tire; their countries are divided, their populations fickle. The Russian leader has many advantages but, above all, he benefits from what I call the despot dividend. Democracies plan with election cycles in mind. Their leaders can be voted out, their policies opposed. But no one is voting Putin out. His people may suffer but they do so in silence. Few are foolish enough to oppose his will. Two years on, it looks as if he was right. The early days of Ukrainian successes are over. The turning point was last years Ukrainian counteroffensive that promised so much but delivered so little. In February 2023, Zelensky tweeted: We know that 2023 will be the year of our victory! However, throughout that year, Ukraine liberated just 395km2 of territory, while Russia captured an additional 683km2; it now controls 18 per cent of Ukraine. And in those occupied territories, a process of sinister Russianisation is underway. Receiving benefits or services without a Russian passport is now almost impossible. Last year, Moscows education minister Sergey Kravtsov announced that Moscow was carrying out systematic work to integrate children into the Russian educational system as quickly as possible. The Kremlin knows that Ukrainian youth are its future. The longer Russia holds these areas, the more they cease to be Ukraine. For Putin, waiting is winning. This story of how we got here is depressing for many reasons, not least because it was avoidable. First there was the lull in Ukrainian military operations in the winter of 2022-23, which gave the Russians time to build vast defences. On the northeastern front, a battalion commander explained to me that the Russians had been able to dig three lines of defences with minefields 500 metres deep. There was no longer an easy way to break through. Then there was the issue of the weapons. Every Ukrainian I have met is almost embarrassingly grateful for the weapons we send. But they wondered why they always come after the window for their maximum efficacy had passed; and why they are given just enough to hold the Russians at bay, but not to drive them from Ukraine. I still dont have an adequate answer for them. Why have we spent so much money and invested so many resources in Ukraines war effort, only to do three-quarters of what is necessary? And, of course, the Russians have learned. While many crowed over their early blunders, soldiers on the front lines kept warning me: the Russians are not stupid. In September 2022, a Ukrainian counteroffensive sent the enemy fleeing from the Kharkiv region. The Russians had been holding that front with just two or three understrength battalions. In 2023, they began to defend key positions with six or more battalions, with additional ones ready for rotation. This speaks to perhaps the most important truth of this war: the numbers are inescapable. Once more, we return to the despot dividend. According to a December 2023 U.S. intelligence report, Russia has suffered 315,000 dead and wounded a staggering number that would have brought down almost any Western government. But Putin is accountable to no one. During the Battle of Bakhmut one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war so far I embedded with Ukrainian special forces. They faced endless enemy attacks that they named meat waves because, no matter how many of their soldiers died, the Russians happily continued to send more meat to the grinder. Despite these huge losses, Russian numbers are growing. At the start of 2023, Moscow had 360,000 troops in Ukraine. By the beginning of this year, it was 470,000, and there is talk of yet another wave of mobilisation following the Russian Presidential election in March. The war is becoming one of attrition: and, unless we supply the advanced weapons Ukraine needs, there will be only one winner. By contrast, Ukraine is a democratic state with just under a third of Russias population. Its hard to get accurate casualty figures because the Ukrainians rarely share them but, according to a U.S. official in August of last year, Kyiv had suffered around 70,000 dead and 100-120,000 wounded. According to the UN, civilian deaths in Ukraine passed 10,000 in November 2023, which, given my experience of Russian attacks, seems an underestimation. When Putin invaded, thousands of Ukrainian patriots rushed to join up. They were the best the country had to offer: smart, brave, technologically capable. But since the beginning of last year, Kyiv has had to rely on mobilisations. Those called up to the front are often reluctant recruits, and if they are keen they are often inadequately trained. During World War II, 22 weeks was the minimum Britain required to train a soldier for combat readiness. In 2022, such was the desperate need for troops at the front that the British-led, multi-national Operation Interflex gave Ukrainian troops a mere five weeks. And that was for those who signed up willingly. Press gangs now operate in Ukraine. A friend recently arrived at Kyiv train station to be greeted by a phalanx of masked soldiers looking for military-age males. Those found without papers excusing them from service were yanked off to army centres, ready for the front. Hey, guys, why are you covering your faces? my friend asked the soldiers at the station. What can I say? came the grinning reply. Our skin is too sensitive for sunlight. As the war has worsened so has Ukraines political dysfunction. Recruitment was at the heart of a public fallout between Zelensky and former Chief of Staff Valerii Zaluzhnyi. In a November 2023 interview with the Economist, Zaluzhnyi said: Sooner or later we are going to find we simply dont have enough people to fight. A month later, Zelensky claimed that Zaluzhnyi had asked him to authorise a draft of 450,000 to 500,000 men putting the responsibility for an unpopular move onto his general. It was the beginning of the end. Earlier this month, Zelensky fired him. Many saw it as a political move. Zelenskys popularity has plummeted his net trust rating fell from 75 per cent in February 2023 to 44.5 per cent in January 2024 while Zaluzhnyi is now the most popular figure in Ukraine. Blame-shifting, finger-pointing and the fear of a popular rival: yet more problems that Putin doesnt have to contend with. Right now, the next six months look bleak. Talking in December about a possible end to the war, Zelensky admitted that no one knows the answer. Even respected people, our commanders, and our Western partners who say that this is a war for many years, they do not know. A military expert recently told me that if Ukraine receives the promised weaponry, it should hold its existing territory. Without it, retreat is almost certain. Zaluzhnyis replacement, Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Ukraines goal is holding our positions . . . exhausting the enemy by inflicting maximum losses. The plan is clear: hold, reconstitute as far as possible, and hope sufficient support comes for a counteroffensive next year. But that support is now in doubt. It is Washingtons aid that Ukraine needs most and if it has often come late under President Biden, it has at least come. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed a $95 billion aid bill of which $61 billion was earmarked for Ukraine. But now it goes to a Republican-held Congress. Republican Senator Rick Scott has promised that the bill will never pass in the House; will never become law. Behind this recalcitrance sits the possible next U.S. President, Donald Trump, who still terrifies Republican lawmakers into submission. Last week he posted his thoughts to his Truth Social platform: We should never give money anymore without the hope of a payback or without strings attached, he wrote. The USA should be stupid no longer! All of this means that a stench of defeatism now wafts through certain sections of elite opinion. Recently, Elon Musk, a man whose energetic ignorance of world affairs could power a fleet of his own Teslas, smugly opined that there is no way in hell that Putin could lose the war. This spending does not help Ukraine; prolonging the war does not help Ukraine, he said. Having these boys die for nothing is wrong and needs to stop. It was cowardice and callousness smothered in bogus altruism. Ukrainians know what is coming if Moscow wins, and they have not only a right but a duty to defend themselves from the rape, torture and genocide that the Russians mete out. This sort of talk must not stand because, believe me, this war is not just about Ukraine, but about the continuation of the world we helped build in the aftermath of World War II. We lost in Iraq, we lost in Afghanistan and, unless we find a little more courage, we will lose in Ukraine. How many defeats can the West suffer without paying a severe price? The truth is, were paying already. Our enemies are emboldened; our deterrence shot. The world has sundered once more. On one side is the West and its allies. On the other, a conglomeration of squalid states centring on Iran, Russia and China who want to wound us wherever they can. Ukraine is a front in this war (as is Israel) and they will attack us everywhere they see opportunity. I say to Mail readers: you may not want war, but war is on your doorstep. Ignoring it will not make it melt away. You may not be interested in Moscow and Beijing and Tehran but, believe me, they are very much interested in you. If we lose to Russia in Ukraine and we do so because of our own division and lack of resolve it will prove that all the Iranian and Russian rhetoric about the Wests weakness and decadence is right. It will validate Chinas message to the global south: Hitch yourself to us because the West is finished. When Chinas President Xi met Putin in March 2023, his words were chilling. Change is coming that hasnt happened in 100 years, he declared. And we are driving change together. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy was right when he described Putin as the ringleader of a new form of fascism. It is vital that we recognise this. Ukraine is the conflict of our age because in it you find everything that is forming the present and what might well create our future: U.S. dysfunction, European pusillanimity, Russian brutality, growing Chinese influence and the emergence of two clear sides. But it has also shown what we can achieve when we are united and determined. Two years on, Putins dream of conquering Kyiv remains just that. The Ukrainians, without a navy to speak of, have inflicted strategic defeat on Russia in the Black Sea (not least because of British help behind the scenes). This war comes at a high price, no doubt, and at a time when it might seem we can ill afford it. But if we dont pay the price now, we will eventually be forced to pay a far higher one. We must not abandon Ukraine. If we do, it is not just our allies, it is ourselves we will betray. There were some in the Tory ranks yesterday who described the latest by-election drubbings as a warning shot to the beleaguered party. But so many dramas and disasters have befallen the Conservatives over the past two years, heavy machine gunfire may be a more appropriate analogy. How many more volleys must there be before Rishi Sunak and his team take notice and respond? Unless they do so swiftly and decisively, the party may be heading for a near wipeout at the next General Election. It would be futile for the Prime Minister to seek crumbs of solace in the shattering loss of both Wellingborough and Kingswood to Labour. These were supposedly safe seats, yet in each a huge majority was overturned. There were some in the Tory ranks yesterday who described the latest by-election drubbings as a warning shot to the beleaguered party. Pictured: Rishi Sunak But so many dramas and disasters have befallen the Conservatives over the past two years, heavy machine gunfire may be a more appropriate analogy. How many more volleys must there be before Rishi Sunak and his team take notice and respond? Unless they do so swiftly and decisively, the party may be heading for a near wipeout at the next General Election. It would be futile for the Prime Minister to seek crumbs of solace in the shattering loss of both Wellingborough and Kingswood to Labour. Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer Worse still, these defeats came in the wake of what was perhaps the most testing fortnight of Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, with his 28 billion-a-year green plan ditched and anti-Semitism rearing its head again. More ominous for the Tories was the buoyant performance of the Reform Party, which had its best by-elections by far. Many Conservative voters are so disgruntled that, if not switching parties, they have gone on strike. And can they be blamed? Britain groans under the highest taxes since the 1940s. Immigration is sky high. The NHS is creaking, violent crime is rife and our institutions are still riddled with wokery. This is the exact opposite of what the Tories promised. Yet despite Labour's local triumphs, there is no great enthusiasm for it nationwide.The truth is, neither party is speaking to Britain's needs. Mr Sunak's agenda is too often pedestrian and technocratic, while Sir Keir's manifesto (or what there is of one) is a faded photocopy of Blairism, but without the charisma and energy. So what must the Tories do to make people vote for them again? Short of plying them with mind-altering drugs, the answer must be to return to true blue principles. That means robust support for defence, fixing the asylum system and stopping small boats. It means an economy which properly rewards those who contribute to society. And it means an efficient public sector. Spooked by the by-election defeats, it's understandable that Tory MPs are looking nervously at their own majorities. But talk of ousting Mr Sunak is preposterous. The party must show unity and purpose, and start delivering on voters' priorities. It has months to prove it is fit to run Britain. The radical reboot must start now. Blood on Putin's hands 'The death of one man,' Joseph Stalin is supposed to have remarked, 'is a tragedy, the death of millions a statistic.' With the world sadly growing inured to the bodies piling up on Ukrainian battlefields, the result of Vladimir Putin's brutal war, that rings unpleasantly true. But the tragically unsurprising death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian despot's political nemesis, has resonated around the globe, prompting profound despair. Nobody had done more than the opposition leader to expose the Kremlin's sickening corruption. Given the dictator's record for taking revenge on anyone who crosses him, this took astonishing courage. But the tragically unsurprising death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian despot's political nemesis, has resonated around the globe, prompting profound despair. Pictured: Flowers left during a vigil for Alexiei Navalny (pictured) Nobody had done more than the opposition leader to expose the Kremlin's sickening corruption. Pictured: Candles lit for Alexiei Navalny in front of the Russian Consulate General It is too early to say whether Mr Navalny, in prison on trumped-up charges, died naturally in a freezing Arctic hellhole or was assassinated. Whichever, Putin's hands are awash with the dissident's blood. Some say he should have never returned to Russia after a near-fatal poisoning ordered by the tyrant. He could have led the anti-Putin movement from abroad. He will be remembered as someone brave enough to stand up to the evil regime and be prepared to die for values we share. It's a distant prospect, but there could be no more fitting legacy than for his dream of a democratic Russia to one day come true. It has been eight years since Anita Gera last saw her children. Her daughter is now 16, her son 18. 'He's now legally an adult,' she reflects soberly. 'He's just finished high school. His graduation was last week. So I have missed his entire childhood since the age of nine. The last birthday I spent with him was his ninth.' Anita, 59, has been unable to see her children since August 3, 2015, after their father filed a Hague Convention claim against her. The law is supposed to protect children from international abduction by one parent, quickly returning the child to their country of 'habitual residence'. Over the last forty years, the Convention has helped many mothers and fathers expedite the safe return of their children. But all too often, warns Anita, the law gets it wrong. Anita moved from the US to the UK allegedly with her partner's consent in 2013. He cut off contact after a few months and she was left to rebuild a life for her family alone, she says. After almost a year, he 'changed his mind' and demanded the children return to America. When she said she wanted to allow the children to stay in school until the end of term, he filed a Hague Convention claim. Anita's life was forever and irrevocably changed by a single piece of legislature most people have never heard of. For nearly a decade, she has dedicated her life to learning the law and raising awareness to end the broken cycle. Anita pictured with her children, who she has not seen in eight years. They are now 16 and 18 Anita is pictured with her children, whose identity she wishes to protect, at India's Holi Festival Anita met her former partner, an American entrepreneur living in Europe, while she was working in Germany as a journalist. They settled and had children, whose identity she wishes to protect, before deciding to leave Europe in 2007 and begin a new life together in America while the children were still young. She says that there were signs of abuse before reaching the States, but within of weeks of relocation her situation was more clear. She alleges her partner became 'controlling' and short-tempered, telling her explicitly that she would never see her children again if she left or went against him. Anita found herself in a desperate situation. Her children and her partner had American citizenship. She did not. She endured as her partner controlled domestic finances, absorbing her income as a journalist into his account and releasing it as he saw appropriate, she claims. If he disapproved of someone or something someone had said, he would cut a strong look and later forbid her from seeing them again. When friends and family came to visit, she says, he would often make it clear they were not welcome, avoiding them and busying himself with other things. The abuse took a physical form, Anita claims. Her partner would push her, grab her hard enough to leave bruises, and would raise his fist. Anita's partner did not hit her, she maintains, and 'abuse' or 'coercive control' were not words explored at the time. Her children were afraid of their father, she says, and knew to behave in a certain way around him, staying quiet and not having friends over. Still early into the move, she recalls taking her children to a hotel one night in 2007 after an outburst and receiving a barrage of threats. Again, she could leave or clash with him - but it would be the last time she saw her children. Anita waited another six years before her partner allowed her to move to England with her children, away from him. 'My ex-husband said to me: "Tell everyone we're separated so you can claim benefits" because he never gave us any money to support us. Rent a house? Yes. Put the kids in school? Yes. I've got emails saying all of that. 'But then,' she says, 'he changed his mind. "Right, come home now."' With the alleged consent of their father, Anita put her children through British schooling and started a new life. But a sudden turn tore away the foundations of stability. When Anita wanted to allow her children to complete the school term, if not the school year, her millionaire ex went through the courts, invoking the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, an international treaty used to determine which jurisdiction the children are 'habitually resident' in. 'The majority of cases today are women who are living in another country with their partner and their children,' Anita explains. 'There is abuse in the relationship, she leaves and tries to go home and then gets slammed with a Hague Convention case and the kids are returned almost immediately.' Anita was a stay-at-home mother working part-time as a journalist. She says her partner took control of her finances early on and released money as needed for groceries as he saw fit Anita Gera pictured with her children in Richmond, London With 103 international signatories, the aim is to establish a level of trust between foreign courts whereby a child can safely be returned to the place they usually live. But often, families are more complicated, critics urge. 'Anyone who has experience in child abuse will agree that if a child is living in a household with abuse, they are a victim of abuse themselves. The fact that they are in a household where there's abuse means that child is exposed and should be protected from it. 'But under the Hague Convention, there has to be a really grave risk of physical harm to the child. 'I remember the CAFCASS officer that spoke to my children. He spent an hour with them. He said to me very proudly that he believed returning the children was really important. The judges listened to the CAFCASS officer. He was really proud of the fact that children have been sent back to war zones because The Hague Convention trumps everything. 'It was just incomprehensible to him that [an abusive household] is a risk of grave harm to the child. He said, "no, no, it's not a direct risk to the child. It's just the area is dangerous."' While the treaty does provide for central authorities to cooperate on the 'safe return of the child', the phrase is only mentioned once. It also makes an exemption where there is 'a grave risk that his or her return would expose the child to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the child in an intolerable situation'. And it permits authorities to refuse a child's return if the child objects - provided they have 'attained an age and degree of maturity at which it is appropriate to take account of its views'. But as a broad agreement bringing together the varying justice systems of more than 100 countries, these stipulations are left open and vaguely defined. In Anita's case, she agreed to return voluntarily to the USA with her children. In many cases, she explains, mothers are advised to return of their own volition to avoid having a ruling against them. 'The first time we tried to get on a plane the children barricaded themselves in a bedroom and my son screamed until he passed out and said "I'd rather die than go back to America",' she recalled. Anita returned to the US with her children in 2014 following the case in London. The family court case that followed in the US 'resulted in the de facto loss of custody of her two children' and Anita moved back to the UK, according to the Hague Mothers, a legacy project set up to amplify such stories, raise awareness and work to stop injustices perpetuated by the Hague Convention. Soon after, Anita's ex cut off contact again. She was left bereft. 'I last had contact with my ex-husband in October 2016. He's not replied to a single email since then and I'm supposed to have shared parental responsibility for my children. I'm supposed to share decisions about their healthcare, their school. I write to him several times a year. I know he's not going to answer. 'They are supposed to be with me for every school holiday. I write before every school holiday to say I want to have my time with my children, as ordered by the court. But he doesn't respond.' 'People don't believe you,' she says. 'They say, "oh, but mothers always get their kids. There's custody after divorce." Something like that. "And how can this happen? The Court must have made a mistake." And sadly, the court is not making a mistake. It's doing something that is very unjust. But according to the law.' Anita fears her children are losing their cultural heritage, as Anita is half Indian and used to celebrate Hindu festivals with them, including Diwali (pictured) Grown up: Anita's son upon his high school graduation in the states, with his sister Anita's son is now 18. Legally, he can choose to leave the United States to visit his mother. But after spending his life in the America, she understands it is not that simple. It saddens Anita - who is half-Indian - that her children have grown up without knowing half their heritage. She remembers happier times celebrating Diwali with them, but cannot know what they have held onto and what has been lost with time and distance. She speaks of the enormous turmoil the story has put on her family. Relatives see occasional photos of her children growing up in the United States, but are physically removed from the detail of their lives and identities. Likewise, Anita recognises her children have grown not knowing 'about things like what I am doing with my life'. 'It's not just me,' she says. 'It affects so many people. My dad died nearly four years ago. He spent the last six years of his life not seeing his grandchildren. My mother has got Alzheimer's and she is hoping to survive long enough to see them again.' 'They have lost so much of their heritage. Of course, my family lost their nephew, niece, grandchild, cousins... it affects so many people.' With their coming of age, there is some hope that Anita may see her children in person again. But her greatest concern is for their safety. 'It's not a good thing to even think about, but it's a risk and that's why I don't try too hard to get my children to come over here - as then we'd see what their father would do.' Anita knows she is not alone in her struggle. She fears that many more parents could fall into a similar situation. 'People move abroad so much more easily these days. International families are almost becoming the norm. Everybody knows somebody in the family who's married to someone from somewhere else, or has the opportunity to go abroad through their company, or their children go abroad to study, digital nomads... 'But it's so dangerous and people don't want to know about it. You're in love with someone and you think "we're going to go and have an adventure together" whether you already have children or you are planning on having them later or they come along as a little happy surprise. 'You don't immediately think "oh, how am I going to get home now, if I get into trouble?" You don't want to think about it. It's like divorce. People don't want to think about divorce when they get married. But the difference is, everybody today knows that divorce can happen. It might never happen. Hopefully it never will. But you know that divorce is a word and you know what it means. 'But with children people don't know that moving across international borders can mean you can't go back. And that's what I would like everyone to know.' In the years since, Anita has dedicated herself to helping young families understand the full implications of the Hague Convention. She co-founded GlobalARRK as the 'only charity helping stuck parents' with support and expert guidance. Having founded Hague Explained, she runs workshops for business leaders to understand how to explain the risks to employees working overseas. Anita has also worked with the Hague Mothers, a group labelling the Convention a 'good law gone bad' that works with experts to 'put right the injustices perpetuated by the Convention'. After many years studying the law, Anita concludes it still serves a purpose. Families disrupted by one parent's brash choices can use the convention to be quickly reunited with their children before establishing custody through the courts. But the brash choices of one parent can also be used to disrupt families. The law has its limits. The court must first decide where a child is 'habitually resident' - a term not enshrined in law that varies case by case, country to country. Tasked with efficiency, the Hague Convention only aims to establish in which jurisdiction a case should be heard to ensure a child is repatriated quickly and does not lose out on life as the courts settle custody arrangements. This is important, but leaves open areas for exploitation. It saddens Anita - who is half-Indian - that her children have grown up without knowing half their heritage Anita said she was ordered not to show any emotion and to stay in the court room until she could control her crying after the ruling Carolina Marin Pedreno, Head of the Children Law Department at Dawson Cornwell, told MailOnline that while the Convention helps many, its blind spots continue to draw criticism from aggrieved parents worldwide. 'One of the main criticisms is that there is no protecting victims of domestic violence. 'Sadly, most parents remove their children without going through the legal channels, the application to relocate, because they are escaping from a very horrible situation where there is abuse so it's like a natural instinct: they want to go back home, they want to go back to their families where they have emotional support.' She agrees with Anita that the Convention is fundamentally important as the 'only international treaty that defines what is in the best interests of the child' and looks to establish where a case should be heard, as 'the longer the child is away... we are not protecting their interests'. 'Globalisation has changed our communities a lot,' she says. 'But I think it is still a treaty that protects the welfare of the child because people should go through the right channels and apply for permission to relocate'. One issue, she notes, is the lack of consistency between signatories in their relocation processes. Online forums for parents show the vastly different timescales of starting a move through the legal channels - some suggesting a week, others a couple of months, some up to six. Vague definitions also create difficulties. 'Habitual residence is not defined by the treaty, or even in European law. So it's based on authorities, on jurisprudence.' It is harder to establish the habitual residence of younger children, she says, as they have not yet formed all the institutional connections provided by schooling, and so on. Parents may fly back and forth to visit family with their children. 'Someday, if that goes on for more than, let's say, six months and the child has put down roots in England, you could argue they have lost their habitual residence in Greece,' she suggests as an example. 'Also,' says Carolina, 'if you have removed a child unlawfully, there should not be a label that says... "you have abducted a child so you cannot get permission from the court to relocate lawfully". That also happens sometimes: mothers go back to a country and then it may be impossible for them to get permission from those courts to move back to England.' In most cases, she says, parents that remove children without consent or without a court order 'know that they are committing a crime'. The question follows: what reasons would parents have for doing it? The answers vary. Last October, the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) held a roundtable to review the legislation and make recommendations about its use. They observed an issue with delays and urged a learning from the lockdowns that technology could help move proceedings along. The Special Commission maintained that the child's State of habitual residence is usually 'best placed' to make decisions about the best interests of the child in resuming the 'status quo' before the child's removal, but noted various exceptions. Among these, it urged contracting parties to help disseminate information about protections available to ensure the safe return of the child. It also 'welcomed' the publication of a 'guide to good practice', laying out an exception for indirect harm to the child. The Special Commission then suggested value in a forum for discussions among organisations representing parents and children on the issue of domestic violence to help inform future work. Anita has since gone on to found a charity helping parents affected by Hague rulings Anita is half-Indian and regrets that her children have grown up without knowing their heritage Anita had not heard of the Hague Convention when her partner brought a claim against her to return their children. Today, there is no escaping it. The treaty, etched out more than forty years ago for a different world, exists to help parents aggrieved by the horrors of child abduction, ensuring to the best of the ability of the courts that young people do not miss out on life close to home. Anita's story reveals the lasting consequences such an early ruling can have, where families are broken up by a perceived miscarriage of justice, the neglect of exceptional factors and the decisions of a handful of people. Since then, she has dedicated her life to challenging the law and encouraging others to understand the risks to parenthood in a global world. Anita feels unable to change the ruling that has shaped her life. But she does what she can to fulfil her duty to the truth and to parenthood. 'I had a voice call with him on his 18th birthday,' she says of her son now. 'Which is the first time in many years we've spoken on his birthday. He was driving, but he answered the call. We spoke for a few minutes. 'I have to be grateful for funny little crumbs of their lives, I guess.' Joanne Froggatts career has been punctuated by a number of high-profile roles that have shocked viewers and stoked some heated debate. As ladys maid Anna Bates in Downton Abbey she was brutally raped by a valet, and she followed that by playing sadistic Victorian killer Mary Ann Cotton, who was thought to have poisoned 11 of her 13 children, in Dark Angel. She then shone as teacher Laura Nielson when the date-rape thriller Liar gripped the nation in 2017, before taking on the role of a domestically abused wife out for revenge in Angela Black. But it was Joanne herself who was left shaken and tearful after reading the script for her latest TV series Breathtaking, in which she plays an NHS doctor in the pandemic. Soon after I began reading the first episode I started to cry, she says. Thats never happened to me before in 27 years reading scripts. Nothing Ive been asked to be a part of has affected me, or shocked me, in the way this story did. Dr Abbey Henderson, an acute medicine consultant played by Joanne Froggatt, with painful marks from her PPE Co-written by Line Of Duty creator Jed Mercurio and former doctor Prasanna Puwanarajah and based on the memoir of NHS doctor Rachel Clarke, the three-part drama begins in March 2020 as the world comes to terms with the spread of a virus that to date has claimed 230,000 lives in the UK. As the series progresses it takes in Covid deniers and the second wave of the virus in the winter of 2020, as well as the impact on the NHS staff who spent months on the front line. Joannes character, Dr Abbey Henderson, an acute medicine consultant and mother-of-two, works at a city hospital in England and is quicker than most to realise that the NHS and the UK in general is ill-prepared for whats about to hit. She sits in a lecture theatre with colleagues as a consultant details how the hospital will deal with Covid, aghast that nobodys wearing a protective mask. Her frustration at the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits and, in time, beds and ambulances only mounts as the crisis deepens. It escalates early in the first episode when the government sees its hopes of restricting the virus to those whove recently travelled from countries affected by Covid shattered. A patient at the hospital hasnt been abroad but becomes gravely ill, explains Joanne. Then the doctor treating him also catches Covid and becomes seriously ill too. Soon the number of people being admitted to the hospital with the virus starts to grow and the scale of whats about to happen becomes horribly apparent. The series was filmed over three floors of a disused university building in Belfast last year, with the rooms and corridors furnished to look like a busy hospital. Before filming began Joanne and the rest of the cast attended a medical bootcamp aimed at teaching them everything from the correct way to put on their PPE to how to resuscitate patients. The putting on and taking off of the protective equipment was so important to get right because it could be the difference between you saving or losing your life, explains Joanne. A lot of the rehearsal week also involved drilling from doctors Tom and Andrew, our medical advisors, on how to resuscitate patients. Tom and Andrew both worked on the front line during Covid and it was the details they passed on that I found really useful. Before filming began the entire cast attended a medical bootcamp aimed at teaching them everything from the correct way to put on their PPE to how to resuscitate patients 'In the first episode Abbey has to pronounce someone dead in an ambulance, and Andrew said I might want to touch their arm as I was revealing the time of death as a mark of respect. Those tiny moments of humanity really helped. One huge challenge for Joanne was wearing a tight protective mask while filming, especially as director Craig Viveiros would let scenes run for minutes at a time so the actors became immersed in the story. At least we could step back, have a snack or go to the toilet when the scene was completed, she says. In the real world there was none of that. During four-hour shifts treating patients with Covid you couldnt scratch your nose, go for a comfort break or anything like that. The series began life as a diary in which Dr Clarke recorded her feelings about looking after patients in the early days of the pandemic. 'I was stressed, and because I couldnt sleep Id sit in my kitchen at night tapping away at my computer, writing about what was happening at work, she says. It was therapeutic and it meant I didnt keep my husband awake. When the diaries were published under the title Breathtaking in 2021, former NHS doctor Mercurio recognised them as a means of bringing an authentic frontline account of the pandemic to TV screens. It felt like a story we had to tell, with the mismatch between government messaging and the public reality as the centrepiece of the drama, he says. The team behind it are hoping that the series will have the same impact on the public as the Mr Bates Vs The Post Office drama did, and Dr Clarke hopes it will remind people just how serious the pandemic was at a time when its severity has come under the spotlight during the ongoing Covid-19 Inquiry. Breathtaking began life as a diary in which NHS doctor Rachel Clarke recorded her feelings about looking after patients in the early days of the pandemic Theres a view held by some that Covid wasnt as serious as it actually was, she says. This series shows how serious and deadly it was, how important it was that we introduced the restrictions we did. She also wants the show to serve as a tribute to those who worked and died during the pandemic. Doctors I know are haunted by the experience four years on, she says. If I ask any colleague what their Covid experience was like, almost without exception theyll cry, and this includes grizzled A&E doctors and people whove worked in intensive care units for years. 'I hope that when NHS staff watch the series they feel seen. I hope theyll think, Thats me, thats what I went through. That is my testimony and now the public knows what it was like. She revealed that she spends over 20,000 a year on food and presents for them A mother of 12 has admitted she spends 20k a year on food and presents for her children, but still feels 'blessed' to have a large family. Britni Church, 35, couldn't be happier with her brood, despite getting trolled daily by people who tell her to 'shut her legs' after spending 16 years pregnant. She fell pregnant aged 15 with her first daughter, Crizman, now 19, and went on to have Jordan, 17, Caleb, 16, Jace, 15, and Cadence, 13, with her ex-husband. Britni, a cake decorator, from Wichita, Kansas, US, had daughter Jesalyn, 11, with another partner before meeting and tying the knot with her now-husband, Chris, 32. The couple welcomed their first child Silas, eight, three months after the wedding. A mother of 12 has admitted she spends $26,000 (20,705.88) a year on food and presents for her children, but still feels 'blessed' to have a large family Now the pair have Christopher, seven, triplets - Oliver, Asher and Abel, four - and Rowyn, two, and finally feel at 'peace' with their family. The mother-of-12 admitted the family spend $400 (318.64) each week on their food shop, $50 (39.83) to $100 (79.66) on each of their birthday gifts and around $4,000 (3,186.40) on Christmas each year. To keep her household running smoothly she also does 21 loads of washing and goes through 80 nappies each week. She works in the afternoon so she can get the kids up and to school in the morning, with Chris back in time to cook dinner and put them to bed. Britni said: 'I never knew I'd have a big family. Chris said he wanted six kids - it seemed like an unimaginable number. 'Now we're here it doesn't feel like 12. I feel very blessed to be a mum. People say 'why don't you have abortions?' or 'close your legs' and they say I look like I'm 60. 'It's very gross stuff - I used to care what people thought. I'm happy with my life, not everyone is going to like that'. Adding that she 'doesn't regret anything,' she revealed that her first five children were not 'necessarily planned' but she's 'glad' they are all here now. Britni Church, 35, couldn't be happier with her brood, despite getting trolled daily by people who tell her to 'shut her legs' after spending 16 years pregnant When she was younger, Britni thought she would have a maximum of four children and never anticipated having 12 She fell pregnant aged 15 with her first daughter, Crizman (PICTURED), now 19, and went on to have Jordan, 17, Caleb, 16, Jace, 15, and Cadence, 13, with her ex-husband When it comes to space in their home, the mother admitted it's 'a little bit tight,' as all of the youngsters still live with them, apart from Caleb who has already moved out After having Rowyn and spending 16 years of her life pregnant, Britni decided she was happy with the size of her family The enormous family drives a 15-seater Ford Transit to ferry them all around and Chris had to make a custom 12-seater dining table to fit everyone around Britni works in the afternoon so she can get the kids up and to school in the morning, with Chris back in time to cook dinner and put them to bed She and her husband Chris met at a factory they both worked at back in June 2014, instantly hitting it off and getting married in March 2015. Three months later in June, Silas was born and they welcomed Christopher in December 2016. Still wanting to grow their family, Britni fell pregnant again in 2019 but was shocked when they found they were expecting triplets. She exclaimed: 'It was crazy. Finding out there were three - it was nuts'. After having Rowyn and spending 16 years of her life pregnant, Britni decided she was happy with the size of her family. She said: 'After Rowyn we were done. I was like 'I'm tired'. I felt at peace. 'Chris keeps us running. He does dinner and grocery shops. He's amazing'. When it comes to space in their home, the mother admitted it's 'a little bit tight,' as all of the youngsters still live with them, apart from Caleb who has already moved out. The enormous family drives a 15-seater Ford Transit to ferry them all around and Chris had to make a custom 12-seater dining table to fit everyone around. Five of the boys, Silas, Christopher, Oliver, Asher and Abel, all share a room. Meanwhile, the older kids, Crizman, Jordan and Jace, each have their own room but do their own chores. Jesalyn and Cadence also share and will help out with washing and taking the trash out. A young woman has recounted the terrifying moment she learned she needed to get a hysterectomy after doctors found a tumor the size of a watermelon inside her. Casey Halterman, 29, from South Carolina, discovered she had uterine cancer in 2022 and was forced to undergo a full hysterectomy at the age of 28 to stop it from coming back. Now, the nurse has lifted the lid on how doctors found the eight-pound tumor and her journey to recovery. She also dished on how she remained positive through her illness by throwing a party to say goodbye to her uterus. Casey Halterman, 29, from South Carolina, has recounted the terrifying moment she learned she needed to get a hysterectomy after doctors found a tumor inside her She discovered she had uterine cancer in 2022 and was forced to undergo a full hysterectomy at the age of 28 to stop it from coming back Now, the nurse has lifted the lid on how doctors found the eight-pound tumor and her journey to recovery At the end of 2022, Casey began experiencing sharp abdominal pain, had symptoms that mimicked pregnancy, like hair thinning and a frequent need to urinate, so she decided to go see her doctors. It was then that the doctors found the tumor, which they said was the size of a watermelon. She explained that it was hard for her to notice the tumor was there because of her weight, however, when the doctor showed it to her, she was stunned. The now 29-year-old nurse said: 'When I saw the picture of the tumor that was removed, it looked like an alien and I couldn't believe that had been inside of me. 'I'm not the smallest girl so it was hard to tell it was there, but as soon as my doctor put his hands on it, I could feel it myself.' Doctors told Casey she would need to undergo surgery to remove it to discover whether the it was cancerous. 'When they found the tumor, but they weren't sure if it was cancer because when tumors grow that large, they're usually benign,' she said. 'I remember thinking, "Okay, maybe it's not cancer - maybe I just had this benign tumor all along." She also dished on how she remained positive through her illness by throwing a party to say goodbye to her uterus At the end of 2022, Casey (seen with her mom) began experiencing sharp abdominal pain, had symptoms that mimicked pregnancy, and hair thinning It was then that the doctors found the tumor, which they said was the size of a watermelon WHAT IS A HYSTERECTOMY? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman's uterus. There are three kinds: PARTIAL HYSTERECTOMY: Removes two-thirds of the uterus. Removes two-thirds of the uterus. TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY: Removes uterus and cervix. Removes uterus and cervix. RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY: Removes uterus, cervix and ovaries. The operation is most commonly performed on women between the ages of 40 and 49. More than 20 million American women have had a hysterectomy, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As women approach menopause, the odds that they will develop one of several serious uterine health conditions increases. Doctors may recommend a hysterectomy as a treatment for: fibroids endometriosis uterine (endometrial) cancer chronic uterine pain or bleeding collapsed uterus In some cases, doctors may suggest a hysterectomy as a preventative measure if a woman has significant warning or early signs of developing one or more of these conditions. When necessary, surgeons may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, if these have also been damaged or are at serious risk of damage. The removal of reproductive organs sends a woman's body into menopause, no matter how old she is. This comes with unpleasant side effects like hot flashes, and many women have to start hormone therapy, taking estrogen to balance out their own hormones. Advertisement 'So that's what we thought going into surgery, but it did end up being cancer. 'When I woke up, I had a feeling that something wasn't right. 'They told me it would take an hour and a half and it ended up taking four hours. 'The tumor was in my right ovary and it grew so large that it adhered to my right pelvic wall. 'I was diagnosed with stage three uterine cancer. It's a slow-growing cancer.' She added: 'I was terrified.' Doctors initially told her she needed to have a partial hysterectomy. She explained: 'Because uterine cancer is so rare in someone my age, it's usually in postmenopausal women. 'They ran pathology to see where it originated from - and there were a lot of possibilities like my colon and my skin. 'But they discovered that it originated in my uterus during what was meant to be a partial hysterectomy.' However, because her cancer was so intense, doctors quickly recommended that Casey have a full hysterectomy to reduce the chances of it coming back. 'Having everything removed was harder. Although ever since high school I didn't think that I would be able to have children myself, I guess that was my intuition again,' she said. Although Casey felt like she had lost her good health and her life was in shambles. 'I threw a hysterectomy party before the operation in February,' she said. 'It was my way of taking control of the situation. 'It was a celebration too because it was a life-saving operation.' Following the surgery, Casey underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, and 28 rounds of pelvic radiation therapy. She explained: 'I then did chemo from March to July and radiation from the end of August to October 6. 'I'm now in remission.' Casey noted that this terrifying experience had taught her to always stand up for herself and her health. She added: 'If I've learned anything from this, it's to be your own biggest advocate when it comes to your healthcare. 'I've also learned the importance of therapy as the mental health aspect of all of this has been much harder than my physical recovery.' Because her cancer was so intense, doctors quickly recommended that Casey have a full hysterectomy to reduce the chances of it coming back The now 29-year-old credited her support system for helping her get through the extremely difficult time - adding that people should always reach out The now 29-year-old credited her support system for helping her get through the extremely difficult time - adding that people should always reach out to those affected by cancer so that they know they're loved. 'I also want others to know the importance of reaching out to people affected by cancer because it does make a difference,' she said. Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph, spoke about Casey's diagnosis and how rare uterine cancer was in women her age. 'It's rare to get uterine cancer at a young age. Over 90 per cent of new cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed in postmenopausal women and most cases are diagnosed in women in their 60s or 70s,' the doctor said. 'One of the symptoms of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which is much more obvious in women who have stopped having periods altogether so diagnosis is often quicker in post-menopausal women.' Fashion Week happens twice a year in cities around the world but only four are considered 'The Big Four. In chronological order they are: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Wednesday, February 14, marked the end of fall 2024 New York Fashion Week and as the London shows get on their way, we round up the hottest fashions trending across major runways in the Big Apple. Leather suits came down multiple designer runways including Sergio Rossi The sleek and modern appearance of leather adds an element of coolness and attitude, as seen at Retrofete (left) and Michael Kors 1. FIERCE LEATHER SUITING Leather suits came down the runways of Sergio Hudson, Retrofete, and Michael Kors. The sleek and modern appearance of leather adds an element of coolness and attitude that fabrics like wool or cotton could never do. The supple texture of leather adds tactile appeal, while the sheen of the material catches the light and adds dimension to the ensemble creating visual interest. Leather on leather is perfect for those wanting to make a bold statement through their clothing choices. Small but mighty silhouettes have dominated the runways for several seasons but according to designers like Brandon Maxwell big bags are back 2. BIG BAGS TRUMP MINIS Small but mighty silhouettes have dominated the runways for several seasons but according to designers like Brandon Maxwell, Michael Kors and LaQuan Smith (to name a few) big bags are back. An oversize carryall is functional and can serve as a focal point of an outfit. Whatever the material, it can effortlessly transition from day to night and from work to weekend, offering versatility in styling options. Fashionistas rejoice! An oversize carryall is functional and can serve as a focal point of an outfit, as seen at Michael Kors Intense eye makeup trended across many runway shows during fall 24 NYFW Models at Altuzarra and Jason Wu rocked heavy eye makeup 3. INTENSE SMOKEY EYE MAKEUP Models at Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Altuzarra, and alice + olvia rocked heavy eye makeup. World renowned makeup artist, Diane Kendal, and Laura Mercier Global Beauty Director, Tayaba Jafri, reveal the products used to create the striking beauty look featuring intense color gradation from the eye to the brow bone, complemented by a thin retro-inspired brow. Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil, Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Matte in Midnight Blue, Caviar Tightline Eyeliner in Tuxedo and Caviar Volumizing Mascara were used to create the statement-making look. LaQuan Smith designed a latex bodysuit paired with a collared shirt and nothing else 4. THE BODYSUIT SANS PANTS Bodysuits serve as versatile base layers but designer labels like Altuzarra and LaQuan Smith like them without pants. The one-pieces comes in a wide range of designs, including long-sleeve and off-the-shoulder, and enhance body confidence by accentuating the body's natural curves and contours. Hugging the body in all the right places, bodysuits can help individuals feel confident and empowered with no pants on. Irina Shayk stunned in a bodysuit at Altuzarra 5. SEXY SUITS FOR THE BOSS BABE Two-piece separates boasting pinstripes that project professionalism and authority were offset by mini hems for fall. Inspired by the Alpha female, Retrofete delivered sexy suits that exude a sense of empowerment and confidence. LaQuan Smith also married seductive elements with traditional business attire for a modern take on workwear. Two-piece separates boasting pinstripes that project professionalism and authority were offset by mini hems at LaQuan Smith and Retrofete Grey looks were all the rage at Helmut Lang and Michael Kors. Both labels kept the look monochrome, pairing wool separates with knit pieces to add texture and interest 6. GREY MATTERS Grey looks were all the rage at Helmut Lang and Michael Kors. The sophisticated color exudes a timeless elegance and a sense of calmness that transcends seasonal trends. It's often associated with minimalism, a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and clean lines. Both labels kept the look monochrome, pairing wool separates with knit pieces to add texture and interest. Head-to-toe hues made an impact at multiple designer presentations, including that of LAPOINTE and Sergio Hudson. 7. MONOCHROME IS A CLASSIC Head-to-toe hues made an impact at multiple designer presentations, including that of LAPOINTE and Sergio Hudson. Be it matchy-matchy or different shades in the same color familt, monochrome style stands for simplicity and elegance. Sally LaPointe opted for subtle pastels while Sergio Hudson delivered in vibrant hues. Accessories for fall are bold and beautiful according to Badgley Mischka and Prabal Gurung. 8. GO BIG AND BOLD WITH YOUR ACCESSORIES Dainty, darling, and oh-so cute is so last year! Accessories for fall are bold and beautiful according to Badgley Mischka and Prabal Gurung. Both labels featured opera gloves and heavy-handed jewelry in their collections. New York-based jeweler Alexis Bittar designed stunning lucite pieces including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to go with the looks at Prabal. While Badgley Mischka used larger accessories to complement their ladylike fashions inspired by Capote's The Swans. Jason Wu reimagined traditional silhouettes for fall with deconstruction 9. DESIGNER DECONSTRUCTION Jason Wu reimagined traditional silhouettes for fall. The designer's impeccable collection inspired by life after a shipwreck blended deconstruction and elegance for an overall aesthetic that was equal parts grit and glamour. Deconstructed clothing - be it reworked or distressed - offers a unique and artistic approach to fashion design. The intentional disruption of seams, cuts, and proportions on sweaters, jackets and pants creates visually intriguing and avant-garde pieces that stand out from conventional clothing. Falguni Shane Peacock's Fall/Winter 2024 presentation 'Forward Momentum - Chapter 20' was a stunning depiction of the brand's evolution of style and sophistication Sheer fashions are here to stay but designers like PaBO and Retrofete took it to a luxurious level Drawing inspiration from the irresistible magnetism of femme fatale, Falguni Shane Peacock delivered garments featuring sheer details, made complete with impeccable tailoring and craftsmanship 10: SHEER DETAILS WITH AN ELEVATED TWIST Sheer fashions are here to stay but designers like Falguni Shane Peacock, PaBO and Retrofete have elevated the sexy trend with luxurious details. Falguni Shane Peacock's Fall/Winter 2024 presentation 'Forward Momentum - Chapter 20' was a stunning depiction of the brand's evolution of style and sophistication. Drawing inspiration from the irresistible allure of femme fatale, garments featuring sheer paneling and peek-a-boo details were made complete with impeccable tailoring and luxurious details. Retrofete's velvet rosette patches were strategically placed across the bodice of a floor-length gown for modesty in the most elegant way possible. While PatBO fused old-school glamour with traditional couture techniques to create sophisticated pieces with contemporary flair. Figure-hugging dresses and separates featuring richly detailed embroidery, cascading crystals and metallic fabrics are the new way to wear sheer. For more stories like this follow Daily Mail Gaming on TikTok Professional female gamers are raking in millions of pounds from live streams, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers and travelling the world on the back of their growing fame. The number of female gamers has risen significantly over the last decade, and now women make up 40-45% of all players globally. But at the very top of the pile are these five leading female figures, who are challenging stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated space. Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachel Hofstetter, has made her mark on the industry as one of the wealthiest female gamers in the world. She has an estimated net worth of around $4 million, with a monthly income of 200k - landing herself a spot on Forbes' 30 under 30 list last year. The entrepreneur and influencer has had the likes of Jimmy Fallon and the cast of Stranger Things join her for some of her live streams. Valkyrae (middle) with Willow Smith (right) and YUNGBLUD (left) on the set for their music video for Memories Valkyrae has an estimated net worth of around $4 million, with a monthly income of 200k And last year she even crossed over into the world of TV as she was a voice actor in 'Sonic Prime,' the Sonic the Hedgehog series for Netflix, and appeared in 'The Family Plan' alongside Mark Wahlberg. She also starred in Machine Gun Kelly's music video for 'DayWalker' and Bella Poarch's music video for single 'Build a B***h' and most recently in Willow Smith and YUNGBLUD's music video for their song Memories. Imane Anys or Pokimane, is the number one female Twitch streamer currently, she boasts 9.3 million followers on the platform, as well as 6.6 million on YouTube and 5.8 million on Instagram She rose to stardom live streaming herself playing League of Legends and Fortnite, while studying for her chemical engineering degree at McMaster University in Canada. Now she streams for an average of five hours a day and has partnership with leading gaming companies such as HyperX. She has even collaborate on a stream with US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and T-Pain and made a cameo in Ryan Reynolds 2021 film 'Free guy'. Pokimane has collaborated on streams with US representative AOC and T-Pain Her entrepreneurial skills don't stop there as after her steep rise in popularity she has launched two companies, Myna Snacks, and RTS, a gaming talent management and brand consulting firm. Kathleen Veronica Belsten aka Loserfruit, 30, an Australian gaming sensation with 4.2 million YouTube followers and 2.9 million Twitch fans often speaks about how her job has allowed her to travel the world. Her Instagram is littered with glamorous photos of the star in Singapore, LA, Switzerland, the UK and France to just name a few over the past two years. With an estimated net worth of $2.8 million, she has also been lucky enough to go to the Super Bowl and be in the McLaren Formula One garage for race weekend. Kathleen Veronica Belsten aka Loserfruit, 30, an Australian gaming sensation with 4.2 million YouTube followers and 2.9 million Twitch fans She has been on the front cover of The Walk fashion magazine, and been a judge on La Mas Draga, a Mexican drag queen reality TV competition AriGameplays, a Mexican streamer, whose real name is Abril Abdamari Garza Alonso has a whopping 12.8 million Instagram followers where she flashes her jetsetter lifestyle. With a $3 million net worth, the influencer shares snaps to the platform of her trips to Amsterdam, New York and California. She has been on the front cover of The Walk fashion magazine, and been a judge on La Mas Draga, a Mexican drag queen reality TV competition. She has also broken into the world of fashion with two collections; one a limited collection in collaboration with El Rubius, under the name of MadKat X Ari Gameplays and then a second with international brand Shein. IamCristinini's YouTube channel attracts 15.61 million views a month, and around 520k views a day IamCristinini, aka Cristina Lopez Perez is a active streamer with 3.1 million followers, alongside her job as an esports reporter. Her YouTube channel attracts 15.61 million views a month, and around 520k views a day. She is a BMW ambassador and last year was the presenter and 'Master of Time' on a new HBO called Time Zone, where contestants compete in a real life video game. The Spaniard has also managed to gain two degrees and a masters qualification, as well as learning five languages fluently, including French and Russian. Meghan Markle 'asked chefs to turn up the heat' when she and Prince Harry visited an Indian restaurant in Canada - while the duke 'joked that spicy food makes him turn red'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Vancouver to celebrate the one-year countdown to the next Invictus Games, and attend last night's glittering 'One Year to Go' gala. But while in the city, Harry and Meghan made a pit-stop at locally acclaimed Indian restaurant Vij's, much to the delight of those working in the kitchen. Virkam Vij, who owns the restaurant, told CTV News that the royal couple appeared to have very different tolerances to spice, with Meghan ordering the 'spiciest dish on the menu'. The duchess also asked for additional chillies and spicy pickles to add to her meal, Mr Vij said, adding: 'She loved it.' Meghan Markle 'asked chefs to turn up the heat' when she and Prince Harry visited an Indian restaurant in Canada - while the duke 'joked that spicy food makes him turn red' Meanwhile, the restauranteur said Harry found the food 'a little spicier'. He added: 'He actually himself said, "Do you know I'm a ginger? Which means when I eat spicy food, I get red?"' Vij's said on Instagram they were 'truly honoured' to have Harry and Meghan dine with them on Thursday night, sharing a picture of the royal couple and Mr Vij. Videos were also shared of Harry and Meghan visiting those in the kitchen. In one clip, Harry asks 'Who made the lamb curry?' as starstruck chefs point at each other in response. The Duke and Duchess were joined at the restaurant by musician Michael Buble and his wife Luisana Lopilato, who later also attended the 'One Year to Go' gala. Mr Vij said the famous faces had entered the restaurant through the kitchen after their security detail had arrived to scope out the area. 'It was just incredible and my kitchen staff were so happy,' he added. 'They were so excited.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Vancouver to celebrate the one-year countdown to the next Invictus Games, and attend last night's glittering 'One Year to Go' gala But while in the city, Harry and Meghan made a pit-stop at locally acclaimed Indian restaurant Vij's, much to the delight of those working in the kitchen. They were joined by Michael Buble and his wife Luisana Lopilato It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan were given a Canadian send off on Friday night with Michael Buble singing re-written lyrics to Frank Sinatra's classic 'My Way', in a nod to the Duke. The couple were attending a lavish gala dinner with 200 guests in Vancouver to wrap up their tour in preparation for the 2025 Winter Invictus Games. Shortly before a speech by the Duke, Buble performed a rewritten version of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' with nods to Prince Harry littered throughout. It included the line: 'Youve earned each day, the right to say, I did it my way,' and referred to Harry as a 'visionary.' The Canadian crooner also sung, 'Our healing wishes for your dad', in a touching gesture to King Charles III who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Meghan was glamorous in a one-shoulder olive green dress by Canadian designer Greta Constantine as well as a necklace by Logan Hollowell, and shoes by Manolo Blahnik Buble went on to perform a rewritten version of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' littered with nods to Prince Harry littered throughout Harry, wearing a dark suit and a black tie, then spoke about the Invictus Games telling the audience that the athletes, who are comprised of injured and sick servicemen and women, embodied 'courage, leadership, and fortitude.' Meghan, 42, wore a one-shoulder olive green dress by Canadian designer Greta Constantine, a necklace by Logan Hollowell and Manolo Blahnik shoes. Meghan and Harry had been expected to head home to Montecito, California following three days of Invictus Games events in Whistler and Vancouver but extended their trip by a night to enjoy a party with athletes and organizers. From left to right: Squamish Nation Councillor, Wilson Williams, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Jen Thomas, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex exchange greetings after being given blankets during dinner in Vancouver on Friday Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, watches dancers from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation perform during the 'One Year to Go' Invictus Games dinner in Vancouver on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 Although not part of the official schedule and intended to be held away from the media, the gala - which is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre - was signposted with black and gold Invictus signs. Towards the end of the night, the crowd gave a standing ovation as Prince Harry took to the stage - who joked that he was going to start singing before welcoming Buble to the stage. Buble said it was emotional for him to be there and that he loved that 'we can show Harry and Meghan how beautiful this place is'. Other lyrics swapped by Buble included: 'Nothing tames, Invictus Games, you play them your way', 'One man, life-changing plan, he does all he can, hes a visionary'. Prince Andrew has been spotted for the first time since the trailer for the Netflix adaptation of his 'car crash' interview with Emily Maitlis was revealed on Monday. But the Duke of York, 63, seemed unbothered by the spotlight as he embarked on his weekly ride around the Windsor Estate in Berkshire with his groom in tow. The King's brother grinned as he enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather on his Saturday morning ride, chatting animatedly with his companion. He wore a khaki green light jacket over the top of a blue sweatshirt, and opted for black leather-look gloves and a riding helmet with a white stripe. Andrew's outing comes after the trailer for Netflix's highly-awaited film Scoop, which dramatises the infamous Newsnight interview between Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis, was released on Monday. Prince Andrew has been spotted for the first time since the trailer for the Netflix adaptation of his 'car crash' interview with Emily Maitlis was revealed on Monday The drama details the story behind the interview with the disgraced Duke of York, portrayed by Rufus Sewell, 56, and features an almost unrecognisable Billie Piper in blonde wig and high heels. The actress stars as Sam McAlister, the Newsnight producer who secured Prince Andrews notorious 2019 interview with Maitlis, who is played by Gillian Anderson, 55. Viewers hear just two words from Emily at the end of the trailer, when she addresses Prince Andrew as 'Your Highness'. But it sounds like her husky tones hark back to Anderson's previous portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, rather than Emily Maitlis on Newsnight. The film is due to hit Netflix screens in the spring and explores a behind-the-scenes look at how the interview was secured and how events surrounding it unfolded. Meanwhile, the Royal Family are continuing to rally around King Charles after news of his cancer diagnosis was revealed earlier in February. It has not been confirmed what type of cancer the King has been diagnosed with, or what stage it is, but it is understood not to be prostate cancer and to have been caught early. The Duke of York, 63, seemed unbothered by the spotlight as he embarked on his weekly ride around the Windsor Estate in Berkshire with his groom in tow The King's brother grinned as he enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather on his Saturday morning ride, chatting animatedly with his companion Doctors noticed something amiss while Charles, 75, was in hospital for surgery on a benign enlarged prostate, triggering further examination. Buckingham Palace reported that the King had been diagnosed with cancer since then, only clarifying that it is not prostate cancer. Palace officials say the kind is 'receiving expert care' on a regular, outpatient basis - though have not said what this entails. As prince, Charles clashed with medical experts in 2004 when he publicly endorsed the idea cancer patients could be treated with vitamin injections and fruit juices. For now, the palace has confirmed the king will not partake in most of his public duties, handing over to a skeleton staff of young royals. The film (pictured) is due to stream in the spring. Netflix has finally realised the trailer and has also shared some images from the movie The real life interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew which has been described as a 'car crash' It is unknown how long King Charles will be forced to suspend public engagements, although it is believed he will continue working on all the duties he can. The King will still be dealing with his red boxes of state business and official papers, and holding Privy Council meetings, which can be held via video, and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, which can take place over the phone. The Palace has called for the King's privacy to be respected, especially during his treatment, but said he wanted to make his diagnosis public because of his long-running support for cancer charities. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.' andouille sausage stacked - Fertnig/Getty Images The name andouille sausage might not sound familiar to you, but if you have ever eaten a plate of gumbo or jambalaya, you may have tried it without even knowing it. Andouille sausage (also known as just plain andouille), is a type of smoked sausage that is often associated with Cajun and Creole cuisines. Andouille, pronounced like "ann-doo-wee," has origins in France, but may be best known by Americans for its appearance in dishes from Louisiana. In fact, a Louisiana city called LaPlace is touted as being the andouille capital of the world. Yes, the whole world! In this article, we will teach you more about the history of this delicious sausage, as well as how to cook it and how it differs from what most would refer to as regular sausage. We will also tell you exactly how it's made -- but as is the case with most sausages, you may want to cover your eyes for that part (spoiler alert: it involves intestines). Read more: 11 Things You Didn't Know You Should Be Doing With Bacon What Is Andouille Sausage? andouille sausage and peppers - Warren_price/Getty Images While some people swear that andouille comes from Germany, where many other types of sausage originated, it actually comes from France. It is a smoked sausage, meaning that it is a cured meat that has been dried and then smoked. Popular cooking methods for it include steaming and boiling, but that, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. As is the case with all sausages, andouille is made by stuffing meat and spices into a casing. Most often it is made with pork, but the contents of its casing (and the casing itself) can change according to where it is being made. There are several variations of andouille, with the most famous being found in France and Louisiana (more on those in another section). Andouille is usually a larger sausage, but you can also find a smaller version, appropriately called andouillettes (small andouille). The look of this sausage may seem a bit odd compared to others, as its traditional French version is a grayish color rather than red or pink thanks to the ingredients used to make it. What is lacks in color, though, it makes up for in flavor. This is a spicy sausage with a full, rich taste and texture, making it the standout ingredient in the recipes it is used in. Story continues How Is Andouille Sausage Made? man making sausage - Image Source/Getty Images Now for the part that may make the more squeamish readers skip to the next section. In France, andouille is traditionally made with the entire digestive tract of a pig. We're talking the stomach, the large intestine, and the small intestine too. The large intestines are stuffed with chitterlings (which American Southerners may also know as "chitlins"), which are cooked pig intestines, and/or with tripe, the stomach lining of the pig. The stuffing is seasoned with onions, pepper, herbs, spices, and sometimes wine, and the resulting sausage is often very thick. The original cooking method in France was to poach the sausage instead of smoke it, then cut it into thin slices, but now the more common way of preparing andouille is to smoke and then boil it, creating a sausage that is gray in color with an extremely strong odor. In America, Cajun-style andouille is made from tripe, chitterlings, and pork butt. This version also includes garlic and cayenne pepper in addition to the onions. The process of making it is also slightly different: Instead of being stuffed, smoked, and boiled, the filling is smoked before it is stuffed and then smoked again once everything is in the casing. This is the type you are most likely to see on the shelves of your local grocery store. Andouille Vs Sausage variety of raw sausages - Fcafotodigital/Getty Images Wait a second. We've been calling this food andouille sausage" this whole time! Isn't it a type of sausage? Well, yes and no. Yes, it is classified as a sausage, but no, it is not the same as the other types of sausage you are probably used to. Sausage comes from Germany, but andouille comes from France and has a completely different texture and flavor profile. Sausages with roots in Germany are most often made with ground meat, often beef instead of pork. Andouille is always made from pork that has been chopped, not ground up, giving it a chunkier consistency. The spices used to make them are also very different, as is the curing process. Most sausage is smoked, fried, or grilled, but andouille is usually smoked over a fire made with hardwood. The latter also tends to have a more pungent aroma as well as a more grayish color. It also includes onions, something that doesn't usually make an appearance in other types of sausages. What Does Andouille Sausage Taste Like? gumbo with andouille - Lara Hata/Getty Images As with all things, the taste of andouille sausage depends on how it is both made and cooked. In general, though, andouille has a strong, spicy, smoked flavor. You will likely also taste the herbs and onions inside, as well as a hint of garlic. If you are eating your andouille sausage in Louisiana, however, you will likely need a glass of water to go with it. This type of andouille is spicier, with a hot flavor that comes from the addition of chilies and cayenne pepper. The European version of andouille is a bit more balanced when it comes to spice, with the smokiness helping to give it a more even flavor, but Cajun-style andouille is almost always quite fiery. Both kinds are well known for their rich taste, which, in most cases, comes from its being smoked twice. That smokey flavor really penetrates deep into the meat (thanks to the interior ingredients being smoked themselves before cooking), making it one that goes great in dishes with other flavor-packed ingredients that can hold their own, like gumbo or jambalaya. How To Cook With Andouille Sausage jambalaya with andouille - SEAGULL_L/Shutterstock Now that we know what andouille sausage is and how it's made, what can we do with it? The most obvious answer is to make jambalaya, a spicy dish (as in, full of spices -- the heat level is something you decide when you're cooking) chock full of meat, vegetables, and rice. However, this isn't the only way to go. You can also use it in meat sauces, in white bean and sausage soup, or to kick your plate of beans and rice up a notch. And you can't forget about gumbo, another famous vehicle for andouille. This is a stew that is extremely popular in Louisiana and consists of meat, thickened stock, celery, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes okra. Your options for using andouille are wide and varied, as you can also steam it, grill it, pan-fry it, broil it, or boil it. But no matter how you decide to cook it, there are a few things to keep in mind when you do. The first is that you should check the internal temperature after cooking to see if it is done. 160 degrees F is considered to be the safe temperature here. The second thing is that, as it is cooking, you should never poke your andouille with a fork. This releases the juices inside, which will dry out the meat. Where To Buy Andouille Sausage woman buying sausage - 97/Getty Images Prepackaged andouille sausage can be found at most grocery stores. You'll see it in the refrigerated section with the other smoked sausages and pre-packaged meat and/or seafood products (not alongside the raw meat or near the butcher or deli counter). You will most likely come across the spicy Cajun or Creole type of andouille instead of the traditional French kind, but you may also see that there are various levels of spiciness on offer. You can purchase andouille sausage online or in-store at many popular chains like Walmart and Target, as well as specialty online stores like D'Artagnan. The price depends on the size of the package and how the meat was prepared, with prices varying widely from around $4 to over $100 for artisanal sausages. Purchase Adells Cajun Style Andouille Smoked Pork Sausage at Target for $5.99. Purchase New Orleans Andouille Smoked Sausage at Walmart for $3.94. Purchase Andouille Cajun-Style Sausage at D'Artagnan for $10.99. Nutritional Information About Andouille Sausage gumbo with andouille sausage - Mphillips007/Getty Images The nutritional values of andouille sausage vary because there are many different ways to make it and many different brands, types, and sizes. One thing they all have in common, however, is that they are quite high in fat. A 68-gram sample that is around four inches long and 1 1/8 inches in diameter is said to contain a whopping 210 calories and 19 grams of fat, which is 24% of the recommended daily value. 6.3 grams of that fat are saturated, which is 32%t of the recommended daily value. It also contains 0.2 grams of trans fat, 2.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat, and 7.6 grams of monosaturated fat. It isn't great for those with high cholesterol either. This same sample of andouille sausage also contains 41 grams of cholesterol, 14% of the recommended daily value. It is fairly high in sodium too, with 562 milligrams per serving of this size (of which you could likely eat more than one). It does, however, have 328.4 milligrams of potassium, which makes up 7% of the recommended daily quota. It has a bit of iron, calcium, and vitamin D as well, but their amounts are fairly negligible. So, needless to say, andouille is not a healthy food, but it does make for a good occasional treat. How To Store Andouille Sausage storing sausage in freezer - Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images Equally important as cooking your andouille to the right temperature is storing it at the right temperature. According to the USDA, cooked sausages like andouille should be kept in the refrigerator and can remain fresh for two weeks before opening. After they are open, they can remain there for up to seven days without going bad. You can freeze them from one to two months if you would like, but it is recommended to wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap to stave off freezer burn. When you're ready to cook it, it should be thawed out in the refrigerator, not on the counter, unless you want your andouille with a side of food poisoning. If you aren't sure if your andouille sausage has gone bad, you should first rely on two senses: sight and smell. First, take a look and see if the color has changed. Most sausages you buy from the store will be red, so if it is anything other than that, throw it out. A white film on its exterior is a sign that bacteria is growing on it, so that's a bad sign as well. If you're still not sure, take a whiff: if your andouille smells sour, it has spoiled. Read the original article on Daily Meal. It was a vital decision which led to the detection of the 'silent killer' She went to the doctor complaining about a pain in her leg from sciatica When Kate Wylie noticed a niggling pain in her left leg she wasn't too worried - but her decision to visit the doctor 'just in case' saved her life. The 33-year-old, from Perth, visited her GP in October, 2023, for sciatica-related pain but was still sent to have scans as a precaution. These detected a large and unrelated mass growing in her pelvis. A few weeks later Kate received news she never expected to hear. She had stage three ovarian cancer that had spread to her omentum (a tissue structure in the abdomen), lymph nodes and bowel. Tumours were also growing on both her ovaries; one was 10cm and the other was 8.5cm. The devastating news came at the worst time as Kate and her partner Daniel were getting ready to start a family. As doctors advised a full hysterectomy to save Kate's life and the cancer was 'suffocating' her eggs, she can no longer have children. Kate Wylie, 33, has always wanted to be a mum but her dreams of parenthood have been taken away after being diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer (pictured before diagnosis) 'I am heartbroken. I feel like I've lost my life meaning, not being able to experience pregnancy and having a child of my own,' Kate told FEMAIL. As the leg pain wasn't linked to her cancer, the only symptom Kate experienced was bloating. She also has no family history of cancer. Kate has suffered from sciatica for years - a pain that travels along the sciatic nerve down the legs - due to being a hairdresser and standing up all day. Thankfully when she visited the doctor this time around they sent her for scans instead of prescribing her pain medication. In October 2023 Kate noticed a pain in her leg but thought nothing of it as she suffers from sciatica. She went to the doctor and had scans which found a mass growing in her pelvis (Kate pictured with her partner Daniel) Turns out she had tumours growing undetected on both her ovaries and needed a full hysterectomy. The cancer has spread to her omentum, lymph nodes and bowel (pictured during treatment) After two weeks, her world was turned upside down. 'The doctor mentioned there was a possible tumour in my pelvic area,' Kate recalled. 'If I didn't have the leg pain I never would've known.' Later she was told she had stage three low-grade cancer that had spread so she was referred to a doctor who specialises in both gynaecology and oncology to arrange a surgical biopsy. Ovarian cancer is referred to as a 'silent killer' because there are often no obvious signs or symptoms. Pap smears also do not detect ovarian cancer and there is no routine test. 'I didn't believe it at first because I didn't feel sick - I thought they had it wrong. It's a real mind game,' Kate said. 'I am heartbroken. I feel like I've lost my life meaning, not being able to experience pregnancy and having a child of my own,' Kate told FEMAIL 'Sometimes it doesn't feel like real life. I was totally fine (so I thought) one moment and then I find out I have ovarian cancer,' she said. Her cancer was also described as a low-grade serous carcinoma - meaning it's not as responsive to chemotherapy but is slow growing. 'I cried thinking, "How do I have cancer? This can't be real",' Kate said. 'I sat in my car in the car park with my mum not knowing what to do. My partner was already at work for the day and told me to call him regardless of the news. On December 1 Kate had a major five-hour operation to remove the tumours from her ovaries and reconstruct the bowel, leaving her with a ileostomy stoma bag (left). Chemotherapy has also caused her hair to fall out (right) 'I couldn't tell him I had cancer over the phone or via text so just explained that I needed to have surgery but didn't actually say the c word until I was home with him that night.' Kate's tumours had 'suffocated' her ovaries and eggs, making it 'impossible' for fertility clinics to harvest any eggs before surgery. 'I feel like I was also dealt the worst case scenarios. The cancer had spread and invaded my bowel and I lost the ability to harvest eggs or ever bear children.' Being told she needed a full hysterectomy was the worst news she could have received as Kate has always wanted to be a mum. After meeting the man of her dreams she was excited for what was to come. What is ovarian cancer and what are the symptoms? Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. The ovaries are made up of three main kinds of cells epithelial cells, stromal cells and germ cells. Each of these cells can develop into a different type of tumour. The average age of women when they are diagnosed with ovarian cancer is age 64. It is mainly diagnosed in women over the age of 50; however, there are cases diagnosed in younger women. There are often no obvious signs of ovarian cancer, but symptoms can include: abdominal bloating difficulty eating or feeling full quickly frequent or urgent urination back, abdominal or pelvic pain constipation or diarrhoea menstrual irregularities tiredness/fatigue indigestion pain during intercourse unexplained weight loss or weight gain Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer and there is no routine test Advertisement 'This is something I have longed for my whole life. I haven't just lost the ability to bear a child, but the ability to use my own eggs and create a special human of my own,' she said. 'Our dream is to become parents, and this is something we'll be looking into once chemo finishes. It will be a difficult process but I'm sure I was put on this earth to be a mum. But of course, I need to focus on getting well first.' At the moment Kate feels like she's 'grieving' as she'll never know what it's like to have a child of her own. Now all she can do is wait and hope treatment goes well. She hopes sharing her story will encourage other women to get regular check-ups On December 1 Kate had a major five-hour operation to remove the tumours from her ovaries and reconstruct the bowel, leaving her with a ileostomy stoma bag. She had a month to recover and started chemotherapy on January 5 which will finish up on April 16. As a result she's experienced drastic hair loss that 'rattled her', migraines, and fatigue. As her ovaries have been removed she's also been thrown into early menopause. When asked what she'd like other women to know, Kate warned that this is a 'silent killer' that often isn't discovered until its later 'deadly' stages. 'Get regular check-ups at your doctor. If your doctor doesn't test thoroughly or ask you loads of questions, find another doctor,' she said. 'Ask your doctor for a scan or a blood test. Don't ignore the signs if you're bloated and tired and harvest your eggs if you can. If I knew this was going to be my life, I would have done that in my 20s.' Diseases once banished to the dustbin of history, so rare a younger medic may only have read about them in a textbook, are making a comeback. Experts told MailOnline how they fear younger generations of medics will struggle to diagnose illnesses which have largely disappeared for decades. But the danger is real and already here. Britain is currently gripped by a spike in measles, with hundreds of children laid low by the 'forgotten' illness. Medics were once incredibly familiar with measles, with outbreaks commonplace in the 40s, 50s and 60s. But these eventually fizzled out thanks to a hugely successful vaccination campaign. Nurses treating a room full of polio patients in California in 1953, such scenes have vanished thanks to the revolutionary vaccines, but uptake has been falling for years Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles. A few days later, some people develop small white spots on the inside of their cheeks and the back of their lips. The tell-tale measles rash also develops, usually starting on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body Your browser does not support iframes. Yet its near disappearance has left some young doctors needing picture guides to help them recognise the tell-tale signs of the highly contagious disease. Measles's resurgence has been blamed on false studies linking the MMR vaccine to autism, anti-vaxx conspiracy theories flourishing in the wake of Covid and society as a whole becoming laxer about the once-feared disease because cases have plummeted. Just some 3,000 cases of measles were spotted each year, on average, in England between 2001 to 2020. This is minuscule compared to the 250,000-plus recorded annually between the 60s and 80s, according to Government data. The decline in measles prevalence has been mirrored by a drop in vaccine uptake, despite the jab offering up to 99 per cent protection against the disease. WHAT JABS SHOULD I HAVE HAD BY AGE 18? Vaccinations for various unpleasant and deadly diseases are given free on the NHS to children and teenagers. Here is a list of all the jabs someone should have by the age of 18 to make sure they and others across the country are protected: Eight weeks old 6-in-1 vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. Pneumococcal (PCV) Rotavirus Meningitis B 12 weeks old Second doses of 6-in-1 and Rotavirus 16 weeks old Third dose of 6-in-1 Second doses of PCV and men. B One year old Hib/meningitis C Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Third dose of PCV and meningitis B Two to eight years old Annual children's flu vaccine Three years, four months old Second dose of MMR 4-in-1 pre-school booster for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough 12-13 years old (girls) HPV (two doses within a year) 14 years old 3-in-1 teenage booster for diphtheria, tetanus and polio MenACWY Source: NHS Choices Advertisement Nationally, the proportion of five-year-olds in England who are fully jabbed has fallen to 84.5 per cent the lowest in more than a decade. Regionally figures can be even worse. Only about half of youngsters in some parts of London are protected against the disease, making the capital fertile ground for a potential outbreak. Measles, however, is not the only disease common in decades gone by that younger medics might struggle to immediately recognise. Polio is another serious infection which once ravaged the world, particularly young children, but is now thankfully incredibly rare in the UK. The viral infection is mainly spread through contact with contaminated faeces, and though most people who get it experience only mild flu-like symptoms, it can be far more serious, particularly for young children. In rare cases, the infection affects the brain and nerves, leading to weakness in the muscles which can paralyse sufferers. Onset of the paralysis is rapid, usually developing in a mere matter of hours or days. Most Brits will be familiar with pictures of survivors of childhood polio holding crutches. Others may recall images of children encased in infamous iron lungs, a special mechanical respirator, which enabled polio victims whose breathing muscles had become paralysed to survive. While many patients paralysed by polio recovered, some never did and were left with lifelong disabilities as a result. Just four cases of serious polio infections have been recorded in the England in the last 20 years, a far cry from the 1,857 uncovered in total between the 60s and early 80s. Much like with measles, a hugely successfully vaccination campaign which began in the 50s blunted and then banished the disease from public consciousness. But in an eerily similar pattern to measles, uptake of the polio jabs has sharply declined. British children need a total of five different polio vaccines, given as an initial dose at just eight weeks and then as boosters up until the final jab at the age 14, to be fully protected. Only 83 per cent of children in England have received the adequate number of polio jabs by the age of five, according to NHS data for 2022-23. This is down from 89 per cent a decade ago and means almost a fifth of children could be vulnerable to the virus. Uptake of the final polio vaccine, usually given to children in Year 9 and 10, is even lower, ranging from 69 to 79 per cent, equating to about one in four children being unprotected. In England, 89.3 per cent of two-year-olds received their first dose of the MMR vaccine in the year to March 2023 (blue line), up from 89.2 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 88.7 per cent of two-year-olds had both doses, down from 89 per cent a year earlier Your browser does not support iframes. Health officials warned that the infection is initially difficult to tell apart from a cold, as the first signs are a runny nose and sore throat. But around a week later, sufferers may develop coughing bouts that last minutes, struggle to breathe after coughing and make a 'whoop' sound between coughs. Other signs of whooping cough include bringing up a thick mucus that can cause vomiting and becoming red in the face The same is true for the highly contagious bacterial infection known as whooping cough. This infection, also called pertussis, is another disease which is particular dangerous for children and young babies, hence why a vaccine protecting them from it is offered as part or routine childhood immunisations. It gets its common name from the 'whoop' sound a gasp for breath between coughs infected children typically make, although this isn't always the case, especially in young babies. The first signs of the infection are very similar to a cold, which can make it hard to diagnose, and include a runny nose and sore throat. But after about a week a child will develop the hallmark coughing fits marking the disease. It can lead to dangerous breathing difficulties in children. It is especially dangerous for babies under six months who can go on to develop life-threatening pneumonia or seizures from a whooping cough infection. Whooping cough is also notable for lasting a long time, with people often suffering for several weeks or even months. But much like polio, whooping cough has vastly diminished in Britain, at least in terms of scale. Only some 40,000 cases were spotted in England over the last few decades, about 2,000 a year. This is a far cry from the almost 470,000 recorded between 1960 and 1981, about 23,500 a year. Again, like with polio and measles, whooping cough was the subject of a successful vaccination campaign that helped curb its spread among Brits. But in a familiar pattern, uptake of the vaccine, which is delivered in the same initial batch of childhood jabs as the Polio jab, has fallen as well. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Professor Paul Hunter, a renowned infectious diseases expert from the University of East Anglia, told this website there was 'a real concern' young medics' inexperience might cause them miss cases of this trio of diseases. 'Measles in particular can be mistaken for several other infections including German measles, Kawasaki syndrome and scarlet fever,' he said. 'If you have not seen it before then you can misdiagnose it. 'So yes there is a risk that younger doctors may struggle to make a diagnosis.' He added it was a similar case for whooping cough and to a limited extent polio. 'You can only make a good clinical diagnosis of whooping cough when the characteristic whoop develops after several days of illness,' he said. Professor Hunter added: 'Polio is another issue altogether, acute poliovirus infection presents with fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs. That could be one of any number of infections.' However, he said even senior clinicians would struggle to diagnose acute polio in its early stages, at least until the tell-tale paralysis sets in. 'When paralysis develops you really know something serious is wrong,' he said. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, added that training younger medics to spot these once common infections was critical given declining vaccine uptake. 'The success of vaccination over the last 50 years for previously common infections means that many younger doctors will never have seen cases of measles or whooping cough,' he said. 'This highlights the importance of still training medics in the symptoms and presentation of these and other infections which were more common in the past, particularly as vaccination rates have declined. 'Of equal importance and urgency is the need to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated. We need to stress that these are not trivial infections and can result in real harm with long term consequences.' He died just five months after his diagnosis and a few days before the recall Rodney Thomas was diagnosed with cancer after using the device for two years Rodney Thomas was just 51 years old when he died from aggressive nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare type of head and neck cancer, after using a Philips sleep apnea machine. His family was confused by his diagnosis at the time- Mr Thomas was not a smoker or heavy drinker and was in perfect health aside from being diagnosed with the sleeping disorder. To treat it, Mr Thomas had started using a Philips continuous positive airway pressure - CPAP - machine, which would later be found to expel carcinogenic materials into users' airways, according to claims in lawsuits filed against the company. His wife, Shawne Thomas, - just one of many people suing the medtech manufacturer - is claiming its machine led to her husband's cancer and eventual death. She told DailyMail.com: 'My husband didn't need to die. This was totally unnecessary. We've lost our world.' Ms Thomas, from Louisiana, told this website Rodney began using his sleep apnea machine in 2019 and the couple would repeatedly see black specks in the tubing and mask but thought nothing of it at the time. It would later be claimed in class-action lawsuits those specks were actually carcinogenic materials degrading inside the machine and blowing into Rodney's airways. Rodney Thomas was just 51 years old when he died from cancer in 2021 after using a Philips sleep apnea machine for several years Rodney and his wife Shawne were married for 32 years and had three children together Rodney Thomas' wife Shawne said the couple would repeatedly see black specks in the tubing and masks of Rodney's sleep apnea machine About a year into using the device, Rodney developed a very 'aggressive cough' and became increasingly fatigued, unable to keep up with day-to-day activities. After noticing a large lump had developed in Rodney's throat, Ms Thomas encouraged him to go to the doctor, who initially believed Rodney had an infection and treated him with antibiotics. When weeks went by without any improvement, Rodney underwent diagnostic imaging, which revealed a tumor. In January 2021, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. He died just five months later - several days shy of Philips issuing a recall of its machines. It wasn't until after her husband's death that Ms Thomas learned of the recall when she saw a commercial on Youtube announcing it. She immediately checked the serial number on his machine and discovered it was included in the recall of millions of CPAP machines. Ms Thomas told DailyMail.com: '[I was] just traumatized. We were in so much shock and then it went from shock to anger. 'This was totally unnecessary.' The manufacturing giant first received complaints of faulty machines in 2010 after they redesigned its devices. However, Philips did not disclose the complaints, even as the number grew from a few to dozens, an investigation by ProPublica found. Users wrote into the company about 'black shavings' in the chamber of the CPAP machine and reports the machines were 'contaminated with unknown sticky substance.' After finding out about the recall, Ms Thomas said she 'was beyond furious.' Ms Thomas quickly obtained a lawyer, and told this website she has filed a lawsuit against the medtech manufacturer. As part of the lawsuit, she said her lawyer sent Rodney's machine to a facility in Pennsylvania to be tested. The testing found the presence of a carcinogenic substance known to cause the type of cancer Rodney had, the lawsuit claims. A CPAP - or continuous positive airway pressure - machine corrects sleep apnea, in which sufferers stop and start breathing while they sleep, which can cause much more serious health problems Indents on President Joe Biden's face prompted the White House to tell journalists that he's started to use a CPAP machine Rodney is just one of hundreds of people whose death is claimed to be related to the use of the Philips CPAP machine - and thousands more are worried about their health. Joel Pickett, a 79-year-old from Oregon, posted in a Facebook support group for people affected by the Philips CPAP machines that he developed tracheal cancer after years of using a recalled device. In the group, there are dozens of comments from people reporting cancer diagnoses, respiratory conditions and infections, deaths of family members they claim are linked to use of the machines and people expressing fear they may develop life-threatening illnesses from years of use. Another poster said his symptoms of chest pain, muscle aches and rashes all improved after he discontinued use of his CPAP device. Kelly Bush Fannerella from Pennsylvania commented that her son was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after using the machine. In 2021, the Philips sleep apnea machines were found to be blowing gas and foam into users airways as they slept, putting them at increased risk of tumors. The malfunction led to the company recalling more than 5million machines in June 2021, but attempts to repair and replace affected machines have been dragging on for years. Most recently, the FDA, the Justice Department and Philips reached an agreement via a consent decree that will see the manufacturer stop selling its machines in the US until the company reaches requirements set by the government. According to the FDA, 561 deaths have been blamed on the machines in the last three years, with people claiming the deaths are linked to the foam and potentially toxic gases. The deaths were recorded among 116,000 medical device reports, the FDAs database for reporting adverse effects. There were 111 deaths reported from July to September 2023 alone, out of a total of more than 7,000 medical device reports filed in that period. The medical device reports system allows anyone - doctors, patients and loved ones - to submit adverse side effects a person experiences after using a medical device or taking a medication. The reports are not verified and the FDA states reporting a death or injury is not evidence of a causal link. White House confirms Biden is using breathing machine to treat sleep disorder The White House said President Joe Biden, 81, uses a CPAP machine to treat his sleep apnea - after he was spotted with visible indentations on his face. Advertisement Philips Respironics agreed to a partial $479million settlement on Sept. 8, 2023, to compensate people for financial damages related to the recall. Approximately 30million Americans have sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing or choking for air during sleep, which, over time, vastly increases ones risk of heart attack and stroke. It is estimated that 8million people, including President Joe Biden, rely on a CPAP machine to sleep through the night, and given Philips' status as a leader in the CPAP devices market, a large share of those eight million devices are likely included in the recall. The problem stems from the type of foam used in the headgear of the machine that is affixed around the head and connected to a snorkel-like device. Its meant to dampen sound and vibrations as the machine operates. But the foam, made with polyester-based polyurethane, has been shown to degrade and break off into tiny particles and release harmful chemical gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, methylene chloride, volatile organic compounds, and solvents all of which have been linked to different types of cancers and respiratory problems, multiple class-action lawsuits claim. Brett Stassi, a 62-year-old from Louisiana, battled kidney cancer after using his Philips sleep apnea machine every night for four years. Terry Flynn of St Louis, Missouri, died of esophageal cancer in 2021 just two weeks after being diagnosed. ProPublica reported he had used his CPAP machine for nine years. And 58-year-old Mark Edwards experienced years of recurring respiratory infections and benign tumors he told ProPublica he believed were caused by the Philips DreamStation ventilator. 'It really blows my mind,' Ms Thomas told DailyMail.com. '[It's] completely unnecessary. That's what really gets me about this whole thing. It didn't need to happen.' In a statement to DailyMail.com, Philips said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies are with Mr Thomas' family. Our first priority is the health and well-being of patients, and we regret the distress and concern that the Philips Respironics recall has caused to affected device users and their loved ones. 'Importantly for patients and their care providers, 13 independent epidemiological studies show no association between use of Continuous or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) devices, including Philips Respironics PAP devices, and increased risk of cancer in people with obstructive sleep apnea. 'Additionally, together with five independent certified testing laboratories and qualified third-party experts, Philips Respironics has been conducting a comprehensive test program on the PE-PUR foam. 'Based on independent testing results to date, Philips Respironics has also concluded that the use of its sleep therapy devices is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients.' Vaping was once billed as a smoking alternative that delivered a hit of nicotine, with virtually none of the harms. But no longer. Thanks to a swathe of recent studies and analyses, it is now well proven that electronic cigarettes - which use vapor instead of smoke - are linked to a range of alarming risks, from severe damage to blood vessels, to permanent lung scarring. The results have caused experts to question whether e-cigarettes cause less damage, or just a different type of damage, compared to cigarettes - which increase the risk of cancer 15-fold. Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, many of them cancer-causing, while vapes are thought to contain around 2,000. E-cigarettes also do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, which are considered two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke. Speaking to DailyMail.com in a recent interview, doctors claimed that vaping nicotine is 'around 90 or 95 percent' less harmful than smoking it via cigarettes, but how harmful the remaining effects are is still not fully understood. The concern around e-cigarettes is that chemical reactions between the liquid and metal lead to the release of toxic metals such as arsenic, chromium, nickel and lead. Studies have found that these metals are associated with a plethora of negative health effects, such as popcorn lung - inflammation in the lungs which causes wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. This website has spoken to multiple experts and reviewed several studies to compare what e-cigarettes do when you inhale vape vapor versus cigarette smoke, from the second you inhale to minutes, hours and even months down the line. Within five seconds As you suck on an e-cigarette, a battery-powered electric current heats up a coil of thin, high temperature-resistant wire, saturated with liquid containing nicotine and a multitude of other chemicals including flavorings. The hot liquid converts to vapor, which is inhaled by the user. Both vapor and cigarette smoke pass through the upper respiratory tract, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles in the lungs and ultimately reach the alveoli - tiny sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. There, the vape chemicals pass through the lungs and enter the bloodstream, where they travel all around the body, including to the brain. But, cigarettes are different. 'Within the first five seconds of smoking a cigarette, carbon monoxide from the cigarette smoke binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen,' Dr Otulana, an addiction specialist doctor from England, told DailyMail.com. The effect of this is that the body has to compensate by working harder by increasing breathing and heart rate. Researchers have suggested that around 17 million Americans vape regularly, compared to around 28 million smokers. As for nicotine - in both vapes and cigarettes - the addictive substance binds to proteins in the brain within 11 seconds, triggering signals that instruct the release of hormones dopamine and serotonin, which give you a rush of euphoria, dizziness or anxiety. Dr Mark Olfert, a cardiopulmonary physiologist from West Virginia University, told DailyMail.com: 'As soon as you start to vape or smoke, nicotine triggers the sympathetic system in the brain which wakes you up. It makes you feel lively.' Within 30 seconds As well as impacting the brain, nicotine has a significant effect on the heart too. The substance raises blood pressure and causes the heart to beat faster. Dr Olfert said: 'The heart rate increases on a scale of seconds to minutes, because nicotine is absorbed very, very quickly.' But with cigarettes, chemicals such as tar and smoke irritate the lining of your nose and esophagus. The sensitive cells in these tissues become inflamed, which can cause you to cough. The toxic components and bacteria in cigarettes also kill off the good bacteria in your mouth, causing it to become dry - and triggering bad breath. A study published this month linked vaping to health effects like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis. However, smoking has long been associated with severe health consequences like lung cancer and heart disease Within five minutes Over the next few minutes, vaping and smoking will cause the arteries to narrow significantly and blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to higher blood pressure. This is because of the nicotine, which trigger brain signals that instruct for the narrowing of vessels that supply the heart. Some people will also begin to suffer cold hands and feet as circulation malfunctions. Meanwhile, inside a cigarette smoker's body: 'carbon monoxide levels in the blood begin to decrease and oxygen levels return to normal, but nicotine levels will remain high,' Dr Otulana said. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas which, in large amounts, leads to death because it replaces oxygen in the blood. The cigarette smoke in your lungs effectively simulates asthma due to the substances such as tar which settle in the moist lining of the airways and partially block them. The primary symptoms of asthma are bronchospasms, which happen when the muscles lining the airways suddenly tighten. Spasms in the airway can lead to shortness of breath and fits of wheezing similar to that experienced by someone having an asthma attack. Bronchospasms make breathing more difficult, as the body struggles to get more air into irritated lungs. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, which are two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke. After 20 minutes A recent study found that, 20 minutes after vaping, participants had significantly higher heart rate, breathing frequency, temperature in the mouth and lower blood oxygenation levels, which may manifest as a headache. Overall body temperature will increase slightly, due to increased breathing rate which will generate more heat. Some 20 minutes after smoking a cigarette, your sense of smell is reduced. High amounts of chemicals in cigarettes prevent the renewal of olfactory epithelium cells, which line the nose and are responsible for our sense of smell. After 30 minutes Within half an hour of both smoking cigarettes and vapes, the body's cells experience something called oxidative stress, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found. This happens due to an imbalance of free radicals molecules that can cause damage to cells and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. Oxidative stress can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain and headaches. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, compared oxidative stress in the lungs of routine cigarette smokers, vapers and people with no history of long term use of tobacco or nicotine devices. Vaping for only 30 minutes caused oxidative stress levels two to four times higher than baseline levels in those with no history of previously smoking, they found. After an hour With both devices, Dr Otulana said: 'After an hour, the body will begin to metabolize nicotine, leading to a decrease in its concentration in the bloodstream and causing a person to start craving another cigarette [or puff on a vape]. This is how addiction develops.' It takes a few hours after vaping for the body to suffer something called endothelial cell dysfunction. Dr Olfert said: 'Blood vessels are lined with endothelial cells. Those cells can send a signal to the smooth muscle around them to tell them to either dilate and open up more so that that organ can get more blood, like the brain, muscles, the heart... 'With smoking and vaping, this endothelial cell dysfunction means that those vessels don't behave like they're supposed to.' Instead, they stop large blood vessels opening enough to supply sufficient blood to the heart and other tissues. Vapes contain hundreds of chemicals, whose long term effects scientists are still trying to determine After a day A study recently published by Dr Olfert and his team found that after vaping on and off for an hour, it takes three days for blood vessel function to come back to normal. 'This is true if you only had 20 puffs, or even 60 puffs on the device within that one hour window, which to me is truly amazing,' he said. 'What that tells us is the threshold for the dysfunction that gets created is very, very low, it doesn't take much for that impairment to occur. 'If you think about someone who vapes every day, you basically have this altered cardiovascular response in your system all the time.' He added: 'You start to get hardening of the blood vessels, you start to put down more collagen, less elastin, and so the blood vessels get stiffer.' After a day of smoking cigarettes, breathing may be impaired. Mucus in the lungs works to trap anything that doesnt belong there, including smoke and other toxins, but too much of the thick fluid from cigarettes can make breathing even more difficult by coating and blocking the small airways within the lungs. Normally, tiny moving hairs inside the lungs called cilia clear this mucus away, but smoke paralyzes these natural filters almost instantly and for the rest of the day. It is only at night while you sleep that they begin to recover, coming back to life. By morning, the reactivated cilia have begun to clear out mucus, which is why heavy smokers may have a deep, wet cough in the morning. According to the University of South Carolina, nicotine and carbon monoxide will finally begin to leave the system in smokers. The excess mucus made to coat and protect your lungs will start to drain. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the number of adults who light up cigarettes has fallen to an all-time low of 11 percent After a week Dr Olfert said: 'I don't know that we would see anything different with a week's worth of vaping versus a day's worth.' With cigarettes, there may be a loss of hearing - a lesser-known side effect of smoking. When you smoke a cigarette, the oxygen in your inner ear is reduced. After a week of smoking, the heat and tar from your cigarette discolors your teeth, gums and lips, according to the University of Southern California. Smoking also makes it trickier for your blood to circulate around your body, meaning exercise can leave you winded and struggling for breath. After a month Vaping for a month can cause lung inflammation. Nanoparticles from e-cigarette vapor can become embedded in the lungs, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of further infection. 'Inflammation is something that takes days, two weeks, depending on the dose, depending on how often the person vapes,' says Dr Otulana. 'With an e-cigarette, if you use a flavor, like cinnamaldehyde, this creates a tremendous inflammatory response in the lungs, and it creates additional chemicals that creates reactions.' Over time, vaping can lead to scarring of the lungs' tiny air sacs, due to a chemical called diacetyl, found in many e-cigarette flavors, which causes inflammation when it is inhaled. With cigarettes, Dr Otulana said: 'If smoking is continued, in the following weeks carbon monoxide will have a negative effect on the body, including lowered oxygen levels, reduced taste and sense of smell, as well as reduced circulation.' In terms of daily users, Oklahoma and Tennessee tied for first place Oklahoma topped the list for the highest number of vape users in a recent report After six months One study found people who vaped for at least six months had high levels of inflammation, mouth wounds and up to a 100-fold increase in oral fungi. With cigarettes, Dr Otulana said: 'Lung function will slowly decrease, and after multiple years of heavy smoking, a person is more likely to develop smoking-related diseases such as coronary lung disease and COPD.' After eight months Researchers from West Virginia University analyzed the artery diameter and stiffness of mice after long-term exposure to a flavored e-cigarette, defined as 20 hours a week over eight months. The mice developed arteries that were more than twice as stiff as those not given any e-cigarette vapor. Previous research reveals narrow or stiff arteries can result in heart attacks or stroke. Both groups also suffered a constricted brachial artery, which is the major blood vessel supplying blood to the arms and hands. High blood pressure and constricted arteries can deprive the heart of oxygen-rich blood and, over time, increase the risk of heart disease. Researchers looked at data for 395 participants 164 vapers, 117 smokers and 114 who had no history of nicotine, e-cigarette or tobacco use. They assessed blood pressure, heart rate, the diameter of the brachial artery in the arm and heart rate variability before vaping and smoking as well as 15 minutes afterwards. Data show that people who vaped and those who smoked cigarettes had a pulse four beats per minute faster after a vape or smoke, whereas there was no change for the non-users. The study also found that smokers and vapers had their blood pressure rise while using devices from 122/72millimeters of mercury (mm HG) to 127/77 mm Hg. After a year A paper published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine tracked vapers for three years and found they had a 1.3-times higher risk of developing respiratory disease, such as lung disease, than people who did not use any tobacco product. Meanwhile, a video demonstration using cotton in glass cylinder attached to a compressor to make the simulated lungs 'inhale' cigarettes shows how the toxic smoke collects from smoking 300 cigarettes. But after even one cigarette, the pristine white cotton already begins to yellow at the edges. After only a few more, the whole mass of fibers is discolored. By the time all 300 cigarettes are smoked and done, the cotton becomes a horrible rust color on the outside, and is gummed together with brown tar. Our bodies are a bit more resilient and efficient at clearing out filth, but the cotton demonstration is not far off from what happens to the tissues in our lungs. Three years Three years down the line, vapers and smokers may have developed a nicotine addiction, mood disorder, and a permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also alters the way synapses are made, which can harm the parts of the brain to do with attention and learning. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine study found that after three years of smoking, cigarette smokers had a 2.5-times higher risk of respiratory disease compared to people who did not use any tobacco product. 20+ years There is a lack of long-term data on the health impacts of vapes, Dr Otulana said. According to the University of Southern California, over time, cigarettes will cause wrinkles and age spots to appear and your skin will prematurely age. Puckering to take a drag of a cigarette also causes fine lines to form around your lips. Dr Olfert said: 'Even with as bad as smoking is, it still takes 15, 20 years to get emphysema and lung cancer and before you start noticing the effects. 'But by the time you actually notice the effect, it's too late to undo that change.' Dr Otulana said: 'If a person smokes cigarettes for 20 years, the risk of lung cancer is massively increased as a result of tobacco and other chemicals found in cigarettes.' Smoking also increases the formation of plaque in blood vessels, which puts them at higher risk for coronary heart disease. This happens when arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle are narrowed by plaque or blocked by clots. Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the blood to thicken and form clots inside veins and arteries, according to the CDC. There's been no shortage of patients sharing shocking stories of how a lack of face-to-face appointments or being trapped in the endless labyrinth of phone calls and online forms has damaged their health. Appointments dont always come quickly either. While almost 150million patients were seen same-day in England in 2023, 17.6m took place at least one month after patients booked them or one in every 20. So what is behind the crisis? MailOnline's series of fascinating charts explain the ins-and-outs of why you can't see your GP when you want to. Number of GPs stagnating There are now more than 950,000 GP appointments on average in England every day an increase of more than 40,000 since 2018/19. But despite this undeniable rise in demand, the number of GPs working in the NHS has actually stagnated. Your browser does not support iframes. Increasing numbers of doctors are reducing their working hours and retiring early. Some are leaving for the private sector or abroad because of the soaring pressures. While the number of NHS consultants growing by 18 per cent between 2016/17 and 2021/22, the number of GPs has only increased by just four per cent over the same period. Ministers have silently binned a promise to hire 6,000 more GPs, which was a major part of Boris Johnson's election-winning manifesto. Just 2,000 more family doctors have been recruited since 2019. Instead, the Government last year published its GP 'recovery plan' aiming to ease pressure on GPs and hand new powers to pharmacists. What does the latest GP appointment data show? Appointments held: 25.8million Attended: 89.8 per cent Seen by GP: 46.0 per cent Seen by nurse: 20.4 per cent Face-to-face appointment: 66.6 per cent Phone appointment: 26.5 per cent Same day: 42.6 per cent Up to one week wait: 25.2 per cent One to two week wait: 12.8 per cent Two to four weeks wait: 11.7 per cent NHS England data for December Advertisement Under the plan, it promised 240million would be invested into new phone systems to cut waiting times for patients seeking appointments and spend 385million to hire 26,000 direct patient care staff. At the time, however, health bodies warned the plan was not 'the silver bullet that we desperately need'. Last month the Pharmacy First scheme first unveiled in the recovery plan was launched, allowing chemists to prescribe for seven common ailments. It means that patients battling minor illnesses, such as a sore throat or earache, can now bypass their GP. But a number of GPs have already raised concerns around the Pharmacy First scheme, with some pharmacies reportedly directing patients back to general practice. Patient numbers rising While NHS England has argued 2million more GP appointments are now being delivered every month compared to pre-pandemic levels, since then the patient population has only grown. Under recommendations implemented by the BMA and European Union of General Practitioners, GPs today should not deliver more than 25 appointments a day to ensure 'safe care'. But some doctors are reportedly having to cram in nearly 90 patients a day in some areas amid an appointments crisis. Nationally, there were 27,487 fully qualified, full-time equivalent GPs working in England in December, equating to one GP for every 2,078 patients, on average. Health chiefs say the ratio of patients to every one fully qualified GP should never exceed 1,800. The ratio is widely recognised by local medical committees local representative committees of NHS GPs as the 'safe limit'. As it stands, another 4,000 GPs would need to be recruited to meet this ratio, MailOnline analysis suggests. However, the Office for National Statistics projects there will be an extra 6.6million people living in the UK as of 2036. Assuming this growth kept in line with current demographic trends, this would see England's population hit 62.2million. Under this figure, 34,000 GPs would have to be working in the NHS to meet the one per 1,800 patient ratio, meaning an additional 7,000 family doctor positions are required over the next 12 years. Your browser does not support iframes. Patient satisfaction fallen Some are even finding it almost impossible to see a GP in the first place, with the '8am scramble' described as being like the rush to get Glastonbury tickets. Patient satisfaction has, as a result of the never-ending appointments crisis, plunged to its lowest level in four decades. According to the 2023 GP Patient Survey, a poll of 759,000 Brits, just seven in ten (71.3 per cent) described their overall experience of their GP practice as 'good' overall. Fewer than half of patients (49.8 per cent) said they find it easy to get through to their GP practice on the phone, down from 52.7 per cent in 2022 and 80.8 per cent in 2012. And one in four people (24.2 per cent) said it was 'not at all easy' to get through, five-times higher than the 5.4 per cent in 2012. Only one in six patients (16.4 per cent) were 'always or almost always' able to see their preferred family doctor, with 19.3 per cent saying they can 'never or almost never' see them. Equally, patients have continually expressed frustration over a lack of face-to-face appointments. Just over two thirds of all appointments on average are now held in person, compared to roughly 80 per cent pre-Covid. Despite this, top doctors have suggested the figure may never return to this level arguing patients shouldn't get a face-to-face appointment if there is no clinical need for one. Some campaign groups, however, have disagreed, warning that telephone or online calls are not appropriate for everyone and aren't always the best way of diagnosing patients. Instead, disgruntled patients have abandoned NHS surgeries in favour of going private or visiting swamped A&E units instead. But GP surgeries have also faced rising levels of harassment, assaults and verbal abuse targeted at staff in recent months. In 2022 a man was arrested after attacking a practice in Northamptonshire, leaving one staff member requiring stitches with other attacks also being recorded. At least four deaths have been linked to its consumption Tianeptine is a drug used to treat depression but it is not approved by the FDA An Alabama mother is urging health officials to ban a toxic supplement sold in gas stations, after her 19 year-old son died after taking it to ease his migraine. Johnathon Morrison, from Trafford, Alabama, fatally choked on his own vomit in February 2019 after taking pills containing tianeptine - otherwise known as 'gas station heroin'. The Food and Drug Administration has previously warned about the grave harms of the substance, which is most commonly found in an energy-boosting' product called Neptune's Fix. The compound, called tianeptine, is also available to purchase legally in many states as capsules and pills - and delivers an intense high, similar to an opioid, according to the FDA. Following her son's death, Kristi Terry was determined to get the substance banned in Alabama - and a year later, the state became the second to make the drug illegal. Now, tianeptine is banned in eight states, but Ms Terry wants to increase that number. Johnathon Morrison was found in his room in February 2019 with an empty bottle of tianeptine pills beside him Tianeptine is a drug used to treat depression but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States After her son died, Kristi Terry was determined to get the substance banned in Alabama and she testified at a state senate hearing on healthcare in February 2020 Ms Terri told Vice that the night before her son's death, he came into her bedroom and asked to cook pizza rolls. She said: 'We were like "you dont have to ask to cook something."' She wished shed gotten up to see if he was feeling unwell, questioning if he was sick from the pills and trying to settle his stomach with food. The next time she saw her son, he was dead. Paramedics attempted to revive Mr Morrison for 60 minutes, but were unsuccessful. A medical report obtained by Vice noted he had high levels of tianeptine in his system. The report stated the teen died from choking on his vomit and his death was ruled accidental. The coroner added in a report that the levels of tianeptine in his blood were similar to the level found in another reported tianeptine fatality in which no other drugs were detected. At least four deaths have been reported in people who consumed tianeptine since it appeared in the US in the mid-2010s. But poisonings are increasing, surging over the last two decades, rising from reports of just 11 poisonings between 2000 and 2013 to 151 by 2020. FDA officials say tianeptine can deliver a high similar to that achieved from some opioids, but warned many patients quickly get hooked because they can rapidly build up tolerance against the substance. Health officials also warn people who consume tianeptine can suffer from confusion, sweating, a fast heartbeat, blood pressure spikes, nausea, vomiting and agitation. Some may also suffer a notable slow-down in breathing and, in rare cases, a total shutdown of the respiratory system leading to a coma or death. Mr Morrison was unaware of the risks associated with tianeptine. The student at the University of Alabama bought the product as a gas station, hoping to relieve his migraine. In search of pain medication, an employee offered the teen Tianna, a popular name brand of tianeptine. Ms Terry told Vice her son 'had no clue what he was taking. They told him that it was all natural, herbal and that it was like a powerful Tylenol.' He took several pills at a time over the next few hours, eventually overdosing. The degree to which tianeptine toxicity may have contributed to Morrisons death, 'either directly due to the toxic effects of the drug or indirectly by potentially reducing his seizure threshold, remains uncertain,' the autopsy said. After her son died, Ms Terry, who was bedridden following the teen's death with post-traumatic stress disorder, was determined to get the substance banned in Alabama and she testified at a state senate healthcare hearing in February 2020. 'He was just the light of my life and he was my best friend,' she said, according to an audio recording of the hearing. Also testifying at the hearing was James Morrissette, CEO and founder of MT Brands, a company that makes Tianaa. He said the product is marketed as being for stress and anxiety relief, but that people are beginning to abuse the product. Mr Morrissette also said he supported stronger regulations over banning the substance and raising the age limit allowed to buy the product. A year after the hearing, Alabama became the second state to ban tianeptine, behind Florida, which classifies the drug in the same category as heroin. Six states have since followed. However, Ms Terry does not think enough is being done and said it makes her 'sick; that there are millions of Americans who can still legally - and easily - purchase the drug. She added: 'I do feel like Johnathons story is what got it banned in Alabama. I really do. The senators and everybody had to look at my sons picture.' Outline Once there was old-school cruising deck games, tea dances and early to bed after a nightcap. Now younger generations are being prised from their hip hotel getaways and out on to the sea using martini menus, floaty club mixes and all-round designer good looks. Cue Celebrity Cruises new Edge Class ships. Or as it would rather we say: cool, luxury resorts that just happen to float. And so, on a blue January day, the glinty scrapers of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, recede as my ship Ascent departs; destination Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands. Base line This ship is a biggie. It can carry 3,260 guests. But is it a cool, luxury resort? A first wander impresses: the Grand Plaza is a Manhattan-worthy martini bar with a biblical-length menu and galactic angular chandelier. The top-deck Sunset Bar also looks the part, all Moroccan-y lanterns and whitewashed arches, like a Mykonos beach joint. Madonna remixes pulse from a laptop DJ, the margaritas are moreish and the sky flames out, tangerine, over the Atlantic. The beach-vibe sunset abar Party line Nightlife is innovative, sidestepping cheesy cabaret to dazzling effect. Against a psychotropic backdrop, diva NKenge fires out immaculate Whitneys in the kaleidoscopic Theatre. In the Club, Discotheque with the Ascent Orchestra and Eze Cavoti works perfectly in a wedding party way retro is always in style. While the ship sways and shudders gently, a 35- to 50-something crowd gets down to Donna Summer and Earth, Wind & Fire. Recline Designer superstar Kelly Hoppens accommodations are appealing slices of Scandi understatement. Entry-level cabins (staterooms) are a slight squeeze but fresh, in snow and biscuit shades, and the comforts all there, the sheets cool and sweet. At the other extreme, suites ooze sex appeal, part of the Retreat a low-rise resort within a resort. Here, minimalist two-storey Edge villas, private, glassy, with generous plunge pools, wouldnt shame Architectural Digest. Waterline The main pool is a giant central slab that gets frenetic at times with rows of loungers and DJs. On which note, there are zillions of activities, from bingo to art classes. Horizon line Ascent docks in sweltering Nassau port. The milling cruise crowds are as loud as the cafe speakers and turtle-print shirts on sale. Yet beyond, drowsy streets of clapboard homes in chalky pinks and blues woo Instagrammers. And history lingers atmospherically around the Graycliff, an 18th-century mansion with a dusty fine wine cellar, serving faultless conch chowder and tuna tartare on frilly china. Celebrity spot: Ascent sets sail Waistline This ship is all about food, glorious (and diverse) food much (but not all) of it included in the fare. It is definitely luxury stuff. La Normandie restaurant is a highlight: a suave, high-ceilinged salute to cruisings art deco heyday, in coffee and chrome with cinematically glam contours. Fine line Special-occasion dining spots requiring supplements include intimate Le Voyage. With its metallic wall effects and caramel upholstery, it could be a giant exploded Ferrero Rocher. The Brazilian fish stew (moqueca) is the citrus-coconutty apogee of the menu, by NY old hand Daniel Boulud. Down the line Next port of call is the island of Cozumel, Mexico. Here, again, hectic life jostles for tourist trade from the sea. This place may well not suit if you boarded Ascent anticipating the Caribbean of, say, Grenada or Antigua. Yet beyond the melee there are cool and shady bars in which to laze away a day swigging a bottled beer, or restaurant courtyards dripping with fountains and ferns, where live marimba rhythms play. Grand Caymans Seven Mile Beach is a sand-between-the-toes treat. Form a line Breakfast and lunch in the enormous Ocean-View Cafe is so busy it often brings to mind a wildebeest documentary understandably, with its world of sizzling self-serve dishes, from Chinese to Indian, American to Italian. Bottom line The Bahamas, Mexico & Grand Cayman cruises cost from 1,907pp, including flights, but do reckon on lots of extras. After April, Ascent debuts in Europe. Details at celebritycruises.co.uk. Next week Topline Fitness: Wall Pilates Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. D.R. writes: We booked to fly with Royal Jordanian Airlines, but they changed the flight times by two days so we had to claim a refund. Our tickets were refundable, and in any case the airline promised a full refund. However, I have since contacted them more than 20 times, but I have received nothing. The flights were for a special holiday as my wife has an incurable medical condition and this might have been her last chance to travel. Special holiday: But Royal Jordanian Airlines changed the flight times by two days Tony Hetherington replies: You gave me a copy of the message you received from Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJA), and it could hardly be clearer. You were told you could change your booking to a different date, though this might involve a penalty charge. Or you could cancel your booking but keep the tickets for use at any time within the next year, though there would be rebooking fees when you did decide to use them. Or finally, RJA confirmed you are 'entitled to a full refund due to the schedule change.' If I have understood the currency conversion correctly, you and your wife should have received about 1,400 each within a fortnight of lodging your claim, yet months later you have received nothing. I asked RJA to look into this and the airline's response was startling. It told me: 'We have been informed that we are currently facing challenges with the refund process for any payments made through PayPal. Our finance team at the head office are actively working to resolve this issue at the moment.' But what has this got to do with you? The relationship between the airline and PayPal should not be your problem. RJA changed the flights by an unacceptable two days, RJA confirmed that you have the right to a full refund, so why can't RJA simply get out its cheque book and send you the money, or better still, pay you by bank transfer? Is a bargain Red Sea holiday worth the risk? Our consumer rights expert DEAN DUNHAM explains as airstrikes on Houthis send prices plunging What exactly are the challenges that RJA is facing? Should passengers delay making bookings, rather than risk seeing their money disappear for months with no proper explanation? I put both these questions to the airline, and on February 5 it replied: 'We have been informed by our finance team that the refund is in process and the passengers will be credited by the end of this week.' Well, Friday the 9th came, but no refund arrived. I wondered whether RJA regarded Saturday or Sunday as the end of the week. Fair enough, Saturday arrived but there was no refund, and then Sunday, the same, no refund. I asked the airline to say exactly where it had sent the refund. It failed to reply. I asked whether Royal Jordanian Airlines which is mainly owned by Jordan's government was in financial difficulties. It failed to reply. But it is a fact that late last year RJA announced plans to dig itself out of a very deep financial hole that saw it notch up losses of about 450 million. Big airlines might tolerate this, but RJA is not a big airline and its losses put it in danger of liquidation. It sidestepped this by altering its share structure, but has since been hit financially by the Israel-Hamas conflict. All of this leaves you stuck in a 'the cheque is in the post' situation. You are not alone. A current review of RJA on Tripadvisor warns that, 'Refunds are not their strong point!' That was from a passenger whose flight was cancelled last October. He has still had no refund and emails are unanswered. Another passenger was forced to cancel after RJA changed its schedules six times, which would have left him waiting 48 hours for his connecting flight. He claimed a refund two months ago but has not even received an acknowledgement. 'This company is not like other companies,' he wrote. You can say that again. RJA has not signed up to any air travel Ombudsman scheme that could investigate its failure to repay you. I have now advised you to contact the Civil Aviation Authority. There are lots of reasons not to fly to the Middle East at the moment and Royal Jordanian Airlines has just provided a new one. Frustration: Ovo closed the SSE office without telling customers Why has Ovo lost my bill payment? N.J. writes: Ovo took over my electricity supply from SSE. I paid Ovo's bill by sending a cheque as usual, but it was undeliverable as Ovo closed the SSE office without telling customers. I then paid by bank transfer, but have since received an email saying I had not paid, followed by a threat of court action. Tony Hetherington replies: When you made the bank transfer you completed Ovo's online payment form. This included a space marked 'reference', so you entered it as 'electricity bill'. What Ovo actually wanted was your account number. Trying to sort this out was frustrating for you. You gave Ovo your bank statement but it still could not link the payment to your supply. And when you decided to change supplier, Ovo said it would tell any new supplier that you are a debtor. I asked Ovo to comment, and you were soon called with an apology and an admission that the payment form was badly worded. Your payment has been traced, you owe nothing, and Ovo has offered 100 and a gift hamper by way of saying sorry. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. The board of WPP has been accused of 'neo-colonialist practices' by a disgruntled Kenyan entrepreneur, who alleges that the advertising giant engaged in 'discriminatory' tactics to oust him from his own business. Bharat Thakrar, the founder of Scangroup, one of Africa's largest marketing agencies, has claimed that the FTSE 100 firm discriminated against him and Scangroup's finance chief Satya Das, breaching Kenyan law and 'clearly targeted' executives at the business who were of 'Indian extraction'. In a letter from Thakrar's lawyers seen by The Mail on Sunday, the former Scangroup chief executive also accused the UK-based ad agency of 'deliberately' leaking details of an internal investigation into alleged financial and personal misconduct to local media and causing him 'reputational damage'. Claim: The allegations could become another headache for WPP 'The disciplinary proceedings were in any event discriminatory and amounted to neo-colonialist practices as they were clearly targeted only at our client who is of Indian extraction,' the letter read. Thakrar's lawyers added that WPP had protected a non-Asian high ranking Scangroup executive involved in the affair, who went on to work for another business under the group's umbrella. Several other WPP employees have also been named as part of the claim. WPP denies the allegations. A spokesman said: 'Bharat resigned from WPP-Scangroup in 2021 following allegations of impropriety between 2014 and 2018.' Thakrar set up the business that would become Scangroup in 1982 and WPP invested into the business with a 23 per cent holding in 2009 before acquiring a controlling stake in 2013. Today, WPP owns 56 per cent of the business while Thakrar retains a 10.5 per cent stake. But the former boss alleges that the ad giant 'manipulated itself into a position to control the board of Scangroup' before making allegations against him in an attempt to force his eventual resignation in March 2021. Thakrar is understood to be seeking damages in the region of 24 million and is preparing to file proceedings within weeks, according to a person familiar with the matter. The allegations could become another headache for WPP after an executive from its GroupM media agency in China was detained by police on bribery charges. WPP fired the executive in October. WPP's reputation had already taken a blow in 2018 when its founder Sir Martin Sorrell resigned following allegations of misconduct. The group is also struggling to boost its fortunes amid a downturn in demand for advertising that has pushed WPP's share price down 23 per cent over the past 12 months. Last month, WPP unveiled plans to plough 250 million into artificial intelligence this year and upgraded its medium-term financial targets on the back of a cost-cutting programme that is aiming to save hundreds of millions of pounds. The firm is also mulling whether to offload its 40 per cent stake in market research outfit Kantar, which it is expected could raise billions of pounds. It followed a disappointing third-quarter trading update when WPP issued a second consecutive profit warning in as many quarters, blaming a downturn in client spending in the US and China. WPP's sluggish share price performance has also sparked speculation that it could become a takeover target, with US private equity groups Blackstone and Silver Lake thought to be among the interested parties. Female first: Taylor Wimpey boss Jennie Daly Jennie Daly, the chief executive of Taylor Wimpey, knows how divisive housing can be. She was born in Derry in 1970 when a wave of political violence was sweeping Northern Ireland. 'Housing was a huge social and community issue,' she says. 'There was a high level of underinvestment with a lot of strife as a result.' After the Second World War, Northern Ireland suffered a shortage of council homes and there were protests against anti-Catholic discrimination in housing. 'I am the youngest of four children,' she says. 'Before I was born my parents lived in a third-storey flat with one water tap on the ground floor. 'For a time, one of my siblings had to go to live with my grandma in the country. No one wants to choose a child they have no room for. That drove an understanding of the importance of housing for me.' It certainly puts a stark perspective on the housing divides in the UK today between young and old, North and South, rich and poor. The Government is well aware it is a flashpoint. Housing Secretary Michael Gove warned last week that if the young cannot buy homes of their own they may abandon democracy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week unveiled a plan to boost housebuilding in urban areas to meet the demand for new homes while not alienating voters in the shires. Daly, 53, points to 'a deficit of four and a half million homes in the UK' and argues that we need a national plan for housing. Local plans, she says, are 'patchy in adoption' and decision making at that level is 'very challenging'. A national plan, she argues, is essential so that issues such as transport connections, flood risks, employment and the economy can be considered in a broader context when deciding where to build. She acknowledges that it is 'challenging to deliver in a way that the existing community doesn't feel their services are under pressure'. She adds: 'With planning there is a danger of us feeling it is too big to tackle. But we can't just say it's too hard.' The idea of a young person buying a one-bedroom flat and having it for a few years probably isn't accurate any more She points to stamp duty being 'certainly an area' in which Chancellor Jeremy Hunt could act. Property purchases of under 250,000 are not liable for stamp duty, but it is charged at 5 per cent on homes costing from 250,001 to 925,000. It rises from 10 per cent after that to a top rate of 12 per cent on values above 1.5 million. First-time buyers do not pay stamp duty on properties valued at 425,000 or less. Daly says 'there is a real case' for reducing stamp duty for lower value homes and 'there is definitely a case at the downsizer end'. Cutting the levy further for first-time buyers and for older people who want to trade down from properties that are too big for them after their children leave home would free up the market. 'We have overcrowding at the lower end of the market and under-occupation at the top,' Daly says. 'So it would be an intelligent step. 'House moves drive the economy. We have to look at the dampening effect stamp duty has. 'Mobility is fundamentally important for a healthy economy. When that is made harder because there is a tax such as stamp duty or a lack of availability of homes, then you start to constrain the economic options of the individual and the economy. 'With a lack of suitable housing of the right size, households will stop forming, birth rates will fall, mobility will seize up and the housing market will atrophy.' Does she think there has been a fundamental shift in the property market in the last few years? Will this generation of young people ever enjoy the kind of housing security and wealth that their parents and grandparents did? She doesn't go that far, but suggests that the notion of the housing ladder where people trade up to bigger and better properties no longer holds good. Changing times: First-time buyers are getting older, meaning they may not start with a small property and move up the ladder in the same way as their parents did says Daly 'The idea of a young person buying a one-bedroom flat and having it for a few years probably isn't accurate any more.' She says first-time buyers these days are generally older and have probably already formed a household with a partner and children. 'They want a bigger home and they are more likely to stay for a long time,' Daly says. 'My generation thought about housing as a ladder you moved up, but that concept is changing.' 'Nuts and bolts approach' As for her strategy at Taylor Wimpey, rather than radical change she focuses on operational excellence and serving customers. That means efficiency, discipline, controlling costs, and delivering on time and to budget. 'We talk a lot about keeping things as simple as we can, about discipline,' she says. 'We came into the current market with a really strong balance sheet and an experienced top team. I inherited a business in a really good place. I have focused on the nuts and bolts.' Whether by coincidence or not, this is an approach she shares with other female bosses including Margherita Della Valle at Vodafone. Housebuilding, however, remains a man's world. Daly is the first female chief executive at Taylor Wimpey in more than a century of history. Her awareness of the social side of housing is a change from the churlish greed on display from some male bosses such as Jeff Fairburn, the former chief executive of Persimmon. He brought the entire sector into disrepute with his 75 million bonus. 'When there is a negative story it reflects on all housebuilders,' she says. Daly is on a basic salary of 750,000 plus 75,000 pension contributions, plus a performance-linked bonus of up to 1.1 million and shares worth up to 1.5 million. She has been involved in cleaning up some scandals, notably the leasehold affair, where thousands of people who bought Taylor Wimpey homes and properties from other firms were stuck with ground rent charges that doubled every ten years. These spiralling bills made it hard to sell or remortgage. Ahead of an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority, Taylor Wimpey agreed to release homebuyers from the trap. 'We accepted it was not appropriate,' she says. 'We set a 130 million provision and I spent a number of years going to freeholders to renegotiate those leases. 'There is a long tail of cases, but it is going through. An apology was due and we are genuinely sorry.' Taylor Wimpey was also embroiled in the cladding scandal that followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The company has set aside hundreds of millions of pounds to pay for unsafe cladding to be removed. Daly points to a crisis that is looming over Britain's housing stock. Despite the Luftwaffe's best efforts, 40 per cent of housing in the UK is pre-war. 'We have the oldest stock in the world and some is really energy inefficient,' she says. 'This ageing housing stock is not fit for the future.' I asked Daly whether has she ever lived in a home built by her firm. 'I joined Taylor Wimpey ten years ago and I have been in my current home, with my family, for 17 years,' she says. 'So, no, I have never owned one. Maybe my next move. Some of them are really beautiful.' OTTAWA You're in a Florida beach house. You're under quarantine. And you're saying your final goodbyes to your family. That's all mandated by your bosses, because they're about to send you on a mission you might never return from. Why on Earth would you say yes to that? It's something Jeremy Hansen has been asking himself as he prepares to go on a mission around the moon. The Canadian astronaut says he finds his answers in the paths of those who came before him and helped earn the country its seat at the space exploration table. He's set to be a trailblazer himself, heading to deep space on NASA's Artemis II mission, humanity's first visit to the moon since 1972. "It strings all the way back to decisions that were made in the 1960s in Canada where people started to have a vision of how Canada could leverage space to improve lives on the planet," Hansen said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press. Canada has been invited to become the second country in the world to send a human into deep space. That's a phrase Hansen, a self-professed science fiction aficionado, repeated twice. It's worth it, he said. "How did that happen? Visionaries. That's how it happened and it's worked over decades to get here." He's the only Canadian on the crewed mission that aims to fly around the moon in September 2025. The others are Americans. One of them is Reid Wiseman, whom Hansen has known since 2009 because they were in the same astronaut class at NASA. The others are Victor Glover and Christina Hammock Koch, who came up in the class after them. "I feel like I've known this crew a long time so we're kind of past those sort of initial phases of a relationship," Hansen said. They don't think much about their differences in nationality, he said, viewing each other as friends rather than foreigners. NASA and the Canada Space Agency have jointly sent astronauts in space since 1982. But it's not a given that the Canadians will hang on to their current stature as humanity eyes Mars. Story continues "If Canada is going to continue to be a meaningful partner in those endeavors, we're gonna have to continue to make visionary and very strategic investments," Hansen said. "And really inspire ourselves and remind ourselves that we are capable of doing these extraordinary things and not sell ourselves short." It hasn't always been easy for Canadians in the astronaut class to establish themselves among their American peers, Hansen said, though he describes himself as "very integrated." When Marc Garneau became the first Canadian to fly to space, he reportedly beat out American astronauts who had waited over a decade for that chance. In an interview with the Globe and Mail newspaper in 2002, Garneau said he felt "eyes burning through my back" when he walked down the halls at NASA. "I felt I should keep a low profile because some of these people are probably resentful of the fact that, having been selected less than a year before, I flew 10 months later. That was viewed as parachuting by the professional astronauts," he told the newspaper. Hansen said he sees himself standing on the shoulders of giants like Garneau. "Those prior astronauts have really built a good reputation for us. So when I showed up, I felt like all that stuff was already behind us, all those growing pains," Hansen said. When it came to the Americans, he added, "although we have different cultures we have just figured out how to work together." Creating a culture around good communication is the biggest task ahead for the Artemis II crew, Hansen said. That includes intentionally carving out time to talk about failures, luck and possibly meeting their end on the dark side of the moon as they perform a figure-eight manoeuvre. The astronauts often navigate complex conversations around how to mitigate different risks that could lead to the loss of the crew "but also acknowledging you will never get the risk down to zero." This month, Hansen said, there will be a stressful training course that involves "bobbing around the Pacific Ocean." It is intended to be a simulation of their capsule being plucked out of the Pacific by the U.S. Navy, as will happen at the end of their eight-day mission if all goes to plan. "I think that the realizations will definitely hit me in the days leading up to launch when I'm saying goodbye to my family, when I'm making sure all my affairs are in order," Hansen said. "Before I go, it'll definitely be some moments of fear." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2024. With files from the Associated Press. Mickey Djuric, The Canadian Press Screen legend: Loretta in the TV series about US military doctors Double Emmy Award-winning actress Loretta Swit was already an established theatre and TV star when in 1972 she landed the role of Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the hit show M*A*S*H. Unlike several co-stars she stayed the course, finally hanging up her dog tags when the show about American military doctors serving abroad ended in 1983. Swit has also starred in stage and screen comedies and dramas, from Mission: Impossible to The Muppet Show. Now an author and entrepreneur with her own line of jewellery and perfume, Swit, 86, tells Dan Moore she is an animal rights campaigner. Since her divorce from actor Dennis Holahan in 1995, she has shared her New York home with two rescue dogs, Yorkshire terriers. Where did you get the acting bug? My family did not understand me at all. They were mystified by my passion for acting. We laughed about it later because they put up such resistance to me going into it, and then they were so proud when I turned it around. It wasn't that they didn't love me or want me to be happy, they just knew the chances of making a living out of acting weren't good. Did you struggle to make a living when you started out? Nothing terrific comes easy. I trained and then worked as an executive secretary. I joined the Kelly Girls, an employment service that placed secretaries in jobs where they could create their own schedule. This was imperative for me because I'd need to go looking for acting work and take long lunches to audition. I had some extraordinary jobs. I worked at the UN, and at the embassy of Ghana as secretary to the ambassador. Secretarial work was a varied, colourful job, but I wasn't paid much, just enough to cover groceries and the $75 a month in rent. Now you wouldn't get a closet in New York for that amount. I was also earning about $15 a week in an off-Broadway show. That helped. When did you feel that you had made it as an actor? If acting was your main job, rather than a side hustle, when you were out of work you could collect benefit. This effectively meant you've made it as an actor when you were queuing up for your unemployment cheque! How did M*A*S*H change your career? From the get-go I thought we had something very special. I thought the formula was unbeatable. The stories, the dramas, really hit home. I'm a saver. I'm not frivolous although all the trips to the restaurant Giorgio's in New York don't support this theory You had people doing noble work in a place they didn't want to be. It's dangerous, terrible stitching bodies together of boys who weren't old enough to shave and restrictive, especially for those who had families back home. As for me, it wasn't about the money, which was OK, it was the consistency, and to work all the time at something that you enjoy with people you love. It was like dying and going to actor heaven. What was your best year, financially? That would be during the mid-1970s. I had to fight hard with the writers to convince them that my character, Margaret, could be funny and still have integrity. I won the right to change her name from 'Hot Lips' to Margaret, in honour of every servicewoman who went to Korea, who weren't there for decoration, but to do a job. When it came to pay, I'm not sure it increased in line with the growth of the character, but it was fine. For a nanosecond I considered leaving M*A*S*H to do Cagney & Lacey, about two New York police detectives. I'd done the pilot film and was torn. In the end, I didn't leave. In any case, Fox and CBS, who owned both shows, said they wouldn't let me out of my contract. Helping hand: Loretta's charity helps pets to get the veterinary care they need This would have been the perfect opportunity for my agent to go in and say: 'You're going to have to pay her double what she's getting.' But they didn't and I just carried on. I found the work rewarding, it was a secure job by that stage and I was making enough money to feel satisfied. Not hundreds of thousands, but enough to feel wanted and be financially secure. Are you a spender or a saver? I'm a saver. I'm not frivolous although all the trips to the restaurant Giorgio's in New York don't support this theory. What is your top treat? I love my home, my animals, and I have a great fireplace. I have some good, close friends and we meet for a yack and a laugh. Do you have a pension? We all did, automatically, if you were in the union. So, there was a little taken from every pay cheque, and the residual built up over time. It's come in handy. What has been your best money decision? Buying my first home, a three-storey house on the border of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, just before M*A*S*H. This was off the back of some leading roles on shows that paid well, such as Hawaii 5-0, Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and I paid something like $545,000. I put a downpayment of $12,000, which was all I had. I read recently it had sold for $5 million (4 million). Now I live in a lovely old high-ceilinged flat, with its beautiful fireplace in a glorious area of New York, but it's not in that league, financially. What is your financial priority? My charity, the SwitHeart Animal Alliance. It's a global venture that helps animals get the treatment they need if they've been abandoned, abused or because their owners can't afford the care. I work with some vets who lower their prices so we can cover the rest to get essential surgery done that a family who loves their dog or cat couldn't afford. How do you fund your SwitHeart animal charity? We can cover surgeries through our alliances with other like-minded organisations, donations and other support. I put all the proceeds of my book of animal paintings SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit to the cause. It's the same with my line of jewellery and perfume. Just recently we had a little cat that needed an amputation, which is really pricy, and we could pay for that operation. It's a wonderful thing. Everyone wins. We've not raised excessive sums we don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to hand. Every time we have money, we dole it out for primary care. The captured US Navy sailor known to his North Vietnamese guards as 'The Incredibly Stupid One' had a sneaky trick up his sleeve. During the Vietnam War, Seaman Apprentice Douglas B. Hegdahl survived for two years in the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' prison by posing as an illiterate fool, while secretly memorizing the names of 256 American servicemen held there. Memorized to the tune of 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm', the list of names likely saved many lives, by confirming the men were still alive and putting immense pressure on the North Vietnamese to release them at the war's end. Hegdahl, now 77, is living quietly in San Diego, retired after an illustrious career spent teaching at the US Navy SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) School at Naval Base Coronado. A family member told DailyMail.com he is 'not really interested in attention in general' and didn't wish to speak publicly about his harrowing war experience. But Hegdahl is one of the great unsung heroes of the Vietnam War, and a legend among fellow veterans and former POWs. This is his remarkable tale of survival. Navy sailor Douglas B. Hegdahl survived for two years in the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' prison by posing as an illiterate fool Hegdahl, now 77, secretly memorized the names of 256 American servicemen held prisoner in Vietnam, allowing them to be reclassified from MIA to POW years before the war ended Born in 1946 in Clark, South Dakota, Hegdahl enlisted in the Navy in 1966 with one goal: he wanted to see Australia. The Navy granted his wish with an assignment to the USS Canberra, with a recruiter telling Hegdahl that the guided missile cruiser would likely make a port call at its namesake city in Australia during his hitch, according to a fellow POW's account. Hegdahl was trained as a gunner's mate, but before the ship made it Down Under, it was sent to patrol off the the coast of Vietnam, where American intervention had rapidly escalated. On April 5, 1967, Hegdahl was due to work an early morning watch, but beforehand decided to get some fresh air on the deck, apparently unaware that the ship's eight-inch guns were firing at targets on Vietnam's Highway 1. Recoil from the guns knocked Hegdahl overboard, and when he came to in the water, his cries for help were drowned out by the boom of artillery. He watched treading water as the Canberra sailed over the horizon, but vowed to survive. Hegdahl fashioned a crude lifejacket out of his pants, and made his way towards shore once the sun came up in the east. He was in the water for 12 hours before Cambodian fishermen rescued him. Though the fishermen were friendly, they immediately turned him over to the North Vietnamese, who accused him of being a CIA commando. Hegdahl, who was carrying no ID, had to think quickly to outsmart his captors. 'I had probably the most embarrassing capture of the entire Vietnam War,' Hegdahl recalled in an interview for the 1997 documentary, Vietnam POWs: Stories of Survival. 'I found that my defense posture was just to play dumb. Let's face it, when you fall off the boat, you have a lot to work with,' he added. Seaman apprentice Douglas Hegdahl (right) and Lt. Cmdr. Richard Stratton take showers in the Hanoi Hilton. This photo, made by two East German photographers was one of the first views published in America of captured servicemen in Vietnam Hegdahl, seen in an East German propaganda video, was allowed to roam freely in the camp and tasked with sweeping the courtyard after convincing guards he was an illiterate fool The gates of the infamous Hoa Lo prison, also called the Hanoi Hilton, are seen above Hedgahl was taken to Hoa Lo Prison, better known as the Hanoi Hilton. Nearly all the other prisoners were captured pilots, and as an enlisted man he was among the most junior-ranked POWs. At first, prison guards were astonished when Hegdahl eagerly agreed to write out propaganda statements condemning the US. But as they dictated the statement, he asked how to spell every word, and wrote in an illegible chicken scratch, pretending to be illiterate and telling them he was a 'poor peasant' from North Dakota. The guards believed they had struck gold with a prisoner foolish enough to do their bidding, and brought in a tutor to teach him how to write. But they soon found Hegdahl to be an unteachable student, apparently unable to grasp even the rudiments of the written word, and gave up trying to tutor him. Probing for weaknesses, the guards once asked Hegdahl what he wanted more than anything in the world, expecting him to answer that he wanted to return home. He confounded them by thinking hard and responding 'a pillow,' since the prison camp beds had none. The guards began to refer to Hegdahl as 'The Incredibly Stupid One' and considered him harmless enough to roam freely in the prison camp, where he was tasked with sweeping up. 'That's not a very heroic resistance posture, but it got me through some pretty tough times,' Hegdahl recalled. Hegdahl is seen in captivity. He was among the lowest ranking men in the prison camp, since most other POWs were pilots who had been shot down 'I found that my defense posture was just to play dumb. Let's face it, when you fall off the boat, you have a lot to work with,' Hegdahl recalled in a 1997 interview Hegdahl was assigned to a cell with an Air Force pilot, Lt. Joseph Crecca Jr, who speculated that the enlisted sailor would be among the first released, and tasked him with memorizing the names of every POW. 'At first I thought it would be an impossible task,' Hegdahl recalled in a 1998 documentary, Return With Honor. But Crecca advised him to use a rhyme or jingle to help him commit the names, and Hegdahl selected the tune of 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm'. Eventually, Hegdahl memorized the names and ranks of 256 men, as well as details such as Social Security numbers or a pet's name to verify their authenticity. Meanwhile, Hegdahl used his freedom as he swept the prison yard to sabotage five North Vietnamese trucks, waiting for the guard to fall asleep, and then putting a small amount of dirt in the gas tanks at a time. 'I saw five trucks towed disabled out of the prison camp,' wrote fellow POW Dick Beak Stratton, a Navy pilot, in an essay about Hegdahl. 'Doug Hegdahl, a high school graduate from the mess decks fell off a ship and has five enemy trucks to his credit,' added Stratton, saying that Hegdahl is one of only two men he knows of who destroyed enemy equipment while a POW. Stratton continued: 'I am a World Famous Golden Dragon (VA 192) with two college degrees, 2000 jet hours, 300 carrier landings and 22 combat missions. How many enemy trucks do I have to my credit? Zero.' To sow dissent and break the spirits of prisoners, the guards would sometimes dangle the offer of an early release to those who cooperated. Naval officer James Stockdale, who later ran for vice president in 1992 on Ross Perot's ticket, was the most senior officer held in the Hanoi Hilton, and strictly forbade any men to accept early release. 'I put the word out, no fink releases,' Stockdale recalled in the 1997 documentary. 'Accept no amnesty, we all go home together.' Prisoners who disobeyed Stockdale's orders and accepted the early releases were considered 'rat finks' and traitors by the men who remained behind. But when the guards offered Hegdahl a chance at release, his superiors among the POWs ordered him to accept it, and get the information he had about the prisoners back to the Pentagon. 'Doug did not want to be put in the same boat, the same thought process, with those rat finks,' recalled Stratton. 'So he was hesitant. He did not want to be tarred brushed with a "go home early label". And it's a measure of I think, his bravery that he took a very unpalatable order and obeyed it. Douglas B. Hegdahl (center) arrives back in the US with two other prisoners released from North Vietnam in 1969 Accompanied by anti-war activist Rennie Davis (right), Hegdahl (second from left) and the two other prisoners freed alongside him are seen after their release Hegdahl, who lost 60 pounds in captivity, addresses the press after his release Hegdahl was released on August 4, 1969, alongside two other men who, unlike him, did not have orders to accept release. When he sat down in a debriefing and began reeling off names in a sing-song jingle, the stunned interviewer asked him to slow down. 'No, it's like riding a bicycle, you tip over,' Hegdahl recalled answering. He later said: 'But that was the thing I was probably most proud of, to change the status of quite a few people from MIA to POW.' Hegdahl received an honorable discharge from the Navy on July 1, 1970, and remained in the inactive reserves until October 24, 1972. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. He went on to teach survival skills at the Navy SERE School for many years, and in 1998, at a reunion dinner for POWs, he was still able to recite the complete list of names. Although other early returnees carried a stigma for accepting release before all prisoners could return home, Hegdahl was always embraced by fellow POWs. The January 31 filing obtained by DailyMail.com includes phone transcripts in which Hoppe, 45, discusses the scheme in calls to her family Prosecutors filed an opposition to Eleanor Hunton Hoppe's latest plea for pre-trial release, citing her 'deceptive' tactic to evade her jail calls being monitored Virginia socialite mom Eleanor Hunton Hoppe has used trickery to evade her phone calls being monitored in the jail where she is held on charges of planning a horrific sex assault on an eight-year-old girl, according to new court papers obtained by DailyMail.com. Hoppe the ex-wife of a federal judge has been caught entering the allocated PIN numbers of other inmates to call her family in a bid to have secretive conversations, prosecutors claim. And her family of noted attorneys has played along with her scheme, federal authorities claim. Hoppe has been calling her distinguished lawyer father, Eppa Hunton V, for unmonitored 'client' calls after claiming he was her attorney of record when he is not, US Attorney Matthew Graves said in the new filings. But the 45-year-old mom of two, who was snared in an FBI sting last March, was caught out after being heard discussing the scheme in calls to her father, a member of one of Richmond's leading legal families, according to the latest filing. Transcripts of conversations between the two were included in the US Government's opposition to Hoppe's latest plea for pretrial release from the Correctional Treatment Facility in Washington DC, where she has been held since her dramatic arrest last March. Eleanor Hunton Hoppe, 45, has been caught entering the allocated PIN numbers of other inmates to call her family in a bid to have secretive conversations, prosecutors claim in a new filing from January 31 The latest filing opposes (pictured left with her ex-husband Judge Joel Hoppe) Hunton Hoppe's second request for pre-trial release on December 9, in which she claimed she's 'not particularly dangerous' and has asked to live with an aunt while she awaits trial She filed a motion to the US District Court for the District of Columbia to be freed on December 9 last year saying she was 'not particularly dangerous' and wants to be allowed to live with an aunt while proceedings continue. It was the second time she has attempted to be sprung from incarceration over the case in which she's accused of driving to meet a man she met over the internet and who she believed would bring his young daughter to a hotel so they could abuse her together. However, the opposition filing states: 'The government has recently discovered that the defendant is engaged in ongoing misconduct at the Correctional Treatment Facility to avoid having her phone calls monitored. 'Namely, the defendant has used the PIN numbers of other inmates to place calls in an attempt to evade monitoring by law enforcement.' It also says that Hoppe claimed to the Department of Corrections that her 76-year-old father and her brother Eppa Hunton VI, 43, are her attorneys of record and so should be on the 'do not record/monitor' list but the two lawyers are not her legal representatives. Additionally, it was revealed in the transcripts that members of Hoppe's family are in discussions to have a book written on her case. In a call to her mother Mary, 74, on June 29, 2023, Hoppe said: 'Here's what I'm going to do, because I'm super sick of every time I give you guys sensitive information, it seems to blow up in my face. 'I don't know why it took me so long to figure this out, but I'm going to start calling you from other people's phones. Why? Because nobody monitors their phones from the prosecution, like they monitor my phone. Haha! The January 31 filing obtained by DailyMail.com includes phone transcripts in which Hoppe, 45, discusses the scheme in calls to her family 'So, if you get calls from corrections agencies from people you've never heard the name, please accept them. I mean, we're not going to call collect, I'm going to use my money. Doesn't that make sense? 'Why haven't I been doing that the past few months? I don't know. Probably because I'm not used to being in jail. That might be.' Days later, in a July 1 call to her father, she confirms the plan and appears to gloat by saying: 'The plan is, because I'm sick of well, there's some things, there's plenty of stuff that the prosecution hasn't overheard 'But it you get calls from, I don't know how it comes through saying people at the jail are calling you or whatever, from random people, that's still me. 'We gonna start I don't know why it took me so long to figure this out I'm gonna start using other people's phones to call you, they'll use my phone to call their people, you know what I mean, so that we can talk.' The transcript says Eppa Hunton V replies: 'Oh yeah. Just to confuse the listeners?' Hoppe: 'Yeah. Brilliant isn't it.' Her father: 'Brilliant.' Hoppe: 'I don't know why the hell I didn't think of this earlier.' In an exchange with both parents the same day, the transcripts say Hoppe tells them: 'I'll be sure to give you everything from somebody else's phone.' (Laughs) Her father: 'All right.' (Laughs) She also appears to indicate that the pin number swaps were already taking place, with other inmates also calling their families unmonitored and breaching security. Hoppe: 'You should hear the stuff that's rolling around, now that everybody's I was like ladies, how does this work? And I got them to test it out with their families. Now people are like, oh my god people are on the phone to family and friendslike they're coming after you head out of state for a while. I'm like, oh s***.' Her father: (Laughs) Prosecutors argue that Hunton Hoppe's alleged misconduct is grounds to deny her motion for pre-trial release Hoppe: 'Yeah exactly. 'Oh that Hispanic woman talking to the cops.' I'm like, oh my god. This is not what I intended at all. Yeah, totally. 'So and so is snitching, get 'em'. I just can't even.' At this point Hoppe's mother says: 'Please write this stuff down. I'm not kidding. I have talked to someone and they are very interested in putting together a book.' The filing also included conversation transcripts where Hoppe appears to induce her father to go along with her plan for another way to have unmonitored calls. He is not her attorney of record, but she says to him: 'I need your bar number so that you can be added to a confidential attorney list so that I can call you confidentially.' Eppa Hunton V: 'Oh interesting. Yeah.' (Gives bar number) Hoppe: 'Alright. When somebody calls you, don't say 'I'm her dad'. OK? They'll just call you to get permission because you're an attorney that helps me.' Her father: 'OK.' Hoppe's ex-husband Joel Hoppe, a magistrate judge in the Western District of Virginia, sought to modify the custody agreement for his two daughters after her arrest last year The filing states: 'The government has confirmed that beginning on September 26, 2023 and continuing to the present, the defendant placed dozens of calls to her father's number that were free, unrecorded attorney-client calls despite the fact that he is not her attorney and does not represent her.' The government filing reiterated that Hoppe wanted to be released into the custody of an aunt, who would ensure she had no access to electronic devices. 'However, the defendant's own actions while at CTF undercut this claim the defendant simple needs access to a phone to reoffend,' it says. 'The misconduct that she has engaged in at CTF involving phone usage shows her willingness to use deceit and manipulation to evade restrictions placed on her phone access. 'Moreover, the defendant is willing to involve her family in her misconduct and, in turn, her family has willingly joined in her behavior without hesitation or concern for the rules that the defendant is supposed to abide by.' It adds: 'Given the serious danger that the defendant's access to a phone poses to children, a third-party custodian particularly a family member with not monitoring experience is not sufficient to protect the community.' DailyMail.com contacted the laws office of Eppa Hunton V in Richmond about the latest filing and was told: 'He has no comment.' The arrest of Hoppe, the ex-wife of federal judge Joel Hoppe, stunned elite communities in Charlottesville, where she was living and her native Richmond, where she grew up amid wealth and privilege as a member of her legal powerhouse family. Hunton Hoppe's dramatic arrest outside a hotel in Warrenton, Virginia last March came after weeks of messaging with an undercover FBI agent about a fictitious eight-year-old girl she allegedly sought to abuse Joel Hoppe filed for divorce from in May 2020, eight months after the couple separated, claiming she 'initiated sexual contact, and committed adultery' with another man Hoppe is being held iin the District of Columbia Correctional Treatment Facility in Washington She was snared at a hotel in Warrenton, Virginia, after allegedly arranging to meet a man she believed was a perverted father she had met on a fetish website. It is claimed she planned to sexually abuse the man's eight-year-old girl with him. But the girl was fictitious and the man she had been chatting with online turned out to be an FBI agent. Hoppe had messaged the undercover cop sickening details about what she wanted to do the child, according to court filings. She was also accused of sending the agent a 30-second video and three still images of young minor girls being horrifically sexually abused by men. Hoppe pleaded not guilty to distribution of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor and attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. She had previously worked in child advocacy and support organizations and was a volunteer at her prestigious local Episcopal church in Charlottesville that is affiliated with the University of Virginia, DailyMail.com revealed. The mom is accused of entering a fetish website where users discuss and trade images of child sex abuse, according to the criminal complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. A criminal complaint obtained by DailyMail.com last year confirmed she was charged with three federal crimes: Distributing child porn, enticement of a minor and attempted transportation of a minor with attempt to engage in sexual activity She allegedly used the screen-name 'titotori' and started an email chat with another user, who was an undercover FBI Task Force officer based at the Washington DC field office and operating out of a satellite location. According to the filing, Hoppe told the agent she was a mother and wanted to chat about 'taboo parenting'. The undercover officer responded he was the father of a young girl, at which point Hoppe directed the agent to a social media app that encrypts messages. There, she used the name 'tori4fun' and in a series of messages starting February 23 she revealed she lived in Charlottesville. On February 27, 2023 the Virginia mom allegedly contacted the agent through the app to ask about the abuse he was perpetrating against his daughter, saying 'what do you think your next step will be?' Throughout the message exchange Hoppe expressed an interest in traveling to Washington to abuse the undercover agent's fictitious daughter with him, the papers stated. She repeatedly said she wanted to help the 'father' introduce the eight-year-old to sexual activity and around March 12, 2023 it was agreed she would travel from her home, said the filing. Hoppe is said to have messaged the undercover agent with the sickening words: 'I can't wait and then of course, putting her to bed and waking her up to do a few extra things will be so fun.' She then suggested something about anal sex, later adding: 'Has she seen videos of little girls with her dad yet?' Hoppe is then said to have sent the agent a 30-second clip of a 'small-framed female who appears to be on a bed'. The complaint says: 'The small female, who appears to be a minor, can only be seen from behind, and she is nude from the waist down.' It continues to say that a man is having sex with the female in the video. On March 16, the filing says, Hoppe sent three images to the undercover agent who was in an FBI office. All three showed men having sex with prepubescent girls. That afternoon it was agreed she would travel 70 miles to a hotel in Warrenton. 'Hoppe sent the UC (undercover officer) a photograph of a pink silk robe she would bring, with the message, 'Her big girl robe for tonight'.' Even as she traveled for the meeting, Hoppe messaged with horrific instructions and suggestions, it is alleged. However, she was arrested as soon as she arrived at the hotel. Despite claiming she had traveled there to save the child from abuse, officers found a pink children's bag containing lubricant, silk underwear and a pink silk robe in her car. Judge Hoppe, who sits at the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, later filed for sole custody of their children days after the arrest, citing shocking allegations in legal documents exclusively revealed by DailyMail.com. The ex-spouses had previously agreed to joint physical custody in May 2021 after a messy divorce battle during which the magistrate judge accused his ex-wife of hunting for sex with other men and women. In court papers filed in Albemarle Circuit Court, Virginia, Joel, 46, further claimed that his ex had brought a sexual partner back to the marital home while their young daughters were there. The $200,000-a-year judge filed for divorce in May 2020, eight months the couple separated. He also made clear he was not involved in anything his then-wife was doing, with the complaint stating: 'The adultery was not procured nor due do the conniving of the plaintiff.' The deputy leader of the National Party Perin Davey has admitted she drank alcohol before making a rambling statement at a late-night Senate committee meeting - despite her office earlier insisting she was just 'passionate' during the appearance. Footage of Ms Davey during the meeting last Tuesday night in Canberra has been widely shared on social media and shows her slurring while speaking about arts funding during the Environment and Communications Estimates Committee meeting. Ms Davey told Sky News on Saturday she'd had a couple of glasses of red wine before the meeting. 'I went to the Nationals staff drinks that were on Tuesday night,' Ms Davey confirmed. 'I don't think I was drunk.' When contacted by Daily Mail Australia during the week, a spokesperson for Ms Davey argued she had merely been displaying her passion for the arts. Ms Davey had struggled to articulate her concerns about funding for the Major Performing Arts (MPAs) sector at the meeting. 'The MPAs are still getting their funding which is good, cos they deserve it. Let me take nothing away. They, they absolutely, you know, this is, this is Australian culture,' Ms Davey rambled during her speech. 'When it comes to program funding, are we still having program funding, outside the four year model and outside the MPA model, are we still seeing program funding? 'Or, do we have, segregated out, the MPA you've got your funding, go and do your arts - we love you - and then small to mediums and others, and accepting others have four year funding and that helps with their core business model, but all of the rest of you fight against each other but they're no longer fighting against the MPAs.' When contacted by Daily Mail Australia during the week, a spokesperson for Ms Davey argued she had merely been displaying her passion for the arts A Labor insider asked what point Ms Davey was trying to make in her long-winded statement. 'If I went to a meeting like that, I'd be asked to go home and rest,' the source - who watched the situation unfold - told Daily Mail Australia Earlier, a Labor insider asked what point Ms Davey was trying to make in her long-winded statement. 'If I went to a meeting like that, I'd be asked to go home and rest,' the source - who watched the situation unfold - told Daily Mail Australia. In response the spokesperson for Ms Davey had earlier insisted the senator was coherent throughout the hearing and slammed the criticism as 'pathetic'. 'Senator Davey is very passionate about arts funding in the regions and has been pushing for a greater slice of the arts and cultural budgets for regional Australia ever since she arrived in Parliament. Its understood a long-term medical condition may have contributed to the incident. The senator's questions and statements flowed better earlier in the committee hearing and during a Sky News interview that same day. Compare the pair. 3 hours apart. pic.twitter.com/96hsKy2iWA Dee Madigan (@deemadigan) February 16, 2024 Labor-aligned advertising guru Dee Madigan also shared footage of Ms Davey to X with the caption 'Compare the pair. 3 hours apart.' In that TV interview, Ms Davey discussed the High Court decision that saw 149 asylum seekers - some charged with serious crimes - released into the community. During the interview, the NSW senator effectively criticised the Albanese government's handling of the crisis, arguing that Labor was 'forewarned' about the worst case scenario and reacted in an 'arrogant' manner. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Senator Davey for comment. A straight-A student who tried to assassinate an MP with two kitchen knives could rot in a maximum security prison for the rest of her life after her bid to be moved to an open prison was blocked at the last minute. Al Qaeda-inspired Roshonara Choudhry, then 21, was jailed for life at the Old Bailey in 2010 for trying to murder Labour MP Stephen Timms in Newham, east London. She attacked him with a three-inch kitchen knife at a constituency surgery on May 14, 2010, to 'get revenge for the people of Iraq' - to the shock of friends and teachers who had seen Choudhry as a star student and aspiring teacher. The married politician, 55 at the time of the attack, was knifed twice in the stomach - suffering wound lacerations to the left lobe of his liver - but survived after surgery. Choudhry, found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for life with a minimum 15 years, had been radicalised online - obsessively watching terror preachers' sermons. Roshonara Choudhry, pictured here at Madame Tussaud's in London with a waxwork Spiderman, became radicalised online before attempting to murder MP Stephen Timms Roshonara Choudhry, jailed for life with a minimum of 15 years at the Old Bailey in November 2010, has now failed in a bid to be transferred to an open prison Dominic Raab intervened in early 2023 when Justice Secretary to block Roshonara Choudhury's move to an open prison MailOnline can now reveal that Choudhry, now 33, had an 'oral hearing' in January last year 'and indicated through her legal representative that she hoped to be transferred to open conditions as a result of the Parole Board review.' The board agreed she should be moved to an open prison - only for then-Justice Secretary Dominic Raab to intervene and ensure she was kept in a closed jail, on the grounds of public safety. Such an intervention by the secretary of state is rare, with fewer than one per cent of Parole Board recommendations being turned down over the last five years. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: 'Protecting the public is our number one priority which is why we've put in place a tougher three-step test for moves to open prisons ultimately blocking Roshonara Choudry's transfer.' Choudhry - believed to be behind bars at top-security women's prison HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey - will become eligible for release after serving her minimum tariff in May next year, likely to coincide with her next parole hearing. Her descent from promising pupil to murderous terrorist sympathiser - said to have wanted to 'become a martyr' - baffled many, including her victim who suggested she had been 'a very bright young woman with everything to live for'. Her Old Bailey trial in November heard Choudhry was born to a Bangladeshi family in Newham who were not particularly religious and lived in East Ham, east London. She was the eldest of five and a gifted student and linguist, being fluent in four languages including French. She obtained straight As in her GCSEs and A-levels and went on on to study at the prestigious King's College London, while she spent weekends volunteering for an east London Islamic school and was thought to have wanted to become a teacher. READ MORE: Curse the judge, shout fanatics as the Muslim girl who knifed MP smiles as she gets life Advertisement But at the time of the attack Choudhry had just dropped out of an English and Communications degree after two years, despite having won several academic prizes during that time. Alan Fortune, the senior lecturer who taught Choudhry, said after her trial: 'She was a most talented and respected students and was on course to achieve a first-class honours degree.' Friends had believed she felt little interest in religion, only her studies. But police would discover that, behind her respectable facade, Choudhry was angry that King's had given an award to the Israeli politician Shimon Peres in addition to running anti-radicalisation programmes. Their investigations found her online radicalisation was fuelled by the sermons of Anwar al-Awlaki, leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Labour MP Stephen Timms, pictured leaving the Royal London Hospital in May 2010, was stabbed twice in the stomach - suffering wound lacerations to the left lobe of his liver Roshonara Choudhry stabbed Mr Timms with the top knife, with a three-inch blade, and took along the five-inch blade second weapon as a back-up in case the first broke In November 2009, Choudhry began downloading more than 100 hours of sermons and lectures by al-Awlaki in which he preached the need for 'violent action to combat the atrocities of the West against Muslims around the world'. He has claimed: 'Assassinations, bombings, and acts of arson are all legitimate forms of revenge against a system that relishes the sacrilege of Islam in the name of freedom.' In interviews with police, Choudhry explained how she had stumbled across his teachings on YouTube and went on to watch more than 100 hours of sermons. She said: 'I wasn't searching for him, I just came across him. He explains things really comprehensively and in an interesting way so I thought I could learn a lot from him. 'I was also surprised at how little I knew about my religion so that motivated me to learn more.' She also said she did not attend a mosque but would 'just pray at home' and when asked he should talked about Islam with, she replied: 'In general I just talk about it to my brothers and sisters but I dont mention everything to them.' Anwar al-Awlaki, pictured, used his personal website to encourage Muslims around the world to take revenge on the US and UK for the Iraq war - inspiring Roshonara Choudhry Choudhry would watch two of the lectures each day and finished the complete set in the first week of May, days before the attack - with the sermons changing her views of the Iraq war and its backers, which had not been especially marked beforehand. She also read a book recommended by Al-Awlaki called 'The Book of Jihad' by Ibn Nuhaas, with chapter titles such as 'The virtues of killing a non-believer for the sake of Allah'. Choudhry identified radical Islamic website Revolutionmuslim.com as another source of inspiration. The site published a list of MPs voting in favour of the Iraq war and urged Muslims to take up the 'knife of jihad' against them, explaining how to find constituency surgeries' times and addresses 'where you can encounter them in person'. Choudhry methodically planned the attack, registering her local East Ham MP Mr Timms's pro Iraq War views. The pair had actually met three years earlier when she was part of a group of sixth-form students to whom he gave a tour of the Houses of Parliament - during which another girl kept asking about the war in Iraq. Choudhry later recalled to police: 'At the time I was thinking that she should be quiet and that she was embarrassing herself - I didn't say anything to support her, I just sat there feeling embarrassed. 'I guess I respected her for having the guts to say all these things to his face but I wasn't brave enough to say anything, I just sat quietly.' She acted, however, in 2010 when she made an appointment to see Mr Timms at 2.45pm on May 14 at his surgery at Beckton Globe community centre. CCTV footage shown at Choudhry's Old Bailey trial revealed her, pictured right, entering Beckton Globe community centre on May 14 2010 carrying a bag containing her two knives Choudhry, pictured in the bottom left-hand corner, is seen plunging a knife into Labour MP Stephen Timms, just out of shot One of the two kitchen knives Choudhry packed to carry out the attack is shown circled A security guard managed to grab Choudhry, then 21, to end the violent assault on Mr Timms She packed a three-inch blade as well as a back-up five-inch blade in case the first broke, while also paying off her student loans and emptying her bank account to ensure the British state could not seize her money after her arrest. After being called to see the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the surgery at 3pm, she walked around the desk and extended her left hand to greet him. As she did so, she produced a knife in her right hand and stabbed him in the abdomen - then thrust the knife at him again as he tried to ward off the blow. He later recalled: 'I thought she must have been coming to shake my hand - she looked friendly, she was smiling. READ MORE: The moment Muslim student inspired by Al Qaeda ink bomber pulled a knife on an MP before stabbing him as 'punishment' for voting for the Iraq war Advertisement 'I was a little puzzled because a Muslim woman dressed in that way would not normally be willing to shake a man's hand, still less to take the initiative to do so. 'She stabbed me twice and after that, I did retreat - I retreated into the toilet, which was behind where I was standing, lifted up my jumper and realised there was quite a lot of blood there.' When subsequently asked what she had been trying to do, Choudhry replied: 'I was trying to kill him.' She later added: 'I wasn't going to stop stabbing him until someone made me.' She told of Googling Mr Timms and found he was 'very strongly' in favour of the Iraq war. When asked by police, 'What makes you think that it's your place to go and stab him?', she replied: 'Because I'm a Muslim and all Muslims are brothers and sisters - so if he attacked them, then he's likely to attack me too.' Mr Timms was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, having suffered lacerations to the left lobe of the liver and a perforation to the stomach. The injuries were 'potentially life-threatening', but he was released after five days and made a full recovery. Choudhry, who refused to attend the trial, appeared by videolink for sentencing after showing no remorse - and smiled as she was addressed by the judge. Mr Justice Cooke, sentencing, told her: 'You said you ruined the rest of your life. You said it was worth it. You said you wanted to be a martyr.' He went on to tell Choudhry he hoped she would come to understand the 'distorted nature' of her thinking and repent. Choudhry, now 33, is believed to be remaining behind bars at HMP Bronzefield Bronzefield, in Ashford in Surrey, is Britain's largest and highest-security prison for women Mr Timms - now Sir Stephen, since being knighted in 2022 - said: 'My real worry about it all is that a very bright young woman with everything to live for would reach the conclusion that she should throw it all away by attempting to kill the local MP. Labour's East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms, knighted in 2022, has called for a tougher crackdown on extremist websites 'It is puzzling and alarming that she seems to have reached the conclusion by spending time on some website. 'That raises questions about what's on the web - as I understand it, the material she accessed would be illegal if it were hosted in the UK.' Sir Stephen, now 68, has since called in the Commons for ministers to do more to ensure internet firms remove extremist material from websites including videos on YouTube. Choudhry's sentencing hearing was disrupted by shouts from the public gallery of 'British go to hell' and 'curse the judge', by people believed to be from the banned UK organisation Al-Muhajiroun, also known as Islam4uk. IT worker Bilal Zaheer Ahmad, then 24 and from Wolverhampton, was jailed for 12 years in July 2011 after praising Choudhry online as a 'heroine'. He became the first person to be found guilty of inciting religious hatred under new laws banning the publication of inflammatory material. Ahmad had written on Facebook after Choudhry's attack on Mr Timms, who he said 'got off lightly': 'This sister has put us men to shame. We should be doing this.' And he wrote on a free newspaper website: 'Roshonara Choudhry is a heroine. Free Roshonara Choudhry and give her a medal for justice.' The summary of Choudhry's latest Parole Board hearing, seen by MailOnline, states that evidence was given by a host of experts involved in her incarceration - including prison officers, a psychiatrist and Imam employed by the jail. The report states that Mr Timms did not give a victim impact statement, though he was eligible to do so. Under the headline of 'Risk Assessment', the summary says: 'At the time of her offending, these risk factors had included social isolation and feelings of anger and injustice which left her open to radicalisation through indoctrination. 'Ms Choudhry had experienced a sense of low self-worth. Her behaviour in prison had raised no concerns and Ms Choudhry's conduct was described as exemplary. 'She had undertaken accredited programmes to address self-identity, extremist beliefs and deradicalisation. 'Risks were assessed to be not imminent though it was recognised that Ms Choudhry would continue to need support.' The summary concluded: 'On considering all of the criteria for recommending placement in open conditions, the panel recommended that Ms Choudhry should be progressed in this way.' A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'The Parole Board refused the release of Roshonara Choudhry but recommended a move to an open conditions prison following an oral hearing in January 2023. 'This was a recommendation only and the Secretary of State for Justice considers the advice before making the final decision on whether a prisoner is suitable for open conditions.' Chris Phillips, the UK's former Head of the National Counter Terrorism, told MailOnline: 'The criminal justice system is not fit for purpose. Releasing dangerous terrorists is just not acceptable. 'Terrorists should be treated like mental health patients and only be released when safe. There needs to be proof that they have been deradicalised rather than an automatic release or parole.' Barbers have hit back at claims by a top cop that salons offering cut-price trims were a 'red flag' and potential front for criminal gangs and drug cartels. High Streets across the country have become overrun with male grooming establishments amid a boom in their popularity since lockdown. The seismic swell has seen the number of barber shops balloon by 50 per cent since 2018, with more than 17,700 now operating nationwide. But the huge spike this week prompted a warning from Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker, who feared gangs could be exploiting the salon surge. The senior cop, who was behind Britain's first child modern slavery prosecution, said establishments in London offering 'really cheap' 10 haircuts could be a 'red flag', acting as a front for gangs to fund human trafficking, drugs and slave labour. Now London barbers have been fighting back, insisting their cheap trims were about getting more customers through the door - not fuelling crime. Lads Barbers, which is the self-proclaimed 'cheapest barber shop' in Eltham High Street, south east London, offers standard cuts for 14. London barber Arias Mahoudi has insisted cheap cuts are about getting more customers through the door Mr Mahoudi, 23, had been working at Lads Barbers in Eltham High Street, south east London more than five years and argues it is unfair to charge high prices outside of the city centre The explosion of barber shops in London and other major UK cities has prompted experts to call for an investigation (stock image) Arias Mahoudi, 23, had been working at the shop for more than five years and argues that it is unfair to charge high prices outside of central London - where a trendy trim can cost upwards of 100. 'We do not want to charge a lot of money because this is not a rich place,' he told MailOnline. 'I prefer charging less and getting more customers. When our customers come in, they complain about how steep the prices are around here. 'You have still got to give a good service. The customers are happy with it. We do a similar service to everyone else here and we charge less.' He also believes that lots of the barber shops in the area get very competitive with each other, something which he wants no part of. He added: 'I don't want to compete I just want to do my work and that is it. 'I don't care what anybody out there is doing I am just going to keep doing what I do.' But his rivals locally say they are now struggling to keep up with low prices, with one traditional barber's shop owner claiming his 35-year-old business has lost most of their customers due to the new cheap alternatives. Abdullah Mahmoudi, 36, says he has worked at Joe's Barber for 15 years and has seen huge changes since the new shops started opening nearby. He said: 'Some of the other shops are very cheap and they are stealing all of our customers. Abdullah Mahmoudi, 36, says he has worked at Joe's Barber for 15 years and has seen huge changes since the new shops started opening nearby He said: 'Some of the other shops are very cheap and they are stealing all of our customers' The shop charges between 9 for a normal clipper trim and 16 for a skin fade cut At Golden Blade, where a standard cut is around 16, the staff believe that low prices reflect poor service. Pictured is Yusef, a barber at the establishment 'People here know us because we have been here so long, our customers were like family. 'Before we used to have customers queuing and all times and now it is empty in here. 'We can't afford to match the prices that they do.' The average cost of a haircut and beard trim is 19, according to consumer data platform Statista. 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. Det Supt Tucker, of Wiltshire Police, said buying a cut-price haircut risks lining the pockets of criminal gangs who are exploiting workers for profit. 'If something is really cheap, like a 10 haircut in London, then it can be a red flag that workers may be being underpaid, or paid nothing at all,' she told the Telegraph. Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker of Wiltshire Police, has warned criminal gangs could be exploiting the salon surge Eltham High Street in London is dominated by barber shops amid a boom in popularity Abdullah Mahmoudi, Joe's Barbers, Eltham, is worried about the cheap prices of competitors She added: 'Everybody likes a bargain. But if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.' Mr Mahmoudi agreed and is now demanding councils step in and act. He added: 'It is 100 per cent dodgy. How would they pay their lease at those prices? 'When I came here there were only three or four barber shops in Eltham. Now there are 30 or 40. 'I am not saying that all of them are dodgy, but the council should limit it. 'There is nothing that I can do: the problem is the council. They shouldn't be letting them open.' He described that lots of the owners of these new barber shops also own other businesses across the country. He said: 'They own loads of shops so why do they need to come here? 'The guy who owns it is clever, and the people around him are clever. I had an argument with them when they opened.' Other shops in the area which charge average or high prices were also baffled that shops could stay afloat charging 10 or less. At Golden Blade, where a standard cut is around 16, the staff believe that low prices reflect poor service. Yusef, 24, who has been working at the shop for five years, said: '10 is definitely dodgy. 'At those prices people don't expect service they just want to get in and out. 'Personally, when it comes to price you have to give a good service. If they are charging 10 then they are only doing 10- to 15-minute cuts.' At Golden Blade, where a standard cut is around 16, the staff believe that low prices reflect poor service. Yusef (pictured) who has been working at the shop for five years, said: '10 is definitely dodgy. Pictured is the interior of Golden Blade in Eltham, London, which is packed with grooming products for customers He says that with the cost-of-living crisis many barbers are struggling and need to lower prices to a point where they can't afford to pay their staff. He added: 'I have heard of a lot of barbers where the bosses can't afford to pay their staff, but they also can't afford to raise prices because they will lose their customers.' Another employee from Razor Sharp just down the road, who charge 18 for a standard cut, says the maths doesn't add up for outlets charging 10 to turn a profit. Bailey Tran, 18, who has been working at the Eltham Barbers for three years, said: 'There are some shops around here where I think "how do you have the clientele?" 'When you walk past there is no one in there. It is the same as the phone shops you see everywhere, and you wonder how they make any money. 'Personally, I don't know how the maths works. If they are charging 10 per person then even on a fully booked day, they would only make 200. 'There is just no way that you can make money like that, unless the owners have a huge financial backing.' Bailey Tran, 18, who works at the Eltham Barbers, said: 'There are some shops around here where I think "how do you have the clientele?" The standard trim at Golden Blade is 16, with a close-cut skin fade costing 18 (pictured) The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) said that in the last year, 918 new barber shops had opened nationwide, taking the total to 17,702 nationwide, a 50 per cent increase since 2018. 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. Abdullah Mahmoudi, Joe's Barbers, Eltham, is worried about the cheap prices of competitors 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. 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. 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) '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.' Data compiled by the NHBF showed 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. 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'. EXCLUSIVE Growing up amid the serenity of the Australian bush, a young Samantha Murphy had dreams of becoming famous. Tucked away in the little Victorian country town of Gordon, about 95km west of Melbourne's CBD, Samantha grew up with her sister and loving parents John and Pam Robson. At the peak of its gold rush boom, the town had as many as eight hotels, banks and several stores. Today, the publican in its only remaining pub pours beers to a diehard bunch of locals. A child of the 70s and 80s, Samantha spent her time riding her bike through the lush forest, hanging out with mates and riding horses. Like many girls who grew up in the country, Samantha (pictured with her husband Mick) had dreams of moving away and making something of her life before time passed her by She would go onto own many horses in her life, showing and jumping them throughout the years. Like many girls who grew up in the country, she had dreams of moving away and making something of her life before time passed her by. Her uncle, Allan Robson, remembered Samantha as a young go-getter, who was driven to make a name for herself. 'Samantha was always going to be someone famous,' he told Daily Mail Australia. But she couldn't have imagined the cruel way her childhood dreams would come true. Wearing black half-length leggings and a maroon/brown coloured singlet, the last image of her alive has been plastered over the internet and across TV screens over the past two weeks. The image was captured on February 4 at 7am from her home just off Eureka Street in Ballarat East on what turned out to be a stinking hot day The mother-of-three had told her husband, Mick, she was going out for a short run and would be back by 9am, but never returned. Weeks later, her disappearance continues to baffle seasoned detectives. Samantha Murphy was motivated, fit and determined to succeed in life Police on horseback glance over the Murphy property in Ballarat East It is a mystery that has captivated Australia and shattered Samantha's family, friends and community. Samantha's family this week told Daily Mail Australia they did not want people to forget who she was or what she meant to those who knew and loved her. Speaking in the past tense is something Samantha's family are reluctantly coming to terms with. Mr Robson, who aged in his 80s still gets about on his tractor on a farm north of Ballarat, recalled Samantha pestering him for her first horse when she was just a little girl. 'She was horse mad,' he said. 'She always wanted Uncle Allan to buy her a horse and she was onto her dad all the time,' Samantha's aunt Janice recalled. READ: SAMANTHA MURPHY MISSED SUMMER HOLIDAY Samantha Murphy missed her traditional family holiday to Torquay in January Advertisement 'She always wanted one.' It wasn't long before her old man gave in, buying her a pony she named Harmony. Samantha's father John, known among mates as 'Pud', had been a hard-working truck driver who travelled the country alone to make sure his daughters had a good start at life. Her mother, Pam, came from Perth, where most of Ms Murphy's family on that side continues to reside. Samantha's disappearance has gutted her parents. 'John went back to work. He said "there's nothing I could do",' Mrs Robson said. 'And I think if put in that position we'd be that way ourselves.' John Robson had spent most of his life behind the wheel of a truck and continues to work today aged just shy of 80. 'He's supposed to be slowing down. He's quietened down to long-distance local routes - the top of New South Wales and that sort of stuff,' his brother said. On Thursday, Samantha's sister asked Daily Mail Australia not to speak to her parents and refused to make any comment herself. Samantha's husband has taken a similar stance to the media firestorm his wife's disappearance has caused. Mr Murphy, with the help of Samantha, operates one of the largest panel beating shops in the region. Employing more than 20 staff, Samantha had been described as the 'backbone' of the operation, running the books and 'keeping Mick in line', according to its website. Home among the gum trees: Samantha Murphy's parents continue to live in Gordon (pictured) The panel beating shop Mick and Samantha Murphy turned into a thriving business Indeed, those that knew Samantha claimed she most certainly 'wore the pants' in the marriage. 'She was the boss. Mick's different. He's quiet. He stays in the background. He doesn't say much,' Mr Robson said. Samantha had met her husband growing up in Gordon. Also the son of a truck driver, Mr Murphy was driven to succeed as much as his wife. 'His business grew big quick,' Mr Robson said. 'It's the biggest panel beating shop in Ballarat you'd imagine.' Mr Murphy had learnt his trade as a young man, toiling away at the very business he now owns. At the helm, Mr Murphy and his wife were able to turn Inland Motor Body Works into a massive success, moving into large premises just outside of Ballarat. 'It just got bigger and bigger and bigger. It's just continued to grow,' Mr Robson said. The couple have endured their ups and downs, having struggled to conceive their first two children, which came after gruelling IVF procedures. Through hard work, the couple moved into the sprawling, multi-million dollar property they now own today. Mr Robson said while Samantha had attended private schools growing up, her first job reflected a work ethic that she held to the day she vanished. 'She ended up shovelling dog sh*t for a living,' Mr Robson said. 'It was the first job she ever had. Shovelling dog sh*t at the dog kennels.' Anyone who has information on Samantha Murphy's disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Whether it was removing the back of a watch to see quite how the mechanism worked or haranguing a visiting bishop about the sermon hed just preached, Prince Philip was famed for his enquiring mind. What isnt generally known is that among the Dukes multifarious interests was a fascination with the paranormal, in particular, UFOs. This stretched as far back as the beginning of the Queen's reign, when he became a regular subscriber to Flying Saucer Review. Prince Philip looks up to the skies at King's College, Newcastle in 1951. Is he expecting aliens? Winston Churchill, was moved to write an excitable memo to the Secretary of State for Air, Lord Cherwell: 'What does all this stuff about flying saucers amount to? Earth versus the Flying Saucers! Prince Philip was keen to get to the bottom of it all Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten, left, wrote to his eldest daughter Patricia that he was convinced UFO's 'come from another planet'. Philip listens intently In the late 1940s and early 50s there was a spate of apparent UFO sightings mainly in the USA, that were widely reported in the press. The Air Ministry had 'a UFO Desk' to record reports of interplanetary craft. Even the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was moved to write an excitable memo to the Secretary of State for Air, Lord Cherwell: 'What does all this stuff about flying saucers amount to? What can it mean? What is the truth? Let me have a report at your convenience. WSC 28 July 1952.' Churchill wasn't the only member of the establishment concerned with it. Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten, wrote to his eldest daughter Patricia that he was convinced UFO's ' come from another planet' and that they 'were not aeroplanes with silly little almost human pilots but are themselves the actual inhabitants: Martians, Venusians, Jupiterians or what have you.' He even wrote a detailed report of an alleged sighting over his own Broadlands estate witnessed by a retired British Army Sergeant, Frederick Briggs, who was working as a bricklayer on the estate and who 'says he saw a large craft that looked like a childs top hovering over a field. He says a column came down from the centre of the craft, and there appeared to be a humanoid figure descending with the pillar.' A swayed Mountbatten thought Briggs 'did not give the impression of being the sort of man who would be subject to hallucinations, or would in any way invent such a story.' The other influence on Philip's extra-terrestrial quest was a member of his own household, Sir Peter Horsley, the Duke's equerry from 1949-56. Horsley had been a Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command during the war, someone whose honesty and integrity should have been in no doubt. Having said that he was a man who was subject to the odd paranormal encounter. After his Mosquito aircraft was shot down during a mission, the recovering Horsley believed he had received messages from several of his fellow officers who were, in fact, all dead. The equerry clearly won Philip over to his point of view. The Duke asked him to follow up any credible reports of sightings and invited witnesses to Buckingham Palace to personally give their accounts. He even wrote to Timothy Good, a renowned Ufologist, pointing out 'there are many reasons to believe that they exist.' It is unclear just how convinced the prince was about UFOs or whether it was another example of his ever-enquiring mind, keeping its options open. Certainly Sir Peter Horsley drew the line at telling his boss about his meeting with what he claimed was a real-life alien at a flat in London. The extraterrestrial chap called himself 'Mr Janus' and said he could read minds. Horsley recalled in his memoirs He didn't say he was a visitor from another planet but I had that impression. 'I believe he was here to observe us. I never saw him again.' During their meeting Mr Janus said he wanted to meet Prince Philip who he described as 'a man of great vision, a person of world renown, and a leader in the realm of wildlife and the environment. Is this what they look like? A 'UFO sighting' in Winona, Missouri in 1957 There was a supposed sighting at Broadlands, the family home of Mountbatten Prince Philip watching equerry Sir Peter Horsley trying to load a camera Prince Philip was a subscriber to Flying Saucer Review He is a man who believes strongly in the proper relationship between man and nature which will prove of great importance in future galactic harmony.' (From the sounds of it, even the most cynical reader would have to admit that, if aliens do exist, they are pretty well clued up about the British royal family.) Not all the establishment was as willing to consider Horsley's point of view as Prince Philip. When his memoirs were published in 1997, a senior official at the Ministry of Defence commented, 'How unfortunate that the public will learn that the man who had his finger on the button of Strike Command was seeing little green men.' The late Queen was also made aware that there could be something out there. In March 2009 a UFO researcher in Victoria, Australia, sent a letter to Buckingham Palace addressed directly to 'Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth II'. The message was equally direct: 'I am writing to you to inform you Madam that the British Government continues to refuse to reveal the truth behind their files and reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The writer informed the Queen that there was more to UFOs than 'weather balloons, airplanes, helicopters, lights, or natural phenomena' and said they had tried to contact various UK government departments, from the RAF, MoD and even MI5, to persuade them of the 'seriousness of this UFO security issue'. It continued: As I am writing this letter to you Your Majesty, I contemplate whether or not you will see reason and if you will choose to act Madam?" The letter ended by urging 'as a UFO researcher, I must highly recommend you act now Your Majesty. 'You are capable of deciding your own destiny. The question is Your Majesty, which path will you choose? Another possible UFO sighting, this time in San Francisco in 1956 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip view the Apollo 14 module and Space Shuttle model during tour of the Rockwell International space facility in 1983 Prince Philip meets a man in a space suit during a visit to the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas, 1966 'I await your immediate action and response to this serious UFO issue. "I have the honour to be, Madam, Your Majesty's humble and obedient servant.' The Queens Private Secretary replied on her behalf: 'Although this is not a matter in which Her Majesty would intervene, the letter has been passed to the Secretary of State for Defence, so that this approach to the Queen may be known and consideration given to the points raised in the letter.' The MoD wrote to the researcher saying that although the Government took the defence of UK airspace very seriously, there was no evidence that UFOs were a threat to national security. Whether the Queen did act, per instructions, and discuss the threat of a UFO invasion with the powers that be remains a mystery, but it would have been good to be a fly on the wall when she mentioned it to the Duke. New data has revealed that young people in relationships are getting into debt New data has revealed that young people in relationships are racking up thousands of pounds worth of debt due to the pressures of social media, compared to their single counterparts. The research from Experien has detailed how the average 18-35 year old with a partner, ends up 2,250 in debt because of 'toxic social media narratives'. When you're constantly seeing through what other couples are doing and buying for each other online, it can be easy to compare yourself and splash out, even when you can't afford it. The data highlighted that for over half of young people (59%) social media influence has contributed to expectations to overspend on their partner or date. Additionally, almost two-thirds (63%) believe social media has influenced people to date for money and materialistic reasons over love. New data has revealed that young people in relationships are racking up thousands of pounds worth of debt due to the pressures of social media, compared to their single counterparts (stock image) And it's even worse for young men, with 1 in 20 claiming they've ended up more than 10,000 in debt from forking out on dates and relationships. On top of this, over one third of men said theyd browsed a potential dates social media profile to check if they could afford their lifestyle, whereas only 28% of women admitted to doing the same. Roughly 10.1 million 18-30 year olds, 16.6% are currently in arrears or default, meaning they have overdue debt or have failed to repay loans. When it comes to date nights, four in five men insisted theyd always foot the bill, while less than 1 in 5 women said they preferred to pay. However, a quarter explained this was because their partner earned more than them. What's more is three in 10 men have even changed their mind about whether they should pay on a first date after seeing influential social media content. The shocking new research comes just after Experian launched a new podcast series to help young people who are struggling to manage their finances in the modern world of dating. When it comes to date nights, four in five men (80%) insisted theyd always foot the bill, while less than 1 in 5 women (18%) said they preferred to pay (stock image) Hosted by Celebs Go Dating expert and relationships therapist Anna Williamson, the The Cost of Loving podcast series provides guidance while encouraging healthy conversations about relationships and finance. The first episode, which was released just before Valentines Day, tackled gender expectations, and the ever-divisive bill-splitting debate. Subsequent episodes in the five-part series will launch throughout February and March, and cover topics such as wage gap relationships, debt, dating and financial infidelity, financial break-ups, and financial abuse red flags. However, it's not all smooth sailing for singletons - the news follows another recent study which revealed that people living alone are paying 10,000 a year more for housing and bills than those who are part of a couple. The average person living in a couple outside London will pay 11,054 a year for basic household bills, while thanks to the 'single tax,' those by themselves pay almost double that at 21,475. Analysis by AI household money-saver Nous.co revealed that the biggest portion of the so called 'tax' goes on rent, an extra 7,608 a year. Savvy motorists can save almost 270 a year in petrol costs if they are willing to shop around and travel a few miles to find a bargain, researchers have claimed. Motorists in Coventry in the West Midlands have the most to gain as fuel prices vary from 1.29 a litre up to a staggering 1.68. That means a driver who is willing to travel just two miles in an average Ford Fiesta could save almost 17 on a tank of fuel, which for the average motorist works out as a potential saving of 268 a year. In nearby Leicester, a four mile journey can bring similar savings. Your browser does not support iframes. Motorists shopping around for cheaper fuel could save themselves up to 270 a year Researchers have found that by driving up to five miles, motorists can save up to 17 a tank However, there is a point where driving to find bargain fuel can end up eating into any possible savings. In Nottingham, motorists are advised to travel almost five miles where they can see the cost of a litre of unleaded fall from almost 1.65 a litre, to 1.36 - a saving of 29p a litre. However, the journey would cost around 62p - meaning they need to purchase at least two litres before they make any savings. The research was conducted by Hippo Leasing who compared the cheapest and most expensive petrol at 50 locations across the country. Using the example of a Ford Fiesta and the 7,400 miles driven annually by the average motorist, they were able to evaluate the fuel cost data. Depending on the make, model and fuel efficiency of the car, individual motorists could see even greater savings. Tom Preston, Managing Director of Hippo Leasing told MailOnline: 'Driving smoothly, with less stopping and starting will help save the amount of petrol you use. 'Also, keeping tyres properly inflated, and shedding unnecessary weight can significantly reduce the cost of your journey. 'Dont wait for your dashboard light to flash to tell you to fill up. It will cost you on average 29p to drive an extra few miles to a cheaper station in the area. This would be worthwhile if the savings on pence per litre are dramatic enough.' The researchers examined the 50 most populated areas in the UK to establish petrol prices, which averaged between 1.34 and 1.49 a litre. They then set a five mile radius to find the cheapest fuel within that zone as travelling further soon wipes out the cost of any saving. Researchers used the example of a Ford Fiesta being driven an average of 7,400 miles a year to determine the potential annual savings available by shopping around Mr Preston said instead of driving around randomly looking for cheaper fuel, motorists should consider using an app such as PetrolPrices to find a bargain. He said the average motorist filled their petrol tank around 16 times a year, so saving a few pence a litre each time will result in significant savings. Earlier this year the Government announced plans to force fuel retailers to share forecourt price changes online within 30 minutes, in an effort to make it easier for motorists to find value for money. This freely available data will enable tech companies to develop new price comparison tools, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said. These systems, part of a so-called PumpWatch scheme, are expected to be accessible on mobile apps, websites, online maps, journey planning tools and in-car devices. The move, which is being consulted on, could save drivers 3p per litre on fuel by helping them find the lowest prices in their area, according to the DESNZ. Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: 'Our work on competition and transparency is working. Drivers are now paying the lowest average price at the pump for two years. 'We are forcing retailers to share live information on their prices within 30 minutes of any change in price, helping drivers to find the best deal at the pump. 'This will put motorists back in the driving seat and bring much-needed competition back to the forecourts.' Twelve major fuel retailers including all four fuel-selling supermarkets signed up to an interim voluntary scheme launched by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last year to share daily prices. The DESNZ plans would make data-sharing a legal requirement. A similar scheme in Queensland, Australia, saw drivers save an average of 93 Australian dollars (49) per year on fuel, the department said. Last year, the CMA said that in 2022 UK motorists paid around 900 million in additional costs due to supermarkets failing to pass on savings from lower oil prices. Chair of African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat standing at a podium The chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) has called on leaders to tackle conflicts in the continent, and condemned a series of coups in some African countries. Moussa Faki Mahamat made the call on the first day of the two-day AU summit. Wars in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo are at the top of the African bloc's agenda. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, poverty, climate change and education are other key topics to be discussed. In his remarks to delegates at the summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Mr Faki - who heads the AU's secretariat which manages the day-to-day activities of the bloc - said he was extremely worried about a "litany of difficulties" facing the region. He said Sudan was "bruised, torn, sinking into chaos" from a war that has been raging since 2023, Libya was divided and exposed to foreign interference, and the Sahel region was facing a dangerous power vacuum. He expressed concern over the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying the conflict in the east of the country was leading to a worsening of its "eternal crises". "Africa cannot remain arms folded and not work to promote genuine peace in the region," he said. Mr Faki also criticised "unconstitutional changes of government" following a string of coups in West Africa, and expressed concern that terrorism was destabilising some countries in the continent. He said the rise in jihadist insurgencies was resulting in "exorbitant military spending, at the expense of vital social sectors, while opening the way to misleading populist speeches". His comment comes after three junta-led countries - Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso - announced they would leave the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) after refusing calls to return to democratic rule. Military leaders have argued that they want to restore security before organising elections as they struggle to contain insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Story continues Mr Faki also voiced concerns about the political crisis in Senegal, after the country's President Macky Sall tried to postpone the election, due to be held this month, until December On Thursday, Senegal's top court blocked Mr Sall's attempt to delay the polls, with the president vowing to hold elections "as soon as possible". Commenting on developments in the country, Mr Faki said: "The situation in Senegal, a model country in terms of democracy, worries us to a great degree." However, the AUC chair welcomed the Senegalese government's decision to follow the Constitutional Council's ruling, and said he hoped "free and transparent" elections would be held there soon. Ecowas is also expected to hold a meeting on the sidelines about Senegal's decision to postpone presidential polls. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressing reporters at a press conference Mr Faki's remarks were overshadowed by Somalia's president accusing Ethiopian security forces of trying to prevent him from entering the summit venue in Addis Ababa. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told reporters that security staff first tried to stop him from leaving his hotel and later blocked his access to the venue where he arrived with Djibouti's president. In response, Ethiopia said that Mr Mohamud was given "full honours" like any other visiting head of state but that some members of his security team had tried to enter the AUC premises with weapons, and these had been blocked. The fracas comes as Somalia accuses Ethiopia of trying to annex part of its territory by signing a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, giving it access to the sea. A prison officer at one of Britain's most notorious jails has revealed how inmates settled scores inside - but only on a specific day. Neil Samworth worked at HMP Strangeways in Manchester for more than a decade where he was 'surrounded' by murderers on a daily basis. Mr Samworth said working in a prison is like 'stepping into another world' where inmates have their own code when it comes to dishing out justice. Earlier this week it was revealed that child killer Roy Whiting had been attacked by a cellmate at maximum security HMP Wakefield. Mr Samworth, who has since retired, said most revenge attacks he dealt with were a result of petty disagreements on debts. He told MailOnline: 'When you go into a major British prison you are stepping into another world. Neil Samworth said working in a prison was like 'stepping into another world' (stock image) Neil Samworth worked at HMP Strangeways (pictured) in Manchester for more than a decade where he was 'surrounded' by murderers on a daily basis 'Someone asked me about murderers and I had to explain that as a prison officer you are surrounded by them.' He added: At Strangeways we used to call Fridays "black eye Fridays" because that was the day debts were called in. 'People who owed had to go the canteen and deliver a tray of goodies to the person they owed. 'And if you did not pay up you got a black eye.' He continued: 'So if a prisoner builds up a cannabis debt and they can't pay, they might be forced to carry out violence. 'They might be asked to throw hot water and sugar over someone, or even slash them with a home made knife (shank). 'Unfortunately if an offender builds up a drug debt and then are shipped out, the debt can be passed on to their cell mate. I have seen that happen.' READ MORE: Murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne's brother reveals he was seconds behind as she was snatched by paedophile who SMILED and waved to him as he drove his little sister to her death Advertisement He also explained that prison officers sometimes used established criminals to help keep the peace on the wing. 'There is always a head on a wing. For example at Strangeways we had people like Paul Massey and Paul Doyle from Salford. 'You could ask them to have a word with people who were causing issues. You would just ask them to have a quiet word, and use their clout to settle things down.' Now Mr Samworth has claimed that the attack on Roy Whiting, was likely caused by petty prison disagreement, not because of his previous convictions. The paedophile murderer of eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne who he snatched off the street in July 2000, was stabbed by another prisoner, at the 'Monster Mansion' jail. Whiting, 65, was said to have been left covered in blood after the stabbing - but only suffered minor injuries. It was just the latest attack on the inmate who has been repeatedly targeted by other prisoners over the years. Mr Samworth said: 'Whiting has already done a lot of jail and everyone knows what he is in for. 'The attack could be linked to a petty fall-out in Wakefield. So called prison beefs are rife, and can suddenly blow-up for no apparent reason.' Mr Samworth also said that while Whiting's crimes were shocking, in Wakefield he would be seen as just another convict. He said: 'To the man in the street Whiting is a monster but there are far worse than him in Wakefield. 'Some of the worst offenders are people you have never heard of. In Wakefield Whiting will be no big thing.' As part of the next steps he added that Whiting and the other offender will likely now be separated. 'Whiting will probably be moved to another wing in the prison. And the attacker will be down the block. 'But its not a given that Whiting will be shipped out to another prison. Wakefield is probably the best place for him.' He said that most established criminals with reputations wanted to do 'easy jail'. Mr Samworth said he was 'surrounded' by murderers during his more than 10-year career as a prison officer (stock image) Rot Whiting was attacked a cellmate at HMP Wakefield over the weekend Whiting is being held at HMP Wakefield (pictured) which houses some of the UK's most notorious prisoners He said: 'The big gangsters just end up with cleaning jobs. They just do their job, go the gym and keep their heads down. 'I have seen all these types mopping the floors and you would never know who they were. They want to do easy jail.' Mr Samworth said that prisons like Wakefield had their own sub-culture and were challenging places to work. He said: 'I did not work there but I still have contacts across the prison system and hear stories all the time. 'In Wakefield there is no segregation so most wings are full of sex offenders, rapists and child killers. 'They are all in together. An offender from a gang or drug background would ask to be shipped out straight away. 'The issue would be the longer you stay there, others might think you were a sex offender by association.' A sex-change surgeon has revealed the dangers of trans procedures, warning of poorly-trained doctors leaving patients with dead appendages and other 'dreaded complications.' Dr Alex Laungani, a clinician at Canada's Metropolitan Center Of Surgery, made damaging revelations about the 'pretty bad' effects of sex-change operations while addressing colleagues. The event, sponsored by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), was recorded and the footage was made public via a records request by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Dr Laungani joins a growing list of trans experts who, when speaking with like-minded professionals in clinical settings, are more candid about the downsides of trans care than is usually made public. Dr Alex Laungani is a surgeon at the Metropolitan Center Of Surgery in Montreal, Canada His presentation, obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, featured this slide about sex-change post-op horrors Dr Laungani, his Montreal-based clinic and WPATH did not answer our requests for comment. Poll Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes No Not sure Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes 31435 votes No 1523 votes Not sure 845 votes Now share your opinion Advocates of trans medicine say it is lifesaving among a suicide-prone group. Procedures to remove breasts and alter genitals help trans people live authentically, they say. But critics warn of a cult-like fad, with ever-more trans people 'coming out' and getting risky procedures, while WPATH and other medical groups are hijacked by ideologues who push reckless standards of care. In the video, Dr Laungani says ever-more clinics are catering to rising numbers of trans patients, where there can be 'a lack of training and not proper training.' The expansion gave trans patients 'access to surgery' but at the cost of quality care, he added. 'It's time just to make sure that we have the right training,' he said, calling for more fellowships. Some medics performed trans operations so infrequently that they were not 'proficient,' he warned. Creating a neo-vagina is fraught with post-op complications They could botch procedures and leave patients with 'complications,' he added. Dr Laungani said the results of delicate male-to-female genital surgeries, known as vaginoplasties, 'can be pretty bad.' 'The most-dreaded complication is to perforate the rectum while you are dissecting the vaginal cavity,' he added. 'You're very close to the rectum, and it's very hard,' he said. Rebuilding the area involves using flesh from the 'abdomen, scrotum or colon,' said Dr Laungani. Using tissue from the intestines has the highest risk of 'complications,' he said. Patients have problems after surgery, he said. Surgical wounds reopen in fully three quarters of cases. Afterward, many patients cannot achieve an orgasm, he said. Many have to 'dilate' their newly-created vaginal canals with a vibrator-like device to stop it from collapsing. It is 'what the patients call a full-time job for the first few months, because it's four times a day,' he said. Dr Laungani studied at the University of Liege, in Belgium, and worked at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota A slide from his presentation describes other post-op horrors, including 'recto-vaginal fistula, pelvic floor dysfunction, and clitoris necrosis' when the sex organ goes limp and dies. Laungani's presentation was part of an educational series recorded in September 2022 for clinicians seeking certification from WPATH, a top global authority on gender-affirming care, as it is known. WPATH increasingly comes under fire for promoting trans procedures that critics say are experimental, dangerous, and carried out on patients who just need counselling. The procedures are a hot-button issue in America's culture wars, especially those on children. Surgically altering male and female genitals to match those of the opposite sex known as vaginoplasties and phalloplasties are widely understood to be tough and problematic procedures. Women who transition to become men may opt to have a penis constructed from tissue extracted from their arms, although this procedure is also complex, and the result is still markedly different to a biological penis. Dr Blair Peters, a pink-haired plastic surgeon at Oregon Health and Science University, has tens of thousands of followers on social media A phalloplasty procedure, as described in a medical text book Removing the breasts of female-to-male transitioners is simpler, but can also lead to pain, infections, and such problems as stitches bursting apart, particularly on overweight patients. Dr Laungani's video is just the latest example of a trans expert telling uncomfortable truths about their lucrative, multi-billion dollar business. Marci Bowers, a male-to-female transitioner, surgeon, and WPATH president, revealed how puberty blockers left child and young adolescent trans patients unable to experience orgasms while speaking with colleagues. 'I mean, it's really about zero,' she said in a Duke University seminar in 2022. Dr Blair Peters, a plastic surgeon at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), revealed how trans kids face a lifetime of infertility, incontinence and sexual misery after surgery. In a video interview with a colleague, Dr Peters said the techniques were still being honed and that 'we're kind of learning and figuring out what works.' Most patients recovering from sex-change surgery experienced pain during intercourse One of the first studies into the side effects of transgender surgeries revealed alarmingly high rates of post-op pain, aching during intercourse, and bladder problems, raising troubling questions for this new frontier of medicine. A huge majority 81 percent of those who had gender-affirming surgery in the past five years said they endured pain simply from moving around in the weeks and months after going under the knife. Researchers from the University of Florida and Brooks Rehabilitation, a health non-profit, showed that more than half of trans surgery patients endured pain during sex, and nearly a third could not control their bladders. Advocates of trans medicine present the surgeries as a trade-off, acknowledging the substantial drawbacks, but saying they're vital for those with serious discomfort with their own body. Even so, they are rare within the transgender community. Of the estimated 1.6 million trans and non-binary Americans aged 13 and above, only 31 percent take cross-sex hormones and 16 percent opt for surgery, according to research by the Washington Post and KFF, a health charity. Most surgeries are breast removals for female-to-male transitioners. New details are emerging about the Canadian tourist charged with abducting and raping an 80-year-old grandmother with Alzheimer's at a luxurious Bahamas resort. Gordon Wilkie, 61, of New Waterford, Nova Scotia, was arrested and charged with rape in the shocking incident on January 28 at the Warwick Hotel Paradise Island Bahamas. DailyMail.com can confirm that Wilkie is a faculty member at Novia Scotia Community College, where he specializes in renewable energy and has been placed on leave following his arrest. 'It's really hard to find exactly the right words, because in our minds, it is just beyond heinous,' the victim's son David Ahrens told DailyMail.com in a phone interview on Friday. 'It's just the most horrendous scenario.' Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Tom Justice, who happened to be staying at the same hotel, has emerged as a hero in the case, after he joined the search for the abducted woman and restrained Wilkie until he could be arrested by Bahamian police. Gordon Wilkie, 61, of New Waterford, Nova Scotia, was arrested and charged with rape in a shocking incident on January 28 at the Warwick Hotel Paradise Island Bahamas According to David Ahrens his 80-year-old mother (above) and sister were on a short vacation together in the Bahamas when the attack unfolded The alleged assault follows a US State Department travel advisory warning of a spike in murders in the Bahamas, and recent allegations from two Kentucky mothers who say they were raped by staff at Pirate's Cove beach resort on Grand Bahama. Wilkie is being held without bail in the Bahamas, and his attorney did not respond to a request to comment on the charges on Friday morning. Stacey Baillie, a spokesperson for Novia Scotia Community College told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'We are aware of a case, currently before the courts in the Bahamas, involving very serious criminal charges against an employee.' Baillie declined to comment on individual employees, citing privacy laws. 'I can confirm that any employee facing serious criminal charges such as these would be placed on leave while the matter was before the courts and pending the results of an internal review,' she added. Wilkie runs a solar-power installation company and was an instructor in renewable energy at NSCC's Dartmouth campus, according to a 2021 CBC News interview. The victim in the Bahamas rape case is also Canadian, but her family has no connection to the accused assailant other than happening to stay in the same resort on their vacation. Ahrens, who is publicly sharing his mother's photo but requested that her name be withheld, said that the family is speaking out to demand 'full justice' for her, and warn others of the dangers to vulnerable family members. According to Ahrens, who has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical and legal expenses for his mother, she had travelled with his sister on a short vacation in the Bahamas when the attack unfolded. Ahrens said that his sister kept a close eye on their mother during the entire trip, but that the brazen abduction unfolded in a split second, when they became separated on an elevator. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Tom Justice (above), who happened to be staying at the same hotel, has emerged as a hero in the case Wilkie is being held without bail in the Bahamas, and his attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday morning Wilkie runs a solar-power installation company and was an instructor in renewable energy at NSCC's Dartmouth campus Ahrens said that on the last night of the trip, his sister and mother were at happy hour chatting with friends they had met at the resort, including Agent Justice, who was in the Bahamas on temporary duty assignment. It was then that Wilkie, whom they had not met before, invited himself to join them. 'They thought it was strange, but you know, everyone's on vacation,' he said. Ahrens said that when the group of friends got up to get dinner, Wilkie also invited himself along, which they also found 'a little bit odd'. After dinner, Ahrens said that Wilkie got on the same elevator as his sister and mother, who were headed to their shared room to get ready for bed. As the elevator reached their floor, the sister stepped off, but as she turned around to help her mother, the doors were already closing, he said. He said that, according to his sister, the doors appeared to close more quickly than normal, but noted there was no camera in the elevator to show whether the 'close door' button had been pressed. 'Then panic ensues,' he said. 'They were looking for my mother and pleading with the front desk and security for help, which they didn't do for more than half an hour.' The Warwick Paradise Islands Bahamas did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com. Agent Justice and other guests immediately joined the search, walking the halls of the hotel for roughly 40 minutes and shouting the victim's name. Canadian realtor David Ahrens is speaking out to reveal his 80-year-old mother (with him above) was abducted and raped at the Warwick resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas The victim was traveling with her daughter when she was allegedly abducted and raped by another guest at the Warwick Hotel Paradise Island Bahamas (above) on January 28 When Bahamian police finally arrived, Justice got a group text message from the resort friends taking part in the search, and headed down to the hotel lobby to meet with the cops. 'He presses down on whatever floor he was on, and the elevator arrives and the doors open, and there's my mother with the assailant,' said Ahrens. 'He saw him, and immediately at the same time he could see my mother holding her underwear. So he reacted right away, and he just went in the elevator and pinned him,' he added. Wilkie was arrested by Bahamian authorities and charged with raping the vulnerable woman in his hotel room. A hospital evaluation confirmed that the 80-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted, and Ahrens said that despite her memory condition she was able to provide a detailed statement. 'She gave a statement that evening of the incident and was very, very detailed,' he said. Although Ahrens was not on the trip with his mother, he immediately flew down upon learning of the assault, and listened in horror as a police sergeant read to him the statement his mother had given in the hospital. 'It's shockingly detailed, and it's so very disturbing. It's just awful. Nobody should hear anything like that ever. Period.' Ahrens says his sister and other guests at the Warwick immediately launched a search, but claims that hotel staff were unresponsive to their pleas for help The Homeland Security Investigations field office in Charlotte issued a statement confirming the incident and praising Agent Justice. 'HSI management is aware of the actions SA Justice undertook while on temporary duty and are proud of the way he went above and beyond to protect the welfare of others,' the statement said. 'His actions are in keeping with the highest standards of this agency.' Wilkie made his first court appearance in the case on February 2, but was not required to enter a plea, according to the Nassau Guardian. He was denied bail, but can apply to the Supreme Court for bail consideration. He is set to appear on May 29 for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment, which will fast-track the case to the Supreme Court for trial. 'I'm glad this guy was immediately taken into custody, and it's my hope that he will remain behind bars for as long as necessary,' said Ahrens. 'This is very dangerous person.' Eighteen years ago, as my husband lay sunken and jaundiced in a hospital bed, I was encouraged to be strong. That gave me comfort. There is solace in hope. My strong Sacha, known to the world as Alexander Litvinenko the unyielding thorn in Vladimir Putin's side, will live, I reassured myself. This couldn't be the end, I thought. But, of course, no one could survive ingesting the high dose of radioactive polonium slipped into Sacha's tea by a Kremlin assassination squad. And as I and my 12-year-old son watched helplessly as his life slipped away, no words could ease our heartbreak. Already, our family had been torn apart. Living in London, we'd been cut off from loved ones back in Russia. My son would never see his grandparents. Now, our lives were truly shattered. My son could never again hug his father. I would never again kiss my husband. Sympathy could only do so much. That is why I hesitate to offer any feeble message of support to Yulia Navalnaya and the two children of pro-democracy dissident Alexei Navalny save this: Say his name. Save his memory. And his death will not be for nothing. But only time will tell when Russians will be free from Putin. My strong Sacha, known to the world as Alexander Litvinenko the unyielding thorn in Vladimir Putin's side, will live, I reassured myself. (Above) Alexander Litvinenko in the Intensive Care Unit of University College Hospital on November 20, 2006 in London As I and my 12-year-old son watched helplessly as his life slipped away, no words could ease our heartbreak. (Above) Marina Litvinenko, the wife of Alexander Litvinenko My husband, a Kremlin agent turned ferocious regime critic, and Alexei, a lawyer turned anti-corruption advocate and political prisoner, died under different circumstances but their lives ran in parallel. Both were poisoned by Putin's goons; Sacha in a London hotel bar and Alexei by a military-grade nerve agent. Both fought to the end; Sacha hung on for weeks in a hospital bed and Alexei survived for four years, with his last days spent in a high-security Siberian penal colony. Both die heroes for exposing Russia's madman. Alexei was subjected to more than 300 days in solitary confinement, which Putin reportedly followed with sadistic relish demanding to read reports and even watch live footage of his thugs torturing and humiliating their prisoner. If true, this is even more proof that Russia is ruled by a monster a sick psychopath in control of a nuclear arsenal. For what type of person consumes human suffering and feels stronger for it? It is agonizing to watch as the useful idiots of the world continue to embolden this murderous tyrant while men, like Alexei and Sacha, sacrifice their lives to bring him to account. On Friday, Tucker Carlson, a prominent journalist who speaks to a vast audience, grieved Alexei's death as 'barbaric and awful,' and something 'no decent person would defend.' But those forceful condemnations were nowhere to be found in his interview with Putin just last week when Carlson allowed the invader of Ukraine to spin lies about the war that he alone started. 'This regime and Vladimir Putin must bear personal responsibility for all the terrible things they have been doing to my country, to our country, Russia,' said Yulia Navalnaya (above) on Friday. I hesitate to offer any feeble message of support to Yulia Navalnaya and the two children of pro-democracy dissident Alexei Navalny save this: Say his name. Save his memory. And his death will not be for nothing. (Above) Alexei Navalny, with his wife Yulia, right, daughter Daria, and son Zakhar on Sept. 8, 2019 Alexei survived for four years, with his last days spent in a high-security Siberian penal colony. And where was Carlson's newfound moral clarity when he posted videos from inside a Moscow subway and grocery store this week glorifying Putin's Russia and comparing it unfavorably to America? I could hardly believe it as Carlson shopped for eggs, bread and wine and remarked on how a plentiful basket of groceries only cost $100 in Moscow. 'We just put in the cart what we would actually eat over a week,' Carlson said. 'We all [guessed] around $400 bucks. It was $104 U.S. here.' That's only a thin sliver of reality. No average Russian family spends $100 in a day. Only a rich American could enjoy such a luxury. If Carlson really wanted to tell the story of the Russian people, he'd travel outside of Moscow to see those living without gas, electricity and indoor plumbing. If Carlson really wanted to speak the truth, he would have acknowledged that hardly anyone in my country has any savings while many more are deeply in debt. And, of course, if Carlson was truly horrified by the murder of political dissidents, he would have acknowledged that no single Russian citizen regardless of their wealth is free. Forceful condemnations were nowhere to be found in his interview with Putin just last week when Carlson allowed the invader of Ukraine to spin lies about the war that he alone started. Where was Carlson's newfound moral clarity when he posted videos from inside a Moscow subway and grocery store (above) this week glorifying Putin's Russia and comparing it unfavorably to America? Is a basket of groceries more important than fundamental human rights? What a humiliation to my people. Just like the American journalist Walter Duranty, who won a Pulitzer prize in the 1930s for his reporting on Joseph Stalin's government, Carlson overlooks the obvious. Duranty praised Stalin for ushering in a so-called Soviet golden age, but he ignored the millions dying, starving, forced into cannibalism and held in prison settlements. In a stunning admission last week, Carlson was asked to justify his failure to bring up Alexei's plight during his groveling Putin interview and he explained away state-sponsored murder as simply the cost of 'leadership.' No, Carlson. It is not. Putin's perspective mustn't ever be legitimized. His authoritarian kleptocracy mustn't ever be celebrated. If Carlson was truly horrified by the murder of political dissidents, he would have acknowledged that no single Russian citizen regardless of their wealth is free. (Above) Police detain a man during a protest against the jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the Siberian city of Omsk, Russia, on Jan. 31, 2021 In a stunning admission last week, Carlson was asked to justify his failure to bring up Alexei's plight during his groveling Putin interview and he explained away state-sponsored murder as simply the cost of 'leadership.' Today, even as Russia is weakened by Putin's failing war in Ukraine, the regime's repression is worse than ever before. Once the families of political activists were safe from retaliation. No more. Today, even the relatives of those who refuse to be conscripted into the Ukraine meat grinder are made to pay. The only consolation that Yulia Navalnaya or I or millions of Russians can take from Alexei's death is that it may strengthen the West's determination to continue fighting. It will not be enough for America to express their sympathy and move on. This is the moment. A Ukrainian victory would strike a deafening blow against a regime whose lifeblood is violence and intimidation. 'This regime and Vladimir Putin must bear personal responsibility for all the terrible things they have been doing to my country, to our country, Russia,' said Yulia Navalnaya on Friday. I pray she's correct. Alexei is dead and Putin remains. But hope is a solace. READ MORE: School shut down after concerning discovery An alarming photo of workers in hazmat suits inspecting mulch contaminated with asbestos at a park has caused some Aussies troubling flashbacks to scenes from the Covid pandemic. The photo uploaded to reddit on Friday showed several workers wearing the protective gear while working in the park at Rozelle in Sydney's inner west, after the dangerous substance was detected in dozens of sites across the city. Five workers wearing hazmat suits were seen checking through the landscaping in the new Rozelle Interchange park to detect the substance. One worker in full orange protective gear was seen holding a large yellow pipe while walking in the area, which is closed to the public during ongoing inspections. 'Literally dystopic,' one user captioned the image. Locals have had flashbacks to scenes from the pandemic after workers were seen inspecting a park in Rozelle (pictured) in Sydney's inner west due to contaminated mulch 'Reminds me of the Covid cleaners in the early stages of the pandemic,' another person who viewed the image commented. 'My thoughts exactly hence why its so eerie to see again!! Very thankful for the work they're doing though,' another wrote. 'I wouldn't go so far as saying dystopic unless the people responsible get away with it with little more than a slap on the wrist,' another person commented. Asbestos has been detected in least 22 sites after the contaminated material was first found at the Rozelle site in January. The contaminated mulch has also been found in seven schools across the city with all but one school - St Luke's Catholic College in Marsden Park - closing their doors for the safety of students and staff. The latest discovery at a primary school in Liverpool has resulted in hundreds of students learning from home before being shifted to another public school nearby while the mulch is removed. Contaminated mulch was also found in Victoria Park at Camperdown on Monday with plans to hold a Mardi Gras Fair Day event cancelled. The event was expected to draw 70,000 people to the park. Workers in protective gear were seen inspecting the park (pictured) for the dangerous substance Seven schools across the Sydney were closed after asbestos was found in mulch at the campuses (pictured, St Luke's Catholic College) NSW Premier Chris Minns said hundreds of sites could potentially be affected by asbestos-laden mulch. The growing scale of the issue and demands on the EPA caused an asbestos task force to be assembled on Thursday taking in hazardous material experts and government agencies. Contact-tracers working to find potential sites containing the contaminated mulch have also had numbers boosted in a bid to speed up the process and reduce exposure to the public. The workforce now exceeds 130 people. One difficulty facing authorities is the supplier linked to all 22 sites distributed their recycled mulch product to 30 companies, some of whom passed it further down the chain. Victoria Park (pictured) at Camperdown is among dozens of parklands across Sydney contaminated with asbestos-laden mulch Hundreds of students at Liverpool Public School (pictured) were forced to revert to learning from home after the school was closed when the dangerous substance was detected on school grounds Greenlife Resource Recovery, the supplier linked to all 22 contaminated sites, denies the mulch was tainted. The company on Tuesday said testing showed mulch stockpiled at their facility was free of asbestos. The EPA issued a prevention notice to the company after the watchdog determined it supplied the mulch used at Rozelle. Greenlife has been asked to recall their product voluntarily however the company is challenging the prevention order. The state government has remained steadfast in stating it has been working to deploy resources to detect contaminated mulch in public areas. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe denied the government had been too slow to respond. 'What we've realised is from the start of that process through to the bottom of the supply chain, that it's bigger than we think,' she said. An Ohio judge has declared a mistrial in the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr. by a former sheriff deputy after the jury failed to reach a verdict - ending tumultuous proceedings that saw four jurors dismissed. Jason Meade was charged with murder and reckless homicide in the December 2020 killing of Goodson Jr. in Columbus. Meade, who is white, shot Goodson six times, including five times in the back, as the 23-year-old man tried to enter his grandmothers home. Judge David Young had already declared a mistrial Friday morning, but retracted it minutes later and commended the jurors for their hard work. Jurors came to Young again to say they couldn't agree and he instructed them to keep trying. He declared a final mistrial about two hours after that, when jurors - some of whom were crying - said they were deadlocked. Jason Meade, was charged with murder and reckless homicide in the December 2020 killing of Casey Goodson Jr., in Columbus. He appeared on Friday morning in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus, Ohio Casey Goodson, Jr., 23, was shot six times, including five times in the back, when he tried to enter his grandmother's home December 4, 2020 Former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy Jason Meade was charged with murder and reckless homicide in the fatal shooting Young will meet with prosecutors and defense lawyers in the near future to decide how to proceed with the case, but it wasn't clear Friday when that would happen. Sean Walton, an attorney for the Goodson family, told reporters that while there was a mistrial, there were still jurors who clearly considered all the evidence and thought Meade was guilty. 'There were jurors back there that obviously felt that Jason Meade was responsible for the unjustifiable killing of Casey Goodson. And that should make a statement,' Walton said. Walton said, the nearly four years since Goodson was killed have been a 'rollercoaster of extremes' for his family. Meade's attorney, Mark Collins, expressed gratitude for how hard the jurors worked to be 'as fair and impartial as possible,' and said he and Meade are 'ready to go,' if a second trial is set. 'This is just the first step in the process,' Collins said. The special prosecutors who handled the case did not comment before leaving the courthouse. Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney G. Gary Tyacks office issued a news release saying their thoughts are with the Goodson family, and that they will decide whether to retry the case after a review. Jurors also left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. Meade testified that Goodson waved a gun at him as the two drove past each other so he pursued Goodson because he feared for his life and the lives of others. He said he eventually shot Goodson in the doorway of his grandmothers home because the young man turned toward him with a gun. Goodsons family and prosecutors have said he was holding a sandwich bag in one hand and his keys in the other when he was fatally shot. They do not dispute that Goodson may have been carrying a gun and note he had a license to carry a firearm. Goodson's weapon was found on his grandmothers kitchen floor with the safety mechanism engaged. There is no body camera video of the shooting, and prosecutors repeatedly asserted that Meade is the only person who testified Goodson was holding a gun. Meade was not wearing a body camera. Attorney Sean Walton speaks to the media on behalf of the family of Casey Goodson Jr. after a mistrial is declared on Friday in the murder trial Defense attorney Mark Collins speaks to reporters as co-counsel Kaitlyn Stephens stands nearby During closing arguments on Wednesday, prosecutors said Meade's claims about Goodson posing a threat were simply not credible. Defense lawyers insisted that the evidence in the case was consistent with Meade's testimony. The jury was unsettled throughout the trial. One juror was dismissed and an alternate was elevated to the main panel during testimony, and three other jurors were dismissed and replaced with alternates during deliberations, forcing the jury to restart multiple times. Court officials did not say why the jurors were removed, but they can be dismissed for a number of reasons, including if they fall sick, research the case outside the deliberation room, or talk about it to someone outside the court. The transgender Biden official declared: 'Climate change is having a disproportionate effect on the physical and mental health of black communities' Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine has claimed that climate change 'disproportionately effects' the mental and physical wellbeing of black Americans. Levine, 66, made the contentious statement while speaking in a video aiming to enhance health awareness for black communities during Black History Month. The transgender Biden official declared: 'Climate change is having a disproportionate effect on the physical and mental health of black communities.' Levine continued: 'Black Americans are more likely than white Americans to live areas in housing that increase their susceptibility to climate related health issues.' The video has since gone viral on X, formerly Twitter , as social media users slammed the federal official for making wild claims about climate change. Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine has claimed that climate change 'disproportionately effects' the mental and physical wellbeing of black Americans A user incorporated a laughter soundtrack into the video, underscoring the resemblance between reality and an old Saturday Night Live sketch. The wrote: 'The "leaders" in charge are not serious people, our country is beyond satire. The rest of world is indeed laughing at us.' Another person rebutted Levine's statement, saying: 'I grew up and worked in predominantly black communities. NEVER once have I heard a black person express concern for climate change.' The video has gained more than 40,000 views as of Friday evening but has only accumulated 58 likes. Many expressed disbelief in response to the video, with one person stating, 'I wish this was satire. It's real,' and another adding, 'The world is laughing at us.' One person wrote: 'This sums pretty much sums up everything jacked up in America right now. Good lord.' Levine is the highest ranking openly transgender federal official in the country and was made a four-star admiral of the public health service. She sported her admiral's uniform in the video collaboration with Office of Minority Health for the initiative titled 'Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black Communities.' Levine, who transitioned in 2011, also laid out statistics to support her claim that environmental problems have disproportionate effect black Americans. '65 percent of Black Americans report feeling anxious about climate changes' impact,' she said. 'We are working with providers and community leaders to identify innovative approaches that empower communities to address the health consequences linked to climate change,' Levine added. Levine has sparked controversy on multiple occasions as she endorsed providing to offer gender-affirming care to minors. Levine is the highest ranking openly transgender federal official in the country and was made a four-star admiral of the public health service She praised an Alaska gender-affirming care clinic in August last year, asserting the treatment it offered was 'lifesaving medical care.' The Alaska-based company she praised promotes ideas that children should learn that doctors 'assign' gender to babies by making a 'guess' - while also promoting the use of 'gender-inclusive biology.' Teachers and educators need to speak to children 'without assuming that there are only two sexes and that everyone within a particular sex is the same.' Instead of using the word 'mother' in these conversations, they recommend using terms such as 'egg producer' or 'carrier.' The transgender assistant secretary also said that children can go through 'the wrong puberty' last year. 'The treatment options for gender-affirming care for transgender youth really are evidence-based,' Levine said. She had been asked about the possibility of keeping transgender youth from seeking body-altering treatment until at least the age of 18. Levine has previously said so-called gender-affirming care for minors has the 'highest support' from the Biden administration. The hunting lodge where double murderer Alex Murdaugh executed his son and wife has sold for $1 million. A South Carolina businessperson submitted the winning bid on an online auction for the infamous property in Islandton, South Carolina. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home comes with 21 acres and went under contract on Thursday, despite the price being under the minimum bid of $1.1 million. The home, which covers nearly 5,300-square-feet, is where Murdaugh brutally shot dead his wife Maggie, 52, and younger son Paul, 22, in June of 2021. Last March, Murdaugh, a disbarred lawyer, was found guilty of murdering the pair last year and is serving two life sentences. The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home comes with 21 acres and went under contract on Thursday, despite the price being under the minimum bid of $1.1 million The property boasts front and rear porches, with an oak tree lined driveway greeting the new residents The property has now sold at auction to a South Carolina businessperson who is looking to turn it into a horse farm Last March, Murdaugh, a disbarred lawyer, was found guilty of murdering Maggie and Paul, both seen here, last year and is serving two life sentences In March 2023, the original parcel of the property, which stretched to 1,772 acres including the home, was sold for just under $2.7 million. The house and 21 acres was then up for grabs for $1.95 million last year, but when it didn't sell the owners turned to auctioning it off. Maggie and Paul were found dead near the kennels on the property, which was not included in the most recent sale. According to Realtor, the new owners asked the auction house that their names weren't disclosed and are planning to turn it into a horse farm. Craig King, senior marketing consultant at J.P. King Auction Co, told the outlet: 'Theyre a prominent South Carolina businessperson that has several offices throughout South Carolina. 'Their plan is to relocate their current horse farm to this location. We had over a couple dozen serious inquiries on the property. We did have a lot of interest.' The property boasts front and rear porches, with an oak tree lined driveway greeting the new residents. The primary bedroom also features a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a spa tub inside. On the auction listing, J.P. King describe the property as: 'This property, with its mix of classic charm and modern amenities, is not just a home but a lifestyle, offering the perfect blend of seclusion, elegance, and convenience.' The jury that would go on to find Murdaugh guilty of murder had previously been taken to the property as part of the trial. The jury spent the bulk of their time at the kennels and the shed where Maggie and Paul were killed. Towards the end of the visit, the jury were taken to the main house for a view of the exterior. They were not allowed inside. Maggie, Paul, Alex and Buster Murdaugh with their dog Bubba in a family photo obtained by DailyMail.com Murdaugh claims he was at the main house watching TV at the time the State says Maggie and Paul were shot dead Maggie's body was found a few yards to the right of a doghouse, while Paul's was by the doorway at the end of the kennels Murdaugh first killed his son Paul by shooting him twice with a shotgun in the feed room of the kennels. Jurors heard gruesome evidence of how Paul's brain was blown out the back of his head by a close range blast of steel buckshot from a 12-gauge shotgun. He then shot his wife Maggie with a .300 Blackout rifle from yards away, with bullet wounds to her thigh, wrist, torso and head. The final shot was fired into the back of her head as she lay face down on the ground when she was already dead. Alex Murdaugh fiercely denied executing his wife and son and sensationally took the stand to defend himself against his own lawyers' advice. He wept as he admitted to jurors that he had lied about being at the crime scene minutes before they were slain - but blamed his paranoia brought on a crippling opioid habit and a mistrust of the police. Murdaugh said: 'I would never intentionally do anything to hurt either of them. Ever. Ever,' he sobbed. 'I didn't shoot my wife or son, ever.' Buster, Paul, Maggie and Alex Murdaugh at Lake Kiwi in May 2021 to celebrate the birth of Maggie's niece's child. At the time of the killings, Buster was staying with his girlfriend near Charlotte Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh, listens as Alex Murdaugh's verdict is read at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., Thursday 'Oh what a tangled web we weave. Once I told a lie, and I told my family, I had to keep lying,' he added. Prosecutors exploded Murdaugh's 'new story' by playing bodycam footage from the local cop who was first on the scene in which he was seen already lying about the last time he saw Maggie and Paul. On the day of the killings, Murdaugh had been confronted over $792,000 that had gone 'missing' from a recent case. In the subsequent months it would be revealed that he had stolen more than $10m from clients and partners at his firm. Three days after the killings he was due in court for a hearing in a lawsuit over his son's drunken boat crash in which a teen girl had died two years earlier. Earlier this month, Murdaugh was ordered to pay nearly half of his remaining $1.8 million fortune to the families of those onboard the boat. Paul, 22, was driving drunk in February 2019 when the boat carrying six people crashed in Archer's Creek near Parris Island, South Carolina, killing 19-year-old Mallory Beach and injuring four others. Beach's family will receive 29 per cent of Murdaugh's remaining money, according to a court order. The funds were marshalled together after lawyers sold off Murdaugh's remaining land holdings, farm equipment and liquidated his 401(K). Anthony Cook, Connor Cook, Miley Altman and Paul's girlfriend Morgan Doughty - all of whom were injured in the fatal crash - will also receive a payout, as well as victims of Murdaugh's financial crimes. Alex Murdaugh, pictured in January, was ordered to pay nearly half of his remaining $1.8million fortune to the families of passengers onboard a boat crashed by his slain son Paul was 'highly intoxicated,' 'drunk' and 'belligerent,' on February 23, 2019 ago when he sped his boat (pictured) into a piling, legal documents revealed The family of 19-year-old Mallory Beach (pictured) will receive 29 per cent of Murdaugh's remaining money, according to a court order. Beach was killed in 2019 when a boat driven by Murdaugh's intoxicated son Paul crashed Paul was 'highly intoxicated,' 'drunk' and 'belligerent,' on February 23, 2019 ago when he sped his boat into a piling, legal documents revealed. The six youths on board that night, who were under 21, were ejected from the vessel - and all but Beach made it to shore. Her body wasn't found for a week. Paul was indicted on three counts of boating under the influence in April 2019 but was killed by his father before it went to trial. The sale of the home comes after previously unseen bodycam footage surfaced showing him pleading with cops for opioid addiction medication. The clip shows police apprehending Murdaugh outside a Florida rehab, where he was receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse following the murders of his wife and son in June of that year. Murdaugh had checked into the unnamed facility three months after the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Following this, he paid his former drug dealer and accomplice to shoot him in the head so his surviving son could claim an insurance payout. After leaving rehab, police arrested him on two felony warrants for stealing death settlements from the family of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died after allegedly falling down the steps to their South Carolina estate in 2018. Her sons were awarded a $4.3m insurance payout from the Murdaugh's insurer, but by 2021 they had not received any money After leaving rehab, police arrested him on two felony warrants for stealing death settlements from the family of his late housekeeper Indictments claimed Murdaugh and accomplices had conspired to steal the payout by diverting the money to his account and not notifying the beneficiaries. The Satterfields were ultimately able to recover more than $6.5m following multiple lawsuits. Murdaugh ultimately pleaded guilty to embezzling the insurance money in November 2023 and was sentenced to 27 years in prison for numerous financial crimes. Following the arrest seen in the newly-obtained footage, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed he had been taken into custody after leaving rehab and charged with two felonies relating to the missing life insurance money from Ms Satterfield. Furious Harlem residents forced New York Mayor Eric Adams into a humiliating u-turn on plans to house migrants in an empty luxury apartment building after they spotted bunk-beds being discreetly delivered. The WA condominium off 130th Street promised buyers an indoor swimming pool, marble bathrooms and a rooftop running track, before the project was put on ice in a neighborhood with a chronic housing shortage. Schools, nursing homes and a string of landmark hotels have been requisitioned to house many of the 170,000 migrants who have arrived in the city since the spring of 2022. But neighbors of the condominium in Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard were determined it was not going to go the same way. 'We were trying to find out what was going on, and we weren't getting any answers to our questions,' neighbor Regina Smith told CBS. New York Mayor Eric Adams promised angry residents the long-empty building would not be used to house migrants or asylum seekers Tiffany Fulton said the neighborhood already had enough residents looking for homes The WA condominium off 130th Street promised buyers an indoor swimming pool, marble bathrooms and a rooftop running track The Mayor faced an angry reception when he agreed to meet residents at an emergency meeting on Thursday night. 'You are the mayor. We do not want to hear excuses,' one told him. 'No, I don't agree with it turning into a sanctuary for asylum seekers knowing we have people right here that need the space,' said Tiffany Fulton of Silent Voices United. 'We should have been informed I'm looking for answers.' The 35-apartment development was marketed as a luxury doorman building complete with granite countertops in kitchens a state-of-the-art fitness center and marble bathrooms. But it has sat empty for more than a decade, appearing briefly as a location in a 2021 episode of Law & Order SVU when it was served as the exterior for the 'Camino Family Center'. 'WA Condominiums is one of the newest condominiums in the storied neighborhood of Central Harlem,' the developer's website promises. 'This modern luxury building is surrounded by the jazz clubs, theaters, and ethnic cuisine the area is known for.' But it is also now known for the migrant shelters dotting the area in a city that is planning to spend $12 billion over the next three years handling the influx. The building in central Harlem has sat empty for more than a decade Prospective buyers were tempted with a marbled rooftop indoor swimming pool Birds-eye views of the Manhattan skyline came as part of the package But the building sat empty for more than a decade until neighbors saw delivery vans pull up Inside were boxes of rudimentary furniture including a stack of twin-sixed bunk-beds New York has seen 170,000 migrants arrive in the city since the spring of 2022 Neighbors of the condominium in Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard were determined it should be used to house local people rather than new arrivals Thousands of migrants are still arriving every week after being bussed up from the southern border by Republican governors, prompting Adams to warn that the crisis will 'destroy' New York. In December, the Democrat announced a $110.5 billion budget, claiming cuts across all departments were necessary after the city spent $1.45 billion in fiscal 2023 on the migrant crisis. The budget cuts would cause NYPD officers to be cut by a fifth, or 13.5 percent, by postponing the next five academy classes, bringing officers below 30,000 - down from 36,000. Tensions have soared even higher since two New York police officers were brutally beaten by a crowd of migrants who set upon them in Times Square on January 27. A total of eight migrants have been charged since the attack and police are still on the lookout for at least eight other suspects they believe were involved in the melee. 'We have too many homeless shelters in this community,' Smith said. 'We have a dearth of affordable housing we're being priced out of the community. 'The lack of respect is absolutely appalling.' 'There was no discussion, no conversation about this plan with the community,' said Marquis Harrison of community group CB 10. 'There's a need for housing for community members as well.' The anger appeared to result in a rare win for residents as they extracted a promise that migrants would not be among the new arrivals. 'You will not have migrants and asylum seekers in that property,' Adams promised them. 'I told the team, 'Find out what's going on here'. 'We're not moving folks into a brand new building when you have long-term needs in a community. 'That's not gonna happen.' Tensions in the city have been high since two New York police officers were brutally beaten by a crowd of migrants who set upon them in Times Square on January 27 The city has now promised to use the site to provide 'high-quality transitional housing for long-term New York City families with children experiencing homelessness' A spokesman for the New York City Department of Social Services said its plans were now for the building to provide 'high-quality transitional housing for long-term New York City families with children experiencing homelessness'. 'Despite the developer's initial plans for market rate condominiums, development had been stalled and this building left indefinitely empty it would not have advanced as luxury housing,' the spokesman added in a statement. 'We will be working with an experienced not-for-profit provider to help these families stabilize their lives and ultimately move into permanent housing. 'As we have always done, we will continue to maintain open lines of communication and work closely with the community every step of the way to ensure that we are collaboratively working to provide critical services for our neighbors in need.' Cambridge University is discriminating against privately educated white men, it has been claimed. Professor James Tooley, the vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham, is set to unveil a new course next week on the origins of the 'woke' movement. The course has already signed up 100 people for an online course and there are plans for a master's degree and a PhD in the subject this Autumn. Professor Tooley, who is a former academic at Newcastle University, highlighted Cambridge University for explicitly saying it would reduce the number of wealthier white males. Professor James Tooley, the vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham Pictured, King's College Chapel in the University of Cambridge in Cambridge The professor said that oppression comes from the top as the demands of government mingling with peer pressure has created a groupthink. He also said regulators setting diversity and inclusion targets meant censorship was infiltrating admissions and research. The professor said: 'Cambridge famously, explicitly, is reducing the numbers of what you might call wealthier white males. 'They're increasing the number of ethnic minority males and females, and females in general, and are therefore reducing the number of white males. 'And therefore what you see is admissions policies being undermined by a government regulator. Professor Tooley said he was inspired by the private institution's co-founder and former chancellor Margaret Thatcher (pictured) FACT BOX TITLE Fact-box text Advertisement 'Cambridge is absolutely being discriminatory against the privately educated, particularly privately educated white males. 'They are being discriminated against. It is very insidious but the government isn't off the hook here. 'There is the potential for the regulator to use conditions of registration to interfere with academic freedom. 'They're already using them to interfere with the selection of students.' Cambridge's state school intake has increased to 72.9 per cent in 2022, compared with 64.1 per cent of those offered places in 2013, The Times reported. Buckingham is the country's oldest private university and was founded in 1976. It was granted university status seven years later. Professor Tooley said he was inspired by the private institution's co-founder and former chancellor Margaret Thatcher. He said he felt she had been 'at his shoulder' and would have supported his battle for free and diverse speech. MailOnline has contacted Cambridge University for comment. Edward Crutchleys namesake fashion line has always been about freedom, to mix anything he fancies into the collection, while his contributions at Dior Men under Kim Jones are more disciplined. Marking his 10th anniversary on the London fashion calendar, Crutchley brought back some of his favorite patterns, such as animal prints and jacquard based on textiles from Byzantium. There was also a slew of historical references from England, France, Greece, Morocco, Indonesia, and Turkey that require heavy reading to understand, with a camp Tudor-era silhouette emphasizing the shoulders and a dash of cowboy fantasy with hats by Stephen Jones. More from WWD There was also latex whorled into an elaborately ruffled dress cut by frequent collaborator Oliver Haus, and an experiment that shows what lies ahead in the fashion industry: the motif of four stallions jumping out of a rising sun seen on the last two looks was created by artificial intelligence based on a Turkmen blanket Crutchley bought on eBay. It was a bit of a return to the origins of my brand. I was looking at a mix of global materials and cultures, bringing those together in a way that feels cohesive. It speaks of a lot of things, but its one message: the strength and width in texture, added Crutchley. For more London Fashion Week reviews, click here. Launch Gallery: Edward Crutchley Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection Best of WWD Barnaby Joyce's wife has gone on the attack to defend her husband and praise the people that resisted the urge to 'kick a conservative when he's down'. In her regular column for News Limited publications, Vikki Campion slammed the 'armchair doctors' who spent the past week mocking her husband over a shocking video showing him lying on a footpath late at night while mumbling 'dead f***ing c***'. Daily Mail Australia revealed exclusive video of the former deputy prime minister, 56, sprawled on his back on Lonsdale Street, in the Canberra suburb of Braddon, close to midnight last Wednesday. Writing for the Advertiser, Ms Campion praised 'strong female leaders' like Labor's environment minister Tanya Plibersek for choosing 'compassion over cruelty'. She also singled out female parliamentarians Sussan Ley, Holly Hughes, Jane Hume and Perin Davey for also showing understanding towards Mr Joyce's predicament. Vikki Campion lashed out at her husband's detractors who to critique the former deputy prime minster and Nationals frontbencher over a shocking leaked video of him seemingly drunk Ms Campion also praised the 'strong female leaders' who did not take advantage of the situation READ MORE: Former cabinet minister lashes out at Barnaby Joyce Former cabinet minister Amanda Vanstone (pictured) has lashed out at the apologists enabling ex-deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce Advertisement The footage sparked intense debate in the nation's capital last week, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese observing Mr Joyce was 'clearly [in] difficult circumstances' and asking him to explain himself. Nationals leader David Littleproud suggested Mr Joyce take time off in the wake of the incident. In her column Ms Campion, who married Mr Joyce in a bush wedding last November, said Mr Joyce had been met with 'faux sympathy' from hypocritical politicians who in her opinion had behaved similarly in private. Since the incident Mr Joyce defending himself by claiming that he'd inadvertently mixed prescription medication with alcohol. In the video Mr Joyce could be heard muttering obscenities, but the Nationals MP went on Sky News to deny having any substance abuse issues on Thursday. 'I don't have a drinking problem, you just shouldn't drink on medication, mate,' Mr Joyce said. 'If I hadn't had those drinks, I wouldn't have had the opportunity for someone to film me on the street. 'So the only thing that put me there was myself. I accept responsibility for that and apologise for it.' Sources told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Joyce was sitting on the large planter box having an animated phone call with his wife when he fell off, 'rolled around' on the ground and continued with the conversation. Sources told Daily Mail Australia Mr Joyce was sitting on the large planter box having an animated phone conversation with his wife when he fell off and 'rolled around' on the ground In her regular newspaper column, Ms Campion praised the government's environment minister Tanya Plibersek especially for choosing 'compassion over cruelty' Ms Campion thanked the female politicians she mentioned by name for 'injecting a shot of humanity in a city that had shown itself sorely depleted of it'. 'Plibersek, especially, given she got up at Mondays dawn to debate him, resisted what others slobbered over an exploitative opportunity to kick a conservative when hes down,' she wrote. Ms Plibersek and Mr Joyce have been fierce politicals rivals for many years, debating topics such as indigenous affairs and housing in the past. Last Saturday Ms Campion's father Peter, who is standing as a One Nation candidate in the next Queensland state election, told Daily Mail Australia the New England MP 'had some very bad family news on that day'. 'He's already lost a brother to cancer, that's what you've got to begin with. He had some very bad similar news, which is not up to me divulge but of the same scale and it affected him deeply. 'Any decent person coming across someone in that position, so sad that they have let themselves collapse on the footpath would stop and help, not just take a video clip and sell it to the media. 'The biggest part of this story was not that Barnaby was an emotional wreck on the footpath, it is the lack of caring nature of his countrymen, his fellow Australians.' In a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Friday Mr Joyce admitted what happened was 'very embarrassing'. 'I was walking back to my accommodation after Parliament rose at 10pm,' he said. 'While on the phone I sat on the edge of a plant box, fell over, kept talking on the phone, and very animatedly was referring to myself for having fallen over. 'I got up and walked home.' Ms Campion slammed the 'armchair doctors' who weighed in on the situation without knowing the facts Her father, Peter Campion (pictured left with Barnaby Joyce), said he was disgusted by the way his son-in-law has been treated Mr Campion, who is standing as a One Nation candidate in the next Queensland state election, said he believed Mr Joyce was being singled out because he was a conservative politician The day after the video of Mr Joyce leaked he arrived at parliament almost an hour after question time began ahead of a Nationals party room meeting. Mr Littleproud said Mr Joyce had matters he needed to work through but hoped he would return to work in the afternoon or later in the week. 'This is something that he's deeply embarrassed about,' Mr Littleproud told Sky News. 'He's made that very clear that this isn't normal behaviour that he undertakes and there are extenuating circumstances surrounding that and obviously, we will support him in making sure that, anything that he does need, he gets.' Compounding Mr Joyce's embarrassment, over the weekend a fake plaque appeared at the spot where he fell. The artist was in such a hurry they got the date wrong, saying it happened in January, rather than February. One local who saw it told Daily Mail Australia that 'It's pretty hilarious. Everyone's stopping and having a laugh. Another pop-up featured an outline of where Mr Joyce was seen with white chalk comically featuring his trademark wide brimmed hat. A fake plaque (pictured) has appeared at the spot where Barnaby Joyce fell over last Wednesday night Another pop-up monument featured an outline of where Mr Joyce was seen, advertising it as a bread and breakfast accommodation Is the prodigal son really about to return? In a bombshell report, friends of Prince Harry tell the UK Times that he is seeking a 'royal return to heal the rift with King Charles'. That he is willing to return to a 'temporary royal role' in support of his father during his illness. And, according to a royal insider, Charles has tentatively welcomed the offer. Could this possibly be true, after all that has been said and done? Other sources say it's out of the question. Either way, one thing seems newly possible: Harry may really want to return in some capacity. Would Charles soften here? Would he risk opening this aperture? If so, it would represents a massive, tectonic shift in the Windsor dynamics: Charles embracing Harry and vice versa; Prince William still furious and unyielding; and Meghan well, Meghan is largely unmentioned. In a bombshell report, friends of Prince Harry tell the UK Times that he is seeking a 'royal return to heal the rift with King Charles'. That he is willing to return to a 'temporary royal role' in support of his father during his illness. Could this possibly be true, after all that has been said and done? Other sources says it's out of the question. A welcome from the Palace would be all the more shocking given the events of last week: Harry rushing, reportedly unbidden, from California to the UK to see Charles, who had just been diagnosed with cancer. He flew 11,000 miles and spent 21 hours in the air for just a 30-minute meeting. After he departed, Charles and Camilla flew off by helicopter six minutes later not even a decent pause for optics. William, meanwhile, refused to see him altogether, with sources close to the prince saying he had 'no plans' for reconciliation. Brothers no more. Yet now, the Times's royal source is upending years of estrangement, quite suddenly. Harry's return would 'benefit the institution', the insider said. 'On all practical levels it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he's sick. Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood'. Let's stop right there. 'Much has been said on both sides' is quite the generous statement. It acknowledges that for all Harry and Meghan's attacks, the Palace has caused hurt as well. 'There are now pragmatic aspects to consider,' the source continued, 'with the King and Kate's wellbeing paramount in this the feeling is that this arrangement could work.' Could it though really? It's practically impossible to imagine how the royal family so consistently insulted, hurt and exploited by Harry and Meghan could ever think of trusting him with a ringside seat again. But that doesn't mean he can't fantasize about the prospect. I wrote early last week that Harry, whose self-proclaimed greatest fear is that he has only ever been a 'spare' that the royals have no need for him must surely now see that the opposite is true. His 75-year-old father is sick. His sister-in-law is out of commission until at least after Easter. His brother has gone back to work sooner than expected but is unable to carry a full schedule with Kate convalescing and three small children at home. This slimmed-down monarchy is in desperate need of not just help but star power. Perhaps Charles's catastrophic diagnosis no matter how treatable, cancer is a terrifying one has jolted this wayward son. It's practically impossible to imagine how the royal family - so consistently insulted, hurt and exploited by Harry and Meghan - could ever think of trusting him with a ringside seat again. But that doesn't mean he can't fantasize about the prospect. This slimmed-down monarchy is in desperate need of not just help but star power. Perhaps Charles's catastrophic diagnosis - no matter how treatable, cancer is a terrifying one - has jolted this wayward son. But The Times report is also notable for what it's not saying. Meghan hardly gets a mention. Charles has always said the door is open to his son. Not, notably, to Meghan. Curious, too, is Meghan's largely silent presence in Canada this week, as Harry promotes next year's Invictus Games. It was Harry alone who spoke to 'Good Morning America' on Friday, and it must be acknowledged his interview gave no hint of a royal return. But it was vintage Harry: by turns confused, conciliatory, provocative, and resentful. Even as he spoke of his father's illness and displayed rare discretion in saying that such information would stay 'between me and him' and that he planned to visit Charles often, Harry also said he was considering becoming a U.S. citizen. Such utterances feel almost schizophrenic. It's in keeping with Harry and Meghan clinging to their royal titles while slinging mud and spilling secrets and allowing their de facto mouthpiece Omid Scobie to trash Charles and Kate as 'racists'. Can that damage ever be undone? And if this delicate repatriation has indeed been in the works for the past two weeks, why would Harry and Meghan relaunch their website and link to SussexRoyal.com a domain the Queen had ordered shut down? Why would they lash out at the slightest provocation? 'They're still working and pursuing what they believe in, despite being constantly challenged and criticized', their camp said Thursday. This was in response to suggestions that the Invictus trip was make-or-break for their brand. 'This couple will not be broken'. Wow what an overreaction. That actually sounds like the super-defensive, overcompensating thing a couple who really is struggling might say. To be sure, the stresses Harry and Meghan have been under, self-created though they may be, would strain the strongest marriage. Meghan must be wondering: Where is she in all this? Perhaps she's content to pursue her Hollywood ambitions while Harry is away. Perhaps she understands, finally, that their only currency is proximity to the King and Queen, and that now is the time to make amends. If that means she sits back and shuts up for once! so much the better. We'd all benefit from that. The real rift is with William, who to my mind made it quite clear last week that under his reign, there would be no way back. Yet if Harry alone picks up the royal slack, Meghan back in Montecito, and does all he can to regain his brother's trust could they slowly find their way to a fragile truce? Does William even want one? The Times report is also notable for what it's not saying. Meghan hardly gets a mention. Perhaps she's content to pursue her Hollywood ambitions while Harry is away. Perhaps she understands, finally, that their only currency is proximity to the King and Queen. The real rift is with William, who - to my mind - made it quite clear last week that under his reign, there would be no way back. Yet if Harry does all he can to regain his brother's trust - could they slowly find their way to a fragile truce? As the late Queen told Harry and Meghan, there was no path for them to be 'half-in, half-out'. But that, according to the Times report, sounds exactly like what's being proposed: That Harry return from time to time to fulfil duties that Charles or William cannot. And what of Camilla? After last week's rushed summit, sources said Harry demanded that Camilla wasn't in the room. Others, however, tell the Times that the Queen was there. Could Camilla truly forgive the terrible things Harry has said about her writing in 'Spare' that he and William begged Charles not to marry her, telling another interviewer that she was 'dangerous' and had 'left bodies in the street' if a reconciliation were to make Charles happy? It would doubtless make Harry happy too, or as happy as he's capable of being. Even the challenge of winning back the British people, actively soliciting their forgiveness and goodwill, might prove strangely gratifying. The California experiment has been a struggle. Truly: How does Harry fill his days? The memoir is written, Netflix was a whingefest, and 'South Park' made H&M a laughingstock. What Harry really needs is reputational rehab. Coming back in to save the day, a rapprochement with his father and possibly, way down the line, his brother that's something Harry would surely relish, whether or not the Palace would ever allow it. 'I was trapped, but I didn't know I was trapped,' Harry told Oprah in that infamous interview. That was, he said, until he met Meghan. Three years on, and one wonders: How trapped might he feel in Montecito? How much more freedom might there be, ironically, in reclaiming his birthright? President Joe Biden on Friday offered a full throated endorsement of clean-up efforts in Ohio a year after a devastating toxic spill: He drank tap water and coffee during his visit to East Palestine. After praising what he said were 'Herculean efforts' by federal, state and local authorities to restore the environment after a train derailment and fire, he stopped at a shop selling candles in the village center. And if there were any doubts about whether he believed the water was safe, he took a sip of coffee and a sip of water in full view of the cameras. The White House later said both contained local tap water. It marked the end of will-he-won't-he speculation in the press. President Joe Biden drank coffee made from the tap water during his visit to East Palestine. The Environmental Protection Agency has assured residents that local water is safe Biden chatted with locals during his stop at the 1820 Candle Co in the center of A day earlier, his press secretary had been asked whether he would drink the water during his long-awaited visit. 'I can say this, that the president has no concerns with drinking drinking the water in East Palestine,' said Karine Jean-Pierre. 'The Environment Protection Agency is confident that the drinking water is safe.' Life in East Palestine was turned upside down in February last year when a 150-car freight train, operated by Norfolk Southern and carrying toxic chemicals, derailed. Among its load were 700,000 pounds of vinyl chloride, a carcinogen used to produce pipes, furniture and other plastic goods. Emergency workers took the decision to use a 'controlled burn' to avert the danger of a huge explosion. Instead it sent up a thick, black plume of smoke. removed more than 176,000 tons of hazardous waste. More than 49 million gallons of water, rainfall and snowmelt were removed or treated. Since then the EPA says it But it has left lingering health concerns. And residents have been anxious for Biden to pay a visit, and reassure them that they would not be forgotten. On Friday, four residents were chosen to meet the president and set out their concerns. Even so, the Protection Agency has put signs around creeks and water sources warning people to stay away ever since the train derailed last year Their lives changed on Feb. 3, 2023. A photograph taken from a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed outside the village of East Palestine last year ' East Palestine has been neglected and that been a trademark of his administration,' said Chris Solis, who was on Main Street as part of the protest against Biden's visit Jess Conard, a mother-of-three, who has become an ardent campaigner during the past, said she was encouraged by what she heard. 'He was confident that the federal government is going to fill in the gaps where Norfolk Southern is lacking in their response,' she said. 'East Palestine is not going to be abandoned and he recognizes there are unmet needs.' She was one of the signatories to a letter sent to the president Thursday, asking him to make a major disaster declaration, provide long-term health monitoring and care, and offer relocation funding for those like Ferguson who want to leave. A day later, Biden announced new research grants to study ongoing health effects of the spill. 'So you'll have a top researcher with you as long as you need,' Biden said during his visit. Residents made their feelings clear as his motorcade pulled into the village. Homes that backed on to the rail tracks bore signs reading: 'Help. Our kids are still sick.' Others, including Trump supporters from out of town, complained that it had taken too long for Biden to visit. But Conard said the day marked a step forward for their campaign to make sure residents were looked after properly. 'I'd like to think that this is the first of many discussions,' she said. '/I don't think that this is an easy solution. 'I think that there are going to be actions that will continue to develop over the next year or so I don't think that this is like a fix and done situation.' President Joe Biden visited East Palestine on Friday afternoon to see for himself the site of last years derailment that sent toxic chemicals spilling through the Ohio village Before arriving in East Palestine, Biden met with first responders who tackled the disaster at Darlington Municipal Complex, just across the state line in Pennsylvania Biden arrived after meeting first responders across the state line in Pennsylvania. In East Palestine he was shown the site of the disaster and then delivered a speech promising that help would stay for as long as it was needed. He reserved particular anger for Norfolk Southern, whose train derailed. 'There are acts of God,' he said. 'This was an act of greed that was 100 percent preventable.' The visit took him deep into Trump country, a county won by the former president with more than 70 percent of the votes cast in 2020. Biden said none of that mattered. 'What matters is we're all Americans, everyone, everyone, we look out for one another,' he said. 'We leave no-one behind.' The colours of Palestine are proudly on display at George Galloway's campaign headquarters next to a former Suzuki car showroom in Rochdale. The flyers bearing his face on the railings outside? Black, white and green. The giant poster next to them? Black, white and green. The leaflets stacked on trestle tables inside? Black, white and green. The badge on Galloway's lapel? Black, white and green. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you are still in Rochdale, an old mill town in the foothills of the Pennines, north of Manchester. Galloway, now 69 and one of the most controversial political firebrands of recent times who has lately been busy retweeting admiring posts of Vladimir Putin is on the stump here for the forthcoming by-election, in his signature black fedora and Ray-Ban spectacles, megaphone in hand. 'For Rochdale, For Gaza' is his slogan. 'Gaza is the main issue facing at least 40,000 people,' he tells me unapologetically when I meet him one evening this week back in his 'bunker' on the outskirts of the town centre, where he is plotting to return to parliament for the fourth time only Winston Churchill is ahead of him, having represented five constituencies on a budget of just 15,000. But what about the other 180,000-odd people outside the Muslim community in Rochdale who may not feel the same way, George? George Galloway (pictured) one of the most controversial political firebrands of recent times is on the stump in Rochdale for the forthcoming by-election, in his signature black fedora and Ray-Ban spectacles, megaphone in hand. 'For Rochdale, For Gaza' is his slogan 'Gaza is the main issue facing at least 40,000 people,' he tells me unapologetically when I meet him one evening this week back in his 'bunker' on the outskirts of the town centre, where he is plotting to return to parliament for the fourth time 'We have lots of other things we are planning to do,' he retorts. His manifesto, he says, includes reinstating local maternity services, opening more youth clubs, providing more support for business and promising to clean the town hall clock. And with another anti-Semitic scandal embroiling the Labour Party, the bookies have now made the pugnacious Scot who, as someone once said, could start an argument in a phone box the narrow favourite to win the seat. The bigger picture is that Sir Keir Starmer's response to the controversy has triggered a serious crisis in his leadership, notwithstanding the thumping double by-election victory in Kingswood and Wellingborough yesterday. His decision not to immediately suspend Labour's by-election candidate Azhar Ali angered many British Jews. Ali had said that Israel 'had deliberately allowed' Hamas's October 7 massacre of its own people as a pretext to invade Gaza before swiftly apologising for the comment. But casting him adrift more than 24 hours later, after the Mail exclusively accessed an audio tape of Ali's comments at a Labour branch meeting at which he'd also 'blamed people in the media from certain Jewish quarters' for fuelling criticism of a pro-Palestinian MP, culminated in a backlash from others in the ranks already furious over the party's stance on Gaza. This is the Catch 22 facing Sir Keir: trying to solve one problem to retain the confidence of British Jews has led to another: losing the support of Muslim voters across the country. Not just Muslim voters either. Around two dozen Labour councillors across north Lancashire alone have resigned over Gaza. It is a circle the Labour leader is unlikely to square in the foreseeable future, not in Rochdale, at least. Surely there can't have been a by-election campaign in history where the Middle East crisis has played such a central role. 'The people of Gaza don't have a vote in this election you do,' screams one of Galloway's pamphlets. He says he is determined to 'teach Labour a lesson' for supporting a sustainable, and not an immediate, ceasefire. Many Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, are opposed to the policy for understandable and legitimate reasons. The truth, though, is that an equally large number of Muslims in Rochdale probably hold much stronger views, like the suspended and disgraced Ali, the leader of the Labour group on the county council, incidentally, who is continuing to stand as an independent. Sir Keir Starmer's decision not to immediately suspend Labour's by-election candidate Azhar Ali (pictured) angered many British Jews He says he is determined to 'teach Labour a lesson' for supporting a sustainable, and not an immediate, ceasefire. Many Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, are opposed to the policy for understandable and legitimate reasons. Pictured: George Galloway As one British Pakistani Muslim told me, Israel did not even 'have the right to self-defence' in the wake of October 7 when more than 1,200 were killed and over 240 kidnapped in an unprovoked attacked by Hamas terrorists on Israeli territories because, he says, Israel is founded on an 'an illegal occupation' of original Palestinian land. He said the attack was just propaganda anyway and he didn't believe Hamas were guilty of raping women or butchering babies. Shocking stuff, but he was not alone, which is worrying in itself, regardless of the wider damage anti-Semitism might inflict on Labour. What does this all mean for Rochdale? Much will depend, according to leading polling expert Professor John Curtice, on whether Galloway's Workers Party Of Britain (effectively him) can attract enough non-Muslim supporters in Rochdale who are unhappy about the scenes from Gaza unfolding, according to Galloway, 'nightly on our television screens'. The vacuum was created following the death of Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd last month, who won a 9,668 majority with 24,475 votes in 2017 a 51.6 per cent share. Galloway, himself a former Labour MP before being expelled for attacking Tony Blair over the Iraq war (he'd called the leadership 'a blood-splattered, lying, crooked group of criminals') is the bete noire of Labour. He has already taken two seats from them, with his Respect Party: Bethnal Green and Bow in 2005 and Bradford West in 2012, both of which had large Muslim populations. Such a result in Rochdale on February 29 or something close to it could put many more Labour seats with a similar demographic in jeopardy. Should Galloway's Workers Party decide to field more candidates at the General Election they could, it has been suggested by some commentators, 'be to Labour what Reform is to the Tories'. Either way, the anti-Semitic controversy has done little to enhance the already tarnished reputation of Rochdale. The grooming scandal, where fear of accusations of racism enabled Asian male gangs to sexually traffic and rape vulnerable teenage girls with impunity, is still fresh in the memory. There was another national outcry in 2020, when two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family's rented flat, after the housing association had been repeatedly asked, and failed, to deal with it. Rochdale is also one of the country's most deprived towns with high rates of unemployment and child poverty. The districts being targeted by Galloway and his small team of volunteers have been written on pieces of paper and stuck to tables at his campaign base: Bamford and Norden, Balderstone and Kirkholt, Milkstone and Deeplish to name but a few. More than 75 per cent of residents who live in Milkstone and Deeplish are Muslims. One of the main streets is Milkstone Road, a long winding artery of businesses, shops and terraces. It's hard to miss the Palestinian flag outside one house with a Free Palestine flyer in the window. Akeel Afzal comes to the door. He is a British Pakistani Muslim. His wife Leanne is white British. They have four young children. 'I voted Labour, my father voted Labour, my mother, my uncle. In fact everyone I have ever known has been Labour,' said Mr Afzal, 48, who runs an Asian street food charity which raised 38,000 for the people of Gaza. Would he be doing so again? 'No, never, never,' he replied. No secret why: Labour's position on Gaza. Much will depend, according to leading polling expert Professor John Curtice, on whether Galloway's Workers Party Of Britain (effectively him) can attract enough non-Muslim supporters in Rochdale who are unhappy about the scenes from Gaza unfolding The districts being targeted by Galloway and his small team of volunteers have been written on pieces of paper and stuck to tables at his campaign base: Bamford and Norden, Balderstone and Kirkholt, Milkstone and Deeplish to name but a few. Pictured: A view of Rochdale At this point, the interview turned into an unexpected diatribe. 'If it was white babies [being slaughtered] it would be a different story,' he said with increasing anger. 'It's disgusting. I have nothing against Jewish people. I have worked with Jews all my life. But injustice is injustice.' Wasn't it possible to have sympathy for both sides? 'No,' Mr Afzal said, because, aside from anything else, Israel had no right to defend itself against Hamas because it had no right to exist. Needless to say, he agreed wholeheartedly with Azhar Ali who claimed that 'they [the Israeli government] deliberately took the security off, they allowed... that massacre, that gives them the green light to do whatever they bloody want'. Mr Afzal would, nonetheless, be voting for George Galloway, not Ali, who has remained on the ballot paper as an independent because it was too late to register another Labour candidate for the Rochdale poll. 'I don't know if he will win but he will give the others a kick up the a***,' Mr Afzal said. Mustafa Ghulam, the man behind the counter at Auto-Shop, further down the street, resigned from the Labour Party over Gaza and would also be 'going for George' and so was the young man he was serving. It was the same story at NA Sweet Shop And General Store (Galloway) and the Chunky Chicken (Galloway) and Ahmed Fruit Stores (Galloway), where the owner Rizwan Ahmed, 44, said: 'All the shops round here have Galloway posters up. He has been to the street so he has a lot of support.' His reason, however, is very different to Mr Afzal's. 'I have voted Labour since 1998,' he added. 'But when I heard about what the candidate had said I thought 'how could he do that?' Near Rochdale's Riverside Market, newsagent and life-long Labour voter Karamaad Hussain, whose family are from Pakistan, is also switching to Galloway. 'What they are doing in Gaza is worse than Hitler,' he said. 'It's just innocent people being killed, not terrorists. Everyone I know wants to vote for George Galloway.' Overall, 18.8 per cent of the population in Rochdale is Muslim, according to the 2021 census, a significant number but not as big as, say, Bradford West, which Galloway won in 2013. So to win he will have to pick up votes, as Professor Curtice pointed out earlier, in wards such as Balderstone and Norden district (72.5 per cent white British) or Labour voters will have to stay at home. Indeed, Marianne Phee, 70, who has voted Labour in every election since she was 18, believes many Labour voters will do just that. But she will not be one of them. 'I am still going to vote 'Labour' [ie Azhar Ali, who is standing as an independent following his suspension],' she said over a cup of tea in her local cafe. 'I know my vote will be wasted but I couldn't vote for anyone else. I wouldn't vote for George Galloway if I had a hole in my head. So I think a lot of Labour voters will stay at home.' Overall, 18.8 per cent of the population in Rochdale is Muslim, according to the 2021 census, a significant number but not as big as, say, Bradford West, which Galloway won in 2013 Which is good news for Mr Galloway. Azhar Ali is not the only embarrassment to Labour which was also forced to suspend Graham Jones, a parliamentary candidate for Hyndburn, for referring to f****** Israel. Before him, there was former shadow cabinet minister Andy McDonald who was filmed using the slogan 'from the river to the sea', which some say advocates the eradication of Israel. Then there was Rebecca Long-Bailey, sacked as shadow education secretary, for publicly approving an interview in which it was claimed the Israeli state taught American police to kneel on a person's neck. 'I do not think the Labour party has got it together enough to lead us,' said former soldier David Smith, 76, who was sitting on the same table as Mrs Phee in the cafe. Not surprisingly, many still believe that anti-Semitism has become normalised in the party. The fact that British Jews suffered an 'explosion of hatred' in the wake of the Hamas terror attack, according to the Community Security Trust charity, will do little to alter that belief. Back at the 'nerve centre' of the Workers Party Of Britain, the headline on the front page of the local paper, the Rochdale News, reads: 'Support grows for Galloway.' The Rochdale News, it turns out, is 'paid for and delivered' by none other than George Galloway's Workers Party Of Britain. Even so, you wouldn't bet against him. Additional reporting: Mark Branagan and Tim Stewart Hazel Wilkins said she was forced to sell home after he allegedly tricked her John Eric Wells fleeced victims out of their life savings before fleeing to Asia A pensioner duped out of her life savings by an 'evil' Ian Beale lookalike says her life has been 'ruined' - as police ramp up the hunt for the fraudster. Hazel Wilkins, 74, is in a care home, but before she fell ill, she told The Mirror how she was forced to sell her home after John Eric Wells allegedly tricked her to get her life savings. 'That man has ruined my life and who knows how many others,' she said. 'I had a lovely family home, and a great job and I was happy when I met him. 'Now I have nothing and I will never be happy again. It's too late to get back what he has taken from me. I hate him so much and I think about him and what he has done to me and my family every second of every day. He is the devil incarnate to me.' It comes as police have stepped up the search for Wells, who has been on the run for nearly five years after conning lonely women out of 400,000. Police are searching for the 'Casanova conman' who robbed lonely women out of their life savings Victim Hazel Wilkins appeared on This Morning in 2019 to tell how she met Wells online Hazel's daughter, Lynsey, said he is responsible for her mother's plight, claiming that it gave her PTSD and 'destroyed' her. South Yorkshire Police first launched an appeal for 'Casanova Conman' Wells in September 2019. Despite resembling one of British television's most iconic characters - played by Adam Woodyatt on Eastenders for decades - he's managed to evade arrest for more than four years. Wells, who is in his 60s, is also believed to go by the names Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings and is wanted in connection with three romance frauds. It is claimed he fleeced his victims out of their entire life savings by sweeping them off their feet and going on a spending spree with their money. Victim Hazel appeared on This Morning in 2019 to tell how she met Wells online. Despite John Eric Wells resembling one of British TV's most iconic characters - played by Adam Woodyatt on Eastenders for decades - he has managed to evade arrest for more than four years He started asking her for money when they entered a relationship in 2014 and later took out loans in her name before fleeing, leaving her in a mountain of debt. The conman promised Ms Wilkins he would buy her and her two daughters homes only to back out at the last minute leaving one of them homeless shortly after she gave birth. Ms Wilkins then sold her own house to get a new place where her daughter and grandchild could live with her. She also told the paper she has paid back 17,000 in loans he took out in her name since he disappeared, which has cut her pension in half. Wells also 'cancelled their wedding plans five times', told her he 'owned dozens of hotels around the world' and claimed he had cancer, according to the grandmother. But she believes whenever he went 'overseas' he was actually back in his hometown of Doncaster. Ms Wilkins said she has since been in touch with another woman who told her Wells carried out an 'identical scam' on her. Wells was jailed for three years after faking an 8.9million lottery win in 1996. He later claimed it was an attempt to save his marriage to wife Kathy, pictured with him in 2001 outside court Kemp starred alongside ex-EastEnders actress Michelle Collins as Wells' wife Kathy Wells had previously been jailed for three years after faking an 8.9million lottery win, later claiming the scam was an attempt to save his marriage. He conned banks, a solicitor, an architect, a car firm and two women friends out of 53,000 in total. The plot was turned into the film Can't Buy Me Love, penned by EastEnders' writer Tony Jordan and starring Martin Kemp. His crime was later turned into an ITV movie called Can't Buy Me Love in 2004 starring Martin Kemp as the painter/decorator The 64-year-old was tracked down to a bar in Vietnam by The Mirror in 2019 after it was believed he fled the country to be with his wealthy lover in Asia. Wells is said to be running a bar bought for him by a wealthy hotelier. But a former friend of 'the natural born liar' says she could be his next victim. 'He's still in Asia and is supported by her. She's a rich lady from Vietnam. She paid about 23,000 cash to buy him that bar,' the unnamed friend told The Mirror. The bar's owner said Wells left three months ago when she took over and renovated the property. She claimed he returned to England after the bar got in to difficulty. But friends say he is helping his lover renovate the bar while entertaining revellers with karaoke, and his Facebook page lists his location as Dubai. Judge Jane Shipley, who jailed him at Sheffield Crown Court in 2001, told him he lived in a 'fantasy world'. She added: 'You wanted to aspire to the high life and appear successful, but you seem to lack what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.' A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed Wells was still wanted, saying: 'Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Wells recently, or has information which may help officers with their enquiries. 'It is possible Wells is currently living outside the UK. If you see him, or you have any information which may help, please call South Yorkshire Police on 101.' A woman has claimed she had sex with Matt Gaetz at a 'drug-fueled' orgy that she was paid to attend after bombshell texts surfaced suggesting Gaetz had solicited her for a three-day excursion to the Florida Keys. The woman's lawyer told the Daily Beast that she was paid to attend multiple sex parties with people in Gaetz's circle and on one occasion had sex with the Republican Representative. 'She told [the investigators] that she and lots of girls were provided all kinds of controlled substances at these parties,' the lawyer said. 'The availability of vast amounts of alcohol and controlled substances gave rise to the lack of control of the hormonal imperative, which inspired people to engage in intimate behavior that may or may not have been because they were financially remunerated.' The shocking revelation follows Gaetz's spokesperson denying the congressman's knowledge of the woman when ABC News reported text messages showing Gaetz had arranged a trip and his associate Joel Greenberg was paying her for sex. The Ethics Committee reportedly had a meeting behind doors on Thursday to discuss the allegations against the Florida congressman. Gaetz is claiming he does not know anything about the woman youre referencing. But here he is, at 10:53 pm on May 19, 2017, taking a selfie with her. Once again, Matt Gaetzs story doesnt add up. https://t.co/uUdrlA9ZX1 pic.twitter.com/bHQMF8KUYR Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) February 16, 2024 A woman said she had sex with Matt Gaetz at a 'drug-fueled' orgy that she was paid to attend after bombshell texts surfaced suggesting Gaetz had solicited her for a three-day excursion to the Florida Keys The woman's lawyer told the Daily Beast that she was paid to attend multiple drugs-fueled sex parties with people in Gaetz' circle and on one occasion, she had sex with him. Pictured: Gaetz with his wife Ginger The woman has turned over text messages, photos, and other evidence to the Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee, according to her lawyer. She also testified to the U.S. attorneys in response to a subpoena. Venmo transactions reviewed by the Daily Beast show the woman received around $2,500 from Gaetz' now-imprisoned pal Greenberg between March and July 2017. Greenberg entered notes including 'travel,' 'being cool,' 'stuff,' and the misspelled name of another Greenberg associate for those payments. In July 2017, she requested $500 from Greenberg and entered a policewoman emoji in the memo line. In the same week, Gaetz, Greenberg, and Donald Trump's confidante Roger Stone were captured in a selfie together in Miami, which they shared on social media. The House Ethics Committee first opened an investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, but paused it during the DOJ probe into allegations that Gaetz had engaged in sex trafficking, which concluded in February last year as it decided not to charge him. In the spring of 2021, Gaetz's associate, who had also attended those parties, reportedly met with the woman to determine if she disclosed any information and details about the gatherings to others. The lawyer said his client felt intimidated and the sole purpose of the meeting was to keep her mouth shut. 'This associate was there asking her over and over and over what she had said, demanding she tell them,' the lawyer said. His client's decision to come forward was 'a difficult and emotionally taxing experience,' the lawyer said. 'The fact that nothing has come of it has kind of astonished her, who along with all the others had been the focal point of such an intense investigation,' the woman's lawyer said. 'For them to go through all that and then for the target of the investigation to just get a wink and a nod has created for some of them a loss of faith in the system.' The Daily Beast reported that it obtained text messages, transaction history, and photos, including a selfie of the woman posing with Gaetz. Some of the texts and pictures it obtained matched with the documents described by ABC News in their reporting on the matter, the outlet reports. The Ethics Committee reportedly had a meeting behind doors on Thursday to discuss the allegations against the Florida congressman In July 2021, Gaetz, Greenberg, and Roger Stone were captured in a selfie together in Miami, which they shared on social media It's revealed earlier this week that texts 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. 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?' Both ABC and the Daily Beast report that the woman never did end up taking the Florida Keys 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. '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 Gaetz, pictured with his wife Ginger, has persistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing against him and the DOJ decided last year not to prosecute 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. Greenberg allegedly penned a letter to Donald Trump's confidante Roger Stone in a bid to get a pardon from the then-President. The messages, reported to be between Stone and Greenberg, purportedly reveal that the disgraced tax collector was willing to pay $250,000 in bitcoin to Trump's longtime friend, a convicted felon, to help secure the pardon. One message - said to be from Stone - indicates Gaetz had privately turned on Greenberg and had advised Stone not to secure the pardon for Greenberg. According to a 2021 New York Times report, investigators had believed that Gaetz and 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.' 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.' The leader of Reform UK has ruled out an election pact with Rishi Sunak, as Conservative rebels warn they face an 'extinction-level event' at the election. Richard Tice rejected any talk of a deal and said that Tory MPs deserved to lose their jobs due to their 'woeful performance'. Nigel Farage, who is the co-founder of Reform, has predicted the Tory Right may end up defecting to Reform UK. The Party, previously named the Brexit Party, managed to achieve their best ever by-election results on Thursday. It secured 13 per cent of the vote in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and 10 per cent in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak bemoaned low turnout and warned that voting Reform would only 'put Keir Starmer in power' after Labour seized the previously safe seats of Wellingborough and Kingswood. Reform's success has prompted speculation as to whether the party would team up with the Conservatives again, as the party, under its old name, joined forces with the Tories in 2019. Richard Tice ruled out any talk of a deal and said that Tory MPs deserved to lose their jobs due to their 'woeful performance' Rishi Sunak himself admitted that there was 'work to do' to convince the public that progress was being made in a TV interview after the by-election results Nigel Farage, who is co-founder of Reform, has predicted the Tory Right may end up defecting to Reform UK 'They cannot be trusted at their word, and we cannot reward failure with more incumbency. Tory MPs deserve to face redundancy for their woeful performance,' Reform leader Mr Tice wrote in the Telegraph. 'They should hang their heads in shame, then stand aside and let Reform UK take on the grave threat of Starmergeddon.' Mr Tice also criticised the Conservative's plan, stating that the country 'has slipped' into a recession and blamed the falling GDP per head on their 'mass low skilled immigration policies'. A source close to a group of Tory rebels plotting against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also told the outlet: 'The reality is Labour are currently storming to a huge victory and we have an insurgent party on the right polling above 10 per cent. 'Cue Nigel Farage's intervention two months out from a General Election and we're facing an extinction-level event. It's a slow-motion car crash.' Mr Farage told the BBC: 'There are millions of people... almost half of that Conservative vote of the 2019 [general election] now feel let down, even betrayed, by what the Conservatives have done in Government. 'So the reason they're doing badly isn't because of Reform. It's because of their failure in Government.' Sunak himself admitted that there was 'work to do' to convince the public that progress was being made in a TV interview after the by-election results. 'The circumstances of these by-elections were particularly challenging. I think if you look at the results, very low turnout,' he said. 'It shows that we've got work to do to show people that we are delivering on their priorities and that's what I'm absolutely determined to do. 'But it also shows that there isn't a huge amount of enthusiasm for the alternative in Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. 'And that's because they don't have a plan. And if you don't have a plan, you can't deliver real change.' Personal tax cuts remain the Chancellor's priority at next month's Budget despite a gloomy economic picture, the Mail understands. Jeremy Hunt was dealt a double blow this week after official estimates suggested he has just 13billion of fiscal headroom, and data showed Britain slipped into a recession last year. But sources pushed back on speculation that he now cannot afford a 2p cut in income tax at the Spring Budget, saying he would use any scope to lighten the burden on workers. Mr Hunt receives weekly headroom figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility, with three more forecasts due between now and his announcement on March 6. The numbers can vary wildly but the latest left him looking at a public spending squeeze to find an extra 5billion to 6billion to provide relief to families. A Government source said: 'The priority has got to be personal taxation, that is what we are going to use our headroom on. Because the public don't respond to talk about billions here or billions there in economic growth, they care about money going directly into their pocket. Jeremy Hunt (pictured) was dealt a double blow this week after official estimates suggested he has just 13billion of fiscal headroom, and data showed Britain slipped into a recession last year Mr Hunt receives weekly headroom figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility, with three more forecasts due between now and his announcement on March 6. Pictured: The Rt. Hon. David Jones, MP and former UK Secretary of State for Wales 'It's been a really tough two or three years, but if people are getting an extra 60 a month in their pay pocket because of the National Insurance cut then they feel better off.' Treasury sources insisted that any money available would be prioritised for families over business tax cuts at the Budget provided they are affordable. In the Autumn Statement, Mr Hunt announced the biggest business tax cut in modern history with permanent full expensing which allows firms to claim back the cost of investment against tax liabilities alongside a business rates support package. He also unveiled a 2p cut in National Insurance, which came into effect last month, saving millions of workers hundreds of pounds a year. Mr Hunt is facing intense pressure from Tory MPs to cut taxes at the Budget in an attempt to save the party from electoral oblivion. The Treasury is adamant the Government will only cut taxes if it is affordable, and is cautioning MPs that they will not be able to match the scale of the Autumn Statement. But former Cabinet minister David Jones said the gloomy economic picture highlighted the need for a giveaway. He argued that the Government 'needs to kick start the economy by reducing the tax burden on both businesses and individuals. The Chancellor must make it his priority to do so at the forthcoming Budget on March 6'. Cutting 2p off National Insurance would cost around 9billion a year, while 2p off income tax would cost around 13billion eating away all of the headroom currently estimated by the OBR. But former Cabinet minister David Jones said the gloomy economic picture highlighted the need for a giveaway. Pictured: The Bank of England Mr Hunt is likely to want to include a range of measures in the Budget rather than one big giveaway and will leave a financial buffer. The Office for National Statistics estimated that gross domestic product fell by 0.3 per cent in the last three months of 2023, following a decline of 0.1 per cent in the previous three months. Mr Hunt has insisted there is 'light at the end of the tunnel' if the Government sticks to its plan. Asked whether it was complacent to play down the data, the Chancellor replied: 'Far from that, we recognise life has been very, very tough for families up and down the country.' The mother of a murdered transgender teenager has vowed to 'create a lasting legacy for Brianna' and that she refuses to 'harbour hate' for her killers. Brianna Ghey was brutally killed in a premeditated murder by fellow schoolmates who she thought were her friends. Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, then 15 years old, lured the 16-year-old to a park in Warrington, Cheshire, and stabbed her to death. Ratcliffe was partly motivated by transphobia while Jenkinson was obsessed with torture and death on the dark web as well as serial killers. But Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, 37, has vowed to not let her daughter's death be in vain. Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, has vowed not to harbour hate Brianna Ghey was a transgender teenager who was murdered in a park in Warrington, Cheshire Ms Ghey attends a vigil in Golden Square, Warrington, to mark the one year anniversary of her daughter's murder Tributes left during a vigil include a piece of artwork of Brianna, some flowers, and a teddy as one mourner is seen lighting a candle in her memory Hundreds of people attending a vigil for Brianna, with many dressed in pink which was Brianna's favourite colour 'The worst possible thing has happened to our family,' she told The Times, 'and for me, it can't be for nothing. 'I've got to make something good come out of this and create a lasting legacy for Brianna.' Mrs Ghey who worked as a food technologist has since turned into a campaigner to introduce mindfulness into schools across the UK, a campaign in which she has raised over 95,000 so far, and she also wants to reform the internet. She said: 'This isn't something I would ever imagined myself doing. 'I don't feel comfortable talking to the press. 'But I want fundamental change. I have another daughter and I want to make society a better place for my grandchildren for all our grandchildren.' She set up Peace In Mind, a charity to introduce mindfulness into primary school classes. As a practitioner of mindfulness over the past eight years, she credits it for giving her the resilience and empathy to cope with the loss of her daughter. 'Timid' Brianna's body was found face-down in the mud in a Cheshire village on February 11 Brianna Ghey, 16, was lured to the park by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, both 15 at the time The case of Brianna's murder made headlines and the case was so extreme that the judge lifted reported restrictions to name her killers. But her mother remained dignified throughout the trial and instead of calling for revenge, in December she called for compassion for the families of the murderers. Mrs Ghey continued: 'I refuse to harbour hate. 'You can let something like this destroy you or you can get back up on your feet and push forward.' She added: 'I think there are various stages of closure. 'Watching Brianna's killers being sentenced was one point of closure. 'Seeing mindfulness teachers in schools would be another. 'You can't cover up the terrible loss at the centre of your life, not would you want to. 'Instead, you try to build a new life around that huge vacuum.' Donald Trump has slammed New York for being 'corrupt' and 'letting the migrants come in and take over' after he was fined $355 million in a civil fraud verdict. Judge Arthur Engoron released the ruling on Friday that will also see the former President banned from being a director of officer in a New York firm for three years. Speaking outside his Mar-a-lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, the 77-year-old went on the offense and lashed out at Engoron and Attorney General Letitia James. The former President said: 'I paid approximately $300 million dollars in taxes as the migrants come in and take over New York, and they want me out. 'These are radical left democrats, they are lunatics. Its election interference.' The former president also said that the case had been brought by the DOJ and Biden and constituted election interference. Trump's fine come as New York is gripped by a migrant crime wave after over 170,000 individuals were allowed to flood in the last two years. The former president also said that the case had been brought by the DOJ and Biden and constituted election interference His sons Don. Jr and Eric were also fined more than $1million each and hit with bans of two years He added: 'It effects New York, where we have a totally corrupt Attorney General, she campaigned on the fact that "I will get Trump". We will be appealing.' 'More important than that, it all comes out of the DOJ, it all comes out of Biden. It is a witch hunt against his political opponent, the likes of which our country has never seen before. 'There was no fraud, the banks all got there money. They love Trump, they testified that Trump is a great customer. The judge knows that, he's just a corrupt person. 'Letitia James is a horribly corrupt Attorney General, and its all having to do with election interference. There was no victims, the banks made a lot of money. 'Frankly, if we are not successful New York state is gone. People are moving out of New York state. Because of this they are going to move out at a much faster rate. '[New York] is a state that is going bust, because everybody is leaving. It is all headed up by Biden.' His sons Don. Jr and Eric were also fined more than $1million each and hit with bans of two years. Trump, who Forbes estimates is worth $2.5billion, now has 30 days to come up with the money or come up with a bond of $35million. Justice Arthur Engoron speaks during the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump, at a Manhattan courthouse, in New York City, on October 3, 2023 New York Attorney General Letitia James holds a press conference following the ruling issued against former Trump on February 16, 2024 A view of Mar-a-Lago mansion belonging to former U.S. President Donald Trump, where he spoke on Friday Trump also called James 'racist' in a post to Truth Social and continued to tear into the city where has $690 million in real estate for trying to 'kick him out'. He said he helped New York in 'the worst of times' with his business deals and now it is 'overrun with Violent Biden Migrant Crime'. Trump will likely appeal the verdict which would have devastating consequences for his real estate empire not just in the Big Apple but around the world. New York City is currently struggling under the weight of the tens of thousands of migrants arriving at its borders in need of accommodation. In the last two years alone, the city had to deal with the arrival of over 170,000 migrants. Mayor Eric Adams has said the cost of the migrant crisis in the Big Apple is an eye-watering $4.6 billion as he begs the state for more money. State governor Kathy Hochul pledged to commit $2.4 billion to the crisis last month, which is more than double last year's proposal. In court on Friday, five migrants were formally charged with assaulting two NYPD officers in Times Square last month. Yohenry Brito, 24, Yorman Reveron, 24, Kelvin Servita Arocha, 19, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, and Wilson Juarez, 21, were all sent to Rikers Island to await trial after being arraigned. They all pleaded not guilty. Yohenry Brito was at the center of the melee, which started with him resisting arrest, according to the NYPD Wilson Juarez, left and Kelvin Servita Arocha, who ICE officials say are members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel and Yorman Reveron were also among those arraigned on Friday The all face charges of second-degree assault and obstructing governmental administration, except Juarez, who is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. They are all due back in court on April 13. A total of eight migrants have been charged since the attack, with cops still on the lookout for at least eight other suspects they believe were involved in the melee. Earlier this week, it also emerged that two of the individuals, Juarez and Servita-Arocha, were identified as members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. ICE Spokeswoman Marie Ferguson told the New York Post, 'Both noncitizens have been identified as members of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization.' Juarez and Arocha, who were released without bail after being charged, were picked up by agents inside a Bronx apartment after cops executed a warrant for another migrant wanted in connection with the attack. On Friday Juarez attorney asked that his bail be set at $1 so that he can be held avoid being deported by ICE. Arocha was arrested on and ICE warrant and will have his custody status re-evaluated. Juarez was picked up on a deportation order from a judge in El Paso, Texas, issued one year ago, according to the Post. People gathered Saturday to mark the two-year anniversary of the police action that broke up what has become known as the Freedom Convoy demonstrations. Thousands of demonstrators took over streets around Parliament Hill in late January 2022, blocking roads with big-rig trucks and other vehicles and refusing to move. (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press - image credit) A rally on Parliament Hill to mark the two-year anniversary of what became known as the Freedom Convoy came and went without any major incidents, police say. Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Ottawa on Saturday, two years since the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act and police moved in to clear out the demonstrators who'd blocked off swaths of the city centre for several weeks. "It's an important day," said organizer Chris Dacey. "And with the recent ruling from Justice Mosley about the invocation of the Emergencies Act being unjustified, it was a reason for us to come out and make sure that people know we're still out here." The rally's organizers said they expected people to drive in to Ottawa from southern Ontario and first gather at the Capital City Bikers' Church in Vanier. They then congregated at Parliament Hill around 11 a.m., before moving on to the ByWard Market. In a statement to CBC before Saturday's rally, the Ottawa Police Service said they had consulted with municipal, provincial and federal partners and had prepared accordingly. "We are monitoring information and intelligence, and have a robust plan in place to deal with any demonstrations and to ensure public safety," OPS said in the statement. No major incidents had been reported as of 2:45 p.m. Saturday, police told Radio-Canada by email. Police move in to clear downtown Ottawa of protesters after weeks of demonstrations on Feb. 19, 2022. Police move in to clear downtown Ottawa of protesters after weeks of demonstrations on Feb. 19, 2022. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press) 'Safe, lawful' event was planned Dacey told CBC earlier this week that he'd been in contact with police to plan a "safe, lawful and peaceful event" and that he was unaware of any planned actions involving vehicles. Many of the demonstrators Saturday brandished Canadian flags or signs bearing protest messages, although the atmosphere remained generally festive. "I'm here kind of in remembrance of the two-year anniversary .. of our convoy that I was part of," said Jeremy Glass. Story continues "Also in a little bit of a celebration for the results of the [ruling], saying that it was unjust," he added. "You know, we were here peaceful protesting." Kristia Tanaka, associate director of traffic services for Ottawa, said in a statement that the city had not received any permit requests for a demonstration related to the "Freedom Movement" on Feb. 16 or 17. However, Tanaka did confirm three permits were issued for unrelated demonstrations, including one near the Chinese Embassy and another in the city's west end. "Organizers of demonstrations do not technically require a permit to protest," Tanaka noted in a statement. "The right to peacefully demonstrate falls under the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms." The CDC and the FDA are warning of an outbreak of E. Coli that has already sickened ten people across the country who ate contaminated cheese. Four people have been sickened in California, two in Utah and three in Colorado, but the product, Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese, is sold nationwide. The onset of illnesses occurred between mid-October and the end of January. Four of those who fell ill were rushed to hospital. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition potentially leading to kidney failure. The actual number of affected individuals is likely to be higher than reported with many simply dealing with the discomfort in their own home rather than going to the doctor or seeking medical help. The CDC and FDA have warned of an E. Coli outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand cheddar cheese, sickening ten people nationwide Consumers are advised to discard or return the cheese, wash affected items, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms, with strict hygiene practices The CDC say the outbreak may also have extended beyond the states where cases have occurred so far. No fatalities have been reported. Some recent cases may also have not yet come to light as it takes typically between three and four weeks in order for such confirmations to be made. The outbreak affected both original and jalapeno cheddar cheese made by Raw Farm and includes both blocks and packets of shredded cheese. Customers who bought the cheese are advised to either throw the products away or return them to the store where purchased. Items and surfaces that may have touched the contaminated cheese should be washed using hot soapy water or a dishwasher. The actual number of affected individuals is likely to be far higher than reported with many simply dealing with the discomfort in their own home rather than going to the doctor or seeking medical help or who have undergone E. coli testing. Pictured, E.coli bacteria (file) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) together with the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) are warning of an outbreak of E. Coli that has so far sickened 10 people Victims of the deadly bacteria can become seriously ill - with cases caused by eating contaminated food including severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea and even kidney failure. Typical symptoms include stomach crams, diarrhea and occasionally fever. About half will have bloody diarrhea. These usually appear three to four days after infection but it can take as much as a two weeks before they arise. While an amount of the E.coli bug can be found in the bowels of most people, it poses a particular risk to older people, diabetics and people who are dehydrated. Others whose threat of the bacteria is heightened are people who use a urinary catheter, people with an intravenous device, those with gallbladder or kidney stones and people with prostate problems. A cheese maker cuts curds in a vat during production (file photo) A herd of dairy cattle is seen in lush green fields Doctors warn those suffering from these symptoms not to take antibiotics, as these may increase the victim's risk of complications - and say the symptoms can usually be cared for at home. But if you or your child has bloody diarrhea it is recommended people contact their doctor. Anti-diarrhea drugs should also be avoided as this may mean the toxin stays in the body for longer. If you or your family have any of the symptoms, you must avoid sharing towels or diaper changing mats, and you must not leave soiled items in the kitchen. Instead, you should make sure you are being completely hygienic - washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water, washing soiled items separately from everything else, wiping down surfaces with hot water and detergent and using thick household bleach where possible. Ukraine's forces have withdrawn from the key eastern city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, giving Putin's invading forces a symbolic victory after weeks of savage fighting. In a short statement posted on Facebook early on Saturday, Ukraine's military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said he had made the decision to avoid encirclement and 'preserve the lives and health of servicemen'. The commander-in-chief added that troops were moving to 'more favourable lines'. He said: 'Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment.' 'We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions,' the statement read. The withdrawal follows months of fierce Russian attacks and marks the biggest change on the front lines since Moscow troops captured Bakhmut in May last year. The withdrawal follows months of fierce Russian attacks and marks the biggest change on the front lines since Moscow troops captured Bakhmut in May last year The forces were rallying on Friday to save a key eastern city from Russia's onslaught amid shortages of ammo and manpower. Ahead of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, Kyiv said on Friday that it was sending reinforcements to Avdiivka - a main target for Moscow on the front lines. The eastern town, which had around 34,000 inhabitants before the Russian invasion, has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against the Russian attack. Russia's forces launched a costly bid to seize Avdiivka last autumn, resulting in massive damage to the town and heavy casualties, reminiscent of the battle for Bakhmut. The Ukrainian army said it was reinforcing units, with troops 'manoeuvring on threatened axes,' adding: 'Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the enemy who keeps trying to encircle Avdiivka. The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground.' Russia has been trying to capture Avdiivka for months, and has managed to surround the industrial hub on three sides - at the cost of thousands of lives. One official said the situation was even more challenging than Bakhmut. 'It was difficult there (in Bakhmut) but now it is extremely difficult,' said the spokesman of the 3rd Assault Brigade, Oleksandr Borodin, adding the Avdiivka fight was comparatively 'more difficult' because Russian forces are now better equipped. A Ukrainian army unit said on Thursday it had piled yet more troops in to defend Avdiivka, describing the situation there as 'extremely critical'. 'Fierce battles are taking place within the city,' Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, a Ukrainian general in the east, said on social media on Friday. Online maps of troop movements prepared by military bloggers close to both the Ukrainian and Russian armies showed Russian forces closing in on Avdiivka, taking over positions held by Ukrainian forces the day before. 'New positions have been prepared and powerful fortifications continue to be prepared, taking into account all possible scenarios,' Tarnavskiy said. He called the situation in Avdiivka 'difficult but controlled' and said commanders have been tasked to 'stabilise the situation'. An aerial view of Avdiivka's destroyed buildings on February 15, 2023. Almost every building in the city has been damaged or destroyed, according to the Centre for Information Resilience A general view of smoke rising from the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant on February 15, 2023 in Avdiivka district, Ukraine Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a security pact with France on Friday hours after securing a similar deal with Germany hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a 'historic step' to lock in support for Kyiv in its raging battle against Russia. The agreement with France, signed by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee palace, includes a French pledge for up to 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, after 1.7 billion in 2022 and 2.1 billion last year, officials said. They said the pact would run for 10 years, and notably strengthen cooperation in the area of artillery. They said the deal was aimed at helping Ukraine with the 're-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders', and forestall 'any renewed Russian aggression'. The deal is also to help pave the way towards Ukraine's future integration into the European Union and NATO, the officials said. 'France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe,' they said, quoting from the agreement. Speaking on Thursday night, Zelensky vowed that his government would do 'everything' to save lives in Avdiivka. The battle for the industrial hub, less than six miles north of the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, has been one of the bloodiest of the two-year war. Ukraine's top commander admitted on Wednesday that Ukraine was outnumbered on the battlefield. 'The objective situation in Avdiivka remains threatening and unstable. The enemy continues the active rotation of troops and is throwing new forces and resources into the city,' Ukraine's Third Separate Assault Brigade said. The general staff of Ukraine's army said separately that troops 'continue to hold back the enemy, who keeps trying to surround Avdiivka', adding that Russia launched 34 attacks in the area on Wednesday. Almost every building has been damaged or destroyed, according to the Centre for Information Resilience. Despite daily shelling, almost 1,000 residents have remained in the town, once home to over 30,000 people, its mayor Vitaly Barabash said in early February. A Ukrainian army spokesman said bringing in resupplies to the town and evacuating those who want to leave had become 'complicated'. A Ukrainian serviceman of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade drives a Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, on February 12, 2024 This handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on December 29, 2023, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recording a video address in front of a sign reading 'Avdiivka is Ukraine' The fate of Avdiivka also drew concern in Washington, Ukraine's key backer. 'Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian control,' US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday. Democratic President Joe Biden and the Republican-led House are at an impasse over a White House request for $60 billion in military aid to help Ukraine's defence as the Russian invasion enters its third year. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had warned on Thursday that the delay was already limiting Ukraine's battlefield capacity. On top of the US aid hold-up, the European Union has admitted that it will only be able to send half of the one million artillery shells it had originally promised would be despatched by March. The EU recently agreed a 50 billion aid package for Ukraine, and a further $60 billion aid package is currently being held up in the United States. But even if the aid packages did make their way to Kyiv, questions remain over its supplies of ammo and equipment - and where more could come from. Analysts fear that without increased support from the West, Russia's overwhelming numbers - and Putin's willingness to send so many of his soldiers to their deaths - could soon change the tide of the war in Putin's favour. A woman who flew a British girl to Kenya for female genital mutilation was defended by the victim in court after being slapped with a seven-year jail sentence. Amina Noor, 40, who was born in Somalia but moved to Britain when she was 16, took the three-year-old to a 'clinic' while she waited outside as the horrific procedure was carried out. Medical experts who later examined the child found she had suffered severe mutilation of her genitals, which would have caused significant bleeding and extreme pain. Noor, from Harrow, North London, has claimed she was pressured by her own family to allow the barbaric procedure and her mother told her she would be 'cursed' if she didn't let the ritual happen. However, she was jailed on Friday for seven years in the first conviction of its kind in the UK. Now, it has emerged that the victim, who kept the mutilation a secret for 13 years until confiding in her English teacher at the age of 16, appeared at the Old Bailey to plead for Noor not to be jailed. In the first conviction of its kind, Amina Noor, 40, has been jailed for seven years for assisting in the female genital mutilation on a three-year-old British girl during a trip to Kenya in 2006 She was convicted following a trial at the Old Bailey (above). She is the first person to be convicted of taking someone abroad for female genital mutilation Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy speaks to the media outside the Old Bailey, central London, after Amina Noor, 39, was jailed for seven years She said Noor is 'not wicked' and she understood why the refugee agreed to let the procedure happen. More than 3,000 new FGM cases a year in UK, stats suggest Figures produced by the NHS in 2022 suggested there may be more than 3,000 newly identified victims of FGM in the UK each year. NHS Digital produced stats of cases which were spotted by nurses or doctors around the country. It is thought the majority of cases involved mutilation abroad. The most recent figures released last month state that there were 1590 newly identified victims of FGM in the UK between January and June this year. Advertisement 'I know if I had been in her position with the failure of education and pressure from people she trusted, I would have done the same,' the university student said, adding that she was 'not angry'. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed. There are no legitimate medical reasons for this to be done - with the procedure carried out under the guise of 'purity'. But the procedure itself is laden with complications - from infections to difficulties urinating and coping with periods or even the development of cysts and difficulties with childbirth. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as Sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others. FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts. It's illegal in the UK and classified as child abuse. Noor is the first person to be convicted of taking a child abroad for FGM, having travelled with the toddler at the age of 22 in 2006. The procedure was carried out at a private house. An examination by doctors in 2019 then found the girl's clitoris was completely removed, the court heard. Prosecutor Deanna Heer, KC, earlier told jurors Noor flew the victim to Kenya in 2006. She said: 'Whilst they were there, she took [the victim] to the house of a Kenyan woman, where she was subjected to female genital mutilation. That involved the complete removal of her clitoris. 'At the time, she was just three years of age.' The crime only came to light years later when the girl was 16 and confided in her English teacher at school. When spoken to, Noor said she thought the procedure was just an injection and afterwards the girl was 'happy and able to run around and play'. She claimed she did not know the violent extent of the procedure. According to an initial account, Noor described going with another woman to a 'clinic' where the girl was called into a room for a procedure. The defendant said she was invited in but refused because she was 'scared and worried'. Afterwards, the girl appeared quiet and cried the whole night and complained of pain, according to the account. Noor was born in Somalia but moved to Mombasa in Kenya when she was eight after the outbreak of civil war in Somalia DSI Andy Furphy hopes the conviction will encourage other victims of FGM to come forward and help bring down their abusers Jurors were told the defendant was born in Somalia and moved to Kenya at the age of eight during the civil war in her home country. She was aged 16 when she came to the UK and was later granted British citizenship. The defendant described what had been done to the girl as 'Sunnah', meaning 'tradition' or 'way' in Arabic, and said it was a practice that had gone on for cultural reasons for many years. The court was told that 94% of females of Somali origin living in Kenya undergo the procedure, according to United Nations figures. Giving evidence in her trial, Noor said she was threatened with being 'cursed' and 'disowned' within her community if she did not take part. She told jurors the threat gave her 'pain', adding: 'That was a pressure I had no power to do anything about.' Sentencing her to seven years in prison at the Old Bailey on Friday, Mr Justice Bryan described the crime as 'truly horrific and abhorrent'. The judge said he hoped the victim's 'bravery' would encourage others to come forward to report incidents. He went on: 'Female genital mutilation is a vile offence resulting in the violation and permanent injury to a woman's body, with lifelong adverse consequences. 'Those that perform, or who aid and abet the performance of, such mutilation need to know that very substantial sentences of imprisonment will be the norm, as appropriate punishment, and to deter others from such vile practices. 'No woman would abandon a three-year-old girl to such a fate unless they were cruel-hearted, callous and devoid of all compassion and humanity, which is not the impression I formed when you gave evidence.' Speaking outside the Old Bailey following the sentencing, Met detective superintendent Andy Furphy told reporters: 'I hope today's sentence acts as a real deterrent to those who choose to harm children in this way. 'More importantly, I hope that we can use this result as an opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this topic, ensuring victims know that there is support and help out there.' A brave dad has made a miraculous recovery from brain surgery to be by his wife's side to help deliver their fourth child. Ryan Steinbeck, who lives at Cooroy on Queensland's Sunshine Coast with his wife Astrid Schirnack, received the shock diagnosis before Christmas last year that he had a brain tumour. The 43-year-old needed to have emergency surgery to remove the tumour on the right side of his brain caused by a category one meningioma, which causes a build-up of abnormal cells on the outer part of the brain. But his surgery had to be delayed after Ms Schirnack was nine months pregnant with the couple's baby girl. Mr Steinbeck - who was suffering from severe headaches, nausea, and lost feeling in his arms and legs - was left unable to work or care for his family. Doctors said he needed urgent treatment as his condition could result in a fatal stroke. The tumour had become so large that it had forced Mr Steinbeck's brain out of place. Ryan Steinbeck (pictured right) made a remarkable recovery from emergency brain surgery to be by his wife's (pictured left) side when she gave birth to the couple's fourth child Ms Schirnack feared her husband would not be by her side to help deliver their baby as he was scheduled to have his surgery on January 29 - the day Ms Schirnack was set to give birth. The 34-year-old, who runs a business along with her husband of seven years, took to Facebook days out from giving birth to post an emotional message. She said the past few weeks had been 'stressful' and the family were forced to turn to loves ones and the community for financial help to cope with her husband's impending surgery and the birth of her chid. 'We have been privately dealing with so much stress, grief and anguish over Ryan's health and the timing of it all,' she wrote 'We've been busy trying to get our lives in order to help us through this time.' Mr Steinbeck then underwent a successful surgery and made a remarkable recovery to return home the night before Ms Schirnack went into labour. The couple welcomed their daughter Francesca Maria Steinbeck at their home on February 3 at 1.10am, two weeks after she was due. Ms Schirnack said her husband went through a difficult period in the final stages of her pregnancy while he was fighting his health battle. 'As a father and partner he went through a really dark time. [He] [s]aid he felt like a massive burden,' she told the Courier Mail. Astrid Schirnack (pictured) gave birth to her baby daughter Francesca in the early hours of February 3 with Mr Steinbeck there to watch his child arrive into the world The father of four (pictured centre) was scheduled to have his surgery the day his wife was due to give birth 'He had to leave work and could not show up how he wanted to as a man when usually he's the most incredible partner, father and provider.' Ms Schirnack said she was relieved when her husband walked through the door on February 1 around 11pm. Mr Steinbeck had a brief stint in ICU and has some paralysis in his left foot as he looks ahead to months of rehabilitation following his surgery. He was by his wife's side when she went into labour after Mr Schirnack finished her morning swim at Noosa River on February 2. She described the birth of baby Francesca as the ultimate rollercoaster ride but said the feeling of looking into her daughter's eyes after she was born was priceless. 'She's our unicorn baby. She waited so that her dad could be there and she's just been so gentle and easy and chill.' Ms Schirnack's mother Jo had earlier set up a GoFundMe page to help provide financial support for the family. Some $11,000 has so far been raised, surpassing the $10,000 target. Another said it was not uncommon Outraged shoppers have taken to social media to slam a Sydney supermarket after a customer spotted a vile detail on a Tim Tam packet. In a post on Reddit, a social media user shared an image of a Tim Tam packet on the shelf at Coles at Burwood in Sydney's inner west that appeared to have been eaten by rats or mice. The Arnott's packet had a large hole in the middle, with bite marks visible in at least three of the coconut-flavoured Tim Tams. 'Welcome to Burwood Coles local attraction,' a disgruntled customer captioned the post. A commenter claimed it was not uncommon to see pest-ravaged goods in the supermarket. 'Yeh not the first time, I've shopped there and seen this many times,' they said. An outraged Coles customer has shared a photo of a Tim Tam packet seemingly ravaged by pests A Coles spokesman said various claims in relation to the Tim Tam packet are currently being investigated Other commenters questioned the supermarket's management and product checks. 'Suspect this will sit on a shelf in Coles Burwood for a prolonged period before being noticed by management,' one commented. A Coles spokesman said various claims in relation to the Tim Tam packet are currently being investigated. 'Coles takes food safety seriously, and we work hard to keep a clean environment in our stores and DCs,' a spokesman told 7 NEWS. 'We have an integrated pest management system, which primarily focuses on keeping pests out, and then controlling pests should they find their way in.' While some commenters were appalled to see the image, others tried to make light of the post. 'To be fair, those coconut Tim Tams are delicious,' one commenter wrote. 'Rats! I was up for some Coconut Creams,' another said. Coles has been contacted for further comment. A Pennsylvania mom has been sentenced to life behind bars after she murdered her 11-year-old son by strangling him with a belt while he slept. Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead, 51, was found guilty of first degree murder earlier this week for the killing of her son Matthew Whitehead, 11, in their home last April. Police were called to the home in Horsham after Matthew's father had found him dead, with DiRienzo-Whitehead driving their SUV onto the beach at the Jersey Shore after killing the boy. Images show the SUV left partially submerged in the water, with a criminal complaint revealing that officers found a black men's dress belt on the floor of the vehicle. Police then found DiRienzo-Whitehead wandering the streets before she was taken into custody. She confessed and told police she didn't want her son to grow up with their family's financial problems, deciding to strangle the privately educated child as he slept, according to 6abc. Ruth DiRienzo-Whitehead, seen here, was found guilty of first degree murder earlier this week for the killing of her son Matthew Whitehead in their home last April The boy's father, Daniel Whitehead, had been sleeping in another room at the time, which he told authorities wasn't out of the ordinary. The two are seen here According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, DiRienzo-Whitehead told officers that Matthew had been crying 'off and on all day over the family's financial difficulties'. The boy's father, Daniel Whitehead, had been sleeping in another room at the time, which he told authorities wasn't out of the ordinary. Testifying through tears on Monday, Whitehead told the court: 'I saw him laying on the bed face down. I screamed. He was a great boy. He was always happy.' Delco Times reported that Whitehead also repeatedly referred to his wife of 13 years as 'the defendant' and glared at her as he was asked to identify her for the record. DiRienzo-Whitehead's lawyers argued she strangled her son because she was having a psychotic break due to financial concerns and family issues, and felt she was sparing her son a painful life. A defense expert testified DiRienzo-Whitehead was suffering from depression and mental illness at the time. Montgomery County prosecutors argued the killing was premeditated, saying she had made numerous online searches on how to strangle someone and did research on mental illnesses that lead women to kill their own children. They also said DiRienzo-Whitehead, who worked as a realtor, blamed her husband for the family's financial issues and was motivated to kill by a mix of anger and revenge. Police were called to the home in Horsham after Matthew's father had found him dead, with DiRienzo-Whitehead later found after driving their SUV onto the beach at the Jersey Shore. A defense expert testified DiRienzo-Whitehead was suffering from depression and mental illness at the time Montgomery County prosecutors argued the killing was premeditated, saying she had made numerous online searches on how to strangle someone Delco Times reported that DiRienzo-Whitehead had been sole caretaker for her mother, who suffered from dementia, and was stressed about having to sell her family home. Whitehead testified his wife was 'upset' and 'wasn't happy' about having to sell the home that had been in her family for decades. While delivering the guilty verdict on Thursday, a judge refused to find mental illness as a defense. On Friday, prosecutors successfully argued that DiRienzo-Whitehead knew killing her son was wrong and that she acted out of revenge and not mental illness. Footage of her being taken from the court in shackles shows the mom turning to reporters, saying: 'I'm heartbroken.' NBC Philadelphia reported that DiRienzo-Whitehead had always maintained her silence before this week. On Friday, she admitted she took her son's future away from him and asked for forgiveness, telling the court only 'a monster would do something like this'. The outlet reported that she also said she knows the life her son should have had and she was proud of him. Matthew was a sixth-grade student at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, which he had attended since kindergarten The SUV was left partially submerged while officers picked up DiRienzo-Whitehead who was found wandering The Pottstown Mercury reported that Whitehead sobbed in court on Friday, saying: 'Matthew was a gift from God, touched so many people. I would have done anything for him. 'He was so happy to make his parents proud. His future was limitless. I will miss him forever.' Matthew was a sixth-grade student at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, which he had attended since kindergarten. The private school said in a statement: 'Matthew was an extraordinary child with a smile as bright as the sun. 'We loved him, and we will forever mourn his loss, a devastating tragedy for our community, his family, his friends, and our world. 'We will do everything in our power to carry his memory forward, to honor him as he so truly deserves, and to live our lives well as a tribute to him. 'Matthew is the embodiment of love, promise, and goodness, and we will never, ever forget him.' Defense lawyer Eugene Tinari has vowed to appeal the conviction. A teenager tragically killed in a horrific highway crash while on a family road trip to see Taylor Swift in concert has been identified. Mieka Pokarier, 16, died when the SUV she was travelling in with her mother and sister collided with a semi-trailer near Dubbo as they drove to Melbourne from the Gold Coast. The crash on Dunedoo Road at Ballimore on Thursday about 6pm also left Mieka's younger sister Freya Pokarier, 10, in a critical condition. She was airlifted to Westmead Hospital. Mieka was understood to have been sitting in the front passenger seat when the crash occurred. Emergency services rushed to the scene but the teenager could not be saved. On Saturday, Mieka and Freya's father, Peter Pokarier, shared his grief on Facebook. 'That's my baby that died,' he wrote. Mieka Pokarier, 16, died when the SUV she was travelling in with her mother and sister crashed while on a roadtrip from the Gold Coast to Melbourne to see Taylor Swift Mieka and her sister were intending on seeing Swift in Melbourne and Sydney while the pop superstar was in Australia A teenage girl has died in a horror crash in Dubbo, western NSW (pictured) while she was heading from Queensland to Melbourne to watch Taylor Swift's concert The girls were travelling with their mother in an SUV at the time of the collision, on their way to see pop superstar Taylor Swift (pictured) perform at the MCG The driver of the semi-trailer had minor injuries and was taken to Dubbo Hospital in a stable condition. The mother of the two girls, Kim Litchfield, who was driving the SUV, sustained several injuries and was also taken to Dubbo Hospital. Godmother to the sisters, Karleigh Fox, said the younger girl was fighting for life in a coma with brain injuries, a broken pelvis and a broken leg. She said the two girls had been looking forward to attending the 14-time Grammy Award winner's concert. 'This was supposed to be a road-trip of a lifetime with them going to concerts in both Melbourne and Sydney,' she told the Courier Mail. The Gold Coast-based family were heading down to Melbourne ahead of Swift's sold-out concert at the MCG. The pop superstar kicked off the Australian leg of her Eras tour in Melbourne on Friday night with around 96,000 fans in attendance. Images from the scene in the aftermath of the crash show plumes of thick, black smoke rising into the sky. Emergency services rushed to the scene but the 16-year-old girl could not be revived while her younger sister, 10, is fighting for life in hospital A GoFundMe page was set up on Friday to raise money for the shattered family. 'The family have all had to cease work to fly down and I'm trying to get a flight to support the mum as she's alone in Dubbo until we can get her to Sydney,' Ms Fox said. 'Funds will be used to function in this challenging time.' Mr Pokarier, the girl's father, also shared a link to the Go FundMe. He said his family is 'what I live for, I'm devastated'. Tributes have also flowed from friends on social media. Cheyenne Craig said Mieka was learning to drive. 'How is it fair that someone as sweet and beautiful as you was taken away from us so soon?,' she wrote to social media. 'Mieka was the sweetest, most down to earth person you could've ever had the privilege of knowing, her stupid jokes that always made no sense but somehow always made you laugh... and the way we would spend the entire day talking about concerts.' Swift (pictured) began the much anticipated Australian leg of her Eras tour at the MCG last night in front of around 96,000 fans Both sisters had been part of the Gold Coast Youth Theatre Academy. Simone Medland also said Mieka was passionate about music and concerts. 'I was so happy to see you happy living your life and going to concerts. You deserved to be happy and there are so many people that care about you.,' she said. 'I wouldn't trade these last few years I had with you for the world and I wish I could just see you once more. We had so many plans of things we needed to do together and it'll always be my biggest regret that we never got the chance to.' NSW Police said in a statement that a crime scene was set up as officers continue to investigate the incident. A report will be prepared for the coroner. A spokesperson from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network told Daily Mail Australia the girl is currently in a critical but stable condition. A Texas high school teacher been suspended after video emerged of him talking to his students in flowing pink dress, and taking a class in a tutu. Hebron High School in Lewisville took action after footage of chemistry teacher Rachmad Tjachyadi went viral and prompted a furious backlash. One video shows the educator strolling about in a pink taffeta dress and matching pink hat and boots, as pupils look on. Other photos show him wearing the outfit in the classroom and writing on a whiteboard while dressed in a multi-colored tutu. In a letter to parents, principal Amy Broughton admitted it 'would be natural for our families to have questions about this situation', before insisting that because it is 'under review, there is no additional information the district can share'. Chemistry teacher Rachmad Tjachyadi at Hebron High School in Lewisville, Texas Tjachyadi's appearance in a pink dress seemed to make little impact on unimpressed students He was also filmed taking a lesson in a multi-colored tutu and leggings The footage went viral after it was posted by the Twitter account Libs of TikTok with the caption 'this is a grown a*s man'. 'I'm told he also sometimes shows up to teach dressed in full drag and has a fetish for wearing women's clothing. How is this acceptable?!; the account added. The post prompted thousands of replies with many demanding the teacher be sacked. 'Texas already has a massive problem on its hands because parents still think it's a far-off CA issue,' tweeted Amy Haywood. 'This is not acceptable,' added Phil Larsen, 'It is, however, accepted. Why? 'Because of weak leadership in school boards across the country.' 'Fetishes don't belong on any school campus,' wrote Lilly Belle Wild. 'The whole world is a stage for their theatrics!' added another. 'I have no idea how our schools have fallen this low. Our children deserve better.' Tjachyadi has worked as a teacher in schools around the Dallas area since 2002 after gaining an MS in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He was employed by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District for eight years from 2015 according to his LinkedIn profile, and appears to have moved to the Lewisville district in recent months. Other leaked photos show Tjachyadi wearing a dress seemingly modelled on that of the villain Ursula from Disney's Little Mermaid, and sprawling on the floor in high heels and a knee-length glittery red dress gripping a clutch bag at one of the school's prom nights. The veteran teacher was more orthodoxly dressed to receive an award with colleagues 'The whole world is a stage for their theatrics!' wrote one furious critic on Twitter One leaked photo shows Tjachyadi wearing a dress seemingly modelled on that of the villain Ursula from Disney's Little Mermaid, Tjachyadi was wearing his tutu and leggings as he faced off against anti-trans protersters The Fowardslash project described his teaching objectives as 'not only to educate the students in science but also to be an out LGBTQ+ role model in a professional setting'. Tjachyadi has worked as a teacher in schools around the Dallas area since 2002 after gaining an MS in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin Tjachyadi has now been placed on administrative leave 'pending review' by Hebron High School principal Amy Broughton One leaked photo showed him sprawling on the floor in high heels and a knee-length glittery red dress while gripping a clutch bag at one of the school's prom nights. One trans-friendly website suggested in its profile that Tjachyadi had been cross-dressing at school for years. The Fowardslash project, which describes itself as 'an archive that excavates and interrogates deviant queer subjects', described his teaching objectives as 'not only to educate the students in science but also to be an out LGBTQ+ role model in a professional setting'. 'The choir director at his school asked him to dress up as one of the Supremes (along with three other female teachers) for an open mic night, and the rest is history,' it explained. 'Rachmad would utilize dress-up days at his schools to show off his feminine side in the education settings.' The row echoes the case of transgender Canadian teacher Kayla Lemieux who sparked fury at her Toronto school after appearing with with prosthetic Z-cup breasts that she claimed were the result of a medical condition. The Dallas Asian American Historical Society said it stood 'in full solidarity with Rachmad and against the district's discriminatory actions'. And supportive students at Hebron High have started a change.org petition claiming the footage of Tjachyadi in the calf-length pink dress was taken on a 'spirit day', and demanding that he be allowed back into class. More than 3,500 people have signed the petition, illustrated with a picture of Tjachyadi wearing multi-colored flowers on his head and badly applied lipstick. 'He is being called a pedophile, among other names, however, this is NOT the case and he is beloved by many students at Hebron,' the petition's organizer Julia Ngo wrote. 'He is a great teacher, he explains chemistry very well and has created a very fun and safe environment for his students. 'He does not deserve to be defamed and lose his job. Thousands of supporters have signed a petition demanding he be allowed to return to class The Dallas Asian American Historical Society said it stood 'in full solidarity with Rachmad and against the district's discriminatory actions' 'He is in no way a pedophile or publicizing a "fetish". 'In fact, many students in his class encouraged him to wear the dress in the first place. 'He has pushed many students to become better and shows genuine care for his students. 'The recent decision to place him on probation has left our community frustrated and disappointed. 'It would be a great loss for Hebron High School to lose a teacher like Mr Tjachyadi. Free my boy Mr.T.' Authorities said a storm in Sterling would complicate the ongoing investigation A firefighter was killed, while nine other firefighters and two civilians were injured in a catastrophic house explosion on Friday in Sterling, Virginia A Virginia firefighter lost their life in a catastrophic house explosion on Friday night, while 11 others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Emergency crews responded to a gas leak call in Sterling at around 7.30pm. As firefighters entered the residence and investigated, the house unexpectedly exploded. Shocking footage and photos capture the aftermath, showing billowing clouds of smoke rising from the debris. Nine firefighters and two civilians were injured and taken to multiple hospitals, with the conditions of their injuries not immediately known. 'I'd say this is the worst call we can respond to, and this is a time when we need to support each other and hold each other,' Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Asst. Chief James Williams. Emergency crews responded to a gas leak call in Sterling, Virginia at around 7.30pm. As firefighters entered the residence and investigated, the house unexpectedly exploded Shocking footage and photos capture the aftermath, showing billowing clouds of smoke rising from the debris Nine firefighters and two civilians were injured and taken to multiple hospitals, with the conditions of their injuries not immediately know Neighbor John Padegett told ABC: 'Whole house shook. It was a huge explosion and well fortunately I had walked my dog earlier and I smelled gas Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and feeling their homes shake, with some stating that their residences were also damaged, reported by NBC and FOX5 'It was very smoky. There was debris falling from the sky,' Kyleigh Krishreck said, adding that it felt like something struck her home. Neighbor John Padegett told ABC: 'Whole house shook. It was a huge explosion and well fortunately I had walked my dog earlier and I smelled gas. 'It looked like an inferno... it was horrific it looked like something out of a war zone.' said Padegett. 'Total devastation. There's a debris field well into the street and into the neighborhood. It's a huge physical and emotional toll on everyone associated with the fire department,' Williams said. Numerous photos show firetrucks with extended ladders hovering above the rubble while rescuers search through the debris. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion but confirmed that all firefighters have been evacuated from the building. Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and feeling their homes shake, with some stating that their residences were also damaged, reported by NBC and FOX5 Numerous photos show firetrucks with extended ladders hovering above the rubble while rescuers search through the debris 'I'd say this is the worst call we can respond to, and this is a time when we need to support each other and hold each other,' Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Asst. Chief James Williams A social media user who lives nearby said their neighbors all heard the explosion '[There were] people who were trapped. The rescuers were going in, trying to pull them out. This incident will impact the entire fire service in the country,' Williams said. The deceased firefighter has not been identified, pending notification of the next of kin, authorities said. Multiple agencies were devastated by the explosion as Loudoun County Fire and Rescue announced the loss of a crew member 'with heavy heart'. The office wrote: 'One firefighter was determined deceased on scene and several others were transported to local area hospitals for medical treatment.' 'The scene is active with law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel and the Loudoun County Fire Marshals Office is investigating.' Williams told reporters that the anticipated storm tonight in Sterling would complicate the scene and the ongoing investigation. The Biden administration is preparing to send bombs and other weapons to Israel that would add to its military arsenal even as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing current and former U.S. officials. The proposed arms delivery includes roughly a thousand each of MK-82 bombs, KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions that add precision guidance to bombs, and FMU-139 bomb fuses, the Journal reported, adding that the value of is estimated to be 'tens of millions of dollars.' The proposed delivery is still being internally reviewed by the administration, the report added, citing a U.S. official, who said the details of the proposal could change before the administration notifies congressional committee leaders who would need to approve the transfer. The U.S. State Department and Defense Department, Israel Defense Forces and Israel Defense Ministry have not immediately responded to the report. However, there are a growing number of U.S. government employees who are firmly opposed to a continued support of Israel in the war. The Biden administration is preparing to send bombs and other weapons to Israel that would add to its military arsenal even as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Gaza , the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing current and former U.S. officials The proposed arms delivery includes MK-82 bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions that add precision guidance to bombs, and FMU-139 bomb fuses. Pictured, an Israeli helicopter flies over Khan Younis, Gaza Strip Palestinians line up for a free meal in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Friday. International aid agencies say Gaza is suffering from shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas Earlier this month, staffed staged a hunger strike in an attempt to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to denounce Biden's policy toward Israel. Representatives for Feds United for Peace, a group of several dozen government employees frustrated with the Gaza crisis also organized an office walkout in January. Earlier this week, it emerged how Biden had sensationally referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as 'an a**hole' on at least three occasions describing him as the primary obstacle to peace in the Middle East, according to a report. A source close to the president told NBC News that Biden felt as though Netanyahu was 'giving him hell' over ceasefire negotiations. 'He just feels like this is enough. It has to stop,' another source told the network. The aging Democrat regularly calls Netanyahu 'this guy'. Last week, Biden called Israel's military operations in Gaza 'over the top' and said the suffering of innocent people has 'got to stop.' Earlier this week, it emerged how Biden had sensationally referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as 'an a**hole' on at least three occasions A picture taken from a position in southern Israel on the border with the Gaza Strip on Friday shows an Israeli tank rolling along the border, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas Smoke billows following the Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip on Friday A Palestinian groom, Mahmoud Akhzaiq, and his bride are surrounded by relatives and friends during their wedding at shelter camp for the displaced, set up inside Stadium in Deir al-Balah central Gaza Strip on Friday While Biden has previously expressed concern about the mounting Palestinian civilian toll, his direct criticism of the Israelis has been muted. As of December 2023, the Biden administration had skipped congressional review of weapons sale to Israel twice. The Biden administration has faced criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel as allegations pile up that American-made weapons have been used in strikes that have killed or injured civilians. The war in Gaza began when Iran-backed Hamas sent fighters into Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's air and ground offensive has since devastated much of Gaza, killing 28,775 people, also mostly civilians according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, and forcing nearly all of its more than 2million inhabitants from their homes. A collection of damaged cars lies abandoned, since the deadly October 7 attack by gunmen from Palestinian militant group Hamas from the Gaza Strip, on a field near Netivot in southern Israel Palestinian residents examines the rubbles of destroyed and damaged buildings following Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza on Friday Gaza residents examines the rubbles of destroyed and damaged buildings following Israeli attacks in Rafah Palestinian children fill up bottles with water distributed by charitable organizations as accessing clean water gets harder due to the ongoing Israeli blockade in Rafah Palestinian children take shelter with their families while they try to fill their bellies with tea and bread prepared on a wood fire, under hard conditions as the Israeli attack continues A combination photo shows satellite images of the streets of Rafah before and after the migration of displaced Palestinians to the area Biden has again cautioned Netanyahu against moving forward with a military operation into Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah without a 'credible and executable plan' to protect around 1.4 million Palestinians sheltering there. But Israel's defense minister said the country is 'thoroughly planning' its promised ground invasion of Rafah, and Netanyahu vowed early on Friday to reject 'international dictates' on a long-term resolution of Israel's conflict with the Palestinians. Yoav Gallant told reporters Friday that Rafah is 'the next Hamas center of gravity' that Israel plans on targeting. 'We are thoroughly planning future operations in Rafah, which is a significant Hamas stronghold,' he said. He declined to say when the operation might begin. Two Israeli airstrikes on Rafah overnight killed at least 13 people, including nine members of the same family, according to hospital officials and relatives. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. A second measles case has been confirmed in the Greater Toronto Area, according to public health agencies. (Photo via Getty Images) A Toronto infant has been hospitalized with measles linked to travel, according to the city's public health agency. On Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) noted in a news release that it's following up with any known contacts who might've been exposed to the virus. "Residents should check to ensure they are protected against the measles virus by getting vaccinated before travelling," TPH advised. In Toronto, the five-year average is two measles cases per year, where 2022 saw one infection. This new case comes after Peel Public Health (PPH) announced this week it was investigating a case in a child in the Greater Toronto Area. That public health agency also said it was reaching out to known contacts who might've been exposed to the highly-contagious virus. "A reminder for anyone who is planning international travel to a destination with high levels of measles to ensure they are immunized against measles," PPH noted in the Tuesday release, adding all Ontarians are eligible for two publicly-funded doses of the MMR vaccine. Last week, another measles case was reported in Montreal, which the city's public health agency said the person likely caught during a trip to Africa. Measles cases are rising worldwide, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization. (Photo via Getty Images) A November report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control confirmed measles cases are rising worldwide and more people are dying from it. The report indicated there was an 18 per cent increase in estimated measles cases and a 43 per cent increase in estimated measles deaths in 2022 compared with 2021. Researchers said this is a result of millions of children missing measles vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Global coverage with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) declined during the COVID-19 pandemic to the lowest levels since 2008, and measles surveillance was suboptimal," the report said. Story continues Canadian infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch previously told Yahoo Canada he wasn't surprised by the report, adding it was clear there was "a breakdown of many public health programs throughout the course of the pandemic." Bogoch described the virus as the "canary in the coal mine" of public health, adding outbreaks are "visible, and they're explosive, and obviously, they can be devastating." In 2022, there were 136,200 deaths from measles. Nearly all of those deaths were children, the majority of whom were under the age of five. Should Canadians be worried about these rising numbers or the recent cases found closer to home? Read on to learn everything you should know about measles and prevention. Measles symptoms include high fever, cough and a rash all over the body. (Photo via Getty Images) What is measles? According to the WHO, measles is a "highly contagious disease" caused by a virus of the same name. It "spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes," the agency explained, adding the virus attacks the respiratory system first, before spreading through the body. Symptoms can include: a high fever coughing a runny nose a rash all over the body red and watery eyes small white spots inside the cheeks Complications from measles are what causes the majority of deaths, including: blindness encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling or damage) severe diarrhea and dehydration ear infections severe breathing problems These complications are most likely to occur in children under five years old and adults over 30, the WHO said. Bogoch added there's a misconception, "some people think measles is no big deal. ... It's important to note that it's associated with significant morbidity. You can get very, very sick from measles." How common is measles in Canada? Despite the global surge, Canada has reported very few cases of measles, thanks to the nation's high vaccination coverage. Although, some parts of the country are seeing a decline in vaccine uptake, including Alberta where vaccination rates in 2022 dropped from 2018. Bogoch noted the few cases seen in Canada are predominantly imported, often originating from regions with lower vaccine rates. However, the issue could be that some Canadian children missed out on routine vaccination during the pandemic. Current recommendation for routine measles vaccines is two doses, the first administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 18 months of age or after, but before school. "Could we see the propagation of cases in Canada after we'd have an important case, if we do see lapses of vaccination?" Bogoch questioned, answering it wouldn't be surprising. "There's so little wiggle room with with measles." Should Canadians be worried about rising cases globally? Two doses of a measles vaccine provides nearly 100 per cent protection from the virus. (Getty) Bogoch advocated awareness rather than undue concern. While Canada has few measles cases, individuals who choose not to be vaccinated might face risks, especially when travelling to areas with lower vaccine coverage. It's crucial for Canadians to stay informed about their vaccination status and ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date. The vaccine is safe, effective, and does a remarkable job in preventing infection.Dr. Isaac Bogoch Bogoch said some individuals, despite being pro-vaccine, might not be up to date due to receiving only one dose, especially those born before the 1990s. He encouraged those in doubt to consult health-care providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners or pharmacists. "One dose provides pretty good protection against measles, but two doses is much better," he claimed. While Canadians may not face an immediate threat from the global rise in measles cases, awareness and proactive vaccination are essential. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Aussies living in the US have been left confused after a new restaurant popped up in New York that bears a remarkable resemblance to a popular Australian food outlet. Expats and visitors living in The Big Apple took to social media after they spotted some signage in New York's NoHo that resembles the restaurant Fishbowl with a slightly altered name. 'Surely this is Fishbowl but they couldn't just name it Fishbowl. I really hope it is, I've missed it,' one fan said in a clip shared on social media. Indeed rather than a knock-off, the company's young founders have confirmed they are taking their Asian-inspired salad and protein bowl takeaway business global. The group is ramping up to open their first outlet off Australian shores but have had to do so under the name Thisbowl in the US. Fishbowl's first store in the US will be in Manhattan's NoHo. Picture: Supplied Fishbowl founders Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi, and Casper Ettelson at the Parramatta eatery. Picture: Nikki To The Fishbowl founders have revealed how they went from being university students to the owners of a brand worth millions (pictured is a Japanese-style salad from the eatery) The New York store is set to open in mid-2024 as the company's three founders, who are friends from University, set their sights on the massive US market. Nic Pestalozzi, one of three founders, said the company wanted to launch big in the US by cracking the New York market. 'New York is the absolute Mecca of retail in the world,' he said. 'We debated other cities. We thought, 'should we go to Los Angeles or should we go to London'? 'But we said, 'look, if we do that we will still need to prove that we can do New York, whereas if we go straight to New York and we make that work, then the world is your oyster'.' Mr Pestalozzi, Nathan Dalah and Casper Ettelson, the founders of the salad bowl restaurant Fishbowl, opened their first store in Bondi Beach in 2016. The friends wanted to build a brand and product around healthy living and their salad bowls are designed with Japanese, Malaysian, Southeast Asian and Chinese influences. 'The Bondi image isn't something we've intentionally tried to convey,' Mr Pestalozzi said. 'It's just very much where we started. The brand is who we are and the lifestyle that we lead just has that sort of Australian healthy outdoor feeling. 'We want to create an authentic brand experience.' He's confident the Fishbowl experience will carry over the America, despite the name change. The trio threw caution to the wind when they decided to open their first store in Bondi and had known little about the challenges they would face during the Covid pandemic Fishbowl offers healthy Asian-inspired salad bowls priced below $20. The entrepreneur believes the casual bowls are ready to compete in New York's ultra-crowded food space. 'Our product is definitely up to the challenge,' he said. 'We wanted it to be something with maximum appeal and the fact it's healthy, super fresh, very delicious and at great price points, the product by itself actually has a point of difference in the market in New York in terms of that quick casual healthy bowl market.' Offerings from the menu include a coconut chicken bowl with cabbage, carrot, red onion, coriander, lemon olive oil dressing, crispy shallots and a bowl called the O.G., which offers salmon sashimi or poached chicken with kale, beets, edamame, red onion, roasted sesame dressing, seaweed salad, tobiko, crispy shallots. The bowls are all priced below $20, which is a main facet of the company's mission to help people make healthier life choices. Fishbowl has expanded rapidly since 2016, with 46 stores now open across Victoria, NSW and Queensland. 'Our fit-out costs are quite significantly lower than typical hospitality fit-out costs,' Mr Pestalozzi said. 'We have a central kitchen and then we produce all of the food daily and we deliver it to the stores daily, so when we fit out a venue, we're really paying for a few fridges and the furniture whereas a typical restaurant or a hospitality business is paying for kitchen equipment and they're almost double the investment just to open one store. 'The repayments and the payback period on our stores is quite fast and that allows us to be more profitable and that allows us to open more shops.' The company now employs up to 450 staff with plans to launch 12 new stores, bringing the total number of Fishbowl experiences to 40 across Sydney, Victoria and Queensland Moneyed up mates: Nathan Dalah, Casper Ettleson and Nic Pestalozzi, (pictured left to right) opened their first Fishbowl restaurant in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs back in 2016 His co-founder Nathan Dalah welcomed a baby with Australian supermodel Georgia Fowler, 29, in September, a daughter the couple have named Dylan (pictured is the couple) Mr Pestalozzi said the business had rocketed past $50m in revenues in the past 12 months and would target $100m for 2025, with an expansion rate of about eight new stores a year. 'That gives us enough time to train staff, to fund the growth and just to ensure we're not getting too far ahead of ourselves,' he said. Global expansion beyond New York is also firmly in mind, but Mr Pestalozzi says the team followed a 'store one' mentality, or achieving excellence store-by-store rather than thinking about their aspirations too broadly. For the moment, that means cracking America through 65 Bleecker. 'I think it's going to be like the ultimate Fishbowl flagship so we're really excited,' he said. 'We're putting a lot of you know hearted soul into this one store.' Fishbowl's initial expansions were self-funded but private Australian investors have come on board in the past two years. The company has also attracted interest from American investors but Mr Pestalozzi said the trio wanted to keep it 'local' for now. 'We say we're sort of empowering people to make healthier lifestyle choices, so it's not just about our product,' he said. 'We've always tried to build a brand and an experience around the product. 'People want to feel better.' A father who killed his two-year-old adopted daughter by smashing her head against the wall lashed out after she fought with his 'favourite son' over ice cream. Zahra Ghulami suffered a skull fracture caused by 'significant impact' at the hands of Jan Gholami, 33, at their home in Gravesend, Kent, in May 2020. He has been jailed for a minimum of 23 years and six months. The girl, who Gholami adopted from Afghanistan, was taken to hospital on May 27, 2020 and died two days later; Gholami sought to claim to jurors she had fallen down the stairs while he was at Tesco. Prosecutor Sally Howes KC told Maidstone Crown Court there had been a 'rivalry' between Zahra and Gholami's son - and that the pair had squabbled about going for ice cream before Gholami stepped in and took out his 'bad temper' on the child. Gholami told jurors that she had fallen down the stairs while he was at Tesco and was vomiting when he got home. A disturbing image was shown to the jury of Gholami carrying Zahra to hospital. Zahra Ghulami suffered a skull fracture caused by 'significant impact' at the hands of Jan Gholami, 33, at their home in Gravesend, Kent, in May 2020. The girl, who Gholami adopted from Afghanistan, was taken to hospital on May 27, 2020 and died two days later Jurors convicted Gholami of murder in a majority verdict of 10 to two after deliberating for nearly 20 hours at Maidstone Crown Court on January 9 A disturbing image shown to the jury of Zahra being taken to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford by Gholami Jurors convicted Gholami of murder in a majority verdict of 10 to two after deliberating for nearly 20 hours at Maidstone Crown Court on January 9. Gholami, of Oak Road, Gravesend, was also unanimously found guilty of child cruelty and was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years in prison. His wife, Roqia Ghulami, was cleared of murder during the trial but was also found guilty of child neglect unanimously by the jury. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Why was little Zahra allowed to stay with the violent adoptive father who murdered her? Council defends decision not to intervene before killing Advertisement The 32-year-old, of Oak Road, Gravesend, was also sentenced to two years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday. She did not give evidence in court but told police she thought Zahra fell down the stairs. During the trial, Zahra was described as a 'bright, intelligent' child who was 'highly curious' and wanted to find out about everything. Zahra was admitted to the A&E department at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford on May 27, 2020, during the first coronavirus lockdown. She was later transferred to a hospital in London, but tragically died two days later. The girl's cause of death was given as a severe head injury and skull fracture by Professor Charles Mangham, an osteoarticular pathologist. When he was arrested by police, Gholami produced a receipt from the supermarket in an attempt to prove his innocence. He told officers: 'Why are they taking me to a police station? What have I done? I have enough worries. My child is in a coma. 'I don't know anything about what happened to the child because I was not at home. I was at Tesco. I don't know what happened.' He added: 'I am a Muslim. You can't blame me for these things. There are cameras. Whatever happened I was not at home.' Jurors were told Gholami, originally from Afghanistan, came to the UK in January 2016 while Ghulami was still in Afghanistan with their children. The couple adopted Zahra in 2017 after Gholami's friend, Zahra's father, felt unable to look after her after his wife died in childbirth. This happened when Ghulami was in Afghanistan and the adoption was approved by village elders. In January 2019, Gholami applied for asylum for Ghulami from the UK, and she arrived with the children to join him. Roqia Ghulami, Gholami's wife, was found guilty of child neglect during the trial. She was been jailed for two years The court also heard evidence of alleged domestic abuse by Gholami against Ghulami, with a neighbour claiming she saw Gholami punch Ghulami in the face outside their home. Jurors heard how Ghulami told a police officer and social worker in June 2019 that he beat her, sometimes by slapping her or banging her head against a wall, and she was scared he would kill her. Gholami denied hurting his wife, and also denied allegations of inflicting older injuries on Zahra before her death. They included that he banged her head against the wall and fractured her skull on an earlier occasion. Prosecutor Ms Howes said: 'Because this is what you do. You bang people's heads against walls. 'Because you've done this before and Zahra had survived, you just walked away and went to Tesco.' Gholami will serve 23 years and six months before he is eligible to be considered for parole. Sentencing him, Judge Mr Justice Wall said: 'This was not an isolated injury, and the fatal injury was a re-fracture on a previous injury. You killed a vulnerable and defenceless young child in her own home. 'Zahra would have been in obvious pain after receiving those injuries - despite this, you did nothing to help her.' He rejected Gholami's claim that he had gone to the doctors for help, adding: 'You were responsible for the injuries. You put your interest ahead of the interest of Zahra.' Kent Police's senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Ross Gurden, said after sentencing that Zahra was betrayed by people she trusted in the 'most brutal way'. He added: 'Gholami inflicted catastrophic injuries on Zahra, and his partner failed to intervene to help her. 'This outcome can never bring Zahra back but does ensure those responsible for her death have been brought to justice.' Around 1,500 police officers from forces across the UK have been drafted into west London to maintain order as another mass march for Palestine gets underway. Pro-Palestinian protesters will demonstrate near the Israeli embassy on Saturday for the second time since the October 7 attacks. However - they have been told they cannot begin until an event at a synagogue along the route has finished. Between 200,000 and 250,000 people are expected to gather for the demonstration in west London, a spokesman for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign said. The march will begin south of Marble Arch at 1.30pm and set off along Park Lane, then Knightsbridge and Kensington Road ending at the junction with Kensington Court where speeches will take place. Getting ready to join the march for Palestine in London #RafahBombing #Cease_fire_In_Gaza_Now pic.twitter.com/usBaXnwK01 Socialist Worker (@socialistworker) February 17, 2024 Stewards stand outside the Achilles statue in Hyde Park this morning ahead of the demonstration. Over 200,000 protesters have been predicted to attend Banners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign proclaim 'Free Palestine: End Israeli Occupation' while another reads 'Ceasefire Now' A map released by the Met police shows the route of the march, beginning at Marble Arch at 1.30pm before heading down Park Lane, then Knightsbridge and Kensington Road Pro-Palestinian protesters will demonstrate near the Israeli embassy on Saturday for the second time since the October 7 attacks (Pictured: A separate rally in London on February 12) Police have been repeatedly drafted in to maintain order during marches in recent weeks (Pictured: A protest outside Downing Street on February 12) The Palestine Solidarity Campaign estimates 200,000 and 250,000 people are expected to gather for the demonstration Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Israel Embassy in London on October 9 last year - just two days after Hamas' terror attack - chanting 'free free Palestine' and lighting flares This is the first time since a rally on 9 October that protest organisers have decided to hold a demonstration in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy. However, even though protesters will be closer to the embassy than in recent months, the same exclusion zone that has been in pic.twitter.com/67k0zBDqGR Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 16, 2024 The Metropolitan Police said the start time of 1.30pm allows time for a synagogue event to finish. A spokesman for the force said: 'This is the first time since a rally on October 9 that protest organisers have decided to hold a demonstration in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy. 'However, even though protesters will be closer to the embassy than in recent months, the same exclusion zone that has been in place since mid-October will apply. 'Participants in the protest will be kept more than 100m away from the embassy grounds, behind barriers controlled by officers. They will not be permitted to enter the area marked in red on the map below and anyone doing so faces arrest.' According to the Campaign Against Antisemitism, organisers have advertised a start time of 12.30pm - but police say this is the form-up time and protesters will not be allowed to start marching for another hour. The CAS said: 'In previous weeks, the marches have included people supporting Hamas and openly flaunting their anti-Jewish racism, and congregants leaving synagogue had to walk through them.' Speakers will address crowds near the Israeli embassy and they must stop by 5pm, while protesters must leave by 6pm, police said. The Met added: 'We know there will be some who ask why that is allowed or how that decision was reached. 'It is a common misconception that the police can grant or refuse permission for protests to take place which is not the case.' Hundreds of protesters gathered near the Israeli Embassy on October 9 - just two days after Hamas' terror attack. Clashes took place between rival groups of pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine demonstrators at nearby High Street Kensington station. 'A real risk of serious disorder' sufficient for the Met to request that the Home Secretary ban the protest has not been seen at recent demonstrations and is not expected today, the Met added. Protesters will be kept more than 100m away from the embassy grounds, behind barriers controlled by officers and face arrest if they do not do so. Precautions have also been taken to ensure the presence of protesters does not unnecessarily disrupt other sensitive premises, including synagogues, either near the start or along the route. Conditions under Section 12 of the Public Order Act meaning that any person participating in the march must not deviate from the route. Police have also said no gazebos or other stalls can be erected in a specified area at Marble Arch. The use of further police powers will be kept under review. All officers 'will be briefed to be on the lookout for offensive placards and banners' and police teams will monitor CCTV of the demonstration as it happens. Commander Kyle Gordon, who will lead the policing operation, said: 'We are there to ensure protests take place lawfully, minimising disruption to the life of the wider public and in a way that gives due consideration to the cumulative impact on London's communities and those who feel most vulnerable in the current climate. Palestinian and Israeli supporters clashed at High Street Kensington station on October 9 last year, near the Israeli embassy, as police desperately tried and keep the peace Israeli flags were being waved while Palestinian posters can be seen in the background of the disorder on October 9 last year Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held up placards near the Israeli Embassy on October 9 last year Smoke fills the air near the Israeli Embassy in west London as pro-Palestine protesters carried out their demonstration last October Police officers previously have had to escort protesters down to the platform as tensions threatened to boil over 'The protests we have seen since October have thankfully been largely peaceful and we must take this into account in our policing approach. 'I hope the same will be true this Saturday. 'Unfortunately, despite this, we have regularly seen officers having to deal with offences related to placards and other hate speech. 'We do not underestimate the fear this causes, nor the impact of such criminal and unacceptable behaviour on wider community relations. 'I would appeal to all those attending the protest on Saturday to act within the law and to consider the impact of their actions on the safety and security of others. We will not hesitate to take action against those who fail to do so.' At least 28,663 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the strip in October in response to the October 7 attacks, where militants killed some 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Israel is being urged not to send ground forces into Rafah on the Egyptian border, where many of the strip's citizens are now living after areas closer to their homes became engulfed by fighting. PSC director Ben Jamal said: 'At each stage of Israel's genocidal attack on Gaza we've seen horrors that we never thought possible. 'The images this week from Israel's bombardment of Rafah, of children with limbs torn apart, should be seared on the conscience of the world. 'Despite mounting pressure from world leaders, and in defiance of the ICJ ruling, the Israeli government has made clear that it is about to launch an attack on Rafah that will lead to unprecedented levels of carnage. 'The moral imperative is clear. 'An immediate ceasefire is a simple, absolute necessity. 'The legal imperative is also clear, the UK must abide by its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention to cease any activities that make it complicit. 'Our government and opposition are guilty of an historic failure of leadership and principle. 'They have chosen to take the side of those committing genocide over those who are its victims, and over the demands of international law. 'We, with the majority of people in the UK, will continue to hold them to account on our marches, protests, campaigns and in the voting booths.' A second group of asylum seekers has landed undetected in northern Australia and shocked locals by wandering into a remote campsite. The group of 13 men walked into the Indigenous-run Pender Bay campsite, which is 180km north of Broome in Western Australia, shortly before 5pm on Friday and reportedly identified themselves as 12 Bangladeshis and one Indian. It follows around 30 male asylum seekers, who said they were from Bangladesh and Pakistan, turning up on Friday morning near the Indigenous community of Beagle Bay, which is about 51km south of Pender Bay. The discovery of more unexpected boat arrivals threatens to ignite a political stoush over borders, a historical sore point electorally for Labor. Photos of the newly arrived men at Pender Bay show they have suffered from cuts and other minor injuries likely from walking through mangroves and scrambling over rocks to get ashore, with the wounds being attended to by an Indigenous local. More apparently undetected asylum seekers have landed in the north of Western Australia, and were discovered at Pender Bay around 51km north of where the first group was discovered When shown reports of the group that was found earlier in the day at Beagle Bay, the men professed no knowledge of them. WA police were reported to have arrived at the settlement late on Friday. Locals have also begun scouring the coastline for any more undetected arrivals. Australian Border Force told media on Friday they were conducting an ongoing operation in the north of WA. 'As this operation is ongoing, no further information will be provided,' the ABF said in a statement. 'Australia's tough border protection policies means no one who travels unauthorised by boat will ever be allowed to settle permanently in Australia. 'The only way to travel to Australia is legally, with an Australian visa.' Some of the first group of asylum seekers who were discovered in the remote north of WA on Friday morning The first group of asylum seekers said they arrived by boat from Indonesia, but it is unclear how many vessels were involved the ABC reported. Beagle Bay locals told said left the community in a bus early on Saturday, having apparently spent the night at the local school. The bus appeared to be heading in the direction of the Curtin RAAF base. A Nauru Airlines plane left the Curtin base mid-morning, arriving at Broome International Airport shortly after, where it remains. Australia has an offshore immigration detention centre at Nauru. On Friday Opposition Leader Peter Dutton launched into Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claiming the undetected arrivals showed he was being soft on borders, a historical electoral sore point for Labor. Mr Dutton also zeroed in on Mr Albanese telling reporters he was unaware of Friday morning's arrivals because he had been travelling by car. 'There are some disturbing reports of the latest boat arrival, this would be at least number 12 under this prime minister's watch,' Mr Dutton said. 'The Prime Minister's phone works in the car, he should've taken a call, he should've called his minister in return to ask what is going on,' Mr Dutton told reporters. 'People smugglers can pick out a weak leader, a weak prime minister and a weak minister and it's exactly what they've done.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has been assured that Border Force is handling matters professionally Mr Dutton attempted to link the new arrivals to the controversy over Albanese government's handling of immigration detainees with criminal records being freed by a High Court order in November, only to see a number arrested. The Home Affairs Department revealed earlier this week 24 of the 149 people released have already been charged for visa condition breaches or state offences 'Now we've warned about this for some time, all of the core factors like releasing the 149 criminals (under the High Court ruling), watering down Operation Sovereign Borders, Mr Dutton said. 'That sends a clear message to the people smugglers, and that's when they get back in business, and that's when we see boat arrivals'. Mr Albanese told the media on Saturday that he had been in contact with Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and the commander of taskforce Operation Sovereign Borders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter and was reassured things was under control. 'We don't talk about the detail of operational matters but I'm very comfortable that the Operation Sovereign Borders has been put in place,' he saidl' 'It's the same system that operated before and we will make announcements about what has occurred therewhen that occurs.' 'Our position on Operation Sovereign Borders is very clear, and people who attempt to arrive here by boat will not settle here.' Australian Border Force have been contacted for comment. A baggage handler at Heathrow airport has been rushed to hospital after she got her scarf caught in the conveyor belt and was helplessly pulled along the machine. The woman, an experienced team leader for airport services company Menzies, was unloading luggage from a Loganair flight arriving in the capital from Dundee, with staff inside the aircraft unaware of the incident unfolding below. MailOnline understands that the plane was at a remote stand and passengers had already been bussed off when the handler got her scarf snagged in the machinery and was dragged along uncontrollably, leaving her in a critical condition. The victim was then treated by paramedics and rushed to hospital. Menzies provides handling and fuel services for airlines including Loganair, Thai Airways and Etihad Airways. A baggage handler has got her scarf caught on a conveyor belt in Heathrow which caused her to be dragged along uncontrollably (Stock Photo) The woman, an experienced team leader for airport services company Menzies, was unloading luggage from a Loganair flight arriving in the capital from Dundee (Stock Photo) A spokesperson for the company revealed that the employee is still in hospital three days on from the incident. 'We are aware of an incident involving a Menzies employee at Heathrow Airport and we can confirm that the employee is currently in hospital receiving treatment,' the spokesperson said. 'Our thoughts are with our employee and their family. 'We cannot provide any further detail at this stage.' A source told The Sun: 'It was the stuff of nightmares. 'No one was on hand to help out. 'It's a miracle she wasn't killed.' A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 5.49pm on Wednesday February 14 to reports of an incident at Terminal 2 Heathrow Airport, Hounslow. 'We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic and members of our hazardous area response team (HART). 'Our first medics arrived on scene in four minutes. 'We treated a patient at the scene and took them to a major trauma centre as a priority.' MailOnline understands that the plane was at a remote stand and passengers had already been bussed off the Heathrow runway when the handler got her scarf snagged in machinery and was dragged along uncontrollably, leaving her in a critical condition (Stock Photo) The Health and Safety executive said it was helping police with an investigation into the incident. According to tracking sites, the Loganair flight landed at Heathrow Terminal 2 on Wednesday at 5.26pm. MailOnline has contacted Heathrow Airport for comment. Alexei Navalny's body has gone missing from the morgue where it was officially being held, his team have said as his mother arrived at the brutal IK-3 Polar Wolf penal colony this morning. Navalny's lawyer, who arrived in the town of Salekhard with Navalny's mother on Saturday, called a number for the morgue and was told that 'Alexei's body is not in the morgue', as claimed by the prison where he had died, the team said on Telegram. Alexei Navalny's spokesperson this morning confirmed the Russian opposition leader had died and said that his body is with investigators. Kira Yarmysh demanded that the body be immediately handed over to his family, claiming they had been told the body will not be handed over until the investigation is complete. 'It's obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexei's body, hiding it even from his mother,' his team said in a post on Telegram. Alexei Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, was seen today travelling to the colony in northern Russia, where her son is believed to have died after suddenly collapsing yesterday. The shock death of Putin's most fierce critic has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make 15 arrests in Moscow alone. A woman (L), believed to be Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is accompanied into a car as she leaves the IK-3 penal colony A woman wearing a protective mask and sunglasses, believed to be Lyudmila Navalnaya, leaves the IK-3 penal colony, February 17, 2024 Police detain a man as he wants to lay flowers paying their last respect to Alexei Navalny at a monument in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, February 17, 2024 Police officers detain a woman who laid flowers for Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday, February 16, 2024 Men in black remove flowers laid in tribute to Alexei Navalny in Moscow Police detain people at a makeshift memorial to Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg Police detain people at a makeshift memorial to Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg Since news of Navalny's death on Friday, Russian police have detained more than 100 people at spontaneous memorials set up, the OVD-Info rights group said Saturday. People were seen gathering to place flowers at makeshift monuments across Russia late Friday, and in some cases were detained by police, social media footage showed. As of February 17, 'more than 101 people' had already been detained in 10 cities, including 64 in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, OVD-Info said. Protests are illegal in Russia under strict anti-dissent laws, and authorities have clamped down particularly harshly on rallies in support of Navalny. Authorities in the Russian capital said Friday they were aware of calls online 'to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow' and warned people against attending. Russia's strong response came as Volodymyr Zelensky issued a chilling warning to critics of Putin's regime at the Munich Security Conference in Germany this morning. 'Putin kills whoever he wants,' the Ukrainian President said. 'Be it an opposition leader or anyone else who appears as a target to him. He maintains power through corruption and violence.' 'Putin has murdered another opposition leader,' Zelensky said outright. The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's death. Speaking at the Munich conference today, Zelensky spoke on the need to repel Putin's advances east and depose him - as Russia prepares for its closely-watched presidential elections next month. He warned Saturday that his country's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells. 'Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war,' he told the Munich Security Conference. 'We have ruined the myth that Russian weapons are better than Western ones - that is why for the first time in Russian history Putin bowed to Iran and North Korea for help,' he said. 'Russia has only one specific military advantage at this time - namely the complete devaluation of human life. Constant Russian meat assaults prove this. International tolerance of the lack of rule of law in Russia since 1991 and Putin's policy of controlled poverty has led to the effect that human life is worthless for Russian state. Speaking ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said: '[Putin] has just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear message as the Munich Security Conference opened, Putin murdered another opposition leader. 'So please, let's not fear Putin's defeat and the destruction of his regime. Let's instead work together to destroy what he stands for. It is his fate to lose, not the fate of the rules based world order to vanish.' He told attendees: 'Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourselves why Putin is still able to continue it.' He went on: 'Putin now openly justifies Hitler absolving him of responsibility of World War II and he makes the genocide of our people just the normal part of policy.' 'After the murder of Alexei Navalny it is absolute to pursue Putin as the legitimate head of the Russian state. He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence 'Putin only has two options ahead, to be in the dock in the Hauge or to be killed by one of his accomplices who are now killing for him.' Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia Navalnaya in September 2020 Zelensky blamed Navalny's death on Putin (pictured in Chelyabinsk, Russia, on Friday) Flowers and signs are left outside the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, on February 16 Hundreds of people carrying banners gather in front of the Russian Embassy at Bayswater Road, London to commemorate the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, on February 16 People attend a vigil for Alexei Navalny in front of the Russian Consulate General on February 16, 2024 in Munich, Germany People light candles during a vigil for Alexei Navalny in front of the Russian Consulate General on February 16, 2024 in Munich, Germany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a conference in Munich on Saturday The Ukrainian President said outright that Russia was responsible for the death of Navalny Zelensky is not alone in accusing Russia of slaying the former lawyer. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Saturday said Navalny's 'heroic opposition to Putin's repressive and unjust regime inspired the world'. 'We hold the Russian Government solely responsible for his treatment and death in prison,' Wong said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. US President Joe Biden was equally blunt, saying: 'Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death'. Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov added: 'Alexei Navalny was tortured and tormented for three years... Murder was added to Alexei Navalny's sentence'. Russian investigative reporter Maria Pevchikh wrote on X: 'Navalny was killed. It's not very clear how to live further, but we will definitely come up with something together. 'Alexey will live forever in millions of hearts, in our thoughts and memories. Otherwise, why are we needed? 'The murderers will be punished. Inevitably. We won't forgive anyone.' Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Speaking to broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Reflecting overnight makes you think what an incredibly brave man this was. His life revealed so much about the true nature of (Vladimir) Putin's ghastly regime. And his death has revealed that all over again. 'There should be consequences. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. We don't announce them in advance, so I can't say anymore than that. But that is what we will be looking at. 'Of course we have already summoned the ambassador and made clear our views about this dreadful event and the way this person was treated.' He said he would be meeting with G7 foreign ministers at the German gathering: 'I am clear that we will be taking action and I would urge others do to the same.' Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny (pictured in Bulgaria, February 14, 2024) A car carrying Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, arries to the prison colony in the town of Kharp on Saturday, February 17, 2024 A man is detained by police in St Petersburg after attending a vigil for Alexei Navalny Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported to have died in prison on Friday, according to Russia's prison agency. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement that Navalny, 47, felt unwell after a walk and 'almost immediately lost consciousness'. Paramedics reportedly came to try to rehabilitate him without success. There was no immediate confirmation of Navalny's death from his team, his lawyer Leonid Solovyov telling Russian media he would not be commenting yet. Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of 'extremism', had only recently been moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a grisly 'special regime' penal colony above the Arctic Circle. His allies, a brave minority in Russia fighting corruption, said at the time they feared for his life after he 'disappeared' in December to travel to the remote region notorious for its long and severe winters - just months before the closely-watched Russian presidential elections next month. A WhatsApp calling for children to be stopped from using smartphones has gained thousands of members in the wake of the murder of Brianna Ghey. Meanwhile, Dame Esther Rantzen has come out in support of children owning smart phones saying they are essential for 'vulnerable' teenagers. The Childline founder points out that 75 per cent of children who reach out to the charity do so through the website. Friends Clare Fennyhough and Daisy Greenwell, united in their concern around children's smartphone use, came together to create the WhatsApp group Smartphone Free Childhood. The group which was intended to be used by a handful of like minded friends gained 1,000 members within the first 24 hours of its launch on February 3. Now, just over a week after it was launched, the group has 4,500 members and over 30 local groups have also been created indicating how widespread concern is amongst parents. Ms Fernyhough, speaking to The Guardian, said: 'We thought we had an extreme view and that's why we wanted to have solidarity with each other. Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenage Brianna Ghey. Ms Ghey shares the concerns of the thousands of people who have joined the WhatsApp group Smartphone Free Childhood and had called for a ban on social media access for the under-16s Dame Esther Rantzen. , Dame Esther has come out in support of children owning smartphones saying they are essential for 'vulnerable' teenagers. The Childline founder points out 75 per cent of children who reach out to the charity do so through the website Brianna Ghey(pictured) was murder by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe in February last year. Brianna was found to have accessed pro-anorexia content on her phone 'But what we've realised is that, actually, it's like we've lifted the lid on something here by mistake and people really need to talk about this and a lot of people have been feeling like us but not feeling they could talk about it.' Ms Fernyhough says that smartphone use by children risks exposing children to pornography and content on self-harm and even suicide which can have a harmful impact on their mental health. She said: 'It struck me that they just don't need one. They don't need a smartphone at that age. A brick phone can do everything that they need.' The goal of the group is intended to delay children getting smartphones until at least 14. Ms Fennyhough hopes that if collectively no children own smartphones it will reduce peer pressure on children to own one. Ms Fennyhouch and ms Greenwell are not alone in their concern as Brianna Ghey's mother, Esther, has come out in support of a ban on social media access for the under-16s. Ms Ghey's daughter Brianna was murdered by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe on February 11 last year and since then it has been revealed Jenkinson used the Dark Web to watch torture videos. Meanwhile, Brianna was found to have accessed pro-anorexia content on her phone. Speaking to the BBC, Ms Ghey said: 'We'd like a law introduced so that there are mobile phones that are only suitable for under-16s.' This week, Ms Ghey joined forces with Molly Russell's father, Ian Russell, to call for better protection for young people online. Molly Russell took her own life in November 2017 when she was just 14-years-old. It was later found that Molly had viewed content related to suicide and depression online. Mr Russell, speaking live on the BBC, said big tech firms were 'heading in the wrong direction', adding that he thought it was their bosses who were 'resistant to change'. Ms Ghey said: 'Social media companies and mobile phone companies have both got a moral responsibility to not think about profit so much and actually think about how their product is impacting the people who are using it.' Scarlett Jenkinson,16, (left) and Eddie Ratcliffe, also 16, (right) murdered Brianna Ghey in a park in Warrington in February last year. It has been revealed Jenkinson used the Dark Web to watch torture videos Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell. Mr Russell has joined forces with Brianna's mother to call for better protection for young people online Molly Russell (pictured) who took her own life in November 2017 when she was just 14-years-old. It was later found that Molly had viewed content related to suicide and depression online However, smartphone use amongst children is less of a concern for others including Dame Esther Rantzen who instead believes they are 'essential' for children. In a letter wrirten to The Telegraph, Dame Esther, has oppsoed calls by the actress Sophie Winkleman for children to be given 'brick' phones. The Childline founder cited that teenages wanting to access the charity's services overwhelmingly used the internet. Dame Esther wrote: 'I myself have seen how two suicidal children one abused at home, the other seriously bullied for being gay contacted Childline via the internet, and were both given the comfort and protection they desperately needed by counsellors using our live chat service. 'I asked a group of young people visiting Childline whether they would prefer to phone or use the internet if they were suffering, and they all said they would find it easier to write. 'That is where children are these days, where Childline needs to be to help them, and for that they need a smartphone.' Rather than banning children from using phones, Dame Esther has called for a law to make social media sites responsible for removing and preventing access to harmful content. In October the Government passed the Online Safety Bill which was designed to make social media companies keep the internet safe for children and give adults more choice over what they see online giving Ofcom more power to tackle illegal content. However, Ms Ghey has criticised the bill saying 'Ofcom need to be far bolder.' This is the hilarious moment a BBC presenter accidentally ruined her niece's surprise birthday party by revealing it on live television. BBC Weather's Kawser Quamer was been left embarrassed after she started chatting about the party before realising that she had unintentionally spoiled the secret. A clip of the mishap has been shared widely on social media as people saw the funny side of the family mistake. Quamer had just finished the weather report for North West Tonight when presenter Annabel Tiffin called her over to the sofa for a casual chat at the end of the broadcast. Tiffin asked: 'So, what have you got (coming) up at the weekend? Anything exciting?' BBC Weather's Kawser Quamer was been left embarrassed after she started chatting about the party before realising that she had unintentionally spoiled the secret Quamer is a weather presenter for North West Tonight, having previously worked at BBC Scotland 'My niece's surprise birthday party,' Quamer replied without realising that she had just revealed the surprise until her fellow presenter spelled it out. 'Oh that's lovely. But not a surprise if she's watching this,' Tiffin said. Quamer saw the funny side of the blunder and burst out laughing, saying: 'Oh goodness me, I've spoiled the surprise.' She tried to give viewers the shush sign in a desperate attempt to keep the secret alive, but quickly burst out laughing. Seeing the funny side, she said: 'Oh goodness me, I've spoiled the surprise.' It is not known if her neice had been tuning in at the time, but the mistake has attracted dozens of comments on social media. Other BBC staff shared their reactions, with BBC North West presenter Steve Saul commenting 'Oh dear' on X while BBC News' creative director Chris Cook wrote: 'This is DELIGHTFUL have a great weekend all xxxx.' BBC South West journalist Alastair Monk said: 'This is just brilliant. In a time of so much stress, just enjoy.' Viewers also reacted on X, with one person commenting: 'I've watched this multiple times now. It gets funnier every time.' Another said: 'This is why I watch the regional news.' I love human moments like this' said one social media user one. But the blunder is not the first on-air mishap by a BBC presenter recently. BBC News anchor Maryam Moshiri was also caught in an on-air mishap in December when she gave the middle finger before snatching her hand away, adopting a more appropriate demeanor as she begins to read out the headlines In December BBC News anchor Maryam Moshiri went viral after she was caught flashing her middle finger directly at the camera, not realising it was already live. The presenter then tried to swiftly switch into professional mode and began reading out the headlines, announcing: 'Live from London, this is BBC news.' But the viral moment had been instantly created and the clip began to spread around the internet, causing Maryam to issue an apology and explain that she had been having a 'private joke' with her team before the programme began. The BBC later released the whole clip of the moment proving she had counted down from 10 fingers to one in pretend countdown. A mother-of-five has been killed in what appears to be a murder-suicide in Victoria while four other people, including two of the woman's teenage sons, were home. Rebecca Young, 42, was found dead inside the property on the edge of Ballarat, west of Melbourne, about 9pm on Friday night alongside her partner Ian Butler, who has ties to the Bandidos bikie gang. Police are yet to confirmed the cause of either death but it is understood Ms Young had been stabbed. One neighbour told reporters outside the Sebastopol property Ms Young's distraught parents had arrived late on Friday night and could be heard to say 'I told you to leave him'. Neighbours also described 'wailing' coming from the home. Emergency crews are understood to have been called by others at the Morgan St property with Butler, 55, believed to have murdered Ms Young and then taken his own life. Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths. Rebecca Young, 42, was found dead inside a house in the southern Ballarat suburb of Sebastopol on Friday Bandido bikie Ian Butler was also found dead . He is suspected of killing his Ms Young and then himself Local detectives are leading the investigation with assistance from the Victoria Police homicide squad. 'The exact circumstances surrounding the incident is yet to be determined at this stage, however detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter,' Victoria Police said. Other neighbours who are looking after the two teenagers who were at the property described the pair's relationship as 'volatile' to Nine News. A forensic police officer examines the house on Friday night. It is understood the woman's two teenage sons were at the property and they are being cared for by neighbours The tragedy follows Ballarat already reeling from the unconnected disappearance of Samantha Murphy earlier this month. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. For confidential support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Shocking footage showed the moment a huge fireball engulfed a suspected Russian 'weapons factory supplying Putin's war in Ukraine' after likely being hit by a missile. Video shows an inferno and extensive damage at the plant in Izhevsk, which is believed to be linked to the Kalashnikov weapons manufacturer. The cause of the fire covering 37,700 square feet was unclear, but Russian arms plants and energy facilities have been recently struck by Ukrainian kamikaze drones, sabotage attacks and mysterious 'accidents'. Reports said the site was last year given over to the production of drones for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. It came as Ukraine withdrew troops from the besieged eastern stronghold of Avdiivka to save the lives of its soldiers, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, handing Russia its biggest symbolic victory since May. The pullback comes after Russian forces stepped up efforts to capture the eastern industrial hub in October, leading to mass casualties and destruction. A fire blazes at the Granat-4 drone production site in Izhevsk, Russia, on Saturday morning Firefighters attend the scene after a fire broke out in a drone facility in Russia, February 17 Footage showed the astonishing scale of the inferno as it tore through the 'weapons factory' A still from a video showing smoke billowing at a Granat-4 drone production site in Izhevsk The Ukrainian President said outright that Russia was responsible for the death of Navalny Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles as he visits a forge in Chelyabinsk, Russia on Friday Facing ammunition shortages and outnumbered on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces announced they had withdrawn from Avdiivka in the early hours of Saturday. 'The ability to save our people is the most important task for us,' Zelensky told a security conference in Munich, explaining the move. 'In order to avoid being surrounded, it was decided to withdraw to other lines. This does not mean that people retreated some kilometres and Russia captured something, it did not capture anything,' he also said. This echoed earlier statements from the newly-appointed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, who said he 'decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines.' New Ukrainian commander in chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said: 'Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, [and] inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment 'The life of military personnel is [of] the highest value.' Russia was reported to be advancing by treading on the corpses of its fallen soldiers. Ukraine said it was retreating to maintain strength and strike again at Russia. Still, Russia has reported increasing attacks in Russia as the war in Ukraine approaches its second anniversary. The fire in Izhevsk came on a night that Russian reported almost three dozen drone attacks in the Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kaluga regions. Some 33 had been downed. Ukraine has warned that it cannot fight back against Russia without long-range missiles and artillery shells of its own - but the tide has been slowed by the destruction of weapons depots within Russia. 'Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat,' President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, adding that 'our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of the range of our strength... (the) Avdiivka situation proves this.' Video also captured the extent of damage to the plant in western Russia Firefighters work to extinguish the blaze, the cause of which has not yet been identified Russian arms plants and energy facilities have been recently struck by Ukrainian kamikaze drones A Granat-4 drone, like the ones believed to be made at the Izhevsk 'weapons factory' The Izhevsk plant housed Russian drones made by Izhevsk Unmanned Systems, a 'daughter' company of the Kalashnikov empire. There was opposition from residents to establishing a drone production base in the Izhevsk shopping centre. Chemical enterprise Izhsintez-Khimprom was also based at the scene of the inferno. Izhevsk, with a population of 648,000, is famous for defence plants, especially Kalashnikov. The Colfax County 4-H Council held its annual volunteer banquet on Saturday, Jan. 28. Russ Pickhinke, Aubrie Hanna and Steve McKelvey of Steves Madhouse Market were honored for their dedication to the Colfax County 4-H Program. The awards were sponsored by the Colfax County 4-H Council and the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. Pickhinke of Howells was honored with the Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award. As a youth, Pickhinke was an active member of the Howells 4-H Hustlers and enjoyed showing cattle. In 1991, he became the leader of the 4-H Hustlers, a position he held until he stepped down in 2013. Throughout his tenure as a leader, Pickhinke championed the belief that 4-H youth should actively engage with their own livestock and develop an understanding of their animals to become better showman and livestock judgers. His dedication extended to mentoring kids with their livestock at the county and state fair. He also encouraged club projects, such as making blocking chutes, rockets, stepping stones, and first aid kits, emphasizing that 4-H should not only be an educational pursuit but also an enjoyable one. Under his guidance, the club undertook initiatives including making floats for the fair parades and participation in the livestock judging contests at the fairgrounds. Pickhinke also volunteered by taking charge of the funnel cake stand. He tried new food items and created metal frames for the fryers, enhancing efficiency and safety. Even as the funnel cake stand transitioned to the food stand and selling ice cream, he continued to donate his time and skills. When the food stand was looking into a cotton candy machine, he found one and paid for half of the new machine. He continues to donate the dishes and waffle cones that are used each year. Hanna of Leigh was awarded the 2023 Outstanding 4-H member. Hanna joined 4-H in 2014 as a Clover Kid and has been an actively involved member ever since. She has tried her hand at and completed projects in various areas including sheep, woodworking, sewing, art, small animals, cake decorating, knitting, horticulture, and archery. Hanna has been an active member in two 4-H clubs in two counties in the last 10 years, holding all officer positions for Platte County Bullseye Archery Club and acting as club treasurer for Colfax County Blue Banner 4-H Club. She has also served as 4-H Council representative for Blue Banner for the last three years where she has been elected vice-chair and chairperson of the council and served on the scholarship committee. During her time with the clubs, she has participated in numerous community volunteer activities including serving food to Platte County Habitat for Humanity building volunteers, fairground bench and table painting, and assisting with the Colfax County Livestock Judging Competition. She enjoys working with other 4-H members and supporting them with their projects, often stepping in to help show livestock for fellow exhibitors or giving her time to help guide new 4-Hers and Clover Kids with sheep and static exhibit projects. Hannas pride and excitement in 4-H has been evident over the last 10 years. In a recent Senior Spotlight article in the Leigh World, she stated that being involved in 4-H has been one of her favorite hobbies outside of school. McKelvey of Steves Madhouse Market located in Leigh was honored as the Friend of 4-H. Steves Madhouse Market supports 4-H through multiple acts of service and dedication. Over the years, they have given their time to make the meat patties for the meals served at the Colfax County Fair Beef Show. They have also donated water on those hot fair days for the contestants and spectators and have been a reliable source for watermelons for the county fair clean up days. In recent years, when the 4-H Council was exploring the option of serving UNL Dairy Store Ice Cream at the 4-H Food Stand, they generously lent the use of one of their small freezers to store and serve the ice cream from. This business has always been a solid supporter of Colfax County 4-H with service, donations, and the talent of the generous employees. Many leaders were also honored for their milestone years of service to the Colfax County 4-H program. Recognized for 50 years of service: Linda Grovijohn; 29 years, Renae Vogel; 25 years, Marla Prusa; 22 years, Jill Ruskamp; 14 years, Danelle Marxsen; 10 years, Phillip Wendt; 9 years, Rachel Malena; 8 years, Chris Bourek, Tina Bourek, Brent Brabec; 7 years, Laura Eisenmann; 5 years, Al Sucha; 4 years, Brandy Balzer, Sara Prinz; 2 years, Jill Bailey, Jamie Hastrieter, Amanda Jedlicka, Greg Shonka, Staci Shonka, Cori Vavricek; 1 year, Brianna Burenheide, Kari Kracl. A combined total of 217 years of service. Guests were treated to a presentation by Tamara Boettcher and Melanie Jensen of Global Passion Ministries. It was cancelled yesterday after local Labour party complained to the venue Labour has been accused of being 'undemocratic authoritarians' after a local party pressured a venue into cancelling a Conservative-run debate over the attendance of gender-critical campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen. The Tottenham Conservative Association was due to hold a debate on 'The Future of British Politics' at 2pm today, but the Clissold Arms pub in Muswell Hill, north London, told organisers yesterday that they had to cancel it after complaints. A letter sent to the pub by the Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency Labour Party executive committee, seen by MailOnline, said that 'Keen's events often attract other far right groups including neo-Nazi groups on a recent tour of Australia'. On her tour of Australia last March, men showed up to a rally in Melbourne and performed Nazi salutes, but she insisted they were not invited or welcome there. The letter accused Ms Keen, also known as Posie Parker, of 'extremely transphobic views' and of harassing transgender people, and added that her attendance would create a 'dangerous and hostile environment for local trans people'. The committee said it had been 'contacted by several LGBTQ+ residents in Haringey who are deeply worried about the attendance of Kellie-Jay Keen' and urged the pub to 'ensure that Ms Keen is not invited to this event'. Labour has been accused of being 'undemocratic authoritarians' after a local group pressured a venue into cancelling a Conservative-run debate over the attendance of gender-critical campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen (pictured at the Let Women Speak rally in Glasgow last February) The Tottenham Conservative Association was due to hold a debate on 'The Future of British Politics' at 2pm today, but the Clissold Arms pub in Muswell Hill, north London , told organisers yesterday that they had to cancel it after complaints Tories invited representatives from several political parties, and speakers would have included organiser and local Tory chairman Elliot Hammer, Ms Keen - from her Party of Women, ex-Lib Dem Lembit Opik and SDP mayoral hopeful Amy Gallagher. The Party of Women was registered by Ms Keen and authorised by the Electoral Commission just last week on February 8. Mr Hammer said representatives from Labour including Tottenham MP David Lammy were invited to the debate, but it is understood none were available. Mr Hammer also said he invited Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform to take part in the debate but they had not taken the offer up. Speaking to MailOnline, Ms Keen hit out at Labour, saying: 'I'm no longer shocked when authoritarians shut down my right to speak. It's why I host all of my #LetWomenSpeak events in the public square. 'Why is the Labour Party so afraid of a woman who simply wants to keep men out of women's spaces and transgenderism, a quasi religious cult, out of schools, the judiciary and all government institutions? 'We must return to the time where freedom of speech was a principle we valued and upheld.' But the 'non-political' Clissold Arms told MailOnline that there were 'overwhelming overwhelming number of objections from local residents' and that management was not told that the event was a 'debate between different groups'. Letter sent by local Labour party to venue to cancel Conservative-run debate attended by Kellie-Jay Keen The letter sent by Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency Labour Party executive committee to the the Clissold Arms pub in Muswell Hill, north London, to cancel the Conservative-run debate attended by Kellie-Jay Keen Dear Clissold Arms team, We are writing to you as the Executive of the Hornsey and Friern Barnet Constituency Labour Party. We have been contacted by several LGBTQ+ residents in Haringey who are deeply worried about the attendance of Kellie-Jay Keen (also known as Posie Parker) at a fundraiser, 'The Future of British Politics' to be hosted at your pub on 17th February. Kellie-Jay een has expressed extremely transphobic views over several years and has harassed transgender people both online and in person. She recently described parents who support their children to transition as 'evil'. This was in response to social media posts about the appalling murder of Brianna Ghey and the bravery of her mother's campaign for stronger social media regulations. HOPE Not Hate's State of Hate 2023 report singled out Kellie-Jean Keen who they concluded "has increasingly found support from, and an overlap in, views with the far right". Keen's events often attract other far right groups including neo-Nazi groups on a recent tour of Australia. Haringey has a long and proud history of supporting diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. Keen's views are deeply offensive, and we are concerned that her attendance will create a dangerous and hostile environment for local trans people. We wanted to alert you to the depth of concern in the local community, that you are an important part of, and would urge you to ensure that Ms Keen is not invited to this event. Yours faithfully, Hornsey and Friern Barnet CLP Executive Committee Advertisement An Let Women Speak rally lead by Kellie-Jay Keen on the Royal Dock in Liverpool in October last year Organiser and chair of the Tottenham Conservative Association Elliot Hammer (pictured) said he expected the 50-capacity venue to be full, but that after the cancellation he has now had to refund all attendees their tickets Ms Keen also criticised the accusations made against her in the letter, saying: 'The accusations of "transphobia" simply boils down to not believing any woman has a penis and that we have a right to our own spaces, language and rights. 'I have made comments about the harm of transitioning children, infertility, loss of sexual function and unsafe surgeries for years, I do think parents who subject children to this are evil. 'Hope not Hate is not a serious organisation, it seems to be a left wing wannabe authoritarian crack-pot outfit that enjoys making silly lists. People across the entire political spectrum understand the harm of eroding safeguarding.' She added: 'Over the last few years I have organised free speech events all across the globe and the one thing guaranteed is that a swarm of masked faced, blue haired, flag waving trans activists will attempt to intimidate us into silence with their posh voices and violent threats. 'I have to have personal protection and police attendance to ensure the safety of women. The trans activists are the dangerous and hostile element that they warn about, not a 5'1" middle aged woman just wanting to speak.' The cancellation was also criticised by campaigner Maya Forstater who, after Ms Keen revealed the event was cancelled, said on X, formerly Twitter: 'This has to stop.' Organiser Mr Hammer said he expected the 50-capacity venue to be full, but that after the cancellation he has now had to refund all attendees their tickets. He told MailOnline that it was 'deeply undemocratic' for a party to stop debates attended by representatives from other political parties, adding: 'In a general election year that's very alarming.' The cancellation was also criticised by campaigner Maya Forstater who, after Ms Keen revealed the event was cancelled, said on X, formerly Twitter: 'This has to stop.' Women's rights activist 'Posie Parker' (real name Kellie-Jay Keen) during a Let Women Speak rally in Belfast in April last year Social Democratic Party candidate for the London mayoralty Amy Gallagher (pictured), who was due to speak, hit out against Labour for forcing the events cancellation saying: 'I was going to speak about the trans issue and women's rights' Mr Hammer said: 'All the speakers were from political parties approved by the Electoral Commission. 'If they [Labour] disagreed with any of Kellie-Jay's politics they could have debated with here - that's how democracy works, that's what I was brought up to believe. 'But it appears they want to deplatform and stop debate going on.' Social Democratic Party candidate for the London mayoralty Amy Gallagher, who was due to speak, hit out against Labour for forcing the events cancellation saying: 'I was going to speak about the trans issue and women's rights. 'As a woman in london I was going to speak about feeling less safe and police presence.' Ms Gallagher said she was going to 'speak with Posie Parker about women's rights and that's a great shame' that she now cannot. 'It's completely undemocratic,' she said. 'Kellie-Jay Keen is from a registered political party and I'm with a registered political party. 'It was going to be a very appropriate discussion about British politics. It would have given all of us to air our views on politics. The fact that this has been cancelled means people can't air those views and hear them.' Ms Gallagher said she blamed the Labour party or the events cancellation for saying Ms Keen's presence would have been 'dangerous', adding: 'I don't know what danger would have been caused by four people discussing politics. 'I blame the cancel culture in our society that allows people to think that they can do this.' The Clissold Arms told MailOnline: 'Due to overwhelming number of objections from local residents, the management of the Clissold Arms decided to cancel this event at our venue, but also because we were not informed that this was a debate between different groups 'We are a much loved non-party political community gastro pub and we value our relationship with this amazing local community.' The Labour Party has also been approached for comment. An alleged serial scammer went on a four-month crime spree where he used a popular online marketplace to trick victims into trying to sell him goods, according to police. The Melbourne man, who is in custody, faces 65 charges including over the alleged snatch and grab of a $2000 mobile phone which he pretended to be interested in buying from sellers on Facebook's Marketplace. Footage of the incident two months ago shows the man meeting two men under the alleged pretext of buying the phone, but instead grabbing it from the seller's hand and dashing down the street. Monash University Professor of Department of Software Systems & Cybersecurity Nigel Phair told Seven news that not all theft involving online platforms was high tech. A Melbourne man faces over 60 charges for what police allege was a four-month crime spree using Facebook Marketplace 'Some of the scams are more sophisticated but some of them just rely on good old confidence trickery,' he said. 'When there is a physical exchange always meet that person in a public place, tell people you are going there and indeed bring other people with you.' He called on for online marketplaces to invest a lot more money in their trust and safety mechanisms. 'They need to weed out those fake profiles and weed out the legitimate profiles where people are scammers,' he said. 'Australians are a rich jurisdiction. We love being online and we love buying and selling online. In one of the alleged crimes he purported to be a buyer for a $2000 mobile phone but simply snatched it from the seller's hand and ran off 'The criminals internationally and in Australia know that and they prey on our vulnerabilities.' The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch service said it received 301,791 scam reports in 2023, which was up by 26 per cent form 2022. This amounted to financial losses totalling over $480 million. A teenage girl who died in a horrific car crash during a road trip to see singer Taylor Swift in concert had been listening to the superstar's music when tragedy struck. Mieka Pokarier, 16, was killed when the SUV she was travelling in with her mother and sister collided with a semi-trailer near Dubbo about 6pm on Thursday. The family had been driving to Melbourne from the Gold Coast on the 'trip of a lifetime' to see Swift perform on the Australian leg of her Eras tour. Mieka's younger sister Freya Pokarier, 10, was seriously injured in the crash on Dunedoo Road, at Ballimore, and was airlifted to Westmead Hospital. The screen of Mieka's iPad, which remained eerily unscathed in the crash, shows she had the pop icon's song 'All of the Girls You Loved Before' open in the moments before she died, according to The Daily Telegraph. The song she had been listening to as part of her carefully assembled playlist was recorded during sessions for Swift's 2019 album Lover, but was only released in March 2023 to mark the global launch of the tour Mieka was so excited to see. Mieka Pokarier, 16, was travelling with her mother and younger sister to Melbourne from the Gold Coast to see Taylor Swift in concert when their SUV collided with a truck Frozen on Mieka's iPad screen, which remained unscathed, was the last song she had been listening to Swift's track All of the Girls You Loved Before from her Lover album Her younger sister Freya was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in Sydney by paramedics The mother of the two girls, Kim Litchfield, who was driving the SUV, sustained several injuries and was taken to Dubbo Hospital. The driver of the semi-trailer had minor injuries and was also taken to Dubbo Hospital in a stable condition. Godmother to the sisters, Karleigh Fox, said Freya was fighting for life in a coma with brain injuries, a broken pelvis and a broken leg. On Saturday night, Ms Fox gave an update saying both she and the girls' father Peter Pokarier had flown to Westmead Hospital to be with Freya. She said Ms Litchfield had been released from hospital and 'reunited with her baby'. 'We are playing her favourite Taylor Swift album "1989 Taylor's Version" on repeat in her room and telling her about the merch we are seeing people buying on line,' she posted online. 'It takes five people just to roll her to check for marks which could turn to bed sores from being in the same position in her induced coma.' Ms Fox said the family was struggling to 'navigate even just learning the layout of the hospital, process the complex trauma to our little one's organs and process the deep loss of our 16 year old'. The sisters' godmother Karliegh Fox said she along with the girls' father and mother had travelled to Westmead and were by Freya's side The family were on the 'trip of a lifetime' to see Swift in Melbourne (pictured) and Sydney and had spent hours refreshing the ticket purchase page 'We had some thorough chats with the incredible doctors about the prognosis and we are not out of the woods yet with risks of swelling in the brain and infection still evident. This could still be life threatening,' she wrote. 'We were amazed to learn that our darling had eight blood transfusions plus other blood products by the ambulances on site. 'One unit is one donation, so if you have time this week please go and donate at your local blood bank - what a priceless gift you can give for free to humanity. 'All medical staff need a raise and we are beyond grateful to Ronald McDonald House for giving four of us in hospital accommodation. 'Any time you go drive through Maccas throw some change in the McHappy Day box because these guys just saved us so many logistical nightmares navigating supporting our girl in a town not of our own. 'We are keeping our girl in an induced coma for a few more days in order to give her body a chance to stay still and hopefully recover as much as possible.' Emergency crews attend the scene of the crash on Thursday near Dubbo Ms Fox added that the family were preparing for when Freya regains consciousness. 'We will then see a whole lot of anxiety and distress from her and potential carer burnout for Mama, as that's the person our girl is going to want the most,' she said. 'Mama is still very sore, bruised up and slow. Dad and big sis are amazing and we are all working together as a team navigating this process. 'We are so lucky we are in Australia the medical system into be so well cared for. We wish we had access to our 16 year old and hoping to be reunited within weeks to start our celebration of life that we haven't even started planning yet. Things you never think you'll have to do.' Mieka was understood to have been sitting in the front passenger seat when the crash occurred. On Saturday, Mieka and Freya's father, Peter Pokarier, shared his grief on Facebook. 'That's my baby that died,' he wrote. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the highway where the SUV and truck collided The Gold Coast-based family were heading down to Melbourne ahead of Swift's sold-out concert at the MCG. The pop superstar kicked off the Australian leg of her Eras tour in Melbourne on Friday night with around 96,000 fans in attendance. Images from the scene of the crash show plumes of thick, black smoke rising into the sky. A GoFundMe page was set up on Friday to raise money for the shattered family. 'The family have all had to cease work to fly down and I'm trying to get a flight to support the mum as she's alone in Dubbo until we can get her to Sydney,' Ms Fox said. 'Funds will be used to function in this challenging time.' Mr Pokarier, the girl's father, also shared a link to the GoFundMe. He said his family is 'what I live for, I'm devastated'. Tributes have also flowed from friends on social media. Cheyenne Craig said Mieka was learning to drive. 'How is it fair that someone as sweet and beautiful as you was taken away from us so soon?,' she wrote to social media. 'Mieka was the sweetest, most down to earth person you could've ever had the privilege of knowing, her stupid jokes that always made no sense but somehow always made you laugh... and the way we would spend the entire day talking about concerts.' Swift is in Australia for her Eras tour and played her second night at the MCG in front of around 96,000 fans on Saturday Both sisters had been part of the Gold Coast Youth Theatre Academy. Simone Medland also said Mieka was passionate about music and concerts. 'I was so happy to see you happy living your life and going to concerts. You deserved to be happy and there are so many people that care about you.,' she said. 'I wouldn't trade these last few years I had with you for the world and I wish I could just see you once more. We had so many plans of things we needed to do together and it'll always be my biggest regret that we never got the chance to.' NSW Police said in a statement that a crime scene was set up as officers continue to investigate the incident. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Sydney Children's Hospital Network for comment. Mourners have gathered around the world to commemorate late Putin critic Alexei Navalny, who died suddenly on Friday at the penal camp where he was being held in northern Russia. The Russian opposition leader's death - just weeks after being moved to the brutal camp in Kharp - has shocked the world and seen criticism lobbied at Russia, who Navalny's supporters hold responsible for his untimely death aged 47. In several Russian cities, authorities have clamped down on protests and vigils, pictured dragging supporters away from makeshift memorials. Masked police were seen taking away mourners at a monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow - with some 177 people detained in Russia so far. But in Britain, Japan, the United States and Finland, Navalny's following turned out to show their support, lay flowers and condemn Putin for what they believe was a state-sanctioned murder. In London, mourners left floral tributes for Navalny outside the Russian Embassy this morning. Images from Bayswater Road showed a large collection of flowers, banners and signs praising Navalny for his anti-corruption work - and criticising Putin. An image of Navalny was projected onto the Russian Embassy by activist group Led By Donkeys late on Friday as supporters hung banners and carried signs that read 'Putin is a war criminal' and 'You can kill Navalny but not the opposition. We are here.' In Tokyo, marchers carried signs in English and Russian that read 'Russia without Putin', 'Putin is a killer' and 'Love is stronger than fear. We don't give up'. Others held up pictures of the late politician and called for an end to Putin's regime as Russia heads for its presidential elections in March. More gathered to leave floral tributes near the Russian Orthodox Church in Tokyo on Saturday morning. Mourners leave floral tributes at the Russian Embassy in London on Saturday February 17, 2024 A woman displays a portrait of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny during a vigil before the Russian Orthodox Church in Tokyo, Japan, 17 February 2024 An image of Alexei Navalny is projected on the Russian Embassy in London by the group Led By Donkeys on the day his death was announced, in London, Britain, February 16, 2024 A woman hangs a banner in front of the Russian Embassy in Bayswater Road on February 16 Hundreds of people carrying banners gather in front of the Russian Embassy at Bayswater Road to commemorate the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, on February 16, 2024 In Tokyo, marchers carried signs in English and Russian that read 'Russia without Putin', 'Putin is a killer' and 'Love is stronger than fear. We don't give up' Protestors in Tokyo today carried flowers and took signs calling for an end to Putin's rule in Russia Russian people living in Japan gather to mourn the late Russian opposition leader on Saturday Hundreds of flowers and dozens of candles could be seen at the monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow and more flowers could be seen left in the snow on nearby pavements. 'Alexei Navalny's death is the worst thing that could happen to Russia,' read a note left among the flowers and Navalny photos by the monument. 'We will not forget, we will not forgive. Those responsible will be punished!' the note said. 'You will not kill freedom,' read another handwritten note, while a third said: 'We will never give up! Russia will be free!' One note addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin said: 'Who's next?' In Helsinki, Finland - which recently joined NATO in April last year amid fears Russia is moving closer to western Europe with its devastating war in Ukraine - protestors left signs in Russian and English urging the opposition not to give up. Candles and floral tributes were also left in the snow in front of the Russian Embassy in Finland on Saturday morning. One sign alleged: 'Russia's Putin killed Alexey Navalny.' The Kremlin has denied involvement in the death of the former lawyer, but Navalny's team has alleged foul play by the Russian state. Alexei Navalny's spokesperson this morning confirmed the Russian opposition leader had died and said that his body is with investigators. Kira Yarmysh demanded that the body be immediately handed over the his family. A document given to his mother claimed he died at 14:17 local time on February 16. Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of 'extremism', had only recently been moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a grisly 'special regime' penal colony above the Arctic Circle. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement on Friday that Navalny, 47, felt unwell after a walk and 'almost immediately lost consciousness'. Paramedics reportedly came to try to rehabilitate him without success. His allies, a brave minority in Russia fighting corruption, said at the time they feared for his life after he 'disappeared' in December to travel to the remote region notorious for its long and severe winters - just months before the closely-watched Russian presidential elections next month. Almost immediately, supporters worldwide gathered to pay their respects and criticise the Russian government. Banners, flowers and candles lay in front of the Russian Embassy in Helsinki, February 17 Flowers and candles are placed in front of the Russian embassy in Helsinki, Finland on February 17, 2024 People place flowers and candles in front of the Russian embassy in Helsinki, Finland on February 17, 2024 Floral tributes are left at the Russian Embassy in London on Saturday, February 17 Tributes are left outside the Russian Embassy following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in London, Britain, February 17, 2024 Signs in support of Navalny left outside the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen earlier today A portrait of Alexei Navalny is seen among flowers in front of the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday, February 17, 2024 People demonstrate in front of the Russian embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 17 Hundreds of Russians and others light candles and lay flowers outside the Russian embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, on February 16, 2024 People gather on Dam Square, Amsterdam to hold a vigil for Navalny on February 17 Opposition voices gather in London to condemn Russia over the shock death of Alexei Navalny on February 16, 2024 A demonstrator holds an image depicting Russia's President Vladimir Putin behind bars during a rally in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw on February 16, 2024 Bunches of flowers were also left outside the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark today as demonstrators gathered. In Amsterdam, a memorial was set up at Dam Square for supporters to leave notes, candles, flowers and even artwork of the staunch Putin critic. And in Warsaw, Poland, demonstrators walked in a large group to voice support for Navalny and call for Putin to be jailed. As far away as Mumbai, India, art teacher Prithviraj Kambli was photographed painting a tribute to Navalny, captioned 'Russia's loud voices of opposition were silenced'. In San Francisco, CA, protestors lit candles and left flowers at a large banner that read 'Free Navalny'. A group gathered outside the City Hall late on Friday, seen holding candles and banners in support. One sign called for Russia to free 'all political prisoners'. A 2013 list of prisoners held on political grounds suggests people have been detained for minor crimes without a fair trial, and some are serving 'disproportionate' sentences. A significant number of Putin's critics have also died in suspicious circumstances over the years. Perhaps the most high-profile case was the 2015 assassination of Boris Nemtsov, a liberal politician and outspoken critic of Putin. On a cold night in February, around 23:30, Nemtsov was struck four times with bullets from a Makarov pistol as he walked with his girlfriend over the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge. His Ukrainian partner, Anna Duritskaya, was the sole witness to the attack. Only hours before the assassination, Nemtsov had spoken publicly against Russia's war in Ukraine, then a year since Russia's annexation of the Donbas and Crimea. Five men from the Russian region of Chechnya were convicted for his killing, with the gunman receiving up to 20 years. But Nemtsov's allies said that was an attempt to shift blame from the government. Demonstrations in Russia - where unauthorised protest without permission is illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison - have been muted by harsh police crackdowns. Pavel Shumilkin lights candles for a vigil held for Alexei Navalny outside City Hall in San Francisco, Friday, February 16, 2024 Mourners stand by a vigil near City Hall in San Francisco following news of Navalny's death Navalny, who crusaded against Russian corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests , died Friday in the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence Art school teacher Prithviraj Kambli gives final touches to a painting of late Russian opposition leader and Kremlin's most prominent critic Alexei Navalny, in Mumbai on February 17, 2024 The news moved supporters worldwide to pay tribute in their own way to the late Kremlin critic People lay flowers and light candles near the memorial to political prisoners in St. Petersburg, Russia, 17 February 2024 Navalny's death shocked the world and immediately saw blame pointed towards Russia People lay flowers to the monument to the victims of political repressions for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on February 17, 2024 Police officers detain people during a gathering in memory of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny near the Wall of Grief monument in Moscow, February 17, 2024 Masked police were seen taking away mourners at a monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow - with some 177 people detained in Russia so far Moscow prosecutors issued a warning on Friday against any unsanctioned protests following the death of Navalny, who galvanised mass demonstrations against President Vladimir Putin. The monument to the victims of political persecution was opened by Putin in 2017. It features large faceless human figures and the word 'Remember' etched in 22 languages. It is located on Academician Sakharov Avenue, named after the late Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known internationally for his human rights activism. A quick-thinking fisherman has been hailed a hero after he grabbed a fire extinguisher and doused a burning car to save the man inside. Due to the heroic efforts of Simon Jenke and his cousin, the 25-year-old driver was pulled from wreckage in the South Australian town of Waikerie, which sits 82km north east of Adelaide, and was flown to hospital on Saturday. Mr Jenke said he was fuelling his boat for a family fishing trip on the River Murray when he heard a big 'thud'. He looked around and saw a car had smashed into a power pole and was ablaze with the driver trapped inside. Fisherman Simon Jenke (pictured left) ran to get a fire extinguisher from a service station when he saw a man trapped in a burning car Mr Jenke grabbed a fire extinguisher from a nearby service station before he and his cousin ran over to help the man. 'My cousin had him and was pulling his leg out, he was trapped, because we didn't know if the fire was going to take hold again,' Mr Jenke said. 'And when you hear the sirens coming you know everything's going to be alright.' The pair tried to reassure the man, whose leg was pinned under the mangled front of the car, that he would be OK. Country Fire Service officer Graeme Ward said Mr Jenke's intervention was crucial. 'The person at the service station grabbed the fire extinguisher and ran down here and put the fire out probably save the bloke's life,' Mr Ward said. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, has been transported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he was expected to undergo surgery on Saturday night. It is believed the man suffered a medical episode causing him to crash. Due to the efforts of Mr Jenke and his cousin the injured man was pulled from the mangled vehicle Mr Jenke said things could have been much worse. 'If he hadn't have hit that pole he would have gone over a vacant lot of dirt and straight over the cliff into the river,' Mr Jenke said. 'I reckon his name might have been lucky.' Twelve people were arrested at a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London, police have revealed after the protest ended. The arrests were for a string of alleged offences, including inciting racial hatred, suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation in relation to a placard, and assaulting emergency workers. But the Metropolitan Police said the 'overwhelming majority' of people who took part were peaceful and acted lawfully. Between 200,000 and 250,000 people were expected at the demonstration, according to a spokesman for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Protesters met at the south of Park Lane, holding banners calling for a 'ceasefire now' and chanting 'free, free Palestine', before leaving for designated place near the Israeli embassy where speeches were made. Among the speakers was former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot, who both called for 'justice' for the Palestinian people. A man appears to argue with police as the procession turns unruly at Hyde Park Corner Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn takes part in today's pro-Palestine march in central London A woman was arrested after being spotted with a cardboard sign stating 'Long Live The Intifada' The woman was apprehended after allegedly waving a banner in support of a banned organisation Police appear to remonstrate with a protester near Hyde Park Corner Just before 6.30pm the Met posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Today's protest has now fully concluded. 'There were 12 arrests for placard related offences, assaults on officers and refusal to remove face coverings. Thankfully, none of the officers who were assaulted were seriously injured. 'Despite these arrests, the overwhelming majority who took part were peaceful and acted entirely with the law. We worked closely with the organisers and their stewarding team in the run up to and during the protest and we're grateful for their cooperation.' The force had imposed Section 60, 60AA and 35 orders, giving police additional powers, but they have been withdrawn and the Met said the orders are 'no longer required'. Police first arrested a woman on suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation, after she was allegedly spotted with a signpost which read 'Long Live The Intifada'. Later, while arresting a man for carrying an anti-Semitic banner, a punchup broke out in which officers were assaulted - leading to six more arrests. Two further arrests were made against demonstrators who refused to remove their face coverings. Other marchers, some of them children, carried placards declaring 'I thought Hitler was dead' and 'Turns out killing kids is okay, I'm scared for my life'. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on February 17, 2024 that at least 28,858 people have been killed in the territory during the war between Palestinian militants and Israel Police officers inside the cordon at the Israeli embassy in Kensington High Street, London Police officers stand shoulder to shoulder as the march takes place. Some 1,500 officers have been brought in from across the country to maintain order 'Stop the bombs' was scrawled in chalk on the road outside Royal Albert Hall as the demonstration moved through west London A mass of slogans and placards could be seen along Park Lane, with demonstrators demanding an end to the siege of Gaza Tens of thousands of people have turned out for today's rally, which will pass the Israeli Embassy People take part in a pro-Palestine march in central London today, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign A protester bears the sign 'This did not start with Oct 7' Besides the familiar chant of 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' another rallying cry was 'Occupation no more, Israel is a terror state'. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign earlier predicted it expected over 200,000 thousands people to join in the rally, which is supported by the Stop The War Coalition and Socialist Worker newspaper. The Met police posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the incident involving a punchup occurred at Hyde Park Corner. The force wrote: 'A man was seen in the crowd with an antisemitic placard. He has been arrested for inciting racial hatred. 'When officers went in to arrest him they were assaulted, resulting in six arrests for assaulting an emergency worker. 'Two other people were arrested for refusing to remove face coverings when required to do so by officers under Section 60AA of the Public Order Act. The Metropolitan Police said the start time of 1.30pm allows time for a synagogue event to finish. The march began at Marble Arch at 1.30pm and will head down Park Lane, then Knightsbridge and Kensington Road A spokesman for the force said: 'This is the first time since a rally on October 9 that protest organisers have decided to hold a demonstration in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy. 'However, even though protesters will be closer to the embassy than in recent months, the same exclusion zone that has been in place since mid-October will apply. Police arrested a woman on suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation, as pro-Palestine marchers gathered in west London She was led away from the procession by officers and bundled into a police vehicle Other marchers, some of them children, carried placards declaring 'I thought Hitler was dead' and 'Turns out killing kids is okay, I'm scared for my life' A police officer appears to remonstrate with a woman during today's pro-Palestine march Can you hear us at the Israeli Embassy?#CeasefireNOW pic.twitter.com/Kv2q74PtWk Stop the War (@STWuk) February 17, 2024 Mounted police watched over the demonstration as participants gathered in Hyde Park Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and carry placards during today's National March for Palestine in London Thousands of demonstrators are taking to the streets of London demanding a ceasefire Protesters waved banners proclaiming 'Free Palestine' as well as other placards showing the faces of innocents killed in the conflict Women hold red-stained bundles signifying children killed in airstrikes in Gaza Another demonstrator chose to use the occasion to demand the release of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange Pro-Palestinian activists and supporters wave flags and carry placards during a National March for Palestine today Stewards stand outside the Achilles statue in Hyde Park this morning ahead of the demonstration. Over 200,000 protesters haD been predicted to attend Banners from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign proclaim 'Free Palestine: End Israeli Occupation' while another reads 'Ceasefire Now' A map released by the Met police shows the route of the march, beginning at Marble Arch at 1.30pm before heading down Park Lane, then Knightsbridge and Kensington Road Pro-Palestinian protesters will demonstrate near the Israeli embassy on Saturday for the second time since the October 7 attacks (Pictured: A separate rally in London on February 12) Police have been repeatedly drafted in to maintain order during marches in recent weeks (Pictured: A protest outside Downing Street on February 12) The Palestine Solidarity Campaign estimates 200,000 and 250,000 people are expected to gather for the demonstration Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Israel Embassy in London on October 9 last year - just two days after Hamas' terror attack - chanting 'free free Palestine' and lighting flares This is the first time since a rally on 9 October that protest organisers have decided to hold a demonstration in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy. However, even though protesters will be closer to the embassy than in recent months, the same exclusion zone that has been in pic.twitter.com/67k0zBDqGR Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 16, 2024 'Participants in the protest will be kept more than 100m away from the embassy grounds, behind barriers controlled by officers. They will not be permitted to enter the area marked in red on the map below and anyone doing so faces arrest.' The Campaign Against Antisemitism complained that organisers advertised a start time of 12.30pm - but police stated this was the meeting time for protesters and they would not be allowed to start marching for another hour. The CAS said: 'In previous weeks, the marches have included people supporting Hamas and openly flaunting their anti-Jewish racism, and congregants leaving synagogue had to walk through them.' Speakers will address crowds near the Israeli embassy and they must stop by 5pm, while protesters must leave by 6pm, police said. The Met added: 'We know there will be some who ask why that is allowed or how that decision was reached. 'It is a common misconception that the police can grant or refuse permission for protests to take place which is not the case.' Today's protest is only the second to take place near the Israeli Embassy since October 7 last year. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Embassy building on October 9 - just two days after Hamas' terror attack. Clashes took place between rival groups of pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine demonstrators at nearby High Street Kensington station. 'A real risk of serious disorder' sufficient for the Met to request that the Home Secretary ban the protest has not been seen at recent demonstrations and is not expected today, the Met added. Protesters will be kept more than 100m away from the embassy grounds, behind barriers controlled by officers and face arrest if they do not do so. Precautions have also been taken to ensure the presence of protesters does not unnecessarily disrupt other sensitive premises, including synagogues, either near the start or along the route. Conditions under Section 12 of the Public Order Act meaning that any person participating in the march must not deviate from the route. Police have also said no gazebos or other stalls can be erected in a specified area at Marble Arch. The use of further police powers will be kept under review. All officers 'will be briefed to be on the lookout for offensive placards and banners' and police teams will monitor CCTV of the demonstration as it happens. Commander Kyle Gordon, who will lead the policing operation, said: 'We are there to ensure protests take place lawfully, minimising disruption to the life of the wider public and in a way that gives due consideration to the cumulative impact on London's communities and those who feel most vulnerable in the current climate. Getting ready to join the march for Palestine in London #RafahBombing #Cease_fire_In_Gaza_Now pic.twitter.com/usBaXnwK01 Socialist Worker (@socialistworker) February 17, 2024 Palestinian and Israeli supporters clashed at High Street Kensington station on October 9 last year, near the Israeli embassy, as police desperately tried and keep the peace Israeli flags were being waved while Palestinian posters can be seen in the background of the disorder on October 9 last year Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held up placards near the Israeli Embassy on October 9 last year Smoke fills the air near the Israeli Embassy in west London as pro-Palestine protesters carried out their demonstration last October Police officers previously have had to escort protesters down to the platform as tensions threatened to boil over 'The protests we have seen since October have thankfully been largely peaceful and we must take this into account in our policing approach. 'I hope the same will be true this Saturday. 'Unfortunately, despite this, we have regularly seen officers having to deal with offences related to placards and other hate speech. 'We do not underestimate the fear this causes, nor the impact of such criminal and unacceptable behaviour on wider community relations. 'I would appeal to all those attending the protest on Saturday to act within the law and to consider the impact of their actions on the safety and security of others. We will not hesitate to take action against those who fail to do so.' At least 28,663 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the strip in October in response to the October 7 attacks, where militants killed some 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Israel is being urged not to send ground forces into Rafah on the Egyptian border, where many of the strip's citizens are now living after areas closer to their homes became engulfed by fighting. PSC director Ben Jamal said: 'At each stage of Israel's genocidal attack on Gaza we've seen horrors that we never thought possible. 'The images this week from Israel's bombardment of Rafah, of children with limbs torn apart, should be seared on the conscience of the world. 'Despite mounting pressure from world leaders, and in defiance of the ICJ ruling, the Israeli government has made clear that it is about to launch an attack on Rafah that will lead to unprecedented levels of carnage. 'The moral imperative is clear. 'An immediate ceasefire is a simple, absolute necessity. 'The legal imperative is also clear, the UK must abide by its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention to cease any activities that make it complicit. 'Our government and opposition are guilty of an historic failure of leadership and principle. 'They have chosen to take the side of those committing genocide over those who are its victims, and over the demands of international law. 'We, with the majority of people in the UK, will continue to hold them to account on our marches, protests, campaigns and in the voting booths.' Nearly 65 million Americans are under weather alerts as a quick-hitting winter storm blasts the country. Much of the East Coast woke up to a blanket of snow on Saturday morning, with Philadelphia braced for its biggest dump in two years. The National Weather Service warned that up to an inch an hour could fall in the Pennsylvanian city, with totals hitting up to six inches by lunchtime. Advisories were also issued for New Jersey and New York, where the snowfall had already passed expectations by up to six inches in some areas. Drivers were being warned of difficult conditions, while temperatures are expected to hover around freezing when wind chill is factored in. Nearly 65 million Americans are under weather alerts as a winter storm blasts the country Much of the East Coast woke up to snowfall on Saturday morning, with accumulations seen from the Ohio valley to the Jersey Shore (pictured) Philadelphia (pictured) was set to receive more snow that it has for two years with up to six inches forecast Louie thw dog plays catch in Rockwood Park after a couple of inches of snow dropped overnight in Wilmington, Delaware At the same time, a second atmospheric river is due to sweep in on the west coast, lashing California with yet more rain. The weather system is due to last until Sunday, soaking the golden state with several inches of precipitation and triggering the possibility of yet more floods and landslides. Up in the mountains, snowfall is likely to be measured in feet, continuing the active weather pattern seen in the region in recent weeks. Flood watches have been issued for several areas, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles. It comes after many parts of California were swamped by catastrophic flash floods last week, which swept away homes and saw people rescued from submerged vehicles. The Pacific storm was the second 'Pineapple Express' weather system to pummel the West Coast in less than a week and dumped torrential rain over Southern California. There were more than 120 mudslides and the brutal weather system claimed the lives of at least three people. All three were killed by wind-toppled trees - 82-year-old David Gomes in the former gold rush town of Yuba City and a 45-year-old Robert Brainard II at Boulder Creek in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountain. A blanket of snow sticks to the trees in Neptune Township, New Jersey Drivers were being warned of difficult conditions, while temperatures are expected to hover around freezing when wind chill is factored in Amy Nakamoto-Brown and her dog Bogey enjoy an early morning walk in Rockwood Park, Delaware Here's look around pretty Philadelphia this morning as we check out how well the snow melted in the city. pic.twitter.com/bpZVp5lXsk Meteorologist Drew Anderson (@DrewForecast) February 17, 2024 Another man, Chad Ensey, was also killed by a falling tree in Carmichael, just east of Sacramento. He was 41 years old. One of the most dramatic of rescues saw an LA Fire Department helicopter hovering above a raging LA River to save a man who had ventured into the torrent to rescue his dog. The man was hoisted to safety and flown to a hospital. The dog was also able to swim to safety. The normally calm waterway roared back to life as the rains fell and was on the verge of bursting its banks. More than a foot of rain fell in just 24 hours with the storm not expected to taper off until later in the week. There were fears of a repeat of the deadly scenes, as the NWS warned as much as eight inches of rain could fall on ground that has already been saturated in recent weeks. Californians have been urged to avoid low-lying areas during the downpours. Forecasters also issued a winter storm warning from 4pm Sunday until 10am Wednesday predicting gusts of up to 55mph and the possibility of power outages. A second atmospheric river is due to sweep in on the west coast, lashing California with yet more rain It comes after many parts of California were swamped by catastrophic flash floods last week, which swept away homes and saw people rescued from submerged vehicles In a dramatic river rescue, an LA Fire Department helicopter crew pulled a man from the turbulent waters of the Los Angeles River after his dog fell in Firefighters were able to rescue both the dog and the man, who were save on drier land. Forecasters predict up to eight inches of rain in this latest weather system, which is due to hit saturated land prompting fears of yet more landslides Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact holiday weekend travel with snow covered roads, reduced visibility at times, chain controls and possible road closures,' the warning states. 'If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Slow down and use caution while traveling.' At higher elevations, snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches have been forecast above 6000 feet with up to a foot above 8000 feet. Heaviest snowfall is expected Sunday night and Monday. She cited a Yale study which found that older people with positive self-perceptions of aging live longer Jan Golden, 62, is the creator of the Age-Friendly Vibes greeting card line A Denver-based stationary designer has claimed 'ageist' birthday cards can take years off people's lives A greeting card designer has created an 'age-friendly' birthday card company and claims that cards joking about old age take years off people's lives. Jan Golden, 62, is the creator of the Age-Friendly Vibes greeting card line - a Denver based company that sells birthday cards with anti-ageism messages. Golden claims that the classic 'damn, you're old' style of birthday cards is not only 'ageist' - but can even make those who receive such cards die earlier. 'Have you gotten one of those cards that says, 'You're one step closer to the sweet release of death. Happy birthday!'?' Golden told the Wall Street Journal. 'That stuff just picks away at older adults.' She cited a 2002 study on aging and attitudes to prove her point that the pessimistic greeting cards are killing elderly people. Jan Golden, 62, is the creator of the Age-Friendly Vibes greeting card line - an Atlanta based company that sells birthday cards with anti-ageism messages The 62-year-old launched her 'age-positive' card line in 2020 after working with elderly people to train them to use technology The study was led Yale School of Public Health professor Becca R. Levy who found that 'older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging, measured up to 23 years earlier, lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive' ones. Golden is winding down her career as a web developer and iPhone trainer, and ramping up her 'dream job' of creating a stationery business. The 62-year-old launched her 'age-positive' card line in 2020 after working with elderly people to train them to use technology. 'Unfortunately, in many cultures, birthdays are a target for feeding fear about getting older,' Golden wrote in an Instagram post. Golden's cards feature more uplifting messages about growing older, such as 'lucky for you I love older people' 'Look at the greeting card aisle, and you'll see many creative ways we are reminded of how awful it is to get older,' she added. Golden started a #NotAfraidOfMyBirthday campaign to combat ageism. 'The good news is you can change how you feel about aging and reap the benefits of an age-positive mindset, especially on your birthday,' she said. 'I know birthdays get worse as you get older... but look on the bright side - not many left now!' 'At least you're not as old as you will be next year,' another ageist card read. Another card featured a sketch of a Zimmer frame and joked 'your chariot awaits... happy birthday!' Meanwhile - Golden's cards feature more uplifting messages about growing older, such as 'lucky for you I love older people.' 'Celebrating you never gets old,' another read. 'The good news is you can change how you feel about aging and reap the benefits of an age-positive mindset, especially on your birthday,' Golden said Golden started a #NotAfraidOfMyBirthday campaign to combat ageism The 62-year-old stationary designer wanted to change the narrative surrounding getting older and birthdays Golden even made age-friendly holiday cards - with messages like 'joy to the world for all ages.' Golden claims that the classic 'damn, you're old' style of birthday cards is not only 'ageist' - but can even make those who receive such cards die earlier A survey of over half a dozen seniors at the Lakeview Center for Active Aging in Black Mountain, North Carolina, found that the seniors themselves didn't mind poking fun at their age. 'I don't mind poking fun at it, and I'm up there,' says Bill Sandin, 76, as he enjoyed his meatloaf at lunch. 'You need a sense of humor when you're our age. I think the funnier the better.' While many of the interview subjects defended the playful cards, Sandy Pressley, 71, said she was a fan of the more positive age-affirming cards. 'I've thought about that before: why [card options] weren't more encouraging to older people and saying, 'Yeah, like a fine wine, you're getting better each year' or something like that.' Sara Breindel is a co-director of Changing the Narrative, a Denver-based anti-ageism advocacy organization. She encouraged artists to 'design cards that countered the usual depressing narrative about getting older as part of her Anti-Ageist Birthday Card Campaign in 2020. The campaign was so successful that it was organized again in January 2023. Alexei Navalny died from 'sudden death syndrome' after collapsing on Friday, Russian investigators are alleged to have told the opposition leader's mother as she visited the brutal IK-3 Polar Wolf penal colony where he was being held this morning. Lyudmila Navalnaya was seen today travelling to the colony in northern Russia, where she was told her son died after returning from a walk at 14:17 local time on Friday. Navalny's allies say they were denied the opportunity to see the body, which would remain with the authorities until an investigation was complete. Navalny's lawyer, who arrived in the town of Salekhard with Navalny's mother on Saturday, was allegedly told by the prison that the body was being held in the morgue. A contact at the Salekhard morgue later denied the body was there - leaving yet more question marks around the shock death of one of Putin's most fierce critics. 'It's obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexei's body, hiding it even from his mother,' his team said in a post on Telegram. The shock death of Putin's most fierce critic has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make hundreds of arrests since Friday. Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and lawyer Vasily Dubkov arrive at the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in the town of Salekhard in the Yamal-Nenets Region, Russia February 17, 2024 His mother said she had seen her son in the prison colony on Monday. At the time, she said: 'He was alive, healthy, cheerful.' Navalnaya was allegedly told her son had died from 'sudden death syndrome' A car carrying Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, arries to the prison colony in the town of Kharp on Saturday, February 17, 2024 Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia Navalnaya in September 2020 Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles on Friday as he visits a forge in Chelyabinsk, Russia Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was reported to have died in prison on Friday, according to Russia's prison agency. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement that Navalny, 47, felt unwell after a walk and 'almost immediately lost consciousness'. Paramedics reportedly came to try to rehabilitate him without success. What is Sudden Death Syndrome? Sudden adult death syndrome occurs when an otherwise healthy person passes away suddenly, with the cause likely being a heart condition. In around one in 20 spontaneous heart-related deaths in the UK, no definite cause can be found. During a post-mortem, a pathologist can usually detect abnormalities in a patient's heart tissue, which may show signs of artery disease or a clot in the lung. When nothing is found, the cause of death is deemed to be Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). This was once known as sudden adult death syndrome, however, children can also being affected. Cot death may be partly caused by the same factors responsible for SADS. Although unclear, SADS is thought to occur due to a disturbance in the heart's rhythm, even if the person has no cardiovascular disease. Due to the electrical function of the heart being affected, such disturbances can only be detected in life and not in death. Rare diseases, such as Long QT Syndrome and sodium channel disease, can increase a person's risk of SADS. Many people with these conditions have no symptoms and may never be diagnosed. If a family looses a relative due to SADS, genetic testing can be carried out to determine if they are at risk of the aforementioned diseases. Most of these conditions are made worse with exercise and therefore, if diagnosed, a doctor may advise a person to avoid playing sports. Source: SADS Advertisement Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of 'extremism', had only recently been moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a grisly 'special regime' penal colony above the Arctic Circle. His allies, a brave minority in Russia fighting corruption, said at the time they feared for his life after he 'disappeared' in December to travel to the remote region notorious for its long and severe winters - just months before the closely-watched Russian presidential elections next month. Navalny was last seen via video link during a court hearing on Thursday. Dressed in black prison uniform, he appeared to be in good spirits - his trademark humour back on show. 'Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to ''warm up'' my personal account, because I am running out of money,' he said. State media reported he raised no health complaints during the session. His mother said she had seen her son in the prison colony on Monday. At the time, she said: 'He was alive, healthy, cheerful.' One of Navalny's lawyers, Leonid Solovyov, told the independent Novaya Gazeta paper that the Kremlin critic was 'normal' when a lawyer saw him on Wednesday. But the Federal Prison Service announced his death in a statement yesterday, saying that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived to try to save him, to no avail. The sudden death of the former Anti-Corruption Foundation leader has provoked a strong response from supporters as far afield as Japan, Poland, Finland, Mumbai and San Francisco. In several Russian cities, authorities have clamped down on protests and vigils, pictured dragging supporters away from makeshift memorials. Masked police were seen taking away mourners at a monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow. The OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 270 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials to Navalny since his death was announced. Hundreds of flowers and dozens of candles could be seen at the monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow and more flowers could be seen left in the snow on nearby pavements. 'Alexei Navalny's death is the worst thing that could happen to Russia,' read a note left among the flowers and Navalny photos by the monument. Authorities in the Russian capital said Friday they were aware of calls online 'to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow' and warned people against attending. 'We will not forget, we will not forgive. Those responsible will be punished!' the note said. Police officers were also seen standing near a similar monument to political prisoners in St. Petersburg today. Protests are illegal in Russia under strict anti-dissent laws, and authorities have clamped down particularly harshly on rallies in support of Navalny. Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of late Russian opposition leader Navalny, and lawyer Alexei Tsvetkov leave the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee, February 17 Lyudmila Navalnaya leaves the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in the town of Salekhard in the Yamal-Nenets Region, Russia February 17, 2024 People lay flowers and light candles near the memorial to political prisoners in St. Petersburg, Russia, 17 February 2024 Navalny's death shocked the world and immediately saw blame pointed towards Russia Tributes are laid as people demonstrate outside the Russian embassy, following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Copenhagen, Denmark, February 17, 2024 A man lays flowers to the monument to the victims of political repressions for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on February 17, 2024 Riot police officers are seen deployed at the monument in Saint Petersburg on February 17 Riot police officers are seen deployed at the monument to the victims of political repressions in St. Petersburg on February 17, 2024 Police officers detain a woman during a gathering in memory of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny near the Wall of Grief monument in Moscow, Russia February 17, 2024 Earlier today, Volodymyr Zelensky issued a chilling warning to critics of Putin's regime at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. 'Putin kills whoever he wants,' the Ukrainian President said this morning. 'Be it an opposition leader or anyone else who appears as a target to him. He maintains power through corruption and violence.' 'Putin has murdered another opposition leader,' Zelensky said outright. The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's death. Zelensky spoke on the need to repel Putin's advances east and depose him - as Russia prepares for its closely-watched presidential elections next month. He warned Saturday that his country's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells. 'Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war,' he told the Munich Security Conference. 'We have ruined the myth that Russian weapons are better than Western ones - that is why for the first time in Russian history Putin bowed to Iran and North Korea for help,' he said. 'Russia has only one specific military advantage at this time - namely the complete devaluation of human life. Constant Russian meat assaults prove this. International tolerance of the lack of rule of law in Russia since 1991 and Putin's policy of controlled poverty has led to the effect that human life is worthless for Russian state. Speaking ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said: '[Putin] has just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear message as the Munich Security Conference opened, Putin murdered another opposition leader. 'So please, let's not fear Putin's defeat and the destruction of his regime. Let's instead work together to destroy what he stands for. It is his fate to lose, not the fate of the rules based world order to vanish.' He told attendees: 'Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourselves why Putin is still able to continue it.' He went on: 'Putin now openly justifies Hitler absolving him of responsibility of World War II and he makes the genocide of our people just the normal part of policy.' 'After the murder of Alexei Navalny it is absolute to pursue Putin as the legitimate head of the Russian state. He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence 'Putin only has two options ahead, to be in the dock in the Hague or to be killed by one of his accomplices who are now killing for him.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a conference in Munich on Saturday The Ukrainian President said outright that Russia was responsible for the death of Navalny Zelensky is not alone in accusing Russia of slaying the former lawyer and politician. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Saturday said Navalny's 'heroic opposition to Putin's repressive and unjust regime inspired the world'. 'We hold the Russian Government solely responsible for his treatment and death in prison,' Wong said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. US President Joe Biden was equally blunt, saying: 'Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death'. Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov added: 'Alexei Navalny was tortured and tormented for three years... Murder was added to Alexei Navalny's sentence'. Russian investigative reporter Maria Pevchikh wrote on X: 'Navalny was killed. It's not very clear how to live further, but we will definitely come up with something together. 'Alexey will live forever in millions of hearts, in our thoughts and memories. Otherwise, why are we needed? 'The murderers will be punished. Inevitably. We won't forgive anyone.' Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Speaking to broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Reflecting overnight makes you think what an incredibly brave man this was. His life revealed so much about the true nature of (Vladimir) Putin's ghastly regime. And his death has revealed that all over again. 'There should be consequences. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. We don't announce them in advance, so I can't say anymore than that. But that is what we will be looking at. 'Of course we have already summoned the ambassador and made clear our views about this dreadful event and the way this person was treated.' He said he would be meeting with G7 foreign ministers at the German gathering: 'I am clear that we will be taking action and I would urge others do to the same.' The Kremlin said the West's reaction was unacceptable and 'absolutely rabid'. Putin has yet to comment on Navalny's death. Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny (pictured in Bulgaria, February 14, 2024) Still, Navalny's vision for change in Russia will be kept alive by his team, his ally and spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said in an interview. 'We lost our leader, but we didn't lose our ideas and our beliefs', Yarmysh told Reuters via Zoom, speaking from an undisclosed location. She said the team holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for what she called Navalny's murder. She did not provide evidence for this but pointed to an incident in 2020 when Navalny survived what Western doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning attempt on his life. Putin denied at the time that the Russian state had tried to kill Navalny, saying it would have 'finished the job' if it had really wanted to eliminate him. 'We knew that there was a risk, Alexei knew it as well. And yesterday they murdered him as they planned to do it three years ago', said Yarmysh. Shocking photos captured the chaotic and gruesome aftermath of a fatal dog attack where a man was mauled to death by his 13 pitbulls in his yard in Los Angeles. LAPD officers were called to the home on the 900 block of Thorson Avenue, Compton, at 7am on Friday after a concerned friend went to the house and discovered his body. Officials believe he was a breeder and had gone into the yard to feed the dogs on Thursday night when a fight broke out between the animals and they turned on him. Helicopter footage showed his bloodied body lying face down in one of the enclosures in his yard while five adult pitbulls and eight puppies ran around and fought. The man's identity has not yet been released, but neighbors told local news he was a 35-year-old man who lived alone. The man's body was found face down in one of the enclosures in his backyard The dogs could be seen running around the yard and fighting as officials tried to restrain them His friend called police early on Friday saying 'her friend was seen in the backyard and appeared to have been mauled by his dog'. Police, firemen and animal control then descended on the house, climbing over the roof to get to the yard and round up the dogs. They found five adults and eight puppies - aged between four and six months - and corralled them into a neighboring yard to get to the man's body. Meanwhile a woman who had somehow entered the yard tried to climb up a wall to get out and had to be helped by firefighters. Michael Gomez with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau told KTLA5: 'He was feeding the dogs at which point maybe there was an altercation between some of the dogs and [they] ultimately attacked and mauled the victim.' L.A. Countys Animal Care & Control said: 'Preliminary information suggests that the deceased individual was involved in breeding and selling Pitbulls.' The victim's father has now signed the dogs over to animal control for 'impoundment and examination'. DACC Director Marcia Mayeda told KTLA5: 'Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of the victim. Officers climbed over the roof to get to the yard and found five adult dogs and eight puppies A woman who some how got into the backyard was helped to climb out over the wall by firefighters The victim's father handed the dogs over to animal control to be impounded and examined 'We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and ensure the safety and well-being of both the community and the animals involved.' Damian Wesley with Compton Animal Rescue told the outlet: 'I hope that awareness is spread that people need to take great care of their dogs. 'People need to understand that these dogs can kill somebody and hurt people.' There were no previous reports of the dogs attacking people, but one neighbor told Fox News that a few of the dogs had gotten out and attacked his chickens before. California does not have any statewide bans of un-neutered pitbulls, some towns have introduced specific rules themselves, but not Compton. Shocking photos show aftermath of horror pit bull attack where LA breeder was viciously mauled to death by pack of 13 dogs as he tried to feed them in backyard kennel The Business Improvement District Board is again asking for the public's help in shaping a new brand identity for Columbus's downtown. Originally, the BID Board issued a survey featuring the top three names, from which the results were indecisive with no one district name coming forward as the clear winner, according to a Facebook post made the organization. Now, a new survey features nine prospective names for residents to consider. The names were whittled down from more than 70 suggestions gathered last summer, but more feedback is needed to help lead discussion of the results at the board's next meeting in March. The current names in the running are: The Iron Horse District Downtown Columbus The Grid Downtown Columbus Trackside District Downtown Columbus The Square Downtown Columbus The Crossroads District Downtown Columbus The Powerhouse District Downtown Columbus Old Rail Market Downtown Columbus The Loup Downtown Columbus The Frankfort District Downtown Columbus "We're looking at something with a focus on the historic sense. What is Columbus, what features do we have?" Joshua Johnson, chairman of the board, told the Telegram in January. "Some wanted it to be purely industrial and industrial manufacturing is a huge part of the community, but we can't say we're something we're not. We wanted it to reflect and be timeless, we don't want to have to rebrand." Once the top three names are identified, another survey may be issued or the board may decide directly from those three choices. "The overall arching design is to have it be a destination base where people work, live and play, that we can stimulate restaurant growth, more local shopping, support local institution," Johnson said. "We felt that creating a destination-based identity would be helpful to drive individuals downtown, whether it's the Historic Downtown Columbus or one of the name suggestions that came out." The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/9KMTQH3. Atlanta's squatter crisis has seen homes being turned into trap houses, bringing drugs and prostitution to neighborhoods Flash Shelton fights to evict squatters and is giving advice to Atlanta landlords who have had their homes infiltrated A handyman-turned-squatter-hunter thinks home invasions should be declared an act of terrorism A handyman-turned-squatter-hunter is arguing that squatting should be re-classified as a 'terrorist act' amidst Atlanta's crisis of unwanted tenants. Homes in the Atlanta area are being turned into prostitution and drug dens as squatters take over vacant properties. Over 1,200 homes have been overtaken by the squatters and landlords have to clear the unwanted residents themselves or wait months for police. Flash Shelton, founder of the United Handyman Association and SquatterHunters.com, had his first experience with evicting squatters when they infiltrated his mother's home last year. Two women took over the home in Simi Valley after his mother had put it up for sale following his father's death. A handyman-turned-squatter-hunter is arguing that squatting should be re-classified as a 'terrorist act' amidst Atlanta's home invasion crisis Two women took over the home in Simi Valley after his mother had put it up for sale following his father's death Shelton had to wait for the women to step out of the home one day and then he swooped in and barred them from re-entering Law enforcement couldn't help Shelton because of the complex laws surrounding squatters' rights - so he took matters into his own hands Law enforcement couldn't help Shelton because of the complex laws surrounding squatters' rights - so he took matters into his own hands. He spent days studying the laws and managed to get rid of the women by drafting a lease agreement with his mother that designated him as the legal resident of the home. Shelton had to wait for the women to step out of the home one day and then he swooped in and barred them from re-entering. The expert offers his squatter-removal services for others struggling with the unwanted inhabitants and has managed to successfully help multiple California landlords. He's now offering advice to homeowners in the Atlanta area who have been wrapped up in the squatter crisis. 'Squatter rights were never intended to allow the take-over of residential maintained properties. Until we make it criminal it's just going to keep happening.' 'My advice to the Atlanta property owners would be the same as they would to any property owner,' Shelton said. 'First of all, know your laws, know your rights and think safely. This is your house, I understand that, but this is property, and it's not worth your life.' In October, an Atlanta home was taken over by squatters who ran an illegal strip club inside on weekends and kept horses on the property. The FBI had to get involved and arrested four people who had taken up residence at 4951 Wewatta Street in South Fulton without permission. The 4,000 square foot five bed home with three bathrooms was trashed by the squatters. Exclusive photos show the property at 4951 Wewatta Street in South Fulton, Atlanta - where four squatters were said to have run an illegal strip club A SWAT team arrested the four squatters after neighbors complained of the stench of marijuana, gunshots - and live horses on the premises Photos from inside the home after the FBI cleared it out showed the halls eerily empty, except a cartoonish green lizard painted on one wall. Trash littered the property with a half-finished water bottle, a crumpled plastic bag and a bottle of Pink Whitney - the popular lemonade-infused vodka - sitting atop a railing. Neighbors said they were running a strip club on the weekend, noisy parties and car races in the street. One neighbor said: 'They would get live horses. One day they had live horses.' Four young men - DeAnthony Maddox, Jeremy Wheat, Kelvin Hall, and Tarahsjay Forde - were arrested on the premises. All four were booked into Fulton County Jail on multiple charges, including several counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Shelton says that squatters who have turned properties into drug houses are bringing a whole new element into neighborhoods that don't know how to adapt to the danger. The hazards that come along with illicit activity, like drugs and prostitution, pose safety risks for children, the elderly and everybody, Shelton explains. Law enforcement aren't equipped to handle these situations, and there hands are tied because they legally can't intervene in most cases. 'As soon as law enforcement says there's nothing we can do, then I would say reach out to me or someone like me because there are alternatives besides spending a year in civil court,' Shelton said. The one thing law enforcement is legally allowed to do when confronting squatters is stay on the property to maintain safety. Shelton said that he would take advantage of that one right and make sure to stay in the house while the squatters are there. The massive 4,300 square foot estate where Vincent Simon is hauled-up has five beds and five baths, Zillow states, and is valued around $495,000 Lt. Colonel Dahlia Daure said a man with a lengthy criminal history was squatting in her Atlanta-area home while she is away on active duty and that he refuses to move out Last year, a deployed Lt Colonel Dahlia Daure said she felt 'violated' when she learned a man was squatting in her home while she was away on active service. Daure told local media that Vincent Simon - a man who has been convicted on guns, drugs, and theft charges - was living in her $500,000 home. The Army officer had been away from her Ellenwood residence for duty in Chicago - and only found out he had moved in as the house was in the process of being sold. 'I felt violated. Had I not been serving my country, I would have been in my home,' Daure told WSB-TV. America's adversaries are growing more coordinated, posing potential challenges to the isolationist foreign policy stance Donald Trump advocates ahead of a potential second term, a former advisor in his administration has warned. 'One big difference from the past is this axis of disrupters: Russia, China, Iran, North Korea,' Nadia Schadlow, who served as deputy national security advisor for strategy in the Trump administration, told the Wall Street Journal. 'They are functioning as a much more cohesive coalition than in the past. That is a new dynamic he would have to manage,' added Schadlow, who is currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Trump, the likely Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has in recent days doubled down on his stance that America should pull back from global affairs and focus on domestic problems. Earlier this week, he appeared to encourage Russia to attack NATO allies who don't meet their quotas for defense spending, and demanded European allies 'Pay up!' to match US military aid to Ukraine. In recent days, Trump has doubled down on his stance that America should pull back from global affairs and focus on domestic problems Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) in 2019. US adversaries are forging closer ties and cooperation, a former Trump advisor warns 'His frame of mind is that if you want us to defend you, you have to spend money,' Schadlow told the Journal. Voter weariness with overseas wars and the perceived US role as the world's policeman helped propel Trump to victory in 2016, when he also promised tougher conditions on allies and fewer foreign entanglements. Now he is doubling down on that stance, but Schadlow warns that it comes at a time of increasing coordination between US adversaries. US officials say North Korea is now supplying weapons to Russia. Moscow has also sought closer ties with China and Iran as it continues its war against Ukraine. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'Crooked Joe Biden has allowed this disaster to happen, which is why we need President Trump back in the White House.' On Iran, Trump says he would continue the tough policies of his first term, when he suspended an Obama-era deal to curtail Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. On China, Trump has vowed even tougher positions on trade, talking of revoking normal trading relations and imposing sanctions of up to 60 percent. But he has also lavished praise on Chinese leader Xi Jinping, calling him a 'brilliant guy' at a rally earlier this month. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches what it says is an intercontinental ballistic missile the country test-launched at the Sunan international airport in Pyongyang, North Korea Trump has also remained vague about whether he believes the US should defend Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing is intent on establishing control over. 'If I answer that question, it'll put me in a very bad negotiating position,' he said on Fox News last summer when asked whether the US should defend Taiwan 'With that being said, Taiwan did take all of our chip business,' he added, referring to Taiwan's leading status as a producer of advanced semiconductors. Trump has said little about his plans for North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un, after trading 'love letters' with the dictator in his first term. In December, Trump dismissed as 'fake news' reports that he plans to strike a deal that would allow Kim to keep his nuclear arsenal, but ease sanctions if he halts new warhead development. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest in years. Kim is believed to be accelerating his nuclear and missile program, and has enshrined in law his nation's right to launch preemptive strikes. During his first term, Trump he proposed withdrawing US troops from South Korea, Germany and other countries. He has said he would push for greater military spending in a second term, to deter adversaries from challenging the US or starting new wars. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi listens to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during their meeting in Tehran, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Last weekend, Trump was widely condemned for claiming he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who didn't 'pay up'. Among those condemning the former president was the White House, which branded his remarks 'unhinged,' and a former communications aide who said Trump was emboldening Vladimir Putin, amid fears it could even trigger World War Three. The ex-president made the alarming promise to rile up a cheering crowd, that spilled on to the streets outside his rally in Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday. 'The president of a big country stood up and said "if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?" I said you didn't pay, you're delinquent? He said, "yes, let's say that happened". 'No, I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want, you gotta pay! You gotta pay your bills.' The DA downgraded 938 felonies to misdemeanors or lesser felonies in 2023 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has downgraded a staggering 60 percent of felony cases to lesser charges in the last year, data from his office shows. The progressive DA reduced 938 of the most serious charged in 2023, 834 of which were brought down to misdemeanors. Under Bragg, the percentage of felonies downgraded has increased to 60 - up from 53% percent under his predecessor. Bragg's team defended the figures stating the office's performance is on a par with other New York boroughs and higher when it comes to felony convictions. Bragg, who campaigned on a promise of criminal justice reform, issued a controversial 'Day One' memo after taking office stating he would only seek prison time in the most severe cases. It comes amid fury over criminals being allowed to roam the streets of the Big Apple, which continues to be rocked by a violent crime wave. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg downgraded 60 percent of his felony cases to misdemeanors in 2023 as crime continues to cause havoc in the Big Apple Of the 938 felonies downgraded in 2023, 834 were reduced down to misdemeanor charges The progressive DA was sworn in on January 1, 2022 but has come under criticism for his 'soft on crime' approach Since being sworn in on January 1, 2022 the soft-on-crime DA has also declined to prosecute 14 percent of all arrests, compared to just nine percent in 2021 when his predecessor was last in post. However, overall arrests screened by his office was up by more than a third compared to 2021. But this will be of little comfort to victims of the most serious crimes, with the data showing that Bragg's office has secured a felony conviction just 52 percent of the time, down from 65 percent in 2021. Bragg has been criticized for his soft-on-crime policies, which include calling on prosecutors to ditch felony armed robbery charges and instead charge suspects with petit larceny and not seeking carceral sentences for criminals. Crime in New York City, has decreased by .032 percent since before the pandemic, but the decrease is not enough for many who feel unsafe in Manhattan. MAGA operatives have accused Bragg of having a political agenda. 'Alvin Bragg is a disgrace. He cares more about targeting Joe Biden's political opponent than protecting New Yorkers from rapists, murderers, and robbers.' Alex Pfeiffer, spokesman for Make America Great Again Inc said. Meanwhile victims of crime have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of justice. Joseph Borgen, 31, who was the victim of anti-Jewish mob assault in Manhattan, spoke out slamming the plea deal that allowed one of his attackers off with just 18 months behind bars. Bragg's opponents have accused him of being soft on crime Bragg, who campaigned on a promise of criminal justice reform, said he would only seek prison sentences for the most serious crimes Waseem Awawdeh, 24, faced seven years in jail after being filmed beating Borgen with crutches, calling him a 'dirty Jew' and pepper spraying him in the 2021 attack. Borgen struggled to contain his fury as he delivered a victim impact statement at the sentencing of Awawdeh who was offered the deal despite allegedly bragging he 'would do it again'. Most recently, Bragg has been slammed for allowing men accused of brutally beating two NYPD cops in Times Square last month to walk free. One of the migrant gang accused of the attack was picked up a couple of days later at a Queens mall on attempted shoplifting charges. Mayor Eric Adams meanwhile has continued to insist that crime in the city is headed in the right direction. One of his most recent defenses saw him claim that New York is not as bad as LA's infamous Skid Row. The first-term mayor made the proud proclamation as he touted year-end crime statistics at 1 Police Plaza in January - and held up a picture of the far-flung LA neighborhood as proof. A rant ensued - one that seemed to ignored how his city is in the midst of an unprecedented migrant crisis which he himself warned will soon see asylum seekers 'sleeping on the streets'. Bragg has been criticized for his lenient plea deals including one offered to Waseem Awawdeh, 24, after he was arrested for an anti-Semitic attack on Joseph Borgen in May 2021 Joseph Borgen (above) struggled to contain his fury as he delivered a victim impact statement at the sentencing of Waseem Awawdeh, who was facing up to seven years in jail but handed just 18 months under the plea deal Borgen is seen hospitalized left, and in an interview a day after the attack right However, he failed to address data which showed crime in his city was down a miniscule .032 percent. Murders this year fell by 11.9 percent compared to last, to a reported 386 as opposed 438, the data showed. Rapes, meanwhile, were down 10.5 percent, while robberies were down 3.1 percent. Grand larceny thefts were were also down 2.5 percent and burglaries 13.1. However motor vehicle theft rates have spiked 191 percent from before the pandemic, while felony assaults are up 6.3 percent. A spokesman for the DA's Office said Manhattan is leading the citywide decrease in crime, highlighting a 38 percent decrease in homicides and a 24 percent decrease in shootings during DA Braggs first two years in office. 'Manhattans felony conviction rate is higher than the other four boroughs, and our felony decline to prosecute rate is lower than the citywide average,' he said. 'We are getting results from our comprehensive crime strategy that includes more gun prosecutions, focusing on drivers of violent crime and making investments that prevent crime and build strong neighborhoods.' Ukrainian forces have today shot down three Russian war planes worth more than $100million in total, Kyiv's air force chief has claimed. Mykola Oleshchuk said that two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter in the skies over eastern Ukraine. 'On the morning of February 17, 2024, in the eastern (sector), units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter,' Mykola Oleshchuk wrote on Telegram. International news agency Reuters has not been able to verify the claim from the Ukrainian military chief. If it is true it would represent a loss to Moscow of advanced warplanes worth in excess of $100million (79million) between them. Ukrainian forces have today shot down three Russian war planes worth more than $100million in total, Kyiv's air force chief has claimed (file photo of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber) Mykola Oleshchuk said that two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter (file photo) in the skies over eastern Ukraine Since receiving advanced Western air defence systems, Kyiv has been able to deploy these weapons to pose an increasing threat to Russian aviation in areas near the front lines as the two-year anniversary nears of Russia's invasion. This comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky today said that Ukraine withdrew troops from the besieged eastern stronghold of Avdiivka to save the lives of its soldiers, handing Russia its biggest symbolic victory since May. The pullback comes after Russian forces stepped up efforts to capture the eastern industrial hub in October, leading to mass casualties and destruction. Facing ammunition shortages and outnumbered on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces announced they had withdrawn in the early hours of Saturday. 'The ability to save our people is the most important task for us,' Zelensky told a security conference in Munich, explaining the move. 'In order to avoid being surrounded, it was decided to withdraw to other lines. This does not mean that people retreated some kilometres and Russia captured something, it did not capture anything,' he also said. This echoed earlier statements from the newly-appointed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, who said he 'decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines.' 'The life of military personnel is the highest value,' Syrsky said. It was Syrsky's first major decision since his appointment, at a time when Ukraine faces mounting pressures in the east because of ammunition shortages, with a $60billion US military aid package held up in Washington. Soldiers are now holding a second line of defence, commander Oleksandr Tarnavsky said. A number of Ukrainian servicemen were captured 'at the final stage of the operation, under the pressure of superior enemy forces,' he added, calling on the international community to help 'return our soldiers to their homeland.' A Ukrainian serviceman deployed on the eastern frontline told AFP that withdrawing was 'the right decision given the lack of weapons and artillery shells, because if we don't save the lives of the soldiers, we will soon have no one left to fight'. 'But if we keep losing ground, we will lose this war,' he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Avdiivka lies in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, which the Kremlin has claimed to be part of Russia since a 2022 annexation that remains unrecognised by nearly all United Nations members. It briefly fell in July 2014 into the hands of pro-Russian separatists, before returning to Ukrainian control and remaining so despite the invasion and its proximity to the separatist capital Donetsk. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force After the failure of Kyiv's counter-offensive in the summer, Russian forces went on the attack, facing a Ukrainian army struggling to replenish its ranks and running low on ammunition. 'I am surprised that Avdiivka has held out for two years,' Oleksii, a 50-year-old sergeant in the Donetsk region, told AFP over the phone. The battle for Avdiivka, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) north of the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, has been one of the bloodiest of the two-year war. Many compare it to the battle for Bakhmut, in which tens of thousands of soldiers were killed. Avdiivka was home to around 30,000 people before the Russian invasion. But now most of the city has been since destroyed and less than 1,000 residents remain, according to local authorities. Russian forces 'destroy everything, level it to the ground,' Oleksii said. 'You can't hold the city because it no longer exists.' The city has important symbolic value, and Moscow hopes its capture will make Ukraine's bombing of Donetsk more difficult. Russian forces 'push us out a bit of the temporary occupied Donetsk' region, analyst Mykola Bielieskov told AFP. But he said holding Avdiivka would grant no advantage to Russia, whose positions in the city of Donetsk 'even with the ruins of Avdiivka, wouldn't be fully secured.' 'I doubt that Russia, after such staggering losses, has the capacity to turn limited local successes in a major breakthrough,' said Bielieskov, from the Ukraine's National Institute for Strategic Studies. To fend off these attacks, Ukrainian officials are redoubling pleas for much-needed military aid, with Zelensky trying to rally allies in Munich. President Zelensky invited Donald Trump to go 'to the front line' to see the 'real war' while Kamala Harris pledged 'unwavering' support to Ukraine despite aid stalling in Congress. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Vice President Harris stood by Zelensky as she said 'we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games' as it would allow Putin 'to take land with impunity' and 'keep going'. But Congress, led by a Republican majority, has been stalled for months over further aid for Ukraine, with $47 billion, as part of a $66 billion aid and migration package, currently stuck. Meanwhile at the conference, when asked whether it would be a good idea to invite former president Trump to Kyiv, Zelensky said: 'I invited him publicly, but it depends on his wishes.' 'If ... he will come, I'm ready even to go with him to the front line,' he said and promised he would show him the 'real war away from Instagram. Vice President Kamala Harris pledged unwavering support to Ukraine and said they had to stop the 'aggressor' Vice President Harris said after meeting Zelensky later Saturday in Munich that 'it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support.' 'History shows us: If we allow an aggressor like Putin to take land with impunity, they keep going. The other would-be aggressors then become emboldened,' Harris said. She said 'we must be unwavering and we cannot play political games.' She added: 'Political gamesmanship has no role to play in what is fundamentally about the significance of standing with an ally as it endures an unprovoked aggression.' Despite her words of support, Congress, which is led by a Republican majority, has spent months at an impasse over further aid for U.S. allies. The U.S. has already given $75 billion, both in humanitarian assistance and arms, to Ukraine since Putin invaded two years ago, and support has steadily dwindled among Republicans who see no clear off ramp in the conflict. Zelensky told reporters that the aid package stuck in Congress 'is vital.' It would provide a step forward for Ukraine, and 'moving forward is much, much better than stagnation on the battlefield,' he said, stressing that Kyiv is counting on the U.S. to remain a 'strategic partner.' Zelensky and Harris warned that Putin will 'keep going' Their meeting comes as billions of dollars of US aid to Ukraine is stalled in Congress Zelensky warned that they are short on weapons and said that the aid bill is 'vital' When asked if inviting Trump to Kyiv would help, Zelensky said: 'I invited him publicly, but it depends on his wishes.' 'If ... he will come, I'm ready even to go with him to the front line.' NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Congress delay has meant the flow of U.S. weapons and ammunition dropped, with a direct impact on the front line. 'Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine,' he said. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, pointed to the history of the 1930s. 'If America isolates itself, it eventually is going to cost you more,' she said, warning that if 'aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardizing global security.' One person has been charged with assisting unlawful entry into the UK after migrants were found in the back of a lorry on Friday, the Home Office said today. The Home Office did not name the person charged over the incident, which sparked a major response from emergency services at Newhaven ferry port in East Sussex. Six people were taken to hospital after the discovery on the 'Seven Sisters' ferry but no deaths have been reported by Sussex Police. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident, one was detained on suspicion of people smuggling and the other on suspicion of entering the UK illegally. A spokesperson for the department said today: 'Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and emergency services continue to investigate an incident in Newhaven on Friday February 16. 'An individual has been charged with assisting unlawful entry into the UK. While the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.' The ferry 'Seven Sisters' at Newhaven ferry port yesterday Emergency services flooded to Newhaven Ferry Harbour in East Sussex Authorities in the UK were alerted and emergency services were waiting on the dockside The migrants, who appeared to be of Asian origin, were freed after the ferry's security staff broke down a false wall in the back of the van that had been concealing them. Workers on board 'The Seven Sisters' ferry heard banging coming from the van as they were preparing to dock at Newhaven port in Sussex after crossing the Channel from Dieppe, it was reported. One man, who declined to be named, said yesterday: 'The migrants appeared to have been lying down in a small section of the van. 'They were hidden by a false wall that had been built into the back of the van. It was only a small space so they must have been practically lying on top of each other. It would have been very cramped and hard to breathe. 'The reason they were found was that staff working on the ferry heard the migrants banging on the wall and the back of the van during a routine check of vehicles as we were about to dock. 'They summoned some other workers, who looked like security personnel and who then physically broke down the wall and let the migrants out. Some were unconscious and some were able to climb out the van with help. The lorry arrived at the East Sussex port of Newhaven on a passenger ferry from Dieppe 'The police and fire teams arrived soon after the ferry had docked and they took the seven or so migrants to an ambulance. They were put on stretchers and taken off the ferry one by one in oxygen masks. 'The driver of the van and another man who I think was in the passenger seat were then arrested and taken away.' Another eyewitness, who was driving to work, said: 'It looked pretty horrendous. Three of the men were totally unconscious. They were on ambulance gurneys and paramedics were giving them oxygen. 'They looked in a bad way. Paramedics were particularly concentrating on treating one individual - I couldn't see if it was a man, woman or child. 'Paramedics had wrapped them all in foil blankets. It looked really serious.' 'Initially we thought loads of people had been found dead but thankfully they are alive. The emergency services responded really quickly and it was all brought to a close very rapidly.' A Sussex Police spokesman said at the time: 'We are currently supporting Border Force, who are the leading agency, and other emergency services after a boat carrying a number of people arrived on Newhaven beach. 'A man has been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal entry to the UK, and a second man has been arrested for illegally entering the UK. Paul from the Fort Road Cafe in Newhaven said he saw the ferry dock and the emergency services board. 'The ferry pulled up, the police, fire, ambulances and border force all turned up. They took four artics off first, then all the police and ambulances started going on. 'Then the helicopter took somebody away. I saw ambulances trolleys coming off the ferry. 'We see the ferry coming in every day. I saw three ambulance trolleys going up ... Forensics are in there now.' 'The ambulance service has taken six further people to hospital for treatment.' Authorities in the UK were alerted before the ship arrived from France and emergency services were waiting on the dockside. The drive on Ro-Ro ferry makes trips between Newhaven and Dieppe daily and takes around four hours on average. Responding to media reports about the incident, Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, whose constituency includes Newhaven, said in a post on X: 'Very concerned about these reports. 'From my office in Newhaven we can see lots of activity opposite at the port and thanks to the emergency services responding.' A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said at the time: 'We were called at 9.40am this morning to an incident at Newhaven Ferry Port. 'A range of ambulance resources have attended, including our HART (Hazardous Area Response Teams), alongside other emergency service partners.' People trafficking into the UK has become a hot political topic in recent years. Besides soaring numbers crossing the English Channel in small boats, smugglers have also used HGVs to hide migrants - at times with tragic results. Jeremy Bowen has revealed the 'unusual' symptoms he had before being diagnosed with bowel cancer. The BBC journalist revealed on social media today that he had been discharged from the Royal Marsden Hospital after his diagnosis of stage 3 bowel cancer aged 59. He spent more than five years receiving treatment from the hospital, located in Chelsea, west London. Mr Bowen took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and shared a selfie outside the entrance and wrote: 'Discharged 5 years & 4 months after diagnosis of stage 3 bowel cancer - it was in my lymph nodes plus the highly undesirable B-RAF mutation. 'Get tested if you have something weird happening in your bowels, or even if you haven't. I had none of the usual symptoms.' The BBC journalist revealed on social media today that he had been discharged from the Royal Marsden Hospital after his diagnosis of stage 3 bowel cancer aged 59 A user asked him what his unusual symptoms where, to which the international editor said he had 'agonising' stomach cramps Mr Bowen took to X to share his symptoms with his followers A user asked him what his unusual symptoms were, to which the international editor said he had 'agonising' stomach cramps. The pain was diagnosed as bowel adhesions on scar tissue from a hernia operation. He wrote: 'Maybe they weren't cancer signs - but made me think i should get a test. Even though 'too young' for a routine NHS test at 58 Dr Cotton my GP agreed I should have one.' He then went on to to reassure someone else who was starting their treatment at the same hospital next week. Mr Bowen said: 'I liked being at that hospital even when I felt ill.' Last year, the 64-year-old revealed that his diagnosis helped him find a new sense of perspective on life. Speaking on Desert Island Discs, the BBC's 63-year-old international editor says: 'There have been some very difficult moments. I ended up a few years ago with very severe depression. I took time off work. I took meds. 'I had cancer a few years ago and, touch wood, I have been in remission now for four-and-a-half years and it was quite a serious tumour. 'So I think that has also helped me get a sense of perspective on life because I have always been a glass half-full rather than a half-empty person, and that maybe changed for a while. 'I think actually having had cancer brought back the more optimistic Jeremy.' Doctors discovered Mr Bowen's tumour after he noticed what he called 'funny pains in my legs and in my back'. He had surgery before a successful course of chemotherapy and his decision to speak out about his diagnosis encouraged thousands of people to undergo tests. After Alexei Navalny died from 'sudden death syndrome' on Friday, G7 foreign ministers today called on Russia to fully clarify the circumstances of his death. A statement released by Italy, which is currently chairing the Group of Seven wealthy nations, said: 'They expressed their outrage at the death in detention of Alexei Navalny, unjustly sentenced for legitimate political activities and his fight against corruption' It comes as Ukraine's troops withdraw from the city of Avdiivka in a symbolic victory for Vladimir Putin as the city lies mostly destroyed and abandoned, with the vast majority of its pre-war population of around 34,000 having fled. Russian investigators are alleged to have told the opposition leader's mother as she visited the brutal IK-3 Polar Wolf penal colony where he was being held this morning. Lyudmila Navalnaya was seen today travelling to the colony in northern Russia, where she was told her son died after returning from a walk at 14:17 local time on Friday. Navalny's allies say they were denied the opportunity to see the body, which would remain with the authorities until an investigation was complete. Navalny's lawyer, who arrived in the town of Salekhard with Navalny's mother on Saturday, was allegedly told by the prison that the body was being held in the morgue. A contact at the Salekhard morgue later denied the body was there - leaving yet more question marks around the shock death of one of Putin's most fierce critics. The shock death has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make hundreds of arrests since Friday. Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service said on Friday Navalny's allies say they were denied the opportunity to see the body, which would remain with the authorities until an investigation was complete It comes as Ukraine's troops withdraw from the city of Avdiivka in a symbolic victory for Vladimir Putin (pictured yesterday) A car carrying Lyudmila Navalnaya, mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, arries to the prison colony in the town of Kharp on Saturday, February 17, 2024 Smoke rising from the Avdiivka chemical plant on Thursday as the Russian army advanced Lyudmila Navalnaya said she had seen her son in the prison colony on Monday. At the time, she said: 'He was alive, healthy, cheerful.' 'It's obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexei's body, hiding it even from his mother,' his team said in a post on Telegram. In London, the Foreign Office summoned diplomats at the Russian Embassy and called for Mr Navalny's death to be 'investigated fully and transparently' as Lord David Cameron warned there will be 'consequences' for the death. The G7 demanded Russia 'stop its unacceptable persecution of political dissent, as well as systematic repression of freedom of expression and unduly limitation of civil rights,' in the statement today. The shock death of Putin's most fierce critic has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make hundreds of arrests since Friday. It comes as Ukraine's troops pull out of Avdiivka, a small industrial city in the eastern Donbas region which has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression since 2014. It is close to the city of Donetsk, which pro-Russian separatists control as their capital and whose Moscow-backed fighters briefly took power in July 2014 before Ukrainian forces regained control. Avdiivka 'has been a symbol of Ukraine's battlefield resolve and Russia's military failures', said analyst Ivan Klyszcz of the Estonia-based International Centre for Defence and Security today. But it is 'strategically insignificant', added Gustav Gressel, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. 'It would have been a good foot in the door for a Ukrainian offensive' on Donetsk city, but Ukraine cannot conduct such an offensive for at least two years and it made 'no sense to sacrifice soldiers now', he said. For Vladimir Putin, whose re-election as Russian president in March is all but assured with the opposition muzzled or exiled, Avdiivka is a 'significant victory', according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War. Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was reported to have died in prison on Friday, according to Russia's prison agency. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement that Navalny, 47, felt unwell after a walk and 'almost immediately lost consciousness'. Paramedics reportedly came to try to rehabilitate him without success. Navalnaya was allegedly told her son had died from 'sudden death syndrome' Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and lawyer Vasily Dubkov arrive at the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in the town of Salekhard in the Yamal-Nenets Region, Russia February 17, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles on Friday as he visits a forge in Chelyabinsk, Russia Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia Navalnaya in September 2020 What is Sudden Death Syndrome? Sudden adult death syndrome occurs when an otherwise healthy person passes away suddenly, with the cause likely being a heart condition. In around one in 20 spontaneous heart-related deaths in the UK, no definite cause can be found. During a post-mortem, a pathologist can usually detect abnormalities in a patient's heart tissue, which may show signs of artery disease or a clot in the lung. When nothing is found, the cause of death is deemed to be Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). This was once known as sudden adult death syndrome, however, children can also being affected. Cot death may be partly caused by the same factors responsible for SADS. Although unclear, SADS is thought to occur due to a disturbance in the heart's rhythm, even if the person has no cardiovascular disease. Due to the electrical function of the heart being affected, such disturbances can only be detected in life and not in death. Rare diseases, such as Long QT Syndrome and sodium channel disease, can increase a person's risk of SADS. Many people with these conditions have no symptoms and may never be diagnosed. If a family looses a relative due to SADS, genetic testing can be carried out to determine if they are at risk of the aforementioned diseases. Most of these conditions are made worse with exercise and therefore, if diagnosed, a doctor may advise a person to avoid playing sports. Source: SADS Advertisement Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of 'extremism', had only recently been moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a grisly 'special regime' penal colony above the Arctic Circle. His allies, a brave minority in Russia fighting corruption, said at the time they feared for his life after he 'disappeared' in December to travel to the remote region notorious for its long and severe winters - just months before the closely-watched Russian presidential elections next month. Navalny was last seen via video link during a court hearing on Thursday. Dressed in black prison uniform, he appeared to be in good spirits - his trademark humour back on show. 'Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to ''warm up'' my personal account, because I am running out of money,' he said. State media reported he raised no health complaints during the session. His mother said she had seen her son in the prison colony on Monday. At the time, she said: 'He was alive, healthy, cheerful.' One of Navalny's lawyers, Leonid Solovyov, told the independent Novaya Gazeta paper that the Kremlin critic was 'normal' when a lawyer saw him on Wednesday. But the Federal Prison Service announced his death in a statement yesterday, saying that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived to try to save him, to no avail. The sudden death of the former Anti-Corruption Foundation leader has provoked a strong response from supporters as far afield as Japan, Poland, Finland, Mumbai and San Francisco. In several Russian cities, authorities have clamped down on protests and vigils, pictured dragging supporters away from makeshift memorials. Masked police were seen taking away mourners at a monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow. The OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 270 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials to Navalny since his death was announced. Hundreds of flowers and dozens of candles could be seen at the monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow and more flowers could be seen left in the snow on nearby pavements. 'Alexei Navalny's death is the worst thing that could happen to Russia,' read a note left among the flowers and Navalny photos by the monument. Authorities in the Russian capital said Friday they were aware of calls online 'to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow' and warned people against attending. 'We will not forget, we will not forgive. Those responsible will be punished!' the note said. Police officers were also seen standing near a similar monument to political prisoners in St. Petersburg today. Protests are illegal in Russia under strict anti-dissent laws, and authorities have clamped down particularly harshly on rallies in support of Navalny. Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of late Russian opposition leader Navalny, and lawyer Alexei Tsvetkov leave the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee, February 17 Lyudmila Navalnaya leaves the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in the town of Salekhard in the Yamal-Nenets Region, Russia February 17, 2024 People lay flowers and light candles near the memorial to political prisoners in St. Petersburg, Russia, 17 February 2024 Navalny's death shocked the world and immediately saw blame pointed towards Russia Tributes are laid as people demonstrate outside the Russian embassy, following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Copenhagen, Denmark, February 17, 2024 A man lays flowers to the monument to the victims of political repressions for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on February 17, 2024 Riot police officers are seen deployed at the monument in Saint Petersburg on February 17 Riot police officers are seen deployed at the monument to the victims of political repressions in St. Petersburg on February 17, 2024 Earlier today, Volodymyr Zelensky issued a chilling warning to critics of Putin's regime at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. 'Putin kills whoever he wants,' the Ukrainian President said this morning. 'Be it an opposition leader or anyone else who appears as a target to him. He maintains power through corruption and violence.' 'Putin has murdered another opposition leader,' Zelensky said outright. The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's death. Zelensky spoke on the need to repel Putin's advances east and depose him - as Russia prepares for its closely-watched presidential elections next month. He warned Saturday that his country's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells. 'Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war,' he told the Munich Security Conference. 'We have ruined the myth that Russian weapons are better than Western ones - that is why for the first time in Russian history Putin bowed to Iran and North Korea for help,' he said. 'Russia has only one specific military advantage at this time - namely the complete devaluation of human life. Constant Russian meat assaults prove this. International tolerance of the lack of rule of law in Russia since 1991 and Putin's policy of controlled poverty has led to the effect that human life is worthless for Russian state. Speaking ahead of the two-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky said: '[Putin] has just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear message as the Munich Security Conference opened, Putin murdered another opposition leader. 'So please, let's not fear Putin's defeat and the destruction of his regime. Let's instead work together to destroy what he stands for. It is his fate to lose, not the fate of the rules based world order to vanish.' He told attendees: 'Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourselves why Putin is still able to continue it.' He went on: 'Putin now openly justifies Hitler absolving him of responsibility of World War II and he makes the genocide of our people just the normal part of policy.' 'After the murder of Alexei Navalny it is absolute to pursue Putin as the legitimate head of the Russian state. He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence 'Putin only has two options ahead, to be in the dock in the Hague or to be killed by one of his accomplices who are now killing for him.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a conference in Munich on Saturday The Ukrainian President said outright that Russia was responsible for the death of Navalny Zelensky is not alone in accusing Russia of slaying the former lawyer and politician. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Saturday said Navalny's 'heroic opposition to Putin's repressive and unjust regime inspired the world'. 'We hold the Russian Government solely responsible for his treatment and death in prison,' Wong said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. US President Joe Biden was equally blunt, saying: 'Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death'. Russian Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov added: 'Alexei Navalny was tortured and tormented for three years... Murder was added to Alexei Navalny's sentence'. Russian investigative reporter Maria Pevchikh wrote on X: 'Navalny was killed. It's not very clear how to live further, but we will definitely come up with something together. 'Alexey will live forever in millions of hearts, in our thoughts and memories. Otherwise, why are we needed? 'The murderers will be punished. Inevitably. We won't forgive anyone.' Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Speaking to broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Reflecting overnight makes you think what an incredibly brave man this was. His life revealed so much about the true nature of (Vladimir) Putin's ghastly regime. And his death has revealed that all over again. 'There should be consequences. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. We don't announce them in advance, so I can't say anymore than that. But that is what we will be looking at. 'Of course we have already summoned the ambassador and made clear our views about this dreadful event and the way this person was treated.' He said he would be meeting with G7 foreign ministers at the German gathering: 'I am clear that we will be taking action and I would urge others do to the same.' The Kremlin said the West's reaction was unacceptable and 'absolutely rabid'. Putin has yet to comment on Navalny's death. Lord David Cameron signalled that there would be 'consequences' in the wake of the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny (pictured in Bulgaria, February 14, 2024) Still, Navalny's vision for change in Russia will be kept alive by his team, his ally and spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said in an interview. 'We lost our leader, but we didn't lose our ideas and our beliefs', Yarmysh told Reuters via Zoom, speaking from an undisclosed location. She said the team holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for what she called Navalny's murder. She did not provide evidence for this but pointed to an incident in 2020 when Navalny survived what Western doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning attempt on his life. Putin denied at the time that the Russian state had tried to kill Navalny, saying it would have 'finished the job' if it had really wanted to eliminate him. 'We knew that there was a risk, Alexei knew it as well. And yesterday they murdered him as they planned to do it three years ago', said Yarmysh. A script for the first Star Wars film that was left in a London flat has been sold for almost 11,000. Actor Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo, used the script in 1976 and left it in a flat in London that he was renting at the tine while he filmed at Elstree Studios. The script was the fourth draft of the screenplay for the first Star Wars movie, originally titled The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller, had an estimated selling price of 8,000-12,000. This unique piece of movie history was bought by an Austrian private collector for 10,795. The script (pictured) was the fourth draft of the screenplay for the first Star Wars movie and was originally titled The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller. It sold for 10,795 to an Austrian private collector Actor Harrison Ford (pictured), who played Han Solo, used the script in 1976 and left it in a flat in London that he was renting at the tine while he filmed at Elstree Studios The unique piece of movie history had an estimated selling price of 8,000-12,000 It is incomplete and unbound, with differing-coloured pages indicating revisions - and includes scenes and characters that were cut from the final edit. READ MORE: Star Wars memorabilia which belonged to Grand Moff Tarkin actor Peter Cushing including a rare script and the slippers he had to wear on set are going to auction Advertisement On page 56, Harrison Ford is introduced as the cynical hero Han Solo in the George Lucas script, according to Excalibur Auctions in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. The script wasn't the only thing that Ford left behind in the flat. Other items included shooting schedules, a call sheet and collections of notes which sold in a bundle to a UK buyer for 4,826. These sheets of paper included a handwritten note which appeared to refer to a meeting between Ford and British producer Robert Watts. Watts and Ford would go onto work on 1981's Raiders Of The Lost Ark, 1983's Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom and 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. The items had been tucked away for 50 years in a private home in Notting Hill, London. The owners of the home had rented out the top two floors to Ford, who had co-stars Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, and Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker, visit him during his stay. Pictured: Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker (left), Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia (middle) and Ford Harrison as Han Solo (right) in the Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope The script is incomplete and unbound, with differing-coloured pages indicating revisions - and includes scenes and characters that were cut from the final edit. Other items left in the flat included shooting schedules, a call sheet and collections of notes Another item sold was a typed letter (pictured) from a friend in which Ford is asked about why he has not called his wife, Mary Marquardt, before they divorced in 1979. The letter, date April 16 1976, also discussed his contracts and future film prospects and was sold for 177.80 Ford shot to fame after starring as Solo in George Lucas's 1977 science fiction epic. He appeared in the original movie's sequels, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983), before reprising the role for The Force Awakens in 2015. Star Wars creator Lucas and director Steven Spielberg would also cast Ford in another famous role, as archaeologist Indiana Jones, for Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Ford appeared in four sequels, the last of which was released last year. Another item sold was a typed letter from a friend in which Ford is asked about why he has not called his wife, Mary Marquardt, before they divorced in 1979. The letter, date April 16 1976, also discussed his contracts and future film prospects and was sold for 177.80. Ford would go on to marry E.T. screenwriter Melissa Mathison before they also ended their marriage in 2004. She died in 2015. Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart has been Ford's wife since 2010. Pictured: Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin in Episode IV, A New Hope Pictured: An imperial Stormtrooper costume (right) from Episode IV, A New Hope Excalibur Auctions' auctioneer Jonathan Torode said: 'The sale saw competitive bidding from around the globe for these never-before-seen pieces of Star Wars history. 'Although other copies of this script have come to market previously, this sale saw a new record set for a Star Walker script, which shows how a personal link to the items is so enticing to Star Wars fans. 'The personal provenance makes them totally unique. We hope they will be as treasured by their new owners as much as they were by the previous ones.' All figures include the buyer's premium. Conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn has called for Brits to boycott McDonald's for 'giving free food' to the Israeli Army, branding the fast-food products 'murder burgers'. The elder brother of the former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, was filmed outside a McDonald's restaurant in London as he ranted through a megaphone, telling passersby: 'McDonald's gives free food to the Israeli Army. That is why we are here.' The 76-year-old anti-vaccine activist was flanked by two other demonstrators, holding up signs that read 'Free Palestine' and 'Boycott McDonald's! Do not eat murder burgers'. McDonald's triggered huge backlash after the franchise decided to hand out thousands of free meals last October to IDF troops during the the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pro-Palestine protests have swept the world, with major western chains including McDonald's and Starbucks targeted by activists over their perceived pro-Israeli stance and alleged financial ties to Israel. A spokesperson from McDonald's Corporation said: 'We are dismayed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East. 'McDonald's Corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict. 'Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by this crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone. 'We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people in the region while supporting the communities where we operate.' Speaking to GB News, Mr Corbyn said that the ongoing conflict was 'not a war, it's a genocide,' before delving into a stunning conspiracy theory in which he accused the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its associated 'cronies' of orchestrating the conflict. Shockingly, Mr Corbyn who has previously called the Covid pandemic a 'hoax', described the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas a 'fake' operation that was used by Israel to 'justify an invasion' in order to seize the oil under Gaza. He also called for the resignation of Rishi Sunak, as well as Sir Keir Starmer, who he branded the 'fake opposition'. Earlier today, up to 250,000 pro-Palestine protesters turned up outside the Israeli embassy in Central London today holding banners calling for a 'ceasefire now' and chanting 'free, free Palestine'. Among the speakers at the demonstration today was former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot, who both called for 'justice' for the Palestinian people. The elder brother of the former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn , was filmed outside a McDonald's restaurant in London as he ranted through a megaphone Conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn has called for Brits to boycott McDonald's for 'giving free food' to the Israeli Army The 76-year-old anti-vaccine activist was flanked by two other demonstrators, holding up signs that read 'Free Palestine' and 'Boycott McDonald's! Do not eat murder burgers' Eleven people were arrested for a string of alleged offences, including inciting racial hatred, suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation in relation to a placard, and assaulting emergency workers. Police first arrested a woman on suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation, after she was allegedly spotted with a signpost which read 'Long Live The Intifada'. Later, while arresting a man for carrying an anti-Semitic banner, a punchup broke out in which officers were assaulted - leading to six more arrests. Two further arrests were made against demonstrators who refused to remove their face coverings. Other marchers, some of them children, carried placards declaring 'I thought Hitler was dead' and 'Turns out killing kids is okay, I'm scared for my life'. Besides the familiar chant of 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' another rallying cry was 'Occupation no more, Israel is a terror state'. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign earlier predicted it expected over 200,000 thousands people to join in the rally, which is supported by the Stop The War Coalition and Socialist Worker newspaper. Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn takes part in today's pro-Palestine march in central London The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on February 17, 2024 that at least 28,858 people have been killed in the territory during the war between Palestinian militants and Israel A mass of slogans and placards could be seen along Park Lane, with demonstrators demanding an end to the siege of Gaza Today's protest is only the second to take place near the Israeli Embassy since October 7 last year. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Embassy building on October 9 - just two days after Hamas' terror attack. Clashes took place between rival groups of pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine demonstrators at nearby High Street Kensington station. At least 28,663 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the strip in October in response to the October 7 attacks, where militants killed some 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Israel is being urged not to send ground forces into Rafah on the Egyptian border, where many of the strip's citizens are now living after areas closer to their homes became engulfed by fighting. PSC director Ben Jamal said: 'At each stage of Israel's genocidal attack on Gaza we've seen horrors that we never thought possible. A woman was arrested after being spotted with a cardboard sign stating 'Long Live The Intifada' Police appear to remonstrate with a protester near Hyde Park Corner A man appears to argue with police as the procession turns unruly at Hyde Park Corner Police officers inside the cordon at the Israeli embassy in Kensington High Street, London 'The images this week from Israel's bombardment of Rafah, of children with limbs torn apart, should be seared on the conscience of the world. 'Despite mounting pressure from world leaders, and in defiance of the ICJ ruling, the Israeli government has made clear that it is about to launch an attack on Rafah that will lead to unprecedented levels of carnage. 'The moral imperative is clear. 'An immediate ceasefire is a simple, absolute necessity. 'The legal imperative is also clear, the UK must abide by its responsibilities under the Genocide Convention to cease any activities that make it complicit. 'Our government and opposition are guilty of an historic failure of leadership and principle. 'They have chosen to take the side of those committing genocide over those who are its victims, and over the demands of international law. 'We, with the majority of people in the UK, will continue to hold them to account on our marches, protests, campaigns and in the voting booths.' Honduras Tightens Crypto Regulations, Prohibits Bank Transactions and Holdings The National Banking and Securities Commission of Honduras (CNBS) has passed a resolution prohibiting the countrys financial institutions from engaging in cryptocurrency-related activities. The CNBS stated that crypto transactions cannot be guaranteed by the Honduran central bank due to the lack of regulation in the sector. The resolution highlights the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial services, including potential fraud, operational issues, and legal risks. It also emphasizes the possibility of cryptocurrencies losing acceptance as a means of payment since they are not legally recognized. Honduras Voices Concern About Unregulated Nature of Crypto The resolution further expresses concerns about the unregulated nature of crypto assets, which can be exploited for fraudulent schemes, money laundering, and financing terrorism. As a result, the CNBS has mandated that institutions under its supervision refrain from maintaining, investing, intermediating, or operating with cryptocurrencies. Prohibit institutions supervised by the National Banking and Securities Commission from maintaining, investing, intermediating or operating with cryptocurrencies, crypto assets, virtual currencies, tokens or any other similar virtual asset. Additionally, supervised institutions are prohibited from holding derivative instruments based on crypto assets. The resolution also emphasizes the need to incorporate information about the risks associated with crypto assets into financial education programs. It is important to note that the resolution does not affect the operations of crypto exchanges in Honduras, which continue to operate without restrictions. The CNBS, as part of the Honduran presidential administration, unanimously approved the resolution, which takes immediate effect as of its release on February 15, 2024. Honduras had previously issued a warning about the use of cryptocurrencies in March 2022, following reports that the country might adopt Bitcoin (BTC) as legal tender, similar to El Salvador. The Honduran central bank had expressed interest in studying the possibility of issuing a central bank digital currency at that time. Honduras Sees Growing Bitcoin Adoption Despite the regulatory stance, Honduras has seen some adoption of Bitcoin within its borders. I have now been in Honduras for about one month. I am here attending the two months long popup city #Vitalia, an event at the frontier of technology and policy, where 200+ attendees with backgrounds in biotech, crypto, AI and charter cities live, work, and learn together. Some pic.twitter.com/aYNfjB5lME Petar Cekerevac (@pcekerevac) February 10, 2024 One of the most notable developments is in Prospera, a special economic zone on Roatan Island, which has taken a pioneering step by officially recognizing Bitcoin as a unit of account, allowing it to be used to measure the market value of goods and services. Spearheaded by Jorge Colindres, the acting manager and tax commissioner of Prospera, the initiative aims to expand financial and monetary freedom for individuals and businesses operating within the zone. Despite technological and regulatory challenges that currently prevent the implementation of a Final BTC Tax Payment Procedure, the zone has outlined a process for entities to report tax liabilities in Bitcoin, although they are temporarily reported in U.S. dollars or the Honduran lempira. Moreover, the broader Honduran community is embracing Bitcoin through initiatives like the Bitcoin Valley in the town of Santa Lucia. This project aims to transform Honduras into a regional hub for crypto investors by encouraging a wide range of businesses to accept Bitcoin as payment. Bitcoin Valley seeks to capitalize on the growing interest in crypto assets, following in the footsteps of neighboring El Salvador, which has seen a significant increase in tourism and economic activity following its adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender. The full extent of the plastic crisis some of Scotlands most idyllic beaches are facing can be revealed today. A new study has found a number of the countrys most beautiful shorelines, which draw tourists from around the world, are swamped in greater piles of pollution than feared. Campaigners have warned some secluded bays on the west coast of the country are engulfed by more than 3ft of waste. Their remote nature is said to make it harder for them to be cleaned, allowing the tide of crisp packets, bottles and fishing gear washing up to reach shocking levels. Researchers who scoured 100-metre stretches of 27 beaches on the west coast gathered 278kg (612lb) of plastic waste. Kerrie Flockhart, project co-ordinator for the Scottish Coastal Clean Up charity, said: We have first-hand experience of the issues faced by island communities, regarding the large amounts of plastic pollution washing up on their shores. Tons of plastic are washed up on Scotlands beaches each year It is creating an eyesore and is also endangering animals Six tonnes of plastic was removed by Scottish Coastal Clean Up in 2023 from a beach at Loch Eishort, Skye Accessing these remote areas can be difficult or impossible by land and using boats is often the only option to remove the rubbish once collected. The volume of the plastic pollution on the worst-affected beaches is incredibly shocking to see, even for the most seasoned beach-cleaners. The study by researchers from the Scottish Association for Marine Science and the Scottish Government watchdog Marine Scotland has pinpointed hotspots where the weight of plastic recovered is up to 20 times the average found on a beach clean elsewhere in Scotland. Some secluded bays in the tourism hotspots of Mull and Skye were found to be particularly affected. The scientists conclude that mountains of garbage are effectively going unseen because they are accumulating on beaches off the beaten track. Ms Flockhart said the findings of the study tie in with the experience she and other beach cleaners have. She added: Last year on Skye, we removed over six tons of rubbish from one small beach that was completely covered in a tangle of predominantly fishing rope and net, over one metre deep in places. For Scotland to tackle its marine litter crisis, we firstly need to acknowledge the scale of the problem, and there needs to be much more support for removal and disposal. The research team targeted 27 beaches on the west coast, from Ayrshire and Kintyre in the south to the islands of Islay, Tiree, Mull and Skye, plus mainland sites near Oban and on the Clyde. They scoured the high-tide line of each for a 100-metre stretch, picking up all the plastic litter they found. In all, they retrieved 39,870 items, weighing 278kg. They ranged from tiny objects weighing 0.1g up to hefty fishing nets and buoys. It was found that windward-facing and pebbly beaches tended to amass more litter. Secluded Black Beach on Mull was the worst polluted with 8,740 items per 100 metres, followed by Talisker Bay on Skye (6,766), which is described by tourist guidebooks as truly enchanting. Third was stunning Saligo Bay on Islay (1,093). The litter sweeps picked up 1,180 crisp and sweet packets, 1,870 pieces of fishing net and hundreds of other everyday items, such as shopping bags, bottles, cutlery, pens, toys, wet wipes, sanitary products, face masks and buckets, as well as shotgun cartridges and car parts. There were also more than 3,000 small fragments of plastic that were unidentifiable. Overall, 46 per cent was listed as rubbish from the fishing and shipping industries, while 19 per cent originated on land, with the remainder from an unknown source. Tellingly, the average litter count across the whole study was 813 items per 100 metres compared with the typical haul from a citizen beach clean of 380. The study concludes: Island coastlines on the west coast of Scotland had an average beach loading of at least an order of magnitude greater than mainland coastlines. Greater beached loadings on remote coastlines could be a result of less beach-clean activities because of harder to reach survey sites, therefore developing an accumulation over time. Alternatively, these areas are more exposed to local oceanic sources of litter, e.g. from local marine industries. The Marine Conservation Society is campaigning for laws to ban wet wipes and also fit filters to all washing machines to capture any plastic fibres that are released. Emily Cooper, the societys clean seas policy manager, said: Its disheartening to see so much litter washing up on our beaches. Once in our ocean there are no barriers to where it can travel and wash up, and as we are seeing, impacting some of our most remote and beautiful coastline. Gathering litter data is vital in showing the extent of the issue. It highlights that more needs to be done by our governments to tackle this issue. Scottish Government research has previously found that 1,000 tons of plastic litter discarded by Scots are flushed into our coastal waters each year. They consist of 200 million pieces of macroplastics (measuring more than 5mm), the majority of them coming via the Clyde and Forth estuaries. In addition, a further 24.7 billion specks of tiny microplastics (measuring less than 5mm) are washed into the seas, ready to enter the food chain. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Scotland was the first part of the UK to implement a ban on some of the most problematic single-use plastic products, but its clear more needs to be done. We will continue to work in collaboration to reduce many sources of marine plastic pollution and also to support the removal of rubbish from our seas and coastline. Twenty-five years ago I spent a year marooned on the remote island of Taransay off Harris in the Western Isles. Even a quarter of a century ago, the beaches were covered in litter. Fishing nets, fishing buoys, fish trays, shoes, plastic bottles, toothbrushes, ear buds. I could go on. So prolific was the litter that we named the beaches after it. There was Buoy Beach, Shoe Beach and Black Pipe Beach, all named after the most common flotsam and jetsam we found on each one. Twenty-five years later and Scotland is suffering an oceanic crisis. The amount of plastic litter is increasing. It can take between 20 and 500 years for plastic to decompose. In 2010 I was part of a film called Plastic Oceans. We travelled the globe to see first hand the scale of the problem globally. Ben Fogle pictured on Taransay, the island where he was a Castaway Scotland can lead the way in technology and innovation It was horrifying to see the amount of plastic in our oceans. There are plenty of terrifying statistics, the worst of which predicts that if we dont do anything about our use of plastics, our oceans will carry more plastic than fish (by weight) by 2050. I have spent the last few years journeying through some of the more remote islands of Scotland, and every one of them has plastic waste on the beaches. During filming of my BBC series, Sacred Islands, I encountered plastic litter on almost every beach. In my mind the Scottish coastline and her beaches remains one of the most beautiful places on earth, but it is suffering a crisis. The average Scot will buy 4,000 single use plastic bottles in their lifetime. We need to purge this slow plastic creep at source. From personal experience, a great deal of the plastic waste on beaches comes from the fishing industry. As a pescatarian who has spent time on Scottish trawlers, I have the greatest respect for the crews who endure some of the toughest of conditions at sea to put fish on the table, but we need to look at the amount of fishing gear in our oceans, that ends up on our beautiful beaches. We cant look away any longer. We need to tackle this problem together, both with beach cleans and tackling it at source. More than 15 countries in Africa have implemented a complete ban on plastic bags. In 2016 France became the first country to introduce a complete ban on single use cutlery, cups and takeaway food boxes. Scotland could do the same. I have long proposed a force of ocean guardians, a privately financed group (possibly from taxation on the largest single use plastic producing companies) who have the resources and manpower to get on top of this huge problem. Scotland could have a national beach clean day or a national no plastic day. Of course, the big plastic items are only the tip of the iceberg, it is the microplastics that turn the sea into a plastic soup of microscopic plastic particles that are the invisible pollutant of Scotlands wild beaches. Tiny plastic particles embed themselves into the sand. At first glance, a beach may look pristine, but beneath the surface is a hidden world of multicoloured plastics. The problem is not going away. I have been campaigning about this for more than 20 years and it has only got worse. Its too easy and lazy to blame other countries. It is of course true that a great deal of oceanic waste comes from overseas, but thats where Scotland can stand proud. Become a pioneering nation that demonstrates to the rest of the world that you care and that there are solutions. We are an intelligent species. We got ourselves into this problem and we can get ourselves out. Marine plastic can be converted into fuel. We can reduce our consumption of single use plastics and we can make more draconian policy on the sale of single use plastics as well as working with the fishing industry to minimise the littering of fishing gear. Our youth are hungry for change. This is a global phenomenon, not exclusive to Scotland, but one which Scotland can lead the way in technology and innovation. It has been estimated that if we dont get a move on to tackle this problem, by 2030, the world will be dumping two truckloads of plastic into our oceans every single minute. Just take a moment to think about the impact of that. Lets protect Scotlands magnificent beaches from the creeping tide of plastic that threatens to smother some of the most beautiful places on earth. l The new series Into The Congo with Ben Fogle starts today on Channel 5, 9pm. Pupils have been warned they risk being stripped of all their qualifications if they use artificial intelligence to cheat. Exam chiefs outlined the severe sanctions teenagers face if they use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate coursework which counts towards their final results. Those caught flouting the ban could lose all of their marks for the tainted piece of work they submit or even be stripped of one or all their qualifications. The rapid development and booming popularity of AI tools have sparked fears the technology will undermine academic standards. While official coursework guidance for pupils has always spelled out the consequences of cheating, it has now specifically addressed AI for the first time and listed the dire consequences of using the banned programmes. The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) also warns teenagers it deploys specialist software to detect cheating, including the illicit use of AI. Exam chiefs say teenagers face severe sanctions if they use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate coursework. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth last year said it was down to the SQA to issue guidance. The penalties are set out in the latest SQA coursework guidance for exams including National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers. It states: There are several AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Bard that can generate human-like text. The text can be incorrect or contain biased information. As the information is not reliable, you must not use or reference AI tools as sources for your coursework. References to AI tools as a source will not receive any marks. You must not hand in work that is not your own. Passing off other peoples work (or work produced by AI tools) as your own is called plagiarism and its cheating. In a stark warning, it adds: Spotting plagiarism isnt difficult. Teachers are familiar with your work and can spot changes in your writing style and the language you use. Markers know their subject very well, so are familiar with lots of sources. We use software that identifies plagiarism. This software matches copied phrases and text with the sources theyve been taken from. The software also helps identify work produced by AI tools. If an investigation finds youve broken any rules, there may be a penalty, which could include the following: your marks can be reduced, or you can be awarded zero marks; your qualification for that subject can be cancelled; all of your qualifications for the entire year can be cancelled. The latest development comes after Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth was last year accused of passing the buck over AI when she said it was down to the SQA to issue guidance. AI can quickly produce an essay on any given topic by inputting a few key words and it is feared its increasing sophistication and accessibility are tempting more pupils to cheat. Last year a survey showed most teachers believed students were using AI while a mirror survey found most pupils believed AI had boosted their grades. Mike Corbett, of the NASUWT teaching union, said: Although AI programmes are in their infancy, making it hard to quantify the exact scale of use by students to cheat at the moment, there is increasing concern that this is happening. More worryingly, members advise that identifying malpractice where AI tools are used is becoming increasingly hard. NASUWT has raised concerns about AI with the SQA and Scottish Government but has received little in the way of guidance for teachers in detecting and addressing the unsanctioned use of AI tools. The EIS union said AI presents challenges particularly when teachers have less time than ever before due to increased workload and large class sizes. An SQA spokesman said: We have provided clear guidance to protect the credibility of qualifications. We will continue to ensure our policies keep pace with rapid advances in AI capability. A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: We will continue to monitor this issue as it evolves and work with partners to respond as appropriate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has today warned there is no point in Gaza truth talks until Hamas drops its 'delusional' demands. Netanyahu said that he had sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo, as requested by US President Joe Biden, but they did not go back for further talks because of these demands. He said critics calling for Israel not to mount military action in Rafah were effectively telling the country to 'lose the war' against Hamas. Speaking to reporters, the Israeli premier also indicated that troops would go into the southern Gaza Strip city regardless of whether a hostage release was agreed. 'Even if we achieve it, we will enter Rafah,' he told a televised news conference. Netanyahu said that a deal with Palestinians will only be reached through direct negotiations between the sides without preconditions and that Israeli pressure is working. Netanyahu said that a broader diplomatic deal with the Palestinians could only be reached through direct negotiations without any preconditions Destroyed houses following Israeli military operation in Al Maghazi refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, on February 17, 2024 Injured Palestinians, including women, children and babies, receive medical treatment after being taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following an Israeli attack on An-Nasirat Refugee Camp, on February 17, 2024 He added: 'I'd like to say one more thing to evacuees in the north and in the south. The government of Israel is committed to bring you back to your homes safely with security. 'We are reaching these targets soon in the south and in the north we will achieve that either diplomatically or militarily. Such a decisive victory in the south means one message to all our enemies.' The Egyptian and Qatari-mediated talks to try to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of over 100 Israeli hostages being held in the Hamas-ruled territory have yet to produce results. A round of inconclusive talks in Cairo ended on Tuesday. Asked during a press conference today why Israeli negotiators did not return for further talks, Netanyahu said: 'We got nothing except for delusional demands from Hamas.' Those demands, he said, included ending the war and leaving Hamas as it is, freeing 'thousands of murderers' from Israeli jails, and even demands regarding a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem known as the Temple Mount in Judaism and the Noble Sanctuary in Islam. He said Israeli representatives in Cairo 'sat and listened and there was no change'. Netanyahu added that there was no reason for them to go back 'until we see a change'. Injured Palestinians, including women, children and babies, receive medical treatment after being taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following an Israeli attack on An-Nasirat Refugee Camp, on February 17, 2024 Injured Palestinians, including women, children and babies, receive medical treatment after being taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital following an Israeli attack on An-Nasirat Refugee Camp, on February 17, 2024 Destroyed houses following an Israeli military operation in Al Maghazi refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, on February 17, 2024 Israel said it had taken 100 people into custody at one of Gaza's main hospitals today after troops raided the facility, with fears mounting for patients and staff trapped inside. The deadly bombardment of Gaza continued overnight with another 100 people killed in Israeli strikes, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. At least 120 patients and five medical teams are stuck without water, food and electricity in the Nasser Hospital in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis, according to the health ministry. Israel has for weeks concentrated its military operations in Khan Yunis, the hometown of Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, the alleged architect of the October 7 attack. Intense fighting has raged around the Nasser Hospital - one of the Palestinian territory's last major medical facilities that remains even partly operational. The power was cut and the generators stopped after the raid, leading to the deaths of six patients due to a lack of oxygen, according to Gaza's health ministry. 'Newborn children are at a risk of dying in the next few hours,' the ministry warned today. The Israeli army said troops entered the hospital on Thursday, acting on what it said was 'credible intelligence' that hostages seized in the October 7 attack had been held there and that the bodies of some may still be inside. It said it has detained 100 people from the hospital suspected of 'terrorist activity', seized weapons and retrieved 'medications with the names of Israeli hostages' in the hospital. Smoke billows over buildings during an Israeli bombardment south of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt, on February 17, 2024 A Palestinian man is seen with his baby in front of the makeshift tents as Palestinian families who left their homes and took shelter in Rafah city protect themselves from Israeli strikes, on February 17, 2024 Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa today condemned Israel's offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end. Moussa Faki, chairman of the African Union Commission, said Israel's offensive was the 'most flagrant' violation of international humanitarian law, and accused Israel of having 'exterminated' Gaza's inhabitants. Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit. 'Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind,' Faki said to applause from delegates. 'We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine.' Azali Assoumani, president of the Comoros and the outgoing chairman of the African Union, praised the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice and condemned 'the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine under our nose'. 'The international community cannot close its eyes to the atrocities that are committed, that have not only created chaos in Palestine but also have disastrous consequences in the rest of the world,' Assoumani said. A quarter of Gaza's residents are starving because of the war, which began with Hamas's assault into Israel on October 7, in which terrorists killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 250. Israel denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas terrorists. It says Hamas's tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. During last year's AU summit, an Israeli delegate was unceremoniously removed from the plenary hall amid a row over the country's observer status there. Concern over conflicts and the resurgence of coups across Africa also underscored the opening of this year's summit. Faki cited tensions over Senegal's postponed election and violence in eastern Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Libya. He called for a revival of 'the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-Africanism' to overcome the many challenges facing the continent of 1.3 billion people. The infamous photograph of Prince Andrew in a clinch with Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre turned the Royal into a social pariah. Now his old flame has turned it into a business opportunity. Lady Victoria Hervey is so sure that the notorious photograph has been doctored which includes convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell looking on that she had it printed on a T-shirt with 'Faked' emblazoned across the front. And in the wake of the publicity generated when she was first spotted wearing it in Barbados last month, she's launched a clothing firm selling copies for 50. Lady Victoria, daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, dated Andrew briefly in the 1990s. Through social media posts she has previously insisted that the photo of her ex was doctored. Lady Victoria Hervey (pictured) is so sure that the notorious photograph has been doctored which includes convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell looking on that she had it printed on a T-shirt with 'Faked' emblazoned across the front Lady Victoria, daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol, dated Andrew briefly in the 1990s. Through social media posts she has previously insisted that the photo of her ex was doctored Lady Victoria, 47, believes the picture was altered with Andrew's head superimposed on to Epstein's body The picture, which shows the then 41-year-old Prince Andrew with his arm around the waist of 17-year-old Ms Giuffre then Roberts was considered key evidence in a civil lawsuit against the Royal. Ms Giuffre claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew, having been trafficked by paedophile Epstein. The Prince, who stepped back from public duties over his links to Epstein, strenuously denies the claims. An out-of-court settlement was reached in 2022, with Andrew making a substantial donation to Ms Giuffre's charity, without admitting any liability. Lady Victoria, 47, believes the picture was altered with Andrew's head superimposed on to Epstein's body. She also says she believes the original was taken at a yacht party in St Tropez for model Naomi Campbell's birthday, instead of as is widely accepted at Maxwell's house in London. Incredibly, she claims her T-shirt was designed by the man who took the original photo. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday last night, she said: 'What inspired me to start [the clothing line] was the man who I believe to be the real photographer made the first T-shirt for me. I got so many requests I started the new website.' The site, called The Faked, describes the T-shirt as 'a playful way to spark conversations and challenge perceptions of reality'. The photographer who obtained a copy of the photo for the MoS from Ms Giuffre in 2011, says any claims that it is fake are 'ridiculous'. Sunday will mark one year since former President Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, returning to his longtime family home in Plains, Georgia and forgoing further life-prolonging treatments. The anniversary is another testament to the 99-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner's grit and steadfast determination even in the twilight of life, after he beat cancer in 2015. Carter was last seen publicly in November, when he rallied to attend his wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church where they worshipped, saying his final farewell to her after 77 years of marriage. Family members say that he was determined to hang on even after entering hospice care, in part to ensure that Rosalynn was never left alone. 'He was really honored and glad that he made it to the end with my grandmother, and that was a real treasure for him,' Jason Carter, a grandson and chairman of the Carter Center board,' told the New York Times on Saturday. Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter are seen in 2015. Sunday marks one year since Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, forgoing life-prolonging treatment Carter is receiving hospice care in his one-story home in Plains, Georgia, which he built himself and has owned for six decades 'I think that for whatever reason, the way he approaches this is from a place of enormous faith. And so he just believes that for whatever reason, God's not done with him yet,' he added. Rosalynn's funeral was the only time Carter has appeared publicly since entering hospice, and his frail appearance at the service alarmed friends in the church and well-wishers watching on television. But Jason Carter told the Times that remarkably, his grandfather's condition is little changed since he first entered hospice care a year ago. Although he eats and drinks little, and is not especially talkative, Carter still clearly makes his wishes known and is able to absorb information about the world. 'One of the things that has driven home to me is there are things about life and the spirit that you just can't understand,' Jason Carter told the Times. 'I don't know what it's like for him right now. I don't know what it's like to face this moment in the way that he has been facing it for the last year. But that's been liberating for me to know that I just don't know. And that's OK.' Carter spends his days in the home in Plains that he has owned for more than six decades, where caregivers attend to his needs and friends and family visit. Jimmy Carter at the funeral service for his wife Rosalynn, wearing a red lei in her honor. The November service has been his only public appearance since entering hospice care The two-bedroom, one-story ranch house was built by Carter himself, and is worth about $240,000. 'I walked in the other day and he smiled, and we were talking to him about a meal in the future, and he told us exactly what he wanted to have for dinner the following night,' Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend from Plains who visits him regularly, told the Times. Stuckey is the superintendent of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, which plans to host a panel discussion on Carter's life on Monday, in conjunction with President's Day. Historians Dr. Larry Cook, Stanly Godbold, Jr., and local Mayor of Americus Lee Kinnamon will discuss Carters local, national, and international impact. The discussion at 10am ET is open to the public and will also be available to view via livestream on the park's Facebook page. 'He's been a record-breaker for decades the oldest-living president, the longest-married president,' said Stuckey. 'It's always been on President Carter's terms. That's how he's living, and that's how he's going to die.' A Scottish mother has made rowing history after paddling across the Atlantic Ocean alone in just 66 days to raise money for charity. Leanne Maiden, 42, completed the 3,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua and spent 66 days and five hours at sea, beating an estimate of 85 days. The mother-of-two lives in Glasgow but is originally from Johannesburg and became the first South African solo woman to conquer the World's Toughest Row race. Mrs Maiden's voyage began on December 13 and she navigated 20ft waves, temperatures as low as 10C, and faced humidity with highs above 30C towards the end, but arrived at her final destination today. Leanne Maiden (pictured), 42, completed the 3,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua and spent 66 days and five hours at sea, beating an estimate of 85 days. The mother-of-two lives in Glasgow but is originally from Johannesburg and became the first South African solo woman to conquer the World's Toughest Row race Pictured: The 3,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua Her sailing partner pulled out of the adventure months before it started but the osteopath decided to row the 3,000 miles by herself, starting from the Canary Islands, in a bid to raise money for charity. She said the covid lockdown inspired her to make changes in her life. Mrs Maiden said she was 'sad' it was over but also 'relieved'. By the end of her voyage, she raised more than 20,000 for The Polar Academy UK, The Women's Fund for Scotland and The Mabel Foundation. The 42-year-old rowed as many as 70 nautical miles in 24-hour periods, for up to 14 hours per day, with no toilet on board - just a bucket. Mrs Maiden said: 'This experience has changed my life. I hope I've shown other mums that anything is possible. When you become a mum you can lose part of your identity. This has helped me rediscover who I am and what I'm capable of. 'I am so glad to be back with my husband and kids - while I've missed them terribly, I think I'll be a better mother and partner having been through this incredible experience. 'This isn't a rowing challenge, it's a challenge of the human spirit. It strips you down and leaves you exposed - and it's there where you find your toughness. 'I've proved to myself how resilient I can be. I'm so glad I bit the bullet and just went for it - there were so many reasons not to. Mrs Maiden's voyage began on December 13 and she navigated 20ft waves, temperatures as low as 10C, and faced humidity with highs above 30C towards the end, but arrived at her final destination on Saturday Her sailing partner pulled out of the adventure months before it started but the osteopath decided to row the 3,000 miles by herself, starting from the Canary Islands, in a bid to raise money for charity By the end of her voyage, she raised more than 20,000 for The Polar Academy UK, The Women's Fund for Scotland and The Mabel Foundation 'That mindset stops you from taking big leaps that can change your life. 'Thinking of the three incredible charities I was rowing for kept me going during the toughest times. The first week was incredibly difficult but after that I got into the groove and began to enjoy the solitude and the personal growth that came with this crazy journey. 'The feeling of arriving in Antigua was just incredible - a real mix of elation, relief, and sadness that it's all over. 'I've had to overcome so many obstacles, some seemed so catastrophic that I laugh. I'm relieved that I've made it and especially relieved I made it before I ran out of toilet paper. 'Now I've been able to hug my family, I can't wait to have a shower. 'I'm a mum. I did this for my children, to inspire them to step out of their comfort zone, and if I can inspire anyone to step out of their comfort zone it's worth 66 days at sea.' In Antigua Mrs Maiden was reunited with her two sons, Blair, seven, and Ruaridh, eight, and her husband Craig. Mrs Maiden said: 'It dawned on me it was all going to end soon, and I wasn't quite ready. 'Not that I wasn't excited to see my husband and children but it had just been me and the deep blue sea for so long, so I just tried to enjoy my last few days of calm and solitude. 'I didn't grow up around water and hadn't spent a lot of time around it until I moved to Scotland. So to put all my faith in this tiny little rowboat as it's thrown me about in massive waves has been a huge deal, but it's without a doubt one of the best things I've ever done.' In Antigua Mrs Maiden was reunited with her two sons, Blair, seven, and Ruaridh, eight, and her husband Craig The 42-year-old rowed as many as 70 nautical miles in 24-hour periods, for up to 14 hours per day, with no toilet on board - just a bucket Sponsor and neighbour Jamie Lunn, director of Wolfcraig Distillers, said: 'When she first came to us with this crazy idea we always knew she would do it. She's a very special woman and we are so inspired by her strength and determination.' Scottish musician Amy Macdonald posted a video on Instagram praising Mrs Maiden. She wrote: 'Leanne has been out on the Atlantic Ocean rowing since December 13 totally on her own; no flipping internet, no tv, no nothing...at the times the waves have been like stuff you see in the movies. She capsized. She got hit 180. And she was all on her own. My mind is blown by this and she's about to touch land. It's unbelievable. Crazy.' The Virginia firefighter who lost his life in a deadly house explosion on Friday night has been identified as Trevor Brown. Brown, 45, was a volunteer with Sterling Volunteer Fire Company who had been working with the county firefighting services since 2016. The firefighter along with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue was responding to a home in a Washington, D.C. suburb to investigate reports of a gas smell. Responders discovered a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence. The house exploded into flames shortly after the rescue team arrived, leaving at least 10 firefighters injured and one, now identified as Brown, dead. The Virginia firefighter who lost his life in a deadly house fire on Friday night has been identified as Trevor Brown. The firefighter along with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue was responding to a home in a Washington, D.C. suburb to investigate reports of a gas smell. Loudoun Fire and Rescue System Chief Keith Johnson previously reported that a total of 11 responders were sent to hospitals with 'varying degrees of injuries'. On Saturday, Johnson discussed Brown's tragic death. 'We lost a family member,' he said. 'We lost one of our own. Quite frankly we're lucky we only have one fatality. Our folks were in that house when it exploded. They did what they had to do.' Brown was married with three children. Although investigators have not determined the cause of the explosion, the chief says they can 'assume it was propane-related.' Shocking footage and photos capture the aftermath of the explosion, showing billowing clouds of smoke rising from the debris. Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom and feeling their homes shake, with some stating that their residences were also damaged, reported by NBC and FOX5 'It was very smoky. There was debris falling from the sky,' Kyleigh Krishreck said, adding that it felt like something struck her home. Neighbor John Padegett told ABC: 'Whole house shook. It was a huge explosion and well fortunately I had walked my dog earlier and I smelled gas. The house exploded into flames shortly after the rescue team arrived, leaving at least 10 firefighters injured and one, now identified as Brown, dead Neighbor John Padegett told ABC: 'Whole house shook. It was a huge explosion and well fortunately I had walked my dog earlier and I smelled gas 'It looked like an inferno... it was horrific it looked like something out of a war zone.' said Padegett. 'Total devastation. There's a debris field well into the street and into the neighborhood. It's a huge physical and emotional toll on everyone associated with the fire department,' Williams said. Numerous photos show firetrucks with extended ladders hovering above the rubble while rescuers search through the debris. The sleaze scandal surrounding former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford escalated last night as the husband of his new girlfriend said: 'He should not be a politician if he goes around stealing other people's wives.' Eric Boyle, 64, has been married to Kim Lyons, 63, for almost 14 years, but she walked out on him for Mr Blackford, one of Nicola Sturgeon's closest allies. A devastated Mr Boyle told The Mail on Sunday: 'She used to compare him to a round, wobbly children's toy, a Weeble, when he was on TV. Now he has stolen her from me.' Mr Blackford, 62, has been pictured strolling hand in hand with Ms Lyons in London and he introduced his new partner to MPs during the New Year's Eve fireworks celebrations on the House of Commons terrace. Mr Boyle told this newspaper: 'It's important Ian is exposed for who he is. He should not be in the position he is. Mr Blackford, 62, has been pictured strolling hand in hand with Ms Lyons in London Eric Boyle, 64, has been married to Kim Lyons, 63, for almost 14 years, but she walked out on him for Mr Blackford 'How can you be an MP when you're stealing some other man's wife? It makes him a hypocrite.' Mr Boyle says the disintegration of his marriage is 'all about money'. He said: 'It is not love. It can't be love. She calls him a Weeble. Whenever he has been on the television she would say, 'There he is, the Weeble.' Why would she say things like that and then go and be with him if not for the money?' Weebles were egg-shaped characters with a weighted base, introduced 50 years ago and sold under the advertising slogan, 'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.' When Boris Johnson made a joke apparently about Mr Blackford loving cake during a Commons exchange, the then Prime Minister was accused of 'body shaming' him. Mr Boyle, who lives in Cardiff and works at a supermarket, said he first became suspicious when his wife was meant to be staying in Edinburgh while attending a fan club lunch for the Bay City Rollers' guitarist Eric Faulkner. Weebles were egg-shaped characters with a weighted base, introduced 50 years ago Two weeks ago, a close family friend of the Blackfords told the MoS how the SNP MP cruelly 'dumped' his wife (pictured) 'out of the blue' after almost 24 years together Ian Blackford MP was pictured at the launch of his election campaign in Portree on the Isle of Skye with his wife The split came in November soon after the pair returned from a trip to France where they had been looking to buy a holiday home The friend told how Mr Blackford spent 300 from his marital joint bank account on sexy lingerie for his new girlfriend Instead, he discovered she had checked into an Airbnb more than 50 miles away in Hawick. He believes she stayed there with Mr Blackford. He said: 'It's disgusting, and I am gutted. I have been absolutely devastated, I've lost more than four stone in weight, I haven't been able to eat. I haven't been able to sleep. They have absolutely devastated my life.' Two weeks ago, a close family friend of the Blackfords told the MoS how the SNP MP cruelly 'dumped' his wife 'out of the blue' after almost 24 years together. The split came in November soon after the pair returned from a trip to France where they had been looking to buy a holiday home. Mr Blackford is standing down from his seat of Ross, Skye and Lochaber at the next Election, but it is understood he is hoping for a place in the House of Lords. Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford is one of Nicola Sturgeon's closest allies Nicola Sturgeon was pictured embracing Ian Blackford as she arrived for a photocall with newly-elected SNP MPs following the party's success in the 2019 UK general election When Boris Johnson made a joke apparently about Mr Blackford loving cake during a Commons exchange, the then Prime Minister was accused of 'body shaming' him The friend told how Mr Blackford spent 300 from his marital joint bank account on sexy lingerie for his new girlfriend. He also bought her jewellery. Mr Blackford also paid to rent a 'love nest' in Cardiff just miles from the 320,000 home Mr Boyle and Ms Lyons shared. Mr Boyle had believed his wife had been staying with her elderly parents to help with their care. But last night, he told how he learned of her affair from The Mail on Sunday's reports. He said his wife came to their home with a copy of our article in her hand and confirmed his deepest fears she had embarked on a new relationship with Mr Blackford. He was an old flame, whom he had known since he was 19, and he had once proposed to her but she turned him down. Mr Boyle, who married Ms Lyons in Cardiff in 2010, said: 'They have destroyed my life. I'm disgusted and broken-hearted. They've ripped my life away. I don't know how I'm going to get over it.' An Oregon news station has been forced to apologize after it aired the N-word in the 'throwback' segment on one of its broadcasts. KGW said it 'deeply regrets and apologizes' for the mishap, which occurred during Thursday evening's broadcast of The Good Stuff program. The segment invited viewers to share a 'cheesy, silly, or memorable photo from the past' as part of 'Throwback Thursday'. But one submission subsequently aired featured a photo bearing 'deeply racist imagery and language'. The image, seemingly from the 1950s, depicted children throwing balls towards a sign prominently displaying the N-word, according to the station. 'Despite our rigorous policy of thoroughly screening all content for standards and accuracy before broadcast, we acknowledge our failure to uphold our own standards in this instance,' network bosses said in a statement. KGW has been forced to apologize after it aired the N-word in the 'throwback' segment on one of its broadcasts on Thursday night The image, seemingly from the 1950s, depicted children throwing balls towards a sign prominently displaying the N-word, according tot he station 'We understand the profound hurt this image inflicted upon our viewers and staff, particularly members of our Black community. To those who were exposed to the image and were hurt by it, we offer our sincerest apologies.' The statement added that KGW has re-evaluated policies regarding the airing of user-submitted content from social media and 'taken internal steps to address the mistake'. KGW said its leadership has also engaged with Black community leaders and government officials, 'to acknowledge our failure and extend our apology for the harm caused'. The apology came after viewers pointed out the glaring oversight in angry comments on the station's Facebook page. 'I am so incredibly angry right now,' regular watcher Joshua Gregory wrote. 'I have been watching KGW for YEARS. Time to move on to a different station. 'What a disgrace. Someone either isn't screening these user submitted pictures or they are racist. KGW needs to apologize on air right now. Disgusting.' 'Hey I think you all showed something awful during the 'throwback' end photos just now if I am not mistaken?' Tanya Pluth wrote. 'I can't tell if my brain wasn't working or if I really saw what I sawplease share a correction and apology if it was as bad as it seemed.' Portland Chapter NAACP leaders James Posey and Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee said they were 'appalled' by the 'explicitly racist' blunder in a statement given to the network. Furious viewers pointed out the 'deeply racist imagery and language' which was shown on The Good Stuff segment Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler met with Portland Chapter NAACP leaders to discuss what steps could be taken to rectify the situation 'We are looking to KGW leadership to immediately provide clarity on how and why this happened. 'We will provide an updated response once more information is gathered and ask that the community walk with us as we learn more,' the statement said. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler also issued a statement in response. 'This morning I met with Portland Chapter NAACP leaders, James Posey and Pastor Hennessee, to discuss the deeply disturbing graphic shared by KGW news. 'Together, we are calling on KGW to immediately address this issue and ensure changes are made to prevent anything like this from happening in the future,' Wheeler said. On July 24 of last year, someone filed a complaint regarding a traffic stop via the Charlottesville Police Civilian Oversight Board online portal. But the board was never able to investigate. Despite a city ordinance saying the board of unpaid community volunteers shall be provided full access to all police department records pertinent to board investigations, Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis paused record access in late October. Kochis said he made the decision after he found an omission in the citys paperwork governing how police share information with the board, which has the power to conduct investigations of police misconduct and review internal affairs investigations done by the police. While Kochis has maintained he holds the board in high regard and wants its paperwork updated so it can get back to work, the boards director, Inez Gonzalez, says she feels that Kochis has questioned the legitimacy of her organization. Both agree the omission must be corrected. Our PCOB truly wants a well-run, accountable, professional police department. Thats what they want. And thats what everybody should want, Kochis said. The delays Charlottesvilles board has faced investigating and resolving complaints underscore just how new and untested police oversight boards are in Virginia; Charlottesvilles is just one of five in the entire commonwealth. Charlottesville City Council passed its ordinance laying out the boards power in December 2021. Those powers went into effect after the council adopted 82 pages of operating procedures in December 2022. Kochis, who was named police chief a year ago after serving in the same position in the town of Warrenton, said that while he was getting adjusted in his first year on the job it was brought to his attention that the city didnt have the adequate information-sharing agreement required by the ordinance. In October, he brought the issue to City Manager Sam Sanders and Gonzalez. The chief, city manager and Gonzalez agreed that the city needed an updated information-sharing agreement. Theres some lack of clarity and some inconsistencies with the ordinance and procedures, and we have now gone back to the ordinance twice to try to fix that. And I would acknowledge that we need to go back again. Theres more that needs to be cleared up, said Sanders. Shortly after the three officials met in late October, Kochis cut oversight board access to certain records including a video of the traffic stop, Gonzalez said, from the July 24 complaint. Were trying to fix what wasnt done so that they can do the very important work that theyre supposed to do, Kochis said. And so once that is finished, Ms. Gonzalez will have access to all those files and body-worn camera footage and everything else. Kochis has declined to say who brought the information-sharing agreement, or lack thereof, to his attention. Three months after the chief raised the concern, Charlottesvilles city attorney reviewed a proposed information-sharing agreement that Kochis and Gonzalez developed. That document, with the city attorneys comments for consideration, is now being reviewed by Sanders. Gonzalez agrees that a proper information-sharing agreement needs to be in place, but she has expressed concern about her lack of access to records. After she took the job in May after retiring as a police captain in Newark, New Jersey, she reviewed several police internal affairs investigations from 2022 and 2023 and shared her findings with the oversight board. She and the board also were working on policy recommendations for the police department. Kochis said his department already implemented one of those recommendations, calling it excellent. But the board has been unable to make further recommendations after the agreement was found to be incomplete and records access was cut. Gonzalez briefed her board on the delay at its November meeting. As for oversight activities, unfortunately since our last meeting there have been none, Gonzalez said at the meeting. Until such time as we come to an agreement with the police department on how were going to be sharing information, and what information were going to be getting hopefully in compliance with the city ordinance we have not been doing it. When she spoke to City Council in December, she said there were provisions of the ordinance that were recently challenged and she was working with the police chief and city attorney on the information-sharing agreement. The good news is it presents us with an opportunity now that we actually have a chief of police in place thats willing to work with us, a city manager thats also interested in working with us, the city attorney and myself, she told Council. Bill Mendez, the oversight boards chairman, declined to comment. Arrested development Charlottesville City Council voted in December 2017 to create what was then called the Police Civilian Review Board, which had no oversight power and was tasked with writing bylaws for a future, permanent board. The idea stemmed from concern over police stops of Black motorists and fallout from the so-called Summer of Hate in 2017, when White nationalist groups including the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis rallied in protest of the citys decision to tear down its Confederate imagery. While plenty of public outrage was directed at the White nationalists, the police also came under scrutiny for their response to the violence: not preparing in advance for what was a clearly articulated plan to bring violence to Charlottesville on Aug. 12, standing by while University of Virginia students were surrounded by a torch-wielding mob on Aug. 11 and using tear gas on counterprotesters during a Klan rally in July of that year. The volunteers who served on the initial board worked on creating bylaws in 2018 and 2019 but met resistance from City Council and then-Police Chief RaShall Brackney. Brackney was vocal about her opposition to many of the boards initiatives, claiming the biased board was making burdensome requests of the police department, hurting department morale and contributing to a mass exodus of officers. In the meantime, a study by MGT Consulting Group, commissioned by Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County in 2018 and released in 2020, confirmed what many in the community already knew and members of the board hoped to address: Black people face a disproportionate level of arrests and incarceration. Black men in Charlottesville accounted for 8.5% of the city population but 51.5% of police bookings. After the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the summer of 2020, the Virginia legislature passed a bill which went into effect the following year and allowed municipalities to create more powerful civilian boards to oversee policing. In 2021, Charlottesville City Council passed an ordinance officially renaming the board the Police Civilian Oversight Board and granting it new powers authorized by Virginia law. After five years of organizing, the board had its first case in 2022. But between that case and the recent dispute over transparency, the board has not been buzzing with the activity that many of its founders had hoped for it. Rosia Parker, a member of the first version of the board, said she remains hopeful, though also frustrated, by the boards decision to take the slow lane to achieve its goals. Everything sounds politically correct at the time, she said. But do they really mean what theyre saying at the time? With an opening on the board, Parker said that she is applying to rejoin the board this month. Meeting requirements The files the board lost access to in October included records police previously shared related to a woman who in 2022 asked the board to review how police had investigated three internal affairs complaints she made. That case was waiting for Gonzalez when she arrived on the job 10 months later. She said she has a policy recommendation to police stemming from the womans complaints. The board discussed that with Gonzalez in a closed session in October, not long before its access to records was suspended. The citys ordinance also allows Gonzalez to monitor police internal affairs investigations as theyre happening which she has never done. Kochis said he has not allowed her to do that, but will once the new information-sharing agreement is complete. The board recently overcame another hurdle. It has the power to hold hearings, but those cannot be conducted without hearing officers approved by the city attorney. In spring 2023, the board submitted the names of four licensed attorneys interested in serving as hearing officers. According to Charlottesville city attorney Jacob Stroman, those names were not approved until late last year. While the delay over process concerns relates to what records the board and its director will have access to, the public isnt likely to know many specifics of police complaints. Police disciplinary records are generally kept secret in Virginia, and few details of cases reviewed in Charlottesville have been made public. Charlottesvilles police chief decides whether any police records the board accesses should be publicly disclosed under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Virginia law has broad discretionary exemptions for many records, so release of records is not required. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, Charlottesville officials withheld numerous records and videos of cases reviewed by the oversight board last year, while charging nearly $450 for search time. Charlottesville is one of five jurisdictions in Virginia with police oversight boards who participate in an informal group that meets every few months to discuss ideas; others are Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County and Virginia Beach. Daily Progress reporter Jason Armesto contributed to this story. Prince Harry faces a showdown in a US court this week over attempts to keep his immigration records secret. The Duke of Sussex has considered becoming an American citizen, but those plans could be in jeopardy if a judge rules against him after Friday's case in Washington DC. A US think-tank is seeking to force the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release Harry's immigration records to determine if the Duke admitted his drugs use when he entered the United States in 2020. Anyone applying for a visa to live and work in America has to answer 'yes' or 'no' to the question: 'Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict?' In his memoir Spare, Harry admitted using drugs including marijuana, cocaine and magic mushrooms. The DHS will argue the release of Harry's records would be an invasion of the Duke's privacy Last night, Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre For Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, said: 'A judge has the final say on whether the American public has the right to see whether the DHS afforded Prince Harry special treatment. He can no longer hide behind his liberal elite allies in the Biden administration.' In an interview on ABC's Good Morning America show on Friday, Harry said he was considering becoming a US citizen. He said: 'American citizenship is something that's crossed my mind but certainly not something that's a high priority for me right now.' An LA immigration lawyer said: 'This could be very serious for Prince Harry. If he didn't tick the 'yes' box when he entered the States then his visa will be reviewed and it is possible it could be revoked. If he is thinking of applying for citizenship, then having his visa revoked would be a disaster.' The Duke's plans for US citizenship could be in jeopardy if a judge rules against him after Friday's case in Washington DC (Pictured: District Judge Carl J. Nichols) In his memoir Spare, Harry admitted using drugs including marijuana, cocaine and magic mushrooms A US think-tank is seeking to force the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release Harry's immigration records to determine if the Duke admitted his drugs use Prince Harry faces a showdown in a US court this week over attempts to keep his immigration records secret The Duke of Sussex has considered becoming an American citizen, but those plans could be in jeopardy if a judge rules against him In an interview on ABC's Good Morning America show on Friday, Harry said he was considering becoming a US citizen Harry said American citizenship had crossed his mind but was not a high priority for him right now Heritage Foundation lawyer Samuel Dewey said: 'It could well be that he ticked the 'yes' box, in which case he would need a waiver to be granted a visa. We are simply asking who granted that waiver.' The DHS will argue the release of Harry's records would be an invasion of the Duke's privacy. In a court submission, a DHS lawyer wrote: 'Courts hold that a person's visa or immigration status is private, personal information exempt from disclosure.' Judge Carl J. Nichols will release a written ruling within weeks. Russian security officers visited Alexei Navalny's prison just a few days before he died, it's been claimed, amid allegations the Kremlin critic was murdered. Two days before he died from 'sudden death syndrome' on Friday, two officers from Russian intelligence service FSB, are alleged to have disconnected some of the CCTV and recording devices at the Polar Wolf Arctic prison. According to a report on the human rights campaign group website gulagu.net, the visit was mentioned in a report by a branch of the Federal Penitentiary Service. Although the website's information is not always proven to be correct, it was the first to expose Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin for recruiting from Russian jails. Russian investigators are alleged to have told the opposition leader's mother as she visited the brutal IK-3 Polar Wolf penal colony where he was being held. Lyudmila Navalnaya was seen on Saturday travelling to the colony in northern Russia, where she was told her son died after returning from a walk at 2.17pm local time on Friday. His press secretary, Kira Yarmysh, claimed in a video that Navalnaya had been murdered. Ms Yarmysh said: 'The whole world knows that the president of Russia personally gave this order [for his murder] just as it knows that Alexei was never afraid of him, never stayed silent, and that he never stopped acting. We must not give up. This is what Alexei urged us to do,' The Times reported. Russian security officers visited Alexei Navalny 's prison just a few days before he died, it's been claimed, amid claims the Kremlin critic was murdered Navalny's widow condemned Putin's regime in a conference on Friday, swearing he will 'bear responsibility' for what happened Yulia Navalnaya, wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a press conference hours after news of her husband's death emerged Navalnaya and his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, (pictured) have two children together Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and lawyer Vasily Dubkov picturedon Saturday Navalny's allies say they were denied the opportunity to see the body, which would remain with the authorities until an investigation was complete. Navalny's lawyer, who arrived in the town of Salekhard with Navalny's mother on Saturday, was allegedly told by the prison that the body was being held in the morgue. A contact at the Salekhard morgue later denied the body was there - leaving yet more question marks around the shock death of one of Putin's most fierce critics. The shock death has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make hundreds of arrests since Friday. 'It's obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexei's body, hiding it even from his mother,' his team said in a post on Telegram. Navalnaya and his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, have two children together, Daria, 23, and Zakhar, 15. She condemned Putin's regime in a conference on Friday, swearing he will 'bear responsibility' for what happened. In London, the Foreign Office summoned diplomats at the Russian Embassy and called for Mr Navalny's death to be 'investigated fully and transparently' as Lord David Cameron warned there will be 'consequences' for the death. The G7 demanded Russia 'stop its unacceptable persecution of political dissent, as well as systematic repression of freedom of expression and unduly limitation of civil rights,' in the statement. Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence said The shock death of Putin's most fierce critic has sparked a wave of vigils and protests across Russia, prompting police to crack down with force and make hundreds of arrests since Friday. It comes as Ukraine's troops pull out of Avdiivka, a small industrial city in the eastern Donbas region which has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression since 2014. For Vladimir Putin, whose re-election as Russian president in March is all but assured with the opposition muzzled or exiled, Avdiivka is a 'significant victory', according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War. Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was reported to have died in prison on Friday, according to Russia's prison agency. The Federal Prison Service said in a statement that Navalny, 47, felt unwell after a walk and 'almost immediately lost consciousness'. Paramedics reportedly came to try to rehabilitate him without success. Navalny, who was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of 'extremism', had only recently been moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a grisly 'special regime' penal colony above the Arctic Circle. His allies, a brave minority in Russia fighting corruption, said at the time they feared for his life after he 'disappeared' in December to travel to the remote region notorious for its long and severe winters - just months before the closely-watched Russian presidential elections next month. Navalny was last seen via video link during a court hearing on Thursday. Tributes are laid as people demonstrate outside the Russian embassy, in Denmark Police officers detain a woman during a gathering in memory of Navalny in Moscow People light candles during a vigil for the critic in Germany Dressed in black prison uniform, he appeared to be in good spirits - his trademark humour back on show. 'Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to ''warm up'' my personal account, because I am running out of money,' he said. State media reported he raised no health complaints during the session. His mother said she had seen her son in the prison colony on Monday. At the time, she said: 'He was alive, healthy, cheerful.' One of Navalny's lawyers, Leonid Solovyov, told the independent Novaya Gazeta paper that the Kremlin critic was 'normal' when a lawyer saw him on Wednesday. But the Federal Prison Service announced his death in a statement yesterday, saying that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived to try to save him, to no avail. The sudden death of the former Anti-Corruption Foundation leader has provoked a strong response from supporters as far afield as Japan, Poland, Finland, Mumbai and San Francisco. People leave flowers and candles as they gather for a demonstration in Amsterdam A woman lays a flower in front of the Russian Embassy in Denmark In several Russian cities, authorities have clamped down on protests and vigils, pictured dragging supporters away from makeshift memorials. Masked police were seen taking away mourners at a monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow. The OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 270 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials to Navalny since his death was announced. Hundreds of flowers and dozens of candles could be seen at the monument for victims of Soviet repression in Moscow and more flowers could be seen left in the snow on nearby pavements. 'Alexei Navalny's death is the worst thing that could happen to Russia,' read a note left among the flowers and Navalny photos by the monument. Authorities in the Russian capital said Friday they were aware of calls online 'to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow' and warned people against attending. 'We will not forget, we will not forgive. Those responsible will be punished!' the note said. Police officers were also seen standing near a similar monument to political prisoners in St. Petersburg today. Protests are illegal in Russia under strict anti-dissent laws, and authorities have clamped down particularly harshly on rallies in support of Navalny. Volodymyr Zelensky issued a chilling warning to critics of Putin's regime at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. 'Putin kills whoever he wants,' the Ukrainian President said this morning. 'Be it an opposition leader or anyone else who appears as a target to him. He maintains power through corruption and violence.' 'Putin has murdered another opposition leader,' Zelensky said outright. The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's death. Zelensky spoke on the need to repel Putin's advances east and depose him - as Russia prepares for its closely-watched presidential elections next month. He warned Saturday that his country's battle to repel Russian troops was being held back by a lack of long-range weapons and artillery shells. Autopsy results showed that the death of five-year-old inside a grim Chicago migrant shelter was caused by sepsis and a bacterial infection. Jean Carlos Martinez was just five when he passed away on December 17 after taking shelter at the Pilsen shelter south of downtown. His cause of death was found to be sepsis due to streptococcus pyogenes group A infection, which can cause strep throat and other life-threatening illnesses, the autopsy released by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office showed. Contributing factors in his death were listed as COVID-19, adenovirus and rhinovirus, the autopsy showed. Jean was sick with a fever and a pain in his left leg for two or three days before he died. Jean Carlos Martinez was just five when he passed away on December 17 after taking shelter at the Pilsen shelter south of downtown Autopsy results showed that the death of five-year-old inside a grim Chicago migrant shelter was caused by sepsis and a bacterial infection Jean's tragic death in December came alongside four other hospitalizations of children from inside the same shelter. The many instances of sicknesses prompted questions to be asked about the conditions of the shelter. Video footage, exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, shows 2,300 migrants huddled together in freezing temperatures underneath a leaking roof in the shelter. Volunteers told DailyMail.com they feared weeks ago that the conditions could lead to deaths among the sick children. One video showed a young boy with what appeared to be a bandage on his head lying on a thin fold-out bed, distracting himself with a tablet. Another shows a different child coughing and crying as they had their temperature taken and were examined by volunteers. A third video showed water leaking from the roof and pooling on one of the beds. 'When the water is thrown up here... since all that the wood is rotting from the water that fell here - look, it has water,' a man said in Spanish as he filmed. The converted warehouse appeared to be doing a poor job at keeping out the Chicago winter chill in the freezing December weather. A photo of a small girl bundled up in a pink puffer jacket and matching pants and beanie showed the warehouse was not keeping out the winter chill A photo showed a small girl bundled up in a pink puffer jacket and matching pants and beanie. Volunteers on October 15 sent an email detailing their concerns about conditions in the shelter to two City of Chicago officials. 'Dozens of sick people, including children, denied analgesics and other palliative measures,' wrote Annie Gomberg, with the city's Police Station Response Team. 'If a resident needs medical help, they are on their own with no advice other than to call 911, and told that it will "cost them a lot of money" to use an ambulance and go to a hospital as a deterrent. 'I thought we were paying for doctors and nurses?' Gomberg described how drinking water was rationed in 4 to 6oz cups and there was insufficient food and bathrooms for the 2,300 migrants living there. She warned children were not given any vaccinations, which combined with everyone living in close quarters, could be deadly. 'I predict a disease outbreak like measles within the next six months without further intervention,' she wrote. 'They don't provide clothes or sufficient blankets and bedding, all are supplied by private citizens committed to alleviating suffering.' There was also no access to a laundry, at least one the broke migrants could afford, so everyone was wearing dirty clothes. Migrants have previously described outbreaks of chickenpox, the flu, and upper respiratory infections inside the shelter. The shelter is run by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a Kansas-based contractor, which the city paid $100 million to operate since September 2022 Video shot by a passerby showed rubbish piled up outside the shelter. The converted factory was the subject of numerous complaints about unsanitary conditions They said some children got eye infections from fiber-like debris falling from the ceiling, and were not given any medication if they were sick. Food was the same chicken and rice every day, often too spicy for children to eat, and sometimes spoiled. Other food couldn't be kept and was thrown away by staff if discovered during regular inspections. The shelter is run by Favorite Healthcare Staffing, a Kansas-based contractor, which the city paid $100 million to operate since September 2022. Officials are grappling with how to respond to Chicago's migrant crisis as progressive Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appear to be feuding over tens of millions of dollars both will need to fund a solution to the city's migrant crisis. The Windy City is struggling to care for more than 34,000 asylum-seekers bussed in from the border by Texas Governor Greg Abbott over the past 18 months. It has spent $156 million on the crisis and still has 14,200 migrants in its 28 shelters, and is fighting with the state of Illinois about where to build more. Pritzker, alongside Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, pledged to find another $250 million to fund their response. However, that's $71 million shy of what officials say will be needed in 2024 alone. Lunch at Ora Hatan's farmhouse restaurant is a perilous affair. The food is good, no question tasty salads, stuffed vegetables and a signature dish of beef dumplings in a beetroot broth. But though its veranda affords soothing views of the hillside below and Ora is a perfect host, exuding warmth and good humour, the restaurant scores rock bottom on ambience. It's hard to fully relax when there is every chance an anti-tank missile will whizz into the dining room at any moment. Here, jittery customers hit the deck at the mild clatter of a dropped fork. Welcome to Shtula, a village in northern Israel that shares a green valley with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terror group. From Ora's house, Israel's border with Lebanon is only 300 ft away. Beyond it, she occasionally sees Hezbollah fighters 'gathering intelligence' while pretending to herd sheep. 'Yes,' she shrugs. 'I see them.' Lunch at Ora's farmhouse restaurant is a perilous affair. The food is good, no question tasty salads, stuffed vegetables and a signature dish of beef dumplings in a beetroot broth And they see her. From her sunlit balcony, Ora, 60, points out the Shia militia's observation tower near a rocky ridge. 'Let's take our tea inside,' she breezes. 'It's not good to linger here too long.' Israel and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, have been engaged in near-daily cross-border strikes since the October 7 attacks on Israel. Thousands living along the border were forced to evacuate their homes, including all Shtula's 300 residents. All, that is, except Ora, her ten-year-old son Yair, and their two dogs, a pinscher called Millie and Simba, a Caucasian shepherd. She also keeps 30 chickens. Her four goats died, she explains, 'because of the trauma caused by so many explosions'. So why on earth does she remain? 'Why should they bully me out of my house?' she replies. 'Londoners refused to leave their city during the Blitz when the Germans were bombing. That is inspiring to me. I have the same spirit.' She laments that business at her restaurant, Galilee Delights, has all but dried up. Before October 7, it attracted parties of up to 40 tourists, drawn to the area by the clean air, scenery and hiking trails. Now, her only customers are Israeli soldiers. 'They just do takeaway,' she says. 'It is not safe for them to stay here.' Shtula, a village in northern Israel, shares a green valley with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terror group. Pictured: A concrete border fence between Israel and Lebanon from near Shtula A video clip shows an anti tank missile fired at house next door to Ora Hatan's property in Shetula The explosion from the strike. Israel and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, have been engaged in near-daily cross-border strikes since the October 7 attacks on Israel Smoke emanating from the strike. The video opens with a bone-chilling view of Ora's neighbour's home with the edge of Ora's balcony just in sight on the edge of the screen An Israeli reservist says: 'Ora is a special lady. Every day is like a game of ping pong they fire at us, we fire back.' There is also the fear that the elite Radwan special forces of Hezbollah will try to seize parts of Galilee, where Jesus did his three years of ministry. To do so, though, would invite an Israeli onslaught politically risky when the Lebanese economy is in freefall. The reservist says Israel's rocket-intercepting Iron Dome defence system cannot block Hezbollah's anti-tank missiles here because they fly too low. 'You hear a whistle. All you can do is lie flat on the ground,' he says. Ora's son Jonathan, 21, is studying dentistry at university in Jerusalem and returns home at weekends to be with his mum at what must be the world's most dangerous restaurant. He says: 'I've tried to get my mother to move but she's determined and brave.' As proof of the threat, he shows us a video posted online by Hezbollah of a missile attack last month on the house next door. Ora Hatan at her home taking an afternoon tea on her balcony in Shetula, northern Israel. She lives with her ten-year-old son Yair, and their two dogs, a pinscher called Millie and Simba, a Caucasian shepherd Ora in her home preparing food for the Israeli soldiers stationed nearby in Shetula Ora also keeps 30 chickens. Her four goats died, she explains, 'because of the trauma caused by so many explosions' From the perspective of the unseen Hezbollah fighters, the video opens with a bone-chilling view of Ora's neighbour's home with the edge of Ora's balcony just in sight on the edge of the screen. A red circle follows a figure walking behind the house. The words 'Targeting of a gathering of soldiers of the enemy Israeli army in the settlement of Shtula in the western sector' flash up. Just before the missile explodes, the words change to: 'The moment a soldier enters into position point inside the house.' The implication, of course, is that the Israeli a member of the rapid response squad guarding the village was killed. But, in fact, he survived unscathed. Above the din of artillery outside, Ora says she misses the 'normality' of meeting friends for coffee and attending college where she is studying law part-time. Before we say our farewells, she tells us of her difficulties finding a plumber to fix her washing machine. 'I rang one but as soon as I told him where, he said: 'Shtula? No, no, no! What are you even doing there? Are you crazy?' 'Maybe I am.' New attacks on the Royal Family in abhorrent books created by artificial intelligence were last night uncovered by The Mail on Sunday. The bogus AI memoirs sold by Amazon included descriptions of how MI6 killed Diana in a 'premeditated murder' and claims that Kate Middleton took illegal drugs. Last week, the internet giant came under fire after an investigation by this newspaper exposed offensive AI books about King Charles's cancer being sold on the website, driving an infuriated Buckingham Palace to consult lawyers. All the books were later deleted, but Amazon has refused to reveal if any of the authors' accounts were suspended or if the platform would take any additional measures to stop the sale of such fake books. Now the MoS has uncovered further AI books that contain offensive slanders about the Royal Family and appear to breach Amazon's own content guidelines. The bogus AI memoirs sold by Amazon included descriptions of how MI6 killed Diana in a 'premeditated murder' and claims that Kate Middleton took illegal drugs The Diana book has no identifiable author but claims to be part of a series called The Complete Guide Editions that covers topics from D-Day to Barbie A third book The Biography And Death Of Queen Elizabeth II: What Caused The Death Of Queen Elizabeth was published the day after her death The AI books contain bogus claims and allege that Kate Middleton took illegal drugs The books are concocted by AI software but appear alongside legitimate biographies The books are concocted by AI software but appear alongside legitimate biographies. The Diana book has no identifiable author but claims to be part of a series called The Complete Guide Editions that covers topics from D-Day to Barbie. Former senior military intelligence officer Philip Ingram said: 'It goes without saying that it is incendiary rubbish that MI6 killed Princess Diana.' Another sham book is Prince William Biography: A Captivating Autobiography Of The Future King. It invents outlandish falsehoods about the Princess of Wales during her gap year studying in Florence. Previous books masqueraded as legitimate biographies promising 'exploration and analysis' of the King's condition Prices of the books range from 6.99 for an e-book to 15.99 for a paperback, which is printed and distributed by Amazon Within the books were lies including vivid descriptions of the moment the King learned he had cancer, alleging he felt 'fear, anger and despair' The book appeared on the website in May 2023 but has not been removed by Amazon's 'proactive' procedures, which are meant to ensure that its content guidelines are followed. A third book The Biography And Death Of Queen Elizabeth II: What Caused The Death Of Queen Elizabeth was published the day after her death. Among its AI-generated words are hurtful lies. Hours after being contacted by the MoS, Amazon removed two of the books, but at the time of going to press the Prince William biography was still on sale. An Amazon spokesman said: 'We have content guidelines governing which books may be listed for sale, including not allowing AI-generated content that creates a poor customer experience.' They added that the firm has 'proactive and reactive measures to evaluate content' and it had removed a number of titles that 'violated guidelines'. Tell us what you think email letters@mailonsunday.co.uk The scale of Britain's 'debanking scandal' was last night revealed after nearly 3,000 people claimed their accounts have been unexpectedly closed. More than 570 were former customers of NatWest, which was plunged into crisis last year after its subsidiary, the elite bank Coutts, shut down Nigel Farage's account. Mr Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, told The Mail on Sunday there is 'a very real possibility' of a class action against NatWest and revealed he has instructed lawyers to examine whether the bank has potentially committed any criminal offences. Coutts, whose clients include members of the Royal Family, dropped Mr Farage as a customer last June after a report claimed his views did not align with the bank's values. It cited his reposting on social media of a joke made by Ricky Gervais that it labelled as 'transphobic'. A bombshell document later revealed how NatWest staff privately referred to him as a 'crackpot' and boasted about having potentially 'driven him out of the country'. Amid a growing political furore, Mr Farage launched the website AccountClosed.org in an attempt to discover how widespread the issue of people losing their bank accounts has become. Mr Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, told The Mail on Sunday there is 'a very real possibility' of a class action against NatWest The scale of Britain's 'debanking scandal' was last night revealed after nearly 3,000 people claimed their accounts have been unexpectedly closed. More than 570 were former customers of NatWest He last night revealed how the site has received 2,983 submissions from people claiming to have been debanked. In the vast majority of cases, the banks had cited 'commercial reasons' for closing the accounts, it is claimed. The most prolific alleged 'debanker' was NatWest, with 574 customers (19.2 per cent) claiming to have lost their accounts, with another 57 at Coutts coming forward. Some 412 with Barclays (13.8 per cent), 245 with HSBC (8.2 per cent) and 172 with Lloyds (5.8 per cent) are also alleged to have lost their accounts. 'Accountclosed.org is now potentially a very powerful tool to fight back against the debanking scandal and demonstrates the seriousness of this problem,' Mr Farage said. 'There is a very real possibility of class action. It is notable that, according to the research, NatWest is among the worst offenders.' NatWest's chief executive Dame Alison Rose resigned in July last year after falsely suggesting to a journalist Mr Farage's opinions had not been a factor in the loss of his account NatWest's chief executive Dame Alison Rose resigned in July last year after falsely suggesting to a journalist Mr Farage's opinions had not been a factor in the loss of his account. Three months later, lawyers hired by NatWest found that the bank showed 'serious failings' in its treatment of Mr Farage, but the decision to shut his account was lawful and predominantly commercial. Mr Farage has branded the verdict a 'whitewash'. He has also said he will issue legal proceedings against NatWest within days if it does not settle a compensation claim with him and promise to stop closing the accounts of customers whose views it does not agree with. The MoS understands that the former Ukip leader has also instructed lawyers to investigate whether NatWest has broken any laws over the way his account was closed. 'I have asked my legal team to explore all avenues in order to hold them to account,' he said. NatWest said it has apologised to Mr Farage and that his 'experience fell short of the standards that any customer should expect'. The bank said it understands the 'concern and frustration' customers feel when accounts are closed, adding: 'We do not exit customers based on their legally held political views and beliefs.' A spokesman also said: 'About 93 per cent of closures are due to financial crime or fraud reasons, or a failure to provide information to meet legal or regulatory obligations in order to comply with our own obligations and to protect our customers and wider society.' Barclays said it would only withdraw banking services 'in exceptional circumstances', while both HSBC and Lloyds said they do not close accounts due to customers' 'political or personal' views. Fired Apprentice star Dr Asif Munaf has been accused of making shocking comments to his fellow candidates about 'only having sex with virgins'. On Thursday, BBC bosses confirmed they had dropped the former NHS doctor from their spin-off show after he made 'a stream of anti-Jewish' comments on social media. Dr Munaf - who owns his own wellness brand - described Zionism as a 'satanic cult' in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack. Now, it has been revealed that Munaf allegedly made disgusting comments about sex and women to 'horrified' cast and crew at the show's house. 'Asif made the candidates feel uncomfortable. They were particularly shocked when they heard the way he spoke about sex and women,' a source told The Sun. Fired Apprentice star Dr Asif Munaf is accused of making shocking comments about sex to the show's contestants It comes after the former NHS doctor was axed from their spin-off show after he made 'a stream of anti-Jewish' comments on social media A source told how contestants 'were particularly shocked when they heard the way he spoke about sex and women' 'Crew members were also horrified and could not believe someone with this attitude had made it so far in the process.' Munaf previously hit out at the BBC, claiming 'they did me dirty' after the broadcaster dropped him from their spin-off show for his 'anti-Jewish' comments. BBC bosses edited Munaf out of Thursday's episode of The Apprentice: You're Fired! in the wake of the posts. And hitting back at the Corporation in a series of Twitter/X posts, Munaf accused the broadcaster of '[doing] me dirty' before branding Israel a 'neo-colonial white supremacist death cult'. A spokesman for The Apprentice said earlier this month: '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.' They added: 'No formal or informal complaints were made about Asif's behaviour, including about the alleged comment.' The Apprentice Star previously wrote that the 'Zionist mask is falling' and accused Israel of weaponizing the Holocaust to 'push another fascist ideology' Dr Munaf - who now owns his own wellness brand - described Zionism as a 'satanic cult' in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack Dr Munaf insisted 'it was not my intention to offend anyone', and added: 'The beliefs I hold and have shared are based on the values that I was brought up with.' However, he has since continued to make controversial remarks about the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Towards the end of January, he wrote that the 'Zionist mask is falling' and accused Israel of weaponizing the Holocaust to 'push another fascist ideology'. Concerns about Dr Munaf were first raised by the Jewish News after Dr Munaf appeared on BBC show Dragon's Den. His now defunct University of Masculinity was also criticised for its controversial postings and retweeting posts by controversial influencer Andrew Tate. In one post about women, he reportedly asked: 'Have you ever met a beautiful feminist?' Meanwhile, a video on his Instagram account is said to have been titled 'Don't Trust What Women Say.' A dangerous and contagious virus is spreading in Australia after the disease was detected in a passenger on an Emirates flight at Melbourne Airport, just days after it was detected in Sydney. Victoria Health confirmed the infected passenger arrived in Melbourne on February 14 at 10.50pm from Dubai, travelling on Emirates flight EK408. The Melbourne International terminal is now listed as a public exposure site for the highly-contagious disease from February 14 and 15 from 10.50pm to 12.20am, and the domestic terminal is listed for February 15 from 1.30pm to 2.35pm. 'Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop,' Victoria chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said. 'Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.' A dangerous and contagious virus is spreading in Australia after the disease was detected in a passenger on an Emirates flight at Melbourne Airport, just days after it was detected in Sydney Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash,' Victoria Health said The case comes days after the virus was detected in a Jetstar passenger flying into Sydney from the Gold Coast. NSW Health said 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 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. Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes rash and fever. It can also cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The vaccine preventable disease is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. The vaccine preventable disease is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes (stock image) 'Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles,' Dr Looker said. 'Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. 'Young infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles.' Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes, runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash,' Victoria Health said. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body and symptoms can develop between seven to 18 days after exposure. People with measles are potentially infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until four days after the rash appears. Prince Harry was 'blocked' from having a heart-to-heart with King Charles by Palace aides over fears 'they'd never get rid of him', it was claimed last night. Following the King's cancer diagnosis, it is believed the Duke of Sussex had hoped to join him for a few days at Sandringham when he touched down in London last week. However, according to an insider he was instructed to visit Clarence House, his father's London home, for a short managed face-to-face meeting before being told to get himself a hotel for the night. 'Harry came over to see his father, expecting to go to Sandringham. But instead he was asked to be at Clarence House and was restricted to 30 minutes,' the source told The Sun on Sunday. 'The fear was that if he went to Sandringham they would never get rid of him.' Prince Harry is pictured arriving at Clarence House during his brief trip to see his father He spent just 45 minutes speaking with the King before later jetting back home to California (Prince Harry is pictured in the Windsor Suite at Heathrow on his way home) King Charles leaves The London Clinic on January 29 after having treatment for an enlarged prostate The Duke of Sussex, pictured in Vancouver, was reportedly 'blocked' from having a heart-to-heart with Charles by Palace aides The comments come as it was claimed Prince Harry had 'zero chance' of coming back into The Firm, with royal insiders saying Prince William 'would not allow it' amid claims his brother and Meghan Markle 'cannot be trusted'. Harry's transatlantic dash raised hopes that his return to Britain will be used to heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William. In a TV interview with Good Morning America on Friday, Harry said he hoped that his father's illness could have a 'reunifying effect' on the family. Prince Harry, who stepped down as a working royal alongside his wife the Duchess of Sussex in 2020, is a counsellor of state but is not expected to take up any of the King's duties while he recovers. Harry also said 'I love my family' and that he was 'grateful' to be able to spend time with his father when he flew back to the UK last week. But insiders last night insisted no offer had been made to Harry to take on a 'half in, half out' hybrid royal role. Insisting other senior royals like the Queen, Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie were 'more than capable of holding the fort', a source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Is Harry really saying he'd fly back from California to attend an investiture?' Palace sources have emphasised the King's illness would not change the terms of the Sandringham summit agreement, in which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's exit from the working Royal family was agreed in detail. 'Those terms were quite clear, and the King's illness hasn't altered that,' a source said, according to the Telegraph. Another told the newspaper that the view a hybrid model of being a working royal was not appropriate still 'remains the case'. The duke and his father are said to have had several 'warm exchanges' since the King's illness was diagnosed, The Times claimed. A royal source also told the newspaper that Charles, 75, is keen to reconcile and see more of his son, and believes doing so would benefit the monarchy. The Duke of Sussex spent this week in Whistler, Canada, with his wife Meghan to attend the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers One Year To Go Winter Training Camp Following the King's cancer diagnosis, it is believed the Duke of Sussex had hoped to join him for a few days but it was denied According to an insider Harry was instructed to visit Clarence House, his father's London home, for a short managed face-to-face meeting before being told to get himself a hotel for the night (King Charles and Queen Camilla are seen leaving Clarence House) Prince Harry and Meghan attend the winter training alongside Luisana Lopilato and Michael Buble The Price tries his hand at wheelchair curling at the One Year To Go training event He certainly looked happy with himself after this shot at the training event Harry has publicly shared that he is planning more trips to Britain in the future The pair looked very happy to be attending the practice winter games event The pair of them share a smile as Harry tried his hand at another winter sport The source told The Times: 'On all practical levels it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he's sick. 'Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood, and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the King and Kate's wellbeing -paramount in this. 'The details of the Clarence House meeting and subsequent conversations are private, but the feeling is that this arrangement could work.' On Friday, Harry made an appearance on US television to say that he has 'other trips' to Britain planned and he 'loves his family'. The 39-year-old has spent the last couple of days in Whistler, Canada, with his wife Meghan to attend the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers One Year To Go Winter Training Camp. The couple were followed around by cameras and a Good Morning America television crew. Harry told them that he 'loved his family' and that he 'jumped on a plane' to visit the King 'as soon as I could' after speaking on the phone about his cancer diagnosis. The Prince added he will try and to 'stop and see family as much as I can' and said that he had other trips and plans that will take him to the UK. During his time in Whistler, the Prince enjoyed a thrill-filled ride around a skeleton bobsled track, where he reached speeds of 61mph Meghan beamed as she watched her husband in Whistler yesterday The Prince of Wales prepares to perform an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle William looks on ahead of the ceremony last week at Windsor Castle Ellen White, now Ellen Convery, is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to football The royal is expected to return to Britain in May for a service at St Paul's Cathedral to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. When Harry met with his father for around 45 minutes it was thought to be their first proper contact in 15 months. On Saturday night, Harry and Meghan were seen jetting home to California following a Canadian send off that saw them serenaded with a rewritten version of My Way by crooner Michael Buble. The couple were seen boarding the same Bombardier Execujet charter plane they arrived on at 8.20am on Saturday morning at Vancouver International airport. READ MORE: Prince Harry faces court showdown over secret immigration records Advertisement Luggage was loaded on board at 8am and the plane took off for Santa Barbara just after 8.30am. Following Harry's return to the UK, there have been rumours that the prince is 'willing' to take on a 'temporary royal role' amid King Charles's cancer battle. Harry, 39, reportedly told friends he would return to Britain to help with royal duties while his father undergoes cancer treatment. The pair have had several 'warm exchanges' since the monarch's diagnosis with an unspecified type of cancer, it was claimed. Royal expert Hugo Vickers told MailOnline that 'neither side' wants Harry and Meghan back in the UK, despite the perceived 'olive branch'. He said: 'I personally, actually don't think that there's any wish on anyone's side for him to come home at the moment, and take up royal duties again. 'He can't suddenly pick up royal duties again, under the present circumstances, it's quite a long way [away]. It's always possible to reconcile. It's always possible for things to be sorted out, but not that quickly. So no, is the answer.' A Target superstore in West Virginia has shut down after a slipping hillside caused it collapse, tearing off one corner of the building. Shocking video shows a giant crack in the corner of the store in Barboursville where the ground beneath has given way, causing it to fall free. The store closed on February 2 when the hill first slipped, and then when it slipped even further on Wednesday, the store was forced to shut its doors indefinitely. It's not yet known what caused the slippage, but three families were evacuated from homes behind the Target, with the shopping chain covering their moving expenses. Target said they are working towards 'removing the damaged portion of the store' starting this week and will take 'additional steps to prepare for construction in the coming months'. The hill collapsed and took the corner of the store with it The hill first started sliding on February 2 and then got worse on Wednesday A Target spokesperson told USA Today: 'The safety of our team, guests, and neighbors is our top priority, and we are continuing to work on our Barboursville store to address the recent land movement.' They added: 'We continue to closely assess the condition of the site and partner with local officials to secure the area and repair the store as safely as possible," added Target in their statement.' Referring to the three homes that were evacuated, Target said 'local officials notified nearby homeowners of the situation' and that the company is 'taking steps to support them.' Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum told WSAZ last week that there is not thought to be any danger to other businesses in the area and they will continue to be operational. But water supply to the area has been limited as authorities investigate the slipping hill and a West Virginia American Water spokesperson told WSAZ that the initial slip on February 2 had damaged its water main. Mayor Tatum said that the perimeter and roadway behind the building had also been significantly damaged. In an update on Wednesday, Tatum took issue with crowds coming to see the damage. The store has been forced to close indefinitely while engineers come The mayor criticized crowds coming to look at the damage He said 'looky loo' outsiders were 'invading the neighborhood', writing on Facebook: 'Yes the hillside is moving, yes Target knows it and is trying to keep people safe. 'For anyone invading the neighborhood of Meadowcreek, just know the majority of residents have voiced their displeasure of the extra traffic and looky loos. 'You would not like it either if people were turning around in your driveways or yards either. 'They fear for their homes safety from criminals in addition to structure damage. Law Enforcement will be diligent in extra patrols, but please give these people some privacy and the construction teams room to work. 'The safety of all affected is the number one concern.' It was three feet tall and more than 1,900 years old. The statue was a must-buy for Margaret Mayo, the late expert in Mediterranean antiques at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It depicted a young boy, probably Greek, with a rare hairstyle: an Isis braid indicative of royalty. Its purchase would bolster the museums small marble collection, Mayo wrote in private letters to the museums director in 1989. It would join three other marbles, including the museums treasured statue of much-hated Roman Emperor Caligula, and elevate the museums prestige. Only eight other standing draped statues of young boys are known from the Greek world, Mayo wrote. Building the sculpture collection is important to the museum because it is mainly through sculpture that the public identifies with the classical past. The only problem was that it was stolen. Statue of a Young Boy was among 44 pieces worth an estimated $2.7 million removed from the museum in November. Invoices, emails and interviews connect those pieces to convicted European black market dealers. The Richmond Times-Dispatch examined the history of pieces surrendered by the museum, tracing their path from Rome to Richmond, where the artworks found a home alongside Faberge eggs and Egyptian sarcophagi in one of Virginias most beloved cultural institutions: the VMFA. Although questions about their provenance were raised as early as 2009, the VMFA did not independently return the pieces until a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and investigators with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office presented irrefutable evidence that the works were stolen or looted. Those agencies said the museum was admirably cooperative in returning the works. When approached by law enforcement last year, Museum Director Alex Nyerges acted quickly, in contrast with museums around the world who fought for years to hold onto similar pieces of ancient art. And a spokesperson for the VMFA said curators never received enough evidence to call police in the countries with a claim to the works. Museum director told more than half of antiquities were suspect Curators at the VMFA first became aware of issues with their artifacts in 2009. An internal memo from Ancient Art Curator Peter Schertz identified 22 pieces with provenance issues. Provenance refers to the history of an artifact, starting from a findspot and ending with the artifacts placement in a private collection or museum. Schertz memo listed an ancient Greek cup, known as a kotyle, an ancient vase, and a set of twenty terracotta figurines, vases, mimes and masks. His memo was sent to Nyerges and Stephen Bonadies, then the VMFAs deputy curator for collections and facilities management. Schertz explained that Italian military police had published photos of stolen art found when they raided the trove of a black market art dealer named Giacomo Medici. Polaroids from his warehouse in Switzerland showed art that had passed through Medicis hands. Schertz identified the museums exquisite kotyle in the police photos. We were able to confirm that our kotyle is most likely pictured in the photographs, Schertz wrote in the memo, which was followed by a verbal report to Nyerges. Schertz said that the kotyle had been acquired in good faith. Schertz noted that the other 21 pieces came from Fritz Burki, whose name has since been linked with a number of objects that have been returned to various North American museums to Italy. Four years later, two more pieces came under scrutiny. A Greek expert in stolen art linked Statue of a Young Boy to a Swiss art gallery whose dealer was convicted of art trafficking in 2002. Christos Tsirogiannis, a forensic archaeologist at the University of Cambridge, published his investigation on the statues provenance in The Journal of Art Crime. Tsirogiannis has consulted with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office since 2017, the same agency that later issued a summons to the VMFA. Tsirogiannis article threaded the statues history to Italian art dealer Gianfranco Becchina, who had nearly 6,000 antiquities seized by Italian authorities. Becchina was the head of a criminal enterprise that used gangs of Italian tomb raiders to pillage carefully chosen and insufficiently guarded archaeological sites, according to documents from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. Becchina and Medici were fierce competitors. A Polaroid from Becchinas stash showed the statue had passed through his collection. Scribbled on the photo was the name Frieda, a likely reference to Frieda Tchakos, the Swiss dealer who would sell it to Mayo in 1989. All the while, Mayo was told her new acquisition came from a Swiss friend who wanted to remain anonymous. Tsirogiannis emailed Bonadies, who replied that the museum did not have an identity for the anonymous Swiss dealer who had originally held Statue of a Young Boy. He also wrote and sent a similar article on an ancient Greek drinking vase at the VMFA. The vase, known in Greek as an askos, also came through Burki. For years, Tsirogiannis Journal of Art Crime article was included in a bibliography on the vase prepared by staff at the VMFA. Before publishing both articles, Tsirogiannis contacted the museum. I wanted to check if the museum could disprove what I had found, Tsirogiannis said in a recent interview. I was keeping half a percent of a chance they could disprove it. And they couldnt. As Tsirogiannis was preparing to publish his article, Schertz sent an internal email to Nyerges rehashing everything that he knew about Statue of a Young Boy and wondering if it was time to involve the Museums lawyer. Questions of provenance In both articles, Tsirogiannis wrote that the VMFA was obliged to contact the Italian authorities about the case, according to widely used ethical guidelines. He admonished the museum for not doing so. There were not one, but two cases. For 11 years, said Tsirogiannis. There is no excuse. In a statement, VMFA spokesperson Jan Hatchette said that the earlier evidence including its own internal memo was not compelling, nor was it proof that the museum should do additional investigating or contact Italian police. VMFA was approached by private individuals about antiquities in the collection that were thought to have been stolen based on photographic archives in the possession of the Italian authorities, Hatchette said. However, learning that VMFAs objects were most likely included in these photographs did not provide enough documentation to support their restitution. Schertz and Tsirogiannis conclusions raised more questions than answers, Hatchette said. The museum never received a claim for the works from police in Italy, and that there was not a clear enough path to clarify the status of these objects at that time. Questions of provenance and repatriation are highly complex and any decision to return an object requires an adequate level of evidence, Hatchette said. Museums worldwide have wrestled with questions of provenance for decades. After World War II, artwork looted by Nazis appeared in museums in San Diego, Chicago and New York. Looted antiquities came into the spotlight in the 1970s after the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art paid $1 million for an ancient Greek vase later proven to be stolen, the now infamous Euphronios Krater. In the 90s, raids by police on Swiss warehouses turned up receipts for thousands of looted artifacts that had passed through black market dealers to auction houses like Sothebys in England, or directly to museums. The Louvre, the Met and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles all were implicated in unknowingly buying the pieces and supporting the illicit art market. That market relied upon low-level tomb raiders, known as tombaroli, who funneled stolen art to regional middle-men, or capos. The art was ultimately funneled upwards to dealers with pedigree, according to an account detailed in The Medici Conspiracy, a 2006 recounting of the antiquities trafficking trade. As that underworld was exposed, museums opposition to relinquishing art appeared to soften. The Met returned the Euphronios Krater, and museums across the world signed on to tighter regulations governing stolen antiquities. With few exceptions, new guidelines instated in 2008 told museums that they should not buy antiquities unless they were removed from their country of origin before 1970. The VMFA says it adheres to these guidelines. It has repatriated artworks of different kinds at least three times since 2004. Christine Anagnos, executive director of the American Association of Museum Directors, said the group does not comment on the merits of specific claims. The guidelines emphasize claims from countries of origin, rather than third-party scholars like Tsirogiannis. However, they also encourage that museums have voluntary discussions to identify looted art. Bonadies, the former deputy curator at VMFA who retired in 2021, said that officials want to make sure restitution is done right, and that standards have changed since 1989, when Mayo sought to track down the original owner of Statue of a Young Boy. At that point in time in provenance research, that was acceptable, said Bonadies. Bonadies also said that the VMFA probably took better care of Statue of a Young Boy than wherever else it might have been. The object is in the museums care all that time, and being cared for. And so, it wasnt deteriorating any further, it was being preserved, said Bonadies. And whatever the ultimate outcome, when its returned to its final home, itll be in the same shape that the museum acquired it in as well. We have taken the high road All 24 of the previously flagged pieces were repatriated last November after VMFA Registrar Karen Daly rush-delivered the artwork to an office in Lower Manhattan in order to comply with a timeline set by the Manhattan District Attorney. The list included an $175,000 statuette gifted to the museum by Virginia horse breeder Paul Mellon. The statue had been stolen from an Italian museum in 1963. Like other pieces, it had been purchased in good faith by Mellon, VMFA records indicate. Nyerges is still the museums director. Schertz still curates the museums ancient art acquisitions. Mayo retired from the VMFA in 2004. In internal emails from early in 2023, Nyerges said that there was nothing to do but return the art. Full compliance and a timely response is the only proper path, Nyerges wrote. We are merely guardians for our collection. If anything was illegally exported, excavated, or stolen, it needs to be returned to its rightful owners. And on Dec. 6, one day after the repatriation was announced, Nyerges wrote to the VMFA board that he expected that the museums good deeds would be acknowledged in the press. Media response will likely be very positive since we have taken the high road of cooperation by doing what is right and necessary, Nyerges wrote to Aimee Guidera, Virginias secretary of education. The museum is a state entity overseen by the education department. The museum has put an indefinite hold on buying ancient artworks, according to an email from Schertz. It most recently purchased an ancient sarcophagus for $450,000 in 2020. Now, placeholder cards sit where the antiquities were once on display. And the glass case that once held Statue of a Young Boy has been entirely removed. No need to keep it on view, a museum curator wrote to employees. 9 photos of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from The Times-Dispatch archives Of all the many startling elements of the Sussex relaunch this week from the use of Meghans coat of arms to its timing as the King battles cancer perhaps the most surprising has yet to be remarked on. It is this: at no point on any part of their new website, Sussex.com, is there a single mention of the word Netflix. This includes the section devoted to Archewell Productions, where you will find the following resume: Founded in 2020 by Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, our company is dedicated to illuminating thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community through scripted and non-scripted TV, film, documentaries and podcasting. And thats it. To jog memories, their estimated $100 million (80 million) deal with the streaming giant was their first (big) step into the world of commerce after Megxit, and when it was signed in September 2020 all involved said how delighted they were with the multi-year deal. Luxury: Harry and Meghan in Vancouver, Canada, this week The Duchess of Sussex in Whistler, Canada Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope, the couple whose son Archie was born in May 2019 said in a statement. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us. They added that Netflixs unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action. Netflix boss Ted Sarandos (who is actually one of their near-neighbours in a $35 million (28 million) home in Montecito, California) said: Were incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere. He had seen off competition from Disney, NBCUniversal and Apple to sign up the couple, who had only arrived in California six months previously, just as the pandemic hit. But for all the fine words about the intention to make a social impact, Harry later remarked in his television interview with Oprah Winfrey that he had been forced to make the Netflix deal because of pressing financial need. As he put it: My family literally cut me off financially. He added: Ive got what my mum left me, and without that we would not have been able to do this. (This being the move to a mansion in Montecito). So what is going on with the media deal which is meant to be funding their new life? Perhaps surprisingly, the spectre of (relative) penury and wrangles over money loom rather large over the couple and their relationship with Netflix and cast a fascinating light on the question of what they are going to do next. Im told, by well-placed sources with knowledge of the deal, that the association has been disappointing all round, with Harry and Meghan drawing a relatively meagre amount from the streamer thought to amount to as little as $20 million (16 million) for them personally, all in. Considering the delivery of a blockbuster tell-all six-part documentary Harry & Meghan in December 2022, which was seen by 81 million households in its first three weeks, the couple could judge that $20 million isnt much at all. Maybe we should look no further when seeking to explain the perplexing omission on the website. Whats more, the expectation in Hollywood is that both parties will break the deal as soon as it is contractually viable, which will mean a divorce in September this year or next. Will the Sussexes have by then produced their romcom film based on the Carley Fortune book Meet Me At The Lake? And will they have produced any of the documentary projects, including a Prince Harry in Africa series which has also been long in the planning? Other proposals they are trying to get off the ground include a feminist retelling of the origins of Charles Dickens Miss Havisham in the form of a TV drama. Shock and awe: The couple become animated in the Harry & Meghan documentary series screened on Netflix Yet while the writers and actors strikes took out much of last year, it is notable how little the couple have actually made work for Netflix. The head of content, Bela Bajaria, tried to put a brave face on the inactivity at an event last week. She said the couple had a number of projects in very early development and were being helped by Netflixs head of unscripted content, Brandon Riegg. They actually have, like a bunch in development, she said. They have a movie in development, and a series that they are working on. So all early development, with a movie, a TV series and a couple of unscripted shows that they are working on with Brandon Riegg. But yeah, the movie is great. Some might argue thats faint praise. Meanwhile, Meghan told reporters at a Variety event earlier this year: We have so many exciting things on the slate. I cant wait until we can announce them. However, a source with knowledge of the situation says that essentially the Netflix deal is a dead duck. The whole arrangement was basically the trade-off for Netflix getting the Harry & Meghan documentary. It was never the huge payday that the Press reported. The $100 million number was always a newspaper figure. Its thought they got a small fraction of that number up front, and everything from there on is largely contingent on performance. The fact is that the company [Archewell] has been relatively inactive so far. Rather than a massive lump sum, the deal consisted of a multi-year commitment from Netflix to cover the overheads of Archewell. This is said to be in the region of $3 million (2.4 million) a year, of which the Sussexes will keep a small portion personally. Most of that money is being spent on overheads and project development costs. Indeed, when Archewell bought the rights to make a film of Meet Me At The Lake it was reported that, quite unusually, Netflix had stumped up the $1 million (800,000) cash rather than Archewell, reflecting the fact that the company is not swimming in funds. By far the most lucrative element was the production fee for the Harry & Meghan documentary of around $20 million (16 million), $15 million (12 million) of which will have gone directly to the couple, the rest being spent on making the series. The changing cast of characters at Archewell has not helped relations with Netflix. The source adds: Theres been a lot of turbulence at executive level within Archewell, and I know for a fact that Netflix are annoyed to be advancing several millions dollars a year of overhead to a company that cant seem to retain more than a handful of staff at a time and that has almost no day-to-day visibility around town. That wasnt what Netflix were pitched and the shaky executive base is a big part of the reason why Archewell hasnt got much done. The company lost head of content Ben Browning in January 2023 after his contract expired and this January production manager Bennett Levine also walked, two years after joining. Rebecca Sananes, the head of audio, left after the Archetypes podcasts had been produced. Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance at the Jamaica world premiere of the Bob Marley biopic One Love earlier this year, prompting suggestions of a deal with makers Paramount Bad luck has come into play, too. Netflix has pulled back on its film and TV expenditure massively over the past 12 months after it became clear that previous spending levels were not sustainable. Hollywood is generally a much more financially sober environment, too. In addition to the actors and writers strikes and the pandemic, peak TV is over, with fewer shows being made and at a lower price point. The source says: There is an across-the-board acknowledgement that Netflix will want to get out of, or scale down further, the deal at the earliest contractual opportunity. You might say that Netflix havent done too badly out of the relationship, as theyve probably only gone out of pocket to the tune of around $30 million [24 million] or thereabouts, and they did at least get a huge hit doc out of the investment. As for Harry and Meghan, its understood that they will have managed to keep around $15 million [12million] just for themselves, which is not bad business. But that kind of money doesnt last long with their lifestyle. The lifestyle is indeed idyllic by any standards and included the purchase of their Montecito mansion in 2020 for $14.7 million (11.7 million), with a mortgage of $9.5 million (7.5 million). The potential mortgage payments on such a borrowing may run to $50,000 (39,600) a month. Then there is their security detail, generally thought to cost somewhere north of $2 million (1.6million) a year, plus taxes of $68,000 (54,000) a year, staff costs of $300,000 (238,000) a year and utilities costing up to $24,000 (19,000) a year. Harrys legacy from Princess Diana is generally said to be around 7 million all in, plus a further amount from a legacy left by the Queen Mother. That wont go far in California, so you can see how money could become a pressing concern. Among the biggest money-spinners of all has actually been Harrys memoir Spare. Released in January last year, it has sold around four million copies. If we are to assume a relatively modest cut for Harry of 15 per cent, that would have netted him $15 million (12 million), give or take. He has given an unknown portion of the profits to charity. Meanwhile, its unclear how much money the Sussexes made from the podcaster Spotify, for which Archewell managed to make just one 12-episode podcast, Archetypes, in three years. Their deal was cancelled in 2023. It was said to be worth $20 million (16 million) but again will have most likely only netted them a fraction of that amount, given the lack of content created. The Wall Street Journal reported with restraint that they failed to reach the productivity benchmark. Spotify executive Bill Simmons famously put it more bluntly: I wish I had been involved in the Meghan and Harry leave Spotify negotiation. The F***ing Grifters. Thats the podcast we should have launched with them. I have got to get drunk one night and tell the story of the Zoom I had with Harry to try and help him with a podcast idea. Its one of my best stories . . . F*** them. The grifters. Archetypes does have a new home. It was announced this week that Meghan is to venture again into podcasting for Lemonada, a small but successful female-run outfit which makes podcasts with actresses Sara Sugarman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. But looking beyond the end of the Netflix deal, a world in which Meghan has a podcast does not look like a world in which the couple maintain a house with 16 bathrooms. Logic would suggest that they brave the backlash and write more books, as the story of their fall-out with the Royal Family remains compelling. Even a cookbook, which I heard was Meghans preference, would be a great potential source of income. Last summer, it was announced that Meghan had signed with Ari Emanuel, the powerhouse agent at WME. However, although she then turned up at some events with prominent WME clients, such as at Kevin Costners charity party, there have been no blue-chip commercial deals for her. She was also said to be about to revive her website, The Tig, and sign an endorsement deal with the fashion house Dior. Neither has yet happened. Some believe that WME are letting her go, again because of the problem of how to turn her megawatt profile into some kind of tangible product. They are said to have played no part in the Sussex.com rebrand, which does not augur well. Inquiries about her status there go unanswered. There was the surprise appearance of the couple at the Jamaica world premiere of the Bob Marley biopic One Love earlier this year, prompting suggestions of a deal with makers Paramount, especially as they travelled there by private jet with the companys boss Brian Robbins. But that would be a most unlikely destination for them. At present, Paramount is being sold, so a new head is almost an inevitability, and you would expect that whoever comes in will want to make their own mark. Interestingly, that private jet ride may be another indication that money is an issue. They travelled with oil billionaire Michael Herd on his PJ to see Katy Perry in Vegas in November and their outing from Santa Barbara to Vancouver for the Invictus events was also by private jet and at someone elses expense, according to Page Six in the U.S. Its always other peoples money, a source told the publication. But how to keep it coming? One of America's most famous UFO cases if not, the most famous has been thrust back into the spotlight, decades after the Air Force claimed to have solved it. The Roswell incident of 1947 captured imaginations worldwide when the US Army Air Force issued a press release stating that it had recovered debris from a 'flying disc.' But less than 24 hours later, military officials reversed course, announcing that the debris had only come from a crashed weather balloon, sparking America's fascination with UFOs and allegations of a government cover-up ever since. Last month, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the Pentagon's departing UFO chief, teased his office's own conclusion: The Air Force's 1994 report was correct. Roswell's 'flying saucer' crash had just been debris from a top secret 'Project Mogul' spy balloon. But independent experts, including former NASA scientists, tell DailyMail.com that official documents, created by the very scientists who ran Project Mogul themselves, flatly contradict the government's theory. Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick (left), the Pentagon's departing UFO chief, previewed his office's upcoming UFO report this January, in a lengthy podcast interview. His office, he said, plans to recycle a theory from an old Air Force report on the infamous Roswell UFO crash of 1947 (right), claiming that this legendary 'flying disc' was simply a mistaken US spy balloon But on page 715 of the Air Force's 881-page report on the Roswell crash, a transcribed journal entry by Project Mogul's Field Operations Director, geophysicist Dr. Albert Crary, states that the key scheduled balloon launch never took place - and thus couldn't be confused for a UFO Running from 1947 until early 1949, Project Mogul was an effort to track from a distance the sound waves generated by Soviet nuclear weapons tests. But Mogul scientists struggled to develop a system of high-altitude balloons and sensors that could remain level within the right 'sound channel' about 50,000 feet above sea level, fighting often against bad weather and aviation safety issues. In fact, one longtime NASA aerospace engineer who conducted atmospheric balloon experiments not unlike Mogul told DailyMail.com that the critical Mogul balloon launch in question never took place. The engineer pointed to a June 4th, 1947 journal entry written by Project Mogul's Field Operations Director, Dr. Albert P. Crary, which states: 'No balloon flights again on account of clouds. Flew regular sonobuoy up in cluster of balloons.' 'If he was just flying a rubber balloon cluster with a sonobuoy [a thin, three-foot-long, sonar device], it would go up and come down relatively quickly and never go too far,' this NASA engineer, who wished to remain anonymous, explained to DailyMail.com. 'In my opinion, that's what Crary meant when he wrote 'no balloon flights on account of clouds.'' 'He meant no balloon flights that would take the train outside of military airspace.' Dr. Crary's journal, which is corroborated by Mogul's official progress reports, indicate that there was no high-altitude balloon flight that fits both the Air Force investigation's timeline and was also capable of traveling the roughly 87 miles north to the Roswell UFO's crash site. Dr. David Rudiak, a team member of the University of Texas at Arlington's 'Roswell UFO incident' archival project, told DailyMail.com he agrees. Two former NASA scientists - including one who conducted atmospheric balloon experiments for the US space agency - have revealed to DailyMail.com how Air Force records contradict the Pentagon's Roswell theory. Above, NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building on Merritt Island, Florida In the late 1990s, the US Air Force pointed to this aeroshell from a 1967 NASA Voyager-Mars space probe (above) as an explanation for the 1947 Roswell UFO crash, two decades prior Dr. Rudiak scrutinized the Mogul balloon theory of the Roswell crash in partnership with Roswell skeptic and ex-NASA-Ames researcher Brad Sparks in the early 2000s. Together they focused on the hypothetical flight path of the cancelled June 4th balloon flight, which had been calculated by the Air Force's star witness from Mogul. They uncovered 'numerous, grade-school type math errors' in one instance '100 feet / 12 minutes = 350 feet-per-minute' which allowed the alleged Mogul flight to start and stop at just the right altitude to ride the wind toward the Roswell crash site. Dr. Kirkpatrick's appearance on the podcast, 'In the Room with Peter Bergen,' this January, was part of a media push that has seen the Pentagon UFO chief extend his feud with UFO whistleblower David Grusch into the pages of Scientific American and other media outlets Nevertheless, in an interview with CNN analyst Peter Bergen this January, Dr. Kirkpatrick announced that his Pentagon UFO office would be doubling-down on the Air Force's official Project Mogul balloon theory. From July 2022 to the end of last year, Dr. Kirkpatrick served as the Pentagon's first-ever director of its brand new All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), a congressionally mandated new group devoted to investigating military UFO cases. 'Kirkpatrick says his office dug deep into Roswell,' Bergen explained on his podcast. 'Kirkpatrick and his team at AARO concluded that crashed Mogul balloons, recovery operations to retrieve downed Air Force dummies, and glimpses of the aftermath of that real plane crash,' Bergen told listeners, 'likely combined into a single narrative.' Dr. Kirkpatrick's take is a far cry from the testimony of Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) intelligence veteran Major Jesse Marcel who came forward in the late 1970s to say that the crash debris he witnessed in 1947 was 'not anything of this earth.' Maj. Marcel, his colleague Master Sergeant Bill Rickett who also inspected the debris field, and scores more who lived near the New Mexico base have told overlapping tales of a crashed craft, recovered 'alien' bodies and intimidation of witnesses. In the late 1990s, the Air Force also published this above image of a 1972 Viking space probe awaiting recovery at the White Sands Missile Range near Roswell as an explanation for the 1947 Roswell UFO crash that had been reported on 25 years prior As the Air Force described their own Roswell investigation in 1994, their team 'reviewed a monumental number of documents concerning a variety of events, including aircraft crashes, errant missile tests, and nuclear mishaps.' (USAF PDF) Each of these terrestrial events was combed through, they wrote, for 'information that might help to explain peculiar tales of odd wreckage and alien bodies.' But while the Air Force concluded that Project Mogul was the most likely explanation, records written in 1947 and 1948 by Mogul's scientists themselves show that the suspected balloon flight had been grounded over serious safety concerns. The cancelled Mogul balloon flight Debris from the Roswell crash was found 80 miles northwest of town by rancher 'Mac' Brazel and his son Vernon on June 14, 1947. For the Brazels' discovery to have been a mistaken Mogul balloon, according to the Air Force's 1994 report, only one scheduled launch alluded to in the secret project's official history could have fit the timeline: June 4th's cancelled Flight #4. But Mogul lead Dr. Crary's journal entry on the scuttled launch ('No balloon flights again on account of clouds'), transcribed for inclusion in the Air Force's 1994 Roswell report, was also corroborated by Project Mogul's official 1948 progress report. Titled New York University Technical Report No. 1 Constant-Level Balloon (because Project Mogul's cover story presented its classified tests as simple, NYU-led, science experiments), the report tellingly does not list Flight #4 in its summary On page 610 of the US Air Force's 1994 Roswell crash report, cancelled Flights #2 through #4 are omitted in the 'NYU' (Mogul) summary. But the report does document numerous instances of other crashed or lost Mogul balloons - evidence that only cancelled flights were omitted The progress report documents numerous instances of crashed or lost balloons suggesting that only a canceled flight, like Flight #4, would have been omitted. Ultimately, the Air Force's 1994 Roswell report concluded that Flight #4 might have flown, thanks to the testimony of one of Dr. Crary's junior partners on the secret project: an atmospheric scientist-in-training named Charles Moore. While the lead author of the Air Force's Roswell report, Colonel Richard Weaver, took Moore at his word, the now retired colonel has since come forward to emphasize that Moore's nearly five-decade-old memories were by no means conclusive. Deep in the appendices of the Air Force's Roswell findings, a June 4th journal entry by Project Mogul's Field Operations Director, Dr. Albert P. Crary (above), states: 'No balloon flights again on account of clouds' 'Did we say it was 100-percent? Col. Weaver said on a 2020 podcast. 'No way. We didn't say that.' Dr. Crary would go on to become the first man to ever traverse both the North and South poles. Above, Dr. Crary (center) after his team made the first landing of an airplane on an ice floe at the North Pole, May 3rd, 1952 Speaking to the podcast's host, longtime Roswell researcher and former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Randle, Col. Weaver alluded cryptically to 'politics and a lot of manipulation going on behind the scenes' of his 1994 inquiry. SUNY Albany physics professor Dr. Kevin Knuth, who spent four years at NASA-Ames studying distant gaseous nebulae in outer space, said he finds the Air Force's findings even less conclusive. 'As a scientist, I am skeptical of every claim that is made without evidence,' Dr. Knuth told DailyMail.com after reviewing portions of the Air Force's 1994 Roswell report. 'I must be equally skeptical of a witness who claims that there was a crashed disk with alien bodies at Roswell, as I am of a witness that claims that Roswell was a result of the crash of a Project Mogul balloon.' 'This is especially true because the first story that was officially released was 'RAAF [Roswell Army Air Field] captures a Flying Saucer,'' he added. While the RAAF public relations official who drafted that press release, 1st Lieutenant Walter Haut, told conflicting stories over the years, he ultimately stuck to that first, sensational saucer story with his family. 'Basically Dad said yes, he did see the bodies, yes he did see the craft and much more than that,' Haut's daughter, Julie Shuster, told Australian public broadcaster SBS in 2021. 'At one point I asked him about the size,' Shuster continued, 'and he said the craft was about 25 feet in diameter.' 1st Lt. Haut would sign a sworn affidavit affirming what he told his family before his death in 2005. And, over the years, Roswell mortician Glenn Dennis and others have come forward with claims of small dead 'alien' bodies recovered from the crash. 'I received a call from the mortuary officer at the base,' Dennis told Larry King Live in 2003, 'asking me how many infant hermetically sealed caskets we had, three-and-a-half to four-feet, in stock.' In June 1997, the Air Force released a second Roswell report, entitled 'The Roswell Report, Case Closed.' The 231-page report included this photo of a 1950s body bag containing a crash dummy which they contend was confused for alien victims from the crash of a flying saucer SUNY Albany physics professor Dr. Kevin Knuth, who spent four years developing machine-learning algorithms at NASA-Ames, told DailyMail.com he is 'skeptical' of the Mogul theory. 'The first story that was officially released was 'RAAF captures a Flying Saucer,'' he noted Dedicated Roswell UFO researchers, including Lt. Col. Randle, have joined die-hard UFO skeptics in raising issues with both 1st Lt. Haut and Dennis's claims, however. Many skeptics now believe that the cottage industry around the Roswell legend has tainted the claims of nearly every resident in the town with a story about the crash. But as Randle, Dr. Rudiak, and the ex-NASA researchers told DailyMail.com, the myriad flaws in the many sensational and unproven claims about Roswell are not alone proof that the Pentagon's Mogul balloon theory is correct. The hypothetical Mogul balloon 'Flight #4' To advance their Mogul theory in 1994, Col. Weaver and his Air Force co-investigators were left to rely on the testimony and opinions of the late Dr. Crary's living subordinate, Prof. Moore, then a retired professor of atmospheric physics. Working from Dr. Crary's journal entries, Prof. Moore 'opined' according to the report, that the strange debris Mac Brazel, RAAF intel officer Maj. Marcel and others thought came from a crashed UFO was 'most probably from Flight #4.' Prof. Moore later coauthored a book, UFO Crash at Roswell: The Genesis of a Modern Myth, in which he used government wind data to plot a possible flight path for how Flight #4 might have made it to the crash site (a detail the Air Force skipped over). DailyMail.com's longtime NASA engineer, who has conducted atmospheric balloon tests, said Moore's calculations include two extremely unlikely assumptions. Those assumptions, the engineer said, are supported by 'no documentary evidence.' 'The Mogul team was operating under a Civil Aeronautics Administration (forerunner of the FAA) permit that allowed them to conduct flights under day, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions,' the engineer said, a fact available in the 1994 Air Force report. 'During my NASA research career, I funded and participated in 3 different high altitude balloon flights, and we always launched right at sunup, which would have been about 6:00am on June 4, 1947.' To advance their Mogul theory in 1994, the Air Force relied on the memories of the late Dr. Crary's living subordinate, then a retired professor of atmospheric physics, Prof. Charles Moore. Above, Prof. Moore looks at 1947 wind data given to him by retired Lt. Col. Kevin Randle But to find wind data that could take his proposed Mogul balloon to the Roswell crash site, Prof. Moore assumed Flight #4 launched around 2:30am, in the dead of night and into the thick cloudbank that had concerned his boss, Dr. Crary. The move would have been a violation of federal CAA air safety laws, conducted by rogue civilian scientists working on a covert program, right next to the only military air squadron in America, the 509th Bombardment Group, armed with atomic bombs. Prof. Moore justified the assumption with the seemingly ambiguous passage in Dr. Crary's journal entry, 'Flew regular sonobuoy up in cluster of balloons.' A longtime NASA aerospace engineer, who conducted atmospheric balloon experiments for the US space agency, told DailyMail.com that Prof. Moore's case for the Mogul theory included two very unlikely assumptions. Above, Moore during the Project Mogul era But DailyMail.com's ex-NASA engineer, as well as Dr. Rudiak (a one-time biophysics researcher and doctor of optometry) and ex-NASA-Ames researcher Brad Sparks, all note that the listed balloon arrangement lacked key equipment for a flight to the crash site. 'There was no constant altitude controller on the balloon train on June 4,' the ex-NASA engineer said. 'So the ground track that Moore calculated in order to get the balloons from Alamogordo [New Mexico] to the Foster Ranch [i.e. the Roswell crash site] is bogus.' Confirming this, images of the AN/CRT-1 Sonobuoy used by Dr. Crary's team, on pages 288-290 of the Air Force's 1994 Roswell report, show a metal cylinder just shy of 3 feet in length. Dr. Rudiak noted that this small sonobuoy (a World War II-era radio and passive sonar device also used for hunting U-boats) and the neoprene (artificial rubber) balloons noted in the Air Force report, do not resemble any version of the Roswell wreckage. Images of the AN/CRT-1 Sonobuoy used by Dr. Crary's team, in the Air Force's 1994 Roswell report, show a metal cylinder just shy of 3 feet in length. Dr. Rudiak noted that this one small sonobuoy and the neoprene (artificial rubber) balloons do not resemble the Roswell wreckage Prof. Moore justified the Mogul balloon theory with a cryptic passage in Dr. Crary's journal, 'Flew regular sonobuoy up in cluster of balloons.' But an ex-NASA engineer told DailyMail.com, 'a rubber balloon cluster with a sonobuoy [...] would go up and come down relatively quickly' Two conflicting accounts, of course, exist for the debris at the Roswell crash site. First, there are the electrifying and unusual accounts of otherworldly metal materials described by the Brazel family, Roswell army base intel officer Maj. Marcel, the base's counter-intelligence Master Sgt. 'Bill' Rickett, and others. And, second, there is the more prosaic crashed weather-balloon debris described under oath by Rickett's superior, Captain Sheridan Cavitt the debris Maj. Marcel has claimed he was forced to pose with before reporters as part of a cover up. Neither version resembles Dr. Crary's sonobuoy tied to a cluster of rubber balloons. Lt. Col. Randle, who worked with Dr. Rudiak on the University of Texas at Arlington's Roswell project, noted that the Air Force relied on Prof. Moore's memories and a few second-hand accounts to theorize that foil-covered radar reflectors, called rawin targets, had gotten to the crash site. 'If there were no rawin targets,' Lt. Col. Randle told DailyMail.com, 'then there wasn't any large, metallic-looking wreckage to fool Brazel or Marcel.' Dr. Rudiak added that the risky and illegal nighttime Mogul Flight #4, that Prof. Moore claims occurred, would have been of questionable scientific value to the project. 'These balloons were supposed to be constant-altitude controlled,' as Dr. Rudiak told DailyMail.com. 'That's what they were trying to develop, which is why they were trying to accurately track them.' 'They had up to four methods of tracking and two of them are optical, you know? They had telescopes on the ground, surveyor's theodolites,' he added, 'and then they usually had a chase plane. [...] If you send it up in the night, you lose those.' 'And they had to track them to make sure they weren't drifting into civilian air lanes.' Dr. Crary's sonobuoy tied to a cluster of rubber balloons does not resemble the sensational UFO accounts of Roswell, nor the more prosaic crashed weather balloon debris (above) described under oath by the Roswell base's counterintelligence boss, Captain Sheridan Cavitt Roswell base intel officer Major Jesse Marcel (left) has claimed he was forced to pose before reporters with weather-balloon debris he did not witness at the Roswell UFO crash site. Major Marcel was portrayed by actor Kyle MacLachlan in a 1994 Showtime original TV movie, Roswell 'Grade-school type math errors' But beyond Prof. Moore's unusual assumptions for Flight #4, Dr. Rudiak and Sparks also found simple math errors in the retired scientist's balloon flight calculations. The unusual errors in one instance '100 feet / 12 minutes = 350 feet-per-minute' allowed Prof. Moore's Flight #4 to repeatedly start and stop at just the right altitude to catch the changing winds toward the Roswell crash site. In one instance, Prof. Moore also estimated that the flight descended in a rapid 'death dive' that does not match any other recorded Mogul balloon flight. Tim Printy, a scientific and technical consultant to the nonprofit Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, reviewed Sparks and Rudiak's critiques of Moore's calculations, describing Prof. Moore's mathematical errors as real, but 'minor.' 'David Rudiak and Brad Sparks have pointed out that there are many errors with Professor Charles Moore's published work on Flight #4,' Printy wrote. 'When one checks the math in the tables, they are correct that there are some problems in Moore's work that Moore should address.' Although, Printy, a former US Navy nuclear reactor operator, was unconvinced these errors were significant, he noted, 'Since I don't have a degree in atmospheric physics, I can not speak with authority on this subject.' Ultimately, according to Printy, Prof. Moore was 'perfectly willing to let his work stand, math errors and all, with no comment.' When Sparks and Dr. Rudiak attempted to correct Moore's 'mathematically faulty' work themselves, Mogul's alleged illegal night balloon, Flight #4, would have crashed 21 miles northeast of where the wreckage was actually found. Lead author of the Air Force's Roswell report, Col. Richard Weaver, came forward in 2020 to discuss 'a lot of manipulation going on behind the scenes' of his 1994 official Roswell inquiry. Above, an image promoting a 90s television program about the book 'The Day after Roswell' No 'terrestrial explanation' for Roswell, yet Departing AARO chief Dr. Kirkpatrick did not get bogged down in these specifics while endorsing the Mogul balloon theory on his podcast appearance in January. The laser-physicist, once dubbed 'Dr. Evil' by his Air Force colleagues, was quoted sticking to emotional and cultural explanations for 1947's Roswell UFO media frenzy. 'Everybody's still raw from the war,' Dr. Kirkpatrick told host Peter Bergen. 'There was also this fear coming out of World War II of being surprised, you know, the rockets that were shot into London.' His appearance on Bergen's podcast, 'In the Room with Peter Bergen,' has now extended the one-time CIA physicist's feud with UFO whistleblower David Grusch into a protracted media campaign. Dr. Kirkpatrick told Scientific American readers that 'conspiracy-minded 'whistleblowers' had failed to cooperate with his UFO investigations months after he also called Grusch's congressional testimony on a hidden and illegal UFO crash retrieval program, delivered under oath, 'insulting.' With AARO's 'Historical Record Report' on UFOs not yet public, Mogul skeptic Dr. Knuth told DailyMail.com he hopes the Pentagon UFO office might yet reveal it has unearthed more hard facts than the Air Force's Roswell investigations of the 1990s. 'I can only hope that my fellow scientists at AARO will be equally skeptical,' the SUNY Albany physicist said, 'and not make any definitive statements without evidence.' The Air Force's Mogul balloon theory has been repeated as a fact of history by many major news media outlets, including Wired and Smithsonian magazines. Above, a sign directing Roswell, New Mexico visitors to the start of a '1947 UFO Crash Site Tour' circa 1997 Tales of the Roswell UFO crash remain an unusual profit center for the small desert town. Above, El Paso, Texas residents - visiting Roswell's International UFO Museum and Research Center in June of 2004 - take in a display replicating the long-alleged alien autopsy DailyMail.com has reached out to the Pentagon's designated press contact for all things AARO, Susan Gough, and will update this article if she or her team responds. While AARO's 'Historical Record Report' on UFOs is due to Congress this June, the indication from Dr. Kirkpatrick's appearance on Bergen's Audible original podcast suggests that the Pentagon plans to turn their report in early. READ MORE: Duped CIA scientist once believed hoaxed 1995 Roswell alien autopsy video was REAL and claims he saw SAME footage in a 1987/88 Pentagon briefing, leaked memo reveals The memo claims former CIA scientist Kit Green was 'briefed three different times during and after his tenure at CIA on topics relevant to UFOs and the Roswell Incident Alien Autopsy' Advertisement 'Certainly, there must be records of the recovery team, the army convoy that was involved, the C-54 transport plane, as well as an explanation of the military's hyperbolic response,' Dr. Knuth noted, 'which involved detaining, questioning, and threatening civilians.' Rancher 'Mac' Brazel, according to multiple interviews conducted by Lt. Col. Randle, was one such civilian. Both Brazel's neighbor Marian Strickland and Brazel's son Bill told Randle in taped interviews that Mac had been detained for several days on the base. Randle also interviewed Major Edwin Easley, the provost marshal at the Roswell Army Air Field in 1947, who confirmed in untaped conversations that Brazel had been detained after reporting the crash. Perhaps significantly, Brazel returned home from this alleged forced stay at the Roswell base's 'guest house' regretting that he had come forward to report this UFO crash debris at all. 'If I find anything else, besides a bomb,' Brazel told the Roswell Daily Record, 'they are going to have a hard time getting me to say anything about it.' Retired Air Force Col. Weaver, who first put the US military's official imprimatur on the Mogul balloon theory, said he still believes it is 'the most logical explanation to account for this incident.' 'I'm still going with what we found in 1994,' Col. Weaver said in 2020. 'That's when my knowledge of what the Air Force has comes to an end.' In recent years, the Air Force's balloon theory has been repeated as a simple fact of history by many major news media outlets, including both Wired and Smithsonian magazines as well as respected science communicators, including Bill Nye the Science Guy. But for retired Lt. Col. Randle, of the University of Texas at Arlington's Roswell project, the Mogul balloon explanation is simply too light on concrete evidence. 'Everybody agrees something fell there,' Randle told DailyMail.com. 'The thing I say is, 'We do not have a terrestrial explanation for what fell at Roswell.'' 'That doesn't necessarily make it extraterrestrial. It just means we can't explain it.' America may never learn what really happened at Roswell, but its fascination with the case is sure to continue. A new book details a simple test which can tell anyone whether they are happy, very happy or flourishing - and help pinpoint sources of unhappiness. The test uses a mathematical formula made up of a person's feelings of hope and their 'hunger' (whether this is for relationships or success). Its creator, Dr Alphonsus Obayuwana told DailyMail.com: 'The formula is hope over hunger equals happiness.' He developed a tool for measuring human happiness as a medical student in 1979, which was adopted by Fortune 500 companies including Coca Cola. The test gives people a Personal Happiness Index which can be measured to three decimal places. To take the test, scroll to the bottom of this article: The tool measures happiness and works for everyone (Shutterstock) If your Personal Happiness Index is more than one, you are considered happy, and if it is less than one, you are considered unhappy. Dr Obayuwana said: 'This is a discovery, actually. This equation found me. So now everybody can have a happiness index. Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana 'You can use it in any country to find happy people, very unhappy people, flourishing individuals and languishing individuals in any country.' He claimed that current methods of measuring happiness (including those used in the Gallup polls to measure worldwide happiness) are flawed - and fail to take into account important details. For example, he pointed to results such as Finland regularly topping the charts, despite also having a high suicide rate. 'The problem with current questionnaires is that it is very simplistic and is poorly informative and rudimentary for something as important as happiness,' Dr Obayuwana said, pointing out that GDP is often used to measure happiness. He also pointed to the rudimentary way the questions are laid out. 'In these surveys, they say that imagining the worst possible life is zero and the best possible life is 10 'The problem is that people tend to see the question as political, or answer it differently depending on whether they are in Asian countries or the West.' Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana is author of the new book The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment He added: 'I've made a discovery of a very simple equation that makes it possible for the first time ever to assign a numerical happiness score to people. The formula is hope over hunger equals happiness.' The test takes just five minutes and measures people's feelings of hope and also their hunger for five compelling human desires - intimacy, trust, food and comfort, information and continuity. The book offers case studies and examples of how people have made themselves happier using hope and dealing with their hunger. One such example is Patty Stonesifer, who rose through the ranks in the technology industry and was named by Time magazine as one of the twenty-five most influential people in America back in 1996. Stonesifer gave it up to become head of Martha's Table, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, which serves and feeds the poor - having felt the 'emptiness' of her previous life. The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment is released on March 12, published by Simon and Schuster. It's perceived as being one of the most glamorous and romantic ways of seeing one of the world's most mysterious and spellbinding countries. But is a Nile river cruise in Egypt really worth it? Travel vlogger Sam Mayfair set about discovering the pros and cons, with a seven-day round trip aboard the five-star cruise ship the Steigenberger Royale on one of the most popular routes - Luxor to Aswan, 240km (150 miles) away. Cruise ships on this route offer tourists the chance to see some of Egypt's most fascinating cultural sights and stunning landscapes. Thirty-nine-year-old Sam, from Surrey, posted footage of his journey to his TikTok account - @Sam.Mayfair - and told MailOnline that it's a 'hassle-free' way to see Egypt. Travel vlogger Sam Mayfair (above) shared his experience sailing from Luxor to Aswan on a Nile river cruise to his TikTok account Thirty-nine-year-old Sam travelled aboard five-star ship the Steigenberger Royale Sam begins the video by showing his spacious suite, a room upgrade that includes a generously proportioned bathroom. He claims: 'There are smaller rooms, but they're not much different in price.' He then moves onto the rest of the ship, revealing that the upper deck has a sun lounging area. He says: 'There was also a pool... which I actually really enjoyed. Theres nothing like jumping in a cold pool when it's 44 degrees [Centigrade].' Sam continues to film, revealing an outside bar and a small gym and massage area, before showing a large indoor lounge complete with red carpets and wooden furniture. This space, he says, was used in the evenings, as it was 'difficult to stay outside with the mosquitos'. Sam says the ship was split into two levels, with the upper deck used as a sun lounge area. Pictured right - the ship's pool. Sam says: 'Theres nothing like jumping in a cold pool when it's 44 degrees (Centigrade)' In the video viewers go through the keyhole of Sam's spacious suite. While he says there were smaller rooms, he claims 'they're not much different in price' On the food-and-drink front, Sam says meals were included in the package, but drinks had to be purchased additionally. He adds: 'The food on the cruise was actually really good. It was a buffet every day with a different theme'. Sam says these cruises may include tours, depending on which package you book. He adds: 'However, if like me, you havent booked it as part of the package, then you will need to pay extra for all your little tours.' One thing passengers should be aware of are the small boats selling souvenirs, Sam notes. In the video, Sam says they will 'attach themselves to the ship and hang on for life trying to sell you a towel'. LEFT: The outdoor dining area and bar. RIGHT: A meal served on board. Sam says the food is 'really good', though the drinks cost extra One thing passengers should be aware of are the small boats selling souvenirs, Sam notes. In the video, Sam says they will 'attach themselves to the ship and hang on for life trying to sell you a towel' While Sam says there is 'nothing wrong with buying from them', he adds: 'Just make sure you negotiate the price.' Sam paid 1,500 ($1,886) for two tickets aboard the cruise. 'We started in Luxor and finished in Luxor, but most passengers finish at Aswan after four days,' he explained. Was the voyage worthwhile? He told MailOnline Travel: 'One hundred per cent. 'It's a very interesting way to travel and explore, and you can't help but imagine that you are taking the same journey that people have taken for thousands of years.' Sam says cruising along the River Nile is a 'very interesting way to travel and explore'. He's shown above at Karnak Temple in Luxor Sam is pictured above exploring Edfu Temple, one of the attractions en route He said those on board can expect to see a new location every day, 'including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philea, and the Unfinished Obelisk'. Is there any room for improvement? Sam said: 'You are a bit limited for time at each location. I would have liked to spend a bit longer exploring.' But he added: 'If you want to explore and travel hassle-free, its very good... and I would recommend it as an experience.' For more from Sam visit him on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@SamMayfair and TikTok www.tiktok.com/@sam.mayfair. The idea of being hungover abroad without the comforts of home may fill you with a cold dread. But rest assured, you're never far away from a hangover cure. It just might be something of an acquired taste, as we discovered when we reached out to travel experts and chefs around the world to discover what foods they turn to when they're fur-tongued and seedy from too much of a good thing. Their responses ran the gamut from enticing to decadent to theoretically nauseating - yet apparently effective. So which would you try? Taiwan - Ti hoeh koe (pig's blood cake) Pig's blood cake - congealed pig's blood mixed with rice and served on a stick - is an ideal hangover cure, according to Taiwanese travel expert Nick Kembel Travel author and founder of Taiwan Obsessed, Nick Kembel, is evangelical about Taiwanese street food's ability to slough off a rough head. He told MailOnline Travel: 'A must-try is Taiwan's pig's blood cake, a symbolic street food sold fresh all morning. Its deep crimson colour may turn some off, but iron-rich pig's blood works wonders, reinvigorating hungover systems in one hearty slice.' Pig's blood cake is made by mixing pigs blood with steamed sticky rice, to create a chewy, semi-gelatinous texture, which is then rolled in peanut dust and spices and served on a stick. Nick said: 'It may sound scary, but it tastes like a cure.' Mexico - Menudo (tripe stew) Tripe stew menudo is regarded as a powerful hangover elixir in Mexico There's a modicum of hype around tripe as a hangover cure in Mexico, according to Shelley Marmor, travel expert and founder of Tulum Travel Secrets. She told MailOnline Travel: 'The traditional tripe stew menudo is regarded as a powerful hangover elixir. Its peppery broth and soft tripe are comforting and fortifying.' England - prairie oyster Nigella Lawson swears by the prairie oyster (above). Picture courtesy of Creative Commons There's a plethora of impressive English options - the bacon sarnie, beans on toast, the full try-up. But instead we defer to Nigella Lawson, who loves a traditional prairie oyster. The English TV cook said: 'My hangover cure is the "prairie oyster", which consists of an egg yolk, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, brandy, and vinegar. 'You have to swallow it down in one gulp.' A slightly less potent version of this hangover cure was also famously favoured by P. G Wodehouse character Jeeves - it consisted of Worcestershire sauce, raw egg and red pepper. Australia - Vegemite on toast Vegemite is full of salt and B vitamins - things that need replenishing as they are used up quickly when the body processes alcohol, says medical nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer In 2018, medical nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer ranked the best hangover dishes in the world. Her number one? The Aussie classic, Vegemite on toast. 'Australia's Vegemite on toast is top of our list for best hangover cures proving that the simpler, the better,' she said. 'Vegemite is full of salt and B vitamins - things that need replenishing as they are used up quickly when the body processes alcohol.' You'll also get a good dose of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium, which are known to help keep the skin and eyes healthy. Smother it in cheese and you'll replenish your protein and fats, too. North Carolina, America - biscuits and gravy Biscuits and white gravy are 'quintessential Southern comfort foods that just feel right' (stock image) Sarah Murphy, creator of North Carolina travel blog Explore More NC, rhapsodised about their local cure, telling MailOnline Travel: 'As any local will tell you, nothing treats a morning-after quite like a biscuit from Bojangles [a Southeastern American chain restaurant] - whether it's their signature buttermilk biscuit or a savory filet biscuit sandwich.' According to Sarah, biscuits and gravy - soft dough biscuits covered in white gravy, made from the drippings of cooked pork sausage - are 'quintessential Southern comfort foods that just feel right'. Korea - Haejang-Guk (hangover soup) Judy Joo, founder of Korean restaurant Seoul Bird, explains: 'In Korea our hair of the dog is a little different... it's called Haejang-Guk and it means "soup to chase the hangover".' Judy Joo, founder of Korean restaurant Seoul Bird, said: 'In Korea our hair of the dog is a little different, we actually have a soup which is specifically for hangovers! 'It's called Haejang-Guk and it means "soup to chase the hangover". It usually consists of dried Napa cabbage, vegetables and meat in a hearty beef broth.' Italy - spaghetti aglio olio peperoncino Matteo Delnevo, founder of Delnevos, told MailOnline: 'Im from Italy and when I feel fragile there is only one thing for it, a bowl of Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino' The Italian panacea for the morning tremblies is pasta-tively delicious. Matteo Delnevo, founder of Italian food company Delnevos, told MailOnline Travel: 'Im from Italy and when I feel fragile there is only one thing for it, a bowl of spaghetti aglio olio peperoncino. Its a comforting and hearty dish made with al dente spaghetti, tossed in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of black pepper.' Jersey - Shucked oysters and Guinness Oysters and Guinness is a hangover winner for the Mail's Hugo Brown The Mail's Assistant Travel Editor Hugo Brown cites a particularly effective dish he had in Jersey - freshly shucked oysters, eaten on the beach, washed down with a pint of Guinness. Nauseating or curative? He insists the latter (and stresses the meal isn't a regular occurrence). Spain - Tortilla de Patata (Spanish omelette) One classic dish that never fails is tortilla de patata, also known as a Spanish omelette,' says one Spanish travel expert Lucia Polla, founder of Viva La Vita, is a Spanish travel expert. She told MailOnline Travel: We Spaniards sure know a thing or two about curing hangovers after a long night of fun! One classic dish that never fails is tortilla de patata, also known as a Spanish omelette. This hearty potato and egg breakfast is a favourite around here for good reason. The combination of fluffy eggs, sliced potatoes, onions, and olive oil gives you just what you need to feel human again... as comforting as a hug from your grandma.' It's considered a delicacy in Spain to undercook the eggs - the runnier, the better. Consequently in Madrid there has been a rash of salmonella cases connected to raw egg in tortillas, so eat under advisement or the hangover may mutate. Thailand - khao dtom (Thai rice soup) Andy Oliver, co-founder of Thai restaurants som saa and Kolae , likes to ease post-drinking distress with 'Thai rice soup (khao dtom) when I'm feeling a little worse for wear' Andy Oliver, co-founder of Thai restaurants som saa and Kolae, likes to ease post-drinking distress with traditional Thai dishes. He said: I'm a big fan of Thai rice soup or khao dtom when I'm feeling a little worse for wear. 'It's essentially cooked rice simmered in a light stock, seasoned with soy and white pepper, and then adorned with all sorts of good things - like fried garlic, roasted chilli powder, finely sliced spring onions, ginger. Japan - clam miso soup, ochazuke, and umeboshi pickled plums Clam miso soup, a popular Japanese hangove salve Wayne Kask, creator of travel blog Always On The Shore, has travelled extensively in Japan. Instead of anything deep-fried or cheese-stuffed, he says, there they reach for 'gentle yet nourishing sustenance' such as clam miso soup, ochazuke - rice topped with broth and seaweed or fish - or umeboshi pickled plums, which Wayne told MailOnline are 'high in digestive-aiding enzymes and compounds'. Portugal - francesinha The francesinha is an indulgent toastie hangover cure unique to Porto - and endorsed by the late, great Anthony Bourdain The francesinha - unique to Porto, Portugal - is the ultimate hangover toastie. It's made by layering bread with pork, smoked sausage, bacon, and topping it off with a medium-rare beefsteak. More bread, then melted cheese is added before it's finally drowned in a molten, spiced tomato-and-beer sauce and served with a side of fries. The francesinha was endorsed by the late, great Anthony Bourdain, who said: 'Meat, cheese, fat, and bread. It's the immortal combination.' It begs the question whether curing a hangover is worth inducing a cardiac arrest. Advertisement The alleged rape of two Kentucky moms during a cruise vacation in the Bahamas that has dominated headlines this month - along with 18 murders in the country since the beginning of the year - serve as a stark reminder that vacation hot spots aren't always as safe as they seem. And in a bid to keep travelers safe, the US Government regularly updates its travel advisories based on various risk indicators such as terrorism and health scares, with the warning levels being: 1. Exercise Normal Precautions; 2. Exercise Increased Caution; 3. Reconsider Travel; and 4. Do Not Travel. Currently, the Bahamas has a 'Level 2' status, with the advisory warning travelers to 'be vigilant' as 'violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.' They are instructed to 'not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is,' and to not 'physically resist any robbery attempt.' Currently, the Bahamas has a 'Level 2' status, with the advisory warning travelers to 'be vigilant' But along with Bahamas, a string of other popular destinations share a Level 2 status, with some of the surprising spots being Italy, Denmark, France, Spain, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, Morocco and the Maldives due to 'terrorism.' For those considering trips to these places, the advisories tell travelers to be aware of their surroundings 'when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues,' to 'follow the instructions of local authorities,' to 'monitor local media for breaking events' and to adjust plans accordingly. Other popular but slightly more exotic destinations in the Level 2 category include Peru with 'crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping' in some areas, the Dominican Republic due to violent crimes, and the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime, predominantly in the capital Providenciales. Holiday destinations deemed safest and with Level 1 status, include Australia, the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Japan, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Barbados, Bermuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Argentina, and Canada. At the other end of the scale, there are 19 countries with 'do not travel' warnings. The list of no-go zones comprise Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma, Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. Most of the reasons include a heightened risk of terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. There are 19 countries with 'do not travel' warnings. The list of no-go zones includes Venezuela The UK has been designated Level 2 status due to 'terrorism,' according to the State Department In the Government's 'reconsider travel,' Level 3 category there are currently 24 countries. One of the newer countries added to the list is Jamaica However, there are risks unique to individual countries. For instance, Iran's advisory warns of the risk of 'surrogacy tourism,' along with terrorism, civil unrest and 'the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens.' It states: 'Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry. 'Private companies that arrange such visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.' Meanwhile, Yemen's advisory warns travelers that landmines 'exist throughout' the country. In the Government's 'reconsider travel,' Level 3 category there are currently 24 countries. One of the newer countries added to the list is Jamaica. Last month, the government upped its travel 'alert' rating to 'level 3' meaning Americans should now actively reconsider visiting 'due to crime and [unreliable] medical services.' One particularly concerning passage of advice published by the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica stated that 'sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,' adding that local police 'often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.' Meanwhile the Maldives also has a Level 2 warning, and like the UK, the department cites 'terrorism' as the reason The other countries with Level 3 are Guinea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea-Bissau. South Africa was the latest country to see its status change on February 5, with the Department of State saying it was 'updated to reflect safety consideration when using GPS navigation,' adding it can 'lead to unsafe routes.' 'GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime,' the advisory read. 'There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime. The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). 'Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport.' There's also another level known as 'other,' which is reserved for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; Mexico and China. Of the former, the Department of State warns: 'Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. 'Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. 'Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.' As for Mexico, the department says 'violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery is widespread and common in Mexico.' 'The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.' It adds: 'U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands.' With China, the department has urged people to reconsider their travel plans to the country 'due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.' Before launching to stardom in one of Hollywood's most beloved film franchises, this famous actor was better known for his impressive dance moves. Back in the Eighties, this performer spent his youth break dancing at Columbus Circle and, across town, at Washington Square Park. In a resurfaced video of the entertainer instructing others on how to break dance, he looks completely unrecognizable without his trademark bald head and ripped physique. While his muscles could, now, rival a professional bodybuilder, the kid in the video was just a tall, lanky teenager trying to impress audiences by doing the upside down worm on the floor. Can you guess who the ambitious young man with the sweatband over his head is? Before launching to stardom in one of Hollywood's most beloved film franchise, this famous actor was better known for his dance moves Back in the Eighties, this performer spent his youth break dancing at Columbus Circle in Columbus Circle and, across town, at Washington Square Park It's Vin Diesel! Best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise, alongside the late Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Tyrese Gibson. Over the years, the father-of-three, 56, has spoken about his past as a break dancer on various talk shows, including an appearance on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno in 2011. After Leno pulled out the VHS tape featuring a group of young dancers, including a baby-faced Diesel, the actor began to laugh as he dubbed that period of his life 'the good ole days.' Four years later, Kelly Ripa and her then-cohost Michael Strahan pulled out that same old tape and asked about what it was like being a street performer. 'It was my first gig,' he said. 'Those are the good days... people know that I was a bouncer but the real reason I started bouncing was because I loved to dance and I would dance for free.' In 2021, Jimmy Fallon asked about the video, and asked Diesel if he remembered making it. 'Yes, I do remember doing this. It was the highlight of my life!' he mused. Diesel made his stage debut at age seven, at Theater for the New City in Greenwich Village, when he appeared in the children's play Dinosaur Door It is Vin Diesel! Best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise, alongside the late Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Tyrese Gibson The star is pictured with Walker in 2001's The Fast And The Furious According to the Vin Diesel Handbook, he broke into the theater with his brother and friends with the intent to vandalize it. After getting caught by a play director, they were offered roles in the next show instead of having the police called on them. He continued to stay involved with the theater while attending Hunter College, where he studied creative writing, for three years. At that time, he worked at a nightclub called The Tunnel. Diesel, who is considered one of the world's highest-grossing actors, rose to fame after appearing in Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan in 1998. Then, he landed films such as Boiler Room, The Pacifier, Find Me Guilty as well as voice work for video games like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena and the voices of Groot I and Groot II in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Jen Shah is reflecting on the time she has spent behind bars one a year after reporting to a federal prison in Texas. The former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member, 50, has shared an essay with People magazine describing her experiences and what she has learned during her incarceration. 'I have been away from my family for one year,' the former reality star wrote. 'The depth of my pain is unrelenting and indescribable. However, throughout this painful process, God has substantially increased my humility, gratitude, and courage.' The inmate, who has another four-and-a-half years to go on her sentence for fraud and money laundering, linked to a telemarketing scheme said that 'Upon entering FPC Bryan, I wholeheartedly believed that no one was suffering as badly as I was.' 'I quickly recognized that so many women are here battling and overcoming circumstances far worse than mine,' she said. 'Their resilience inspires and truly humbles me.' Jen Shah is reflecting on the time she has spent behind bars one a year after reporting to a federal prison in Texas, sharing an essay with People about the lessons she's learned The Utah-born entrepreneur has held tightly to her Muslim faith, 'Recognizing that God continues to bless me not withstanding my wretched and unpredictable surroundings; expressing sincere gratitude has been my most effective coping mechanism. 'Despair and depression are companions that strive to capture my undivided attention every single day,' she explained but, 'Praying five times a day helps keep these and other emotional serpents at bay. I am most grateful for the aspects of my life that have never left me: My Family and Faith. Thank you God.' 'In my daily prayers,' she continued, 'I ask God for the courage to realize I am worthy of a second chance. Through the countless therapy sessions and classes I have taken, I am finding the courage to set my fear and guilt aside.' 'My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes unimaginable courage to smile, and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances.' Jen shared a photo of herself and another inmate, Ashley Rhea Johnson ('AJ'), 37, from a Barbie themed hair show competition. AJ gave People permission to publish the snap. 'This photo was taken nearly eight months after I surrendered. My husband's advice finally settled into my heart and I found the courage to smile, find genuine joy and laughter by participating in a Barbie Hair Show Competition as "Adventure Barbie".' 'My Barbie team and I razzle-dazzled the Real Hair Updo category with a fully choreographed routine to Latto's "Big Energy!" It brought me so much joy to put smiles on my fellow inmates faces. (And yes, we won our category.)' The reality star is married to Sharrieff Shah, 53, and the two share sons, Sharrieff, Jr, 29 and Omar, 19. Other highlights from the year including message from 50 friends for her 50th birthday in October. The former Real Housewives of SLC cast member said she has relied of her Muslim faith and prays five times a day, 'helps keep these and other emotional serpents at bay. I am most grateful for the aspects of my life that have never left me: My Family and Faith. Thank you God' Jen is married to Sharrieff Shah, 53. 'My husband tells me every morning that I have to fight for my happiness. He said it takes unimaginable courage to smile, and find joy and laughter despite my circumstances' The couple share two sons, Sharrieff, Jr, 29 and Omar, 19 Jen has also been ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution. During her nine-year operation, her victims, many of them elderly, were convinced to invest in bogus business opportunities and spend money on services, such as web design help or tax preparation (Pictured in New York in January 2023) As she looks to the future, Jen, 'There is still so much I must learn while I am here at FPC Bryan, I am grateful God has given me a better foundation to appreciate his unwavering love and blessings to fight for that moment of happiness each day.' Jen, according to her attorney, is also determined to make restitution to her victims. The court ordered her to pay $6.6 million in restitution. She also forfeited another $6.5 million as well as 30 luxury items and 78 counterfeit luxury items. During her nine-year operation, Jen's victims, many of them elderly, were convinced to invest in bogus business opportunities and spend money on services, such as web design help or tax preparation. She also their sold contact information to others operating a the larger fraud ring. Prosecutors said the victims were targeted repeatedly until they were out of money. Much of the money she scammed was used to flaunt her lavish lifestyle on RHOSLC. Robert Irwin and and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey have announced their split after almost two years of dating. The pair made the shock announcement in a joint statement shared to Rorie's Instagram Story on Saturday morning. 'We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future,' the statement read. 'We wish to express the gratitude and respect we have for one another as we continue our journeys on different paths. 'We won't be commenting further on this, and really appreciate your respect and privacy at this time.' Robert Irwin and and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey have announced their split after almost two years of dating Robert, 20, and Rorie, 19, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official in August 2023. Prior to that, the pair made their red carpet debut at the Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One premiere in Sydney. The duo were last seen together looking smitten as they jetted out of Melbourne following their appearance at the Australian Open. At the time, Robert couldn't take his eyes off his girlfriend as the pair waited in the terminal. The pair made the shock announcement in a joint statement shared to Rorie's Instagram Story on Saturday morning Robert, 20, and Rorie, 19, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official in August 2023 Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple. In December, Woman's Day claimed that Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature. The couple went on crocodile research trip together where they uncovered 'critical data' for the Wildlife Warriors' Worldwide foundation. Mother Terri and sister Bindi, 25, had been impressed by Rorie's dedication to Australian wildlife. According to New Idea magazine, Robert was preparing to propose when his girlfriend visited him in Africa while he films I'm A Celebrity An insider claimed Rorie was 'determined to not let Robert down and show him - and his mum and sister - that she's not just some puff piece. And she blew them away.' The pair were in a long-distance relationship, with Robert based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie lives in Perth. Robert and Rorie, who is the niece of legendary Australian actor Heath Ledger, have plenty in common and both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member. Heath was at the top of his Hollywood career when he was found dead in January 2008 following an accidental prescription drug overdose. Robert's father Steve Irwin, known to the world as the 'Crocodile Hunter', died aged 44 on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray. The duo were last seen together looking smitten as they jetted out of Melbourne following their appearance at the Australian Open Rorie and Robert at the Semi Final singles match between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka during the 2024 Australian Open In November, Robert opened up about his 'amazing' girlfriend on Nova's Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie. The Wildlife Warrior expressed his joy regarding his relationship after host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli brought up the topic. 'I feel like life is amazing right now and [I'm] very, very happy,' said Robert. Following the discussion about his sister Bindi, Wippa called the relationship 'great news' then asked how serious the young zookeeper was about Buckey on a scale of 1 to 10: 'is it a 10?' Robert then gave a heartwarming answer: 'Love is not a numbers game. You just feel it.' Robert and Rorie recently travelled to Canada and the US together The pair often shared hearfelt captions and comments on each other's Instagram posts Robert and Rorie, who is the niece of legendary Australian actor Heath Ledger, have plenty in common and both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member It was rumoured Robert was preparing to pop the question to his girlfriend. According to New Idea magazine, he could have proposed when his girlfriend visited him in Africa while he films I'm A Celebrity. 'Everyone is convinced he is aiming to pop the question when they're in Africa,' an insider said. 'Robert is crazy about her and is planning something unforgettable when he formally proposes. They both know it is part of their plans so he's been dreaming up special ways to make it a surprise.' The source went on to say Robert and Rorie were taking their relationship 'very serious' and had been planning a future together. 'They have talked about where to live and even how big they want their family to be,' they added. Sir Ian McKellen has split from boyfriend Oscar Conlon-Morrey after a year together. The Lord of The Rings star, 84, met the much younger actor, 30, while playing mother and son in smash hit pantomime Mother Goose in late 2022. Things appeared to develop quickly between the pair with Oscar declaring Ian 'the new love of his life'. However the two have now gone their separate ways and calling quits on their budding romance. MailOnline have contacted Sir Ian and Oscar's representatives for comment. Sir Ian McKellen, 84, has split from toy boy boyfriend Oscar Conlon-Morrey, 30, after a year together The Lord of The Rings star met the much younger actor, 30, while playing mother and son in smash hit pantomime Mother Goose in late 2022 It comes one well-known actor who has shared the stage with Sir Ian shared his doubts over the relationship. He told MailOnline: 'Oscar has been telling friends and family of his big plans with McKellen. He's even said he thinks they'll get engaged,' But he cautioned: 'McKellen hasn't had a boyfriend in 20 years. He is really not a marriage man. He doesn't want a man living in his home. He enjoys having someone when he is on tour.' 'McKellen gets infatuated; then as quickly as he is into them, he's fallen out with them. There is no way when he is out of the bubble of doing this panto that he is going to have this guy with him in East London, rattling around,' he added. The news comes after Ian revealed he never got the chance to tell his parents he was gay as they both passed away when he was young. The actor has been open to the public about his sexuality since 1988 but sadly lost his mother Margery at age 12 and his father Denis when he was 22. When asked by Jonathan Ross if he was close with his parents, Ian said: 'As close as you can be when your mother dies at 12 and dad dies when you're 22. 'Never told them I was gay for example. Didn't see me do any of my best work. But I remember them with nothing but pleasure.' Things appeared to develop quickly between the pair with Oscar declaring Ian 'the new love of his life' (pictured together in pantomime) However according to reports the two have now gone their separate ways and calling quits on their budding romance Ian was born in Burnley and later moved to Bolton where he was raised in a religious household. The actor discussed coming out in his 40s, saying it made his relationships with his family and friends much better as he wasn't 'hiding anymore'. He said: 'I never stopped talking about it since. Made up for lost time. It changes your life utterly I discovered myself. And everything was better. 'My relationships with my family, with friends, with strangers, and my work got better as I wasn't hiding anymore. 'Up to that point, my acting had really been about disguise and then when I could feel I was myself, it came about telling the truth, which was much more interesting.' Asked if he gives advice about coming out he added: 'I keep giving them advice and saying, "Oh come on, join the modern world, it's not the same. You won't get put in prison." 'That was my dilemma when I was a kid, if I'd said I was openly gay I could have risked being prosecuted. That's not true anymore. We have very good laws in this country.' Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. Ice-T was certainly feeling the birthday love as he turned 66 on Friday, February 16 with Mariska Hargitay and wife Coco leading tributes. The O.G. Original Gangster's longtime Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star, Mariska, took to her Instagram page and shared a special b-day message to him from the set of their hit crime drama series. 'Hey guys, I'm on the set, a very glamorous set - super glamorous on a Friday,' the actress, 60, said while looking straight into the camera, while other members of the cast and crew worked on a scene just feet away. 'We're shooting in the morgue, but it's a special day today,' she continued. 'You want to know why? It's a happy day, a day to celebrate because it's Ice-T's birthday.' It's at this point that Hargitay takes a step or two to her right and wraps her right arm around Ice-T (bornTracy Lauren Marrow), who was all smiles as they proceeded to address their audience together. Mariska Hargitay, 60, took to her Instagram page to wish her longtime Law & Order: SVU co-star Ice-T a happy 66th birthday from the set of their hit crime drama series Dressed in black with a gray shirt, the New jack City alum was quick to point out all the action going on behind them. 'And guess what? I get to be with one of my favorite guest stars,' he said while pointing in the direction of the Law & Order: SVU scene. After getting playful with the camera and moving it to within feet of where they were about to shoot another take, the two actors moved back out of the way of the cameras, actors and producers. 'Don't traumatize the people,' they both said in near tandem, as they moed back out of the room. 'Anyway, I just want to tell the world how much I love Ice-T, who quickly reciprocated his love for her. 'And I wish you would all join me in wishing him a happy 87th birthday,' she said, jokingly about the 66-year-old. 'Happy birthday Icey! #ICEingOnTheCake #ICETakesTheCake #ILoveIceT #IceColdFacts #TeamAquarius #OG,' Hargitay would write in the caption of her post. The two closest people in the birthday boy's life also took to social media to share their love and tributes on his special day. 'Hey guys, I'm on the set, a very glamorous set - super glamorous on a Friday,' the actress, 60, said while looking straight into the camera, while other members of the cast and crew worked on a scene just feet away 'We're shooting in the morgue, but it's a special day today,' she continued. 'You want to know why? It's a happy day, a day to celebrate because it's Ice-T's birthday' Hargitay and Ice-T are currently shooting their 24th season of Law & Order: SVU The leading lady gave fans and followers a look at the set, which was being shot in a morgue Ice-T joined the cast of the crime drama series in the second season in 2000 Hargitay gushed over Ice-T in the caption, calling him' ICEingOnTheCake' and an 'OG' Wife Coco Austin (born Nicole Natalie Austin), 44, wrote, 'happy birthday Big Daddy,' across a video showing photos of the couple together over the years, some of which includd their daughter Chanel. 'Happy Birthday to the love of my life,' she gushed in the caption. 'Your the perfect man for me.. Hope you get everything in life you want cuz you deserve it!' She added, 'Chanel loves you and thinks your the best "Big Daddy" ever lol . LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!' Chanel, eight, also got in on the love fest for her dad in the comments section. 'Dear Daddy, thank you for being the coolest dad!..I'm not a good writer but i do know that I love you! Happy Birthday - Chanel,' the little girl said of her father. Touched by the birthday message from the youngest of his three kids, the Newark, New Jersey native, who also grew up in Los Angeles, singled out the photo they posted showing Chanel on Ice's lap as they both gave a thumbs up. 'This has gotta be my FAVORITE pic video ever! I LOVE you BabyGirl and your Mom.. The Video editor,' he responded with obvious emotion in his words. Ice-T became a first-time parent in 1976 with the birth of his daughter, LeTesha, 47, whom he shares with his high school girlfriend Adrienne. Wife Coco Austin, 44, called her husband 'the love of my life' on his birthday His eight-year-old daughter, Chanel, called her father 'the coolest dad!' Along with daughter Chanel, Ice-T has a daughter, LeTesha, 47, whom he shares with his high school girlfriend Adrienne, and a son Tracy Jr., 32, with ex-girlfriend Darlene Ortiz in 1991 The rapper and actor singled out his daughter's post as being 'favorite pic video ever' He then welcomed a son, Tracy Jr., 32, with ex-girlfriend Darlene Ortiz in 1991. The Body Count frontman first met his future wife on the set of a music video in 2001, on a day when he wasn't in the best mood, so his friend brought Coco over to cheer him up. Normally, the Gotta Lotta Love rapper doesn't like to be introduced to new people because 'you feel accommodated to be nice,' but on this day he found it difficult to remain composed when he got a first-look at Coco, according to People. 'Would you ever consider dating a gangster rapper?' he asked the model, to which she responded that she would if he was nice. 'I said, "Well, baby, if you take the 'n' off 'nice', you get 'Ice,"' he recalled. The line made Austin laugh. 'I couldn't believe he just came with that line out of nowhere," she later wrote on her blog. "I thought it was cute, kind of cheesy in a cornball kind of way but from that moment he had my attention.' Katie Holmes showed off her sense of style alongside her lookalike daughter, Suri Cruise, as the two enjoyed an outing together in NYC on Friday. The Dawson's Creek actress, 45 - who recently turned heads in a lace ensemble at the star-studded Michael Kors runway show - flashed a cheerful smile while strolling next to the 17-year-old in the Big Apple. The star notably shares Suri with her ex-husband Tom Cruise - whom she was married to from 2006 until their divorce was finalized in 2012. Holmes donned a pair of loose-fitting, dark denim trousers as well as a striped button up and gray-patterned sweater to help her stay warm in the cooler temperatures. She layered the ensemble with a green jacket that she opted to leave unzipped at the front. Katie Holmes, 45, showed off her sense of style alongside her lookalike daughter, Suri Cruise, 17, as the pair stepped out for an outing together in NYC on Friday The mother-of-one wore a pair of black and white-striped, Adidas sneakers to help her stay comfortable during the daytime excursion. Katie added a cap on top of her head that partially covered her long, brunette locks that fell down straight past her shoulders. The star chose to not add any flashy pieces of jewelry to the outfit, and opted to not carry a heavy purse or handbag with her. Her mini-me daughter - who will turn 18 later this year in April - sported a black velvet dress which was worn on top of a white shirt. Suri also added a denim jacket on top and completed the ensemble by slipping into a pair of brown cowboy boots. The pair were seen strolling along a busy sidewalk in the city while holding a lighthearted conversation with each other. Earlier this week on Monday, the mother daughter duo were also spotted enjoying quality time on a relaxing walk while wearing denim looks. Late last year in December, it was revealed that Suri has been getting ready for college and plans to attend a school in Fall 2024. The Dawson's Creek actress donned a pair of loose-fitting, dark denim trousers as well as a striped button up and gray-patterned sweater to help her stay warm in the cooler temperatures 'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective,' the insider continued, while adding that the actress is 'overwhelmed' by the idea of Suri going to college; the pair seen in 2017 in NYC A source told DailyMail.com at the time that the 17-year-old has been 'leaning towards' staying in New York City to study fashion. 'Suri is applying to schools all over the place. [Katie] really does want her to stay in New York so they can be close to each other.' 'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective,' the insider continued, while adding that the actress is 'overwhelmed' by the idea of Suri going to college. The star opened up about her protectiveness over her daughter while talking to Glamour last year in April. 'What has been really important for me with my daughter, because she was so visible at a young age, is I really like to protect her.' The First Daughter actress further expressed, 'I'm very grateful to be a parent, to be her parent. She's an incredible person.' Holmes also discussed Suri showing off her vocal skills in two of her recent films that she directed: Alone Together (2022) and Rare Objects (2023). 'I hope she always does something on my films. I always ask her.' 'But both of those experiences came out of the same sense of what I love about our industry, which is, you have these projects and you become a family with people.' The star notably shares Suri with her ex-husband Tom Cruise - whom she was married to from 2006 until their divorce was finalized in 2012; former couple seen with Suri in 2007 Before Katie's latest outing with her lookalike daughter, the Batman Begins actress has been filtering through a busy schedule during New York Fashion Week - which came to an end earlier this week on Wednesday; seen earlier this month in NYC 'So it comes out of love for me to include someone who I love dearly. That's how I like to work. I like to have that kind of feeling. It was very meaningful to me to have her there, because she's my heart.' Katie welcomed her daughter in 2006 with now ex-husband Tom Cruise. Following their divorce in 2012, the Top Gun actor pays $33k-a-month in child support for Suri - but will come to an end once she turns 18 in April. However, he will also pay his daughter's college tuition, DailyMail.com previously learned, despite being absent from Suri's life since 2013. Before Katie's latest outing with her lookalike daughter, the Batman Begins actress has been filtering through a busy schedule during New York Fashion Week - which came to an end earlier this week on Wednesday. Holmes also attended the Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2024 runway event (seen above) alongside other celebrities, such as Blake Lively and her sister Robyn Lively The beauty made an appearance at a variety of events, such as the Prada Beauty Party as well as the Ulla Johnson Fall/Winter 2024 show. Holmes also attended the Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2024 runway event alongside other celebrities, such as Blake Lively and her sister Robyn Lively. She wowed in a sheer, black ensemble that was made of a lace material and layered the outfit with a black blazer that was left unbuttoned. Katie slipped into a pair of open-toed, white heels and carried a white clutch bag in her hand for a final touch. The star added a bold red tint to her lips that added a pop of color to the monochromatic look. Advertisement Jackie 'O' Henderson made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out for her 49th birthday party on Saturday. The radio queen, who turned 49 on January 31, kicked off celebrations by hosting a lavish boat party with celebrity guests and close family and friends on Sydney Harbour. She was all smiles as she arrived at Circular Quay with her daughter Kitty, 13, ahead of the super yacht Ghost 11's departure. Jackie showed off her trim figure in a $595 Christopher Esber T-shirt that featured 'crushed' fabric and ripe bananas printed on the front. She paired her look with a micro mini-skirt of the same design, which retails at $495. Jackie 'O' Henderson made sure all eyes were on her as she stepped out for her 49th birthday party on Saturday The radio queen, who turned 49 on January 31, kicked off celebrations by hosting a lavish boat party surrounded by a slew of celebrity guests on Sydney Harbour. Accessorising with bright yellow sunglasses, Jackie also rocked nude strappy heels and a small white handbag. The blonde beauty had her hair styled in a chic half ponytail, showing off her bold gold earrings. Jackie's daughter Kitty echoed her look in a satin yellow dress, while her hair was slicked back in a tight high ponytail. Kyle Sandilands and his wife Tegan Kynaston lead the arrivals at the boat's meetup point. Jackie wore a $595 Christopher Esber T-shirt that featured 'crushed' fabric and ripe bananas printed on the front. She paired her look with a micro mini skirt of the same design, which retails at $495 Jackie's daughter Kitty (left) echoed her look in a satin yellow dress, while her hair was slicked back in a tight high ponytail Kyle Sandilands and his wife Tegan Kynaston lead the arrivals at the boat's meetup point. Both pictured Kyle looked boat party read in a pale blue collared shirt and navy shorts The 52-year-old radio shock jock, who co-hosts the Kyle and Jackie O show, looked boat party ready in a pale blue collared shirt that featured pink and yellow floral detailing. He paired his look with navy shorts, black sneakers and sunglasses. Meanwhile, Tegan looked stunning in a black, white and gold mini-dress. The mother-of-one showed off her ample cleavage with a very plunging neckline that ended just above her belly button while completing the outfit with a pair of chunky black heels. Jackie was thrilled to see her radio co-host upon his arrival Kyle threw his arms around Jackie as the pair shared a warm embrace Her hair was loosely curled in a soft wave and she accessorised with thick, black sunglasses and a subtle but elegant wristwatch. Jackie was thrilled to see her radio co-host upon his arrival as Kyle threw his arms around her, sharing a warm embrace. John Ibrahim and his partner Sarah Budge were also among the big names at the party. John Ibrahim with partner Sarah Budge were among the big names at the party The pair were seen chatting with Kyle, who appeared to be smoking a cigarette before boarding the boat and chatting onboard with other guests The trio looked to be having a very animated conversation The pair were seen chatting with Kyle, who appeared to be smoking a cigarette before boarding the boat and chatting onboard with other guests. P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards was also at the party, wearing brown cargo pants and a loose fitted green, black and white top. Jackie's bestie Gemma O'Neill wowed in a figure-hugging black dress that featured red, yellow and turquoise patterns, as well and silver rings running down the side of her leg. Her hair was styled in loose curls and a middle part, while she accessorised with transparent, green-tinted sunglasses. Pip Edwards stepped out in brown cargo pants and a green, black and white loose fitted top Kyle's close friend and drug trafficker Simon Main is pictured boarding the superyacht with his partner Jackie's bestie Gemma O'Neill wowed in a figure-hugging black dress that featured red, yellow and turquoise patterns Jackie's party has been the talk of the town for the past month. In January, she was forced to play the role of mediator when her radio colleagues began stressing out about whether they would be able to attend the birthday party. The media personality revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that tensions had surfaced as several of her co-workers were double-booked on the day of her bash. 'You're all invited to Jackie's boat party. There's a few people that you're questioning if they're locked in or not, they're wishy-washy,' co-host Kyle said at the time. Jackie's party has been the talk of the town for the past month In January, she was forced to play the role of mediator when her radio colleagues began stressing out about whether they would be able to attend the birthday party 'Can everybody just relax? Everyone has been really committed about it except for two people, our producer Pedro, who never wants to socialise, and Intern Pete, who has something else on,' Jackie responded. Jackie said the pair were worried about not being able to attend, which was causing some chaos in the studio. The blonde beauty then reassured her two co-workers that while she would love them to attend there would be no hard feelings if they couldn't. 'It's okay, there's no pressure. It doesn't matter if you're there or not but you will be missed,' she said. 'We would love you both there but it's totally fine if you're not. Don't feel bad or anything.' Pip was seen sipping on champagne while chatting with the birthday girl Jackie did the rounds and made sure she spoke with all her guests The pair thanked Jackie for putting their minds at ease and promised her they would do their best to make it. Jackie turned 49 in January and recently reflected on how she stays looking so youthful. Speaking with Daily Mail Australia at Luke McLeod's book launch for Everyday Enlightenment, being happy and positive has helped her look so young. 'I'm a smoker of all things and I haven't really looked after my body over the years,' she revealed. 'But I've always been a very, positive kind of person and generally happy. I couldn't attribute [my youthful looks] to anything else, to be honest.' Kyle and John posed for photos together on the superyacht Guests seemed to enjoy Jackie's big day out on the water Tegan carried a black leather Louis Vuitton handbag and was seen having a long chat with Jackie and Gemma She also revealed how meditation has helped her alleviate a lot of stress over the years. 'I think that meditation for sure gets you to a much calmer, joyful place in your life and that alleviates a lot of stress,' Jackie said. 'And as we know, stress is the number one factor for ageing and health problems in general. So I'm big believer in meditation.' Jackie also said she is excited about turning 50 next year and is 'grateful' for what she's achieved. 'I've had a wonderful life and I really appreciate what I do have in my life. I'm grateful that I've lived 50 years and so I'm not afraid of it at all,' she said. 'I'm happy to embrace it as every decade brings something new.' Jackie turned 49 in January and recently reflected on how she stays looking so youthful Jackie was so happy with the amazing turnout Several KIIS FM radio staff appeared to attend the event, including newsreader Brooklyn Ross Ellie Leach has teased a return to Coronation Street now the Strictly Come Dancing live tour has ended. Actress Ellie, 22, triumphed on the BBC ballroom dance contest with her professional dancer partner Vito Coppola in December last year. She previously played Faye Windass in ITV soap Corrie from 2011 until April last year, with her final scenes airing the following month. However, her character was written out meaning she could possibly return at some point, and Ellie may be open to the idea. She said during an appearance on The One Show on Friday: 'I mean never say never! She didnt die! Ellie Leach has teased a return to Coronation Street now the Strictly Come Dancing live tour has ended (pictured on The One Show on Friday) She previously played Faye Windass in ITV soap Corrie from 2011 until April last year, with her final scenes airing the following month (pictured on Coronation Street last year) Actress Ellie, 22, triumphed on the BBC ballroom dance contest with her professional dancer partner Vito Coppola in December last year (Ellie and Vito pictured during the Strictly final) 'I spent so many amazing years there and grew up there. They will always be like my family! It was an amazing experience there.' After Ellie's final scenes aired in May last year, she wrote to fans on social media: 'Just want to say a massive, massive thank you to everyone who has watched Corrie over the past 12 years and supported me. 'And also to my Corrie family, I am going to miss you all so much. 'And yeah just thank you so much to everyone who has always said nice words and really supported me.' It comes after Ellie and Bobby Brazier addressed their rumoured romance on Monday night, after weeks of speculation that they are dating. The two Strictly Come Dancing stars both appeared at the TV Choice Awards in London, but arrived separately. Bobby, 20, was asked about his feelings towards the actress, 22, and praised her as 'beautiful and amazing', while avoiding denying the romance rumours. Speaking to The Sun, the EastEnders star gushed: 'Ellie is a sweetheart, look at hershes beautiful, shes amazing, shes good at what she does. Shes a good dancer. She is a lovely lovely friend of mine.' Ellie and Bobby addressed their rumoured romance on Monday night, after weeks of speculation that they are dating Bobby, 20, was asked about his feelings towards the actress, 22, and praised her as 'beautiful and amazing', while avoiding denying the romance rumours When grilled on whether he could see them becoming more than just friends, he teased: 'I dont knowyoull have to see what she says.' Bobby also refused to confirm if he intended on starting a relationship, quickly changing the topic to his career. He said: 'UmmmIve got some things to do. Ive got career things to do, Ive got personal things to do, Ive got Godly things to do. Im going back to EastEnders. Ive missed them so much.' Meanwhile, Ellie also avoided explicitly confirming or denying a relationship with Bobby, telling the publication: 'Were all on tour together, its been really nice to actually spend time with each other. 'During the show, youre with your partner all the time really and you dont really get to see any of the other pros or the celebrities. 'So on tour we have really bonded and it does feel like a big family. Its been so much fun.' Speculation about Ellie and Bobby began in early January when insiders reported they had become close performing Strictly Come Dancing Live! The pair are said to be in a secret romance and have enjoyed a 'string of dates' while touring the country. Bobby also refused to confirm if he intended on starting a relationship, quickly changing the topic to his career (pictured last September at National Television Awards) Meanwhile, Ellie also avoided explicitly confirming or denying a relationship with Bobby, but admitted they 'really bonded' on the tour They have been pictured enjoying time together away from their Strictly co-stars, cosying up on a low-key date at Nando's last month and arriving at the hotels together. Bobby has also gotten very close to Ellie's family, with the pair being spotted with her parents heading to their hotel in London together on Sunday. The soap star Bobby seemed to be making quite the impression as he was spotted holding hands with her mum Karen, 50. Later that day, Bobby shared a sweet snap of Ellie on Instagram from behind the scenes of the Strictly show at The O2 Arena. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as Bobby took a snap off-guard, captioning the post 'yogi Ellie', as she sat with her legs crossed. While last month, Bobby was reportedly seen knocking on Ellie's hotel room door in just his pants, while staying at the Malmaison hotel in Birmingham. To celebrate the tour kicking off, a party was thrown in the hotel bar when the soap star was spotted in his underwear on the sixth floor. Speculation about Ellie and Bobby began in early January when insiders reported they had become close performing Strictly Come Dancing Live! (pictured with Robbie Kmetoni and Kai Widdrington) A hotel guest told The Sun: 'Bobby was in our corridor knocking on Ellie's door after their late-night bash at the hotel. 'Bobby was clearly not shy about nearly being in the buff as we were making our way down to breakfast.' Ellie and Bobby's comments on their relationship come after Ellie's professional dance partner Vito Coppola declared his love for her after the Strictly tour ended this weekend. The pro dancer, 31, won the latest series of the competition with the Coronation Street star in December and they sparked their own romance rumours during their time on the dance floor. Filming backstage before their final performance together at the O2, Vito kissed Ellie on the cheek as they both struggled to choke back tears. He told her: 'Baby, are we about to perform our last show together? I love you so much.' Later that day, Bobby shared a sweet snap of Ellie on Instagram from behind the scenes of the Strictly show at The O2 Arena, captioning the post 'yogi Ellie', as she sat with her legs crossed As an emotional Ellie replied: 'I love you' before going on to say how lucky she felt for her experience on the show alongside Vito. In the caption, Vito wrote: 'It has been just perfect right? Love you baby and always remember our promise: always there for each other'. No more words needed! Good night baby.' Addressing their fans, he added: 'Good night beautiful people. You have been with us in every single moment since the beginning of our journey'. Ellie shared the video to her Instagram Stories, and added the caption: 'This man is one of a kind and I love him very very much'. Gary Rohan has confirmed that he has welcomed a baby boy with his wife Madi Bennett after their miscarriage heartbreak. The AFL star, 32, took to Instagram on Saturday to share the jovial baby news with his 49,000 followers in a heartwarming post. Gary announced that he was expecting his first child and 'rainbow baby' with Madi in August, after the couple suffered a devastating missed miscarriage. Gary also lost a child with his ex-wife Amie in 2018. Announcing their son's birth, Gary shared a snap of himself and Madi beaming from ear-to-ear as they posed with their newborn baby, who was sleeping in his pram. In an accompanying caption, Gary confirmed the little one's arrival as he simply wrote: 'Home time with our little man.' Gary Rohan has confirmed that he has welcomed a baby boy with his wife Madi Bennett after their miscarriage heartbreak, sharing a snap of them taking their newborn child home (above) The proud father - who also shares daughters Sadie and Bella with his ex-wife Amie - has not yet confirmed their baby boy's name or when he was born. His friends and fans were quick to take to the comments section to share their congratulatory messages with the happy couple. They gushed: 'He's here!!! Congratulations you two'; 'Congratulations to you all'; 'Oh my goodness congratulations'; 'Beautiful family congratulations, he is beyond perfect.' Geelong Cats player Gary confirmed that he and Madi were expecting a child together in a post shared to Instagram in August. Sharing a picture of their ultrasound scan, he wrote: 'Grow'n a Rohan. Our rainbow baby is on the way.' He continued: 'What felt like the longest journey to hearing your heart beat, was worth every second to soon have you in our arms. 'We are so excited to be your Mum and Dad.' Gary first went public with Geelong physio Madi in 2021, and the happy couple officially tied the knot in December of 2022 Gary also shared a lengthy paragraph about the child he lost with his ex-wife Amie, who tragically died shortly after Amy gave birth to twins. The infant, a daughter named Willow, had a fatal neural tube defect known as anencephaly, which has no known cure. 'I want to take a moment to acknowledge those who see this post with a broken heart of their own,' Gary wrote. 'A feeling of which I know all too well. When it feels like the whole world is falling pregnant, and you're suffering unimaginable grief after losing your own, it's the hardest post to see. 'I just want to say to all of those who know this feeling, or are feeling it now, please know you are not alone. I hear you, I see you, I feel you. We are 1 in 4.' Gary and Amie were high school sweethearts and were married for four years before splitting in 2020. He then went public with Geelong physio Madi in 2021, and the happy couple officially tied the knot in December 2022. Gary announced that he was expecting his first child and 'rainbow baby' with Madi in August (ultrasound pictured), after the couple suffered a devastating missed miscarriage They announced their baby news in August 2023, and have since both spoken openly about a devastating miscarriage they suffered last year. Gary recently spoke about how the heartbreaking miscarriage brought up the devastating memories of losing his daughter Willow just hours after her birth. 'I lost a child with my last partner, so obviously this brought back a lot of memories,' he told News Corp. 'Willow, she had anencephaly where part of the skull doesn't mould together. We knew she wouldn't have life after birth. 'We had five amazing hours with Willow before she grew her wings and left.' Madi previously explained how she had suffered a 'missed miscarriage', which occurs when a fetus is no longer alive but the body still thinks it's pregnant. 'I had what they call a missed miscarriage,' she told the Missta Mums podcast. Madi previously explained how she had suffered a 'missed miscarriage', which occurs when a fetus is no longer alive but the body still thinks it's pregnant 'My body was still 100 per cent going ahead with the pregnancy and growing and hormones were elevating and doing everything they should have but my body hadn't registered that I'd lost the baby. 'I kept growing and still having all of my symptoms.' She said she had to go through a devastating two-week wait to know for sure whether she had miscarried. 'The two weeks to wait for that second scan had literally driven me insane,' she said. 'Anymore waiting I couldn't hack it.' Madi admitted that she had no idea the experience was so common and wasn't sure if she would share the news with others. She said: 'It's something you can't understand unless you've been through it. You hear the stories and you definitely sympathise with others going through it but it hit me like a whole ton of bricks. Gary and his ex-wife Amie also devastatingly lost a daughter called Willow in 2018, just hours after Amie gave birth to twins 'My heart broke at that point especially because I know there must have been women around me who'd been through this and I didn't know and I wasn't there to support them.' 'It is such a taboo topic. Before this pregnancy I had a miscarriage of my own and felt like there was nothing out there. There was nothing I could resonate with, nothing I could understand a bit about the process and how common it is. 'You're not alone, one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage.' Gary's ex-wife Amie is also currently expecting a baby with partner Jaison Todd, and she opened up about her pregnancy earlier this month. 'I love being pregnant. I feel my most womanly and most wholesome when I'm pregnant' she told the Herald Sun. 'I'm feeling so much elation this entire pregnancy and there's so many big life changes for us.' Gary and Amie were high school sweethearts and were married for four years before splitting in 2020. They also share daughters Sadie and Bella together Gary's ex-wife Amie is also expecting a baby with partner Jaison Todd, and recently revealed she is overjoyed to be pregnant again Amie, who confirmed her baby news in December, said that she and Jaison are considering marriage and already living together. 'With everything I've been through we're taking each day as it come,' she said. 'It's not something where I need to cement what we are. He's such a gentleman and everything that's happened with him is divine timing. 'I said I'd never get married again but who knows, I'm not closed off to the thought of it.' Michael Turnbull and his pregnant fiancee Charlotte Cushing looked as loved-up as ever as they hosted a baby shower ahead of welcoming their baby boy. The Bachelorette star, 42, confirmed he and Charlotte are expecting their first child together in October and later announced they will be welcoming a son. Now, the overjoyed couple have hosted a lavish baby shower with their loved ones as they count down the days until welcoming their baby boy. Sweet photographs from the joyful party, shared exclusively with Daily Mail Australia, showed the couple looking as cosy as ever as they packed on the PDA. Michael cut a dapper figure in a cream polo shirt and white shorts as he posed with his arm wrapped around his fiancee, who he asked to marry him in October. Michael Turnbull and his pregnant fiancee Charlotte Cushing looked as loved-up as ever as they hosted a baby shower ahead of welcoming their baby boy Sweet photographs from the joyful party, shared exclusively with Daily Mail Australia, showed the couple looking as cosy as ever as they packed on the PDA Michael cut a dapper figure in a cream polo shirt and white shorts as he sweetly planted a kiss on Charlotte's stomach Charlotte showed off her growing baby bump in a stunning white halter-neck dress, which she styled with silver studded heels. She appeared over the moon as she flashed a huge smile and clutched a bouquet of flowers and a teddy bear in one hand as she was showered in gifts. They shared a passionate smooch while Michael also sweetly knelt down and planted a kiss on Charlotte's stomach in one sweet snap. The couple posed in front of a display of blue and yellow balloons and a cubed sign spelling out 'baby' as they pulled out all the stops for the lavish shower. They had a green iced cake complete with an adorable sign reading 'baby Turnbull' while the place settings featured intricately iced pregnancy-themed biscuits. Guests were also given the chance to make their predictions about the unborn child, as questions including which parent the baby will look more like featured on a card. Just days after announcing the pregnancy in October, the happy couple revealed that they are having a baby boy together with a lavish gender reveal party. Charlotte showed off her growing baby bump in a stunning white halter-neck dress, which she styled with silver studded heels They also had a green iced cake with an adorable sign reading 'baby Turnbull' as they pulled out all the stops for the sweet baby shower Guests were also given the chance to make their predictions about the unborn child, as questions including which parent the baby will look more like featured on the place settings Sharing snaps of the special day to Instagram, the couple looked overjoyed as they popped a balloon containing blue confetti, revealing they're having a little boy. Surrounded by family and friends, the excited parents shared a sweet kiss once the announcement was made. Cuddling up together and unable to wipe the smiles off their faces, Michael and Charlotte were clearly delighted with the news. Michael, who appeared in multiple incarnations of the Bachelor franchise, had confirmed that he will be a father by sharing a sweet polaroid image to Instagram. 'Baby Turnbull, Due April 2024,' the image read as they smiled holding their sonogram picture in the polaroid. Days later, Michael popped the question to his pregnant girlfriend as they took a romantic stroll on the beach. The Bachelorette star, 42, confirmed he and Charlotte are expecting their first child together in October and later announced they will be welcoming a son The reality star, who appeared in multiple incarnations of the Bachelor franchise, had confirmed that he will be a father by sharing a sweet polaroid image to Instagram Michael captioned their photos with: 'To the most incredible, strong and caring woman I know... Thank you for choosing me.' Charlotte responded sweetly: 'I would choose you in a million lifetimes. Over and over again. I love you.' Charlotte was previously Ms Galaxy Australia/Australasia 2020-22 and a Miss Hawaiian Tropic in 2017. She also held a Miss Supercars title in 2016. Michael was runner-up on Sam Frost's season of The Bachelorette in 2015 before returning for a stint on Bachelor In Paradise in 2018. Gogglebox viewers were left emotional after a heartfelt message was aired on at the end of Friday's episode. Although fans were pleased the hit Channel 4 show returned for a new series, they were heartbroken when it ended with a poignant tribute to show star Pat Webb, mum of Stephen Lustig-Webb. Pat, who featured on the show from series 10 to 12 alongside her son Stephen, passed away last month, aged 75. As the credits rolled, a picture of Stephen and his beloved mum on the show w captioned: 'IN LOVING MEMORY Mummy Pat Webb 1948 - 2024.' Gogglebox viewers were left emotional after a heartbreaking message was aired on at the end of the episode Although fans have been pleased for the hit Channel 4 series' return, Friday's episode ended with a poignant tribute to show star Pat Webb, mum of Stephen Lustig-Webb, leaving fans in tears Fans were left emotional after the heartfelt note and took to X, formerly Twitter, to pay tributes and remember the show's beloved star. They wrote: 'Sad to hear Pat Webb has passed on, she was hilarious #Gogglebox'. 'RIP Pat Webb you were amazing in gogglebox, cannot believe we lost another star.' 'Awww dedicated to the wonderfully funny Mummy Pat Webb. God bless you pat #Googlebox.' 'RIP Pat Webb #Gogglebox.' 'Ohh, RIP Mummy Pat Webb! #gogglebox' and 'Aww Mummy Pat Webb #Gogglebox'. Stephen, 52, who appeared on the show for 10 years before leaving in 2023, took to Instagram after his mother's death to shared a sweet photo of them together. He wrote: 'Mummy Pat, you were one in a million, took everyone at face value, would share your last fiver with a stranger, the salt of the earth and the absolute centre of our world! Rest in peace mum.' Fans were left emotional after the heartfelt note and took to Twitter to pay their tributes and remember the show's beloved star Pat died aged 75 following a 'long illness' at the weekend - her son Stephen, who also appears on the show, paid tribute to her on Instagram on Monday The official Gogglebox account shared this post on Twitter shortly after Stephen shared this sweet post alongside the photo as fans of the show sent their condolences From 2019 until 2023, Stephen appeared alongside his husband Daniel (right) Stephen was one of the series' longest-running stars having joined when it first started in 2013 but left last year to take part in Dancing On Ice (L-R: Stephen with fellow DOI stars Ricky Norwood and Amber Davies) However in a shock turn of events, Stephen was forced to pull out after breaking his left ankle during a training session The news was also announced on the Gogglebox's social media page. A statement read: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Gogglebox star Mummy Pat Webb passed away this weekend at the age of 75 after a long illness. 'Pat was a much loved cast member on the show from series 10 -12 alongside her son Stephen. 'Mummy Pat will be remembered and missed by her children Stephen, Denise, Sharon, Beverley and the extended family. 'Our thoughts are with the family who have requested privacy at this sad time.' Fans of Pat took to the comments of the post to share their condolences after the sad news was announced on social media. They said: 'Aw I loved your mum on Gogglebox, you two were brilliant together. So v sorry to hear this sad news.' 'Omg I'm so sorry. She was such a character on Gogglebox.' 'Oh Stephen I'm so sorry! Your mum was so funny when you were both on Gogglebox. Sending you, Daniel and your family so much love.' Pat joined Gogglebox after Stephen's ex-partner Chris Steed left the programme in 2018. From 2019 until 2023, Stephen appeared alongside his husband Daniel. Stephen was one of the series' longest-running stars having joined when it first started in 2013. The sad news comes after Stephen announced he and Daniel were leaving the show last year. Stephen confirmed that he wouldn't be returning to Gogglebox after leaving to join Dancing On Ice. He said at the time: 'It's 10 years and it's time to move on and see what else is out there. 'We filmed our final scenes last series and it's already been shown already. There have been a few opportunities in the pipeline but I'm not going to say too much just yet. 'If I was approached, I would like to do Celeb Bear Grylls - I think I could cope really well.' 'But the worst part of the experience would be eating stuff - something like rats would be my nightmare.' However in a shock turn of events, Stephen was forced to pull out after breaking his left ankle during a training session. In October last year he was rushed to the Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth, where medics told him he had broken his left ankle and would be on crutches for at least the next three months. The TV personality underwent an operation to put metal plates into his ankle for additional support. Rob Brydon has refused to rule out a Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special for 2024. The actor, 58, who plays Uncle Bryn, spoke on Radio Four's Today programme on Saturday and was quizzed about the speculation the popular show will be returning. Gavin and Stacey is reportedly at the 'centre of a bidding war' as the BBC and Netflix fight over the sitcom. Following reports at 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. Rob was asked by host Nick Robinson whether the public's desperate wish for the show's comeback will come true. Rob Brydon refused to rule out a Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special for 2024 on Saturday. The actor, 58, who plays Uncle Bryn, spoke on Radio Four's Today programme and laughed through his question surrounding the popular show Gavin and Stacey is reportedly at the 'centre of a bidding war' as the BBC and Netflix fight over the sitcom (pictured with James Corden and Ruth Jones) He said: 'As far as I am aware it is another rumour. I don't know. I mean I would love it if it were true but yeah.' Nick joked: 'that sounds like a yes to me'. Rob replied 'does it?' as the pair laughed themselves through the end of the interview. There is a lot of speculation around the return of the show as The Sun reported there was bidding war. A source 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'. 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.' Rob was asked by host Nick Robinson whether the public's desperate wish for the show's comeback will come true (pictured with show creator Ruth) Gavin and Stacey is reportedly at the 'centre of a bidding war' as the BBC and Netflix fight over the sitcom Sources have claimed streaming giant Netflix is battling to steal it from the BBC, which has aired it since 2007 (pictured Joanna Page and Mathew Horne as Gavin and Stacey) But according to the show's co-creator Ruth Jones, the British sitcom is not returning for a Christmas special. Welsh actress Ruth, who starred in and co-created the show with James Corden, confirmed it was 'sadly a rumour' on RTE Radio 1 on Wednesday. Asked about the reports, she said: 'Apparently there's a bidding war going on between the BBC and Netflix and I love it because it says 'a source says', who is this source?' Jones added: 'It's sadly a rumour... All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James and I would happily announce it, we would.' The actress, who played Nessa in the beloved show, revealed that she thinks the rumours were sparked after she was photographed having lunch with Corden a few months back after he returned to the UK from living in America. 'Then the next thing is 'Oh my god they must be writing more Gavin And Stacey', which is lovely,' she said. 'It's lovely that people are so desperate for it because imagine if it was the opposite and were like 'Oh, god, you're not bringing that back again'.' 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) and Jason (Robert Wilfort) both immediately fell silent as the mysterious events of the trip came back to them. 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. 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 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 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 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 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. 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!!' Jackie 'O' Henderson put on a very leggy display as she joined her pals on a lavish boat party while celebrating her 49th birthday on Saturday. The radio host, whose birthday was on January 31, took to Instagram to give an insight into the day out around Sydney Harbour with celebrity guests and close family and friends. Kicking off her birthday celebrations in style, Jackie showed off her incredible figure in a vibrant striped one-shouldered mini dress with a very daring side split. She shielded her eyes from the bright sunshine with a pair of yellow cat eye sunglasses and toted her essentials in a small white handbag. Jackie made sure all eyes were on her as she strutted her stuff down the luxurious vessel after she set sail with a huge group of her pals. Jackie 'O' Henderson put on a very leggy display in a stylish mini dress as she joined her pals on a lavish boat party while celebrating her 49th birthday on Saturday The radio host took to Instagram to give an insight into the fun-filled day out around Sydney Harbour with celebrity guests and close family and friends Bringing the glamour to her celebrations, Jackie also did an outfit change as she also sported a $595 Christopher Esber T-shirt with bananas printed on the front. She paired her look with a mini-skirt of the same design, which retails at $495, as she smiled for a group photograph with her close friends. Alongside the gallery of snaps, she gushed in a caption: 'I love my friends. Best b'day.' Photographs from earlier in the day showed Jackie arriving at Circular Quay with her daughter Kitty, 13, ahead of the super yacht Ghost 11's departure. Her radio co-host Kyle Sandilands and his wife Tegan Kynaston led the arrivals at the boat's meet-up point as they joined in the celebrations. Bringing the glamour to her celebrations, Jackie also did an outfit change as she also sported a $595 Christopher Esber T-shirt with bananas printed on the front Her radio co-host Kyle Sandilands led the arrivals at the boat's meet-up point as they joined in the celebrations John Ibrahim and his partner Sarah Budge were also among the big names at the party, along with P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards. Jackie's bestie Gemma O'Neill also made an appearance at the party, which has been the talk of the town for the past month. In January, Jackie was forced to play the role of mediator when her radio colleagues began stressing out about whether they would be able to attend the birthday bash. The media personality revealed on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that tensions had surfaced as several of her co-workers were double-booked on the day of her bash. 'You're all invited to Jackie's boat party. There's a few people that you're questioning if they're locked in or not, they're wishy-washy,' co-host Kyle said at the time. 'Can everybody just relax? Everyone has been really committed about it except for two people, our producer Pedro, who never wants to socialise, and Intern Pete, who has something else on,' Jackie responded. Jackie was seen flocking around her guests and socialising as she made the most of her big day. She was also joined by her daughter Kitty, 13, who matched her mother in yellow Jackie said the pair were worried about not being able to attend, which was causing some chaos in the studio. She then reassured her two co-workers that while she would love them to attend there would be no hard feelings if they couldn't. 'It's okay, there's no pressure. It doesn't matter if you're there or not but you will be missed,' she said. 'We would love you both there but it's totally fine if you're not. Don't feel bad or anything.' Jackie recently reflected on how she stays looking so youthful while speaking with Daily Mail Australia at Luke McLeod's book launch for Everyday Enlightenment. Kyle, who co- hosts the Kyle and Jackie O show, looked boat party ready in a pale blue collared shirt that featured pink and yellow floral detailing 'I'm a smoker of all things and I haven't really looked after my body over the years,' she revealed. 'But I've always been a very, positive kind of person and generally happy. I couldn't attribute [my youthful looks] to anything else, to be honest.' She also revealed how meditation has helped her alleviate a lot of stress over the years. 'I think that meditation for sure gets you to a much calmer, joyful place in your life and that alleviates a lot of stress,' Jackie said. Jackie's party has been the talk of the town for the past month, with the star recently detailing the invite drama on her radio show 'And as we know, stress is the number one factor for ageing and health problems in general. So I'm big believer in meditation.' Jackie also said she is excited about turning 50 next year and is 'grateful' for what she's achieved. 'I've had a wonderful life and I really appreciate what I do have in my life. I'm grateful that I've lived 50 years and so I'm not afraid of it at all,' she said. 'I'm happy to embrace it as every decade brings something new.' Jordan North has broken his silence after he quit Radio 1. The presenter, 34, has stepped down from his Going Home show after a decade with the broadcaster to reportedly replace Roman Kemp as the Capital Breakfast host. Following Jordan's huge announcement, it was revealed Jamie Laing, 35, will take his place - Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm - next to radio co-host Vick Hope. Starting on March, 4, the former Made In Chelsea star will permanently replace the host, who has recently become an avid podcaster. Thankful for all the support from him listeners, Jordan who also hosts the Help I Sexted My Boss podcast took to Instagram to thank his 834,000 followers for their positive reaction. Jordan North has broken his silence after he quit Radio One's legendary Going Home show after a decade on on the BBC show Following the 34-year-old's huge announcement, it was revealed that Jamie Laing , 35, will take his place - Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm - next to radio co-host Vick Hope Sharing and album of throwback snaps of his time at the station, Jordan captioned his update: 'Hello everyone. 'I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you've all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot. 'To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I've loved working with you it's been an absolute blast! Big love to Katie Thisleton, Greg James, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick HopeI'll miss being on air with you every day. 'MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH. 'I'll be back soon, and can't wait to see you all again.' But not all fans were left happy after the announcement as some fled to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their upset. One penned: 'Why do the good ones always leave?' 'Really hope this was your decision @jordannorth1 and that it means bigger things for you - we love you and will miss you v much xx.' Starting on March, 4, the former Made In Chelsea star will permanently replace the 34-year-old host, who has recently become an avid podcaster Thankful for all the support from him listeners, Jordan who also hosts the Help I Sexted My Boss podcast took to Instagram to thank his 834,000 followers for their positive reaction 'I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly', he said 'You will be missed.' Roman is reportedly set to leave Capital Radio after seven years of hosting the channel's breakfast show alongside Chris Stark and Sian Welby. According to sources, Jordan is set to replace Roman. Insiders revealed to The Sun that Jordan had signed a big money deal with the rival station. The source said: 'Jordan is moving to Capital FM to replace Roman and he could not be more excited. It is absolutely huge for him and although it's hard to leave the BBC he is excited to get started on Capital. 'Jordan's decision has been a hard pill to swallow for the BBC but there was nothing they could do to change his mind.' MailOnline has contacted Jordan, Roman and Capital for comment. His replacement, Jamie, is a broadcaster and producer who currently co-hosts the hugely successful Radio 1 podcast '6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer'. He can also be heard on the popular podcast 'NewlyWeds' which he presents alongside his wife Sophie Habboo. The personality tied the knot on April, 14, 2023 in London before they headed to Marbella for a second wedding in front of friends and family on May, 20, 2023. On the appointment, Jamie said: 'I've loved every minute that I've been on air with Radio 1 in recent years, so to be joining Vick on Drivetime is just incredible. 'To be working with Vick is an absolute dream so I'm beyond excited to get started and keep listeners company on their journeys home.' The Burnley FC mega fan was announced as a co-host on the BBC Radio 1 daily drivetime show in 2021, alongside Vick. Roman Kemp is reportedly set to leave Capital Radio after seven years hosting the channel's breakfast show, with Jordan taking his place In the original announcement post, bosses penned: 'Radio 1 will be saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration' Jordan is pictured with his co-star Vick in October Jamie will be stepping into Jordan's shoes alongside Vick In 2020, the presenter finished second in the 20th series of ITV's Im a CelebrityGet Me Out of Here, before he completed an epic 100-mile rowing challenge from London to Burnley for Comic Relief in March 2022. Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones said: 'I'm so excited to officially welcome Jamie to the Radio 1 family. From his hugely popular BBC podcast to his appearances on the network, our young audiences have loved him. 'His infectious energy and love for music and culture will bring an exciting new element to Drivetime, I can't wait for people to hear all of the exciting new ideas Vick and Jamie have lined up.' Radio 1 will also be saying goodbye to Jordan, who has been heard on Radio 1 for the last 10 years with his first major show being Radio 1's Greatest Hits on Sundays. 'He has enjoyed huge support from the station and listeners, developing his talent to host multiple shows across the network', Aled added. 'He has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration for younger presenters. 'Jordan has been an amazing presenter and a valued colleague at Radio 1, and I'm so proud of his journey with us. 'He has always connected with the Radio 1 audience through his shows and projects, as witnessed by the huge amount of money raised for Comic Relief during his rowing trip from London to Burnley.' The financial and emotional impacts of the floods still resonated with families of Hull [England], 11 years after the event a U.S. NIH study The images are all over the news. Muddy torrents rush through streets as people on rooftops wave for help. Wading rescuers tow elderly people in small boats. Cars float backwards down rushing streams. Cats cling desperately to trees while escaped boas swim along, looking for something to eat. A Place to Sleep, episode 8: Portland Portland is not unlike cities in the mid-Willamette Valley in that it spends a lot of time defining when and where homeless people can't sleep rather than where they can. Then the flooding subsides, the dramatic footage ends, and the newscasts turns to different topics until another town is inundated. Regrettably, we dont have to wait long for new reports of floods, now occurring year-round in both hemispheres, to deliver familiar images to our eyes and minds maybe even our dreams. But what about that last newscast? What happened to those people once they stopped scrambling to higher ground, the cameras left and they returned home after sleeping on a cot in a gym somewhere? First the mud much of it loaded with toxins from chemical plants, festering sewage, dead animals and dangerous debris must be scraped from their streets and floors, and somehow disposed of. Often as not, the floors have to be replaced, along with at least the lower half of most wall coverings. And of course a dumpster must be rented to dispose of carpets, furniture, clothes, family heirlooms much of what they left behind as they fled. Many returnees lose their jobs, at least temporarily, as business, too, are damaged. Schools are closed. Also groceries, hospitals, gas stations, banks, hardware stores. No potable water. Power out. And those are the lucky people. The ones who have a home to return to, a community to try to rebuild. In 2005, rain from Hurricane Katrina breached 53 flood protection structures in New Orleans, causing 80% of the city to be flooded. Between the city proper and the surrounding area, Katrina killed 1,392 people, and displaced note the ratio 1.5 million more. Although many eventually returned, many did not. According to a 2015 report by Danielle Baussan on the Center for American Progresss website, 10 years after the event, more than 40% of the displaced persons were still unable to return to their homes. Only 25% were able to relocate within 10 miles of their old neighborhoods, and over 30% wound up hundreds of miles away. Heather Smith, writing for Grist (online), reported that displaced people were still living in notoriously toxic FEMA trailers in 2015. Those trailers are a cautionary tale about preparedness or, perhaps, the impossibility thereof. When Katrina hit, there were about 14,000 new trailers for sale in the U.S. But suddenly FEMA needed 120,000 trailers. So they threw 2.7 billion dollars at trailer manufacturers, and, after a year or so, they had filled their quota with hastily built units. (The hasty construction, which relied on untreated, formaldehyde-outgassing particle board, explains why many trailers were filled with toxic fumes, causing numerous health problems before they were sold for scrap.) At the time, Katrina seemed like a one-off event a hundred-year storm or some such. Now hardly a week goes by when there isnt a significant, if not a major flooding event. Last week it was Southern California. Last summer a deluge in the Mediterranean submerged Greek homes and washed cars out to sea. A few days later, part of the same weather system flooded normally dry Libya, killing at least 4,300 people and leaving 8,500 more missing. Just another day in the news, another harbinger of the coming Great Disruption. So what would happen if in, say, the U.S., there were not one, but four major floods in half a year? Would we immediately build 500,000 FEMA trailers at our ecological house? More Philip Wenz: Joey King has revealed that she has been in contact with Gypsy Rose Blanchard following her release from prison. The Ramona and Beezus star, 24, portrayed Blanchard who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2019 Hulu limited series The Act. King shared with Variety that she has been talking to the former prisoner since her release from prison after serving eight years of her 10-year sentence. 'She and I have privately talked a little bit, which has been really nice,' King told Variety on an upcoming episode of the Just For Variety podcast. The Kissing Booth actress also said there is no bad blood between the two after Blanchard, 32, said she was upset because The Act allegedly never asked her for permission to tell her story nor compensated her for it. Joey King revealed she has been in contact with Gypsy Rose Blanchard following her release from prison. The actress, 24, portrayed Blanchard who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2019 Hulu limited series The Act; seen January 17 'She and I have privately talked a little bit, which has been really nice,' King told Variety on an upcoming episode of the Just for Variety podcast; Blanchard pictured January 5 in NYC 'Having that private conversation with her was really lovely,' King said. 'We both know that there's absolutely no ill will towards one another,' King continued. 'I really appreciated that we got to say those things to each other that were just really sweet and supportive because people are stupid and people assume whatever they want, and people are just going to make up stuff because it's funny to them.' She added: 'There was no air to clear at all. There was nothing wrong. But it was nice to just connect for a minute.' King also commented that she thought it was so great that Blanchard is out of prison and 'can really start her life now.' King was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role as Blanchard, while her costar Patricia Arquette, 55, won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her portrayal of Gypsy's mother Dee Dee. Blanchard's post-prison life will next be examined in an upcoming Lifetime docuseries. The new series comes after Lifetime aired the six-hour special The Prison Confessions Of Gypsy Rose Blanchard last month. In 2016, Gypsy's then-boyfriend, Nick Godejohn, stabbed her mother Dee Dee in the middle of the night, per her request that he kill her. It was later determined that she had been a victim of her mother's Munchausen syndrome by proxy. For well over a decade, Gypsy's mom had inflicted medical abuse on her only child, pretending she had a litany of illnesses including leukemia, asthma and muscular dystrophy and insisting that Gypsy stay in a wheelchair, have a feeding tube and take an array of medications. She even had some of Gypsy's salivary glands removed, which eventually caused her teeth to decay, forcing her to have them extracted. The Kissing Booth actress also said there is no bad blood between them after Blanchard, 32, claimed to be upset that The Act never asked her for permission to tell her story nor compensated her for it; pictured in January in NYC 'Having that private conversation with her was really lovely,' King said. 'We both know that there's absolutely no ill will towards one another'; pictured in November 2020 'I really appreciated that we got to say those things to each other that were just really sweet and supportive because people are stupid and people assume whatever they want, and people are just going to make up stuff because it's funny to them'; seen in 2022 in Paris She added: 'There was no air to clear at all. There was nothing wrong. But it was nice to just connect for a minute' King also commented that she thought it was so great that Blanchard is out of prison and 'can really start her life now' King was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for her role as Blanchard and her co-star Patricia Arquette, 55, won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her portrayal of Gypsy's mother Dee Dee Dee Dee had lied to Gypsy as well as to doctors and acquaintances about her daughter's age, making everyone believe that she was much younger than she actually was, ostensibly to keep Gypsy under her legal control. During an interview with 20/20, Gypsy recalled that after she had tried to run away, her mother 'physically chained me to the bed, and put bells on the doors, and told anybody that I probably would have trusted that I was going through a phase, and to tell her if I was doing anything behind her back.' While Gypsy accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder for helping to facilitate Dee Dee's death, Nick was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Since Gypsy was paroled in September, her fans have been celebrating, with many declaring that she never 'deserved' to go to prison in the first place. Nicola Coughlan and Lily James both looked incredible as they lead the stars at the Erdem catwalk show during London Fashion Week. Bridgerton star Nicola, 37, made a fashion statement as she arrived at the British Museum in a red maxi gown. The incredible garment featured ruched embellishments and draped skirt, flaunting her cleavage with a plunging neckline. Yet the boldest touch of the stunning number were a pair of cherry red gloves, featuring a maxi ruched bouffant detail. The Irish actress boosted her frame with a pair of black stiletto heels. Nicola Coughlan and Lily James both looked incredible as they lead the stars at the Erdem catwalk show during London Fashion Week Bridgerton star Nicola, 37, made a fashion statement as she arrived at the British Museum in a red maxi gown The Derry Girls favourite matched her gown's shade with a glossy red lipstick, and tied her locks into a neat up-do, finishing off with gold hoop earrings. The Barbie star looked in great spirits as she enjoyed the runaway show in the front row, where she flashed a cheerful smile in the lense. Elsewhere Lily, 34, was the epitome of chic in a cream floral print co-ord including a fit blazer and matching maxi skirt. The star added glamour to her look with chromed gold stiletto heels, while flashing a glimpse of her toned legs thanks to the skirt's low-tight split. Wearing the jacket open, Lily flaunted her toned figure as she sported a cream crop top, displaying her flat midriff. She kept her jewellery to the minimum matching the gold of her ensemble, posing with a hands on her waist as she dazzled under the spotlight. Before heading to the front row seats, she was snapped posing with RuPaul's Drag Race star Bimini Bon Boulash. During the catwalk, she beamed while sitting next to Kristin Scott Thomas and Zawe Ashton. The incredible garment featured ruched embellishments and draped skirt, flaunting her cleavage with a plunging neckline Yet the boldest touch of the stunning number were a pair of cherry red gloves, featuring a maxi ruched bouffant detail on her arms The Irish actress ensured to catch the eye in the glamorous look, adding classy black stiletto heels The Barbie star looked in great spirits as she enjoyed the runaway show in the front row, where she flashed a cheerful smile in the lense Elsewhere Lily, 34, was the epitome of chic in a cream floral print co-ord including a fit blazer and matching maxi skirt The Pam&Tommy sensation added glamour to her look with chromed gold stiletto heels, while flashing a glimpse of her toned legs thanks to the skirt's low-tight split She kept her jewellery to the minimum matching the gold of her ensemble, posing with a hands on her waist as she dazzled under the spotlight Before heading to the front row seats, she was snapped posing with RuPaul's Drag Race star Bimini Bon Boulash During the catwalk, she beamed while sitting next to Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Zawe Ashton (L-R) British actress Kristin, 63, looked elegant in a bright green maxi coat, which matched her embroidered skirt. The Darkest Hour star added a classy white shirt to the outfit, finishing off with black heels. Zawe Ashton looked ethereal in a white maxi gown with floral blue print with pearl drop earrings. Meanwhile Ruth Wilson exuded fashion in a checked coat with maxi floral print details. Nicola , Gala Gordon, Lily, and Kristin Scott Thomas made up a stylish front row Nicola turned to chat to her pals at the show British actress Kristin, 63, looked elegant in a bright green maxi coat, which matched her embroidered skirt Kristin and Lily - who previously worked together on the set of Rebecca - seemed to be enjoying each other's company as they were snapped chatting and laughing Zawe Ashton looked ethereal in a white maxi gown with floral blue print with pearl drop earrings Anna Wintour cut a chic figure in a khaki floral coat and trendy snake print boots The fashionista wore the coat over a burgundy red dress and her signature shades Meanwhile Ruth Wilson exuded fashion in a checked coat with maxi floral print details The Luther star, 42, donned a maxi white shirt dress and accessorised with bold pearl drop pendant earrings Elsewhere Richie Shazam showed off his unique sense of style in a stylish black beaded coat and white print maxi dress The model and photographer, 30, sported a black headband and chunky jewellery earrings, while showing off a dark make-up look Actress Marisa Abela looked sophisticated in a black power suit Bimini Bon Boulash wowed in a orange tweed co-ord Laura Bailey, Greta Bellamacina, Sonoya Mizuno, and Marisa Abela A model walks the runway at the ERDEM show during London Fashion Week at British Museum The Luther star, 42, donned a maxi white shirt dress and accessorised with bold pearl drop pendant earrings. Elsewhere Richie Shazam showed off his unique sense of style in a stylish black beaded coat and white print maxi dress. The model and photographer sported a black headband and chunky jewellery earrings for the event. Austin Butler has been busy promoting the highly anticipated Dune Part 2 movie across the globe. The end of his promo tour came in London, where he had girlfriend Kaia Gerber, 22, along for the ride. The couple of nearly two-and-a-half years were spotted leaving a romantic dinner date at Lous Lou's No5 Hertford Street Private Members Club in the Mayfair section of London on Friday night. Kaia looked like a doppelganger of her mother Cindy Crawford who will turn 58 on Tuesday. She wore a long, chocolate brown dress with an asymmetrical hem with black boots and a long black coat. The Elvis star, 32, looked dapper in a black suit with a tuxedo-inspired jacket and black shirt. Austin Butler has been busy promoting the highly anticipated Dune Part 2 movie across the globe The end of his promo tour came in London, where he had girlfriend Kaia Gerber , 22, along for the ride The outing comes one night after Kaia was Austin's date at the premiere and after party for Dune Part 2. Earlier at the premiere Austin gushed about Kaia's recent British Vogue cover, calling it 'legendary.' The model appeared on the magazine cover alongside her superstar mom, Cindy and 30 other inspiring women, including Serena Williams, Gigi Hadid, Oprah Winfrey and Dua Lipa. 'It was legendary,' Butler told ET. 'It was amazing. I loved getting to see that. What an exciting cover. I loved it.' The pair first sparked romance rumors in December 2021, before going public with their relationship in March 2022. Austin also spoke about his new film, explaining: 'I was a fan of the book from the time I was 15. I was an enormous fan of the first film, so I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. It's really exciting.' Butler is a newcomer and will play Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Baron Harkonnens young nephew, and planned successor as ruler of Arrakis. He stars alongside A-listers including Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet and Florence Pugh, in the project. Kaia, amusingly didn't realize how iconic her mother was until she watched The Super Models documentary on AppleTV+ last year. 'I was like, "I didnt realize. I knew you were iconic, but" I didnt understand when I was younger,' she recalled telling her mother after seeing the docuseries, which premiered on Apple TV+ in September of 2023. The couple of nearly two-and-a-half years were spotted leaving a romantic dinner date at Lous Lou's No5 Hertford Street Private Members Club in the Mayfair section of London on Friday night The Elvis star, 32, looked dapper in a black suit with a tuxedo-inspired jacket and black shirt Kaia looked like a doppelganger of her mother Cindy Crawford who will turn 58 on Tuesday She wore a long, chocolate brown dress with an asymmetrical hem with black boots and a long black coat 'I was starstruck in front of her after,' she told the Wall Street Journal. She added that she was impressed by how 'smart and focused and ambitious' her mother was even early in her career. It was doubly impressive because Cindy came 'from a very different background' than Kaia did, as she had none of her daughter's family wealth and name recognition. Cindy raised Kaia and her brother Presley Gerber, 24, with her husband, fellow model and Casamigos Tequila co-founder, Rande Gerber, 61, whom she married in 1998. Vick Hope has paid a heartfelt tribute to Radio 1 co-host Jordan North after it was announced he'd quit after a decade with the broadcaster. Taking to Instagram Vick, 34, shared a slew of throwback snaps and clips of the pair together and described him as a 'legend' and an 'incredibly special friend'. However the DJ, who has hosted the Going Home show with Jordan, 34, since 2021, admitted her disappointment at not being able to give a 'proper on-air send off' ahead of his abrupt exit. She penned: 'Absolutely gutted, to be honest. Our @jordannorth1 youre a true @bbcradio1 legend, a dreamy co-host, and an incredibly special friend. There are too many memories for these collages, but what a laugh weve had'. 'Thank you for sharing your wit and your warmth; your stories, your skill and your spirit. Going Home with Vick and Jordan has been such a mad, chaotic ride,'. Vick Hope has paid a heartfelt tribute to Radio 1 co-host Jordan North after it was announced he'd quit after a decade with the broadcaster Taking to Instagram Vick, 34, shared a slew of throwback snaps and clips of the pair together and described him as a 'legend' and an 'incredibly special friend' However the DJ admitted her disappointment at not being able to give a 'proper on-air send off' ahead of his abrupt exit She continued: 'Ive loved being on this journey with you for a little bit, and will always support and cheer for you as you embark on the next chapter'. 'Youre about to soar, everyone is going to love you as much as we do, just please look after yourself there. And keep the tunes coming'. 'Im so sad we didnt get a proper on-air send off, but I guess (inadvertently, accidentally appropriately) killing off Judge Jordan this week will have to do as a radio goodbye'. Before adding: 'To our listeners, thank you for joining us every day and being the heart and soul of the show. Lets welcome lovely, brilliant @jamielaing with open arms and all have a bloody excellent time together'. Following Jordan's huge announcement, it was revealed Jamie Laing, 35, will take his place - Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm - alongside Vick. The presenter has stepped down after a decade with the broadcaster to reportedly replace Roman Kemp as the Capital Breakfast host. Jordan has since taken to Instagram to thank his 834,000 followers for their positive reaction to the news. Sharing and album of throwback snaps of his time at the station, Jordan captioned his update: 'Hello everyone. The pals have hosted the Going Home show together since 2021 The numerous snaps showed their friendship on and off the air Vick was clearly sad to say goodbye to her friend She penned: 'Absolutely gutted, to be honest. Our @jordannorth1 youre a true @bbcradio1 legend, a dreamy co-host, and an incredibly special friend. There are too many memories for these collages, but what a laugh weve had' 'I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you've all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot. 'To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I've loved working with you it's been an absolute blast! Big love to Katie Thisleton, Greg James, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick HopeI'll miss being on air with you every day. 'MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH. 'I'll be back soon, and can't wait to see you all again.' Following Jordan's huge announcement , it was revealed Jamie Laing , 35, will take his place - Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm - alongside Vick 'I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly', he said Starting on March, 4, the former Made In Chelsea star will permanently replace the 34-year-old host, who has recently become an avid podcaster But not all fans were left happy after the announcement as some fled to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their upset. One penned: 'Why do the good ones always leave?' 'Really hope this was your decision @jordannorth1 and that it means bigger things for you - we love you and will miss you v much xx.' 'You will be missed.' Roman is reportedly set to leave Capital Radio after seven years of hosting the channel's breakfast show alongside Chris Stark and Sian Welby. According to sources, Jordan is set to replace Roman. Insiders revealed to The Sun that Jordan had signed a big money deal with the rival station. The source said: 'Jordan is moving to Capital FM to replace Roman and he could not be more excited. It is absolutely huge for him and although it's hard to leave the BBC he is excited to get started on Capital. 'Jordan's decision has been a hard pill to swallow for the BBC but there was nothing they could do to change his mind.' MailOnline has contacted Jordan, Roman and Capital for comment. Wyatt Russell and his wife Meredith Hagner have welcomed their second baby, another son. The 36-year-old Search Party actress whose father-in-law is Kurt Russell shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, posting a photo with Wyatt, 37, and their newborn. In the caption she wrote, 'Boone Joseph Russell. Born Feb 13, a week before his due date.' The new mom-of-two added, '8 pounds 3 oz of heaven. Hearts overflowing .' In the photo, Hagner rested in a hospital bed with Boone asleep on her chest as Wyatt leaned in to kiss her. Wyatt Russell and wife Meredith Hagner have welcomed their second baby, another son The 36-year-old actress shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, posting a photo with Russell, 37, and their newborn; seen in January in Los Angeles Wyatt is the only child of actress Goldie Hawn and her longtime partner Kurt Russell. The Falcon And The Winter Soldier actor confirmed that he and Meredith were expecting a second child in November while speaking to E! News. The acting couple who married in September 2019 were already parents to two-year-old son Buddy Prine before welcoming their new bundle of joy. At the time, he told the outlet that their first child was as 'prepared as you can be' for big brother duties. He explained: 'He just kind of rolls with the tide and see what comes.' 'Buddy understands there's a baby in the belly, but when the baby actually comes out, he's gonna be like, "Oh my god, that's a real thing,"' he added. The couple originally met when they starred together in the 2016 comedy Folk Hero & Funny Guy. They tied the knot three years later in Aspen, Colorado, where the family frequently vacations. Wyatt confirmed that he and Meredith were expecting a second child in November; pictured in 2018 Wyatt and Meredith announced they had welcomed their first child on Instagram back in March 2021. In a social media post of the couple's shoot for Vogue at the time, Meredith revealed she had recently given birth to a baby boy. 'VOGUE, BABY! And right after these photos we HAD A BABY, BABY!' she gushed on Instagram. 'April issue of @voguemagazine in our van, Carnella, which we lived in for a big chunk of my pregnancy.' She added: '2 weeks after these photos were taken we welcomed the heavenly Buddy Prine Russell into the world! It's been nothing short of magic.' Paris Hilton celebrated turning 43 on Saturday, February 17, with a post highlighting some memorable moments in her life over the past year. Paris who celebrated husband Carter Reum's birthday earlier this month captioned the post of 10 snaps with great emotion and gratitude. 'Another sparkling year of pure #Sliving! Feeling so blessed for every lesson this year has gifted me. 'From motherhood to wifey duties, girl boss moments, and standing up for whats right This has been the most iconic year yet! Her photos ranged from glam moments to family moments to business moments and celebrating each part of her life from the past year. Paris Hilton celebrated turning 43 on Saturday, February 17, with a post of some memorable moments in her life. Paris who celebrated husband Carter Reum's birthday earlier this month captioned the post of 10 snaps with great emotion and gratitude Nicky Hilton shared throwback photos with her older sister including this one in a DJ booth The Simple Life star shared snaps of herself in business mode in front of a huge billboard of her in Times Square and of her launching her cookware line at Walmart. She also shared photos with her husband Carter Reum, 43, son Phoenix and newborn daughter London. Paris included a post featuring her past birthday dresses and asked fans in the caption which one was their favorite. On her birthday, the mom of two shared a short video of herself in a bright pink sweatsuit in her pink kitchen putting a pink candle in her pink and white cake before declaring: 'Everyone, it's my birthday!' Her sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild, 40, also shared a loving tribute on Instagram that was full of praise for her older sister. 'Happy Birthday to my sister, my partner in crime through adventures, most epic moments and now navigating motherhood together. 'Youre not just a sister- you are my best friend, an iconic presence in my life. Heres to many more memories and milestones with you! Love you @parishilton!' Nicky's photo carousel stared with a snap of the sisters rocking out at a DJ booth and then showed a glam photo of the sisters all dressed up in front of a painting of Matilda. On her birthday, the mom of two shared a short video of herself in a bright pink sweatsuit She was in her pink kitchen putting a pink candle in her pink and white cake She declared: 'Everyone, it's my birthday!' Nicky's photo carousel stared with a snap of the sisters rocking out at a DJ booth and then showed a glam photo of the sisters all dressed up in front of a painting of Matilda Her sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild, 40, also shared a loving and praising tribute on Instagram to her sister 'Another sparkling year of pure #Sliving! Feeling so blessed for every lesson this year has gifted me. 'From motherhood to wifey duties, girl boss moments, and standing up for whats right This has been the most iconic year yet!' 'Happy Birthday to my sister, my partner in crime through adventures, most epic moments and now navigating motherhood together' Her photos ranged from glam moments to family moments to business moments and celebrating each part of her life from the past year 'Youre not just a sister- you are my best friend, an iconic presence in my life. Heres to many more memories and milestones with you! Love you @parishilton!' Paris shared a snap of herself launching the knife set from her cookware line at Walmart Nicky shared a gorgeous photo of the sisters at Paris' 2021 wedding Nicky also shared snapshots from their young adult years in the hottest fashion of the moment From there, Nicky's post dove into the past with childhood photos of the sisters, throwback photos to their young adult years as celebutantes and snaps from Paris' bridal shower and wedding Nicky also included a photo from one of her past birthdays with Paris sitting beside her The famous sisters have five kids between them. Nicky has three and Paris has two Paris' mother, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton , 65, also shared a birthday tribute to her oldest child on her Instagram Stories Paris' mother, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton , 65, also shared a birthday tribute to her oldest child on her Instagram Stories. 'Happy birthday Queen,' she wrote over the collage photo From there, Nicky's post dove into the past with childhood photos of the sisters, throwback photos to their young adult years as celebutantes and snaps from Paris' bridal shower and wedding. Paris' mother, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton, 65, also shared a birthday tribute to her oldest child on her Instagram Stories. Kathy shared a vibrant collage of moments from Paris' life that was mostly all in her favorite and signature color pink as well as several snaps of Paris throughout her life. 'Happy birthday Queen,' she wrote over the collage photo. Kim Kardashian also shared a special tribute to Paris in celebration of her birthday and uploaded an assortment of throwback images to her Instagram stories that were taken during a Kardashian/Jenner Christmas bash. Kim Kardashian also shared a special tribute to Paris in celebration of her birthday and uploaded an assortment of throwback images to her Instagram stories that were taken during a Kardashian/Jenner Christmas bash Underneath a photo of the two on a sled, she also added, 'You have the biggest heart @parishilton and always love your life to the fullest!' Kim also included a snap as they shared a laugh and wrote, 'Secret languages and code names forever @parishilton' The first snap showed the pair posing for the camera and the star penned, 'Happy Birthday to my baby forever @parishilton Love you P.' Underneath a photo of the two on a sled, she also added, 'You have the biggest heart @parishilton and always love your life to the fullest!' She shared another picture as they rode down a snowy hill and typed, 'Hope you're having the best birthday ever @parishilton.' Kim also included a snap as they shared a laugh and wrote, 'Secret languages and code names forever @parishilton.' Kourtney Kardashian has developed a taste for one of Sydney's trendiest ice cream parlours. The reality star, 44, who is in Australia to support her husband Travis Barker, 48, during Blink-182's national tour, was spotted visiting hot spot Gelato Messina at Bondi Beach with her family on Saturday. The sighting came just 10 days after Kourtney was first spotted treating her children to ice cream at the same venue, but this time Travis came along for the experience. Standing at the crowded storefront, Kourtney was seen selecting flavours with her daughter Penelope, 11, and Reign, nine, who she shares with ex Scott Disick, while also choosing what looked to be a vanilla ice cream cone for herself. Kourtney, who just weeks ago gave birth to her first baby, a son named Rocky, with Travis, looked relaxed in a baggy hoodie, black leggings and leather boots with stud detailing. Kourtney Kardashian, 44, (second right) was spotted visiting hot spot Gelato Messina at Bondi Beach with her children Reign, nine, (left) and Penelope, 11, (second left) on Saturday She added an array of chic black accessories, including a headband, rectangle sunglasses and a small box handbag. For jewellery, the Poosh founder wore gold hoop earrings and a large diamond ring on her left middle finger. Travis, who did not treat himself to ice cream, wore a mesh shirt emblazoned with the logo of Sydney band Speed, black trousers and matching sneakers. The sighting came just 10 days after Kourtney was first spotted treating her children to ice cream at the same venue, but this time Travis came along for the experience Standing at the crowded storefront, Kourtney was seen selecting flavours with her kids, who she shares with ex Scott Disick, while also choosing what looked to be a vanilla ice cream cone for herself Kourtney, who just weeks ago gave birth to her first baby, a son named Rocky, with Travis , looked relaxed in a baggy hoodie, black leggings and leather boots with stud detailing The heavily tattooed drummer also wore sunglasses and completed his look with a chain necklace. After buying their ice creams, the foursome were seen mingling with nearby fans before making their way through the swarm towards a parked car nearby. The sighting came hours before Travis performed with Blink-182 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. She added an array of chic black accessories, including a headband, rectangle sunglasses and a small box handbag For jewellery, the Poosh founder wore gold hoop earrings and a large diamond ring on her left middle finger Travis, who did not treat himself to ice cream, wore a mesh shirt emblazoned with the logo of Sydney band Speed, black trousers and matching sneakers The heavily tattooed drummer also wore sunglasses and completed his look with a chain necklace Kourtney attended the show to show her support, taking to her Instagram Stories to give an insight into the night out. She shared a snap of Travis' dressing room backstage as she spent time with the drummer before he took to the stage. The Kardashians star also shared a picture of her son Reign grinning widely as he posed in front of a huge poster of Travis and his Blink-182 bandmates. After buying their ice creams, the foursome were seen mingling with nearby fans before making their way through the swarm towards a parked car nearby The sighting came hours before Travis performed with Blink-182 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena Kourtney attended the show to show her support, taking to her Instagram Stories to give an insight into the night out She shared a snap of Travis' dressing room backstage as she spent time with the drummer before he took to the stage It marked Blink-182's second show in Sydney, after they also took to the stage in the city on Friday night, days after kicking off their Australian tour in Perth. While Travis travelled to Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne with his bandmates Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus, Kourtney remained in Sydney with her children. The band will next jet off to Brisbane for more shows, before returning to Sydney and Melbourne for newly-added dates at the end of the month. The Kardashians star also shared a picture of her son Reign grinning widely as he posed in front of a huge poster of Travis and his Blink-182 bandmates It marked Blink-182's second show in Sydney, after they also took to the stage in the city on Friday night, days after kicking off their Australian tour in Perth While Travis travelled to Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne with his bandmates Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus, Kourtney remained in Sydney with her children Naomi Watts looked like she had her hands full as she walked a huge Great Dane called Bing on the set of her new film The Friend on Friday. The actress, 55, wrapped up warm in an olive green beanie, with her hair loose underneath and a long burnt orange coat as she filmed with the pooch. Naomi wore wide-legged blue trousers, chunky brown boots and a pale orange jumper over a colourful collared shirt. Naomi walked around the Big Apple with Harlequin-patterned Bing but looked like she was struggling to keep on her feet due to the sheer size of the dog. The Hollywood star had actually debuted Bing on her Instagram back in January but did not tell her almost two million followers that he was linked to her new project. Naomi Watts, 55, enjoyed a walk with her co-star Bing, a Great Dane, on the set of her new film The Friend on Friday The British actress wrapped up warm in an olive green beanie, with her hair loose underneath, and a long burnt orange coat She also wore wide-legged blue trousers, chunky brown boots, and a pale orange jumper over a colourful collared shirt The two-time Oscar nominee was first seen on set with Bing early on in February. She also spoke about him a little prior to that on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in late January. 'I have a dog that is six pounds,' she told Jimmy. 'This dog is 150 pounds I believe. And it's my co-star. He really is gigantic.' She gushed about the opportunity to play opposite an animal in a leading role on the movie and said Bing is 'very lovable'. 'It's not often that a dog has the starring role,' she said. 'He's a special dog. Very lovable. He's a good dog.' She also opened up about what it takes to act alongside a dog and explained they work with a trainer very frequently while shooting. Naomi noted that Bing was much bigger than her rescue dog Izzy, a tiny Cairn Terrier and Poodle mix. As production is still ongoing, a release date for The Friend has not yet been announced. The film follows a writer (Naomi), who adopts her late mentor's heartbroken Great Dane named Apollo (Bing), and the grief she shares with the precious pet as they both mourn their recent loss. It is directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel and Naomi and Bing are the only cast members that have been announced. Naomi walked Harlequin-patterned Bing on a bright red leash attached to his matching red collar She actually debuted Bing on her Instagram back in January - but did not tell her almost two million followers about he was linked to her upcoming project Naomi was first seen on set with Bing early on in February and spoke about him a little prior to that on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in late January Naomi noted that Bing was much bigger than her rescue dog Izzy, a tiny Cairn Terrier and Poodle mix Naomi picked up Izzy (pictured in August 2023) after her Yorkshire Terrier passed away at the age of 20 in 2021 The Friend follows a writer, who adopts her late mentor's heartbroken Great Dane named Apollo, and the grief she shares with the precious pet as they both mourn their recent loss It is directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel and Naomi and Bing are the only cast members that have been announced Shoulder season is becoming an increasingly popular time to travel Depending on the destination, traveling at the right time can halve costs Americans itching to travel but facing a tight budget should consider getting clever about when and where they go on vacation. Opting to travel outside of a destination's busy peak season may offer affordability without major compromise, experts say. It can even bring advantages, like smaller crowds, shorter lines, and sometimes even more pleasant weather. 'There is absolutely a price difference,' said Anne Lischwe, a travel sales manager at AAA Travel. 'I would say for Europe, you're likely to pay half as much in off peak as you are in peak.' DailyMail.com used Expedia's package booking service to compare the cost of vacations both within the US and internationally at different times of the year. Prices include flights and accommodation A trip for a family of four from New York City to the Amalfi Coast in Italy would cost almost $11,000 in August, according to Expedia's package booking service, which includes the cost of flights and accommodation. But that same vacation - staying at Hotel Cetus in Cetera - would cost under $5,000 in April, which is when the 'shoulder season' is generally considered to begin. Shoulder season is a term that describes the period between peak and off-peak. 'It's kind of the sweet spot because you still can have really nice weather, but you're not going to have as many crowds and the prices are going to be more reasonable,' said Lischwe. Pamela Garza, founder of travel agent Tory Ellers, told the Wall Street Journal that - while she wouldn't go as far as sending people to Italy's Amalfi Coast in the depths of winter - she suggests avoiding the middle of summer. 'I'll tell people to outright avoid July and August on the Amalfi Coast, even if it means you have to deal with a few cloudy days,' she said. A recent survey of 200 travel specialists by Zicasso, found that shoulder season was becoming increasingly popular, with 41 percent of respondents noting a more consistent influx of travelers throughout the year. 'In the last year, high season and shoulder seasons have really expanded, because a lot of people have caught on to this as a beneficial time to travel,' said Lischwe. Travel experts suggest that visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy in the shoulder season can save thousands, and may come at the cost of just a few cloudy days Even when visiting the Caribbean, where the weather can be more consistent year-round, travelers can benefit from visiting in the shoulder season Significant savings can still be made, even in places like the Caribbean, where besides hurricane season, conditions are reasonable all year round. A two week-long couple's vacation to the Windjammer Hotel in St Lucia, including flights from New York, costs $3,444 each in June, considered the best time to go. That same vacation in October is $2,183 per person. That is $2,522 cheaper per couple. It is a similar trend when it comes to making trips within the US. 'Shoulder season is a great time to visit warm-weather cities in the US like San Diego or Los Angeles, or even head to a National Park,' said Expedia travel expert, Christie Hudson. For example, the cost of a vacation to the Grand Canyon peaks in the sweltering summer months, which are most popular time to visit. Flying from New York to the Grand Canyon National Airport for a long weekend vacation at the Grand Hotel in northern Arizona costs $3,767 in late June. That exact same trip in early December would be $2,799. Winter is a surprisingly enjoyable time to visit the canyon, which is less crowded and quieter while offering the same views of the vast landscape, which is sometimes blanketed in snow. A vacation to Caribbean could cost thousands of dollars less in October than a trip in May or June, considered the best time to visit The cost of a vacation to the Grand Canyon peaks in the sweltering summer months. Picture is the canyon's South Rim Lucy Pabst, a ranger with the National Park Service, told the Wall Street Journal that she advises people to visit in the winter. 'You can hike and travel into the canyon much farther than in the summer since heat stroke isn't a risk,' she said. But Lischewe warned that it is not always appropriate to go on vacation outside of the peak months. 'People think, "Oh, maybe I'll do shoulder season in Alaska." That just means everything's going to be closed,' she said. 'Unfortunately, you're really not going to have a good experience.' Dixie Saloon has a great view of a car crash about to happen. Windows in the Tangent eatery face Highway 99E, where tractor-trailers rumble past hauling grass seed and wood chips. And Birdfoot Drive is on the other side of that. The intersection is not controlled, and southbound drivers must avoid cross traffic to access one of the two biggest roads in Tangent city limits. They dont stop for s--t! Mike Miller said. The Lebanon-based commercial truck driver had parked a blue Harley-Davidson out front. He watched as cars drive onto the shoulder of Highway 99E to maneuver around turning cars. City officials worry what speeding cars and trucks could mean for pedestrians in the city where there are few sidewalks, and parking is limited to ad-hoc creativity. Thats why the city will look to become one of the first small cities in the state to install speed cameras. Pedestrians Miller said he always takes the back roads. But traffic everywhere, even the back roads, seems to be getting rowdier. Dont trust nobody until youre past them, Miller said. Highway 99 transects Tangent and separates businesses from parking. Or housing from the commercial core of the city. The city adopted a development plan in the early 2000s that envisions more businesses, slower speed limits and lots of bicycles and foot traffic in downtown Tangent. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the owners at Dixie Saloon described cars crunching over rocks in their parking lot or slamming into holes and dips off the side of Highway 99E anything to avoid slowing down. People get on 99, and they haul ass, Bill Nix said. Nix described the saloon as a standard burgers, lunch and dinner spot. Its next to a marijuana dispensary, and customers sometimes park on the highways opposite shoulder before walking across the roadway. Mickey Dungan, a Monmouth man, was working on a truck next to the saloon. The farmers just go balls to the walls, Dungan said. Theyll run your ass over. Dwane Ludy of Albany agreed. Theyll run your ass smooth over, Ludy said. Ludy was among about 10 people around a couple of businesses who all said in interviews they support an effort to install cameras that enforce speed limits in Tangent. People are like TVs, Ludy said. You need to grab them by the ears and slap them around until they get the picture. Fatalities Crash data appears to show that fewer Oregonians are crashing their cars, but theyre crashing more fatally. And theyre hitting more pedestrians. The number of crashes logged statewide dropped from about 50,000 each year over three years to about 38,000 during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Oregon also counts the number of cars that pass over roads across the state, and daily vehicles trips also declined in 2020. Total crashes were back up to 45,200 in 2021. But the number of people who died in crashes increased from 440 to around 500 each year in the same time, despite the falloff in driving and total crashes. Oregon estimates about 600 people died because of car crashes in 2021. The state recorded 73 people who died in 2017 after being hit by cars while walking. Seventy-nine died the next year. And 85 after that. Cars killed 88 pedestrians in 2021. Linn County saw close to 1,700 crashes in 2021 16 fatal. Two of those were pedestrians, killed by cars that werent turning or crossing intersections. Most crashes were recorded in Albany. But the vast majority of the deaths, 13, were in outlying parts of the county. Vehicle speed and drunken driving are cited as causes in most of the fatal crashes. Business Tangent isnt a very big city. Its a hub for the regions grass growers, and warehousers and truckers. About 1,230 live there. And Highway 99E isnt a very heavily trafficked road. Thats a problem for Tangent. You can put whatever number you want on the signs, but people are going to drive however fast they want, city Councilor Matthew Swenson said at a Monday, Feb. 12 meeting. The city doesnt have a police department, and elected officials indicated there arent enough Linn County Sheriffs Office patrols to keep drivers in line. Speed limits on the highway drop from 55 to 45 for about 2 miles inside city limits. But enforcement priorities are elsewhere. There arent enough cops to constantly watch traffic where it zooms through rural cities. So Tangent city staff are looking to change the citys policy to allow speed cameras. It sounds like a process in the right direction, in my opinion, Mayor Loel Trulove said. We have to do something. The top employee at City Hall said hes being cautious, and it likely will take months before he brings a draft rule change to the council. I do intend to be careful with photo-radar and any implementation, City Manager Joe Samaniego said by email. I was in Anchorage, Alaska, in the '90s when photo radar was introduced, and it caused a backlash as too many tickets were written. History Oregon, too, had been cautious about rolling out photo radar, limiting automated traffic enforcement for decades. The state had allowed 10 cities use of photo radar, including the largest in the state, Eugene, Portland and Salem. Albany was among them. The county seat was among the first in the state to adopt photo radar, but specifically for catching cars blowing through red lights at the intersection of Queen Avenue and Geary Street. An Albany police official in a 2009 report to Oregon lawmakers said it was too soon after 18 months to know whether the camera had meaningfully affected motorists safety. The number of crashes didnt meaningfully change that year. But red light cameras definitely affected Albanys volume of traffic citations. For the intersection of Queen Avenue and Geary Street, violation data appears to be the best measurement for behavior modification, wrote Eric Carter, a police captain. Albany had averaged around 10 citations each year at Queen and Geary before 2008. The city issued an average nearly 100 citations each month after photo radar. Oregon treated speed cameras a little differently. Until January, police departments could only use cameras to catch speeding cars from a van. The van had to move after four hours. And a cop had to be present. Albany police Chief Marcia Harnden testified to support the photo radar bill, writing to a joint legislative committee on transportation. Bigger cities like Beaverton and Wilsonville wrote in support. But so did officials from tiny cities, such as nearby Independence, Lakeview in southern Central Oregon and Tangents city manager. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour, Samaniego wrote. However, there is a big problem of people going more than 50, 55, and even 60 mph. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. The change in law lifting restrictions was sort of beta-tested in Portland. That city in 2016 began installing more speed cameras after the Oregon Legislature passed a law that allowed the city to remotely enforce speed rules at all hours, even without a police officer present. Portlands transportation department vowed to increase the number of cameras to 28 by the end of 2023. The city wants to add another 12 by the end of 2024, bringing total cameras in the metropolitan area to 40. And just this year, Albany recently added cameras that catch speeders to its lineup of cameras that catch red-light runners. But they're not operational yet, Harnden said. "We are still finalizing the contract and implementation for the new cameras," said by email. Related stories: India and Greece will review the entire spectrum of their bilateral ties and explore ways to further strengthen strategic partnership during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis two-day state visit to India from February 21. It will be the first visit to India by a head of state of Greece to India after a gap of 15 years. Announcing his schedule, Ministry of External Affairs(MEA)said here on Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions and Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced and laid the foundation stone of a slew of development projects worth several crores for Rajasthan and Haryana where the announcement of setting up of much-awaited Rewari AIIMS, a new rail line, and a metro line were awaited for quite a long time. It is likely that the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation six such hospitals in Jammu, Rajkot, Bathinda, Kalyani, Mangalagiri and Rae Bareli in the next few days that are already functional. As Modi unveiled an array of projects estimated at Rs 9,750 crores in Haryana, the State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar who was also present on the occasion lauded the Prime Ministers transformative leadership, recalling his early campaigns in Rewari and emphasizing the fulfillment of the towns aspirations with the establishment of AIIMS. In Rajasthan, the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore in Rajasthan during the Viksit Bharat Viksit Rajasthan program, which he addressed via video conferencing. The projects cover vital sectors such as roads, railways, solar energy, power transmission, drinking water, and petroleum & natural gas. The event marked the inauguration of several national highway projects totaling more than Rs 5000 crores, aimed at improving connectivity in the region. Additionally, eight railway projects worth around Rs 2300 crores were dedicated to the nation, focusing on electrification and modernization of rail infrastructure. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for solar projects worth approximately Rs 5300 crores and power transmission projects exceeding Rs 2100 crores. The Prime Minister thanked the people of Rajasthan for their participation in the program and praised Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for utilizing technology to engage all beneficiaries. He highlighted Rajasthans significance, recalling the recent visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the positive reception received nationally and internationally. Modi stressed the importance of developing a vibrant Rajasthan for a prosperous India, emphasizing rapid progress in crucial sectors like rail, road, electricity, and water. He mentioned the record allocation of Rs 11 lakh crores in the Union Budget for infrastructure development, indicating the governments strong commitment to strengthening the nations infrastructure. The event showcased government initiatives to provide clean drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission and meet the LPG needs with the inauguration of Indian Oils LPG bottling plant in Jodhpur. Regarding the proposed AIIMS in Rewari in Haryana, a senior official said that in December 2023, the Union cabinet had approved the change of location for the establishment of the hospital in the State from Manethi to Majra Mustil Bhalkhi. The total cost incurred by the Centre on these seven hospitals is more than Rs 10,000 crore, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had said on Thursday. Till 2014, the nation had six AIIMS in seven decades and in the next 10 days, the country will get seven AIIMS, he said. To be built at a cost of about Rs 1,650 crore, the AIIMS-Rewari will be developed on 203 acres of land in Majra Mustil Bhalkhi village having a hospital complex with 720 beds, a medical college with 100 seats, a nursing college with 60 seats, an AYUSH block with 30 beds, residential accommodation for the faculty and staff, hostel accommodation for undergraduate and post-graduate students, a night shelter, a guesthouse etc. Established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the AIIMS-Rewari will provide comprehensive, quality and holistic tertiary-care health services to the people of Haryana. The facilities include patient-care services in 18 specialities and 17 super specialities, including cardiology, gastro-enterology, nephrology, urology, neurology, neurosurgery, medical oncology, surgical oncology, endocrinology, burns and plastic surgery. It will have 16 modular operation theatres, diagnostic laboratories and a blood bank. In an interesting political development, Kamal Nath, one of the remaining tallest leaders of the Congress owing allegiance to the Nehru-Gandhi legacy, is all set to join the BJP along with his son Nakul, a sitting Congress MP, in a couple of days. Sources said both Kamal and Nakul have scheduled a meeting with BJP functionaries on Sunday evening as the ruling party leaders are busy in the two-day national convention being held in the national capital. The grand old partys latest and biggest jolt in a fortnight comes after the exodus by Ashok Chavan, who joined the BJP, and Milind Deora, who switched sides to Shiv Sena; the duo had also been rewarded with Rajya Sabha berths a day earlier. Several-time Union Minister, Chief Minister, and holder of prominent party positions since the late 1970s, Kamal will share the saffron cadre with his once-upon-a-time bete noire Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, as the former was responsible for undermining the Maharajas foothold in Madhya Pradesh, ultimately leading to the fall of the last Congress-led Kamal Nath Government after Scindia quit the Congress to join the BJP. On Saturday evening, after the father-son duo reached Delhi, Kamal Naths son Nakul Nath dropped the Congress logo from his bio on social media. Nakuls move has added fuel to rumours of him and his father certainly defecting to the BJP. The bio of Nakul Kamal Nath on X now identifies him only as a Member of Parliament, Chhindwara (MP). In a brief interaction with the media after arriving in Delhi, Kamal Nath said that if there were any such thing, he would inform the media first. Asked if he is joining the BJP, Kamal Nath said, If there were any such thing, I would inform you first. When further pressed by the media if he was not denying a possible switch, he said, It is not about denying, you are saying this, you people are getting excited. I am not getting excited, this side or that side, but if there were any such thing, I would inform you first. Nakul is the MP from Chhindwara, the pocket borough of Kamal Nath, who had represented the constituency nine times in the past. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats, except Chhindwara. Kamal Nath, the sitting MLA from the Chhindwara seat, was removed as MP Congress chief in the wake of the Congress crushing defeat at the hands of the BJP in the last Assembly elections. He is said to be disgruntled over not getting a Rajya Sabha berth, and also Rahul Gandhi has been opposed to him since the party lost the Assembly elections late last year. Though speculation about Kamal Naths shift has been going on for the last few days, they got a fresh boost on Friday when Madhya Pradesh BJP president VD Sharma said Nath and his son are welcome in the BJP if they are unhappy with Congress decision to boycott the Ram Mandir consecration event held in Ayodhya. Kamal Nath and his son are welcome in BJP if they are unhappy with their partys decision to boycott the Ram Temple inauguration last month and if they want to join the saffron party to serve the country and society under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Sharma told reporters in Bhopal. However, Naths colleague in the party and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh rubbished the rumours and dubbed them a media creation. Nath stood behind the Congress like a rock during the bad patch when the government led by him was toppled by Jyotiraditya Scindia after joining the BJP in March 2020. Nath and Digvijay have the best rapport with the Gandhis, and Singh said that Kamal Nath, who started his political innings with the Nehru-Gandhi family, could never leave the party. Dont get into the breaking business. I spoke with Kamal Nathji last night around 10.30 or 11. He is in Chhindwara. The person who started his political innings with the Gandhi and Nehru family....He stood behind the party when the entire Janata Party and the then government was sending (former PM) Indiraji to jail, Singh told reporters in Jabalpur. Can you believe that such a man will leave Congress, Soniaji, and Indirajis family? You all should not even think of it, he added. An astute politician who had worked with three generations of the Gandhi family, Naths relations with Madhya Pradesh date back to 1979 Indira had described him as her third son. In a major blow to the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, several leaders switched sides last week. Former MLA Dinesh Ahirwar and Congress District president from Vidisha Rakesh Katare were the latest to join the BJP. Amid the top leaders who have held positions both in the party as well as in several Congress-led governments includes Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sushmita Dev, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Amarinder Singh, RPN Singh, Jitin Prasad among others. Setting the target for the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said winning 370 seats would be a true tribute to its key ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The Prime Minister said, 370 is not merely a number for the BJP. It symbolises a profound sentiment. Mookerjee made the ultimate sacrifice for the abrogation of Article 370 to preserve our nations unity and integrity. As a true tribute to him, the BJP should secure victory in 370 seats. Addressing BJP office-bearers at the commencement of the two-day meeting of the partys national convention at Bharat Mandapam, Modi urged every party worker to focus on polling booths in the next 100 days, the period within which the upcoming Lok Sabha polls are likely to conclude. He stressed the need to ensure at least 370 more votes for the party at every polling station compared to the 2019 elections. In a social media post later, Modi said, Addressed the @BJP4India National Office Bearers. Complimented every Party Karyakarta for their exceptional efforts to serve people. Discussed ways to deepen our partys grassroots level connect across all sections of society. Over the last decade, BJP has made a mark as a party of development and good governance. Our schemes, initiatives, and reforms have transformed several lives. Briefing the press on the Prime Ministers address to the office-bearers, BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde said Prime Minister Modi has asked party members to keep in mind that the lotus (its poll symbol) will be its candidate at every seat it will contest and to work to ensure its victory. Tawde added that the party will launch a campaign to reach out to beneficiaries of various Central Government schemes from February 25 to March 5. Tawde said the Prime Minister told the meeting that the Opposition will engage in tu tu-main main (petty squabbling), unwarranted, and divisive issues, but they must not be distracted and remain focused on their development agenda. Tawde noted that Modi has led a government, including over 12 years as Gujarat chief minister, for nearly 23 years without facing any allegations of corruption. It has been a period free from allegations and filled with development, he said, quoting the Prime Minister, and added that there has been no instance of such a long tenure without anyone holding constitutional positions being tainted. The Modi Government scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir, in August 2019 soon after returning to power for a second time. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats, and the BJP won 282 and 303 of them in 2014 and 2019 respectively. Modi has set a target for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance to win over 400 seats. Modis leadership is characterised by dedication, emotional investment, and a steadfast commitment to development, he said, adding that the entire nation today takes pride in the transformative policies and initiatives spearheaded by him. Later, addressing delegates of the national convention, BJP president JP Nadda underlined the partys meteoric rise since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office and lauded his leadership in the past decade, which has been full of new achievements for the organisation. The Modi Government is poised to achieve a hat-trick and retain power for a third consecutive term after the Lok Sabha polls, expected in April-May, he told nearly 11,500 party delegates assembled at Bharat Mandapam here for the two-day national convention. We must surpass 370 seats, and the NDA must surpass 400, he said in his inaugural address, urging party members to channel all their energy into achieving the target so that the party breaks its previous records. Thousands of party delegates from across the country cheered as Nadda mentioned the womens reservation law and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, highlighting the prime ministers tenure. In his speech, Nadda noted that before Modis rise in 2014, the BJP ruled only around five states, whereas it is now in power in 12 states. He added that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently in power in 17 states. Nadda highlighted that the BJP retained power for a second term in Uttar Pradesh with a significant victory in 2022, broke the trend of the incumbent party being voted out in Uttarakhand, and recently won assembly elections in three States - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan - despite many considering it improbable. He mentioned that in West Bengal, the BJPs vote share increased from 10 per cent and three seats to 38.5 per cent and 77 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls, asserting that the party will come to power in the State next time. Additionally, Nadda stated that the party has gained ground in many northeastern states, including Assam, for the first time, and doubled its vote share in Telangana. Lotus (BJP poll symbol) is everywhere. It is a pan-India party, Nadda said, rubbishing the contention that the partys presence has been limited in south India. It has 29 Lok Sabha and eight Rajya Sabha MPs from the region against the corresponding numbers of 28 and seven of the Congress, he said. In the national council meetings held in the last 10 years, including the two organised in the national capital weeks before the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the attendance had generally remained around 3,000. As the Centre considers establishing a panel involving all stakeholders to address the ongoing farmers protest and discuss issues, farmer leaders on Saturday demanded that the Centre bring an Ordinance to provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), amid protests in Punjab by farmers. This demand comes a day before the fourth round of talks between farm leaders and Union ministers regarding their various demands. Sources within the government said that a proposal to form a committee is likely to be presented during the fourth-round meeting with farmers representatives on Sunday. The proposed committee will address various issues, including MSP, and may also seek nominations of representatives from farmer organisations for discussions. Notably, farmer unions did not take part in the high-powered committee on MSP set up by the government in 2021. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai will meet with farmer leaders on Sunday for the fourth round of talks. The two sides previously met on February 8, 12, and 15, but those discussions remained inconclusive. In another development, a mahapanchayat was held at Sisauli in Muzaffarnagar, where the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) led by Rakesh Tikait announced that farmers will stage dharnas in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand on February 21. A resolution to this effect was passed in the mahapanchayat. If the government does not accept farmers demands, farmers will launch a tractor march to Delhi in the last week of February, he said. Meanwhile, the situation at sensitive Delhi-Haryana borders largely remained peaceful on the fifth day of the protest. The situation remained tense at Shambhu and Khanauri points at the Haryana and Punjab borders on Saturday as farmers groups tried their best to break the barricades. The Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) organised a tractor march in Haryana, while BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) held dharnas outside the residences of three senior BJP leaders in support of protesting farmers. Speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border, Pandher demanded that the Centre should enact an ordinance to provide a legal guarantee for MSP, a key demand of farmers currently camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri points of the Punjab-Haryana border. Stating that the Centre has the right to make political decisions, Pandher said, If it (the Centre) brings an ordinance, it can do so overnight if it wants. If the government desires a resolution to the farmers protest, then it should issue an ordinance with immediate effect stating that it will enact a law on MSP, and then discussions can proceed further. Pandher added that as far as the issue of modalities is concerned, any ordinance has a validity of six months. Regarding the demand for C2 plus 50 per cent as per the Swaminathan Commissions recommendation, Pandher said that the government was offering a price according to the A2 plus FL formula. Under the same formula, an ordinance can be brought, he added. On the issue of farm debt waiver, Pandher mentioned that the government claims the loan amount needs assessment. He suggested that the government can collect data from banks for this purpose, stating, It is a question of political willpower. They (the Centre) are saying it has to be discussed with the states. You leave aside the states. You talk about the Centre and central banks and then finalise how to waive farmers debt, said Pandher. He emphasised that the other demands of farmers are also crucial. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal also stressed that the government should bring an Ordinance to give something to the people of the country. The government should bring the ordinance with the intention that it is implemented immediately and within six months, it can be converted into law without any problem, said Dallewal, who spearheaded the Delhi Chalo call along with Pandher. Regarding claims suggesting that providing the MSP for all 23 crops would require substantial funds, Dallewal stated that one study indicates a need for Rs 2.50 lakh crore, while another study suggests only Rs 36,000 crore is needed. If the government prioritises producers and consumers and pays less attention to corporates, then the issue can be resolved, he said. He also stressed the promotion of small agro-based industries in villages. Dallewal highlighted that the agriculture sector generates 50 percent of employment. The agriculture sector contributes 20 per cent to the GDP. If the agriculture sector accounts for 20 per cent of the GDP, then why is it difficult for the government to allocate Rs 2.50 lakh crore? he questioned. We are demanding a law on the purchase of crops at MSP. It is our demand that no one should buy crops in any state for less than the MSP, he added. Pandher noted that the government is importing crops like pulses from other countries. If the government guarantees MSP on crops like pulses, farmers can produce them here, he said. : The 14th Banajyostna Book Fair was inaugurated in Phulbani by local MLA Angad Kanhar as chief guest. He appreciated the organiser for conducting the event. He said books are friends of human beings. Chief Speaker Zilla Parisad president Nandini Mallick said the students should read more and more books to enhance their knowledge. Guests of honour were District Press Club president Sunil Patnaik and senior journalist Dr Arup Jena. Banajyostna secretary Dr Kanhu Charan Satpathy and president Prasant Behera among others spoke. Komal Gandhar performed the welcome song. On the occasion, a literary programme was organised by Kamala Publisher. Many writers and thinkers of Kandhmal participated. Books, Nidrahina Rati - Tarabihina Akash and Biplabara Mahanayak Netaji Subash written by Dr Satpathy were released. 20 books stalls were open on the inaugural day while 100 stalls were put up. The fair will continue till February 23. The 'Bharat Bandh' call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Friday had a significant impact in Punjab, affecting commuters and businesses alike. The bandh was organized to demand the fulfillment of farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Commuters across Punjab faced inconvenience as buses operated by Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and the PRTC Contract Workers Union remained off the roads. Passengers were left stranded at bus stands, especially students and office-goers who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. Many private bus operators also refrained from plying buses, exacerbating the transportation woes of the public. In addition to the disruption in transportation services, markets and commercial establishments in several parts of Punjab remained shut in solidarity with the farmers' cause. Demonstrations were held at various locations, and farmers blocked national highways in Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Bathinda, and Jalandhar. Toll plazas were also besieged by protestors, who raised slogans against the central government for not acceding to their demands. The bandh, however, passed off peacefully, according to officials, despite the widespread disruption caused by the protests. Many farmer organizations, including Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakunda), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Qadian), and Kirti Kisan Union, actively participated in the agitation. The impact of the Bharat Bandh was felt across various districts of Punjab, with protests and disruptions reported in Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, and other areas. Roads were blocked, educational institutions remained closed, and markets wore a deserted look as traders supported the farmers' cause. Meanwhile, the response to the bandh was mixed in certain areas of Mohali district, where shops in towns like Kharar, Mohali, Zirakpur, and Kurali remained open. Some shopkeepers chose to operate their businesses as usual, despite calls for a shutdown by certain factions. Farmers emphasized that their intention was not to inconvenience anyone but to assert their rights and press for the fulfillment of their demands. With the support of various farmer organizations and widespread participation in the bandh, the agitation underscored the deep-rooted concerns and grievances of the farming community in Punjab. The demand for a legal guarantee of MSP has been a longstanding issue for farmers, who argue that it is essential for ensuring their economic security and livelihoods. They have also called for the repeal of the three contentious farm laws passed by the central government, which they believe will corporatize agriculture and undermine their interests. Despite several rounds of talks between farmer representatives and the government, a resolution to the deadlock has remained elusive. The 'Bharat Bandh' was seen as a collective expression of farmers' frustration and determination to continue their agitation until their demands are met. After Bairagarh (Sant Hirdaram Nagar) of Bhopal, now the removal of BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) has started from Roshanpura to Kamla Park also. Removal of BRTS started on Friday afternoon. After removing the railing from one side, the cement concrete is being broken by drilling and after this the road will be repaired. There is a plan to remove the portion from Lalghati to the Collectorate from today itself. At the same time, traffic on the mixed lane from Halalpur bus stand to the cemetery is expected to start on Sunday. The railing and dedicated lane have been removed from here. Due to the BRTS corridor from Roshanpura to near Kamla Park, there is a traffic jam near Kamla Park. In this part connecting the new and old city, vehicles remain stuck on the mixed lanes and the corridor remains empty. The arch bridge on the small pond is proving useless. The work of removing the corridor in this party started on Friday. In January, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, after seeing the presentation, had given instructions to the district administration to remove BRTS. Started from Bairagarh on January 20. Most of the BRTS corridor from Halalpur bus stand towards Bairagarh has been removed. PWD is doing the work of removing the BRTS corridor in Bairagarh area, while the responsibility of removing the corridor in the rest of the city is of the Municipal Corporation. The corporation had called tenders of three different packages for three different stretches from Roshanpura to Kamla Park, Lalghati to Collectorate and RRL to Misrod. Of these, two tenders have been issued and work on one has also been started. A total of Rs 2.85 crore will be spent on removing the corridor from Roshanpura to Kamla Park. The corridor from Lalghati to Collectorate will be removed for Rs 3.10 crore. Earlier on Thursday, the corporation had approved the tender for removing the corridor from Roshanpura to Kamla Park and Lalghati part of the collectorate. The tender for removing the corridor from RRL to Misrod has been sent to MIC for approval. Corridor removal work has been going on in the Bairagarh area since January 20. Along with removing the corridor, asphalting is also being done here and dividers are also being made. According to PWD engineers, by Sunday, traffic will start on a mixed lane in the 2 km stretch from Halalpur bus stand to the cemetery. The entire corridor of the Bairagarh area is expected to be removed by the first week of March. A delegation from the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Vijay Anand Moonka , held a meeting with the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum district, Ananya Mittal. During the meeting, the Chamber congratulated Mittal on assuming his new role, and President Moonka took the opportunity to address a critical issue concerning closed land registry in the Tata lease area. Moonka highlighted the challenges faced by the public and the resultant revenue loss for the government due to the closed land registry in the company lease area. He urged the Deputy Commissioner to take immediate action to resume the registry process. In response, Ananya Mittal assured the Chamber that he would promptly address the matter and take necessary steps to initiate the closed registry. The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with Mittal encouraging the Chamber to actively participate in voter awareness campaigns. Recognizing the importance of increasing voter turnout, he requested the Chamber's involvement in spreading awareness and engaging the community in the electoral process. During the interaction, President Vijay Anand Moonka conveyed the Chamber's commitment to positively contribute to the electoral awareness campaigns. The officials present at the meeting included Honorary General Secretary Manav Kedia, Vice President (Trade and Commerce) Anil Modi, Vice President (Industry) Punit Kanwatiya, Vice President (Tax and Taxation) Rajeev Agarwal, Vice President (Public Relations and Welfare) Abhishek Agarwal Goldie, Secretary Bharat Makani, Secretary Advocate Anshul Ringsiya, and Treasurer CA Anil Ringsiya. Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal extended his best wishes to the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and appealed for collaborative efforts to address local issues and enhance community participation in civic processes. The Chamber expressed gratitude for the assurance from the Deputy Commissioner and looks forward to working together for the betterment of the district. The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Karan Mahara has said that the electoral bond scheme was nothing but a scheme designed by the BJP government to fill the coffers of the party. He said that the electoral bond scheme was tabled as a money bill in the parliament in the year 2017. At that time the Congress party had termed it as non-transparent and undemocratic. Mahara said that the scheme is an example of the corrupt practices of the BJP and the Congress party welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court which has termed it unconstitutional. He claimed that the scheme was designed to provide benefit to the ruling party by which the BJP got 95 per cent of the donations. Mahara said that the scheme is a clear violation of the article 19(1) of the Indian constitution and in democracy there is no place for such schemes. The PCC president said that the BJP government continues to further the rhetoric of zero tolerance against corruption which is completely false and now the SC has exposed the BJP. He said that the Modi government kept the electoral bond scheme out of the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) which is unjustified. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had also warned that the scheme will become a medium of bringing black money in politics but the then finance minister paid no heed to his advice. Mahara claimed that 95 per cent of total bonds of Rs 2,22 crore purchased in the year 2018 went to BJP. He said that the law ministry too was against the decision of electoral bonds. The PCC president said that the Congress party welcomes the decision of SC on electoral bonds and demands that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) should investigate the corruption in the scheme. Power employees and engineers staged demonstrations at all state capitals, power utilities headquarters and projects to protest against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and privatisation policies of the Central and state governments. All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) chairman Shailendra Dubey said that massive demonstrations were held at Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patiala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jammu, Srinagar, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Raipur, Pune, Mumbai, Vadodara, Rajkot, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Ranchi, Patna and at many major thermal power stations. He said that the demand of scrapping the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 had not been adhered to even after a written commitment by the government to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. On the contrary, prepaid smart meters are unlawfully installed in the consumers premises for curbing the right of universal access to electricity. Tariff based competitive bidding has been prescribed for installation of transmission sub-stations as further steps towards privatisation of the power sector, he said. He said the Union Ministry of Power was continuing with its privatisation agenda of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 through the Electricity (Amendment) Rules. He said the ministry was issuing notifications called the Electricity (Amendment) Rules for the last more than one year and this exercise was being done in the name of exercising powers conferred by Section 176 of the Electricity Act, 2003 . He said it was a matter of grave concern that the Central government was going ahead to sell off national assets to private hands. The farmers' protest called by Sainyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) failed to have any major impact in any districts of Uttarakhand on Friday. Some small level protests were observed in some areas of Udham Singh Nagar district like Jaspur, Rudrapur and Kashipur and the Doiwala area of the Dehradun district. Farmers in the Doiwala area took out a tractor rally in the city and demonstrated against the allegedly anti-farmer policies of the Central government. The members of SKM had also appealed to the local shopkeepers to close their establishments in support of the protest. However, no major impact of the protest was seen in the area. The SKM convenor Tajendra Singh said during the protest that farmers will continue the protests in support of their demands. He said that the farmers are demanding legal guarantees of a minimum support price (MSP) which is a safety net for the farmers. Besides this, farmers also seek the withdrawal of cases registered against the protesters during the last agitation in 2020- 21. Former chief minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat has extended his support to the agitation of the UPNL workers. Rawat visited the protest of these workers on Friday to extend his support. He also observed a fast of one hour to express his solidarity with the UPNL workers. Rawat said that it is unfortunate that the UPNL workers are getting no protection of service even after serving for years. Many of these workers have given a large portion of their life in the service of the State government but they are being removed from jobs. These workers are also not being paid properly, he said. The former CM said that the Congress government in the year 2016 had made a plan to regularise the services of these workers and the government should follow it. He said that the government had an opportunity to regularise these workers when the HC had given a ruling in their favour but the government filed a SLP in SC. Madhya Pradesh. The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal commenced its five-day compulsory training course for IFS officers on the "Value of Ecosystem Services" on January 08, 2024. The training programme was attended by 14 IFS officers serving across the various states of the country. The inaugural session was chaired by Dr Dilip Kumar, IFS, PCCF (Protection), M.P; Prof. Prafulla Y Agnihotri, Director, IIM Sirmaur; Dr K. Ravichandran, IFS, Director, IIFM; Dr C.P. Kala, Chairperson (MDP), IIFM and Dr Advait Edgaonkar, Programme Director, IIFM. In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest Dr Dilip Kumar emphasized the crucial role of IFS officers in addressing environmental change, highlighting the responsibility to preserve ecosystems and promote afforestation. He commended the MP forest department's efforts and stressed the urgent need to increase forest cover outside traditional forest areas, aligning with the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. TWO MINOR GIRLS DROWN IN BALIMELA RESERVOIR Malkangiri: In a tragic incident, two minor girls died after drowning in the Balimela Reservoir in Malkangiri district. The incident was reported from Kenduguda village under Korukonda block. According to reports, four minor girls of the village had gone to the Balimela Reservoir to take a bath on Thursday afternoon. While bathing, two of them went missing in the deep water. Villagers launched a search operation in the reservoir. The bodies were recovered in the wee hours on Friday. WOMAN DIES COMING IN CONTACT WITH LIVE ELECTRIC WIRE Keonjhar: A woman, Purnima Mahanta, of Ramchandrapur near Keonjhar town, was electrocuted when she accidentally came in contact with a live 11-KV wire in the nearby forest on Friday. Purnima had gone to the forest to collect firewood. Villagers blamed the TPNODL authorities for poor maintenance of transmission wires and supervision of broken wire cables in remote places creating danger for public. NUAPADA LEADER INCLUDED IN BJP NATIONAL BODY Nuapada: Chaturbhuj Sharma, a senior BJP leader from Khariar Road in Nuapada district, has been selected as a national executive member of BJP. He has been in BJP for long years, dedicated to strengthening the party at grassroots level. He said that he would work hard for the party since he has been given this responsibility. TPCODL MOVE TO ENHANCE POWER SUPPLY IN KHANDAGIRI Bhubaneswar: The TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) has embarked on an endeavour to enhance its reliability and address the increasing energy demands of the Khandagiri region in Bhubaneswar over the next decade. To meet the increasing load growth on a yearly basis in the area, as a strategic initiative, the capacity of the power transformer, along with the switchgear, is being augmented in the existing PSS, anticipating the expected load for the next 10 years. JOURNALIST RAJAGURU' 1ST DEATH ANNIV HELD Brahmapur: The first death anniversary of senior journalist Chiranjit Rajguru was observed here on Tuesday with his elder brother and senior journalist Saktidhar Rajaguru performing the rituals at Gajapati Nagar here. Brahmapur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda and many other eminent persons paid tributes at the photo of late Rajaguru. In the evening, a Bhajan Samaroha was organised. SANY INDIA IN ODISHA BUILDCON INTL EXPO Another complex surgery was carried out under the guidance of Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal. Actually, a woman reached the OPD of Bhopal AIIMS due to swelling in her throat and difficulty in breathing. The investigation confirmed goiter in the woman. It was so big that the woman was having serious breathing trouble. In such a situation, the doctors of the General Surgery Department decided to remove it by performing an operation. This was extremely difficult as it involved removing the goiter while preserving the food pipe, airways and nerves present in the throat. After thorough planning, the team of doctors decided to give a new life to the 56-year-old woman who was suffering from a large goiter for a long time. Surgery was started for this. The aim of which was to eliminate the difficulty in breathing while maintaining the beauty of the woman's face. Specialist doctors successfully completed the 3-hour long operation without any complications. Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has directed for immediate removal of Professor Ramesh K Goyal as the Vice Chancellor of the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU) on account of glaring irregularities and illegalities, indicating a large scale recruitment scam found against him by an inquiry committee. Giving details here on Saturday, officials said the inquiry committee probed the recruitment process of teaching faculties conducted by the University in 2017 and 2019, when Goyal was at the helm of affairs. The LG, who is the Chancellor of the University, also gave his nod for asking the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)for referring the case for investigation by an external investigating agency, and filing of FIR against Goyal and 06other officers. They were named in the report of the three-member inquiry committee, for their alleged involvement in the scam in which culpability of many private institutions, whose certificates were used for recruitment, has been found. Besides Goyal, probe by an external agency has also been recommended against 06 others, that includes External Expert Govind Mohan. The LG took note of the report of the Inquiry Committee dated 13.10.2023, which had looked into the matter on the basis of several complaints and concluded that major irregularities, illegalities and favouritism were observed in the recruitment of teaching faculties in DPSRU in year 2017 and 2019. The Committee has also observed that, Professor Goyal, who was at the helm of affairs during the scam, furnished his reply to the show cause notice on 02.01.2024, by selectively providing his version and not providing any answer to the major irregularities mentioned in the report, and tried to subside the matter of irregularities pointed out by the Administration Branch of the University. Further, the Vice-Chancellor submitted baseless, manipulated, and misleading replies and resorted to shifting the responsibility related to the irregularities and tampering with the recruitment records, on all and sundry. In the process, Goyal, violated the very basic premise and principle that as Vice Chancellor, he was the custodian of all that goes on in the University, least to say something as important as recruitment of faculty, that lies at the very base of the existence of any University. The LG noted that This certainly does not absolve Goyal from the fact that he failed in his duties as the Vice Chancellor of the University, that entailed his overall supervision and responsibility in ensuring a fair recruitment process in the University, as per extant rules and guidelines. The LG said after careful consideration of the Inquiry Report, reply of Goyal, as well as the observations of the Directorate of Training and Technical Education, GNCTD thereon, and facts and circumstances of the case, he was satisfied that there is sufficient material available on the record to establish that Vice Chancellor, DPSRU has failed to discharge his duty as Vice-Chancellor of the University. And therefore, in exercise of powers under Clause 4(2) of the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University- Delhi Statutes, 2017 read with section 16 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, I order that Prof. Ramesh K. Goyal, Vice Chancellor, DPSRU be removed from the post of Vice Chancellor, DPSRU immediately, for large scale irregularities and illegalities in the recruitment process in the University in violation of the rules and established norms, lack of supervision and control over the affairs of the University and for his failure to perform his duties as the Vice Chancellor of the University as mandated under the law, Saxena stated in the file. Saxena also approved the proposal of the Directorate of Training and Technical Education, GNCTD for placing before the Board of Governors, DPSRU for removing Professor Harvinder Popli, who is holding the charge of Registrar in the University. The LG also paved the path for issuing directions to the Directorate of Vigilance to examine the possibility of disciplinary action against R P Sharma, Consultant (Recruitment) in terms of rule 7 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 for grave misconduct and for immediate removal if he is still continuing in his post. The LG accepted the recommendations of the Department for initiating suitable disciplinary action for consideration of removal/dismissal of the illegally appointed faculties whose names have been mentioned in the inquiry report after following due process of law and for removal of such officers/officials, whose probation has not been cleared. Further, Saxena has given go ahead for initiating disciplinary proceedings against 17 illegally selected faculties who were appointed as Professors, Assistant Professors and Associate Professors. The inquiry report has mentioned the names of Harvinder Popli, Jaseela Majeed, Rajiv Tonk, Sushma Talegaonkar, Ajit Thakur, Mahavir Dhobi, Shilpa Jain, Geeta Agarwal, Ajay Sharma, Richa Hirendra Rai, Madhu Gupta, Sheetal Yadav, Suraj Pal, Punita Ajmera, Meenakshi Garg, Kusuma Praveen Kumar and Sachin Kumar. A pan-India day-long shutdown called by farmers on February 16 to protest against three black farm laws elicited a lukewarm response in Chhattisgarh. The 'bandh' was supported by the Congress which accused the Modi government of failing to keep the promises made to the farmers including providing them MSP. Members of the Congress frontal organizations were seen urging traders to close their shops in some places in Raipur. Shops and other businesses remained opened in most areas across the state. In Bilaspur, the protest evoked a mixed response as some shops remained closed. The Congress also staged a sit-in in Bilaspur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rewari district, which will be built at a cost of approximately Rs 1650 crore. Noting that Rewari AIIMS is the 22nd AIIMS, Prime MInister informed that 15 new AIIMS have been sanctioned in the last 10 years. More than 300 medical colleges were established in the last 10 years, while only 380 medical colleges were established after independence till 2014. In Haryana too, work is going on to ensure at least one medical college in every district. He said the double engine government is dedicated to transforming Haryana into a developed state, ensuring a bright future for today's young generation. With expanding opportunities in every sector - from technology to textile and tourism to trade - youth are getting employment and self-employment opportunities. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation, Rao Inderjit, Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala and others were present on the occasion. Modi also laid the foundation stone of Gurugram Metro project virtually, at a cost of Rs. 5450 crore. The Gurugram Metro line will connect the new Gurugram with the old Gurugram. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones of doubling of Bhiwani-Dobh Bhali rail line with a cost of Rs 470 crore, Manheru-Bawani Khera rail line with a cost of Rs 410 crore, Rewari-Khatuwas rail line with a cost of Rs 350 crore, and the Khatuwas-Narnaul rail line with a cost of Rs 310 crore. Doubling these lines will enhance connectivity and make transportation of passengers and goods smoother. Modi also inaugurated the Rohtak-Maham-Hansi new railway line constructed at a cost of Rs 890 crore and flagged off the first train service on this line. This railway line will provide direct rail connectivity from Hisar to Delhi. Additionally, it will boost industrial development in the region, leading to increased employment opportunities and socio-economic progress. Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra built in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs 240 crore. This Anubhav Kendra will showcase artistic, thematic, and multimedia exhibitions related to the story of Mahabharata. Equipped with interactive displays, LED walls, projection screens, immersive rooms, kinetic installations, etc., this museum is designed with innovative technologies. Through this kendra, pilgrims visiting the Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra will have the opportunity to vividly witness events related to Mahabharata. This will promote religious tourism Praising the functioning of BJP led State government, the Prime Minister drew the comparison between the good and bad governance of the present and the past governments and highlighted the presence of double-engine government in Haryana for the past 10 years. He informed that the state stands at the top when it comes to abiding by policies formulated by the central government for the welfare of the poor. He touched upon Haryanas growth in the agricultural sector and the states expansion of industries. He also highlighted the fast-paced development of South Haryana which lagged for decades, be it road, rail or metro services. The Prime Minister informed that the first phase of Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has already been inaugurated, while adding that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the longest expressway in India, passes through Gurugram, Palwal and Nuh districts of Haryana. The Prime Minister said that hundreds of fortune companies from around the world are operating in Haryana, providing employment opportunities to the youth. Haryana is emerging as an excellent state for investment in India, leading to the creation of new job opportunities. The double-engine government is working to make Haryana a developed state. New opportunities are also emerging from technology to textiles and from tourism to trade. He said that the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana is being implemented for traditional artisans, under which a sum of Rs. 13000 crore will be spent. This scheme will change the lives of these artisans. He said, We have made the lives of the people prosperous by implementing various schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Swanidhi, Mudra Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission. In addition to this, in the last 10 years, 10 crore women have been connected to self-help groups across the country, including lakhs of women from Haryana. He said that the target in this year's budget is to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didi, while so far, 1 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didi. Earlier, the Chief Minister welcomed Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the people of Haryana. He said that today is a historic day when the foundation stone of the country's 22nd AIIMS has been laid here. He said that in 2013, when the Prime Minister was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, at that time, the people of the country saw him to be the next Prime Minister, and his journey as Prime Minister began from the land of Rewari on September 15, 2013. Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said that the people here had been demanding for years that a centre like AIIMS be opened, and today its foundation stone has been laid. The campaign to open medical colleges in every district of the state, which has been launched by the Haryana government, also holds great importance in health services. This AIIMS will not only benefit the people of southern Haryana but also the people of Rajasthan. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Majra village, who have donated their panchayat land for this AIIMS. Private land has also been purchased for this. Khattar also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone of the Gurugram Metro project. Haryana's first airport is being built in Hisar district. Domestic and international flights will start there very soon. Similarly, to strengthen the railway network, the Prime Minister has also inaugurated the Rohtak-Hansi railway line from Rohtak today. He said that today's day is also important from a cultural point of view. The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra. Bhopal MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has made serious allegations of misbehavior against the duty manager and staff of Akasa Airlines. The MP has complained about this to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. By tweeting on the X handle, she has called the entire incident a conspiracy. MP Pragya tweeted and wrote - 'When I came to Delhi from Mumbai to Delhi by Akasa Air flight number QP1120, duty manager Imran and his associates conspired and tried to cause great harm to me. I hope you will definitely take action. She made this post at 3:20 on the night of Thursday. Bhopal MP told that she had left from Mumbai for Delhi by Akasa Air flight. At around 8 pm, the airlines' duty manager Imran and his entire gang tried to harm him at Delhi airport. This is a whole gang which is working in a planned manner. I am writing a complaint in full detail about this and giving it to Scindia. Pragya has a serious problem with her spine. In such a situation, a wheelchair is required while going from the airport to the flight and while boarding and deboarding. When the MP landed at Delhi airport, the on-duty manager and staff of the airlines who received her not only misbehaved with her. Rather, her wheelchair was shaken with the intention of causing harm. This has caused problems in her back. Responding to the MP's post, Akasa Air wrote - Pragya, we are very concerned about your experience. We assure you that your feedback has been shared with our team for review and necessary action, but the reply was later deleted by the company. When Bhaskar called on the number given on the company's website and wanted to know the side, he got the reply that you can get the answer on e-mail. The company will respond to you within 24 to 48 hours. Apologized in the afternoon, asked for investigation. Akasa Airlines spokesperson issued a statement on its letterhead on Friday afternoon. It said, we regret the de-boarding experience of the MP. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to them on our flight QP1120 on 15 February. We will get the incident investigated. A team from the Cuttack Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has discovered the remnants of a Buddhist site near Ganeswarapur village in Tangi tehsil of Cuttack district. The site, with scattered Buddhist archaeological remains, was found near a small mound inside a rice field at the far end of the village. The five-member team of Dr Biswajit Mohanty, Ritu Pattanaik, Deepak Kumar Nayak, Suman Prakash Swain and Anil Dhir visited the spot to conduct a preliminary survey and document the archaeological remains found at the site. The site is just 150 meters away from the Birupa river embankment. According to Deepak Kumar Nayak, co-convenor of INTACH Cuttack Chapter, the present and ancient floodplains of the Birupa river are dotted with numerous Buddhist sites on both the banks. The discovery of a large headless Abalokiteswar image, nearly six feet in height which is lying on the ground near a small wooded grassy mound, is an important find. Although the head is missing, the iconography closely matches with the Abalokiteswar images found in nearby Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitagiri. The excavated Buddhist Stupa in the nearby Rameswar village is placed across the river, where the images are now being worshiped by the villagers as Hanumancheswara Mahadev. According to Anil Dhir, this find further indicates the fact that that Buddhism flourished in the region in ancient times. The exact period can only be ascertained after a systematic archaeological excavation, however, comparing the broken Abalokiteswar image with such images found at other places it can be approximately assigned to a period prior to the 9th Century CE. Dr Biswajit Mohanty is of the opinion that the existence of a Buddhist Stupa or temple, which had the large images buried under the silt due to the frequent flooding of the Birupa. The disfigured images lying at the site and at a small shrine made a few meters away are also indicative the destruction by iconoclastic invaders during the Afghan-Moghul period. Local lore has it that the other two temples in the village i.e. Panchupandava Temple and Tareswara Temple too were demolished by Kalapahadas barbaric invasion in the 16th Century CE. The remains of a base of a temple and many odd-shaped kiln-baked bricks suggest that either a temple or a stupa is buried in the mound. The team also discovered a large number of broken potsherds which included both Red and Blackware. Gopal Behera, convener of the INTACH Cuttack Chapter, is writing to the ASI, the State Archaeology Department and the Culture Directorate to send experts to the spot for further detailed surveys. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Friday, targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the saffron brigade was fueling hatred and dividing the community for electoral gains. There are two types of ideologies in the country, one unites brother with brother and one makes brother hate brother. This is the difference between Congress and the BJP. They are creating hatred while Congress is trying to spread love and harmony between all sections of society, Rahul Gandhi said, claiming that through his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra he was trying to spread the message of love and close the market of hatred. Rahul was speaking at National Inter College grounds in the Syedraja locality of Chandauli where he and other members of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra were given a grand welcome by the leaders of Uttar Pradesh, including partys state president Ajay Rai and AICC general secretary, Avinash Pandey. Various other issues were added to the long list of woes when I visited UP last time. The government is not concerned with the problems of the poor and farmers. Violence is spreading in the country and the main reason for this is that injustice is being done to farmers, poor, women and youth, Rahul Gandhi alleged while claiming that his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was getting full support from the countrymen. Speaking on the Pran Pratistha of Lord Ram, Rahul Gandhi said a red carpet was rolled out for industrialists and billionaires at the consecration ceremony but the tribal President or the poor, unemployed youths and farmers were not seen at the event. Indirectly attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for using the consecration ceremony for political gains, he said the government did not want to include poor and Dalits in it, Describing the Modi governments Agnipath scheme as a betrayal of the youth, Rahul Gandhi said that Agniveers would neither get canteen facility, nor pension, nor will they get martyr status. This is a betrayal of the youth. The Modi government brought the Agnipath scheme so that money from the countrys defence budget does not go to the defence, training and pension of our soldiers. All defence contracts are with Adanis company. The Modi government wants to give the entire money of Indias budget to Adani. Therefore Agniveer Yojana was brought, he said. Rahul Gandhi further said that the Modi government wanted everyone to become contract labourers. The youth are not getting jobs in the Army, Railways and public sector, because the Modi government wants the youth to work only on contract. Today, two-three billionaires in India are getting full benefits and the future of the youth is being snatched away by diverting their attention. When our government comes to power at the Centre, recruitment will be done on vacant government posts all over India, the Congress leader said. While traveling on foot, Rahul Gandhi offered flowers at the statues of martyrs on the way to Chandauli from Mughalsarai. On Saturday, the yatra will start from Chandauli and enter Varanasi. UP Congress president Ajay Rai, senior leaders Pramod Tiwari and Jairam Ramesh and other senior party officials along with a large number of workers and general public were present in the meeting. There was talk about the arrival of national leaders of the INDIA bloc including Pallavi Patel and Swami Prasad Maurya but they were missing from the function. At least 29 people were injured after a temporary structure erected at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in south Delhi collapsed here on Saturday morning, officials said. No casualties have been reported so far. Most of the injured were workers who were working under the temporary tents when it collapsed at 11 am, a police official said. The pandal was being installed for a wedding function at Gate number 2 of the stadium. Eighteen of the injured have been admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and 11 at Safdarjung Hospital, he said. One of the injured admitted at AIIMS had to undergo a surgery, police said. A Delhi Fire Services official said a call was received about the pandal (temporary tent) collapsing at the stadium. Initially, two people were rescued from under the debris. Later, 27 more people had to be rescued. The pandal was being erected for a wedding function near Gate No 2 of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the officer said, and added no casualties have been reported so far. Around 11.15 am, a call was received about the collapse of a pandal/tent and the possibility of few labourers trapped under it. After arriving on the spot, it was found that 25-30 labourers were trapped under the fallen structure, DCP South Ankit Chauhan said. The pandal was erected for a wedding function. 25-30 people rescued and shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. NDRF team on the spot now to conduct the rescue operation, the DCP said. A team of NDRF personnel arrived at the site of the pandal collapse at Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and started the rescue operation. As per the statement from AIIMS spokesperson, it started receiving those injured in the accident at 11:52 am after a call from authorities. Seven patients were admitted in the Emergency department with severe injuries while 11 patients were admitted with moderate injuries, the statement said. All patients were attended to immediately in the emergency department and necessary examination, investigations and treatment are being done currently, it said. A senior police officer said the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. A case under relevant sections will be registered, he said. Asif Ansari, medical technician-emergency services of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, said 10-12 people who have suffered injuries have been shifted to hospitals. The rescue operation is underway. A man working as a security guard on Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises said the incident took place when the labourers were on lunch. There has not been a heavy impact, he claimed. The State-wide strike by the joint federation of the Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited (UPNL) is continuing to affect the lives of the people of the State. The health services are particularly hit hard in all parts of the state by the strike of the UPNL employees since February 12. On Friday the federation had given a call to march to the residence of Soldier Welfare minister Ganesh Joshi. The protesters started their march from the parade ground but were stopped by the police near Kanak Chowk. Minor scuffle between the protestors and the police occurred when the UPNL workers tried to push through the barricades and clashed with the security personnel. Large number of the protesters were held by the police but were released at the protest site located at Sahastradhara road in the afternoon. The State convenor of the joint federation of UPNL employees Mahesh Bhatt told The Pioneer the federation wants that the government should withdraw its Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed in the Supreme Court (SC) against the order of the Uttarakhand HC. He added that the workers also want the recommendations of the cabinet subcommittee headed by the minister Ganesh Joshi to be implemented without any delay. Bhatt said that the UPNL workers want job security as a large number of workers are being removed from service by the departments where they are deployed. The federation also wants the government to give an assurance that their salaries will get increased by 20 per cent every year. The UPNL workers want the order of Uttarakhand HC that equal pay for equal work should be implemented by the government but the State administration filed a SLP in the SC against this order. We want the government to give us job security. I have been working for the last ten years but still my job is not secure, said a protesting worker. He said that the 22,000 workers will continue to protest till their demands are not accepted by the government. Meanwhile the strike is continuing to create problems for the general public in the State. The government medical colleges and district hospitals where UPNL workers are deployed in registration counters, offices and other departments are the worst affected. The work in the transport officers, taxation department and others has also got affected by the indefinite strike of the UPNL workers. The Vedanta Aluminium spearheaded a comprehensive awareness campaign in Jharsuguda to mark the National Road Safety Month. Collaborating with the State Government's 'Sadak Suraksha, Parivar Raksha,' and the Union Ministry of Road Transport's 'Be a Road Safety Hero' initiative, Vedanta reached out to over 25,000 denizens, emphasizing the crucial need to adhere to traffic regulations and road safety norms. The month-long drive encompassed a range of activities, including road safety sessions, rallies, short film screenings, and street plays featuring characters such as Yamraj and Chitragupta. Targeting key areas, schools, and colleges in Jharsuguda, the campaign reached its pinnacle during the Republic Day celebrations with a road safety street play. In addition to these efforts, Vedanta organised first aid training, emergency response sessions, and medical camps for both employees and partners. COO Sunil Gupta underscored Vedanta's commitment to a safety-first culture, stating, "Through innovative initiatives, we instil 'Safety-first, Always' among our workforce and communities, contributing to a safer tomorrow." The proactive measures undertaken by Vedanta garnered appreciation from Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Dinabandhu Sundhi, who commended the company for its dedication to fostering road safety awareness. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, said that the citizens had witnessed the importance of law and order over the past seven years. Their decision to re-elect this government stems from witnessing the improved law and order situation and security environment in the state, he added. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 67th All India Police Duty Meet, the chief minister said, The robust law and order situation in the state has resulted in receiving investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore in the Global Investors Summit-2023. Before 2017, no one wanted to invest in the state. He mentioned that on February 19, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, investment proposals of more than Rs 10 lakh crore are going to be implemented through a groundbreaking ceremony-4 (GBC@IV). This will directly provide jobs to 35 lakh youths, demonstrating that when law and order is enforced with determination, positive results follow. Earlier, the chief minister launched the souvenir of the 67th All India Police Duty Meet. He also presented trophies to the winners of various competitions. Chief Minister Yogi further mentioned that various police forces play a crucial role in creating a better environment for the countrys internal security, law and order, and safety. Not only that, the police force also has a vital role in determining public perception. They face significant challenges in creating this perception and have to work with a dual mindset, he added. He emphasised that the police forces operate under a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social and anti-national elements while actively engaging in dialogue and delivering justice to the common man. This creates a new confidence in the minds of common people and also reflects the sensitivity of the police force, he added. The event is being attended by officers and staff of various forces from across the country. They have their own experiences. Understanding and benefiting from these experiences is essential, Yogi added. He mentioned that the tradition of exchange of knowledge in our country has been ancient. Naimisharanya, located 70 kilometres from state capital Lucknow, was a centre of exchanging the knowledge of sages thousands of years ago. It played a significant role in documenting the tradition of Vedic knowledge of India, with 88,000 sages and saints from across the country being part of it, he added. He said that the All India Police Duty Meet carried forward this heritage. Knowledge is not just what is written in books but what you experience during field duty, he said. We all have to prepare ourselves according to the changing nature of crime. When we share our best practices in front of the public, we get to know and learn a lot. Similarly, through such competitions and contests, one gets the opportunity to see and learn many things. This is the reason why various competitions have been organised in the state in the last few years, Chief Minister Yogi added. He further mentioned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi often talks about smart policing, keeping in mind the challenges and future needs within the country. During this, he talks about the tough and sensitive police force. When the police force aligns with the system of smart policing, it can successfully tackle current challenges. During the programme, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, DGP Prashant Kumar and DG RPF Manoj Yadav among others were present. Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the dynamics between Iran, Houthis, and international powers have profound implications. As conflicts rage from Gaza to Yemen, the interplay of geopolitical interests, regional alliances, and economic stakes underscores the complexities of the situation and its far-reaching consequences Since the war in Gaza has escalated, Houthis are retaliating by burning and attacking commercial shipments connecting Europe and Asia in the Indian Ocean. Houthis have asserted that their response sends a clear message: Palestinians are not alone, and they will take revenge on Israel. At the same time, the Western world, led by the United States and supported by twenty other countries, has sent a stern warning to Houthis and Iran, saying that blocking, attacking, and burning commercial ships violates international laws and adversely affects the economies of Asia and Europe. The US reaction is also about preserving its prestige as the global police, which has been declining over the past decade. However, its unconditional support for Israels actions in Gaza, in response to Hamass terrorist activity on October 7 last year, has yielded little success. The US officially acknowledges that Gaza has been devastated, resulting in the death of thousands of Palestinians, mostly women and children. Israeli actions have failed to achieve their central objective of destroying Hamas as a terrorist organisation. However, the transformation of Gaza into a battleground has brought shame upon humanity. The recent declaration at the International Court of Justice has further embarrassed American leadership and its continual support of Israel. The US frequent use of veto power has rendered the UN Security Councils status irrelevant. The pursuit of peace and security seems distant, especially with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine overshadowing it. Israels relentless actions in Gaza have further undermined the legitimacy of the United Nations. The American leadership bears the burden of discrediting the UN shamelessly. The military actions against the Houthis carry multiple implications, with the most prominent being perceived as the United States and Israels confrontation with Iran. For Iranians, proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis across the Arab world symbolise an axis of resistance and represent a deeply ingrained belief that any coercive structure will face retaliation, framing it as a battle against "oppressors." Amid the crisis, Indias engagement with Iran and Chinas official request for Iran to restrain the Houthis signify more than just a clash between the US, Israel, Iran, and Russia. The global economy and the disruptions to the supply chain, amid conflicts ranging from Ukraine to Gaza, have significant implications for countries that have refrained from taking sides. The brief summary of Houthis actions in the Gulf of Aden has been both impactful and exasperating. The ongoing crossfire has failed to dissuade Houthis, despite Yemen enduring a decade-long civil war since the Arab uprising, resulting in the loss of millions of lives. While last years reconciliation between Saudis and Iranians temporarily curbed Houthi aggression, their recent actions carry far-reaching repercussions, posing threats to the national interests and security of numerous countries. The larger question now remains: can Iran stop the Houthis, and will they heed Tehrans calls? The fact is, Houthi actions have been perceived collectively as Iranian manoeuvers using proxies against the US and Israel. The decline of US power in the region and the rise of Iranian proxies have emboldened Iran to pursue its goals. The strategic planning behind Hamass actions on October 7 suggests that Tehran and Irans de facto leader, Khamenei, were discontented with the Abraham Accords and the normalisation between Israel and Arab countries. The Palestinian pretext has played into Irans hands. Iran now asserts itself as more powerful and accepted by the larger Arab world, which similarly opposes normalization. However, the recent Houthi attacks go beyond the traditional calculus of Iranian proxy actions against the US. The crisis runs much deeper than the typical narrative suggesting that Iran controls Houthis similarly to Hezbollah and even Hamas. The relationship between Iran and Houthis is complex and requires a thorough reevaluation of both parties. Iran has two centres of power, with a theocratic regime under Ayatollah Khamenei wielding more influence than President Raisi. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which train and oversee proxies, operate primarily under Khameneis authority. Similarly, Houthis function more as strategic allies than conventional proxies. While Iranian proxies are supervised, supported, and influenced by Khameneis IRGC, Houthis pursue agendas beyond Tehrans control, including those beyond Khameneis influence. It is undeniable that Houthis have received support from Iran and the IRGC, but their dependence on them is less significant compared to Hamas and Hezbollah. Houthis are the product of civil wars and cycles of violence, positioning themselves as rulers of a divided Yemen. Their response extends beyond Israels actions in Gaza; the more the US-led axis bombs Sanaa, the more Houthis will grow like a phoenix. They have three major objectives, some aligned with Iran and some differing. With the ongoing horror inflicted by Israel in Gaza and US-led actions in Yemen, Houthis are gaining legitimacy in the region and beyond, attracting radicalised new recruits and sending a message to the larger Arab world that their cause is a holy war. Secondly, Houthis seek official recognition akin to the Taliban in Afghanistan; their belligerence has garnered global attention, and any move towards normalisation will likely occur through dialogue, similar to the Doha Agreement, which would grant them political legitimacy. Thirdly, they aim for acceptance in the Arab and Muslim world as a moral and religious force fighting for Palestinians, rather than being viewed solely as an Iranian proxy. Iran has indeed played a significant role in shaping and aiding the growth of Houthis, similar to its involvement with Hezbollah and Hamas. Despite the peace agreement brokered by China with Saudi Arabia, Houthis have ceased firing missiles into Saudi territory, and Saudi efforts to defeat them have been unsuccessful. However, the Tehran-Houthi alliance transcends mere Shia narratives, despite historical and ideological ties with Iran. Houthis aspire to establish a civil state rather than adhere to a theocratic regime, and they are open to integrating Yemens Sunni population. Additionally, Houthis war economy does not solely rely on Tehran for economic support, contrary to popular belief. Instead, it thrives on various illicit activities in the Bab-el-Mandeb area, including ransom, looting, and the mobilisation of oil money, amounting to an estimated $2 billion. The Houthis strategic partnership with Iran serves Irans chokepoint strategy to sustain its economy, with Iran controlling the Persian Gulf and utilising the Bab-el-Mandeb route to supply arms to Hamas and support Houthis control over the area. However, beyond this arrangement, the Houthis sustain themselves through their own means, including potential arms supplies from North Korea. Lastly, Houthis themselves are not inclined to become mere proxies of Tehran; they exhibit a multi-aligned stance rather than strictly adhering to a proxy role. One significant impact Tehran has had on Houthis is the support provided by Hezbollah and IRGC forces for drones, missiles, and guerrilla training. While Tehran could potentially exert control over Houthis, they have their own objectives and may not simply submit to Iran as a proxy, despite their alignment. It is highly likely that Houthis would resist Tehrans influence, but this depends on how much pressure Khomeini and the IRGC can exert. Houthis have claimed that they only target ships flagged by the US and its allies, but the international commercial shipping industry is more intricate and risky. These risks translate into increased costs, including higher insurance premiums for commercial ships. Moreover, many shipping companies do not fly flags of specific countries, undermining the distinctions Houthis have been claiming. The world is unprepared for an alternative route due to the high costs involved, particularly as economies are already strained by the conflict in Ukraine. India and China have approached Tehran to rein in Houthis, whose actions disrupt trade between Europe and Asia, accounting for over 40 per cent of global trade. The stakes of the situation are greater than they may initially appear, and while Tehran stands to gain strategically, it cannot risk disrupting its relations with China, India, and beyond. The challenge lies with the centres of power in Tehran, which have tended to prioritise ideology over pragmatism in foreign policy decisions. Ultimately, the decision rests with Khamenei as to how far Houthis will be allowed to proceed and whether they will acquiesce on all fronts. Responses may vary; Houthis may temporarily halt their actions but are unlikely to cease until they achieve their objectives, which align with those of Iran but are more akin to a strategic partnership than a mere proxy relationship. (The writer is teacher at Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace & Conflict resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) In the realm of diplomacy, the synergy between Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has blossomed into an extraordinary bond, propelling the relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates to unprecedented heights Since ascending to the position of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has embarked on a remarkable journey, marked by seven visits to the United Arab Emirates since 2015. His tenure signifies a profound shift in diplomatic engagement, as no Indian Prime Minister had graced the shores of the UAE in three decades prior to his tenure. A pivotal moment unfolded when President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, formerly the Prince of the Monarchy alongside his five distinguished brothers, warmly welcomed PM Modi at Abu Dhabi Airport during his maiden visit to the UAE in 2015. This historic encounter heralded a new era of bilateral relations, symbolising the strengthening bonds between the two nations at the highest echelons of leadership. In the realm of diplomacy, the synergy between Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has blossomed into an extraordinary bond, propelling the relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates to unprecedented heights. Responding to the fervent appeal of the Indian community, Modi sought the consent of Zayed Al Nahyan to construct a Hindu temple in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Without hesitation, the leader not only granted his approval but also allocated a sprawling 22 acre, chosen by the community. Thus, amid the tranquil expanse of Abu Dhabis Abu Mureikha area, emerged the UAEs hand-carved Hindu temple, boasting Nagara-style architecture adorned with breathtaking sculptures crafted from pink sandstone and white marble. Its grand inauguration, presided over by Modi in a captivating evening ceremony on February 14 served as a poignant symbol of cultural reverence and mutual respect. The auspicious occasion coincided with the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, imbuing the Indian diaspora with a profound sense of unity and pride both at home and abroad. During Modis recent sojourn to Abu Dhabi on February 13 and 14, the strategic collaboration between the two nations was further cemented with the signing of a landmark treaty, following the trailblazing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) of 2022. This momentous accord precipitated a remarkable 16 per cent surge in bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2022-23, while also solidifying the UAEs position as the fourth-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributor to India. Against this backdrop, the inauguration of the BAPS temple stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the UAE and India, symbolising a harmonious convergence of cultural heritage and shared values, epitomising the UAEs unwavering commitment to global harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. In a transformative stride towards educational collaboration, the inauguration of IIT Delhis campus in Abu Dhabi represents yet another milestone in the burgeoning partnership between the two nations. With classes commencing on January 29, 2024, for its inaugural batch, this monumental achievement underscores a shared commitment to fostering excellence in higher education and fostering a culture of innovation and research. Signed into fruition through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 15, 2023, the rapid establishment of the campus reflects the indomitable spirit of cooperation and mutual ambition. Modis unwavering dedication to educational advancement was palpable during his earlier visits to the UAE, where he laid the foundation for this transformative initiative. Embodying a shared vision for knowledge exchange and human capital investment, the campus serves as a beacon of progress, heralding a new era of collaboration in cutting-edge technology and research. Together, these initiatives underscore a shared commitment to fostering a dynamic partnership rooted in mutual respect, innovation, and progress, paving the way for a brighter future characterised by global cooperation and sustainable development. Envision a transformative educational landscape, sculpted by the wisdom of the Radhakrishnan Commission report, which illuminates the path towards global excellence in higher learning, particularly in the realms of management and technology. Embracing this vision, our pioneering education policy unfolds with resplendent ambition, aimed at erecting international bastions of knowledge affiliated with esteemed institutions such as the IITs, IIMs, and AIIMSs. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of IIT Madras casting its scholarly gaze upon the shores of Zanzibar, while IIT Delhis illustrious presence graces the skyline of Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, the noble aspiration to extend the mantle of education beckons as plans materialise for another distinguished outpost of IIT Madras in the verdant landscape of Sri Lanka. As we chart this illustrious journey, the aspirations and exigencies of the region stand as guiding beacons, shaping every facet of our curriculum and courses, ensuring a bespoke educational experience that resonates with the heartbeat of our communities. Barely two moons have waxed and waned since the resplendent conclusion of COP 28 in the radiant city of Dubai, where the clarion call to liberate ourselves from the shackles of fossil fuel consumption resounded with unanimous fervour. Behold the intrinsic symbiosis between electric power and our very existence, intertwined with the fabric of our livelihoods, as industrial growth unfurls its majestic wings, fueled by the tempestuous currents of power consumption. Yet, amid this epoch of progress, the spectre of greenhouse gas emissions looms ominously, a harrowing testament to the heedless march of industrialisation, which has cloaked our planet in a shroud of warmth, rising by an imperceptible yet perilous 1.2 degrees Celsius. Behold, then, the catastrophic ballet of natures fury, as the warming embrace of the oceans and earth catalyses a tempestuous crescendo of sea surges, floods, landslides, and droughts, weaving a tapestry of despair across the globe. Henceforth, the clarion call for change echoes with unyielding resonance, beckoning us to cast aside the yoke of coal, oil, and gas, and embrace the verdant pastures of renewable energy. Behold the alchemy of progress, as the crucible of innovation kindles the flames of hope, birthing technologies that harness the elemental fury of nuclear fusion, the luminous promise of green hydrogen, and the celestial dance of solar and wind energy. Yet, amid this symphony of progress, a lamentation arises, for the bounteous fruits of alternative energy remain tantalisingly beyond our grasp, ensnared by the tendrils of inadequate research and finance. Thus, let us cast our gaze towards the radiant shores of Abu Dhabi, a beacon of hope and innovation, where the leviathan of progress strides forth, fuelled by the boundless ingenuity of human endeavor. Gather, then, beneath the auspices of the inaugural programme at IIT Delhis hallowed Abu Dhabi campus, where the Master of Technology in Energy, Transition, and Sustainability stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment towards a greener tomorrow. Let us behold with reverence the vanguard of progress, as students, sponsored by the custodians of oil and gas, embark upon a journey towards enlightenment and empowerment. For in the crucible of knowledge, we shall forge a future teeming with possibility, where the economies of Abu Dhabi and her Gulf brethren shall transcend the shackles of fossil fuel dependency, ushering forth a new era of prosperity and sustainability. Behold, then, the emerald tapestry of transition and sustainability, unfurling beneath the hallowed halls of IIT Delhi, where the sacred rites of research and innovation converge, illuminating the path towards a brighter, greener future for generations yet unborn. (The writer is retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Karnataka) West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST Free Report) had its price target boosted by KeyCorp from $440.00 to $470.00 in a research report released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. KeyCorp currently has an overweight rating on the medical instruments suppliers stock. Several other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $323.00 to $536.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Stephens dropped their price target on West Pharmaceutical Services from $420.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, StockNews.com raised West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, West Pharmaceutical Services currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $411.00. Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on West Pharmaceutical Services West Pharmaceutical Services Stock Performance WST opened at $362.05 on Tuesday. West Pharmaceutical Services has a 12-month low of $303.79 and a 12-month high of $415.73. The stock has a market cap of $26.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 48.86, a PEG ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day moving average of $362.26 and a 200-day moving average of $368.30. The company has a quick ratio of 2.89, a current ratio of 3.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The medical instruments supplier reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $732.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $740.43 million. West Pharmaceutical Services had a return on equity of 21.86% and a net margin of 19.11%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.77 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that West Pharmaceutical Services will post 8.02 earnings per share for the current year. West Pharmaceutical Services Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were issued a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.22%. West Pharmaceutical Servicess dividend payout ratio is presently 10.80%. Insider Buying and Selling at West Pharmaceutical Services In other West Pharmaceutical Services news, CAO Chad Winters sold 1,013 shares of West Pharmaceutical Services stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.00, for a total value of $353,537.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,270 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $443,230. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.13% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On West Pharmaceutical Services Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WST. EA Series Trust bought a new position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in the 2nd quarter valued at $218,000. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 10.8% in the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,830 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $687,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in the 2nd quarter valued at $286,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC increased its stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 63.3% in the 3rd quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 3,746 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $1,406,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 12.0% in the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 55,058 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $20,658,000 after purchasing an additional 5,892 shares during the last quarter. 91.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About West Pharmaceutical Services (Get 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. Further Reading 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. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Banco Santander-Chile (NYSE:BSAC Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning. BSAC has been the topic of a number of other reports. Bank of America upgraded Banco Santander-Chile from an underperform rating to a buy rating and cut their target price for the company from $22.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Banco Santander-Chile in a report on Monday, October 16th. They set a hold rating and a $18.90 price target on the stock. Finally, HSBC lowered Banco Santander-Chile from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Banco Santander-Chile has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $19.97. Get Banco Santander-Chile alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Banco Santander-Chile Banco Santander-Chile Stock Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Santander-Chile Shares of BSAC opened at $20.17 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $18.97 and its 200 day moving average price is $18.72. Banco Santander-Chile has a 12-month low of $16.24 and a 12-month high of $21.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.50 billion, a PE ratio of 15.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.07, a current ratio of 1.94 and a quick ratio of 1.94. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Banco Santander-Chile by 19.7% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 32,084 shares of the banks stock worth $725,000 after acquiring an additional 5,280 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Santander-Chile during the 1st quarter valued at about $423,000. APG Asset Management N.V. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Santander-Chile during the 1st quarter valued at about $936,000. Thomas White International Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander-Chile by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Thomas White International Ltd. now owns 150,003 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,389,000 after buying an additional 19,423 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Santander-Chile during the 1st quarter valued at about $7,510,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.74% of the companys stock. Banco Santander-Chile Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander-Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial and retail banking products and services in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Middle-Market, Corporate Investment Banking, and Corporate Activities segments. The company offers debit and credit cards, checking accounts, and savings products; consumer, automobile, commercial, mortgage, and government-guaranteed loans; and Chilean peso and foreign currency-denominated loans to finance various commercial transactions, trade, foreign currency forward contracts, and credit lines, as well as mortgage financing services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander-Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander-Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. bought a new stake in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 2,282 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $252,000. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in shares of General Electric by 67.6% during the 3rd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 25,748 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $2,846,000 after purchasing an additional 10,384 shares during the period. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its holdings in General Electric by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 68,183 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $7,538,000 after buying an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its holdings in General Electric by 12.3% during the 3rd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 465,390 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $51,449,000 after buying an additional 50,937 shares in the last quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group lifted its holdings in General Electric by 281.7% during the 3rd quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group now owns 355 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truepoint Inc. lifted its holdings in General Electric by 58.2% during the 3rd quarter. Truepoint Inc. now owns 6,722 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $743,000 after buying an additional 2,474 shares in the last quarter. 74.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Stock Up 0.5 % NYSE:GE opened at $149.16 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $162.34 billion, a PE ratio of 17.82, a P/E/G ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.25. General Electric has a twelve month low of $81.65 and a twelve month high of $150.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The companys 50 day moving average is $130.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $119.44. General Electric Announces Dividend General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $19.42 billion for 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%. General Electrics revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.24 EPS. Analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 4.53 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 28th were issued a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 27th. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3.82%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In GE has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $124.00 to $136.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. TheStreet upgraded shares of General Electric from a c+ rating to a b+ rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of General Electric from $144.00 to $153.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of General Electric from $150.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of General Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $132.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on General Electric Insider Activity In other news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total value of $3,195,107.85. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 56,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,153,863.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total value of $3,195,107.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 56,284 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,153,863.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 13,601 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on 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 owns 48,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,552,351.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. General Electric Profile (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. Recommended Stories 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. StockNews.com lowered shares of Altria Group (NYSE:MO Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Wednesday morning. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on MO. Citigroup reduced their price objective on 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 reissued a sell rating and issued a $36.10 price target on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.22. Get Altria Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on MO Altria Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE MO opened at $40.17 on Wednesday. Altria Group has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $48.11. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $40.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $41.87. The firm has a market cap of $71.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.66. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.01. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.21% and a negative return on equity of 243.71%. The business had revenue of $5.02 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Altria Group will post 5.08 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were issued a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.76%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 85.78%. Altria Group announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Thursday, February 1st that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 1.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Institutional Trading of Altria Group Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sei Investments Co. increased its stake in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% in 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 lifted its position 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 worth $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P purchased a new position in Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in Altria Group by 3.4% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock worth $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank purchased a new position in Altria Group in the first quarter worth approximately $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock. About Altria Group (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Shares of Altus Power, Inc. (NYSE:AMPS Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Buy from the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $8.86. Several brokerages recently commented on AMPS. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Altus Power from $11.00 to $9.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 8th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Altus Power from $10.00 to $9.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. B. Riley boosted their price objective on shares of Altus Power from $8.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Altus Power from $8.00 to $7.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 14th. Finally, Northland Securities began coverage on shares of Altus Power in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. They issued an outperform rating and a $10.00 price target on the stock. Get Altus Power alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AMPS Altus Power Stock Performance Insider Transactions at Altus Power Shares of AMPS opened at $7.17 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.15 billion, a PE ratio of 13.79 and a beta of 0.84. Altus Power has a one year low of $4.08 and a one year high of $7.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The companys fifty day moving average price is $6.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.77. In other news, CEO Lars Norell sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.15, for a total transaction of $206,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 21,734,907 shares in the company, valued at $111,934,771.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Lars Norell sold 40,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.15, for a total transaction of $206,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 21,734,907 shares in the company, valued at $111,934,771.05. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Dustin Weber sold 21,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.03, for a total transaction of $147,630.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 1,889,276 shares in the company, valued at $13,281,610.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 225,725 shares of company stock worth $1,412,000. Corporate insiders own 31.55% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in AMPS. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Altus Power by 13.1% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,159,872 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,263,000 after purchasing an additional 712,807 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Altus Power by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,934,964 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,876,000 after buying an additional 63,809 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Altus Power by 26.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,698,735 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,269,000 after buying an additional 780,823 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Altus Power by 360.2% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,529,144 shares of the companys stock worth $10,445,000 after buying an additional 1,196,891 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Altus Power by 71.2% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,180,427 shares of the companys stock worth $6,469,000 after buying an additional 490,886 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.92% of the companys stock. About Altus Power (Get Free Report Altus Power, Inc, a clean electrification company, develops, owns, constructs, and operates roof, ground, and carport-based photovoltaic solar energy generation and storage systems. It serves commercial, industrial, public sector, and community solar customers. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Altus Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altus Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $353.00. A number of brokerages have issued reports on HUBB. StockNews.com downgraded Hubbell from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Seaport Res Ptn reissued a buy rating on shares of Hubbell in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Hubbell from $351.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. TD Cowen started coverage on Hubbell in a report on Friday, December 8th. They issued an outperform rating and a $338.00 target price for the company. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on Hubbell from $330.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Get Hubbell alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Hubbell Insider Buying and Selling at Hubbell Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hubbell In other Hubbell news, CFO William R. Sperry sold 14,925 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $352.99, for a total transaction of $5,268,375.75. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 37,848 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,359,965.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . In related news, CFO William R. Sperry sold 14,925 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $352.99, for a total value of $5,268,375.75. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 37,848 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,359,965.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, Director John F. Malloy purchased 797 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $313.50 per share, for a total transaction of $249,859.50. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 17,923 shares in the company, valued at $5,618,860.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 34,125 shares of company stock valued at $12,065,100 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 25,793 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $8,484,000 after acquiring an additional 524 shares during the period. GTS Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Hubbell in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $304,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV lifted its stake in Hubbell by 3.8% in the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 10,517 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,459,000 after buying an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its stake in Hubbell by 33.4% in the 4th quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 403,421 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $132,698,000 after buying an additional 101,081 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC lifted its stake in Hubbell by 134.5% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 127,684 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $41,998,000 after buying an additional 73,244 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.97% of the companys stock. Hubbell Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE HUBB opened at $358.92 on Friday. Hubbell has a twelve month low of $219.77 and a twelve month high of $364.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.25 billion, a PE ratio of 25.55, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $333.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $314.05. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The industrial products company reported $3.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.58 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $1.35 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion. Hubbell had a return on equity of 30.82% and a net margin of 14.14%. Hubbells revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.60 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Hubbell will post 16.39 earnings per share for the current year. Hubbell Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.36%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. Hubbells dividend payout ratio is presently 34.73%. About Hubbell (Get Free Report Hubbell Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells electrical and utility solutions in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions. The Electrical Solution segment offers standard and special application wiring device products, rough-in electrical products, connector and grounding products, lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment for use in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities by electrical contractors, maintenance personnel, electricians, utilities, and telecommunications companies, as well as components and assemblies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Leede Jones Gab restated their speculative buy rating on shares of Blackrock Silver (CVE:BRC Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, PriceTargets.com reports. Blackrock Silver Price Performance Shares of CVE:BRC opened at C$0.23 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$51.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.83 and a beta of 2.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 3.24 and a quick ratio of 3.14. Blackrock Silver has a one year low of C$0.19 and a one year high of C$0.44. The companys fifty day moving average price is C$0.26 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.29. Get Blackrock Silver alerts: About Blackrock Silver (Get Free Report) Read More Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. Its flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project that consists of 100 patented and 279 unpatented claims covering approximately 25.5 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada. Receive News & Ratings for Blackrock Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackrock Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lifted its holdings in DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Free Report) by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 226,498 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 17,682 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P. owned approximately 0.12% of DXC Technology worth $4,718,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of DXC Technology in the second quarter worth $25,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of DXC Technology by 656.6% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,150 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 998 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in DXC Technology by 163.0% during the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,315 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 815 shares in the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in DXC Technology during the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in DXC Technology during the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.09% of the companys stock. Get DXC Technology alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on DXC shares. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $24.00 price target on shares of DXC Technology in a report on Friday, February 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of DXC Technology from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $27.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on shares of DXC Technology from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Citigroup downgraded shares of DXC Technology from a neutral rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $24.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $23.33. DXC Technology Stock Performance NYSE:DXC traded down $0.45 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $21.72. The stock had a trading volume of 4,491,094 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,947,135. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.37, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.87. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $21.88. DXC Technology has a 52 week low of $18.61 and a 52 week high of $29.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $3.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.36 billion. DXC Technology had a negative net margin of 3.35% and a positive return on equity of 19.00%. DXC Technologys quarterly revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.95 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that DXC Technology will post 3.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About DXC Technology (Free Report) DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DXC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DXC Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DXC Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC cut its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 16.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 4,547 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 901 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $550,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 11.8% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 30,815,132 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,508,919,000 after buying an additional 3,245,264 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 20,596,456 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,345,318,000 after acquiring an additional 464,694 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 74.2% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,324,758 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $834,070,000 after acquiring an additional 3,118,791 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 17.9% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,112,088 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $808,046,000 after purchasing an additional 1,079,787 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 4,698,649 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $535,035,000 after purchasing an additional 34,800 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 8.3 % Shares of NYSE:DLR opened at $136.22 on Friday. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $86.33 and a 52-week high of $149.07. The stock has a market cap of $41.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.87, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.54. The business has a fifty day moving average of $138.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of $130.56. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 164.31%. A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays boosted their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $97.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. StockNews.com cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday. Scotiabank lowered shares of Digital Realty Trust from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $157.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $144.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday. Finally, HSBC started coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a reduce rating and a $112.00 price objective on the stock. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, five have assigned 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 an average price target of $131.53. Read Our Latest Analysis on Digital Realty Trust About Digital Realty Trust (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC decreased its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Free Report) by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,469 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 270 shares during the quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Rio Tinto Group were worth $603,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 2.1% during the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 14,892,790 shares of the mining companys stock worth $950,756,000 after acquiring an additional 312,171 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 58.9% during the first quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 12,899,694 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,037,135,000 after purchasing an additional 4,783,488 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 8.0% in the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 9,207,412 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $587,801,000 after acquiring an additional 683,010 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its stake in Rio Tinto Group by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 6,379,660 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $407,277,000 after purchasing an additional 23,071 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 26.9% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,475,787 shares of the mining companys stock worth $440,253,000 after buying an additional 1,161,737 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 10.03% of the companys stock. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on RIO shares. Barclays raised Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 5th. Liberum Capital raised Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a report on Friday, January 12th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Rio Tinto Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.00. Rio Tinto Group Trading Up 2.3 % Shares of RIO stock opened at $69.12 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $70.69 and a 200 day moving average of $66.45. Rio Tinto Group has a 52 week low of $58.27 and a 52 week high of $76.54. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. About Rio Tinto Group (Free Report) Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (NYSEARCA:KRE Free Report) by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,654 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 375 shares during the quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF were worth $1,364,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 457.7% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,511,408 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $143,371,000 after purchasing an additional 2,881,772 shares during the period. Barclays PLC increased its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 2,609,153 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $108,984,000 after acquiring an additional 105,704 shares during the period. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp increased its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 86.6% in the 3rd quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp now owns 1,548,840 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $64,695,000 after acquiring an additional 718,735 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI increased its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 85.8% in the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 1,522,647 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $62,011,000 after acquiring an additional 703,322 shares during the period. Finally, Sculptor Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $84,199,000. Get SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF alerts: SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of NYSEARCA:KRE traded down $0.51 on Friday, reaching $48.71. The company had a trading volume of 11,129,630 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,416,588. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.60 billion, a PE ratio of 10.19 and a beta of 1.10. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $50.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $46.01. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF has a 52-week low of $34.52 and a 52-week high of $63.28. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Profile SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF, formerly SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF, seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index. Its approach is designed to provide portfolios with low portfolio turnover, tracking, and lower costs. As of October 27, 2011, the Companys holding included Privatebancorp Inc, Webster Finl Corp Conn, Umpqua Hldgs Corp, Firstmerit Corp, East West Bancorp Inc, Fifth Third Bancorp, Fnb Corp Pa, Susquehanna Bancshares Inc and Keycorp New and First Rep Bk San Fran Cali. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lowered its holdings in shares of Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ENR Free Report) by 17.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 13,500 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,800 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Energizer were worth $433,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in Energizer by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,826,006 shares of the companys stock valued at $262,797,000 after acquiring an additional 203,193 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Energizer by 2.7% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,547,272 shares of the companys stock worth $189,738,000 after acquiring an additional 195,988 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Energizer by 5.9% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,246,987 shares of the companys stock worth $176,194,000 after purchasing an additional 291,655 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its position in Energizer by 1.5% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,388,653 shares of the companys stock worth $80,211,000 after purchasing an additional 35,710 shares during the period. Finally, LSV Asset Management lifted its position in Energizer by 1.4% in the third quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,750,934 shares of the companys stock worth $56,100,000 after purchasing an additional 23,844 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.74% of the companys stock. Get Energizer alerts: Energizer Trading Down 1.2 % NYSE ENR opened at $30.27 on Friday. Energizer Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $27.68 and a 1-year high of $37.52. The company has a current ratio of 2.03, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.36. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $31.70 and a 200-day moving average of $32.53. The firm has a market cap of $2.17 billion, a PE ratio of 23.47 and a beta of 1.09. Energizer Announces Dividend Energizer ( NYSE:ENR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $716.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $710.73 million. Energizer had a return on equity of 123.29% and a net margin of 3.21%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.72 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Energizer Holdings, Inc. will post 3.2 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 21st will be paid a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 20th. Energizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 93.02%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Robin Vauth sold 2,919 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.64, for a total value of $92,357.16. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 3,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $119,599.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.77% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on ENR shares. Truist Financial boosted their target price on Energizer from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered Energizer from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Energizer from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $33.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. Barclays boosted their target price on Energizer from $35.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Energizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $35.67. View Our Latest Research Report on ENR Energizer Profile (Free Report) Energizer Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer, Eveready, and Rayovac brands; primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries; and handheld, headlights, lanterns, and area lights, as well as flashlights under the Hard Case, Dolphin, and WeatherReady brands. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ENR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ENR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Energizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. bought a new position in Coursera, Inc. (NYSE:COUR Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 15,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $284,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in COUR. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Coursera by 41.9% in the third quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 75,663 shares of the companys stock worth $1,414,000 after acquiring an additional 22,353 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in Coursera by 1,167.6% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 194,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,643,000 after acquiring an additional 179,537 shares in the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC bought a new position in shares of Coursera in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $7,572,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Coursera in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $913,000. Finally, American International Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Coursera by 13.8% during the second quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 62,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $816,000 after purchasing an additional 7,624 shares in the last quarter. 64.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Coursera alerts: Insider Transactions at Coursera In other Coursera news, CFO Kenneth R. Hahn sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.01, for a total value of $425,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 532,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,061,482.15. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Coursera news, CFO Kenneth R. Hahn sold 25,000 shares of Coursera stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.01, for a total value of $425,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 532,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,061,482.15. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Richard J. Jacquet sold 2,987 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.00, for a total value of $59,740.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 233,963 shares in the company, valued at $4,679,260. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,043,427 shares of company stock worth $20,784,464 over the last quarter. 16.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on the company. Telsey Advisory Group raised their price objective on Coursera from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of Coursera from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their price objective on shares of Coursera from $22.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Coursera from $15.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on Coursera from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.10. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Coursera Coursera Trading Down 1.1 % COUR stock opened at $16.86 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $19.09 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.39. Coursera, Inc. has a 12-month low of $9.91 and a 12-month high of $21.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.57 billion, a PE ratio of -21.90 and a beta of 1.62. Coursera Company Profile (Free Report) Coursera, Inc operates an online educational content platform that connects learners, educators, organizations, and institutions. It offers online courses that include data science, business, computer science, physical science and engineering, language learning, information technology, health, social sciences, math and logic, project management, and arts and humanities; campus student plans; degree courses; and certification education. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COUR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Coursera, Inc. (NYSE:COUR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coursera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coursera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,100,000 shares, an increase of 11.7% from the January 15th total of 1,880,000 shares. Currently, 1.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,240,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.7 days. First BanCorp. Stock Performance Shares of FBP opened at $16.75 on Friday. First BanCorp. has a 12-month low of $10.18 and a 12-month high of $17.44. The stock has a market cap of $2.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.85, a PEG 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. The company has a 50-day moving average of $16.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $14.96. Get First BanCorp. alerts: First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The bank reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $299.09 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $227.75 million. First BanCorp. had a return on equity of 21.62% and a net margin of 26.19%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.40 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that First BanCorp. will post 1.62 EPS for the current fiscal year. First BanCorp. Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently disclosed 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. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.82%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 22nd. This is a boost from First BanCorp.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. First BanCorp.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.94%. Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on First BanCorp. from $18.50 to $19.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target 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. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on First BanCorp. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, COO Donald Kafka sold 65,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.79, for a total transaction of $1,026,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 213,486 shares in the company, valued at $3,370,943.94. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, COO Donald Kafka sold 65,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.79, for a total transaction of $1,026,350.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 213,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,370,943.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Nayda Rivera sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.76, for a total transaction 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. In the last three months, insiders sold 197,033 shares of company stock worth $3,206,679. Corporate insiders own 2.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On First BanCorp. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FBP. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its position in shares of First BanCorp. by 33.0% in the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 214,680 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,623,000 after purchasing an additional 53,241 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its stake in 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 purchasing an additional 36,882 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of First BanCorp. by 14.4% in the 3rd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 208,646 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,808,000 after purchasing an additional 26,192 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund acquired a new position in shares of First BanCorp. during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,384,000. Finally, Advisor Partners II LLC grew 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 buying an additional 780 shares in the last quarter. 91.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About First BanCorp. (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Susquehanna reissued their positive rating on shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Free Report) in a research report released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $49.00 price objective on the oilfield services companys stock. HAL has been the subject of several other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $45.00 target price on shares of Halliburton in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Halliburton from $55.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Halliburton from $44.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Halliburton from $49.00 to $47.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Halliburton from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $48.63. Get Halliburton alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HAL Halliburton Price Performance NYSE HAL opened at $35.31 on Tuesday. Halliburton has a 52 week low of $27.84 and a 52 week high of $43.85. The company has a current ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The stock has a market cap of $31.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 2.01. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $35.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $38.17. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The oilfield services company reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.80 by $0.06. Halliburton had a net margin of 11.46% and a return on equity of 31.59%. The firm had revenue of $5.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.78 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.72 EPS. Halliburtons quarterly revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Halliburton will post 3.43 EPS for the current year. Halliburton Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.17 per share. This is a positive change from Halliburtons previous quarterly dividend of $0.16. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 5th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.93%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio is 21.84%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Capital World Investors increased its stake in shares of Halliburton by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 121,551,234 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $4,394,077,000 after purchasing an additional 479,877 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in shares of Halliburton by 15.6% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 41,852,271 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $1,512,961,000 after purchasing an additional 5,660,862 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its stake in shares of Halliburton by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 25,748,754 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $853,795,000 after purchasing an additional 1,120,274 shares during the last quarter. Sanders Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Halliburton by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Sanders Capital LLC now owns 23,538,783 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $850,927,000 after buying an additional 782,093 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Halliburton by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 19,079,068 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $627,759,000 after buying an additional 387,735 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.09% of the companys stock. Halliburton Company Profile (Get Free Report) Halliburton Company provides products and services to the energy industry worldwide. It operates in two segments, Completion and Production, and Drilling and Evaluation. The Completion and Production segment offers production enhancement services that include stimulation and sand control services; cementing services, such as well bonding and casing, and casing equipment; completion tools that offer downhole solutions and services, including well completion products and services, intelligent well completions, and service tools, as well as liner hanger, sand control, and multilateral systems; production solutions comprising coiled tubing, hydraulic workover units, downhole tools, and pumping and nitrogen services; and pipeline and process services, such as pre-commissioning, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. decreased its holdings in shares of HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report) by 7.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 7,878 shares of the computer makers stock after selling 589 shares during the quarter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in HP were worth $202,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of HPQ. HAP Trading LLC purchased a new position in HP in the third quarter valued at about $328,000. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV boosted its stake in shares of HP by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV now owns 10,498 shares of the computer makers stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 450 shares in the last quarter. Arjuna Capital bought a new stake in shares of HP during the 3rd quarter worth about $2,055,000. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE acquired a new position in shares of HP during the 3rd quarter worth about $49,000. Finally, Andra AP fonden lifted its position in shares of HP by 28.6% during the 3rd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 403,000 shares of the computer makers stock worth $10,357,000 after purchasing an additional 89,600 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.04% of the companys stock. Get HP alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Enrique Lores sold 38,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.75, for a total transaction of $1,130,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 888,911 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,445,102.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Enrique Lores sold 38,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.75, for a total transaction of $1,130,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 888,911 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,445,102.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Alex Cho sold 45,758 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.24, for a total value of $1,337,963.92. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 22,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $643,367.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.32% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently weighed in on HPQ shares. HSBC raised HP from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $30.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley raised HP from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $31.00 to $35.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. Edward Jones raised HP from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. Evercore ISI upgraded HP from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $33.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded HP from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $31.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Monday, November 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $32.30. Get Our Latest Analysis on HPQ HP Stock Down 1.5 % HPQ stock opened at $28.59 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $29.55 and its 200-day moving average is $28.90. The company has a market cap of $28.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.04. HP Inc. has a twelve month low of $25.22 and a twelve month high of $33.90. HP (NYSE:HPQ Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 21st. The computer maker reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.90. The company had revenue of $13.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.79 billion. HP had a negative return on equity of 138.83% and a net margin of 6.13%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 6.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.85 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that HP Inc. will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. HP Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.2756 per share. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.86%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 12th. HPs payout ratio is presently 33.43%. HP Profile (Free Report) HP Inc provides products, technologies, software, solutions, and services to individual consumers, small- and medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises, including customers in the government, health, and education sectors worldwide. It operates through Personal Systems and Printing segments. The Personal Systems segment offers commercial personal computers (PCs), consumer PCs, workstations, thin clients, commercial tablets and mobility devices, retail point-of-sale systems, displays and other related accessories, software, support, and services for the commercial and consumer markets. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HPQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Ltd. lowered its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 4,435,141 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 365,867 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $536,741,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of DLR. RB Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 3,003 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $426,000 after buying an additional 192 shares during the period. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $688,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 31.2% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 20,511 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,909,000 after buying an additional 4,879 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $424,000. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 15,001 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,127,000 after purchasing an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Price Performance DLR stock traded down $12.39 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $136.22. The stock had a trading volume of 6,572,651 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,055,640. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $138.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $130.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The company has a market cap of $41.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.54. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52-week low of $86.33 and a 52-week high of $149.07. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Analysts Set New Price Targets The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a $1.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.58%. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently 164.31%. Several research firms have commented on DLR. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, December 8th. StockNews.com lowered Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $144.00 price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday. KeyCorp initiated coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a sector weight rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $131.53. Get Our Latest Research Report on Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, February 16th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be paid a dividend of 0.50 per share on Monday, March 18th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.17%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. Kontoor Brands has raised its dividend by an average of 26.4% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 3 consecutive years. Kontoor Brands has a payout ratio of 36.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Kontoor Brands to earn $5.10 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.00 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 39.2%. Get Kontoor Brands alerts: Kontoor Brands Price Performance Shares of KTB opened at $63.03 on Friday. Kontoor Brands has a 1 year low of $37.10 and a 1 year high of $64.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21, a current ratio of 2.65 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The company has a market capitalization of $3.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.15. The business has a 50-day moving average of $59.91 and a 200-day moving average of $51.64. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kontoor Brands Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Kontoor Brands by 1.9% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 8,294,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $401,379,000 after acquiring an additional 153,205 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Kontoor Brands by 1.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,175,002 shares of the companys stock valued at $207,543,000 after acquiring an additional 75,490 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its stake in Kontoor Brands by 0.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,079,112 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,531,000 after acquiring an additional 13,277 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in Kontoor Brands by 55.4% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,353,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,416,000 after acquiring an additional 482,274 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of Kontoor Brands by 3.1% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,326,447 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,848,000 after buying an additional 39,777 shares during the last quarter. A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on KTB shares. UBS Group raised their price objective on Kontoor Brands from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Kontoor Brands from $60.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Edward Jones downgraded Kontoor Brands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. Barclays upgraded Kontoor Brands from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $59.00 in a report on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Kontoor Brands from $60.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $70.40. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kontoor Brands Kontoor Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kontoor Brands, Inc, a lifestyle apparel company, designs, produces, procures, markets, distributes, and licenses denim, apparel, footwear, and accessories, primarily under the Wrangler and Lee brands. It licenses and sells apparel under the Rock & Republic brad name. The company sells its products primarily through mass merchants, specialty stores, mid-tier and traditional department stores, company-operated stores, and online. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Kontoor Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kontoor Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 69.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 270 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $495,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in CMG. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,052,227 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $4,389,714,000 after buying an additional 54,820 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.1% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,085,226 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,321,298,000 after acquiring an additional 42,257 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.3% during the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 1,038,882 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,222,169,000 after acquiring an additional 52,163 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.7% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 565,479 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $963,779,000 after purchasing an additional 9,520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.5% during the third quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 509,953 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $934,147,000 after purchasing an additional 7,677 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.19% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CMG has been the subject of several recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,450.00 to $2,560.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,284.00 to $2,500.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Barclays raised their price objective 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. Citigroup increased their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,699.00 to $3,016.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,450.00 to $2,550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,469.88. Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of CMG stock traded down $19.57 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $2,598.43. The companys stock had a trading volume of 138,362 shares, compared to its average volume of 271,394. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $2,364.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2,101.93. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a one year low of $1,470.05 and a one year high of $2,725.83. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.73 by $0.63. The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.41% and a net margin of 12.45%. The businesss revenue was up 15.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.29 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Chipotle Mexican Grill In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $51,358,964.07. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Albert S. Baldocchi sold 750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,608.51, for a total transaction of $1,956,382.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 37,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $97,221,776.21. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, 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 transaction of $2,404,392.33. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,358,964.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 5,837 shares of company stock valued at $14,012,071 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. The company offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Further Reading 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. Lcnb Corp lowered its position in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 12.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 453 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 64 shares during the quarter. Lcnb Corps holdings in BlackRock were worth $293,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Archer Investment Corp purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 77.01% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Stephen Cohen sold 950 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $805.55, for a total transaction of $765,272.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,437 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,574,225.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Stephen Cohen sold 950 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $805.55, for a total transaction of $765,272.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,437 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,574,225.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 3,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $793.86, for a total transaction 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 disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 33,474 shares of company stock valued at $17,275,900. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BLK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. BNP Paribas upgraded 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. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Friday, December 15th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, TD Cowen upgraded shares of BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, BlackRock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73. Read Our Latest Analysis on BLK BlackRock Price Performance Shares of BlackRock stock traded down $4.05 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $794.00. The companys stock had a trading volume of 393,776 shares, compared to its average volume of 633,728. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $792.71 and a 200-day moving average price of $717.98. BlackRock, Inc. has a one year low of $596.18 and a one year high of $819.00. 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 stock has a market cap of $118.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.03 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 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $0.82. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.81% and a return on equity of 14.85%. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.65 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $8.93 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 EPS for the current year. BlackRock Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, March 7th will be paid a dividend of $5.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. This is a boost from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. This represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.57%. BlackRocks payout ratio is currently 54.78%. BlackRock 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. 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. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,904 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 35 shares during the quarter. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $791,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MSI. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Motorola Solutions by 11.6% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,918 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $949,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its position in Motorola Solutions by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 11,087 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $2,685,000 after purchasing an additional 329 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its position in Motorola Solutions by 8.8% in the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 2,870 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $695,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Motorola Solutions in the 1st quarter worth $225,000. Finally, Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 7.3% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 55,177 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $13,362,000 after acquiring an additional 3,741 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.37% of the companys stock. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Motorola Solutions Trading Down 1.1 % Shares of MSI traded down $3.41 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $320.49. 548,700 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 693,017. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $255.85 and a 12 month high of $333.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.37. The companys fifty day moving average price is $319.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $300.61. The company has a market capitalization of $53.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.92. Analyst Ratings Changes Motorola Solutions ( NYSE:MSI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 8th. The communications equipment provider reported $3.90 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.63 by $0.27. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 17.12% and a return on equity of 441.65%. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.82 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.38 earnings per share. Motorola Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 11.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts have issued reports on MSI shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Motorola Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Friday, January 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $350.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $333.00 to $352.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Friday, February 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $328.29. View Our Latest Analysis on MSI Motorola Solutions Company Profile (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. Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $118.36 and last traded at $117.21, with a volume of 69507 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $116.69. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MHK has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. TheStreet cut Mohawk Industries from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Mohawk Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $98.00 to $152.00 in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Barclays boosted their price objective on Mohawk Industries from $100.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Mohawk Industries from $98.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on Mohawk Industries from $105.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Mohawk Industries currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $116.10. Get Mohawk Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on MHK Mohawk Industries Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.78. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $103.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.72. Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, February 9th. The company reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $2.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.56 billion. Mohawk Industries had a positive return on equity of 7.52% and a negative net margin of 3.95%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.32 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Mohawk Industries, Inc. will post 9.78 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at Mohawk Industries In related news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.09, for a total value of $517,495.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at $842,387.77. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 17.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Mohawk Industries Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MHK. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in Mohawk Industries by 4.7% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 4,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $615,000 after buying an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new position in shares of Mohawk Industries during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,043,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Mohawk Industries by 23.2% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 14,929 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,854,000 after purchasing an additional 2,809 shares during the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Mohawk Industries by 98.7% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 10,628 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,320,000 after purchasing an additional 5,280 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its holdings in shares of Mohawk Industries by 6.6% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 7,341 shares of the companys stock valued at $912,000 after purchasing an additional 455 shares during the last quarter. 77.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Mohawk Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America (Flooring NA), and Flooring Rest of the World (Flooring ROW). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Mohawk Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mohawk Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP lessened its position in Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 15.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,026,995 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 188,641 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in Newmont were worth $37,947,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Newmont by 4.6% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 99,433,731 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $4,241,843,000 after acquiring an additional 4,409,771 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 0.3% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 40,353,343 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,721,474,000 after buying an additional 121,393 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 2.9% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 17,003,452 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $628,278,000 after buying an additional 483,377 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 2.2% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,610,735 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $622,663,000 after buying an additional 321,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Flossbach Von Storch AG grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 2.9% in the second quarter. Flossbach Von Storch AG now owns 14,296,942 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $609,908,000 after buying an additional 404,403 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.53% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Newmont Stock Up 1.1 % NEM opened at $33.43 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $37.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $38.16. The company has a quick ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The company has a market cap of $26.57 billion, a PE ratio of -32.46, a P/E/G ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.52. Newmont Co. has a 52 week low of $31.61 and a 52 week high of $52.76. Insider Buying and Selling at Newmont Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades In other Newmont news, COO Robert D. Atkinson sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.26, for a total transaction of $226,930.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 54,251 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,238,396.26. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . 0.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders. NEM has been the subject of a number of research reports. National Bank Financial reaffirmed an outperform overweight rating on shares of Newmont in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. TD Securities cut Newmont from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $46.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Newmont from $45.00 to $40.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. UBS Group lowered their target price on Newmont from $42.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Newmont from $57.00 to $56.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Six 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, Newmont has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $54.25. Read Our Latest Report on Newmont Newmont Company Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Ghana. As of December 31, 2022, it had proven and probable gold reserves of 96.1 million ounces and land position of 61,500 square kilometers. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Co. (NYSE:NEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB lowered its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 9.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 4,051,289 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 437,829 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $166,751,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kathmere Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 19.5% in the third quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 7,248 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $296,000 after acquiring an additional 1,185 shares during the last quarter. Stoneridge Investment Partners LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 410.5% in the third quarter. Stoneridge Investment Partners LLC now owns 67,480 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,757,000 after acquiring an additional 54,262 shares during the last quarter. Caxton Associates LP bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,967,000. Pegasus Partners Ltd. bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $226,000. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the third quarter valued at approximately $5,143,000. 72.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on WFC. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $50.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Monday, January 8th. Odeon Capital Group lowered shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $48.80 price objective on the stock. in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Finally, Raymond James raised their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $51.43. Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance Shares of WFC traded down $0.13 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $51.91. The stock had a trading volume of 24,359,733 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,672,132. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $49.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of $44.40. Wells Fargo & Company has a one year low of $35.25 and a one year high of $52.45. The firm has a market cap of $188.52 billion, a PE ratio of 10.77, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.30). Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.60% and a return on equity of 12.40%. The firm had revenue of $20.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.30 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 EPS for the current year. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 2nd will be given a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.70%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.05%. Wells Fargo & Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG Free Report) by 12.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 9,330 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,055 shares during the period. Phoenix Holdings Ltd.s holdings in Essential Utilities were worth $319,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Essential Utilities by 15.7% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 11,774 shares of the companys stock worth $602,000 after purchasing an additional 1,602 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. raised its position in Essential Utilities by 80.7% in the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 37,787 shares of the companys stock worth $1,932,000 after purchasing an additional 16,871 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Essential Utilities by 12.1% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,186,342 shares of the companys stock worth $60,662,000 after purchasing an additional 127,695 shares during the period. Aviva PLC purchased a new position in Essential Utilities in the 1st quarter worth $5,907,000. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH grew its holdings in Essential Utilities by 3,972.9% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 524,708 shares of the companys stock worth $26,828,000 after acquiring an additional 511,825 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.01% of the companys stock. Get Essential Utilities alerts: Essential Utilities Trading Down 0.0 % NYSE:WTRG opened at $36.19 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 0.46 and a quick ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.10, a PEG ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 0.83. Essential Utilities, Inc. has a one year low of $32.07 and a one year high of $46.37. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $36.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.19. Essential Utilities Cuts Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 9th will be issued a $0.307 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 8th. This represents a $1.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.39%. Essential Utilitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 68.33%. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on WTRG shares. StockNews.com lowered shares of Essential Utilities from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. Edward Jones raised shares of Essential Utilities from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Essential Utilities currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.25. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Essential Utilities About Essential Utilities (Free Report) Essential Utilities, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company operates through Regulated Water and Regulated Natural Gas segments. It offers water services through operating and maintenance contract with municipal authorities and other parties. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WTRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Essential Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essential Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. trimmed its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP (NYSE:SBS Free Report) by 18.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 25,440 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 5,692 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd.s holdings in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP were worth $298,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 9.7% during the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 9,698 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $118,000 after buying an additional 857 shares during the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 56,836 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $689,000 after purchasing an additional 1,950 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers raised its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 14.2% in the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 222,582 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,698,000 after purchasing an additional 27,594 shares during the last quarter. Sonen Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 38.0% in the 3rd quarter. Sonen Capital LLC now owns 13,800 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $167,000 after purchasing an additional 3,800 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG raised its position in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 260,956 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,163,000 after purchasing an additional 2,207 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 Shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP stock opened at $16.38 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP has a 52 week low of $8.45 and a 52 week high of $16.68. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $15.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.05, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.23. Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP Company Profile 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. Featured 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. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 19.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,410 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 707 shares during the period. Phoenix Holdings Ltd.s holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $496,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in A. Synovus Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 6,751 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $895,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in Agilent Technologies by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 28,606 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,785,000 after purchasing an additional 1,957 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Agilent Technologies by 52.1% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,334 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $309,000 after purchasing an additional 799 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Agilent Technologies by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,531,170 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,246,209,000 after purchasing an additional 261,435 shares during the period. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its stake in Agilent Technologies by 10.8% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 2,880 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $381,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the period. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Philip Binns sold 2,880 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.78, for a total transaction of $402,566.40. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 12,824 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,792,538.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, VP Rodney Gonsalves sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $137.69, for a total transaction of $206,535.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 26,133 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,598,252.77. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Philip Binns sold 2,880 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.78, for a total value of $402,566.40. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 12,824 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,792,538.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 95,929 shares of company stock worth $12,730,599 over the last quarter. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on A. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Agilent Technologies from $128.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Bank of America downgraded Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the stock from $130.00 to $133.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on Agilent Technologies from $140.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and ten have assigned a 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 $137.44. Read Our Latest Research Report on Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Stock Performance NYSE:A opened at $134.84 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $133.72 and its 200 day moving average is $122.33. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $96.80 and a fifty-two week high of $148.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $39.51 billion, a PE ratio of 32.03, a PEG ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a current ratio of 2.61. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 28.24% and a net margin of 18.15%. The business had revenue of $1.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.53 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year. 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. Featured Articles 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. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 2,680 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock, valued at approximately $708,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 100 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.72% of the companys stock. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance Shares of BDX opened at $240.76 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.56 billion, a PE ratio of 57.05, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.43. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 1 year low of $228.62 and a 1 year high of $287.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $239.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $252.40. Becton, Dickinson and Company Announces Dividend Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.39 by $0.29. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 13.57% and a net margin of 6.44%. The firm had revenue of $4.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.98 earnings per share. Becton, Dickinson and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 7th. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 90.05%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BDX has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Barclays raised their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $301.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 4th. TheStreet cut Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Piper Sandler lowered their target price on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Raymond James raised their target price on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $269.00 to $275.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Becton, Dickinson and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $279.17. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BDX Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total transaction of $514,141.32. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 4,120 shares in the company, valued at approximately $982,496.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Becton, Dickinson and Company Company Profile (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 Articles 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. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 0.6% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 169,435 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 995 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $24,011,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in VLO. Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Quarry LP boosted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1,676.9% in the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 231 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Capital Advisors Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.07% of the companys stock. Get Valero Energy alerts: Valero Energy Stock Down 1.7 % Shares of NYSE VLO opened at $139.54 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $104.18 and a 12 month high of $152.20. The firm has a market capitalization of $47.51 billion, a PE ratio of 5.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.53. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $132.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $131.78. Valero Energy Increases Dividend Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The oil and gas company reported $3.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.60. Valero Energy had a net margin of 6.10% and a return on equity of 31.86%. The business had revenue of $35.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.76 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $8.45 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 15.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Valero Energy Co. will post 14.35 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 1st will be paid a $1.07 dividend. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.07%. This is a positive change from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.02. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 31st. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.31%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently commented on VLO. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. lowered shares of Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $150.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, October 30th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $146.00 to $149.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $154.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. Finally, Citigroup began coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. They set a buy rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $153.62. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Valero Energy About Valero Energy (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The company produces California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending and Conventional Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending gasolines, CARB diesel, diesel, jet fuel, and asphalt; aromatics; and sulfur crude oils. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. decreased its position in Dover Co. (NYSE:DOV Free Report) by 4.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 254,067 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 11,298 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned 0.18% of Dover worth $35,445,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in DOV. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Dover in the 4th quarter worth approximately $167,153,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Dover by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,057,041 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,223,172,000 after acquiring an additional 1,064,150 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Dover by 112.1% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,902,351 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $257,597,000 after acquiring an additional 1,005,470 shares during the last quarter. CI Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Dover in the 4th quarter worth approximately $126,175,000. Finally, Close Asset Management Ltd increased its stake in Dover by 102,123.6% in the 3rd quarter. Close Asset Management Ltd now owns 562,230 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $78,484,000 after acquiring an additional 561,680 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.97% of the companys stock. Get Dover alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have issued reports on DOV. Barclays lifted their price objective on Dover from $150.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Dover from $146.00 to $153.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Dover from $140.00 to $167.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Seaport Res Ptn raised Dover from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Dover from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 12th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine 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 target price of $168.18. Dover Price Performance DOV opened at $161.46 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $152.40 and a 200 day moving average of $144.05. Dover Co. has a 52-week low of $127.25 and a 52-week high of $164.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The stock has a market cap of $22.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.47, a PEG ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.26. Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The industrial products company reported $2.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.44 by $0.01. Dover had a return on equity of 25.95% and a net margin of 12.52%. The business had revenue of $2.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.16 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.16 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Dover Co. will post 9.07 EPS for the current year. Dover Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. Dovers dividend payout ratio is 27.13%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Dover news, VP Anthony K. Kosinski sold 664 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.64, for a total value of $94,048.96. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $755,366.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, VP Anthony K. Kosinski sold 664 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.64, for a total value of $94,048.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 5,333 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $755,366.12. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Brad M. Cerepak sold 14,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $142.00, for a total value of $1,988,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 35,938 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,103,196. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Dover Profile (Free Report) Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in aftermarket vehicle service, solid waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dover Co. (NYSE:DOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prudential PLC lifted its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report) by 310.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 79,624 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 60,232 shares during the period. Prudential PLCs holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $5,074,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of IR. Horizon Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 5,837 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $382,000 after buying an additional 152 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 13.5% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,593 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $104,000 after buying an additional 190 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,800 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $114,000 after buying an additional 191 shares during the period. LifePro Asset Management raised its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. LifePro Asset Management now owns 12,206 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $778,000 after buying an additional 192 shares during the period. Finally, Catalyst Financial Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Catalyst Financial Partners LLC now owns 6,021 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $384,000 after buying an additional 194 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.54% of the companys stock. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Ingersoll Rand Stock Performance Shares of Ingersoll Rand stock opened at $89.47 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $78.95 and a 200 day moving average of $70.98. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 12 month low of $51.84 and a 12 month high of $92.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 2.26 and a quick ratio of 1.60. Insider Activity at Ingersoll Rand Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth In other Ingersoll Rand news, insider Andrew R. Schiesl sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total value of $934,570.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 45,263 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,253,957.07. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . 0.83% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Several research analysts recently commented on IR shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $73.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Cfra increased their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $68.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $73.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $79.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 11th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $93.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $76.82. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Ingersoll Rand About Ingersoll Rand (Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle, and medical technologies in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 242,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,198,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in Altria Group during the first quarter valued at $25,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 103.2% during the third quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 636 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 323 shares during the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the third quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the third quarter worth about $30,000. Institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Up 0.0 % MO stock opened at $40.18 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $71.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.79, a PEG ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $40.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.87. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $39.06 and a fifty-two week high of $48.11. Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $5.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.06 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 33.21% and a negative return on equity of 243.71%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.18 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.08 EPS for the current year. Altria Group announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan on Thursday, February 1st that allows the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to repurchase up to 1.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Altria Group Dividend Announcement 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 $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.76%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 20th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 85.78%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on MO shares. UBS Group restated a sell rating and set a $36.10 price target on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. StockNews.com lowered shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.22. View Our Latest Stock Report 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. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Taylor Morrison Home (NYSE:TMHC Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Tuesday. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Taylor Morrison Home from $47.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Taylor Morrison Home from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $50.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Taylor Morrison Home from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $43.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Friday, January 12th. Seaport Res Ptn cut shares of Taylor Morrison Home from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $52.00 target price on shares of Taylor Morrison Home in a report on Monday, December 18th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $57.20. Get Taylor Morrison Home alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Taylor Morrison Home Taylor Morrison Home Trading Down 4.4 % Shares of TMHC opened at $54.75 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 5.78, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.84 and a beta of 1.85. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $52.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $47.16. Taylor Morrison Home has a 12-month low of $34.10 and a 12-month high of $57.35. Taylor Morrison Home (NYSE:TMHC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The construction company reported $2.05 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.82 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $2.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.85 billion. Taylor Morrison Home had a net margin of 10.37% and a return on equity of 16.44%. Taylor Morrison Homes revenue was down 19.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.93 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Taylor Morrison Home will post 6.68 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Taylor Morrison Home In other Taylor Morrison Home news, Director William H. Lyon sold 2,285 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.01, for a total value of $123,412.85. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,744 shares in the company, valued at $958,353.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director William H. Lyon sold 2,285 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.01, for a total transaction of $123,412.85. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,744 shares in the company, valued at $958,353.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director William H. Lyon sold 139,661 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.10, for a total transaction of $7,555,660.10. Following the transaction, the director now owns 85,570 shares in the company, valued at $4,629,337. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 196,339 shares of company stock worth $10,726,432 over the last three months. Insiders own 5.50% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Taylor Morrison Home Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its position in Taylor Morrison Home by 19.6% in the 2nd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 16,295 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $795,000 after buying an additional 2,674 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in Taylor Morrison Home by 91.9% in the third quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 51,591 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,198,000 after acquiring an additional 24,701 shares during the period. Advisors Preferred LLC acquired a new stake in Taylor Morrison Home in the third quarter valued at $1,103,000. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in Taylor Morrison Home by 14.6% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 16,885,291 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $823,496,000 after acquiring an additional 2,146,779 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in Taylor Morrison Home by 35.6% in the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 319,718 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $15,589,000 after acquiring an additional 83,973 shares during the period. 95.32% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Taylor Morrison Home (Get Free Report) Taylor Morrison Home Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public homebuilder in the United States. The company designs, builds, and sells single and multi-family detached and attached homes; and develops lifestyle and master-planned communities. It also develops and constructs multi-use properties consisting of commercial space, retail, and multi-family properties under the Urban Form brand name; and offers title insurance and closing settlement services, as well as financial services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Morrison Home Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Morrison Home and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC reduced its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 4,740 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 177 shares during the quarter. Balentine LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,534,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Cambridge Trust Co. grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 82.0% during the third quarter. Cambridge Trust Co. now owns 91 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. 69.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of GS stock traded down $0.98 on Friday, reaching $384.44. The company had a trading volume of 2,376,824 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,494,996. The company has a 50-day moving average of $381.05 and a 200-day moving average of $345.77. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $289.36 and a 12 month high of $396.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07. The stock has a market cap of $125.37 billion, a PE ratio of 16.84, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.43. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 16th. The investment management company reported $5.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.62 by $1.86. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 7.82% and a net margin of 7.85%. The business had revenue of $11.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.80 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.32 EPS. The Goldman Sachs Groups revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 32.66 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be issued a $2.75 dividend. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.86%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is presently 48.20%. Analysts Set New Price Targets GS has been the topic of a number of research reports. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $382.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $437.00 to $493.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $398.00 to $421.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $333.00 to $449.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, The Goldman Sachs Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $409.93. Read Our Latest Report on GS Insider Activity In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 7,277 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $379.81, for a total transaction of $2,763,877.37. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 6,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,469,144.81. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 7,277 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $379.81, for a total transaction of $2,763,877.37. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 6,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,469,144.81. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total value of $461,166.40. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 10,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 16,110 shares of company stock valued at $5,990,991. 0.54% of the stock is owned by insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lowered its position in shares of The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB Free Report) by 5.3% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 22,501 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 1,251 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Williams Companies were worth $758,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. raised its position in Williams Companies by 15.7% during the 2nd quarter. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 24,488 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $799,000 after buying an additional 3,318 shares during the last quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Williams Companies by 1,313.1% in the 2nd quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. now owns 436,166 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $14,232,000 after purchasing an additional 405,301 shares in the last quarter. Autumn Glory Partners LLC increased its holdings in Williams Companies by 28.1% during the 3rd quarter. Autumn Glory Partners LLC now owns 107,609 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $3,625,000 after acquiring an additional 23,579 shares in the last quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. increased its holdings in Williams Companies by 45.3% during the 3rd quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 6,545,151 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $220,506,000 after acquiring an additional 2,040,993 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems purchased a new position in Williams Companies during the 3rd quarter valued at about $3,230,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.76% of the companys stock. Get Williams Companies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on WMB shares. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Mizuho raised their target price on shares of Williams Companies from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $36.92. Williams Companies Price Performance WMB opened at $34.31 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $34.70 and its 200 day simple moving average is $34.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.77. The Williams Companies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $27.80 and a 1 year high of $37.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.74 billion, a PE ratio of 13.10, a P/E/G ratio of 5.43 and a beta of 1.04. Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The pipeline company reported $0.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.01. Williams Companies had a net margin of 29.22% and a return on equity of 16.20%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.53 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Williams Companies, Inc. will post 1.8 EPS for the current year. Williams Companies Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 8th will be given a dividend of $0.475 per share. This represents a $1.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.54%. This is a boost from Williams Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 7th. Williams Companiess payout ratio is 68.32%. Williams Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Williams Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy infrastructure company primarily in the United States. It operates through Transmission & Gulf of Mexico, Northeast G&P, West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services segments. The Transmission & Gulf of Mexico segment comprises Transco and Northwest natural gas pipelines; and natural gas gathering and processing, and crude oil production handling and transportation assets in the Gulf Coast region, as well as various petrochemical and feedstock pipelines. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors increased its holdings in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 33.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 3,408 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 848 shares during the period. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors holdings in Duke Energy were worth $301,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of DUK. CKW Financial Group bought a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the third quarter worth $25,000. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN lifted its holdings in Duke Energy by 200.0% in the second quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 312 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 208 shares during the period. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Duke Energy in the first quarter valued at $28,000. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Duke Energy in the third quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Duke Energy in the first quarter valued at $40,000. Institutional investors own 63.68% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Stock Performance DUK traded down $0.48 on Friday, hitting $91.88. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,120,822 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,244,592. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $96.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $92.27. The firm has a market cap of $70.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 0.48. Duke Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $83.06 and a 12 month high of $100.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. Duke Energy Announces Dividend Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.53 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $7.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.24 billion. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.93% and a net margin of 9.78%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.11 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.97 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a $1.025 dividend. This represents a $4.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 115.49%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently weighed in on DUK. Bank of America lowered shares of Duke Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $105.00 to $96.00 in a report on Monday, February 12th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Duke Energy from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $101.00 to $113.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. KeyCorp upped their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $106.00 to $107.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Duke Energy from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $90.00 to $108.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Duke Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $100.00. Get Our Latest Report on Duke Energy Insiders Place Their Bets In other Duke Energy news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.57, for a total value of $277,710.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,213 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,315,697.41. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Duke Energy Profile (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. Recommended Stories 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. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors lessened its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 84.7% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 15,828 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 87,843 shares during the quarter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors holdings in Bank of America were worth $433,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in Bank of America by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 135,764 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,596,000 after acquiring an additional 2,013 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P raised its position in Bank of America by 150.3% during the 1st quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 1,985 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $82,000 after buying an additional 1,192 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 405,098 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,698,000 after buying an additional 16,319 shares during the last quarter. First Western Trust Bank purchased a new position in Bank of America during the 1st quarter worth approximately $586,000. Finally, Pearl River Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Bank of America during the 1st quarter worth about $534,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.06% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of America In other Bank of America news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank purchased 5,398 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of $10.56 per share, with a total value of $57,002.88. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $57,002.88. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Bank of America Trading Up 0.1 % Bank of America stock traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $34.09. The companys stock had a trading volume of 33,290,656 shares, compared to its average volume of 40,029,208. The stocks fifty day moving average is $33.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.18. Bank of America Co. has a 1 year low of $24.96 and a 1 year high of $35.39. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $269.78 billion, a PE ratio of 11.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 1.39. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $22 billion for 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%. Bank of Americas revenue for the quarter was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.85 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.14 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.82%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 31.27%. Analyst Ratings Changes BAC has been the topic of several analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Monday, November 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Bank of America from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Barclays upped their price objective on Bank of America from $39.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Bank of America from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $32.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded shares of Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $33.90 price objective for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $35.53. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis 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. Recommended Stories 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. WCG Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 17,805 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,548 shares during the period. WCG Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $325,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of MFC. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial during the third quarter worth approximately $27,000. Arlington Trust Co LLC acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial during the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in Manulife Financial during the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. 45.02% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Desjardins upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. TheStreet upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $31.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $32.00. Manulife Financial Price Performance Shares of NYSE:MFC opened at $24.69 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $21.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.07. Manulife Financial Co. has a 1 year low of $17.07 and a 1 year high of $24.89. Manulife Financial Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 28th will be paid a $0.298 dividend. This represents a $1.19 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.83%. This is a boost from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 27th. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 54.40%. Manulife Financial Profile (Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC Free Report) (TSE:MFC). Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthsource Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 9.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,247 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 562 shares during the quarter. Wealthsource Partners LLCs holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $510,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the third quarter worth about $27,000. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc lifted its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 77.3% in the 3rd quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 328 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 810.8% in the 3rd quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 337 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Branch Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. 83.09% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Insider Transactions at Morgan Stanley In other news, CFO Raja Akram sold 7,000 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.56, for a total value of $584,920.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 97,634 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,158,297.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Morgan Stanley news, insider Andrew M. Saperstein sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $84.13, for a total transaction of $841,300.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 323,490 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,215,213.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Raja Akram sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.56, for a total value of $584,920.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 97,634 shares in the company, valued at $8,158,297.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 208,155 shares of company stock valued at $18,149,314. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have commented on MS. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $85.00 price target on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Oppenheimer upped their price objective on Morgan Stanley from $106.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. TheStreet cut Morgan Stanley from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. HSBC cut Morgan Stanley from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $96.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised Morgan Stanley from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, October 20th. Thirteen research 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $94.56. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MS Morgan Stanley Price Performance Shares of Morgan Stanley stock opened at $86.50 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $88.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $83.77. Morgan Stanley has a 52 week low of $69.42 and a 52 week high of $100.02. The company has a market capitalization of $141.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.73, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.06. Morgan Stanley had a return on equity of 10.33% and a net margin of 9.49%. The firm had revenue of $12.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.31 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Morgan Stanley will post 6.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Morgan Stanley Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were issued a $0.85 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.93%. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.76%. Morgan Stanley Profile (Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthsource Partners LLC decreased its holdings in General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 3.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,033 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 280 shares during the quarter. Wealthsource Partners LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $778,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GE. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. purchased a new position in General Electric during the third quarter valued at approximately $252,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its holdings in General Electric by 67.6% during the third quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 25,748 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $2,846,000 after purchasing an additional 10,384 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its holdings in General Electric by 0.6% during the third quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 68,183 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $7,538,000 after purchasing an additional 375 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its holdings in General Electric by 12.3% during the third quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 465,390 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $51,449,000 after purchasing an additional 50,937 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group lifted its holdings in General Electric by 281.7% during the third quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group now owns 355 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.83% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: Insider Activity In other news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total transaction of $3,195,107.85. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 56,284 shares in the company, valued at $8,153,863.08. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total value of $3,195,107.85. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 56,284 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,153,863.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 13,601 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The stock was 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 owns 48,339 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,552,351.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on GE shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of General Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of General Electric from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. TheStreet upgraded shares of General Electric from a c+ rating to a b+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of General Electric from $150.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted 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 analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on General Electric General Electric Stock Up 0.5 % NYSE:GE opened at $149.16 on Friday. General Electric has a 1-year low of $81.65 and a 1-year high of $150.36. The company has a 50-day moving average of $130.62 and a 200 day moving average of $119.44. The firm has a market cap of $162.34 billion, a PE ratio of 17.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.85. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $19.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.27 billion. General Electric had a net margin of 13.95% and a return on equity of 10.88%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.24 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 4.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. General Electric Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 28th were issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 27th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.21%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio is presently 3.82%. General Electric Profile (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. See Also 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. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $408.19, but opened at $338.06. West Pharmaceutical Services shares last traded at $327.75, with a volume of 491,081 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently commented on WST. UBS Group reduced their price objective on West Pharmaceutical Services from $400.00 to $375.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday. StockNews.com cut West Pharmaceutical Services from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. KeyCorp upped their target price on West Pharmaceutical Services from $440.00 to $470.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $323.00 to $536.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Stephens dropped their target price on West Pharmaceutical Services from $420.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $411.00. Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on WST West Pharmaceutical Services Trading Up 3.2 % The firm has a market capitalization of $26.79 billion, a PE ratio of 45.95, a PEG ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a current ratio of 3.70, a quick ratio of 2.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $362.26 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $368.30. West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The medical instruments supplier reported $1.83 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.78 by $0.05. West Pharmaceutical Services had a return on equity of 21.77% and a net margin of 20.12%. The company had revenue of $732.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $740.43 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.77 EPS. West Pharmaceutical Servicess revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. will post 8.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. West Pharmaceutical Services Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. West Pharmaceutical Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.15%. Insider Activity at West Pharmaceutical Services In related news, CAO Chad Winters sold 1,013 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.00, for a total transaction of $353,537.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 1,270 shares in the company, valued at approximately $443,230. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On West Pharmaceutical Services Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. EA Series Trust acquired a new stake in West Pharmaceutical Services in the 2nd quarter valued at about $218,000. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in West Pharmaceutical Services by 10.8% in the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,830 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $687,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares in the last quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services during the 2nd quarter worth about $286,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC raised its position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 63.3% during the 3rd quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 3,746 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,406,000 after acquiring an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 55,058 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $20,658,000 after acquiring an additional 5,892 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.23% of the companys stock. About West Pharmaceutical Services (Get 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 Articles 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. The Australian capital Canberra has staged a Spring Festival gala performance featuring the traditional charm of central China's culture to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, a key part of the 26th Australian National Multicultural Festival. Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said in his opening speech on Friday that the Spring Festival, as the most important traditional festival of China, contains the common values of all mankind, such as harmony, hope and tolerance, and he hoped that everyone could feel the unique charm of Chinese culture through the performance. Through the joint efforts of both sides, the relationship between China and Australia has embarked on the right path of improvement and development, Xiao said, adding that in the new year, China will actively implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen exchanges and dialogues in various fields, deepen practical cooperation, and consolidate the foundation of friendship between the two countries. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra as a "sister city" of Beijing has benefited a lot from exchanges and cooperation with China, based on which the government of Canberra is looking forward to further strengthening the friendly relations between the two cities at the cultural, economic and social levels, and is willing to continue to cooperate with the Chinese embassy and make efforts to promote friendly relations between the two countries. The gala performance presented by the Henan Art Troupe from central China's Henan Province captivated the audience, showcasing the richness of Chinese culture through martial arts, acrobatics, magic shows, Yu opera, as well as Chinese traditional songs and dances. Local Australian residents also participated in the Chinese costume show, saying that celebrating the Chinese New Year in Australia has become a "new tradition" that has energized the whole city of Canberra. The Year of the Dragon, or the Year of the Loong as some people have preferred, started on Feb. 10 this year. The gala performance was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Australia, the ACT government and the local Chinese community in Canberra. The 26th National Multicultural Festival, running from Feb. 16 to 18 in Canberra, is one of Australia's largest celebrations of cultural diversity, which brings together more than 170 multicultural communities that share culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance. The idiotic ramblings of NIMBY short-sighted and ignorant Republican politicians who are against funding Ukraine defence is a sure sign of insularity that pervades the current Republican Party. Why are they against the funding of Ukraines defence from aggressor Russia? Well, to put it lightly, its because some Republicans do not think globally, like most Americans they are completely ignorant to the fact that there is an entire world outside their American bubble. Furthermore, if there is nothing affecting the direct borders of the United States, then it does not matter to these ignorant idiots. Of course, if the Russians were invading a country like Mexico directly on the US border, things would be different for the insular NIMBY Republicans. Blinkered ignorance and arrogance What these short-sighted ignorant lunatics like Marjorie Taylor Greene do not realise is that if Ukraine is lost, Putin will not stop there, he will be bolstered by his victory and continue onwards to take the entirety of Europe. Once Europe is lost, its the USAs turn. Appeasers to Putin/Hitler It took Pearl Harbour to wake up the fucking insular Americans before they bothered to join WW2, even though poor old Churchill was literally begging for Americas help for ages. It may take another Pearl Harbour event for the Republicans to be convinced that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a threat to global and American peace. At least wanting to fund the Ukraine defence is something the Democrats are doing correctly. Saturday night Weekend of Jazz Headline Acts We are excited to announce the Saturday night performance of Weekend of Jazz : Jeff Coffin, Bob Lanzetti, Felix Pastorius and Jordan Perlson. Jeff Coffin is a globally celebrated saxophonist, composer, educator, and is recognized for his breathtakingly singable and enigmatic compositions, his searing improvisations, and his very unusual facial hair. He is a member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band and you may also know him from his 14 year tenure, and 3 GRAMMY Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. This group of master jazz musicians including Jeff Coffin (sax), Bob Lanzetti (guitar), Felix Pastorius (bass) and Jordan Perlson (percussion) will make for an exciting, high energy performance you won't want to miss. CARSON CITY The state agency charged with overseeing services to Nevadans with disabilities or special health care needs is facing major vacancy rates, with the largest shortfall among social workers and specialists who provide oversight to state long-term care facilities, lawmakers were told Wednesday. The Aging and Disability Division, which is part of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, told the Interim Legislative Committee on Seniors, Veterans and Adults with Special Needs that nearly one in four of the divisions authorized positions are unfilled. The adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman office, which provides oversight and advocacy for people living in residential facilities, has a 44% vacancy rate, while the home and community based services has a 47% vacancy. The legislature approved funding for 164 positions for the ombudsman office and 209 for home and community services, but there are 72 and 99 vacancies respectively. The majority for the teams that have the largest vacancy rates are social workers, which continues to be an ongoing challenge for our division, said Jeffrey Duncan, the agency manager for the Aging and Disability Division. Though social workers made up a significant portion of vacancies, Duncan said the long term care ombudsman lacked adult rights specialists. When the ombudsmans office receives complaints from people living at a residential facility or their loved ones, adult rights specialists are the ones who advocate on their behalf, Duncan said. They also do unannounced site visits to the long term care facilities, he added. Democratic State Sen. Pat Spearman, the committee chair, noted that in previous sessions lawmakers have passed legislation to create enhanced penalties for anyone who was receiving maltreatment over the age of 60. Im looking at the 44% vacancy rate, Spearman said. Do you have enough people to make sure those who are perpetrators of that (maltreatment) are brought to justice? Duncan said enforcement is not under his supervision, and so he wasnt able to answer the question. But the understaffing definitely heightens the amount of people each social worker and team is responsible for investigating. If I was to say this on their behalf, we would love to get all our vacancy rates addressed so we can continue to provide quality services to individuals and not increase caseloads, he said. State officials told lawmakers the top challenges are not being able to offer competitive salaries compared to the private sector or even county social services agencies. The other thing is quite simple: there arent enough social workers in the state, said Carrie Embree, who oversees the state Office of Consumer Health Assistance. Duncan said the Aging and Disability Division has had some success recently to get people hired but is still struggling. The division, he said, was looking to make a job offer for the vacant position of attorney for the rights of older persons and persons with a physical disability or intellectual disability. The position, part of the protection and advocacy program, directs the agencys legislative and regulatory policies. Other short-staffed programs include Nevada Early Intervention Services, which provides services to families with children diagnosed with a disability or developmental delay. The program has a 16% vacancy rate, with 32 unfilled positions. The Office of Consumer Health Assistance, which can assist with resolving disputes between out-of-network health providers, has a 27% vacancy rate while the communication access services reports a 25% vacancy. While the current lack of personnel puts a strain on the divisions workload, Spearman worried that as the population gets older things might get worse. Nevada, she said, has one of the fastest growing graying populations, adding that this year for the first time the population for those 55 and older is projected to outnumber those who are 54 and under. I look at the staffing vacancies and some of the other things brought to our attention, Im not so sure we are ready for that, Spearman said. 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. It also provides loans, including consumer mortgages; general purpose commercial and industrial loans, and mortgages on commercial properties; paycheck protection program loans; installment loans that are originated through selected dealerships and are secured by automobiles, marine, and other recreational vehicles; personal installment loans and check credit lines of credit for consumers; and home equity products. In addition, the company offers broker-dealer and investment advisory; cash management, investment, and treasury services; asset management services; and employee benefit services, as well as operates as a full-service insurance agency that provides personal and commercial lines of insurance, and other risk management products and services. Further, it offers contribution plan administration, employee benefit trust, collective investment fund, retirement plan administration and benefit consulting, fund administration, transfer agency, actuarial and benefit consulting, VEBA/HRA, and health and welfare consulting services; and act as an investor in residential and commercial real estate activities. Additionally, the company offers wealth management, retirement planning, higher educational planning, fiduciary, risk management, trust, and personal financial planning services; and investment alternatives, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance and advisory products, as well as master recordkeeping services. Community Bank System, Inc. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in DeWitt, New York. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on February 16 holds phone talks with his Russian counterpart Alexander Valentinovich Novak. ( Photo: VNA) The two Deputy PMs held that the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a history of more than seven decades has kept developing and achieved important results, especially within the framework of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technological Cooperation. They affirmed to continue coordinating closely to implement agreements reached during visits and meetings by senior leaders of the two countries, and promote the effectiveness of existing dialogue and cooperation mechanisms to serve the sustainable socio-economic development of each country. The two sides agreed to continue close coordination and take specific measures to step up trade - investment relations and further promote advantages brought by the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), especially in fields that are strengths of cooperation between the two countries such as oil and gas, energy, tourism, education - training, and science - technology; and promptly remove obstacles in implementing cooperation projects between the two nations./. Ad Investors Alley Beat inflation with this ONE dividend stock (March 26 Deadline) Inflation just rose to 3.2%... And recession worries are picking back up again... That's why I suggest you collect this instant income on March 26... With ONE stock paying a MONTHLY dividend... And yielding a juicy 8.05% -> far bigger than bonds and inflation... 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Click here to get your free Digital Dollar Guide Ad Monument Traders Alliance Make This $3 Trade the Instant the Opening Bell Rings Since the birth of Wall Street, one simple rule has remained the same.... Buy stocks that are cheap....When theyre on sale. And when nobody else is looking See Why This $3.00 Stock Could Hit $15.00 Medical Properties Trust Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in acquiring and developing healthcare facilities. The company's portfolio comprises properties across the United States and Europe, including acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Since 2003, Medical Properties Trust Inc. has become a leading player in the healthcare real estate industry. The company's strategy is centered on long-term leases with high-quality tenants, providing stable cash flow and reducing the risk associated with occupancy and rental rate volatility. Medical Properties Trust Inc. has a strong track record of growth and profitability. One of the critical drivers of Medical Properties Trust Inc.'s success is its focus on the healthcare industry. With an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, the healthcare industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As a result, the need for healthcare facilities is likely to increase, which should benefit Medical Properties Trust Inc. Additionally, the company's focus on long-term leases with high-quality tenants provides stability and predictability, which is especially important in the healthcare industry, where occupancy and rental rate volatility can be high. Medical Properties Trust Inc. has an excellent management team with a proven track record of success. Under the company's current leadership, Medical Properties Trust Inc. has grown rapidly and consistently outperformed its peers. The company's management team has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. In 2020, Medical Properties Trust Inc. was recognized as a leader in sustainability performance. Medical Properties Trust Inc. is exposed to general economic conditions, regulatory changes, and competition within the healthcare real estate industry. The company's success is also dependent on the performance of its tenants, which may be affected by factors such as changes in healthcare laws, reimbursement rates, and patient volumes. Additionally, the company's focus on healthcare real estate may limit its ability to diversify its portfolio in the event of a downturn in the healthcare industry. Despite the risks, Medical Properties Trust Inc. has shown resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of healthcare facilities, and the company's portfolio of high-quality properties has continued to generate strong cash flows. Medical Properties Trust Inc. has used the pandemic to acquire additional properties at attractive valuations. Medical Properties Trust Inc. is well-positioned to benefit from several long-term trends in the healthcare industry: The aging population is expected to increase the demand for healthcare services, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and long-term care facilities. The shift towards value-based care drives consolidation in the healthcare industry, likely resulting in increased demand for healthcare facilities. Advances in medical technology are increasing the need for specialized facilities, such as proton therapy and cancer treatment centers. Medical Properties Trust Inc.'s financial position is strong, with a healthy balance sheet and access to capital markets. The company has consistently maintained an investment-grade credit rating and low capital cost, allowing it to finance growth. Additionally, the company has a diversified tenant base, with no single tenant accounting for more than 4% of its annualized base rent. This provides stability and reduces the risk associated with tenant concentration. The following companies are subsidiares of Amphenol: 3395 Walden Avenue Acquisition Corp., ARIA (Shenzhen) Technologies Co. Ltd., AUXEL FTG, AUXEL FTG India Pvt Ltd., AUXEL S.A.S., Accumetrics Inc, Add-On Computer Peripherals LLC, All Sensors Corporation, All Systems Broadband Inc., Alturna Connect N.V., Alturna Direct Holding N.V., Alturna Direct N.V., Alturna Financial Services N.V., Alturna Holding B.V., Alturna Integration Services N.V., Alturna Networks N.V., American Conec Corporation, Amphenol (Changzhou) Advanced Connector Co. Ltd., Amphenol (Changzhou) Connector Systems Co. Ltd., Amphenol (Changzhou) Electronics Co. Ltd., Amphenol (Maryland) Inc., Amphenol (Ningde) Electronics Co. Ltd, Amphenol (Qujing) Technology Co. Ltd., Amphenol (Tianjin) Electronics Co. Ltd., Amphenol (Xiamen) High Speed Cable Co. Ltd., Amphenol Adronics Inc., Amphenol Advanced Sensors Germany GmbH, Amphenol Advanced Sensors Puerto Rico LLC, Amphenol Air LB North America Inc., Amphenol Airwave (Haiyan) Communication Electronics Co. Ltd., Amphenol Alden Products Company, Amphenol Alden Products Mexico S.A. de C.V., Amphenol Antenna Solutions Inc., Amphenol Aorora Technology (Huizhou) Co. Ltd., Amphenol AssembleTech (Xiamen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Australia Pty Ltd, Amphenol Automotive Connection Systems (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Automotive Technology d.o.o. Trstenik, Amphenol Bar-Tec LTD, Amphenol Benelux B.V., Amphenol Borisch Technologies, Amphenol Borisch Technologies Inc., Amphenol CNT (Xian) Technology Co. Ltd., Amphenol Cabelcon ApS, Amphenol Cables On Demand Corp., Amphenol Canada Acquisition Corporation, Amphenol Canada Corp., Amphenol Comercial S.A. de C.V., Amphenol Commercial Interconnect Korea Co. Ltd., Amphenol Commercial Products (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Commercial and Industrial UK Limited, Amphenol Communication Electronics Vietnam Company Limited, Amphenol ConneXus AB, Amphenol ConneXus Ou, Amphenol Custom Cable Inc., Amphenol DC Electronics Inc., Amphenol DC Electronics Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Amphenol Development Center Tunisia, Amphenol EEC Inc., Amphenol East Asia Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol East Asia Limited, Amphenol FCI, Amphenol FCI Asia Pte. Ltd., Amphenol FCI Besancon SA, Amphenol FCI Connectors Singapore Pte. Ltd., Amphenol Fiber Optic Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Finland Oy, Amphenol France Acquisition SAS, Amphenol France SAS, Amphenol Germany GmbH, Amphenol Gesellschaft m.b.H., Amphenol Goldstar Electronic Systems (Baicheng) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Goldstar Electronic Systems (Yulin) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Holding UK Limited, Amphenol Indemnity Inc., Amphenol Intercon Systems Inc., Amphenol Interconnect India Private Limited, Amphenol Interconnect Products Corporation, Amphenol Interconnect South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Amphenol International Ltd., Amphenol Invotec Limited, Amphenol Italia S.r.l., Amphenol JET (Haiyan) Interconnect Technology Co. Ltd., Amphenol Japan Ltd., Amphenol Kai-Jack (Shenzhen) Inc., Amphenol Kopek Electronics Hardware (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Kopek Holdings Company Limited, Amphenol Kopek Trading Company Limited, Amphenol LTW Technology Co. Ltd., Amphenol Limited, Amphenol MCP Korea Limited, Amphenol Middle East Enterprises FZE, Amphenol Mobile Connector Solutions (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Nelson Dunn Technologies Inc., Amphenol Netherlands Holdings 1 B.V., Amphenol Netherlands Holdings 2 B.V., Amphenol Omniconnect India Private Limited, Amphenol Optimize Manufacturing Co., Amphenol Optimize Mexico S.A. de C.V., Amphenol PCD (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol PCD Inc., Amphenol Phitek Limited, Amphenol Phoenix (Anji) Telecom Parts Co. Ltd., Amphenol Precision Optics GmbH, Amphenol Printed Circuits Inc., Amphenol Procom Inc., Amphenol Provens SAS, Amphenol RF Asia Limited, Amphenol Sensing Korea Company Limited, Amphenol Sincere Industrial Product Gyarto Kft., Amphenol Singapore Pte. Ltd., Amphenol Socapex SAS, Amphenol Sunpool (Liaoning) Automotive Electronics Co. Ltd., Amphenol Systems GmbH, Amphenol T&M Antennas Inc., Amphenol TCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Amphenol TCS Ireland Limited, Amphenol TCS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Amphenol TFC Fios E Cabos do Brasil Ltda., Amphenol TFC MDE Participacoes Ltda., Amphenol TFC do Brasil Ltda., Amphenol Taiwan Corporation, Amphenol Technical Products International Co., Amphenol Technologies Holding GmbH, Amphenol Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Technology (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Amphenol Technology Macedonia Dooel Kocani, Amphenol Technology Vietnam Co. Ltd., Amphenol Tecvox LLC, Amphenol Tel-Ad Ltd., Amphenol Thermometrics (UK) Limited, Amphenol Thermometrics Inc., Amphenol Times Microwave Electronics (Shanghai) Limited, Amphenol Tuchel Industrial GmbH, Amphenol Tunisia LLC, Amphenol Turkey Teknoloji Limited Sirketi, Amphenol USHoldco Inc., Amphenol-Air LB GmbH, Amphenol-Air LB SAS, Amphenol-Borg Limited, Amphenol-Borg Pension Trustees Limited, Amphenol-Daeshin Electronics and Precision Co. Ltd, Amphenol-TFC (Changzhou) Communication Equipment Co. Ltd., Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH, Anytek Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd, Anytek International (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Anytek International Co. Ltd., Anytek Technology Corporation Ltd., Ardent Concepts Inc., Aria Technologies Inc., Asia Connector Services Ltd., Auxel FTG Shanghai Co. Ltd., Berg (UK) Limited, Bernd Richter GmbH, Bipho SRL, C&S Antennas Inc., CTI Industries Inc., Cablescan B.V., Cablescan Limited, Casco Automotive (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Casco Automotive Group, Casco Automotive Singapore Pte. Ltd., Casco Automotive Tunisia S.a.r.l., Casco Holdings GmbH, Casco Imos Italia S.r.l., Casco Logistics GmbH, Casco Products Corporation, Casco Schoeller GmbH, Casco do Brasil Ltda., Cemm Thome Corp., Cemm Thome SK spol s.r.o., Cemm-Mex S.A. de C.V., Changzhou Amphenol Fuyang Communication Equipment Co. Ltd., Charles Industries LLC, Conec Corporation, Conec Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH, Conec Polska Sp. z.o.o., Conec Shanghai International Co. Ltd., Conec UK Limited, Conec s.r.o., ContactServe (Proprietary) Limited, DI U.S. Holdings Inc, Dalimar Instruments ULC, East Asia Connector Services Ltd., Edwin Deutgen Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Ehrlich Werkzeug- und Geratebau GmbH, El-Cab Sp. z.o.o., Exa Thermometrics India Private Limited, FCI Connectors (Shanghai) Ltd., FCI Connectors Canada Inc., FCI Connectors Dongguan Ltd., FCI Connectors Hong Kong Limited, FCI Connectors Korea Ltd., FCI Connectors Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., FCI Connectors Sweden Aktiebolag, FCI Connectors UK Limited, FCI Deutschland GmbH, FCI Electronics Hungary Kft., FCI GBS India Private Limited, FCI Japan K.K., FCI Nantong Ltd., FCI OEN Connectors Limited, FCI PRC Limited, FCI Taiwan Limited, FCI USA LLC, FCIs-Hertogenbosch B.V., FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna, FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna GmbH & Co. KG, FEP Fahrzeugelektrik Pirna Verwaltungs GmbH, Fiber Systems International Inc., Filec Production SAS, Filec SAS, Flexus Electronics Inc., Flexus USA Inc., Friedrich Gohringer Elektrotechnik GmbH, GIC & GJM Automotive Harnesses S.R.L., GJM Components MX S. de R.L. de C.V., GJM Components N.A. Inc., GJM Components S.R.L., GJM S.A., Genasco S.A. de C.V., General Assembly Corporation, Guangzhou Amphenol Electronics Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Amphenol Sincere Flex Circuits Co. Ltd., Guangzhou FEP Automotive Electric Co. Ltd., Halo Technology Bidco BV, Halo Technology Bidco Inc., Halo Technology Bidco Limited, Halo Technology Bidco SRL, Halo Technology Limited, Halo Technology Midco Limited, Hangzhou Amphenol JET Interconnect Technology Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Amphenol Phoenix Hong Kong Company Limited, Hangzhou Amphenol Phoenix Telecom Parts Co. Ltd., Holland Electronics LLC, Hurricane Rd LLC, Integrated Cable Assembly, Intelligente Sensorsysteme Dresden GmbH, Ionix Aerospace Limited, Ionix Systems Limited, Ionix Systems Ou, Jaybeam Limited, Jaybeam Wireless SAS, KE Elektronik GmbH, KE Ostrov-Elektrik s.r.o., KE Presov Elektrik s.r.o., KonneKtech Ltd., Kunshan Amphenol Zhengri Electronics Co. Ltd., LTW Technology (Samoa) Co. Ltd., LTW Top Tech (Samoa) Co. Ltd., LWL-Sachsenkabel GmbH Spezialkabel und Vernetzungstechnik, Lectric SARL, LinxIT LLC, MMD RE Acquisition Corp., MTS 1 LLC, MTS Systems, Martec Limited, Mocorp Holding A/S, Modern Microstructures Inc, NPI Solutions, Nantong Docharm Amphenol Automotive Electronics Co. Ltd., Onanon Inc., PCB Group Sales Company Inc, PCB Piezotronics BV, PCB Piezotronics Europe GmbH, PCB Piezotronics Inc, PCB Piezotronics Limited, PCB Piezotronics S.A., PCB Piezotronics Sensor Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., PCB Piezotronics Srl, PCB Piezotronics of North Carolina Inc, PCB Synotech GmbH, PROCOM, PT Casco SEA, PT Plasmotech Batam, PerLoga Personal und Logistik GmbH, Piezotech LLC, Piher Sensors & Controls S.A., Plasmotech Pte. Ltd., Positronic, Positronic Asia Pte. Ltd., Positronic Industries Inc., Positronic Industries SAS, Positronic Interconnects Private Limited, Precision Cable Manufacturing Corporation de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ProLabs (UK) Limited, ProLabs Holdings Limited, Procom A/S, Procom Deutschland GmbH, Procom France SARL, Pyle-National Limited, S.C.I. Palin, SEFEE SA, SGX Europe SP. z.o.o., SGX Sensortech China Holdco Limited, SGX Sensortech China Limited, SGX Sensortech GmbH, SGX Sensortech SA, SSI Control Technologies, SSI Technologies GmbH, SSI Technologies LLC, SSI Technologies s.r.o., SV Microwave, SV Microwave Inc., Shanghai Amphenol Airwave Communication Electronics (Hong Kong) Limited, Shanghai Amphenol Airwave Communication Electronics Co. Ltd., Shanghai Tecvox Trading Co. Ltd., Shenyang Amphenol Sunpool Automotive Electronics Co. Ltd., Sine Systems Corporation, Skylane Optics Inc., Skylane Optics SA, Skylane Optics do Brasil Servicos de Pesquisa Ltda., Societe dEtudes et de Fabrications Electroniques et Electriques, Solid Optics EU Holding N.V., Solid Optics EU N.V., Solid Optics LLC, Spectra Strip Limited, Stemfi S.A.S., TCS Japan K.K., TFC South America S.A., Tecvox Europe S.r.l., Telect Inc., Telect Mfg. LLC, Telect de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Temposonics GmbH & Co. KG, Temposonics LLC, Temposonics Verwaltungs GmbH, Teradyne Connection Systems, The Modal Shop Inc, Thermometrics Mexico S.A. de C.V., Tianjin Amphenol KAE Co. Ltd., Times Fiber Canada Limited, Times Fiber Communications Inc., Times Microwave Systems Inc., Times Wire and Cable Company, U-Jin Cable Industry Co. Ltd., Unlimited Services of Wisconsin LLC, Xgiga Communication Technology Co. Ltd., Zhongshan Feisaide Electromechanical Co. Ltd., Zhuhai Positronic Electronic Ltd, and i2s-sensors. Read More Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue joined with Children in Crossfire Chief Executive, Richard Moore to congratulate Martin Gallagher on his 2023 Guildhall fundraiser, which has brought his efforts to a major new milestone. Martin and his wife Mary established the Christopher Gallagher Memorial Fund after their son Christopher died of malaria in 2006, aged just 23. Funds raised over the past 15 years have been donated to Children in Crossfire. Martin has been Santa at Derrys Guildhall every December since 2010, and funds raised last Christmas brought the total raised in Christophers memory to close to 94,000. Mayor Logue said, I was very pleased to facilitate Martins annual sit-out as Santa at the Guildhall in the run-up to Christmas, and I am delighted that he raised a further 3,031.04 for his efforts. Martin was there each day, no matter the weather, engaging so heartily with the children and families who met him. He is a brilliant asset to Children in Crossfire and a credit to Derry. Richard Moore added, Martin and Mary have raised an amazing 93,563.87 for Children in Crossfire over the years. In the past year alone, they have brought in more than 11,000, including the money raised at the Guildhall. They continue to honour Christophers memory by supporting some of the worlds most vulnerable children, in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Their achievement really does deserve the warmest praise and we are so glad to have their goodwill. We are very grateful too for the kind support of the people of Derry who visit Martin at the Guildhall year after year. Thanks to them in the main, we are now within touching distance of the 100,000 milestone, so its fair to say we are already looking forward to Christmas 2024! I want to also thank the staff at Dohertys Bakery on Foyle Street, who provided Martin with his lunch each day free of charge. Their generosity is greatly appreciated. Martin Gallagher concluded, I thoroughly enjoy fundraising for Children in Crossfire, especially as Santa at the Guildhall. So many people ask me about Christopher, whose photograph is always on display, and it makes Mary and me proud that very vulnerable children are being supported in his memory. We want to thank everyone who supported us in 2023, including everyone who donated at the Guildhall and the team at Dohertys. We are already planning this years campaign which, fingers crossed, will see the amount raised since 2008 go over the 100,000 mark. Ukraine may receive first tranche of EUR 4.5 bln from Ukraine Facility in first half of March European Commission's Vice-President The European Commission is working to ensure that Ukraine receives the first tranche of the Ukraine Facility program in the amount of EUR 4.5 billion in the first half of March, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis has said. The EU is completing the legislative process in the European Parliament, but it is going according to plan, and they are working on the payment already in the first half of March if everything goes according to plan, he told reporters on the sidelines of a roundtable at the Munich Security Conference dedicated to Ukraine's recovery. Dombrovskis said that this EUR 4.5 billion is intended to be provided as preliminary financing, and no conditions are imposed for the provision of this first tranche. At the same time, he added, further funding for the Ukraine Facility will be tied to the implementation of the Ukraine Recovery Plan, work on which the Ukrainian government will complete within a few weeks after the final approval of the Ukraine Facility in the EU. The idea is that this plan needs to be agreed with the European Commission, and then it will become the basis for further payments, Dombrovskis explained. He recalled that out of the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility, EUR 33 billion is macro-financial assistance in loans, while EUR 17 billion will be in grants aimed at Ukraine's recovery. Asked about the possibility of providing EUR 18 billion in MFA assistance to Ukraine as early as 2024, as Kyiv hopes, the vice-president of the European Commission said that this is something that is still being discussed. Dombrovskis also said that there is a debate among EU member states about whether to include proceeds from frozen Russian assets in the EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility or whether these funds will become additional support for Ukraine. These debates have not yet brought final results, but soon the EU will be preparing a new proposal from the European Commission for the second step on the use of income from Russian assets, the vice-president said. He recalled that at the moment an agreement has been reached a zero step, which brought legal clarity that this money does not belong to Russia. Step one is that the relevant financial institutions, the central securities depositories, must set aside this money in a separate account, and the EU will put forward a proposal in the second stage, namely, that this money will go to the EU budget to support Ukraine, Dombrovskis said, describing the situation. He said that this is what should resolve this discussion. U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, speaking at meetings at the Munich Security Conference, noted the resilience and activity of the Ukrainian economy. "I had the distinct honor to speak at the MSC24 Townhall today. My core messages were: 1. Security and economy are intertwined; 2. Ukraine's economy is resilient and active. We are having an impact now," she wrote on the social network X. As Pritzker said, "Europeans have done their part, it's our turn to lead." "Ukraine's defense sector is an opportunity to grow Ukraine's economy and win the war," Pritzker also said. Pritzker also said that she met with Vitali Klitschko in Munich. "Kyiv's economic resilience is an inspiration to the world. It was a pleasure to meet with Vitali Klitschko to discuss efforts to continue economic recovery and Ukraine's European integration," she wrote. Russia forced to use mobile crematoriums, morgues due to high casualties in Avdiyivka Center for National Resistance The Russians are forced to set up additional morgues and mobile crematoriums in the occupied Donetsk region due to high personnel losses near Avdiyivka, the Center for National Resistance (CNR) has said. Due to the high losses of personnel near Avdeevka, the Russians are placing the bodies of military personnel in abandoned schools, CNR reports.. According to the center, morgues in Donetsk are currently overcrowded due to the large number of meat assaults by Russians in the Avdiyivka direction. In attempts to occupy the city, the occupiers will suffer disproportionate losses relative to the distance Ukrainian defenders will allow them to advance. THERE were heated exchanges and accusations of early electioneering as Monday nights meeting of Cork City Council overwhelmingly passed a motion of full confidence in An Garda Siochana. The motion, which passed by 27 votes to three, was tabled by Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan and followed on from another motion which he withdrew before it could be put to a vote. In the motion withdrawn by Mr OCallaghan, the Cork South-Central councillor had called for the council to condemn comments about gardai posted by another councillor on X, formerly Twitter, last month. When Mr OCallaghan withdrew his motion condemning the post, his subsequent motion calling for a show of full confidence in the gardai was debated and put to a vote. Comments by People Before Profit-Solidarity councillor Brian McCarthy that An Garda Siochana were not fair or impartial and were institutionally corrupt were heckled, with shouts of disgraceful comments. Workers Party councillor Ted Tynan said a shortage of garda numbers was adversely impacting upon community policing, saying successive governments had done little to address this. Agreeing that garda numbers were negatively affecting policing in the city and An Garda Siochana was not a perfect organisation above criticism, Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said he was nonetheless voting in favour of the motion only because to vote otherwise is worse. Several councillors voiced their appreciation of the work of An Garda Siochana, with those working in community policing being singled out for praise by many. Labour Party councillor John Maher said gardai did a job he would not do, and he supported the motion for the man and woman guard on our streets. Describing the motion as a Fine Gael special, An Rabharta Glas councillor Lorna Bogue said Fine Gael, the party currently presiding over the Department of Justice, had nothing but disrespect for the continued demands of the ordinary members of An Garda Siochana [but] feels entitled to showboat as the biggest friends of the gardai locally. Fianna Fail councillor Tony Fitzgerald said the support of the council for An Garda Siochana should go without saying and the message needed to go out that the council fully endorsed the force. That we have to discuss the possibility whether or not we have confidence in An Garda Siochana is a very sad night for this council, he said. His party colleague Terry Shannon said he had never in 25 years in the council seen such vitriol in the chamber, and asked whether some of it was connected to June local and European elections. Mr OCallaghan said after the meeting that he was delighted that his motion, which he said was in support of the men and women of An Garda Siochana who every day put their lives on the line to protect the members of the Irish public, had passed. The motion was passed 27 to three, with Ms Bogue, Mr McCarthy, and Mr Tynan voting against. A Cork TD has extended a failte roimh to Cork citys shortlisting to become a Gaeltacht Service Town. Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, has welcomed news that Cork city has been shortlisted as a potential Gaeltacht Service Town. Gaeltacht Service Towns are defined as towns situated in or adjacent to Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas and which have a significant role in providing public services, recreational, social and commercial facilities for those areas. Mr Gould believes this is a positive step forward for the language in Cork city has called on the government to act quickly to put this in place. Speaking after a question to the Minister for Gaeltacht in the Dail Chamber, Teachta Gould said: The response from the Minister was positive and that is really good. There are 85,000 Irish speakers in Cork and while many live in the Gaeltacht, a growing number live in the city. We now need to see the Minister progress this scheme quickly. I made the point in the Dail Chamber that I had to ask the question through English but that I was proud to say my two daughters could have asked as Gaeilge. The Cork North Central TD has attributed this to the opening of a Gaeilscoil on the Northside. He reported that Gaeilscoil Pheig Sayers population has more than tripled in recent years and it has been joined by a number of growing Gaelcholaiste. I think its so important that those who speak the language, and those who are developing their skills, have places to chat and socialise as Gaeilge. It is this casual conversation that keeps the language alive and vibrant. Mr Gould has requested that the Minister consider the use of vacant buildings on the Northside as Language Centres. He has proposed that a number of former community centres be repurposed so that the Irish language could be in the heart of communities. IN celebration of National Tree Week 2024, Cork County Council is offering a number of native trees to schools, community groups and organisations. National Tree Week is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland which has been responsible for planting over 4,000 trees in County Cork in the past five years alone. Cork County Councils Heritage Unit will have over 1,000 trees on offer for National Tree Week 2024, which will take place from March 3 to 10. Those interested in availing of the trees are encouraged to contact the Heritage Unit at corkheritage@corkcoco.ie or phone 021 4285905. Trees will be available on a first come first served basis. Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Frank OFlynn said: Trees are a critical part of our environment and support life in a myriad of ways, from climate change mitigation to our own well-being. "I strongly encourage everyone to engage in the week, to learn more about natural heritage and perhaps find the time to plant a tree or two. A CORK woman who co-founded the Farmers Alliance party has resigned and announced that she will be running as an Independent instead. An application by the Farmers Alliance to be registered as a political party was approved last month by the Registrar of Political Parties. It is the 29th registered political party in the State. Bantry suckler farmer Helen OSullivan shared her resignation on social media: As spokesperson and co-founder of Farmers Alliance for the past 1.5 years, I am saddened to announce my departure from the movement that I tirelessly worked to create. She added: Due to fundamental disagreements at management and organisational level, it is no longer practical for me to continue with Farmers Alliance. OSullivan told The Echo that she was so disheartened having to make that decision, after dedicating my life to it for the last year and a half. The Bantry farmer said that she has received overwhelming support, saying of the comments on her Facebook page, private messages, and phone calls: Its lovely to see, and it has driven me to go on and be that Independent candidate giving a voice to the farmers. OSullivan will now be running as an Independent in the upcoming local elections, and issues related to farming and rural communities will remain of utmost importance to her. Food security is on her agenda and she said that over 16,700 Irish people are employed in the farming sector, saying, Farmers are the social fabric of rural Ireland. Theres a lot of misinformation going around: Were being blamed for climate change, and its leading to a big divide between urban and rural communities. I never thought I would be involved in politics, I never thought I would have to be, but we were fed up of it all and decided that the only way to tackle these issues was to beat them at the ballot box. Ukrainian military units have relocated from Avdiyivka for pre-prepared positions, commander of the Tavria operational-strategic group of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavsky, has said. According to the received order, we left Avdiyivka to previously prepared positions, he wrote in his telegram channel on Saturday night. Tarnavsky said the enemy is advancing on the corpses of his own soldiers with a ten to one advantage in shells, under constant bombardment. This is the only correct decision. He noted that Ukrainian units were not encircled. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksande Syrsky said Ukrainian troops did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in manpower and equipment. We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions. We will return Avdiyivka anyway, Syrsky said on Facebook. CORKS Rockwell Engineering recently welcomed Lighthouse Construction Industry Charitys MakeItVisible team to its headquarters on Blarney Rd for tool box talk. The charity says the construction industry faces a significant challenge with mental health issues, and the talk centred around workforce wellbeing, offering practical steps to promote mental health in the workplace. Carolina Zanetti, HR administrator at Rockwell, said: We were delighted to welcome the MakeItVisible team to Rockwells offices and workshop in Cork. [Speakers] Dale and Justin not only shared their personal experiences but also invaluable insights into the free resources and initiatives provided by the Lighthouse Charity. Sarah Bolton, chief operating officer for the Lighthouse Charity, said: We are delighted to be working in partnership with Rockwell. As well as providing valuable financial support to us through our Company Supporter programme, they are also raising awareness of our charitable services with their teams and supply chain and promoting a positive wellbeing culture. The MakeItVisible team provides support and resources to workshop and office personnel as part of an ongoing partnership aimed at improving workforce wellbeing and signposting to vital support services. The Lighthouse Charity is the sole charity in Ireland and Britain dedicated to addressing the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of workers in this sector and their families. The Lighthouse Charity offers support through various channels, including a free and confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, live chat service, and the text-based HARDHAT facility, with information, guidance, and support on a range of wellbeing issues. Complementing these services are their free Self Support App and Lighthouse Beacons, which provide additional avenues for assistance. The 24/7 Construction Industry helpline is on 1800-939-122, or text HARDHAT to 50808. UNIVERSITY College Cork is offering beginner lessons in Dutch, starting this month. The course will begin on Thursday, February 22, and will cost 70 for the five weeks. Dr Rachel MagShamhrain, head of the Department of German, told The Echo that there has been a surge in interest in the language. Dutch, which is the third most widely-spoken Germanic language, after English and German, is the eighth most spoken language of the European Union, said Dr MagShamhrain. It is also widely spoken elsewhere, including in Namibia and Suriname. There are several possible reasons for increasing interest from learners, including the number of multinationals based in the Netherlands, where Dutch is the majority language, as well as the fact that Dutch and English have many linguistic similarities, making its acquisition easier for English speakers. The Netherlands has become a popular destination for Irish students, with 2,040 of them enrolled there for the 2022-23 term. In this beginners course, participants will be given a basic introduction to the Dutch language, learn to engage in basic conversation, and gain a basic understanding of Dutch culture, she said. Dr MagShamhrain noted that the course will only run if a minimum number of applicants is reached, and those expressing an interest will be contacted by Friday, February 16, to confirm that the course is running and to receive payment information. The course will run from 6pm to 8pm, commencing Thursday, February 22, and will continue until March 21. Further information on the course and details on registration can be found online at ucc.ie, by searching courses. THE founder of a Cork charity is to travel to Ukraine later this month to bring aid to families living in the village of Kukhari. The founder of The Greater Chernobyl Cause, Fiona Corcoran, will visit the village near the capital Kyiv, where the charity says residents have lost everything as the Russian bombardment has brought catastrophic destruction. Fiona will be accompanied by former BBC News cameraman Brian Staveley as they aim to record how the projects that the charity has financed are progressing, highlight the impact of the devastation, and show how charities such as The Greater Chernobyl Cause are helping victims who remain in the war zone. A spokesperson for the charity said that working alongside volunteers on the ground in Ukraine, Fiona and Brians mission will start out in Lviv in the west of the country, where they will organise the cargo of vital humanitarian aid by train right across the country to Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv. In Kharkiv, volunteers will use cargo delivered by The Greater Chernobyl Cause to distribute aid to displaced people, as well as to 150 families in the beleaguered villages that surround it. Destroyed village pictured in Ukraine following Russian bombardment. Picture: Volunteers from The Greater Chernobyl Cause The mission will then continue on to Kukhari, the centre of the charitys newest appeal, to bring help to the village. In addition to clothes, power banks, bedding, and generators, the cargo provided by the Cork-based charity will also include tools and cutting equipment to help volunteers in their dangerous work following explosions. Fiona and Brian will take their recently purchased combi van and travel to Kyiv to coincide with events marking two years since the Russian invasion began on February 24. Ahead of visiting Kukhari, Ms Corcoran said: Every form of humanitarian aid is desperately needed. Devastation pictured in Ukraine following ongoing Russian bombardment. Picture: Volunteers of The Greater Chernobyl Cause Blankets, food, power, and a roof over their heads, she said. The residents have seen their homes reduced to rubble. The Greater Chernobyl Cause has been working alongside partners on the ground to bring aid to people in Ukraine. The charity has appealed for continued support from the public for the charity. The challenges in the aftermath of such devastating attacks are overwhelming, said a charity spokesperson. We have been humbled by the support we have received ever since the war began. Your generous support will again make a tangible difference in alleviating the pain and suffering of the most vulnerable. Devastation pictured in Kukhari Village in Ukraine. Picture: The Greater Chernobyl Cause Ms Corcoran said: For the innocent victims of this brutal war, hope and self-dignity are often hard to find. We must not forget them. Families continue to be left without shelter, food, water, and even the most basic amenities. We are reaching out in the hope that you will support us with our lifesaving work, Ms Corcoran added. Donations to The Greater Chernobyl Cause can be made online, by post, by credit transfer, or by a standing order. For more information on the work the charity undertakes and to donate to the cause, see http://www.greaterchernobylcause.ie/ Gardai have been successful in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old missing from Co Kerry. Lauryn Linehan, who had been missing from Listowel, was known to frequent Cork city centre. In a statement issued today, a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: "Lauryn Linehan has been located safe and well. No further media action is required. An Garda Siochana would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance." A Palestinian from Gaza addressed the weekly Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC) march and rally in Cork city today. The rally saw about 1000 people march through Cork city for Palestine for the 19th Saturday in a row, to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call on world leaders to take action to end Israels attacks. Speaking at the Cork rally, Ahmad Mahdi, who was born and raised in Gaza, said, Gaza isnt Gaza anymore and the city is unrecognisable, the streets, the houses, the whole infrastructure has been burned to a crisp. He shared that figures by the UN estimate 65,000 residential units have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and another 290,000 have been damaged, leaving half a million people with no home to return to. Mahdi explained, I myself have lost my family house, which wasnt the greatest loss, I have lost my beloved cousins, which has shattered my heart into pieces, two brilliant gynaecologists and the entire family of one of them, a total of 12 in a single night. I've lost dear friends of mine, classmates and former co-workers, all have been killed, while 2 of my friends were detained while evacuating Alshifa hospital more than 80 days ago, and we still know nothing about them. If you're from Gaza, it's 100% guaranteed that you have lost someone. This is the 19th rally organised by Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The protest was one of numerous held across the country as part of a Global Day of Action for Gaza, with tens of thousands of people marching in Dublin and demonstrations for Palestine also taking place in Ennis, Armagh, Drogheda, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Youghal, Carrick-on-Shannon and Waterford. Kathy Glavanis, the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign co-chair, said, Israels war against Gaza is unprecedented in the modern age. Equally, the continued mobilisation of the global movement against the war is also unprecedented. The people have clearly spoken, and now we need our government and all governments to dispense with diplomatic niceties and get this war stopped now." HOW important is food and drink in tourism? In 2022, seven million people visited Ireland from overseas alone, and there were 13.3 million domestic trips taken around Ireland. In total, its estimated the value of tourism spend in that year was 2.9 billion (IOTA). According to Failte Ireland for every Euro of that tourism spend, 35% is spent on food and drink. The short answer to the question, then, is that food and drink is incredibly important to Irelands tourism sector, and conversely tourism is valuable to our restaurant and hospitality industry. But there is a huge opportunity for increase the value of what tourists spend with almost zero cost to food businesses, and in doing so provide eco-minded tourists with another reason to visit Ireland specifically, Cork. How? By reducing the amount of food waste generated in our restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pubs, food trucks and takeaways. A report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detailing food waste statistics for Ireland, stated the restaurant and food service sector generated 189,000 tonnes of waste in 2021, the third highest sector. The cost of this waste was valued at 300 million, and of the total amount of waste generated 66% was avoidable food waste, i.e. food that was edible but thrown away anyway. Michelle Green, Cork County Council; Katherine Fitzpatrick, Visit Cork Sustainability Lead; Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O'Flynn; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy; Lorraine Leahy, Cork City Council, at the new Fota Wildlife Park Education Centre, venue for the 'Waste Not, Want Not' conference. Picture: Joleen Cronin At a recent conference at the newly established Fota Education and Training Centre hosted by Visit Cork, the body responsible for promoting tourism across the city and county, how to tackle food waste in the tourism sector was on the menu. A variety of speakers from across the tourism spectrum, including hoteliers, chefs, innovators and tourism experts all lead the call for action on food waste as a win for all. Keelin Tobin of MTUs Clean Technology Unit supports businesses by identifying food waste streams, quantifying it, and proposing simple solutions for improving waste segregation. A series of Waste Characterisation Studies carried out at different types of food businesses showed 33% of all commercial waste is organic and most is food waste. But almost a quarter of that food waste finds its way into general waste streams meaning no chance for it to be diverted and converted into other by-products such as compost and biogas. At a basic level, being sure the right kind of waste is going into the right bin means businesses can more accurately know how much of what kind of waste is being generated, and what that is then costing in terms of disposal and lost revenue. Segregation alone can achieve huge results. The Commodore Hotel in Cobh was part of a My Waste Green Hub Initiative, and by improving their waste systems with better signage and staff training, reduced their overall food waste by 25% in just 12 months. Jenny De Saulles is the Director of Sector Development for Failte Ireland. She says that although Ireland is doing well to position itself as a sustainable tourism destination (currently ranked 26th in the world), were not there yet, and we must be careful not to over-claim. To support businesses who benefit from tourism directly or indirectly, Failte Ireland have launched a new Climate Action Division, a one-stop-shop for tourism businesses offering unbiased expert advice on everything from measuring carbon footprints to action planning and access to financial supports, such as SEAI grants. Alex Petit is Group Executive Chef of Corks Trigon Hotels, which includes The Metropole and Cork International Airport Hotel. Since joining the group in 2022, he has been working to implement a major sustainability drive of the food and drink offering across all three properties. Alex cites implementation of something called menu engineering. It goes beyond standard menu planning to incorporate flexibility and cost control actions that protect margins while still creating dishes and menus that enable chefs to demonstrate creative flair, excite diners, and make the most of local and seasonal produce. Trigon Hotels has recently launched a new Food Charter 2024 for working towards a sustainable food system. It includes a list of ten commitments for how to achieve this, and how. The charter includes a commitment to reduce food waste by 20% through monitoring food waste and where or how it is being generated. Supporting a cohort of 25 local food suppliers and actively looking to engage with other producers within the locality and using seasonality as inspiration for their quarterly menu change. They have also committed to offer No Waste dishes by engineering out anything unnecessary such as unseasonal garnishes or any item that doesnt add something to the dish. Plus, a commitment to increase the use of more beans and pulses as alternative sources of meat-based protein, a goal no doubt inspired by the #BeansIsHow campaign to double global consumption of beans and pulses by 2030. Orla McAndrew explained how she eradicated all kinds of food waste entirely from her high-end wedding catering business by simply doing the maths and getting to grips with portion control. By offering a unique zero waste wedding service, she diverts a significant amount of food waste before cooking a single thing by removing the potential for waste from food producers she supports. These zero waste weddings make up 30% of her business; the other 70% of her business creates no food waste at all. Information is power, so, if segregation of avoidable food waste can lead to a greater understanding of how much is being created, where and why, and that leads to better purchasing, clever menu engineering so food waste is greatly reduced overall, why should we also be interested in what MyGug have to offer? Fiona Kelleher is the CEO of MyGug, an innovative biotech company that has created a perfect system for handling all forms of food waste: not just fresh, b hours MyGug turns the waste into fertiliser for growing more crops and a biogas which can be used for cooking. Its the ideal system for tackling unavoidable food waste such as plate scrapings that cant be repurposed into anything else edible but can be converted into two new outputs, effectively for free, while also reducing costs of waste and energy. So, what does all this have to do with tourism? The work of Visit Cork is categorised under one of four pillars, the third of which is SMART and where sustainable tourism initiatives live. If Cork can become a world-leading sustainable tourism destination, that means more visitors and more spend happening within Corks many fine hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Cllr. Frank OFlynn said of the Waste Not Want Not sustainable tourism conference that It will be an opportunity for businesses in Corks vibrant tourism sector to speak to local support agencies and experts about their broader sustainability plans and ambitions, so they can better understand how they can play their part in supporting the circular economy and a more sustainable future. Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: The conference underscores the shared commitment of Visit Cork and Corks two local authorities to champion sustainable tourism practices. It also sets the stage for future collaborations and endeavours that link to Corks goal to become net zero in its carbon emissions. A key part of that journey is the delivery of responsible waste management strategies across many elements of society including sustainable tourism practices. If youre a food business in Cork looking to find out more about how to improve food waste and become part of the sustainable tourism future for Cork, visit the resources below or contact your Local Enterprise Office. Also see: www.mywaste.ie www.supports.failteireland.ie/climate-action www.purecork.com www.corkconventionbureau.com I SHOULD be in a state of heightened excitement about the forthcoming referendum. I should be counting down the 20 days between now and the moment I put pencil to paper on the two proposed amendments to the Constitution. But, with fewer than three weeks to go, you could cut the public lethargy with a knife. On a personal level, I feel a bit cheated. Im far from a political anorak, but this will be the first time I get the opportunity to vote in a referendum. Considering I will be turning 55 in a few days time, thats some going! Being from the UK, I never voted in a referendum, and was long gone by the time they held two in the space of a few years - the first rejected a change to the first-past-the-post voting system, and the second was something to do with leaving the European Union; you might recall how that went. Here in Ireland, referendums are common enough, but I had to become an Irish citizen before I could cast a vote in one. I eventually did so, after giving the matter much thought and due diligence. Before being granted citizenship, I missed out on the lively referendums on gay marriage and abortion, which proved huge turning points in how Ireland sees itself and is viewed abroad. Hence my excitement that I will now get to cast a vote to change the Constitution on March 8. But, oh my, its proving to be far from the baptism of fire I was hoping for - more of a very damp squib. Which way should I vote, or indeed, should I bother voting at all? The referendums on gay marriage and abortion were straightforward and easy to express, and the debates were polarised and compelling. In the latest one, voters will be asked if they wish to: Amend Article 41 of the Constitution to provide for a wider concept of family (i.e. not one only based on marriage). Delete Article 41.2 of the Constitution to remove text on the role of women in the home, and insert a new Article 42B to recognise family care. They dont quite trip off the tongue, do they, and prompt passionate responses in the way that Keep your rosaries off my ovaries did? The fact that the Government chose International Womens Day to hold this latest referendum indicates the direction in which it is facing on these issues. However, the debate around the replacement text has been long and convoluted, and the Culture Wars have muddied the waters too. The resulting proposed changes to the Constitution are a bit of a word salad and have led to all kinds of debates about what constitutes a family, and the role of women in society, and whether a Yes vote will lead to interminable debates down the line for learned friends.. You are left with the strong sense that the Government has not only dropped the ball on this, but missed an open goal. For years, that offending line in 41.2 of the Constitution has been summed up as telling the women of Ireland that their place is in the home. Its not quite as demeaning as that. Indeed, the exact wording is rather a recognition of the work women do in the home, and expressing the view that they should be able to carry out these duties without feeling the need to work at the same time. Dated, yes. Sexist, yes. But also a nod to the vital role women will always play in society. Whatever about that debate, the open goal for the Government would have been to delete the line completely and not replace it with anything. Why complicate matters? If the line is deemed to be sexist, then take it out. I, and millions of us, would vote for that. Alternatively, they could have just changed it to women and men, which would be a fair reflection of the role my generation of males now play in all aspects of life in the home and outside. Did the Government want to avoid using terms like women and men for fear of offending a host of groups who dont see gender as being as binary as that? Who knows? But what I do know is that they have turned an easy win at the ballot box into what could now be a close-run thing. In chasing their tails by adding all kinds of concepts of recognising carers in the home, they have lost the room. Similarly, the Governments attempt to redefine a family to include durable relationships outside marriage has raised far more questions than it has answered. In the modern world, where grievance and offence are just waiting to be taken, and where lawyers are willing to quibble and charge thousands over a comma, it strikes me that the less said in the Constitution, the better - if, indeed, we need a Constitution at all. After all, although the Constitution is important in setting the tone of a nations life, people have been raising families for generations outside of marriage, and the sky hasnt fallen in, and no female today is going to decide to eschew a career and do the hoovering instead just because 41.2 tells them. While the State, politicians, and lawyers find this worthy of forensic debate, the rest of us will get on with our own lives and make our own choices in blissful ignorance. The phrase, a camel is a horse designed by committee comes to mind as regards these proposed amendments, and now voters seem to be getting the hump with the whole thing. A recent poll showed that, although the referendums are on course to pass most voters say they know hardly anything at all about the proposed changes. However, with better-informed folk more likely to vote against the proposed changes, there is an expectation that the lead for the Yes side may shrink as polling day nears. However, there are fears the turn-out at the polls will be a record low of around just 30%. I dont want to belong in that cohort in my first chance to vote in a referendum. My current inclination is to vote Yes/Yes, on the reasonable basis that not all families are based on marriage, and that singling out women for their work in the home suggests the domestic onus is on them. But I am willing to listen to all sides on these debates. So, I urge you to take a moment to read a brief explanation of the referendum issues at www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/ and email me at letters@theecho.ie on which way you plan to vote, and why. (Photo: Reuters / Kham)Catholics attend the worldwide hour of Eucharistic adoration in front of the St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi June 2, 2013. Pope Francis led Roman Catholics on Sunday in the first worldwide "Holy Hour," in which participants prayed at the same time around the globe for those suffering from war, slave labor, human trafficking and the economic crisis. Since his election in March, Pope Francis has proven to be something of an iconoclast. On Holy Thursday, he famously washed the feet of young Muslims in a Rome prison, including those of a girl the first time a pontiff had ever washed a female's feet. He still refuses to live in Apostolic Palace, preferring to stay in a nearby modest guesthouse instead. So it should perhaps come as no surprise that on June 2, Francis was, again, key in another first for the Catholic Church. From St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Francis led an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, which was broadcast around the world in real time. Catholics around the globe tuned in to celebrate simultaneously with the pope, including some 19 million of the faithful in India, 243 dioceses and parishes in the United States and isolated churches in the Amazon rainforest. "For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labor. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence," Pope Francis prayed. "May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. "That the Church's prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity," said the pontiff in his prayer. The global event is part of the Church's designation of 2013 as the Year of Faith, which seeks to promote the understanding that the Catholic faith is "the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction." Participants were asked to pray for the Church and for people who are suffering, including victims of trafficking, prisoners and those facing economic hardship. According to Catholic scholars, Eucharistic Adoration has existed some form since the first century. Monks who were contemporaries of Ignatius of Antioch were known to reserve the consecrated elements in their hermitages. By the Council of Nicea in 325, the practice had begun to take on its current form, being reserved in churches and monasteries, although only to be taken to the sick and dying. Today, the consecrated elements are reserved by all churches and Catholic teaching mandates they be made easily available to the faithful for the purpose of adoration. (Photo: Albin Hillert / WCC) Commemorating the 1,700th anniversary in 2025 of the Council of Nicaea is an inspiration to Christians today to work for the unity of the church, says Rev. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches. The First Council of Nicaea, was a council of Christian bishops convened in the Bithynian city of Nicaea, now Iznik in Turkiye. It was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine I and it met May to the end of July AD 325. At the Council of Nicaea, bishops representing the whole of Christendom gathered for the first time to discuss the faith and witness of the church. "Recalling the significance of the Council of Nicaea renews our call for full visible unity, the cornerstone of the ecumenical movement," Pillay said in a greeting to a Feb. 8 webinar, "From Nicaea, Walking Together to Unity: The Beginning of a New Beginning." "This journey, which we believe to be a vital part of the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity on which we have embarked, reminds us that our goal is not just increasing theological agreement but a unity that is visible and tangible, reflecting the oneness of the body of Christ," he said. The WCC's activities to commemorate Nicaea in 2025 will culminate in the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, to be held near Alexandra, Egypt, in October 2025, Pillay said. Pillay's greetings were presented by the webinar's moderator, Nausikaa Haupt, ecumenical officer of the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm, Sweden, alongside those of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; and Bishop Thomas Schirrmacher, general secretary of the World Evangelical Alliance, each coming from different church traditions. The event was supported by Pasqua Together 2025 (Easter Together 2025), which is calling for all churches to celebrate Easter on the same date, as was agreed at the Council of Nicaea. Over time, however, Eastern and Western Christianity developed different ways of calculating when Easter should fall, but in 2025 their calendars coincide and they will celebrate Easter on the same day. "The quest for a common day to celebrate Easter is a symbol of our desire for unity," said Pillay. "Aligning our Easter celebrations would not only be a remarkable expression of unity but also a powerful witness to the world of our shared faith in the resurrection of Christ." According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, the Nicene Creed, " is a Chrsitian statement of faith that is the only ecumencial creed ecause it is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major Protestant churches. Capture of Avdiyivka will not provide any operational advantage or opportunity for significant Russian offensives - ISW The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), noting the redeployment of Ukrainian military units from Avdiyivka, predicts that the main task of Russian occupation forces in this direction will be to maximally complicate or prevent a complete and organized withdrawal of Ukrainian forces. "Ukrainian forces have begun withdrawing from Avdiyivka, and Russian forces appear focused on complicating or preventing a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops," ISW said in a report published on its official website on Saturday morning. As the institute's experts note, the morning statement by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky about the withdrawal came after several confirmed Russian offensives on the outskirts of the city over the past 24 hours. ISW said Ukrainian Armed Forces units are being redeployed to the area for reinforcements "to stabilize the situation and further weaken the attacking Russian forces. It is common practice to bring in reinforcements as receiving forces, which can allow withdrawing units to recover behind prepared defensive positions." ISW refutes Russian mill bloggers who report an allegedly massive and chaotic withdrawal of Ukrainian forces. According to ISW, Russian forces will likely have difficulty advancing west of Avdiyivka toward secondary prepared positions to which Ukrainian troops are withdrawing and will likely suffer significant casualties if they decide to attack these Ukrainian positions head-on. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy has said he is ready to go to the front with former US President Donald Trump. "We are ready. Everyone in both [US political parties knows we are open. If he [Trump] comes to Ukraine, I am ready to go to the front with him. To the front line, he said at the Munich Security Conference, answering the question of whether he was ready to invite Trump to Kyiv. We have to show people what is going on there. This is a real war, not an Instagram [reel], Zelenskyy said. France to provide EUR 3 bln aid to Ukraine this year, deal to last for 10 years Zhovkva France will provide EUR 3 billion in assistance to Ukraine this year, and the provision of aid will continue for 10 years, Deputy Head of the President's Office Ihor Zhovkva has said, highlighting a number of advantages in relation to the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries. "The third such agreement to implement the G7 Joint Declaration. On the way to concluding the document there were four rounds of bilateral negotiations, countless consultations and telephone calls. There is an ambitious result. The Security Agreement with France has a number of its competitive advantages," he wrote on Facebook. In particular, according to him, this is clear support for Ukraine's membership in NATO. "France confirms that Ukraine's future accession to NATO will contribute to peace and stability throughout Europe. We will coordinate and strengthen joint efforts to support Ukraine's accession to NATO," he said. He also noted that the main components of France's security commitments are comprehensive assistance to Ukraine to protect and restore its territorial integrity, support for economic recovery, prevention and active deterrence of any new aggression from the Russian Federation, as well as support for Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO. Zhovkva also highlighted certain provisions of the Agreement devoted to cooperation in the field of information and cyber security, protection of critical infrastructure, cooperation in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence, as well as combating organized crime. In addition, the Agreement stipulates specific amounts of support, in particular, that in 2024 France will provide Ukraine with up to EUR 3 billion of military assistance. Zhovkva emphasized that this support will continue for 10 years. Also, according to Zhovkva, as with other partners, a mechanism has been established for emergency consultations and appropriate response within 24 hours in the event of a possible upcoming armed attack by the Russian Federation. The Agreement also contains a "powerful military section" providing Ukraine with security assistance and modern military equipment in the land, air, sea, space and cyber domains, giving priority to, but not limited to, air defense, artillery, long-range weapons, armored vehicles, capabilities air critical capabilities. "Particular attention should be paid to long-range weapons and combat aircraft," the deputy head of the President's Office said. At the same time, according to Zhovkva, a separate section of cooperation in the field of defense industry provides for French assistance in the development of the defense-industrial base of Ukraine. In particular, by attracting French investment, localizing production on the territory of Ukraine and joint production for the manufacture of priority types of weapons and ammunition. Zhovkva also highlighted "strong provisions on the mechanism for compensation for damage caused by Russian aggression, the use of Russian assets, as well as a separate sanctions section, which provides for sanctions not only against the Russian Federation, but also other aggressor states." "Bringing the Russian Federation to justice involves supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General and the International Criminal Court, as well as participating in the work of the Core Group to create a tribunal for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine," Zhovkva added. "France's security commitments only accelerate Ukraine's path to NATO. And this is just the beginning," he concluded. As reported, on Friday, February 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement on security cooperation. The passing of the Womens Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha in September 2023 marks another step in Indias commitment to gender equality in politics. The 128th Constitutional Amendment reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies for women. The long-delayed bill comes three decades after the 74th Constitutional Amendment (1994) came into force mandating at least a third of the seats in urban local bodies be reserved for women. In theory, these local-level reservations should have produced a pipeline of experienced women political leaders at all levels. There are multiple and complex reasons that local body reservations have not translated into better representation of women at the national and state levels. Some underappreciated factors are the conditions that enable or prevent women from thriving in their role as local elected representatives. A recent study of women municipal corporators (known locally as parshads) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has shown the challenges they face performing a demanding role without any form of financial support. In the present study, we assessed these challenges for women and men, through an in-person survey of all 100 parshads (89 responses, 56 men, and 33 women) between July and September 2023. The article examines the consequences of a lack of salary for municipal corporators, with a particular focus on its gendered impacts. An appropriate salary for local elected representatives is a matter of policy consideration and scholarly debate. While researchers have developed models to examine the extent of professionalisation of elected representatives (Squire 2007), or surveyed the methods to arrive at remuneration levels across jurisdictions (Schobel 2014), there have been few or no attempts to arrive at an objective standard either within or across countries. Instead, questions are posed as to whether posts should be remunerated as per time commitment or are essentially voluntary (Copus 2015). Some recent studies have also interrogated the relationship between pay and the quality of representation and government efficiency (Benito et al 2021), councillor well-being and motivation (Jakimow and Henaway 2023), and patterns of under or over-representation (Gulzar 2021). The evidence is mixed for each of these relationships. More crucially, these lines of enquiry are framed from Euro-American contexts. The features of local government in India present challenges to providing adequate pay as well as arguably make it more important. Several studies on women councillors identify inadequate salary as one challenge among many, preventing them from fulfilling their role (Raheena 2016), meeting constituent expectations (Nazneen et al 2014) and exacerbating a heavy workload with competing responsibilities (Banerjee 2017). In this article, we focus on inadequate salary as an issue in itself, highlight its negative impacts for men and woman, and point to the gendered implications inhibiting female political advancement. Councillor Remuneration: A Politicised Issue Corporators (elected representatives in municipal corporations) and councillors (of other urban local bodies) are the most accessible level of government, and hence one of the key building blocks on which democracy is based (McGarvey and Stewart 2019: 65). Their formal role includes participating in meetings and evaluating policy for the welfare of the people. These dual roles of scrutiny and representation are expanded in the Indian context, where they are also an important bridge for citizens to access the personalised or mediated state (Berenschot 2010). Similar to other countries, there is a large difference between their de jure and de facto responsibilities, with citizen expectations expanding their scope of work considerably, as seen below. The majority of Indian states provide an allowance to municipal councillors and corporators (Table 1). In July 2023, the Tamil Nadu government implemented an honorarium of `10,000 a month for corporation councillors to strengthen administrative efficiency of urban local bodies. The mayor of Chennai, R Priya, added that the move will particularly help councillors from economically weaker sections and women, as most of them do not have a paying job (Express News Service 2023). On 31 August 2023, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi Municipal Corporation increased the allowance for meeting attendance from `300 to `25,000 (with a cap of `1,00,000 per month). The outrage expressed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in response to this increase shows how councillor allowances can become a politicised issue (Singh 2023). Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among the states that do not provide any allowance to corporators or councillors. Despite gaining statehood in 2000, Uttarakhand is still under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959. While the act is often cited as a barrier to receiving an allowance, nothing explicitly excludes such a provision. Indeed, provision 30-A states that corporators may be paid conveyance allowance, or be given such facilities in lieu of conveyance allowance, for attendance at meetings of the Corporation and its committees. No such allowance is paid. In contrast, pradhans in Uttarakhand receive a small honorarium as well as have authority over a small budget for village works. Tellingly, the term parshads use to refer to financial payment is maandey, or honorarium. This term avoids the negative connotation of professionalisation and retains the voluntary orientation of the role. Praja, a non-partisan organisation working to improve urban governance, lists councillor salary as an indicator in their urban governance index (Praja undated). It is not enough to provide a small allowance; it needs to be sufficient to provide incentives for performance and enable councillors to take on their role full time. In the 2019 national consultation on urban governance, the Praja (2020) study found low or no remuneration to be a problem across the country. Out-of-pocket Expenses India differs from many countries where the remuneration of municipal representatives is debated due to the extent of out-of-pocket expenses. In Dehradun, it is not so much a question of how much a corporator should be paid, but how much the role costs them. In the field survey, 65 parshads provided an estimate of their monthly expenditure,1 with an average of `20,831, and a median of `17,500. Of the remainder, two stated they bore no, or minimal expense, while 22 respondents incurred considerable expenses, but did not track the amount (Figure 1, p 24). While self-reporting of expenses (and time) can be unreliable, at the least these findings indicate that most parshads bear considerable expense to fulfil their ward duties. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole Sunday, just six months after he was arrested following a dramatic return to the kingdom from 15 years of self-imposed exile. The controversial billionaire, twice elected premier and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse-of-power charges upon his return in August. But his sentence was cut to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn within days of his return and the government said last week the 74-year-old was eligible for early release because of his age and health. Thaksin -- wearing a neck brace and sitting next to his daughters Paetongtarn and Pintongta -- was driven away Sunday from the police hospital in central Bangkok where he had spent the past six months. A handful of people protesting against his release had gathered in front of the hospital. The car then drove to Thaksin's home, where a welcome banner was tied across the gates. One woman wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Thaksin emblazoned across the front said she had stood outside his house for two days. "I want to tell him to fight," she told local media. "If he is (here), the country will develop." The department of corrections confirmed his release on parole Sunday but the exact details of his freedom are unclear. Thaksin may be subject to monitoring -- possibly with an ankle tag -- and restrictions on his right to travel. - 'No fresh air' - Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin suggested Sunday that Thaksin would not involve himself in politics but said, if and when he is ready to give advice, "everyone in the government is ready to listen". Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn posted a picture on Instagram Sunday of him sitting in front of a swimming pool at his home, his arm in a sling. "After no fresh air and sunlight for 180 days and 17 years away from home, Dad sits outside for a long time," she wrote. The former Manchester City owner's arrival back in Thailand came on the same day his Pheu Thai party returned to government in alliance with pro-military parties, leading many to conclude that a backroom deal had been struck to cut his jail time. The rumours grew stronger when he was transferred to a police hospital within hours of being sentenced because of his poor health. He was reportedly suffering from chest tightness and high blood pressure when he was admitted to hospital and his family has said he underwent two operations in the following months. The government has denied any deal and Srettha, of the Pheu Thai party, has insisted "he already served his jail time" -- although it is not clear that Thaksin has spent any time in a prison cell. Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), which won most seats at the last election but was stopped from forming a government, said Thaksin's release raised questions about whether he had received special treatment. "Thailand needs a democratic system where the rule of law and justice system is applied in the same way for everyone, without double standards... for privileged people," the party said in a statement Sunday. - Power struggle - The former telecoms tycoon is one of the most influential but divisive figures in modern Thai history. Thaksin is loved by millions of rural Thais for his populist policies in the early 2000s but has long been opposed by the country's royalist and pro-military establishment. The tussle for dominance between the establishment and Thaksin and his allies has largely defined Thai politics over the past two decades. Police laid lese-majeste charges against Thaksin last week over comments he made in South Korea almost a decade ago, although it is not clear whether prosecutors will take the case to court. His critics suspected him of pulling strings in the kingdom even from exile, which he spent mostly in Dubai before his return. Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra was elected prime minister for Pheu Thai in 2011, only to be ousted in a coup herself in 2014. His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now the party's chief, was one of the leading faces in its campaign for last year's general election and has been tipped as a possible future prime minister. The election last May marked the first time in more than 20 years that a Thaksin-linked party failed to win the most seats in parliament. Pheu Thai was beaten into second place by the upstart progressive MFP. But pro-establishment forces in the senate blocked MFP's leader Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming prime minister and Pheu Thai's deal with military-linked parties then shut the newcomers out of government. bur-pdw-aph/pbt Amy Schumer says autism does not define her husband Chris Fischer. 'Thats not what defines him': Amy Schumer discusses husband's autism The 42-year-old actress married the 44-year-old chef in 2018 and later that year, he received an autism diagnosis. Amy took inspiration from her own life for her TV series 'Life Beth', in which her character's husband John, played by Michael Cera, receives an autism diagnosis and she insisted she wanted to show the world the "wide spectrum" of autism. She told The Hollywood Reporter: "We really wanted to be respectful and show that, when we talk about the spectrum, what that word means. Its a wide spectrum, and this is part of it that you dont often get to see: a super high-functioning person. And that thats not what defines him. Fischer was a consulting writer on season two and Michael said: "[The character of John] was so alive on the page. And I think a lot of it is because Amy is so close to the character, and a lot of it does come from Chris, her real-life husband; though, not all of it. So its a very full, well-rounded character. Its like a key that they discovered together, just a lot of things that were confusing to them." He added to Amy: "Not to speak for you, but I feel like that came from your guys life, unlocking a mystery in a way. I love the way thats channeled into the story." Amy said: "It is a brave thing to do and to portray. Autism has been something that has been so stigmatised. Very few people share their diagnosis, and its a shame. And we wanted to do our part to say: its just a part of someone. And its not this picture of that weve seen, of what we think that someone with autism looks like. And it holds people back from discovering this about themselves because they fear the stigma, and I really understand that. "Chris is involved every step of the way. It continues to be extremely emotional, I think for all of us. Donald Trump has been fined $354.9 million after a civil fraud trial in New York. Donald Trump has been handed a huge fine The 77-year-old former US President has been handed a huge fine and banned from running businesses in New York for three years, after Trump was deemed to have inflated his wealth on statements given to financial institutions in order to make deals and secure loans. Judge Arthur Engoron said during the court hearing: "The common excuse that 'everybody does it' is all the more reason to strive for honesty and transparency and to be vigilant in enforcing the rules. "Here, despite the false financial statements, it is undisputed that defendants have made all required payments on time; the next group of lenders to receive bogus statements might not be so lucky." New York Attorney General Letitia James found that Trump inflated his personal wealth by as much as $3.6 billion. Trump's children, Eric and Donald Jr, have both been fined $4 million, while Allen Weisselberg - the former chief operating officer of the Trump Organization - has been handed a $1 million fine. However, Alina Habba, Trump's lawyer, has slammed the verdict, describing it as a "manifest injustice" and a "politically fuelled witch hunt". In a statement, Habba said: "It is the culmination of a multi-year, politically fuelled witch hunt that was designed to 'take down Donald Trump,' before Letitia James ever stepped foot into the Attorney General's office." Trump's legal team intend to launch an appeal against the decision. Habba said: "Given the grave stakes, we trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious verdict and end this relentless persecution against my clients. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear: this is not just about Donald Trump - if this decision stands, it will serve as a signal to every single American that New York is no longer open for business." Olivia Rodrigo has launched a 'Guts'-themed cookie. Olivia Rodrigo has teamed up with Crumbl Cookies The 20-year-old pop star has joined forces with Crumbl Cookies - the bakery company - to launch the Olivia Rodrigo Guts Cookie, ahead of her Guts World Tour. Olivia - who released her latest album 'Guts' in September - wrote on Instagram: "@crumblcookies is joining the #GUTSworldtour!!! Get the GUTS cookie for one week only at Crumbl locations along the tour. (sic)" Crumbl has confirmed that it will serve the limited-time cookie at locations that are within an hour of Olivia's concert venues on the Guts World Tour. The tasty treat features triple-berry jam and vanilla buttercream sandwiched between two purple cookies. Crumbl said on Instagram: "Global superstar Olivia Rodrigo has teamed up with Crumbl to create Olivia Rodrigos GUTS Cookie, a brand new star-studded flavor inspired by her daring spirit and the iconic sounds of her latest album. "As Olivia goes on tour, her GUTS Cookie will be right there with her, available at Crumbl stores surrounding each concert venue, for one week only! [star emoji] (sic)" Olivia will begin her world tour later this month, days after she turns 21. The brunette beauty recently revealed that she's looking forward to performing in front of her fans. Asked how she's feeling about her landmark birthday, Olivia - who turns 21 on February 20 - told Variety: "Im so excited! Its a very serendipitous week, right? And these songs were made to be sung in a crowd the lyrics, Im hoping, will resonate even more in person. "I think its going to be an unforgettable experience especially since 'Sour' came during a pandemic. "Im really happy with how everything is going and theres a lot of fun things we have planned in terms of visuals and stuff like that." Rick and Kathy Hilton have listed their Hamptons home for almost $15 million. Rick and Kathy Hilton selling Hamptons home for almost 15m Former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kathy, 64, and her husband Rick, 68, are selling their 10,500 square-foot home in Water Mills, New York. The stunning property is situated on 2.7 acres of land and contains six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a library, private guest quarters and three wood-burning fireplaces. According to the Wall Street Journal, the couple - who are the parents of Paris Hilton - bought the home in 1999 for around $2.4 million. They were living in New York at the time but have used the house less often since they moved to Los Angeles in the 2000s. Rick told the paper: "The layout is perfect for comfortable living and entertaining, and we have countless happy memories there." Paris, 43, met her husband Carter Reum while on vacation with her mother in the Hamptons. On Nov. 11, 2021, the pair tied the knot at the lavish Bel-Air estate of her late grandfather, hotelier Barron. A source previously told the New York Post: "Carter is the hardest-working person I know. The guy does not stop, hes incredibly ambitious and he does not suffer fools. "Both [Carter] and Paris are pretty serious people who have found their match. They know how to have fun, but theyre very ambitious people." Socialite Nikki Haskell previously attended a party at Paris' house for the launch of Paris' Netflix show 'Cooking With Paris' and said: "When I went to the party that night, I was all by myself and when I walked in the house, [Reum] could not have been more gracious. Hes extremely attractive and charming. He introduced me to everyone! "The two of them were really fabulous. I loved him. The sparks were flying. Ive known Paris since she was a baby and she is as happy as ever. She held out and found the perfect guy." In December, Italys exports rose by 1.2 per cent, while imports saw a decline of 1.9 per cent compared to November 2023. Exports to EU countries increased by 1.3 per cent and to non-EU countries by 1.1 per cent. Conversely, imports witnessed a decrease of 1.5 per cent for EU countries and 2.5 per cent for non-EU countries during the same period, according to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Over the last quarter of 2023, both exports and imports showed positive growth compared to the previous quarter, with a rise of 1.4 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively. However, December 2023 figures, when compared to the same month in the previous year, revealed a concerning trend. Exports saw a significant decline of 7.8 per cent, while imports experienced an even sharper drop of 17.6 per cent. Outgoing flows decreased by 8.8 per cent for EU countries and 7.0 per cent for non-EU countries, while incoming flows saw reductions of 9.8 per cent for the EU area and a substantial 26.7 per cent for the non-EU area. In December, Italy's exports rose by 1.2 per cent while imports fell by 1.9 per cent compared to November. Exports to EU countries rose by 1.3 per cent and to non-EU countries by 1.1 per cent. Both exports and imports showed positive growth in Q4 2023. However, YoY figures revealed a decline in exports by 7.8 per cent and imports by 17.6 per cent. Looking at the year 2023 as a whole, compared to 2022, outgoing flows remained relatively stable, with a minor decrease of 2.3 per cent for EU countries and a slight increase of 2.5 per cent for non-EU countries. However, incoming flows took a hit, decreasing by 10.4 per cent overall, with a marginal drop of 0.4 per cent for EU countries and a more significant decrease of 20.9 per cent for non-EU countries. On a positive note, the trade balance for December 2023 registered a surplus of 5,614 million, with a deficit of 2,750 million for EU countries and a surplus of 8,364 million for non-EU countries. Excluding energy, the trade balance surplus stood at 10,249 million. For the entire year of 2023, the trade balance marked a notable turnaround for Italy, shifting from a deficit of 34,054 million in 2022 to a surplus of 34,460 million. Excluding energy, the surplus soared to 98,800 million compared to 76,854 million in 2022. In terms of import prices, December 2023 saw a monthly decrease of 1.3 per cent, with import prices in the euro zone dropping by 0.3 per cent and those in the non-euro zone declining by 2.3 per cent. Over the last three months, however, import prices experienced a modest increase of 1.1 per cent, remaining unchanged for the euro zone but rising by 2.1 per cent for the non-euro zone. Comparing import prices to the same month a year ago, there was a significant decrease of 9.4 per cent overall, with a decline of 2.8 per cent for the euro zone and a sharper drop of 14.8 per cent for the non-euro zone. Looking at the entire year of 2023, import prices decreased by 7.4 per cent compared to 2022, with a marginal decrease of 0.2 per cent for the euro zone and a substantial drop of 13.1 per cent for the non-euro zone. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) A turquoise dragon-form artifact at Chinese Archaeological Museum in Beijing, capital of China. Unearthed from Erlitou site in the city of Luoyang, the turquoise dragon-form artifact has a total length over 70 centimeters and was formed from more than 2,000 pieces of turquoise. (Xinhua/Li He) With Chinese people joyfully celebrating the Year of the Dragon, cultural relics featuring the Chinese dragon, also known as loong, in museums across China have once again captured the spotlight. An exhibition involving over 200 pieces of loong-themed cultural relics from different historical periods in ancient China is on display at the National Museum of China in Beijing. Various cultural relics, such as bronzeware, jade artifacts, porcelain items, gold and silverware, lacquerware and paintings ranging from the Neolithic Age to the early 20th century, are being showcased at the exhibition. One of the most attractive exhibits is a C-shaped jade loong of the Hongshan culture in the Neolithic Age, which serves as important material evidence for the study of original images of the Chinese dragon in ancient times. The Chinese Archaeological Museum in Beijing is displaying a loong-shaped artifact made up of over 2,000 pieces of turquoise. Dating back more than 3,000 years, this artifact is regarded by many Chinese scholars as the oldest Chinese dragon totem in existence. The Museum of Heilongjiang Province houses a precious bronze antique of a crouching loong from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Featuring a raised head, an open mouth suggestive of a roar, and slightly hunched shoulders, it presents the viewer with a majestic and vigorous demeanor. A collection of six loongs captures the attention of visitors to the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Crafted from copper and iron, with gold gilding adorning their surfaces, the S-shaped loongs date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Unlike the conventional portrayal of majestic flying loongs, these exquisite artifacts have slender legs resembling a running posture, with the tallest measuring only 2.8 cm. Experts believe that they might have been used in ritual ceremonies, such as praying for favorable weather and prosperity. In traditional Chinese culture, the loong symbolizes strength, auspiciousness, and extraordinary abilities, embodying wishes for favorable weather, peace, and well-being. According to experts, loong-themed cultural relics from various periods in China convey the innovative, inclusive, cohesive, and striving spirit of the Chinese nation. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called on the world not to ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself why Putin is still able to continue [prosecuting the war], he said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. If we do nothing now, Putin will be able to make the next years catastrophic for other nations as well. Intelligence knows about this, he noted. Zelenskyy called for doing everything possible to defeat the aggressor. Please remember, everyone, that dictators dont go on vacation. Hatred knows no pause. Enemy artillery is not silent due to procedural troubles. Warriors opposing the aggressor need sufficient strength, the president said. Zelenskyy also urged not to be afraid that Putin will lose. Putin is a threat to all free peoples. And so, for those who havent heard yet: Putin is a monster who invaded Ukraine and killed thousands and thousands of people, kidnapped and deported at least tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, Zelenskyy said, adding Putin massacred the Chechens and Syrians; invaded Georgia; ordered the execution of his opponents both outside the Kremlin walls and in the center of London and Berlin; and so, just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear signal when the Munich Security Conference opened - Putin killed another opposition leader. Zelenskyy said that considers it necessary to close all the holes in the sanctions against Russia. And there should not be such sectors of the Russian economy that are involved in its aggression, but are free from sanctions. This concerns, first of all, the nuclear industry, he said. Russian assets already frozen must be confiscated. And we need to go further - to find, freeze and reliably pacify every dollar accumulated by Putin and his friends, he said. Zelenskyy noted that the success of the space of freedom in the world depended on the role of the United States. And it was all the more successful the bolder and more active America was, along with others, on the bright side of history. The world would have long been divided between the dreams of several dictatorships if it were not for the American Dream, which always left enough space for human dreams. Important decisions are made in the unity of the whole world, including the United States, he said. Suhani Bhatnagar last Instagram post: Suhani Bhatnagar, who played the role of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan's critically acclaimed film Dangal, has passed away. She was 19. The actress left for her heavenly abode on Saturday (February 17) in Delhi. The news of her demise has sent shockwaves across the industry. SUHANI BHATNAGAR DEATH REASON: HOW DID DANGAL ACTRESS DIE? The news about Suhani's death spread like wildfire on the internet, leaving everyone shocked. Her family is yet to release an official statement about her death. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, 19-year-old suffered a leg fracture following which she took medication. However, the medication that she consumed during her treatment had adverse effects and deteriorated her health condition. The reason behind her death has been attributed to the retention of fluid in the body. The report said that her body started retaining fluid, which caused her demise. SUHANI BHATNAGAR FUNERAL: WHEN WILL HER LAST RITES TAKE PLACE? The actress was undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi for an extended period. While her family members have not confirmed her funeral date and timings, reports suggest that the last rites will be conducted on Saturday in Faridabad. Aamir Khan Productions, who worked with the late actress, expressed their grief over her death. "We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji, and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani. Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace," they said in a statement. Suhani Bhatnagar's last Instagram post went viral on the internet following her untimely demise. SUHANI BHATNAGAR LAST INSTAGRAM POST GOES VIRAL AFTER HER DEATH Suhani was not active on social media since the past 2 years. She shared her last Instagram post on November 25, 2021 and captioned it, "November." Fans have flooded the comments section with their messages, expressing their grief. One user wrote, "Rest in peace" while another commented, "I cannot believe she is no more." The netizens mourned her loss, stating that she passed away too soon. They shared their condolences on X and Instagram, sending prayers to the family of the deceased. In her last Instagram post, Suhani was seen flaunting the sun-kissed photos. Check out what she posted right here! We offer our deepest condolences to Suhani's family members, hoping that they get the strength to cope with the loss. Samarth Jurel Reacts To Breakup: The relationship between Isha Malviya and Samarth Jurel during their stay inside the Bigg Boss 17 house was filled with twists and turns. Initially, when Samarth entered as a wildcard contestant and declared himself as Isha's boyfriend, she adamantly denied their relationship. However, she eventually admitted to their year-long relationship. HOW SAMARTH JUREL-ISHA MALVIYA BREAKUP RUMOURS STARTED? Throughout their time on the controversial reality show, the cute couple indulged in frequent arguments, often revolving around fellow contestant Abhishek Kumar, yet they never chose to part ways. However, Samarth Jurel aka Chintu stirred speculation with a cryptic social media post, hinting at a potential breakup with Isha Malviya. Fahmaan Khan-Debattana Saha's New Show Gets A Title; It's The Remake Of Colors Kannada's Lakshana On Valentine's Day, he shared a message lamenting the lack of time for loved ones amid social media distractions, leading many to interpret it as aimed at Isha. This fueled rumors of a split between the couple. The note read, "Kuch log kaam mein itne busy hogae ki subse milne ka, post karne ka waqt hain but apno se nahi, (Some people are so busy with work that they have time to meet others and post on social media, but not meet you) anyways. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you may god bless you and your loved ones." ZRA 2024 Nomination Party: Did You Know Arjit Taneja, Sriti Jha First Met At The Zee Rishtey Awards? SAMARTH JUREL DISMISSES BREAKUP RUMOURS Subsequently, when news outlets reported their breakup, Samarth took to social media to refute the claims, asserting that such rumors were false. His clarification laid to rest the ongoing speculations. Take a look at Samarth's reaction below: Now, with Samarth's clarification, it's clear that the couple is together and on good terms. Well, this is indeed a piece of great news for their fans. Star Bharat has once again captured the audience's imagination with its latest fantasy thriller, 'Shaitani Rasmein.' Produced by the prestigious Triangle Film Company and directed by the renowned Nikhil Sinha, known for his work on celebrated shows like 'Devo Ke Dev Mahadev,' 'Siya ke Ram,' and 'The Adventures of Hatim,' the show has quickly become a viewer favorite. Airing every Monday to Saturday at 10 PM, 'Shaitani Rasmein' offers a unique blend of suspense and fantasy, telling the compelling story of Nikki and Piyush and their eerie journey into the supernatural. The narrative centers around Nikki, played by Naqiyah Haji, an orphan who finds love with Piyush, portrayed by Vibhav Roy, a prince from the esteemed Gehlot Family of Bhurangarh. As the couple embarks on their matrimonial journey, they stumble upon dark secrets and a chilling pact with the demon Maalik. The unfolding tale of sinister rituals and ultimate sacrifices keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering about Nikki's fate. To celebrate the show's success, Star Bharat arranged a press conference in Lucknow, inviting lead actors Vibhav Roy and Naqiyah Haji. The event highlighted the actors' experiences and the warm reception the show has received. In addition to the press conference, Roy and Haji further engaged with their fans and media through visits to a radio station and several prominent publication houses, sampling Lucknow's famous cuisine and discussing the show's intricacies. Naqiyah Haji, during her visit, expressed her fascination with Lucknow's rich cultural heritage and the exceptional support for her character and the show. Similarly, Vibhav Roy shared his gratitude for the love and hospitality received from the locals and media, emphasizing the city's cultural significance in celebrating the audience's affection for 'Shaitani Rasmein.' "Visiting Lucknow has been a heartwarming experience. The media and locals have extended such warm hospitality and affection. Witnessing the immense love our show "Shaitani Rasmein' has garnered, it's evident that the audience here deeply resonates with it. Lucknow, with its rich cultural heritage, provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the audience's affection. I'm truly humbled by the overwhelming love my character has received and thankful to the viewers to showering the show with immense love," Vibhav said in a statement as quoted as saying by TVIndiaLive. A spokesperson from Star Bharat praised the innovative storyline of 'Shaitani Rasmein,' describing it as a venture into uncharted territories of fear and supernatural, aimed at redefining the horror genre on television. The show promises a visual treat and a wedding fantasy drama that stands apart from conventional narratives. As 'Shaitani Rasmein' continues to weave its spellbinding narrative, audiences are invited to tune in every Monday to Saturday at 10 PM on Star Bharat, to witness the extraordinary journey of Nikki and the challenges she faces in the world of supernatural and ominous rituals. Disposal of group Casino's stake in Exito Group Paris, 26 January 2024 As part of the tender offers launched in the United States and Colombia by the Calleja Group for the share capital of Almacenes Exito S.A. ("Exito"), group Casino announces the completion of the sale of its direct 34.05% stake, in line with the information published on 16 October 2023 and 11 December 2023. Grupo Pao de Acucar ("GPA"), a Brazilian company controlled by groupe Casino, also contributed its 13.31% stake in Exito to the bids. Following these offers, the Calleja Group acquired 86.84% of the share capital of Exito. As part of this transaction, group Casino received gross proceeds of USD 400 million (corresponding to EUR 367 million at this date1), and GPA received gross proceeds of USD 156 million. The group Casino and GPA no longer own any equity interest in Exito Group following this transaction. *** This communication is for informational purposes only under the current applicable laws and regulations, and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS CONTACTS Christopher WELTON - cwelton.exterieur@groupe-casino.fr - Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17 or IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr - Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 24 17 PRESS CONTACTS Groupe Casino Communications Stephanie Abadie - sabadie@groupe-casino.fr - Tel: +33 (0)6 26 27 37 05 or directiondelacommunication@groupe-casino.fr - Tel: + 33(0)1 53 65 24 78 Agence IMAGE 7 Karine Allouis - kallouis@image7.fr - Tel: +33 (0)6 11 59 23 26 Laurent Poinsot - lpoinsot@image7.fr - Tel: + 33(0)6 80 11 73 52 Franck Pasquier - fpasquier@image7.fr - Tel: + 33(0)6 73 62 57 99 1 FX rate USD/EUR of 1.0905 on 24 January 2024 (BCE) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2024) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTC Pink: AAIRD) ("Aires" or the "Company"), a company focused on scientifically-proven EMF modulation technology, announces the closing of its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of 26,666,663 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $4,000,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") being exercisable into one Common Share at a price of $0.25 per share for a period of 24 months from closing of the Offering, provided that, in the event that the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") exceeds $0.40 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date to 30 days following the date on which the Company provides notice thereof to the holders of the Warrants (the "Accelerated Expiry"). Josh Bruni, CEO of the Company, stated: "We are immensely gratified by the market's strong response to our private placement offering, which was significantly oversubscribed, highlighting the overwhelming interest and confidence in American Aires and our dedicated team. This success not only underscores our investors' belief in our transformative technology but also our dedication to advancing well-being and environmental safety. With this support, we are poised to accelerate our global growth, deepen our scientific research, and extend our impact by venturing into new product categories. We are deeply appreciative of this strong endorsement from the investment community and excited about the future that lies ahead." In connection with the Offering, the Company paid a cash fee of $47,249.99 to certain arm's length finders, and issued to certain arm's length finders 289,100 non-transferrable finder's warrants, each exercisable to acquire one Unit at a price of $0.15 per Unit for a period for 24 months from the Closing, subject to the Accelerated Expiry. The Offering is subject to final approval of the CSE. The securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to CSE policies and applicable securities laws. The Offering Price was reserved via price protection filed with the CSE on January 15, 2024. The combination of the oversubscribed Offering, the improved company valuation and the feedback that the Company has been receiving from investors over the past several months led the management of the Company to believe that the primary objective of the partnership with HUCK Project LLC ("HUCK") announced on August 28, 2023 has been largely achieved. While the Company recognizes that more R&D needs to be done to further solidify our scientific leadership in EMF modulation technology, management is satisfied with how the Company is positioned today as a life sciences firm. This has been and remains the Company's primary objective. The secondary rationale of the HUCK outsourcing partnership was to transfer the inventory financing burden over to HUCK. The Company is pleased to report that this rationale was also successfully addressed through the closing of the $4 million Offering. As a result of the above considerations, the Company no longer views the HUCK partnership necessary and is pleased to announce that it has terminated this partnership with HUCK with both companies retaining a friendly relationship and agreeing to all terms and conditions. Early Warning On February 16, 2024, prior to the closing of the Offering, Birchtree Investments Ltd. ("Birchtree") disposed beneficial ownership of 6,000,000 Common Shares (the "Disposition"). Prior to the Disposition, Birchtree held 7,062,366 Common Shares, representing 11.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on an undiluted basis (14.6% on a partially-diluted basis). Following the Disposition, Birchtree held 1,062,366 Common Shares, representing 1.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on an undiluted basis (4.8% on a partially-diluted basis). As such, Birchtree ceased to be an insider of the Company. Birchtree participated in the Offering, following which Birchtree held 6,686,953 Common Shares and 7,505,587 common share purchase warrants of the Company. All such warrants contain a restriction on exercise such that Birchtree shall not be permitted to exercise the warrants if it would result in the Common Shares held by Birchtree exceeding 9.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Birchtree currently does not have any plan to acquire or dispose of additional securities of the Company. However, Birchtree may acquire additional securities of the Company, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional securities it holds or will hold, or may continue to hold its current position, depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans or other relevant factors. About American Aires Inc. American Aires Inc. is a Canadian-based nanotechnology company committed to enhancing well-being and environmental safety through science-led innovation, education, and advocacy. Aires has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Aires' Lifetune products target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi, including the more powerful and rapidly expanding high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under the ticker 'WIFI' and on the OTC QB under the symbol 'AAIRF'. Learn more at www.airestech.com . On behalf of the board of directors Company Contact: Josh Bruni, CEO Website: www.airestech.com Email: wifi@airestech.com Telephone: (415) 707-0102 Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding CSE approval of the Offering, issuance of securities underlying the Warrants and Finder's Warrants, the Company's ability to solidify its scientific leadership in EMF modulation technology, the Company's position and ability to grow as a life sciences firm, future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Common Shares, RSUs and Options have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/198362 SOURCE: American Aires Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2024) - Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: HPSS) (OTCQB: HPSIF) (FSE: E092) ("Hybrid" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has successfully upgraded from the OTC Pink Market to the OTCQB Venture Market. The upgrade has been approved by OTC Markets Group and the Company commenced trading on the OTCQB on January 30th, 2024. The Company's common shares started trading on the OTCQB under the symbol "HPSIF" as of the opening of the market on January 30th, 2024. The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HPSS" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "E092". The OTCQB, operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc., is a market designed for developing and entrepreneurial companies in the United States and abroad. To be eligible for trading on the OTCQB, companies must be current in their financial reporting with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pass a minimum bid price test, maintain audited financials through a PCAOB registered firm, and undergo company verification and management certification on an annual basis. The Company also announces that its common shares are eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance liquidity of Hybrid's shares in the United States. The Company's shares recently began trading on the OTCQB under the symbol "HPSIF". The DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a U.S. company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible". This electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash, and thus accelerates the settlement process for investors and brokers, enabling the stock to be traded over a much wider selection of brokerage firms by coming into compliance with their requirements. Francois Byrne, CEO stated, "Cross-trading onto the OTCQB Venture Market as well as Hybrid's shares being DTC eligible marks the achievement of yet another important milestone that we set out to achieve. We believe trading on the OTCQB, along with DTC eligibility will provide much greater visibility and transparency to investors which will allow for us to reach a wider audience. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from our partners and shareholders as we continue to execute on our business plan." The Company also announces an arm's length agreement with Outside The Box Capital Inc. ("Outside The Box") (Address: 2202 Green Orchard Place. Oakville, ON I6H 4V4, Canada; email: info@outsidethebox.capital; phone: +289-259-4455) for marketing services of up to six months, which commenced December 13th, 2023. Outside The Box will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and attracting potential new investors through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of CA$100,000. The promotional activity will occur by YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Google. Outside The Box is an arm's length service provider and does not have any prior relationship with the Company. The Company also announces a renewal agreement with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH ("MIC") (Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-St. 49b 51379 Leverkusen; email: contact@micpublishing.de; phone: +49 2171-7766628) for marketing services which will continue to April 15th, 2024 or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 250,000. The marketing activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google. MIC does not have any prior relationship with the Company other than previous marketing engagements and will not receive any shares of the Company as compensation. On behalf of the company Francois Byrne CEO and Director invest@hybridps.ca 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. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the services offered under the contract and successful enhanced market conditions. 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/198351 SOURCE: Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. After long anticipation, Austin Butler and Callum Turner starrer Masters of the Air recently released on Apple TV+ and emerged as one of the most loved shows across the globe. While the mini-series continues to garner accolades from the audience, we give you major reasons to watch this impactful story on Apple TV+. Advertisement Here's 19 seconds of Austin Butler slow dancing with a dog. pic.twitter.com/67wC08Uxaq Apple TV (@AppleTV) February 9, 2024 Perfectly captures the essence of World War II The miniseries, which comprised nine episodes, focuses Bloody Hundredth group who played a significant role during the Second World War and their contribution turned out to be a game-changer. Apart from Austin Butler and Callum Turner, the show also features Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Branden Cook, and Ncuti Gatwa in prominent roles. The show narrates the story of Americas Bomber Boys who fought the air war against Nazi Germany between 1942 to 1945. Advertisement It is inspired by the book of the same name by Donald L. Miller, who collected the testimonies of the survivors of the Bloody Hundredth to tell their story. The first four instalments are directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (No Time to Die), followed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel), Dee Rees (Mudbound) and Tim Van Patten (Game of Thrones). Advertisement Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it is written by biographer Don Miller. I dont think youll find combat anywhere in history as intense as these air fights, says the author of the book. Youre in an aluminium tube so thin a guy with a screwdriver could punch a hole in it. German (fighter pilots) would aim for the pilot and co-pilot, and a lot of pilots were beheaded by gunfire, he added. The first episode of Masters of the Air streamed on 26th January. Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in an Arctic Circle jail on Friday. While his demise shocked the world, there were concerns about the threat to his life since he returned to Russia in 2021. Many of Vladimir Putins rivals and critics have faced similar fates earlier Alexei Navalnys death has stunned the world. Russias most prominent Opposition leader died at the Arctic Circle penal colony, the prison service announced on Friday (16 February). Several world leaders, including United States president Joe Biden, and Russian Opposition activists have blamed President Vladimir Putin and his government for Navalnys reported demise. Advertisement There were always concerns that Navalny could meet an untimely end since he returned to Russia in 2021. If they decide to kill me then it means we are incredibly strong and we need to use that power and not give up, Putins vociferous critic once told CNN. We dont realise how strong we actually are. From plane crashes to poisonings, many of Putins foes have died under mysterious circumstances. Navalny s untimely demise has put the spotlight on many of these deaths which are unsolved and continue to be listed as accidents and suicides. Lets take a closer look. Yevgeny Prigozhin Yevgeny Prigozhin, who was once a close aide of Putin, died in a plane crash last year. The former head of the Wagner mercenary group had fallen out of favour with the Russian president when the two met in Moscow in August 2023 following an aborted mutiny that summer wherein Prigozhins fighters seized the city of Rostov. Advertisement As per The Guardian, the Wagner chief seemed to have come to a truce with the Kremlin that included evacuating his troops to Belarus and the mercenary group taking its activities outside Ukraine. However, last August, the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet carrying the 62-year-old mysteriously spiralled to the ground, killing Prigozhin, the field commander Dmitry Utkin and eight others on board. Advertisement According to CNN, Russian authorities said Prigozhins death was confirmed by genetic testing. There is no concrete evidence linking the Kremlin to the plane crash. However, as Bill Browder, a critic of the Russian president pointed out, Putin never forgives and never forgets. Boris Berezovsky Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky, who was once a Kremlin insider, turned into a vocal critic of Putins government and fled to the UK in the early 2000s. Advertisement In Britain, he even called for a coup to overthrow the Russian president, reported CNN. A Russian court convicted him of fraud and tax evasion in absentia in 2007. The oligarch also accused Russia of trying to assassinate him. In 2013, Berezovsky was found dead with a noose around his neck in the bathroom of his UK home. The British police ruled his death as suicide. Advertisement According to The Guardian, many of his associates, including Georgian oligarch and business partner Badri Patarkatsishvili, Nikolai Glushkov and the Yukos oil founder, Yuri Golubev, have been found dead in puzzling circumstances. Boris Nemtsov Boris Nemtsov was a deputy prime minister in the late 1990s under then-President Boris Yeltsin. A Putin critic, Nemtsov was shot dead by an unknown assailant in February 2015 while he was walking with his girlfriend in central Moscow. Advertisement In 2017, five men of Chechen origin were arrested over his death. However, many Nemtsov supporters believed that Kremlin had a hand in his killing. An investigation by journalists from Insider, BBC and Bellingcat found that he was tailed by FSB agents for about a year before his killing within sight of the Kremlin, reported The Guardian. Advertisement Anna Politkovskaya Politkovskaya, a journalist, reported critically on Russias war in Chechnya. She was gunned down in her apartment building in Moscow in 2006. Five men were sentenced to prison in 2014 by a Moscow court for the killing of the Novaya Gazeta reporter. Denying any involvement of the Kremlin in her killing, Putin had said that Politkovskayas death in itself is more damaging to the current authorities both in Russia and the Chechen Republic than her activities, reported CNN. Advertisement Alexander Litvinenko Alexander Litvinenko, a former member of the FSB security services turned Putin opponent, died of polonium-210 poisoning in London at a hotel bar in 2006. Two Russian agents had laced his green tea with the highly radioactive element, a British inquiry found. It also said that Putin probably approved the ex-spys killing. Advertisement Litvinenko, who died a slow and painful death, blamed Putin and the Kremlin. You may succeed in silencing one man, but the howl of protest from around the world will reverberate, Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life, he said in his deathbed statement. Other unusual deaths Financier Alexander Perepilichnyy became a whistleblower in 2010, providing evidence of alleged fraud against Russian tax officials. In 2012, he died suddenly during his jog back to his home in London. Advertisement His death appeared to be of natural causes. However, in 2015, plant toxicology experts in Kew said they found traces of a rare plant poison gelsemium in his stomach. Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky had helped unearth the $230 million tax fraud involving government officials in 2008. Soon after, Magnitsky was arrested on separate tax fraud charges. He died in 2009 in prison with a Russian presidential human rights commission report finding that the lawyer was beaten on the day he died, as per CNN. Advertisement The Russian government claims Magnitsky died of heart failure. At least 13 high-profile Russian businessmen have died by suicide or in mysterious circumstances over the past year, according to CNN. Of these, six were linked to Russias two largest energy companies, Gazprom and Lukoil. Notably, Russias oil giant Lukoil, in a rare move, denounced Russias war in Ukraine last year. Ravil Maganov, head of Lukoil, had reportedly fallen from a hospital window in Moscow in September 2022. Lukoil said in a statement at the time that Maganov passed away following a severe illness. Alexander Buzakov, the head of a major Russian shipyard, died suddenly in December 2022, with no cause given by authorities, reported Reuters. Russian sausage magnate-turned-lawmaker Pavel Antov died after falling from the third-floor window of a hotel in Odishas Rayagada district in December 2022. The preliminary postmortem report of Putins detractor ruled his death as accidental. With inputs from agencies Rumours are rife that former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath and his son, Nakul, may depart from the Congress. The veteran party leader is in Delhi, which has further intensified the speculations. But will he join the BJP? Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath could give another jolt to the Congress. Political circles are buzzing with speculations about the exit of him and his son, Nakul Nath, from the party. The Grand Old Party has already lost heavyweights in Maharashtra this year. While Nath and his son have not officially confirmed the reports, any such potential move just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections will be a major setback for the Congress. Advertisement But why have rumours about the former CM and his sons departure from the Congress come up? Lets take a closer look. Rumours about Kamal Naths defection According to Times of India (TOI), the rumours about Nath leaving the Grand Old Party began three weeks ago. They recently picked up pace following the senior leaders reaction about the possibility of recently expelled Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam joining the BJP. On this, Nath said on 3 February, Everyone is independent. No one is tied to any political party. Three days later, his son and Chhindwara MP, Nakul Nath, declared himself the candidate from the constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, no official announcement has been made by the Congress yet. Advertisement This time too, I will be your candidate for Lok Sabha elections. Rumours are going around whether Kamal Nath or Nakul Nath would contest the election, I would like to make it clear that Kamal Nath wont contest the election, I will, Nakul Nath reportedly told a gathering on 6 February. Advertisement Chhindwara has been a stronghold of Kamal Nath for years. In the 2019 general elections, while the BJP swept 28 out of 29 seats from Madhya Pradesh, Nakul Nath managed to win on a Congress ticket from Chhindwara, noted NDTV. Earlier this month, several leaders close to Nath, including Jabalpur Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh Annu, switched to the BJP. On 12 February, former Congress MLA Dinesh Ahirwar and Congress district president from Vidisha, Rakesh Katare, joined the saffron party. Advertisement The speculations further intensified after Nakul dropped Congress from his bio on social media accounts. This came a day after Madhya Pradesh BJP chief VD Sharma said the former CM and his son are welcome to join the saffron camp. Sharma said on Friday that the BJPs doors are open for senior Congress leaders who are upset with the party for declining the invitation to the consecration ceremony of Ayodhyas Ram Temple. Advertisement According to Indian Express, when asked about Kamal Nath joining the BJP, Sharma told reporters: If someone has belief in the BJP leadership and believes in its policies, for such people the doors are open We have opened our doors to those people in the Congress who think that their party boycotted the Ram Mandir consecration event. Ram is in Bharats mind and Ram resides in its heart. He was insulted by the Congress. If these leaders have pain in their hearts, then they should be given an opportunity. And the name you are taking (Nath) if in his heart he has such pain, then I think he is welcome. Advertisement Congress dismisses rumours The Congress has rejected the rumours of Kamal Nath crossing over to the BJP. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari called the reports baseless. For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third sonin the 45 years of Kamal Naths political journey, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party. Advertisement Referring to the then Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindias revolt that toppled Naths state government in 2020, Patwari said that at the time all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Naths leadership and ideology. Can you imagine Indira Gandhis third son leaving Congress? he asked the mediapersons on Saturday. Kamal Nath is among the last Congress leaders of the Indira Gandhi era. Advertisement #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari says, " For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been pic.twitter.com/eo10i5NXaq ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Advertisement Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said he talked to Nath last night who was in Chhindwara. I had a conversation with Kamal Nath ji last night. He is in Chhindwara. He is the person who started his political career with the Nehru-Gandhi familyYou cannot expect that person to leave Sonia Gandhi and Indira Gandhis family ANI quoted him as saying. Advertisement #WATCH | On being asked if Kamal Nath will join BJP, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says "...I had a conversation with Kamal Nath ji last night. He is in Chhindwara. He is the person who started his political career with the Nehru-Gandhi family...You cannot expect that person to pic.twitter.com/Xz0Fn925nw ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Will Kamal Nath leave Congress? Kamal Nath reached Delhi on Saturday amid the speculations. According to NDTV sources, the former MP CM will meet the BJPs top brass. However, it is not yet known if he will join the saffron party after leaving the Congress. His son, Nakul, is expected to join the saffron camp and get the BJPs Lok Sabha ticket from Chhindwara, NDTV reported. In his brief interaction with reporters after reaching the National Capital, Kamal Nath said he would inform the media first if any such thing (his joining the BJP) happens. #WATCH | On being asked if he is joining BJP, former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath says "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that..." pic.twitter.com/GK9uNIQVAL ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Earlier this month, the veteran Congress leader had said addressing the reports, There are so many rumours going on, what can I say about them?. Other Congress leaders who left recently Many high-profile leaders have quit Congress in the past few years. Naths exit would be a huge blow to the party as it fights the Lok Sabha elections with a weakened INDIA bloc. Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan recently left the Congress to join the BJP. He has been nominated by the saffron party for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Baba Siddique exited from the Congress and joined the Ajit Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The Grand Old Party saw another high-profile exit last month when former Union minister Milind Deora quit the party and switched over to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He is also nominated for Rajya Sabha polls. Last year, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy joined the BJP after resigning from the Congress. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jitin Prasada, Sushmita Dev, Amarinder Singh, RPN Singh, Kapil Sibal and Sunil Jakhar are some other prominent faces that have left the Congress in recent years. With inputs from agencies Alexei Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader, spent his final few weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle. In his last appearance, a day before his death, he was seen laughing and cracking jokes as he testified via video conference Alexei Navalny, the most outspoken critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, spent his final weeks in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He was moved there from his former prison closer to Moscow. Conditions were trying but he seemed in good spirits days before his death. The last appearance The Russian Opposition leader, in his last appearance from the Polar Wolf penal colony in which he was housed, was laughing and cracking jokes. Advertisement This video of Alexei Navalny is from yesterday. He had a court appearance which he attended from the Arctic penal colony he was being held in. https://t.co/4QvJMWHZTw pic.twitter.com/3UdxZcDBfT Yashar Ali (@yashar) February 16, 2024 Navalny on Thursday testified before the court via video conference. The video of him showed him looking through a window with bars. In it, he was cracking wise about his own quickly dwindling funds and even the judges salary. Even the officials of the court were smiling along with Navalny, reports Reuters. Also read: Alexei Navalny dead at 47: Remembering Putin critic who remained defiant to the end Advertisement Navalny, seen wearing his black prison uniform, displayed his usual gallows sense of humour. Your Honour, I will send you my personal account number so that you can use your huge salary as a federal judge to warm up my personal account, because I am running out of money, Navalny said. Advertisement According to SOTA, the court was called into session after a prison officer tried to take away Navalnys pen. Navalny later announced he was ordered to spend 15 days in solitary confinement. He has repeatedly been sentenced to solitary confinement since he was sent to jail. The Yamal prison decided to break Vladimirs record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in solitary confinement, he wrote on X. Advertisement This is the fourth solitary confinement spell in less than 2 months that I have been with them, he added. It was Navalnys final message. A Valentines Day message On Valentines Day, Navalny put out a post dedicated to his wife, Yulia Navalnaya. Baby, you and I have everything, just like in the song: cities, airfield lights, blue snowstorms and thousands of kilometres between us, he said, quoting a popular Soviet-era tune. Advertisement But I feel that you are near me every second, and I love you more and more. Poking fun at prison routines On 22 January, he said the prison wardens at IK-3 would wake everybody up at 5 am to play the Russian national anthem, according to a report in AFP. And right after that, the second most important song in the country: Shamans Ya Russky, he said. The song which means Im Russian has become an unofficial anthem for President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Imagine the scene. Yamal-Nenets region. Polar night. In a penal colony of convicts, prisoner Navalny serving 19 years, who the Kremlins propaganda for years has scolded for taking part in Russian marches, is exercising to Ya Russky. Thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio Navalny continued sharing details about life in the Arctic prison. After a spell in quarantine, he said, The idea that Putin was pleased (enough) that he had put me in a barracks in the Far North that they would stop throwing me in solitary confinement was naive. Advertisement Prison authorities told him: Convict Navalny refused to introduce himself in the correct way. Seven days in solitary confinement. Navalny spent more than 300 days in solitary confinement, or a punishment cell, as his colleagues called it, based on its name in Russian during his three years in prison. He was ordered there on 27 occasions, often for minor infringements of prison protocol. Advertisement Allowed out for a daily walk in the pitch black at 6:30 a.m., Navalny said: I promised myself I would go out in any weather. His cell was 11 steps from wall to wall. It has never been colder than minus 32 (Celsius). Even in such a temperature you can walk more than half an hour only if you have the time to grow back a nose, ears and fingers, he said in a 9 January post, reports AFP. Advertisement Today I was walking, freezing and thinking about Leonardo DiCaprio and his trick with a dead horse in The Revenant, he said, referring to a scene in which his character crawls into an animal carcass to keep warm. I dont think it would work here. A dead horse would freeze to death within 15 minutes. Advertisement Also read: Missing for 6 days: The strange case of Alexei Navalnys disappearance from jail No ho-ho-ho but oh-oh-oh Navalny posted his first message from the Arctic prison colony on 26 December. I am your new grandfather Frost, Navalny said, in his usual tongue-in-cheek manner. I have a tulup, an ushanka and I will have valenki soon, he added, referring to traditional furry Russian winter coats, hats and boots. Advertisement I now live above the Arctic Circle But I dont say ho-ho-ho, I say oh-oh-oh when I look out the window, where first there is night, then evening, then night again. Navalny said he was tired from the 20-day journey from his previous prison in the central Vladimir region, close to Moscow. Dont worry about me, everything is well. I am so happy that I finally got here. The news of his death The Putin critic was coping with life in the icy IK-3 prison colony in the Siberian region of Yamal-Nenets, some 2,000 kilometres from his native Moscow. On Friday, Russias prison service broke the news that Navalny had died after collapsing at the prison colony. The prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where the 47-year-old Russian Opposition leader was serving his sentence said he felt unwell after a walk and almost immediately lost consciousness. The service said medical staff were not able to resuscitate Navalny and the cause of death was being determined. He was 47. The stunning news of Navalnys death less than a month before an election that will give Putin another six years in power brought renewed criticism and outrage directed at the Kremlin leader who has cracked down on all Opposition at home. People laid flowers at monuments to victims of Soviet-era political repressions in some Russian cities, but there was no immediate indication that Navalnys death, which would deal a heavy blow to the beleaguered and fractured Opposition, would spark large protests in the country. World leaders slam Putin World leaders and Russian Opposition activists wasted no time Friday in blaming his death on Putin. It is obvious that he was killed by Putin, said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was visiting Germany as he sought aid for his country as it fights off an invasion by Russia. Putin doesnt care who dies only for him to hold his position. This is why he must hold onto nothing. Putin must lose everything and be held responsible for his deeds, Zelenskyy added. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country temporarily took in Navalny in 2020 after he was poisoned with a nerve agent, praised the Kremlin critics bravery and said his death makes clear what kind of regime this is. He has probably now paid for this courage with his life, Scholz said, standing next to Zelenskyy. The German leader said he met Navalny in Berlin during his convalescence. With inputs from agencies German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declared his constant support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and plans to build it up, calling on his EU and NATO partners to do the same, since the price of such support is many times less than the price of a possible Russian victory. "Let's do enough, because we all know what a Russian victory in Ukraine would mean... The political and financial price we would have to pay then would be many times greater than the entire cost of our support for Ukraine today and in the future," he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Scholz stressed that a Russian victory would also mean the end of Ukraine as a free, independent and democratic state, the destruction of the European peace order and the encouragement of all autocrats around the world to rely on violence to resolve conflicts. The German Chancellor stated that Russia has been preparing its army for this war for many years and has developed new dangerous weapons systems at all levels, its economy has long been operating in war mode, and despite huge losses, the Russian armed forces retain significant strength, and Putin sends them to the front more and more soldiers. "Two years after the start of the war, we must all ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to make it clear to Putin that we are ready for the long haul," Scholz said. At the same time, he noted that it is still true that NATO does not want a conflict with Russia, and the alliance will not refrain from sending its soldiers to Ukraine. Putin and the military in Moscow must understand that we, the strongest military alliance in the world, are capable of defending every square meter of our alliances territory. To do this, it is important that we continue to strengthen NATOs European pillar, including in the area of deterrence, he said. No matter how Russias war in Ukraine ends, no matter how the upcoming elections on both sides of the Atlantic turn out, one thing is absolutely clear: we Europeans must be much more concerned about our own security now and in the future, Scholz added. He said efforts over the past 24 months highlight this, and it is important to preserve the transatlantic alliance for the sake of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for the dignity of every person. Germany has almost doubled its military assistance to Ukraine - to more than EUR 7 billion, and obligations in the coming years will amount to EUR6 billion, and called on other European countries to follow Germany's example, he said. Scholz acknowledged that this is not easy in Germany and elsewhere, as there are critical voices about whether the money should be spent elsewhere, and Moscow is fueling such doubts with targeted disinformation campaigns and propaganda on social media. "It is true that this war in the center of Europe demands a lot from us. Yes, we feel that the money we spend on our security now and in the future is not enough elsewhere. But I also say that without security everything the rest is nothing, he emphasized. The world will not live according to the will of Moscow, because we will not allow this, Scholz concluded. At the same time, the Chancellor did not answer the question whether Germany will supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine. "This is a strange question. Germany will spend $7 billion this year to help Ukraine defend itself. We need to increase production, especially of ammunition. We must provide maintenance for these weapons. Then, step by step, we will decide what we will do at the right time," Scholz said. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court struck down electoral bonds, declaring them unconstitutional. Since 2018, political parties received donations worth Rs 16,518 crore from them. Who benefited the most? We tell you in our weekly roundup It has been a challenging week for the Indian government. Farmers are back on the street, continuing their march to Delhi. There have been three rounds of talks between farmer leaders and Union ministers but they have not reached a consensus. With elections coming, a protest in the national capital could be worrisome. Advertisement Farmers are not the only concern. In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court struck down electoral bonds, calling them unconstitutional. This is likely to impact political parties, which have received donations worth Rs 16,518 crore since the scheme was introduced. So what happens next ? We have been tracking the story closely. The good news for the week was the return of the Indian Navy veterans from Qatar, who were on a death sentence on espionage charges. It was a diplomatic win for New Delhi. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers on the big news stories that grabbed headlines in the country. Advertisement 1. Delhi Chalo. That is the call farmer leaders are giving to their counterparts. The stir has entered its sixth day on Saturday. Security personnel are doing everything they can to disperse farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambu border using teargas shells, drones, barricades and more. However, the farmers are not in the mood to back down. There have been three rounds of negotiations with Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai with scant progress. But why are the farmers back on the streets again ? What are their key demands ? We explain. Advertisement 2. The farmers protests come just months ahead of the 2024 general elections. It is not good optics. The farmers come from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh three important states in the Hindi heartland. The stir poses a big challenge for Narendra Modi, who is eyeing a third straight term. But will this benefit the Opposition INDIA bloc? It is unlikely. In this piece, we explain how the agitation could impact the elections . Advertisement 3. This week, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict. It struck down the Centres electoral bond scheme, stating it is unconstitutional and arbitrary. But what are electoral bonds and why are they so contentious? We explain . In another article, we help you understand the apex courts big ruling . The decision was taken by a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The court stated that electoral bonds violate the Right to Information. Advertisement It remains to be seen how this verdict will affect political parties. However, since being introduced in 2018, political parties have received donations worth Rs 16,518 crore from electoral bonds. Of this, how much did the BJP earn ? What about the Congress and other political parties? We take a look. 4. There have been some setbacks, but a big win for New Delhi was the release of Indian Navy veterans from Qatar. They were sentenced to death on espionage charges . Advertisement Arrested in the middle of the night on 30 August 2022, they spent more than a year and a half in prison. The Ministry of External Affairs was attempting to secure their release through diplomatic channels and the death sentence on 26 October 2023 came as a shock. However, New Delhi did not give up. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on top of things. It is said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with the Qatar ruler last December helped make further progress in the case. We take a look at how India pulled off this move . Advertisement 5. The Indian Navy has been on a path to shed its colonial past. In December, it unveiled new epaulettes, reflecting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Now it has unveiled kurta-pajamas for its personnel . Officers and sailors will be able to wear ethnic clothing in naval messes with some caveats. Advertisement 6. Our last story comes from Maharashtra and its the one that is expected to break hearts. Earlier in the week, a video of two staffers at a pet clinic in Thane punching and kicking a dog went viral. It sparked outrage and rightly so. Even Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took notice. Advertisement A shocking video has gone viral on social media platforms showing a man thrashing a pet dog mercilessly in #Thane district of #Maharashtra. The incident reportedly took place at a pet clinic on #GBRoad in the city. Two people have been arrested in connection with the case. In pic.twitter.com/nRmDsmQkCI Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) February 14, 2024 Advertisement Cruelty against animals is not that uncommon. The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) in a 2023 report wrote that there have been 20,000 intentional and brutal crimes against animals in the last 10 years in the country. The numbers are disheartening and so are the laws. In this explainer, we take a look at the laws and how there have been growing calls to revamp them . Thats all from India this week. Hope our explainers give you some food for thought. If you want to understand the news better, you can come back for more . Explaining New Delhis position on the conflict, he said there are different dimensions to it, and broadly classified them into four points. Number one we must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism; no caveats, no justification, no explanation. It was terrorism, he said. Amid concerns over the prevailing situation in Gaza, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised Indias longstanding stance advocating for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue during an interactive session at a security conference in Munich on Saturday. He noted that an increasing number of nations are now not only endorsing this solution but also considering it as more urgent than before, particularly in light of the prevailing situation in Gaza. Advertisement Jaishankar addressed concerns over the October 7 attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas, describing them as acts of terrorism. He also highlighted the importance of Israel adhering to international humanitarian law in its response. While acknowledging Israels right to self-defence, Jaishankar emphasized the need for caution to minimize civilian casualties. The remarks were made in the presence of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Explaining New Delhis position on the conflict, he said there are different dimensions to it, and broadly classified them into four points. Number one we must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism; no caveats, no justification, no explanation. It was terrorism, he said. Number two, as Israel responds, it is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties. It has an international obligation to observe humanitarian law, Jaishankar said. The external affairs minister, mentioning point number three said the return of hostages today is imperative. Advertisement Number four There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable humanitarian corridor to provide relief. And eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long-term fix. Otherwise, we are going to see a recurrence, he said. The external affairs minister also highlighted Indias long-held position on the Palestine issue. Certainly India has long believed in a two-state solution. We have maintained that position for many decades and, I think, today many more countries in the world feel not just that the two-state solution is necessary, but it is more urgent than it was before, he said. Advertisement Israel has been continuing its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation to the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7. Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire. Over 25,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. India has been calling for de-escalation of the situation and creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. India strongly condemned the terror attack by Hamas. The Vayu Shakti is the first of the series of major exercises planned by IAF in India this year The Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 on 17 February, 2024, at the Pokhran air-to-ground range, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This normally triennial event was last held in February 2019. The 2022 edition was planned but cancelled due to the intensified Russia-Ukraine conflict. COVID-19 too had its dynamics. As always, the day and night exercise Vayu Shakti-24 is expected to be a fascinating demonstration of the offensive and defensive capabilities of the IAF. It is a showcase of IAFs assets and combat equipment and the capabilities of the crew which is operating them. It will also demonstrate joint operations with the Indian Army. The 2024 exercise carries the tagline lightning strike from the sky. The President as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces and the Prime Minister are traditionally invited. Pokhran is known for its historical significance and provides a controlled environment. Advertisement Objectives of Vayu Shakti 2024 The major objectives of the exercise are to showcase IAFs full-spectrum combat and operational capabilities. ~ Demonstrate the precision and effectiveness of air-to-ground and air-to-air attacks. Emphasise the seamless integration of diverse aircraft, including indigenous platforms like Tejas. ~ Highlight the coordination and collaboration with the Indian Army in joint military operations. ~ Display the latest technological advancements and weaponry employed by the IAF. ~ Demonstrate the IAFs operational night attack and defence capabilities. Special operations by IAFs transport and helicopter fleets will be on display. The exercise will demonstrate the IAFs proficiency in conducting operations from multiple air bases, showcasing the forces flexibility and strategic reach. Increase public awareness about the IAFs capabilities and its commitment to national defence. The exercise is meant to send a strong deterrent message to potential adversaries by showcasing the IAFs precision, versatility and firepower. It acts as a demonstration of Indias capability and willingness to defend its interests with a robust and well-equipped air force. Advertisement Exercise details This year, the exercise will see participation by 121 aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Prachand and Dhruv. Other participating aircraft, many for the first time, would include the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache and Mi-17. A C-17 aircraft will demonstrate drop for the first time. Indigenous surface-to-air weapon systems Akash and Samar will demonstrate their capability to track and shoot down an intruding aerial platform. IAF will demonstrate capability to deliver weapons at long range with precision, and with devastating effects. The weapon-laden aircraft and other platforms will take off from different airbases including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Nal, Uttarlai and also Hindon and Agra, IAF briefed. The event will include Special Operations by the IAF transport and helicopter fleets, involving the Garuds and Indian Army elements. There will be a demonstration of an Indian Army M777 howitzer being airlifted into the exercise, and then fired. Advertisement The exercise will be display of IAFs full spectrum of combat and fire capabilities in a near-realistic scenario. The Rafale fighter jets and Prachand and Apache attack helicopters will be among those platforms that will take part in the exercise for the first time. The demonstration would be around 2 hours and 15 minutes spread over day-light hours, dusk and night. IAFs most potent platforms will drop around 40-50 tonnes of ordnance in a radius of less than two kilometres. Advertisement There will be a traditional sonic salute to the president by a Rafale fighter jet making a high-speed low-level run at over 1,300 km/h. A Jaguar with the Reccelite pod will film the Viewers Gallery. This picture will be framed and presented to the Chief Guest later during the event itself. Among the diverse range of weapon systems showcased would be accuracy of Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs). Indigenous air-to-air missile will showcasing advanced missile technology for aerial engagements. MICA missile from Rafale and R-73 missiles will be fired from LCA Tejas. Variety of bombs will highlight the ordnance delivery capability and the devastating effect. Advertisement Air-to-ground rockets add velocity to the munitions and results in penetrative impact. There will be significant drone participation. There will be a demonstration of a short landing and troop insertion by a C130 on a short semi-prepared runway at the firing range. The spectators will get to see live-streamed demonstration of air-to-air refuelling and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control System) aircraft control going on somewhere. The IACCS will serve as the backbone of the exercise, facilitating coordination and communication. Advertisement The night event is the military version of Diwali. One gets to see a barrage of salvo firing of 128 rockets leaving a Mi-17 in three seconds. They can obliterate any target on the Tactical Battle Area (TBA). When a stick of thousand pounder bombs drop, the visitor stand shakes. Similarly, a stick of 32x100 Kg bombs from a Su-30 MKI can be devastating. Advertisement A Mi-17 V5 escorted by two attack helicopters will be demonstrated a CSAR mission. During the dusk and night events, one would get to see the firing of infra-red flares by aircraft. Also on show will be the soft power, which includes Akash Ganga Sky Divers, and a Tri-services band. Ground preparations Advertisement The practice firing range at Pokhran is prepared with a large number of dummy but realistic targets. The targets are laid out within the visual range of the viewing gallery stands. The targets include hardened shelters, simulated armour tanks, gun locations, fuel dumps, radar sites, and simulated runway, among many others. Structures are created to demonstrate urban warfare where demonstration by Special Forces will either slither down from helicopters or be para drop from transport aircraft. A UAV would fly at high altitude and would give a pictorial view of the targets which will be displayed to the spectators on large plasma screens next to the viewing gallery. The UAV live-streamed video will also be seen during live firing. Binoculars will also be available for the very discerning viewers. Advertisement Surface-to-air weapons will be positioned close to the stands to demonstrate firing against airborne targets. There will also be a display of aerial missile firing against a target. A detailed briefing will be carried out before the demonstration begins so that spectators can make the best of the very fast-moving display. A running commentary will help timely visual contact with aircraft and the weapons. Flight and armament safety are closely monitored. Advertisement Why firepower demonstration The first firepower demonstration exercise in India was done way back in 1954 at the Tipat range in Haryana, not far from New Delhi. The exercise was conducted there till 1989. It was moved away after the areas around got urbanised, and also there was increased bird activity endangering aircraft. Pokhran has been the venue for the Air Force Fire Power Demonstrations since then. Advertisement Air power demonstrations are meant to show case the air might of the country to its own people to give them confidence in the military power and its air assets, and level of training and precision. It also showcases to the friends and adversaries the lethality of the fourth largest air force the world, and the deterrent signals that go with it. It is meant to reassure the sister armed forces and the government machinery that the IAF will deliver when the nation will call upon it. Who all normally attend The event is mostly witnessed by the government hierarchy led by the President and/or Prime Minister. The Defence Minister, along with the Chief of Air Staff, acts as the host. The Gandhinagar-based South Western Air Command organizes the entire event. The Rajasthan Governor and Chief Minister are also invited. A large number of Members of Parliament, some Cabinet Ministers, and members of the defence consultative committee attend. The defence and finance bureaucracy are invited. The CDS, Service Chiefs, and officers from the other two armed forces will attend. There will also be officers from DRDO, Defence PSUs, and para-military organizations. Also invited are the diplomats of friendly foreign countries, especially the defence attaches. Student officers from major defence training establishments are flown in for the event. There are members of strategic think tanks. The media is present in large numbers. Between the day and night events, there will also be a short networking break, refreshments, and time to rub shoulders with those who matter. There was a full-firepower rehearsal on 15 February, where a large number were invited to reduce the vehicular and administrative load on the final day and yet expose much larger numbers to the event. Since a large number of important people attend the main event, IAF creates a significant air defence umbrella for possible misadventure by any adversary. Ground security and anti-drone measures are also put in place. More air power action ahead IAF has done record-breaking bilateral and multi-lateral international exercises in the last two years. The Vayu Shakti is the first of the series of major exercises planned by IAF in India this year. The largest-of-its-kind pan-India Exercise Gagan Shakti is planned for later in the year. This will have significant participation of the Indian Army and Navy and also civil radars and other agencies will be activated. There are reports that the S-400 (Sudarshan) air defence system may be activated in this exercise. The multi-nation global Exercise Tarang Shakti, is expected to bring together 12 friendly air forces. IAF is becoming an air force with global reach and long-range precision strike capability. May it keep Touching the Sky with Glory. The writer is Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_s views._ Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . When Ukrainian troops left Avdiivka, under pressure from superior enemy forces, a number of Ukrainian military personnel were captured, commander of the Tavriya operational-strategic group of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavsky, has said. The withdrawal of personnel from Avdiyivka took place in accordance with a plan developed taking into account various scenarios and possible changes in the operational situation. And yet, at the final stage of the operation, under pressure from superior enemy forces, a number of Ukrainian military personnel were captured, he wrote in Telegram channel on Saturday. Tarnavsky said, the relevant Ukrainian institutions will appeal to international humanitarian organizations and intermediary countries to ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war by the enemy, in accordance with the norms of International Humanitarian Law, and to ensure that our soldiers return to their homeland. We will fight for the liberation of all our brothers-in-arms, he said. The fishers are upset that no political party has done them justice, but their main woes are centred on the Sri Lankan dispute Come 2026, it is not only Tamil films current super-star Vijay who will be entering electoral politics through his recently registered political party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Some fishing community leaders, especially those fishing in the troubled Palk Bay region with neighbouring Sri Lanka have since vowed to float a new party to protect their lives and livelihoods as according to them all existing political parties have failed to do it. Advertisement The issue is about the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and fishermen in the island nations Tamil-exclusive Northern Province attacking them, arresting them and impounding their trawlers and fishing gear, and local courts sending them to prison, more often than not. Under a Sri Lankan law passed in 2018, at the behest of Tamil parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran, courts can order trespassers to pay huge fines and their boats can be sold in public auction, not to realise the fine is merely a measure to discourage others from doing so. Nearly 40 of 234 assembly segments and 14 of 39 Lok Sabha constituencies are on the coast. According to official figures, marine fishers total 10.5 lakh (approximately), and are a decisive factor in many assembly constituencies. They are so in some Lok Sabha constituencies, especially wherever there is a close contest. Advertisement Tilting the scales Given that the Lok Sabha election this time may face a three-cornered contest among alliances headed by the ruling DMK in the state, BJP-NDA at the Centre and also the erstwhile ruling AIADMK, which has since walked out of the latter to contest alone, there could well be a few constituencies where the fishers votes can tilt the scales. Advertisement There is however a problem now. The initiators of the fishers party have not clarified if they would support any one alliance or another or other parties or independents in the 2024 General Elections. In the absence of such an initiative and campaign, their voice would not carry weight this one more time at least. Advertisement That is if they are launching a political party before the assembly polls and field candidates on their own. Even so, they do not have the numbers to win a single seat in the assembly elections, and not certainly one in the LS polls, whenever their proposed party decides to join in. Advertisement That means, the fishers party, by whatever name is called, can still manage to become the decision-maker say in about a dozen or more assembly segments. In about 10 Lok Sabha constituencies, if the community votes together and on the dictates of the leaders of the yet-to-be-formed party, they can tilt the scales, depending on the performance of other vote banks. Advertisement This takes them to the next option to roll out a manifesto that any of the existing alliances of the time adopts as theirs and join their company. It could mean that the alliance leader could allot the new political party some seats in the assembly elections. Both in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the alliance leader and their electoral rivals will consider fielding candidates from the fishers community. Advertisement Artisanal fishers row However, such theories should end there. The reasons are not far to seek. There are two identifiable groups of marine fishers, namely, those traditional fishers or artisanal fishers who trade closer to the coast in their boat and the trawler-fishers, who go slightly farther, including the Sri Lankan waters, violating the bilaterally agreed upon international maritime boundary line (IMBL). Advertisement Frequent clashes have been reported between the two groups in many parts of the state with the artisanal fishers complaining that the trawlers fish within the five-km coastal belt reserved for them. They have often held protests outside local government offices, invariably the district collectorates but to no avail, they say. Advertisement Two, at the focus of the current political initiative, is the Sri Lankan fishers issue. While many fishers from the southern coasts are affected in more ways than one, the same cannot be said about the northern coastal districts. This means that the new party should have a broader socio-political manifesto that goes beyond the Sri Lankan dispute but here again artisanal fishers do have occasional issues with the trawler-bound brethren. Advertisement Sea lotus and more There is a larger question. The fishers are upset that no political party has done them justice, but their main woes are centred still on the Sri Lankan dispute. To be fair to them, no political party or leader ruling either in the Centre or the State has been able to work out a lasting negotiated settlement with the Sri Lankan government. Advertisement Instead, they have at best managed to obtain freedom, mostly after days, weeks or months, after the arrest of Indian fishers in Sri Lankan waters. Their boats are at best freed after months and years, after they had gone to decay in rain and sun in the open along the northern Sri Lankan coast. The last one to come up with a huge promise was the BJP in 2014. The late Sushma Swaraj campaigned for the party in Rameswaram and held what the party called the Kadal Thamarai, or Sea Lotus protest named after the BJPs election symbol. She promised to resolve the Sri Lankan dispute if the party came to power. The BJP did come to power, Narendra Modi became prime minister and Sushma Swaraj was his foreign minister for a time. Nothing much came of it. Rather, it was business as usual. Indian fishers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherrys Karaikal enclave continued to be detained with their boats, as Tamil Nadu chief minister, AIADMKs Jayalalithaa would write to Prime Minister Modi, and the MEA would follow it up with the Sri Lankan counterpart through the Indian High Commission in Colombo, and try and have them released as and when the hosts desired. Yet, there is no denying the Modi governments good work in obtaining freedom for five Tamil Nadu fishers sentenced to death for drug-smuggling by a Sri Lankan court. Though the state BJP blew it out of proportion, observers of the Sri Lankan scene pretty well knew that even without a law barring the same, the government had suspended the execution of the death sentence, which is still being retained as a deterrent for heinous crimes and drug-smuggling. What the Modi government achieved was to obtain their freedom and return home instead of having to languish in Sri Lankan prisons, indefinitely. Poll mood catches on Independent of the proposal for Tamil Nadu fishers to float a brand-new political party for the assembly polls two years hence, already, the LS poll mood has caught up with the political system in the state. DMK chief minister M K Stalin recently detailed in the state assembly how the number of mid-sea arrests of state fishers by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has gone up disproportionately high in recent weeks. The fact is Sri Lanka is also having nationwide presidential polls later this year. This may be followed up, if not preceded by parliamentary elections, and certainly not later than August next year. This creates a unique situation where the political leaderships in both nations are hard-pressed for choices. They both have domestic constituencies that they cannot afford to upset, let alone antagonise. In the background of earlier media rumours that Prime Minister Modi could choose Ramanathapuram in southern Tamil Nadu as a second seat apart from Varanasi, the Rameswaram fishers in the constituency cannot afford to be left upset and unsure more than already. They are the main victims of the fishers dispute with Sri Lanka. As an aside, this is one more reason why the rumour would remain a rumour and nothing more. It is not just about Modi contesting from Ramanathapuram or any other Tamil Nadu constituency. Even without it, his BJP is planning to put together a winnable alliance under the NDA brand after traditional AIADMK ally broke the ties after twin defeats in 2019 and 2021 in the partys company. According to the AIADMK leadership of former chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami, traditional voters and even party cadres had cross-voted across the state even in Lok Sabha constituencies where they had their candidates. It was not about the DMK-Congress combine winning 38 of 39 seats from the state. It was more about most victors sweeping it by huge margins. Missed the bus? However, it needs to be remembered that the BJP-NDA combine did poll a respectable 18.5 per cent vote share, winning two seats in Lok Sabha Elections 2014, when ruling AIADMKS Jayalalithaa swept the remaining 37 seats, rendering the traditional DMK-Congress rivals with a zero score. Her clarion call for the voter to choose between Modi and this lady resonated well with voters across the state as she played the anti-Hindutva card effectively. This time again, the BJP hopes to put together a strong alliance, with party leaders claiming a total 25 per cent vote-share (which may be a wee bit high until proven otherwise. However, there are others, who claim that their party or alliance would win 25 seats too tall an order under the prevailing socio-political circumstances. There is a hitch all the same. The larger the NDA combine, more will be the number of political parties that will have a stake in flagging the Sri Lankan fishers issue. The list of possible BJP allies includes the PMK and the DMDK, the latter founded by late film star Vijayakanth. Their cadres would pressure the respective leaderships to make Prime Minister Modi pronounce a political position in the matter. As they point out, the Government of India might have missed the bus when New Delhi rushed food, fuel, medicines and cash assistance totalling $4 billion to Sri Lanka at the height of the economic crisis in 2022. That is easier said than done. That was because the Tamil fishers in Sri Lanka who had been complaining about violations by their Tamil Nadu brethren and their socio-political leaderships were impervious to the economic crisis and the consequent Aragalaya protests that shook Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Like the rest of the Tamil community, those fishers also shrugged of their shoulders and went on with their lives, claiming how they had gone through worse travails through the three decades of ethnic war under the LTTE and it was only the southern Sinhalas who were learning it the hard way. Traditional culture Today, the threats are more real. A Sri Lankan court recently sentenced pilots/drivers of two Tamil Nadu fishing boats to six months in prison and another to one year while ordering a few others freedom but with a warning not to be seen in these waters a second time. There is another incident in which three fishers from the southernmost Kanyakumari district were arrested in Mumbai after landing there in their owners boat they had stolen in Dubai. They have alleged harassment, violence and starvation, and claim others of the ilk are still caught there. It is a rarely known fact that fishers from six villages in coastal Thothoor in Kanyakumari district have taken to deep-sea fishing on traditional craft and catamarans from very many decades and centuries. They took to new technologies like conventional motor-boats and refused to shift to destructive bottom-trawlers, GPS and other navigational aids as they made their appearance in the past two or three decades, but stick to the hook-and-line method of fishing, carrying anything up to 15,000 hooks in each boat. It was thus that many from the village and adjacent areas in the district were downed when Cyclone Ockhi stuck in 2017, reportedly after the weatherman failed to report the onset in time for them to be able to return home. The government said about 100 died but the locals put the toll at 1,000-plus, with many survivors reaching Maldives and other nations in the neighbourhood and a little afar. The fact is that the Thothoor fishers are unwilling to or unable to teach the Palk Bay brethren the early lessons in deep-sea fishing, which the Centre and the state government feel is the only way to wean away the local fishers from Sri Lankan waters and yet get a catch that has much higher monetary value. There is a greater problem with the Palk Bay fishers traditional culture of not staying in the sea for more than a night at a time whereas deep-sea fishing entails them staying away from the shores for days and weeks. Thereby hangs a tale! The author is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. 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 . Zelenskyy speaks with Aliyev in Munich, including about possible use of Ukrainian gas storage facilities President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenskyy hasmet with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine on Saturday, Zelenskyy congratulated Aliyev on his victory in the recent early presidential elections in Azerbaijan and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Ukrainian-Azerbaijani relations. We really value the warm relations between our states and our societies, Zelenskyy said. The presidents noted the constant mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both states. During the meeting, the leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy, humanitarian and other areas. Zelenskyy noted Azerbaijans assistance in ensuring the reliable functioning of Ukraines energy system. Separately, he thanked Aliyev for the implementation of projects to restore the city of Irpen and expressed hope for Azerbaijans further contribution to the economic recovery of Ukraine. The leaders discussed possible joint economic projects, including in the energy industry. In particular, they discussed the possible use of Ukrainian gas storage facilities. Zelenskyy also told Aliyev about preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Navalnys spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh on Saturday said on X, formerly Twitter, that one of his lawyers was informed that the results of a new examination being conducted on the body would only be available by next week Russian investigators have told one of Alexei Navalnys lawyers that the cause of the Kremlin critics death has not been established yet. Navalnys spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh on Saturday said on X, formerly Twitter, that one of his lawyers was informed that the results of a new examination being conducted on the body would only be available by next week. Advertisement Yarmysh accused the officials of lying to avoid handing over the body to Nvalnys family. Only an hour ago, the lawyers were informed that the investigation had been concluded and that something criminal had not been established. They literally lie every time, driving us around in circles and covering their tracks. (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 Now the Investigation Committee says directly that Alexey's body will not be handed over to his relatives until the investigation is complete (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 Advertisement Meanwhile, Navalnys team said, Its obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexeis body, hiding it even from his mother. His team further said that upon arriving at the local morgue in the town of Salekhard where Navalnys body was supposedly kept, Navalnys lawyer and mother Lyudmila learned that the body was not there. Advertisement It was closed despite the prison saying that it was open and that Navalnys body was there, Navalnys team said on Telegram. The lawyer called a number for the morgue that he saw on the door and was told that Alexeis body is not in the morgue, the post said. Navalnys supporters have called for the body to be returned to the family immediately. Advertisement A statement by Russias federal penitentiary on Friday service claims that the Kremlin critic died after he felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness following which medical teams were called to carry out resuscitation measures. Still, they did not yield any positive results. With inputs from agencies The plan was revealed last month by Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, who dubbed it as the project of the century. However, there was a swift international outcry that the ancient monument might be changed The controversial plan to restore the ancient granite cladding on the smallest of the three great pyramids of Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, was abandoned by Egypt, according to a statement issued by a committee chaired by the minister of tourism. The plan was revealed last month by Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, who referred to it as the project of the century. Advertisement However, there was a swift international outcry upon learning that the ancient monument might be changed, which forced Egypts antiquities authority to review the project. Out of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the pyramids are the only ones that have survived. Alone among the pyramids, Menkaure was designed to be clad in granite rather than limestone. Only 16 to 18 layers of granite were installed before construction was halted, apparently because of Menkaures death in about 2503 B.C. Over the centuries, pilfering, weathering and collapse caused many layers to disappear, leaving only seven layers in modern times, although numerous fallen granite blocks remain strewn around the pyramids base. Waziri said the project to replace the granite would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation. The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee has unanimously objected to the reinstallation of the granite casing blocks, scattered around the base of the pyramid since thousands of years ago, the committee said in a statement on Thursday. Advertisement Zahi Hawass, a former minister of antiquities who headed the committee, said it would be impossible to determine where each block had originally been. Replacing them would also require cement, which would ruin the pyramid. What I want to say is dont worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them, Hawass told Reuters. People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Dont be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure. Advertisement The seven-member committee gave initial consent to excavate Menkaure pyramids boat pits, akin to the Pharaonic bark pits found alongside Khufus pyramid adjacent to Menkaures, but only after a clear and detailed scientific study. In archaeology, dont be in a hurry. If you are in a hurry, you will ruin the site, Hawass said. It is important for any kind of work to be done at the site of the pyramids, is to make a study and to tell us what to do. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters The 74-year-old billionaire political heavyweight Thaksin, who served as prime minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006 and made a stunning return home from a 15-year overseas self-exile in order to avoid going to jail, has been detained since August Thailands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Sunday that jailed former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra would be released from hospital detention. The 74-year-old billionaire political heavyweight Thaksin, who served as prime minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006 and made a stunning return home from a 15-year overseas self-exile in order to avoid going to jail for a conflict of interest, has been detained since August. Advertisement After his release, the King reduced his eight-year prison sentence to one year, and he spent six months in a hospital due to an unspecified medical condition. Thaksin was granted parole earlier this week but it was not certain until now when he would be freed. Sunday is the first day of his parole eligibility. It will be on the 18th, Prime Minister Srettha told reporters on Saturday, adding that he did not know the details and that everything would be in accordance to the law. Despite being granted parole, Thaksin could face further legal troubles as public prosecutors are considering charging him for insulting the monarchy during a 2015 media interview. Advertisement Thaksins 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 Thailands royalist-military establishment. Thaksins allies and the government, led by the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai Party, have dismissed that. Advertisement (with inputs from Reuters) Mitsotakis will be in India at Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation and will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, 2024 in New Delhi Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be on a state visit to India from 21 to 22 February, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Mitsotakis will be in India at Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation and will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue, 2024 in New Delhi. Advertisement The Greek leader will also go to Mumbai during his two-day visit. During his visit, Mitsotakis will hold bilateral meetings with Modi after he is accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. This is the first Head of State/government-level visit from Greece to India in 15 years. The last such visit took place in 2008. Meanwhile, PM Modi visited the countrys capital Athens on 25 August 2023 during which the relations between India and Greece were elevated to Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Mitsotakiss visit is expected to further strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece, the MEA statement read. India-Greece ties The foreign ministry describes the relationship between India and Greece to be based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of security and defence, shipping, and maritime, and marked by convergence on regional and global issues. Advertisement Both countries have also seen a boost in military cooperation with the Indian Air Forces active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, pointing towards strengthening ties. Apart from this, the Indian Navys INS Chennai participated in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas. Advertisement Greece is also home to many Indians who contribute significantly to further India-Greece ties and fostering people-to-people connections. The UNs World Food Programme has warned that Gazans are inching closer towards famine, with concern highest about the north of the coastal territory because aid agencies are unable to get in. Demonstrators protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and call for new elections in the latest weekly protest against his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.- AP Hamas issued a threat to suspend ceasefire talks on Saturday unless urgent assistance was delivered to the northern region of the Gaza Strip, where humanitarian agencies have raised alarms about an imminent famine. Negotiations have been ongoing in Cairo, Egypt, this week to secure a cessation of hostilities in the four-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, while Israel gears up to advance into the southern city of Rafah in Gaza as part of its campaign to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attack. Advertisement Despite calls from Israels key international allies urging against entering Rafah, citing the presence of 1.4 million displaced Gazans seeking refuge there with nowhere else to turn, the situation remains tense. The movement intends to suspend negotiations until aid is brought into northern Gaza, a senior source in the Palestinian terrorist group told AFP. Negotiations cannot be held while hunger is ravaging the Palestinian people, he said, asking not to be identified as he is not authorised to speak on the issue. The UNs World Food Programme has warned that Gazans are inching closer towards famine, with concern highest about the north of the coastal territory because aid agencies are unable to get in. Advertisement The head of the UN humanitarian agency OCHA in the Palestinian territories, Andrea De Domenico, said he had no idea how an estimated 300,000 people still in the north had survived. What we managed to bring up there is absolutely not enough. It is pure misery, he told AFP this week. Calls have increased for more trucks carrying aid to be allowed into Gaza, but Israel has tightened checks it says are necessary to prevent Hamas leaders from escaping and arms being smuggled in. Hungary is the only NATO country not yet to have ratified Swedens application, a process that requires the backing of all NATO members. The delay has soured relations with the United States and raised concerns among its allies. Hungarys parliament could ratify Swedens bid to join NATO as early as this month after more than a years delay, leaving the central European nation as the final holdout. Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced during his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Saturday that lawmakers would vote on the ratification protocol at the beginning of their spring session, starting on Feb. 26. Orban stated that Hungarys discussions with Sweden are nearing conclusion. Advertisement Its good news that our dispute with Sweden will soon be settled, Orban said in a key speech. We are going in the direction that at the start of parliaments spring session we can ratify Swedens accession to NATO. He said he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had taken steps to rebuild trust between the two countries. Orban did not say what those steps were. Sweden applied to join NATO in May 2022 in a historic shift in policy prompted by Russias invasion of Ukraine. Hungary is the only NATO country not yet to have ratified Swedens application, a process that requires the backing of all NATO members. The delay has soured relations with the United States and raised concerns among its allies. Advertisement Orbans ruling Fidesz party has cited what it called unfounded Swedish allegations that it has eroded democracy in Hungary as the reason why Swedens NATO bid had been held up. Orban, who has better ties with Russia than other EU states and most NATO members, has repeatedly said his government backs Sweden joining the alliance, but the legislation has been stranded in the Hungarian parliament since mid-2022. Advertisement After Russias invasion of Ukraine, Sweden announced its application to join NATO in May 2022, at the same time as Finland. Finland became the organisations 31st member in April 2023 after all NATO members ratified its bid. With inputs from agencies. Occupiers drop 12 air bombs on Kupyansk; there may be people under the rubble regional police chief On Saturday, from 13:00 to 13:40, Russian occupation forces dropped 12 guided and high-explosive bombs on Kupyansk, said Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kharkiv region. "They hit residential buildings, including a two-story apartment building. Victims and people under the rubble are reported. The police, together with the State Emergency Service, are working to clear the rubble. We will keep everyone up to date," Tymoshko wrote on his Facebook page. According to him, the suburbs of Kharkiv were also hit. "About 15.00 three ballistic missiles in the suburbs, near Tsyrkuny, preliminary without casualties," Tymoshko wrote. PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif announced on Friday that following the instructions of PTI founder Khan, the party has decided to sit in the Opposition both at the Centre and in the key province of Punjab Following unsuccessful attempts to form the government, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has opted to sit in the Opposition in Parliament while launching nationwide protests against alleged electoral irregularities. The decision to join the Opposition both at the federal and provincial levels was announced by PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, under the directives of party founder Imran Khan. Despite PTI-backed independent candidates securing victories in the recent elections, the party alleges widespread rigging and manipulation of results. Advertisement PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif announced on Friday that following the instructions of PTI founder Khan, the party has decided to sit in the Opposition both at the Centre and in the key province of Punjab. The decision came a day after the party had named Umar Ayub Khan as its candidate for the prime minister and Aslam Iqbal as chief minister for Punjab. Talking to the media on Friday night after visiting the Qaumi Watan Party in Islamabad, Saif said that the party decided to sit in the Opposition in the Centre and Punjab under the instructions of party founder Khan. We decided to sit in Opposition despite the reality that if we received seats according to our votes and the results were not changed then maybe today we might have been in the Centre with 180 seats. We have the evidence that our candidates won, he said. Advertisement The party, which also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday, has decided to kick off its demonstrations from Saturday. A PTI source said that the partys incarcerated founder has tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive. A PTI delegation led by Qaisar met the leader of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) on Friday, while a meeting with Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Partys Mehmood Khan Achakzai is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Advertisement Qaiser-led delegation also met Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Mian Muhammad Aslam and discussed the post-election scenario. The delegation sought JIs support for joint protests against the alleged rigging. It was not clear if the party would participate in the election of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister after the decision to join the opposition ranks. Advertisement Khans party claimed that at least 85 seats won by it in Parliament were snatched in the biggest voter fraud in the countrys history and announced plans to hold peaceful nationwide protests on Saturday against alleged rigging. PTIs core committee met on Friday and finalised the plans for the nationwide protest campaign on the call of the partys founder Khan. Advertisement The meeting urged the whole nation to come out of their houses against the massive rigging. The meeting also sought the resignation of the chief election commissioner. Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. Advertisement However, PTIs two main rivals appear on course to form a coalition government after former prime minister Nawaz Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardaris Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance on Tuesday. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. Advertisement To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Khan declared on Friday will not seek political vengeance upon returning to power. We will not take any political revenge, but we will take the country and the nation forward for the sake of the development of the country and the nation, he stated, as conveyed by PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan following a 30-minute long meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindis Adiala Jail. Advertisement PTIs Information Secretary Raoof Hasan and other leaders including Sher Afzal Marwat, Rehana Dar, Shoaib Shaheen and Salman Akram Raja, who challenged their election results before various forums, addressed a press conference here. Hasan said that 2024 would be remembered due to the biggest voter fraud in Pakistans history against the party and its candidates. Advertisement According to our estimates, out of 177 [National Assembly> seats which were supposed to be ours, only 92 have been given to us. And 85 seats have been taken away from us fraudulently, he said. He said that the party was taking constitutional and legal steps to counter the rigging and get its right. Advertisement We have verified data about 46 seats and it is being compiled for 39 seats, he said. Hasan also highlighted the discrepancies between Form 45 and Form 47, which respectively deal with counting in each polling station in a constituency and the overall count of all polling stations. Hasan claimed there was a huge difference in the numbers of votes polled for National Assembly and provincial assembly seats. He said that the number of rejected votes, in certain cases, exceeded the margin of victory. Advertisement Separately, Hasan affirmed the partys readiness for dialogue with the establishment, emphasising that the purpose of contacting political parties is not to form an electoral alliance but to bring all political forces together on a unified platform. Speaking on the Express Tribune newspaper, Hasan highlighted that PTIs founder has consistently advocated for engaging with all political parties. He emphasised that if political parties engage in positive politics, there is no harm in holding meetings and fostering collaboration. The purpose of contacting political parties is not at all an electoral alliance; our aim is that all political parties come together on one platform, stated Hasan during the programme. (with inputs from PTI) Under pressure to secure the release of remaining hostages from the October 7 Hamas attack, Netanyahu stated that he complied with U.S. President Joe Bidens request by sending a delegation to ceasefire negotiations in Cairo earlier in the week. Nevertheless, he expressed scepticism about the necessity of sending them again. Demonstrators protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and call for new elections in the latest weekly protest against his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the notion of holding early elections, as thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv for an anti-government demonstration. Netanyahus popularity has declined significantly in polls following the Hamas attack on October 7, which led to the destructive conflict in Gaza. Under pressure to secure the release of remaining hostages from the October 7 Hamas attack, Netanyahu stated that he complied with U.S. President Joe Bidens request by sending a delegation to ceasefire negotiations in Cairo earlier in the week. Nevertheless, he expressed scepticism about the necessity of sending them again. Advertisement Although anti-government protests were prevalent throughout much of 2023, they diminished during the war. However, demonstrators returned to Tel Aviv streets on Saturday night, demanding new elections, despite the next scheduled elections not being until 2026. The crowd was much smaller than last years mass protests, numbering a few thousand, according to local media. Id like to say to the government that youve had your time, you ruined everything that you can ruin. Now is the time for the people to correct all the things, all the bad things that youve done, said one protestor, his head wrapped in an Israeli flag. Netanyahu was asked at a press briefing about calls within his own ruling Likud party to hold early elections right when the Gaza war ends. Advertisement The last thing we need right now are elections and dealing with elections, since it will immediately divide us, he said. We need unity right now. Hamas wants a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Palestinians held by Israel. Netanyahu also pushed back against international concern about a planned Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, a city on southern Gazas border with Egypt. He said total victory against Hamas requires the offensive, once people living there evacuate to safe areas. Where they will go in largely devastated Gaza is not clear. Advertisement New airstrikes in central Gaza on Saturday killed more than 40 people, including children, and wounded at least 50, according to Associated Press journalists and hospital officials. Israels military said it carried out strikes there against Hamas. Five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house outside Khan Younis in the south, according to health officials, and another five people, including three children, were killed in an airstrike on a building north of Rafah. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, director of Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital, said other bodies were being pulled from the rubble. Advertisement Israels air and ground offensive was triggered by the Oct. 7 attack that killed some 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 others hostage. The Gaza Health Ministry on Saturday raised the overall death toll in Gaza to 28,858, saying the bodies of 83 people killed in Israeli bombardments were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours. The count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but the ministry says two-thirds of those killed are women and children. Advertisement The war also has caused widespread destruction, displaced some 80% of Gazas population and sparked a humanitarian crisis in the Hamas-run enclave. The JAXA space agency touted the H3 rockets flexibility and affordability. A JAXA official told AFP that the rocket was put into orbit after it launched at 9:22 am (0022 GMT) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwest Japan After years of delays and two unsuccessful attempts, Japans space agency announced on Saturday that its new flagship rocket had successfully launched. This is good news for the H3. The JAXA space agency touted the H3 rockets flexibility and affordability. A JAXA official told AFP that the rocket was put into orbit after it launched at 9:22 am (0022 GMT) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwest Japan. Advertisement The next-generation H3 rocket has been mentioned as a potential rival to Space Xs Falcon 9 and may be utilized in the future to transport supplies to lunar bases. The latest launch follows Japans successful landing last month of an unmanned probe on the Moon albeit at a wonky angle making it just the fifth country to land a craft on the Earths satellite. Cheers and applause could be heard from the JAXA control centre after the agencys livestream announced the H3 engines had successfully burned, meaning the rocket had made it into orbit. Developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 is the successor to the H-IIA launch system, which debuted in 2001. Advertisement Designed for high flexibility, high reliability, and high cost performance, the craft will maintain Japans autonomous access to space, JAXA says. The first H3 launch in February 2023 was abandoned after ignition issues left the rocket standing motionless on the ground. On the second try in March last year, technical problems meant a destruct command was issued shortly after blast-off. Advertisement Improvements were made subsequently to the ignition system of the H3, which carries two small satellites. One of the microsatellites is expected to contribute to disaster prevention by taking photos and videos. The other, equipped with a sensor to detect infrared rays, is intended to detect the operation conditions of factories on the ground. Advertisement Separation of the microsatellites was also confirmed, according to JAXAs livestream. We will keep analysing the sequences after successfully putting the rocket into orbit, the JAXA official added. The latest launch was postponed from February 13 due to bad weather. H3 will be an all-rounder able to launch satellites into Earth orbit, serve as a supply vehicle for space stations, and go to the Moon, said associate professor Alice Gorman, a space exploration expert at Flinders University. Advertisement The successful launch on Saturday bolsters JAXAs reputation after a string of failures, including of a different rocket, a solid-fuel model called the Epsilon-6. Japan succeeded in landing its SLIM spacecraft nicknamed Moon Sniper on the lunar surface last month, although the crafts solar panels were facing the wrong way. Despite its series of past failures, overall, Japans space programme punches above its weight, said Adrian Michael Cruise, an honorary professor of astrophysics at the University of Birmingham. Advertisement The country has future ambitions for space exploration challenging some of the major players, he said. However, space payloads are getting heavier and heavier, and to remain competitive in the missions it can mount, Japan needs access to more powerful launch vehicles, like H3. Unlike the reusable Falcon 9, the H3 is expendable, but scientists say the trial of its world-first technology is significant. Advertisement The H3 rocket has a unique and novel first stage engine that delivers greater thrust compared to state-of-the-art rockets, said Michele Trenti, director of the Melbourne Space Laboratory at the University of Melbourne. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com The H3 has the potential to be the most cost-effective rocket, making the exploration of the solar system more affordable. Advertisement With inputs from AFP In Berlin, demonstrators demanded justice by chanting Putin to the Hague, alluding to the international criminal courts scrutiny of potential war crimes in Ukraine. Paris saw around 100 protesters gathering near the Russian Embassy In a show of solidarity and condemnation, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian Embassy in London on Friday night, protesting the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and accusing Vladimir Putin of his murder. Protesters covered the entrance gate of the embassy in Kensington with red paint and handprints, while across the road, a makeshift shrine honoring Navalny was erected. Placards bearing messages such as Putin is a murderer and Kremlin kills adorned the protest scene, with chants denouncing Putins regime reverberating in both Russian and English. Advertisement Among the protestors were individuals waving the white-blue-white flag symbolising the Russian opposition. Although the embassy remained illuminated, no officials emerged to engage with the crowd, prompting passing motorists to express solidarity by honking their horns. Similar protests unfolded in major European capitals. In Berlin, demonstrators demanded justice by chanting Putin to the Hague, alluding to the international criminal courts scrutiny of potential war crimes in Ukraine. Paris saw around 100 protesters gathering near the Russian Embassy, brandishing signs condemning Putin as a murderer. In the Netherlands, hundreds congregated in Amsterdams central Dam Square, wielding banners proclaiming Putin is a killer. The demonstrations underscore a widespread condemnation of Navalnys death and mounting opposition to Putins leadership, resonating across borders and sparking calls for accountability and justice. Videos and pictures from two of Russias largest cities Moscow and St Petersburg show police officials taking away placards from protesters and dragging them away from memorials held for the Kremlin critic Protests erupted in Russia a day after the country announced the death of Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putins most vocal critic. A human rights group has claimed that Russian police have arrested over 100 people for gathering to mark Navalnys death. Videos and pictures from two of Russias largest cities Moscow and St Petersburg show police officials taking away placards from protesters and dragging them away from memorials held for the Kremlin critic. Advertisement A statement by Russias federal penitentiary service claims that the Kremlin critic died after he felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness following which medical teams were called to carry out resuscitation measures. Still, they did not yield any positive results. OVD-info, a Russia-based human rights group said that over 100 people have been arrested for holding memorials for Nevalny across eight cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Krasnodar. Although there are no specific details on the arrests available yet, prosecutors have warned Russians against participating in any mass protests in the country. All that is happening over these years, on the territory of my beloved country, is a disgrace, one protestor told Sky News. Protests are illegal in Russia under strict anti-dissent laws, and authorities have clamped down particularly harshly on rallies in support of Navalny. Advertisement Authorities in the Russian capital said Friday they were aware of calls online to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow and warned people against attending. The protests against Navalnys untimely death are not limited to Russia as hundreds of people across Europe, including London, condemned the incident by carrying out demonstrations outside the Russian Embassy. Advertisement In Berlin, for example, many people gathered outside the Russian Embassy and chanted Putin to the Hague in Russian, German and English. World leaders from across the world have come together to condemn Putins regime, blaming the administration for Navalnys death . With inputs from agencies Without actual talks, a unilateral French recognition would not significantly alter the ground situation, but it would have diplomatic and symbolic significance French president Emmanuel Macron announced that France would no longer refrain from recognising a Palestinian state, implying that in the event that Israeli resistance prevented negotiations for a two-state solution from moving forward, Paris might take the lead. Without actual talks, a unilateral French recognition would not significantly alter the ground situation, but it would have diplomatic and symbolic significance. Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, has stated that he is against Palestinian sovereignty and that he will not give up on maintaining complete Israeli security control west of Jordan. He claims that this is incompatible with the idea of a Palestinian state. In 2014, a symbolic vote by French lawmakers to call for their government to recognize Palestine was taken, though it had little bearing on Frances diplomatic position. Macrons comments were the first time a French leader had made such a suggestion and highlighted further impatience among Western leaders as casualties mount in Gaza from Israeli retaliation after an attack on Oct. 7 by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas that killed 1,200 people, and took 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement Our partners in the region, notably Jordan, are working on it, we are working on it with them. We are ready to contribute to it, in Europe and in the Security Council. The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France, Macron said alongside Jordans King Abdullah II in Paris. Advertisement We owe it to the Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled on for too long. We owe it to the Israelis who lived through the greatest anti-Semitic massacre of our century. We owe it to a region that longs to escape the promoters of chaos and the those who sow revenge, he said. Advertisement Macrons comments are likely aimed at adding pressure on Israel. Israels massive aerial and ground offensive in small, densely populated Gaza has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, flattened built-up areas and left most of its 2.3 million people homeless. While most developing countries recognise Palestine as a state, most Western European countries do not, arguing that an independent Palestinian state should emerge from negotiations with Israel. Advertisement British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said earlier this month that part of British policy is to say there will be a time when Britain would look to recognise a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations. Macron added that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could only lead to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in the conflict. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters Senegals worst crisis in decades was brought on by Salls last-minute decision to push back the poll scheduled for February 25 until December. The move provoked a general outcry and violent protests in a country Faced with increasing pressure both domestically and internationally, Senegalese President Macky Sall promised on Friday to hold presidential elections as soon as possible following the top constitutional bodys overturning of his decision to postpone this months vote. Senegals worst crisis in decades was brought on by Salls last-minute decision to push back the poll scheduled for February 25 until December. Advertisement The move provoked a general outcry and violent protests in a country that is frequently regarded as a stable haven in coup-affected West Africa. The nation was thrown into even more uncertainty when the Constitutional Council decided late on Thursday to void the vote postponement. The president of the republic intends to fully implement the decision of the Constitutional Council, the presidency said in a statement. To this end, the head of state will without delay carry out the consultations necessary to organise the presidential election as soon as possible. Sall, who has been in power since 2012, said he called off the vote over disputes about the disqualification of potential candidates and concern about a return to unrest seen in 2021 and 2023. Advertisement Parliament later approved the delay until December 15, but only after security forces entered the building and removed some opposition lawmakers who opposed the bill. The vote paved the way for Sall whose second term is due to expire in April to remain in office until a successor was installed. Advertisement - Easing tensions - Three people have been killed during demonstrations against the vote delay, with security forces repressing attempts to mobilize. Few people responded to calls for protests in the capital Dakar on Friday, AFP journalists saw, with the few dozen who turned up dispersed by police with tear gas. The ruling by the Constitutional Council was widely welcomed for easing tensions. Advertisement Its a decision that the Senegalese people had been waiting for, said Babou Cisse, a 40-year-old lawyer, adding he felt the situation had calmed somewhat. The opposition had decried Salls move as a constitutional coup, saying his party feared defeat at the ballot box for its candidate Prime Minister Amadou Ba. Salls term in office officially expires on April 2 and the head of state has repeatedly said he will not stand for a third term. Advertisement The Constitutional Council reiterated the fixed nature of the five-year presidential term. - Historic - Senegal faced growing calls from major international partners to swiftly organize the vote. The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, the European Union, France, and Britain all called on the authorities to comply with the Councils ruling. The UN also urged all parties to ensure the holding of an inclusive and transparent presidential election within the framework of the constitution of Senegal. Advertisement People interviewed by AFP in the streets of Dakar expressed relief at the move. Its good that the Constitutional Council made the decision it did, at least were halfway to the right solution, said 55-year-old Mamadou Caba. Babacar Gueye, a constitutional expert and coordinator of a civil society collective which opposed the vote delay, described the Councils decision as historic. Advertisement The Council did not set a deadline, it simply said as soon as possible. This means both quickly and under the right conditions, said Gueye, one of the organizers of the Aar Sunu Election (Lets Protect our election) collective. The Constitutional Council in January approved 20 candidates to run in the presidential election. Advertisement It remains to be seen whether the same list of candidates will be put forward again and when the vote will take place. - Discussions - Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said that he foresaw discussions between the president and political players which will enable things to be organized. The president must make arrangements for us to discuss and see how to implement the Councils decision, Khalifa Sall, one of the principal presidential candidates who is unrelated to the current president, told journalists. Advertisement He did not say whether the election should take place before or after President Salls departure. But he added that when the presidents mandate ends on April 2, Sall must go. Amadou Ba, the representative of detained opposition figure Bassirou Diomaye Faye, said that Macky (Sall) must organise the presidential election before the end of his mandate, the Walf daily reported. Advertisement Faye is the second-in-command of the dissolved PASTEF party, which has been involved in a bitter stand-off with the state since 2021, sparking sometimes deadly unrest. Hundreds of party supporters and civil society members have been arrested. More than 130 of them have been released from prison since Thursday and around 90 more were due to be freed on Friday, according to the justice ministry. Advertisement (with inputs from AFP) Mohamud was in Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, to attend an African Union summit. He charged that Ethiopian security services tried to block him from leaving his hotel on Saturday morning, forcing him to travel in the convoy of Djiboutis president. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopia on Saturday of trying to annex part of his countrys territory by signing a sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopia on Saturday of attempting to annex part of his countrys territory by entering into a sea access agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Advertisement Mohamud told the media that the agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland on Jan. 1 is nothing more than annexing part of Somalia to Ethiopia, and changing the borders of Somalia. He stated, Somalia categorically objects to that. The terms of the deal have not been made public by either side, but it appears to involve Ethiopia gaining the right to construct a port in Somaliland in exchange for recognition. Somaliland has operated independently for three decades, although Somalia maintains its claim of sovereignty over the region. Mohamud further alleged that senior officers from Ethiopias military were present in Somaliland preparing the ground for the territorys annexation. However, it was not possible to independently verify his claim. Somalia has suggested it would be prepared to go to war to stop Ethiopia from building a port in Somaliland. But Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has played down fears of an armed conflict over the Somaliland deal, telling lawmakers earlier this month that he had no intention of going to war with Somalia. Advertisement Mohamud was in Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, to attend an African Union summit. He charged that Ethiopian security services tried to block him from leaving his hotel on Saturday morning, forcing him to travel in the convoy of Djiboutis president. When the pair arrived at the AU headquarters, armed guards tried to prevent them from entering the building, Mohamud said, describing the alleged action as provocation." Advertisement Ethiopia has not yet addressed the allegations. With a population of more than 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world. It lost its access to the sea when Eritrea seceded in 1993. Since then Ethiopia has been using the port in neighbouring Djibouti for most of its imports and exports. Advertisement Abiy rattled his neighbours in October by describing Ethiopias landlocked status as a geographical prison that could bring chaos to the region, remarks his countrys neighbours may have seen as a veiled threat. The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland would grant Ethiopia access to the strategically important Gulf of Aden and, beyond that, to the Red Sea. Advertisement Somalilands citizens are divided over the deal, with some seeing potential economic benefits while others fear compromising their sovereignty. The breakaway regions defence minister, Abdiqani Mohamud Ateye, resigned over the deal. Pretoria has already complained about Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, claiming that Israel violated the Genocide Convention by attacking Gaza South Africas request to increase legal pressure on Israel to stop a threatened offensive against the Gaza city of Rafah was denied by the UN Supreme Court on Friday, with the ruling that Israel was bound to comply with existing measures. Pretoria has already complained about Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, claiming that Israel violated the Genocide Convention by attacking Gaza. Advertisement Although the court has not yet made a decision on the fundamental matter, on January 26 it issued an order requiring Israel to take steps to safeguard Palestinian civilians from harm and to permit the entry of humanitarian aid. South African officials on Tuesday filed a further request to the court, asking it to order new measures in the light of Israels preparation of a new operation against Rafah. More than half of Gazas 2.4 million population have sought shelter there from Israels offensive on the Gaza Strip. The ICJs judges acknowledged that the recent developments would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences citing remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. But although Israel needed to act immediately to ensure the safety and security of Palestinians, that did not require the indication of additional provisional measures, they added. Advertisement Israel remained bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and with the said Order, the ICJ ruling said, referring to its January 26 ruling. Despite the rejection of its latest request, South Africa welcomed the ICJs latest decision. It affirmed its view that the perilous situation in Gaza demanded the immediate and effective implementation of the emergency measures the court ordered in its January 26 decision, it said in a statement late Friday. Advertisement The court has unequivocally explained that compliance with the existing provisional measures requires Israel to ensure the safety and security of all Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, said President Cyril Ramaphosas spokesman, Vincent Magwenya. - Israels assurances - Hamass October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Advertisement Militants also took about 250 people hostage, around 130 of whom are still in Gaza, including 30 who are presumed dead, according to Israeli figures. Israels assault on Gaza has since killed at least 28,775 people, mostly women and children, according to the territorys health ministry. Israels foreign minister on Friday pledged the country would coordinate with Egypt before launching any military offensive in the southern border city of Rafah. Advertisement We will operate in Rafah after we coordinate with Egypt, Israel Katz told journalists on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where 180 dignitaries have gathered to discuss conflicts around the globe. Fears had been growing for the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled the north of Gaza to Rafah as Israeli troops advanced into the territory to wage war on Hamas. Advertisement But Israel is now planning a major operation in the overcrowded city. With the border to Egypt closed, nearly 1.5 million Palestinians are essentially trapped there. With inputs from AFP Iran-backed Houthis drone and missile action in the Red Sea since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 has disrupted the movement of commercial vessels, affecting international trade and forcing many ships to change routes Britains Foreign Secretary David Cameron asked his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to use Chinas influence on Iran press Houthis over their activities in the Red Sea. A statement released by the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Saturday said that while discussing Britains bilateral relations with China, Cameron also urged China to use its influence on Iran to pressure the Houthis over their actions in the Red Sea. Advertisement Yi and Cameron met on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference. Iran-backed Houthis drone and missile action in the Red Sea since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 has disrupted the movement of commercial vessels, affecting international trade and forcing many ships to change routes. Several UK-bound and UK-owned ships have also come under attack by Houthis. Ever since Houthi launched its offensive in the Red Sea, both the US and the UK, backed by allies, have begun counterstrikes in the region. The US and Britain struck 36 Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday. An air assault Friday in Iraq and Syria targeted other Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three US troops in Jordan. Advertisement During their meeting, Cameron set out the UKs position across a number of areas of disagreement, including on human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He raised the case of British Parliamentarians sanctioned by China and reiterated his call for the release of British national Jimmy Lai. With inputs from agencies Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that at the moment there are no necessary conditions for Ukraines admission to NATO. "As long as Ukraine is involved in hostilities, it cannot be accepted into NATO," the head of the Dutch government said, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Rutte was answering a question about Ukraine's prospects on the path to membership in the North Atlantic Alliance in connection with the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July. "In this case, it is important not to promise Ukraine too much," he added. The head of the Dutch government pointed out the difference in the processes of states' accession to the EU and NATO. "There are no different options in NATO. Either you are a full member or you are not a member of the organization. In the European Union there are several stages before a country becomes a full member of the community," the prime minister said. According to him, at the summit in Washington, NATO member states should work hard to try to some extent follow the "European" path and determine stages for the gradual further rapprochement of Ukraine with the North Atlantic Alliance. At the same time, he noted the importance of all allies being united in supporting Ukraine in its desire to join the alliance. Western media have repeatedly indicated that Rutte is one of the potential contenders for the post of the next NATO Secretary General. The alliance countries intend to determine later this year who will replace Jens Stoltenberg in this post. Earlier announcements by Ukrainian commanders indicated the withdrawal from certain positions in Avdiivka, with preparations underway for establishing new defensive positions and fortifications to counter various scenarios In a significant strategic move, Ukrainian military forces have pulled back from the eastern city of Avdiivka to prevent being surrounded, as confirmed by army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. This marks a pivotal development on the frontline since Russian forces seized Bakhmut in May last year. In a statement posted on Facebook, Syrskyi emphasized the decision was made to safeguard the lives and well-being of soldiers, stabilize the situation, and reposition troops to more advantageous defensive positions. He commended the soldiers for their valor and highlighted their efforts in inflicting significant losses on Russian forces. Advertisement Earlier announcements by Ukrainian commanders indicated the withdrawal from certain positions in Avdiivka, with preparations underway for establishing new defensive positions and fortifications to counter various scenarios. As the two-year anniversary of Russias invasion approaches, Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure along the frontline, exacerbated by depleted ranks, exhaustion, and a shortage of artillery shells, compounded by delays in a major US funding package. Avdiivka, subjected to relentless bombardment by Russian forces, has witnessed recent breakthroughs, with small groups of advancing troops penetrating the city. Despite reinforcement efforts by the newly appointed army chief, concerns loom over the citys potential fall, given its strategic importance in controlling the area surrounding Donetsk. The capture of Avdiivka would not only grant Russia control over crucial territory but also serve as a symbolic victory for Vladimir Putin amid upcoming elections. Once a thriving industrial hub, Avdiivka has been reduced to ruins by ongoing conflict, with a dwindling civilian population unable to evacuate due to intensified fighting. Advertisement The dire situation in Avdiivka mirrors past battles, raising concerns among Ukrainian soldiers and analysts about the high human cost of maintaining control. Amidst leadership changes and strategic reassessments, the fate of Avdiivka remains uncertain, with the specter of further casualties looming large. With inputs from agencies Four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-held areas over the Red Sea towards commercial ship MT Pollux between Friday at 1:15 p.m. local time and 1 a.m. on Saturday, CENTCOM said in a post on X. The rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea since November over Israels offensive in Gaza. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperilling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday that its forces launched two strikes against a mobile anti-ship cruise missile and a mobile unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Advertisement Four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-held areas over the Red Sea towards commercial ship MT Pollux between Friday at 1:15 p.m. local time and 1 a.m. on Saturday, CENTCOM said in a post on X. It added that there were no reported injuries or damage to the MT Pollux or any other vessel in the areas. Feb. 16 Summary of Red Sea activities From p.m. (Sanaa time), Feb. 16, to 1 a.m., Feb 17, four anti-ship ballistic missiles launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. It is assessed that at least three of the missiles were launched towards pic.twitter.com/nvOgaSNLyk U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 17, 2024 Advertisement Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israels offensive in Gaza. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe. On Friday, missile fire apparently targeted a ship off Yemen in the Red Sea, the latest attack suspected to have been carried out by Yemens Houthi rebels amid Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The US Embassy in Jerusalem drafted an assessment of arms to be transferred which said that the Israeli government requested rapid acquisition of these items for the defense of Israel against continued and emerging regional threats The US is planning to send bombs and other weapons to Israel to boost the countrys military arsenal as it wages a war against Hamas in Gaza. The transfer of weapons comes amid President Joe Bidens push for a ceasefire in Gaza. As per a report by the Wall Street Journal, the US Embassy in Jerusalem drafted an assessment of arms to be transferred which said that the Israeli government requested rapid acquisition of these items for the defense of Israel against continued and emerging regional threats. Advertisement On Friday, Biden said that in recent days he has had extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where the former pushed for a temporary ceasefire. Ive had extensive conversations with the prime minister of Israel over the last several days, almost an hour each, and Ive made the case, and I feel very strongly about it, that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out, to get the hostages out, Biden told reporters at the White House. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to expand its counteroffensive into the city of Rafah in southern Gaza citing the presence of Hamas leaders who are hiding among civilians and have fled from other areas of the Strip. What is US planning to send? The proposed arms delivery includes a thousand each of MK-82 bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions that add precision guidance to bombs, and FMU-139 bomb fuses. Advertisement The WSJ report says that the arms are estimated to be tens of millions of dollars. The proposed delivery is still being internally reviewed by the administration, the report added, citing a U.S. official, who said the details of the proposal could change before the administration notifies congressional committee leaders who would need to approve the transfer. Advertisement No human rights concern The assessment drafted by the US Embassy in Jerusalem says that the transfer of weapons does not violate human rights. Israel takes effective action to prevent gross violations of human rights and to hold security forces responsible that violate those rights. In the past, Israel has been a transparent partner in US investigations into allegations of defense article misuse, the assessment says. Advertisement The Biden administration has faced criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel as allegations pile up that American-made weapons have been used in strikes that have killed or injured civilians. With inputs from agencies Former President Donald Trump-backed House Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly refusing to allow the Ukraine package to be discussed and voted in the lower chamber NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Saturday asked the US to deliver what they promised to Ukraine as a military aid package worth $60 billion was blocked in Congress. There was a vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine because they need that support, Stoltenberg told the Munich Security Conference, adding: So now its for the US to deliver what they have promised. Advertisement Earlier this week, Stoltenberg said that the US failure to vote on the military aid package has impacted Ukraine on the battlefield. The fact that the US has not been able to make a decision so far has already had consequences. It is impacting the flow of support, the NATO chief told reporters in Brussels. Why is the aid package blocked? The US Senate this week passed foreign aid packages for Ukraine and Israel. However, former President Donald Trump-backed House Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly refusing to allow the Ukraine package to be discussed and voted in the lower chamber. 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 the U.S. report remains vital. If President Putin wins in Ukraine, it will send a message to him but also 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. With inputs from agencies Noor, of Somali descent, justified her actions during the trial by citing fears of social ostracization and condemnation from her community if she refused to participate in the ritualised cutting, which she deemed a cultural and religious practice In a first of its kind judgement 40-year-old Amina Noor of UK was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Old Bailey over her involvement in female genital mutilation (FGM) on a three-year-old British girl during a trip to Kenya. Described by the judge as abhorrent and horrific, the offence committed by Noor involved the removal of the childs entire clitoris, known as Type 1 FGM. The victim, now 21 years old, remains anonymous for legal protection. Her ordeal came to light when she confided in her English teacher at the age of 16, prompting police intervention. Advertisement Noor, of Somali descent, justified her actions during the trial by citing fears of social ostracization and condemnation from her community if she refused to participate in the ritualized cutting, which she deemed a cultural and religious practice. She referred to the act as sunnah, meaning prophetic tradition in Arabic, echoing a misguided perception prevalent in certain cultural contexts. For FGM survivor turned activist Hibo Wardere, the practice represents a form of child abuse with enduring physical and psychological consequences. Having experienced FGM herself at the age of six, Wardere is now dedicated to supporting other victims through her work with the charity Educate, Not Mutilate. Wardere was quoted in a report saying the long-lasting trauma inflicted by FGM, ranging from urinary difficulties to heightened risk of infection, complications during childbirth, and profound impacts on intimacy and reproductive health. She stresses the urgent need for greater awareness and intervention to eradicate this harmful practice. Advertisement Noors conviction is a landmark moment in the fight against FGM, as she becomes the first person to be found guilty of facilitating the procedure outside the UK. Moreover, her case represents only the second successful prosecution under the FGM Act in the UK, following a similar conviction in 2019. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police expresses hope that Noors conviction will encourage more victims to come forward and serve as a deterrent to those considering perpetrating FGM. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the subject, Furphy underscores the importance of building trust with affected communities to ensure the protection and support of victims. Google has released the first Developer Preview of Android 15, one day later than expected. With Android 15, Google aims to improve productivity and media experiences, while also focusing on boosting app performance, preserving battery life, and enhancing user privacy and security across various devices. Privacy and Security Measures Android 15 introduces features to safeguard user privacy and security: Privacy Sandbox: Upgrades Android AD Services to extension level 10, incorporating the latest Privacy Sandbox for personalized advertising experiences while prioritizing user privacy. Upgrades Android AD Services to extension level 10, incorporating the latest Privacy Sandbox for personalized advertising experiences while prioritizing user privacy. Health Connect: Integrates Android 14 extensions 10, offering a secure platform to manage and share health data collected by apps. Integrates Android 14 extensions 10, offering a secure platform to manage and share health data collected by apps. File Integrity: Introduces FileIntegrityManager with enhanced security features utilizing fs-verity to prevent unauthorized file modifications or malware attacks. Introduces FileIntegrityManager with enhanced security features utilizing fs-verity to prevent unauthorized file modifications or malware attacks. Partial Screen Sharing: Supports sharing or recording specific app windows for improved user consent and privacy. Support for Creators Android 15 provides tools and hardware support for creators, including: In-app Camera Controls: Offers more control over camera hardware and algorithms, facilitating low light enhancements and flash adjustments. Offers more control over camera hardware and algorithms, facilitating low light enhancements and flash adjustments. Virtual MIDI 2.0 Devices: Extends support to virtual MIDI apps, enabling composition apps to control synthesizers effectively. Performance and Quality Enhancements Android 15 focuses on enhancing app quality and performance: Dynamic Performance: Expands the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) with power-efficiency modes and thermal management capabilities. Developer Productivity Android 15 continues to enhance developer productivity by adding OpenJDK APIs and quality-of-life improvements, ensuring compatibility with over a billion devices running Android 12+. Timeline and Updates Google outlines a timeline for Android 15s development, including Developer Previews, Beta releases, and the final release to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and ecosystem. February: Developer Preview 1 (Early version for developer feedback, with new features, APIs, and behavior changes). Developer Preview 1 (Early version for developer feedback, with new features, APIs, and behavior changes). March: Developer Preview 2 (Update with more features, APIs, and behavior changes). Developer Preview 2 (Update with more features, APIs, and behavior changes). April: Beta 1 (First beta-quality release, available via over-the-air update to early adopters in Android Beta). Beta 1 (First beta-quality release, available via over-the-air update to early adopters in Android Beta). May: Beta 2 (Incremental beta-quality release). Beta 2 (Incremental beta-quality release). June: Beta 3 (Marks Platform Stability milestone with final APIs and behaviors, and opens Play publishing). Beta 3 (Marks Platform Stability milestone with final APIs and behaviors, and opens Play publishing). July, August: Beta 4, (Near-final builds for final testing). Beta 4, (Near-final builds for final testing). Final release: Android 15 released to AOSP and ecosystem. Platform Stability Milestone Android 15 includes a Platform Stability milestone, expected to be reached at Beta 3 in June 2024, signaling the finalization of APIs and behaviors. Google encourages developers to target this milestone for final compatibility testing and release planning. Getting Started with Android 15 Developer Preview 1 The First Developer Preview of Android 15 is currently available for the following Pixel devices, exclusively catering to developers for testing purposes and not intended for daily consumer use: Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a Pixel Fold Pixel Tablet Google encourages developers to engage with the Developer Preview to provide feedback and prepare for the upcoming Android 15 release. Speaking on the announcement, Dave Burke, VP of Engineering, said, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte as part of the Munich Security Conference. According to the Office of the President, Zelenskyy thanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Rutte personally for their strong and substantial support for Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion. The President informed Rutte in detail about the situation at the front. He noted the Dutch defense assistance of more than EUR 2 billion provided to Ukraine this year, as well as contributions to the European Peace Fund, humanitarian aid and support for Ukraine reconstruction projects. The parties discussed further defense support for Ukraine, the needs for air defense and artillery. They separately focused on the activities of the international fighter jet coalition, the important role of the Netherlands in the process of training Ukrainian pilots on the territory of Romania and the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The head of the Ukrainian state noted the successful work of the teams of the two countries on the draft bilateral security agreement based on the G7 Vilnius Declaration. The leaders also discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Zelenskyy and Rutte paid special attention to Ukraine's integration into NATO. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces the deepening of EU cooperation with Ukraine in the field of defense and plans to integrate the Ukrainian defense industry with the EU one. "We will integrate now Ukraine and our defense programs, and we will open an office in Kyiv for defense innovation," she said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, noting the Ukrainian army's success in using drones. She said the European Union plans to unveil a defense industry strategy in about three weeks that will emphasize increased investment in the local defense sector and take into account lessons from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Von der Leyen also spoke in favor of creating a new position in the European Commission as European Commissioner for Defense, who would deal, among other things, with the industrial aspects of defense policy. "If I would be the next Commission President, I would install the Commissioner for Defense It's important for the Central and Eastern European countries to have good portfolios and this is a good portfolio," the President of the European Commission said. News Dee Ann Haney found guilty of negligent homicide jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/ The Daily News Dee Ann Haney, a former Texas City commissioner, waits Friday outside of a courtroom in Galveston as she waits for a verdict in her manslaughter trial. Haney was charged with two counts of manslaughter in connection with the July 2017 crash that killed Duoc Le, 58, and Hong Le, 33. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Dee Ann Haney, a former Texas City commissioner, leaves the courtroom Friday after jurors found her guilty of criminally negligent homicide in connection to the July 2017 crash that killed Duoc Le, 58, and Hong Le, 33. jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Dee Ann Haney, a former Texas City commissioner, leaves the courtroom Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, after jurors found her guilty of criminally negligent homicide in connection to the July 2017 crash that killed Duoc Le, 58, and Hong Le, 33. jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Dee Ann Haney GALVESTON Dee Ann Haney stood motionless as a judge announced a guilty verdict jurors returned just after noon Friday in a trial, delayed for years, over a crash that killed a father and son. After nine days of testimony and seven hours of deliberation, the jury found Haney guilty of criminally negligent homicide, a lesser offense than manslaughter, with which she had been charged in the deaths of Duoc Le, 58, and Hong Le, 33, on a blustery night in 2017. Visiting Judge Leslie Brock Yates released the jury at 12:15 p.m. Friday, setting a return on Wednesday for the punishment phase of the trial. The punishment range for criminally negligent homicide typically is a fine of up to $10,000 and no more than two years in prison. But because the jury found that Haneys vehicle was used as a deadly weapon in this case, the range of punishment is two to 10 years in prison. The court granted Haney a personal bond, which the judge said was rare, that will keep her out of a jail cell through the punishment phase. Yates granted the bond, which wont cost Haney any money, because the defense wasnt prepared for the punishment phase Friday afternoon, she said. Manslaughter is the reckless killing of another person, while criminally negligent homicide is the negligent killing of another person, according to the Texas Penal Code. The jury spent about three hours Thursday afternoon and about four hours Friday morning deliberating. THE WRECK The collision plays over in Haneys head all the time, she said after taking the stand Wednesday afternoon. Haney, who had begun a new job with the Texas A&M University-Galvestons occupational health and safety department, was called about midnight to check a water leak at a new building on campus July 2, 2017, defense attorney Kevin Rekoff said. She took photos of the water damage before leaving sometime after midnight. She wasnt in a hurry; she wasnt using her phone while driving, Rekoff said. Haney was driving in the right northbound lane of Interstate 45 and approaching the causeway when another vehicle began to pass her on the left and took her attention off the road momentarily, according to grand jury testimony she gave about seven years ago. Thats when she saw a man standing on the interstate and tried swerving to avoid him, Rekoff argued. The evidence on scene, however, shows there was no way either victim could have been in a lane of traffic, authorities who investigated the crash have said on the stand. The victims were parked on the shoulder of I-45 attempting to strap down a loose piece of plexiglass in the back of a truck owned and driven by Tommy Nguyen, who witnessed the crash. He is a brother-in-law to Duoc Le and uncle to Hong Le. THE TRIAL Almost seven years of delays preceded the trials opening on Feb. 6. Each day of the trial attracted about a dozen family members, courtroom workers and spectators. About 40 spectators appeared to watch the closing arguments on Thursday afternoon, including District Attorney Jack Roady. The DAs office said it couldnt comment on the case until the punishment phase is complete. The trial opened with testimony from an island detective who worked the scene; he testified that forensic tests showed the underside of the truck Haney was driving was spattered with blood and human tissue. The second day of trial was dominated by testimony from Nguyen, who survived the crash just feet away from his family, he said. I could see them fly through the air out of the corner of my eye, Nguyen said from the witness stand. Several evidence photos showed two white sheets laying about 15 and 30 yards away from where the victims last stood alive. Jurors on Feb. 8, the third day of the trial, heard testimony from a DPS trooper that Haney failed four out of six sobriety tests after the crash. Day four on Feb. 9 brought testimony from biologists and a chemist, who testified Haney had a sleeping aid and muscle relaxer in her system the night of the crash. Prosecutors on Monday, which was day five of the trial, showed a video of Haney testifying before a grand jury, where she said the wreck was a tragic accident and not the result of impaired or reckless driving. CLOSING ARGUMENTS If the victims hadnt been in a lane of traffic on the interstate, Haney would have driven home without incident that night, Rekoff argued in his closing statements Thursday. Investigators, however, testified it was highly unlikely either man was standing in the road. Even a defense witness with decades of crash reconstruction experience said he couldnt place either victim in the lane of traffic based on the information he had. Haney didnt ask about the victims condition during her hours-long interviews with police, which shows a lack of remorse, prosecutor Shawn Connally argued in the states closing statements. She doesnt even care, Connally said, referring to a video of Haney talking with police immediately after the crash. I was in shock, Haney said on the stand before closing arguments. I just got quiet. Jurors are due back in court at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday for a punishment phase expected to last about two days. USA hands over new package of assistance to Ukraine to record Russia's crimes The United States transferred a new package of technical assistance to investigative units to Ukraine, which included 66 vehicles, 250 drones, nine 3D terrestrial laser scanning systems with software and DNA laboratories, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. "Police officers have undergone appropriate training to prepare forensic specialists to work with such high-speed laboratories for installing DNA profiles. There are already successful cases of identifying persons killed in Russian missile strikes on our cities," Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko said. The minister said that the use of the transferred equipment will make it possible to accurately and quickly record all crimes in Russia. For example, laboratories for rapid identification of a human DNA profile ANDE 6C allow identifying a DNA profile in an hour and a half. The transferred technical assistance will be sent primarily to front-line regions that are daily under enemy fire. Klymenko and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink also took part in the ceremony to hand over the aid package. Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has transferred more than $287 million in assistance to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Ukraine has begun creating a group of mine action forces in the Black Sea. A resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers has been adopted, which will allow raising funds for the supply and maintenance of two mine counter measure vessels, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported. "The Ministry of Defense is starting to create a group of mine action forces in the Black Sea. The government has adopted a resolution that will raise funds necessary for the implementation of the project for the supply and maintenance of two mine counter measure vessels, as provided for in the Framework Agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the UK," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on its official website. According to the report, in 2022, two Sandown-class minehunters were withdrawn from the British fleet, received the names Cherkasy and Chernihiv and were involved in multinational exercises under the Ukrainian flag. The supply agreement was signed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the UK Ministry of Defence. "In 2023, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with a UK-based company that has extensive experience in servicing UK Navy ships. Ukraine will pay for modernization, maintenance, equipment and spare parts for two minehunters in accordance with loan agreements, the terms of which are approved in resolution," the Ministry of Defense said. The vessels cannot yet arrive in the waters of Ukraine this contradicts the Montreux Convention of 1936, which prohibits the passage of vessels of warring countries through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. "These vessels are critically needed for Ukraine to clear mines in the Black Sea at the end of the full-scale war, because these are modern mine-resistant ships of this class. According to Ukrainian and NATO experts, the operation to eliminate the mine threat in the Black Sea will last from three to five years, and the recommended sea routes and ship moorings for up to six months, but without such vessels this could last longer," Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksiy Neizhpapa, as quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Defense. According to the Ministry of Defense, the crews of Cherkasy and Chernihiv vessels are currently undergoing training as part of mine action forces. In particular, military personnel master the use of anti-mine weapons, tactics and methods of clearing mines in water areas according to NATO standards. The teams completed the first stage of training on mine-resistant vessels and received positive assessments based on the results of the certification of NATO specialists during the Joint Warrior 23-2 exercise. In the future, military personnel will undergo intensive training on ships for operations in any conditions. This year, Cherkasy and Chernihiv vessels will participate in three international exercises. At the final stage, NATO experts will certify the ships for compatibility for operations as part of NATO ship-based mine counter measure groups. "The conclusion of relevant agreements is critically important. This will begin the formation of a maritime mine action group in the Black Sea and will avoid image losses for Ukraine in the eyes of a strategic partner. After all, it was the UK that initiated the creation of the International Maritime Capability Coalition," added Deputy Defense Minister Yuriy Dzhyhir. Putin, who never refers to Navalny by name, made no mention of his death during a public appearance on Friday Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with 2 sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have 3 dogs: Duke, Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel While multi-faceted "Happy Chinese New Year" activities took place, Macao's tourism industry was off to a good start during the Chinese New Year. According to Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) statistics, visitor arrivals to the city on Monday exceeded 210,000, surpassing the single-day arrival record since 2023 and being the second-highest record since the single-day statistics became available. The data also showed that the city's daily average arrivals reached 167,000 during Feb. 10-12, seeing a significant increase of 226 percent compared to the Chinese New Year holiday in 2023. The float parade and performance organized by MGTO made its debut on Monday, with 15 floats, 30 performance groups, and around 1,000 performers celebrating the festival with residents and tourists. Audiences lined the parade route to join in the festive celebrations. That evening, the "Happy Chinese New Year" fireworks performance lit up the sea opposite the Macao Tower, adding even more joy to the festival celebrations. Mr. Zhou, a mainland visitor, said Macao is rich in tourist programs and the city itself has a very good historical heritage, so children can also get to know different customs and history apart from having fun. Data from the MGTO showed that the average occupancy rate of hotel establishments reaches 90 percent within the first three days of the Chinese New Year. Ms. Mui, a Macao resident, told Xinhua that she had witnessed flows of visitors every day. "Wealth comes with popularity, so I see a good sign of Macao's tourism industry and the overall economy this year," she said. Mr. Qu and his wife came here to celebrate Valentine's Day, which falls on Wednesday. Having visited the heart-shaped tree near the Macao Science Center, made a wish under the bright fireworks, and wandered hand in hand on the streets of Fisherman's Wharf in the festive atmosphere, they had an experience "unforgettable for a lifetime." 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. A policeman guards as a young man lay flowers paying the last respect to Alexei Navalny at the monument, a large boulder from the Solovetsky islands, where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, near the historical the Federal Security Service (FSB, Soviet KGB successor) building, in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2024. Russian authorities say that Alexei Navalny, the fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests, died in prison. He was 47. Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Sentenced for Concealing Information from the FBI Friday, February 16, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Charles F. McGonigal Admitted to Receiving $225,000 Cash Payment Charles F. McGonigal, 55, a former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, was sentenced today to 28 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his undisclosed receipt of $225,000 in cash from an individual with ties to the Albanian government while McGonigal was supervising counterintelligence investigations. McGonigal pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2023, to one count of concealing material facts. In imposing the sentence, the court found that McGonigal's conduct involved substantial interference with the administration of justice. According to papers filed with the court, McGonigal was responsible for overseeing counterintelligence and national security matters when he served as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New York Field Office from August 2017 through his retirement from the FBI in September 2018. During this time, McGonigal concealed from the FBI the nature of his relationship with a former foreign security officer and businessperson who had ongoing business interests in foreign countries and before foreign governments. Specifically, McGonigal hid from the FBI that he received at least $225,000 in cash from the individual and traveled abroad with him and met with foreign nationals, in-part to advance their private business interests. The FBI arrested McGonigal on Jan. 21, 2023, at J.F.K. International Airport in New York. He was simultaneously indicted on charges by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices for the District of Columbia and the Southern District of New York. In December 2023, McGonigal was sentenced to 50 months in prison and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit money laundering in an unrelated case being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Donald Alway of the Los Angeles Field Office and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and Stuart D. Allen and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Friedman for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case, with assistance from Deputy Chief Evan N. Turgeon of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs. Topic: National Security Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - District of Columbia USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 24-190 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 16, 2024 Transcript Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, well, good afternoon, everyone. Thanks very much for your patience today. Just a few things to talk about at the top and then we'll get right to your questions. Per our announcement earlier this morning, Secretary Austin returned to work at the Pentagon today following his recent hospitalization. The Secretary is glad to be back in the building and has expressed his appreciation for the great medical care he received while at Walter Reed and for all the well wishes. As his doctors highlighted on Tuesday, he's anticipated to continue his full recovery, and the Secretary remains squarely focused on executing his duties as Secretary of Defense. Secretary Austin also released a statement earlier today following the conclusion of the NATO Defense Ministerial meeting in Brussels. In it, the Secretary reaffirmed that the United States will continue to stand with our NATO allies and defend the sovereignty and territory of every alliance member, stating, quote, "every inch of it. Our commitment to Article 5 remains ironclad," end quote. Secretary Austin also underscored that NATO remains the greatest alliance in history and that NATO today is stronger, more united, and more vital to our shared future than ever. The full statement can be found on DOD's website. Switching gears, earlier today, the - the department released its first ever Resilient and Healthy Defense Communities Strategy. This strategy will guide the DOD's actions in the coming years to improve both constructed facilities and the natural environment across our defense installations. More than two million military and civilian personnel live, work, train, raise children, and spend time with their families on the department's 538 installations, which include more than 280,000 buildings and 30 million acres of land. These spaces are critical to carrying out our DOD missions. It's therefore both a national security imperative and a moral obligation to ensure these communities are healthy, functional and resilient, and that we're working to ensure a good quality of life for our entire force. Additional information, to include a copy of the strategy, is available on Defense.gov. And finally, yesterday afternoon, the Missile Defense Agency and Space Development Agency launched six satellites to low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The satellites, which include two satellites for MDA's hypersonic and ballistic tracking space sensor and the four SDA tracking layer satellites, are conducting initial testing. The launch of the two prototype systems will be followed by two years of on orbit testing. And over the next few weeks, MDA and SDA engineers will run a series of tests and checkout procedures to ensure the satellites are operating and communicating with the other systems as expected. For more information, I'd refer you to Missile Defense Agency Public Affairs. And with that, I'd be glad to take your questions. Let me go first to Associated Press, Tara Copp, who's calling in today. Q: Hi, General Ryder. Thanks for doing this. I wanted to ask you about the White House briefing that just occurred on the Russian anti-satellite capabilities. Has DOD been briefed on what, I guess, NSC and the intel communities know about this? And has the - the Space Force and Space Command taken any sort of posture changes in order to secure U.S. satellites? Thanks. GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Tara. Yes, I mean, we - we are tracking what this is. We have been briefed on it. The Secretary of course is part of the national security team that's been briefing the President. I'm not going to have anything beyond - to provide beyond what Mr. Kirby briefed over at the White House. And - and as it relates to Space Command, I don't have anything specific in regards to any changes, other than to say that, as you know, as space has become more congested and contested, and in light of growing threats by strategic competitors in space, U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force were established several years ago to maintain a dedicated focus on this vital domain and to ensure that we have trained and prepared military space professionals whose mission it is to protect and defend America's interests in space. Thank you. Let me go to the room here. Oren? Q: The White House said there was ongoing outreach efforts to Russia regarding the anti-satellite capability. Is the Pentagon part of that? And has there been any - any attempt to set up a call between Secretary Austin and his Russian counterpart about this? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I don't have anything to announce in terms of calls, and I just refer you back to the White House on that. Liz? Q: So the acting deputy the acting undersecretary of Defense for Policy went, is that in place of Secretary Austin going to brief on the Hill today? GEN. RYDER: No. Q: OK. GEN. RYDER: She was planning to go over that. Q: So he hadn't been recovering she would have gone anyway? GEN. RYDER: She was requested to go over there and she's part of the sitting in on the briefing. Thanks. Laura? Q: On the Russian anti-satellite weapon, can you say whether this is a new capability? Was there some sort of triggering event? That this was put into the public discourse that that Congressman Turner picked up on? Was it is there anything new here, or is this something that has been Russia has been developing for a while? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks. I'm again, I'm not going to have anything to provide beyond what Mr. Kirby highlighted, you know, and underscore the key points he made. It's not an immediate threat. It's not an active capability. It has not been deployed. And as you highlighted, it's related to anti-satellite capability. So just leave it there. Q: And then separately, can you there was some reports that there was another Houthi attack this morning in the Red Sea. Can you confirm that or tell us whether or tell us whether there was an incident today? GEN. RYDER: I cannot. I know that as you've seen, CENTCOM has been issuing daily press releases on any activity in the Red Sea. So, if there has been, then I would keep an eye out for that. Idrees? Q: I think one of the things Kirby said was some of the months and potentially years old. When did the secretary when was he briefed on it? GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So I don't I'm not going to provide a specific date. I can tell you he's tracking this particular issue. Q: And on an unrelated note, I think the last attack against U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria was February 4th. Do you believe this sort of tit for tat the current sort of round of tit for tat attacks is now over? GEN. RYDER: You're right. We have not seen an attack against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since February 4th, but we'll see, right? I mean, as we have been, we will maintain our focus on the mission that we're there to do, which is the enduring defeat of ISIS. But again, if our forces are threatened or attacked, we maintain the inherent right of self-defense and we'll take appropriate action. Q: Is there an end date to the retaliation for the January 28th attack, or is that an indefinite term? GEN. RYDER: Again, as we've talked about before, I'm not going to speculate or talk about potential future operations other than, again, we reserve the right to protect our forces and we'll take appropriate action. Joseph? Q: Just a follow-up on Idrees' question. Does the department assess that, you know, the U.S. response, those two rounds of responses to these attacks led to this I mean, what seems to be one of the long periods that U.S. forces haven't been attacked since October? GEN. RYDER: I mean, that's really a question for the Iranian proxy groups to answer. Again, we'll see. I don't want to predict the future, but we're staying focused on the mission that we were sent there to do which is, again, to participate in the international coalition to defeat ISIS. Q: Just a second one. U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal yesterday, the day before, that the U.S. is probing Israeli strikes in Gaza and the use of white phosphorus in Lebanon from the October attacks including one of an Israeli attack on the Jabalia refugee camp that killed more than 125 people. Do you have any comment on that? Is the department does the department have anybody looking into any Israeli attacks using U.S. weapons? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I'm not aware of any, Joseph, as far as the white phosphorus. I've seen those press reports, and you've seen that the State Department has an effort underway, so I'd refer you to them for any questions about that. Q: You mentioned the white phosphorus, how about the attacks in Gaza? GEN. RYDER: I'm not tracking the U.S. Department of Defense conducting any investigations in Gaza. Tom? Q: Thanks, General. Mr. Kirby said the new space capability, space-based capability was troubling. How troubled or how concerned is the Pentagon? GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I'm not going to be able to get into any specifics regarding this particular threat due to the classification. You know, on any given day, the Department of Defense monitors threats from around the world. We work hard to mitigate those threats and we'll take appropriate action in defense of the nation. And so, today is no different. Q: And separately, could you please give an assessment of how effective the U.S.-led campaign have been at degrading Houthi capabilities? GEN. RYDER: In terms of, like... Q: Well, we're still seeing, you know, numerous attacks and then self-defense strikes. The idea of this was to obviously act as a deterrent and also to degrade the capabilities. So... GEN. RYDER: Well, the idea was to respond to a threat that the Houthis have been presenting since mid-November, right, when they started to attack international shipping. And so, the United States, in concert with over 20 different nations, have come together to help protect international shipping through the Red Sea as well as work with international partners to conduct strikes against Houthi capability and degrade those capabilities. And so we do assess that we have degraded some of their capability. And again, we will continue to take appropriate action to prevent attacks against international shipping. As you've seen, and as you've highlighted, we continue to see those attacks occur, and we'll continue to take appropriate action. Our focus here, though, is not on fighting the Houthis. It's on two things. One, ensuring that international shipping and mariners are able to transit the Red Sea safely and securely. And two, as necessary, degrading their capability to mitigate and prevent these kinds of attacks from happening. Q: Have you done an assessment of the extent to which that degradation has occurred because the attacks are still happening? GEN. RYDER: We're continually assessing. Q: Are you confident? (inaudible?) GEN. RYDER: Well, I mean, again, we're going to continue working closely with the international community to help degrade and disrupt their ability to conduct these attacks. And ultimately, again, as I've highlighted before, the Houthis have to ask themselves what price are they willing to pay to take on the international community and have these capabilities degraded and ultimately put their own people in danger. Fadi? Q: Thank you, General. So in the last 24 hours, there's been escalation and series of attacks by Israel and Lebanon that led to the death of in one incident family of seven, including two children and another one, mother and her two children. First of all, is the department concerned about this escalation going beyond what we've seen so far between Lebanon and Israel? And my question is, despite everything we hear from you, from the secretary, from the department about the need to protect civilians, the toll keeps on growing, whether in Gaza, the West Bank and or Lebanon. Does the secretary think he needs to have a different approach to his Israeli counterparts to make, maybe, make his message clear on this issue? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Fadi. So on your first question, I mean, we've been concerned about escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, as you know. And so we have continued to maintain a very focused effort to prevent that escalation from happening as you've seen in many of the readouts that Secretary Austin has had with his Israeli counterpart. This has been a topic of discussion. And you've heard others like the national security adviser just yesterday talk about the efforts that are underway to deescalate that situation. So, again, we'll continue to stay focused on that. As it relates to civilian casualties, as we've said, the loss of any innocent lives is tragic, whether it's Palestinian or Israeli. At the end of the day, this is Israel's campaign, it's Israel's operations, so I'm not going to speak to their operations other than to say we can't be any more clear that we do not want to see the loss of innocent lives. We also recognize the fact that Israel has an inherent right to defend itself against future terrorist attacks and that they're fighting an adversary that has embedded itself among the civilian population. So we're going to continue to encourage them and continue to expect them to abide by the law of armed conflict and the international humanitarian law and will continue to you know, again, as you saw in the readout last night, the secretary had with his counterpart talking about the importance of taking civilian safety into account and in advance of any operations. Q: Well, excuse me, but when the department provides advice, intelligence, weapons and support like this, and you talk about an enemy that is embedded among civilians, I guess you're referring to Gaza. What about the West Bank? What about Lebanon? And then to say that it's up to Israel to decide what to do, isn't this department taking actually an important role in enabling Israel's actions? GEN. RYDER: We're taking an important role in helping Israel defend itself, but also encouraging and helping to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Again, at the end of the day, the goal here is that Hamas is defeated and so that peace and security can return to this region. And as you've heard, not only the White House say, but us say work toward a two-state solution so that Israelis and Palestinians can live in this area with security guaranteed for both. Let me go on some other questions here. Jeff? Q: General, thanks very much. Given the deals that Russia has made and the help that it's gotten from countries like North Korea, Iran, support from China, is there any concern at the Pentagon that the new and space-based anti-satellite capability it's developing is result of collaboration with any other U.S. adversaries? And is there concern perhaps that Russia because of other deals to get help with you with the war in Ukraine might have shared any of this technology with other U.S. adversaries? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. Again, as it relates to this particular threat beyond what Mr. Kirby provided in his briefing earlier, I'm just not going to have any additional details to provide. Thanks. Chris? Q: On the Houthi capabilities that have been degraded, CENTCOM's interdicted vessels with weapons bound for Yemen, are the Houthis regenerating any of these capabilities? Are they being successfully resupplied? GEN. RYDER: Look, I'm not going to go into any specific intelligence, but we do know that the Houthis are resourced and supported by Iran. And so, again, you know, that obviously is highlighted in the statements that CENTCOM has put out. And so, again, you know, that's something that we're going to continue to take seriously and continue to attempt to mitigate. Thank you. Let me go to the phone here. Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose. Q: Thank you. I know this may be a question for Soviet Premier Putin, but the god-awful thing that the Russians want to put into space, is it like GoldenEye, the thing from the 1995 Bond movie? And is the is it time for all of us from the ground to join Jed and the Wolverines? GEN. RYDER: Jeff, I'm not sure how to respond to that. I guess we just have to live and let die. All right. Let me go on to JJ Green, WTOP. Q: Sorry. General, thank you for doing this. Again, on the Russian advance regarding space-based weapons, I don't want to ask you about intelligence or, you know, details about what's known about it. I want to ask something different but related. Russia, it has been pretty aggressive in space for a while now. And, you know, going back to 2020 when Russian satellites were stalking U.S. satellites. In 2022, a Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said that commercial satellites might be legitimate targets. So my question is, what approaches the Pentagon take routinely to, one, protecting U.S. satellites and U.S. military, I guess, assets et cetera? But, in general, it's just keeping an eye on what Russia is up to in space because of its aggressive and somewhat reckless behavior in the past. GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Thanks, JJ. It's a great question. And as I alluded to earlier, you know, there is a recognition that space has continued to become more congested as you highlight, you know, all the capabilities that are there, but also more contested in terms of seeing strategic competitors like China and Russia, putting capabilities into space that could threaten not only national security capabilities, but also commercial and private capabilities that are in space. And so, again, you have U.S. Space Command which provides the operational capability to integrate national or military space capabilities national defense space capabilities which can include ensuring that we're able to maintain our operations, but also looking at protecting and defending capabilities in space. I'm not going to go into discussing any classified capabilities, but part of this includes looking at things like how we present capabilities in space. And what I mean by that is disaggregating, right? Previously, in a simpler time, you would put a large exquisite satellite in the space that had lots of capabilities. That's a single point of failure versus going to much more numerous, smaller satellites that are less expensive that can be replaced more quickly, thus making it harder to take down a system, you know, in one fell swoop. So there's multiple different ways that we look at this, but that's what the U.S. Space Force comes to work every single day looking at to ensure that our national interests are protected in space as well as working with allies and partners on that same issue. All right. Yeah? Q: Thank you. According to U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeffrey Flake, the Department of Defense is building three munition lines in Texas together with one of the Turkish state-owned defense corporations. The demands for a special 155 millimeter rounds increased after the invasion of Ukraine, and the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation of Turkey produced them in some capacity in Turkey. What are the details of the cooperation, and what is the expected monthly production capacity of this Texas compound? And the last one is, do you have details such as chances for a U.S. sale or delivery of these to Israel in the future? GEN. RYDER: I apologize, I'm not sure I fully understand your question. There was a lot there. Q: Sorry. Yeah. The Department of Defense is building three munition lines in Texas with Turkish Defense Cooperation. And what kind of cooperation is there? Can you give us more details on that? GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I just don't know. I have to take that question for you. Thank you very much. Yes, ma'am? Q: This is (inaudible?) from Al Jazeera English. I just wanted to see if you could give us anything further on Guyana and the urgent U.S. military assistance that has been reportedly headed over there. Do you have anything further on this on that point? GEN. RYDER: I don't and I don't want to wing it from the podium here. So let me take that question. Yeah, I'll come back to you. OK, time for a couple more. Yes? Q: Back to that anti-satellite weapon Russia's developing, did releasing this national security threat publicly yesterday hurt national security in any way or put anyone from the Defense Department at a disadvantage in speaking with their Russian counterparts? GEN. RYDER: Well, look, I'm not going to characterize it. It is what it is. Mr. Kirby addressed this from the podium today in terms of, you know, the declassification processes and procedures. So I will do my part in terms of protecting classified information and refraining from commenting any further on that particular topic. Yeah. Q: Is there a timeline for Secretary Austin to review the internal review on his hospitalization and how that was handled? GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I don't have a timeline. As you know, we've highlighted, he does have it for review. And certainly, again, we're committed to providing as much information about that review as we can. And so we'll continue to keep you updated on that front. Thank you. And last question, go to Mike. Q: The thanks, Pat. The Atlantic Resolve IG report that just came out, the IG noted that Ukraine is still operating under basically a soviet style doctrine in the field, why and I was wondering, since I was under the impression over the last several months that we the U.S. has been trying to train them to operate under a more Western, U.S. style of war. Has that been a success they're still fighting the same way and have not moved in seven, eight months? GEN. RYDER: Well, there's a lot there. And that question, obviously, depending on how deep you want to go. I would say, broadly speaking, I think the results that Ukraine demonstrated after being invaded almost two years ago, speak for themselves in terms of their ability to improvise, overcome and adapt on the battlefield. Had that not been the case, we'd be in a much different place right now, you know, instead of Ukraine having taken back 50 percent of the territory that the Russian military occupied at one point. That said, as you've seen today, it continues to be a tough fight on. The Russians continue to throw a significant amount of capability into the fight. You know, consequences be damned. And so, we are going to continue to support them. We're going to continue to advise as best we can. But at the end of the day, it's up to Ukraine to plan and execute its operations. But what we will do and what we are doing is continuing to work very closely with the international community. We just had the Ukraine defense contact group yesterday to ensure that we understand what their most urgent needs are, ensure that we can work together to get that to them as quickly as possible, but then also importantly work with the Ukrainian military on what its future force looks like so that they can deter future aggression from Russia and prevent another invasion from happening. Thanks very much, everybody. Appreciate it. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3679251/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President to foreign ambassadors: We need to strengthen EU-NATO cooperation and the transatlantic link President of the Republic of Lithuania February 15, 2024 President Gitanas Nauseda met with foreign ambassadors accredited to Lithuania on the eve of the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania. In his address at the annual meeting with the foreign diplomatic corps, the Head of State stressed that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Euro-Atlantic security. According to President Gitanas Nauseda, it is clear that Russia's pattern of behavior will not change, which is why we need to strengthen our security and defense capabilities, as well as to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine, first and foremost military assistance. Gitanas Nauseda stressed that the international community's concerted and united efforts to stop Russia's war in Ukraine and to ensure that military aggression does not repeat in the future are crucial. "Nevertheless, empathy and moral support alone are not enough to win this war. Clear strategy and commitment to Ukraine's victory are needed throughout the international community. To help others, we need to make sure our own security is robust, and our deterrence and defense credible. We must ensure that NATO remains the strongest alliance," the Head of State spoke. The President thanked Germany and the United States of America for their firm commitment to the security of Lithuania and the region, as well as other NATO allies for their military presence in our country and for productive defense cooperation. The Lithuanian leader stressed that a strong transatlantic bond is an irreplaceable pillar of Europe's security and that there is no alternative to it. According to President Gitanas Nauseda, Europe must do more and become stronger in all its dimensions, especially in security and defense, but Europe cannot be separated from the transatlantic link with the United States. "Unknowns and uncertainties of political cycles in Europe and across the Atlantic should not become an obstacle to developing our irreplaceable bonds. We must further build a trusted partnership with the U.S. We need to boost the EU-NATO cooperation. We simply have no other alternatives," the President pointed out. The President highlighted the most important aspects of this year's EU agenda: the launch of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the provision of long-term financial support to Ukraine, and the continuation of the sanctions policy against Russia. Gitanas Nauseda stressed that as an open economy, Lithuania is focusing on strengthening the EU single market, investing in innovations, and building new international partnerships. The Head of State underscored that Lithuania proudly holds the Presidency of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI)a vibrant regional cooperation format of like-minded countries between the Baltic, Black and Adriatic Seas. "The 3SI is part of wider European and global efforts of democratic countries to drive the market and investments into trusted connectivity regionally and globally. I am delighted that we will be welcoming the participants of the Three Seas Summit and Business Forum in Lithuania already in April this year," Gitanas Nauseda added. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah: Resistance axis resolved to liberate Palestine no matter the cost Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 9:43 PM The Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah says the regional resistance axis is resolved to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation and aggression no matter the cost. Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem made the remarks to Iran's Arabic-language television news network al-Alam TV in an exclusive interview on Thursday. "The [members of the regional] resistance axis are of same and common ideas. All [parties] have been convinced across the resistance axis that Palestine serves as the compass, and that the strong should help out the weak," he said. "All [the members] have reached the consensus that the goal is the liberation of Palestine," Qassem noted, adding, "We never care about the cost of supporting the issue of Palestine." Over the past several months, the members of the regional resistance axis have been engaged in a common drive against the occupying regime. The push started with Operation al-Aqsa Storm by the Gaza Strip's resistance movements, including Hamas, against the occupied territories on October 7, 2023, during which hundreds were taken captive. Hezbollah as well as Iraqi and Yemeni resistance groups have been shoring up the drive by launching numerous operations against Israeli targets as well as American ones in protest at Washington's all-out support for the Israeli regime. The Hezbollah official said the goal sought by Operation al-Aqsa Storm was "to create an aperture to open up the path of liberation of Palestine." The operation also sought to end the Israeli regime's siege of Gaza, stop its illegal settlement construction activities in the occupied West Bank, and save the al-Aqsa Mosque -- Islam's third holiest site -- from Israeli plots, he said. "The operation made the enemy realize that the resistance is powerful and no one possesses the capability to prevail it," Qassem stated. He cited the example of the Israeli regime's failure to destroy Hamas, despite a months-long US-backed war that it has been waging against Gaza since the launch of the operation. "Israel does not fight a war," he said, adding, "it just engages in devastation." The Hezbollah official, meanwhile, asserted that each part of the regional resistance axis joined the Gaza Strip-based resistance movements' anti-Israeli drive "based on its own idea and analysis." "No one issued them any orders [to do so]." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela accuses UN human rights office of conspiring with coup plotters Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 7:04 PM The Venezuelan government has ordered the local UN human rights office to "suspend its activities" and vacate its staff within 72 hours, accusing the body of conspiring against the country. Venezuela's foreign affairs minister Yvan Gil on Thursday announced the decision at a news conference in the capital Carcas. Gil said the office has been used by the community "to maintain a discourse" against the South American country. Gil added that the office had taken on an "inappropriate role" and become "the private law firm of the coup plotters and terrorists who permanently conspire against the country." He announced that the decision would remain in place until the agency "publicly rectify, before the international community, their colonialist, abusive and violating attitude of the United Nations Charter." The move comes two days after the United Nations agency expressed "deep concern" over the detention of military expert Rocio San Miguel and called for her "immediate release." Miguel was detained on Friday at the Maiquetia airport in Caracas when "she was preparing to leave the country." The Public Ministry of Venezuela confirmed on Sunday the arrest of Miguel, for allegedly being involved in an assassination plan against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking government officials. Maduro accused the US-backed opposition and the CIA of planning "terrorist attacks" to destabilize the country ahead of the presidential election this year. "Venezuela is entering a period of presidential elections, but the mercenary extreme right and the parasitic opposition will not brook the election process. They will trigger a war to harm the people; they will wage a war and terrorist attacks. They are getting ready," Maduro said last month. "The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), from its headquarters in Colombia, are preparing violent, coup-like and anti-constitutional actions against Venezuela," he added. The Venezuelan government was reported to have neutralized five assassination attempts against Maduro and other Venezuelan authorities in 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces claim 'direct hit' on British ship in Gulf of Aden Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 6:55 PM Yemen says its armed forces fired missiles at a British ship passing though the Gulf of Aden on Thursday and scored a "direct hit" in their latest operation in solidarity with the Palestinians. The forces carried out "a military operation targeting a British ship... while it was sailing through the Gulf of Aden", military spokesman Yahya Saree said on social media. Two Western maritime security agencies earlier reported an explosion near a vessel off the coast of Yemen. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the ship reported "an explosion in close proximity to the vessel" east of Yemen's Aden, adding the vessel was sailing to its next port of call. Security firm Ambrey said a "bulk carrier was targeted by an explosive projectile whilst transiting" east of Aden. The projectile, Ambrey said, exploded off the vessel and caused "minor damage due to shrapnel impacting a diesel generator pipe which led to a diesel leak". Yemen's armed forces have been targeting Israeli ships and those bound for Israeli ports since November in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza which has been subject to five months of ferocious airstrikes and a ground invasion. The Yemeni operations have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, which normally carries about 12 percent of global maritime trade. The Yemeni army says only Israeli, US and British ships are targeted, stating that other countries can rest assured of the safety of their cargoes. Last November, UK-owned ship The Galaxy Leader sailing through the Red Sea was hit by rocket fire, according to Ambrey. Yemen has declared an open war against US and British interests since the two countries launched a military campaign against the Arab country in support of Israel. On Thursday, the US military said it conducted strikes against what it claimed as mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile unmanned aerial vehicles, and an explosive unmanned surface vessel in Yemen. Yemen's Saba news agency reported several strikes on the Red Sea coastal province of Hudaydah. CENTCOM said an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched from Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. 'Failure of US, UK aggression' In a speech on Thursday, Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the United States had launched around 40 strikes this week, most of them on Hudaydah. "This equation of America threatening and everyone being a spectator is over," he said. Al-Houthi said US attacks would fail to deter Yemeni forces from striking vessels if a ceasefire in Gaza is not reached. "We will continue our operations as long as Israel continues its crimes," he said. "According to the enemies' own admission, the American and British aggression has failed to achieve its goals. Our American and British enemies have admitted the influence of the Yemeni front in supporting Gaza against the Israeli enemy," he added. The effectiveness of Yemen's operations at sea, al-Houthi said, has reached the point of preventing the traffic of ships related to the Israeli regime where their movement has almost reached zero. Al-Houthi also warned the European Union against being drawn into the US and British military campaign after member states last month gave initial backing to a naval mission in the Red Sea. "European countries should not listen to the Americans or the British, and should not involve themselves in matters that do not concern them or affect them," he said. Al-Houthi said the US bears the primary responsibility for the destruction and crimes in Gaza and the continuation of the war. "The Israeli enemy has dropped more than 25,000 tonnes of American munitions and bombs to kill the children and women of Gaza and destroy their homes." Al-Houthi said the amount of explosives used by the enemy against the people of Gaza is equivalent to four atomic bombs that the US dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. According to the Ansarullah leader, the US is directly involved in Israeli crimes through participating in the flight of warplanes, spying and identifying and providing the necessary information and planning operations and aggression against Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah responds to Israeli 'massacres' with intensive rocket fire Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 5:54 PM Hezbollah says it fired dozens of rockets into northern occupied territories, a day after Israeli raids killed 15 people in dense urban areas in Lebanon's south. In a statement issued late Thursday, Hezbollah said, "In a first response to the massacres in Nabatiyeh and Sawaneh, Islamic resistance fighters fired dozens of Katyusha-type rockets at Kiryat Shmona." The retaliation came shortly after Hezbollah said Israel would "pay the price" for killing civilians including five children in southern Lebanon, the deadliest day for Lebanese people in four months of Israeli aggression. Seven of the civilians were killed in Nabatieh late on Wednesday when an Israeli strike on the southern city hit a multi-story building. The dead were from the same extended family, and included three children. It followed an earlier attack that killed a woman and two children in the village of al-Sawana at the Lebanese border, who were buried on Thursday. The bodies of the children, wrapped in green shrouds, were so small they each fitted on two plastic chairs as people came to pay respects, Reuters reported. Their father held them tight before they were buried as another man sobbed on his shoulder, it said. "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". Hezbollah has responded to Israeli aggression in solidarity with the Palestinians with a flurry of rocket fire and precision missiles which have hit military targets. Hezbollah has said its campaign will stop only when Israel halts its war on the Gaza Strip, where more than 28,000 people have been killed according to health authorities in Gaza. On Wednesday, Hezbollah targeted a military base in Safed about 15 km from the Lebanese border with rocket fire, killing one soldier and wounding eight others. Strikes on dense urban areas far from the Lebanese border like those on Nabatieh on Wednesday are a new phase in Israeli aggression. The United Nations urged a halt to what it called a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict, which has played out in parallel to the Israeli war on Gaza and fueled concerns of a wider confrontation. Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for UNIFIL, the UN'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 Lebanon and the territories occupied by Israel. The Israeli violence has killed more than 200 people in Lebanon. Around a dozen Israeli troops and five other Israelis have been killed in retaliatory strikes by Hezbollah which have also forced Tel Aviv to evacuate settlements near the Lebanese border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Azerbaijan is creating new corridors for the export of green energy today, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev said during a panel discussion at the Security Conference in Munich, Trend reports. "The process of transition to green energy will be further accelerated. As for Azerbaijan, our emissions are only 0.1 percent. But Azerbaijan began to invest quite intensively in green energy projects, and today we are not only a country that has begun to increase green energy capacity, but also to create new corridors for the export of our green energy to other countries. We have already signed an agreement with the EU regarding the supply of green energy from Azerbaijan, from the region," he noted. Back on December 17, 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary signed a strategic collaboration agreement that calls for the development of an energy bridge connecting the Caucasus area to Europe. The agreement calls for Black Sea Energy to construct a 1,000 MW underwater power cable with a length of 1,195 kilometers. The cable will be built to transport green electricity generated in Azerbaijan through Georgia and the Black Sea to Romania, where it will be distributed to Hungary and the rest of Europe. This will allow for the supply of up to 4 GW of renewable energy. Iran calls for emergency OIC meeting on Israeli aggression in Rafah Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 2:30 PM Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amid the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, especially Rafah which faces an imminent Israeli invasion. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the plea on Thursday during phone talks with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, demanding that Muslim countries "take decisive measures against the recent aggression of the Zionist regime". Israel is preparing a ground invasion of Gaza's southern city Rafah where more than a million Palestinians have fled since the start of the war on Gaza, with a top UN official warning that it could lead to a "slaughter". Amir-Abodollahian expressed deep regret over the situation and condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Rafah, "which has so far led to the martyrdom of a large number of innocent Palestinian women and children". He said "further activity and mobility of the international community, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is important and urgently needed in order to stop these attacks". The minister also touched on the dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza and the severe shortage of basic necessities of life for the residents. He stressed the need for appropriate and urgent measures to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, especially food, medicine and pharmaceuticals. The OIC secretary expressed concern over the situation and condemned continued Israeli attacks on Gaza. He also welcomed Iran's proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and promised to follow up the issue in consultation with the member countries. Hundreds of thousands of people have been driven into Rafah, seeking shelter in a sprawling makeshift encampment near the Egyptian border. Australia, Canada and New Zealand were the latest to warn Israel not to launch a ground onslaught against Rafah, issuing a joint statement saying it would be "devastating" for the 1.5 million Palestinians trapped there. "There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go," they said. Nevertheless, Israel launched more deadly strikes on southern Gaza on Thursday, after extremist prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted he would push ahead with a "powerful" invasion of the overcrowded city of Rafah. According to Politico, the US has given Israel the green light to kill civilians in Rafah despite public comments from US officials calling for the regime to come up with a plan to protect civilians in the city. US officials told the Washington-based online political journalism network that the Biden administration was not planning any consequences for Israel if it went ahead with the Rafah invasion. "No reprimand plans are in the works, meaning Israeli forces could enter the city and harm civilians without facing American consequences," the report read. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby made clear at a press conference on Monday that the US wasn't thinking about cutting off Israel from military aid if it went ahead with the assault. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 11 civilians, including children, killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 10:45 AM At least 11 people, including children, have been killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon, according to a report. A hospital director and three Lebanese security sources told Reuters that 11 people, including six children, were killed during strikes the Israeli military carried out against villages across southern Lebanon on Wednesday. The Tel Aviv regime said in a statement that it had responded to an earlier rocket attack conducted by the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement that killed an Israeli trooper. The resistance group, however, did not announce any operations on Wednesday. Initial reports had said four civilians were killed in the strikes. Hezbollah and Israel have been trading near daily cross-border fire since the occupying regime waged a deadly war on Gaza on October 7. Hezbollah, whose constant rocket fire has prompted tens of thousands of Israeli settlers to flee from the northern areas of the occupied territories, says its operations are meant to support Gaza's resistance. Two security sources said that a woman and her two children had been killed in an Israeli strike on the village of al-Sawana on Wednesday. Another strike on a building in Nabatieh claimed the lives of four more children, three women and a man, according to the director of the town's hospital, Hassan Wazni, and three other security sources. Wazni further said that seven people were also wounded in the strikes. Sources also said that four Hezbollah fighters were also killed in separate strikes. Hezbollah has warned it would expand the anti-Israel front in the south if the occupying regime escalated its acts of aggression against the Lebanese territory and the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. The resistance group has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the usurping entity continues its aggression against Gaza, which has so far killed more than 28,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 68,200 others. On Tuesday, Hezbollah's secretary-general Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah reiterated in a televised address that his group would only stop its exchanges of fire if a full and permanent ceasefire was reached for Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, China denounce US-UK strikes on Yemen as illegal Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 8:45 AM Russia and China have denounced as illegal the strikes by the United States and United Kingdom against targets in Yemen, saying they were not authorized by the United Nations Security Council. For the past several weeks, the US and Britain have been leading a bombing campaign against Yemen, which has declared its open support for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip against Israel's brutal war on the territory since October 7. The strikes were conducted in response to a raft of operations by the Yemeni Armed Forces against Israeli ships in the Red Sea or ships bound for the occupied territories. During a UNSC meeting on Wednesday, US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood and UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward claimed that the attacks by the Yemeni army were illegal and that the US-UK strikes against the Arab country were "proportionate and legal action." However, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky and China's UN envoy Zhang Jun argued that the UN Security Council never authorized military action against Yemen. UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, for his part, said that US-UK attacks and the US designation of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement as a "Specially Designated Terrorist Group" are "concerning." Russia's Polyansky stressed that the root cause of the current situation is Israel's military offensive in Gaza which has provoked a chain reaction in West Asia, including by the Yemenis. "An immediate ceasefire in Gaza will help to stabilize the situation in the Red Sea, and the de-escalation in those waters will in turn unblock the efforts of the special envoy, Mr. Grundberg," Polyansky added. The Chinese envoy also voiced concern over the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea region, particularly the "continued military operations by certain nations" against Yemen. Zhang further called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by the Yemenis against commercial shipping and underscored the fact that the Security Council has not sanctioned any use of force against Yemen. "At this critical moment, China hopes that all parties in Yemen will prioritize the interests of the people, show determination, eliminate interference, and firmly advance the political process to achieve final results," he added. Zhang also stressed that the "most urgent task is to immediately promote a ceasefire in Gaza and take responsible actions to prevent further regional escalation." Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won't stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 28,576 people and wounded 68,291 others, come to an end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's ground invasion of Rafah disregards ICJ order, says South African envoy to UN Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 8:24 AM South Africa's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has warned that a looming Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip ignores preventive measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop breach of Palestinians' rights. "The announcement of expanded military operations in Rafah, which has turned into a de facto refugee camp, further perpetuates the displacement of Palestinians and threatens civilians' almost non-existent livelihoods," Marthinus Van Schalkwyk said in a UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of international peace and security. He further noted that the Israeli plan disregards the order of the ICJ issued on January 26, which ordered Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. Van Schalkwykm said that Israeli attacks are considered a "blatant disregard of international humanitarian law, especially non-protection of non-combatants caught in the crossfire." He added that the attacks also constitute "the deliberate denial of access to humanitarian aid, which remains rampant." He stressed that South Africa condemns all types of restrictions on humanitarian aid, targeting of infrastructure and the use of starvation as a tool of war. "This Council continues to witness the devastating effects of armed conflict on civilians, exacerbating humanitarian crises, as well as food and nutrition insecurity," the South African envoy added. Moreover, Algerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Youcef Cherfa, who attended the meeting, said that the Israeli regime does not respect even the most basic moral values and "the international community is a bystander in the face of these flagrant violations instead of putting an end to this Zionist aggression." Cherfa added that "this bombardment left nothing alive" and criticized the "systemic defamation campaign" against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), urging the council to put an immediate end to the suffering of the Palestinian people and ensure the immediate delivery of aid to the affected civilians. The remarks came after the South African government filed an urgent request at the ICJ on Monday over Israel's planned ground invasion of the city of Rafah, urging its intervention to protect Palestinian rights based on the Court's order of January 26. Last month, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. It also ordered the Israeli regime to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance. The United Nations humanitarian chief has raised alarm about Israel's potential ground invasion of Rafah, saying the raid could lead to a "slaughter" in the densely populated Gaza city and put aid operation at "death's door." Martin Griffiths said in a statement on Wednesday that more than half of Gaza's population are now "crammed in Rafah, staring death in the face," noting that they "have little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, nowhere to sleep, nowhere safe to go." The attacks are focusing on Rafah, situated in the Gaza Strip's closed southern border with Egypt, which is home to nearly 1.5 million Palestinians who have been displaced due to Israel's genocidal war on the besieged territory. More than 28,500 Palestinians have been killed and at least 68,000 have been wounded in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's latest aggression which began in October last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Feb. 14: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 7:16 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 28,600 Palestinians so far, 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 Tuesday, February 14, are as follows: Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Feb. 14: In a joint operation with the Ansar Brigades, shelled concentrations of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles with a barrage of mortar shells in the northern Gaza Strip. Shelled Askalan and other illegal Israeli settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip with a barrage of rockets. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Feb. 14: Shelled illegal Israeli settlements in the southern Gaza Strip with a rocket barrage. Hezbollah's operations on Feb. 14: Launched a series of missile attacks on the occupied city of Safed, resulting in several Israeli casualties. Iron Dome failed to intercept the missiles, according to Israeli media. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Houthis Attack UK Ship in Gulf of Aden - Military Spokesman Sputnik News 20240215 DOHA (Sputnik) - The Yemeni navy attacked the British ship Lycavitos under the flag of Barbados with anti-ship missiles in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said. "UK vessel Lycavitos was attacked in the Gulf of Aden by anti-ship missiles with a direct hit on the target. We will continue to hamper the passage of ships associated with Israel until the aggression in the Gaza Strip ceases and the blockade is lifted," Saree stressed. Earlier in the day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that it had received a report of an attack on a vessel 85 nautical miles east of the Yemeni city of Aden. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Evacuation of Refugees in Rafah to Supposed Safe Zone is 'Illusion' - UN Sputnik News 20240215 GENEVA (Sputnik) - The evacuation of refugees from the Rafah city to the supposed safe zone is an illusion, as there is no safe place in the Gaza Strip, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has said. "There is not anywhere safe for people to go in Gaza, it is an illusion to think there is some wonderful part of Gaza where you can go and be safe from the war because the displacement continues ... as the war spreads," Griffiths said, commenting on the evacuation of people from Rafah. Critical infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including medical facilities, is being systematically destroyed, which makes it impossible for international organizations to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the war, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Secretary General Christopher Lockyer said. A total of 827 attacks on medical facilities in the enclave have been registered since October 7, 2023, Altaf Musani, the World Health Organization Director of the Health Emergencies Interventions said. The number includes attacks on hospitals, patients, personnel and ambulances, he added. On October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip-controlling Hamas movement 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 were 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. At least 28,663 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 Strikes Military Equipment in Houthi-Controlled Part of Yemen - CENTCOM Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Thursday its forces had carried out four strikes against military equipment of Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, which allegedly posed a threat to US vessels passing through the Red Sea. "On Feb. 14, between the hours of 1p.m. - 7:30p.m. (Sanaa time) [10:00-16:30 GMT], U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully conducted four self-defense strikes against seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), three mobile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and one explosive unmanned surface vessel (USV) in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen, that were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea," CENTCOM said in a statement. The equipment presented an urgent threat to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region, the command stated, adding that the actions of the US forces had been solely aimed at protecting the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Requires $5.4Bln for Defense Spending in 2024 - Polish Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union requires 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) for defense spending in 2024, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Thursday. "It was supposed to be 12 billion euros. We spent 7 billion of it. This year we definitely need 5 billion," Sikorski said on air of Polish Television. The money could be used to fund "procurements and European opportunities in addition to national armies," he explained. In March 2021, the European Peace Facility mechanism was established to provide additional funding for EU actions with military and defense implications. It has a total budget of over 12 billion euros for the period from 2021-2027. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada, Australia, New Zealand Urge Israel to Nix Plans for Rafah Ground Offensive Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a a joint statement on Thursday urging Israel not to commence its planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and warning of catastrophic consequences for Palestinians of expanding the Israeli military operation. "We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of our citizens and their families. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path," Australia's Anthony Albanese, Canada's Justin Trudeau and Christopher Luxon of New Zealand said in the statement. The three prime ministers also reminded Israel of the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) under which the nation is obliged to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and protect civilians. The need for humanitarian assistance in the Palestinian enclave "has never been greater," the statement read. "Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain steadfast in their commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity," the prime ministers added. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting over 200. The attack prompted a retaliatory military operation by Israel, leading to the deaths of more than 28,500 people in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities. In November 2023, 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 Gaza. The ceasefire expired on December 1, 2023, after several extensions. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In January 2024, the ICJ ruled on provisional measures in South Africa's case against Israel over alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip. The court ordered Israel to take urgent measures to prevent acts of genocide and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to the enclave. At the same time, the ICJ did not order an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. We will visit Nairobi, Kenya next week to participate in discussions on climate action, Minister of Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev said during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports. "For the COP29 presidency, the Munich Security Conference provides an excellent opportunity to hear diverse ideas and priorities concerning climate change. Last week, we visited the UAE, and next week, we will be in Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in additional discussions. Simultaneously, we are currently in the process of listening to and absorbing various initiatives and ideas from all countries. All of this will provide an opportunity to make good decisions in Baku," he said. The minister noted that COP29 scheduled to be held in Baku in November 2024 will focus on transparency and inclusivity. "We would like to invite everyone to participate in this fantastic event. We believe that valuable conclusions can be drawn from the discussions. This presents an excellent opportunity to carry forward the significant consensus established in Dubai to Baku and eventually to Brazil. The collaboration between these three countries offers a promising chance to advance the climate agenda," Babayev added. The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made official on December 11, 2023, in Dubai. On January 4, 2024, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, was appointed as President of COP29. Houthis Reportedly 'Ready for New Escalation' If Israel Continues Operation in Gaza Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Yemen's Ansar Allah rebel movement, also known as the Houthis, is ready for a new escalation in the Red Sea and is planning to keep attacking vessels if Israel continues its ground operation in the Gaza Strip, the movement's senior political official, Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, told ITV News on Thursday. The Houthis are mulling various options for possible escalation, he said. When asked whether the options included attacks against embassies and bases of the United Kingdom and the United States, Al-Bukhaiti told the broadcaster that "such operations are not on the table now," but the movement had "many options to escalate if there is American and British escalation that targets Yemeni civilians." "If we had rockets and warplanes that could reach deep into the US and UK, of course, we would hit them without any hesitation, as long as they are attacking Yemen, this is a legitimate right for Yemen," he was quoted as saying by ITV News. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO's European Allies Collectively at 2% GDP Defense Spending for 1st Time Ever By Carla Babb February 15, 2024 This year, for the first time since the alliance's creation, NATO's European allies will spend 2% of their collective GDP on defense, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Thursday. "In 2024, NATO allies in Europe will invest a combined total of $380 billion in defense," said Stoltenberg. Eighteen of the 31 NATO members this year will spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense, the 2024 goal set by NATO members a decade ago in response to defense concerns following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, Stoltenberg added. Brad Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, praised the "significant and positive progress" on spending but warned that "more needs to be done." "Every capital neglecting its commitment and failing to meet the spending floor this year has some serious explaining to do. We are witnessing the worst invasion in Europe since World War II. What the heck are those remaining governments waiting for?" Bowman told VOA. Poland and the United States are expected to lead NATO's defense spending as a percentage of each countries' GDP, while Luxembourg spends the least amount of its GDP on defense. Stoltenberg warned member countries on Thursday against allowing a wedge to be driven between the United States and other NATO members. Concern has spread about Washington's commitment to its allies should Donald Trump return to office, after Trump, the current Republican front-runner for president, said Saturday he once warned that he would "encourage" Russians "to do whatever the hell they want" to NATO members that are "delinquent" in devoting 2% of GDP to defense. Democratic President Joe Biden has branded Trump's remarks "dangerous" and "un-American." Stoltenberg on Thursday said he was confident that the U.S. would remain a "staunch ally," because "it is in the national security interest of the United States to have a strong NATO," and because there is still "broad bipartisan support for NATO in the United States." "The criticism in the United States is not primarily against NATO. It's against NATO allies not spending enough money on NATO," he added, calling it a "fair case to raise from the U.S." for many years. "But things have really changed," he said, pointing out that by the end of this year, NATO's European allies and Canada will have added more than $600 billion to defense since the 2014 pledge. Trump, who took office more than two years after the 2014 pledge was made in Wales, bragged on Saturday that NATO was "busted" until he came along and "got them to pay up." According to NATO data, the bloc's European wing did increase collective expenditures on defense from 1.48% of GDP in 2017, Trump's first year in office, to 1.75% in his last year, 2020. But much of that rise was the result of small annual increases in total dollar expenditures that started in 2015 and continued through 2022, even as the region's economies were shrinking during the COVID pandemic. Spending as a percentage of GDP remained relatively flat and even fell back to 1.70% over the next two years as the countries' economies improved but shot up sharply after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reaching 2%. "Success has many parents, but Russian President Vladimir Putin deserves more credit than anyone for NATO's growing strength and solidarity," FDD's Bowman said. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. After Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO's heads of state and government agreed to spend 2% of their GDP on defense by 2024. Stoltenberg on Thursday praised the alliance for its support of Ukraine, saying that NATO allies accounted for 99% of military aid to Kyiv. "Since Russia's invasion, the United States has provided Ukraine with around $75 billion in military aid, financial and humanitarian aid. Other NATO allies and partners have provided over $100 billion, so our support is an example of true transatlantic burden sharing." The U.S. has not sent a new round of aid to Ukraine since late December, when funding ran out. The Senate passed a new bill that includes more than $60 billion for Ukraine, and that appears to have support from Democrats and some Republicans in the House of Representatives. But the legislation faces opposition from Republican leaders who currently control the House's agenda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Signs Agreement to Build Bases for Elite Somali Army Force By Mohamed Olad Hassan February 15, 2024 The United States and Somalia's government on Thursday signed a security pact that they presented as a road map toward building a functional Somali army, capable of taking over security responsibilities and the fight against al-Shabab militants. In a ceremony presided over by Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of five military bases for Somalia's National Army. According to a statement from Somalia's National News Agency, SONNA, the bases will be for the Danab Brigade, the U.S.-trained elite unit of the army. "Within several months we are looking forward to reaching the 3,000 Danab personnel target set in 2017. The Danab also is being prepared to take over many of the essential functions required to sustain and grow the force, and it is already taking on a greater responsibility for recruiting and training," said Molly Phee, U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs. Phee, who was at the ceremony, said the U.S. is supporting Somalia so its army can take on al-Shabab. "We recognize that reliance on temporary and often inadequate camps hamper the Danab's preparedness and could represent an obstacle to the brigade's sustainability and growth," she said. "Our shared goal is to have the [Somali National Army] exercise full control over base operations when the facilities are completed, and the MoU just provides the blueprint to do that," she said. She said the memorandum of understanding for construction of the bases "reflects our confidence in the future of the Danab and the scale of our investment in Somalia's security." Speaking at the ceremony, Mohamud thanked the U.S. government for its support. "U.S. investments in the SNA/Danab have borne fruit, fueling a formidable strike force that leads the offensives of the forces of Somali security against al-Shabab," Mohamud said. The signing of the memorandum of understanding comes as tensions in the Horn of Africa simmer over a January 1 deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The deal would grant Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea in return for the possible recognition of breakaway Somaliland. Somalia's federal government vehemently criticized the deal, saying it would infringe on the country's territory. Somaliland has operated independently from Somalia since 1991 but is not recognized by any other nation. Last week, the Turkish and Somali defense ministers signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement to enhance relations. During a visit to Cairo this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has defense agreements with Libya, Somalia and Sudan, and that Ankara stands for maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries. In January, after news broke of the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt said, "Egypt will not allow any threat to Somalia." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On First Trip to Albania, Blinken Lauds 'Extraordinary Partnership' By VOA News February 15, 2024 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Albania for the first time on Thursday as part of efforts to "reaffirm the strength of the United States' relations" with the Balkan nation, according to State Department officials. Remarking upon the "extraordinary partnership" between the countries, Blinken commended Albania for its stance protecting Ukrainian sovereignty and its role as U.N. Security Council Chair in 2023, calling Tirana a "key partner for stability in the Western Balkans and a firm ally in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Following a warm welcome featuring large posters of Blinken's face on buildings, the top U.S. diplomat met with key officials including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and President Bajram Begaj. Begaj praised Blinken's leadership, expressing gratitude for the administration's work for "Albania, for Kosovo and in the region." Blinken reciprocated the sentiments, calling the relationship critical to prevailing geopolitical challenges. Efforts to deepen U.S.-Albanian ties come as Tirana seeks EU integration and an ongoing role within NATO, which the U.S. supports. Later this month, Albania is set to host an international summit on the situation in Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend. Blinken also met with young Albanians during a youth forum at the Tirana Pyramid, a onetime monument to former Albanian leader Enver Hoxha, who led the country into isolation, but has since been converted into a hub for education and innovation. During the event, "Celebrating the Future of the U.S.-Albania Relationship," Blinken thanked the organizers for their stewardship of bilaterial ties and praised Rama's leadership, calling him "both an extraordinary leader and an extraordinary partner." Blinken's stop in Tirana will be followed by a visit to Munich, where he'll join the U.S. delegation to the Munich Security Conference, led by Vice President Kamala Harris. Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Urges World Court to Reject South Africa Appeal Over Rafah By VOA News February 15, 2024 The International Court of Justice should reject a South African request that the court issue additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights in Rafah, Israel argued to the World Court. Israel said that the emergency measures issued by the ICJ last month already cover "the situation of hostilities in Gaza as a whole," according to documents released Thursday by the ICJ. Israel asked the World Court to reject South Africa's request, which was filed on Tuesday. In that filing, South Africa said there had been a "significant development" since the court's January ruling, meaning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announced offensive on Rafah. 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. It was not clear when the judges will rule on South Africa's latest request. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza. The war started then with the shock Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies and led to the capture of about 240 hostages, 100 of whom were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Since Israel began its air and ground offensive in Gaza, it has defended its practice of ordering people to evacuate parts of the Gaza Strip throughout the war, saying the warnings are for the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians. The repeated evacuations and the war's move from northern Gaza toward the south have pushed more than half of Gaza's population to seek refuge in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Australia, Canada and New Zealand on Thursday became the latest to join in an international expression of concern for the Palestinians in Rafah ahead of an expected ground offensive by Israeli forces. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a joint statement that an Israeli operation in Rafah "would be catastrophic." "With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go," the leaders said. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed similar concerns in a phone call with Netanyahu on Wednesday, days after U.S. President Joe Biden also voiced his opposition to a Rafah attack. Netanyahu has not given an indication of when a Rafah offensive might take place, but he said Wednesday his military will continue its fight against Hamas militants in Gaza. "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. Earlier Thursday, Israel's military conducted an operation inside the main hospital in southern Gaza, while Gaza health officials said Israeli fire killed one person and wounded several others at the site. An Israel Defense Forces statement said the military had credible intelligence "indicating that Hamas held hostages at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis and that there may be bodies of our hostages in the Nasser hospital facility." The IDF repeated its accusation that Hamas fighters are using Palestinian civilians as human shields and said Israeli forces had warned people to stay away from the area for their own safety. "Our message to them is clear: We seek no harm to innocent civilians. We seek to find our hostages and bring them home. We seek to hunt down Hamas terrorists wherever they may be hiding," the IDF said. The Hamas-run health ministry said last week that Israeli sniper fire in the area had prevented people from leaving, while medics warned the situation at the hospital was not safe. 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 Israeli Forces Carry Out Operation Inside Khan Younis Hospital By VOA News February 15, 2024 Israel's military said it was conducting an operation Thursday inside the main hospital in southern Gaza, while Gaza health officials said Israeli fire killed one person and wounded several others at the site. An Israel Defense Forces statement said the military had credible intelligence "indicating that Hamas held hostages at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis and that there may be bodies of our hostages in the Nasser hospital facility." The IDF repeated its accusation that Hamas fighters are using Palestinian civilians as human shields and said Israeli forces had warned people to stay away from the area for their own safety. "Our message to them is clear: We seek no harm to innocent civilians. We seek to find our hostages and bring them home. We seek to hunt down Hamas terrorists wherever they may be hiding," the IDF said. The Hamas-run health ministry said last week that Israeli sniper fire in the area had prevented people from leaving, while medics warned the situation at the hospital was not safe. Doctors Without Borders condemned the evacuation order and said its staff at the hospital were treating patients "amid near impossible conditions." "People have been forced into an impossible situation: stay at Nasser Hospital against the Israeli military's orders and become a potential target, or exit the compound into an apocalyptic landscape where bombings and evacuation orders are a part of daily life," said Lisa Macheiner, Doctors Without Borders project coordinator in Gaza. "Hospitals should be considered as safe places and shouldn't even be evacuated in the first place." Israel has defended its practice of ordering people to evacuate parts of the Gaza Strip throughout the war, saying the warnings are for the safety and protection of Palestinian civilians. The repeated evacuations, and the war's move from northern Gaza toward the south, have pushed more than half of Gaza's population to seek refuge in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Australia, Canada and New Zealand Thursday became the latest to join in an international expression of concern for the Palestinians in Rafah ahead of an expected ground offensive by Israeli forces. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a joint statement that an Israeli operation in Rafah "would be catastrophic." "With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go," the leaders said. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed similar concerns in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday, days after U.S. President Joe Biden also voiced his opposition to a Rafah attack. Netanyahu has not given an indication of when a Rafah offensive might take place, but he said Wednesday his military will continue its fight against Hamas militants in Gaza. "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. Netanyahu's office also said Wednesday that Hamas had presented no new offer in the latest talks to stop the four-month war and release more of the 100 or so hostages the militants are believed to be holding in Gaza. Hamas has been demanding that Israel withdraw all its troops from Gaza and allow the militants to continue to rule the territory along the Mediterranean Sea. "A change in Hamas' positions will make it possible to move forward in the negotiations," Netanyahu's office said. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct. 7, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The war started then with the shock Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies and led to the capture of about 240 hostages, 100 of whom were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. 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 Under Sanctions, Taliban Pay Debts, Seek More Electricity From Neighbors By Akmal Dawi February 15, 2024 Afghanistan has cleared its outstanding electricity debts to three Central Asian neighbors and is negotiating for an increase in energy supplies, a move that could signal the Taliban government is moving toward economic stabilization. Landlocked Afghanistan relies heavily on energy imports, obtaining more than 70 percent of its electricity from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as some from Iran. This year, Tajikistan officials say they will export 1.9 billion kilowatt-hours of power to Afghanistan, a 17% boost from last year. Taliban officials are actively seeking further increases from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, according to DABS, the Taliban-run national electricity company of Afghanistan. In December, Afghanistan renewed electricity purchase agreements with the three Central Asian republics, securing continued energy supply. Afghanistan's electricity payments fell into arrears following the collapse of the former government in August 2021. This prompted service cut-off threats from some suppliers. Facing severe banking and economic sanctions, the new Taliban government struggled to make timely payments for nearly a year. Last week, a spokesperson for DABS said Kabul paid a staggering $627 million in bills incurred by the former government. However, Amanullah Ghalib, a former DABS director, disputes this figure. "The outstanding payments were $40 to $50 million tops," Ghalib told VOA. "Payments were due every two weeks, and delinquencies incurred strict fines and fees. It was not like DABS had not paid for years or months." Afghanistan pays approximately $250 million annually for 600 to 650 megawatts of imported electricity, Ghalib added. VOA reached out to the spokesperson for DABS for clarification on the payment and amount, but he declined to comment. Business over politics Despite none of the three Central Asian energy suppliers officially recognizing the interim Taliban government, economic interests continue to drive their ongoing deals with Kabul. While Turkmenistan maintains robust trade with Afghanistan, Tajikistan has offered shelter to some anti-Taliban insurgents, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has called for the formation of an inclusive Afghan government. "Economic interests make them deal with the Taliban," said Ghalib about relations between Afghanistan and its neighbors. With warnings of economic collapse following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan's economic picture remains complex. Donors, who provided more than half of the former Afghan government's budget, cut off development aid, imposed sanctions on the country's fragile banking sector, and froze more than $9 billion of its financial assets abroad. However, the World Bank reports that the Afghan currency has remained stable against others, annual domestic revenue hit about $2 billion, and exports reached $1.9 billion in 2023. "While there are a few bright spots in the overall macroeconomic picture of Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the economy's overall situation is deeply troubling," Khaled Payenda, former Afghan finance minister, told VOA. Poverty and unemployment have risen sharply in the country since the Taliban's return to power, aid agencies have reported. "The Afghan economy cannot be sustainable in the long run without a growth engine, which has been missing," Payenda said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Will 'Respect' Indonesian Vote Results, White House Says By Patsy Widakuswara February 15, 2024 The White House said Thursday that it would accept the results of Indonesia's presidential election in which Prabowo Subianto, a former army general who for more than a decade was banned from entering the United States because of allegations linked to human rights abuses, has claimed victory. "We'll make our congratulations known at the appropriate time. I couldn't give you a date certain or time certain for that because I understand that the results are still coming in," John Kirby, national security communications adviser, said to VOA during a White House briefing. "We will respect the vote and the voice of the Indonesian people." Preliminary counts from several survey institutions showed that Prabowo, who like most Indonesians goes by his first name, outperformed rivals Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, securing more than 50% of votes the threshold to avoid a runoff election. The official tally from the General Election Commission is set to be released next month. But Prabowo has claimed that he's won, telling thousands of his supporters in the capital, Jakarta, that this was "the victory of all Indonesians." In 2020, the Trump administration dropped the de facto ban on Prabowo's entry into the United States that was imposed over accusations of human rights abuses, including the abduction and torture of pro-democracy activists during the 1998 ouster of his then- father-in-law, President Suharto, and involvement with military crimes in East Timor. Pressed by VOA on whether the Biden administration was comfortable with Prabowo's track record, Kirby underscored that human rights have been "the very foundation" of Biden's foreign policy. "There's not a conversation he has anywhere in the world with foreign leaders where he's not raising issues and concerns about human rights and civil rights," he said. "That's not going to change." Prabowo has promised to continue the widely popular policies of outgoing President Joko Widodo. Jokowi, as he is often called, governed with an "economy-first" modernization agenda that has brought rapid gross domestic product growth, ushering Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, into the ranks of middle-income countries. Jokowi defeated Prabowo in previous elections, but this year signaled support for his former rival through his eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, who ran with Prabowo as vice president. Gibran was able to join Prabowo's ticket only after the country's constitutional court created an exception to a rule that candidates must be at least 40 years old. That fueled criticism that Jokowi was trying to create a political dynasty in the world's third-largest democracy. Those concerns will largely be overlooked by Washington, considering Indonesia's pivotal role in the U.S. geopolitical contest for influence with China and international efforts to mitigate climate change. Indonesia is the biggest exporter of coal and claims the world's biggest reserves of nickel, a key component of electric car batteries. "If the results show a Prabowo victory next month, then I would expect the U.S. to treat Minister Prabowo the same way that it treated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was elected in 2014, waiving any remaining restrictions on engagement with him," Aaron Connelly, research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told VOA. Biden welcomed Modi for a glitzy state visit at the White House last year. The president's embrace of the autocratic-leaning Hindu nationalist, whose government has overseen a crackdown on press freedom and opposition leaders, has been criticized by lawmakers and activists who say the administration is prioritizing geopolitical expediency over human rights. Just as with India, which Washington sees as a counterweight to China, the United States is keen to foster closer ties with Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world and an important voice of the Global South. For months, Jakarta and Washington have been discussing a potential minerals partnership aimed at facilitating nickel trade. Indonesia's nickel mining and refining industry has been largely dependent on investment from Chinese companies and besieged by environmental concerns, hence limiting its access to the U.S. market. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela Shuts Down UN Human Rights Office, Expels Staff By VOA News February 15, 2024 Venezuela on Thursday ordered the U.N. human rights office in Caracas to shut down all operations, ordering the staff to leave the country within three days. During a news conference, Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil announced the decision, saying that the office had played an "inappropriate role" and had become the "private law firm of the coup plotters and terrorists who permanently conspire against the country." He added that the decision would remain in effect until the office publicly rectified its "colonialist, abusive and violating attitude of the United Nations Charter." The announcement came after the human rights office criticized Venezuela's decision to detain human rights attorney Rocio San Miguel, an incident that has drawn domestic and international concern. The government detained her for what it said was her role in an alleged U.S.-backed plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The human rights office urged Venezuela on the social media platform X to immediately release San Miguel and to grant her the right of legal defense. San Miguel was detained at an airport close to Caracas while waiting for a flight to Miami with her daughter. She was detained on Friday, although authorities didn't announce it until Sunday, according to The Associated Press. Further, the AP said her attorney had not been allowed to meet with her as of Wednesday. Members of San Miguel's family were detained as well, including her daughter, ex-husband, two brothers and former partner. Her former partner is still in custody, but the others have been released. Attorney General Tarek William Saab said on Tuesday that San Miguel was being held at the Helicoide Prison, which is known for detaining political prisoners. In the run-up to Venezuela's presidential election, its highest court banned opposition rival Maria Corina Machado's candidacy last month, garnering international criticism. The United States has said it is reviewing its Venezuela sanctions policy. According to Marta Valinas, chairwoman of an independent U.N. Human Rights Council fact-finding mission to Venezuela, the acts of repression toward political opponents "are not isolated incidents, but rather ... a coordinated plan to silence critics and perceived opponents." Saab dismissed the claim as part of a "ferocious campaign from abroad" against Venezuela and its justice system. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden Phasing Out Development Aid to Cambodia, Spurring Anxiety By Sun Narin February 15, 2024 The Swedish government will phase out bilateral development cooperation with Cambodia by the end of this year, raising concerns among civil society groups likely to see their budgets shrink. In 2023, the Swedish government provided about $17 million to civil society groups in Cambodia focusing on strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law, according to data from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs pointed to the war in Ukraine as forcing the country to refocus its foreign aid when it made the announcement in December, but the decision comes as Western donors have criticized Cambodia's democratic backsliding over the past decade. "The Swedish government wants Sweden's development assistance to be used as effectively as possible, and that it is used where it does the most good. Limited resources and increasing needs abroad mean that the government must set difficult but necessary priorities for Sweden's development assistance," the ministry told VOA Khmer in an email in January. "The Swedish government has therefore decided to phase out our bilateral development cooperation with Cambodia during 2024. The phasing-out of the bilateral development cooperation will be done in a responsible manner, and in dialogue with other donors and partners to minimize negative consequences," it added. Pen Bona, a spokesperson for the Cambodian government, played down Sweden's decision and any potential impact on the Cambodian population. "They [donors] see and evaluate that Cambodia doesn't need the NGOs to continue working on [those issues] since the government has worked on that," Pen Bona said in a phone interview on February 8. "Some NGOs make bad reports about Cambodia to receive funding," he added. A group of 100 civil society associations including communities, unions, youth networks and media organizations wrote a letter to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, saying they were "seriously concerned" about the announcement. The decision, the Cambodian civil society groups said, "will have an immediate and devastating impact on civil society organizations and other nongovernmental entities that have stringent labor and other legal obligations to their staff members and the Cambodians they serve," read the letter, dated January 18, obtained by VOA Khmer. The letter said the decision to phase out funding would affect more than 30 organizations and multilateral institutions that rely directly or indirectly on this support and would be "detrimental to tens of thousands of Cambodians who look to Sweden as a reliable partner in the promotion of human rights, democracy, gender equality, youth empowerment and rule of law." The groups called on the Swedish government to reconsider the decision or give the NGOs more time to find alternate funding sources. "Sweden's decision to phase out SIDA funding for Cambodia will also leave a vacuum in the country that will be filled by geopolitical players like China and Russia whose interests may not align with those of Sweden, impacting Sweden's efforts to strengthen Cambodia's economic growth," the groups said. In a response letter, Diana Janse, state secretary to Johan Forssell, Sweden's minister for international development cooperation and foreign trade, said Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents a paradigm shift with extensive political, economic and humanitarian consequences. "In conjunction to this, the government has decided to reduce the number of countries that we have bilateral development cooperation with Cambodia regretfully being one of them," Janse wrote to the NGOs in a letter obtained last week by VOA Khmer. "We have, as you point out, been a long-term supporter of human rights and democracy in Cambodia. We will therefore do our utmost to ensure a responsible phasing out," she said. Effects on women Sdeung Phearong, executive director of the Banteay Srei Organization, which works on women's empowerment, told VOA Khmer in a phone interview on February 8 that her organization had received funds from SIDA that account for about 15% to 30% of core funds. The backing has been channeled through an international NGO. "The decision [to phase out] will impact the women victims who receive assistance from us," she told VOA Khmer, adding that her organization had received funding from SIDA for more than 10 years. "It is so immediate," Sdeung Phearong said, calling on the Swedish government to reconsider or delay the decision until 2025 or 2026 so the NGOs in Cambodia have more time to seek replacement donors. Pech Pisey, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, an NGO, said in a phone interview on February 7 that his group would also be affected by the decrease in Swedish funding. Besides the global security needs and challenges, Pech Pisey said, Sweden was facing the reality that "there is no positive change" in fundamental democracy and human rights in Cambodia. The Swedish government closed its embassy in Phnom Penh and phased out bilateral cooperation with Cambodia in 2021. "The democratic space in Cambodia has been severely restricted in recent years. This has made it difficult to pursue broad and close cooperation," Peter Eriksson, then the Swedish minister for international development cooperation, said in November 2020. The Swedish ministry said on January 25 in an email to VOA Khmer that it would continue to be a strong voice for human rights and democracy in Cambodia through its role in the European Union. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, the publication of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on X says, Trend reports. According to the information, during the meeting, the sides discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral agenda between the two countries, as well as the prospects of the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a bilateral basis. "Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that Armenia's provocation, which led to the wounding of an Azerbaijani serviceman as a result of a sniper shot without any provoking factors after five months of stability, is aimed at undermining the peace process. At the same time, the unacceptability of the large-scale abuse of the European Union mission in Armenia as a means of anti-Azerbaijani propaganda, and 'binocular diplomacy' conducted by them, contrary to the declared objectives such as promotion of regional stability as well as building trust between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was emphasized. As for the draft peace agreement, the existing claims against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country in the legislative acts and constitution of Armenia, international organizations, and courts were mentioned once again and the importance of rejecting those claims was stressed. During the meeting the sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest," the publication says. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NATO Defence Ministers met in Brussels Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic 16.2.2024 NATO strengthens its defence posture and shall continue supporting Ukraine in countering the Russian aggression - these were the key topics of the recent Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels The Ministers agreed that enhancement of military capabilities, due to Russia's aggression and expansionism, requires sufficient resourcing - above all defence budgets amounting to no less than 2% GDP. The Czech delegation was headed by Defence Minister Jana Cernochova. "For us, 2024 is the first year when the Czech defence budget is subject to a new Act on Defence Financing. Starting this year, we shall invest no less than 2% GDP into defence," said Minister Cernochova and added that she informed the Allies of the promulgation of the Act and its effects. The Ministers also discussed the ways to strengthen NATO's defence and deterrence. Minister Cernochova apprised the NATO Allies of the Czech Republic's staunch commitment to assign sufficient forces for the contingency of a collective defence operation. "Our contribution to NATO defence now comprises a substantial part of the Czech Armed Forces," said the Minister. The session also marked a milestone in the preparations of NATO Summit which shall be held in Washington D.C. in July 2024 and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Alliance. The preparation process also includes an informal NATO Foreign Ministerial Meeting which shall take place in Prague at the end of May. Besides the North Atlantic Council meeting, a session of the NATO-Ukraine Council with the participation of Ukraine was held on the same date. The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), which associates the countries supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, convened online the day before. This means that two out of three ministerial sessions were dedicated to Ukraine, which testifies to the significance the Alliance attributes to the fight against the aggressor. In the videoconference, Deputy Minister Daniel Blazkovec represented Minister Cernochova. "Ukraine is our first line of defence and we need to persevere in our support," Minister Cernochova underscored. Apart from supplying materiel, the Czech Republic shall continue the training of Ukrainian service members as part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM). "Within EUMAM, the Czech Republic has trained approximately 4,000 service members, which is roughly 10% of the EU total. We intend to train a similar number this year," she added. Furthermore, Minister Cernochova and her Canadian counterpart Minister Bill Blair signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech and Canadian Defence Ministry in Brussels. The document delineates the framework for cooperation between the Defence Ministries in many areas. The document also provides for strengthening cooperation on military assistance to Ukraine. "Our countries share the responsibility for defence in the North Atlantic area, which is a challenging task, especially during an open aggression by Russia. Today we signed this Memorandum of Understanding that will bring our defence cooperation to a whole new level," said Minister Cernochova. The document supersedes the previous MoU from August 1994, which no longer answered the current needs of cooperation. It covers the areas for the two Ministries to cooperate on, such as training, research, education and logistics. The MoU also specifically addresses military support to Ukraine, as it allows for a closer cooperation in this field. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 16, 2024 By Joseph Clark , DOD News Harris Affirms U.S. Commitment to Stand With Allies, Lead in 'Unsettled Times' Vice President Kamala Harris today underscored the critical role of U.S. leadership as world leaders confront global conflicts and threats to international peace and stability. Speaking at this year's Munich Security Conference in Germany, Harris noted Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and increased instability and conflict in the Middle East. She also highlighted competition with China, the emergence of transformative technology, and the threat that the climate crisis will compound the risk to international order. "In these unsettled times, it is clear America cannot retreat," Harris said. "America must stand strong for democracy. We must stand in defense of international rules and norms. And we must stand with our allies." Harris said her address came amid questions about the future of America's role as a global leader. "These are questions that the American people must also ask ourselves: whether it is in America's interest to fight for democracy or to accept the rise of dictators and whether it is in America's interest to continue to work lockstep with our allies and partners or go it alone," she said. The United States' response to those questions reverberates far beyond its shores, affecting not only the American people, but people throughout the world, the vice president said. "As President [Joe] Biden and I have made clear over the past three years, we are committed to [pursuing] global engagement, to [upholding] international rules and norms, to [defending] democratic values at home and abroad, and to [working] with our allies and partners in pursuit of shared goals," Harris said. That commitment to global engagement has translated to significant investments in building alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific a key component of the United States' strategy to manage competition with China. In the Middle East, the U.S. has led international efforts to realize an end to the conflict in Israel and humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas terrorists. The U.S. has also led efforts to counter regional aggression from Iran and its proxies and created an international maritime task force to counter attacks by Houthi rebels on global shipping in the Red Sea. U.S. leadership has also been critical in Ukraine's defense against Russia's ongoing invasion, which will soon enter its third year. Earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III affirmed the United States' unwavering resolve as he kicked off the 19th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group - a U.S.-led coalition of nearly 50 countries united to support Ukraine's short- and long-term battlefield needs. "When [Russian President Vladimir] Putin launched his unjust and unprovoked war of choice, he was betting that Ukraine would fold," Austin said as he led the virtual meeting of the UDCG from Washington. "But he couldn't have been more wrong." The secretary praised the courage and skill with which Ukraine has fought back against Russia's full-scale invasion and the determination of international partners who have rallied in support of Ukraine's defenders. "The countries of this contact group, almost two years later, are still united in common purpose," Austin said. "The Kremlin keeps on betting that we will all lose interest in Ukraine and that our support will flicker and fade, but I am more determined than ever. "This contact group remains resolute, undaunted and firm," he said. In her address in Munich, Harris also affirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to NATO under the Biden administration, an alliance she said is now "larger, more effective and more unified than ever before." Harris said the U.S. must continue to build on its progress and stand side by side with allies against tyranny and in defense of democracy. "That is what represents the ideals of America," Harris said. "And the American people know that is what makes us strong. The American people will meet this moment, and America will continue to lead." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 16, 2024 By Jim Garamone , DOD News Ratner Describes Strategy Driven Changes in Indo-Pacific In only two years, U.S. officials have made many positive inroads with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific. Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, shared his thoughts on the second anniversary of the Indo-Pacific strategy during a presentation at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, yesterday. He spoke alongside representatives from the White House and State Department, illustrating the whole-of-government approach of the strategy. The Indo-Pacific Strategy is an outgrowth of President Joe Biden's National Security Strategy, which spawned the National Defense Strategy. That strategy says China is America's pacing challenge and recognizes that China is the only nation with the will and, increasingly, the capabilities to overturn the rules-based international order that has kept peace between great powers since the end of World War II. Ratner said the strategy is all about "a shared vision that we have with our allies and partners. I think the degree of strategic alignment between the United States and our major allies and partners ... throughout the Indo-Pacific is unprecedented." In two short years, the Defense portion of the strategy has meant a more capable force, being more forward positioned and working more closely with allies and partners, Ratner said. Ratner pointed to the Quad partnership among Australia, India, Japan and the United States as an example of the ways nations are working together. He specifically mentioned the Quad is delivering greater maritime domain awareness. He also spoke of the growth in partnership with India. Both nations have accelerated integration in the defense industrial sector. "We've been working very intensely with the Indian government on their efforts to deepen their indigenous, defense industrial base through some really exciting co-production, co-development opportunities in areas such as jet fighter engines and armored vehicles," he said. Ratner also spoke of the Australia, United Kingdom and United States trilateral agreement, known as AUKUS, and what it will mean with Australia developing conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. The agreement will also mean the three nations will work on other cutting-edge military capabilities. On the practical side, the United States is bringing more capability and capacity to the region with our allies and partners, and American forces are positioned forward and are more mobile and distributed, Ratner said. "2023 stood as the most transformative year in our regional force posture in a generation," he said. "And there's more to come in the years ahead." DOD officials are reaching out to allies and partners in the region, working to build capabilities, and conducting exercises with nations. This builds ties between like-minded nations. More must be done, Ratner said. The most immediate is to secure Compact of Free Association funds from Congress. These are compacts between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. State Department officials have negotiated an agreement with these nations that will go through 2043. Total U.S. funding for the agreements is $7.1 billion. "Securing COFA funding is one of the most important things that the administration can do this year in terms of our Indo-Pacific strategy," Ratner said. The island states are strategic territory giving the U.S. "assured access" in the region, the assistant secretary said. A large number of islanders serve in the U.S. military. "It's something where there is strong bipartisan support," he said. "This is an opportunity for Congress [and] the administration to work together this year. And we just have to get it done." The U.S. military in the region is working in many new ways with allies and partners, Ratner said. "We're going to have to deliver on AUKUS in 2024," he said. "We're going to have to keep delivering on the force posture front again. We've got lots of successes to talk about, but we've got to roll up our sleeves and keep at it this year." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Death toll of Gaza war mounts to 28,663 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 16, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- 133 days past the beginning of the war in the Gaza Strip, the death toll in the occupied Palestinian territory has mounted to 28,663, according to local media. The aggressions of the Israeli regime on the besieged area have also left nearly 68,400 people so far. The reports also said that the Zionist strikes on Gaza have killed some 87 Palestinians over the past 24 hours, leaving 104 others wounded. The Tel Aviv regime has further intensified restrictions on the arrival of humanitarian supplies to Gaza in a way that only 20 trucks of aid supplies were allowed to enter the territory over the past 24 hours. 9341**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint press statements by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Soder NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 16 Feb. 2024 (As delivered) Thank you so much. Minister-President Soder, dear Markus, thank you for hosting this CSU transatlantic forum. And President von der Leyen, dear Ursula, It is always great to be together with you. And Ursula, you have played a key role in raising NATO-EU cooperation to unprecedented levels. This has been demonstrated through our response to Russia's war against Ukraine. On the day of the invasion, you and I stood side-by-side and delivered a clear message of support for the Ukrainian people. Two years on, Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom and its independence. This is due first and foremost to the courage of the Ukrainian people. Enabled by major military and economic support from Europe and North America. I welcome that the European Council has approved an important new package of aid to Ukraine. And I expect the US to follow suit. This is vital. Putin must realise he will not get what he wants on the battlefield. So if we want a lasting peace, we must continue to provide Ukraine with weapons and ammunition. This requires expanding our transatlantic industrial base, to increase deliveries to Ukraine and refill our own stocks. And shifting from slow peacetime to high-tempo of conflict, to produce more at the highest speed. This will help Ukraine. It will make NATO stronger. And it will provide more highly-skilled manufacturing jobs. Including here in Bavaria, where Patriot missiles will be built at a new facility. This is another example of European and North American companies working together for our shared security. There is no imminent military threat against any NATO Ally. NATO continues to ensure there is no room for miscalculation in Moscow about our readiness to protect all Allies. With more forces, higher readiness, and increased defence spending. Last year, we saw an unprecedented real increase of 11% in defence spending across European Allies and Canada. This year, I expect 18 Allies to spend 2% of GDP on defence. And I welcome that Germany is among that number. Germany's commitment to permanently station a brigade in Lithuania will also be a major contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence. A strong NATO is good for Europe and for North America. Together, we are half of the world's economic and military might. Together, we deter conflict and preserve peace. So President von der Leyen, Minister-President Soder, Thank you for your leadership. And I look forward to our discussion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to 'pay with blood' price of killing Lebanese civilians: Nasrallah Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 3:46 PM The secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah says the Israeli regime will "pay with blood" the price for the recent killing of civilians in the country's south, stressing that the massacre will not force the resistance movement to back down from supporting Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah made the remarks in a televised speech broadcast live from the Lebanese capital city of Beirut on Friday on the occasion of Hezbollah's Martyred Leaders Day, which annually falls on February 16. The speech came two days after an Israeli strike targeted a building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, claiming the lives of seven members of a family, including a child. In a separate attack by the illegal entity, a woman and her two children were also killed in the village of as-Sawana in southern Lebanon. Nasrallah condemned the Israeli strikes on Nabatiyeh and as-Sawana as "deliberate massacres," and said Tel Aviv must know that it "went too far" by its targeting of civilians. "The enemy will pay the price for the killing of our women and children with blood. The price of this blood will be blood, not sites, spy devices, and vehicles, and I will leave the matter to the battlefield," the Hezbollah chief said. "The enemy is killing our leaders, fighters and families and it is destroying our homes, but this will not push us to retreat or give up on our responsibilities." Stressing that the Israeli regime's goal from killing civilians is to pressure the resistance to stop, Nasrallah said, "We are in the heart of a real battle on a front that extends more than 100 kilometers, and the martyrdom of our fighters is part of the battle." The Hezbollah leader said the recent targeting of Kiryat Shmona settlement in the north of the occupied territories with dozens of Katyusha rockets was an "initial response" to Wednesday's bloodshed, adding that the Lebanese resistance has enormous and accurate missile capabilities that can extend from Kiryat Shmona in the north to Eilat in the south. Surrender means 'humiliation' Touching on the issue of resistance and its ensuing results, Nasrallah praised the sacrifices made by the resistance front's fighters in the region and said the cost of surrender is "hefty." "Some are talking about the cost of resistance and its consequences in Lebanon, and these people are calling on us to surrender. The truth is that we are before two choices resistance or surrender and the price of surrender is hefty, dangerous and very critical," he said. "Surrendering means submission, humiliation, slavery, and disdain for our elders, our children, our honor, and our wealth," he added. "The price of surrender in Lebanon meant Israel's political and economic hegemony over our country." 'The main battle is in Gaza' "Despite everything the enemy and the Zionists are committing in the West Bank and Gaza, the Americans and Israelis must understand that in Palestine they are facing people who will not back down," the secretary general of Hezbollah pointed out. Nasrallah also thanked the Yemeni armed forces for launching retaliatory strikes against US and UK ships in support of Palestinians and stressed that "The main battle is in Gaza." The Hezbollah chief censured Washington for its unswerving support for Israel in its genocidal war in Gaza and said the US officials are "primarily responsible for every drop of blood spilled in the region." "Without American military support, the Israeli war on Gaza could have immediately stopped," Nasrallah said, adding, "Despite taking in every dollar of Western aid, Israel has failed to achieve its stated goals in the Gaza war and will continue to do so." Resistance shattered Israeli image Nasrallah said the Israeli regime was working "to displace the Palestinians and establish a purely Jewish state," and that the goal of the siege of the Gaza Strip was "to bring it to death in silence and without shaking the world." The Hezbollah leader, however, underlined that the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine "broke the balance of Israeli deterrence, shattered its image, and created a balance of deterrence and protection." He added, "No matter what we say and explain, our words will be incapable of describing the legendary resistance in Gaza and the legendary steadfastness of the people of Gaza." Nasrallah also said the Israelis and the Americans did not expect that the resistance in Lebanon would have "the will and courage to open the front to support Gaza." Israel launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity. The Israeli military has also been carrying out attacks against the Lebanese territory since then, prompting retaliatory strikes from Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in support of Gazans. The movement has vowed to keep up its reprisal operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its onslaught on Gaza. The aggression against Gaza has so far claimed the lives of over 28,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, leaving more than 68,000 others wounded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian, Saudi foreign ministers discuss developments in Gaza, Rafah Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 3:29 PM The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia have discussed regional and international issues, most notably the recent developments in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza and the humanitarian situation in the strip amid Israel's savage attacks. In a telephone conversation on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stressed the need to develop a strategic direction in mutual relations given the ongoing regional and international developments and problems facing the Muslim world, particularly the Palestinian issue. Amir-Abdollahian said Israel continues its crimes against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and its moves in Rafah and called for efforts to counter the regime's threats. The United States is complicit in the developments in Gaza and the West Bank and has given Israel the green light to conduct the ground invasion of Rafah, he added. He emphasized that Iran does not believe that war could be a solution to the Palestinian issue. The top Iranian diplomat warned that if the conflict is not solved immediately through political channels, the continuation of Israel's genocide will have "inevitable" adverse consequences on regional security and stability. He called for an emergency meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the crisis in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is deteriorating at an alarming pace as the Israeli regime keeps pressing ahead with its genocidal war on the besieged territory. Nearly 28,770 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since Israel launched its onslaught on Gaza in early October. More than 68,550 Palestinians have been also injured. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing a ground invasion of Gaza's southern city Rafah where more than a million Palestinians have fled since the start of the war on Gaza, with a top UN official warning that it could lead to a "slaughter". For his part, the Saudi foreign minister welcomed his Iranian counterpart's proposals on an OIC emergency meeting to end Israel's genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. He criticized the Israeli prime minister for paying no attention to international calls to end the war against Gaza. Pointing to the existing problems in the way Iranian pilgrims perform Umrah rituals, Farhan reiterated that there is no political consideration in this regard. He said Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation is conducting final works to solve the issue and expressed hope that Iranian pilgrims would be able to travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Israeli settlers killed in Kiryat Malakhi retaliatory shooting Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 2:22 PM Kiryat Malakhi in the southern part of the 1948-occupied Palestinian territories. On Friday, a man opened fire on a bus stop near Kiryat Malakhi, which is located nearly 25 kilometers north of the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to an Israeli genocidal war for more than four months. A spokeswoman for Kaplan Medical Center said two settlers who were brought to the facility had been declared dead. Four others were injured in the shooting, according to Israeli military forces. That's while other reports said three settlers were killed and three others were injured in the shooting. According to the police, the man who opened fire was killed at the scene by an armed settler. The attack comes following more than four months of continuous and unparalleled Israeli violence on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It also comes after the Israeli authorities plan to invade the city of Rafah at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, where over 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering, having been driven out by the Israeli aggression in northern and central Gaza. Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. Since the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 28,775 Palestinians and injured more than 68,552 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Feb. 15: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 12:08 PM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 28,800 Palestinians so far, most of them children and women, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Thursday, February 15, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Feb. 15: Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces, using heavy and medium weapons, in the axes of Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip. Targeted Israeli forces and their vehicles using Al-Yassin-105 shells, anti-fortification TBG shells and some explosive devices. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Feb. 15: Carried out artillery and rocket attacks against Israeli military fortifications on the supply line and positioning of Israeli soldiers, east and northeast of Khan Younis. Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades' operations on Feb. 15: Targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with an RPG in Khan Younis City, southern Gaza. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Feb. 15: Shot dead an Israeli soldier sitting atop one of the Taybah towers' roof, west of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza. Targeted an Israeli force atop a tower, west of the Qattatwa camp in Khan Younis city, with a Saeer missile, resulting in casualties. Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in the city of Khan Younis with appropriate weapons. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Feb. 15 Targeted and seized an Israeli military Quad Copter drone in the northern Gaza Strip, Beit Hanoun axis. Heavily shelled Israeli troops and their vehicles using heavy-caliber mortar shells in the northern Gaza axis. Engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in the axes of Khan Younis city with appropriate weapons and RPGs. Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with explosives north of Gaza City. Hezbollah's operations on Feb. 15: Targeted Israeli spy equipment at the Ruwaysat Al-Alam site in the occupied Shebaa Farms with appropriate weapons. Targeted Israeli spy equipment at the Al-Rahib site with suitable weapons. Targeted the Zebdine barracks in the occupied Shebaa Farms with Falaq rockets. Targeted Israeli spy equipment at the Al-Marj site with appropriate weapons. Targeted the Al-Samaqa site with rockets. Attacked Kiryat Shmona settlement with dozens of Katyusha rockets in response to the massacres in Nabatiyeh and Al-Sawwana. Targeted Israeli spy equipment at the Naqoura naval site with appropriate weapons. Targeted a gathering of Israeli regime soldiers around the Zarit barracks with rockets. Targeted the Birkat Risha site with rockets. Attacked the Kiryat Shmona barracks with Falaq rockets in response to the massacres in Nabatiyeh and Al-Sawwana. Iraqi resistance's operations on Feb. 15: Attacked an Israeli military site with a Shahed-101 kamikaze drone in the occupied Golan Heights. Yemeni military's operations on Feb. 15: Targeted the British "Lycavitos" ship in the Gulf of Aden with anti-ship missiles, hitting it directly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arab countries 'increasingly restricting' US action against Iran amid Gaza war: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 11:23 AM A number of Arab countries are reportedly "increasingly restricting" the United States and its allies from conducting attacks from their soil against Iran and resistant groups in the West Asia region amid the Israeli onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip. In a report on Wednesday, the Politico magazine cited an anonymous US official as saying that some Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, imposed limitations on the United States' use of its military bases within their territories for conducting strikes against Iran and resistance groups. "Amid a rising civilian death toll in Gaza, several Arab countries, particularly those 'attempting a detente with Iran,' are 'increasingly restricting' the US and partners from conducting self-defense operations from their soil," the official said. "This includes limits on retaliatory strikes against attacks in Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea," the official added. The American online magazine stopped short of disclosing the name and exact number of the Arab countries involved in restricting the US access in the region. According to Politico, the official said that the specific reason the UAE is undertaking such action is that "They don't want to appear like they're against Iran and they don't want to appear too close to the West and Israel for public opinion reasons." The US occupation forces and several of Washington's partners have recently ramped up their terrorist attacks and strikes in the West Asia region in support of the Israeli regime, which has since early October waged a genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. More than 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and over 68,000 others injured since the Israeli regime launched its US-backed onslaught on Gaza on October 7, 2023. The resistance groups in the region have in response staged scores of retaliatory strikes against the US occupation bases, leaving at least three soldiers dead and dozens of others wounded. Yemen has also declared an open war against US and British interests since the two countries launched a military campaign against the Arab country in support of Israel. Iran has on numerous occasions asserted that it has no affiliated groups involved in what the US claims to be "proxies" in the region and that resistance groups in West Asia independently act on their own accord and take no orders from the Islamic Republic. The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided Israel with a raft of arms and ammunition since the initiation of the Gaza war and also vetoed UN Security Council resolutions that called on the regime to cease its aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Armenia must renounce claims against Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports via the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan. "Bayramov stressed that Armenias provocation, which led to the injury of an Azerbaijani soldier as a result of a sniper shot without any motivating factors after five months of stability, is aimed at undermining the peace process," the ministry said. "Regarding the draft peace agreement, existing claims against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country were once again mentioned in the legislative acts and constitution of Armenia, international organizations and courts, and the importance of abandoning these claims was emphasized," added the ministry. 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 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 Khalilzade, a servicemen of the SBS, 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 Lebanon lodges complaint at UN against Israel over deadly strikes Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 9:23 AM Lebanon's permanent mission to the United Nations has filed a formal complaint before the UN Security Council following the death of at least 10 civilians in two Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country. Addressing the rotating President of the Security Council Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the mission noted that the strikes against civilians amount to "war crime", Elnashra news website reported on Friday. "While international humanitarian law guarantees protection of civilians and civilian facilities, Israel's deliberate and direct bombing of civilians in their homes is considered a violation of international humanitarian law and amounts to a war crime," reads the complaint. An Israeli strike knocked down part of a building in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh on Wednesday, killing seven members of the same family, including a child, Lebanon's official National News Agency said. A boy initially reported missing was found alive under the rubble. In a separate Israeli attack, a woman and her two children were killed in the village of as-Sawana in southern Lebanon. The complaint added that the airstrikes are "considered a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, as well as safety of its lands and citizens." The attacks "breach upon all United Nations resolutions that require Israel to stop its violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and end its occupation of Lebanese lands, including Resolution 1701 (2006)," the mission added. The Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah has promised to retaliate for Wednesday's strikes, stating that Israel would pay "the price" for killing 10 people, including five children in southern Lebanon. "The enemy will pay the price for these crimes," Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters news agency. "The resistance will continue to practice its legitimate right to defend its people," he pointed out. 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 28,663 people, most of them women and children. Another 68,395 individuals have also been wounded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Pillaging': Firms warned of legal action over Israeli gas exploration off Gaza Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 8:45 AM Palestinian rights groups have warned that the energy companies awarded licenses by the Israeli occupation regime to explore for gas off the besieged Gaza Strip's coast could face legal action for the violation of Palestinian maritime sovereignty. The three Palestinian NGOs of Al-Haq, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights raised the alarm after the Israel regime's energy ministry granted exploration rights in the eastern Mediterranean to three companies - Italian energy giant Eni, UK-based Dana Energy and Israel's Ratio Petroleum - three weeks after the brutal war on Gaza in early October. Lawyers working on behalf of the three rights groups notified the companies in a letter earlier in the month that they would use "all legal mechanisms to the fullest extent" if they proceeded and called on them to "desist" from any activities relating to the licenses. The Palestinian NGOs asserted that over half of the zone for which the three companies were awarded licenses by Tel Aviv lies within Palestine's maritime boundaries, which were declared in 2015 when the Palestinians acceded to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the international agreement providing the legal framework for all marine and maritime activities. "Israel cannot have validly awarded you any exploration rights and you cannot validly have acquired such rights... We urge you to refrain from signing any of the license documents; and in the alternative, we urge you to desist from undertaking any activities in areas of Zone G that Palestine claims, as any such activities would constitute a flagrant violation of international law," the three Palestinian NGOs said in the letter shared by the website by Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. "Further still, any attempt to explore for and exploit natural resources claimed by Palestine risks breaching international humanitarian law, including the law of occupation," they added. "Under that law, Israel has no right to exploit Palestine's natural resources, including offshore resources, for its own benefit." The rights groups stressed that the International Criminal Court currently has an active investigation open into international crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute any individual it finds responsible for committing war crimes, including pillage. "Complicity in war crimes like pillage is also a serious criminal offence and corporate actors can be subject to individual criminal liability," warns the letter. Moreover, Adalah, an organization that advocates for Palestinians' rights in the occupied territories, was reported to have petitioned Israeli energy ministry and attorney general to revoke the licenses awarded to the companies. Adalah said Israel's tendering and awarding of gas exploration licenses violates international humanitarian law and the law of the sea as the illegal entity has not acceded to UNCLOS. "Israel's move to establish facts on the ground in such a manner are illegal and carried out in bad faith," Adalah said in a letter. International rights groups and organizations have since October last year censured the Israeli regime's genocidal war against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. More than 28,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and over 68,000 others injured since the Israeli regime launched its onslaught on Gaza on October 7, 2023, in response to an operation staged by the coastal sliver's resistance movements against the occupied territories. More than 1.5 million Palestinians -- above half of Gaza's population -- have over the past weeks fled to the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah amid incessant Israeli bombardments throughout the territory. Tel Aviv is threatening to bring the city under an all-out ground invasion, with international humanitarian organizations warning that the move would spell an unspeakable catastrophe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maduro calls Argentine's Milei 'bandit' after US 'stole' Venezuelan plane Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 7:14 AM Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has slammed his Argentinian counterpart Javier Milei over the US seizure of a Venezuelan cargo plane grounded in Buenos Aires. "They stole our plane... Milei the bandit stole the plane from Venezuela. Javier Milei, the hero of the extreme right," Maduro said in a televised statement on Thursday. "He acts crazy or he is crazy or both at the same time." The Boeing 747-300 cargo plane was transferred to the US on Sunday after being grounded at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza for 20 months. The US said the American-built plane was previously sold by the Iranian airline Mahan Air to a sanctioned Venezuelan state airline Emtrasur in violation of American export control laws. Mahan Air "violated our export restrictions by selling this airplane to a Venezuelan cargo airline. Now, it's property of the United States government," Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary of export enforcement, claimed. According to the US Justice Department, the Venezuelan-flagged plane, which had arrived in Florida, would be disposed of. Venezuela's foreign ministry has vowed that it would "take all actions" to have the plane returned to its "legitimate owner." On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani condemned in the strongest terms Washington's "illegal seizure" of the cargo plane 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." 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. The seizure took place as 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 Missiles strike US-occupied base in eastern Syria: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 6:32 AM A military base in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, where US occupation troops and their allied militants are stationed, has come under a missile attack amid rising anti-US sentiments over Washington's support for the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. The Arabic service of Russia's Sputnik news agency, citing local sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that massive explosions rocked Green Village, situated in the energy-rich Dayr al-Zawr province near the Iraq border, on Thursday evening as several projectiles slammed into an installation run by American occupation forces at al-Omar oil field. There were no immediate reports about the extent of damage at the military facility, and possible casualties. The sources added that the missile attack comes as convoys of US military trucks, loaded with logistic reinforcement, have arrived in eastern Syria from neighboring Iraq over the past few days. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, has claimed responsibility for most of the retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Iraq and Syria. The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided the occupying regime with a raft of arms and ammunition since the initiation of the Gaza war. Washington has also vetoed UN Security Council resolutions that called on the regime to cease its aggression. Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Strip-based Palestinian resistance groups of Hamas and Islamic Jihad carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories in response to the occupying regime's intensified crimes against the Palestinian people. According to the Gaza-based health ministry, at least 28,663 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes, most of them women and children, and another 68,395 individuals injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ireland pledges funding for UNRWA after US-led withdrawal of support Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 3:27 AM Ireland has pledged 20 million ($16.7 million) funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after the US and its allies suspended their assistance for the agency based on unsubstantiated Israeli allegations. On Thursday, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense, Micheal Martin, affirmed his country's insistence on sustaining its assistance to the agency. Martin, who was speaking at a joint news conference with Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA), Philippe Lazzarini in Dublin, called the agency's work a "lifeline" for the displaced Palestinians in Gaza. "There is no replacement for UNRWA's work in Gaza," the Irish top diplomat said. Led by the United States, a whole host of states, namely Canada, Australia, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Japan, Austria, and Romania withdrew their financial support for the agency. The move was taken over Israeli allegations that 12 of the agency's 13,000-strong staff in the Gaza Strip were involved in Operation al-Aqsa Storm, an operation staged by the coastal sliver's resistance groups against the occupied territories on October 7, 2023. The US-led withdrawal of support for UNRWA denies the agency funding worth about $450 million, which amounts to almost half of the agency's budget for 2024. The developments come amid a genocidal war that the Israeli regime has been waging against Gaza following the Palestinian operation. More than 28,660 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have so far died and around 1.9 million others been displaced in Gaza as a result of the brutal Israeli onslaught. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brazil: No explanation for Israel's behavior in Gaza Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 12:15 AM Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said Israel's behavior in the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal war by the occupying regime, is beyond explanation. "Israel's behavior has no explanation," he said after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Thursday. "With the pretext of fighting Hamas, it (Israel) is killing women and children," Lula said. The regime's war machine rolled into Gaza on October 7, 2023 following an operation by the coastal sliver's resistance movements, including Hamas, against the occupied territories, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. More than 28,660 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have so far died in the brutal Israeli onslaught so far. The Israeli regime's response was "disproportional and indiscriminate" and unacceptable, the Brazilian head of state noted. "The killing must be stopped," he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is also suffering from an all-out Israeli siege. 'UN failed Gaza' Elsewhere in his remarks, Lula criticized the United Nations over its inability to resolve the situation in Gaza, including through the failure of the world body's Security Council (UNSC) to pass a resolution calling for cessation of the Israeli aggression. "The multilateral institutions that were created to help solve these problems do not work, which is why Brazil is committed to making the necessary changes in global governance bodies," he said. Lula called for reformation of the Security Council, saying the UNSC's had to be expanded and its veto powers abolished. The Brazilian chief executive also denounced the Western countries' withdrawal of their support for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, over Israeli allegations that 12 of the agency's 13,000-strong staff in Gaza were involved in Operation al-Aqsa Storm. "The recent allegations against the agency's staff need to be properly investigated, but they cannot paralyze it," he said, calling on other countries "to maintain and increase their contributions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines launches patrols around disputed shoal to protect fishing grounds, food security Action aims to protect rights, safety of Filipinos in traditional fishing grounds near Scarborough Shoal, national security adviser says. By Camille Elemia for BenarNews 2024.02.16 -- The Philippines this month launched coast guard patrols around Scarborough Shoal to safeguard its exclusive economic zone and challenge China, which for 12 years has dominated those waters vital to the Filipino fishing industry, the national security adviser said Friday. Eduardo Ano said the regular patrols, which began in early February, were in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s goal of achieving food security and making it safe for local fishermen to access prime fishing grounds. The triangle-shaped shoal became the focus of a landmark international court case over disputed waters in the South China Sea after Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. "The Philippine government has taken decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen in the waters of Bajo De Masinloc," Ano said in a statement, using the local name for the shoal. "The national government has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to deploy their vessels for rotational deployment in BDM starting this month," the security adviser said. Scarborough Shoal, a resource-rich rock claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan, lies about 120 nautical miles west of Zambales, a coastal province in the main Philippine island of Luzon. It has served as a traditional fishing ground and a natural shelter for Filipino fishermen against harsh weather at sea, and is considered a vital link to food security for many coastal communities in the Philippines. "These efforts aim to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds. Further, both PCG and BFAR were directed to distribute food packs, groceries and even fuel to support the fishermen in sustaining their activities," Ano said. The announcement came amid China's intensified aggressiveness in the waters in and around the shoal, which has effectively remained under Beijing's control since a tense standoff with Manila in 2012. China has kept a permanent presence there with two coast guard ships guarding the mouth of the shoal. Patrols launched From Feb. 1 to 9, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, patrolled around the shoal but was harassed and blocked by China Coast Guard and maritime militia ships, according to PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela. On Feb. 11, Tarriela said four Chinese ships shadowed the Philippine ship on more than 40 occasions. The official added that the Chinese ships performed dangerous maneuvers, even crossing the bow of the Philippine ship twice. Gan Yu, a China Coast Guard spokesman, responded by accusing the Philippine ship of "intruding" into Chinese waters. "When the warnings issued by the Chinese Coast Guard were ineffective, the Chinese Coast Guard adopted route control and forced evacuation measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with the law and the on-site handling was professional and standardized," Gan said. Ano responded, saying "there is no truth" to the Chinese claim. In December 2023, Chinese ships fired water cannon against three BFAR ships, damaging equipment on the Philippine ships. Prior to that, China installed a 300-meter floating barrier at the southeast part of the shoal to block Philippine ships. The National Security Council, Ano said, "reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters," saying these are recognized under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of Manila, which had filed an arbitration case, and against Beijing's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea. In the landmark ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration said the shoal was a traditional fishing ground for many fishermen of different nationalities, including Filipino and Chinese, and that Chinese actions there were illegal. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. 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 Where is Jakarta's South China Sea policy heading under Prabowo? Indonesia's new president may advocate a pragmatic approach but don't expect radical changes, experts say. By Pizaro Gozali Idrus for BenarNews and RFA Staff 2024.02.16 -- Prabowo Subianto's foreign and defense policies have come under the spotlight after the former army general and current defense minister claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election this week. Prabowo won almost 60% of the votes, according to several polling agencies drawing attention to his policies amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and China-United States rivalry. Indonesia is not a party to the South China Sea dispute but it has a strategic and economic interest in maintaining peace and stability there as its exclusive economic zone overlaps with several neighboring countries, as well as with the so-called nine-dash line that Beijing uses to claim China's historic rights over most of the sea. The South China Sea dispute has become one of Indonesia's most important security issues and it could also spark a major conflict between the United States and China, according to Aristyo Rizka Darmawan, a senior researcher at the Center for Sustainable Ocean Policy at the University of Indonesia. Prabowo's campaign documents state that Indonesia needs to prepare for future conflicts and plan how to reduce potential risks. "Prabowo's narrative on the South China Sea has been more about how we [should] have a strong defense capacity," Darmawan told BenarNews, a news service affiliated with Radio Free Asia. Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, a researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS), said that the former general "has had a history of advocating for a more assertive and independent foreign policy for Indonesia." "His victory in the election might lead to a recalibration of Indonesia's approach to the South China Sea issue and regional security," Zulfikar told RFA. "Prabowo may prioritize strengthening Indonesia's military capabilities in the disputed waters." Aristyo Rizka Darmawan said Prabowo would likely focus on building up the naval forces as a deterrent in the waters around the Natuna islands, where encroachments by Chinese fishing vessels and patrols have become regular. "Defense and maritime capabilities of the Indonesian navy are important. With such a strategy, Prabowo would most likely implement a more assertive policy in the North Natuna Sea," the senior researcher from the University of Indonesia said. Strategic continuity Indonesia is a founding member of ASEAN and under its chairmanship in 2023, the bloc and China embarked on a new round of draft agreement discussion for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. However, Prabowo "has not offered any new ideas for promoting dialogue or accelerating the COC negotiations," Darmawan said. "Relying solely on military capabilities would not help much in maintaining peace and security in the contested waters. To show leadership in ASEAN, Indonesia should not only think of itself but also think of a bigger role in helping the region avoid escalation and conflict," he added. The new president will take a middle-of-the-road position on the South China Sea dispute without offering anything new, according to Muradi, a military analyst and professor of political and security studies at Padjadjaran University. "It is clear that his politics will be more focused on domestic affairs. This is the characteristic of a soldier who was born and raised in the Cold War era," Muradi, who goes by one name, said. The analyst warned that the situation in the South China Sea is evolving and so is the threat from China to ASEAN. China's military modernization is expected to be completed by 2027 and many predict that by then Beijing would be confident enough to wage an open conflict in the region and the U.S. would have to intervene to support its allies. "This requires more fundamental steps, not just saying we need this or that but concrete actions," he said. Zulfikar from the NUS, meanwhile, said Prabowo's stance on China and the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy may not be straightforward. "While he has expressed interest in cultivating closer ties with China, particularly in terms of economic cooperation, Prabowo has also emphasized the importance of maintaining Indonesia's sovereignty and independence in its foreign policy," Zulfikar said. That may see Prabowo "seeking to enhance regional cooperation with ASEAN countries and other regional powers to address security challenges." "Prabowo may adopt a pragmatic approach, seeking to balance Indonesia's relations with both China and the United States to maximize its own interests." "Regarding the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and AUKUS grouping [between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.], he may approach them cautiously, emphasizing Indonesia's non-alignment stance while exploring potential benefits and risks associated with increased engagement with these initiatives," the NUS researcher added. Huong Le Thu, Asia deputy director at the International Crisis Group said that she doesn't "expect major changes in foreign policy as Prabowo takes over, not in the early days, at least." The former general repeatedly promised to continue the domestic and foreign policies of his predecessor, the widely popular president Joko Widodo. "After all, 'continuity' was among the main aspects of his campaign," she said, "If anything, I would expect more of the old - and old old - than of the new." Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. 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 The Azadi Briefing: Why Does The Taliban Oppose Appointment Of A UN Special Envoy To Afghanistan? By Abubakar Siddique February 16, 2024 The Key Issue The United Nations is convening a major international meeting on Afghanistan in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar on February 18-19. The possible appointment of a special UN envoy to Afghanistan will be one of the key issues discussed at the meeting, which will bring together the special representatives for Afghanistan from various countries. But the Taliban has opposed the appointment of an envoy, an international interlocutor who would be tasked with promoting dialogue between the extremist group and exiled opposition political figures. After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has monopolized power and sidelined many ethnic and political groups as well as women. The Taliban's theocratic government remains unrecognized internationally and appears to have little support among Afghans. Why It's Important: An intra-Afghan process that would lead to a power-sharing agreement among rival Afghan groups is seen as the best way to reach a lasting peace in the war-torn country. The Taliban's failure to agree to the appointment of a UN special envoy could undermine reconciliation efforts. "The Taliban thinks that it is not necessary to have a political dialogue with people who have left the country," Tariq Farhadi, an Afghan political analyst based in Europe, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Many of the leaders of the former internationally recognized Afghan government went into exile after the Taliban takeover. The Taliban has said the appointment of a UN envoy is unnecessary because the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which primarily coordinates humanitarian and development efforts, is already present in the country. "I don't think that's correct," former British diplomat Sir Nicholas Kay told Radio Azadi, adding that the task of a special envoy will be to promote dialogue among Afghans and "dedicate themselves to that diplomatic international task." What's Next: Given the Taliban's opposition to a political dialogue and its insistence on imposing its harsh rule through brute force, most of the international community is likely to support the appointment of a special envoy. But such a move could prompt the Taliban to stop engaging with the United Nations and the international community, which would likely entrench Afghanistan's international pariah status under Taliban rule. What To Keep An Eye On Iran has said it is building a 74-kilometer-long "physical barrier" along its long border with Afghanistan. Kiumars Heydari, head of Iran's regular army ground forces, said on February 10 that the aim was to "block a strip of the border with Afghanistan with physical barriers to limit traffic" on the porous frontier. He said the project was "one of the most important" undertaken by the Iranian government and will be carried out in four phases. The launch of the project comes after explosions claimed by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group killed more than 90 people in the southern city of Kerman on January 3, the deadliest attack in Iran in decades. Tehran has not recognized the Taliban government. But it enjoys relatively good relations with the group, despite clashes over issues like cross-border water resources. Senior Iranian officials have expressed concerns over security threats emanating from Afghanistan, where IS militants are active. The Taliban claims that the extremist group does not exist in Afghanistan. Why It's Important: Iran is the second country -- after Pakistan -- that is attempting to build a barrier on the border with Afghanistan. Iran's project is likely aimed at curbing the thousands of illegal Afghan migrants who cross into the Islamic republic every week. Many are fleeing their homeland to escape Taliban repression and the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan. On February 14, Taliban officials said that more than 25,000 Afghans had been forcefully expelled from Iran this month. Tehran has vowed to expel the estimated 5 million Afghans it says are living "illegally" in Iran. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-azadi- briefing-un-envoy/32822559.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 Munich Security Conference To Focus On War In Ukraine, Trump's View Of NATO By RFE/RL February 16, 2024 UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on February 16 is due to open the 60th Munich Security Conference at a critical time as the U.S. presidential election campaign heats up with a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden looking likely and with a major U.S. military aid package for Ukraine bogged down in the House of Representatives. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to address the conference on its opening day. On February 17 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will make his first in-person appearance at the conference since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He addressed the 2023 conference virtually. An estimated 50 world leaders are expected to attend the annual event that bills itself as the world's leading forum for debating international security policy. The governments of Russia and Iran have not been invited. It will be an encore for Harris, who spoke at the conference in 2022 and 2023, but the stakes are different this year. She faces the task of reassuring allies that Washington remains committed to defending their security after Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, questioned defending NATO allies who failed to spend enough on defense from a potential Russia invasion. Harris plans to pledge that the United States will never retreat from its NATO obligations, and contrast Biden's commitment to global engagement with Trump's isolationist views, a White House official was quoted by Reuters as saying. "The vice president will recommit to defeat the failed ideologies of isolationism, authoritarianism, and unilateralism...[and] denounce these approaches to foreign policy as short-sighted, dangerous, and destabilizing," the official said. Harris is expected to meet with Zelenskiy during the conference, according to the White House. She will be joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who just completed a visit to Albania, where he reinforced what he called an "extraordinary partnership" between Washington and Tirana. The U.S. vice president will also express confidence that the American people will continue to support the Biden administration's approach to Ukraine. Ukraine, which is heavily dependent on economic and military aid from its Western allies, has been facing a shortage of ammunition and military equipment on the battlefield and is now facing intense fighting for the eastern city of Avdiyivka. Kyiv is also desperate for a replenishment of supplies of air defense systems to protect its civilians and infrastructure that are hit almost daily by Russian shelling and drone attacks. Harris is certain to be asked about a $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan that the Senate, led by Democrats, approved on February 13 but that may never be put up for a vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representative because of Trump's opposition to it. Israel's war on Hamas -- which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union -- and the larger crisis threatening the Middle East are also sure to feature prominently during the conference. Israel's President Issac Herzog, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and Jordan's King Abdullah II are also attending the security forum. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/munich-security-conference- ukraine-aid-harris-blinken-zelenskiy/32822138.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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov has sent a congratulatory letter to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ali Asadov, a source in the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan told Trend. The source noted that Aripov congratulated Asadov on his reappointment as the Prime Minister of of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wished him success in his future activities. "The letter expresses hope for close cooperation in the implementation of important tasks set by the heads of state to the governments of the two countries for the further development of Azerbaijan-Uzbek relations of friendship, brotherhood, and strategic partnership," the source said. "Aripov also noted his confidence in the consistent implementation of the agreements reached in the fields of transportation and logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, culture, humanitarian, and other areas," the source added. The Parliament of Azerbaijan approved Ali Asadov's candidacy for the role of Prime Minister in plenary session held on February 16. Afterward, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the appointment of Ali Asadov to the post of Prime Minister. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Situation Around Rafah Does Not Require Additional Measures Against Israel - ICJ Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Friday that the situation around Rafah does not require the introduction of any additional measures against Israel that are being demanded by South Africa. On February 13, the South African government said that it had made an "urgent request" to the ICJ over Israel's decision to expand its operation in the Gaza Strip to the southern city of Rafah. "The Court notes that the most recent developments in the Gaza Strip, and in Rafah... demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated by the Court in its Order of 26 January 2024, which are applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including in Rafah, and does not demand the indication of additional provisional measures," the ICJ said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Draws Up Plan to Deploy Forces in Europe in Event of Conflict With Russia - Reports Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO's Joint Support and Enabling Command center in Germany is drawing up a plan for the deployment of the alliance's forces across Europe, including their support and reinforcement in the event of a conflict with Russia, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Friday, citing unnamed officials. The new plan, prepared at the NATO center located in Germany's southern city of Ulm, will reportedly build on the experience of NATO's Steadfast Defender military exercise launched in January. The drills are about "preparing for a conflict with Russia," NATO Military Committee Chair Adm. Rob Bauer was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The initiative comes as new estimates of Russia's military capabilities and a recent assessment of its arms production capacity have set off alarms among Western officials and prompted the West to invest more in defense, the report said. It also follows growing alarmism among Western officials and politicians in recent weeks about supposed Russian plans to attack NATO member countries, an idea Russian officials have dismissed out of hand. "We assess that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] takes our Article 5 commitment seriously and does not want to go to war with NATO," one senior US defense official anonymously told the Financial Times, referring to the NATO Charter's article on collective defense in case of aggression against an alliance member by a third party. Meanwhile, in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson last week, President Vladimir Putin said that NATO countries were trying to intimidate their own populations with an imaginary Russian threat. Russia has no interest in waging a war against NATO, Putin added. The Steadfast Defender military exercise is taking place in the Atlantic and Europe, involving some 90,000 troops from 31 allies and Sweden, and will last until the end of May. In recent years, Russia has witnessed unprecedented NATO activity near its western borders. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the alliance's buildup of forces in Europe. The Russian Foreign Ministry has said that Moscow remains open to dialogue with NATO, but on an equal footing, while the West should abandon its policy of militarizing the continent. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Senegal's Constitutional Court Decision US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The United States welcomes the February 15 decision by Senegal's Constitutional Council to restore the presidential electoral calendar in accordance with Senegal's constitution. We note President Sall's announcement that he will fully implement the Constitutional Council's decision and take the necessary steps to organize the election as quickly as possible. We urge all stakeholders to come together in the spirit of Senegal's strong democratic tradition to support a free and fair election conducted in a peaceful and timely manner. The United States stands with the Senegalese people in their unwavering support for democracy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel to discuss our strong bilateral relationship and shared global interests. The Secretary congratulated Prime Minister Denkov and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel on the recently signed U.S.-Bulgaria civil nuclear agreement and Bulgaria's diversification of its energy sources. Secretary Blinken, Prime Minister Denkov, and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel discussed the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial shipping through the Red Sea. They reaffirmed steadfast support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's brutal aggression and underscored our unwavering commitment to the mutual defense and national security of all our NATO Allies. They also addressed the growing vitality of the Black Sea region, including multilateral initiatives for enhancing long-term stability and Bulgaria's growing role in promoting energy security in Europe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Our goal is to establish immediate ceasefire and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza" Presidency Of The Republic Of Turkey 16.02.2024 Addressing citizens in Giresun, President Erdogan said: "Israel's massacres in Gaza have been escalating. Israel, which cannot break the Gazan people's resistance and determination through bombs, is starving them into surrender. Our goal is to establish immediate ceasefire and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as much as needed." President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed citizens in Giresun. Noting that the region Turkiye is located in has been going through turbulent times, President Erdogan said: "The war between our two neighbors on the other side of the Black Sea is about to finish its second year. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives thus far in the Russia-Ukraine war, with tens of thousands wounded and hundreds of thousands of people forced to migration." "WE WORK TO PREVENT THE EMERGENCE OF NEW ENMITIES OR TENSIONS" Stressing that Turkiye has worked to extinguish the fire in the Russia-Ukraine crisis with all its means instead of adding fuel to the fire, President Erdogan stated that Turkiye hasn't allowed itself to be dragged into the war despite those engaged in warmongering. "We have successfully planned and executed all our moves just like a chess master. Therefore, we have managed to take Turkiye out of a very dangerous process without allowing any harm to our citizens. Today as well, we take all our steps in line with the 'Axis of Turkiye' and take into consideration the interests of our nation and state," the President said. President Erdogan continued as follows: "While our region from the Black Sea to the Middle East has turned into a complete circle of fire, we work to prevent the emergence of new enmities or tensions. Let me speak openly and frankly: We have just one goal in foreign diplomacy, which is to increase the number of our friends as much as possible. If we want to make the Century of Turkiye the century of peace as well, we have no other way but to enhance our cooperation with the friendly and brotherly countries. If we want to foil imperial powers' scenarios targeting our region, we have to bond together with the friendly and brotherly countries. We have to focus on areas of cooperation rather than fixating on divergences of opinion. We should all be aware of the fact that there is no prosperity without unity. If we want to end the bloodshed in Gaza and stop Israel's massacres, we need to close the ranks with our brothers and sisters. Our visits to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt were very successful in this regard. With our counterparts, we discussed in detail the Palestinian question as well as the issues of trade and investments. We have agreed to strengthen our cooperation with both countries." "ISRAEL'S MASSACRES IN GAZA HAVE BEEN ESCALATING" Pointing out that Turkiye has sent more than 34 thousand tons of humanitarian aid materials to the region since October 7, President Erdogan stated relief supplies are dispatched to the region in coordination with Egyptian authorities. Drawing attention to Israel's escalating massacres in Gaza, President Erdogan said: "Israel's massacres in Gaza have been escalating. Israel, which cannot break the Gazan people's resistance and determination through bombs, is starving them into surrender. Our goal is to establish immediate ceasefire and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as much as needed. It is a duty of brotherhood for us to support and help Gaza more during the holy month of Ramadan." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Munich, Guterres calls for new global order that works for all 16 February 2024 - Global governance in its present form is entrenching divisions and fuelling discontent, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told world leaders attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday. "Our world is facing existential challenges, but the global community is more fragmented and divided than at any time during the past 75 years," he said, highlighting the need for "a global order that works for everyone". Mr. Guterres said if countries fulfilled their obligations under the UN Charter, every person on Earth would live in peace and dignity. However, governments are ignoring these commitments, and millions of civilians are paying a terrible price, with record numbers forced to flee. Gaza and global 'deadlock' Addressing the conflict in Gaza, he said nothing can justify the unconscionable attacks launched on 7 October, and nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Israel's military response. "The situation in Gaza is an appalling indictment of the deadlock in global relations," he said. "The level of death and destruction is shocking in itself. The war is also spilling over borders across the region and affecting global trade." With the humanitarian response "now on life support", he warned that an all-out offensive on the city of Rafah - the core of the humanitarian aid operation in Gaza and where nearly half the population is now sheltering - would be devastating for civilians already on the edge of survival. "I have repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire. That is the only way to massively scale up aid delivery in Gaza," he said. Peace for Ukraine Furthermore, the war triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago "in clear violation of the UN Charter" has no place in t21st century Europe. The suffering and loss of lives has been appalling, while the impact on the global economy has been devastating, particularly for developing countries. "We desperately need a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, for Russia and for the world...a peace in line with the UN Charter and international law, which establishes the obligation to respect the territorial integrity of sovereign States," he said. But, beyond these and other immediate crises, the international community must strengthen the global peace and security architecture to address threats and challenges that were inconceivable when the UN Charter was drafted, such as the climate crisis, artificial intelligence or cyberweapons. New Agenda for Peace Mr. Guterres pointed to his New Agenda for Peace, launched last July, which aims to update global collective security systems through what he has called "a more networked and inclusive multilateralism". Recommendations include reforming the UN Security Council, recommitting to eliminate nuclear weapons and giving greater emphasis to the role of sustainable development and climate action in preventing conflict. The New Agenda for Peace will be discussed at the Summit of the Future, to be held in September at UN Headquarters in New York. Mr. Guterres said there needed to be a "Bretton Woods moment to reform the global financial architecture", referring to the creation of the existing global finance institutions in the 1940s. This would help "create a true global safety net, in particular for developing countries drowning in debt". The Summit of the Future, he continued, will consider the need for deep reforms to make these institutions and frameworks truly universal and inclusive. The UN chief said the international community should work for just solutions based on justice. "There is always an opportunity to create a more inclusive, comprehensive and effective global order that works for everyone." Synagogue visit On the eve of the conference, Mr. Guterres visited the Ohel Jakob Synagogue at the invitation of the World Jewish Congress, together with Charlotte Knobloch, president of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria and former vice-president of the World Jewish Congress. Ms. Knobloch and the Secretary-General took the "Walk of Remembrance", which holds the names of more than 4,500 Munich Jews who were murdered during the Nazi era. During the visit to the synagogue, Mr. Guterres said that he considers the fight against antisemitism to be a "moral obligation" for every human being. People in Israel have the right to live in safety, he said. This should not be questioned, even if one disagrees with the policies of the Israeli Government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #78 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (All information from 13-14 February 2024, is valid as of 14 February 2024 at 22:30 (local time)) UNRWA 16 Feb 2024 Days 130-131 of Hostilities Key points The Gaza Strip Increased airstrikes in Rafah have heightened fears that they will further hamper overstretched humanitarian operations. Nearly 1.5 million people are in Rafah, more than six times the population in comparison with before 7 October. Intense fighting in/around Khan Younis (southwest of Gaza) over the last three weeks is causing loss of life and damage to civilian infrastructure, including UNRWA's largest shelter in the southern area, the Khan Younis Training Centre (KYTC). This is forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee further south towards Rafah, which is severely overcrowded. At the same time, population movements out of Rafah and towards Deir Al Balah and Nuseirat refugee camps in the Middle Area have been reported, following intensified airstrikes on Rafah. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis continues to be besieged by Israeli tanks. There reportedly are 10,000 displaced people within the hospital's premises, including 300 medical personnel. On 14 February, ISF called for the evacuation of civilians seeking shelter in the hospital. According to OCHA, since the start of 2024, humanitarian partners have planned 77 missions to deliver aid and undertake assessments to areas to the north of Wadi Gaza. Of those, only 12 were facilitated by Israeli authorities, with partial humanitarian objectives met for another three. Of the remainder, 14 were impeded, 39 were denied access and nine were postponed by the UN agencies. Facilitated missions primarily included food distribution, while those to support critical hospitals and facilities providing water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) services remained among those overwhelmingly denied. During the same period, there were 189 planned missions to areas assessed as needing coordination to the south of Wadi Gaza. Of these, 107 were facilitated and partial humanitarian objectives were met for another two. For the rest, 18 were initially facilitated but then impeded, 48 were denied access, and 14 were postponed internally. Missions to areas not requiring coordination south of Wadi Gaza are not included in the above. The number of trucks entering Gaza remains well below the target of 500 per day, with significant difficulties in bringing supplies in through both Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Rafah. As of 15 February, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is now 158, an increase of two since UNRWA last update. As of 15 February, up to 1.7 million* people (over 75 per cent of the population) ** have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, some multiple times.*** Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. Following intense Israeli bombardments and fighting in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in recent days, a significant number of displaced people have moved further south. *This includes one million individuals residing in or near emergency shelters or informal shelters. As of 12 October, approximately 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in north Gaza and Gaza governorates. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by Israeli Forces, and the constant need for safer locations have resulted in people being displaced multiple times. UNRWA has reported in Situation Report 64 that up to 1.9 million IDPs are either residing in 154 UNRWA shelters or near these shelters. Due to the continued escalation of fighting and evacuation orders, some households have moved away from the shelters where they were initially registered. There are instances where the same IDPs are registered in multiple shelters due to the fluid movement of populations; hereafter, estimates are used for these shelters. UNRWA plans to conduct a more accurate count of IDPs in shelters, including informal shelters, as soon as the security situation allows. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Navy to Commission Future Expeditionary Sea Base USS John L. Canley US Navy - Press Release 16 February 2024 The Navy will commission the future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) as the newest Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB) during a 10:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Coronado, California. The commissioning ceremony's principal address will be delivered by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy. Remarks will also be provided by General Joseph P. Dunford, Jr., 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps; Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps; and Mr. David Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. The ship's sponsor is Patricia Sargent, Sgt. Maj. Canley's daughter. Built by General Dynamics NASSCO, currently there are six delivered ships across two variants: Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD) and Expeditionary Sea Base. The future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) is a highly flexible platform used across various military operations. When commissioned, the ship will be employed as a mobile sea-based asset. It will be a part of the critical access infrastructure supporting the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability. The first of its name, the ship honors United States Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, Ret., who was awarded the Medal of Honor 50 years after his actions during the Battle of Hue City. Canley served as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 1968. Sgt. Maj. Canley passed away in Bend, Oregon May 11, 2022. ESB 6 joins the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) which support a variety of maritime-based missions, including Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM). ESBs have a four-spot flight deck, mission deck, and hangar, designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets. Follow-on ships Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) and Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) are under construction. The commissioning of ESBs provides combatant commanders greater operational flexibility to employ this platform in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. The ceremony will be live streamed at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/33415. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 09:50 a.m. PST. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Planning Offensive on Gaza's Rafah Despite International Outcry By VOA News February 16, 2024 Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Friday that Israel was "thoroughly planning" a military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite growing international concerns about the safety of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge there. U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Israel not to carry out the operation without a credible plan to protect civilians and to instead focus on a cease-fire. Egypt has said an offensive on Rafah could threaten diplomatic relations between the countries. Many other world leaders have issued similar messages of concern. An estimated 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza's population, have crammed into Rafah, most of them displaced by fighting elsewhere in the territory. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps. Biden said Friday that he'd had numerous lengthy phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past several days and that he'd asked Netanyahu for a temporary cease-fire in Gaza to get the hostages out. "I'm still hopeful that that can be done," Biden told reporters at the White House. "I'm hoping that the Israelis will not make any massive land invasion in the meantime. So it's my expectation that's not going to happen. There has to be a cease-fire," he said, adding that it was not just Israelis held hostage. "It's American hostages as well," he said, and expressed hope that they would be brought home. Biden said hostage negotiations were taking place. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday rejected a South African request to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah but also stressed that Israel must respect measures imposed late last month at a preliminary stage in a landmark genocide case. The ICJ said in a statement that the "perilous situation" in Rafah "demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated by the court in its order of 26 January 2024, which are applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including in Rafah, and does not demand the indication of additional provisional measures." The world court added that Israel "remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and with the said order, including by ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip." Israel says it does all it can to spare civilians and is targeting only Hamas militants whose tactic is to hide in civilian areas, which makes it difficult for Israel to avert civilian casualties. Last month the court ordered Israel to do all it could to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive that has eviscerated the Palestinian enclave. Israel strongly denies committing genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the ICJ will hold six days of hearings starting Monday about the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. Fifty-two states will present arguments at the hearings. The court is acting on a request made in 2022 by the U.N. General Assembly for a nonbinding opinion on the occupation. Though Israel has ignored such opinions in the past, the hearing and subsequent ruling of the ICJ could add political pressure over its military offensive in Gaza. Intensified airstrikes on Rafah are reportedly forcing people out of Gaza's southernmost city toward central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The emergency relief coordinator, Martin Griffiths, is following with great concern the developments in Al Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. In a social media post, Griffiths said the wounded and sick, as well as medical personnel and facilities, must be protected. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that Al Amal hospital in Khan Younis sustained damage from intense shelling in its vicinity. Humanitarian and health workers continue to face enormous challenges and risks to help people in need. From October 7 to February 12, there were 378 attacks on health care across Gaza, affecting 98 health facilities and 98 ambulances, according to the World Health Organization. Israeli forces searched the grounds of southern Gaza's main hospital Friday, a day after raiding the complex. The hospital's generators stopped working after the raid, the Gaza health ministry said, and five patients in intensive care died when their oxygen was cut off. Israel's military said it took control of the hospital because it had intelligence that there were Israeli hostages and hostages' bodies in the hospital. So far, no hostages or hostage bodies from the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel have been found at the site, according to Israeli military officials. Gaza's health ministry has accused the Israelis of disrupting the care of the hospital's patients when they raided the building. The Israelis have denied that claim. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since October 7, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza. The war started then with the Hamas terror attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and led to the capture of about 240 hostages, 100 of whom were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. 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 Gaza Health Officials Say 5 Die After Israeli Forces Raid Hospital By VOA News February 16, 2024 Israeli forces searched the grounds of southern Gaza's Nasser Hospital hospital Friday, a day after raiding the complex. The hospital's generators stopped working after the raid, the Hamas-controlled Gazan health ministry said, and five patients in intensive care died when their oxygen was cut off. Israel's military said it took control of the hospital because it had intelligence that there were Israeli hostages and hostages' bodies in the hospital. So far, no hostages or their bodies from the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel have been found at the site, according to Israeli military officials. Gaza's health ministry has accused the Israelis of disrupting the care of the hospital's patients when they raided the building. The Israelis have denied that claim. Meanwhile, Egypt is building a wall near its border with Rafah, the southern Gazan location teeming with over a million Palestinians who have been forced out of their homes by the Israeli offensive. Satellite pictures reveal that Egypt is also bulldozing land in the area. Israel has announced it plans to launch an invasion into Rafah. Egypt has said it would not open its border to Gazans, but news of the wall and the adjusting of the ground could indicate that Egypt may be ready to reverse that decision. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media early Friday that recognition of a Palestinian state "would give a huge reward to unprecedented terrorism." His comments came after talking with U.S. President Joe Biden and an Israeli Cabinet meeting, as well as a Washington Post report that the United States and its Arab allies plan to promote a two-state resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict. "Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding permanent arrangements with the Palestinians," Netanyahu posted on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote that any arrangements with the Palestinians "will be reached only through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions." In southern Israel, six people were wounded in a shooting at a bus stop Friday. The shooter was killed by police. At least two victims are reported to have died. 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The First Deputy Minister of Defense Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, and other high-ranking officials of the Ministry visited one of the commando military units, Trend reports, referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Chief of the General Staff met with the command staff of the military unit, delivered to them the tasks set by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and gave relevant instructions. The Chief of the General Staff inquired about the daily activities of the military unit, the state of combat readiness, and service conditions. It was reported that the necessary conditions have been created to increase the level of professionalism of the servicemen and to fulfill tasks in difficult conditions, and various measures are underway. Then, Colonel General Karim Valiyev watched the practical classes of the commandos on combat and special training in high mountainous terrain and severe winter conditions. The importance of increasing the intensity of exercises and classes to maintain the commandos' high-level combat readiness was noted. To accurately and timely accomplish the tasks set to the military unit, the command staff was assigned specific tasks to further improve the quality of exercises and classes. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel UN Chief: Current Global Order Fails Millions By Margaret Besheer February 16, 2024 The U.N. secretary-general told the Munich Security Conference Friday that the current global order is not working and that millions of ordinary people are paying "a terrible price." "Today we see countries doing whatever they like, with no accountability," Antonio Guterres told the annual gathering on pressing global security challenges. He said if countries fulfilled their obligations under the United Nations Charter, "every person on earth would live in peace and dignity." "The problem is that many governments are ignoring these commitments," he said. The war in Gaza Of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Guterres said nothing can justify Hamas' terror attack on October 7, but neither does it justify Israel's military response and the "collective punishment" of the Palestinian people. "The situation in Gaza is an appalling indictment of the deadlock in global relations," Guterres said. "The level of death and destruction is shocking in itself. The war is also spilling over borders across the region and affecting global trade." The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says nearly 29,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive following the killing of 1,200 people inside Israel in the October 7 attacks. He reiterated international concerns that Israel is planning a full-scale ground incursion in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, which is sheltering fleeing Palestinians and is the center of the humanitarian aid operation. "An all-out offensive on the city would be devastating for the 1.5 million Palestinian civilians who are already on the edge of survival," the U.N. chief warned. The war in Ukraine February 24 will mark two years since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The war has forced 6 million Ukrainians to seek safety in other countries, while 14.6 million people inside the country need humanitarian assistance. "Two years in, the cost in human lives and suffering is appalling and the impact on the global economy has been particularly devastating for developing countries," Guterres said. The war triggered a surge in food and fuel prices that hit poorer countries that had not yet economically recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We desperately need a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, for Russia and for the world," the secretary-general said, "a peace in line with the U.N. Charter and international law, which establishes the obligation to respect the territorial integrity of sovereign states." Other conflicts and troubles Guterres also urged regional and global powers to pressure parties involved in conflicts across Africa, the Middle East and Asia to negotiate peace. Beyond current conflicts, he said, the international community needs to strengthen the global peace and security architecture to better deal with current threats and challenges. "Those who drafted the U.N. Charter did not conceive of the climate crisis, artificial intelligence or cyber weapons," he said. Guterres also pressed for reform of the global financial architecture, saying that it is badly out of date, dysfunctional and unfair, and that it has failed the world's poorest countries. "They will owe more in debt service this year than their public spending on health, education and infrastructure combined," he said of struggling countries, adding there is still no effective debt relief mechanism. "All this is a development emergency with deep implications for global security," he said. He urged scaled-up climate action, repeating his calls for the gradual phaseout of fossil fuels. Guterres plans to convene a "Summit of the Future" in September on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings, which will aim to chart a path forward on some of these issues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Reinstates Sanctions on Yemen's Houthi Rebels, Effective Friday By Nike Ching February 16, 2024 The United States has reinstated sanctions on Yemen's Houthi rebels effective Friday, following their continued attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, endangering maritime security. The Houthis were first designated as a terror group three years ago and subsequently delisted due to humanitarian concerns. The relisting follows repeated demands from the U.S. and other countries for the Houthis to stop firing on commercial shipping. Those demands have been ignored, and attacks have continued despite a series of airstrikes by the U.S. and Britain aimed at taking out radar systems and launch sites used in the attacks. Earlier on Friday, a missile was launched from Yemen, hitting the port side of the India-bound Panamanian-flagged M/T Pollux, which was transporting crude oil. The extent of the damage is presently unclear, but the M/T Pollux is continuing its journey south under its own power. Houthi leaders have declared that the group will persist in its attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians, as long as Israel continues what the group termed its crimes against them. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department noted that on January 17, Washington announced its intention to relist the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, or SDGT, after 30 days, giving the Iran-backed rebels "the opportunity to scale down their attacks" and "to minimize de-risking across the industry." The spokesperson also accused Iran of aiding the Houthis in destabilizing the region. "Iran has been deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This is consistent with Iran's long-term materiel support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilizing actions in the region. Houthi forces have employed various Iranian-origin missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles against military and civilian targets throughout the region," the spokesperson said. U.S. officials said they have made concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of this designation on the Yemeni people. Washington has actively engaged the shipping industry, financial institutions, banks and humanitarian aid organizations to ensure comprehensive understanding of the broad exemptions associated with this designation. In the waning hours of former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration in January 2021, the Houthis were designated as both an SDGT and a foreign terrorist organization, or FTO. In February 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as both a foreign terrorist organization and as specially designated global terrorists. This action was taken as the Biden administration aimed to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the long-running civil war between the internationally recognized government of Yemen, based in the southern port city of Aden, and the Houthis, whose capital is Sanaa. Additionally, the delisting aimed to make it easier to deliver food and humanitarian aid to the people of Yemen. The two designations carry distinct penalties. Being named as a specially designated global terrorist empowers the U.S. Treasury Department to disrupt terrorists' access to funds within the United States and across the international financial system. On the other hand, designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department prohibits anyone from providing the group with "material support," including fighting for the group, or providing financial assistance or training. Members of foreign terrorist organizations who are not U.S. citizens are typically banned from entering the United States, except where there is a rare and high-level decision otherwise. The Houthis have not been relisted as an FTO at this time. U.S. defense officials said the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels and naval vessels since mid-November, impacting citizens, cargo and vessels from more than 50 countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senegal's Sall to Comply with Court Ruling That Said Election Delay Unconstitutional By VOA News February 16, 2024 President Macky Sall of Senegal said Friday he will comply with a ruling from Senegal's Constitutional Council, which a day earlier rejected his plan to postpone the presidential election. The president's office issued a statement that said, "The head of state will conduct necessary consultations to hold the presidential election as soon as possible." Sall had come under pressure both at home and abroad to reverse his decision to delay the election for some 10 months. Earlier Friday, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS urged him to follow the court's order, saying "all stakeholders in the electoral process ... [should] comply with the decision of the Constitutional Council." The election was originally set for February 25. Sall, whose second term ends in April and has said he is not running for a third, declared this month that he was postponing the vote and won approval from parliament to move it to December. But on Thursday, Senegal's Constitutional Council ruled that the National Assembly's decision to move the election was "contrary to the constitution." On the social media platform X, the Bureau of African Affairs of the U.S. Department of State applauded the decision, saying that they are "Glad to see the Constitutional Council's decision to put Senegal back on track for a timely presidential election." Many Senegalese who oppose Sall welcomed the decision to cancel the delay. Khalifa Sall, an opposition leader, said, "The president has no choice: on April 2, he'll have to go." Khalifa Sall has referenced recent events as an "institutional coup," and added that although many hoped that the council would decide a new election date, it ultimately falls upon the current government. Sall's attempt to delay the vote generated protests across the country, and at least three people were killed in clashes between police and demonstrators. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Elections in Africa Not Off to Good Start By Mariama Diallo February 16, 2024 The democratic process in sub-Saharan Africa is not off to a good start in what is supposed to be a busy election year. The small island nation of Comoros was the first to host presidential elections in 2024. Incumbent president Azali Assoumani - a former military officer who first came to power in a coup in 1999 - won a fourth term. Sahel Region Election results were immediately rejected by the opposition, triggering violent protests that killed one and injured 25. Next on the list was supposed to be Mali, followed by Senegal, but elections were postponed in both countries. Mali is ruled by Assimi Goita and right? a military junta that overthrew a democratically elected government in 2020. At the time, Goita promised to return the country to civilian rule but eventually had a second coup months later, forcing out the chosen transitional civilian leaders. Edgar Githua of the United States International University-Africa told VOA OK? that elections may not take place in Sahel countries that have recently experienced coups. "Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, have promised they are going to transition, they will not ... All these military juntas are trained military soldiers, they do not know how to govern. The learning curve to learn how to govern is too long." Earlier this month, in an unprecedented move, Senegalese President Macky Sall announced that elections will be delayed because of allegations of corruption in election-related cases and the disqualification of some leading candidates. Some in the opposition called the delay a constitutional coup, though in July, Sall said he would not seek a third term after deadly clashes protesting his possible run for another term. Lloyd Kuveya, of the University of Pretoria law school in South Africa told VOA it seems like Sall wants to stay a little longer. "Can we really trust Macky Sall? Everybody knows that his intentions were going for a third term, and if it hadn't been for the protests of the people of Senegal, I am quite sure he would've gone ahead to change the constitution." On Thursday, Senegal's top election authority, the constitutional council, ruled that delaying the elections was not in line with the constitution. It is not clear if elections will still be held as previously planned on February 25, as many candidates had suspended their campaigning due to the postponement. Senegal has been seen as a beacon of democracy in a region plagued by coups as Momadou Thior, Senegalese journalist and political analyst recently told VOA. "We witnessed, in 2000, the first change in power with the opposition leader then named Abdoulaye Wade defeating the incumbent President [Abdou] Diouf, who was in power for 20 years, and 12 years later, the current president, Macky Sall, defeating the same Abdoulaye Wade after 12 years in power." East Africa In East Africa, Rwanda has had the same president since 2000. While some analysts credit Paul Kagame for bringing unity and economic development to Rwanda after the country's OK? genocide, others question his popularity within the country. "Rwanda is the paradox of Africa. Paradox of Africa because the Rwandese themselves are afraid to talk about their own elections. If you have a vote where 98% votes for one candidate, that is a red flag. Nobody is that popular in this world," Githua said. He said Kagame will once again win the elections with over 90% of the vote in his favor but said he is more worried about the post-Kagame era. "Rwandese democracy is not mature because we've had some very negative experiences of past leaders who've tried to run against Kagame, the system kind of muzzles them. ...The bigger question for me in Rwanda is not even the elections they will have right now. Are they ready for that political landscape if Paul Kagame says he's walking away?" A 2022 Human Rights Watch report said the space for political opposition, civil society, and media remained closed in Rwanda. Southern Africa In South Africa, the African National Congress has been governing since 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president following the end of apartheid in the early 1990s, but there may not be business as usual, Kuveya says. "The ANC will win the elections but not with an outright majority. It'll be below 50[%],OK? and therefore, the African National Congress must brace for coalition politics although they are saying there will never be [a] coalition, they are going to win outright." He said allegations of corruption, scandals, and disunity within the ANC - as former president Jacob Zuma recently said he will vote for a different party - are already helping the opposition, including the Economic Freedom Fighters party led by Julius Malema, a former ANC youth leader. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia February 16, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris met today with Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia in Munich, Germany. The Vice President welcomed Slovenia's election to and membership on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2024-25, and the leaders expressed their commitment to coordination there on the basis of our shared democratic values and commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. The Vice President thanked Slovenia for its contributions to humanitarian and security assistance in Ukraine and for welcoming and protecting Ukrainian refugees. The Vice President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of a strong NATO and NATO-EU cooperation and continued Allied support and cooperation to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy. The Vice President and Prime Minister further committed to continue strengthening and deepening our countries' bilateral relationship and to work together through multilateral institutions to confront the range of challenges affecting Transatlantic security. They also discussed opportunities for closer cooperation to advance European energy security. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vice President Harris Rejects Isolationism, Authoritarianism, and Recent Attacks on NATO While Making Forceful Case for America's Continued Global Leadership During Munich Security Conference February 16, 2024 "If we only look inward, we cannot defeat threats from outside; isolation is not insulation. In fact, when America has isolated herself, threats have only grown," said the Vice President during her 16th foreign trip and third time at the Munich Security Conference MUNICH - Today, Vice President Kamala Harris made a forceful case for America's continued global leadership and the Biden-Harris Administration's worldview while strongly rejecting the failed ideologies of isolationism, authoritarianism, and unilateralism. During her third time representing the nation at the Munich Security Conference, the Vice President condemned recent attacks on NATO, reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine, outlined how America's global leadership benefits people across the country, and highlighted Biden-Harris accomplishments at home and abroad. "We are committed to pursue global engagement, to uphold international rules and norms, to defend democratic values at home and abroad, and to work with our allies and partners in pursuit of shared goals," said Vice President Harris. "However, there are some in the United States who disagree. They suggest it is the best interest of the American people to isolate ourselves from the world, to flout common understandings among nations, to embrace dictators and adopt their repressive tactics, and abandon commitments to our allies in favor of unilateral action. Let me be clear: That worldview is dangerous, destabilizing, and indeed short-sighted. That view would weaken America and would undermine global stability and undermine global prosperity." During her 16th foreign trip, Vice President Harris reaffirmed that her and President Biden's "sacred commitment to NATO remains ironclad" and that "NATO is central to our approach to global security." She outlined how, thanks to the leadership of the U.S., NATO is stronger, larger, more united, and more effective than ever before. The Vice President went on to unequivocally condemn recent attacks on NATO and offer a direct warning about what would happen if America abandoned its allies and cozied up to a dictator like Vladimir Putin by encouraging him. "If we stand by while an aggressor invades its neighbor with impunity, they will keep going - and in the case of Putin, that means all of Europe would be threatened. If we fail to impose severe consequences on Russia, other authoritarians across the globe would be emboldened because you see, they will be watching - they are watching - and drawing lessons," said Vice President Harris. "History has also shown us: if we only look inward, we cannot defeat threats from outside; isolation is not insulation. In fact, when America has isolated herself, threats have only grown." The Vice President also recounted how the world has come together under U.S. leadership to help Ukraine defend itself, achieve what many thought was impossible, and ensure that "Putin's war has already been an utter failure for Russia." She once again reiterated that America will continue to stand with Ukraine and our allies and partners around the world. "I will make clear; President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine," said Vice President Harris. "In partnership with supportive bipartisan majorities in both Houses of the United States Congress, we will work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs. And let me be clear, the failure to do so would be a gift to Vladimir Putin." Additionally, the Vice President made a clear case for how the U.S.' role of global leadership "makes America strong and it keeps Americans safe." She identified how being globally engaged is not only in the nation's strategic interest, but also a direct benefit to the American people. "I strongly believe America's role of global leadership is to the direct benefit of the American people," said Vice President Harris. "Our leadership keeps our homeland safe, supports American jobs, secures supply chains, and opens new markets for American goods. And I firmly believe our commitment to build and sustain alliances has helped America become the most powerful and prosperous country in the world...To put all of that at risk would be foolish." Finally, the Vice President highlighted a range of Biden-Harris accomplishments - from historic investments in infrastructure and domestic semiconductor manufacturing, to unprecedented investments in taking on the climate crisis, record small business creation, and the fact that America's economy is the strongest in the world. She also spoke about what the Administration has been doing in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and elsewhere throughout the world. Later today, the Vice President will meet with foreign leaders to advance the Biden-Harris Administration's priorities, including on Ukraine and the Middle East. Her leadership at the Munich Security Conference will also continue tomorrow as she meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The two leaders will deliver remarks to press at 7:30 a.m. ET. These remarks will be livestreamed at WhiteHouse.gov/Live # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Vice President Harris at the Munich Security Conference | Munich, Germany February 16, 2024 Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich, Germany 2:38 P.M. CEST VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Good afternoon. Good afternoon. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Christoph. Thank you. Thank you for your leadership. Before I begin today, we've all just received reports that Aleksey Navalny has died in Russia. This is, of course, terrible news, which we are working to confirm. My prayers are with his family, including his wife, Yulia, who is with us today. And if confirmed, this would be a further sign of Putin's brutality. Whatever story they tell, let us be clear: Russia is responsible. And we will have more to say on this later. As Christoph said, this is my third time here, and I'm honored to be with so many friends. This year, we gather amid an increased instability and conflict in the Middle East. We gather amid Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, China's efforts to reshape the international order, transformative technological change, and, of course, the existential threat of the climate crisis. In this context, I know that there are questions here in Europe and around the world about the future of America's role of global leadership. These are questions the American people must also ask ourselves: Whether it is in America's interest to continue to engage with the world or to turn inward. Whether it is in our interest to defend longstanding rules and norms that have provided for unprecedented peace and prosperity or to allow them to be trampled. Whether it is in America's interest to fight for democracy or to accept the rise of dictators. And whether it is in America's interest to continue to work in lockstep with our allies and partners or go it alone. Today, I will explain how President Biden and I answer these questions, with full knowledge that how America responds will affect the American people, the people of Europe, and people around the world. I believe it is in the fundamental interest of the American people for the United States to fulfill our longstanding role of global leadership. As President Biden and I have made clear over the past three years, we are committed to pursue global engagement, to uphold international rules and norms, to defend democratic values at home and abroad, and to work with our allies and partners in pursuit of shared goals. As I travel throughout my country and the world, it is clear to me: This approach makes America strong, and it keeps Americans safe. However, there are some in the United States who disagree. They suggest it is in the best interest of the American people to isolate ourselves from the world, to flout common understandings among nations, to embrace dictators and adopt their repressive tactics, and abandon commitments to our allies in favor of unilateral action. Let me be clear: That worldview is dangerous, destabilizing, and indeed short-sighted. That view would weaken America and would undermine global stability and undermine global prosperity. President Biden and I, therefore, reject that view. And please do understand, our approach is not based on the virtues of charity. We pursue our approach because it is in our strategic interest. I strongly believe America's role of global leadership is to the direct benefit of the American people. Our leadership keeps our homeland safe, supports American jobs, secures supply chains, and opens new markets for American goods. And I firmly believe our commitment to build and sustain alliances has helped America become the most powerful and prosperous country in the world alliances that have prevented wars, defended freedom, and maintained stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. To put all of that at risk would be foolish. President Biden and I have demonstrated there is a smarter way. When it comes to America's national security, our approach starts with our historic, direct investment in the working people of America, an investment which has helped build a resilient and innovative economy. We are clear: We cannot be strong abroad if we are not strong at home. We have made a once-in-a-generation investment to rebuild our roads and bridges and ports and highways with more than 40,000 infrastructure projects across all of our 50 states. We're bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America, which will secure our supply chains and enable the future of technology. And we have invested $1 trillion to address the climate crisis and build a new clean energy economy, reduce emissions, and meet our global climate commitments. Our economic vision has ensured America's economy remains the strongest in the world, with historic job creation, historic creation of small businesses, and broad-based economic growth. And over the past three years, backed by this strong track record at home, we have implemented our National Security Strategy. In the Indo-Pacific, we have invested heavily in our alliances and partnerships and created new ones to ensure peace and security and, of course, the free flow of commerce. We have responsibly managed competition with China, standing up to Beijing when necessary and also working together when it serves our interest. In the Middle East, we are working to end the conflict that Hamas triggered on October 7th as soon as possible and ensure it ends in a way where Israel is secure, hostages are released, the humanitarian crisis is resolved, Hamas does not control Gaza, and Palestinians can enjoy their right to security, dignity, freedom, and self-determination. (Applause.) This work while we also work to counter aggression from Iran and its proxies, prevent regional escalation, and promote regional integration. In addition, we have strengthened our partnerships on the continent of Africa, understanding that the innovation happening on the continent will shape the future of our world. We have also worked with partners in the Caribbean and throughout Latin America to increase private sector investment, address the climate crisis, and address the root causes of migration. And the Biden-Harris administration has led the world to respond to the climate crisis and ensure AI is developed in service of the public interest. We have also worked to advance and uphold rules and norms for outer space and to empower women around the globe. And here in Europe, we have joined forces with our friends and allies to stand up for freedom and democracy. Christoph, I reflect on two years ago, when I first stood on this stage on the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Many of of us will recall that time when many thought Kyiv would fall within days. Yet, the skill and the bravery of the people of Ukraine, along with the leadership of President Zelenskyy and the 50-nation coalition the United States has led, has allowed Ukraine to achieve what so many thought was impossible. Today, Kyiv stands free and strong. (Applause.) The world has come together, with leadership from the United States, to defend the basic principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and to stop an imperialist authoritarian from subjugating a free and democratic people. Make no mistake, Putin's war has already been an utter failure for Russia. Ukraine has regained more than half the territory Russia occupied at the start of the conflict thanks, in part, to a massive supply of American and European weapons. The Russian military has suffered severe setbacks. It has lost two thirds of its tanks and more than a third of its fleet in the Black Sea. Because of Putin's aggression and recklessness, Russia has also suffered over 300,000 casualties. Remember, that's more than five times what it lost in 10 years in Afghanistan. And now it forces conscripts onto the frontlines with as little as two weeks of training. We have also imposed economic costs on Russia for its aggression. And together with our G7 partners, we have frozen Russia's sovereign assets and made clear Russia must pay for the damages it has caused to Ukraine. I applaud the recent $54 billion commitment the EU made to support Ukraine on top of the more than $100 billion our European allies and partners have already dedicated. You have made clear that Europe will stand with Ukraine, and I will make clear President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine. (Applause.) In partnership with supportive, bipartisan majorities in both houses of the United States Congress, we will work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs. And let me be clear: The failure to do so would be a gift to Vladimir Putin. More broadly, NATO is central to our approach to global security. For President Biden and me, our sacred commitment to NATO remains ironclad. And I do believe, as I have said before, NATO is the greatest military alliance the world has ever known. NATO was founded on a very simple premise: An attack on one is an attack on all. And when it comes to conflict between nations, NATO has deterred aggression against its members to the benefit of the security of the American people. For the past 75 years, NATO members have maintained this solemn pact, including on 9/11 when terrorists attacked America and for the first and only time, NATO invoked Article 5, the collective defense clause. And NATO stood by America's side. Nevertheless, recall, before the President and I took office, some questioned the usefulness of NATO, suggested it was, quote, "obsolete." Some in my country also questioned the value of our commitment to NATO's collective defense and called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany. Now, thanks to the leadership of the United States, NATO is stronger, larger, more unified, and more effective than ever before. We have reinforced NATO's eastern flank with more weapons and forces, including air defense and fighter coverage, a sustained presence of army brigades, and a permanent U.S Army headquarters in Poland. And, of course, Europeans are also stepping up. Since President Biden and I took office, the number of NATO members that have met the goal of spending 2 percent of GDP has doubled. NATO has also added one new member, and we're on track to add another. And we look forward to welcoming both Finland and Sweden to Washington for NATO's 75th anniversary summit this summer. (Applause.) Around the world, we have made great progress. But ultimately, I do believe none of the gains we have made will be permanent unless we are vigilant. And let us remember, none of these gains were inevitable. I ask you: Imagine if America turned our back on Ukraine and abandoned our NATO Allies and abandoned our treaty commitments. Imagine if we went easy on Putin, let alone encouraged him. History offers a clue. If we stand by while an aggressor invades its neighbor with impunity, they will keep going. And in the case of Putin, that means all of Europe would be threatened. If we fail to impose severe consequences on Russia, other authoritarians across the globe would be emboldened, because you see, they will be watching they are watching and drawing lessons. History has also shown us: If we only look inward, we cannot defeat threats from outside. Isolation is not insulation. In fact, when America has isolated herself, threats have only grown. I need not remind the people of Europe of a dark history when the forces of tyranny and fascism were on the march, and then America joined our allies in defense of freedom and to safeguard our collective security. So, I'll close with this. In these unsettled times, it is clear: America cannot retreat. America must stand strong for democracy. We must stand in defense of international rules and norms, and we must stand with our allies. That is what represents the ideals of America, and the American people know that is what make us strong. And make no mistake, the American people will meet this moment, and America will continue to lead. I thank you very much. (Applause.) AMBASSADOR HEUSGEN: Th- thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, for these strong words, for this strong commitment to NATO. And tonight, we will honor, again, one of the strongest Republicans who has been here with the Munich Security Conference for many, many years, John McCain. I think, if he were to listen his wife is here would be very grateful for your bipartisan words. We are running late. So, I have to afraid I cannot go into a long discussion. But I want to pick up on the one issue, besides Ukraine, which you have covered very long on the Israel-Palestine issue. From your perspective you touched briefly on that what is the long-term vision for the Israelis and Palestine Palestinians? And how will they live with each other? Will it be possible, what we mentioned earlier also with respect to Rwanda, where there was a genocide is this possible to come instead of revenge to reconciliation? How do we get from here to there? How do we get to where what you said about two-state solution, living by side by side? Is it actually achievable? VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: The short answer is yes, I do believe it is. But we must then put the discussion in context, starting with October 7. On October 7th, Hamas committed a terrorist act that was about slaughtering over 1,200 Israelis, innocent people, many of them young people who were attending a concert. Women were horribly tortured and raped rape being used as a tool of war. And it is important that we remember what that was and, I will say, understand that Israel then had a right to defend itself. We would. We would. And (applause) and how it does so matters. We have also been clear that far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, that Israel must do better to protect innocent civilians. We have seen what has been happening in terms of the images that we see on a daily basis of the human suffering and the need for humanitarian aid. And the President and our administration and I have been very adamant about getting that humanitarian aid in. We look at the circumstances of what's happening: There are tunnels under hospitals and and what that means in terms of this conflict and and how it is implemented. But ultimately, Christoph, to your point, to get to the day after, hostages need to be released. We must understand the importance of the principles that should be applied to the day after, including no reoccupation of Gaza, no change of its geographic territory, no return of of terrorism by Hamas. And ultimately, apply certain principles to how the day after will look, including the importance of security for Gaza and the region, both interim and permanent; what must be done in terms of governance for Gaza; and then rebuilding Gaza. We've been very clear that we believe that the PA should be the authority on that, with so- reform but that that should take place. There cannot be, in my opinion, peace and security for that region for the people of Israel or the Palestinians and the people of Gaza without a two-state solution. And we cannot give up on that. (Applause.) But how we get there is going to matter. And most recently, just this week, actually, I was with the King of Jordan in in my West Wing office in Washington. Previously, at the end of last year, I was with a number of Arab leaders in Dubai. And the work that will happen among nations to help with these ultimate goals will be critically important critically important. AMBASSADOR HEUSGEN: Thank you. Thank you very much. Last question. After Munich last year, you remember, we discussed about the Global South and how important it is. You actually traveled to Ghana, to and we just had the president here, too Tanzania and Zambia. What was your impression? There seems to be a growing transactional mindset. How do we react to this? How can we the U.S. and Europe win them over? VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Well, I'm going to challenge the premise of your question. That for on behalf of the United States, I will tell you that I believe that we must think differently about the relationship between the United States and the continent of Africa. And I'm frankly very excited about what is happening on the continent and my trip being further reinforcement of that point. We look at the the future of the continent and how it will affect the future of the world: It is indisputable, there will be a direct impact. The median age on the continent of Africa is 19. By 2050, it is estimated that one in four people occupying place on Mother Earth will be on the continent of Africa. So, when we think of it in terms of the future, we must see the innovation that is currently happening there and partner with African leaders and nations and change the way we are thinking in a way that it is not about aid, but about partnership; not what we do for the continent, but what we do with the continent and its leaders. When I was there, I was in at Ghana, for example, meeting with a number of business leaders leaders in the clean energy economy. Afrobeats and what culture of Africa is doing to impact the world in terms of how it thinks about the arts is profound. So, the future has to be about partnership and investment. To your point about tran- the transactional issue, certainly, when I was there, the press asked me almost every day: Are you here because of China? And my answer was, "No, we are here because of the Afri- the people on the Af- continent of Africa and what the partnership will mean." And let's not forget ever the interconnected history between the United States and Africa and what that means in terms of how we should think about the relationship and how we should think about our commitment to the African nations. AMBASSADOR HEUSGEN: Thank you. Thank you very much for this. We have to move on to our next session. But we have a change in program, and I would like you to stay seated for our next speaker, who will be a bit of a surprise. So, thank you very much, Vice President. (Applause.) END 3:06 P.M. CEST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan En Route Pittsburgh, PA February 16, 2024 Aboard Air Force One En Route Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12:06 P.M. EST MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. Hello. I have a guest with me. Q Yeah. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. Okay, just bear with me for a second. Got a little bit of a laydown of the trip. So, good afternoon. As you all know, we are on our way to East Palestine, Ohio, where the President will hear directly from residents affected by the Norfolk Southern train de- derailment. The President is making today's visit as at the invitation of the mayor to see the progress delivered through our whole-of-government response and to reaffirm his commitment to supporting the community as it moves forward. While on the ground, the President will also receive a briefing from officials on continuing response and recovery efforts, which began within hours of the derailment and will continue for as long as it takes to make this community whole again. A couple of things that I wanted to just highlight for all of you: The Department of Transporta- Transportation arrived on scene within hours to support the National Transportation Safety Board in their independent investigation of the derailment. EPA also arrived within hours and continues to work around the clock to clean up the mess Norfolk Southern made, removing more than 176,000 tons of hazardous waste and removing or treating more than 49 million gallons of water, all paid for by Norfolk Southern under EPA's historic enforcement authority. FEMA provided immediate technical and operational assistance to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and other agencies, including by leading community outreach efforts to help keep residents informed. And HHS continues to monitor the public health consequences of the derailment, including any long-term health issues in the affected communities. The President also wants to ensure that what happened in East Palestine doesn't happen again here or in any other community. That's why he has deployed historic investments to modernize and upgrade rail infrastructure and make passenger and freight rail safer and continues to call on Congress to do its part by passing the bipartisan Railway Safety Act. Today, the President is bringing a message to the people of East Palestine: We will continue to be here every step of the way, as long as it takes, and use every tool available to ensure this community is able to move forward. And with that, I have the EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, to take any of your questions or to make any statements that you may have. Go ahead. Q Can you just speak up a little bit? Sorry. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Yes. You know, I just want to add that, first and foremost, President Biden has been laser-focused on East Palestine from day one laser-focused since day one. As Karine said, we were there just hours after the derailment. We have been there since. This is a historic response. Because the President has leaned in, EPA has been able to accomplish work in 12 months that would have normally taken close to five years. We have moved over 176,000 tons of contaminated soil, over 43 million gallons of contaminated water, and all the while, have had a EPA welcome center open downtown to take questions and provide educational materials to all that have been affected. Q Do the people of East Palestine need long-term healthcare provided to them by the federal government? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, long-term monitoring and long-term healthcare are things that have been requested and are being considered. There are multiple ways that we are evaluating how to arrive to those potential solutions. But we are listening to the people of East Palestine. And what I have pledged and what the President has pledged is that we will be there, shoulder to shoulder with the people of East Palestine, until the job is done. Q What is the status what is the status of the drinking water now? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, there are weekly tests done at the municipal level by the state of Ohio, as well as continual samples for private wells, all of which are getting a clean bill of health from the state. We check the state's homework, and we firmly believe that when the state checks a municipal well source or a private well and they say that they have a green light, we trust that methodology and believe that the water is safe to drink. Q What is the administration's message, though, to the residents who are concerned about the air in their homes and the water still, even though they're getting these positive messages from the from local officials there? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, what I what I have to say is we have over, you know, 45,000 air quality monitoring tests strategically done around the area, over 115 million different data points that suggests that there was never any concerns for air pollution levels above safe levels. And and shortly after the derailment I'll remind folks we went inside over 600 homes to do indoor air assessments and determine, even shortly after the controlled burn, that there were no elevated levels. And so, we believe that the science and the technology prove that the indoor air quality is safe. And we are determining this through multiple measures. We have high-tech aircraft that we've had in the vicinity. We have mobile sources and trucks and others with sophisticating measurement tools. And then we have stationary air monitors placed all around this community. We believe and know, based on the science and the data, that the air is safe. Q Just wanted to follow up on that. If if that's the case, where do the contaminants go? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Well, you know, most of these contaminants, during the controlled burn dissipated immediately during the controlled burn. And we the the state ordered an evacuation. And we set up this very well-designed system for testing the air quality. So, since people have been back in their home, we've been having lots of testing and data points that determine that most of these chemicals dissipated immediately. But we've set up this safety net to determine that there are no elevated levels in the area, externally or in these homes, based upon the derailment and the controlled burn. Q Can you help us understand why it took so long for the President to make this trip? Was there a specific reason? Was his own health considered in making this decision? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, what I would say is, the President has been laser-focused since day one, deployed a whole-of-government approach, and decided to strategically visit and engage when he thought the time was right. I will note that a lot of work has gone on this past year, and it has been, as of late, that the mayor extended an invitation to the President to join. And the President is responding to that local invite, which I think is very appropriate. Q To Josh's a follow-up to Josh's question. Senator J.D. Vance has proposed a $15 million long-term study for the health effects after the crash. Is that something that the administration is considering? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, I I would say that this administration understands that we need to be there until the job is done. We also understand that the community is requesting long-term monitoring of the environment and personal health. And all of those things we believe are under consideration and deserve a really robust conversation. Q Have you received any information, any feedback from the residents who may still have some concerns about their air and water? Have they brought it directly to the EPA, or have you just been hearing it sort of through a trickle-down method? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Absolutely, we've heard it directly from the community. We've been embedded in this community, you know, hours after this derailment. We have an EPA welcome center, which we've seen over 1,200 East Palestinian residents darken that door. You know, in the East Palestinian community and surrounding areas, we send out newsletters to about 9,000 homes and residents. So, we have a really robust two-way communication. We are hearing and listening to those concerns. For those who have health concerns, we have advocated from day one: Please engage your medical providers, please provide them the appropriate information. That way we can have a better understanding from a health perspective where there may be some correla- correlations. But I want to be clear that the monitoring that we've done of the municipal water, the private wells and the monitoring that we've done around the air quality demonstrates that there were no elevated levels of pollution exposure due to this derailment. Q Given this robust response that you've described here, what why do you think the people of East Palestine are so frustrated and angry at the President? I mean, we're not expecting a particularly warm welcome for the President today when he arrives. Do you have a sense for what what that is? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, this is my fifth trip, and I've spent time with a lot of different people families that have been impacted, high school students. When I converse with the mayor or with Congressman Bill Johnson and with many community members, what I'm hearing is 90 to 95 percent of the people of East Palestine are looking forward are ready to move forward and believe that their community is safe. And they want to see this dark cloud removed from over their community. There is a percentage of people a smaller percentage of people who do not quite have the faith in the quality of their water and the quality of their air. And what I would say is we continue to work with these individuals, provide the data, provide the analytics, and try to help them get to a place where they are more comfortable with what they're experiencing. Some of these people were not quite confident in their water quality before this derailment, and they're definitely not going to be satisfied after the derailment. So, we have to continue to work with the community and meet people where they are. Q What's your response to requests for a disaster declaration? There has been one from the governor, from Senator Sherrod Brown. Why wasn't that made? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, I think the President's executive order or presidential order made it clear that this option is on the table, and the state has a few boxes it needs to check to provide the federal government with the level of detail needed to pursue that. And so, the ball is in the state's court. And, you know, we will let the states lead on that and be prepared to respond at the appropriate time. Q Is the Ohio governor or are other federal Republican Ohio lawmakers invited to take part in the briefing or in any of the events today? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Say that mor- I didn't hear the question. Q Was was the Ohio governor or other, sort of, Ohio Republican lawmakers invited today? And did they decline to come or MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I would certainly refer you to their offices. Obviously, when these the President makes these types of trips, he sends out an invite to it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican, obviously he sends out the invite. But I would refer you to their respective office on on their schedule. Q All right. ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: And I'd like to say, on that point, from day one and I think the facts bear this out we have engaged both Republicans and Democrats in both states. In all fi- four of my trips, I've worked shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Conaway, Congressman Bill Johnson, Senator Sherrod Brown, and Governor Shapiro. Listen, I I think we have been laser-focused on this community. Politics do not belong in the response of something of this this magnitude. So, we've we've definitely seen cooperation across the aisles Q With 20- ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: from from both Q With 20/20 hindsight, I mean, would you have come a little sooner? Or do you think the President should have come a little sooner? ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: You know, my answer is: I I think we have with even with 20/20 hindsight, governed ourselves accordingly. There's a balancing act here. EPA, the Department of Transportation, all of the people needed to protect the public safety have been on the ground within hours. There is a little bit of a circus when we all come, and I think respecting the mayor's wish and locally elected officials' wishes not to have federal visits disrupt the response that is needed to make people feel safe we have listened to the people locally. And that's why you've seen us respond the way we have. We Q But are you saying that the mayor didn't want the President to come earlier? Because there was certainly a lot of desire from the community for him to come earlier. That that came up from them and from his constituents. ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Yeah, I I listen, I think the mayor won reelection and people have faith in him. And the first invitation that he sent to the President was the letter, and the President responded. I don't want to speak for the mayor, but, you know, I've spent a lot of time with the mayor, and I think I know where he stands. Q Can we ask Karine Q There's been so many other disasters (Cross-talk.) MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, yeah. Let him finish, and then (inaudible) Q There have been many other disasters where the President has come sooner. So, that's why it's odd that this one has such a lengthy timeline. ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Well, I can tell you, he has been engaged from the very beginning. And I have briefed him and his senior leader leadership team a number of times. And he he is very focused on the details. Let me tell you. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Thank you, guys. Thank you, guys, because we're about they're going to tell us to sit in a second. Let me just tell you really quickly thank you so much, Administrator. ADMINISTRATOR REGAN: Thank you. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, in Pennsylvania, the President is going to be joined by Representative Chris Deluzio and then with to meet with first responders and obviously the Mayor of East Palestine, Trent Conaway, and the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Jim McPherson. And I think I have time for a couple questions. Q Just to follow up on the President's remarks regarding Navalny's death MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah, yeah. Q where does the White House stand on additional sanctions? And does it believe that sanctions can be effective in changing Putin's behavior? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look, I think the President actually answered this really, really well, which is, like, just look at what we have done in the last three years right? where we and our partners have imposed the most severe sanctions on Russia and that that any economy its size has ever ever faced. We've kicked them up out of the we kicked them out of the international organization and worked to isolate them on the world stage. And we've proved we've provided Ukraine with the capacity to impose massive costs on the on the Russian military. And one of the things that the President said is that, look, if if we really want to make sure that we keep we we really react to what Put- Putin is doing, we got to get that supplemental. It's so critical to get that supplemental. And the President obviously said we're not going to lay out what we're going to do next, if if it it is indeed if we move forward with sanctions. But the supplemental is so key and critical, and that's what we're going to continue to call on Congress Q Is the is the MS. JEAN-PIERRE: to that done. Q White House taking any moves to find out specifically how he was killed? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, obviously, we want to get to the bottom of this and and Q (Inaudible.) MS. JEAN-PIERRE: get a sense of what happened. But I don't want to get ahead of that. And we do believe there should be an investigation. So, we probably should sit down, guys. Hold on. I Q Do you think there should be an investigation by whom? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, look, we believe that it should be investigated, that it should be looked into. But I don't want to comment, obviously, on intelligence matters. I want to be really mindful here. But we know what we know, which is what the President said and you heard this from the Vice President as well that this is that this that Putin clearly is is you know, he he's responsible for this, and everybody should be clear about that. He is responsible for this. Q Does the White House welcome Special Counsel Hur testifying before Congress next month? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I'm going to I'm going to be really careful about that. I'm not going to comment on on that. That is something for Congress to to decide. Q Do we expect the transcripts to come out before or after that testimony? MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I mean, I'm not going to give a timeline on the transcript, obviously. Obviously, we've looked we're looking into it. I just don't have anything else to say about that. Q Thanks. Q Thanks, Karine. MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right, no problem. That was a little dicey. 2:22 P.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 16 February 2024 - Day 722 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 Russian forces continue operations in the Donbas, with its primary effort focussed on the town of Avdiivka. Russia has been making a concerted effort to seize the town since October 2023, and have made gradual, sustained progress in cutting off the city, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces reinforcing in response. Avdiivka has been on the frontline in the Donbas since 2014. In its effort to take the city, Russia has lost at least 400 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other hardware, as well as likely thousands of personnel. Further north, Russian forces around Bakhmut continue attacks to the west, almost certainly with the objective of seizing the town of Chasiv Yar. Russia has not been able to advance further beyond Bakhmut since taking control in May 2023. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of February 16, there were 70x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 8x missile and 49x air strikes, carried out 84x 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, medical facilities and critical infrastructure facilities were destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Udy, Hatyshche, Katerynivka (Kharkiv oblast). More than 10x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Koren'ok, Studenok, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Kindrativka, Bilovody, Velyka Pysarivka (Sumy oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Russian adversary conducted no offensives. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 8x assaults near Terny, Yampolivka, Tors'ke (Donetsk oblast), and Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). In that area Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Rozdolivka, Terny (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Terny, Yampolivka, Tors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 5x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers, with air support, made attempts to improve their tactical situation. Moreover, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinity of Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Kalynivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 27x attacks in the vicinity of Avdiivka and 2x more attacks near Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the Russian occupiers, with air support, continue their attempts to capture Avdiivka. On top of that, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Semenivka, Lastochkyne (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at up to 20x settlements, including Avdiivka, Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Lastochkyne, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, made 7x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Pobjeda, Kostyantynivka were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Novopavlivka axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Zolota Nyva, Urozhaine, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). Zaporizhzhia axis: no signs of Russian offensives. More than 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, P'yatykhatky, Kam'yans'ke (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. During the day, Russian forces made 2x attempts to assault positions of Ukrainian troops. The city of Kherson, the settlements of Romashkove, Dniprovs'ke (Kherson oblast), and the city of Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast) came under Russian artillery fire. Russian forces also shelled Kherson with MLRS strikes. During the day of February 16, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 11x concentrations of Russian troops, 1x anti-aircraft missile system. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 3x concentrations of troops, 2x areas of artillery firing positions, 1x ammunition depot, 2x electronic warfare stations of the Russian invaders. In addition, within the city of Avdiyivka, heavy battles are ongoing. Russia continues to launch artillery shelling and massive bombings, virtually wiping the city off the face of the earth. Russia is storming all reserves, throwing them from other directions and trying to crush Ukrainian defenses. The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain Russian occupiers, who dominate in number in personnel, artillery and aviation. Since the beginning of the day in the area of avdiiivki, Ukrainian defenders have repelled more than 30 attacks of Russians. Russian forces carried out 20 air strikes and over one and a half hundred artillery shelling. In addition to Avdiyivka, Russian artillery and mortar shelling suffered almost 20 surrounding settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Berdyci, Lastockine, Nevels ke and others. From the ruined positions Ukrainian soldiers exit the maneuver and zakratluut sa at the new frontiers of defense. During one outing, several Ukrainian fighters were taken captive. The evacuation of the wounded is complicated by non-stop shelling, but it is happening. At this point, Ukrainian defenders need reserves. The supply of ammunition also remains an issue. Units maintain defined boundaries of defense according to the operational environment. There is an ongoing fire at the Avdiivs komu koksohemicnomu plant, where Russian forces, as a result of shelling, set ablaze a tank with remains of naphthalene and bitumen resin in the warehouse. Only since the beginning of the year, the loss of occupiers in this direction were 20,018 persons, 199 tanks and 481 combat armored (January 1 - February 15, 2024). ). The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in the period from 11 to 16 February, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered 30 group strikes by long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at facilities of Ukrainian military industrial complex producing and repairing aircraft engines, radio-electronic equipment and ammunition. Moreover, strikes were delivered factories producing fuel and lubricants for AFU hardware, warehouses of military and technical equipment, as well as deployment points of AFU units and nationalist formations. Over the week, in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and repelled 18 attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 25th Airborne Brigade, 30th, 32nd, 43rd, 44th, and 60th mechanised brigades, 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade near Sinkovka, Tabayevka, Timkovka (Kharkov region) and Terni (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, enemy manpower was struck near Novoselkovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Kislovka, and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 775 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front lines and supported by aviation and artillery repelled 14 enemy attacks. Moreover, losses were inflicted on units of the AFU 24th, 60th, and 63rd mechanised brigades near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic), Yampolovka, and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 1,585 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, four tanks, 44 armoured fighting vehicles, 82 motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and repelled 46 enemy attacks near Belogorovka, Bogdanovka, Kleshcheyevka, Leninskoye, Novomikhailovka, and Shumy (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, AFU and Ukrainian National Guard units suffered losses near Kurdyumovka, Andreyevka, Georgiyevka, and Katerinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,820 Ukrainian troops, 11 tanks, 14 armoured fighting vehicles, 84 motor vehicles, and 25 field artillery guns. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the situation along the front lines and repelled three enemy attacks. Unist of the AFU 58th Infantry Brigade, 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 127th and 128th territorial defence brigades suffered losses near Vladimirovka, Urozhaynoye, Vodyanoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 1,060 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, ten armoured fighting vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and 12 field artillery guns. In Kherson region, aviation and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 35th Marines Brigade, 121st Territorial Defence Brigade, and 23rd Ukrainian National Guard Brigade near Tyaginka, Ivanovka, Yantarnoye (Kherson region), and Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 310 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and 14 field artillery guns. Aviation and air defence units intercepted one Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 aircraft and Mi-24 helicopter, 36 HIMARS, Vampire, and Olkha MLRS projectiles, one JDAM guided aerial bomb, as well as neutralised 405 unmanned aerial vehicles. 35 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered over the past week. In total, 571 airplanes and 266 helicopters, 12,571 unmanned aerial vehicles, 469 air defence missile systems, 15,060 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,221 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,067 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 18,747 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 U.S. Citizen Charged with Providing Material Support to Isis And Receiving Military-Type Training at Isis Fighter Camp Friday, February 16, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Harafa Hussein Abdi Joined ISIS fighters in Somalia in 2015 and Threatened to Attack New York City in the Name of ISIS A complaint was unsealed today charging Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, of Minneapolis, with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and receiving and conspiring to receive military-type training from ISIS. Abdi, a U.S. citizen, was recently taken into custody overseas and was transported to the United States yesterday. Abdi will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court later today. "As stated in the complaint, Mr. Abdi left his country to join ISIS, trained as a fighter and actively aided the group's propaganda efforts to spread its vile ideology," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "There is no higher priority for the National Security Division than to protect Americans from terrorist organizations and we will work tirelessly to find and hold accountable those who would join these groups to do our people harm wherever they may be." "As alleged, Harafa Hussein Abdi, a citizen of this country, traveled from Minnesota to join a group of ISIS fighters in Somalia," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "While training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi allegedly carried an AK-47, threatened to attack civilians in New York City, and encouraged others to carry out such attacks. Our law enforcement partners have relentlessly pursued this investigation to ensure the disruption of Abdi's alleged plans to wage terror on our shores and bring Abdi to an American court to face justice. No matter how long it takes, this office is steadfast in its commitment to investigate, disrupt and prosecute terrorist threats against Americans." "Abdi allegedly trained in an ISIS camp, encouraged others to fight on behalf of ISIS, and sent social media messages about committing violent acts in New York City," said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch. "The FBI works tirelessly to protect the American people against acts of terrorism and will hold accountable all those who break our laws and endanger our citizens. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners both here and overseas to uncover and disrupt terrorist activity." As alleged in the complaint, Abdi, moved from Minnesota to Somalia in 2015. Once there, he joined a group of ISIS fighters at an ISIS training camp in the Puntland region of Somalia. During his time with the group, Abdi regularly carried an AK-47 assault rifle and received training on how to use it. In addition, Abdi worked in the ISIS group's "media" wing, where he filmed footage for distribution by a pro-ISIS media outlet. In social media communications during his time at the ISIS camp, Abdi described how he had left the United States and joined the "Islamic state." Abdi also stated that he had made "hijra," an Arabic term used by ISIS supporters to refer to traveling overseas to join ISIS and engage in jihad. Abdi also sent a photograph of himself carrying an AK-47 assault rifle, as depicted below: In or about January 2017, Abdi sent an audio clip of rap lyrics in which he expressed support for ISIS and described multiple acts of violence, including shooting and bombing individuals in New York City. Specifically, Abdi stated, "hollow tips put a hole in your Catholic vest, and chop his head off let it rest on his Catholic chest." Abdi further stated, "We going to carry on jihad"; "Fly through America on our way to shoot New York up. They trying to shut this thing. We ain't going. We going to come blow New York up." Abdi sent the audio clip to at least 20 other social media users and included messages with the audio clip, such as "Fighting back the kuffar who's at war with Muslims if [that] is not islam then I don't know wats Islam." Abdi left the ISIS camp in 2017 after his relationship with the ISIS group's leadership deteriorated. After being jailed by the group, Abdi escaped and traveled to East Africa, where he was arrested by law enforcement authorities. In subsequent Mirandized interviews with FBI personnel, Abdi admitted that he had joined the training camp, which was affiliated with a known ISIS leader in Somalia. Abdi also identified himself in an ISIS propaganda video that he helped to film at the training camp in which Abdi carried an AK-47 assault rifle, promoted ISIS and urged others to join and fight on its behalf. In the video, Abdi said, "We thank almighty God for making us His soldiers and chose us to be among the Khilafa troops," and "So do not stay behind, brother, and get on this caravan.... Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil." Abdi also admitted that he was trained on and regularly carried an AK-47 assault rifle and practiced shooting the AK-47 in the Somali wilderness outside the camp. Abdi is charged with (i) conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and (iv) receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine or both. The FBI's New York Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. The National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section, Justice's Department's Office of International Affairs, FBI's Counterterrorism Division, the FBI's International Operations Division and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas S. Bradley for the Southern District of New York is prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Attachment u.s._v._abdi_complaint.pdf [PDF, 471 KB] Component: National Security Division (NSD) Press Release Number: 24-187 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The First Deputy Minister of Defense - Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, and other high-ranking officials of the Ministry visited several military units stationed in the liberated territories, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said, Trend reports. "Having met with the leadership, brigade commanders, their deputies and commanders of separate military units of the Land Forces, the Chief of the General Staff delivered to the command staff the tasks assigned to the Azerbaijan Army by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, as well as gave relevant instructions on their fulfillment. The Chief of the General Staff inquired about the provision of reservists involved in training sessions on mobilization training and practical training, observed combat and fire training, and gave instructions on their improvement. It was emphasized that most of the reservists involved in the training sessions are reserve servicemen who participated in the Patriotic War and subsequent operations. The Chief of the General Staff instructed to pay special attention to the continuation of measures for mobilization training and the creation of mobilization reserves in a planned manner, as well as to the regular conduct of training sessions to maintain reserve servicemens combat training at a high level. Colonel General Valiyev also inquired about the progress of the command-staff exercises held with the involvement of mobilization reserves. The Chief of the General Staff, who arrived at the exercises venue and the training points deployed in the field conditions, heard the reports of the relevant high-ranking officers. Specific tasks to further improve the quality of the exercises, as well as increase the level of professionalism and combat training of the involved military personnel were assigned to the command staffs of the military units. Then, the Chief of the General Staff, who arrived at the military units of the Rocket and Artillery Troops, emphasized the importance of improving the quality of exercises and training, increasing the intensity of their conduct in the field conditions, as well as refining the practical skills of combat crews. Colonel General Valiyev, who visited the military units stationed in the Kalbajar and Lachin directions, was reported regarding the work being done. The Defense Ministers instructions on the planned implementation of measures at military facilities being under construction, as well as the timely completion of the work were delivered to the relevant high-ranking officers," the ministry noted. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Russia slams US for 'malicious fabrication' over space capabilities Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 3:02 PM Moscow has dismissed as mere "malicious fabrication" a warning by Washington about Russia's newly-achieved capabilities in space. Such tricks, the Kremlin said Thursday, are played by the White House only to urge lawmakers to approve more money to counter Russia. The White House has told Congress and its European allies about new intelligence related to what it called Russian nuclear capabilities in space of posing an international threat. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner warned of a mysterious "serious national security threat," calling on US President Joe Biden to "declassify all information." It is not clear what the so-called threat entails. The alleged threat has not been specified by any official yet, but several outlets have already reported that it involves Russia. Citing two unnamed sources, ABC News claimed the threat involves Russia hoping to use a nuclear weapon in space, not to hit targets on the Earth but potentially to target satellites. Biden's national security chief was to brief top lawmakers Thursday. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan would hold a closed-doors meeting with congressional leaders, as US media said Russia was developing a weapon that could knock out Western satellites. Earlier Thursday, the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he would not comment on the claims in the reports until the White House gives details on the matter. This is a political ruse orchestrated by the White House to pressure Congress into releasing funds for Ukraine, the Russian official said. "It is obvious that the White House is trying, by hook or by crook, to encourage Congress to vote on a bill to allocate money, this is obvious," he told reporters. "We'll see what tricks the White House will use." Separately, TASS quoted Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Moscow's point man on arms control, as saying that these claims are only "malicious fabrication." Republican lawmakers at US Congress oppose giving more funds to Ukraine to counter Russia, despite Kiev's yearning for more money. Russia has repeatedly warned that a continued supply of Western arms and military equipment for the Ukrainian military would only prolong the war. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken Says Russian 'Threat' Not Active Capability, But US Taking It 'Very Seriously' Sputnik News 20240215 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that an alleged Russia-related "national security threat" is not an active capability, but a potential one that Washington is taking "very, very seriously" and discussing with its allies. "This is not an active capability, but it is potential one that we're taking very, very seriously, and I would expect that we'll have more to say soon, in fact, very soon, so stay tuned for that, and of course, we're also conferring with allies and partners on this issue," Blinken said during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, Albania. On Wednesday, US House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner announced that he made information about the alleged security threat available to all lawmakers. Turner also called on US President Joe Biden to declassify all information related to the threat. US mainstream media ABC News immediately reported that the purported "national security threat" to the United States involves an alleged desire by Russia to put an anti-satellite nuclear weapon into space. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commenting on the development said on Thursday that NATO is constantly monitoring any potential threats. "What I can say is that in NATO, we are constantly exchanging intelligence between NATO allies, and we are always monitoring all potential threats in all domains from all directions," Stoltenberg told reporters. Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, commenting on those reports, that they were "very, very new," at least to him, and that Berlin would discuss them with its allies. The minister also warned against giving hasty answers, adding that the allies needed to weigh this information up and clarify technical issues first. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Confirms Russia Pursuing 'Space-Based' Anti-Satellite System By Jeff Seldin February 15, 2024 The new national security threat that sent some in Washington into a tizzy and sparked calls urging Americans not to panic, is a new Russian anti-satellite capability, the White House confirmed Thursday, again emphasizing there is no immediate threat to life or limb. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby declined to go into details about the emerging Russian capability but said that U.S. intelligence agencies have been tracking Russia's pursuit of such systems for a while, and that Washington has been reaching out to allies on next steps. "This is not an active capability that's been deployed," Kirby told reporters. "And though Russia's pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety." "We are not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth," he added. The explanation, and the effort to reassure the public, came just more than 24 hours after a leading U.S. lawmaker took to social media, demanding U.S. President Joe Biden declassify intelligence so the American public and U.S. allies could formulate a response. Republican Representative Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, issued a statement Wednesday warning of "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," Turner added. But both the White House and Pentagon on Thursday downplayed the need for that type of urgency, while conceding the Russian advancement is cause for concern. "We're taking this potential threat very, very seriously," Kirby said, adding that U.S. intelligence agencies have been aware of Moscow's pursuit of what he described as a "space-based" anti-satellite capability for "many, many months, if not a few years." "But only in recent weeks now has the intelligence community been able to assess with a higher sense of confidence exactly how Russia continues to pursue it," he said. U.S. defense officials, likewise, emphasized the emerging Russian capability does not come as a surprise. "We are tracking what this is," said Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin "is part of the national security team that's been briefing the president," Ryder told reporters, adding that there is still a gap between Russia's ambitions in space and what it is currently capable of doing. "It's not an immediate threat. It's not an active capability. It has not been deployed," he said. For its part, Russia on Thursday dismissed the U.S. allegations about an anti-satellite capability as a "malicious fabrication." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Washington of engaging in a ruse to get U.S. lawmakers to spend more funds. "It is obvious that the White House is trying, by hook or by crook, to encourage Congress to vote on a bill to allocate money, this is obvious," Peskov told reporters in Moscow. Despite some consternation among some White House officials and members of Congress about the way the public was alerted to the threat, there is general agreement in the U.S. that the danger is real. The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Representative Jim Himes, said Wednesday the threat is "a significant one." And the leading Democrat and top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee noted they have been tracking developments "rigorously," describing the matter as serious. Some arms control experts warn that the ramifications of a new Russian anti-satellite capability could be far-reaching. "This would affect the global economy, the society writ large," said Daryl Kimball, director of the Arms Control Association. "China would be deeply concerned. India would be extremely concerned a countries that Russia has better relationships with than they do with us," Kimball told VOA. "So, I think there would be stinging rebuke. That might be enough to encourage Russia to back down." U.S. intelligence agencies have been warning for years that Russia and China have been pursuing "a full range of anti-satellite weapons," noting that the development and use of such systems "could degrade U.S. intelligence gathering abilities." One of the most recent declassified U.S. intelligence assessments warned that Moscow continues to "field new anti-satellite weapons to disrupt and degrade U.S. and allied space capabilities." Russia "is developing, testing, and fielding an array of nondestructive and destructive counterspace weapons a including jamming and cyberspace capabilities, directed energy weapons, on-orbit capabilities, and ground-based ASAT [anti-satellite] capabilities," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence wrote in its 2023 Worldwide Threat Assessment report. But U.S. officials appear to acknowledge that the new Russian capability takes those ambitions a step further. The NSC's Kirby, while briefing reporters at the White House, said the capability the Kremlin is pursuing "would be a violation of the Outer Space Treaty to which more than 130 countries have signed up, including Russia." That treaty, which entered into force in 1967, prohibits nations from placing into space "any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction," and further bans the installation of such weapons on celestial bodies. For now, Kirby says the White House intends to keep most of the information classified, while working with allies on how to respond. He said the U.S. has also reached out to Moscow, though there have yet to be any real conversations on Russia's attempts to achieve the new space-based anti-satellite capability. As for the U.S. lawmaker who ignited the initial clamor, he said after being briefed by top White House, Pentagon and intelligence officials late Thursday that he is satisfied, for now, with the U.S. approach. "We all came away with a very strong impression that the administration is taking this very seriously and that the administration has a plan in place," Turner said. "We look forward to supporting them as they go to implement it." Still, top U.S. officials warned of a possible fallout from Turner's decision to take his concerns public, saying that intelligence agency sources and methods may have been compromised. "We're asking ourselves that very question right now," said Kirby. "We're working our way through that analysis right now with the intelligence community." Some information in the report came from Reuters. VOA's Katherine Gypson and Anita Powell contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Suggests Russia Can Be Talked Out of Launching New Anti-Satellite System By Jeff Seldin February 16, 2024 Russian plans to launch a new, space-based anti-satellite weapon system that could potentially wreak havoc on Earth are not set in stone, according to U.S. President Joe Biden, who suggested Friday that there was a still a chance to persuade Moscow to change course. Word of the new Russian threat began spreading Wednesday after a top U.S. lawmaker issued a statement warning of "a serious national security threat," and demanded Biden declassify the intelligence so the American public, Congress and U.S. allies could better formulate a response. Suggestions the new Russian system made use of either nuclear power or nuclear weapons then sparked additional concern. But Biden said such fears were overblown and that the danger was not imminent. "There is no nuclear threat to the people of America or anywhere else in the world with what Russia is doing at the moment," Biden told reporters at the White House. "There is no evidence that they have made a decision to go forward with doing anything in space," he said. "We found out there was a capacity to launch a system into space that could theoretically do something that was damaging," Biden added. "Hadn't happened yet, and my hope is it will not." 'Private engagement' White House officials on Thursday described the Russian anti-satellite system as a capability that had not yet been deployed, and they pushed back against demands to release additional details. "The intelligence community has serious concerns about a broad declassification of this intelligence," said national security communications adviser John Kirby. "They also assess that starting with private engagement, rather than immediately publicizing the intelligence, could be a much more effective approach. "We've reached out to the Russian side, but we have not secured actual conversations at this point," Kirby added. A report in Russia's Tass news agency Friday, citing a Kremlin spokesperson, denied Washington had tried to talk to Russian officials. Russia on Thursday dismissed the U.S. allegations as a "malicious fabrication," with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing Washington of a ruse to get U.S. lawmakers to approve a bigger budget. U.S. intelligence agencies have been warning for years that Russia and China have been pursuing "a full range of anti-satellite weapons," noting that the development and use of such systems "could degrade U.S. intelligence-gathering abilities." One of the most recent declassified U.S. intelligence assessments warned that Moscow continues to "field new anti-satellite weapons to disrupt and degrade U.S. and allied space capabilities." Russia "is developing, testing and fielding an array of nondestructive and destructive counterspace weapons a including jamming and cyberspace capabilities, directed-energy weapons, on-orbit capabilities and ground-based ASAT [anti-satellite] capabilities," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence wrote in its 2023 Worldwide Threat Assessment report. Space-based advantages Some analysts have likewise cautioned that any Russian advanced anti-satellite technology could have far-ranging impacts on the U.S., and U.S. troops in particular. "Our military gets a lot of advantage from our space-based capabilities a things like GPS that allow us to navigate and conduct precision operations, put bombs exactly on targets very effectively," said Todd Harrison, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, who focuses on defense and space policy. "[If] an adversary can take space away from us and deny us the ability to use those space systems, they would negate one of our biggest advantages," Harrison told VOA. But U.S. lawmakers briefed on the intelligence late Thursday voiced confidence in the U.S. approach. "We all came away with a very strong impression that the administration is taking this very seriously and that the administration has a plan in place," said House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, whose statement sparked much of the tumult. "We look forward to supporting them as they go to implement it," he added. VOA's Patsy Widakuswara, Katherine Gypson and Anita Powell contributed to this report. Some information came from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Swift response validates Cope North partnerships By Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell 16 February 2024 During Exercise Cope North 24, Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force assets and personnel were rapidly re-tasked to respond to a real-world aeromedical evacuation (AE). This included a bilateral medical team from Australia and the US, and a RAAF C-27J Spartan, that flew to Micronesia to extract a US service member requiring medical care in Guam. Detachment Commander 35 Squadron Flight Lieutenant Calum Jackson, a C-27J pilot, commended the multinational teamwork that expedited the successful AE mission. "Multiple members of the multinational task force and 35 Squadron detachment worked tirelessly while the plane was en route to ensure all the diplomatic and medical processes were completed," Flight Lieutenant Jackson said. "Overall, it was a very challenging mission which could only be achieved through a combined effort of multiple different teams." The 35 Squadron crew and medical personnel were planning to conduct AE training as part of Cope North when they were informed of the real-world situation. Personnel had to rapidly pivot to re-plan the new mission, considering crew duty limitations and saving time by configuring the aircraft during the transit to Micronesia. C-27J loadmaster Corporal Deniele Oehm said it was all hands on deck to assist with loading the aircraft and ensuring the crew had everything they needed for the flight. "Seeing all the different teams work together to achieve an outcome in such short notice shows the importance of these multinational training exercises," Corporal Oehm said. "It is moments like these that we train for and that are the most rewarding aspects of the job." The US service member remained in a stable condition throughout the AE and received the necessary medical care thanks to the swift response of the Cope North multilateral force. Commander of the Australian contingent Group Captain Kylie Green said: "Alongside our US counterparts, RAAF personnel and assets conducted an agile, safe and successful AE, demonstrating why exercises like Cope North 24 are so important." "We continue to build our integration and strengthen partnerships to ensure our people can respond to real-world situations and save lives," she said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Russia Double Down on Ties Despite Complications in Trade Relations By William Yang February 15, 2024 China and Russia have doubled down on their "no-limits partnership" in recent weeks, with leaders from both countries vowing to maintain "close personal interaction" and the Chinese ambassador to Russia revealing Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan to visit China this year. During a Feb. 8 call, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin celebrated the deepened bilateral engagement and cooperation between China and Russia in various sectors and criticized what they called "U.S. interference in other countries' affairs." In addition to the call between Xi and Putin, China's ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, told Russian state media Sputnik Feb. 10 that Putin will visit China this year and that the two leaders are expected to hold several meetings during the year. "Putin's visit to China [this year] will definitely take place [and] China looks forward to his arrival," Zhang said in the interview. Some analysts say Beijing and Moscow hope to use their recent interactions to show the world they are "strongly aligned with each other." They want to show "that they have each other's back because they both feel pressure from the U.S.," Ian Chong, a political scientist at National Singapore University, told VOA by phone. Since Russia and China share the goal of replacing the U.S. and weakening coordination between Washington and its allies, other experts say Beijing and Moscow believe that it is in their interests to further deepen bilateral ties. "While there are frictions between Russia and China, they have been fairly successful in weakening democracies and exploiting their systems," Sari Arho HavrAn, an associate fellow at London's Royal United Services Institute, told VOA in a written response, adding that the relationship between China and Russia brings more positives than negatives to both countries. Despite the mutual commitment to deepen ties, some recent developments may limit the degree of cooperation. Several media outlets reported that the EU is preparing to propose sanctions on three Chinese companies and four companies in Hong Kong for supporting the Russian military. The sanctions would be part of EU efforts to close loopholes that may allow Russia to obtain military technologies required for its weapons manufacturing. In response to the news, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it considers the sanctions imposed by the EU "unacceptable." "China strongly opposes the application of illegal sanctions or 'long-arm jurisdiction' against China because of China-Russia cooperation," the ministry said in a statement shared with some media outlets, adding that Beijing "will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises." In addition to the proposed sanctions, some Chinese banks have reportedly either ceased operations with Russian or Belarusian companies or tightened regulations around transactions with Russia to comply with Western sanctions on Russia. In response to the development, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow is confident that payment issues with China will be solved, adding that trade between China and Russia is expanding successfully. Despite the closeness of their political relationship, some experts say the EU sanctions on Chinese companies and some Chinese banks' reluctance to deal with Russian entities show that the commercial relationship between Beijing and Moscow is quite complex. "Chinese businesses and the Chinese government are very careful about not getting punished by international sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU," Philipp Ivanov, a senior fellow at Asia Society Policy Institute, told VOA in a video interview. He said that while diplomatic visits between the two countries will continue, Beijing will try to carefully manage the commercial activities between China and Russia. "At the moment, it's hard to see [recent developments] having a huge impact on trade [between China and Russia], but China may adjust its approach [to manage its trade relationship with Russia] in the mid- to long-term," Ivanov said. Since this month marks two years since Putin and Xi declared the "no-limits partnership" between China and Russia, Ivanov said the close bilateral relationship may have reached its peak. "Russia and China are politically and diplomatically very close and their economic and trade ties are growing," he told VOA. However, "since Russia can't offer anything else to China apart from what's already offering in terms of energy and commodities, there's not a lot else that they can do together," Ivanov said, adding that one area to observe is how Beijing and Moscow coordinate their strategic interests. As Switzerland prepares to facilitate possible peace talks on the Ukraine war, all sides are looking at how China positions itself in the process. Following his visit to Beijing earlier this month, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said he hopes China can contribute to the potential peace process by leveraging its close relationship with Russia. Despite the aspirations expressed by Switzerland, Chong in Singapore said China may prefer to maintain its vague position on Ukraine, which is that all parties will strive to "create favorable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis." "Both Beijing and Moscow may be betting on the possibility of former U.S. President Donald Trump returning to office [in November,] which could reshuffle things to the advantage of China and Russia," he told VOA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken meets with China's foreign minister The two top diplomats discussed Taiwan, South China Sea and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Mideast. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.02.16 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, with the pair discussing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and bilateral sticking points like the status of Taiwan. "The two sides had a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship," the U.S. State Department said. Blinken emphasized the importance of progress on the deals made by U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their meeting in San Francisco in November, "including on counternarcotics cooperation and military-to-military communications," it said. The two top diplomats also discussed the status of Taiwan and the South China Sea, to which China claims complete sovereignty, as well as Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Israel's invasion of Gaza and relations between North and South Korea, according to a statement. "Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication," it said, "including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months." The pair last met in person in the lead-up to November's summit between Biden and Xi in San Francisco and also spoke on the phone in December. A phone call between Biden and Xi in the near future has been suggested, but no details about any plans were issued Friday. Blinken also met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the conference. Wang, meanwhile, is set to also meet E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at the conference. Earlier, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference that the United States had "responsibly managed competition" with China, "standing up to Beijing when necessary and also working together when it serves our interests". The annual security meeting in Munich runs until Sunday. 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 Uyghur Policy Act passes US House The bill has failed to become law in past sessions of Congress, but heads to Senate after passing the House 414-6. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.02.16 -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would require the State Department to offer Uyghur language classes to diplomats, place Uyghur speakers in all consulates in China and include Uyghurs in speaking programs in Muslim-majority countries. The latest version of the Uyghur Policy Act, which has been introduced in past sessions of Congress without success, passed the House 414-6, but still faces a long journey in the Senate to become law. Rep. Young Kim, a Republican from California, and Rep. Ami Bera, a California Democrat, led the introduction of the bill in the House, but it was also co-sponsored by 104 other House members. Both Kim and Bera praised the strong support in Thursday's House vote. "The Uyghur Policy Act equips the U.S. with tools needed to support the basic human rights and distinct identities of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region subject to [China's] inhumane treatment," said Kim, who is also the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. The United States has labeled Chinese policies in the Xinjiang region a "genocide" and the U.N. human rights office in 2022 said that there was evidence of possible "crimes against humanity" being carried out. Bera said he was pleased to see the legislation, which would also require the U.S. State Department to appoint a special coordinator for Uyghur issues, pass so decisively on a bipartisan basis. "This bill takes crucial steps to bolster American efforts to safeguard the distinct ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Uyghur people and promote respect for human rights and religious freedom in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region," Bera said. Overwhelming support The only six House members to vote against the bill were all Republicans: Michael Cloud of Texas, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Thomas Masie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Chip Roy of Texas. Massie and Greene have a history of opposing similar bills. The pair were the only two to vote against a House bill introduced last year to impose sanctions on China due to forced organ harvesting of Uyghurs and practitioners of Falun Gong, citing presidential overreach and their fears that legitimate organ sellers could be punished. That legislation ultimately passed 414-2. The Uyghur Policy Act now heads to the Senate, where it has been championed by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, and co-sponsored by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat from Nevada, and Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas. "The CCP is carrying out a disgusting campaign of genocide and human rights abuses committed against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups," Rubio said in a statement after re-introducing the bill in the Senate in April last year. "The United States cannot be silent in the face of such horrific abuse," he said. "I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this bill." Still, the bill may still have a while to go before becoming law. It has yet to be marked up by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which would allow it to come before a vote of the chamber. The Senate is also currently in recess until Feb. 26, and is expected to focus on efforts for a deal to fund the federal government when it resumes. Welcome step Uyghur activists in the United States nevertheless welcomed the passage of the legislation as a further step toward its passage. "Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and focus on getting the bill through the Senate so it can reach President [Joe] Biden and be signed into law as soon as possible," said Uyghur American Association President Elfidar Iltebir in a statement. Rushan Abbas, the director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, said her organization had worked closely with lawmakers in the House to push the bill towards passage, and was already doing the same in the Senate. She praised the strong bipartisan support. "It is a clear indication that the U.S. Congress is earnestly addressing the plight of the Uyghur community and is committed to combating the ongoing genocide," Abbas told Radio Free Asia. "We extend our sincere appreciation to the legislators who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to justice and human rights by standing in solidarity with the Uyghur people." Louisa Greve, director of global advocacy for the Uyghur Human Rights Project, said it was telling that originally it was expected that 10 House members would vote against the bill because of a view that "foreign policy is not important," but four changed their mind. "Even those who have a position, in general, to aim to avoid foreign policy completely as a member of Congress, some changed their votes. They did not want to be on the record for this bill," she said. 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 Secretary Blinken's Meeting with People's Republic of China Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with PRC Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Munich on the margins of the Munich Security Conference on February 16. The two sides had a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship. The Secretary emphasized the importance of continuing to implement the progress made by the two Presidents at the Woodside Summit, including on counternarcotics cooperation and military-to-military communications. The Secretary reiterated that the United States will stand up for our interests and values and those of our allies and partners. The Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. The two sides had substantive discussions on a range of regional and global issues. The Secretary raised concerns over the PRC's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, including support to the Russian defense industrial base. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula and affirmed that their respective senior officials should meet to follow up on these discussions. The Secretary discussed his recent travel in the Middle East and U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region. Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the United States and the PRC across a range of strategic issues, including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's New Antarctic Research Station Renews Concerns About Potential Security Threats By William Yang February 16, 2024 China's inauguration of a new scientific research station in Antarctica last week has renewed debate about the purpose and impact of the rapid expansion of Chinese presence on the continent. Situated on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, Qinling Station is China's fifth scientific outpost and third research station on the continent that can operate year around. The station covers 5,244 square meters and can house up to 80 people during summer months, according to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. Qinling Station is near the U.S. McMurdo Station and just south of Australia and a Center for Strategic and International Studies report published last April said its position could allow China to "collect signals intelligence from U.S.-allied Australia and New Zealand" as well as gather "telemetry data on rockets launching from newly established space facilities in both countries." Some analysts say while Qinling Station is built for scientific purposes, some of its capabilities may be "inherently dual-use." "China can potentially leverage some of those resources and capabilities for military or intelligence gathering purposes," Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at CSIS, told VOA by phone. He said China continues build more Antarctic research bases because it views the icy continent as part of the "strategic frontiers." "Since it is an area that is further from China's immediate periphery, Beijing wants to be on the cutting edge and be perceived as a global leader that's on par with the U.S.," Hart said, adding that China's long-term goal is to have a voice in Antarctic governance by cementing a foothold there by establishing scientific research bases. In response to concerns about China potentially collecting intelligence on Australia and New Zealand through the station, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the base is built and operated "in full compliance with international rules and procedures." "The station will contribute to humanity's scientific understanding of the Antarctic, provide a platform for joint scientific exploration and coordination between China and other countries and help advance peace and sustainable development in the region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wen-bin said during the daily press conference February 7. Despite Beijing's reiteration that the station abides by the rules of the Antarctic Treaty, which outlaws the military use of the continent, some experts say China's pattern of building its research stations across Antarctica raises legitimate questions about its significant presence on the continent. China's pattern of building Antarctic research bases "raises questions about whether it is committed to the principles of the Antarctic treaty and whether it plans to potentially assert a claim to Antarctica," Donald Rothwell, professor of international law at Australian National University, told VOA by phone. Since China has expressed the ambition to become a great polar power, Rothwell said China's rapid expansion of research bases in Antarctica aligns with that goal. "Over the last decade, China has sought to be seen as a serious state actor in polar affairs," he said. China is gaining "[credibility as a serious Antarctic state through its scientific research program and its engagement in the Antarctic Treaty system," Rothwell added. The day that China announced the opening of Qinling Station, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the completion of the building of the research base would "provide a strong guarantee for scientists in China and around the world to continue to explore the mysteries of nature and bravely ascend the peak of science." He also called for "better understanding, protection, and utilization of the polar regions to make new and greater contributions to the benefit of humanity and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity." While the Qinling Station has begun operation, Hart said more elements with potential dual-use capabilities may be added in the future. "The capacity for this station to support habitation is already up and running but there are more elements of the overall facility that will be built out in the future," he told VOA. "The main one for potential dual-use applications is the antennas and other electronic equipment that can support communication with China's satellites," Hart said. In a 2022 report on China's military and security developments, the U.S. Department of Defense said that China's "strategy for Antarctica includes the use of dual-use technologies, facilities, and scientific research, which are likely intended, at least in part, to improve PLA [People's Liberation Army] capabilities." The report also indicated that China's facilities on the continent can be reference stations for its dual-use BeiDou satellite navigation network, which is Beijing's alternative to the U.S.-controlled global positioning system. Hart said that while Chinese scientists are doing legitimate work in Antarctica that should not be curtailed, "it's important to emphasize what kind of capabilities" their research stations will have and how those capabilities could be beneficial to the Chinese government and Chinese military. "It's important that Antarctica remains a nonmilitarized space," he told VOA. Some analysts say a way to ensure Antarctica remains nonmilitarized and that the interests of Antarctic Treaty members are guaranteed is to rely on existing inspection regimes. There should be "a concerted effort to use the inspection regimes that are available in Antarctica to ensure that facilities are not used for military activities or contrary to the Antarctic Treaty," Tony Press, an expert on Antarctic affairs at the University of Tasmania, told VOA in a video interview. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with European Commission Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maros Sefcovic in Munich, at the latters request, Trend reports. Maros Sefcovic hailed the successful development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in the energy sector. He commended Azerbaijan's role as a pan-European energy supplier. Expressing his intention to visit Azerbaijan soon, Maros Sefcovic highlighted that COP29 creates good opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in the fields of renewable energy and combating climate change. Saying that climate finance will be among the key agenda topics of the COP29 session to be held in Azerbaijan, Maros Sefcovic emphasized that the European Union is ready to support Azerbaijan as a partner closely involved in climate change processes. President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan will spare no effort to achieve solidarity between the Global North and the Global South at COP29. Thus, Azerbaijan's activities within the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other member organizations, as well as its relations with the European Union and other partners, can contribute to achieving such solidarity. The head of state also noted the formation of a Troika for the first time within the COP framework, stressing that the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Brazil will work together in this direction. China Rekindles Sister City Ties as Relations Remain Strained By Tracy Liu February 16, 2024 As Washington and Beijing move cautiously to mend frayed relations, China is working to boost people-to-people ties, which saw a dramatic decline during the COVID pandemic. Since last fall, China has hosted mayors from more than two dozen sister cities amid a renewed push to rebuild contacts with the 284 cities and states that Beijing says it maintains. The push kicked off with a visit by California Governor Gavin Newsom to China and began picking up steam around the time of last year's meeting between President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. Xi, the Chinese president, is also spearheading an effort to bring 50,000 students to China over the next five years. Last month, a group of high school students from Muscatine, Iowa, visited China. Another group from Tacoma, Washington, will visit its sister city of Fuzhou in southern Fujian province in March. Xi's push for more sister-city engagement comes as the number of students studying in China dropped to just 350 in 2022 compared to around 15,000 six or seven years ago. The number increased slightly to 700 in 2023. It also comes as foreign businesses in China are struggling with slumping confidence, a slowing economy and unpredictable official behavior including raids and the expansion of an anti-spy law. Some worry that the push is part of an effort to regain control of the narrative and draw attention away from bigger concerns such as China's military aggression toward Taiwan or in the South China Sea, or its human rights abuses and handling of Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. Others see it as a necessary part of keeping the lines of communication open and building understanding. In October of last year, Kim Norton, the mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, joined one of the first groups to visit. He told VOA that memories of the trip are still fresh in his mind, and that many sister city relationships were rekindled during the visit. "It was a great experience. Everyone we met was very nice to us," Norton said. "I really enjoyed meeting the Chinese people, experiencing Chinese cities, and understanding the local culture and issues related to climate change." Others who participated in the visit included Jim Brainard, the retired mayor of Carmel, Indiana; Barbara Buffaloe, mayor of Columbia, Missouri; Lee Harris, mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee; Chokwe Lumumba, mayor of Jackson, Mississippi; and Robyn Tannehill, mayor of Oxford, Mississippi. During the visit, which was organized by the United States Heartland China Association, a sister city contract was signed twinning Carmel, Indiana, with Xiangyang in Hubei Province. The mayoral delegation visited five cities: Hong Kong, Wuhan, Nanjing, Suzhou and Shanghai; test-drove electric vehicles produced by China Lantu Company; met with students from Wuhan University; watched a performance of the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra; and participated in the China International Import Expo. Jessica Bissett, director of leadership programs at the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, said local government level exchanges have become a new trend. When U.S.-China relations are tense, state and provincial governments, especially municipal governments, have more leeway to decide what kind of exchanges and cooperation are best for local economic development." Governors, mayors, their biggest responsibilities are to grow their economies and to make sure that their constituents have enough jobs and that they can have the best quality of life as possible," said Bissett. "So ... if U.S.-China economic relations would benefit their constituents, their towns, their states or their cities, then they're going to look into potential opportunities." She said that for Chinese local governments, last year's economic downturn has also created incentive for such exchanges. She added that the U.S. State Department is also happy to see this kind of active exchange between local governments. "The State Department now has a special unit that is focusing on sub-national relations," Bissett added. "I think they would be encouraging things that are happening right now." VOA's Mandarin service reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Washington for comments but did not receive a response. Given the heightened national security concerns in both countries, pushing forward local government level cooperation has its challenges. Li Jing, director of an investment institution in Shandong Province who requested that a pseudonym be used so he could speak more freely with VOA Mandarin, said that before the U.S.-China trade war, he often helped to invite U.S. local government officials, entrepreneurs, university scholars, and well-known young entrepreneurs visit Shandong Province. He said he would help Chinese to make capital investments in American companies, and American companies to establish operations in China and participate in project development. Such delegations used to be held several times a year, he said. Due to the U.S.-China trade war and the pandemic, such delegations were suspended for several years. Last year, he wanted to restart such activities but encountered many difficulties. "Some [U.S.] companies were worried that after taking Chinese capital, their market development in the U.S. and other Western countries will be hindered, and they may even be sanctioned by the Western governments," he said. "Some American university professors are also worried about the consequences of cooperation with China. It may affect their work in the U.S." He said that although most Americans he contacted were still interested in the Chinese market, they were also worried about the national security risks of cooperating with the Chinese government or accepting Chinese capital. Gordon Chang, a distinguished senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute think tank, believes that such exchanges should be stopped. "China's Communist Party is determined and relentless. It uses every point of contact with America to take down our country. That means every point of contact, no matter how innocent looking, is dangerous to us," Chang said. Some have already responded to those concerns. Shortly after retired Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard visited China and signed a new sister city relationship with Xiangyang, the city's new mayor Sue Finkham announced this month that it was withdrawing its membership from the United States Heartland China Association or USHCA, citing concerns about the group's close ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Carmel, however, has not ended its sister city relationship with Xiangyang. USHCA declined to respond to several requests from VOA for comment. Mayor Norton said that while international politics was not the focus of his visit to China, the delegation cooperated with the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in China, understood the matters that needed attention in international relations, and ensured that the relationship between the local governments of the two countries would not cause conflicts at the level of national interests. Bissett said local governments should be cautious about cooperation in high-tech and intellectual property fields. However, she said the two countries shouldn't use national security as an excuse to scrutinize everything. "We need to give people more credit when they choose to engage with China and go on these trips and have faith in them that they can make the distinction for themselves," she said. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. This story originated in VOA's Mandarin Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, February 2024 Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference on 16th February 2024 17 February 2024 The Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference. In line with the Government's 'protect, align, and engage' approach to China, as set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the Foreign Secretary raised a number of issues important to the UK national interest. To support constructive engagement between the UK and China, the Foreign Ministers agreed that the UK and China should continue engagement across a range of areas. This includes trade links; building on our existing cultural ties and links between our peoples; and working together to tackle climate change. The Foreign Secretary urged China to use its influence on Iran to pressure the Houthis over their actions in the Red Sea. He further stressed that Russia's aggression against Ukraine threatens the rules based international system, which is designed to keep us all safe. The Foreign Secretary also took this opportunity to unambiguously set out the UK's position across a number of areas of disagreement, including on human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. He raised the case of British Parliamentarians sanctioned by China and reiterated his call for the release of British national Jimmy Lai. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Test-Fired New-Type Surface-to-Sea Missile Padasuri-6 - State Media Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - North Korea on Wednesday test-fired the new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6, which will be equipped by the country's navy, North Korean state-run news agency KCNA reported. "Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, supervised the evaluation test-fire of new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6 to be equipped by the navy on the morning of February 14," the report said. The missiles flew over the Sea of Japan for 1,400 seconds and hit a target boat, the report said. the North Korean leader expressed "great satisfaction over the results" of the missile launch and "gave important instructions to bolster up military preparedness particularly in the border waters north of Yonphyong Island and Paekryong Island." The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday that North Korea fired several unspecified cruise missiles off its east coast toward the Sea of Japan in the morning. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Sees No 'Imminent' War by North Korea Despite Dangerous Activities By Nike Ching February 15, 2024 The United States does not see signs of an "imminent" war by North Korea despite "incredibly dangerous" activities in recent months and its refusal to engage in diplomatic talks with the U.S., a top U.S. official told reporters Thursday. Jung Pak, the State Department's senior official in charge of North Korea affairs, said U.S. officials "are always watchful for any kind of activity" by Pyongyang and will continue to work with Japan and South Korea to bolster extended deterrence, aiming to shape North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's "calculus" regarding the initiation of direct military action. "Fundamentally, I don't think Kim's posture has changed. We don't see any signals of any direct action, military action," Pak said. "I don't see an imminent or direct attack at this point," she said. Earlier this week, North Korea carried out its fifth cruise missile launch of the year, which came just days ahead of a joint U.S.-Japan missile defense training exercise scheduled for next week. In Tokyo, a Japanese official issued a cautionary statement regarding North Korea's escalating capabilities. "By launching missiles from various platforms such as submarines and vehicle-mounted launch pads, we believe North Korea is making it difficult to identify and detect signs [of its activities] to strengthen its surprise attack capabilities," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a Thursday press conference. Last month, Pyongyang said it test-fired a solid-fuel intermediate-range missile, equipped with a hypersonic warhead, into waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. State Department official Pak said the U.S. estimated there were 69 ballistic missile tests by North Korea in 2022, and 30 ballistic missile tests last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim Jong Un's Sister Talks of 'New Future' Between North Korea and Japan By VOA News February 15, 2024 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, expressed an optimistic perspective on future relations between North Korea and Japan, even implying that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would one day visit Pyongyang, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. Kim said the two countries "can open up a new future together," after recent statements from Kishida saying he felt a "strong need" to change the relationship between the two countries. "I think there would be no reason not to appreciate his recent speech as a positive one, if it was prompted by his real intention to boldly free himself from the past fetters," Kim said in a statement reported by KCNA. The potential improvement in ties comes with the caveat of the long-running matter of North Korea kidnapping Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s, an issue that has made Japan suspicious of North Korean intentions. In 2002, North Korea acknowledged sending agents to abduct 13 Japanese individuals during the 1970s and 1980s, coercing them into providing training for its spies in Japanese language and customs. However, doubts still linger in Japan regarding the official recognition of the number of citizens abducted, with suspicions suggesting that there may be additional cases unaccounted for. While making a speech at the U.N. General Assembly last year, Kishida expressed a desire to meet with North Korean leaders to resolve issues, including the kidnappings. However, historically, such meetings have not been successful. Former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Pyongyang in 2002 to normalize relations and offer economic assistance to North Korea. While the trip opened the door for the return of five Japanese nationals, the diplomacy broke down after North Korea remained cagey about the true number of abduction victims. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea Teases Potential Thaw in Japan Relations By William Gallo February 16, 2024 At the beginning of the year, as western Japan reeled from an earthquake that killed more than 200 people and damaged tens of thousands of homes, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida a message of "sympathy and condolences." Kim's message, published in North Korea's main newspaper, was brief and in many ways unextraordinary. However, it was also unusually conciliatory, given that the two countries have no formal ties and that North Korean state media propagandists regularly lob fiery insults at Japanese leaders. More than a month later, North Korea is now giving more hints that it may be willing to improve relations with Japan, although many analysts are skeptical that will happen. In a statement late Thursday, Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, cautiously praised the "positive" statements of Kishida, who last week told Japanese lawmakers it is "extremely important" that he take the initiative to build top-level ties with Pyongyang. "I think there would be no reason not to appreciate his recent speech as a positive one, if it was prompted by his real intention to boldly free himself from the past fetters and promote the DPRK-Japan relations," Kim said, using an abbreviation for Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name. Kim, who insisted the comments reflect only her "personal view," also seemed to refer to Kishida's oft-stated desire to hold a summit with her brother. However, she said, a Kishida visit to Pyongyang would only be possible if Japan stopped objecting to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and does not raise the "already settled" issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals. Japan may find it difficult to accept those conditions. On Friday, Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese government's top spokesperson, would not say how Tokyo views Kim's comments, but he said Japan cannot accept that the abduction issue has been resolved. "We remain unchanged - Japan intends to comprehensively resolve pending issues, such as nuclear and missiles and the abductions," Hayashi told reporters. Abductions a big obstacle The abduction issue has for decades been a barrier to improving Japan-North Korea relations. Japan says North Korea abducted 17 Japanese citizens as part of efforts to train its spies in Japanese language and culture in the 1970s and '80s. North Korea has only ever admitted to kidnapping 13 Japanese nationals. In 2002, North Korea issued an apology and returned five of those who had been abducted, while claiming the others had already died. Many in Japan continue to believe that some of the victims of the effort are still alive. Public opinion polls consistently suggest the abduction issue is a top priority for Japanese voters, Jeffrey J. Hall, a Japanese politics specialist at the Kanda University of International Studies, said. "Almost every single Japanese conservative politician wears blue label pins on a daily basis to signal their belief that the abductee issue is extremely important and has not been adequately resolved," Hall told VOA. "Kishida cannot simply sidestep the issue and hold a bilateral summit that only focuses on other issues," he added. Any progress on the abductions issue could provide Kishida a much-needed boost. The approval rating for his Cabinet is just 25%, according to a recent poll by public broadcaster NHK, amid economic woes and a ruling party scandal related to political funds. Challenges ahead However, very few analysts predict Tokyo and Pyongyang will find a path forward - in large part because former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, father of Kim Jong Un, declared the abductions issue resolved. "It's very hard for the administration in North Korea to go back on that," said Christopher Green, a Korea specialist and assistant professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands. "As we can see in Kim Yo Jong's statement, the North Koreans are already setting out their stall clearly, saying that the abductions issue must not be central, because it has already been dealt with," Green added. North Korea, though, may still find it worthwhile to engage Japan because it may believe it can "force open some cracks" in the recently expanded trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea, according to Green. "If by some very unlikely turn of events the long-standing issues in their bilateral relationship can be resolved, so much the better. If not, well they still caused angst between Tokyo and Seoul, and Pyongyang will find a way to blame the perfidious Japanese for the failure. It is a win-win for the North; or at least there is no chance of Pyongyang losing," he added. Under conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea has pursued closer relations and defense ties with Japan, Korea's former colonial ruler. However, the convergence among South Korea, Japan, and the United States remains fragile, reflecting lingering differences over shared history and U.S. political volatility, according to Robert Ward, senior fellow for Japanese security studies at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "Kishida will be mindful to keep both Seoul and Washington abreast of developments with Pyongyang to reduce the risk of undesirable surprises," Ward told VOA. "Kishida will be visiting Seoul in March and Washington in April - these would be important signalers of alignment between the three, particularly if a Kishida-Kim meeting goes ahead," Ward added. So far, there are no public signs of tension in the trilateral relationship. Jung Pak, a senior U.S. State Department official, told reporters Thursday that Washington supports Japan's attempts to engage North Korea. South Korea and Japan are also "closely communicating" on the issue of North Korea and any future dialogue with Pyongyang, according to a South Korean official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who was quoted Friday by South Korea's Yonhap news agency. Any contact between Japan and North Korea should be made in a way that would "help promote the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula," the South Korean official was quoted as saying. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken And German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck Before Their Meeting US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Bayerischer Hof Munich, Germany February 16, 2024 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good evening, everyone, and it's a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to see the vice chancellor again. It's quite simple for the United States: Germany is our indispensable ally and partner. And on virtually every single challenge we're facing, whether it's regional, whether it's global, we are together. And because of that, we're stronger. So, I'm looking forward to covering many of the most immediate challenges with the vice chancellor and really appreciate this opportunity to spend some time together. Robert. VICE CHANCELLOR HABECK: Antony, thank you very much for having me and thanks for the opportunity to discuss the difficult situations we are having worldwide. I'd like to start with thank you for your leadership, also the U.S., but also personal. I think what you have done, what you're doing to ease the situation, especially in the Middle East, is outstanding. And looking east of Munich to Ukraine and to Russia, I mean, it's the day Navalny died. I remember that a leading politician of the last government told me the evening before he was going back to Moscow, she visited him and said don't do it, it will cost you your life. And he did it, and this is - it's for me hard to find the right words. It's a tragedy, really. But that means that we have to stay strong also, in the continuing fight helping Ukraine and that Russia not win this terrible war. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Minister Habeck US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Robert Habeck at the Munich Security Conference. Secretary Blinken and Vice Chancellor Habeck discussed support for Ukraine and ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace and security in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbhar Bharat: DAC clears capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Proposals include New generation anti-tank mines, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance & Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Flight Refueller Aircraft & Software Defined Radios Amendments in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 get the nod to promote procurement of advanced technologies from Start-Ups & MSMEs Posted On: 16 FEB 2024 3:32PM by PIB Delhi The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 84,560 crore. In the true spirit of 'Aatmanirbharta', the approvals accorded on February 16, 2024 lay special emphasis on procurement of various equipment from Indian vendors. The DAC has accorded AoN under Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)} category for procurement of a new generation of Anti-tank mines having seismic sensor and provision of remote deactivation with additional safety features. In order to enhance the operational efficiency and domination in the Tactical Battle Area for engaging targets that are Beyond Visual Line of Sight by the Mechanised Forces, the AoN under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category has been accorded for procurement of Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System. Further, to strengthen the Air Defence Systems, especially the capabilities to detect slow, small and low-flying targets as well as surveillance, detection & tracking of different targets, the AoN has been accorded for procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The AoN for procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, through Buy and Make category, has been granted by the DAC for strengthening the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) over the country's vast maritime area. Further, to keep the Indian Naval Ships one step ahead of the threats posed by the adversaries, the AoN under Buy (Indian) category has been accorded for procurement of Active Towed Array Sonar having capabilities to operate at low frequencies and various depths for long range detections of adversary submarines. The AoN has also been accorded for procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes for enhancing the attacking capabilities of Kalvari Class submarines. The AoN for sustainment support through Follow On Support (FOS) and Repair Replenishment support through Follow On Supply Support (FOSS) for 24 MH60R aircraft under Foreign Military Sale route with the US Government has also been accorded. The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of Flight Refueller Aircraft for enhancing the operational capabilities and reach of the Indian Air Force. The AoN under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category for procurement of Software Defined Radios for the ICG has also been granted. This will fulfill the requirement of the ICG for having a high-speed communication with secure networking capability for seamless information exchange between the ICG and the Indian Navy units. To create a friendly defence start-up ecosystem and promote procurement of Advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs developed under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund schemes, the DAC has approved amendments in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 w.r.t. benchmarking and cost computation, payment schedule, procurement quantity etc. This will provide the much-needed incentive along with a supportive business environment for the start-ups and MSMEs under iDEX and TDF schemes, truly in the spirit of 'Ease of Doing Business'. **** ABB/Savvy/KB (Release ID: 2006552) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's main opposition says bank accounts frozen ahead of elections Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 11:11 AM India's main opposition Congress party says its bank accounts have been frozen by the income tax department weeks before the expected announcement of national elections. Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken said on Friday that the bank accounts of both Congress and Youth Congress were frozen by the income tax department. "We were told that the accounts of India's main opposition party have been frozen," Maken told reporters at a press conference. Along with getting hold of the party's accounts, the IT department also slapped the party with a payment demand for 2.1 billion rupees ($25.3 million) in relation to a probe of its income tax filing for the 2018-19 financial year. He maintained that the party had not committed any wrongdoing to justify such a punishment and proposed that the intention behind it was to marginalize the party prior to the elections. The party said it has approached the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal against the action of the department. The announcement came after the party found out that the banks were not honoring the checks that the party was issuing. It was after the party inquired into the matter and reached the conclusion that the accounts had been seized. "When the principal opposition party's accounts have been frozen just two weeks before the announcement of the national elections, do you think democracy is alive in our country?" he asked reporters. "What does the government want to show by freezing the accounts of the main Opposition party just a few weeks before the announcement of elections?" Maken asked, stating that the grounds on which the accounts were frozen were laughable. He further added that the money which was deposited into the party's accounts was collected through crowdfunding, which amounted to around 250 million Indian rupees ($3 million). The party demanded that the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) accounts should be frozen for having unconstitutional bonds. Indian political analysts and rights groups have alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is employing law enforcement agencies to specifically target its political adversaries. On Thursday, in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled out the electoral bonds scheme, calling it "unconstitutional" which provides blanket anonymity to political donors, as well as critical legal amendments allowing rich corporations to make unlimited political donations. In India, while contesting for national-level elections, huge amounts of cash inflow become necessary. Even the BJP won the elections when it used to be the opposition party in India, through huge sums of corporate and private donations. The BJP has been alleged by critics of influencing the country's top court decisions, just to make it difficult for other parties to contest, while easing its way out as its popularity among the majority is already soaring ahead of elections, ever since Modi inaugurated the controversial Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Experts have also argued that the BJP has finally turned India into its long-promised "Hindu Rashtra" (Hindu nation) where all of its decisions (whether parliamentary or legal) are influenced and decided by pro-Hindutva lobbies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The US supports Baku's climate priorities at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State of the US Bureau of State for Energy Resources, wrote on X, Trend reports. "The purpose of the meeting with Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov was to discuss support for Baku's COP29 climate priorities, methane emissions reductions, including diversification of energy routes and supplies in the Caspian region," the publication says. To note, this year Azerbaijan will host the COP29 conference. This decision was made on December 11 last year at the Plenary Session of COP28 in Dubai (UAE). Baku will host about 70-80,000 foreign guests in two weeks. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today in Munich, Germany, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Secretary Blinken highlighted that the respective U.S. and Indian approaches to maritime security in the Red Sea are mutually reinforcing and play important roles in safeguarding economic stability in the region. The Secretary and External Affairs Minister also discussed ongoing work to ensure lasting peace and security in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to take 'reciprocal action' if its ships are seized: Top official Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 9:27 AM Iran's Vice President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehqan says the country will reciprocate if its ships are seized illegally, as the United States acknowledges the confiscation of Iranian oil. Speaking to the ISNA news agency on Thursday, Dehqan said, "The legal path is not closed" regarding measures vis-A -vis Washington's confiscation of Iranian crude. "If an Iranian ship is seized, we will take reciprocal action," he warned American officials. On February 2, the US Department of Justice announced that it had seized more than 520,000 barrels of Iran's oil aboard the crude tanker Abyss, which had been anchored in the Yellow Sea en route to China. It claimed the seizure was linked to sanctions-evasion charges and an oil trafficking network that allegedly finances Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Dehqan noted that he was not able to confirm whether US authorities had seized an Iranian vessel, adding that the Oil Ministry and related companies should comment on the news. "This is because sometimes they (the Americans) seize a ship and mistakenly regard it as ours," he said. Under the guise of "sanctions-enforcement operations," the United States has in recent years seized foreign vessels carrying Iranian oil across the world. However, Iranian exports of crude oil grew by roughly 50 percent in 2023 to a five-year high of about 1.29 million barrels per day. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Dialogue, not unilateral claims, key to settlement of Arash gas field row Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 6:54 AM Iran has once again reiterated the need to avoid unilateral claims and to resort to dialogue to settle a territorial dispute over the Persian Gulf Arash natural gas field shared with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In a statement on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said Tehran has always emphasized that the Arash field row should be resolved through dialogue based on the previous negotiations of experts. He added that Iran "believes that an agreement on this issue can be reached in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect for common interests." Kan'ani was responding to a joint statement issued on Tuesday by Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa claiming that the gas field is located entirely within the maritime borders of Kuwait and that its natural resources are shared between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Iranian spokesperson warned that "unilateral claims in different statements and media" are not considered a step forward to solve the case. Kan'ani reaffirmed Iran's good neighborliness policy and promotion of ties with the neighboring countries, and said Tehran is ready to continue negotiations in a friendly and functional atmosphere with the purpose of reaching an agreed-upon solution. The dispute over Arash, which Kuwaitis call Durra, dates back to the 1960s when Iran and Kuwait were awarded overlapping offshore concessions for the field following its discovery. The dispute has seen several cycles of claims and counter-claims by the parties involved, becoming a key sticking point in relations between the three Persian Gulf neighbors. The field is estimated to hold 20 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, which could produce one billion cubic feet per day. Nearly 40% of the Arash gas field is located in Iranian waters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, allies' academia collaborated with Iran university on drone research: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 9:29 PM A report has unveiled that academics from prestigious universities in the US, the UK, and Australia collaborated with a prominent Iranian university on research concerning unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. The Guardian revealed the information on Wednesday, citing a 2023 paper jointly written by researchers from the University of Houston, the University of Southampton, the University of New South Wales, and Sharif University of Technology. According to the daily, the research examines "the use of drones in wireless networks and as communications hubs," and involves the UAVs' capability to establish new communication channels, when faced with jamming activity. The Guardian said it "has seen no evidence" that the research, which was published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, "contravenes any sanctions or breaks any laws." Over the past years, Iran has taken great strides in developing its UAV capability, emerging as a global leader in drone technology. The advancement has been realized thanks to Iran's reliance on domestic potentials and knowhow, and in the face of widespread sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies on the Islamic Republic's economic and military sectors. The country can now produce drones capable of carrying surgical-strike missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1242 miles). The aircraft also boast stealth and radar jamming capabilities as well as flight endurance of up to 24 hours. Last September, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces revealed that demand for the purchase of Iran's sophisticated homegrown drones was much greater than the country's production. "Today, the [number of] customers of our drones are several times more than our production capacity," Major General Mohammad Baqeri said at the time, adding that "major world powers" were vying to purchase Iranian weapons. Back in 2021, head of US Central Command General Kenneth McKenzie testified before the US House Armed Services Committee that Iran's widespread use of drones meant that the US was operating without complete air superiority for the first time since the Korean War. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC Commander Hails Iran's Missile and Drone Power, Teases New Naval Drone Capabilities Sputnik News 20240216 Ilya Tsukanov Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have spent months on high alert in anticipation of possible Israeli and US aggression to escalate the Gaza crisis into a regional crisis, with Tehran warning Washington and its top regional ally that any provocation would be met with a swift response. Iran is one of the world's top missile and drone-manufacturing powers, and even the United States military recognizes the Islamic Republic's defense capabilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh has said. "We are among the top powers in the world in the fields of defense, missiles and now drones," Hajizadeh said at an exhibition of Iranian aerospace achievements this week. "Today, we have reached a point where even the terrorist military of the United States openly admits that it is not seeking a conflict with the Islamic Republic, because it is unable to resist Iranian defense prowess," the commander added. The Islamic Republic's domestic defense capabilities are now "beyond imagination" compared to what they were in the 1980s, during the brutal Iran-Iraq War, Hajizadeh noted. Today, for example, Iran's military "can hit moving floating targets or carry out reconnaissance missions anywhere using advanced undetectable drones," Hajizadeh said. The commander did not elaborate on this new advanced unmanned naval system. The Islamic Republic showcased a new domestically created and produced naval remote-operated vehicle (ROV) in December. The underwater drone is said to be designed for minesweeping operations, and to be capable of operating up to 24 hours at a time at depths up to 200 meters. The vehicle is expected to prove an important addition to the Navy's HR-53 electromagnetic signal-generating mine-sweeping helicopters and manned minesweepers like the Shahin. Hajizadeh warned late last week during celebrations of the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that the US should keep its distance from Iran, stressing that the Islamic Republi does not want war but would be ready to respond to any threat. He further urged Americans and Westerners in general to be aware of where their governments are spending their tax money. Iran's military-industrial complex has undergone an unparalleled transformation over the past four-and-a-half decades from a US and European dependency to one of the few regional and world powers with the capability to develop, create and build an array of weapons completely from scratch. Taking advantage of its budding status as a global scientific and technological superpower, the Islamic Republic's defense engineers have turned into masters of asymmetric warfare, showing a penchant for creating and fielding homegrown armaments to counter adversaries who are much-better funded, more numerous and more heavily armed. Ballistic and cruise missiles and a vast array of mostly naval drones are two of Iran's top specialties, with the country seeing the former as its main strategic deterrent against large-scale foreign aggression, and the latter as a key tool in support of its conventional forces. Iranian officials and military commanders have spent months warning the US and its Israeli allies not to try to drag Tehran into a regional conflagration amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, warning that any aggression would be met with an immediate and crushing response, up to and including missile strikes on Israel and against US military targets across the Persian Gulf. Seeking US assistance, Israeli officials have sought to pull Washington into a new Middle East misadventure, targeting Iranian advisors assisting the Syrian government in its fight against terrorism, and attacking Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese political and militant movement with security links to Iran. Tel Aviv and Washington have in turn accused Iran of helping Yemen's Houthi militiamen in their ongoing operation in the Red Sea against Israeli-affiliated shipping. Iran has denied helping the Houthis directly, but has widely praised their operations against the "Zionist regime." A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security of Iran, Iraq intertwined: Iraqi official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji says the security of Iran and Iraq are tied together, stressing the need for expanding mutual ties to help restore regional security and stability. Al-Araji made the remarks on Thursday in a meeting with Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie who arrived in Iraq at the head of a high-ranking judicial delegation two days earlier upon an invitation by Chairman of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidane. The Iraqi government will not allow its territory to be a place to attack neighboring countries or any other country, Al-Araji added. The security of Iraq and Iran are interconnected, he said, noting that "Baghdad tends to implement [the previously-signed] security agreement between the two countries." For his part, Mohseni Ejeie said that the foes and adversaries of Iran and Iraq are calling for the non-implementation of the security agreements between the two states. The official added that he had handed over the evidence and documents on terrorists and terrorist groups to Iraqi officials. In light of bilateral cooperation and sympathy that exist between the two countries, Iran hopes that it would sue all the terrorists, he further noted. 7129**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security of Iran, Iraq closely intertwined: Iraq's top security official Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 February 2024 10:00 AM Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji says security of Iran and his country is closely intertwined. In a meeting with Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei in Baghdad on Thursday, Araji said the two neighboring countries should improve cooperation and take joint action to promote security and stability in the region. He expressed his country's keenness to implement a high-profile security pact signed between Tehran and Baghdad in March 2023. The top Iraqi security official emphasized that his country would never allow anyone to use its territory to attack the neighbors or other countries. Iran and Iraq signed the pact to ensure that terrorists opposed to Iran would not be able to operate in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. As part of the treaty, Iraq's central government deployed troops to the border regions between Kurdistan and Iran. Iranian authorities have expressed satisfaction with Iraq's efforts carried out under the security pact, but they insist more has to be done. For his part, the Iranian Judiciary chief said Tehran and Baghdad should enhance convergence and make their utmost efforts to establish sustainable security in line with ensuring the common interests of regional and world countries. Mohseni-Ejei warned of plots by enemies and ill-wishers to prevent the implementation of the Iran-Iraq security pact. He expressed hope that Tehran and Baghdad would take all the necessary measures to fully implement the security agreements reached between the two neighbors and to strengthen cooperation to pursue terrorists. He said Iran has so far handed over to the Iraqi authorities a significant part of the documents related to the terrorists, adding that during this trip, another part of such documents was also delivered to Iraq. Mohseni-Ejei expressed hope that Iran and Iraq would effectively confront terrorists in cooperation with each other. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with Prime Minister Al-Sudani of Iraq February 16, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani of Iraq today in Munich, Germany. The Vice President and Prime Minister Sudani reaffirmed their mutual interest in a strong and enduring partnership as envisioned in the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. The Vice President emphasized the commitment of the United States to supporting Iraq in achieving a secure and stable future for its people, which is critical to ensuring a prosperous and interconnected Middle East. The Vice President urged the Iraqi government to prevent attacks against U.S. personnel and expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's efforts to date. She stated that the United States has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and will act, as needed, in self-defense. The leaders also discussed the importance of continuing the U.S.-Iraq Higher Military Commission, which will enable the transition to an enduring bilateral security partnership between the United States and Iraq and is the natural next step to build on the very successful collaboration of the past 10 years between Iraq and the Defeat ISIS coalition. The two leaders also discussed the importance of continuing U.S.-Iraq economic and energy cooperation through the High Coordinating Committee and continuing to economically integrate Iraq into the broader region. The Vice President reiterated President Biden's invitation to Prime Minister Sudani to visit the White House. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Red Sea Attacks Foster Arab-Israeli Trade Link by Land By VOA News February 15, 2024 Houthi drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping have spurred the development of an alternative "land bridge" to carry cargo by truck from the Persian Gulf across Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel and Egypt. The project, which is already seeing dozens of trucks per day reach the Israeli port of Haifa, is seen as an early benefit of the 2020 Abraham Accords normalizing ties between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. It bodes well for future cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The United States is seeking to broker a deal that would see the normalization of relations between those two countries in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia, however, has not commented publicly on the arrangement, under which cargo transported through the desert kingdom is not identified as bound for Israel. The land bridge is already controversial in the region, sparking protests last week in Jordan among protesters angered over Israel's conduct of its war against Hamas in Gaza. Hundreds of individuals marched in Amman and other cities, demanding - among other things - that the government block any trucks originating from the Gulf states destined for Israel. Efforts to establish the land route have been underway since at least the middle of 2023 but have picked up momentum since the Iran-backed Houthis began a wave of missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping. Several shipping firms are now rerouting their vessels around the African continent, adding substantially to time and costs, making the land route financially attractive. Tim Seifert, a spokesperson at Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the world's leading liner shipping companies, said rerouting the firm's vessels has left it with "an additional cost in a USD two-digit million range every month." The route was pioneered in part by Israeli company Trucknet Enterprises, which has secured agreements with DP World from the United Arab Emirates, Cox Logistics in Bahrain and WWCS in Egypt. Israel-based freight forwarder Mentfield Logistics is operating a similar route. Under the arrangement, ships carrying goods from the Far East can unload their cargo onto Jordanian trucks in Dubai or Bahrain. The cargo is driven across Saudi Arabia and Jordan and then transferred onto Israeli trucks for the final leg from the Jordanian border to Israel's Mediterranean port of Haifa. Cargo bound for Egypt can travel onward by road or ship to that country. Mentfield CEO Omer Izhari told The Times of Israel this week that "dozens of trucks a day, not just by us, are facilitating this route to shorten shipping times for goods from textiles to electronics, raw materials for industry, metal pipes and aluminum." "The overland route saves around 20 days, so instead of 50 to 60 days, goods arrive within 20 to 25 days from China to Israel," he said. Barry Pintow, manager at the Israeli Federation of Forwarders and Customs Clearing Agents, said that the idea behind the land bridge is "brilliant," but that the implementation is still problematic at a time of high tensions in the region. "Currently, cargo moved by trucks leaving the UAE reach Haifa port via the Jordan River Bridge from Jordan, but they still face bureaucratic procedures, including required driver changes, paperwork and lengthy wait times," he said. "The idea is to enable the arrival of a single truck and driver from Dubai to the port of Haifa, for example, without changing drivers and trucks at border crossings between countries." Dean Davison, the head of Maritime Advisory for the London-based infrastructure development consultancy Infrata, said the success of the new trade route will require the "appropriate and strong support of respective governments." "The issues in the Red Sea may have helped the development of this new overland route come to fruition more quickly, though there has been strong interest in developing overland freight routes in the region for some time," he said. "I would expect this freight option to remain in place, even after the issues in the Red Sea are resolved." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with President Herzog of Israel February 16, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris met today with President Isaac Herzog of Israel in Munich Germany. The Vice President reiterated her steadfast support for Israel and its right to defend itself in the face of threats from Hamas, and she again condemned Hamas as a barbaric terrorist organization that perpetrated a horrific massacre on October 7. The Vice President and President discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and achieve a prolonged pause in fighting. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, increasing humanitarian assistance, and ensuring proper deconfliction mechanisms to ensure that aid can reach those in need inside Gaza. 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 leaders also discussed ongoing planning for post-conflict Gaza and progress made on that front, and the Vice President reiterated U.S. positions, including that Israel must be secure, there must be no forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and the Palestinians must enjoy their right to freedom, dignity, security, and self-determination. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Azerbaijan's long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB+' with a 'Positive' Outlook, Trend reports. The rating is supported by a very strong external balance sheet, the lowest government debt among peers, and financing flexibility from large sovereign wealth fund assets. The positive outlook reflects the continued strengthening of external and fiscal buffers due to higher-than-budgeted energy prices, as well as the prospect of tighter spending restraint in the energy sector. The current account surplus has halved to 14.8% of GDP in 2023, but remains the highest in the 'BB' category. "We expect the surplus to remain robust in 2024-25 despite lower oil prices (oil and gas revenues account for 90% of total exports). Sovereign foreign currency assets rose to US$69.8 billion in 2023, 80% of which are held by SOFAZ. This reflects still strong energy returns and record high returns from the Fund's investment portfolio," the agency says. Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 16, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka. Deputy Secretary Campbell and Vice Minister Okano reaffirmed the vital importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance as well as the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral relationship to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and underscored their commitment to further strengthen and deepen those ties. The Deputy Secretary and Vice Minister committed to close cooperation on addressing the most serious regional and global challenges, including through further strengthening the Alliance. Deputy Secretary Campbell emphasized that President Biden looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Kishida to Washington in April. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 300 Myanmar junta troops who fled attack return from Bangladesh The troops had been stationed at a border post that the rebel Arakan Army captured earlier this month. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.16 -- Some 300 members of a junta military unit and a border police force who fled to Bangladesh during an attack by the rebel Arakan Army have been repatriated to Myanmar, according to several Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. They were returned by sea on Thursday following a handover ceremony in Cox's Bazar that was attended by five Myanmar junta officials and Myanmar's ambassador to Bangladesh, a Rohingya refugee told Radio Free Asia. "We learned that five representatives, including a police colonel of the Border Guard Police, came," the Rohingya refugee said. "Also, we learned that Amb. Aung Kyaw Moe met with the chief of Border Guard Bangladesh and handed them over." Video showed uniformed Bangladesh guards escorting the junta troops and officers - some of them wounded - onto a ship. Cox's Bazar is located on southeast Bangladesh's coast near Myanmar's western Rakhine state. Over the last decade, almost 1 million Rohingya refugees have fled from Myanmar to the Cox's Bazar area, which has become the world's largest refugee camp. The junta border guards who crossed over to Bangladesh were retreating from an attack by the ethnic Arakan Army on the Taung Pyo Let Yar outpost and a nearby strategic hill in Rakhine's Maungdaw township on Feb. 4. AA takes control of Myebon The attack marked the latest blow to Myanmar's military junta in Rakhine state, where the Arakan Army, or AA, ended a ceasefire in November that had been in place since the junta assumed power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup d'etat. A total of 330 people crossed over to Bangladesh in early February, including Lt. Col. Kyaw Naing Soe, the commander of the junta's No. 2 Border Guard Police battalion, 302 soldiers, four family members, two other military personnel, 18 immigration officers and four civilians, according to RFA sources on the Bangladesh border. Elsewhere in Rakhine, the AA said it has captured all military council camps and police stations in Myebon township. The Arakan Army said in a statement on Thursday that it now controls seven towns in the state. The AA has recently launched offensives in townships near the state capital of Sittwe, including Rathedaung and Buthidaung. There are reports that the AA has warned the junta's regional operations command in Sittwe, the Rakhine state capital, to surrender. The junta has not released a statement about recent developments in Rakhine, and RFA's calls to Hla Thein, junta's spokesperson and attorney general of the Rakhine state, went unanswered on Friday. Rebel victory in Kayah state The junta has also suffered a loss to rebels in northeast Kayah state, where the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, or KNDF, announced Friday that it had gained complete control of Shadaw city after a month-long battle. The KNDF began attacking junta outposts surrounding a strategic hill in Shadaw on Jan. 15, the group said in a statement. On Jan. 21, they began a siege to a junta base after troops refused to surrender and the junta dropped in another 70 troops by helicopter, the KNDF said. A final attack on the base began on Monday. More than 160 junta soldiers, including a colonel and a lieutenant colonel, were either killed or captured, the KNDF said. The junta hasn't released a statement on the battle. RFA's calls to junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun to seek comments on the KNDF's claims went unanswered. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta's top cops to lead conscription drive The officers previously played key roles in cracking down on youth joining the resistance in border areas. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.16 -- Myanmar's junta has appointed police chiefs to oversee conscription across the country as the military regime proceeds with its speedy implementation of a draft law enacted earlier this week. Observers said the move will help prevent Burmese of fighting age from escaping the draft by relocating to "liberated areas" controlled by ethnic armies, while the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG - the civilian government-in-exile - labeled those who enforce the law "war criminals" and vowed to hold them accountable. The draft drive comes as resistance forces and ethnic armies have scored significant victories against the military in Myanmar's three-year civil war. Since October, the military has been put on its heels by joint rebel offensives that overran dozens of military camps and resulted in hundreds of soldiers surrendering. On Feb. 10, the junta announced that it had assigned civilian officers to replace Police Col. Koko Lwin, a Naypyidaw councilmember, as well as three police brigadier generals and 11 other police colonels who held positions as state and regional transport ministers. The shuffle was made on the same day junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing announced that the People's Military Service Law, enacted in 2010 by a previous military regime though it had never been enforced, would go into effect immediately. On Wednesday, the junta reassigned the 15 senior police officials to direct public military conscription in the states of Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan; the regions of Ayeyarwady, Magway, Mandalay, Bago, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Yangon; and Naypyidaw, which is classified as a union territory. Blocking draft dodgers Commenting on the reassignments, Saw Khin Maung Myint, the junta's minister of economy and spokesperson for Kayin state, said the 15 were "returned to their original roles ... to avoid failure in their police duties." However, a police officer who joined Myanmar's anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement, or CDM, suggested that they had been assigned to more specific tasks related to the draft law roll-out. "Now that the military service law has been enacted, the police colonels have returned to their original duties to effectively implement the law and to suppress democracy activists," said the officer, who spoke to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. On Aug. 1, 2021, six months after the military seized power in a coup d'etat, the junta appointed the 15 as state and regional transport ministers. They proved instrumental in cracking down on youth who were leaving cities to join the armed resistance in the country's ethnic army-controlled border areas. Political commentator Than Soe Naing told RFA that the police chiefs will play key roles in enforcing the draft law. "Young people who cannot avoid military service will move to areas controlled by ethnic armed organizations," he said. "To prevent that, the role of the police becomes more vital and these police colonels have been appointed to enforce conscription." Troop shortages According to Myanmar's compulsory military service law, men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 face up to five years in prison if they refuse to serve for two years. Professionals - such as doctors, engineers and technicians - aged 18-45 for men and 18-35 for women must also serve, but up to five years, given the country's current state of emergency, extended by the junta on Feb. 1 for another six months. Conscription is slated to be implemented at the end of April 2024, with a goal of recruiting up to 60,000 service members each year, in batches of around 5,000 people, junta spokesperson Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun said Wednesday. Burmese of fighting age have told RFA they would team up with resistance fighters or leave Myanmar rather than serve as soldiers for the junta. Enforcers to be 'severely punished' Kyaw Zaw, spokesman for the NUG's President's Office, said the shadow government plans to "take action" against those who implement the conscription law. "Whoever aids in implementing the military service law by intimidating people, especially the youth, will be severely punished - including these police chiefs and other individuals, as well as organizations," he said. The NUG on Tuesday noted that the junta is losing ground in battles across the country and claimed that it had activated the People's Military Service Law to "use the people as human shields on the battlefields to uphold their own interests and power." The government-in-exile also said that it will designate as war criminals all individuals and organizations that assist in the law's implementation. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two political prisoners killed during junta escort, Myanmar resistance group claims A junta spokesperson denied the deaths, calling them fake news. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.16 -- Myanmar junta troops shot dead two political prisoners, including one high-profile activist, a resistance group told Radio Free Asia on Friday. Nobel Aye and Aung Ko Hein were killed while returning from a court appearance in Bago region, north of Yangon, on Feb. 8, according to Waw township People's Defense Force citing sources close to the court and hospital. The pair were taken to Waw township's courthouse by junta troops when they allegedly tried to escape, the resistance group said. Nobel Aye is known for her role in protesting against police brutality in Myanmar in 1996, and again in 2007 during the Saffron Revolution's economic and political protests. She had been arrested twice before, following both demonstrations. The prisoners were being interrogated at the No. 901 Artillery Station Command Headquarters, an official of the Waw People's Defense Force said. "They appeared in Waw Court and were shot dead near the exit of Kyaik Hla village between Waw and Paya Gyi on the way back to the military interrogation," he said, declining to be named for security reasons. "The bodies were well-packed and sent to the morgue. No one was allowed to look at the bodies and they were cremated secretly before nightfall." Nobel Aye's brother, Htet Myat, said his family has not heard any official confirmation from police about his sister. "We have not yet been informed of what happened and how. I am very worried. As a family, I didn't know what to do when people who knew about this incident confirmed it," Htet Myat said on Friday. "I felt uncontrollable. We want reliable and accurate information to be released by those responsible." However, the junta has denied that the prisoners died in custody. Bago's junta spokesperson Tin Oo told RFA the information was just a rumor. "That's wrong and fake news, dissemination of false information. We are working in accordance with the law," he said. Nobel Aye and Aung Ko Hein were arrested by junta soldiers after being caught with weapons on Jan. 29, sources close to her family said. Nobel Aye was also active in distributing aid during the COVID-19 pandemic and protested frequently after the country's 2021 military coup, they said. Aung Ko Hein was a resident of Insein township, Yangon region. RFA could not confirm his personal details. In June 2023, troops shot and killed at least 13 political prisoners in central Bago after a prison truck crashed. According to notices junta officials sent to prisoners' families, 37 detainees attempted to escape when a prison vehicle overturned during a transfer. RFA could not confirm the whereabouts of the remaining prisoners. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners' Feb. 15 statement, more than 4,500 pro-democracy activists and civilians have been killed during the coup, while over 26,000 have been arrested. 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 Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the presentation of the second edition of the collection titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives 15 February 2024 13:01 283-15-02-2024 On February 15, the Foreign Ministry Mansion hosted a presentation of the second edition of the collection titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the event. This volume, published with a new design, as well as new and improved illustrations, has been released to mark the tenth anniversary of Crimea's reunification with Russia, a significant milestone in our recent history. Compiled by the ministry's Department of History and Records, the book includes unique documents from the Foreign Ministry archives that shed light on Taurida's heroic past. The presented treaties, declarations, diplomatic messages, letters and telegrams demonstrate the unbreakable bond linking Crimea's destiny to Russia and offer a detailed insight into the events that took place along our homeland's southern frontier between the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople in 1700 and the establishment of the Soviet rule in 1922. Representatives of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Council of Minister of the Republic of Crimea, the Foreign Ministry and the academic community took part in the presentation. The participants enjoyed a documentary exhibition and watched a video chronicling the events of the spring of 2014. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the presentation of the collection of documents titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives, Moscow, February 15, 2024 15 February 2024 12:44 282-15-02-2024 Ladies and gentlemen, We have gathered here to present the second edition of the collection of documents titled Crimea in Russia's Development: History, Politics, Diplomacy. Documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives. The first edition, released in 2018, garnered significant attention from both readers and researchers, helping raise public awareness on all matters related to Crimea as an integral part of Russia. This inspired the Foreign Ministry's Department of History and Records to publish a newly designed and expanded edition of this collection. This publication has been released for the tenth anniversary of Crimea's reunification with Russia, which we will celebrate next month. It was during the March 16, 2014, referendum that the people of Crimea made an informed choice in favour of returning home, where they could assert their right to speak their native language, develop their culture and honour their history and traditions. In his famous Crimean Speech on March 18, 2014, President Vladimir Putin said: "We could not leave this plea unheeded; we could not abandon Crimea and its residents in distress. This would have been betrayal on our part." The way the dramatic events have been unfolding in Ukraine demonstrates that reunification with Russia was the only right and possible option for the people of Crimea. Taking this step was consistent with the historical logic of events and the fundamental interests of the people living on this Russian peninsula. This is the message conveyed by the collection we are presenting today. In particular, it offers unique and convincing documentary evidence demonstrating the unbreakable bond linking Crimea's destiny to Russia. The documents in this book include treaties, declarations, diplomatic messages, letters and telegrams. They shed light on Taurida's heroic past. Exploring these documents provides a detailed insight into the events that took place along our homeland's southern frontier between the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople in 1700 and the establishment of the Soviet rule in 1922. This covers a historical era of over 200 years, marked by momentous accomplishments, including the steady expansion of Russian influence over the peninsula, Crimea's accession to the Russian Empire, the construction of new cities there, the emergence of the Black Sea fleet, the heroic defence of Sevastopol, and the establishment of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic as part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Today, Russia is making great efforts to revive the love for Russian history and preserve the truth about its great past. This collection contains original documents from the Foreign Ministry Archives and seeks to make a constructive and useful contribution to these important efforts. I have no doubt that specialists and everyone interested in history will appreciate this book. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Death of Alexei Navalnyy: Statement by Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric Council of Europe Secretary General Strasbourg 16 February 2024 "I am profoundly dismayed and outraged by the news of the sudden death of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnyy in a Russian prison. The Russian authorities must conduct an immediate and thorough investigation and make the findings available to the public in line with their international obligations. "At the same time, Mr Navalnyy's tragic fate cannot be considered separately from the ordeal of human rights violations that he faced including the attempt on his life three years ago, a series of politically motivated criminal cases as well as his unjust imprisonment and detention in inhuman and degrading conditions. Unfortunately, previous Council of Europe calls to release him based on the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights which Russia has an obligation to implement went unheeded. "By returning to Russia three years ago, Alexei Navalnyy bravely defied an unfree and unfair system based on repression and the brutal and repeated silencing of opponents. His resonant sacrifice is not only a stark reminder of Russia's utter disregard for the human rights of its own citizens but also a testament to the heavy price of standing up for the values of human rights, democracy and rule of law. "On behalf of the Council of Europe, I express heartfelt condolences and solidarity to his family and colleagues." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny European Commission Statement 16 February 2024 Brussels We are shocked and grieved by today's reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter. Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage and determination throughout his life. He bravely returned to Russia after a heinous assassination attempt. He gave hope to democrats and civil society in Russia, which is why so many people from all over the country joined his actions and listened to his messages. Russian authorities responded to his legitimate political and anti-corruption activities with politically motivated measures, sending him to a strict-regime penal colony far away from Moscow, inaccessible for his family, friends and observers, and harassed his lawyers. We had repeatedly called on Russia to ensure his safety and health, and raised our concern over his repeated ill-treatment, unjustified and unlawful disciplinary measures, and harassment amounting to physical and psychological torture by prison authorities. He was slowly murdered by President Putin and his regime, who fear nothing more than dissent from their own people. We will spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account. We demand Russian authorities to establish all facts around Navalny's death. Russia has to immediately release all other political prisoners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of the Munich Security Conference NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 16 Feb. 2024 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday (16 February 2024) said he was "deeply saddened and concerned" by reports about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. "All the facts have to be established and Russia has serious questions to answer", Mr Stoltenberg said arriving at the Munich Security Conference. "We remain committed to support everyone that believes in democracy and freedom as Alexei Navalny has done for so many years." (As delivered) I am deeply saddened and concerned about reports coming from Russia that Alexei Navalny is dead. All the facts have to be established and Russia has serious questions to answer. Alexei Navalny has been a strong voice for freedom, for democracy for many years, and NATO and NATO Allies have called for his immediate release for a long time. And today my thoughts go to his family and his loved ones. And we remain committed to support everyone that believes in democracy and freedom as Alexei Navalny has done for so many years. Question: [inaudible] ...regarding the causes of the death of Navalny? NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: We don't have any information now. That's the reason why it is important to have all facts established, and why Russia has some very serious questions to answer. What we have seen is that Russia has become a more and more authoritarian power, that they have used oppression against opposition for many years. And of course, he was in jail, he was a prisoner. And that makes it extremely important that Russia now answer all the questions that will be asked about the cause of the death. Question: Mr Stoltenberg, we are only weeks away from the Russian presidential election. Could there be any connection to his passing now? NATO Secretary General: I will not speculate today. I will just continue to call on Russia to make sure that all facts are established, that they answer all the questions that now will be asked. And then based on that we will be able to say more. Question: [inaudible]... waiting for President Zelenskyy to attend the conference here. What kind of message can he take home especially when we consider that the US aid is stalled and that the Europeans are also struggling? Critics in Ukraine would say Europe failed us once when Crimea was annexed, is Europe gonna fail us again? NATO Secretary General: Our task is to ensure that we continue to support Ukraine, because this is in our security interest to do so. And the situation is difficult. The fact that the United States has not made a decision has impacted the situation on the battlefield. At the same time, I continue to expect that the United States will make a decision to continue to provide support. And it's also important to actually recognise that even though the situation on the battlefield is difficult, we should not overestimate Russia and underestimate Ukraine. Just this week, the Ukrainians have demonstrated once again, their skill and their competence when it comes to deep strikes by sinking one of the Russian ships in the Black Sea. We have also seen new announcements of more support for Ukraine. At the NATO Defence Ministerial meeting this week, Allies announced more support for the F16s, more air defence. And several Allies also went together and promised to deliver 1 million drones to Ukraine. And then of course, Ukraine is coming closer to NATO. We agreed to establish a new centre to help train and build capacity in Ukraine to learn lessons. And today also France and Germany are signing security assurances with Ukraine. I welcome these assurances; they're not an alternative to NATO membership, but they help Ukraine to move closer to membership. So therefore, we need to continue to support Ukraine and ensure that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance. Question: On Navalny, what does it tell us about the nature of Putin's regime, that the opposition leader has died in prison? NATO Secretary General: Today my message is that we need to establish all the facts, and Russia needs to answer all the questions - and many serious questions - about the causes of his death. I'm deeply saddened and very concerned. And of course, Alexei Navalny was a very strong voice for freedom, for democracy. And therefore also NATO and NATO Allies called for his immediate release for a long time. And my main message today is to express my condolences and my thoughts are with his loved ones and his family. And then we need to come back to all the rest when we know more about the circumstances. Question: What kind of support would you like to have from Latin American countries, Mr. Stoltenberg? NATO Secretary General: I would like countries all over the world who believe in freedom and democracy to support Ukraine. Because it will not only be a tragedy for Ukraine if President Putin wins, but it will make the whole world more dangerous. Because then the message to authoritarian leaders all over the world will be that when they use military force, they get what they want. And then we all will become more vulnerable. And therefore it is extremely important that also countries in Latin America who believe in freedom, support Ukraine and stand up against the war of aggression against Ukraine. Thank you so much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News of tragic death of Alexei Navalny in prison follows years of unjust imprisonment, OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights says OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe WARSAW 16 February 2024 WARSAW, 16 February 2024 -- The reported death of Alexei Navalny while serving a lengthy prison sentence is a tragedy that follows years of unjust imprisonment and the denial of his rights, including to a fair trial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today. "I am deeply saddened by the news of Alexei Navalny's death," said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. "From the very beginning, Mr Navalny's imprisonment was a fundamental violation of the right to voice dissent as well as the right to a fair trial." ODIHR calls on the Russian authorities to launch an immediate and credible investigation into the circumstances in which he died, and to allow Mr Navalny's representatives full access to it. ODIHR condemns the imprisonment of any opposition politician merely for expressing their political views, and calls for their release from detention. Justice systems must remain independent of politics and never be instrumentalized to silence dissenting voices. ODIHR calls on the Russian Federation to respect its obligation to ensure the health and welfare of all those in custody, and reminds the authorities that all OSCE states have committed to respect the rights of prisoners. They have also committed to guarantee the right to a fair trial and the independence of the judiciary. In particular, states have committed to guaranteeing a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny dies in prison: State media Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 3:42 PM Russian activist and opposition leader Alexey Navalny has died in prison in northern Russia, the country's state media reported on Friday. Navalny, 47, who made global headlines in 2020 for allegedly being poisoned with nerve gas, Novichok, died on Friday at a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. Navalny "felt unwell after a walk" and "almost immediately" lost consciousness, the prison service announced, adding that an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of his "sudden death." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been informed of the death and that it was up to the doctors to determine the cause of his death. "As far as we're aware, in accordance with all the rules, the prison service is carrying out checks and clarifications," Peskov told reporters. Asked about reports that the death involved a blood clot, he replied: "I don't know. Doctors must find it out." Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that his lawyer is traveling to the prison in Kharp. "As soon as we have any information, we will report it," Yarmysh added. Navalny, who had organized some of the biggest anti-government protests seen in recent years, returned to Russia in 2021 to serve his prison sentences over fraud and other convictions, adding to 11.5 years. In August, he was sentenced to 19 years in prison after he was found guilty of creating an "extremist" community, financing "terrorist" activities and various other crimes. He was a long-time critic of Moscow, alleging corruption in high places and campaigning against the ruling United Russia Party. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aleksei Navalny, Putin's Staunchest Critic, Found Dead In Prison, Russia Says By RFE/RL February 16, 2024 Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has died while in prison, according to a statement from the local department of the Federal Penitentiary Service, triggering outrage and condemnation from world leaders who said the Kremlin critic paid the "ultimate price" for his courage to speak out against the country's leadership. "On February 16, 2024, in penal colony No. 3, convict Aleksei Navalny felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. The medical staff of the institution arrived immediately, and an ambulance team was called," the statement said. "All necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, which did not yield positive results. Doctors from the ambulance declared the convict dead. The causes of death are being established." Russian state-controlled media also quoted the statement as saying Navalny, 47, had died. There was no immediate confirmation of Navalny's death from his team. According to Russian law, family must be notified within 24 hours if a prisoner dies. "I don't know if we should believe the terrible news, the news we get only from official media because for many years we have been in the situation where we cannot believe Putin and his government as they are lying constantly," his wife, Yulia, said in a brief statement from Germany where she was attending the Munich Security Conference. "But if it is the truth, Putin and all his staff and everyone around him need to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our patriot, with my family, and with my husband. They will be brought to justice and this day will come soon," she added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying President Vladimir Putin had been informed of the report of Navalny's death but that he has no official information on the cause of death. "It's very complicated to confirm the news that comes from a country like Russia," Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte also told RFE/RL as she attended the Munich Security Conference. "But, if you asked me whether I would be surprised if that's true, of course I would not, unfortunately, because we know that the regime in the Kremlin is an assassin regime, basically, who would go after their enemies as they understand it, after people with different opinions on the development of Russia and their relations to the rest of the world." A day earlier, Navalny did not appear to have any health issues when speaking by video link to a court hearing. Navalny spokeswoman Kyra Yarmysh said on X, formerly Twitter, that "we don't have any confirmation of [his death] yet." She added that Navalny's lawyer is now flying to the prison. "Most likely it is true. Navalny was murdered," said Ivan Zhdanov, blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It is a political murder which will for sure be investigated." As the reports reverberated around the country and around the world, some people laid flowers at the buildings where Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) was headquartered before the government shut it down after labeling the organization "extremist." Others gathered in front of Russian embassies in countries such as Georgia and Armenia, while vigils were being planned in many cities across Europe. "If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong. We need to utilize this power, to not give up, to remember we are an enormous power that is being oppressed by these bad people. We don't realize how strong we actually are. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. So don't be inactive," Navalny said at the end of the Oscar-winning documentary that carried his name. U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told NPR in an interview just after the news broke that, if confirmed, Navalny's death would be a "terrible tragedy." "The Russian government's long and sordid history of doing harm to its opponents raises real and obvious questions here.... We are actively seeking confirmation," he added. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Navalny "paid for his courage with his life," while French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in a post on X that the Kremlin critic's "death in a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin's regime." European Council President Charles Michel said Navalny had made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the "values of freedom and democracy." Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told RFE/RL that Navalny's only crime was to root out "the corruption [and] the thievery of the current Russian elite" and to have a dream of a better Russia that abides by the rule of law, lives in peace with its neighbors, and invests in its people. "That proved to be an unforgivable crime," Sikorski said, speaking with RFE/RL at the Munich Security Conference. He said the Russian state was responsible for Navalny's life and welfare "and therefore his death is the legal responsibility of the Russian state." Navalny, who last month marked the third anniversary of his incarceration on charges widely believed to be politically motivated, nearly died from a poisoning with a Novichok-type nerve agent in 2020, which he blamed on Russian security operatives acting at the behest of Putin. The man who once blasted Putin as "corrupt, cynical" in an interview with RFE/RL was detained on January 17, 2021, at a Moscow airport upon his arrival from Germany, where he was treated for the poisoning. He was then handed a 2 1/2-year prison sentence for violating the terms of an earlier parole during his convalescence abroad. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny's poisoning. In March 2022, Navalny was handed a nine-year prison term on charges of contempt and embezzlement through fraud that he and his supporters have repeatedly rejected as politically motivated. Later, Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and his network of regional offices were designated "extremist" organizations and banned after his arrest, which led to another probe against him on extremism charges. In August last year, a court extended Navalny's prison term to 19 years and sent him to a harsher "special regime" facility from the maximum-security prison where he was held. Last month, Navalny was transferred to Polar Wolf, which is a "special regime" prison in Russia's Arctic region. Navalny's death, if confirmed, comes as Putin, who publicly has long refused to actually say Navalny's name, runs for another term facing no real opposition as those who were expected to be his main challengers -- including Navalny -- currently are either incarcerated or have fled the country, fearing for their safety. Russian elections are tightly controlled by the Kremlin and are neither free nor fair but are viewed by the government as necessary to convey a sense of legitimacy. They are mangled by the exclusion of opposition candidates, voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and other means of manipulation. Meanwhile, the Kremlin's tight grip on politics, media, law enforcement, and other levers means Putin, who has ruled Russia as president or prime minister since 1999, is certain to win, barring a very big, unexpected development. Navalny married his wife, Yulia, in 2000. The couple has a son and a daughter. With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak and Vazha Tavberidze in Munich Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny- dead-prison/32822399.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 Biden Joins Other World Leaders In Blaming Putin For Navalny's Apparent Death By RFE/RL February 16, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden joined other Western leaders in condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is "responsible" for the reported death of jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. Biden told reporters at the White House that the United States was seeking more information about reports of Navalny's death at a Russian penal colony north of the Arctic Circle. "Reports of his death, if they are true -- and I have no reason to believe that they are not -- Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," Biden said. "Make no mistake...Putin is responsible for Navalny's death." The local department of the Federal Penitentiary Service issued a statement on February 16 saying Navalny, 47, had died. But there was no immediate confirmation of Navalny's death from his team, nor from his wife. According to Russian law, family must be notified within 24 hours if a prisoner dies. Biden declined to say that Navalny had been assassinated because the White House does not yet know exactly what happened. He added that his administration was looking at a "whole number of options" on how it will respond but declined to specify what is being discussed. The U.S. president praised Navalny as someone who "bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence, and all the bad things the Putin government was doing." He described Navalny as a politician who "was so many things that Putin is not" -- brave and principled and "dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and applied to everybody. Navalny believed in that Russia." Navalny knew this was a cause worth fighting for and "obviously, worth dying for," Biden said, recalling Navalny's near-death from a poisoning in 2020 and his return to the country in 2021, only to be arrested and jailed. Biden also said the tragedy is a reminder of the stakes in Ukraine and urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill containing $61 billion in aid to the war-torn country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was in Berlin, said Putin "doesn't care" who dies and only wants to hold on to power. "This is why he must hold onto nothing. Putin must lose everything and be held responsible for his deeds," Zelenskiy said, speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said Navalny's death makes clear "what kind of regime this is" in Russia. Navalny "has probably now paid for this courage with his life," Scholz said. Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya posted a video on X in which said the Putin regime, like the one in her country overseen by authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, gets rid of opponents by any means. "I have no doubt that [Navalny] was purposely killed by the Putin regime," she said, noting that in Belarus dozens of political prisoners are held incommunicado by a regime that is allied with Putin and has provided him with logistical support during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Navalny's death showed that "Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people," calling it "a grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Navalny "was in jail, a prisoner, and that makes it extremely important that Russia now answer all the questions that it will be asked about the cause of death." British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also blamed Putin, saying his regime "imprisoned him, trumped up charges against him, poisoned him, sent him to an Arctic penal colony and now he has tragically died." The world should hold Putin accountable, he added. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Navalny was a fighter for democracy, freedoms, and the Russian people. "There is no question that Aleksei Navalny is dead because he stood up to Putin, he stood up to the Kremlin," Trudeau said. Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said Navalny for years "has been a symbol of the fight against the dictatorship in Russia, of the fight for free speech, of the fact that a person cannot be imprisoned for a different opinion." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Russia took away Navalny's freedom and his life but his struggle for democracy lives on. Paying tribute to Navalny on X, Metsola said the "world has lost a fighter whose courage will echo through generations." With reporting by AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/navalny-death-world-leaders- react-putin/32822902.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 Profile: Aleksei Navalny, Dogged Anti-Corruption Crusader And Outspoken Kremlin Foe By Robert Coalson February 16, 2024 When Aleksei Navalny left a Moscow jail in August 2019 after serving 30 days for encouraging protests, the Russian opposition leader delivered the kind of message he had pushed relentlessly for a decade, earning himself a reputation as the most vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. "The lies and falsifications are not enough," he told a group of reporters in his usual fast clip. "They have to arrest dozens, beat hundreds, and raid organizations." "This regime will come to seriously regret what it has done," said Navalny, a longtime anti-corruption fighter and Russia's most prominent opposition politician for over a decade. The Russian penitentiary service said on February 16 that Navalny had died after feeling ill and losing consciousness following a walk at IK-3, the harsh prison north of the Arctic Circle where he was transferred in late December. His death could not immediately be independently confirmed. Navalny was sent to IK-3, known as Polar Wolf, to serve a 19-year sentence on an extremism conviction that he and his supporters say was politically motivated revenge for his anti-Kremlin activism. At that time, Navalny had been behind bars since January 2021, when he was arrested upon returning to Russia after recovering abroad from a nerve-agent poisoning that he said was a state-sponsored assassination attempt carried out by Russian security agents and approved by Putin. A lawyer by training, the charismatic and sharp-witted politician was shaped by the Internet and the street, using both mediums in his unrelenting and often innovative campaign against Putin's increasingly undemocratic government. Despite carrying the baggage of an uncomfortable early dalliance with Russian nationalism and statements deemed racist by many, he came to transcend easy labels through a singular and seemingly indefatigable focus on official corruption and an insistence on peaceful, legal methods to oppose the Kremlin. Navalny rose to national prominence as he became one of the leaders of major anti-government protests in 2011, when his viral blog posts exposing graft fueled public anger in the buildup to that year's parliamentary election. He called on voters to cast their ballots against the "party of crooks and thieves" in power, a term he coined to describe the ruling United Russia party that was immortalized in the opposition lexicon. The opposition movement gained more steam when Putin made the controversial decision to seek a third presidential term in the 2012 election. Tens of thousands of people attended protests between the December 2011 parliamentary vote, which was marred by widespread evidence of fraud, and Putin's inauguration in May 2012. Soon, Navalny expanded his muckraking campaign to launch the Anti-Corruption Foundation and a YouTube channel where he uploaded slick videos to a growing subscriber base, shedding light on the illicit activities of officials in Putin's government and inner circle. In 2017, the foundation's probe into then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's wealth, which garnered tens of millions of views, became a catalyst for a wave of mass rallies that erupted across Russia that March. Navalny's personal charisma and social-media-savvy style quickly gained him a mass following, even though he was all but ignored by state media. For many years, Putin was unable or unwilling to pronounce Navalny's name aloud. But his early anti-immigrant comments, including YouTube videos in which he likened Central Asian labor migrants to harmful tooth cavities and residents of Russia's Muslim-majority North Caucasus to cockroaches, continued to dog him throughout his career, and some in opposition politics - particularly in non-ethnic-Russian movements -- kept their distance from him. The nationalist tone of Navalny's early career and equivocal statements about Crimea following Russia's occupation of the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula in 2014 raised hackles among many in Ukraine, and his vehement condemnation of the full-scale invasion launched by Putin in 2022 did little to improve his reputation there. Navalny's rise was also impeded by Putin's growing authoritarianism and efforts to stamp out the opposition movement Navalny spearheaded, including the introduction of laws drastically reducing the scope for street protest and punishing Russians who voiced public criticism of the authorities. Some of Navalny's aides and allies fled Russia amid threats; others quit politics. Navalny remained in Russia and continued to expose graft, despite constant harassment of himself and his family by pro-government trolls, a concerted propaganda campaign to discredit and stigmatize him, frequent arrests and searches, and a seemingly endless string of criminal cases and other moves aimed at cowing him into submission. In 2017, during a visit to the Siberian city of Barnaul, an unknown assailant doused him with a bright green liquid, causing a chemical burn that damaged his vision. Several days later, he appeared - his face stained green -- in a YouTube video where he promised nothing would keep him from shining light on corruption. "All I want to say is this: The Kremlin may think I'm not going to record videos with a green face, but I will -- it'll get me even more views," he said. "This definitely won't stop me." In 2019, while in detention yet again for leading an unauthorized protest, Navalny was hospitalized with what his doctor said was a "severe allergic reaction." Navalny and his aides suspected it was a case of deliberate poisoning. The incident was never resolved despite widespread calls for an official investigation. In the years after he gained prominence, and until his near-fatal poisoning in August 2020, Navalny was jailed at least a dozen times, spending hundreds of days locked up on charges he insisted were fabricated to cut short his efforts to incite protest. In 2013, he faced the threat of lengthy incarceration when he was sentenced to five years in prison in a fraud trial that was widely viewed as retaliation for his political activity. Amid protests, the authorities suspended the sentence and released Navalny, a stunning reversal that analysts and allies said was driven by the Kremlin's fear of turning him into a martyr and stoking mass demonstrations. Navalny received a suspended sentence again in 2014, after a trial in a separate case that he also contended was politically motivated. But his brother Oleg, who was not involved in politics, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison. Navalny said his brother's incarceration made his battle with the Kremlin personal, fueling an anger that redoubled his commitment. Around this time, many in Russia began to consider him a viable challenger to Putin, a former KGB officer who has been present or prime minister since 1999. "Many think that Navalny is not a serious candidate for the Kremlin," opposition politician Leonid Gozman wrote in Vedomosti in 2015. "That's probably what Jaruzelski thought about Walesa, or South Africa's leaders about Mandela, or Kerensky about Lenin." Navalny sought to meet those expectations and tried to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election, establishing a network of campaign offices across the country. But he was barred from running due to his criminal convictions, and the campaign teams were reorganized into regional branches of his anti-corruption NGO, working to shed light on illicit activity at the local level. In the summer of 2019, Navalny backed a group of opposition figures seeking to participate in elections to the Moscow city assembly. Their exclusion from the vote led to weeks of protest in Moscow met by a sweeping clampdown that culminated in lengthy prison sentences for a number of activists and law enforcement raids of Navalny's regional offices. But that experience prompted Navalny and his team to seek new ways to break Putin's stranglehold on power and to launch a campaign dubbed Smart Voting, aimed at shattering the United Russia monopoly by concentrating the protest vote on rival candidates considered most likely to defeat its candidates. In an interview in the spring of 2020, Navalny told RFE/RL's Russian Service the coronavirus pandemic and the government's handling of it was accelerating a fall in Putin's popularity and creating opportunities for the opposition. "Just look at the government's ratings," he said. "We see their unprecedented decline, a decline that will continue. The government cannot do anything about it." Several months later, Navalny collapsed on board a flight to Moscow from Tomsk, where he was visiting local supporters. The plane was diverted to the city of Omsk, where his staffers learned that he had been poisoned. After pleading with the authorities for two days, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and Navalny's aides succeeded in securing his transfer for treatment in Berlin, where German experts determined he had been poisoned by a Novichok-type nerve agent. Open-source investigators Bellingcat issued findings that Navalny had been the target of an assassination attempt by a team of Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives. Navalny spent almost five months recuperating and working on a major investigation into a $1.36 billion Black Sea palace that he alleged ultimately belonged to Putin. That investigation was released upon Navalny's return to Moscow on January 17, 2021, when he was arrested upon arrival at Sheremetyevo airport. His decision to return to Russia was controversial, with some lauding his courage and others questioning his surrender to seemingly inevitable imprisonment. Russia was rocked by two consecutive weekends of mass protests for Navalny's release that led to thousands of arrests, but Navalny was nevertheless sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on February 2, 2021, for breaking the rules of the parole imposed during his fraud trial. "However much [Putin] tries to portray himself as a geopolitician, a great world leader, he resents me because he'll go down in history as a poisoner," Navalny said in a blistering speech from his defendant's cage. "The main goal of this trial is to scare a huge number of people. That's how it works. They jail one person to scare millions." Navalny was sent to a strict-regime prison in the Vladimir region east of Moscow. Almost immediately he and his associates began complaining of a "deliberate campaign" to undermine his health. Having been designated an escape risk, he was awakened hourly every night and was denied access to his doctor. He said he had crippling back pain and had all but lost the use of his right leg. He was hospitalized during a hunger strike in April 2023, abandoning the protest on the advice of his doctors. During his years in prison, officials repeatedly punished him for trivial alleged infractions. For his part, he used his legal expertise to clog the system with outlandish requests, publishing the stilted official rejections he received. At the same time, the government continued to file charges against him and to add time to his prison term. In March 2022, he was given a nine-year prison term for contempt of court and corruption. In June 2021, his Anti-Corruption Foundation and other organizations tied to him were officially banned as "extremist" by the Russian government. As a result, more of his associates fled Russia or faced harsh criminal prosecution. In August 2023, Navalny was handed a 19-year sentence in a "special-regime" prison -- the harshest category -- after being convicted of inciting and financing "extremist activity." He denounced the sentence as "Stalinist." Nonetheless, throughout his imprisonment and at his numerous trials, he steadfastly insisted he was not afraid and urged Russians also to overcome their fear of Putin's repression. Long in progress, the Kremlin's clampdown on dissent escalated with Navalny's arrest in January 2021. The authorities turned the screws even tighter a little over a year later, when Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In a social-media post on the first anniversary of the unprovoked attack, Navalny said Putin "has unleashed an unjust war of aggression" and dismissed Putin's justifications as "ridiculous pretexts." He said that "tens of thousands of innocent Ukrainians have been murdered" and that "war crimes have been committed." He called for the restoration of Ukraine's internationally recognized 1991 borders and for Russia to "look for acceptable ways to compensate for the damage done to Ukraine." "We will have to reimburse Ukraine for all the damage caused by Putin's aggression," he concluded. "We have hit rock bottom." Many in Ukraine remained wary or critical of Navalny, distrusting his public comments on the war and doubting his dedication to Ukrainian sovereignty. He was widely praised in the West, however. In October 2021, he was awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for his relentless fight against "the corruption of Vladimir Putin's regime." "This cost him his liberty and nearly his life," then-European Parliament head David Sassoli said. Former RFE/RL correspondent Matthew Luxmoore contributed to this report Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-profile-anticorruption- crusader-kremlin-foe-putin/32822550.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 What Navalny's Death Would Change -- Or Wouldn't By Steve Gutterman February 16, 2024 For more than a decade, and even since his jailing over three years ago, Aleksei Navalny has been a crucial driver of Kremlin policy - an uncompromising opponent whose vision for a different Russia has been a chief target of President Vladimir Putin's ever-increasing efforts to quash protests, stamp out dissent, and tightly control politics across the country. Reports of Navalny's death come as Putin's Russia continues to take shape as a place where independent voices are not tolerated, elections are closely managed to avoid even the impression of an alternative, and the country is two years into a full-scale invasion that has cast a massive shadow of death and destruction over Ukraine and had long-lasting effects at home. Would the demise of the Kremlin's most vocal critic change any of this - and in what way? Could it bring any hint of the change Navalny has advocated, or just a further tightening of the screws? The first thing to watch is the campaign for the March 15-17 presidential election, now just one month away. Given the state's tight grip on politics and the media, Putin is certain to win barring a major unexpected development -- but analysts say the Kremlin wants him to win by a margin that demonstrates to Russians, and to the world, that there is no alternative. That apparent desire seemed all the more evident when Boris Nadezhdin, the only would-be candidate who is a critic of the war against Ukraine, was barred from the ballot this month - after long lines of Russians showed up to support his signature-gathering campaign, possibly spooking Putin and the Kremlin with the prospect that a challenger could gain a substantial chunk of votes. Navalny, who himself was prohibited from challenging Putin in the last election, in 2018, voiced support last week for an initiative calling on Russians to show up at their polling places at 12 p.m. on the last day of the upcoming vote -- a protest effort dubbed Noon Against Putin. Amid widespread suspicions of foul play - or the pernicious effects of prison conditions and harsh treatment that Navalny said was aimed to kill him -- several analysts and Kremlin critics linked his reported death directly to the election in which Putin, who has been president or prime minister since 1999, is set to secure a new six-year term. "On Tuesday I heard an audio recording of his voice from one of the many court hearings that he has participated in. It was the voice of a cheerful, energetic, healthy man," political scientist Yekaterina Shulman told Deutsche Welle. "This means that he was killed. He was killed so that he would not interfere with the election campaign. This is what sits on the surface and what cannot be ignored. " Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the exiled former oil tycoon who spent a decade in prison following convictions that he and supporters say were part of a Kremlin-orchestrated campaign to punish him for venturing into opposition politics and to bring his company's assets into state hands, urged Russians to write Navalny's name on their ballots when they vote. But any such effort - let alone street protests over the election, Navalny's fate, or the war against Ukraine - is a major risk for Russians who join it. "On the one hand, people will now have even less desire to vote for Putin; on the other hand, actively acting against [the election] will become even more frightening," political analyst Abbas Gallyamov wrote on Telegram. "An optimistic view is that Navalny's death may inject a new life into Nadezhdin...and give birth to a real movement. A pessimistic view would see Nadezhdin being silenced, either out of fear or [by] more radical and potentially permanent methods," said Samantha de Bendern, an associate fellow at the British think tank Chatham House. In fact, the death of a man who symbolized opposition to the noncompetitive elections held under Putin might only serve to enhance the risk of protesting over the election - or anything else. "At one point, Navalny was useful to Russia as a sign that opposition to Putin was tolerated. That usefulness came to an end long ago," said Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow at Chatham House. "And by now, Russia has abandoned any pretense that it is anything other than a repressive regime. Russia is back in its historical comfort zone of murdering opponents at home and abroad without qualms and without a care for international condemnation." Navalny became a vocal critic of Russia's war against Ukraine, and his reported death seems unlikely to have any effect on the Kremlin's pursuit of its goals in the invasion. But reverberations abroad could play into the crucial issue of Western support for Ukraine's defense, amplifying calls for additional pressure on Russia and potentially affecting the fate of a $60 billion U.S. package of mostly military aid that has been stymied in Congress for months. Whatever the cause of Navalny's reported death, it poses a challenge for Putin and the state, according to Tatyana Stanovaya, an expert on the Kremlin and an analyst at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. "Navalny emerged as a seminal and historical figure, embodying an unyielding anti-Putin political stance and representing the most substantial alternative to Putin's regime since 2000. His unmatched recognition, significance to the elites, and involvement in domestic politics distinguished him from any other opposition figure, cementing his status as an outstanding politician," Stanovaya wrote on Twitter. "And this creates a significant political problem for the regime -- they will have to deal with Navalny's legacy." But the way the Kremlin will try to address this challenge is not hard to predict, she added. "I have no doubt that very soon we'll witness a significant wave of anti-Navalny repressions, raids after indignations in social networks, criminal cases and arrests," she said. Numerous observers made clear that whether or not the death of Navalny would bring any change, it would be one the darkest signs of a dark time. "Navalny was fighting for a 'beautiful Russia of the future' and was crushed by the terrible Russia of the past & present. A future for this Russia exists for one man only - Putin," said Alena Epifanova, a research fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. "He is ready to kill anyone who stands in his way. Today he proved it again." Mike Eckel contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/navalny-death-change-ukraine-crackdown- dissent-election-analysis/32822923.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The List Is Long: Russians Who Have Died After Running Afoul Of The Kremlin By Steve Gutterman February 16, 2024 The list of influential Russians who have been killed or died in murky circumstances after opposing, criticizing, or crossing Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin, or the state is long. And it may be getting longer. If his death is confirmed, the latest addition will be Aleksei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition politician who crusaded against official corruption and led massive anti-Kremlin protests, earning him the ire of Putin, who made a point of not uttering his name in public. Navalny died on February 16 in the Arctic prison where he was serving a 19-year sentence, Russia's prison service said. Navalny, 47, felt ill after a walk earlier that day, according to the Federal Penitentiary Service, and then lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived, but he could not be revived, a statement said, adding that the cause of death was "being established." Navalny's reported death comes less than a month before a presidential election is widely expected to hand Putin another six years in power. These are some of the prominent people who have died violent or suspicious deaths since Putin came to power 24 years ago, serving as both president and prime minister of Russia. Not featured here are those who have survived close calls -- such as the former military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal, who was poisoned along with his daughter in March 2018. Yevgeny Prigozhin August 23, 2023: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group with close ties to Putin, died in a plane crash with top associates. The long-secretive and then suddenly outspoken Prigozhin was behind a range of shadowy and unwholesome enterprises, from a "troll farm" that meddled in U.S. elections to a mercenary army that has fought in Syria and Ukraine -- where it was at the center of the long, bloody battle for Bakhmut -- and been active in several African countries. An erstwhile Putin ally, Prigozhin launched an abortive mutiny in late June, two months to the day before his death, that he said targeted Russia's military leaders but embarrassed Putin and exposed the limits of his control, making a leader cast as a strong and reliable protector of the people look weak. Sergei Yushenkov April 17, 2003: Sergei Yushenkov, a veteran politician and leader of the anti-Kremlin party Liberal Russia, is shot in front of his Moscow home. Yushenkov had been at the forefront of efforts by liberal lawmakers to investigate the possible involvement of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in a series of deadly apartment bombings in 1999. The bombings, which killed some 300 people, were blamed on Chechen militants and used by Moscow as a pretext to launch the Second Chechen War. Anna Politkovskaya October 7, 2006: One of Russia's most prominent journalists and a persistent chronicler of rights abuses in Chechnya, Politkovskaya is shot dead in her apartment building, in an execution-style killing. Two men were sentenced to life in prison and three others to long prison terms in 2014 for their involvement, but relatives, colleagues, and Western governments suspect that Russian authorities will never pinpoint or punish the masterminds of her killing because a thorough investigation would lead too close to Putin's government or the Kremlin-backed leadership in Chechnya. Aleksandr Litvinenko aNovember 23, 2006: The former Russian security agent dies in London after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210. Litvinenko had fled to Britain in 2000 after accusing the FSB of plotting to kill oligarch Boris Berezovsky. He later co-authored a book blaming the agency for the 1999 apartment-building bombings. The British investigation found Litvinenko drank tea laced with polonium during a meeting in a London hotel several weeks earlier with Russians Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun. Moscow refused to extradite them. In 2017, the United States blacklisted both under the Magnitsky Act. Natalya Estemirova July 16, 2009: The body of the renowned human rights activist, with bullet wounds to her head and chest, is found in Ingushetia, hours after her abduction near her home in the capital of Chechnya, Grozny. Natalya Estemirova had been investigating hundreds of suspected rights abuses in Chechnya, including kidnapping and murder. The rights group she worked for, Memorial, said initial investigation pointed to the possible involvement of local law enforcement officers. Memorial's chief, Oleg Orlov, was later sued for defamation after accusing Kremlin-backed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov of orchestrating Estemirova's killing, but he was eventually acquitted. Sergei Magnitsky November 16, 2009: The whistle-blowing lawyer who had implicated Russian officials in an alleged $230 million tax fraud dies one year after being jailed on similar charges. Sergei Magnitsky suffered from pancreatitis and was denied medical care in pretrial detention, conditions rights activists said were tantamount to torture. According to the Kremlin's own human rights council, he was badly beaten before his death. In 2012, the United States adopted the Magnitsky Act, which targets Russians implicated in rights abuses with visa bans and asset freezes, and other Western countries have followed suit. In July 2013, a Russian court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion in an unprecedented posthumous trial. Boris Nemtsov February 27, 2015: The reformist former regional governor and deputy prime minister who was a rising political star in the 1990s but became one of Putin's most vocal opponents is shot dead in a gangland-style killing on a bridge near the Kremlin, at age 55. A liberal lawmaker early in Putin's presidency, Nemtsov helped lead protests against stacked parliamentary elections and Putin's return to the presidency in 2012. He staunchly opposed Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2014, calling it "despicable," "impudent," and "harmful for Russia." At the time of his killing, he and associates had been working on a report detailing evidence of the extent of Moscow's interference in the neighboring country. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/enemies-kremlin-deaths- prigozhin-list/32562583.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 'Polar Wolf': The Harsh Prison Where Navalny Was Sent And How His Team Found Him By RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities February 16, 2024 Known as "Polar Wolf," the strict-regime prison to which opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has been sent is a place where a water cannon is an instrument of torture. "In the winter, prisoners would be hastily assembled in the courtyard in light clothing," said prisoners' rights activist Olga Romanova, relating the testimony given by a man who was released from Polar Wolf, more formally known as IK-3, in 2018. "They were held in formation and not allowed to clap or rub their hands together. They had to stand for 30 or 40 minutes without moving when it was minus 45 degrees Celsius or colder. If one person moved, the whole group was doused with water. "In the spring, there was a new torture," she added. "Mosquitoes and biting flies. If you moved a hand, the water came. They would just douse the whole group with a water cannon." After spending 19 days incommunicado during transit from a prison in the Vladimir region, Navalny confirmed his arrival at IK-3 -- in the settlement of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets district above the Arctic Circle in north-central Siberia -- on December 26, one day after his lawyer was able to visit him there. Navalny is serving a 19-year prison term on extremism charges that he and his supporters maintain are part of a campaign of persecution aimed at stymying his political activity. Amnesty International, the banned Russian human rights group Memorial, and others have recognized him as a political prisoner. Navalny's long absence, while routine in Russia during prisoner transfers, raised global alarm because the last information about him on December 5 was that he had fallen ill in his cell after being subjected to harsh conditions, including limited food, a lack of ventilation, and minimal exercise time. Several court hearings into Navalny's complaints about his treatment were postponed until the courts could establish his whereabouts, judges said. Lawyers and supporters launched a major effort to locate Navalny, requesting information about him from prisons and pretrial detention centers (SIZOs) across Russia. "We carried out massive legal work," said Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was declared extremist by the state and banned in Russia. "We wrote inquiries, visited various SIZOs and eliminated them one by one. Only now do I understand what a huge amount of work that was. But in the end, we achieved our result." In a December 26 social-media post, Navalny wrote that he arrived at Polar Wolf, which is renowned as one of the most remote and inaccessible prisons in Russia, during the evening of December 23 and was shocked when guards came to him on December 25 to tell him that a lawyer had arrived to see him. 'You Are In Purgatory' "As soon as you cross the threshold, they let you know that you are in purgatory where you have no rights and there is no one to complain to," said Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, who spent five years on a terrorism conviction at the IK-8 prison ("Polar Bear"), also in the Yamalo-Nenets region. "Beatings, humiliation, electric shocks, being kept in a cold cell naked or in wet clothes -- but that is still not the worst.... You can be sealed in the fetal position in an iron box where you can hardly breathe and have to urinate on yourself.... They routinely threaten to rape you when they are bullying you." Some 2,000 kilometers northeast of Moscow, IK-3 holds about 1,050 of Russia's most incorrigible prisoners. Human rights activists say the prison holds serial killers, rapists, pedophiles, repeat offenders, and others convicted of the most serious crimes and serving sentences of 20 years or more. In some cases, like Navalny's, the government sends convicts who are widely considered to be political prisoners there as well. Platon Lebedev, a former business partner of Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was convicted of tax evasion and other charges during the dismantling of the Yukos oil giant, spent about two years at IK-3 in the mid-2000s. The prison was founded in 1961 at a former camp of dictator Josef Stalin's Gulag network. The settlement of Kharp, with about 5,000 people, mostly provides housing and services for prison workers and administrators. "All you need to do is look at a map and you can see that this is the northernmost, harshest prison," Zhdanov told RFE/RL. "The very location means the conditions there are the most severe. And Navalny will be held for at least a year in a cell with a tiny exercise area from which you cannot even see the sky." For most of the year, there are no flights to the area, and access by train is difficult and limited. The Federal Penitentiary Service's (FSIN) postal service -- FSIN-pismo -- does not service IK-3. The only communication with the prison is by the normal Russian postal service, Zhdanov said. "You never know if you your letter arrived or not," he said. "Or whether there was any opportunity for the recipient to respond. Of course, that was the point of sending Aleksei so far away." In addition, the prison system's cell-phone service, Zonatelekom, was shut down at IK-3 around the time Navalny arrived. "Until today, Zonatelekom worked fine at IK-3," Romanova said on December 25. "As far as we can tell, they just shut it off today. I hope it is just a technical problem, but it definitely looks like a strange coincidence." While Navalny's team was searching for him, they learned that FSIN Director Arkady Gostev visited the remote prison earlier this year. He also visited the nearby strict-regime prison IK-18 ("Polar Owl"). "It was a very unusual visit for the head of the agency," Zhdanov said. "It is not normal for him to visit prisons, especially ones so remote, north of the Arctic Circle. It is very likely that this trip was in preparation for sending Aleksei Navalny there in the near future. And they concealed the information about his transfer from us so thoroughly that it seems obvious they wanted to keep him hidden for as long as possible." In a post on X, formerly Twitter, human rights activist Sergei Davidis wrote on December 25 that "there should be no prisons in Kharp." "There is no point in their existence except to make convicts suffer and to waste budgetary funds," he wrote. Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-arctic- polar-wolf-prison/32749723.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Will Expand Its Industrial Alliances - Putin Sputnik News 20240216 On Friday, President Vladimir Putin held a comprehensive meeting on ways the government can support investment in Russian industrial sectors. President Putin opened the meeting by saying that Russia is seeking to further strengthen multilateral industrial cooperation with foreign partners. "We intend to expand international industrial and technological alliances and to build chains of cooperation with those colleagues from the Eurasian Economic Community and BRICS countries, from anywhere else really, with other countries and associations that are up for cooperation," he said. He emphasized that such alliances were essential, as it neither possible nor necessary to produce everything domestically. Russian authorities will carry on working on expanding and reinforcing government support for industry. "We will tackle specific steps to strengthen the country's [Russia's] technological sovereignty, to increase domestic production and manufacturing together with the business and scientific communities, our enterprises, and work teams," Putin noted. At the same time, Russia ought to have its own "technological keys" in critical sectors. It is vital that the scientific potential and human resources are focused there, the president stressed. He noted that in general, the Russian industry is progressing and developing at a solid pace. Moreover, there are new channels for supplying raw materials and components, despite external pressure. Russia is now also working with reliable interested partners. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Alexei Navalny Dies in Prison, Cause of Death Being Established Sputnik News 20240216 Alexey Navalny felt unwell in prison after a walk and lost consciousness. He received all necessary resuscitation measures, but they did not yield positive results, the Federal Ptnitentiary Service stated. Alexei Navalny died in penal colony No. 3 in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the regional department of the Federal Penitentiary Service reported on Friday. "On February 16th of this year, in the colony No. 3, convict Navalny A.A. felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical workers from the institution immediately arrived and an emergency medical team was called," the release said. "All necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, but did not yield positive results. Emergency doctors confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the release adds. Commenting on the development, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is up to medics to find out reasons behind Navalny's death. "As far as we know, now, in accordance with all current rules, the Federal Penitentiary Service is engaged in all inspections, clarifications, and so on. That is, no instructions are required anymore, because there is a certain set of rules in this regard that the service is now guided by," Peskov told reporters, adding that the news about Navalny's death was "reported from Moscow." Procedural Investigation Into Death of Navalny is Launched A procedural investigation into the death of Alexei Navalny has been organized, the investigation office of the Russian Investigative Committee in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area said. The regional office of the Federal Penitentiary Service informed about the death of Navalny earlier in the day. "The investigation office of the Russian Investigative Committee in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area has launched a procedural investigation into the death of Navalny A.A. ... In accordance with the procedure established by law, a set of investigative and operational measures is being carried out aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the incident," the authority said in a statement. West's Reaction to Navalny's Death 'Self-Exposing' - Russian Foreign Ministry The immediate reaction of Western leaders to the death of Alexei Navalny is "self-exposing," as they made conclusions before any forensic examinations, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday. "The immediate reaction of NATO leaders to Navalny's death in the form of direct accusations against Russia is self-exposing. There is no forensic examination yet, but the West's already made conclusions," Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia: UN human rights office 'appalled' at death of Navalny in prison 16 February 2024 - The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Friday said it was "appalled" over the death announced by Russian authorities of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison, calling for an impartial and transparent independent investigation. Mr. Navalny, 47, had lost consciousness and could not be revived, according to media reports. "If someone dies in the custody of the State, the presumption is that the State is responsible - a responsibility that can only be rebutted through an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body," said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell, calling on Russia "to ensure such a credible investigation is carried out". Calls for protection Any State has a heightened duty to protect the lives of individuals deprived of their liberty, the UN rights office said. Ms. Throssell also called on Russia to end its persecution of opposition politicians, human rights defenders and journalists, among others. "All those who are held or have been sentenced to various prison terms in relation to the legitimate exercise of their rights, including the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, should be immediately released and all charges against them dropped," Ms. Throssell said. The Russian authorities - like all States - have a duty under international law to protect the lives of individuals deprived of their liberty. A comprehensive and independent investigation, including a full autopsy must be carried out as a matter of urgency. Navalny faced multiple charges Mr. Navalny was serving several sentences, including fresh charges of extremism announced in August, following his arrest in 2021. OHCHR had "repeatedly raised serious concerns relating to the charges against Navalny and his repeated detention which appeared to be arbitrary", Ms. Throssell said. Last August, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker TArk highlighted that the latest 19-year sentence raised questions about judicial harassment and instrumentalization of the court system for political purposes in Russia and called for Mr. Navalny's release, the spokesperson said. Disappeared in December Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, issued an alert in December voicing concern over the enforced disappearance of Mr. Navalny, whose whereabouts and wellbeing were unknown after more than 10 days. In late December, Mr. Navalny was transferred to the prison where he has reportedly died. 'Bleak day for rule of law' UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Edwards said that several UN independent experts, including herself, privately and publicly urged the Russian Government to end the punitive conditions in which Mr. Navalny was held. She said they had called for an investigation into credible allegations of torture against Mr. Navalny and told the authorities of the essential need for him to receive medical treatment, especially following his alleged poisoning in 2020, she said. "That our appeals to the Kremlin were ignored so blatantly and with such disregard for human life is a tragedy for Mr. Navalny, his family and supporters," she said. "It is also a bleak day for the rule of law, free expression and human rights." Long-time critic Since the early 2000s, he has been a vocal anti-corruption activist and critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading protests and garnering support. In 2020, Mr. Navalny was hospitalized for injuries sustained from a poisoning that involved Novichok, a nerve agent developed by Russia during the cold war. The media reported that on Thursday, Mr. Navalny had appeared in court via video. News reports also noted that Mr. Navalny's spokesperson was asking for confirmation and further details of his death. UN chief calls for full inquiry The UN Secretary-General is "shocked by the reported death", UN Spokesperson StAphane Dujarric said at the Noon Briefing in New York. "The Secretary-General calls for a full, credible and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Navalny's reported death in custody," Mr. Dujarric said. Special Rapporteurs Special Rapporteurs and other rights experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, is an ambitious and promising project, AsstrA's director in Kazakhstan Ramilya Akhmetova told Trend. "Given the changes in global cargo flow and the unstable geopolitical situation, there is an increase in the active use of this route in international cargo transportation. Cargoes from the European Union are sent to Georgia's ports, from where they are delivered by road or rail to the port of Alat (Azerbaijan), then through the railroad crossing to the ports of Kuryk or Aktau," she noted. According to Akhmetova, the route links China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and further through the Black Sea and offers an alternative to traditional routes. International logistics companies, complying with the requirements of shippers as well as sanctions restrictions, are choosing this route, even though so far it can increase the cost of transportation by 1.5 times. "It is worth noting that the capacity of a number of sections of this route is limited, and there are challenges associated with this. To minimize risks, AsstrA implements the practice of having our agents present at critical sections. We also carefully control the process of document execution to ensure uninterrupted and efficient transportation," Akhmetova emphasized. Meanwhile, the Middle Corridor connects the container rail freight transportation networks of China and the European Union countries via Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye, and Eastern Europe. The multilateral multimodal transportation infrastructure links the ferry terminals of the Caspian and Black Seas with the railway systems of China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Ukraine, and Poland. The middle corridor contributes to increasing cargo traffic from China to Turkiye, as well as to European countries and in the opposite direction. To note, route trains traveling along this corridor deliver cargo from China to Europe in an average of 20-25 days, and this is one of the main advantages of this transport corridor. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel After Navalny death, independent expert on rights in Russia asks 'who is next?' 16 February 2024 - Reports from Russian authorities on Friday that imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died are absolutely shocking, said Mariana Katzarova, the first ever UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert on Russia, prompting her to ask a simple question: "Who is next?" Speaking exclusively to UN News, she said her office had raised repeated concerns over the past months, among them, over Mr. Navalny's deteriorating health. Arrested in 2021, the 47-year-old anti-corruption activist was serving multiple sentences on charges, including extremism. "It's very shocking that this happened today less than a month before the Russian presidential election, and it really sends shockwaves to everybody in Russia and to everybody around the world who is concerned about the increasing repression against government critics in the Russian Federation," she said. The penal colony where Mr. Navalny died sits above the Arctic Circle, "which was used in the past during the old gulag system of political repression in Russia", with scant internet access and cut off from the world, she stated. "The conditions of detention under which Mr. Navalny was kept amounted to torture," Ms. Katzarova said, adding that authorities were placing him in "punishment cells" enduring "really harsh conditions". 'Who is next?' Citing other recent detention cases, she called for the release of all political prisoners in Russia. "I cannot stop asking myself today, who is next if the authorities continue to wait and do not...give liberty and freedom to all the people that are arbitrarily detained in Russia just for their conscientiously held beliefs, peacefully against the war on Ukraine or because of government policies that they disapproved and voiced their concerns," she said. "All of these people have to be released, all of these prisoners, so there is no other shocking news of another political prisoner and human rights defender being found dead in custody in Russia." Special Rapporteurs In May, Ms. Katzorova was named the UN's first Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia. The Human Rights Council created the mandate, citing concern over "the significant deterioration of the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, in particular the severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association...resulting in systematic crackdowns on civil society organizations". Special Rapporteurs and other rights experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden: 'Make No Mistake, Putin Is Responsible for Navalny's Death' By VOA News February 16, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden reacted to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny Friday, directly blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin and using the death to scold the U.S. House of Representatives for holding up funding for Ukraine. Russian prison officials say Navalny, a fierce foe of the Russian president, died in the Russian Arctic labor camp where he was imprisoned. The official statement has not been independently confirmed. Russian media quoted officials of the Federal Prison Service saying medical staff had been called but were unable to resuscitate the 47-year-old Navalny. In a statement in the Oval Office at the White House, Biden praised Navalny for his courage in continually standing up to Putin, even after he was poisoned, treated overseas and then imprisoned when he returned to Russia. "He could have lived safely in exile ...," following an assassination attempt in 2020, Biden said. "Instead, he returned to Russia knowing he'd likely be imprisoned, or even killed if he continued his work. But he did it anyway. Because he believed so deeply in his country." Biden said Russian officials will tell their own story, but said, "Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny's death." He said Navalny's death is a reminder of the stakes of this moment and once again appealed to the U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the bipartisan aid package approved this week by the U.S Senate. Biden said "history is watching" the House of Representatives. "The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten," Biden said. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking Friday at the Munich Security Conference, also blamed Putin for Navalny's death. "This would be a further sign of Putin's brutality," she said. "Whatever story they tell, let us be clear, Russia is responsible." House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement Friday that Putin was "a vicious dictator" and that if Navalny's death was confirmed, "this action is emblematic of Putin's global pattern of silencing critics and eliminating opponents out of fear of dissent." He called for opposition against Russia but did not specifically address military aid to Ukraine. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told VOA's Russian Service on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that Navalny's death was "a horrible tragedy, and his imprisonment was also a horrible tragedy." Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and lost consciousness. It said his cause of death was "being established." Konstantin Boikov, a psychiatrist and human rights activist, told VOA's Russia Service that Navalny appeared to be healthy before his death. "We are looking at a young man, slender, who doesn't have a history of heart conditions," he said. Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism. He was moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a maximum-security penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region, about 1,900 kilometers northeast of Moscow, above the Arctic Circle. In a post on the social media platform X shortly after the announcement, Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, and his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, wrote they had no confirmation of his death. The post said Navalny's lawyer was on his way to Kharp and promised a report as soon as they received information. Navalny's wife, Yulia, told the Munich Security Conference on Friday that if the news of Navalny's death was true, "I want Putin, his entire entourage, Putin's friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family, to my husband." She said she considered canceling her appearance at the conference, "but then I thought what Alexey would do in my place. And I'm sure he would be here." Navalny had been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Since then, he received three prison sentences, all of which he rejected as politically motivated. Natan Sharansky, a Soviet dissident and later Israeli politician, told VOA's Russian Service, "Navalny has probably done more than anyone else in the world to expose the methods the [Russian] regime uses to deal with dissidents." Sharansky said he experienced torture when he was imprisoned in Russia during the 1970s and 1980s but that the authorities were not trying to kill him. "They wanted to fight me! But back then the international opinion was still somewhat important to them. ... Today Putin has nothing to lose, so he can afford to kill off his opponents," he said. Praise for Navalny's bravery poured in from Western leaders and others who have opposed Putin's leadership. The opposition leader's health has deteriorated recently, and the cause of death remains unknown, but many world leaders said they held Russian authorities ultimately responsible for his death. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Navalny has been a strong voice for freedom and democracy for many years. He said NATO and NATO allies have long called for his release. Stoltenberg said all the facts must be established and Russia has serious questions to answer. During a joint news conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was typically blunt when reacting to the reports of Navalny's death. "Obviously he was killed by Putin," Zelenskyy said. "Like thousands of others who have been tortured, tortured because of this one creature. Putin doesn't care who dies." Zelenskyy said Putin must lose everything and be held accountable for his actions. Scholz said Navalny "has probably now paid for this courage with his life." In Britain, the government said it was summoning the Russian Embassy to make clear that it held Russian officials "fully responsible" for Navalny's death. Sergey Lagodinsky, a German lawyer and politician of the Alliance 90/The Greens party, argued that "the international community hasn't done all it could have to save Navalny's life." Speaking to VOA's Russian Service, he said, "I think we all knew that it was very likely, the end of this torture [of Navalny] would be quite sad." VOA's Russian Service contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden on the Reported Death of Aleksey Navalny February 16, 2024 Roosevelt Room 12:37 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. I a I'm heading off to East Palestine in a in a moment, but I wanted to say a few things this morning about Aleksey Navalny. You know, like millions of people around the world, I am literally both not surprised and outraged by the news a the reported death of Aleksey Navalny. He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence, and the a the a all the a all the bad things that the Putin government was doing. In response, Putin had him poisoned. He had him arrested. He had him prosecuted for fabricated crimes. He sentenced him to prison. He was held in isolation. Even all that didn't stop him from calling out Putin's lies. Even in prison, he was a powerful voice of the truth, which is kind of amazing when you think about it. And he could have lived safely in exile after the assassination attempt on him in 2020 a which nearly killed him, I might add. And a but he a he was traveling outside the country at the time. Instead, he returned to Russia. He returned to Russia knowing he'd likely be imprisoned or even killed if he continued his work. But he did it anyway, because he believed so deeply in his country a in Russia. Reports of his death, if they're true a and I have no reason to believe they're not a Russian authorities are going to tell their own story. But make no mistake a make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled a not in Russia, not at home, not anywhere in the world. Putin does not only target his [the] citizens of other countries, as we've seen what's going on in Ukraine right now, he also inflicts terrible crimes on his own people. And as people across Russia and around the world are mourning Navalny today because he was so many things that Putin was not: He was brave. He was principled. He was dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and of a where it applied to everybody. Navalny believed in that Russia a that Russia. He knew it was a cause worth fighting for and, obviously, even dying for. This tragedy reminds us of the stakes of this moment. We have to provide the funding so Ukraine can keep defending itself against Putin's vicious onslaughts and war crimes. You know, there was a bipartisan Senate vote that passed overwhelmingly in the United States Senate to fund Ukraine. Now, as I've said before, and I mean this in the literal sense: History is watching. History is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. It's going to go down in the pages of history. It really is. It's consequential. And the clock is ticking. And this has to happen. We have to help now. You know, we have to realize what we're dealing with with Putin. All of us should reject the dangerous statements made by the previous president that invited Russia to invade our NATO Allies if they weren't paying up. He said if an Ally did not pay their dues, he'd encourage Russia to, quote, "Do whatever the hell they want." I a let me a I guess I should clear my mind here a little bit and not say what I'm really thinking. But let me be clear: This is an outrageous thing for a president to say. I can't fathom. I can't fathom. From Truman on, they're rolling over in their graves hearing this. As long as I'm President, America stands by our sacred commitment to our NATO Allies as they have stood by their commitments to us repeatedly. Putin and the whole world should know: If any adversary were to attack us, our NATO Allies would back us. And if Putin were to attack a NATO Ally, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. Now is the time for even greater unity among our NATO Allies to stand up to the threat that Putin's Russia poses. You know, I send my deepest condolences to Aleksey's staff and supporters who are going to continue his work despite this loss, despite all of Putin's desperate attempts to stamp out the opposition. And most of all, to his family, especially to his wife, his daughter, and his son, who have already sacrificed so much for their family and a shared dream for a better future for Russia. So, I just want to say God bless Aleksey Navalny. His courage will not be forgotten. And I'm sure it will not be the only courage we see coming out of Russia in the near term. Thank you. I'll be happy to take a couple questions. Q Sir, first, was this an assassination? THE PRESIDENT: The answer is, I a we don't know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his a and his thugs did. Q And to be clear, you warned Vladimir Putin when you were in Geneva of "devastating" consequences if Navalny died in Russian custody. What consequences should he and Russia face? THE PRESIDENT: That was three years ago. In the meantime, they faced a hell of a lot of consequences. They've lost and/or had wounded over 350,000 Russian soldiers. They've made it into a position where they've been subjected to great sanctions across the board. And we're contemplating what else could be done. But the a the a what we were talking about at the time there were no actions being taken against Russia. And that a look at all that's transpired since then. Q Can you say whether you're a Q How do you think this a Q a whether you're looking at increasing sanctions on Russia right now? THE PRESIDENT: We're looking at a whole number of options. That's all I'll say right now. Q Is there anything you can do to get ammunition to the Ukrainians without the supplemental from Congress? THE PRESIDENT: No, but it's about time they step up a don't you think? a instead of going on a two-week vacation. Two weeks they're walking away. Two weeks. What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre. And it's just reinforcing all the concern and a and almost a I won't say "panic," but real concern about the United States being a reliable ally. This is outrageous. Q Are you more confident now that you'll get the Ukraine aid given what's happened today? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I hope to God it helps. But I mean, the idea we need anything more to get the Ukraine aid a I mean, a I mean, this is a in light of a former president's statement that a saying Russia, if a if they haven't paid their dues to us, go get them. Come on. What are these guys doing? What are they doing? Q Sir, how concerned are you about the anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing? And what is your administration planning to do in response? THE PRESIDENT: First of all, there is no nuclear threat to the people of America or anywhere else in the world with what Russia is doing at the moment. Number one. Number two, anything that they're doing and/or they will do relates to satellites and space and damaging those satellites, potentially. Number three, I a there is no evidence that they have made a decision to go forward with doing anything in space either. So, what we found out: There was a capacity to launch a system into space that could theoretically do something that was damaging. Hadn't happened yet. And my expect- a I a my hope is it will not. Q Mr. President, just quickly a AIDE: Thank you all. Thank you. (Cross-talk.) Q Quickly, Mr. President, have a THE PRESIDENT: I'll a I'll take one more. Q Thank you, Mr. President. Switching gears for a moment. Have the Israelis presented a credible evacuation plan for the nearly 1.5 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah? And what would the consequences be for Israel if they move ahead with a full-scale ground invasion without clear measures to protect civilians there? THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I've had extensive conversations with the Prime Minister of Israel over the last several days a almost an hour each. And I've made the case a and I feel very strongly about it a that there has to be a a a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out, to get the hostages out. And that is underway. I'm still hopeful that that can be done. And in the meantime, I don't anticipate a I'm hoping that that you a that the Israelis will not make any massive land invasion in the meantime. So, it's my expectation that's not going to happen. There has to be a ceasefire temporarily to get those hostages a and, by the way, there are a we're in a situation where there are American hostages, American citizens that are being held hostage. It's not just a not just Israelis; it's American hostages as well. And, you know, my hope and expectation is that we'll get this hostage deal. We'll bring the Americans home. And the deal is been negotiated now, and we're going to see where it takes us. (Cross-talk.) Q An FBI a an FBI informant a an FBI informant at the center of the impeachment inquiry into you has been indicted for allegedly lying. Your reaction to that, and should the inquiry be dropped? THE PRESIDENT: He is lying, and it should be dropped. And it's just been a a it's been an outrageous effort from the beginning. What he did a (Cross-talk.) THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm serious. (Cross-talk.) THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you, all. See you in Ohio. 12:47 P.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsai reiterates Taiwan's willingness to engage in dialogue with China ROC Central News Agency 02/16/2024 07:01 PM Taipei, Feb. 16 (CNA) Taiwan has never stopped seeking to resume dialogue with China and will continue to do so, as long as it can be achieved on the basis of dignity and parity, President Tsai Ing-wen () said Friday at a Lunar New Year banquet attended by Taiwanese businesspeople who do business in China. Tsai made the remarks during her speech at the annual banquet held by the semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). The occasion marked the last time Tsai will attend the event in her capacity as president. Taiwan will continue to explore the possibility of resuming dialogue with China in the hope that orderly exchanges will gradually resume, which is in the interests of people on both sides and conducive to promoting prosperity in the region, the president said. Tsai also thanked Taiwanese businessmen, who are a major driving force in Taiwan's economy, for working with her administration over the past eight years by branching out to more countries around the world and diversifying export markets, which helped regulate cross-strait trade and boosted Taiwan's economic performance internationally. Acknowledging that Taiwan faces geopolitically induced economic uncertainties, Tsai said the country nonetheless has adopted a "non-provocative and prudent" stance and proved itself to be a reliable partner in the international community. "We have remained committed to defending Taiwan's democracy and freedom and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with our international allies toward the world," and Taiwanese businesspeople play an indispensable part in bringing Taiwan to the world and maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, she said. Tsai also touted the economic policies and achievements of her administration, including the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, the New Southbound Policy, the signing of a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Canada, and the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan, which encourages Taiwanese businesspeople operating in China to pull out from the Chinese market and instead invest in Taiwan and includes rent subsidies and loans to small and medium-sized enterprises. Yeh Fei-cheng (), honorary chair of Zhuhai Association of Taiwan Businesses, told reporters on the sidelines of the event that cross-strait ties have been rather "inconvenient" compared with when former President Ma Ying-jeou () was in office, and especially so after Vice President Lai Ching-te (), a self-described "practical worker for Taiwan independence" was elected Taiwan's new president. It is the shared hope of Taiwanese business people that Lai will refrain from talking about or signaling Taiwan independence after he takes office to prevent Beijing from making any unnecessary politically motivated moves, Yeh said. Taiwanese businessman Wang En-kuo (), who serves as an advisor to the SEF, said he hopes Beijing will realize that Taiwan will not make any abrupt changes to the "status quo," under which Taiwanese people are used to living. Beijing thinks the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will push for Taiwan independence, but the fact is that the DPP has not done so in its 16 years as Taiwan's ruling party, Wang said, adding that the U.S. will not allow Taiwan to unilaterally change the "status quo" in the Strait. Wang said he hoped Beijing would realize that cross-strait relations have historically been reasonably cordial when U.S.-China relations are good, but with U.S.-China rivalry intensifying, it is only natural that Taiwan, as a member of the democratic alliance, will lean closer to the United States. Meanwhile, the DPP should also realize that the Chinese leadership is obligated to push for the unification of China and must respond to the Chinese people's desire for a unified China, Wang said. As such, it is to be hoped the DPP will work to de-escalate tensions and not recklessly trigger China with actions or language Beijing may consider provocative, he said. In his remarks, SEF Chairperson David Lee () said cross-strait relations did not have to be a "battle to the death" but could be mutually advantageous, while also calling on the two sides to engage in dialogue without any preconditions. Also at the event, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Tai-san () said Lai has openly said he would continue Tsai's cross-strait policy and called on China to be rational in its attitude toward Taiwan's new administration after Lai is sworn in on May 20. Maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait is the responsibility of both sides, Chiu noted. (By Lu Chia-jung and Sean Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonia joins drone and demining coalitions to support Ukraine Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 15. February 2024 Yesterday in Brussels at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein) meeting, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur signed declarations of intent for Estonia to join drone and demining coalitions to support Ukraine. The meeting was the first after the change of command in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where all defence ministers expressed their support for continuing military aid to Ukraine. "Estonia is joining the Latvian-led drone coalition and Lithuanian-led demining coalition. Within these coalitions, contributing nations will cooperate to increase drone capabilities in Ukraine and to seek ways to support Ukraine in both combat and humanitarian demining," commented Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur. At the Ramstein meeting, held both in person at the NATO headquarters and in virtual format, the defence ministers also received an overview of the activities of the capability coalitions. "I gave my colleagues an overview of the IT Coalition progress, led by Estonia and Luxembourg. To date, 11 states have joined the coalition and the financial contributions alone total over 30 million euros. In addition, I am very pleased to see that the Steering Group of the coalition has already given the NATO procurement agency NSPA approval to release the first purchase orders that support Ukraine with the most critical needs," said Minister of Defence Pevkur. The IT Coalition includes Ukraine, Estonia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Netherlands. In addition, the United Kingdom has signed a declaration of intent to join the coalition. The IT Coalition was created in September 2023 at the Ramstein meeting to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence in the area of information and communication to help boost Ukraine's efficiency on the battlefield. Commenting on the current situation regarding aid to Ukraine, minister Pevkur said that "2024 is a critical year for the Ramstein coalition, including the US and Europe, to agree on long-term support for Ukraine. The Government of Estonia has already made a long-term commitment to provide Ukraine with aid in the amount of 0.25% of our GDP for the next four years." Estonian Ministry of Defence analysis shows that each Ramstein coalition member committing 0.25% of GDP to military support of Ukraine, in addition to other significant steps such as increased and improved training, increased production and continuing delivery of critical weapons systems, would be sufficient for Ukrainian victory in the coming years. In addition to the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, the three Baltic States and three NATO battlegroup framework nations gathered to discuss regional security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement on the Kiev regime's latest crime 15 February 2024 16:10 286-15-02-2024 The Kiev criminal regime has once again revealed its neo-Nazi essence to the world. During the day on February 15, Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out another large-scale attack on civilian areas in Belgorod. According to preliminary reports, six people were killed, including one child, and 17 were injured, four of whom were minors. Residential buildings, an industrial enterprise, a number of cars, and a store were damaged. This attack had no military significance. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, on the same day, air defence systems successfully intercepted 14 rockets launched from Ukrainian RM-70 Vampire MLRS in the airspace over the Belgorod Region. The Foreign Ministry strongly condemns this heinous crime against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The attack will be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators will face severe punishment. It is clear that the Kiev Nazis, having suffered numerous defeats on the battlefield, have chosen to unleash their anger on peaceful Russian citizens. The latest terrorist attack by the Banderites has once again exposed the criminal role of the collective West led by the United States, which continues to pump the Nazi regime with deadly weapons that are used against innocent civilians. We call on the international community to condemn this outrageous criminal act. We intend to bring this matter for discussion at the UN Security Council and other international bodies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Troops Reportedly Beginning Partial Withdrawal From Avdeyevka Sputnik News 20240215 Ukrainian forces have reportedly started withdrawing from the city of Avdeyevka as they otherwise risk being cut off by advancing Russian troops. The Ukrainian military said on Thursday that a partial withdrawal from Avdeyevka has begun while Kiev regime troops believe that the city's liberation by the Russian forces is only a matter of time, The Washington Post has reported. According to the newspaper, one Ukrainian drone operator stationed in Avdeyevka said that Russian troops "are currently trying to exert pressure on the right flank" of the city's coke plant, "and they are succeeding." Earlier this week, Ukrainian military officials admitted that the Kiev regime's troops may soon lose control of the main supply line in the Avdeyevka sector. Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov* also admitted that Russian military made gains in the Avdeyevka sector. White House national security spokesman John Kirby commenting on the development said that the situation in Avdeyevka is critical, the city may come under control of Russia due to the Ukrainian forces' "lack of ammunition." The city of Avdeyevka was seized by Kiev in 2014 during the onset of the Ukrainian conflict. Since, the city has been used by Ukrainian troops as a staging area for attacks against the Donetsk People's Republic, with the Ukrainian artillery deployed in Avdeyevka frequently shelling residential areas of nearby Donetsk. Over the course of the last few weeks, Russian forces pushed relentlessly toward Avdeyevka, seeking to drive troops from the city and thus prevent further terrorist attacks by Ukrainian forces against Russian cities. *Budanov is wanted in Russia on terrorism charges A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Missiles Hit Ukrainian Military Industry Facilities - MoD Sputnik News 20240215 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces on Thursday launched missile attacks targeting facilities of the Ukrainian defense industry, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said. "This morning, the Russian armed forces launched a group strike with high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons against enterprises of Ukrainian military industrial facilities that produce and repair aircraft engines, electronic equipment and communications, mortar ammunition, as well as factories producing fuel for military equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces," the MoD said in a statement, adding that the attack was successful. Developments in the Special Op Zone Ukraine has lost up to 360 military personnel both killed and injured , as well as a tank, three armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, and 27 combat vehicles, the MoD added. Other casualties of Ukraine amount to up to 305 soldiers in Krasny Liman, up to 200 soldiers south of Donetsk, and up to 105 soldiers in the Kupyansk area, the ministry shared. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled 10 attacks by Ukrainian troops in around Donetsk, and two attacks near Krasny Liman. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Attacks Russia's Belgorod With Vampire MLRS: Six Killed, 17 Wounded, Shopping Mall Damaged Sputnik News 20240215 At least six people were killed during a Ukrainian missile attack on the Russian city of Belgorod today. Ukrainian forces carried out the attack using the Czech RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket systems, Russia's Ministry of Defense said in a statement, adding that Russian air defense systems managed to intercept 14 rockets. "On February 15, 2024, at around 12:30 [local time, 09:30 GMT], an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on targets on the territory of Russia using the RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system was stopped. On-duty air defense systems destroyed 14 rockets over the territory of the Belgorod Region," the ministry said in a statement. A shopping mall in Belgorod ended up being damaged as a result of this attack. The mall building, which housed a grocery store and a pharmacy, sustained serious damage, according to local media reports. Accorting to preliminary reports cited by local authorities, at least six people (including one child) were killed during this attack, and 17 more (including four children) were injured. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who branded the attack as "another act of terrorism perpetrated by the Kiev regime," has announced that Russia is going to have this matter reviewed by the appropriate international organizations, including the UN Security Council. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine to Redeploy Troops to City in Donetsk Region By VOA News February 15, 2024 Ukraine says it will strategically redeploy troops to the Avdiivka area to strengthen itself against "extremely critical" conditions. The town now has fewer than 1,000 residents, despite its prewar population of 32,000. "The 3rd Assault Brigade confirms that it was urgently redeployed to strengthen Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area," the brigade said on Telegram. "The situation in the city ... is extremely critical. ... The enemy's forces on our section have approximately seven brigades," the message said. The area in the Donetsk oblast is at risk of falling into Russian control as forces surround three sides of the town, blocking all nonalternative supply routes for the Ukrainians. Russia has been trying to capture the town since October. By late January, Russian troops had reached the city's outskirts. If Moscow were to breach the Ukrainian line, it would be the most significant territorial gain since last May. Russia has placed about 50,000 troops on the Avdiivka front, with its tactical groups growing in number. "In Avdiivka a maneuver is underway in some places to withdraw our units to more advantageous positions, in some places to force [the Russians] out of positions," Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy said in televised comments. According to Maksym Zhorin, the deputy commander of the unit, the intensity of the conflict surpassed previous battles, with Kyiv's forces facing significant numerical and firepower disadvantages there. The troops are tired after fighting for almost two years with sparse artillery resources. "The battles in Avdiivka are many times more hellish than the hottest battles of this phase of the war, which were in Bakhmut," a brigade commander noted. Bilateral agreement France and Ukraine are set to sign a bilateral security agreement Friday when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced the development Thursday but did not provide details about the deal. During Zelenskyy's visit, Macron will "reaffirm France's determination to continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, over the long term and with all its partners," the French presidency said. Zelenskyy's office said he would also travel Friday to Germany for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The meetings come amid a flurry of international gatherings this week, including the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that Zelenskyy is due to attend. NATO defense chiefs met Thursday in Brussels to discuss how to sustain their support for Ukraine in its battle against a full-scale Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that allies needed to increase their defense production "to ensure that Ukraine gets the weapons, the supplies, the ammunition it needs." Stoltenberg said he also expected the U.S. Congress to agree on a new support package for Ukraine. U.S. funding ran out in December. The NATO chief told reporters that "supporting Ukraine is not a charity. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in our own security." Ukrainian skills hailed Stoltenberg also said Thursday that a Ukrainian attack that destroyed a large Russian navy landing ship in the Black Sea showed the impact of support for Ukraine's military. "Just yesterday, the Ukrainians were able to strike successfully a Russian naval ship, and this demonstrates the skills and the competence of Ukrainian armed forces, also in conducting deep strikes behind Russian lines," Stoltenberg told reporters. The Ukrainian military identified the Russian ship as the Caesar Kunikov and said it was in the waters near the Crimean city of Alupka at the time of the attack. When asked about the attack Wednesday, the Kremlin would not comment. Ukrainian forces have destroyed several ships in Russia's Black Sea fleet since Russia invaded. Ukraine said Thursday that a wave of Russian missiles targeted several Ukrainian regions, while in the Russian city of Belgorod, officials said a Ukrainian attack killed at least five people. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Belgorod regional governor, said another 18 people were hurt in the Ukrainian attack. Russia's Defense Ministry reported destroying 14 rockets in the Belgorod area, which is near the border with Ukraine and has been the site of repeated Ukrainian attacks. Ukrainian officials said the Russian missiles fired Thursday killed at least seven people and damaged multiple buildings. A following attack killed four more people. Officials in the city of Zaporizhzhia reported four people wounded, with damage to a school and a shop from the Russian attack. Russian missiles also targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, where officials said that air defenses were able to shoot down all of them and that there were no reported injuries. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched a total of 26 missiles, with Ukrainian air defenses destroying half of them. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Radio Free Europe and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM, or Middle Corridor) is of great importance for Kazakhstan, the Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan Kanat Sharlapayev said during the meeting of the Kazakh-German Intergovernmental Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation, Trend reports. "Development of the Trans-Caspian international transportation route is of great importance for Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier of energy resources and strategic goods to Europe," he said. According to him, strategic synergy with Germany, together with a convenient geographical location at the crossroads of intercontinental transportation routes, including energy supply routes, strengthens Kazakhstan's position as a regional investment hub and one of the key players in the global energy arena. The minister noted that the strengthening of Kazakhstan's industrial potential is also among the strategic areas of cooperation with Germany. "For our republic, Germany as an industrial power with its core competencies is the most suitable partner. The government of Kazakhstan is facing the task to further improve conditions for attracting large private investment, institutional environment for business, and harmonization of legislative regulation", Sharlapayev said. Meanwhile, 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 of the Caspian and Black Seas with railway systems of China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Ukraine, and Poland. The middle corridor facilitates increased cargo traffic from China to Turkiye, as well as to European countries and in the opposite direction. To note, a route train traveling along this corridor delivers cargo from China to Europe in an average of 20-25 days, and this is one of the main advantages of this transport corridor. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel War in Ukraine - The arms and military equipment Germany is sending to Ukraine Germany - Federal Government Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview. Friday, 16 February 2024 This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building. Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states. Delivered military support to Ukraine: (Changes compared to the previous update in bold) Armoured fighting vehicles 66 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)* (before: 48) 73 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)* ammunition for main battle tank LEOPARD 1* ammunition for LEOPARD 2 A6 (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 90 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition and spare parts (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 30 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5* 138 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS 18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators) 50 MRAP vehicles DINGO 54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG and spare parts* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany) Air defence IRIS-T SLS missiles IRIS-T SLM missiles* 1 air defence system SKYNEX with ammunition* 8 air surveillance radar TRML-4D* 52 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD with spare part 116,362 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 2 air defence systems PATRIOT with spare parts PATRIOT missiles 3 air defence system IRIS-T SLM* 2 IRIS-T SLS launchers* 2 PATRIOT launchers 4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns 500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER 2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA Artillery more than 50,000 rounds 155mm ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stock s*) (before: 46,010) ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II 20,872 rounds 155mm smoke/illuminating ammunition 2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway) 155mm precision guided ammunition* (SMArt, VULCANO) 5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain) 14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts (German share in joint project with the Netherlands) 20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets* counter battery radar system COBRA* 10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition* Military Engineering Capabilities 22 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1* (before: 19) 6 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS* (before: 5) 34 mine ploughs* (before: 25) 15 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER with spare parts* material for explosive ordnance disposal (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 6 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems* 250 tool kits with blasting material* 18 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers 5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER 15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2* 2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3 12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann* Protective and Special Equipment 172 reconnaissance drones VECTOR with spare parts* (before: 162) 155 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN* (before: 125) 18 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE* (before: 7) 7 reconnaissance drones SONGBIRD* 256 border protection vehicles* (before: 252) 1,000 LED lamps* (before: 500) IT equipment * 1 naval mine clearance system* 2 Satcom surveillance system* 280 SatCom terminals* 33,190 combat helmets 212 drone detection systems* 56 ground surveillance radars GO12* 4 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters* 1 LUNA NG reconnaissance system* 50 mobile antenna mast systems* 63 laser range finders* 2,667 Crypto Phones* 90,600 safety glasses (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 20 unmanned surface vessels* 1 PCB printer* 1 antenna hub station 1,288 binoculars 5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE* 10 radio jammers* 57 anti-drone sensors and jammers* 40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices* 1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems* 32 reconnaissance drones* 40 laser target designators* 10 anti-drone guns* 1 radio frequency system 3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps 353 night vision goggles* 12 electronic anti-drone devices* 165 field glasses* 6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material 10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)* 1 high frequency unit with equipment* Logistics 361 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles) (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 24 tankers Zetros* 250 trucks Zetros* 90 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 90 semi-trailers* 25 trucks MAN TGS* 40 load-handling trucks 8x8 34 load-handling trucks 15t* 6 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 21 roll of containers* 14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS* 179 Pick-ups* 12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh* 30 protected vehicles* Combat Readiness and Survivability 450 snow chains 205,000 single module group rations 305 assault rifles MK 556* 47.85 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 1.162 winter camouflage nets (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) 2,000 winter camouflage ponchos* 239,991 rounds ammunition 40mm* medical material 500,000 first aid kits* 30 grenade launchers GMG* 15 precision rifles HLR 338 with 60,000 rounds ammunition* 10 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog Ambulances 49 ambulances* 30,000 winter clothing sets 27,477 backpacks 3 spare part packages for VECTOR drones 1,202 Infusion kits Spare parts WISENT field hospital* 100 machine guns MG5* 8 dental sterilizers 103,000 tourniquets 500 pistols SFP9* 2 hangar tents* 8 lift trucks* 295 generators 168 mobile heating systems* 36,400 wool blankets 14,000 sleeping bags Mi-24 spare parts* spare parts for heavy machine gun M2 200 tents 116,000 winter jackets 80,000 winter trousers 240,000 winter hats 320,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready 67 fridges for medical material* 3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices 14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks) 50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices 100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks 100,000 hand grenades 5,300 explosive charges 100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators 350,000 detonators 100 auto-injector devices 15 palettes military clothing 1,200 hospital beds 18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights protective clothing, surgical masks 1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)* Diesel and gasoline* 10 tons AdBlue* 500 medical gauzes* MiG-29 spare parts* 7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador* Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution (due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover) Armoured fighting vehicles 30 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER* 105 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark) ammunition for main battle tanks for LEOPARD 2 and LEOPARD 1* ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles MARDER* Air defence 3 air defence systems SKYNEX with ammunition* (before: 1) IRIS-T SLM/SLS missiles* 15 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD* 9 air defence systems IRIS-T SLM* 22 launchers IRIS-T SLS* 259,680 rounds of GEPARD ammunition* Artillery 36 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155 * (before: 18) 18 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 more than 120,000 projectiles 122mm* more than 250,000 projectiles 155mm* 14 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway) Helicopter 6 Sea King Mk41 multi-role helicopters with spare parts Military Engineering Capabilities 9 armoured engineer vehicles DACHS* 7 mine ploughs* 250 tool kits with blasting material* material for explosive ordnance disposal* 6 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2* 4 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems* 11 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER* 2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann* 20 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1* 2 heavy and medium bridge systems* Protective and Special Equipment 303 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* (before: 263) 94 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN* 27,510 combat helmets 1,000 LED lamps* 50 drone detection systems* 725 laser range finders* 12 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters* 10,000 safety glasses* 10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE* 50 unmanned surface vessels* 244 border protection vehicles* 11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems* Logistics 46 tankers Zetros* 20 Zetros refrigerator trucks* 41 Mercedes trucks* 2 Toyota Land Cruiser* 11 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh* 1 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 7 roll of containers* 2 tractors and 4 trailers* 10 protected vehicles* Combat Readiness and Survivability 4,695 assault rifles MK 556* 8.75 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms* 8.000 anti-tank mines* 435 precision rifles HLR 338 with 9.9m rounds ammunition* 18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons* 2 dental sterilizers 188,064 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers* continuing deliveries of medical material* 70 grenade launchers GMG* * Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Federal Chancellor Scholz and Ukrainian President Zelensky have signed an agreement on long-term security commitments. The Federal Chancellor said he was shocked to hear of Alexei Navalny's death. Germany - Federal Government Friday, 16 February 2024 Following his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the special quality of relations between Germany and Ukraine, while also paying tribute to the resilience of all the brave Ukrainian women and men. Shortly before the second anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine, the Federal Chancellor commemorated all those who lost their lives in this cruel and murderous war. The two heads of state and government signed a bilateral security agreement in Berlin. The importance of the document could hardly be overstated, said the Federal Chancellor, adding that it was a "historic step forward" in German-Ukrainian relations. Death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny The Federal Chancellor said he had been deeply shocked to hear of the death of Alexei Navalny a short time previously. The Russian opposition politician had been imprisoned in Russia since January 2021. "We must assume that Navalny died in a Russian prison. This is most disturbing," said the Federal Chancellor, adding that Navalny had been brave to return to Russia in 2021 after his recovery in Berlin. He had now paid for his courage with his life, Scholz said. "This shows perhaps more starkly than ever the kind of regime we are dealing with. Anyone expressing criticism or standing up for democratic values must fear for their safety and their life." Russia had long ceased to be a democracy, said the Federal Chancellor. Navalny's years of inhumane imprisonment were the result of hypocritical, politically motivated sentences. He campaigned for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in Russia. German-Ukrainian security agreement The bilateral agreement that has now been signed stipulates that Germany will continue to support independent Ukraine in its defence against the Russian offensive for as long as is necessary, as Federal Chancellor Scholz emphasised. In concrete terms this involves such aspects as the following: Support in building modern defence forces that will enable the country to deter any future attack. If there is renewed Russian aggression in the future, the agreement provides for detailed support agreements: not just of a diplomatic and economic nature but also - as is currently the case - involving military equipment. Support services in the civilian sector, such as mine clearance, securing the energy infrastructure, and rebuilding the country in the wake of destruction. In return, Ukraine is committed to continuing its reform brief, which is also crucial to the country's future EU membership. Additional military aid package worth 1.1 billion euros In Berlin on Friday, the Federal Chancellor also promised the Ukrainian President another military aid package worth some 1.1 billion euros. This includes the delivery of 36 tank and wheeled howitzers from industrial stocks, 120,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, two further Skynex air defence systems, and a number of urgently needed IRIS-T missiles Support in defending against the Russian aggressor Since the start of the Russian attack almost two years ago, Germany has done its utmost to support Ukraine in defending itself - financially, politically and also by supplying weapons. In 2024, the Federal Government provided some 7.1 billion euros worth of military support for Ukraine, as well as earmarking 6 billion euros for subsequent years. All in all, Germany had provided or pledged resources worth some 28 billion euros in purely military aid to Ukraine, said the Federal Chancellor. The Federal Government also provides substantial civilian support, both bilaterally and as part of the EU; in addition it has borne the additional domestic costs incurred, such as supporting Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Appeal to the US Congress The Federal Chancellor also took the opportunity to appeal once again to the United States Congress to take the necessary decisions now that would ensure financial and military support could continue to be provided for Ukraine. Support from the USA was vital to Ukraine's security and self-defence capabilities, said the Federal Chancellor. Crystal clear message to the Russian President "There is no question that we all want this brutal war to end as soon as possible," stressed the Federal Chancellor. But in response to those calling for a rapid ceasefire and negotiations with Russia, the Federal Chancellor said that Russia should not get to dictate the terms of any peace. Unfortunately, he said, Russia was not prepared to agree to a lasting and just peace: "On the contrary: it is sticking relentlessly to its war objectives - as Putin stated quite clearly again only recently." As such, the bilateral signing between Germany and Ukraine and the pledge of further military support would also send a crystal clear message to the Russian President, said Scholz. "We will not let up in our support for Ukraine! We stand firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ukrainians." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 16, 2024 Transcript Senior Defense Official Holds A Background Briefing on the Outcomes of the 19th Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting Senior Defense Official STAFF: Well, good morning, everyone. Thank you for your patience, and welcome to today's background call. As noted in our advisory, today's briefing is on background, and for your notes, our senior defense official today is (omitted). You may refer to and attribute comments from (omitted) as "a senior defense official." This briefing will run for approximately 30 minutes, and is focused on the outcomes of the 19th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, which was held earlier this week. We'll start with an opening statement, and then turn to questions. I ask that you keep to one question centered on today's topics out of respect for colleagues on this call. Again, this is an on-background briefing attributable to "a senior defense official." And with that, I'll turn it over to our senior defense official. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Okay, thank you. Good morning. It's a pleasure to be here, and I want to talk a little bit about the Wednesday Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. It was the 19th such meeting; Secretary Austin chaired. We held it in a virtual format. And you know, I've been to all 19 of these, and I'll tell you, each time, I am incredibly impressed by what our allies and partners bring forward in terms of support packages. At this point, the United States is -- we're not the top donor to Ukraine when it comes to security assistance or economic assistance, for that matter. When you look at security assistance, we're actually the 16th in the world when it comes to percentage of GDP. So we have a lot to appreciate from our allies and partners. Just a few announcements that were particularly notable, I thought, from this week. Canada pledged $60 million to support Ukraine's Air Force program. The U.K. talked further about their $2.5 billion pound package, including an additional 200 million pounds for drones, and Germany has just announced a $1.13 billion euro package, including (Ukraine's) critical artillery and air defense needs. So the allies are really focused on Ukraine's urgent needs on the battlefield, but one of the stories from this UDCG is how allies and partners are better organizing themselves to be able to support not just the urgent, but also the long term, and this is the story of the capability coalitions. At this point, we have eight capability coalitions that have been established: Air Force, Air Defense, Artillery, Maritime Security, Armor, Information Technology, De-mining and Drones. And so for each of these, you have two, or sometimes three allies and partners that are standing up to lead, committing to lead and organize efforts to build this capability area of Ukraine's force. There are 30 UDCG countries that have already committed to one or more capability coalition either in a leadership role or in a participation role, and some of the leaders of these coalitions include Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom, and the United States is also clearly involved. These coalitions -- what they are offering the Ukrainians and our own security assistance efforts is a way to streamline our assistance so that we can be channeling donor contributions for both near- and long-term support in the most efficient way possible. We're focusing on specific capability areas so that we can make strategic and, frankly, practical decisions about specific platforms that Ukraine will need today and in the future to focus on sustainability of Ukraine's force and to minimize costs over time. So it's really an approach that enables allies and partners to support Ukraine's capability needs from soup to nuts with a coherent approach to training, maintenance and sustainment for each capability area. It also really offers the allies and partners a chance to lock-in to support specific capability areas, locking into longer-term support for Ukraine. And what we're seeing is some of our allies and partners are actually going to codify this support in their bilateral security commitment agreements with Ukraine, and the U.K. is the most recent example of doing this. So we're really excited about the capability coalitions. We think they offer a sustainable and efficient solution to supporting Ukraine, and we're really heartened by the long-term commitments. Now, I want to shift gears just slightly for a moment here because certainly you've heard us talking a lot about how essential it is for the U.S. Congress to enact the supplemental funding so that we can continue to support Ukraine in its fight. We've talked a lot about the costs certainly of security assistance, and I think we've also talked a lot about the costs of inaction, that if Ukraine fails because we fail to provide them with security assistance, the costs are high for Europe, for the United States, and for the world, higher than the costs of security assistance today. But I don't think we've talked quite as much about the costs that Russia has already incurred and continues to incur as we support the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their fight. So here's a few -- a few new statistics. In terms of total financial costs, Russia has probably spent up to $211 billion -- (UNKNOWN): (inaudible). SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: -- sorry, I think we have a hot mic. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Okay, thank you. Okay, so let me go back to the Russia piece. So in terms of total financial costs to Russia, Russia has probably spent up to $211 billion in direct financial outlays to equip, deploy, maintain, and sustain Russian operations in Ukraine. In terms of arms sales, the Ukraine war has cost Russia more than $10 billion in canceled or postponed arms sales. And then in terms of lost economic growth, the war has cost Russia an expected $1.3 trillion in previously anticipated economic growth through 2026. Of course, this comes on top of the personnel costs, and we estimate at least 315,000 Russian forces have been either killed or wounded in the fight. And you've heard a lot about Russian losses in the Black Sea as well, and since February of 2022, Ukrainian forces have sunk, destroyed, or damaged at least 20 medium to large Russian Federation Navy vessels and one Russian-flagged tanker in the Black Sea. So I thought some of these costs for Russia would put in perspective the overall costs of this war. And I really welcome your questions today. STAFF: Okay, thank you very much. Let's go ahead and go to Ellen Knickmeyer at the Associated Press. Q: Hi, thank you very much for doing this. You list the costs to Russia of waging the war in Ukraine, but, I mean, we're seeing more and more signs that, if anything, Putin feels emboldened (with) the reported death of Navalny today and, you know, the resumption of interference in U.S. elections with Putin's comments, the anti-satellite weapons. And this comes at a time when the U.S. has so far been unable to reach consensus on increased aid to Ukraine. Is -- how do you place that all in context? And, I mean, can the U.S. do anything militarily do anything to make this, you know, more costly to Putin in the next year before possibly a more sympathetic president comes to office in the U.S.? And it seems like kind of a matter of waiting the U.S. out on time right now. Could you address that? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So our focus is not on waiting. We firmly believe that if the U.S. Congress passes the supplemental, we will be able to provide essential support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They will continue to defend their homeland and they will be able to inflict significant costs on Russian forces in the immediate term. So this is not about waiting for anything, this is about reinforcing the Ukrainians, and it's also about ensuring that our own forces have what they need. Without the supplemental funding, we will face resource gaps to support our own forces that are deployed in Europe, that are there defending our allies and defending our strategic interests, and we also will lack the resources to replenish our own military capabilities, and thus promote U.S. readiness, support our deterrence of adversary aggression, and enable us to be prepared to fight tonight, wherever we need to. But all of that absolutely requires the Congress to pass the supplemental. Q: -- a follow-up, just to note there's not a clear path right now for the supplemental to pass? Is there planning underway for you know, militarily by the U.S., in terms of what it does if the funding doesn't come? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: We are always planning in DOD. We are always doing contingency planning for a variety of circumstances. And our military is always working to be as prepared as possible. But we do absolutely need this supplemental funding. There is no substitute for it. STAFF: Thank you. Let's go to Anne Flaherty, ABC. Q: Hi, thank you for doing this. So I kind of want to ask that you know, a spin on that same question, which is I'm wondering if you could help us with the characterization on where the war stands now. Last year -- well, there was this big counter-offensive that didn't make any gains. Would you regard where we are now kind of a stalemate? And if more aid isn't coming, is it fair to say that the war would then tip in Russia's favor? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So first, in terms of where the war now stands, I think it's important to not just focus on territory on the ground but certainly Ukraine has actually recaptured a significant amount of territory that Russia had originally taken after the large-scale invasion almost two years ago, but also to focus on these larger questions of costs and attrition. And Russia has suffered significant costs in that respect. I think it is important to look at the story of the Black Sea because the story of the Black Sea is a story of Ukraine leveraging asymmetric approaches to, you know, defeat Russia's advantage in its naval warships. And it's a story of Ukraine being able to protect its coastline, through, you know, novel coastal defense capabilities, and enable grain shipments and other shipments like iron ore, to keep the Ukraine economy running and enable Ukraine to be able to sustain its operations. So that Black Sea story is an important part of the bigger picture. STAFF: Thank you. Let's go to Idrees Ali, Reuters. Idrees, are you out there? All right. Let's go to Dan Lamothe, Washington Post. Q: Thank you very much for your time today. I wanted to drill down a bit, on the battle ongoing in Avdiivka. Reporting from the battlefield from the Post and others would suggest that Ukrainian forces anticipate the pull-back from there and attribute it largely to a reduction in available shells, specifically artillery shells. I'm just curious if that came up this week, particularly, as sort of an example that, kind of, underscores the urgency there, and if you, and I guess the Pentagon writ large, are citing Avdiivka in your conversations with lawmakers as, kind of, an example of the significance and problem here? Thanks. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Thank you. I'll tell you we are watching Avdiivka very closely, and we do see that Ukrainians are running short on critical supplies, particularly ammunition. And we see this as something that could be the harbinger of what is to come if we do not get this supplemental funding. Because, without supplemental funding, not only can we not resupply those forces that are bravely trying to defend Avdiivka, we also will find many other locations along the forward line of troops that will be running low on supplies, on critical ammunition. And let's not forget about those air defense interceptors. The U.S., along with our allies and partners, but, critically, U.S. resources have supported the Ukrainians in being able to defend their cities against this continual barrage of Russian missiles. Without supplemental funding, we will not be able to continue to supply Ukraine's air defenses. And we will see the results in cities being bombarded. We will see more civilians dying. And we will see Ukraine struggling to protect their critical infrastructure and their forward line of troops. STAFF: Thank you. Let's go to Ashley Roque, Breaking Defense. Q: Good morning. Just a couple of follow-up questions. One, this was the second contact group where the U.S. has not been able to provide a PDA, funding's sort of stalled. Could you, sort of, characterize, you know, how that's going, as you're asking allies and partners to continue to pony up? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So I think that one thing to note is that, you know, at each of these meetings, the allies and partners are coming forward with contributions. But the needs in Ukraine are so great that without the U.S., in addition to the allies and partners, the Ukrainians cannot sustain their fight against Russia. And everyone recognizes this. So our allies and partners are watching just as anxiously to see if our supplemental funding will come through. Because they know that the stakes are incredibly high. And without this funding, they do know that Ukraine will not be able to stand a chance against this overwhelming Russian military force. Q: Great. And I also wanted to ask about the, like, I think it was last time, Poland leading an armor coalition. I didn't hear that, I think, this time. Is there an armor coalition? And can you characterize what they are doing to try and help provide tanks and other equipment to Ukraine? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So the armor coalition is the most recent to be standing up. And the members are currently signing up. And I think most of the countries that are participating in the armor coalition have not yet made their roles public, so I'm going to let them do that. But the goal here for the armor coalition that was discussed at the UDCG on Wednesday pertains certainly to the tank force, but also to other kinds of armored vehicle, and ensuring that Ukraine will have the right platforms but also, very importantly, the right ammunition for those platforms and the maintenance and sustainment. So they are committed to working across all of these areas. STAFF: All right. Thank you. Let's go to Brad Dress, The Hill. Q: Yeah, thanks for doing this. Just a follow-up on Avdiivka. Is that the only place in Ukraine right now that's at risk from a Russian offensive? Or are there any other places on the front line, on the battlefield that Russia could gain an advantage, and especially with, you know, this Congress supplemental on hold? Thank you. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: So, right now, based on where Russia is amassing its forces, there's clearly a focus on Avdiivka. But, you know, I would not want to characterize it as the sole place along the forward line of troops that will be vulnerable as supplies continue to diminish. Depending on, you know, where Russia chooses to concentrate forces and, you know, again, overwhelmingly dependent on whether the supplemental passes, Ukraine's forces will start to run out of ammunition in many places and, again, importantly, out of air defense capabilities that allow them to continue to fight in the face of Russian attacks. STAFF: All right. Thank you. We've got time for a couple more. Let's go to Chris Gordon, Air & Space Forces Magazine. Q: Thanks. And thank you to the senior defense official. On the Ukraine F-16 training, first, what is the total number of Ukrainian pilots and maintainers across all countries being trained? And then, second, how will this come together in a meaningful capability? Is this pilot training being standardized in any way, since there are a lot of countries involved, so you don't have pilots who haven't flown together, may have had different styles of training and end up with a disjointed effort? And is there a munitions plan for the F-16s? Thank you. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Great. So this is all falling under the Air Force capability coalition that Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States are co-chairing. And to answer your question about the training standardization, yes, it is very much a standardized training program that multiple countries are participating in, to include the United States, with training here in the United States, and English language training that precedes the tactical training, again, being provided by multiple countries. In terms of the specific number of the pilots, I just don't have that at my fingertips, but we can try to follow up with more information on that. Q: If I could just -- on the munitions plan, is there a tangible plan? Has that been discussed on what munitions might be provided? SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Yes -- yeah, sorry. I should have addressed that. So there is. So we're looking at every aspect of the F-16, not just the training and, you know, the pilots, but what munitions are required and what maintenance and sustainment and spare parts will be required. So you know, the United States did fund some spare parts, and the coalition is seeking to fund munitions and spare parts, as well as support for the Ukrainians to build out their infrastructure. All of these aspects are being addressed as part of this capability coalition. And that's another reason why, you know, the capability coalition construct is really helpful because it allows you to look across all the aspects of a particular capability and ensure that you're covering down on everything. But right now, U.S. support will come to a standstill in the absence of supplemental funding. Q: Thank you. STAFF: Thank you. We've got time for one more. Let's go to Meredith Roaten, Janes. Meredith, are you out there? Okay, I'll turn it over to our senior defense official for any closing comments. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIAL: Well, thanks so much. I appreciate you taking the time to think about and write about this important topic. Have a great weekend. STAFF: Thanks, everybody. Out here. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3680149/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "For as long as it takes": Ukraine's security is also our security Germany Federal Foreign Office 16.02.2024 - Article As part of the G7, we have agreed with Ukraine that bilateral security assurances will be negotiated. Today, Germany was the second country to conclude the negotiations. Read more to find out what the Agreement says and what it means. Today, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed bilateral security assurances with Ukraine in Berlin. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and other federal ministers were also present. The bilateral security assurances are based on a G7 Joint Declaration by the Heads of State and Government from July last year on the margins of the NATO Summit in Vilnius. In this Joint Declaration, the G7 countries pledged that all signatory states would conclude agreements on security commitments with Ukraine. After all, Ukraine is not only defending its own freedom, its people and its territorial integrity, but also the freedom and security of Europe. These security assurances do not make Germany a party to the war in Ukraine. However, they send a strong message that we are not letting up in our support and are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. The security assurances build on the broad-based support with which Germany has assisted Ukraine in its defence for two years. This Agreement gives Ukraine planning security and also sends a clear signal to Russia that our support is for the long term and that we have staying power - "for as long as it takes". Thirty-two countries ready to form a network of security assurances for Ukraine In addition to the G7, 25 other countries and the EU have also signed on to the Joint Declaration. All partners are currently working hard to finalise their agreements with Ukraine. So far, the UK is the only country to have finalised and published its Agreement with Ukraine. The Agreement with France will also be signed today. Foreign Minister Baerbock emphasised the following: This morning, we have, as the Federal Republic of Germany, opened a new chapter in our support for the people in Ukraine, and for our shared freedom. A new chapter containing security commitments for the coming years - for as long as our support is needed for the freedom of the people in Ukraine. Broad range of security assurances This is a politically binding Agreement. It is intended to be valid for ten years, with the option to extend it. In terms of content, its focus is on military and security policy support. This includes, in particular, the future capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces and their training, defence industry cooperation and the reform of the Ukrainian security and defence sector, in addition to cyber and intelligence cooperation. The text also reaffirms our broad commitment to the civilian sector, in particular in the area of economic cooperation and reconstruction. Germany and Ukraine have also agreed to set up a consultation mechanism in the event of future Russian aggression against Ukraine. Click here to read the Agreement Intensive negotiations and preparations since summer 2023 as a team effort On behalf of the Federal Government, the negotiations were conducted by the Federal Chancellery and the Federal Foreign Office, with the involvement of other ministries concerned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Foreign Minister: "The democratic world must help Ukraine win" Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16.02.2024 On 16 February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krisjanis Karins, attended the opening session of the 60th Munich Security Conference, as well as participating in several discussion panels. Alongside the main agenda, the minister also had several bilateral meetings. In a discussion, "Strategically Aligning Security and Prosperity in the Emerging Global Order", held by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins emphasized that Russia was attacking the values of the democratic world in an effort to prove the superiority of force over a rules-based world order. "We cannot let that happen. The democratic world must help Ukraine win," Krisjanis Karins emphasized. While taking part in a discussion, "Three Seas Partnership on Ukraine's Reconstruction: Mapping the transatlantic community's response", hosted by the Atlantic Council think-tank, Krisjanis Karins noted that the Three Seas Initiative, which spans 13 European Union Member States and candidate countries, as well as Ukraine and Moldova, were bracing to implement, with strong support from the United States of America, important infrastructure, connectivity, energy and security projects in Europe. The Foreign Ministers of the Baltic States had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Cameron to discuss support to Ukraine and close cooperation in NATO. During the conversation, the Latvian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the vital contribution by the United Kingdom to the security of the Baltic region. He emphasised that strong cooperation and the military presence of the United Kingdom were important for the Baltic Sea region and the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. The Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, as well as looking at the possibilities for the use of Russia's frozen assets, and at other sanctions-related issues. In a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Krisjanis Karins thanked him for current cooperation, both bilaterally and in international organisations. The Ministers discussed the global security situation, including the crisis in the Middle East and Russia's aggression against Ukraine. During his meeting with Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Krisjanis Karins underlined that a sooner entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was extremely important. This is both a political necessity and a tangible contribution to further strengthening of international peace and security. He pointed out that Russia's decision to denounce the CTBT, as well as an increase in its nuclear rhetoric and statements about the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus, deserved condemnation. This erodes the international architecture of arms control and non-proliferation and undermines the ongoing disarmament efforts. Russia, as a signatory to the CTBT, must continue to comply with the provisions of the Treaty. The Latvian Foreign Minister emphasized that Latvia welcomed the organization's efforts to ensure global monitoring and an effective verification system against nuclear testing through the help of its International Data Centre. The Minister also highlighted Latvia's confidence in the ability of the CTBTO to strengthen the nuclear test ban regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine says 'fierce' fighting underway with Russian troops in Avdiivka Iran Press TV Friday, 16 February 2024 11:29 AM Ukraine says fierce fighting is raging for the frontline city of Avdiivka which has become a main target for Russia ahead of the second anniversary of its special military operation. "Fierce battles are taking place within the city," Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, a Ukrainian general in the east, said on social media on Friday. "Our troops are using all available forces and means to restrain the enemy," he said, adding "New positions have been prepared and powerful fortifications continue to be prepared, taking into account all possible scenarios." He called the situation in Avdiivka, which is surrounded on three sides by Russian troops, "difficult but controlled". The Ukrainian military said the Ukrainian forces were being reinforced and were "standing their ground." Russia has been trying to take control of Avdiivka for months. Moscow's capture of the symbolic city would be the most significant territorial gain for Moscow since it captured Bakhmut last May. The latest developments come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky headed for Germany and France in a new bid to secure more military aid. European coalition bids to provide Ukraine with 1 million drones Meanwhile, a group of European nations, led by Latvia and the UK, joined a coalition committed to manufacturing and providing Ukraine with one million drones. Latvia first announced it would lead the coalition last month, but plans advanced Wednesday when the Baltic nation signed a letter of intent to build out the project with Ukraine, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. "[The] Drone Coalition intends to deliver 1 million drones to Ukraine," said Latvia's MoD in a Thursday statement. "By signing the letter of intent, countries have agreed to commit resources for manufacturing of drones and will deliver these drones and spare parts to Ukraine, where they will be tested and [the] Coalition will also train Ukrainian troops on how to use them and integrate with other technologies," the statement added. Also on Thursday, the UK said it will co-lead the drone coalition with Latvia. Russia launched the military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Western countries have responded to the Russian military operation by backing Ukraine with cash and heavy weaponry while imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russian officials and entities. Moscow has repeatedly warned that such a flow of weapons to Kiev will only prolong the conflict. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the US, alone, has pledged more than $43 billion in security aid to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Tour For 'New Security Architecture,' Zelenskiy Signs Key Agreement With Germany As Ukraine Withdraws From Southern Avdiyivka By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 16, 2024 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed a key security agreement on February 16 between their countries before the Ukrainian leader travels to France to initial a similar deal with President Emmanuel Macron. The deals come as Kyiv is seeking to shore up support while outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian forces announced they were withdrawing from parts of the embattled eastern city of Avdiyivka. "President Zelenskiy and I signed an agreement today regarding our long-term security commitments. A historic step. Germany will continue to support Ukraine against the Russian war of aggression," Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, before a joint press conference. No immediate details about the agreement were given by the German side. But Zelenskiy, in a message on X, said the document was "unprecedented" and that it guarantees a 7 billion-euro ($7.52 billion) German support package for Ukraine for 2024. "The agreement also includes a mechanism for urgent consultations in the event of Russia's military assault on Ukraine," Zelenskiy wrote, adding: "I am grateful to Germany and all Germans for their solidarity with our country and people, as well as all the support and assistance." "Ukraine can rely on Germany," Scholz said at a joint news conference with Zelenskiy after the signing. Separately, Germany's Defense Ministry announced that, as part of a security agreement, Berlin has prepared a fresh package of military support worth 1.13 billion euros ($1.22 billion), which is focused on air defense and artillery. From Berlin, Zelenskiy heads to Paris, where he is expected to sign a similar agreement with Macron. "A new security architecture for Ukraine, as well as new opportunities. We are making every effort to end the war as soon as possible on fair Ukrainian terms and ensure a lasting peace," Zelenskiy, who is also to deliver a speech on February 17 at the Munich Security Conference, wrote on X. He told reporters the aid agreements signed with Germany and France would give "an impulse to the United States" to approve a critical $61 billion aid package that has been held up by Republicans in the House of Representatives who demand legislation to deal with security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Ukraine, which is heavily dependent on economic and military aid from its Western allies and especially from the United States, has been facing a shortage of ammunition and military equipment as a critical $61 billion U.S. military and economic aid package is being held back by Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the complete details of the agreements with Germany and France have been kept under wraps, they come after Zelenskiy signed a 10-year security accord with Britain last month during U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to Kyiv. As Russia's unprovoked invasion nears the two-year mark, depleted Ukrainian forces have been conserving dwindling ammunition stocks and are struggling to hold back Russian troops closing in on the industrial city of Avdiyivka in Donetsk after a monthslong assault. On February 16, Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, the commander of Ukraine's southeastern sector, announced on Telegram a withdrawal from the southeastern part of Avdiyivka in order to minimize human losses, adding that it will allow for an improved "operational situation" in the town, after describing "fierce battles" in the city the previous day. "The decision to withdraw was made in order to preserve personnel and improve the operational situation. Tactically, the occupation of these positions does not give the enemy a strategic advantage and does not change the situation within the Avdiyivka defensive operation," Tarnavskiy wrote on Telegram. On February 15, Ukraine's military deployed the Third Assault Brigade, one of its most-experienced infantry groups, to the embattled city, while withdrawing other battle-weary forces. "In Avdiyivka a maneuver is under way in some places to withdraw our units to more advantageous positions, in some places to force [the Russians] out of positions," Ukrainian military spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy said. Major Rodion Kudryashov, the deputy commander of the Third Assault Brigade, told RFE/RL that his forces were completely surrounded but managed to break through. Kudryashov confirmed that Ukrainian forces were withdrawing from some destroyed positions in the city and taking new, more favorable ones. "We had to withdraw from some positions, because they are simply levelled to the ground, destroyed. Our servicemen withdrew to more advantageous positions in order to hold the defense line," said Kurdyashov. Earlier, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy said heavy fighting was under way inside the city and Ukrainian forces are being repositioned. "The situation in Avdiyivka is difficult, but under control. Fierce battles are taking place within the city," Tarnavskiy, the commander of the Tavria operational group, said on Telegram. Separately, Kyiv's Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced that the bodies of 58 Ukrainian soldiers who had fallen in the war were returned to Ukraine on February 16. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine will ensure the transportation of the repatriated bodies and remains to designated state institutions for transfer to representatives of law enforcement agencies and forensic medical experts to identify the victims," the Coordination Center said in a message on Telegram. With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-avdiivka-fierce- fighting-general-tarnavskiy/32822055.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 Ukrainian General Confirms Partial Withdrawal From 'Operationally Significant' City of Avdeyevka Sputnik News 20240216 Situated in the heart of the Donetsk People's Republic, the industrial city of Avdeyevka became the site of intense battles between Donbass militias and the Ukrainian military in 2014, with fighting escalating dramatically last fall after Russia began a push to liberate the heavily fortified urban area. Ukrainian command confirmed on Friday that troops were being withdrawn from the Zenit fortified area in southern Avdeyevka, several hours after announcing a "maneuver of forces" in the ruins of the city. "We held this position as long as it was possible to effectively contain and destroy the enemy," Tavria Group of Troops commander General Oleksandr Tarnavsky told local media, assuring that the decision to withdraw was made to avoid wasting soldiers and to "improve the operational situation." "Right now the regrouping of troops, the replenishment of supplies and arrangement of units in new positions is underway. A planned reinforcement of units is taking place," Tarnavsky said. Earlier, Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade commander Andriy Bletsky complained that Ukrainian forces were being "forced to fight 360 degrees against more and more brigades that the enemy brings in," with his forces pointing to a "threatening and unstable" situation in the city. The Zenit fortified area is situated on Avdeyevka's southern outskirts, between the villages of Spartak and Opytnoye, both now controlled by Russian forces. Construction of an intricate network of fortifications in the city began in 2015. Nearby is another fortified area nicknamed Cheburashka, whose liberation was reported on by Russian forces earlier in the day on Friday. A Ukrainian trooper from the 110th Brigade told local media that there was no centralized effort to evacuate troops from Avdeyevka, with forces surrounded by Russian units forced to break out on their own, suffering heavy casualties. Tarnavsky announced earlier in the day that a "troop maneuver" was taking place, and that "new positions" and "powerful fortifications continue to be prepared." Commenting on the situation in Avdeyevka earlier this month, senior Zelensky advisor Mykhailo Podolyak admitted that the settlement has real, strategic significance for Russia. "Avdeyevka is important for them to control the space around Donetsk, you have control of dominant heights there, and they can build logistics corridors to supply a large area of the front," Podolyak said. "This is not about symbolism, this is about the operative importance of a particular territory," he added, deflecting potential criticism of Zelensky for leaving troops to die in the city despite no hope of victory in the face of a Russian advance. US media reporting on a "partial withdrawal" from Avdeyevka on Thursday, with White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby saying the situation in the city was "critical, with the Russians continuing to press Ukrainian positions every single day." "Avdeyevka is at risk of falling under Russian control. In very large part this is happening because Ukrainian forces on the ground are running out of artillery ammunition," Kirby said, attempting to tie the battlefield situation to the $61 billion in Ukraine assistance proposed by the White House that's currently struck in Congress. "Russian forces are now reaching Ukrainian trenches actually in Avdeyevka, and are beginning to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. The cost of inaction by the Congress is stark, and it's being borne on the shoulders of Ukrainian soldiers. We need Congress to pass the national security supplemental bill without further delay. If House Republicans do not act soon, what is happening in Avdeyevka right now could very well happen elsewhere along that front," Kirby warned. Situated in the heart of Donetsk, Avdeyevka became the scene of battles between Ukrainian forces and Donbass militias beginning in 2014, after Kiev launched a punitive military operation against local forces seeing independence from Ukraine following the February 2014 Euromaidan coup. The town's pre-war population of 37,000+ dropped dramatically amid the fighting, shrinking to as little as 1,000 people as residents fled, with much of the city leveled into a smoldering, Stalingrad-like wasteland of ruins amid battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces complemented by the heavy use of artillery. President Putin identified Avdeyevka as a key priority for Russian forces in late January, with Moscow pointing to the city's use as a key staging area for attacks against the Russian-held portion of Donetsk People's Republic, including using artillery to shell residential areas of the city of Donetsk - which is situated just 5 km south of Avdeyevka. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 1,820 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Week - Russian MoD Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost more than 1,820 soldiers both killed and injured in the Donetsk area over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled 46 attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk direction, 18 attacks in the Kupyansk area, and three attacks in the South Donetsk direction. "The total enemy losses in this [Donetsk] area amounted to more than 1,820 military personnel, 11 tanks, 14 armored combat vehicles, 84 vehicles, as well as 25 field artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has also lost more than 1,585 soldiers in the Krasny Liman area, up to 1,060 soldiers in the South Donetsk direction, over 775 soldiers in the Kupyansk area, more than 310 soldier in the Kherson direction, the ministry added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Expects IAEA to Point to Ukraine As Only Threat to Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine, with its recent attacks on the city of Energodar, has once again demonstrated its complete disregard for the safe functioning of nuclear facilities, and Russia expects the IAEA to point to Kiev as the only source of threat to the functioning of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "We hope the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) leadership will still take a responsible position and unequivocally point to Kiev as the only source of threat to the reliable functioning of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant," the ministry said. "The Kiev regime has once again demonstrated complete disregard for issues of the safe operation of peaceful nuclear facilities and the desire to achieve its criminal goals by any means, including by creating threats to the life and health of ZNPP personnel," it said. Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant is located on the left bank of the Dnepr River and is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. It came under the control of Russian forces in early March 2022 and has since been repeatedly shelled, raising international concerns over a possible nuclear accident. IAEA experts have been working at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant since September 1, 2022, following IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi's first visit to the facility. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov: EU Bets on Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine in Bid to Strike at Russia's Heart Sputnik News 20240216 On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian air defense systems had destroyed 14 RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) missiles over the Belgorod region fired by Ukraine. As a result of the attack, seven people, including a child, were killed, while 18 were injured. Addressing a Moscow-hosted conference entitled 'Euromaidan: Ukraine's Lost Decade', Sergey Lavrov, the nation's top diplomat, pointed out that the EU had advised Ukraine to use the Western-supplied long-range weapons to "reach the heart of Russia." "According to our information, the European External Action Service has drawn up recommendations for Ukraine, which are based on the fact that it will not be possible to win and Ukraine will lose with the methods with which it is currently fighting. That is why it is necessary to bet on the transfer of even more long-range weapons to Ukraine, so that they can reach the 'heart of Russia,' as the EU describes it, and thus sow confusion, panic, and once again undermine people's confidence," Lavrov said at the conference. UK Role in Ukraine Conflict London's stance when it comes to the situation in Ukraine is even more aggressive than Washington's position, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "The role that England plays in current events is even more aggressive, more sophisticated in its provocative assertiveness than any other participant, including even the United States," Lavrov said. As for the possible restoration of a good level of relations, Lavrov repeated the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that they "will be restored one day," but the date when that would happen depended on the West's readiness to take mirror steps in this regard. "It is their problem. We have made so many concessions, goodwill gestures ... that the limit of these gestures has been exhausted. From their side, we have seen other gestures only with a single hand in response to our good deeds," Lavrov added. In November 2023, David Arakhamia, the head of Ukraine's ruling Servant of the People party in parliament and former chief negotiator with Russia, said ex-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson talked Kiev out of signing an agreement with Moscow to end the conflict in the spring of 2022. He also said Ukraine rejected the ceasefire deal due to it contradicting the constitution's clause on the country's Euro-Atlantic aspiration. Russia and Ukraine held several rounds of talks in the early phase of the conflict, but the negotiations eventually stalled. First Coup in Ukraine Russia's top diplomat said that the first coup in Ukraine took place in 2004, after the West forced the Ukrainian Constitutional Court to rule on a third round of elections, something which was not provided for. This was because they didn't need Viktor Yanukovich, who was elected with votes from the south and southeast of the country, he added. Donbass Conflict Sergey Lavrov said that the original agreement was to solve the problems in Ukraine by federalizing the country, but Kiev decided to abandon this. "The original agreement was to solve the problems in Ukraine through its federalization. But Kiev decided to abandon this and tried to solve the 'Donbass problem' by force, almost like the 'final solution to the Jewish question' in Nazi Germany," he said. "Putin personally persuaded Donbass not to give up the possibility of negotiations. Thus, the Minsk talks became a possibility in principle. But, as we know, the West took advantage of this to arm Kiev. This is, in fact, an admission of guilt," the foreign minister noted. Zelensky's Peace Formula According to the minister, Zelensky's peace formula is an empty and unwise initiative. "Zelensky's formula is empty and, at the very least, an unwise initiative that the West is trying to lure other countries into by demanding their support. They are trying to lure them with supposedly neutral points that can supposedly be supported unilaterally. What a fraud," Lavrov said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defenses Destroy 5 Drones Over Belgorod Region, Black Sea - MoD Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defenses shot down five Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod Region and the Black Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. "This night, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using aircraft-type UAVs on facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation was stopped. Air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed unmanned aerial vehicles over the territory of the Belgorod Region (1 UAV) and over the Black Sea (4 UAVs)," the ministry said. Ukraine has been sending drones and missiles into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June 2023. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Number of People Injured in Ukrainian Shelling of Russia's Belgorod Up to 19 Sputnik News 20240216 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The number of people injured in the shelling of the Russian city of Belgorod the day before has risen to 19, Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Friday. On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian air defense systems destroyed 14 shells of the RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) over the Belgorod Region fired by Ukraine. Gladkov later said that seven people, including a child, had been killed, while 18 had been injured in the attack. "Last night, one of the residents of Belgorod city, who was wounded, went to the city hospital No. 2 on his own. As a result, the number of those injured has risen to 19. Yesterday, we sent four people (two adults and two children) by train to Moscow. In a couple of hours, they will have already arrived in Moscow, they are being awaited in healthcare institutions of the Russian Federation, where they will be given maximum medical assistance," Gladkov said on Telegram. The governor also said five people have already been discharged from hospitals after receiving medical assistance. Out of ten people still remaining in hospitals, two are in serious condition in intensive care, and the vital signs of eight people are stable and within normal limits, Gladkov added. "I am sure that our doctors will do everything to make sure that everyone who was injured is at home as soon as possible," he said. He added that a total of 57 vehicles had been damaged in the shelling. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 22:15 Ukraine and France, hereinafter referred to individually and respectively as the "Ukrainian Participant" and the "French Participant" and jointly as the "Participants", Reaffirming their solidarity in the face of the armed aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris; Reaffirming Ukraine's inherent right of self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations; Recognising that Russia's illegal and unprovoked large-scale invasion of Ukraine is a threat to international peace and security and a flagrant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter; Reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, capable of defending itself and deterring any future aggression; Recognising the importance of the fundamental principles for a just and lasting peace laid out in Ukraine's Peace Formula, in line with international law; Reaffirming their deep commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance, respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights; Reaffirming the objective of Ukrainian accession to the European Union and the fact that the security of Ukraine is an integral part of European security and the Euro-Atlantic region; Recalling the historic decisions of the European Council of 23 June 2022 and 14 December 2023 to grant Ukraine the candidate status and open accession negotiations with Ukraine, underlining that enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity; Considering the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted in Vilnius on 12 July 2023 by the G7 Leaders that 25 countries have since endorsed as of February 16 2024; Have jointly determined to strengthen their bilateral long-term security cooperation by pursuing the measures set out in this Agreement: I. Introduction The Participants confirm that they support the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991. They wish to reaffirm the sovereign right of each State to freely choose its security arrangements. With this Agreement, Ukraine and France will deepen their cooperation and partnership, which are based on their common interests in the defence of international law and order, peace, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine's security is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security. France confirms that Ukraine's future membership of NATO would make an effective contribution to peace and stability in Europe. The Participants will coordinate and strengthen joint efforts to support Ukraine's accession to NATO. The main components of the long-term security commitments provided to Ukraine by France in this Agreement are as follows: provision of comprehensive assistance to Ukraine for the protection and the restoration of its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well as economic recovery and reconstruction; prevention and active deterrence of, and counter-measures against, a new aggression by the Russian Federation; support for Ukraine's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, including by supporting Ukraine's accession to the EU and interoperability with NATO. II. Cooperation in the security field 1. General cooperation in strengthening Ukraine's security The French Participant will provide military and civil assistance to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, its independence and its territorial integrity in the face of the aggression by the Russian Federation, bilaterally through agreements and through the institutions and organisations to which it is a party. The French Participant will contribute to building the military capabilities, the resilience and the economic stability of Ukraine, so as to discourage any future aggression. In order to more effectively ensure the realisation of this cooperation, the Ukrainian Participant will continuously and effectively maintain and develop its ability to resist an armed attack, with the assistance of the French Participant. 2. Cooperation in strategic communication and in the fight against foreign interference and manipulation of information The Participants recognise that the Russian Federation continues to manipulate information in support of its war on Ukraine and will seek to continue to mutually support each other's efforts to counter Russian digital interference and manipulation of information as well as propaganda globally. The French Participant will assist Ukraine in joining collective instruments for countering foreign interference and manipulation of information. The Participants will collaborate to improve Ukraine's capabilities to counter foreign interference and manipulation of information, primarily Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns, exchange experience and promote the development of joint educational and training programmes for information integrity professionals. 3. Cooperation in the sphere of cyber security The Participants will work together to enable Ukraine to detect, deter and disrupt any cyber aggression, cyber espionage, including through greater cyber resilience and critical infrastructure protection from cyber attacks, while supporting the modernisation and reform of Ukraine's security architecture, and through the provision of international technical assistance to Ukraine. The Participants will work together to raise the cost of the irresponsible use of cyber capabilities by the Russian Federation and other hostile state and non-state actors against the Participants. They will also increase their operational cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. The Ukrainian Participants will work towards deepening Ukraine's cooperation with EU and NATO structures on cybersecurity. 4. Protection of critical infrastructure The French Participant will contribute to the development of Ukraine's critical infrastructure protection capabilities, including by military means, prioritising, but not limited to, modern air defence capabilities. The Participants will explore joint educational and training programmes for critical infrastructure protection specialists. The Participants will strengthen their cooperation in the field of improved resilience and preparedness of both government and civil entities, including through information sharing, exchanges on best practices and experience feedback. The Participants will also deepen their cooperation on assessing vulnerabilities of vital supply chains, retro-engineering of critical goods and services, the constitution of strategic stockpiles, as well as the corresponding logistic issues. The French Participant will work with Ukraine to identify sources of funding to develop the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure, including through the grant facility for reconstruction and restoration of critical infrastructure set up by the French Participant for Ukraine. 5. Intelligence and Counterintelligence Cooperation The Participants will continue and will strive to deepen their cooperation in the field of intelligence and counterintelligence in accordance with the framework based on bilateral agreements, without prejudice to their national interests and in compliance with the legislation of each Participant. 6. Cooperation in the sphere of combating serious and organised crime The Participants will take actions to counteract the activities of SOC, in particular individuals and groups that are trying to infiltrate across Ukrainian society, have criminal influence in certain regions, including the temporarily occupied ones, and are actively used as a tool of hybrid warfare to counteract the processes of recovery and reconciliation in Ukraine. In order to counter the activities of SOC, the Participants will take measures to: conduct joint operations to detect and suppress SOC; analyse the criminal situation in the countries and identify the main risks from SOC; identify and trace the proceeds and instrumentalities of SOC in view of facilitating seizure and, where appropriate, confiscation; create joint working groups and joint investigation teams of prosecutors and other parties, based on identified needs; facilitate the provision of training and sharing of best practice. The above measures are not exhaustive, and the Participants may pursue other forms of cooperation to achieve their goals in combating SOC. . Cooperation in the event of future armed attack Any future Russian invasion would violate the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law, and would grievously undermine Euro-Atlantic security, including that of France. In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either of the Participants, the Participants will consult within 24 hours to determine measures needed to counter or deter the aggression. In those circumstances, and acting in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements, the French Participant would provide Ukraine with swift and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment across all domains as necessary, and economic assistance; impose economic and other costs on Russia; and consult with Ukraine on its needs as it exercises its right to self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to any future armed attack, the Participants may amend these provisions in order to align with any mechanism that Ukraine may subsequently agree with its other international partners, including the participants in the Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023. IV. Cooperation in the military and defence industry 7. Defence and military cooperation The Participants will work together and with other partners of Ukraine to ensure that the Ukrainian defence and security forces are able to fully restore Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, as well as to increase Ukraine's resilience so that it is sufficient to deter and defend against future attacks. This will include, but is not limited to, working together so that Ukraine's military and non-military security institutions are able to perform effectively to European and Euro-Atlantic standards and are fully accountable to the Ukrainian people, Parliament and Government. The Participants will work together on ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring Russian aggression in the future, through the continued provision of security assistance and modern military equipment, across the land, air, sea, space and cyber domains a prioritising, but not limited to: air defence, artillery, long-range firepower, armoured vehicles, air force capabilities and other key capabilities. The French Participant will, alongside other international partners, help Ukraine to enhance its ability to deter and defend against external aggressors by developing modern Future Defence Forces that are increasingly interoperable with NATO and contribute to NATO forces. This includes the development of a modern defence sector in Ukraine, and a pathway to a future in NATO. The French Participant will assist Ukraine with preservation of its qualitative defence and military capabilities amid rapid, uncertain and challenging regional political and security transformation. In the military field, without prejudice to their position in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the Participants propose to establish cooperation enabling the Ukrainian Participant to develop comprehensive military capabilities in the following fields, which are not exhaustive: Military equipment, including through industrial cooperation, and particularly in the fields of artillery and air defence, but also in the fields of armoured vehicles, maritime security, military medical support, information technologies and mine clearance; Training of the Ukrainian defence and security forces, in a national capacity and in the European framework, including train-the-trainers programme, specialised training in fields such as artillery, air defence, armoured vehicles, air forces and maritime security, new technologies and mine clearance; Initial support and support for the launch of maintenance by manufacturers, on the ground where necessary; Structural support for reform of the defence sector; Support for cyber defence and resilience initiatives, including to address hybrid threats; Assistance to the Ukrainian system of medical support for the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian servicepersons; Support to the development of the Ukrainian defence and security forces including, but not limited to: future force design, a move towards NATO concepts and operating procedures, command and staff training, combined exercises, and enhanced compatibility and interoperability with NATO Allies; Support for border protection and defence, its engineering and fortification, surveillance, monitoring of enemy troop movements, post-war reconstruction of border infrastructure, demining and disposal of explosive ordnance; The French Participant will support plans and governance structures for Capability Coalitions in the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, by playing a leading role in the coalitions on Artillery and Air Defence, and by participating in the coalitions on Air Force and Maritime Security, and other coalitions, to which the French Participant may contribute, both to deliver the future force and to bring more coherence to the provision of capability in the current war. The bilateral fund for security and defence assistance to Ukraine, in good coordination with the European Peace Facility, will help support these cooperation efforts in the relevant fields. France provided Ukraine with a total of a1.7 billion in military aid in 2022 and of a2.1 billion in 2023. In 2024, France will provide up to 3 billion euros in additional support. The Participants will seek to ensure that Ukraine's military capabilities are at such a level that, in the event of external military aggression against France, Ukraine is able to provide effective military assistance. The terms, format and scope of such assistance will be determined by the Participants. The French Participant will continue its support to Ukraine for the ten-year duration of this Agreement. 8. Defence industry cooperation The Participants will strive to cooperate in the field of the defence and security industry, including with the objective of promoting cooperation between their defence industries and strengthening standardisation and interoperability of their defence equipment. The Participants will seek, as far as possible, to develop an industrial partnership involving French and Ukrainian defence businesses and, as far as possible, free of restrictions from third parties. The French Participant will contribute to the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base, including through French investments, the localisation of production in Ukraine as well as joint production for manufacturing of priority weapons and ammunition. The Participants will facilitate the creation of joint ventures, including for maintenance and repair of weapons and military equipment. The French Participant will work with Ukraine to identify funding sources required to enable the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base and to encourage investments into new capacities. The Participants will work together to address existing defence materials supply chain bottlenecks impeding developing capacity and capability of both France and Ukraine for manufacturing of priority weapons and ammunition. To that purpose, the French Participant will work with its Defence industry and Ukraine to strengthen the supply chain for critical materials required for manufacturing of ammunition and other priority weapons, in particular large calibre ammunition. The Participants will work together to strengthen protection of the transferred technologies and intellectual property rights. The Participants will promote the exchange of information on their respective defence related research and development efforts in order to implement joint projects and programs to develop new armament and equipment. With this objective, the dialogue between the Ministry of Armed Forces of France and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine will be strengthened. The dialogue between the Direction GAnArale de l'Armement and the Defence Procurement Agency will also be enhanced, in line with the Letter of Intent signed between the two organisations during the visit of France's Minister of Armed Forces in Kyiv in September 2023. The French Participant will support Ukraine's efforts to integrate its defence industry into NATO and EU defence and security frameworks. V. Cooperation in the civil field 9. Humanitarian assistance The French Participant will continue its humanitarian assistance to fulfil the immediate needs of the Ukrainian population in the face of the armed aggression by the Russian Federation. It will also contribute, alongside its partners, to the economic recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine, in order to restore and strengthen its economic stability, reduce its dependencies and vulnerabilities and build a more solid, innovative, sustainable and resilient economic and industrial base, particularly in the context of negotiations for the accession of Ukraine to the European Union. The French Participant will seek to continue over time the support underway for Ukraine, including in the transport, energy, agriculture, water, humanitarian mine clearance, critical infrastructure, digital, housing and health sectors. The French Participant will use the economic and financial instruments at its disposal, in cooperation with all relevant international organisations and its partners. 10. Support to Ukraine's reform agenda The French Participant welcomes the decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and commends the substantial progress that Ukraine has made towards meeting the objectives underpinning the accession process. The Ukrainian Participant will strive to continue its ambitious reform path, particularly in the framework of its European Union accession process, to meet the obligations required for EU membership. The Ukrainian Participant will continue its systemic reforms in the defence and security sectors, including as regards civil control of the armed forces and the efficiency and transparency of the defence institutions and defence industry of Ukraine. It will strive to deepen the key reforms in the fields of justice and rule of law, the fight against corruption and money laundering, the modernisation of its state apparatus, decentralisation, the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities, transparency and good governance in both the economic sector and the defence and security sector. The implementation of these reforms will contribute to strengthening democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the modernisation and resilience of the Ukrainian economy. The French Participant reaffirms its intention to fully support the objective of Ukraine's accession to the European Union. With this in mind, the French Participant will provide technical support for the implementation of the necessary reforms, particularly as regards the rule of law, justice sector reform, the fight against corruption, the modernisation of the state apparatus, decentralisation, transparency and civil control in the defence sector, including demining. To this end, the French Participant will provide for the deployment of technical experts embedded in the Ukrainian administration. 11. Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction The French Participant will strive to continue fostering the involvement of private companies, local government bodies and non-governmental organisations in the reconstruction process, following on from the actions launched at the Conference for Ukraine's Resilience and Reconstruction that was organised in Paris on 13 December 2022. The Participants recognise the need to unite efforts aimed at protecting the population and territories of Ukraine from the negative consequences caused by mines and undetonated explosive ordnance. To this end, the French Participant will make use of the appropriate bilateral tools, in good coordination and optimising as far as possible the leverage effect with European and private sector funds, including in the framework of the European Union's Ukraine Facility which aims at preparing Ukraine for future membership of the Union by supporting its accession process. The Ukrainian Participant will continue the implementation of all the reforms required in the framework of its European Union accession process and the Ukraine Plan. The French Participant will support Ukraine to plan for the reintegration of temporarily occupied territories, to contribute to the vital stabilisation and socioeconomic renewal, particularly in liberated and frontline areas and areas bordering Russia, to promote an inclusive social recovery and to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including through work to support women, social protection systems and veterans. 12. Compensation for losses, injuries and damages caused by Russian aggression The Participants reaffirm the Russian Federation must pay for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. Consistent with France's legal system, Russian sovereign assets in France's jurisdiction remain immobilised until the Russian Federation has paid for damage it has caused to Ukraine. The French Participant, working with its partners, will continue to explore all lawful routes consistent with applicable contractual obligations and in accordance with EU and international law through which Russian assets could be used to support Ukraine. As a priority, the Participants will continue to work together, along with G7 states and others, towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russia's aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of a compensation mechanism to provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims of aggression. 13. Sanctions The Participants recognise the value of sanctions in restricting the Russian Federation's and other aggressor-states' access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks. The Participants will continue to work to ensure that the costs to Russia of its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls. While the Russian Federation's aggression towards Ukraine continues, the French Participant will remain committed, in the European framework, to pursuing robust sanctions against sectors of the Russian economy and those in the Russian Federation and outside who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention in third countries. The French Participant will also take determined action with partners to tackle all forms of sanctions circumvention as well as to reinforce its own domestic resilience against Russia-linked illicit finance and elites. The Participants will provide each other with up-to-date appropriate information on the grounds for sanctions and other relevant information, in compliance with relevant obligations and national laws. 14. Accountability The Participants reaffirm their commitment to holding the Russian Federation accountable for causing losses or damage to individuals and entities, as well as to the state of Ukraine, as a result of its internationally unlawful acts in Ukraine or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The Participants reaffirm that there must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities and that the Russian Federation must bear the legal responsibility, including making reparation for any damage caused by such acts, which will also help deter future attacks and support Ukraine's recovery. The Participants will seek to hold to account those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes, committed in or against Ukraine in the context of Russia's war of aggression, consistent with international law, including by supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court to ensure allegations of war crimes are fully and fairly investigated by independent, effective and robust legal mechanisms. The Participants will continue their engagement in the "Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine". VI. Implementation of cooperation The Participants will implement this cooperation in accordance with their international and national obligations, as well as France's European commitments. The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement. The Participants will inform each other through diplomatic channels of the competent authorities responsible for implementing this Agreement. These authorities will conduct consultations in order to discuss, make the necessary decisions and take the required actions within the framework of this Agreement. The authorised bodies of the Participants can conclude executive and technical agreements on specific areas of cooperation within the framework of the implementation of this agreement. VII. Timeframe and other provisions This Agreement is valid for ten years from the date of its signature. In accordance with the G7 Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023, the Participants intend this Agreement to remain in effect as Ukraine pursues its path to future membership in the Euro-Atlantic community. In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the end of this Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant by giving written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement to the other Participant. This Agreement shall be terminated six months from the date of receipt of such notice. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented by mutual agreement of the Participants, which shall be made in writing. This Agreement will come into effect immediately upon signature. Signed in Paris on 16 February 2024, in duplicate, in the French and Ukrainian languages. For Ukraine: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy For France: President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Paris, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron signed the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 22:09 During a working visit to France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France with President Emmanuel Macron. The document was signed in furtherance of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted by the G7 member states in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. The agreement will be valid for ten years. In this document, France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, capable of defending itself and deterring any future aggression. Ukraine and France recognize the importance of the fundamental principles for a just peace laid out in Ukraine's Peace Formula. The document aims to enhance bilateral security cooperation between Ukraine and France. The agreement sets out the key components of France's long-term security commitments to Ukraine and prioritizes security cooperation in the military, political, financial, and humanitarian spheres. According to the document, in 2024, the French Republic will allocate up to a3 billion in military aid and will continue to support Ukraine over the ten-year duration of this agreement. In particular, France will provide military and civilian aid to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity from the aggression of the Russian Federation. Within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the French side will play a leading role in the Artillery and Air Defense coalitions, as well as participate in the Air Force, Maritime Security and other coalitions. France will also contribute to the development of Ukraine's defense industry, in particular by attracting French investment, localizing production on Ukrainian territory, and jointly producing top priority weapons and ammunition. In addition, the French Republic will assist Ukraine in joining collective instruments for countering foreign interference and manipulation of information. Together with the members of the G7 and other parties, France and Ukraine will work towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage caused by Russia's aggression. France remains committed to pursuing robust sanctions against sectors of the Russian economy and those who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention. The parties also reaffirm that there must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, and that the Russian Federation must be held legally accountable for them. Therefore, Ukraine and France will continue their engagement in the "Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine". The document provides for a mechanism of emergency consultations in the event of possible future armed Russian aggression, which is applied at the request of any party to the agreement within 24 hours to determine the measures necessary to counter or deter the aggression. In addition, the document reaffirms France's full support for Ukraine's goal of joining the European Union and NATO. Furthermore, France confirms that Ukraine's future accession to the Alliance will make a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe. According to the agreement, the parties will coordinate and increase joint efforts in support of Ukraine's accession to NATO, as well as the interoperability of our country's Security and Defense Forces with the armies of the Alliance members. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine met with the Federal President of Germany in Berlin President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 16:50 During his working visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Head of State emphasized that he was pleased to have the opportunity to thank Germany and its people for the powerful support they provide to Ukraine in this difficult time. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the attention to Ukrainians sheltered by Germany after the outbreak of full-scale Russian aggression and Frank-Walter Steinmeier's personal solidarity with our country, including his visit to the de-occupied Chernihiv region. The President of Ukraine briefed the interlocutor on the situation at the front and the current needs of Ukraine's defenders in countering Russian aggression. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the great importance of the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and Germany signed today in Berlin, which is an important step in bolstering the defense capabilities of our country. Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the importance of launching joint arms production. The Presidents paid special attention to the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. They also focused on the further development of municipal and interregional partnerships between Ukraine and Germany, which should be embodied in specific agreements and projects. In particular, the parties agreed on further steps in preparation for the next Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in June this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President on the situation in Avdiivka: Military leadership must do everything to protect our people President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 16:40 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that in the situation around the defense of Avdiivka in Donetsk region, the military leadership must act to minimize losses and preserve the lives of Ukrainian defenders. "As for Avdiivka, this is not the first day the situation there has been dire. We are well aware of what Russia is doing to our towns and villages. They will not stop until they have completely destroyed all life there. Our people, our military, are heroically defending strategic things, logistical routes that can lead to the enemy's advance," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives in Berlin following the negotiations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Head of State emphasized that he is constantly in contact with the military leadership and is thoroughly informed on the current situation in Avdiivka. "I won't tell you what new approaches they are taking. Their task is to do everything to protect our people first and foremost. And this is the main signal from me. Our military is the most important thing we have. This is our main weapon," the President emphasized. "First and foremost, we need to ensure that we minimize our losses. Our military is what is the most important. This is exactly the message I am sending to the leadership. And then, on the battlefield, we have professionals who know what to do," added the Head of State. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine has never had more powerful documents than the one signed today with Germany - Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the negotiations with Olaf Scholz President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 16:24 As part of his working visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Negotiations were held in narrow and expanded formats, and the bilateral agreement on security cooperation and long-term support was signed. "Olaf, I would like to thank you personally for such a special attitude towards Ukraine, towards Ukrainians, and I would like to thank Germans, ordinary people, for their attitude towards us. This is a very powerful support for our warriors and for the people in Ukraine who are working for the sake of victory. And for sheltering so many Ukrainians who were forced to move abroad because of the war," the Head of State said addressing the German Chancellor in the course of the joint meeting with media representatives following the negotiations in Berlin. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the security agreement signed today is an unprecedented document that reflects not only the level of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Germany, but also Berlin's fundamental role in maintaining normalcy in Europe and the world. "Annual financial support for our defense. And this year, more than 7 billion in defense support has been allocated. These are clear contracts, strict supplies. The agreement contains absolutely rational clauses on the accountability of Russia and all Russian war criminals for what they have done against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Every war crime committed by the occupiers must be punished, and this is totally fair. The agreement also fundamentally defines positions on sanctions against Russia and Russian assets frozen in various jurisdictions. Every such asset of the terrorist state must be confiscated and used for protection against Russian aggression and for recovery from Russian terror. It is particularly important for me that the agreement also reflects clear positions on European and Euro-Atlantic integration - our state is de facto already a part of the European and Euro-Atlantic communities, and this needs to be legally enshrined in due course," the President noted. The Head of State thanked the teams of Ukraine and Germany for the preparation of the document. Answering journalists' questions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that the agreement will remain in force until Ukraine becomes a NATO member. "That is, our allies realize that we will eventually be there. And this is the key thing," he said. As the President emphasized, what is most important is that the agreement contains specific figures on the amount of funding and the duration of support. "These are specifics that a person in Ukraine can count on. These are security commitments. Ukraine has never had more powerful documents than the one we have signed today," the Head of State emphasized. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Germany for a new defense package worth more than a1 billion, which the Ukrainian army urgently needs right now. "In particular, it is artillery, which is a critical need at the front. As well as guns, which are needed right now, and air defense systems, which are so crucial for our people today. Olaf, Mr. Chancellor, I really appreciate that you are not standing aside, as is the entire Germany. This artillery, this assistance will be on the frontline in the nearest future," the Head of State said. According to him, during the talks in Berlin, the parties discussed in detail the situation at the front and the necessary provision of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the current international circumstances and given the enemy's superiority in weapons. "We also discussed enhancing our air defense: Germany has already become one of the leaders in this kind of support, and I am grateful to you. Thousands of lives have been saved from Russian strikes, but there is a greater need for protection," the President emphasized. "No matter how difficult it is and no matter what the challenges are, we must always remember that only in unity can we protect lives. Putin always kills. He is war himself. He will not stop. He can only be stopped - and only by all of us together. In cooperation. Dear Olaf, Germany, I thank you very much from the bottom of every Ukrainian's heart for such important support from your side. It is very significant and very substantive," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added. For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the preparation of a new aid package for Ukraine worth 1.1 billion euros, which includes 36 howitzers, ammunition, 2 Skynex systems and missiles for IRIS-T. The German Chancellor also called the signing of the security agreement between the two countries a historic step. "It is difficult to overestimate this document, as it states that Germany will continue to support an independent Ukraine defending itself against Russian aggression for as long as it takes," Olaf Scholz said. According to him, Germany will support Ukraine in building a modern, defense-capable Armed Forces to prevent any future Russian aggression. "If Russia thinks about it in the future, we have detailed agreements in place - diplomatic, economic and military - on how we will help Ukraine," the Chancellor added. In addition, the agreements encompass assistance in the civilian sphere, including demining, maintaining energy infrastructure, and reconstruction. "This agreement reflects the values we share. It is based on democracy and the rule of law, on the order in which our societies want to live. For its part, Ukraine assumes responsibility for continuing the reforms aimed at joining the EU," he said. He also emphasized that everyone wants this war to end as soon as possible. "Unfortunately, we see that Russia is not ready for a lasting and just peace. On the contrary, it continues to pursue its goals, as Putin has recently demonstrated to us again. We are sending a clear message to the Russian President: we will not reduce our support for Ukraine. We continue to stand with the Ukrainians," Olaf Scholz said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 14:16 Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany ("Germany"), hereinafter "the Participants", condemn in the strongest possible terms the unjustified, unprovoked, illegal and brutal war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, by which Russia seriously violates international law, including the UN Charter. Germany is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within borders, which have been internationally recognised since 1991, including the territorial sea and free economic (maritime) zone. The Participants acknowledge the sustainable, decisive support provided by Germany as well as European, G7 and international partners to strengthen, equip and train Ukraine's security and defence forces as well as the comprehensive non-military assistance provided to the people of Ukraine to mitigate the humanitarian, social, economic and fiscal consequences of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Together they will continue to strive for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as well as for peace, security and stability on the European continent. The Participants recall that Ukraine will continue to implement an ambitious reform programme and that Germany is dedicated to supporting Ukraine's reform efforts. These are essential for its European and NATO aspirations. The Participants underline their willingness to further strengthen their bilateral relations across all fields, including economic cooperation, strengthening resilience, supporting recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development as well as cultural exchange and cooperation, including fostering understanding and cooperation between the people of Ukraine and Germany. They express grave concern in light of the mine contamination comprising up to 170.000 square kilometres of the territory of Ukraine. Based on this, the Participants have jointly determined to strengthen their security cooperation through bilateral security arrangements and long-term support measures as set out in this Agreement: I. Scope 1. This Agreement is intended to further the Joint Declaration launched by Germany and other members of the G7 in Vilnius on 12 July 2023 and subsequently joined to date by a further 25 states. 2. With this Agreement Germany and Ukraine have decided to affirm, deepen and expand their cooperation and partnership, which are based on their common interests in the defence of international law and order, peace, and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. 3. Germany intends to provide unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes in order to help Ukraine defend itself, restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, secure its free and democratic future, enable Ukraine to continue providing services to its people and to uphold a functioning Ukrainian economy, and deter future Russian aggression. 4. Germany recalls that national budgetary provisions apply and require explicit authorisation from the German Bundestag. II. Security and military assistance 1. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Germany has been one of the largest suppliers of military aid to Ukraine. Germany will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself for as long as it takes. The Participants recall the inherent right of states to individual and collective self-defence and the unlawfulness of all attempts to redraw borders by force. They reaffirm that Ukraine's security is integral to Euro-Atlantic and global security. 2. Germany underlines its intention to provide long-term military support to the Ukrainian security and defence forces to fully restore Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to equip and train Ukraine's future forces with the capabilities they need in their effort to increase Ukraine's resilience so that it is sufficient to deter and defend against future attacks and coercion. 3. Germany will continue to promote joint procurement and other forms of armament cooperation together with European and international partners to strengthen the Ukrainian security and defence forces in particular through the lead nation model, and will encourage wide international participation in these ongoing German procurement efforts. Germany will continuously evaluate potential synergies and economies of scale in its national military procurement to the benefit of the Ukrainian security and defence forces. Germany will alongside other international partners continue to participate and actively engage in international formats such as the Ramstein Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) to closely coordinate international military support for Ukraine. 4. The Participants acknowledge that the military support provided by Germany will only be used in compliance with the United Nations Charter and in strict accordance with all relevant obligations for both Participants under international law. Any military support will be bound by end-use agreements. The Participants share the opinion that the illicit diversion of military items must be avoided. Germany acknowledges the prevention efforts of the Ukrainian side and international partners and intends to support these efforts where needed, through establishment of an appropriate end-use monitoring programme and required equipment. 5. In 2022, Germany provided Ukraine with military assistance worth a total value of 1.68 billion euro funded by the Federal Government's security capacity building initiative. In 2023, Germany provided military assistance with a total value of more than 5 billion euro. In 2024, Germany has decided to provide financial means for military assistance worth a total value of 7.1 billion euro. Moreover, since 2022 additional authorisations to enter into commitments in the following years amounting to several billion euro have been made. 6. Germany will continue its support to Ukraine for the duration of this Agreement. Ukraine's future force capabilities 1. The Participants share the aim of establishing modern, interoperable and sustainable Ukrainian Defence Forces. Germany will support the development of the Defence Forces of Ukraine including (but not limited to): future force design, a move towards aligning concepts and operating procedures, command and staff training, and enhanced compatibility and interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners. 2. The Participants will work together on ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring future aggression in the future, through the continued provision of security assistance and modern military equipment, across the land, air, sea, and cyber domains - prioritising air defence, artillery, armoured vehicles, including ammunition, and other key capabilities, and by promoting increased interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners. 3. Germany will continue to support the Ukraine Future Forces Initiative, has taken over the lead role in the Capability Coalition "Integrated Air and Missile Defence" and contributes significantly to other Capability Coalitions, such as "Artillery", "Armour", "Maritime Security", "IT", "Drones" and "Demining". Both the number and the type of participation in Capability Coalitions can be expanded in the future to include other Capability Coalitions. 4. Germany will support plans and governance structures for Capability Coalitions, both to deliver the future force, and also to ensure greater coherence in the provision of capability in the current war. Germany is working alongside other international partners to develop the governance framework for the Capability Coalitions. All the Capability Coalitions will improve the interoperability of Ukrainian and NATO forces. Training and exercises 1. Germany will continue and where necessary expand its support in strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian security and defence forces personnel in particular but not exclusively under the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission. Germany strives to provide individual and collective trainings to Ukrainian forces including train-the-trainers programmes, particularly on weapon systems supplied by Germany. The training will also promote increased interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners. Training will be provided in close cooperation with partners within EU and NATO and in compliance with applicable national, EU and international law. 2. Germany will on demand also provide training and train-the-trainer sessions for law enforcement agencies, like Ukrainian National Guard and State Border Guard Service, and will continue material support to partner agencies in the law enforcement area. Defence industries 1. The Participants recognise the importance of the cooperation of defence industries. Germany will examine ways to encourage and facilitate engagement of its defence industry to contribute to the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base, including through German industrial investments and incentives to invest as appropriate, and strive to identify opportunities for closer defence industrial partnerships, and collaboration including for mutual commercial benefit and coordination. Germany will work with Ukraine to strengthen efforts to reduce existing barriers for cooperation, encourage its defence industry to invest, taking into account the general security situation and legitimate interests of its industry, including by evaluating options for supporting the localisation of production in Ukraine, as well as by exploring opportunities for joint production. 2. Germany will examine with Ukraine measures to mitigate existing supply chain bottlenecks impeding the development of capacity and capability of both Germany and Ukraine for manufacturing of priority weapons and ammunition. 3. Germany will encourage its defence industry to work with Ukraine, provide assistance to its industry to identify potential areas for cooperation, and further explore localising repair and maintenance in Ukraine, taking into account the general security situation and legitimate interests of its industry. Germany will work with Ukraine to strengthen protection of the transferred technologies and intellectual property rights. At the same time, Ukraine will protect these technologies and intellectual property. 4. Germany and Ukraine will consider ways to enable Ukraine's defence industry to contribute effectively to restoring its territorial integrity, acting as a major driver in economic recovery and to contribute to effective deterrence of future aggression, as well as the alignment of standards and improving interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners. Security and defence sector reform 1. Germany recognises the significant progress Ukraine has made in implementing reforms in the security and defence sector. Ukraine reiterates that it will continue to engage in comprehensive democratic reforms in the security and defence sector, in particular: advance defence reforms and modernisation, including by strengthening democratic civilian oversight of the security sector, and improve efficiency and transparency across Ukraine's defence institutions and industry. 2. Germany will continue to assist and advise the reform and further development of Ukraine's future forces, bilaterally and with partners. Countering CBRN risks and cyber and hybrid threats 1. The Participants intend to further expand their existing bilateral cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's resilience against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons-related risks. Germany intends in particular to continue its support to Ukraine in enhancing the nuclear safety and security of its nuclear plants, developing its civil protection capabilities against CBRN-related risks and enhancing its resilience against biosecurity risks. Germany and Ukraine intend to identify, detect and counter hybrid threats and to deter and disrupt Russian conventional aggression, espionage and hybrid warfare. The Participants will work together to secure IT infrastructure from cyber-attacks, while supporting the modernisation and reform of Ukraine's security and intelligence architecture, including on cyber and information security issues and the provision of international technical assistance to Ukraine. The Participants strive to strengthen their resilience and law enforcement cooperation with regard to cyberattacks, cybercrime, and disinformation and to provide secure public services online. The Participants will continue their cooperation in providing IT-security training to Ukrainian cybersecurity experts based on EU standards. 2. The Participants intend to strengthen their cooperation to counter information security threats, including propaganda and other forms of foreign malign interference, including disinformation. Intelligence and security cooperation The Participants will enhance the cooperation in the field of intelligence and security in accordance with applicable legal requirements and possibilities. This will be achieved through, but not limited to, intelligence sharing and cooperation, including in the field of counterintelligence. III. Economic stability, resilience and reconstruction, sustainable development Economic cooperation 1. To strengthen and expand their existing economic cooperation, the Participants strive for their respective socio-economic wellbeing, promotion of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and will provide a secure legal and institutional framework for substantial private sector investments, economic prosperity and economic integration of Ukraine as well as a conducive business environment for domestic and international investment in Ukraine. 2. In view of Ukraine's European perspective, Germany will provide assistance for Ukraine to harmonise its regulations with EU standards. In addition, intensification of cooperation is intended in areas such as the construction industry, cybersecurity, digital transformation/Industry 4.0, the chemical industry, electronics/electrical engineering, the energy industry, agriculture, mechanical engineering, arms industry and green energy/hydrogen. 3. In addition to close and regular policy dialogue, this Agreement is expected to facilitate, inter alia, people-to-people exchanges on best practices and knowledge in order to encourage mutual learning, the shared development of effective policies; bilateral trade and investment; as well as joint research, development and demonstration. Resilience of energy and other critical infrastructure 1. Energy supply security remains crucial for Ukraine's resilience. Building upon the G7+ support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Germany will continue to provide long-term support to Ukraine's overall energy sector with a special focus on green energy transition. 2. The Participants will work to accelerate both short-term commitments and long-term economy-wide net zero goals, identify areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation and facilitate energy efficiency, renewable energy as well as innovative and sustainable energy and climate technologies and services to support economic growth and well-paid jobs in both countries. Germany will support Ukraine in enhancing the resilience of its critical infrastructure, particularly energy, water and heat infrastructure. 3. Germany will contribute to the development of Ukraine's critical infrastructure protection capabilities, as well as to the access of Ukrainian specialists to relevant international programmes. Germany will engage Ukrainian specialists with experience in critical infrastructure security to implement relevant projects on its territory and in partner countries. The Participants will launch joint educational and training programmes for critical infrastructure protection specialists. 4. Germany will work with Ukraine to identify sources of funding for grant programmes to develop the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure in various sectors. 5. The Participants will contribute to the development of Ukraine's capabilities to defend against, deter and respond to threats to critical infrastructure by facilitating the availability of modern technological solutions in the field of critical infrastructure protection for its cybersecurity actors, including through the provision of international technical assistance to Ukraine. Information security 1. The Participants will continue mutual cooperation in the field of countering Russian and any other information manipulation and propaganda. 2. They will jointly promote the development of Ukraine's capabilities to counter information security threats, take common measures to counter disinformation by foreign states and organisations, and strive to develop joint educational and training programmes for experts in the field of strategic communication and public diplomacy, regular exchange of experience and professional events involving experts in the field of strategic communication and public diplomacy. Cooperation in the sphere of combating serious and organised crime 1. The Participants recognise that serious and organised crime (SOC), particularly Illicit Finance, to finance actions aimed at undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its internal stability, but also other types of SOC, pose a threat to Ukrainian society. 2. The Participants intend to take actions to counteract the activities of SOC, in particular individuals and groups that are trying to infiltrate across Ukrainian society, have criminal influence in certain regions, including the temporarily occupied ones, and are actively used as a tool of "hybrid warfare" to counteract the processes of recovery and reconciliation in Ukraine. 3. In order to counter all types of activities of SOC, the Participants will take measures to: conduct joint operations to detect and suppress SOC; analyse the criminal situation in the countries and identify the main risks from SOC; identify assets that may be seized in criminal proceedings or recognised as unjustified assets; create joint working groups and joint investigation teams of prosecutors and other parties; and facilitate the provision of training and sharing of best practices. 4. The above measures are not intended to be exhaustive, and the Participants may pursue other forms of cooperation to achieve their goals in combating SOC. Recovery, reconstruction and sustainable development 1. Germany will together with its international and European partners and in close coordination with relevant International Organisations and International Financial Institutions continue to support Ukraine throughout its path from early to long-term recovery, with these efforts being aligned with Ukraine's European perspective and its status as an EU candidate country. Germany and Ukraine will therefore continue to strengthen the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform initiated by the G7 as well as other coordination mechanisms for joint international efforts for reconstruction and encourage Ukraine's reform agenda as well as private sector led growth. 2. Germany has been a major contributor to humanitarian and military demining in Ukraine. The Participants recognise the need to unite efforts aimed at protecting the population and territories of Ukraine from the negative consequences caused by mines and explosive remnants of war as a result of the Russian armed aggression and alleviating the devastating consequences after its completion. Given the extraordinary scope of the challenge caused by Russia's massive contamination of Ukrainian soil through mines, ammunition and other explosive ordnance, Germany aims to continue providing substantial funding to humanitarian demining efforts alongside partners. Germany, in cooperation with other partners, will support Ukraine in developing and sustaining international demining standards in its operations. 3. Germany will continue to support recovery and reconstruction with the aim of supporting the use of regenerative materials and renewable energy sources, applying safe and sustainable climate-neutral technologies and protecting the natural resources and the vulnerable environment of Ukraine. The Participants will therefore also employ innovative approaches to recovery, and support digital transformation as well as energy efficiency and green energy transition. They concur that the recovery process needs to be transparent and accountable to the people of Ukraine and the international community. 4. The Participants underline the importance of the involvement of the private sector as well as of civil society and municipalities as drivers of an ambitious, inclusive, decentralised reconstruction process. The Participants aim to promote business-to-business as well as civil society exchanges between the two countries. Germany aims to support Ukraine by offering expert advice with a focus on good corporate governance, proactive management of state-owned companies, privatisation of state-owned companies and the professional management of funds for reconstruction. This includes capacity building with a particular focus on development and SME finance, building on successful existing initiatives such as the Business Development Fund. Efforts will also include education, professional training, psychosocial needs to overcome trauma, health support and assistance to vulnerable parts of the population, including veterans. Humanitarian aid, civil defence and resilience 1. The Participants reaffirm that, as Ukraine begins early recovery and reconstruction, they will ensure the continuation of well-coordinated life-saving humanitarian aid where it is needed. The Participants will work together to ensure a better prioritised, targeted humanitarian response which delivers to those most in need, including in hard-to-reach areas. 2. The Participants reaffirm the aim to strengthen the Ukrainian state's resilience and civil defence. Germany will continue its stabilisation engagement especially in liberated and frontline areas. German support will include responding to immediate needs, e.g. by providing protective equipment, supporting investigation and documentation of human rights violations and war crimes in relation to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine as well as support for Ukraine's civil society. Compensation for losses, injuries and damages caused by Russian aggression 1. The Participants reaffirm that the Russian Federation is to be held accountable for the damages inflicted on Ukrainian territory. Russian sovereign assets should remain immobilised until the Russian Federation has paid for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Germany, working with its partners in the European Union and within the G7, aims to continue to pursue all lawful routes through which revenues from Russian assets can be used to support Ukraine, in accordance with European and international law. 2. The Participants recognise the need for the establishment of an international mechanism for reparation of damages, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. The Participants will continue to work together with others, including G7 members, to explore all possible avenues to aid Ukraine in obtaining compensation from Russia, consistent with their respective legal systems and international law. IV. Technical and financial support, reforms Technical and financial support 1. Germany will persevere to support existing international and European frameworks and institutions in their endeavours to continue providing regular and predictable financial support to Ukraine. 2. The Participants intend to strengthen their cooperation in the field of customs, as well as in the field of financial market supervision, including public sector banks. Ukraine's reform process 1. The Participants reaffirm that inclusive reform is indispensable for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well as for its future security, prosperity, its democracy, and the resilience of its institutions. 2. Ukraine will continue its ambitious reform process with a particular focus on the reform areas set out for accession to the European Union (EU) and outlined in the European Commission's recommendations of 8 November 2023, most notably justice, the rule of law, decentralisation, the fight against corruption and money laundering, security sector and state management which underscore Ukraine's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and media freedoms. 3. All reforms will be undertaken according to the priority reform areas set out for accession to the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) benchmarks, and in close coordination with major donors, in particular the International Financial Institutions, the EU and the G7. Germany will continue to support Ukraine on this path. V. Political cooperation A just peace 1. The Participants recognise that Ukraine and the whole of Europe will not be secure until there is a just peace that respects Ukraine's rights under international law and the UN Charter. Ukraine and Germany will therefore work together for a just and lasting peace that has broad global support. 2. Germany welcomes Ukraine's efforts to create a just and sustainable peace, based on the principles of Ukraine's Peace Formula. Germany is willing to play a leading role in taking forward steps to implement initiatives that reflect the principles of the UN Charter. Accountability 1. The Participants underline their firm dedication to bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes and other atrocities committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. They concur on the need to ensure accountability for such crimes under international law committed by the Russian leadership and other Russian nationals and in particular by the members of the Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine through appropriate, fair and independent investigations and prosecution at the national or international level, and to ensure the indiscriminate enforcement of international humanitarian law with the view to prevent future crimes. The Participants will continue supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court to ensure that allegations of war crimes and other international crimes are fully and fairly investigated by independent, effective and robust legal mechanisms. 2. The Participants share the conviction on the need to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the establishment of a tribunal to ensure effective accountability. Therefore, Germany will continue its engagement in the "Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine". 3. The Participants recall that Ukraine will ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court including the Amendments on the crime of aggression adopted by the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda on 11th June 2010 by Resolution RC/Res.6, as mentioned in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and on the way to its membership in the EU. VI. Future aggression 1. In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine, at the request of either of the Participants, the Participants will consult within 24 hours to determine appropriate next steps. 2. Germany affirms that in those circumstances and acting in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements and in accordance with international and European law, it would provide Ukraine as appropriate, with swift and sustained security assistance, modern military equipment across all domains as necessary, and economic assistance, seek agreement in the EU to impose economic and other costs on Russia, and consult with Ukraine on its needs as it exercises its right of self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. 3. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to any future armed attack Germany and Ukraine may amend these provisions in order to align with any mechanism that Ukraine may subsequently agree with its other international partners, including the participants in the Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023. VII. Bilateral Relations and European Integration Bilateral relations 1. The Participants will further develop their close and friendly relations in all areas, based on shared values, and an unshakeable solidarity in the face of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and of common threats and challenges. 2. The Participants seek to work together even more closely in the future in the political, economic and cultural spheres. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies in the EU, and Germany and Ukraine will engage together for a strong and unified Europe. 3. The Participants will further deepen their bilateral relations by further strengthening regular consultation formats. European support, sanctions and European integration 1. In addition to this Agreement, Germany will also contribute to ongoing and future support to Ukraine provided by the EU. 2. The Participants will continue working to ensure that the costs to Russia for its aggression continue to rise, including through sanctions and export controls. The Participants recognise the value of sanctions in restricting the Russian Federation's access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its war of aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks. Germany will work within the EU and G7 framework on upholding sanction pressure on Russia and on the fight against sanction evasion as long as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues and Ukraine's territorial integrity is not restored. Germany will seek determined action within the EU to tackle all forms of sanctions circumvention as well as to reinforce its own domestic resilience against Russian-linked illicit finance and Kremlin-linked elites. Germany and Ukraine will provide each other with up-to-date information on the grounds for sanctions and other relevant information, in compliance with relevant obligations. 3. Germany will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards EU membership and to offer practical guidance. 4. Germany intends to support Ukraine's efforts towards aligning with the EU Single Market with the overall goal of Ukraine's accession to the EU. With a view to shared values, among which is an unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law, Germany and Ukraine will regularly review and update the implementation of this Agreement consistent with Ukraine's international and bilateral commitments. 5. Germany will remain resolute in supporting Ukraine's long-term efforts to secure its free and democratic future - for as long as it takes. VIII. Final Provisions Executive and technical arrangements The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement. Timeframe of the Agreement 1. This Agreement is valid for ten years from the date of its signature. The Participants can jointly decide to extend this Agreement through notification no later than 6 months prior to the lapse of the 10-year period. 2. At the same time and in accordance with the G7 Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023, the Participants share the opinion that this Agreement is without prejudice to Ukraine pursuing a pathway toward future membership in the Euro-Atlantic Community 3. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented by mutual consent of the Participants, which will be made in writing. 4. The provisions of this Agreement will come into effect immediately upon signature. 5. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant at any time. They should inform the other Participant by giving written notice to the other at least six months prior. Signed, in Berlin on 16 February 2024, in duplicate in the German, Ukrainian and English language, all texts being equivalent. For Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy For the Federal Republic of Germany: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Berlin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz signed a security agreement between Ukraine and Germany in the framework of the G7 Vilnius Declaration President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 14:11 During his visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The document was concluded in the framework of the Joint Declaration adopted by Ukraine and the members of the G7 in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. With this unprecedented agreement, Germany reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders of 1991. Germany intends to provide support to Ukraine for as long as it takes to help our country defend itself and restore its territorial integrity. The bilateral agreement is valid for ten years from the date of its signature and clearly sets out the specific components of the security commitments that Germany has made to Ukraine. In particular, the document defines the priority areas of bilateral security cooperation - military, political, financial, and humanitarian. The agreement states that in 2024, Germany will provide more than a7 billion in military aid to Ukraine, significantly strengthening the Ukrainian army. Germany will continue to provide support to Ukraine throughout the validity of the document. The parties also acknowledge the importance of imposing sanctions to restrict the Russian Federation's access to finance, goods, technologies and services used in its aggressive war. According to the document, Germany will work on maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia and combating sanctions evasion as long as Russia's war against Ukraine continues and until the territorial integrity of our country is restored. In addition, Germany will continue its engagement in the Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine to ensure effective accountability. Germany reaffirmed its readiness, along with its partners in the EU and the G7, to pursue legal means to channel the revenues from Russian assets to support Ukraine. The agreement also envisages a mechanism for emergency consultations in the event of a possible future armed attack by Russia on Ukraine, which is to be initiated at the request of any of the participants within 24 hours to determine the appropriate next steps. In addition, the document reaffirms Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's efforts on the path of reforms necessary to realize its aspirations for EU and NATO membership. Germany will also contribute to the current and future support of Ukraine by the European Union. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine started negotiations with the Chancellor of Germany in Berlin President of Ukraine 16 February 2024 - 12:40 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy started a working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany. The Head of State arrived at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin to start negotiations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The leaders plan to discuss further defense, political, and financial support for Ukraine. Following the negotiations, the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany is to be signed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz will also discuss support for Ukraine on its path to membership in the European Union and NATO. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine, France Set to Sign Bilateral Security Agreement in Paris By VOA News February 16, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Paris Friday, where France and Ukraine are set to sign a bilateral security agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced the development Thursday but did not provide details about the deal. During Zelenskyy's visit, Macron will "reaffirm France's determination to continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, over the long term and with all its partners," the French presidency said. Zelenskyy's office said he will also travel Friday to Germany for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The meetings come amid a flurry of international gatherings this week, including the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that Zelenskyy is due to attend. NATO defense chiefs met Thursday in Brussels to discuss how to sustain their support for Ukraine in its battle against the Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that allies need to increase their defense production "to ensure that Ukraine gets the weapons, the supplies, the ammunition it needs." Stoltenberg said he also expects the U.S. Congress to agree on a new support package for Ukraine after funding ran out in December. The NATO chief told reporters that "supporting Ukraine is not a charity, supporting Ukraine is an investment in our own security." Stoltenberg also said Thursday that a Ukrainian attack that destroyed a large Russian navy landing ship in the Black Sea showed the impact of support for Ukraine's military. "Just yesterday, the Ukrainians were able to strike successfully a Russian naval ship, and this demonstrates the skills and the competence of [the] Ukrainian armed forces, also in conducting deep strikes behind Russian lines," Stoltenberg told reporters. The Ukrainian military identified the Russian ship as the Caesar Kunikov, and said it was in the waters near the Crimean city of Alupka at the time of the attack. When asked about the attack Wednesday, the Kremlin would not comment. Ukrainian forces have destroyed several ships in Russia's Black Sea fleet since Russia invaded. Ukraine said Thursday a wave of Russian missiles targeted several Ukrainian regions, while in the Russian city of Belgorod officials said a Ukrainian attack killed at least five people. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Belgorod regional governor, said another 18 people were hurt in the Ukrainian attack. Russia's Defense Ministry reported destroying 14 rockets in the Belgorod area, which is near the border with Ukraine and has been the site of repeated Ukrainian attacks. Ukrainian officials said the Russian missiles fired Thursday killed at least seven people and damaged multiple buildings. A following attack killed four more people. Officials in the city of Zaporizhzhia reported four people wounded, with damage to a school and a shop from the Russian attack. Russian missiles also targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, where officials said air defenses were able to shoot down all the missiles and that there were no reported injuries. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched a total of 26 missiles, with Ukrainian air defenses destroying half of them. Ukraine says it will strategically redeploy troops to the Avdiivka area to strengthen itself against the "extremely critical" conditions. The town now has fewer than 1,000 residents, despite its pre-war population of 32,000. "The 3rd Assault Brigade confirms that it was urgently redeployed to strengthen Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area," the brigade said on Telegram. "The situation in the city ... is extremely critical. ... The enemy's forces on our section have approximately seven brigades," the message said. The area in the Donetsk oblast is at risk of falling into Russian control as forces surround three sides of the town, blocking all nonalternative supply routes for the Ukrainians. Russia has been trying to capture the town since October. By late January, Russian troops had reached the city's outskirts. If Moscow were to breach the Ukrainian line, it would be the most significant territorial gain since last May. Russia has placed about 50,000 troops on the Avdiivka front, with its tactical groups growing in number. "In Avdiivka a maneuver is under way in some places to withdraw our units to more advantageous positions, in some places to force [the Russians] out of positions," Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy said in televised comments. According to Maksym Zhorin, the deputy commander of the unit, the intensity of the conflict surpassed previous battles, with Kyiv's forces facing significant numerical and firepower disadvantages there. The troops are tired after fighting for almost two years with sparse artillery resources. "The battles in Avdiivka are many times more hellish than the hottest battles of this phase of the war, which were in Bakhmut," a brigade commander noted. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Radio Free Europe and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We signed an ambitious security agreement that strengthens Ukraine, our warriors and our people - Head of State after the meeting with the President of France President of Ukraine 17 February 2024 - 00:06 During a working visit to France, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. In the course of the negotiations in Paris, the heads of state signed the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France to further the G7 Vilnius Declaration adopted in July 2023. "I would like to thank you, Emmanuel, for the fact that our agreements always work and always inspire. Ukraine and France know how to add strength together to our defense, to our nations, and to our entire Europe. We have prepared and signed an ambitious security agreement. Not all of its details can be discussed openly today. But this is something that truly confirms that this war that Putin has unleashed against Ukraine and the whole of Europe has no future. But there is a future for our nations, for our common security, for a just peace that everyone in Europe deserves," the President of Ukraine said during a meeting with media representatives following the talks with Emmanuel Macron in Paris. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the agreement between Ukraine and France provides for the allocation of a3 billion for defense this year, clear and principled support from Paris for Ukraine's full membership in NATO, sanctions against Russia for the war, and accountability for the Russian political leadership and all war criminals. "In addition, we are bringing cooperation in the areas of information and cybersecurity, intelligence and counterintelligence, critical infrastructure protection and countering organized crime to a new level. Each of these elements is about the resilience of our states in protecting human lives," the President of Ukraine said. Answering journalists' questions, the Head of State noted that each such bilateral agreement strengthens Ukraine, our warriors and our people. He stated that each country with which Ukraine has signed bilateral documents - the UK, Germany, and France - are true leaders in the world's security and leaders in protecting Ukraine. "It is important for us that the people of our countries see this. And it is very important for aggressive, hostile Russia to see that Ukraine is not alone and that the truly powerful countries of the world, with powerful economies and real values, do not abandon Ukraine, which is fighting hard for our freedom and for the values of these countries," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the needs of the Ukrainian army, prospects and opportunities. "We regularly and meaningfully exchange views on the course of the war. And I am grateful to France and Mr. President for all the extremely targeted and powerful military assistance we receive. Today we have another defense package. It is exactly what we need. Artillery ammunition, cannons - effective Caesar systems, additional air defense reinforcement. This is an absolutely worthy response to Putin's attempts to increase pressure on our positions by taking advantage of supply problems from some partners. France is really helping. Thank you," the Head of State said. The President emphasized the importance of launching cooperation between Ukraine and France in the field of defense production, which envisages localization and joint production of weapons, as well as the transfer of certain innovative technologies from France to Ukraine. "Today we have discussed in detail the joint production of drones and electronic warfare. This is extremely important. And each of our achievements will work for the common good of our nations," he said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized that the President of the Russian Federation has now become one of the bloodiest dictators in European history and called on all leaders in the world who value life to work together to establish justice. French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, noted that French assistance is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. According to him, the bilateral agreement on security cooperation will remain in force until Ukraine joins NATO. "France plans to continue supporting Ukraine in terms of military equipment supplies, defense industry cooperation, training, intelligence, and assistance to the civilian sector. We are ready to enhance our defense industrial and technological base for the benefit of European defense," he said. In addition, Emmanuel Macron endorsed the idea of issuing Eurobonds to mobilize the defense industry. "We are determined to support you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and we are convinced that by acting together, we are protecting not only Ukraine, but also what unites us - our values. France will stand by your side today and tomorrow. I assure you of our support, which will last for as long as it takes," the French President said, addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dallas, Feb. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas, Texas - Dallas, Texas, February 16th, 2024: MEI Rigging & Crating, LLC (MEI), a portfolio company of Olympus Partners that provides rigging, machinery moving, millwrighting, mechanical installation, industrial storage, crating, and export packing services, announced today that it has acquired Able Machinery Movers (Able), based in Dallas. Able Machinery Movers is a leading provider of turnkey machinery moving and rigging services through its five locations in Texas. Founded in 1957, Able has built an industry-leading reputation for quality, reliability, innovation, and professionalism, delivering highly technical and customized solutions for high-value, mission critical equipment. Known for its highly experienced industrial rigging services, machine riggers, millwrights, and project planners, Able Machinery Movers offers full-service machinery rigging from start to finish. They handle the coordination, planning, and the logistics of machine rigging and moving. This includes disassembly, rigging, loading, transportation, unloading, setting, assembly, alignment and leveling and warehousing. The acquisition announcement was made by Doug Dayton, CEO of MEI: We are thrilled to welcome Able to the MEI family. This accomplishment is a win-win for both companies, which share similar core values including a deep commitment to our customers, employees, and safety. This dynamic partnership further strengthens MEIs ability to deliver unparalleled services and solutions to our customers in Texas and across the country. The acquisition bolsters MEIs operations in the Dallas-Fort Worth, San AntonioAustin, and Houston markets. MEI also has operating locations in Arizona, California, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia. Ben Miller, CEO of Able Machinery Movers, commented: We are proud to combine our companys abilities and experience with MEI and are excited to work alongside the MEI team to deliver our standard of excellence on a national scale. The combination of these two great companies will expand our collective resources and capabilities and ultimately create new opportunities for customers and employees. Sam Greenberg, Principal at Olympus, added: Well before finalizing our initial investment in MEI, we identified a partnership with Able as our top growth priority. We are thrilled to commit additional capital to fund the transaction. Both companies have achieved incredible growth in the state of Texas, and we are excited to see what these teams can accomplish together. The Olympus team included Dave Cardenas, Sam Greenberg, George Swenson, and Marty Durkin. Olympus was represented by James Faley and Kevin Stocks from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. About MEI Rigging & Crating, LLC MEI Rigging & Crating, a portfolio company of Olympus Partners, is a leading provider of rigging, machinery moving, millwrighting, mechanical installation, industrial storage, crating, and export packing services across the nation. MEI has a growing team of over 1,200 employees in eighteen operating locations across fourteen states: Arizona, California, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. With MEIs comprehensive footprint and expansive portfolio, MEI serves customers across the country. For more information, visit MEIs website at meiriggingcrating.com. About Olympus Partners Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for growth companies. Olympus manages in excess of $8.5 billion mainly on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. Founded in 1988, Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries including business services, food services, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services, industrial services, and manufacturing. ### For more information about Able Machinery Movers, contact the company here: Able Machinery Movers Ben Miller bmiller@ablemm.com 600 Westport Parkway Grapevine, Texas 76051 Cambridge, Massachusetts, Feb. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DealStream makes it easier and less time-consuming to find deals that match your interests. The key is Search Genius, a proprietary intelligent search engine. Search Genius uses advanced artificial intelligence software to analyze search activity on DealStream to predict which deals are going to be of interest. It then shares those recommended deals with you in a daily email. DealStreams Search Genius is the latest example of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape. With its inherent ability to process vast datasets and generate insightful predictions, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for dealmakers around the globe. Let's delve deeper into how AI is transforming the M&A business, promising both efficiency and accuracy in previously unimaginable ways. 1. Deal Sourcing: Beyond Conventional Horizons Traditionally, deal sourcing involved extensive networks, industry insights, and, sometimes, serendipity. Today, AI-powered platforms like DealStream are changing this. Using advanced artificial intelligence, DealStream searches its expansive database 24/7 for deals that align with users interests. DealStreams Search Genius then serves up a customized recommendation each day via email. AI is facilitating the processing of vast expanses of data from company financials and news articles to social media sentiment allowing platforms to identify potential acquisition targets that may be a strategic fit, often even before they come onto the traditional market. AI helps filter out noise, presenting only opportunities that align with a company's strategic goals and risk appetite. 2. Due Diligence: The Power of Predictive Analytics Arguably, due diligence is one of the most critical phases in any M&A process. Here, AI is making its presence felt strongly. Traditional due diligence relies heavily on manual reviews of voluminous documents, which takes time and is prone to oversight. AI tools, especially those rooted in Natural Language Processing (NLP), can quickly analyze thousands of documents, extracting critical information and flagging potential issues, from contractual obligations to litigation risks. The magic of AI in due diligence isn't confined to the past and present; AI tools can even project the trajectory of the target company. AI paints a comprehensive picture of the company's potential future standing by assimilating data on market dynamics, consumer sentiments, industry trends, and the competitive landscape. For instance, if a target company is in an industry on the cusp of disruption, AI can assess how well-equipped it is to navigate the impending changes or if its current market share is sustainable in the long run. Further, AI tools can extract salient information, highlight inconsistencies, flag potential liabilities like undisclosed litigation risks, or unearth hidden contractual obligations that could affect the deal's value. This forward-looking capability of AI is especially crucial in today's rapidly evolving business environment. Companies are no longer static entities but instead are more akin to living organisms that continuously evolve in response to their ecosystem. The precision and speed AI offers significantly reduces the odds of post-acquisition surprises. 3. Post-Merger Integration: Ensuring Seamless Synergies The post-merger integration phase is where the rubber meets the road in M&A transactions. Here, the vision behind the merger or acquisition is actualized, bringing together two previously separate entities into a cohesive whole. While the challenges in this phase are numerous ranging from technological to human the advent of AI plays a crucial role in paving a smooth path forward. Data Integration: In an era where data drives decision-making, the integration of databases, CRM systems, and other information repositories is pivotal. The sheer volume and complexity of these datasets can be daunting. AI-powered algorithms, however, can rapidly sift through these expansive datasets, ensuring that critical information is neither lost nor misrepresented. AI can also pinpoint areas of overlap, redundancy, or discrepancy to aid in merging databases and ensure a clean, consolidated data set. Cultural and Organizational Mapping: One of the most overlooked aspects of post-merger and acquisition integration is blending organizational cultures. Dissonance in corporate culture can undermine even the most strategically sound M&A transactions. Here, AI tools, trained on data such as employee feedback, past organizational changes, and even patterns in email communication, can identify potential hotspots where cultural clashes might occur. AI can also predict which teams or departments might face challenges during integration using a plethora of data points past team performance, inter-departmental communications, and even employee turnover rates post-past mergers. By foreseeing these challenges, organizations can take proactive measures, whether it's providing additional resources, facilitating team workshops, or even reconsidering the integration timeline for specific departments. Operational Synergies: Operational processes, be they in production, sales, or marketing, can vary widely between companies. AI can analyze the workflows of both entities to identify the most efficient methods. In addition, AI-driven simulations can predict how changes in one process might ripple through the larger operational ecosystem so that tweaks and transformations don't inadvertently disrupt other areas of the business. 4. Valuation and Pricing: Achieving Fair Play One of the more nuanced areas where AI is gaining traction is in the valuation of potential acquisition targets. Machine learning models, trained on vast datasets of past M&A transactions and company financials, can provide more accurate valuation metrics. This ensures that buyers don't overpay and that sellers get a fair valuation. Furthermore, the AI-driven valuation approach considers a broader range of variables than traditional methods. By analyzing external factors such as market sentiment, geopolitical events, and even potential regulatory changes, AI provides a holistic view of a company's valuation. This dynamic and responsive approach means valuations can quickly adapt to changing market conditions. For instance, during times of economic uncertainty or industry upheaval, AI can recalibrate valuations based on predictive models, thus offering a more current and robust assessment. This capability ensures buyers and sellers can confidently navigate the complex M&A landscape, knowing their decisions are grounded in comprehensive data-driven insights. 5. Risk Management: The Proactive Approach In the realm of M&A, where stakes are high and the margin for error is slim, risk management stands as a bulwark against potential pitfalls. Historically, this involved meticulous human analysis and expert intuition. Today, however, AI is augmenting this space, promising both breadth and depth in risk assessment. Understanding and mitigating risks is, without a doubt, crucial in M&A. AI, with its vast computational prowess and predictive capabilities, offers businesses a lens into the future. This lens allows them to visualize and assess potential challenges that might crop up post-acquisition challenges that span a wide spectrum, from regulatory hurdles to cultural clashes. Regulatory hurdles, for instance, are often intricate and vary across jurisdictions. An AI system trained on global regulatory frameworks can analyze a deal's specifics and predict potential compliance issues, from antitrust concerns to sector-specific regulations. This ensures that companies can preemptively address these concerns, prepare the necessary documentation, or even reconsider certain aspects of the deal. When it comes to cultural integration a nuanced and often underestimated aspect of M&A AI can provide invaluable insights. AI can identify potential cultural mismatches by analyzing data such as employee feedback, past organizational structures, and even communication patterns. Such foresight allows companies to craft tailored integration plans, focusing on harmonizing diverse cultures or, in some instances, maintaining beneficial distinctiveness. Another arena where AI shines is in financial risk assessment. Beyond just examining the balance sheets and revenue streams, AI can delve deep into market trends, customer feedback, and even the competitive landscape to predict the target company's future financial health. This holistic assessment can uncover hidden liabilities or potential growth areas that might not be immediately apparent. Lastly, AI's capability to continually learn and adapt means its risk assessment is not a one-off process. Post-acquisition, it can continuously monitor various parameters, alerting businesses to emerging risks or changing dynamics and ensuring that companies remain proactive rather than reactive. In essence, the AI-augmented approach to risk management in M&A is akin to having a future-facing radar. It doesn't just highlight potential obstacles but also offers alternate paths, ensuring that companies don't just survive post-acquisition challenges but thrive amid them. Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution in M&A The M&A landscape, historically dominated by human intuition and experience, is undergoing a profound transformation with the infusion of Artificial Intelligence. Across the spectrum, from deal sourcing that identifies synergistic opportunities to due diligence that unearths potential pitfalls, AI is proving its mettle. It ensures seamless post-merger integrations, crafts accurate valuation and pricing strategies, and pioneers a proactive approach to risk management. These advancements underscore AI's role not as a mere tool but as a strategic partner that can amplify human capabilities. As with any disruptive innovation, there is often apprehension. But AI, in the context of M&A, is not a usurper of human roles but rather an enhancer of human decision-making. It sifts through complexities, offers predictive insights, and illuminates paths that might remain obscure to even the most seasoned professionals. To learn more about DealStream and how it can help source or market your next deal, visit DealStream.com. Media Contact Nichole Brazelton Source: DealStream, Inc. Deb Reid 617-497-5100 Saguenay, February 16, 2024 - First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) ("First Phosphate" or the "Company") announces that First Phosphate and Jerome Cliche have mutually agreed to amend Mr. Cliche's role with the Company. Effective, today, Mr. Cliche will cease to act as Vice President, Business Development and will, through his personal corporation, LMC Communications Inc., continue as a consultant to First Phosphate until October 5, 2024. "First Phosphate wishes to thank Mr. Cliche for his dedication and service in his role as Vice President Business Development," says Company CEO, John Passalacqua. "I look forward to continuing to work with Jerome in his consulting capacity to the Company." "I would like to thank the management of First Phosphate, and in particular Mr. John Passalacqua, for the confidence they have shown in me since my appointment," added Mr. Cliche. "I believe that First Phosphate is and will remain a promising project, both for the company and its shareholders, and for the development of the LFP battery industry, which extends far beyond Quebec's borders." Under the terms of the revised consulting agreement, the options held by Mr. Cliche have been forfeited. About First Phosphate Corp. First Phosphate is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the LFP battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate material devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements. For additional information, please contact: Bennett Kurtz, CFO bennett@firstphosphate.com Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657 Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com Follow First Phosphate: Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate -30- Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things, the Company's planned exploration and production activities, the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate, the Company's plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains, and the development of the LFP battery industry, within and outside of Quebec. These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, expectations of the Company's long term business outcomes given its short operating history; expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations; the Company having sufficient working capital and ability to secure additional funding necessary for the exploration of the Company's property interests; expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of the Company's projects; expectations regarding drill programs and the potential impacts successful drill programs could have on the life of the mine and the Company; mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates; expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations; receipt and timing of exploration and exploitation permits and other third-party approvals; government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations; expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affect planned or future exploration and development programs; expectations surrounding global economic trends and technological advancements; and key personnel continuing their employment with the Company. 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 Company's expectations include: limited operating history; high risk of business failure; no profits or significant revenues; limited resources; negative cash flow from operations and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; no dividends; risks related to possible fluctuations in revenues and results; insurance and uninsured risks; litigation; reliance on management and key personnel; conflicts of interest; access to supplies and materials; dangers of mineral exploration and related liability and damages; risks relating to health and safety; government regulation and legal uncertainties; the company's exploration and development properties may not be successful and are highly speculative in nature; dependence on outside parties; title to some of the Company's mineral properties may be challenged or defective; Aboriginal title and land claims; obtaining and renewing licenses and permits; environmental and other regulatory risks may adversely affect the company; risks relating to climate change; risks related to infrastructure; land reclamation requirements may be burdensome; current global financial conditions; fluctuation in commodity prices; dilution; future sales by existing shareholders could cause the Company's share price to fall; fluctuation and volatility in stock exchange prices; and risks related to market demands. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company's other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities, including without limitation the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Information Form dated November 29, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/198347 /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ KELOWNA, Feb. 16, 2024 - Enduro Metals Corp. (TSXV: ENDR) (OTCQB: ENDMD) (FSE: SOG0) ("Enduro" or the "Company") announces that it has closed a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 4,093,123 units of the Company (the "Units") at purchase price of $0.40/Unit for gross proceeds of $1,637,250. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Common Share purchase warrant (each whole Common Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional Common Share at a purchase price of $0.80/share for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance. It is expected that the proceeds from the sale of Units will be used for exploration and development of the Company's Newmont Lake Project located in Northwest British Columbia and for general working capital purposes. In accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company paid aggregate finders' fees of $1,750 and issued an aggregate of 4,375 finder's warrants (the "Finder Warrants") upon closing of the Offering. Each Finder Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a purchase price of $0.40/share for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance. All securities issued will be subject to a four-month holding period from the date of issuance and subject to TSXV approval. The Offering remains subject to the acceptance of the TSXV. Related Party Transaction The Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as certain officers of the Company have participated in the Offering, acquiring in aggregate 275,625 Units for aggregate consideration of $110,250. The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the Offering as the Company is not listed on a specified market and neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related party, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The Offering was approved by the board of directors of the Company with conflicted directors abstaining. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to the anticipated date of completion of the Private Placement due to the Company's determination that it is in the best interests of the Company to avail itself of the proceeds and complete the Private Placement in an expeditious manner. Early Warning Disclosure Evanachan Limited ("Evanachan") acquired 3,000,000 Units under the Offering for total consideration of $1,200,000. Prior to the closing of the Offering, Evanachan beneficially owned, or had control and direction over, 1,066,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 4.4% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares. Subsequent to the Offering, Evanachan beneficially owns and controls, directly or indirectly, 4,066,666 Common Shares, representing approximately 14.5% of the outstanding Common Shares, and 1,500,000 Warrants. If Evanachan were to exercise all of the Warrants acquired under the Offering, it would obtain ownership and control over an additional 1,500,000 Common Shares, which when aggregated with the other Common Shares directly or indirectly owned or controlled by Evanachan would total 5,566,666 Common Shares, representing approximately 18.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially diluted basis (i.e., assuming the exercise of only Evanachan's convertible securities). Evanachan has advised the Company that the Units were acquired for investment purposes. Evanachan currently has no plans or intentions with respect to its Common Shares, depending on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions, trading prices of the Common Shares, the Company's business, financial condition and prospects and/or other relevant factors, Evanachan may develop such plans or intentions in the future and, at such time, may from time to time acquire additional Common Shares, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional Common Shares or may continue to hold the Common Shares. A copy of the applicable early warning report will appear on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and may also be obtained by contacting Evanachan at (647) 258-0395, 150 King St. West Suite 2800 Toronto, Ontario M5H 1J9. About Enduro Metals Enduro Metals is an exploration company focused on its Newmont Lake Project; a total 688km2 property located between Eskay Creek, Snip, and Galore Creek within the heart of British Columbia's Golden Triangle. Building on prior results, the Company's geological team has outlined multiple deposit environments of interest across the Newmont Lake Project including high-grade epithermal/skarn gold along the McLymont Fault, copper-gold alkalic porphyry mineralization at Burgundy, newly discovered copper-gold porphyry mineralization at North Toe, and a large 10km x 4km geochemical anomaly hosting various gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and lead mineralization along the newly discovered Chachi Corridor. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Enduro Metals Corp. "Cole Evans" President/CEO The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. 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 or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Enduro's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements concerning the Company's expected use of proceeds of the Offering and all other statements that are not historical in nature. Although Enduro believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Enduro Metals Corp. Mr. Baer's appointment follows the departure of Mr. Adrian Volintiru in November 2023 for personal reasons. DeepRock Minerals extends its gratitude to Mr. Volintiru for his dedicated service and contributions to the Company. In addition to Mr. Baer's appointment, DeepRock Minerals is excited to announce the newest addition to its corporate development team, Mr. Picard Yiu. Mr. Yiu brings a wealth of experience as a dynamic business leader known for his innovative approach to problem-solving. With a proven track record of integrating modern technology with traditional business models, Mr. Yiu has consistently driven improvements in efficiency and growth across diverse markets. His expertise in identifying and capitalizing on strategic opportunities, coupled with a keen entrepreneurial spirit, will be invaluable assets to DeepRock Minerals as it continues to pursue its strategic objectives. Mr. Yiu holds a degree from the UBC Sauder School of Business, specializing in Business Technology Management & Entrepreneurship. Commenting on the appointments, Andrew Lee, CEO of DeepRock, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm very pleased to have Roger and Picard join our team. Their exceptional skill sets and extensive experience will undoubtedly bolster our efforts, particularly as we move forward with plans to optimize the value of our mineral properties." Mr. Lee further added, "Shareholders can anticipate further updates in the near future as we progress with our strategic initiatives." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Andrew Lee" Andrew Lee CEO, President, and Director Email: andrew@deeprockmineralsinc.com Phone: 778-302-2257 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain "forward-looking statements", which are statements about the future based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or true. Without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to a proposed plan of arrangement, which may or may not occur. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Fur den Inhalt des Beitrages ist allein der Autor verantwortlich bzw. die aufgefuhrte Quelle. Bild- oder Filmrechte liegen beim Autor/Quelle bzw. bei der vom ihm benannten Quelle. Bei Ubersetzungen konnen Fehler nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Der vertretene Standpunkt eines Autors spiegelt generell nicht die Meinung des Webseiten-Betreibers wieder. Mittels der Veroffentlichung will dieser lediglich ein pluralistisches Meinungsbild darstellen. Direkte oder indirekte Aussagen in einem Beitrag stellen keinerlei Aufforderung zum Kauf-/Verkauf von Wertpapieren dar. Wir wehren uns gegen jede Form von Hass, Diskriminierung und Verletzung der Menschenwurde. Beachten Sie bitte auch unsere AGB/Disclaimer Since becoming widespread in the 1990s, term limits remain popular among voters who see them as a check against political power. But many observers blame term limits for myopic budget decisions and increased partisanship.Now California is revisiting the idea of term limits. Voters approved a ballot measure in 2012 to relax limits, and state lawmakers and other elected officials say theyre already seeing hopeful signs of change in an office that had become shortsighted. Californias Proposition 28 actually reduces the overall number of years legislators can serve from 14 to 12, but it allows them to use that time entirely in one chamber or to divide it between chambers however theyd like. A state law passed in 1990, which limited lawmakers to six years in the Assembly and eight years in the Senate, kicked off a decade-long wave of term-limit laws that ultimately passed in nearly half the states.Since that initial push, research on term limits ill effects has poured in. Numerous studies have linked the laws to poor fiscal health, arguing they actually lead to less sound policies because legislators wont have to face voter wrath later on. Others studies have found that term limits give interest groups and career lobbyists the upper hand because theyve spent far more time in state capitols than the lawmakers themselves.Some in California say the change is already having an effect. Assemblyman Ken Cooley of Sacramento County says hes seen a heightened interest among new lawmakers to seek out information for their committee assignments and try to build expertise in a subject area. Developing a serious depth of knowledge wasnt as realistic as before, he says. State Controller John Chiang agrees that hes also seen a shift in attitudes: A lot of freshmen, in their public comments, are taking a long viewthat six, seven or eight years from now the actions they take will have an impact.While California might have helped start the national term-limit movement, the newest change will likely have less impact in other states. An effort to abolish or relax existing limits arose between 1999 and 2003, when more than 100 bills were introduced in 17 states, but it was met with limited success. Over the past three years, more than 20 bills have been introduced in statehouses to increase or extend terms, but none have passed. One of those measures is still pending in Michigan, and another in Arkansas is on the ballot this year.Arkansas voters soundly rejected term-limit changes in 2004, but this time proponents craftily inserted their language into a broad package that, among other things, prohibits corporate contributions to candidates and lobbyist gifts to elected officials, says Janine Parry, a professor of political science at the University of Arkansas. I think term limits here remain as popular as ever, which is to say that politicians remain as unpopular as ever, Parry says. But what theyve done here is package it as something else, with something that they hope will be popular enough to succeed. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 17. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan discussed cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports. According to the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, these topics were discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, Taalaibek Ibraev, and the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Juma. Ibraev and several Kyrgyz energy sector officials are in Tajikistan for a three-day working visit. The main goal of the Kyrgyz energy delegation's visit is to strengthen the relationship between the two countries in the energy sector and to hold preliminary discussions on continuing work that began after resolving border issues. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current situation in the energy sector, projects aimed at industry development, including the Kambarata HPP-1, construction of small hydropower plants, green energy initiatives, thermal power plants, coal, the CASA-1000 project, and addressing electricity problems in border areas. The Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan noted that cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector has been ongoing for a long time. He also emphasized that the CASA-1000 project is symbolic and expressed readiness for collaboration once border issues are resolved. As part of the visit, the Kyrgyz delegation visited the Dushanbe Thermal Power Plant-2 and learned about its operations on-site. Minister Ibraev highlighted that the exchange of experience gained today in building thermal power plants, hydropower plants, and modernizing the energy sector will play a significant role in realizing future plans. CASA-1000 is an infrastructure initiative designed to transmit 1,300 megawatts of surplus electricity from Central Asian countries, specifically Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to meet the high electricity demands in South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have a common border of 970 km, but some areas still require identification and marking. Meetings between delegations are held alternately on the territory of each country. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 17. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has expressed concern over the significant losses of electricity in the country, Trend reports. He made these remarks during his address to the government, where the results of the country's socio-economic development in January 2024 were reviewed. While acknowledging substantial progress in the country's energy sector, President Rahmon issued specific directives to the government, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, the energy companies, and local executive authorities to address existing shortcomings. In particular, it was emphasized that all necessary measures should be taken to ensure uninterrupted and efficient operation of the country's economic and social sectors, especially during the winter and spring seasons. This includes the rational use of reserved materials and ensuring the proper distribution of electricity and water. President Rahmon also provided specific instructions regarding the utilization of alternative and renewable energy sources, including the construction of solar power plants. Today Google has released the first Developer Preview (DP) of Android 15, a day later than rumored. One more DP build is coming in March, followed by the first Beta in April, a second Beta in May, and then the "Platform Stability" phase kicks in in June ahead of the final release that will be... after July, that's all Google is revealing right now. The company does say that from June there will be "several months" until the official release, for what it's worth. As always with an early DP, there isn't a lot of new stuff baked in, and the things that are highlighted are mostly developer-focused. There will be support for partial screen sharing in Android 15, which means you can share or record just an app window rather than the entire screen. Android 13 added support for connecting to MIDI 2.0 devices via USB, and Android 15 extends the support to virtual MIDI apps, letting composition apps control synthesizer apps as a virtual MIDI 2.0 device just as if they were a USB MIDI 2.0 device. There are additional performance framework improvements too, and new extensions for more control over camera hardware and algorithms on supported devices as well as support for new data types in Health Connect. Files can be protected by custom cryptographic signatures in Android 15, ensuring they haven't been tampered with or corrupted and protecting against malware or unauthorized file modifications. As the pre-beta labeling implies, this build isn't for everyone. It's intended for app developers to play with and make sure their apps will work well with the upcoming release. As always, the Beta builds arriving from April onwards will be easy to enroll in by anyone with a Pixel. Source The Guam Police Department said the woman who was shot during a robbery at Thai Thai Healthy Cuisine restaurant in Tamuning died from her injuries. A release from GPD states that a nursing supervisor with the Guam Memorial Hospital confirmed the woman was pronounced deceased at 7:45 p.m. Friday. We have earlier reported that a woman had sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was transported to Guam Memorial Hospital for urgent medical treatment. We regret to inform the community that the victim has tragically succumbed to her injuries, GPD stated. The woman was sent to GMH after she was shot in a robbery around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Tamuning restaurant. The woman received immediate medical attention and was in critical condition. The Guam Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time, GPD stated in a release. No arrests had been made in the case as of Saturday afternoon. Two suspects remain at large and GPD continues to ask the community for assistance in finding them. The investigation remains ongoing and GPD is committed to bringing those responsible for this act to justice, the release states. At this time, GPD is seeking the assistance of the community in providing any information that may aid in the investigation. We urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation, GPD said. Anyone with information can contact the Guam Police Department at 671-475-8615 thru 8617. Description of the two suspects involved in the incident: Suspect #1: Gender: Male Height: Approximately 57 Build: Medium Attire: Long sleeve black hoodie and white ski mask Suspect #2: Gender: Male Height: Taller than Suspect #1 (specific height details unavailable) Further details: Not provided Second shooting death The womans death is the second shooting death this year. On Jan. 4, two men robbed Hea Jun Hwang, 60, and his wife who were walking back to their hotel from Gun Beach. The suspected shooter, Keoki Junior Santos and Stefan Keanu Camacho, 26, the driver of the vehicle, set out to rob a tourist after losing $100 gambling, according to court documents charging Camacho in the case. Camacho told police Santos pointed a gun at the woman and demanded her purse. After a struggle between Hwang and Santos, the gun went off, killing Hwang. Camacho and Santos each took $75 from the robbery, and they discarded the purse and other items, according to court documents. Santos shot and killed himself when police approached his vehicle on Jan. 9. Camacho remains confined and his bail was set at $1 million. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 17. The growth of the industrial sector in Tajikistan in January 2024 reached 6 percent compared to the same period of 2023, Trend reports. The statement was made by President Emomali Rahmon in his address to the government, during which the results of the country's socio-economic development in January 2024 were reviewed. The president emphasized the importance of swiftly addressing existing shortcomings in the industrial sector by responsible government officials, relevant ministries, departments, and local executive authorities to achieve the strategic goal of accelerated industrialization. In particular, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and local executive authorities are tasked with preventing the cessation of industrial enterprises, reducing production declines, and ensuring the effective utilization of existing capacities. Tajikistan is currently implementing a rapid industrialization strategy for 2022-2026. President Rahmon declared this period as the 'Years of Industrial Development' in January 2022, aiming to increase industrial output by 2.5 times within five years. The target for 2026 is set at 95 billion somoni ($9.3 billion), up from 38.8 billion somoni ($3.7 billion) in 2021. Haiti - Traffic : The majority of weapons and ammunition are purchased largely in the USA The "Fragility, Resilience, Development and Investment" (FREDI) report recently published by the Institute of Higher Education for Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESDYC) of the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex), covering the period 2021 to 2023, reveals that the weapons and ammunition come largely from the United States and fuel the traffic to Haiti where they are resold illegally in this country and in a small proportion in the Dominican Republic. He specifies that most of the weapons are purchased by Haitian gang members through intermediaries who are American-Haitian residents or other nationalities, who are responsible for importing them from the USA and other countries into Haiti. The report indicates that arms and ammunition generally enter Haiti by land and sea (unmonitored ports and coasts), and that narcotics do so through ports, airports and poorly or unmonitored maritime border points. The report specifies that arms trafficking from Haiti to the Dominican Republic has become almost non-existent in the border provinces since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021 due to the proliferation of gangs and their needs which monopolizes the market. This report indicates that in 2022, the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFront) seized a total of 22,160 munitions of various calibers destined for Haiti. Likewise, the report refers to a document published by the UN "Criminal markets in Haiti" (2023) (PDF in English hhttps://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/toc/Haiti_assessment_UNODC.pdf ) which indicates that Haitian customs officers periodically intercept contraband products at the borders, including firearms hidden in food products such as beans, flour and rice. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... The USA delivers the first equipment for the MMSS As part of preparations for the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in support of the Haitian National Police (PNH) led by Kenya, the United States has already begun to transport generators to Haiti and other equipment that is currently stored in the Toussaint Louverture International Airport area. Delmas : BRI patrols reinforced The Intervention and Research Brigade (BRI) increased its patrols in Delmas 32, Delmas 48 and Delmas 83, and also reinforced its presence in the area behind the Cemetery and Carrefour Feuilles. Lack of oxygen The company "Industrial Dynamics", one of the main suppliers of oxygen in Haiti, denounces the persistence of the phenomenon of insecurity affecting its minimum production capacity of 400 oxygen cylinders per day. See also: https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-41658-icihaiti-health-towards-a-shortage-of-medical-oxygen.html A gang leader and his right-hand man killed The gang leader operating in the commune of Tiburon, Walterson Pierre Louis, alias "Ofis Lom Rach" and his right-hand man Adelson Joseph alias "Onze" were fatally injured on the night of February 15 to 16, 2024 during a police operation . These 2 individuals fled during the operation to dismantle the "Ti-Rach" gang in December 2023. According to Me Wadson Azor, Head of the Prosecutors Office of the Coteaux jurisdiction, this gang no longer exists. Sit-in to demand the deployment of the Mission The Gathering of Citizens Committed to the Security and Development of the Country announces a sit-in at the entrance to the premises of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) on February 19, 2024, to demand the immediate deployment of the Multinational Support Mission for Security (MMSS) in support of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), to fight against gangs. "Arab" incarcerated in the national penitentiary Arrested in Les Cayes on February 12nd https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41671-haiti-news-zapping.html , political activist Marcelin Myrtil alias "Arab" was incarcerated on Friday February 16 at the national penitentiary following of his hearing by two substitutes for the Government Commissioner. The Port-au-Prince Prosecutor's Office transferred his file to the investigating office https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41685-haiti-news-zapping.html . "Arab" is accused of inciting violence, death threats, conspiracy against State security and criminal conspiracy. HL/ HaitiLibre TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 17. Uzbekistan and World Bank (WB) have agreed to cooperate on attracting leading companies to Uzbekistan in the waste sector, introducing the bank's investments in this area and allocating grants, Trend reports. This was discussed at a meeting between Uzbek Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov with the WB's Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy Valerie Hickey. They discussed the work on sustainable green climate at the meeting. Valerie Hickey said that the WB is participating for the first time in the convention dedicated to the protection of migratory species and is very glad to come to Samarkand. She also noted that important work is underway to restore endangered wildlife species in Uzbekistan. At the same time, the meeting highlighted the reforms being carried out in the waste management sector. "Uzbekistan pays great attention to waste management. This means that our goals are common. In addition, utilization and sorting of solid waste, support of entrepreneurs and workers of the sphere by the state makes us happy that we cooperate with Uzbekistan," Valerie Hickey noted. In turn, Aziz Abdukhakimov spoke about the goals set for the industry in Uzbekistan, in particular, the effective creation of a waste management system, the introduction of circular economy, as well as the importance of the 'zero waste' principle. "Waste will now become a valuable resource for the economy. We aim to build a green society, beneficial in all aspects," the minister said. During the meeting, the sides discussed a project aimed at establishing 6 transboundary protected areas. This project makes a great contribution to the development of ecotourism and the protection and conservation of rare animal species. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of cooperation was signed between Uzbekistans Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and the Ministry of Ecology of Japan on December 23, 2022. According to the memorandum, the parties will establish permanent cooperation in the field of climate change, water and air pollution, as well as waste management. Saturday February 17, 2024 The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Addis Ababa to attend the 37th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit. Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport today, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was welcomed by Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance. advertisements The 37th African Union Summit will be 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. A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Navi Mumbai's Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area on Saturday, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Several fire tenders rushed to the spot to bring the inferno under control. A major fire broken out Chemical company at MIDC Pawane in Navi Mumbai(Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) According to the reports, the fire broke out at the Sujan chemical factory in the afternoon. The company besides it also caught fire. Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now. No injuries have been reported so far. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the fire yet. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates Board Exam 2024 Live Updates: West Bengal, Odisha have started the Class 12 board examination in their states from February 16 onwards. Assam Class 10 examination also begins today and will get over on March 4, 2024. The West Bengal Class 12 board examination will be conducted from February 16 to February 29 and Odisha 12th from February 16 to March 20, 2024....Read More Jharkhand Board Class 10 and 12 board examinations have also started. The examination started on February 6 and will conclude on February 26, 2024, for both classes. CBSE and ISC exams have also started. UP Board 10th, and 12th examinations will commence on February 22 and will end on March 9, 2024. Rajasthan Board 12th examination will be conducted from February 29 to April 4, 2024. Follow the blog for latest updates on exam dates, analysis and other details. Delhi trust vote Highlights: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for a trust vote in the assembly on Saturday, February 17, soon after he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the alleged scam in the liquor excise policy in the national capital. The discussion regarding the trust vote motion will take place today, while the AAP national convener is also expected to appear before the court on Saturday and explain why had skipped the previous five ED summons in relation with the Delhi liquor policy case....Read More This is the second time that the Kejriwal government has sought a trust vote in the 70-member Assembly. In the current Assembly, the AAP has 62 MLAs while the BJP has eight. CM Kejriwal tabled the confidence motion on Friday saying, "Two MLAs had come to me saying they were contacted by BJP members offering them 25 crore each. They were told that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested and the government will be toppled." The Delhi chief minister also alleged that the Delhi liquor policy case is false, and its only aim is the topple the AAP government in the national capital. He further said that BJP knows it can never win elections in Delhi and that's why they are using different tactics remove AAP from the capital. Farmers protest highlights: Farmers continue their Dilli Chalo protest on the Punjab-Haryana border, with Saturday being day 5 of the agitation. On Sunday, Union ministers Arjun Munda, Nityanand Rai, and Piyush Goyal, will meet farmer leaders for fourth round of talks; the previous three rounds on February 8, 12, 15 all remained inconclusive....Read More The agitators have a list of 13 demands, with the primary one being on a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP). The government says it has reached a consensus on 10 demands, with the MSP one continuing to be the biggest sticking point between the two sides. The farmers want to stage demonstrations in the national capital, but have been stopped on the Punjab-Haryana borders by the Haryana Police. More than 200 farmer groups are participating in the protest, which, however, has no participation from the groups and unions that led the 2020-21 protests against the three central farm laws. These groups, however, say they could join the agitation if the government continues to suppress those wanting to march to Delhi, continue. The island of Sandeshkhali in the Sundarbans of West Bengals North 24 Parganas district, about 75 km from Kolkata, has been roiled by protests since February 8, pushing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) state government on the defensive. Hundreds of village women armed with lathis, farming tools and brooms had hit the streets last week demanding the arrest of three local TMC leaders TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his two aides Shibaprasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. The police on Saturday said that they have charged the latter two with gang rape. Hazra was arrested late Saturday night from the Nazat area in North 24 Parganas, the police said. He will be produced before the Basirhat court on February 18. We came to know that a woman made a statement under section 164 of CrPC before a judicial magistrate. We have accepted the complaint and we will act on any kind of evidence. We have added IPC to the section and we will bring all perpetrators to the book, whosoever he is, Rajeev Kumar, states director general and inspector general of police said. "We talked to so many women. None of them made any such statements before us," he added. Masses rise against local TMC leaders, alleging years of exploitation The allegations are that Sardar and Hazra, led by Shahjahan, had unleashed a reign of terror in Sandeshkhali and its adjoining areas soon after the TMC came to power in West Bengal in 2011. Farmlands of villagers were grabbed forcefully and converted into fish farms. Women who used to work in the Hazras poultry farms were often not given payments. If anyone protested, they would be beaten up. Villagers, including women, were forced to attend political meetings even at night. If anyone refused, his shop would be forcibly shut for days and he would be beaten up. Sometimes, women were threatened with rape, said a villager who refused to be identified. A video surfaced on Sunday, February 10 -- the veracity of which Hindustan Times could not independently confirm in which a woman could be heard saying that many housewives were forced to stay at the homes of TMC workers and leaders for weeks or even months. The mass protests coupled with opposition parties trying to reach the village prompted the police to clamp prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), since Friday, February 9. Police turned a blind eye over the years, say villagers Villagers alleged that the police turned a blind eye to their complaints against the TMC leaders over the years. Whenever any villager approached the local Sandeshkhali police station, he was told to meet Bhai (as Shahjahan is popularly known) or his aides and settle the dispute. If anyone dared to protest, he would be beaten up. In 2019, chief minister Mamata Banerjee launched a phone number on which people could lodge their complaints and grievances directly. But if anyone dared to call that number, he would be identified and meet the same fate, said another villager. It was only after the mass protests started last week that Sardar was suspended from the TMC and later arrested. Shahjahan and Hazra are, however, still absconding. Senior lady IPS (Indian Police Service) officers of DIG (Deputy Inspector General) level rank went to the area on Tuesday, February 13 to speak with the women villagers. This process will continue. Our main aim is to ensure the safety of the women and other villagers. We would request villagers to come up if they have any kind of complaint, Sumit Kumar, DIG of Barasat range, told media persons. Calcutta High Court takes suo moto cognizance; Bengal Governor rushes to Sandeshkhali On Tuesday, February 13 a Calcutta High Court single judge bench of Justice Apurba Sinha Ray took suo moto cognisance of the Sandeshkhali incident based on media reports. I am very much disturbed with what is going on in Sandeshkhali. It is very unfortunate. Allegations have surfaced that women were sexually assaulted at gunpoint and tribal lands were forcefully taken away, Justice Ray said while taking up the case. The bench appointed high court advocate Jayanta Narayan Chatterjee, as amicus curiae in the case, and directed the registrar general to issue notices to the state government, police and district administration. The court will hear the matter again on February 20. Also on Tuesday, February 13, another single judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta set aside the prohibitory orders imposed in Sandeshkhali, saying that the orders were imposed without reasoning and pointing out that no material was placed on record to justify placing the entire Sandeshkhali police station area under prohibitory orders. On Wednesday, however, the district administration imposed fresh prohibitory orders in 19 pockets. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, who rushed to the spot on Monday, February 12 and spoke with villagers, prepared a report card for the people, according to a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan. The villagers feel that it is imperative that the gang leaders be arrested, consider a judicial enquiry, provide ex-gratia assistance to the victims and take strict action against erring officials, particularly police, the report card stated. The politically connected strongman at the centre of the furore Known to be a close aide of state minister for forests and renewable energy Jyoti Priya Mallick, Shahjahans name first surfaced on January 5 when the Enforcement Directorate went to search his house in connection with the alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam. Mallick was arrested in late October 2023 during the ongoing investigation into the alleged scam. The central government agency officers were attacked by Shahjahans supporters and it was alleged that it was he who masterminded the attack. Since then, Shahjahan has been absconding. Although his lawyers recently approached a special Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA) court to apply for interim bail for Shahjahan, the police have yet to arrest him. With their back against the wall and anger brewing against Shahjahan and his aides, protests erupted last Thursday when some of Shahjahans supporters entered the village. They were chased away by the protesting villagers. Shahjahan and his henchmen ensured that not a single vote during any polls went to opposition parties. They resorted to massive rigging and booth capturing. Over the past few elections, be it Lok Sabha, assembly or panchayat most villagers didnt get to vote, a villager alleged. A former trekker driver, Shahjahans rise over the past few years was meteoric. His uncle Moslem Sheikh was a panchayat leader. Shahjahan gradually turned into a strongman controlling fish farms in large areas in and around Sandeshkhali. He joined TMC in 2013 and became a close associate of Mallick. West Bengal Police, however, issued a statement on Tuesday that neither an all-women 10-member fact-finding team led by the DIG of the Crime Investigation Department, nor a team of the state women's commission uncovered any allegations of sexual harassment of women. The National Commission for Women also didn't find any such allegations of sexual violence. It still feels strange to him to think back on the day it happened; a day of normalcy simply taken for granted. David Holmes was 25, and had arrived for work at the Warner Bros studio in Leavesden, England, where the seventh Harry Potter film, The Deathly Hallows: Part 1, was being shot. It was a cold day in January, 2009, and year nine of Holmes acting as Daniel Radcliffes stunt double. The Harry Potter films had been an unusual series to work on. Holmes had flown through the air, levitated on broomsticks, been thrown back by the explosive powers of spells and wands. One such explosion changed it all. They call it the jerk-back routine. The stuntman is strapped into a harness, after which a wire-and-pulley system lifts and throws them into a padded wall. The team had performed the stunt hundreds of times by 2009. But that day, something was wrong. I knew it as soon as I felt the wire pull, Holmes says. It felt like there was too much weight on the pulleys. He felt his body fly through the air and slam into the wall at a frightening pace. The impact broke his neck, severed his spinal cord and led his sternum (the bone at the centre of the ribcage) to fold inward. I was instantly paralysed, says Holmes, 40, speaking from Thailand, where he is currently on vacation. I kept consciousness so I knew pretty much as soon as I landed on the floor. Holmes spent the six months in hospital, and years in recovery. A cyst in his spinal cord led to further complications, including the loss of the use of his right arm. How does one respond to such suffering, such a fracture from the life one knew? David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, a documentary released in November, traces Holmess unusual response of optimism, courage and indefatigable humour. The film is directed by former Potter crew member Dan Hartley, and executive-produced by Radcliffe. The journey that Im now on, as a paralysed person, is not the one I would have picked for myself, Holmes says, but its the one thats taught me the biggest of lessons. I always say breaking my neck made a man out of me. Making ripples With Daniel Radcliffe, who went from being a mentee to a best friend, he says. (Photo courtesy David Holmes) Holmes grew up in Essex, the middle of three boys born to Sue Holmes and Andy Holmes. When he was five, all three were enrolled in a local gymnastics club. My parents were both working, and realised that this was the worlds best babysitter, he says, laughing. By the time he was 13, Holmes was competing in national-level gymnastics tournaments, and dreaming of the Olympics. Then I got my first taste of Hollywood, at 14, and that was it. I was going to be a stuntman. Veteran stunt coordinator Greg Powell signed Holmes up for his first film in 1997, the sci-fi adventure Lost in Space, directed by the Jamaican-British Stephen Hopkins. Holmes spent that summer riding robots, diving out of the way of explosions, and falling madly in love with filmmaking. You go through a film stage door, and I describe it as the airlock into fantasy world, he says. On his first day, he was glued into a rubber spacesuit, put in a spaceship, and asked to jump out of the way of a pyrotechnics display. It made a very big impression on a 14-year-old, thats for sure, he says. Three years later, Powell called him in for another stunt test. Holmes was strapped onto a broomstick that was cantilevered on the back of a pickup truck, with Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Potter films, sitting in the truck bed. Holmes remembers pretending he was flying, dodging quaffles and reaching for snitches, as the truck was driven into a ravine. I was the worlds first Quidditch player, he says. By the end of the day, he was the lead stunt double for Radcliffe. In the early years, he also occasionally served as stunt double for some of the other child characters, including Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger) and Tom Felton (who was Draco Malfoy). The children in particular grew close. Radcliffe grew from my on-set ward and mentee to one of my best friends, Holmes says. The friendship and community that surrounded Holmes after the incident is part of what makes The Boy Who Lived so compelling. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a very large village to support a survivor of spinal cord injury, Holmes says. Currently on holiday in Thailand. (Photos courtesy David Holmes) His sense of humour shines through too, in the film and in conversation. He points out the logistical nightmare of travelling from the UK to Thailand in a wheelchair (I had go so far as to dig up the architectural plans of my hotel before booking it). Theres a fair amount of levity on Holmess podcast as well. Cunning Stunts is where he now channels his love for performance. The podcast is produced by Ripple Productions, which he founded in 2013. On the show, he and Radcliffe interview stunt coordinators and performers. We dont get Oscars, we dont get BAFTAs. But I knew there were a million stunts out there that could be articulately described, for the wider audience to start to appreciate the value of what stunt work is, Holmes says. So I decided to give my friends the canvas and let them show the world the creative artists they are. His other projects include a book on his life, which he says will be full of adventure (I once got arrested, in my wheelchair, in Amsterdam!) and fundraising for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London, which played a pivotal role in his recovery. He remembers films being pivotal too. There have been times when Ive been stuck staring at ceilings for days, so I got a projector and projected movies onto the ceiling, he says. Youd be surprised at the power of storytelling, and what it can do for you in your darkest times. He likes to think that out there, children who feel challenged, sad, alienated or alone are thinking the same things, he adds, of the movies he made. We all know weird and wonderful things often happen in our country. Its what makes India interesting, exciting and, frequently, unpredictable. However, a recent story in The Washington Post has added a new and altogether different dimension. Frankly, Im not sure how to describe it. Ill leave that to you. This is how The Post story begins: A pigeon held for eight months on suspicion of spying for China has been released after Indian authorities determined it was no avian agent of espionage, but a disoriented Taiwanese racing bird that had lost its way. Found by the police near a port in Mumbai in May, with metal rings tied to its legs and what appeared like Chinese writing on the reverse side of its wings, the pigeon was held in custody for eight months. The Post reports it was told by Mumbai police that after deep and proper inquiry and investigations they did not find any suspicious material or fact. Consequently, the bird was released now nearly three weeks ago and is in good health. Experts consulted by the paper have said the pigeon was possibly a racing bird that got lost during a race off the coast of Taiwan and may have hitched a ride on a boat to make the roughly 3,000-mile journey. Yang Tsung-te, the head of the Taiwanese racing pigeon trading platform Nice Pigeon, told The Post that a racing pigeon can fly for up to 1,000 kilometres in a day, but for it to fly to India, it had to make stops. However, the paper adds, Some racing pigeons from the island have made it as far as the United States and Canada. Given theres only a vast expanse of water between Taiwan and North America, Im not sure how they did that. Do pigeons know how to swim? It transpires that this is not the first time the Indian authorities have incarcerated a pigeon. The Post says it happened in 2015 and also in 2020. On that occasion, the police briefly held a Pakistani fishermans pigeon after it flew over the countries heavily militarised border. Now, before you start ridiculing the good police of Mumbai, The Post tells us theres a history of avian espionage. During World War I, Germany deployed pigeons with cameras strapped onto their chests. I dare say the camera was bigger than the bird! In World War II, Allied forces used the birds to exchange secret messages. And theres a very simple explanation behind this. Because pigeons are a common species, the camera-equipped birds could conceal their intelligence collection among the activities of thousands of other birds, according to the CIA, which also developed such a camera. Since this has the CIAs imprimatur, it has to be the truth. However, not everyone The Post spoke to seems to have agreed. A professor at New York University and the author of The Global Pigeon, Colin Jerolmack, found the Indian situation ludicrous. Actually, quite comical, if Im accurate. China, he said, has many more sophisticated tools for espionage which they can successfully deploy against India and no doubt do than racing pigeons. Perhaps. But as I sit by the window and discern the twittering of pigeons, I cant quite help but feel as if Im under scrutiny. Could this be how our dear government knows what Im up to? The pigeons are often on the window ledge and Im not sure its only to leave their droppings behind. Their little eyes stare inward and I suspect theyve taken in a lot more than theyve deposited. So, the next time you spot a bird hovering above or perched on a tree looking down, ask if its been sent for a purpose. Perhaps not all the way from Beijing but possibly a lot closer from South Block. Such birds are not to be fed. The crumbs we give them are nothing like the rewards they receive from their masters. Finally, if you think this is one for the birds, you could well be right! Karan Thapar is the author of Devils Advocate: The Untold Story. The views expressed are personal The arrest in August 2022 of eight retired Indian naval personnel working on a project in Qatar on publicly undisclosed charges, under trial for 18 months, kept in solitary confinement for some time, not allowed consular access initially, a lower Qatari court sentencing them to death in October 2023, an appeals court commuting the death sentence to varying prison terms in December 2023, presented a major challenge to India at the political level at home, a challenge to its diplomacy and a threat to its friendly ties with Qatar. The distraught families of the imprisoned personnel expected the government to bring them home safely. The Indian Navy as an institution was perturbed by this seemingly arbitrary and opaque action by the Qatari authorities. Many in India felt that Qatar was humiliating India by its actions. India and Qatar have had friendly and productive ties. High-level visits are regular Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Qatar in 2016. The country is the largest supplier of LNG and LPG to India. There are over 15,000 big and small Indian companies operating in Qatar and over 835,000 Indian nationals reside there. All this explains why India has handled this murky affair with a great deal of patience and discretion. At the official level, India was not goaded by public opinion into denouncing the Qatari action, discrediting its justice system as primitive and not following the canons of modern law. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) only said it was closely following developments, was in touch with the families of the accused, was offering the required legal help, our mission was in touch with the naval personnel, and that all assistance would be provided in the appeals process. The MEA took the position that there were stages in the legal process in Qatar that should be allowed to be completed. It is worth recalling that in the case of the Italian marines who shot Indian fishermen close to Indian shores, India withstood all pressure to release them and ensured that the legal process in India was completed. Eventually, the prisoners were handed over to Italy to complete their prison terms back home. The issue that had begun to poison India-Italy relations was thus resolved. Along with concerns about the uncertainties associated with an opaque judicial process, it was speculated that the Emir, who had the power, would pardon them. The Indian strategy to deal with the case, now acknowledged officially by the Indian foreign secretary, was led and closely monitored by the PM himself. PM Modi has, as we see in his handling of the Gulf monarchies, a fine understanding of how best to deal with issues that arise in our relations with them. The ultimate power resides in the Emir. PM Modi met Qatars Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. PM Modi posted on X that they had a good conversation on the potential of bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar, which was a subtle hint that the case of the imprisoned naval personnel was discussed. The MEA announced on February 12 that the ex-naval personnel had been released due to the decision by the Emir of the State of Qatar. As part of his imaginative diplomacy in the Gulf region, PM Modi visited Doha on February 14 after visiting the UAE, where he reviewed with the Emir the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across sectors. According to the foreign secretary, the Prime Minister thanked the Emir for his support for the welfare of the Indian community, and in this regard, expressed his deep appreciation to the Emir for the release of eight Indian nationals. He invited the Emir of Qatar to visit India. As they say, alls well that ends well. Kanwal Sibal is a former foreign secretary and presently, chancellor of JNU. The views expressed are personal BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is crucial for Iran, said Iranian analyst on international affairs Reza Nasri, Trend reports. Nasri warned that if the current situation continues in this form, other western countries participating in JCPOA (the UK, France and Germany) may also abandon the deal before UN Security Council Resolution No. 2231 expires in October 2025, and resume the pre-JCPOA sanctions regime, which includes six UN Security Council resolutions against Iran. The expert also said that in this scenario, the new US administration will exploit the Security Councils sanctions resolutions to block Irans oil exports to China by using domestic legal measures, and to intensify the pressure on Iran. 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. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur On February 27, or a few days earlier, Israel will hopefully submit its response report to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) interim order of January 26, 2024. The final decision in the South African plaint, now supported by other countries, is in the distant future. Soon, the registrar of the ICJ will call in South African and Israeli lawyers to outline the time frame for filing papers on the merits of the case. South Africa has hoped that it would take no more than six months for both sides to file papers. This would just be the first step in a very long process. The ICJ decision on interim measures was carefully crafted. It is as political as it is legal. Pointedly, it did not call for an immediate ceasefire. All countries that are party to the genocide convention, including India, have to ensure that these interim measures are implemented. The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), Germany and many other European States are doing are doing everything but that. The continuance of armament shipments and economic bailouts to a beleaguered Israeli economy is evidently not furthering their legal obligations to prevent genocide. The suspension of assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is indicative of the sheer effrontery of the western bloc. Their failure so far to implement the ICJs interim measures is a body blow to the credibility and trust in the international legal order. Israel with its continued military operations seeks to degrade all that is necessary for life in Gaza to such an extent that will present a fait accompli on the continued presence of Palestinians in Gaza. Article 94 of the UN Charter provides that judgments of the ICJ are binding on parties to the dispute and that, if they are not implemented, recourse can be had from the UN Security Council, which may make recommendations or decide upon measures to be taken to give effect to the judgment. Clearly, this is not going to happen. If the US, the UK, not to forget the French, veto the enforcement through the Security Council, the General Assembly (GA) has the option of convening under the Uniting for Peace, resolution 377, passed by the GA to bypass the Soviet Unions veto during the Korean War. The GA could recommend that member States impose arms and trade embargoes on Israel and organise a military force to intervene in Gaza. The GA could also suspend Israel from its ranks. These decisions would require a vote of two-thirds of the 193 member states of the GA, which is presently in the realm of possibility. In the meanwhile, the South African international relations and cooperation minister Naledi Pandor on January 31 threw a challenge to the international community. She said, I believe South Africa has done what it can, and now the global community must answer the question: Do these conventions mean anything? Or do we now have a world in which there is an open licence where you can act as you will against any vulnerable group? It must be recalled that South Africa has also referred the situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as urgent. South Africa was joined by several other States in referring the situation in Palestine to the ICC. Pandor revealed that while she was in The Hague for the ICJ case, she had met the ICC president Piotr Hofmanski and prosecutor Karim Khan to alert them of our concern about the slow pace of action on matters we referred to them as urgent. She didnt think the ICC prosecutor had answered her question sufficiently on why he was able to issue an arrest warrant for Mr Putin and was unable to do so for the prime minister of Israel. A page from history can serve as a ready reminder. The League of Nations, the forerunner of the UN, was founded in January 1920. In 1936, Mussolinis 500,000 Italian soldiers occupied Ethiopia, a member of the League of Nations. On December 11, 1937, Mussolini slammed the door on the Leagues face. For the war years, international law did not prevail. With the outbreak of World War II and the defeat of the German-Japanese alliance with Italy, the maps of the world changed. Presently, there is a confident China, a dogged Russia and a majority of the GA members not conducive to western perceptions about the future of Palestine. The scales are tilting against the West as the inaction of the ICC calls into question the applicability of the international rules-based order. The UN secretary general, a sensitive soul, is not able to speak to the Israeli prime minister! Despite the excellent work of the UN Human Rights Councils Special Mechanisms on Human Rights with Israel, it is a dialogue of the deaf. Is it that the consensual UN has outlived its usefulness for the western bloc? Ravi Nair is director, South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre. The views expressed are personal To say that veteran political observers were shocked by the Supreme Court (SC)s decision to strike down the governments Electoral Bonds Scheme (EBS) qualifies as the understatement of the year and it is only February. On Thursday, in a unanimous verdict, a five-judge bench of the Court ruled that the controversial plan, one of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments signature political reforms, violated the Constitution and would immediately cease operating. Good governance watchdogs, government critics, and progressive commentators hailed the ruling as a boon for democracy and a fillip for transparency. This celebratory spirit, however, will likely be short-lived. The fact is that, for the foreseeable future, opacity in political funding is here to stay and the dominant ruling party will be the beneficiary. For those who hailed the order, there was ample reason for good cheer. In recent years, referee institutions in India have not distinguished themselves with their penchant for speaking truth to power. For a SC that had developed a global reputation for judicial activism, its proclivity to speak in hushed tones or simply not at all on a range of hot-button issues after 2014 signalled a broader degeneration of checks and balances on executive power. The fact that the Court ruled so decisively against the government on an issue of vital importance just months before a general election is noteworthy even if it followed six years of obfuscation. But a second reason for optimism was the blow struck against an Orwellian form of transparency associated with electoral bonds. In 2017, then finance minister Arun Jaitley announced in his annual Budget speech that the government would legislate a new mode of political giving. Under this new scheme, individuals, firms, and associations would be authorised to purchase bearer bonds from the State Bank of India (SBI) and later deposit those instruments into the bank account of their favoured political party without either the donor or the recipient needing to disclose the transaction. To incentivise this new method of giving, the government eliminated the cap on corporate donations (pegged at 7.5% of a companys average net profits over the prior three years) and dropped the requirement that firms publish details of their political giving on their annual profit-and-loss statements. To give the government credit, by steering political funding away from cash and toward the banking system, electoral bonds addressed one lacuna of the corrupt status quo. Yet, at the same time, it gutted any possibility that even one rupee of giving could be traced to its original source. More fiendishly, the scheme was premised on the principle of asymmetric transparency: Because bonds are routed through the SBI (a public sector concern), the regulator (i.e., the government) would know exactly who had given to whom. The public, media, civil society, and the Opposition, on the other hand, would be kept in the dark. Billed as ushering in a new era of transparency, the scheme merely legitimised opacity. Under the Courts ruling, the SBI will immediately stop issuing bonds; the Election Commission of India (ECI), is supposed to disclose details of all transactions since April 2019; and any bonds which have not yet been encashed are to be refunded. What are the implications of this stunning development for the coming general elections and beyond? First, the hard truth is that the political finance regime that existed before the advent of electoral bonds is now back in action and make no mistake, it is no paradise. It is a system in which corporations, shy of contributing funds openly for fear of political retribution if they back the wrong horse, funnel donations to parties under the cover of darkness. Cash reigns supreme as would-be donors steer clear of a digital paper trail. Parties, eager to conceal their largesse, publish doctored accounts that bear scant resemblance to reality. Electoral bonds had to be shown the door, but one should not romanticise what is left behind. Second, the BJP has profited mightily off the electoral bond scheme, accumulating 55% (in value terms) of all bonds issued between 2017-18 and 2022-23. The Courts extended dithering as the national political winds shifted further in the BJPs favour only aided the growth of its war chest. The party heads into the coming general election as the easy favourite, with growing chatter that it could win more seats on its own than its entire alliance did in 2019. With the Opposition coalition imploding further with each passing day, the BJP is sure to receive the lions share of above-board corporate contributions. But its national reach and political acumen also guarantee that it will mop up most of the off-the-books funds on offer. Its tight leash on investigative agencies from the Central Bureau of Investigation to the Enforcement Directorate will prove a further impediment to the Oppositions ability to raise funds. As if on cue, less than 24 hours after the verdict, the Congress Party claimed that tax authorities had frozen all its bank accounts. Third, the Courts ruling made no mention of another serious alteration to laws governing political finance. In 2014, the Delhi High Court found both the BJP and the Congress guilty of accepting donations from multiple foreign corporations. In a rare bout of bipartisan comity, the two parties worked together in 2016 to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to retroactively redefine foreign sources as domestic entities if their share capital was within allowable foreign investment limits. In one stroke, this opportunistic manoeuvre opened the door to foreign funding of elections. In the short term, the SCs decision is a moral blow to the ruling party. But given the opportunity to frame a new regime for political funding, it can yet snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The partys 2024 election manifesto could pledge to enact new rules which mandate that all political contributions irrespective of size be processed digitally, ending cash contributions once and for all. It could grant ECI the powers it has long asked for to deregister parties that violate campaign finance norms. It could loosen rigid candidate spending limits in exchange for the timely submission of their accounts. In the public perception, brand Modi is inextricably linked with integrity and probity. Serious reform would be a political winner. To be sure, the death of the electoral bond era should not be mourned. This innovation did not just offer the possibility of quid pro quos between well-heeled supporters and office holders, it practically invited them. The ability for virtually any entity to legally donate an unlimited sum of money to any political party without either side having to disclose a single rupee does not resemble any recognisable form of transparency. But, at the end of the day, Indias political finance regime reverts to square one a shadowy place where sunlight only occasionally penetrates, and the best-intentioned laws are honoured more in the breach than in the observance. Milan Vaishnav is senior fellow and director of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. He is the author of When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics and co-editor (with Devesh Kapur) of Costs of Democracy: Political Finance in India. The views expressed are personal AROUND HALF the worlds population, or some 4bn people, live in places that are holding elections this year. These polls will decide who governs over 70 countries. But together they also represent one of the biggest health assessments of democracy in history. For over a decade there have been fears that democracy as a political ideal is ailing, with governments betraying liberal values and authoritarianism becoming common. By February 14th, when Indonesia goes to the polls, we estimate countries with 770m people will have cast ballots (or prevented their citizens from doing so): or roughly 18.5% of the total for the year. That makes it possible to take an initial read on how the great 2024 democracy test is going so far. The short answer is: not particularly well. In one respect democracy is being modernised: a technological revolution is taking place as short-form videos and group messaging transform political campaigning around the world (artificial intelligence, including deepfakes, are visible everywhere but are so far not decisive). Yet in another respect, democracy is going backwards in time, from Pakistan, where chaos is still unfolding after a dubious poll a few days ago, to tiny El Salvador. An alarming number of elections are being interfered with or even suspended. It is still far too early to say that the real victor of the 2024 election bonanza is strongman rule: countries with another 3.6 billion people have yet to vote. But at the very least you should worry. What do we know so far? Nine countries have held, or suspended, elections. Finns were electing their new president as this article was published. Last week minnows Azerbaijan and El Salvador held polls, as did weighty Pakistan. Next is populous Indonesia. The votes will keep on coming. March will feature Russias presidential poll (Vladimir Putin will romp to victory in an oh-so-surprising outcome). After that, there will probably be votes in vast India in April and then in the European Parliament in June, among others. Amid democratic difficulties, the example America sets in its election in November matters more than ever. Indeed, the contest in America is of supreme importance: whether this is a year of democratic backsliding depends disproportionately on this one vote and the events surrounding it. All eyes will be glued to a probable rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The election results fall into three camps so far: free-and-fair; fiascos-and-farces and indeterminate. Start with the first category. Taiwans vote on January 13th saw William Lai Ching-te triumph, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). China dislikes the DPP because it rejects Chinas claims to sovereignty over Taiwan, but despite Chinese subversion and threats, the electorate was not intimidated. At his victory rally Mr Lai declared Taiwan is telling the whole world that between democracy and authoritarianism, we choose to stand on the side of democracy. The other squeaky-clean election has been in Finland, with results out on February 11th. As we published this story the front-runner in the polls for the presidential race was a pro-NATO liberal, Alexander Stubb. The second category involves fiascos and farces. Top of the list is Pakistan, with its population of over 230m and a history of political meddling by the armed forces. The election on February 8th was probably the countrys least clean since the 1980s. The most popular politician, Imran Khan, whose own democratic credentials are questionable, was given three prison sentences in quick succession in January on bogus charges; the poll was marred by violence. The results are now contested; Mr Khans supporters appear to have achieved a surprise lead. The likeliest outcome now is that the army uses legal manoeuvres to ensure that its preferred candidate, Nawaz Sharif, takes power. In another Asian giant, Bangladesh, a poll on January 7th saw Sheikh Hasina, in power continuously for 15 years, win after many of the opposition spent election day in prison. Her party won 222 of the 299 seats being contested; the main opposition boycotted the election. The country is now in effect a one-party state. In several smaller countries, a similar erosion of democracy has taken place. On February 5th Senegal, long viewed as a pillar of constitutional rule in Africa, suspended its election, with its president Macky Sall, once viewed as a defender of liberal values, sliding towards dictatorship. The country has company in the Sahel. Mali was originally due to hold an election on February 4th, which was then suspended last year; the date has passed without the poll being rescheduled. Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger have all had recent coups. On the other side of the Atlantic, on February 4th the worlds coolest dictator, El Salvadors Nayib Bukele, won his second term. After a crackdown on gang violence, he is popular but he wriggled around constitutional term limits to stand. Azerbaijans rigged election on February 7th saw its long-time dictator Ilham Aliyev win over 90% of the votes. He received congratulations from both Mr Putin and Chinas leader, Xi Jinping. The third category involves indeterminate polls. We put Indonesia in this bucket: the vote is expected to be clean but the circumstances around the election suggest the countrys democratic character is strained. The outgoing president, Joko Widodo, is attempting to exert dynastic control after bending the constitution to make his son the running-mate of the likely victor, Prabowo Subianto. Mr Prabowo has been implicated in crimes against humanity and war crimes for the actions of his troops when he was a general under Suharto, a dictator who was ousted in 1998. He has denied all wrongdoing. There are complaints of state intimidation and other forms of interference during the campaign. Indonesia risks taking a backwards step from the spirit of reforms that took hold after Suhartos rule ended. Given these circumstances, if Mr Prabowo fails to win the first round outright on February 14th, it would actually be a sign of democratic health. Video, I see The idea that democracy is under pressure around the world is hardly new. Our sister organisation, EIU, releases a detailed annual democracy index: it has slipped over the past decade. Using a longer-term index by V-Dem, a research body, the share of countries judged to be electoral democracies soared in the 1990s but has declined slightly in recent years to stand at about 50%. Certain opinion polls show a cohort of people who are sceptical about democracy globally, especially among the young. What might explain the further slippage seen so far in 2024? One possibility is technology. A striking feature of most campaigns has been the role of newer tech platforms: TikTok, the Chinese-controlled short-form video app, has about a billion users worldwide and is crucial. Mr Prabowo has rehabilitated his image with cute videos of his dreadful dad-dancing, the most popular of which have been viewed over 20m times. In India, where TikTok is banned, YouTube has been displacing Facebook as the platform of choice, while WhatsApps voice-note feature allows illiterate people to receive propaganda. Everywhere political discussion has moved onto opaque private messaging groups where the degree of misinformation and orchestration is difficult to ascertain. It is possible that these shifts favour strongmen and authoritarians, by allowing them to communicate without scrutiny. They also have the resources to manipulate private messaging groups by using armies of proxies and bots to spread fake information. Not all the signals so far in 2024 point that way, however. In both Senegal and Pakistan, the authorities suspended the internet and telecom services before scheduled polls, suggesting they were concerned about losing control of online speech. In Pakistan, Mr Khan has used an AI-generated digital twin of himself to communicate with his supporters while in jail. Technology can cut both ways. Meanwhile, a lot of the coercion involves more prosaic tactics. In the past authoritarians eschewed elections, or stuffed ballot boxes. Today they maintain a charade of constitutional democracy and use lawfare instead, for example through courts disqualifying opposition candidates. In Bangladesh, Pakistan, Senegal and elsewhere rival politicians have been disbarred by courts in the name of the rule of law. After squashing Senegals election plans, Mr Sall declared the country needed a national dialogue to create the conditions for a free, transparent and inclusive election. Alongside technology and the rise of lawfare, a final possible explanation for democratic slippage is a more permissive global environment for autocrats as the post-1989 world order comes under strain. With wars raging, the United Nations rendered ineffective by superpower splits and the West focused on trying to restrain China, Iran and Russia, upholding democracy has taken a back seat. In 2021 President Biden held a global democracy summit calling the defence of democracy the defining challenge of our times. Today realpolitik rules. America is negotiating a potential defence treaty with Saudi Arabia and its autocratic de facto ruler, Muhammad bin Salman. His time in the wilderness after the dismemberment in 2018 of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is long forgotten. The bumpy road ahead What lies in store for the rest of 2024? There still are another 50-odd elections to come, in countries with 3.6bn people. Some of these will be charades, such as those in Belarus and Russia in the coming weeks. Venezuelas dictator, Nicolas Maduro, recently promised America he would hold free elections in order to get relief from American sanctionsand promptly used lawfare to bar his main opponent. Irans poll in March will hardly be democratic: prominent reformist candidates have been banned. But the vote to select the 88-strong Assembly of Experts will be crucial because that body will appoint the successor to Ali Khamenei, the ailing 84-year-old supreme leader. In contrast to these events, some big elections will be free and fair, including for the European Parliament in June. The main concern there is not that the process of democracy is impaired but that hard-right parties, which are already in government or polling above 20% in several European countries, may have a breakthrough success. Mexico holds polls in June. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the outgoing president, is intent on making the path to victory as easy as possible for his preferred successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, with unaffordable pre-election handouts to voters. She is likely to win. But so far, Mexicos constitution is holding up to the populist threat that has been continuously posed by Mr Lopez Obrador during his time in office. Two huge elections will be acid tests of the state of democracy. In India, the most populous democracy of all, Narendra Modi is on track for a third term as prime minister. He is a popular politician who oversees a fast-growing economy. But the campaign has seen the rule of law stretched: journalists have been hounded, Muslims harassed and opposition politicians subject to corruption probes and arrest. After the result in May, the world may discover how much further he plans to erode Indias democratic norms and institutions. The other country to watch, inevitably, is America which has been a beacon of liberty and at times actively promoted democracy globally. While there probably will not be a repeat of the storming of the Capitol on January 6th 2021, parts of the constitution will come under strain, not least the courts, as a multitude of cases against Mr Trump are litigated amid a fierce campaign. If he wins, attention will turn to whether Americas institutions are strong enough to resist a second bout of his rule and whether he will give succour to autocrats abroad, accelerating the reversal of the democratic wave after the Cold War. Democracys defenders, meanwhile, will have to revitalise their case for the freedoms it enshrines. This year is critical for democracy, and so far developments are concerning. Next year could be an even greater ordeal. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. The EU is very concerned about the Israeli government's plans to conduct a ground operation in Rafah, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Josep Borrell said, Trend reports. "The EU calls on the Israeli government not to launch military operations in Rafah, which would further worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgent delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid," he said. According to him, "more than a million Palestinians have taken refuge from the fighting" in Rafah. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 17. Hungarys parliament will ratify the agreement on Swedens accession to NATO in the beginning of the spring session, which is due to open on February 26, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, Trend reports. "Our dispute with Sweden is nearing its end. Jointly with Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson we have taken important steps on rebuilding trust. We are coming closer to be able to ratify Swedens accession to NATO in the beginning of the parliaments spring session," Orban told national television. The votes have been counted and the results are in! M3, LLC (formerly known as M3 Accounting Services, Inc.), is once again a 2023 Best of Gwinnett winner in Gwinnett Magazines annual readers poll. Gwinnett Magazine readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in Gwinnett, honoring thousands of businesses, and organizations in more than 25 business and community sectors. Its everything you love about Gwinnett, says Publisher David Greer. The process for M3 started with a nomination on the Best of Gwinnett website. Voting was open throughout the year, with hundreds of thousands of votes cast across the industries featured in Best of Gwinnett. Each year, the process culminates with a results reveal on February 14th, followed by the publishing of the annual Best of Gwinnett issue in March. Best of Gwinnett winners and nominees are carefully curated using a mix of reader votes, editor recommendations, vote pattern analysis, reviews, and business ranking services. Winners are named in hundreds of individual categories, providing Gwinnett Magazine readers with a go-to guide for the best of everything in Gwinnett. Best of Gwinnett recognizes three levels of winners: The Best, Best, and Ones to Watch. Within each category, multiple honorees are named in each tier, depending on the size of the market sector. M3 is elated to be listed as a prestigious group of Best of Gwinnett businesses this year. Visit https://www.m3as.com/ for more information or see the full list of Best of Gwinnett winners at BestofGwinnett.com . Best of Gwinnett, Gwinnett Magazine and GuidetoGwinnett.com are registered trademarks of Gwinnett Magazine. The firm has been sharing the good news of Gwinnett with readers for over 25 years. Learn more at GuidetoGwinnett.com. #LoveGwinnett About M3 Built by hoteliers exclusively for hoteliersTM, M3 is a robust cloud-based financial platform and services company serving over 8,000 properties across North America's hospitality industry helping drive cost savings, revenue enhancement, and business insight. After almost 25 years in business, M3 touts a 95 percent customer retention rate. Used by over 1,000 management groups and owner-operators and hotels of all sizes, the platform works seamlessly with other key systems and tools in the hospitality industry. It offers robust accounting and financial analysis across entire portfolios with optional operations and time management features. M3's Professional Services team provides on-demand accounting and bookkeeping support for hotels and portfolios of any size by offering a full range of customized accounting solutions that can scale with a hotelier's needs. Privately held and employee-owned, M3 continues to constantly enhance products and services with regular releases and updates. "M3", "CoreSelect", "M3 Concierge", and "Accounting Core" are all trademarks owned by M3; all other marks are owned by their respective owners. For more information, visit www.m3as.com. Danielle Abram Content Marketing Specialist View source Chicago, IL (60637) Today Generally cloudy. A few flurries are possible. High near 40F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 29F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Hudson, NY (12534) Today Partly cloudy. High 47F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. FEMA Awards Funds to Massachusetts for COVID School Testing Costs BOSTON The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be sending almost $13.5 million to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to reimburse it for the cost of providing testing at public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $13,450,826 Public Assistance grant will reimburse the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for contracting with Trans Med USA Inc. and Merrow Medical to provide test kits at schools between July 2022 and May 2023. The department purchased and distributed 1,089,354 COVID-19 antigen tests to students, faculty and staff at schools statewide during that time period. "FEMA is pleased to be able to assist Massachusetts with these costs," said FEMA Region 1 Regional Administrator Lori Ehrlich. "Reimbursing state, county, and municipal governments as well as eligible non-profits and tribal entities for the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic is an important part of our nation's ongoing recovery." FEMA's Public Assistance program is an essential source of funding for states and communities recovering from a federally declared disaster or emergency. So far, FEMA has provided nearly $2.8 billion in Public Assistance grants to Massachusetts to reimburse the commonwealth for pandemic-related expenses. There is lots to catch up on this week from speed-of-light displays to date-worthy watches and exciting new releases. See what you missed in our special weekly round-up Editorial Independent Talents Seek the Spotlight To kick off the week, our GMT Publishing CEO and founder Brice Lechevalier attended the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives and shared with us insights of the event, from the finalists incredible creations to the announcement of the lucky winner. Urwerk at the Speed of Light Next up, our correspondent Olivier Muller took a closer look at Urwerks newest release: the UR-100V LightSpeed. Its most notable feature: showing how long light from the Sun takes to reach the different planets in our solar system. Get all the details here. The Watchmaker and The Climber Our Editorial Director Sophie Furley had the pleasure of sitting down with industry shakers Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (Chopard co-president) and Thomas Bubendorfer (award-winning climber, author and motivational speaker). They chatted about their first encounter, their shared love for the mountains, how to deal with fears and take risks. Catch the whole conversation here. Thomas Bubendorfer Chopard Date Night For Valentines Day, our Editor-in-Chief Suzanne took the bold approach of imagining watches as people and where she would take them on a first date. The lucky contenders were none other than Omegas new Mini Tresor models Click here to find out whether she would take them on a second rendez-vous! Trilobe Strengthens Artistic Crafts in Paris Moving along, the emerging independent watch brand Trilobe is progressing in two parallel directions: crafting movements in La Chaux-de-Fonds, while expanding its Parisian workshop, now situated in the heart of the French capital, to accommodate a growing array of artistic crafts and watchmakers. Find out more here. Time to Fly Birds (and more specifically, their feathers) have always been a source of inspiration for the watchmaking world. Our correspondent Herve Borne has curated a selection of nine of these feathery and innovative timepieces, showcasing artistic crafts and traditional skills. Check them out right over here. Divas Dream Peacock in pink gold, diamond-set bezel and lugs, 33 mm diameter, quartz movement, leather strap Bulgari New Releases Last but not least, for our new releases of the week, we have the BA111OD CHPTR_ AGIL, the Louis Moinet ASTRONEF TECHNO and the Omega Constellation collection. There is hardly a person in the world who is unfamiliar with the name Paris Hilton. Despite her scandalous glamorous image, the heiress of the family empire, the world's largest hotel and resort chain, Hilton, has experienced many difficulties in her life. Some may accuse the icon of the 'noughties' of achieving fame and success only thanks to her parents' money, but this would be a huge mistake. Hilton made her name on her own, working hard and tirelessly to earn her own billions. ADVERTISIMENT On February 17, the socialite, considered the first blogger and original influencer, turned 43. On this occasion, OBOZ.UA decided to tell you about the rather difficult life of the main star of the crazy 2000s. A childhood of harshness So, as everyone knows, Paris was born into a very wealthy family: her great-grandfather was Conrad Hilton, the founder of the world's largest hotel chain Hilton. It was he and his heirs who made the most elite hotels the way we know them today: with restaurants, spas, swimming pools, clubs, casinos, etc. So, people like Paris are usually said to be: "born with a silver spoon in her mouth". Perhaps it was true. However, the childhood of the daughter of billionaires was not as rosy as fans and the press gossiped about. ADVERTISIMENT For more than 20 years, the socialite did not dare to tell the world the truth about her past, which ultimately made her who she is today, even though it could have easily broken many others. It's no secret that for a long time Paris, who, by the way, was named after the city of Paris, was the queen of scandalous headlines in the most famous magazines. It all started when she was a teenager. The mother of the most famous blonde in the world, former actress Kathy Hilton, was very strict. From childhood, she told her daughter not to even dream of modeling or acting, but instead to focus on the family business. Paris was also forbidden to attend discos and even school dances. ADVERTISIMENT Strictness and prohibitions, as is often the case, awakened the girl's rebellious nature. Are you forbidden to go to school dances? I'll do bright makeup, put on the shortest skirt and go to the club. This was the principle of the young rebel's logic. Her mother, meanwhile, was calling all the clubs and swearing that she would close them down if she found out that her daughter was there. Even then, the media published photos of a spectacular, but still very young blonde, who was allegedly "not being watched by her parents." Katie was furious about this, and her level of strictness increased. When Paris was 17 years old, her mother sent her to a re-education facility for troubled children. It was the Provo Canyon School, a boarding school where Hilton ended up staying for 11 months. ADVERTISIMENT More than 20 years later, she recalled her time in the facility as follows: "From the moment I woke up until I went to bed, all day long I was shouted in the face, yelled at, tortured continuously. The staff said terrible things. They were constantly making me feel bad and mocking me. I think their goal was to break us. They used physical violence, beat and choked us. They wanted to instill fear in the children so that we would be too scared to disobey them." ADVERTISIMENT Rape The staff of the boarding school conducted so-called "cervical examinations" on the students. Only as an adult did the celebrity realize that this was sexual violence. "Late at night, it was about three or four o'clock, they took me and the other girls to a room for a so-called medical examination. It wasn't even with a doctor. There were several different workers there who put us on a table, made us lie still, and stuck their fingers inside us. I did not understand what they were doing. But they were not doctors. It was scary, and I blocked these memories for many years. I cried while they held me and said: "No!". They just said: "Shut up. Lie still or you'll go to solitary confinement,'" Paris said in a documentary about her life. ADVERTISIMENT By the way, the threats about the punishment cell were not just intimidation. There was a punishment cell at the school, and girls were sent there for "inappropriate behavior." Hilton, for example, did not take the medication that the school's students were being forced to take. When the staff noticed this, they placed her in such a room for 20 hours, forcing her to undress first. An important clarification: there was no heating or even a blanket in the punishment cell. ADVERTISIMENT "I had panic attacks and cried every day. I was so miserable. I felt like a prisoner and hated life. Attempts to tell my parents about the conditions at school were to no avail. I hardly communicated with my family. Maybe once every two or three months. We were cut off from the outside world. And when I tried to tell them once, I got into so much trouble that I was afraid to talk about it again. They would grab the phone or tear up the letters I wrote, saying, "No one will believe you." And the staff would tell parents that the children were lying. So my parents had no idea what was going on," Hilton added as an adult. ADVERTISIMENT After returning from boarding school, Paris finally realized how much she loved freedom and therefore needed independence. She didn't refuse to be shocking in public, but at the same time, she realized that she had to work very hard to earn her own money. In addition, the socialite realized that being in school had a great impact on her psyche - she could no longer trust people because even her closest ones had betrayed her at some point. The world's first influencer with a unique style Paris is recognized as the world's first influencer and blogger. It was her idea to get paid for attending various venues, parties, and shows, because wherever Hilton went, paparazzi and people showed up, and thus money. ADVERTISIMENT Paris is also called the person who invented the selfie. It's impossible to say whether she was the first person to think of taking a picture of her face, but all over the world, her name is associated with the emergence of the selfie. If someone talks about Paris Hilton, what do you immediately imagine? Of course, plush tracksuits with low-rise pants, mini-dresses, short tops, and, of course, all in the most pink colors. And also snow-white hair and a small puppy in your arms. Whether you like this aesthetic or not, it has become a cult look and is associated with Paris. ADVERTISIMENT Paris Hilton is a mom We can talk for a long time about the scandals Paris Hilton has been involved in, the endless lawsuits, and her thorny path to a net worth of more than one billion dollars. But I want to focus more on the personal. On January 25, 2023, the socialite and businesswoman announced that she had become a mother for the first time. ADVERTISIMENT "You're already loved beyond words," Hilton, who was almost 42 at the time, touchingly said to her son. The boy was named Phoenix. He was born through surrogacy. Paris and her husband, businessman Carter Reum, who got engaged in February 2021, dreamed of becoming parents and even prepared for IVF. At one point, the socialite even froze her own eggs. The celebrity failed to get pregnant on her own, so the couple decided to resort to the services of a surrogate. ADVERTISIMENT The star regularly shares photos with his son. They clearly show how much Hilton loves his child. However, photos with Phoenix have often caused controversy and even scandals online. One of them happened because of the shape of the child's head. Fans thought it was "too big," so they assumed that the boy was "sick," and that his star mom was not looking after him well and was allegedly "ignoring obvious problems." After a flurry of hate and criticism, Paris responded briefly: "He just has a big brain." ADVERTISIMENT Another reason for the hate was a video in which Paris and her son were joined by Kathy Hilton, the socialite's mother and Phoenix's grandmother (Paris said she had forgiven her mother for her abuse in her teens). It was the first time she saw her grandson and learned that her daughter had become a mother. Well, the fans saw the grandmother taking care of the baby, and it made them feel uneasy. The audience especially did not like the moment when the newborn Phoenix is picked up without supporting his neck and head. "Has she never held a baby in her arms before?" netizens wrote under the video. And at the end of November 2023, Paris puzzled her fans with a post that she had given birth to a baby girl named London. "Grateful for my daughter," the star wrote, attaching a photo of a tiny suit with the newborn's name embroidered on it. However, now the businesswoman does not mention her daughter, and only posts photos or videos with her son on social media. Friday 16 February 2024, 23:18 - Last updated: 23:31 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated "After a quick illness, on Wednesday, February 14, at the age of 68, in the affection of his loved ones, Mauro Mason from Padua left us." This is how the honorable Elisabetta Gardini announces the death of her partner. A company area captain, he consolidated his passion for flight and his degree in Geology into entrepreneurial activities that saw him committed both in Italy and abroad. Elisabetta Gardini thanks for the river of affection she is receiving in these hours to underline, once again, how much Mauro was loved by all for his seriousness, elegance, and goodness of soul that characterized him. Who is Elisabetta Gardini Elisabetta Gardini is the deputy group leader of Fdi in the Chamber of Deputies. She began her artistic career as a theater actress and worked, among others, with actors of the caliber of Vittorio Gassman and Giorgio Albertazzi. On April 16, 2019, on the proposal of Vice President Raffaele Fitto, Gardini is welcomed into the group of European Conservatives and Reformists, and the following day her candidacy for the Europeans on May 26 in the northeastern Italy constituency for Brothers of Italy is made official. She is then appointed Commissioner for the Constituent of Padua and province, as well as a member of the National Executive, and she runs for the regional elections in Veneto of 2020 for the province of Padua, being the first of the non-elected with 3,217 preferences. In the early political elections of 2022, she is re-nominated to the Chamber in the single-member constituency Veneto 2 - 03 (Padua) for the center-right as well as in second and third position in two plurinominal constituencies of Veneto. Gardini will be elected to the single-member with 47.63%. 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 }} Helen Mirren was filmed dramatically ripping apart an AI-generated acceptance speech on stage at the American Cinematheque Awards on Thursday night (15 February). The legendary British actor, 78, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her 1923 co-star Harrison Ford during the ceremony, held at The Beverly Hilton. After being presented the award, Mirren proceeded to read aloud from a piece of paper. Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honoured to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognised for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words, she can be heard saying in a clip posted to X. First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling. And that was written by AI, Mirren added before tearing the paper to pieces and tossing it to the floor of the stage. Her gleeful act was met with uproarious applause and cheering from the audience. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been one of the biggest talking points in Hollywood of late. It was one of the chief issues of last years actors and writers strikes due to concerns that many industry roles would be replaced by AI. Elsewhere in her speech, Mirren recounted some of her cherished memories working alongside Ford and other directors and co-stars, including James Mason, Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel, Al Pacino and Ryan Reynolds, according to Variety. Taking a moment to remember her first Academy Award win for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Stephen Frearss 2006 thriller, The Queen, she recalled thinking at the time: There is really one way now, and it cant be up. Her husband, former president of the Directors Guild of America Taylor Hackford, was among the evenings presenters, along with Diesel, Alan Cumming, Andrea Riseborough, Pierce Brosnan, Patrick Stewart and Bryan Cranston. 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 }} Treasure, a gentle character-based drama starring Stephen Fry and Lena Dunham, addresses the Holocaust very differently to other recent films, among them Jonathan Glazers stark and terrifying The Zone of Interest or Bianca Stigters equally disturbing archive-based Three Minutes A Lengthening. The film, adapted from Lily Brets novel and a world premiere at the Berlin Festival this weekend, uses whimsy and anecdote instead of shock tactics. At times, it plays more like a sitcom than a story about the legacy of the death camps. Thankfully, it still provides probing insight into everything from casual antisemitism to the plague of historical forgetfulness. Fry and Dunham play father and daughter Edek and Ruth who, in 1991, travel from New York to Poland to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. He is a Polish survivor of the camps. She is a journalist desperate to find out about her past. It takes a few moments to get used to Frys heavy eastern European accent, but the British actor gives a charming and moving performance. His Edek is a white-whiskered and eccentric figure, continually cracking jokes and tipping the Polish hotel staff extravagantly. We can see the prisoner number on his arm but he steadfastly refuses to discuss what he experienced. Nor does he seem to show much interest in revisiting the haunts of his youth, for instance the home he was taken from when he and his family were sent to Auschwitz. His wife recently died but he wont talk about her, either. Nor will he acknowledge his Jewish roots. Ruth, meanwhile, is a music journalist. Her father, who embarrasses her by calling her pumpkin, is inordinately proud of the fact she once interviewed the Rolling Stones. Shes waspish and witty but also a clearly unhappy figure who eats too much junk food and is still getting over the break-up of her most recent relationship. Dunham and Fry have an effective comic rapport. She continually rolls her eyes at his dad jokes and idiosyncratic use of English. He embarrasses her by talking frankly about sex and exasperates her by never sticking to her plans. They make an appealing odd couple, with Dunham as the grumpy Walter Matthau-type to Frys ever optimistic Jack Lemmon. German director Julia von Heinz does a good job of evoking early Nineties, post-communist Poland in all its greys and monotony. At times, the story risks stalling. Like its two lead characters, it simply doesnt seem to know where it is going. Father and daughter drift around Poland in the back of a taxi with a very accommodating driver. Edek doesnt want to travel by train - but not for the reasons we first suspect. Late on, the pair finally visit Auschwitz-Birkenau. Given that they whizz around on a caddy car, these scenes could easily have seemed crass and insensitive. Instead, they are surprisingly tender. Treasure is likely to be far more accessible to a general audience than more forbidding Holocaust movies. It skirts close to mawkishness at times and some of the character-based comedy feels a little forced but is still likeable and engaging, generally dealing with very dark subject matter in a sure-footed way. Dir: Julia von Heinz. Starring: Stephen Fry, Lena Dunham, Zbigniew Zamachowski. 112 minutes. Treasure screens at the Berlin Film Festival from today until 22 February, and is awaiting a UK release 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 }} Japans second attempt to launch its flagship H3 rocket, a cutting-edge and cost-effective space vehicle, has been successful, giving a significant boost to its space programme. The rocket lifted off from a launch pad at the Tanegashima Space Centre at 9.22am Tokyo time (00.22 GMT) on Saturday after a delay of two days due to unfavourable weather conditions. Just as the rocket lifted off, scientists erupted in celebrations, hugging each other and lauding the successful launch. The rockets initial flight has been smooth with its engine properly working, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said in its live streaming. The rocket has released one micro-satellite and was due to release another, with a dummy satellite set to be released two hours after liftoff. This was Japans second attempt at launching the flagship rocket after the first flight self-destructed last year as its second-stage engine failed to ignite. With the new launch, Japan intends to replace the two-decade-old H-IIA which was set to retire after two more flights, with the newer and more cost-efficient model. The rocket gives Japans space programme a significant boost as its equipped with a heavier payload capacity and is significantly cheaper, giving it an advantage with launch orders from global clients. Developed by JAXA and its primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket, almost 300ft long, can carry 6.5 metric ton payload into space and reduce the per-launch cost to as low as 5bn yen (23m). The demand for affordable satellite launches is increasing with more and more satellites being used in various areas like communication, meteorology and Earth sciences. Commercial companies like SpaceX have already disrupted the market and it is expected to grow by 210 per cent by 2029. In 2023, a record-high number of 2,917 satellites successfully orbited the Earth. The launch comes after Japan became the fifth country to soft-land on the moon using precision technology that allowed it to touch down closer to its target landing site than any mission has before. 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 Taiwanese influencer who faked his abduction on social media has been sent to jail by Cambodian authorities for two years. Chen Neng-chuan, 31, who creates videos about paranormal activities on social media, was arrested with his friend, Lu Tsu-hsien after the duo staged a forced abduction and escape on his Instagram live feed. The influencer told his followers he was going to explore the dark corner in Cambodia, famous for notorious gangs kidnapping foreigners. On live stream, the influencer who goes by the name GoodNight Chicken appeared to have been beaten up. Later, Chens wife also posted on social media that her husband had gone missing. (AFP PHOTO/Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration) He subsequently resurfaced in a video, looking injured with part of his head shaved, where he claimed to have been kidnapped and narrated a story of his dramatic escape. However, his story raised suspicion from online watchers. Another influencer Liu Yu pointed out that Chens location didnt match his claims. Using the footage Chen had posted, Liu said he appeared to have circled an area instead of running away as he claimed. He also raised doubts about why his captors would take thousands of US dollars he alleged they did, yet permitted him to retain his live streaming equipment. Taiwanese police said Chens family did not file a police report, while the ministry of foreign affairs said it did not receive any request for help, according to The Straits Times. Soon after the video caught the attention, the duo was arrested from their hotel rooms. The Cambodian police presented them to the media in a briefing along with the props they used to film the sequence. On Friday, the provincial court found them guilty on charges of incitement to cause chaos to social security. The provincial government said the men produced videos with fake content that affects the honour, order, and security of the province. They were both handed two-year sentences and ordered to pay a combined fine of around $2,000 (1,590). 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 }} There will be consequences for the death of Alexei Navalny, Lord David Cameron has said, as Western capitals pinned the blame on Vladimir Putin. G7 foreign ministers on Saturday called on Russia to fully clarify how the jailed Russian opposition leader died, as protests and gatherings took place around the world in the wake of his death. In a statement released following a meeting in Munich, the ministers expressed their outrage at the death in detention of Alexei Navalny, unjustly sentenced for legitimate political activities and his fight against corruption. They demanded Russian Authorities to fully clarify the circumstances of his death. They called on Russia to stop its unacceptable persecution of political dissent, as well as systematic repression of freedom of expression and unduly limitation of civil rights, according to the statement released by the Italian foreign minister, who is currently chairing the group. In London, the Foreign Office summoned diplomats at the Russian Embassy and called for Mr Navalnys death to be investigated fully and transparently. Britain has joined other western countries in condemning the Kremlin after Russias federal prison service said in a statement that the 47-year-old politician and anti-corruption campaigner had died. According to the agency, he became unwell after a walk on Friday and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived but he died despite attempts to resuscitate him, it said. His spokeswoman confirmed his death on Saturday. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kira Yarmysh said: His death occurred on February 16 at 2.17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexeys mother. We demand that Alexey (sic) Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. There should be consequences, the Foreign Secretary told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take. We dont announce them in advance, so I cant say anymore than that. But that is what we will be looking at. Of course we have already summoned the ambassador and made clear our views about this dreadful event and the way this person was treated. He said he would be meeting with G7 foreign ministers at the German gathering: I am clear that we will be taking action and I would urge others do to the same. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer gave his backing to the Government, telling Sky News: Russia has to be held to account on this. The Government is right about that. It is a reminder of the constant threat of Russia. Its one of the reasons Im here at the Munich Security Conference to be clear about the priorities and the challenges that I see as Labour leader. Critics of Mr Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine is now approach its second anniversary, said the Russian leader had wanted to send a message both to activists inside Russia but also to the West. His death comes less than a month before an election that will give Mr Putin another six years in power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended the same conference on Saturday alongside other world leaders, told those attending: Putin kills whoever he wants. After the murder of Alexei Navalny, its absurd to perceive Putin as a supposedly legitimate head of a Russian state and he is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence. He has just yesterday he tried to send us all a clear message as the Munich Security Conference opened, Putin murdered another opposition leader. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Mr Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. Hours after Mr Navalnys death was reported, his widow Yulia Navalnaya made an appearance in Munich. I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband, she said. US President Joe Biden said Washington does not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. 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 }} Watch as crowds gather at a vigil for Alexei Navalny outside the Russian embassy in London on Friday 16 February. Britain has joined other Western countries in condemning the Kremlin after Russias federal prison service said in a statement that the 47-year-old politician and anti-corruption campaigner had died. According to the agency, Navalny became unwell after a walk on Friday and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived, but he died despite attempts to resuscitate him. David Cameron has said Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for the death of Navalny. The UK foreign secretary added there should be consequences for the Russian president, of whom Navalny was one of the most prominent and persistent critics even while behind bars. We should hold Putin accountable for this, and no one should be in any doubt about the dreadful nature of Putins regime in Russia after what has just happened, Lord Cameron said. Other vigils and protests were held across Europe on Friday. Anastasiia, the wife of former Opposition Platform adviser Oleksii Arestovych, gave an interview to blogger Anna Olytska after meeting her in New York. The two Ukrainians discussed how they were "scared" for the fate of Ukraine, and the disgraced politician's beloved even complained about how scared she was for her husband's life. ADVERTISIMENT The video was posted on Olytska's YouTube channel of the same name. Anastasiia Arestovych said that she is now actively following the news from Ukraine, but she did not do so when she was at home. "We've been away from Ukraine for only two months, and before that, while you're there, living in this whirlwind of events, you don't follow the news. They somehow surround you. And now I am more interested," Arestovych admitted. The interviewer asked whether Anastasiia made any predictions about the end of the war. She replied that this was a matter for experts to deal with, but she gave it away: "Purely based on some personal feelings, I am afraid for the fate of Ukraine. I am really scared. Because I don't know how it can end." ADVERTISIMENT Olytska asked: "What are you most afraid of? Losing your husband? You realize that this is war, this is danger. At any moment, these questions may appear somewhere in the air." Anastasiia, who lives abroad with her family, commented: "I would not want the war to have any impact on my son's life. I don't want him to have any stress in the future, God forbid. Now we manage to maintain this atmosphere. I am in favor of children being as far away from the war as possible and having the childhood they deserve. As for Oleksii, there are always some fears of persecution and threats. It's just a fact that you have to live with." ADVERTISIMENT Olytska has already been criticized online for another interview with the "patriot". First, she angered the network by talking to Arestovych himself, and then to his wife. 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 }} Thousands more badgers than planned could be killed if the government gives the go-ahead next week to raising the target number of animals in certain areas, experts say. Until now, official policy has been that culls aimed to reduce badger numbers by 70 per cent within in each cull area and across most of southwest England. But The Independent understands that ministers are preparing to allow that target to be raised to 100 per cent in exceptional circumstances, subject to a consultation. The announcement could be made as early as next week during the National Farmers Union annual conference. The permission would be similar to that granted to sugar-beet farmers to use bee-killing pesticides which has been given four years running. The change to the 100 per cent target would begin after January 2026, if it is approved after a consultation. More than 260,000 badgers in England over half the population - are thought to have been killed since culling began in 2013, as the government has sought to eradicate tuberculosis in cattle, which is costly for farmers. The cull has repeatedly been expanded, including as late as last year. The spread of the disease is blamed on badgers but wildlife defenders dispute this, saying cattle are 800 times more likely to spread the disease than badgers are. One expert said exceptional circumstances was poorly defined so feared the policy could become standard practice. Tom Langton, an ecologist who has challenged culling in the courts, said the toll of extra badgers killed would depend on how many areas got the go-ahead, but if it was the entire edge area that is medium-risk - up to 20,000 or more a year could be killed. He said: If the exception is just a badger with bovine TB is found or trapped within say 1km of a farm, it could just become the new normal to cull every year over wide areas. So this risks being the cull anywhere, for ever moment. The government had promised the culls would end next year and be replaced by increasing vaccinations, but last year landowners and farmers were given the go-ahead to kill tens of thousands more badgers. Mr Langton said 100 per cent culling was tried in 2018 around Penrith in Cumbria in cattle imported from Northern Ireland. They went in and shot 1,115 badgers - all of them - but could not then attribute change in TB rates to culling as seven farms were quite clearly reinfecting themselves because of the failed testing regime, he said. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: Our approach to disease control continues to be informed by science and deploys all tools at our disposal. We are moving to the next phase of our strategy which will focus on wider scale badger vaccination but as we clearly set out in the 2020 Godfray Review response and subsequent consultation and response in 2021, culling remains an option where epidemiological assessment indicates that it is needed, alongside other measures in our bovine TB eradication strategy. 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 disabled grandmother who lost two of her children in the space of two years couldnt afford to put the heating on after paying thousands in funeral bills. Carole Collins says she had sleepless nights and struggled to eat as the burden of funeral costs suffocated her grief. The 62-year-old from Andover lost her son, Wayne Eastman, after he took his own life on 20 May 2018. Despite only being able to afford the bare minimum for his funeral, the cost still racked up to approximately 4,500. When my son died at the age of 33, it was so unexpected. We didnt have any money to put towards his funeral, so we set up a GoFundMe page, but that only raised around 200, Ms Collins told The Independent. Have you been affected by this? Email maryam.zakir-hussain@independent.co.uk As a recipient of benefits, Ms Collins received around 1,000 from the government towards her sons service but had to pay the rest herself. She suffered another devastating loss when her daughter, Nicky Wren, passed away just two years later on 16 May 2020 following a long battle with cancer. Ms Wren left behind three children when she passed away in 2020 (Supplied) The grieving mother was left to take on the emotional and financial responsibilities of the 39-year-olds three children and pets, as well as pay for her funeral. The costs came to just under 3,898, excluding extra for a burial plot and headstone. Ms Collins received around 1,000 towards the funeral from the government but she was still left to pay the remainder out of her own pocket, and after taking on her daughters children, this caused her significant financial stress. If it was just myself, I could live off a bit of toast and coffee, she said. But because of the kids, I couldnt cut back on groceries. You dont sleep at night when you have money worries. Everyone kept telling me Id lost weight. I couldnt bring myself to eat a thing. The siblings passed away just two years apart (Supplied ) It comes as the cost of dying reaches a record high in the UK, with one in five families experiencing notable financial concerns when paying for a funeral, according to SunLifes Cost of Dying report for 2024. Ms Collins said after her daughters funeral, it took her around 12 months to get on top of her finances. All the bills were out of the window: credit card debts, council tax, loan companies, she said. I couldnt afford to put the heating on through the winter. I had to go onto an IVA [individual voluntary arrangement] because I had no choice. It was like robbing Peter to pay Paul all the time. You cant afford to live in this country and you certainly cant afford to die. Ms Collins with her daughter, who passed away aged just 39 (Supplied ) Mr Eastman took his own life in 2018 (Supplied ) It has been almost four years since Nicky passed away, and Ms Collins is still paying off costs built up from her funeral. Once one thing starts crumbling, the rest is like dominoes, she said. According to SunLifes report looking at the growing expenses for the bereaved, the average cost has soared to 9,658. This figure, which includes the price of a funeral, professional fees and other send-off costs, is the highest in the 20 years SunLife has been tracking them. The latest report shows a basic funeral in the UK, which includes a burial or cremation, all funeral director fees, a mid-range coffin, one funeral limousine, as well as doctor and celebrant fees, has increased to 4,141 from 3,953 last year. If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. 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 }} An NHS HR boss has apologised after a printed sign singled out very smelly Indian dishes being brought into a library. The sign was put up next to computers at the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust library before it was hastily removed on Friday. It read: Please do not bring any food any food into the library space. Especially not samosas, pakoras or filled chapatis as they are very smelly. Dr Partha Kar, diabetes consultant at Portsmouth hospital, told The Independent that the sign had undone months of work towards equality at the NHS which lists nearly 16 per cent of professionally qualified clinical staff as Asian. He said: You cant control some idiot putting up a sign like that. Its silly and you gain nothing out of it - all you gain is peoples aggravation. (Getty Images/iStockphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The trust responded to me saying its unacceptable it has been taken down. So Im presuming that it wasnt an accident and someone from the trust put that up. I think the concept of not bringing food into the library is absolutely bang on the money. But when you start saying not this, or that it becomes a problem. Fish and Chips with salt and vinegar doesnt quite smell like Chanel blue either. Just say dont bring food and drink into the library full stop. York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS (Twitter) Head of HR Polly McMeekin, posted an apology on X claiming the sign had been taken down. She added: Thanks for flagging. Agree totally unacceptable. Thankfully removed yesterday by York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Library team as soon as they discovered it. Really disappointing and not in line with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals behaviours at all. But Dr Kar added: Its just unprofessional on so many levels. If its meant as tongue in cheek then it is a really bad joke. Is it blatantly racist? Yes it is. But we dont know if its done consciously or if they are trying to make a joke that has fallen completely flat. With one sign you undo a good 18 months of work towards equality that I know goes on behind the scenes in the NHS on a difficult, emotive subject. It would be good to hear from the trust if they are looking into it. There are lessons to be learned for other trusts as well. People online have gone nuts. They want to find out who they are and have them sacked but I think that is a little bit silly too. If someone has done it then you need to sit them down with them and have a word and explain this is 2024 not 1947 so can we be aware of the trusts values? Its just wrong anyway. According to every single food survey an Indian curry is one of the top things English people eat. Many responded to the viral post blasting the need to specifically mention food of Indian origin. Prof Nitin Shrotri, a consultant urologist and Vice Chair at the Centre for Race Equality in Medicine, wrote on X: Most people are nice, a few are naughty and very few are really nasty. I hope whoever put this up gets called out. It was totally uncalled for. NHS Psychiatrist Raja Ahmed joked: Thats my retirement plan. To open a Pakora and Samosa stall in front of a big university hospital in the UK. An on-call NHS manager, who did not want to be named, said she assumed there would be an investigation into who put up the sign. She told The Independent: As soon as we were made aware of the poster it was removed and we apologise for any upset it has caused. A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: We are truly sorry for any distress or upset that has been caused by the sign that was put up in our library at York Hospital. As soon as we were made aware of it, it was removed. It was absolutely not in line with the values and behaviours of our organisation. We are proud to have a diverse workforce and are committed to ensuring the experience of all our staff is positive and inclusive. We continue to educate our staff to support them in understanding the implications of actions they may take both positively and negatively. 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 }} There is a stark generational divide between how the public see the various threats and how they should be dealt with but the majority agree that the world is a less safe place than five years ago, new polling suggests. Younger people believe that the war in Gaza should be the top foreign policy priority for the government, while the rest of the population believe that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the most important issue to address. Twenty-nine per cent of younger people, aged 18 to 34, believe the Gaza conflict is the most significant foreign policy issue to deal with, with 21 per cent saying it is Ukraine-Russia, newly-released polling from Savanta says. Twenty-seven per cent of the rest of the public believe the war in Ukraine is the most significant issue, compared to 23 per cent saying it is Israel-Gaza. The public at large (84 per cent) sees Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin, as the main threat to UK security, with the polling conducted before the death of prominent Putin critic, Alexei Navalny, with Western nations lining up to accuse the Kremlin of being responsible. Next comes China, and its leader Xi Jinping, at 70 per cent and then a Donald Trump-led US at 61 per cent. The former president is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, which would then bring a rematch at the ballot box with Joe Biden in November. However, young people are as concerned about Mr Trump as they are Mr Xi. Fifty-six per cent of younger people believe Trump is a threat, with 53 per cent saying Mr Xi. The majority of the more than 2,000 adults Savanta surveyed, 61 per cent, think that the world is a less safe place now than five years ago. Just 16 per cent think the world is safer compared to 2019. Emma Levin, Associate Director at Savanta says: Our research suggests that there may be an interesting generational divide in how the UK public perceives the manifold threats our country faces. Most see Putins Russia as our biggest threat, with Xi Jinpings China. But young people appear to believe that a second Trump presidency would be equally as much of a threat to the UK as Xi Jinpings regime. Young peoples priorities for policymakers differ from the wider public too theyre most likely to rank the Israel-Palestine conflict as a number one priority over Russia-Ukraine. More broadly, most are likely to feel less safe than five years ago, with older people most likely to feel vulnerable, she added. The survey was carried out from 9 to 11 February. 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 }} Sir Keir Starmer has spoken movingly of his fathers death in a new biography of the would-be prime minister. The Labour leader has previously talked of how his relationship with his toolmaker father, Rodney, was more distant as he cared for his mother, Josephine, who suffered with a rare illness. His mother, an NHS nurse, died just weeks before he became an MP in 2015, while his father passed away three years later. While helping to clear out his fathers house, he found a scrapbook filled with cuttings about him when he was younger, then as a lawyer and again as a politician. The book had been made by his father, who wrote dates underneath the cuttings, but which had been hidden at the back of a cupboard. Soon afterwards he said he remembered his father saying he was proud of him only once. That prompted a family friend, Mary Seller, to write to him. Starmer says in the new book: Mary told me something I didnt know: Dad was proud of me and loved me, even if he couldnt tell me to my face. And its now too late for me to tell him to his face that I was proud of him, that I loved him too. In the book he also recalls when Rodney was dying: I could tell there was something different about him: he was giving up. I understood too how any chance Dad and I might have had to speak properly to sort everything out had gone. We hadnt hugged each other for years. Not since I was a kid. I thought about trying to put my arms around him in that hospital room but, no, it wasnt what we did. Instead, he walked away: I knew he was dying and I didnt turn around to go back and tell him what I thought. And I should have done. After his death, Starmer found a scrapbook created by his father that featured cuttings of the toolmakers son (PA Wire) In Keir Starmer: The Biography, by Tom Baldwin, he also spoke for the first time about the tough life of his younger brother who suffers from learning disabilities and reveals he got into fights in order to protect him after he was called thick or stupid by other children. Mr Starmer was challenged this week about what he was working on personally as he looks to become the next prime minister. He told BBC Breakfast he was working to be the best leader I can be in difficult circumstances. It follows a tough fortnight for Sir Keir in which his party U-turned on plans to spend 28bn on green projects in government, and he was forced to drop Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali, after it emerged he had suggested Israel allowed the 7 October attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 people. But there was success on Friday when Labour defeated the Conservatives in two by-elections. Sir Keir said the results showed the country was crying out for change. 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 }} Keir Starmer paid 99,431 in tax last year, according to a summary of his returns released by the Labour Party. The summary showed nearly half the total - 44,308 - was paid in income tax while the Labour leader also handed over 52,688 in capital gains following the sale of a field in December 2022 partly owned by himself and partly owned by his fathers estate. It was previously reported that Mr Starmer had sold a plot of land he had bought in the 1990s for his parents, who used it to care for neglected donkeys. Reports at the time put the sale at 400,000. According to the latest tax summary, Mr Starmer gained 275,739 from the land sale. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has released a summary of his latest tax return (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire) Rishi Sunak published a summary of his own tax affairs earlier this month, showing that he paid 163,364 in tax on a total income of 432,884. The PM also paid 359,240 in tax on around 1.8m in capital gains from a US-based investment fund. It was the second time he has published details of his earnings since entering No 10 in October 2022 after replacing Liz Truss. Similarly to Mr Sunak, the Labour leader published a summary of his UK taxable income, capital gains and tax paid over the last tax year as reported to HM Revenue & Customs, prepared by his chartered accountants. The one-page document showed that he earned 79,098 as an MP, with an added salary of 49,193 for his role as leader of the opposition, bringing his income to 128,291. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Reform UKs hopes of stealing working-class Labour voters away from Sir Keir Starmers camp at the next general election has been met with scepticism from leading pollsters, The Independent can reveal. The rebranded Brexit Party, led by Richard Tice and co-founded by Nigel Farage, has labelled itself the party of the working class, declaring it is now the real home of Labour supporters. But Britains top pollster, Sir John Curtice, has poured cold water on the claims, predicting that its prospects in Labour heartlands remain slim. The most recent by-elections saw Reform make a significant dent in the Conservative vote taking a third of the overall vote share in both Wellingborough and Kingswood. But the party has not yet proven that it can land a blow on Labour. In Wellingborough, despite Reform receiving 13 per cent of the vote share, Labour still overturned a Conservative stronghold with the largest by-election swing since 1994 and a majority of 6,436 votes. Sir John, who is professor of politics at Strathclyde University, told The Independent the crucial factor that distinguishes those who switch to Reform is that they still believe in Brexit. Although he conceded that Labours vote is not wholly invulnerable to the ex-Brexit Party, that vulnerability is limited because around three-quarters of Labours vote stems from people who want to be inside the European Union. Sir John said: If youre discontenting of the Tories and you change your mind about Brexit, then you tend to go to Labour. If, however, youre discontented with the Tories but youre still a Brexit believer, you tend to switch to Reform. Mr Tice has built the party as a populist right-wing alternative to the Conservatives, campaigning for closed borders, lower taxes and a rollback of net zero targets. Reform has also claimed that the party is currently delivering phase one of its project, which is destroying the Conservative Party, and will next become a credible alternative to Labour. Sir Keir, meanwhile, is attempting to ensure the working-class vote by putting Labours new deal for workers a series of reforms aimed at strengthening workers rights in the UK front and centre of his campaign, while also pledging to take a tougher approach to law, order and immigration. Labour is currently polling 12 points ahead of the Conservatives as voters of all demographics abandon the Tories after 14 turbulent years in government. Mr Tice has warned the country faces Starmergeddon if it elects Labour, stating that only Reform UK is now the party of the working class, who will stop mass immigration, who will scrap net zero, [and] who will help solve the cost of living crisis. While pollsters say Reform is nibbling away at a certain piece of the 2019 Conservative vote, characterised by working-class voters in traditional Labour heartlands who voted overwhelmingly for Boris Johnson and who became known as the red wall, they refute the partys chances of damaging Labour. Scarlett Maguire, director at polling and political research company JL Partners, acknowledged that while Reform is pulling away about 21 per cent or so of people who voted Conservative in 2019, the party is just not pulling away Labour voters in the same way. She added that research conducted by her company suggested 69 per cent of current Reform voters voted Conservative in 2019, while just 4 per cent voted Labour. Clacton-on-Sea the seat that former Brexit Party leader Mr Farage is rumoured to be considering should he run as a Reform candidate is only polling at 18 per cent, inviting scepticism about the partys prospects in Westminster. Conservative peer and psephologist Lord Hayward similarly dismissed Mr Tices chances, emphasising the ethnic diversity of Labours working-class voter base a group Reform has alienated through its hostile stance on immigration and diversity. A 2019 Ipsos MORI poll estimated that Labour won the votes of 64 per cent of all Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) voters in 2019, while just 20 per cent voted for the Conservatives. It would therefore be an interesting concept for a party thats majored its campaign at essentially the white working class 2019 Tory voters, suddenly setting out to capture a group of people that effectively their campaign has set about alienating, Lord Hayward told The Independent. A Labour source also dismissed Reform UKs chances, saying the party was only concerned with fighting the Conservatives. The source added: Were focused on winning elections, and to do that we need to beat the Tories. Were not wasting our time worrying about whatever Richard Tice is saying to get attention this week. Reform UK has been approached for comment. 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 }} Lord Austin has been suspended as the chair of a housing association over a social media post in which he described Hamas as Islamist rapists and murderers. Midland Heart, which is based in Birmingham, also said a meeting has been arranged to discuss removing Lord Austin from the board. But the decision was criticised by Michael Gove, the housing secretary, who said he was seeking an urgent meeting and explanation with the group, which provides affordable homes and receives public funding. He also described Lord Austin as a champion for affordable housing, (who) he has spent his career fighting racism. In a post on X/Twitter, the peer, a former aide to Gordon Brown, said: Everyone, better safe than sorry: before you go to bed, nip down and check you havent inadvertently got a death cult of Islamist murderers and rapists running their operations downstairs. Its easily done. He later deleted it saying: People have complained about a tweet I issued at the weekend about Hamas operations centre being underneath UNRWAs ( the UN refugee agencys) offices in Gaza. It was not my intention to offend anyone and I have deleted it. As I have written and said many times including in a national newspaper today the vast majority of Muslims are just as appalled by racism and terrorism as everyone else. Austin deleted the tweet, saying that he didnt mean to offend anyone (PA) He told the Daily Telegraph: The word Islamists is very clearly a reference not to Muslim people but to extremists. He accused politically motivated bullies of deliberately misinterpreting his comments about Hamas, which killed 1,200 people in Israel in a massacre at the start of October. I am particularly appalled that people are claiming the word Islamist refers to all Muslims and it is disgraceful for people to claim this is in some way Islamophobic, he said. Lord Austin quit Labour in protest under Jeremy Corbyns leadership, when the party was dogged by accusations of antisemitism. Midland Heart have been approached for comment. 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 FBI raided two high-ranking New York fire chiefs homes as part of a corruption investigation. The investigation pertains to questions of whether the two men, Brian Cordasco and Anthony Saccavino, had been paid $100,000 as part of a scheme to expedite building inspections, according to the New York Times. The two FDNY chiefs have reportedly not been accused of wrongdoing, and are not charged with any crimes. It is not clear if either has retained an attorney. Their offices at the departments Brooklyn headquarters were also searched and sealed off Thursday. In a statement, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said both Mr Cordasco and Mr Saccavino had been proactively placed on modified duty. The F.D.N.Y.s first priority is always keeping New Yorkers safe, and we expect every member of the department to act appropriately, Ms Kavanagh said. Thursdays raids come amid an investigation into Mayor Eric Adams, who has been accused of working with FDNY officials to fast-track the building inspection process as favors to powerful real estate developers and political donors. A spokesperson for the mayors office told The Independent that the investigation into Mr Cordasco and Mr Saccavino was unrelated to Mr Adams. City Hall became aware of this operation when we were notified by FDNY yesterday morning, the spokesperson Charles Lutvak, said. The FDNY continues to cooperate with [the Department of Investigation], and there is no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Michelle Troconis, who is accused of helping kill her boyfriends wife, could be held in contempt of court after she was reportedly spotted looking at sealed documents on her laptop during proceedings. On Friday, Judge Kevin A Randolph said he would schedule a contempt hearing after the defence rests. The judge was alerted on Thursday by someone in the court gallery that Ms Troconis, 49, had part of a sealed custody report on her laptop screen, according to NBC Connecticut. Prosecutors say Ms Troconis was dating Fotis Dulos at the time his wife, Jennifer Dulos disappeared on 19 May 2019. Officials believe Mr Dulos killed his wife in the garage of their residence in New Canaan after she dropped their children off at school and later cleaned up the crime scene. Ms Troconis is suspected of helping him cover up the crime, but has denied any involvement. Mr Dulos died by suicide in January 2020 after police charged him with his wifes murder. Ms Duloss body was never found. Ms Troconis was subsequently charged with tampering with evidence, hindering prosecution and conspiracy to commit murder. On Thursday, officials in the courtroom said the document Ms Troconis had on display is sealed because it has confidential information about Mr Duloss five children. Though the state has said the report needs to remain under seal, the jury heard testimony in regards to it this week. Still, Ms Troconis was not supposed to have access to the document. Officials launched an inquiry to determine how she got the report and how the person in the gallery recognized it. The concern the state has is this notion that she would have access on her device to a report that it starts off that a member of the audience is able to see, which is clearly under seal, said Michelle Manning, the states assistant attorney, said when speaking to the judge. That is concerning. The second major point is that it was displayed for the public with a news camera behind us and that she couldnt even have read it to begin with. On Friday, the judge told the courtroom that only counsel would be able to have access to a computer during proceedings and that the court would not become a hallway monitor, adding that anyone who makes an attempt to communicate with the jury or a witness would be removed. The trial, which began in January, has lasted 23 days and is expected to continue into next week. Amid rumors of Russian opposition leader Oleksii Navalnyi's death in prison on February 16, his children and wife have remained silent. It is known that the eldest daughter of the Russian often mentioned him in public, although she did not give up social life during a difficult time for the family, and her brother disappeared from the information space. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZ.UA decided to remind Ukrainians what is known about Navalnyi's heirs, what they have been doing over the years, and where they live. Daria Navalna Navalnyi's daughter was born on September 6, 2001, so she is now 22 years old. She studied near Moscow, often traveled the world with her father, had scandals with pro-Putin teachers because of her political position, and was preparing to enter a foreign university. In 2019, the Russian girl was accepted by two prestigious universities at once - Stanford University in California and one of the Ivy League universities. Daria chose Stanford, where she moved to in 2020. ADVERTISIMENT Shortly before that, she ran her blog, where she talked to "Putin's henchmen, supporters of the USSR, apolitical" and other guests. The last video was about studying in America. In 2020, the Russian woman ran out of money due to the blocking of her family's accounts, but she vowed to keep her spirits up and steal oranges from trees in California. "Old Putin put his hand on my student money, but the world is full of good people, and I will not be lost. And don't forget that my university is located in California, so if life gets really tough, I'll sneak along the roads at night, tear oranges from the trees, and eat them," the student wrote. ADVERTISIMENT In recent years, Navalna has begun to tell the world more about her father's arrest. For example, writing a column in TIME about the conditions of his detention, publishing videos in defense of the prisoner, giving interviews to CNN, showing off on the Oscar red carpet, winning the prize for best documentary, and so on. According to the location of her Instagram account, Daria Navalna is currently in the United States. Zakhar Navalnyi Zakhar, 15, who leads a less media-friendly lifestyle and whose page Daria Navalna does not follow, was also on the same red carpet with his mother and sister in evening wear. ADVERTISIMENT He studied at a Russian school, but nothing is known about the teenager's current whereabouts. It is assumed that he has remained in Germany since 2019. In an interview, Oleksii Navalnyi shared that his younger son was so used to danger that he did not react to his father's poisoning. "It's a funny story. Perhaps not very complimentary for Zakhar, but it shows well the realities in which we live. Dasha tells it to me: Zakhar is sitting and playing GTA online, and she tells him: "Dad was poisoned". He replies: "Uh-huh," and continues to play. "He's been poisoned, he's in a coma!" He's like: "Yes, in a coma is bad," the oppositionist said three years ago. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new fundraiser for former president Donald Trump was launched after he received a hefty $350m judgment in the civil fraud case against him, his sons and their family business. Fridays ruling by Judge Arthur Engoron found that the former president, his sons, their Trump Organization associates and Trump properties were liable for tens of millions of dollars. Mr Trump as well as his companies and his trust were ordered to pay more than $350m plus interest while his sons were each ordered to pay roughly $4m. Elena Cardone, the wife of wealthy private equity fund manager and real estate investor Grant Cardone, created the GoFundMe page shortly after Fridays ruling, titled: Stand with Trump; Fund the $355M Unjust Judgment. Ms Cardone wrote, I stand unwaveringly with President Donald Trump in the face of what I see as unprecedented and unfair treatment by certain judicial elements in New York. The recent legal battles he faces are not just an attack on him, but an attack on the very ideals of fairness and due process that every American deserves, she wrote. Its a moment that calls into question the balance of justice and the application of law, disproportionately aimed at silencing a voice that has been at the forefront of advocating for American strength, prosperity, and security. Ms Cardone who earlier this month reportedly hosted a campaign fundraiser for election denier and failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake described the Trump fundraiser as more than a legal fund, but rather a call to all businesses owners and entrepreneurs to rally in defense of all businesses and for man who has never hesitated to stand in defense of us. A spokesoperson for GoFundMe confirmed to The Independent that the campaign fell within the companys terms of service. On X, Mr Cardone promoted the Trump fundraiser and explained that 100% of funds will be forwarded to Trump Org for his defense of this ridiculous judgement. As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe page raised more than $67,000. There are some donors, however, who seem to be giving minuscule amounts to make a statement. For example, one person who gave $5, wrote, I paid $5 for the privilege of saying that Donald Trump is a conman, a serial sexual abuser and an insurrectionist scumbag. All of you who seriously contribute money to this man are brainwashed cult members. Trump is a danger to democracy and this country. This also isnt the first time that legal funds have been set up on behalf of the former president. Mr Trumps Save America PAC has paid nearly $37m to more than 60 law firms and individual attorneys since January 2022. While some of the PACs cash went to attorneys representing Mr Trumps family and ex-White House aides, most of it went to attorneys defending Mr Trump against his array of legal battles. This PAC in combination with the Make America Great Again PAC spent more than $55m on legal bills in 2023, according to government filings reviewed by The Independent. Mr Trump has repeatedly used his series of legal woes to encourage donations and it works. His base seems to be energised to defend him with every lawsuit that comes his way. Mr Trumps single largest online campaign fundraising day last year occurred on 4 April when he was arraigned in Manhattan over the 34 felony charges related to the hush-money scheme, NBC News reported. In an example of what this strategy looks like, in December, following the Colorado Supreme Courts decision to remove the former president from the 2024 ballot, his campaign sent out an email blast: Please make a contribution to join the fight to keep my name on the 2024 ballot and peacefully defend YOUR right to vote. On Saturday, he wrote a message to his supporters on his campaign website, branding the ruling as an example of election interference. The website pleads, Before the end of the day, Im calling on ONE MILLION PRO-TRUMP Patriots to chip in and proudly say: END THE WITCH HUNT AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP! Mr Trumps legal debts have been stacking up as of late and his year in court is just beginning. On top of the civil fraud ruling which Mr Trump decried as a Total SHAM on Truth Social he already owed another $110,000 for refusing to comply with a subpoena in the case and $15,000 for disparaging the judges law clerk, violating a gag order. Mr Trump was already on the line for E Jean Carroll cases; he faced an $83m verdict for his defamation of the former Elle columnist and owed $5.5m for lying about sexually abusing her. 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 }} Following the death of Russian opposition figure and fierce Vladimir Putin critic Alexei Navalny in a penal colony, the anti-Donald Trump super PAC Lincoln Project branded the right-wing leaders as twins in a scathing new video. Navalny was reported dead on Friday after he allegedly went for a walk and fell unconscious in prison. In response, President Joe Biden said, Putin is responsible for Navalnys death, while Mr Trump has so far remained silent on the matter. The Lincoln Project took Mr Trumps silence a step further, creating an ad that highlights similarities between Mr Trump and Mr Putin. Vladimir Putin is a murderer who kills people for speaking out against him. Donald Trump admires this in him. The reason he demanded immunity is because he wants to have the same powers as Putin, the super PAC captioned the ad on X. Why does MAGA love Vladimir Putin so much? He reminds them of someone they love, the narrator begins. Both are pathological liars, the narrator begins before listing an example. A translation of Mr Putin says, We will be aiming at denazification of Ukraine followed by a video of Mr Trump saying, I think it was an insurrection caused by Nancy Pelosi. The January 6 Select Committee wrote in its final report that the former president was the central cause of the Capitol riot. The narrator then adds, Both hate democracy, while showing a clip of Mr Trump and Mr Putin shaking hands. Both use violence to attack law and order, the narrator says before flashing a video of Mr Trump speaking at a Washington, DC rally on January 6, regarding his 2020 election loss: We will never give up, we will never concede. You dont concede when theres theft involved. The narrator continues, Both demean women. The ad then shows a brief clip of the Access Hollywood bus where Mr Trump uttered the now-infamous phrase: Grab em by the pussy. The ad then captures the Russian leader talking to a man with the translation under him reading: Im not a woman so I dont have bad days. It then cuts to the interview between images of Megyn Kelly and Mr Trump, as a recording of him talking about the journalist plays:: There was blood coming out of her wherever. The narrator pivots to his next point of comparison: Both think their supporters are stupid. While featuring a clip of Mr Putin holding a pen, a news broadcaster says, Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning so-called homosexual propaganda. Then, the ad cuts to a clip of the Ivy-League-educated Mr Trump saying, I love the poorly educated. But the one big difference between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the narrator interjects as a clip of the pair shaking hands plays, In America, our votes count. We can stop Donald Trump. Dont let MAGA turn America into Russia. Vote because you still believe in America, the narrator says. Despite a series of ongoing legal battles including a recent civil fraud case judgment that fined Mr Trump $350m the former US president is still the 2024 Republican frontrunner. 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 House Ethics Committees probe into Matt Gaetz has obtained 2017 texts that the Florida Republican allegedly sent to a young woman who had been paid for sex by his associate. These messages, ABC News first reported, show Mr Gaetz, just months after he was elected into Congress, asking the unnamed woman to go on a trip with him to the Florida Keys in May 2017. The exchange signifies the first private exchange between the pair, the outlet wrote. According to the outlet, Mr Gaetz texted, Hey -- any interest in flying on a private plane to the keys May 19-21? The then-freshman Congressman added that the trip would feature 2 guys, 4 girls. A very high-quality adventurous group. Yeah Im in, the woman replied. The Florida lawmaker then reportedly wrote: Fantastic. As is true with all time you spend w me, itll be fun and chillYou have a passport? ABC News noted that the woman did not ultimately go on this trip. Mr Gaetzs then-friend and business associate Joel Greenberg had already sent this same woman money for sex. In May 2021, Greenberg pleaded guilty to six federal crimes, which include sex trafficking of a minor, identity theft, stalking, wire fraud, and conspiracy to bribe a public official. The House panel also obtained a photo of the pair, dated 19 May 2017. The selfie photo allegedly captured the woman beside Mr Gaetz wearing a shirt with a quote from medical research advocate Mary Lasker:If you think research is expensive, try disease. A Gaetz spokesperson told ABC News, 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 youre referencing, though he takes thousands of selfies each year. On top of these bombshell messages, this same woman allegedly informed prosecutors in 2021 that she had sex with Mr Gaetz at a party that she was paid to attend, her lawyer told The Daily Beast. She was reportedly paid to go to multiple sex parties with people in Gaetzs circle, the outlet wrote. The attorney added that her client told prosecutors that the sex was consensual. The attorney told the Daily Beast that her client told investigators that she and lots of girls were provided all kinds of controlled substances at these parties. The availability of vast amounts of alcohol and controlled substances gave rise to the lack of control of the hormonal imperative, the attorney continued, which inspired people to engage in intimate behavior that may or may not have been because they were financially remunerated. Once the probes into the Florida Republican began, the attorney said, a Gaetz associate who also attended the parties allegedly asked if she was speaking to anyone about the Florida lawmaker or the drug-fueled bashes. The woman interpreted this exchange as an intimidation effort so that she wouldnt share any Gaetz-related information, the lawyer said. The Independent has reached out to Rep Gaetzs office for comment. The Justice Department launched a years-long investigation into Rep Gaetz regarding potential sex-trafficking charges, but did not ultimately bring any charges against the Congressman. After deferring its initial probe to the Justice Department, in July, the House Ethics Committee restarted its probe, and has contacted new witnesses. The fact that nothing has come of it has kind of astonished her, who along with all the others had been the focal point of such an intense investigation, the lawyer told the outlet. For them to go through all that and then for the target of the investigation to just get a wink and a nod has created for some of them a loss of faith in the system. When the investigation was restarted, Mr Gaetz said: I was cleared by the Department of Justice and the FBI, who looked into my life for years. Now, I believe that the House Ethics Committee is trying to weaponize their process against me because every once in a while up here Im a rabble-rouser and I dont go along to get along. And right now, Im forcing this body to deal with our debt and our spending, he continued. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Michigan Republican lawmaker has doubled down on tweets he made echoing the white supremacist Great Replacement Theory, and has lost a committee seat in the state's House in doing so. State Representative Josh Schriver insists he has been falsely branded a racist despite sharing the bigoted conspiracy theory. Im a White rapper and most conservative voting Representative in Michigan, he wrote on X/Twitter. I guess it was only a matter of time before I was falsely labeled a raaacist! He later insisted he was a "Christian" and "not a racist", according to The Daily Beast. Ive worked in inner city schools with autistic children, he said. Some politicians refuse to go near these communities. I go anywhere God leads me! On Wednesday, Mr Schriver used official Michigan House of Representatives letterhead to issue a statement addressing the "racist plan to replace Whites with non-Whites through illegal immigration to irreversibly warp America's demographics, voting citizens, and national identity to keep power in the hands of a godless regime". He further wrote that there was an "anti-White agenda" and that talking about it does not make one a racist. The Great Replacement Theory suggests that Democrats are intentionally flooding the country with non-white immigrants, and that in return those people will all vote for Democrats. Its premise assumes that American "national identity" is inherently connected to whiteness, and that its demographics should always remain primarily white. Josh Hoskins, a Democratic state representative, introduced a bill after he made the comments condemning the use of racist language by state lawmakers. That bill passed 98-5, with four of the five no votes coming from the chamber's far-right "Freedom Caucus." On Valentine's Day, Mr Schriver continued pushing the conspiracy theory, tweeting that "white erasure is wrong" and that thinking so "isn't controversial." White identifying people still make up 75 per cent of the US population, according to the US Census. A few days prior, he tweeted that "illegal immigrants should not replace Michiganders". After he was removed from his committee, Mr Schriver complained that the House Democratic leadership was "disenfranchising" his constituents. When he isn't making controversial claims, Mr Scrhiver likes to post conservative rap videos featuring himself. In one, called "The Conservative C.O.D.E.," the lawmaker dances in a pickup truck near an American flag mural that contains the phrase "In God We Trust." I swore a sacred oath, so help me G-O-D, he sings in the video. G-O-D, help me G-O-D. The Independent has reached out to the lawmaker for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Alina Habba, an attorney for Donald Trump, has condemned the ruling in his New York civil fraud trial, calling it a politically fueled witch hunt designed to take the former president down. Shortly after New York Justice Arthur Engoron released the decision in the case on Friday, ordering Mr Trump and his co-defendants to pay more than $350m for financial fraud, Ms Habba turned to X to voice her outrage. This verdict is a manifest injustice - plain and simple, Ms Habba, who represented Mr Trump during the trial, wrote. It is the culmination of a multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt that was designed to take down Donald Trump, before Letitia James ever stepped foot into the Attorney Generals office, she added. Ms Habba said Mr Trump will be appealing the decision. We trust that the Appellate Divison will overturn this egregious verdict and end this relentless persecution against my clients, Ms Habba wrote. Mr Trumps lawyer went on to claim that if the decision remains in place, it will hurt business in New York. After a months-long trial in New York Superior Court, the judge ordered Mr Trump, his adult sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr and former executives of the Trump Organization to each pay millions of dollars after being found liable for misrepresenting financial statements at the company in order to obtain favourable treatment from banks and lenders. Along with the more than $350m that Mr Trump and his co-defendants must pay, he is barred from holding leadership roles in any New York company, including the Trump Organization. Additionally, Justice Engoron ordered the implementation of an independent monitor to oversee the Trump Organization. In his ruling, Justice Engoron said that Mr Trump and his co-defendants complete lack of contrition and remorse was bordering on pathological. A decision imposing severe punishments against Mr Trump had been expected. Justice Engoron had already determined the former president defrauded lenders before the trial even got under way. Earlier this week, Ms Habba told Newsmax that she did not have high hopes for the outcome of the civil fraud trial. Ill be loud and booming right after the decision, Ms Habba said. I dont have high hopes. 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 }} Watch as New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks on the civil fraud trial against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization on Friday 16 February. The former president, his adult sons and their chief associates have been ordered to pay more than $364 million (280m) after a months-long case targeting fraud in the family business. Mr Trump has also been banned from running businesses in New York for three years. His sons, Eric and Donald Jr, received similar bans for two years. Justice Arthur Engoron delivered his verdict in the New York civil fraud trial on Friday, after the judge had already ruled that Mr Trump inflated his wealth on financial statements that were given to banks and insurers to make deals and secure favourable loans. Following the ruling, the former president took to his Truth Social platform to vent his anger, describing the decision as a complete and total sham and unsubstantially accused the judge and prosecutors of being deluded, biased and crooked. Ms James, who brought the case, had sought $370m in disgorgement from the entities. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} After a three-year-long investigation, more than 40 witnesses, 11 weeks of trial testimony, and thousands of pages of evidence, Donald Trump and his co-defendants in a sprawling civil fraud case have been ordered to pay more than $364m following a decade-long fraud scheme. New York Justice Arthur Engoron handed down his final ruling in the case on 16 February, hitting the former president, his adult sons Eric and Donald Jr and several former Trump Organization executives with millions of dollars in financial penalties. Mr Trump is also barred from from holding any executive office with a New York company and from getting loans from New York banks for the next three years. His sons are barred from executive offices with any New York company for two years while former executives Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney were hit with lifetime bans from financially controlling any New York businesses, as well as three-year bans from serving as an officer or director of any New York business. In the ruling, the judge admonished Mr Trump and his co-defendants for the fraud as well as their continued refusal to admit their errors. Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological, he said. The civil trial in New York County Supreme Court in lower Manhattan was among the first facing the former president as he campaigns to return to the White House and one that directly threatened his real estate empire and the family brand that he has long used to build a narrative of self-made success. The ruling on 16 February comes roughly 17 months after New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Mr Trump, his adult sons and their chief executives at the Trump Organization, alleging a decade-long pattern of fraud to convince banks and lenders to give them favourable financing terms based on their bogus and inflated financial statements. Here is a timeline of key moments from the case and the dramatic trial in New York City. A blockbuster lawsuit The attorney general announced her lawsuit against members of the Trump family and their chief associates at a press conference in Manhattan on 21 September 2022, more than a year before a trial would commence. The lawsuit which followed a multi-year investigation parallel to a criminal case against the former presidents family business accused Mr Trump and his co-defendants of making dozens of false and misleading valuations of his assets over a 10-year period from 2011 to 2021. These fraudulent valuations, AG James alleged, were used to acquire more favourable financing terms for Mr Trumps brand-building properties. Mr Trump and his co-defendants engaged in years of illegal conduct to inflate his net worth ... to deceive banks and the people of the great state of New York, she said. Claiming you have money that you do not have does not amount to the Art of the Deal, its the art of the steal, Ms James continued, referring to Mr Trumps most famous book. Her office alleged that Mr Trump inflated his net worth and assets by as much as $2.2bn in one year and by hundreds of millions of dollars in other years over a decade. New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks to reporters outside New York County Superior Court on 25 October, 2023. (REUTERS) The lawsuit initially sought to recover $250m in so-called ill-gotten gains that otherwise would not have been achieved through accurate statements of financial condition that is the documents that Ms James said lay at the centre of the case. Those documents were presented to banks and lenders as exaggerated, grossly inflated, objectively false, and therefore fraudulent, and illegal, she said at the time. At the trials conclusion, her office increased the penalty value being sought to $370m. She also called on the court to bar the former president from New York real estate for the rest of his life. A damning pretrial judgment One year later, on 26 September 2023, Judge Engoron issued a pretrial judgment that resolved key claims in the lawsuit and drew a furious rebuke from the former president. The judge determined that the allegations amounted to fraud, called on an independent monitor to manage Mr Trumps operations and liabilities, and ordered several of his business licences to be rescinded, effectively upending his ability to run his business empire. The decision arrived days before the start of the trial, and effectively prevented defendants from re-litigating already-determined elements of the case. The more-narrow trial, then, would focus on Ms Jamess other claims and the amount, if anything, that the defendants would owe. Mr Trumps legal team successfully blocked the proposed sanctions from going forward as he appealed the judgment against him and his co-defendants. But Judge Engorons ruling eviscerated what he called his attorneys fantasy world legal arguments which wasted the courts time with repetitive, frivolous filings in an effort to delay the proceedings. He also branded some of Mr Trumps sworn statements in his depositions wholly without basis in law or fact. Gag orders When the trial got under way, Mr Trump flew in from Florida to be there in person. Throughout the trial as he dipped in and out of courtroom appearances he routinely relied on the hallway outside the courtroom to hold impromptu press conferences to the rows of cameras capturing his coming and going from the courts massive doorway. He would attack rivals and the cases against him to cast himself as a victim of political persecution baseless claims that he echoes in campaign messages to raise millions of dollars for his legal defence. On the trials second day, a post on Mr Trumps Truth Social account falsely accused court clerk Alison Greenfield of being Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers girlfriend, posted a link to her Instagram account, then raged against her outside the courtroom. The judge later told the court, without naming Mr Trump, that he ordered a disparaging, untrue and personally-identifying post about a member of my staff to be deleted. Personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable, inappropriate and I will not tolerate them under any circumstances, he said. Consider this statement a gag order from posting, emailing or speaking publicly about any members of my staff. Donald Trump, next to his attorney Alina Habba, leaves the courtroom after attending his civil fraud trial on 6 November, 2023. (REUTERS) Mr Trump was later fined $5,000 for violating the gag order after a version of the post was discovered on a Trump website. That same month, after testimony from his former attorney Michael Cohen, Mr Trump fumed against a person whos very partisan sitting alongside of him. The judge determined this was another comment aimed at his chief clerk. Mr Trump was called to testify about his remark the first time he would appear on the witness stand and claimed that he was talking about Cohen. The judge said his testimony was not credible and fined him $10,000, his second fine for violating the gag order. Dont do it again or it will be worse, the judge said. In November, after Mr Trumps attorney Christopher Kise launched into a tirade about what he called Ms Greenfields bias and what he feels like are two adversaries on the bench, the judge issued another gag order to encompass all parties, including attorneys, from disparaging court staff. State appellate court judges upheld the gag orders after challenges from Mr Trump, and his attorney Alina Habba wrote a check to the court for $15,000 to cover his fines. Trump takes the stand In the trials sixth week, state attorneys called the former president to the witness stand. It didnt take long for Judge Engoron to order Mr Trumps attorneys to control him for his evasive and meandering answers. Within the first hour of his testimony, an increasingly frustrated Judge Engoron and state attorneys tried to get him to answer questions about his net worth and assets without launching into speeches. His answers were not only nonresponsive, theyre repetitive, said Judge Engoron, who warned that the former presidents ongoing rants could be negatively used against him. Over the next several hours, he accused Ms James of trying to demean and hurt him politically, slammed her as a political hack, called the case a disgrace and told a lawyer with Ms Jamess office that he should be ashamed of himself. Waving his hands as he fumed on the witness stand, he turned his complaints towards the judge. You ruled against me and you said I was a fraud, said Mr Trump, looking towards the floor in front of him. He called me a fraud, and he didnt know anything about me. A courtroom sketch depicts Donald Trump on the witness stand in a civil fraud trial on 25 October, 2023. (AP) Mr Trumps statements of financial condition were just something you would have for yourself if you were borrowing money, he testified. They were not really documents that the banks paid much attention to, he added. They just werent a very important element in the banks decision-making process. And well explain that as the trial goes along. Crazy trial, as it goes along. He claimed that those statements are the opposite of the attorney generals case, and much larger than reported, with his allegedly inflated values for his properties omitting an unreported brand value. I became president because of my brand value. I sell books at levels that are incredible, he said. He described the attorney generals case against him as Mr Trump wrote up phony things and defrauded banks. There was no victim, and then you say, you defrauded them, he added. Judge Engoron interrupted him to address his attorneys: Can you control your client? This is not a political realm. Ive asked several times to answer the question. I dont think we want editorialising. Well be here forever and will accomplish nothing, he added. Youre in control of the courtroom. Not me, Mr Trumps attorney Christopher Kise replied. At another point, Judge Engoron told Mr Kise: I beseech you, to control him. If you cant, I will. This is a situation where you have on the stand a candidate for president of the United States and so the most efficient way I would ask the court is to listen to what he has to say and you weigh it, Mr Kise replied. The court needs to hear what he has to say about these statements and why theyre reliable. The judge fired back: These people are not here to hear what he has to say. He is here to answer questions. Sit down, already. This is a very unfair trial, Mr Trump said while sitting on the witness stand. And I hope the public is watching. Michael Cohens testimony When the former presidents former attorney took the stand, he testified that he was tasked by Mr Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number that he arbitrarily elected for his statement of financial condition. Cohen and convicted former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg were instructed to reverse engineer the various different asset classes increase those assets in order to achieve the number that Mr Trump had tasked us with, Cohen said. Asked by counsel for the attorney generals office what that number was, Cohen replied: Whatever number Mr Trump told us to. Cohen, speaking deliberately and slowly under questioning from the attorney generals office, told the court that he conducted the former presidents business at the direction of, in concert with and for the benefit of Mr Trump. Ms Habba, pacing the courtroom as she volleyed questions to Cohen, showed him a series of glowing statements he gave to the press about his former boss from the years he was an employee of the Trump Organization. Under questioning from his attorneys, Cohen agreed that his former boss never asked him to inflate the figures at the centre of the case, but that his commands were implicit rather than explicit. Donald Trump speaks like a mob boss, Cohen said. He tells you what he wants without specifically telling you Thats what I was referring to. Michael Cohen leaves a civil fraud trial at New York County Supreme Court on 25 October, 2023. (REUTERS) Mr Trump and his attorneys went on to insist that Cohen who they labelled a star witness for the prosecution is unreliable, didnt implicate his former boss, and committed perjury on the stand, which they argue should be grounds to toss the case completely. They argued that Cohens credibility blew the attorney generals case apart, an argument that the judge vehemently rejected. In her questioning, Ms Habba appeared to suggest that Cohen tried to leverage his relationship to Mr Trump to avoid harsher criminal penalties in his own criminal cases, and then cashed in on his fallout with his former boss, who is at the centre of Cohens books, podcasts and other media. After Judge Engoron denied an attempt from Mr Trumps attorneys to render a verdict in his favour, the former president tossed his hands in frustration and left the courtroom. The witness just admitted that we won the trial, he told reporters steps from the courtrooms doors. And the judge should end this trial immediately. Donald Jr, Eric and Ivanka testify The three oldest Trump children Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump each carried similar titles and roles within the family company and oversaw some of their fathers brand-building developments. They each took the stand to give testimony at the trial. Throughout their testimonies, Mr Trumps adult sons distanced themselves from the creation of statements of financial condition, while state attorneys showed them emails and documents bearing their signatures to sign off on financial statements while they were effectively running the family business. Donald Jr repeatedly stated that he didnt recall conversations about those financial statements, what they included, or what he intended with them. His brother Eric, who ran the day-to-day business while his father was in office, also testified that he didnt have anything to do with those statements. But state attorneys repeatedly confronted them with documents and emails that appeared to show that they were more aware of what went into those statements than they had previously stated. Fuming on the stand at one point, Eric Trump said were a major organization, a massive real estate organization. I am fairly certain that we would have had financial statements. He sought to distinguish between discussions about finances and preparation for statements of financial condition. I dont think it ever registered that it was for a personal statement of financial condition, he said about one piece of correspondence with a former Trump Organization executive. It was a detail that was irrelevant to me. Ivanka Trump appears inside New York County Supreme Court on 8 November, 2023 to testify in a civil fraud trial targeting her familys sprawling real estate business. (Getty Images) He was also shown emails he received from other Trump figures, including one from Weisselberg, explicitly referencing your dads annual financial statement or Mr Trumps annual financial statement, with attachments to spreadsheets and footnotes that included the data used in those statements. In her testimony, Ivanka Trump who was dropped from the lawsuit last year and is no longer a defendant in the case said she did not recall key documents about the familys brand-building property deals, some of which the attorney general said she captained. Similar to her brothers, Ms Trump denied any involvement with her fathers financial statements and other developments despite her apparent integral role in the Trump Organizations real estate projects. Death threats flood the court Mr Trumps volatile campaign, inflammatory statements and bully pulpit used to antagonise his rivals and fuel attacks against them all converged in a stunning affidavit that outlined the wave of threats facing the New York court in the weeks after the trial began. Judge Engoron and his chief clerk received hundreds of threats, disparaging and harassing comments and antisemitic messages that followed the former presidents harassment, according to a court official submitting evidence to support the gag orders. Transcriptions of threatening voicemails after Mr Trump first targeted Judge Engorons chief clerk fill more than 275 single-spaced pages. The threats against them are serious and credible and not hypothetical or speculative, and the implementation of the limited gag orders resulted in a decrease in the number of threats, harassment, and disparaging messages that the judge and his staff received, according to the filing. However, when Mr Trump violated the gag orders, the number of threatening, harassing and disparaging messages increased, the official wrote. The morning before closing arguments, after Mr Trumps lawyers refused to commit their client to limiting his outbursts in court, law enforcement investigated a swatting incident at the judges home. Trump speaks out in the courtroom Donald Trump wanted to deliver closing arguments in his case, but in a series of emails to attorneys before closing arguments in January, Judge Engoron stressed that he could not use his proposed time to deliver a campaign speech. That appeared to be a deal breaker for his attorneys. Mr Kise, however, made a last-ditch effort in the courtroom to ask the judge, again, if Mr Trump could speak. Photographers surround Donald Trump and his attorneys before closing arguments in a civil fraud case in New York on 11 January. (AP) Before the former president answered whether he would abide by the rules, he launched into a breathless tirade from the defence table, seizing a few minutes to unload his familiar grievances while painting himself as the victim of political persecution who should be owed money for the litigation against him. We should receive damages for what weve gone through, he said. What happened here, sir, is a fraud on me. After the judge reminded him of the limited time on his clock, Mr Trump fired back: You cant listen for more than one minute. Judge Engoron asked Mr Kise to keep control of his client, with a warning that his time was limited. This couldve gone a lot differently, the judge said. Trump ordered to pay more than $350m On 16 February, Judge Engoron handed down his final ruling in the fraud case, ordering Mr Trump, his companies, his adult sons and their chief associates in his sprawling real-estate empire to pay more than $364m. The former president also is barred from from holding any executive office with a New York company and from getting loans from New York banks for three years. His sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump are also barred from executive offices with any New York company for two years. Former executives Allen Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney are also permanently barred from financially controlling any New York businesses , and face a three-year ban from serving as an officer or director of any New York business. Oliver OConnell contributed reporting Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former President Donald Trump has quietly expressed support for a 16-week abortion ban but told his advisers he wants to keep his opinions close to his chest until the end of the Republican presidential primary, according to reports. The New York Times was the first to report the news. According to the outlet, Mr Trump is advocating for a ban with three exceptions: in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of the mother. The paper said the information came from two people with direct knowledge of Mr Trumps deliberations. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Mr Trump, told The Hill, President Trump appointed strong Constitutionalist federal judges and Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v Wade and sent the decision back to the states, which others have tried to do for over 50 years. She referred to the story as fake news. The Independent has reached out to Mr Trumps campaign. The former president is not the first Republican politician to suggest a federal abortion ban. Former Vice President Mike Pence voiced his support for a 15-week ban while speaking to a group of conservative Christians. In 2022, US Senator Lindsey Graham introduced legislation that would allow for a 15-week federal ban. Still, the former president expressed concerns about potentially alienating social conservatives before a nominee is chosen. Mr Trump reportedly told a member of his team that he liked the idea of a 16-week ban because its an even number. Its even. Its four months, he apparently told a staffer. Up until now, little has been known about what Mr Trump currently thinks on the topic. Per The New York Times, he immediately dimisses prospective running mates when he finds out they dont agree with the three exceptions hes proposed, claiming that Republicans will continue to lose elections with that mentality. However, Mr Trump appointed three conservative US Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that made access to the procedure a constitutional right. The former president said his proposed ban would target the remaining states that have not imposed restrictions on abortion. Currently 14 states have prohibited the procedure in some capacity. Throughout his life, hes appeared to go back-and-forth about his thoughts regarding the procedure, with his opinions varying depending on political trends. He recently criticised Floridas six-week abortion ban and told a prospective voter that he wouldnt be able to guarantee a total ban because we still have to win elections. In a September interview with NBC, he said Republicans would need to determine a limit based on the mindsets of voters. Whats going to happen is youre going to come up with a number of weeks or months, he said. Youre going to come up with a number thats going to make people happy. While running for election in 2016 he suggested women who have terminations should be liable for criminal prosecution, saying there has to be some kind of punishment, although he later backed away from that opinion. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former president Donald Trump has always had a pile of litigation trailing behind him. He built his political persona on a narrative of self-made success before he descended his beloved golden escalators to launch his campaign for the presidency, suing and settling his way into office and through decades of deals on which he built a brand. But a months-long trial and a devastating ruling against him on 16 February have pierced the long-running story he tells himself and others, one used to boost his national profile and seduce millions of voters. A three-year investigation ended with a crushing verdict dealing more than $355m in penalties against him and his entities, an immense figure that, with interest, explodes to $454m, which will only keep growing every day until its paid. The judgment threatens to drain his cash on hand, his ability to keep doing business in his home state, and the future of the company and his real estate portfolio that he has wrapped his fortunes and family into. Judge Arthur Engorons ruling also comes just days after a federal jurys $83m verdict for his repeated defamation of E Jean Carroll, on top of $5.5m he already owes her for lying about sexually abusing her. Last year, two Trump Organization subsidiaries were also fined more than $1.6m after a jury found the company guilty of more than a dozen charges stemming from what prosecutors described as a 15-year fraud scheme. The former president has a small army of attorneys across the country, fighting even more lawsuits and dozens of criminal charges in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington DC, with Trump-connected political action committees dumping out tens of millions of dollars on his attorneys and legal fees. His net worth is largely tied up in his brand name, assets and real estate, but he is estimated to have roughly $425m in cash and liquid assets. If he doesnt exhaust whatever cash he has to pay the latest penalties against him, his legal jeopardy could make it difficult to find a company willing to secure his bond to appeal it. He could be forced to get rid of his other assets, stripping the Trump name from his properties and airplanes. An appeal could take months, or years, to get through, potentially overlapping with his second term in the White House, if elected. The judgments against him arent lethal to his company, but he could soon watch his fortunes begin to dissolve, without his family members at the helm, as he visits courtrooms across the east coast for trials connected to his attempts to bury compromising stories of his affair with an adult film star, his possession of classified documents, and his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Last year, Judge Engoron accused Mr Trumps attorneys of elevating fantasy world arguments. In Fridays ruling, he admonished the former presidents apparent inability to admit he has ever done anything wrong, and wouldnt do anything differently. Mr Trump and his co-defendants complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological, he wrote. The chain of events has underscored his reliance on his growing legal battles for his own campaign for the presidency, using his criminal charges and the New York case to paint himself as a victim of political persecution, while telling his supporters that what he claims is a conspiracy against him will come for them, too, unless he stops them. But Fridays verdict is as personal as it gets, dealing a legal and reputational blow that threatens to collapse the business he wants to protect and enrich if elected. A message from his campaign sent while he was in court on the trials final day lamented that he wasnt still campaigning in Iowa before the states caucuses. He claimed Democratic officials want him silenced. Minutes later, he spoke from the defence table in New York in an uninterrupted, rapid string of grievances and attacks against the judge and attorney general who sued him. He owes nothing, according to the former president. In fact, he says the state should be paying him, for what Ive gone through. Throughout the trial, he specifically, publicly railed against the courts undermining valuations of his Mar-a-Lago resort, his prized refuge. After Fridays ruling, he fumed in front of cameras from outside its gate. 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 }} Officials in Virginia are investigating the cause of a massive house explosion that left one firefighter dead and a dozen injured but say they found a leaking propane tank at the devastated property. Loudoun County authorities say that they responded to reports of a gas odour at the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling on Friday evening. They requested the Hazardous Materials Response Team after finding a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence, the county fire and rescue team said. Not long after officials arrived on the scene, there was a catastrophic explosion concurrent with multiple maydays from firefighters inside the home, according to the fire and rescue team. The explosion prompted other nearby emergency response teams to flock to the scene. After hearing multiple maydays and calls for help, fire and rescue crews then tried to find those who were trapped in the home, covered by debris. One firefighter identified as Trevor Brown, 45 died. He was a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, and had served as a firefighter since 2016, the fire and rescue team said in a release on Saturday morning. Please keep Firefighter Browns family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and we ask that the familys privacy be respected, the release added. Firefighter Trevor Brown was killed in the blast (Loudoun County Fire and Rescue) The explosion also landed 13 others in the hospital 11 first responders four of whom are still hospitalised and two civilians with varying degrees of injuries, the release stated. Speaking to the Washington Post, James Williams, an assistant chief with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, described the houses remnants as total devastation. This is the worst call that we can respond to, and this is a time where we need to support each other and hold each other up, Mr Williams told the outlet. This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community, the department wrote. As of early Saturday morning, the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshals Office remains on scene and is investigating the cause of the incident. The Independent has reached out to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for a sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. ties. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting here with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference. During the meeting, the two sides had candid, substantive and constructive discussions. Wang said President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting at the end of last year, where they exchanged in-depth views on strategic, overall, and directional issues in the China-U.S. relations and reached important consensus. Wang said the most important task for both sides currently is to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state to make the "San Francisco vision" a reality, so as to promote a sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations. To this end, the two sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation and actively explore the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other, Wang noted. The U.S. side should view China's development objectively and rationally, and adopt a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and implement President Biden's commitments into concrete actions, Wang added. The top Chinese diplomat also stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China's territory, which is the true status quo of the Taiwan question. He added that what is trying to change the status quo is the "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and the connivance and support of external forces. If the United States genuinely hopes for stability across the Taiwan Strait, it should abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and carry out its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence", he said. Wang said that the pursuit of turning "de-risking" into "de-sinicization," building "small yard, high fence" and "decoupling from China" will eventually backfire on the United States itself. He called on Washington to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals and not undermine China's legitimate rights to develop. The two sides also exchanged views on people-to-people exchanges and on facilitating personnel exchanges. Wang urged the U.S. side to stop unwarranted harassment and interrogation of Chinese citizens and to promote activities that enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. "An act of kindness, no matter how trivial, is worth performing, while an act of evil, no matter how small, must be shunned," Wang noted. The two sides discussed exchanges at all levels between the two countries in the next stage, and agreed to maintain dialogue and communication in various fields and continue to carry out the "San Francisco vision." Speaking highly of the work of the China-U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation working group, the two diplomats expressed the hope that the coming high-level meeting between the law enforcement departments of the two countries will achieve positive results. In addition, they agreed to continue to promote dialogue and consultation on foreign policy, Asia-Pacific affairs, maritime affairs and artificial intelligence, and maintain communication between the two militaries. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Palestine-Israel conflict, the Korean Peninsula and other regional hotspot issues, and agreed to maintain contact between the two sides' special envoys for Peninsula affairs. The famous Russian actor Serhii Bezrukov, who openly supports the genocide of Ukrainians and is sanctioned in many civilized countries, has expressed a desire to teach theater in the temporarily occupied Donbas. According to the Putinist, Ukrainians are eager to study with him, but cannot travel to Moscow. ADVERTISIMENT The actor shared his dreams at the plenary session "On Key Results and Achievements in the Field of Culture" at the exhibition forum in the Russian capital. The propagandist's words were reported by the Russian media. Bezrukov proposed to create a branch of the Moscow Provincial Theater in Donetsk, where he could personally come and teach. The Russian added that he had already decided to enroll in a course at the Gerasimov All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography in Rostov-on-Don, after learning that "many people from Ukraine and Donbass wanted to enroll." ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Bezrukov fantasized about "fans from Ukraine" who allegedly complained to him about the authorities and "peacekeepers." "They are just praying for it to finally be over, for me to finally get there," the artist said. When the full-scale invasion began, Bezrukov performed The Little Prince in front of children from the so-called DPR and LPR, where he called the killing of Ukrainians "the duty of Russians." After that, the Putinist was put on the sanctions lists of the EU and later Canada. Even though Bezrukov sang odes to Kyiv and filmed in Ukraine, he never changed his criminal position. 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 }} Alexei Navalnys spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh has confirmed that the Russian opposition figure is dead, citing an official notice given to Navalnys mother, Lydumila. Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the Polar Wolf Arctic penal colony in Kharp, about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow, where he was serving a three-decade sentence, Russian authorities said. Yarmysh, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, said Navalny had died at 2:17 pm local time (0917 GMT) on February 16, according to the notice given to his mother. A portrait of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and flowers are placed as people demonstrate near to Russian embassy to France (AP) Russia investigators told Mr Navalnys lawyer and his mother that his body had been taken to taken to Salekhard, the town near the prison complex, by Russian investigatorswho were conducting research, Yarmysh said. But in a recent update, it has been reported that the only morgue in the town says it does not have Mr Nalavnys body. Alexey's lawyer and his mother have arrived at the Salekhard morgue. It's closed, however, the colony has assured them it's working and Navalny's body is there, Yarmysh said. The lawyer called the phone number which was on the door. He was told he was the seventh caller today. Alexey's body is not in the morgue. She had previously publicly demanded for Alexei Navalnys body to be given to his family immediately. Lyudmila Navalnaya, Navalnys mother travelled to the prison where her son had been held on Saturday, accompanied by Navalnys lawyer, the Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported. The IK-3 penal colony in Kharp is situated in the Arctic Circle, around a one-hour drive from Salekhard, the administrative capital of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. Russian dissidents have expressed concern that the prison authorities will use the next few days of alleged investigation to hide any signs of potential foul play on Mr Nalavnys body. Natalia Arno, founder of Free Russia, an organisation funding opposition to the Putin regime across the world said she believed the authorities will try to erase any traces of an alleged killing. Its so mean it has been done on Friday, she told The Independent. They [prison authorities] will probably allow the lawyers to get in the prison only on Monday and they will have enough time to hide any traces of their crime. Russian prison authorities said on Friday Navalny had died after having felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. "Navalny's death is very beneficial to Putin's opponents," said Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. "They will use it to undermine the legitimacy of the presidential election in Russia, use it to not recognise Putin as the legitimate president. They are trying to present Putin not as the president of a hostile country, but as a criminal with whom no one should have to deal." It comes as hundreds of flowers and candles laid in Moscow on Friday to honour the memory of Alexei Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader, were taken away overnight in black bags. In central Moscow, several dozen roses and carnations remained in the softening snow on Saturday at the monument to the victims of Soviet repression, which sits in the shadow of the former KGB headquarters on Lubyanka Square. Vladimir Nikitin, 36, was alone laying a carnation at the Solovetsky Stone, which hails from the islands with the same name in the White Sea where one of the first Gulag forced labour camps was founded in 1923 by the Bolsheviks. Policemen looked on. When asked for an interview by Reuters, Nikitin asked to speak in the underpass which threads beneath Lubyanka Square, citing the fear of detention. Navalnys death is terrible: hopes have been smashed, Nikitin said. Navalny was a very serious man, a brave man and now he is no longer with us. He spoke the truth - and that was very dangerous because some people didnt like the truth. At the Wall of Sorrow memorial on the avenue named after Soviet physicist and dissent Andrei Sakharov, some Russians laid flowers beside pictures of Navalny. One message read: We will not forget, nor shall we forgive. I came because I have grief, said Arkady, who declined to give his second name. He was a man who I respected. I had hopes that he was someone who could do something in the future. At least 177 people were detained at events in Russia on Friday and Saturday in memory of Navalny, according to rights group OVD-Info. OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, said more than 177 people in 21 cities across Russia had been detained at spontaneous rallies and vigils as of 1030 GMT on Saturday. OVD-Info said that 99 people had been detained in St Petersburg and 11 in Moscow, the country's two largest cities, where Navalny's mostly educated and urban supporters had been concentrated. The group also reported individual arrests in smaller cities across Russia, from the border city of Belgorod, where seven were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on Thursday, to Vorkuta, an Arctic mining outpost once a centre of the Stalin-era gulag labour camps. "In each police department there may be more detainees than in the published lists," OVD-Info said. "We publish only the names of those people about whom we have reliable knowledge and whose names we can publish." 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 }} Alexei Navalnys family have demanded the return of the opposition leaders body, with Russian authorities accused of hiding his body to cover up what they claim is a Kremlin-sponsored murder. Navalny, 47, who was Vladimir Putins most prominent critic, died on Friday at the brutal Polar Wolf Arctic penal colony in Kharp, about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow, where he was serving a three-decade sentence. Prison authorities who announced his death claim he fell unconscious after a walk. His death was confirmed in a note handed to Navalnys mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, on Saturday morning when she visited the colony with her sons lawyer, according to his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh. The note said he died at 2.17pm local time. But his family and allies later accused authorities of hiding the anti-corruption campaigners body and claimed prison officials had lied about its whereabouts. It came a day after international leaders, including US president Joe Biden, placed blame for the murder squarely on the Kremlin and said Russia must face consequences. Alexei Navalnys mother (left) is seen leaving the Russian penal colony where he died (AP) Ms Yarmysh said: Alexei Navalny has been murdered ... We demand that Alexei Navalnys body be given to his family immediately. Meanwhile, hundreds of people seeking to pay their respects were arrested across Russia at events paying tribute to Navalny. At least 359 people have been detained at the time of writing at events across 32 Russian cities, according to rights group OVD-Info, since Navalnys death was announced on Friday. According to Ms Yarmysh, Navalnys family were told by a prison official that his body had been transferred to a morgue in the town of Salekhard, a two-hour drive away, and had been picked up by investigators from the investigative committee. But when Navalnys mother and his lawyer arrived in Salekhard, Ms Yarmysh said, they found the morgue was closed and a phone number was posted on the door. The morgue director later told them that they did not have the body. It was the start of a day in which the authorities offered an array of contradictory statements and unclear instructions in what Nalavnys team claims is a deliberate obfuscation to afford them time to cover up his murder. Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia join a march in memory of murdered Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, in Moscow, on 29 February 2020 (AFP/Getty) They are trying to cover traces, this is why they are not giving the body to his family and this is why they are just hiding him from them, Ms Yarmysh told the BBC. We know for sure that it wasnt just a death, it was a murder. The cause of Navalnys death remains unclear, though the penal colony where he died told the activists mother he died of sudden death syndrome, according to a member of his team. Natalia Arno, the founder of Free Russia, a global body that organises opposition to Putins rule, said she believed nothing of what the authorities had said. I dont believe in blood clots, she told The Independent. It was either strangling, beating or poisoning. Some radical way of killing. Ms Yarmysh said they were told Navalnys body would not be handed back to them until an investigation into his death was concluded. An hour later, they were told that the investigation had been concluded and that something criminal had not been established but Navalnys body was still not produced. They literally lie every time, driving us around in circles and covering their tracks, she said. A protester holds a picture of Navalny at a protest opposite the Russian embassy in London (PA Wire) Footage showed police officers carrying protesters away from demonstrations in Moscow by the arms and legs in images reminiscent of the suppression of anti-Vladimir Putin movements during his second re-election in 2012. In the capital, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. Footage from St Petersburg, Putins hometown, showed a gathering of dozens by a monument to the victims of repression. Protesters lay flowers and candles, while some sang hymns and others hugged each other, shedding tears. Police detain a man paying his last respects to Navalny in St Petersburg (AP) More than 10 people were detained, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny there. OVD-Info also reported individual arrests in smaller cities across Russia, from the border city of Belgorod, where seven were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on Thursday, to Vorkuta, an Arctic mining outpost once a centre of the Stalin-era gulag labour camps. In each police department there may be more detainees than in the published lists, OVD-Info said. We publish only the names of those people about whom we have reliable knowledge and whose names we can publish. Overnight, unidentified men watched over by local police removed tributes to Navalny laid on the Moscow bridge where famous opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was murdered in 2015. The pair had been friends; Mr Nemtsovs protege Vladimir Kara-Murza is currently serving a 25-year sentence in a Siberian penal colony for spreading fake news about the war in Ukraine. State media, meanwhile, largely avoided reporting on Navalnys death; any bulletin concerning his death failed to mention his name and often retold only the information relayed by the prison authorities on Friday that Navalny had collapsed suddenly. The Kremlin is doing its best to make [Navalnys] death a complete non-story for the tens of millions of Russians who get their news from its propaganda machine, said Francis Scarr, an expert in Russian state media. In Europe, world leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Germany held a minutes silence for Navalny as UK foreign secretary Lord Cameron pledged to hold the Putin regime to account for the death of the Russian opposition figure. There should be consequences. When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take, he said. We dont announce them in advance, so I cant say anything more than that. But that is what we will be looking at. G7 foreign ministers also called on Russia to fully clarify the circumstances of the death of Navalny. They expressed their outrage at the death in detention of Alexei Navalny, unjustly sentenced for legitimate political activities and his fight against corruption, according to a statement released by Italy, which is currently chairing the Group of Seven wealthy nations. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraine is pulling back its soldiers from the embattled town of Avdiivka after the White House warned it was at risk of falling into Russian control due to an ammunition shortage. Ukraines commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said the troops were being withdrawn after four months of fight to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of service personnel. He added that the troops were moved to more favourable lines. Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment, Mr Syrskyi wrote on Facebook early morning on Saturday. We are taking measures to stabilise the situation and maintain our positions. The decision comes as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine completes two years on 24 February with the Kremlin looking for a morale boost ahead of the presidential election in March. A soldier with a shoulder bag with a drone FPV jammer on the road to the city, on the outskirts of Avdiivka (Getty Images) Avdiivka, a gateway to the Russian-seized city of Donetsk, has been engulfed in heavy fighting for four months and was seen as critical for Ukraine to stop Russia from advancing further. But in recent days, Ukrainian troops have been facing a deteriorating situation in the town. Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade wrote on social media that Russian warplanes have been dropping about 60 bombs a day, relentlessly shelling the area and launching assaults with armour and infantry. A day before the withdrawal order, Rodion Kudriashov, the brigades deputy commander, said that while the troops were holding out against attacks, the situation could soon become critical. The enemy is trying to penetrate our defence and in some places to bypass our positions, he told The Associated Press. Earlier on Thursday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Avdiivka could fall largely because the Ukrainian forces on the ground are running out of artillery ammunition. After four months of fighting and shelling, the town has been almost destroyed, with fewer than a thousand people remaining out of its pre-war population of 31,000, according to Vadym Filashkin, the Donetsk regional governor. Ukrainian military and political leaders told The Independent late last year that they had contingency plans should the key town of Avdiivka fall. So when the decision was made to withdraw from the devastated eastern town, which has gained symbolic significance to both Ukraine and Russia beyond its tactical worth, it was undoubtedly a setback but not the nightmarish disaster it could have been. Ukrainian forces have fallen back to previously prepared defences, to avoid being encircled with consequent enormous casualties and thousands of soldiers taken as prisoners of war. Some soldiers were still taken in the retreat, thanks to what Ukrainian commanders called the overwhelming enemy forces. Ukraines new military commander, General Oleksandr Sirsky, announced the retreat saying: I decided to pull our units out of the town and redeploy them to more readily defendable positions. We are taking measures to stabilise the situation and to retain the new positions. 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 president Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to help plug Ukraines artificial deficit of weapons just hours after his military chief announced a withdrawal from the eastern city of Avdiivka, which Kyiv has been struggling to hold for months. Addressing world leaders, diplomats and military officials gathered at the Munich Security Conference, Mr Zelensky warned that Russias invasion of Ukraine threatened not just Europe but every country, as it was war against any rules at all. Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in the deficit of artillery and long range capabilities allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he said in his opening address at the annual German conference, which is the worlds largest forum for discussing security policy. There have been delays over Western support for Ukraine, particularly in military aid from the US, in recent months. Russia has only one specific advantage at this time: the complete devaluation of human life. Constant Russian meat assaults prove this, Mr Zelensky added. He said that Ukrainians had proven that they can force Russia to retreat, citing the gains in the north, east and south of Ukraine. We can get our land back, and Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield. Our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of range of our strength, he added, pointing to the situation in Avdiivka. Ukrainian commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said earlier on Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the pulverised city to save soldiers lives as they were under threat of being encircled and cut off. Outnumbered Ukrainian forces have been battling a brutal Russian assault for four months. Ukrainian soldiers near Avdiivka (Getty) Ukrainian diplomats have told The Independent that in some areas Ukraine is outnumbered one to six in terms of military hardware and that they were having to ration artillery at great risk to the lives of their servicemen and women. The front lines are now dubbed the meat grinder. Ukrainian commanders in past interviews with The Independent have said Moscow is throwing an unlimited supply of men at the problem and that Russian commanders were sending barrages of their soldiers to overwhelm Ukrainian units like zombies. President Zelensky referenced the heavy Rusisan death toll, suggesting that Moscow had achieved little in its assault on the Avdiivka bar losing thousands of soldiers in a significant depletion of their army. Were just waiting for weapons that were short of, he added, pointing to a lack of long-range weapons. Thats why our weapon today is our soldiers, our people. His speech also came just a day after Russia announced the death of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny who was being held in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle. The Ukrainian president joined some 60 world leaders gathered at the conference held in Germany this weekend, after whistlestop tours to Berlin and Paris, where he signed long-term bilateral security agreements with Germany and France, following a similar agreement with Britain last month. Ukraines European allies are appealing to the US Congress to approve a package that includes aid for Ukraine amounting to $60bn (47.6bn) that would go largely to US defence entities to manufacture missiles, munitions and other military hardware for the battlefields in Ukraine. The package faces resistance from House Republicans, particularly from Trump-supporting legislators. Zelensky wants to take Donald Trump to the front line (AP) The Nato secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, who was also speaking at the Munich conference, warned Congresss delay has meant the flow of US weapons and ammunition plummeted, with a direct impact on the front line. Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine, he said. Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, raising fears of a potential invasion, warned any further delays threatens global security. If America isolates itself, it eventually is going to cost you more, she said, warning that if aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardising global security. Bronwen Maddox, the head of British think tank Chatham House, who is attending the conference, told The Independent the issue of growing American isolation, no matter who is in the White House, was at the centre of discussions across the conference. Part of the debate has been trying to make the point to the US that Russia doesnt just affect Europe, it affects the US and everyone, she said. Casting a shadow over the conference was the impending US election and the possibility of a win by Donald Trump. Republicans aligned to the former president have expressed growing skepticism for funding a war in Eastern Europe. President Zelensky acknowledging this said he was willing to show Mr Trump the real war by taking him to the front. If Mr Trump comes, I am ready to go to the front with him, he said at the conference. If we have a conversation about how to end the war, we must demonstrate to the decision-makers what this real war means, not what they write on Instagram. In his speech, Mr Zelensky pointedly reminded the world that no one escaped the threat of the ongoing war in Europe. This war defines more than just the place of Ukraine or the entire of Europe, he said. This is Russias war against any rules at all. 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 }} Filming has officially begun on the highly anticipated third installment of The White Lotus, and this time the cast is checking in to Thailand. Despite destination speculation fancying Japan, the Maldives and European ski-scapes, filming for season three has commenced in Thailand and will likely follow suit of the first two seasons by setting up in a Four Seasons Resort. The shows official Instagram account announced that production had started on Wednesday (14 February) with a post captioned: Unforgettable experiences are in the making at #TheWhiteLotus. We are eager to welcome new guests to our resort in Thailand. The Emmy-winning series, delayed due to both writer's and actors' strikes in 2023, is primed for a 2025 release. Where season one explored money and season two sex, season three aligns with its Southeast Asian location as a rich tapestry to delve into the themes of spirituality and death. Creator of the satirical wealth series, Mike White, previously said: I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus. With a host of new characters ready to hole up on an annual trip to the HBO dramas dysfunctional hotels, here are the paradise islands behind the wild whodunnit anthology. Where is The White Lotus season three being filmed? Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui will backdrop the satirical crime drama (Four Seasons) Production plans were tight-lipped until January when the Tourism Authority of Thailand proudly announced that the third chapter of The White Lotus would be prominently set in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui with filming commencing in February. Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president of production for HBO & Max, said: We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mikes creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus. Its predicted the Four Seasons Koh Samui resort will be the series primary setting (Four Seasons) Assuming a Four Seasons Resort will once again backdrop the popular series, the luxury hotel heavyweight has four locations in Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and the Golden Triangle and all are opulent options for the deadly crime comedy. Its predicted Koh Samui will be the primary setting for the long-awaited third season with most signs pointing to the towering palms and pale sands that define the resort including a blocked-out booking period over February and March. Elsewhere, rumoured plotlines will take characters to temples in Phuket and the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, the latter also unavailable to holidaymakers in April and May during the off-peak Thai travel season. Where were seasons one and two filmed? Maui and Sicily set the scene for the shows first two seasons (HBO) The relocation to Asia for season three follows a stint in both North America and Europe during the shows first two seasons. As the respective episodes aired, the allure of star-studded casts and the idyllic settings saw the resorts trend as the place to go for a luxury getaway and a boom in bookings spiked at the service-centric Four Seasons Resorts seen on screen. Season one Maui, Hawaii Wailea Beach backdropped several of the first series beach scenes (Sky Atlantic) The 2021 series saw a tropical debut in Hawaii at the fictitious White Lotus Resort. Set at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, characters including complex hotel manager Armond, emotionally volatile Tanya and tech exec Nicoles tumultuous travels were based in and around the Hawaiian Valley Isle. The spotlight was on the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in season one (Four Seasons) Covid restrictions limited filming locations largely to the confines of the hotel, but some backdrops saw guests venture to the golden sands of the neighbouring Wailea Beach when outside of the infamous (and invented) Pineapple Suite. Season two Sicily, Italy The towns of Taormina, Noto and Cefalu took centre stage for series two (HBO) The cast jetted to Italy for a series shrouded in Sicilys amorous mythology and the San Domenico Palace, Taormina a member of the Four Seasons group on the northeast coast formed the facade of the second instalment of The White Lotus. The social satire sailed the Ionian for intense yacht scenes (HBO) Free from the pandemic measures of series one, the towns of Taormina, Noto and Cefalu also took centre stage for the twists and turns of the seven Sicilian episodes orbiting the five-star hotel of horrors. Seasons one and two of The White Lotus are available to watch on Sky and NOW. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first public appearance since King Charles III revealed his cancer diagnosis. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met Canadian military veterans in Vancouver on Friday 16 February, as part of One Year to Go events for the Invictus Games 2025. Earlier this month, Charles revealed he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer after treatment of an enlarged prostate. Prior to the public appearance, Harry said the diagnosis could reunify the royal family, after flying 5,000 miles to see Charles in London following the news. Footage of Alexei Navalny explaining why he needed to return to Russia has resurfaced following his death. The politician, who was Vladimir Putins most prominent critic, returned to Russia from Germany in January 2021, where he had been recovering from an assassination attempt using Novichok poisoning. I dont think that I can have such a privilege of being safe in Russia, but I have to go back, Navalny told CNNs Christiane Amanpour in December 2020. I dont want this group of killers [to] exist in Russia. I dont want Putin ruling Russia. Navalnys death was announced by Russias federal prison service on Friday 16 February. Jeremy Corbyn has been spotted at a pro-Palestinian march in London, as thousands take to the streets to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. The former Labour leader was being hounded by cameras and microphones as he joined the march which began at Marble Arch, and will finish at Kensington Court. Its thought 1,500 police officers are patrolling, and will be keeping marchers away from the Israeli embassy, nearby to the route. By 3pm, nine people had been arrested. Crowds gathered in London on Friday night (16 February) at a vigil for Alexei Navalny held outside the Russian embassy. Many across Europe have gathered at protests and vigils to condemn the Kremlin after Russias federal prison service said in a statement that the 47-year-old politician, who was Vladimir Putins fiercest critic, had died. As people rallied outside the Russian embassy in Kensington, they were seen holding banners with messages of support to other political prisoners. Similar protests were held in Barcelona, Vilnius, Munich and Berlin. On Valentine's Day, February 14, rumors surfaced online about the death of one of Russia's most ardent propagandists, actor Mykhailo Porechenkov. He was allegedly killed in the temporarily occupied Donbas. ADVERTISIMENT The topic became a popular query on Google, and it was discussed on X, formerly known as Twitter. OBOZ.UA decided to find out where the rumors came from and what was wrong with them. The day before, a video with the loud title "Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated Mykhailo Porechenkov in Donetsk region" appeared on YouTube, where artificial intelligence read the news, saying that a drone flew into the actor's car while he was driving on business. "This is the vegetable who visited the captured Donetsk in October 2014, where he fired a machine gun together with the DPR militants, probably at the positions of the Ukrainian military at the Donetsk airport. So, on that wonderful day, Mr. Porechenkov finally stopped breathing. He again visited Donetsk where his car was blown up by our combat drone. Rest in peace," the AI text reads. ADVERTISIMENT The video gained an impressive half a million views in a day, and gullible users did not question this information and began to spread it on social media. It even got to the point where the star's children were sent questions about the Putinist's well-being. The viral video contained no links to the source, no photo or video evidence, and no reaction to the news of the "murder." When the first video became very popular and was recommended, another one appeared with a "confirmation" and a link to the artist's "friends on Odnoklassniki." But again, no screenshots were attached. ADVERTISIMENT Porechenkov does not use social media accessible to Ukrainians, so it is difficult to verify this dubious news. However, if you search for the actor's page on Vkontakte, which is banned in Ukraine, you will find that he is online and does not comment on the rumors. The propagandists also did not write a word about the "killed" Russian, so we can assume that the information about his death is fake. A spokesperson for Alexei Navalny has claimed that Russia is hiding his body, following his death. Kira Yarmysh hit out at Vladimir Putin, who she claimed is responsible for the death, during an appearance on BBC News. They are trying to cover traces, this is why they are not giving the body to his family and this is why they are just hiding him from them, she said. Mr Navalnys family are now asking for his body to be handed over, as per Russian laws, which state the body of an inmate must be returned within two days of death. Foreign secretary David Cameron has said there should be consequences for Russia for the death of Alexei Navalny, despite no official cause being released. Cameron appeared at Munichs Security Conference, where he claimed the mysterious death revealed so much about the true nature of Putins ghastly regime. There should be consequences when appalling human rights outrages like this take place, he said. Im clear well be taking action and Id urge others to do the same. Protests have erupted across Russia and the rest of the world in response to Navalnys death. The mother of Alexei Navalny has been seen leaving the penal colony in Kharp, where he died. Lyudmila Navalnaya hung her head as she was led by two people with her. No official cause of death for Mr Navalny has been released, however, world leaders have immediately pointed the finger at Vladimir Putin. Mr Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, following a nerve agent poisoning which he blamed on the Kremlin. A spokesperson for the opposition activist has demanded that his body is handed over to his family immediately. Tipperary womans home was repossessed now shes ruffling the feathers of vultures responsible Elizabeth McAuleys actions blindside Central Bank and pose major questions to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Woman describes how she lost home to vulture fund Charlie Weston Sat 17 Feb 2024 at 03:30 The life that Elizabeth McAuley lives is far removed from that of the global financiers in New York or London who run the vulture funds that own thousands of Irish mortgages. The author established Dublins first dedicated cinema, the Volta, in 1909 and a young projectionist played a pivotal role. His grandson Declan Collinge shares his story On December 20, 1909 at 45 Mary Street, Dublin, the Volta cinema, initially known as the Cinematograph Volta, opened its doors to the public. While films had been shown before that on an ad hoc basis, it was the first dedicated cinema in the city. The 27-year-old James Joyce was the driving force behind the Volta. While in Trieste (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), Joyces sister had mentioned to him that there was no cinema in Dublin. Joyce, who was always short of funds and still unrecognised as a writer, with two young children and a partner to provide for, seized on the idea as a business project. He visited Dublin in 1909 and took two Triestine businessmen technicians with him: Messrs Novak and Lesnardon. He found the ideal site at 45 Mary Street, which had previously been an ironmongers premises. After Joyce advertised for the position of projectionist, he began interviewing prospective employees. Lennie Collinge, who was hired by James Joyce as a projectionist at the Volta cinema. My grandfather, Lennie Collinge, who had recently qualified as an electrician, applied for the position and was interviewed. Since he had a little French (neither Novak nor Lesnardon spoke English, but both spoke French), which he had learnt in Jamess Street Christian Brothers School, and had a very outgoing manner, he was successful in the interview. When the Volta opened, it was resplendent in crimson and light-blue paint. There was huge interest in the new cinema, with long queues forming outside and sandwich men (men who wore placards front and back for advertising purposes) walking about on Mary Street. Later, sandwich men would appear in Joyces Ulysses, advertising for Helys of Dame Street. When asked what Joyce was like to work for, my grandfather described him as a tall, thin young man, quiet spoken, who seldom engaged in conversation Since most of the silent films shown were either Italian or French, handouts with the English translation of the intertitles were provided for the audiences. Films shown included Beatrice Cenci, The Enchanted Palace and Devilled Crab, as well as films starring the Chaplinesque comedian Tontolini. When asked what Joyce was like to work for, my grandfather described him as a tall, thin young man, quiet spoken, who was never to the forefront of cinema business. He seldom engaged in conversation. But my grandfather recalled one particular occasion when he did. This was when my grandfather and his colleagues were discussing the sandwich men. Most of them thought that the job was very demeaning, but Joyce disagreed. He contended that any work, however menial, was preferable to being idle. Interest in the cinema was intense initially, but soon Dubliners began to realise that the films being shown bore no relation to their lives, and the attendance numbers dropped off. James Joyce opened the Volta cinema when he was just 27 Joyces business project ground to a halt and he returned to Trieste. The Volta was then taken over by the British Provincial Cinema Company. Renamed the Lyceum, it continued operating in Dublin until 1948, but the number of cinema seats was reduced from 600 to 400. In 1976, when my grandfather was in his 80s, he opened the exhibition Cinema Ireland, organised by the cinema archivist Liam OLeary. When it was discovered that he had been Joyces projectionist, he was feted by Joycean scholars, including David Norris, and was interviewed by CBS and RTE. He opened Bloomsday at the Joyce Tower in Sandycove in 1979, shortly before his death that same year at the age of 90. His photo can be seen in the Joyce Museum, as can a ticket for the Volta cinema with the following inscription below it: Lennie Collinge (1889-1979) projectionist at the Volta and student of the master. From Through Streets Broad and Narrow, Voices of Dublin, by Declan Collinge, published by Beehive Books Muslim cleric left with broken teeth after suspected hate attack says Is brea liom Eire as gardai investigate Dr Umar Al-Qadri said his attackers had no interest in stealing from him, adding it was a hate crime Dr Umar Al-Qadri. Photo: Collins Robin Schiller Sat 17 Feb 2024 at 03:30 Detectives were last night preparing to take a formal statement from a senior Muslim cleric over an attack on him in south Dublin. Crime New victim comes forward with claims against Bill Kenneally and says detective advised him to drop allegations US industry group Airlines for America is among those piling pressure on planners Major airlines are warning they will move business away from Ireland and bring multinationals with them, if permission to expand Dublin Airport is refused. The powerful US industry group Airlines for America (A4A) is among those piling pressure on planners to rapidly approve an increase in the passenger cap from 32 million to 40 million annually. It said the cap on passenger numbers must be lifted if Ireland is to sustain and grow current levels of US tourism and foreign direct investment. Three US companies Apple, Microsoft and Google are responsible for one-third of Irelands corporation tax, it said in a submission to Fingal County Council. Failure to cater to US-Ireland passenger demand will have a significant negative impact on the Irish economy. A4As members include American Airlines, United, Delta, FedEx and UPS, which are among the worlds largest passenger and cargo carriers. The groups warning that the entire Irish economy is on the line is echoed by multiple airlines and business lobbies ahead of the update, due shortly from Fingal planners, on their assessment of DAAs application. IAG cannot stress enough the urgency for Fingal County Council to make a decision to increase the passenger cap As well as seeking to raise passenger numbers by 25pc, the daa wants permission to build extensive new facilities to accommodate the increase. Kenny Jacobs, DAA chief executive, has said the restrictions are holding back the growth of the airport and businesses reliant on it. However, the claims by airlines that they would not only have to forego growth but would have difficulty maintaining existing services in Ireland will cause alarm across the industry. British Airways said even a delay in raising the cap posed significant risks to the Irish economy. It warned: The lack of certainty over the cap makes it challenging to forecast effectively and may compel British Airways to focus on other destinations or airports. That message is underlined in a submission by British Airways parent company, IAG, which also owns Aer Lingus, Vueling and Iberia Express. IAG cannot stress enough the urgency for Fingal County Council to make a decision to increase the passenger cap, it said. It said all IAG carriers may have to turn their attention to other airports. Separately, Aer Lingus pointed out that it employs over 5,000 workers, most of them at Dublin Airport, and had made significant investments in expanding its fleet, with new aircraft due for delivery this year and next year. These investments were made on the basis that the resulting growth would be accommodated at Dublin Airport, it said. Spanish operator Vueling added that lifting the cap was essential for maintaining and developing global routes. If the current passenger cap is kept, it could lead to airlines such as ourselves choosing other airports over Dublin Emirates stressed its purchase of Irish products and its employment of more than 200 Irish cabin crew with significant additional recruitment under way. Without the increase in passenger numbers to 40m, we are unable to grow our business and may need to look at other destinations or airports as a more viable option, it said. SAS Scandinavian Airlines cautioned: If the current passenger cap is kept, it could lead to airlines such as ourselves choosing other airports over Dublin. SunExpress, an expanding Turkish airline, said: We would be forced to grow at airports other than Dublin Airport, resulting in a decrease of our offer at Dublin Airport, it said. Canadian airline Air Transat said the airport expansion was essential to provide greater flexibility in scheduling. This flexibility can be a key factor in making investment decisions, it warned. Etihad, JetBlue, Egyptair, WestJet, Aegean Airlines, HiSky, Aurigny and Emerald Airlines have also made submissions stressing the importance of allowing the airport grow to accommodate their expansion plans. Ryanair, Dublin Airports largest user, said it intended increasing passenger numbers by 76pc over the next 10 years and said Dublin would have to expand to secure a portion of that growth. Airlines for America signalled similar growth prospects. The number of passengers travelling between the United States and Ireland grew by 76pc between 2013 and 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 5.8pc, it said. A4A is anticipating a similar annual increase in US-Ireland passenger traffic in the coming years. The scale of anticipated growth across the sector has prompted hundreds of submissions to planners pleading for the expansion to be refused. Residents living beneath flight paths say they are plagued by noise from overhead aircraft and cannot cope with more. Environmental campaigners say that to allow an already energy-intensive, high-emission business to expand further would make nonsense of the countrys climate action promises and emission-reduction obligations. The pro-expansion side repeatedly cites the National Aviation Policy, which targets Dublin Airport for growth. However, the same policy says repeatedly that such growth must be sustainable, which opposing groups say it will not be. The clash calls attention to a discussion not yet had in the Government or industry in this country about what level of economic expansion is compatible with or responsible in a climate crisis. Industry groupings such as IBEC and the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation have signed up to climate action pledges, but are pushing for the airport expansion. An update is due from Fingal County Council by Monday, but it is expected planners will look for more time and/or further information before reaching a final decision. The DAAs planning application runs to over 7,000 pages, and more than 370 submissions have been received from individuals, residents groups, politicians, airlines, companies and tourism, export and general business associations. The council said: An initial decision on the application is due later this month. The HSE has urged people to check if they are up to date with their MMR vaccines. Photo: Stock image Families with children who have been abroad for the mid-term break are at risk of bringing back measles as cases soar in other countries. Some GPs in Ireland said they have taken swabs from patients who fear they could have been put at risk of infection following the death of a 48-year-old Westmeath man last week after he contracted the viral disease. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) said the probability of exposure to measles in Europe is expected to rise due to the increasing number of confirmed cases in the region. The man who died last week in Mullingar Hospital had been on a Bus Eireann bus and in a restaurant before he was hospitalised with measles. The HSE issued an alert to people who might have been in contact with the man to be vigilant for symptoms of the disease. His was the only confirmed case of measles here so far this year, although suspected cases in children have been notified in other parts of the country, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Trinity College Dublin immunologist Professor Kingston Mills said measles is a highly transmissible virus, and added: Very often in universities it can spread quickly because of the proximity of people. We need 90 to 95pc coverage of the MMR vaccine for herd immunity. It is a difficult one to contain once it gets into a non-immunised population. A spokesperson for the HSE said the alert issued by the Dublin and Midlands public health area last week was an advisory for people who might have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles to be extra vigilant, rather than calling anyone forward for testing. It advised people to be alert for symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure and to make sure they and their families were up to date with MMR vaccines. Measles has typical seasonal patterns, with cases increasing during late winter and spring. Therefore, an increase of cases is expected in the coming months. Further, due to the continuous movement of people within and outside Europe, there is a high probability of measles spreading between countries, as well as to outside the region. In areas and settings with high vaccine uptake, the probability of exposure remains low, as is the probability of clusters and outbreaks. In areas with higher rates of unvaccinated population pockets, the circulation of measles is more likely. The ECDC said that last year, the notification rates per one million people were highest in Romania, Liechtenstein, Austria, Belgium and Estonia. The next highest rates were in France, Denmark, Slovakia, Lithuania and Sweden. These were followed by Germany, Poland and Ireland (where we had four cases), Croatia, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Finland, Hungary and Portugal. There were no cases in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta or Slovenia. The Social Democrats will deliver 50,000 homes per year if in government after the next general election, the partys leader Holly Cairns has pledged. In her first party conference speech as leader, Ms Cairns told around 400 members of the Social Democrats at UCD, that the tide is turning in Irish politics". For the first time in 100 years, it is no longer a given that the next government will be led by Fianna Fail or Fine Gael and that is seismic, she said. The Cork South West TD set out a number of actions her party would take to address the housing crisis and promised: We will deliver 50,000 homes per year during our term in office." She said the party will have a laser focus" on the delivery of affordable and social homes. We will deliver 10,000 affordable homes and 12,000 social homes per year," she said. "And immediately, we will introduce: A three-year rent freeze, a ban on no-fault evictions, a tax on vacant homes with real teeth, and an end to the bulk buying of homes by investment funds. She said that an accelerated implementation of Slaintecare - the cross-party plan to deliver public healthcare - is a red line issue for the Social Democrats in any programme for government. The party leader also said the SocDems would use the budget surplus to create a 6 billion climate transformation fund. Ms Cairns said a ban on no-fault evictions would be also a red line for her party in any government negotiations. Ahead of a possible general election later this year, Ms Cairns said that there needed to be new legislation to protect renters in any future programme for government. Certainly I think we need to introduce basic protection for renters, she said. When we talk about a ban on no fault evictions like that really is the bare minimum across the rest of Europe so there'd have to be a commitment to finally protect renters in such an unstable and precarious market. These are all things that we need because we're in a complete crisis situation. It's gone from a housing emergency to a complete disaster. So things like the complete ban and the bulk buying of homes were in a crisis situation a ban on evictions. It's because of the crisis situation that we're in. So we think these things are essential at this moment. Ms Cairns again ruled out a future merger or alliance with the Labour Party, saying: You could talk about policies all day. It's what you do with those policies when you get close to power, that's the true test of any left party in government and they failed that test. Ms Cairns said her party would be advocating for two Yes votes in the referendums on family and care next month. She said her party would target as many seats as possible in the June local elections. The party currently has 22 councillors. Meanwhile, her predecessors as leaders, Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall, said they both intended to run in the general election. As of today thats the plan, Murphy said with Ms Shortall adding: Were clear, thats the plan. The Russian State Duma explained why they did not punish Russian actress Liia Ahedzhakova, a native of Dnipro, who condemns the war, with the title of "foreign agent" or other sanctions. The 85-year-old film and theater actress starred, among other things, in the well-known film "The Irony of Fate," which is still being broadcast on RosTv. ADVERTISIMENT In order not to remove Soviet films featuring anti-war stars from the air, Russian deputies are forced to publicly stand up for them. For example, at a meeting of the State Duma's Committee on Culture, official Olena Yampolska called for no reaction to Ahedzhakova's position. This was reported in the propaganda media. "I was asked: "Do you like The Irony of Fate? And Liia Ahedzhakova plays there. Today you know her position. What should we do with the movie?" Russian MP Olga Hermanova asked her colleagues and was asked not to address the topic of sanctions against actresses of advanced age. "Do nothing. And Ahedzhakova has no statuses. Who is going to grant statuses to an old woman? We are not cannibals," Yampolska said. ADVERTISIMENT Liia Ahedzhakova supported Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale invasion but remained in Moscow for a long time. When her work at the Sovremennik Theater was finished, she left the country. Last year, on July 27, Ahedzhakova performed in the city of Bremen, Germany, in the play My Grandson Veniamin. A video of the actress standing with a Ukrainian flag in her hands while bowing to the audience's applause went viral online. However, not everything is as clear-cut as Russians like to say, as the actress soon returned to Moscow and justified herself for it, calling the flag a "provocation." RTE director-general, Kevin Bakhurst has released a statement today in response to mounting pressure for more information on details of exit packages given to some of its departing senior executives. It suggests that Rory Coveney, who was behind the loss-making Toy Show The Musical, was paid about a years salary when he left last July, with his exit being treated as a redundancy. In a statement released just after 4pm, Mr Bakhurst said: As I have stated already, RTE has previously received legal advice that it is restricted from providing details regarding the departures of individuals from RTE. This advice was shared with both the PAC [Public Accounts Committee] and the JOC [Joint Oireachtas Committee]. However, in the interests of transparency, I can clarify matters with regard to the exits of the four executives who departed RTE after I started as Director-General, and I am doing so with their agreement. He said: Geraldine O'Leary retired from RTE, and her role as Director of Commercial, and did not receive an exit payment. Paula Mullooly decided to leave RTE, and her role as Director of Legal Affairs, to pursue another opportunity and did not receive an exit payment. Rory Coveney was RTE's director of strategy and had come under pressure during Oireachtas hearings last week over RTE's decision to run the Toy Show The Musical project, and the fact that the organisation lost 2.2m on the project. Rory Coveney (Brian Lawless/PA) Rory Coveney and I agreed that it was best that he stand down from his role as Director of Strategy. This enabled the beginning of the restructuring of the leadership team and the suppression of his role, Mr Bakhurst said. Responsibility for Strategy has passed to Adrian Lynch, with no additional compensation, in addition to his substantive role as Director of Audience, Channels and Marketing. Rory's role became redundant, an exit payment was offered by RTE and accepted by Rory, and with no backfill being made RTE will recoup that payment by July of this year. Mr Coveney was paid about 200,000 a year including allowances, with the statement suggesting he got the equivalent of this when he left. Richard Collins, RTE's former Chief Financial Officer, was one of the RTE executives who appeared before Oireachtas committees to answer questions about the controversy engulfing the national broadcaster. Mr Bakhursts statement went on: Following independent mediation, Richard Collins, RTE's former Chief Financial Officer, departed RTE by mutual agreement, with a binding confidentiality clause that was agreed to by both sides and in the interest of fairness and respect cannot be breached". Mr Bakhurst reiterated the fact that, in relation to all the exits, he has sought an update to the legal advice previously received." The statement comments came after another week of bruising revelations for RTE. Focus this week concentrated on exit packages given to former RTE executives. On Wednesday, it was revealed at the Oireachtas's Media Committee that a 450,000 exit package was given to former RTE chief financial officer Breda O'Keefe without the knowledge of the full executive board. It also emerged during the committee that Mr Coveney and Mr Collins also received exit packages. Mr Bakhurst had until now refused to give details of Mr Coveney's and Mr Collins' exit packages, citing legal constraints. A draft Oireachtas committee report on the financial and governance crisis at RTE calls for the broadcaster's accounts to be brought back under the oversight of the public auditor, the committee chair said earlier this week. Public Accounts Committee chairman Brian Stanley said a "central recommendation" would be for RTE to come under the scope of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). Sinn Fein TD Mr Stanley, who stressed the final report had yet to be signed off by committee members, said there had to be an end to the "drip feed" of revelations related to the national broadcaster's accounts. Mr Stanley told RTE Radio One that the organisation needed to be more transparent. "The public are left guessing here, but the facts are is that there shouldn't be a legal impediment to that, there should be no problem with it," he said. "This is not a secret society. This is the public sector broadcaster being funded by the public." Several former executives continue to decline invitations to appear before both the Public Accounts and Media committees to give evidence on their role in the various RTE controversies. Mr Stanley confirmed his committee had sought permission from the Committee for Remit and Oversight to extend its compellability powers to enable it to secure the attendance of certain witnesses. "It would be useful for those people, for the missing people, to come in," he said. "And let's hear their side of the story. They obviously have a tale to tell. I'd certainly like to hear it and that should be available any time in the future." Mr Stanley said RTE's accounts used to be scrutinised by the C&AG until legislation was changed in the mid-1990s. The said reverting to the original approach would give the PAC better access to the accounts. He said the move was a key recommendation of the committee's draft report on the RTE furore. "One of the central recommendations is that would be brought back under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General," he said. "In other words, there would be a double audit and the Public Accounts Committee would have clear oversight of what is going on there." Watch: Dublin bartender gives his reasons for the Guinness double pour Publicans from some of the countrys best-known bars have rubbished a claim that a double-pour Guinness is nothing more than a marketing ploy. Earlier this month, Nate Brown, an Irish bartender who owns a cocktail bar in London, said the resting time between the first and second pour of a pint of Guinness does nothing to contribute to the perfect pint. There is no need for the two-part pour, as it does not add to the taste or quality of the pint, he wrote in FT Magazine. Many Irish publicans were quick to disagree. Ciaran Kavanagh, who runs John Kavanaghs Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin, Dublin, said: We would never be seen to do that. It doesnt make any sense for presentation, consistency or reliability. He said the two-part pour adds more stability to the head of a pint, which could not be achieved in the same way with a single pour. The sixth-generation publicans father worked in the Guinness brewery in Dublin and taught his children the precise science behind pouring the perfect pint of Guinness. People enjoy pints of Guinness in Dublin city centre. Photo: Getty In Holland, Heineken tastes different. In Belgium, Cristal is different. Guinness is served the way it is in Dublin traditionally since draught came in in the 1950s, Mr Kavanagh said. One of his first jobs after moving out of home at the age of 17 was in an Irish pub in Italy for a summer in the 1990s. The first word I learned when working there was aspettare, which means wait, as they were all grabbing their pints of Guinness after the first pour before it was even settled, he said. The Gravediggers, founded in 1833, is renowned for serving the best pints of Guinness in Ireland and has welcomed many celebrities over the years, including late chef Anthony Bourdain and rocker Rod Stewart. When asked why their Guinness is so good, Mr Kavanagh said: Were very particular about our glass hygiene, stock rotation and final presentation. We dont stock any other types of stout. Were really proud of what we do. For Guinness, the double pour is the way to go. 'When its done in a single pour, it doesnt settle and will spill,' says Mark Reilly, manager at The Stags Head in Dublin city centre. Photo: Gerry Mooney Mark Reilly, manager at The Stags Head in Dublin city centre, said it was nonsense to claim that a single pour is just as good as a double. He said that assertion came from a lack of care as well as ignorance. You can get a good pint of Guinness in London, but its not the norm, he said. You could argue that the double pour is done for tradition and makes a pint look nice, but it isnt done for the taste. Mr Reilly said the double pour has been around for a long time and had not originated in the 1990s as a marketing ploy. When its done in a single pour, it doesnt settle and will spill. A double pour lets it settle. You can tilt it left, right, centre and almost 45 degrees and it wont spill, he said. The perfect pint, he added, is achieved by pouring it three-quarters full, letting it settle until it is almost black and then topping it up. Is there an air of snobbery around Guinness, as with wine and whiskey aficionados? I dont think so, Mr Reilly said. Its more of an in-thing, like being part of a club. Everyone likes to show off that they know how its done right. Its like gatekeeping, but really, the quality is good wherever you go in Dublin and Ireland. 'When its done in a single pour, it doesnt settle and will spill,' says Mark Reilly, manager at The Stags Head in Dublin city centre. Photo: Gerry Mooney Mike McMahon, the co-owner of award-winning Limerick city pub Mother Macs, said the double pour is part of an Irish tradition, which he labelled as a beautiful piece of artistry. The one single pour would lose that artistry, he said. Even if we did a two-part pour that was too quick, our patrons would know the difference. For the avid Guinness drinker, time is important. Mr McMahon said his staff undergo proper training on pouring a pint of Guinness. People think they can pour a proper Guinness, but when its busy and theres a lot of pressure, the bad habits come through, he said. He added that a single pour offers no control and does not allow the server to achieve the optimal ruby tinge required for a perfect pint of Guinness, with a head that should be 12mm to 18mm or start just above the harp on the glass. Why do we see more people nowadays appreciating a perfect pint? We all have busy lives, where everything is instantaneous. Theres appreciation for the time it takes to give the perfect pint of Guinness. In an instant world, its not that instant. Why does it take 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness? Despite trading in the native home of Guinness competitor, Murphys, Cork city publican Michael ODonovan said the two-pour Guinness has been part of our tradition for a long, long time. Mr ODonovan, who owns The Castle Inn, one of the best-known pubs in Cork city, said that by filling the glass two-thirds of the way and pausing, you allow the pint to become thicker and creamier. As we are one of the oldest bars in town, we keep our kegs under the counter, meaning we have a very short draw in filling a pint. It allows it to come out creamier and thicker, he said. The single pour has none of the theatre the customer expects. They certainly wouldnt be happy if they saw us doing that. The Taoiseach has taken issue with an assertion Ireland is reliant on the UKs armed forces for the protection of its seas and under sea cables. Leo Varadkar was speaking at the Munich Security Council 2024 during a side panel event on neutrality. Ireland has defence forces, including a navy, but has retained a long standing position of being militarily neutral. Mr Varadkar was challenged that Ireland was in reality reliant on the UKs armed forces in the protection of the seas and the protection of undersea cables. The LE Samuel Beckett (Irish Defence Forces/PA) He responded: In relation to protecting our seas, we have our own navy, its not as strong as it needs to be, and weve entered into agreements with Pesco and Natos Partnership for Peace which particularly relate to the cables that are around the island which are important to us, and also important to our neighbours. Im not aware of any particular UK intervention thats helped us in that regard. Mr Varadkar was further challenged that it falls to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in practice. The Taoiseach responded: When has that actually occurred? When has there been an action or operation by the air force or the navy that has helped us? It was put to him that everyone knows that in the case of a threat to those installations, that is the source of security which would be reverted to, just as is the case quite often in the instance of maritime safety, safety of people in difficulty and so on and indeed the feeding of the 26 counties during the Second World War was guaranteed by the Royal Navy covering the convoys. I dont think what Im saying is in any way controversial. Mr Varadkar responded saying: Youre saying in a hypothetical scenario this intervention by the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force may occur, to the best of my knowledge it has never occurred, and youre suggesting that the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force would intervene in our territorial waters without our permission? It was put to him that the UK would likely intervene if there was a Russian incursion which also threatened the security of the UK. Mr Varadkar responded: Thats exactly the point, they would be doing it to protect themselves, not us. The Taoiseach also queried an assertion around the size of the Russian embassy in Ireland being connected with the proximity to UK territory in Northern Ireland. Mr Varadkar said there are 15 diplomats and 15 other staff at the Russian Embassy in Dublin, which he described as big for a small country like Ireland but far from huge. Detectives have foiled a suspected gangland hit targeting associates of the man shot dead in a Dublin steakhouse on Christmas Eve. A loaded fully automatic firearm was intercepted in west Dublin yesterday afternoon with gardai believing the weapon was being transported ahead of a planned shooting. A man and woman, from the south-west of the city, have been arrested for firearms offences while a young girl was also in the car when it was intercepted. Gardai are investigating if the lethal firearm was being moved ahead of a potential hit on younger associates of Jason 'Jay' Hennessy Snr. The 48-year-old was gunned down in Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24 in a crime that made international headlines after the shooter was confronted at the scene and killed. Hennessy Snr was rushed to hospital with serious gunshot injuries but died over a week later. At around 4pm on Friday, detectives attached to Blanchardstown garda station and members of the Emergency Response Unit stopped a car in the Mulhuddart area. During a search of the car a loaded machine gun was recovered. A man, aged in his 20s, and a woman, aged in her 30s, were arrested and taken in for questioning. A young girl was also in the car at the time of the arrests. A source told the Irish Independent: "This was a significant operation and gardai suspect the weapon was being moved ahead of a planned hit. "The two in custody are suspected of playing a logistical role in the movement of the firearm and investigations are ongoing. "Local gardai have to be commended for ensuring that a dangerous weapon has been taken off the streets". There have been serious concerns of further violence in the area ever since the high-profile gun attack on Christmas Eve. Jason Hennessy Snr was shot a number of times before the gunman, Tristan Sherry (26), was confronted at the scene and disarmed. He subsequently died as a result of serious injuries sustained during the incident and a number of people are currently before the courts in relation to his death. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai arrested a man and woman following the discovery of a firearm on Friday, 16th February 2024 in Dublin 15. The firearm was seized when a vehicle was stopped by gardai at around 3.30pm on the Old Navan Road The man (20s) and woman (30s) are currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, at a Garda Station in the DMR Region. The firearm is subject to analysis by the Ballistics Section of the Garda National Technical Bureau. Investigations ongoing. First Minister Michelle O'Neill appears on RTE's Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty. Pic via Sinn Fein/X. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill has said she believes that a united Ireland is within touching distance and that its a decade of opportunity in this regard. The first nationalist first minister, Michelle said: I do think we are in a decade of opportunity and a decade of change. "I dont think anyone thinks its going to happen tomorrow, but the prudent thing to do now is to plan. Plan for what it [a united Ireland] would look like, Ms ONeill told Patrick Kielty on the Late Late Show. Ms ONeill also said could never express enough gratitude to her mum for the sacrifices she made which allowed her to rise to the top. The Sinn Fein vice president said: mummy was just amazing, mummy and daddy both, when she gave birth to her daughter Saoirse at the age of 16. "Mummy quit work so she could stay at home, Ms ONeill told host Patrick Kielty. She described her mother Kathleen as the centre piece of our family and a strong role model. "I could never thank her enough, Ms ONeill continued. The Mid-Ulster MLA, who also paid tribute to her late father Brendan, reflected on a whirlwind two weeks since being sworn into the top job at Stormont. Its been an immense journey, Ms ONeill said. "Everybody is very proud, Im proud its just such a big moment in the history of our island. My family are proud. Ms ONeill said it has been strange to see TV crews roaming around her home village of Clonoe in Co Tyrone asking [residents] what shes like?. Asked by the presenter if interviewees have been telling the truth, Ms ONeill replied absolutely. She then joked that theyve all been paid off accordingly. Ms ONeill promised to give it my all to remain First Minister when asked if she thinks there will be another Unionist in the position. "Im going to work to ensure that Im staying in this post for as long as I possibly can, she replied. "I know Im the Good Friday Agreement generation, I know I can do great things in this role. The deputy leader of Sinn Fein pledged to work for a better future and pursue prosperity and hope. Asked if she thinks she will be the last First Minister of Northern Ireland, Ms ONeill said she believes good power-sharing can be achieved while advocating for constitutional change. She called for maturity to have difficult conversations as she added: "Who knows where the next 10 years will take us? Ms ONeill has been popping up as a guest on numerous high-profile shows since being sworn into office at the beginning of this month, including Good Morning Britain and LBC radio. She previously appeared on the Late Late Show back 2021 when she opened up about her political history and ambitions with former host Ryan Tubridy. On that occasion Ms ONeill also spoke about her hopes for post-Brexit Ireland and discussing the controversy around her attendance at Bobby Storeys funeral during the pandemic. Irish people are obsessed with Lent. We love the misery of it, the incessant suffering. Forty days and 40 nights of making your life a living hell by giving up something you delight in is our idea of a holiday. A close friend of mine is a true disciple of Lent and always has been. She gives up just about everything delicious. She has committed to it for as long as Ive known her. As our workplaces become increasingly automated, stories of people overcoming huge odds will be more important than ever. I remember visiting a call centre in Dublin in the late 1990s to interview its chief executive. As hundreds of workers manned the phones and answered peoples queries, I noticed there was a digital timer on the wall that kept changing numbers and was calibrated to bleep ever five seconds. Pearl Gamble was last seen alive when she was dropped to the top of the lane near her home by friends. She was just 19 years old when she was murdered on the 28th of January 1961. Gamble was returning from a dance at an orange hall near her home just outside Newry. Early the next morning, her partially clothed body was found at the end of a trail of blood. Suspicion fell immediately and for no one else, on Robert McGladdery (25), known locally for his unsavoury behaviour. Within a year McGladdery was hanged in Crumlin Road prison in Belfast, executed by hangman, Harry Allen. The day he was due to hang, McGladdery admitted he had committed the murder. This followed a series of attempts to manipulate the legal proceedings, including mounting a six-hour defence of himself in court. McGladdery was the last man to be hanged on the island of Ireland. On todays episode of the Indo Daily the Belfast Telegraphs Ciaran Dunbar is joined by historian Joe Baker and Charlie McSherry, a neighbour of Pearl Gamble to tell the story of her brutal murder. D-Light Studios has been in operation for 15 years The profits from the space go directly towards developing and curating not-for-profit initiatives such as artists residencies, exhibitions, music gigs and much more D-Light Studios, a social enterprise in Dublin 1, has created a petition due to huge risk of closure The studio have been negotiating with DCC for 4 years for a long-term lease, and are currently being forced to leave to allow for necessary fire safety works A multi-purpose studio space in the heart of Dublin is appealing for help amid the risk of shutting down once and for all. D-Light Studios, a social enterprise in Ballybough, has created a petition due to the "huge risk of closure. The profits from the space go directly towards developing and curating not-for-profit initiatives such as artists residencies, exhibitions, music gigs, performances, shows, markets, well-being activities, community events, workshops, and talks, along with subsidizing artists and community rental rates. D-Light Studio has been operating out of their current location for 15 years and has been negotiating with Dublin City Council over the past handful of years for a long-term lease. Agata Stoinska, founder of D-Light Studios, spoke to the Irish Independent about her journey with the space: I stumbled upon this incredible 130-year-old warehouse in Dublin 1 back in 2008 while searching for a studio space for my photography practice, she said. Despite its dilapidated state and size beyond what I needed, I saw its potential as a culture centrea hub for creative practice, fine arts, collaboration, and community. Ms Stoinska, along with her very close friend and multidisciplinary artist Stace Gill, founded the studios as a social enterprise. She outlined that throughout this time, the journey has not been easy. Over the last 15 years, challenges like ongoing repairs of the building, along with obstacles such as recession, floods, theft, vandalism, negligence by the landlords, and uncertainties regarding building ownership, have been constant challenges that required our attention and strained our resources, she added. However, the studios have continued to operate and deliver a diverse cultural program serving the local and wider community of Dublin. Adding to their troubles, as the current situation stands, the studio is now being forced to leave to allow for fire safety works, with no lease security, no time frame for the works, and no planned support to continue. The founder of D-Light Studios said she is absolutely heartbroken seeing that a place with the vitality of D-Light, which is an unquestionable asset to Dublin with a committed team and community, is being left behind to wither away under bureaucracy, leaving a massive void of disappointment and despair. Due to concerns about another art and cultural space disappearing in the capital, the founders and the community are asking the public to sign a petition on their behalf. The space has been closed to the public for the past five months due to ongoing discussions with the city council to come up with a solution for a working plan and lease agreement to no avail. All public events, bookings, and many tenants have had to leave the studios already. The founder Ms Stoinska added that instead of developing their project to its full potential, the team is fighting for survival. They are calling for DCC to address the issues immediately, as they will have no other choice but to file for bankruptcy, along with many people losing their workplace and jobs, along with the thousands of other people who will lose another cultural space in Dublin. The two main requests are for DCC to immediately undertake the necessary and required fire safety works while respecting their occupancy of the space and for the council to guarantee their tenancy with a lease. Dublin City Council has been contacted for comment. Glenda Harrington, the founder of a Dublin soup kitchen, has devoted her adult life to helping those who need it most pic: Mark Condren A soup run in Ballymun has said that they couldn't feed people this week as they have not been able to take any donations following letters from the Charities Regulator. Glenda Harrington is the founder of Friends Helping Friends, an outdoor soup kitchen in Dublin city centre that helps feed the homeless every week. After facing the threat of closure due to HSE inspections in 2021, she has continued to operate her soup run, feeding roughly 300 people per week. The soup run has been able to operate under specific guidelines put in place by the HSE, which Ms Harrington says she was already following before these inspections. Ms Harrington told the Irish Independent that she and her multiple volunteers fought against it and won. However, the soup run is facing scrutiny from the Charities Regulator, which is actively seeking to have the soup run become a registered charity. They want me to become a registered charity, and I have no intention of doing that. I never wanted to own a business or become a CEO, she said. I simply wanted to be a group of volunteers making the smallest difference for people, and I truly believe that is exactly what we do. They want me to have a board of directors, to pay an accountant and a bookkeeper. Im none of those things, and none of my volunteers are either; its just not viable along with having a full-time job, three kids, and a grandchild, she added. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 19th Friends Helping Friends does not accept cash donations. The only donations that can be taken is through a butchers account that can no longer be used, according to the founder of the Ballymun soup run. The regulator wrote to the butchers and told him what I was doing was illegal and that we couldnt take donations anymore, she said. Its made it impossible for me the last few weeks to do what we have always done. Helen Martin, Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator, spoke out this week on RTE Radio 1, addressing concerns about the future of the soup run in Ireland. Registered charities have certain responsibilities provided under the Charities Act, and thats what we are there to implement, she said. The charities regulator ensures that people adhere to that, and what that means is that when the public gives to registered charities, there is information available to them. She added that a critical element of being a charity is proper bookkeeping, outlining that registered charities must have their own bank accounts, meaning that the charities regulator can easily ensure that everything is running correctly. However, people like Ms Harrington have different thoughts on the subject, saying that she would not be operating a soup run each week if she didnt feel it was necessary: I would openly say the government is failing, services are failing, she said. I wouldnt go out if I wasnt needed. I have better things to do during the week. I just think that the 300 people queuing all the way up the road for food is making a show of the government. Friends Helping Friends also provides essentials like sleeping bags, underwear, socks, and period products for women in need in the hope they can make a tiny little difference to people in need. A spokesperson for The Charities Regulator said it takes a proportionate approach to regulating the sector and does not prevent an individual or an organisation from carrying out good work. Our role is to regulate Irelands 11,500 charities on behalf of the public so they can have trust and confidence in the sector. The Charities Act 2009 is very clear on the requirements to be a charity and, under the Act, if an organisation or group is not a registered charity, it cannot call itself a charity, lead people to believe it is a charity or seek donations on the basis that its a charity. This is in order to protect the public who donate to organisations they believe to be charities which are regulated entities. Where the activities of a group are brought to our attention, we engage with the group in question and support them as far as we can to bring them into compliance voluntarily. However, when an organisation does not take meaningful action despite repeated engagement with the Charities Regulator, we are obliged to point out the potential legal penalties and the enforcement action that can be taken. Offences under the Charities Act carry maximum penalties of a fine not exceeding 300,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. All registered charities are listed on the public Register of Charities which can be quickly searched, they added. Fans of the USSR often use the argument of free housing, which the state gave to its citizens for nothing, in favor of the Soviet system. However, the reality was not at all as carefree as it is sometimes remembered. ADVERTISIMENT Blogger Maksym Mirovych spoke about the realities of miserable Soviet housing, showing photos of how Soviet citizens actually lived. People lived in free apartments on so-called bird's rights, and received ownership of the apartments only after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This housing could not be sold or exchanged. In addition, people could be evicted at any time. The famous "Stalinist" apartments are often mentioned as a good example of free housing in the USSR, but it is usually not emphasized that only one room was designed for an entire family. That is, 2-4 families could live in a communal apartment, with a total of 5 to 25 people per apartment. ADVERTISIMENT Only the Soviet nomenklatura, military, and other "service apparatus" could get the whole "Stalinka". When Khrushchev came to power, he tried to solve the housing problem and said that each family would live in a separate apartment. However, the USSR was a poor country, so it was impossible to build high-quality and comfortable housing for everyone. Gray, miserable, cheap boxes began to appear en masse in the union. The corridors in the apartments were completely removed, the ceilings were lowered from 3 to 2.5 or 2.3 meters, and the bathrooms were combined. The kitchens were more like storage rooms in size. The only thing left was the minimum width of the stairs so that the coffin could be carried out without any problems. ADVERTISIMENT The same large families lived in these small rooms. A mother, father, several children, and grandparents could live in an area of 40-45 square meters with an incredibly small bathroom and kitchen. What was called a "one-room apartment" in the USSR was considered a studio for poor students in developed countries, and in the union, families of at least 3-4 people lived in such apartments. ADVERTISIMENT A typical Soviet living room in a Khrushchev apartment is a narrow pencil case room, a polished wall that takes up a third of the room, a sofa, a TV, and about 5-6 square meters to accommodate a whole large family. Even if you imagine that there are at least two more rooms in the apartment, it is incredibly cramped. ADVERTISIMENT Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. The sober hike events are for anyone who wants to explore alcohol-free life At the last event at Glencullen Adventure Park people travelled from all over the country including Offaly, Roscommon and Mayo The woman behind Sober Social Ireland said that, in light of an upcoming sober hike taking place tomorrow in Dublin, there "needs to be" other spaces for people to go and connect without alcohol. Philadelphia-born Melissa Kelly, who gave up alcohol almost four years ago, has gone on a journey to find a community for sober and sober-curious people living in the country. What originally started for her as a sober community in Belfast as a group of women who got together for a sober walk or coffee has expanded into organized events for people looking for places to connect in a setting away from the booze. In a society where the social scene often revolves around alcohol, finding night-time activities or social groups that dont involve alcohol can be a real challenge in Dublin. At the last event at Glencullen Adventure Park people travelled from all over the country including Offaly, Roscommon and Mayo However, communities like Sober Social are changing the narrative with ticketed events that take place each month for people to meet like-minded individuals who are looking to explore a sober lifestyle. Drinking is such a huge part of socialising here in Ireland; whenever you take away alcohol, there have to be other places for people to go to connect. Connection is a fundamental human need, said Melissa Kelly. Its so important on a sober journey because you can often feel like youre the only person who is not drinking, the odd one out, or the weird one or that person who is missing out. For me personally, its been so helpful on my journey to connect with other people that are in a similar situation to me. This week's event is taking place in Glencullen Adventure Park. Tickets are priced at 10; it goes on for three hours and promises to be a delightful morning hike through the mountains. The walk will begin no later than 9.10am, and it's open to people who may be sober, sober curious, those who have never had a drink before, or those just looking to learn more about a social life that's removed from the pub scene. Ms Kelly told the Irish Independent that from her observation of those who have attended previous events, most people tend to show up alone: The purpose is really to make a new friend; Ive seen so many people walking away from our events exchanging phone numbers and connecting through social media, she said. Its really amazing to see the bonds that are being created through this, and people really enjoy the events. The sober hike events are for anyone who wants to explore alcohol-free life Looking ahead, Sober Social Ireland hinted at another exciting event one that will take place on St Patricks Day. Its going to be in collaboration with a few others in the recovery/sobriety circle in Ireland, and it is going to be amazing, Ms Kelly added. Sober Social Ireland advised those who might be intrigued about these future events to keep a watchful eye on their social media for updates. The increase in staff costs in recent months has left the horticultural sector in an unsustainable position, according to IFA Horticulture chair Mark Walsh. The minimum wage increased by 12pc in the Budget and the announcement before Christmas on the General Employment permit will result in an initial 31pc increase. The horticulture sector operates on extremely tight margins and wage costs account for between 35pc to 42pc of variable costs. Mr Walsh said: It has been a relentlessly difficult period for the sector, from Brexit; the Covid pandemic; spiralling input costs from the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and now unexpected wage increases. This is effectively the fourth major hit for growers in recent years. Undoubtedly, there will be further casualties in a sector that has already shrunk massively over the past ten years. Although the provision of 1,000 additional work permits is positive, the revised salary roadmap is unworkable and will have crippling consequences. For a farm to advertise at 30,000 for new, possibly less-experienced employees would be effectively like setting a new minimum wage for the sector and will likely drive up pay demands for all other existing staff. Ireland one of the only countries in Europe that does not have a permanent structured work permit scheme. The long-awaited seasonal work permit scheme has been pushed out to Q1 2025, leaving the current General Pilot Permit as the only scheme available. The position of horticulture employers was clearly not considered when Minister Richmond made the shock announcement to massively increase salary levels for work permit employees. No meaningful consultation took place with the horticulture sector prior to the increases. Government needs to extend the exemption for the horticulture sector on work permit pay rates which has existed for several years. Furthermore, all horticulture and farmer employers were excluded from the Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB), a once-off grant to help small and medium businesses offset the increase in minimum wage, as the sector is largely exempt from commercial rates. This is completely unacceptable. The Government has to address both these issues immediately or we will lose what horticulture farmers we have left, added Mr Walsh. Actress Jessie Buckley has said Sinead OConnor was a beacon and singing one of her songs in the aftermath of her death was so moving. Buckley paid tribute to Sinead OConnor last year, singing Troy just months after the artist died in London. The Killarney-born star was accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra for the performance on Culture Night last September. "Im getting chills thinking about her. When I was growing up, there was a part of Ireland that was scared of Sinead. She was so ahead of our time and so human, she told the Irish Examiner. "I kind of rediscovered her during Cabaret and I remember reading her biography and going into a wormhole of her music and it just blew me open and I was like: Oh my God, this woman was such a beacon, and where she got that from inside of herself, I do not know. She had such a deep sense of humanity. Sinead O'Connor. Photo: David Corio/Getty She said it was a privilege to be asked to sing the song, adding: I thought: If I can just be a vessel for all that she has given us as women in Ireland and given people around the world and the bravery and courage to speak the truth, no matter how she was put down for it, then its all going into this song. Buckley said it was so moving singing the song for OConnor and for everything she gave us. "Theres no way she could write songs like that and not have that truth inside her. Im very sad. She was kind of otherworldly. Buckley also admitted that she still feels like Killarney is her home despite now living in the UK. When I go home, its my home and I feel so myself there. I cant believe I get to do what I do and that it affects people, she said. "I guess the journey from Killarney to doing things in bigger places is something I never imagined but I always feel like Im still just from Killarney. "I feel so grateful for any support and all the people Ive met along the way whove just kept encouraging me to keep going, especially when I didnt think I could at different times. Its so close to my heart and I love going back there. It comes as her latest film Wicked Little Letters, in which she stars alongside Olivia Colman, is soon set to hit screens. Buckley plays Irish immigrant Rose Gooding, who is accused of sending foul-mouthed letters filled with profanities to those in the English village. Set it the 1920s, her character clashes with spinster Edith (played by Colman) when the letters reach her door. Alexei Navalny was struck down with sudden death syndrome, his mother was told at Russian prison Unclear where Navalny's body has been taken spokeswomanNavalny's team demand his body is handed overMore than 270 people detained at events in Russia Vigil for Alexei Navalny held in San Francisco on Friday. Picture: Santiago Mejia Guy Faulconbridge Sat 17 Feb 2024 at 15:30 Alexei Navalny's mother was told on Saturday that Russia's most prominent opposition leader had been struck down by "sudden death syndrome" and that his body would not be handed over to the family until an investigation was completed, his team said. Rescue workers arrive at the scene of an accident at a construction site in Florence, Italy, Friday Feb. 16, 2024. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP) Five workers were killed and three seriously injured after a slab collapsed at a construction site in the Italian city of Florence, reviving concerns about work safety standards in the country. Madeleine McCann suspects trial suspended after judges Bolsonaro tweet Christian Brueckner faces delay on charges of rape and indecent exposure after magistrate found to have called for assassination of ex-Brazil president Christian Brueckner is led into a German court where he is to stand trial on sex abuse charges. Photo: AP James Jackson Telegraph.co.uk Sat 17 Feb 2024 at 03:30 A sex crimes trial of the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann was adjourned yesterday morning after one of the magistrates was found to have called for the assassination of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. LATEST | Israeli minister says Gazans can go to Ireland or the desert as he says nuclear bomb also a possibility Photo Courtesy: @AN_Command The 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise - 2024 (MILAN) is to be held at Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, and likely witness the largest-ever participation by over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships from friendly nations as compared to last year where only 39 countries participated. The 12th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise - 2024 (MILAN) is to be held at Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, and likely witness the largest-ever participation by over 50 countries and nearly 20 ships from friendly nations as compared to last year where only 39 countries participated. MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise which was introduced by Indian Navy in the year 1995. This initiative is in align with the India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific approaches to provide Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR) by inviting Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) at the Eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam during the exercise. The exercise will involve various naval operations, including large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare operations. What are its Objectives? Milan 24 will consist of two main phases the harbour phase and the sea phase. The harbour phase aims to promote cultural sharing among participating nations through various events and exhibitions. #MILAN2024 "Forging Naval Alliances For a Secure Maritime Future" 12th edition of the #MILAN exercise to be held at #Visakhapatnam 19 - 27 Feb 24 aims to provide a platform for the participating navies to share ideas to enhance #security on the high seas & ensure safety of pic.twitter.com/0Q2tPFq4up SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) February 16, 2024 In contrast, the sea phase will focus on joint naval exercises and operations. Milan serves as a testament to India's commitment to promoting maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing common challenges and ensuring a secure maritime environment. India is poised to flex its naval muscle in the upcoming Milan drills, underscoring its commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region amidst escalating tensions with China. Set against the backdrop of China's assertiveness in the region, the Milan exercises will witness an armada of 50 navies converging in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal, sending a resolute message of unity and cooperation in safeguarding maritime security and upholding the rules-based international order. Why Indo-Pacific countries should participate? China's increasing muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the East and South China Seas, has spurred concerns among regional stakeholders, necessitating concerted efforts to uphold peace and stability. Beijing is well aware that countries like the Philippines and Vietnam seek major powers' involvement in the South China Sea dispute, particularly the United States and India. Beijing has time and again accused the United States of provoking Manila over the lingering South China Sea dispute. It is a known fact that the United States desires India to play a key role and act as a contender against China. To show its support, India, for the first time, explicitly called for adherence not only to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) but also to the 2016 Arbitral Award in the Joint Statement issued in June 2023. On the other hand, the United States has strengthened its relations with Vietnam and the Philippines. The United States and Vietnam elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership on 10 September 2023. Regarding the Philippines, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. This strengthened position with the United States and India by the Philippines and Vietnam could make China even more wary. With the increasing tension in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China in the Second Thomas Shoal beginning of this year, there is a high chance of de-escalation and conflicts between the two which is not unusual. The Philippines' Coast Guard (PCG) has accused China of "dangerous and blocking" manoeuvres while its vessel patrolled near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Four Chinese maritime militia vessels were also present near the shoal. ASEAN countries at MILAN 2024 All the ASEAN countries are expected to participate in MILAN 2024. Participation from all ASEAN countries in MILAN 2024 could be motivated by various security reasons: Regional Stability: Ensuring participation from all ASEAN nations can foster a sense of unity and cooperation within the region, contributing to overall stability. By actively engaging in events like MILAN, countries can strengthen their ties and build trust, which are essential for maintaining peace and security. Information Sharing: MILAN provides a platform for sharing maritime security information, intelligence, and best practices. Full participation from ASEAN countries allows for a comprehensive exchange of information regarding common security threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking, thereby enhancing the collective ability to address these challenges effectively. Capacity Building: Participation in MILAN offers opportunities for capacity building in areas such as maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and disaster response. By engaging in exercises and workshops during the event, ASEAN countries can improve their capabilities and readiness to respond to security threats in the maritime domain. Deterrence against Threats: A unified presence of ASEAN countries in MILAN can serve as a deterrent against potential security threats in the region. The collective demonstration of resolve and coordination sends a strong message to adversaries that any destabilizing actions will be met with a united response from ASEAN nations. Crisis Management: In the event of a maritime crisis or emergency situation, having all ASEAN countries involved in MILAN ensures a coordinated and swift response. This can include joint exercises to rehearse crisis management procedures, as well as the establishment of communication channels and protocols for information sharing during emergencies. Promotion of Rules-Based Order: Full participation in MILAN reaffirms ASEAN countries' commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, including respect for maritime laws and regulations. By actively engaging in multilateral security initiatives like MILAN, ASEAN nations contribute to the promotion of a stable and predictable environment in the maritime domain. Recommendations: How India can Leverage Milan to strengthen Maritime Cooperation India should use MILAN 2024 as an opportunity to enhance maritime cooperation with friendly nations. The exercise's focus on joint naval operations presents a platform for India to collaborate closely with participating countries in addressing common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. India should underscore its commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region amidst escalating tensions with China. Through active participation and leadership in MILAN exercises, India can demonstrate its resolve to uphold maritime security and promote peace and stability in the region. India should emphasize its adherence to international laws and conventions, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). By promoting adherence to established norms and rules, India can position itself as a responsible maritime actor committed to upholding the rules-based international order. India should actively engage with other Indo-Pacific countries participating in MILAN to strengthen regional cooperation. By fostering partnerships and collaborative efforts, India can work together with like-minded nations to address common security threats, including China's assertiveness in the region. India should use MILAN 2024 as an opportunity to address the South China Sea dispute and express support for countries seeking major powers' involvement in resolving the issue. By advocating for peaceful resolution and adherence to international law, India can contribute to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting stability in the South China Sea. India should use MILAN as a platform for promoting dialogue and diplomacy among participating nations. By engaging in constructive discussions and exchanges, India can build trust and cooperation with regional partners, contributing to a peaceful and secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific. Probably only very tall people have never wanted to become at least a few centimeters taller. Still, scientists have discovered that this desire may actually be linked to a dangerous mental disorder. A new study indicates that an obsessive desire to grow up correlates with a person's tendency to exhibit traits known as the "dark triad": psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. ADVERTISIMENT This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of Padua, Italy. The results of their work were published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. "Short people, especially those who would like to be taller, are more likely to have traits that make them more prone to ostentatious behavior and confrontation, as well as interest in power," said Peter Jonason, the lead author of the study. According to scientists, this is how short people can compensate for their lack of height. It is known that people with psychopathic traits lack empathy, are impulsive, and despise social norms and rules. People prone to narcissism are characterized by an increased sense of self-importance, the belief that everyone owes them, and the need to be admired. Machiavellianism, as another part of the "dark triad," is characterized by a tendency to manipulation, cynicism, and lack of morality. ADVERTISIMENT According to Jonason, such character traits are of such great interest to scientists because of the idea that they can help people achieve status, find partners, and survive. These traits can affect people's ability to compete with others. At the same time, the "dark triad" is not something that is approved by society. However, scientists note that short stature is more likely to provoke narcissism in men than in women. As for psychopathy and Machiavellianism, there was no significant difference between the sexes. A total of 367 adults from the United States took part in the study. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine the traits of the "dark triad" to assess their level of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. The researchers also asked the participants to indicate their actual height and whether they were satisfied with it or would like to be taller. ADVERTISIMENT The processed data showed that people with shorter stature who would like to be bigger were more likely to show signs of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. The authors of the study suggested that this may be due to the evolutionary need to survive not at the expense of physical size but at the expense of the ability to psychologically influence others. In other words, if someone was physically smaller and weaker, they tried to find a psychological advantage to be on equal footing with others. The researchers suggest that this could also have provided survival and mating advantages. Short men could demand respect, acquire resources, and impress romantic partners with their personality traits, for example, while short women could use deception to appear more desirable or gain protection and resources. ADVERTISIMENT Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest news Photo courtesy: Pixabay Srinagar/UNI: A suspected militant associate was arrested in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district, police said. Asif Mushtaq Wani, a resident of Galizoo Kupwara was arrested on Friday. Wani was the second militant associate arrested in Kupwara district in the last two days. They said the arrest was made at a surprise Naka checking jointly established by Police Kupwara, (Armys) 47 RR and 162 battalion CRPF near BEd college Drugmulla Kupwara. "The person tried to escape on seeing the alert joint security forces party , however he was apprehended after putting hectic efforts," police said. The search led to the recovery of one Chinese made pistol, one pistol magazine and six pistol rounds in his possession, police said. A case under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Kupwara and investigation has been taken up, they said. On Thursday, a militant associate identified as Rafeeq Ahmad Ganie of Lalpora Sheikhpora, was arrested by a joint team of forces at Gundimacher Bridge in Kupwara. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab X video New Delhi/IBNS: The country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s two-day National Council meet began at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Modi, the supreme leader of the saffron party, arrived this morning at Bharat Mandapam, where he was welcomed by BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda. #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Bharat Mandapam for the two-day National Convention of the BJP. pic.twitter.com/wOkAdFCtfS ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Modi lit the candle at the meeting with Union Home Minister and BJP strongman Amit Shah by his side. At a press conference earlier, Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the meeting of the office bearers will be held on the inaugural day. The two-day meeting will focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and Viksit Bharat, the agenda of the BJP for the upcoming polls. #WATCH | Bharatiya Janata Party's two-day National Council meet gets underway at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi pic.twitter.com/pBhNE8NfGP ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 "An exhibition of Viksit Bharat will be organised," said Prasad. Prime Minister Modi will deliver the concluding address to the BJP leaders on the second day of the meeting on Sunday. The meeting comes days after Modi exuded confidence in BJP winning 370 seats and the ruling coalition NDA crossing the 400-mark in the upcoming elections. Photo Courtesy: UNI A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Calcutta High Court seeking judicial intervention for the deployment of the central armed forces in the trouble-torn Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's bordering district of North 24 Parganas, court sources said on Saturday. Advocate Sangjukta Samanta filed the writ petition in the Calcutta High Court's double bench, comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Gaurang Kanth, on Friday, seeking immediate deployment of the central armed forces to restore peace and sanity in the restive Sandeshkhali, some 74 km south-east of this city. The judges, while admitting the writ, said the hearing would be held on Monday, February 19. Sandeshkhali has been on boil for over a week, and the people, mostly the women residents, have been demanding the arrest of the local TMC leader Sahjhan Sheikh and his associate Sbibu Hazra for their alleged sexutal torture and land grabbing of the poor tribal people. The TMC leader, who has been on the list of arrest since January 6, allegedly orchestrated attacks on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) official and CRPF personnel who went to Sheikh's residence for a search operation in the alleged ration distribution scam across the state. Sheikh's name cropped up following the arrest of Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick and three others close to the former food minister. The women in Sandeshkhali recently began agitation against sexual torture and land grabbing, also demanding the deployment of central forces, since the state police allegedly failed to protest the safeguard of the villagers against some TMC leaders' reign of terror. (With UNI Inputs) Sandeshkhali (West Bengal): After evading arrest for nearly 44 days, Trinamool Congress leader Shibaprasad Hazra alias Shibu Hazra has been apprehended by the West Bengal Police on charges of gang rape and making murder threats. Sandeshkhali, located in North 24 Parganas district has been on the boil over allegations of torture, sexual assault and coercion by some local TMC leaders-- Shibaprasad Hazra, Uttam Sardar and Sheikh Shahjahan. Amid the agitation by the local people, police filed an FIR suo moto and arrested Uttam Sardar last Saturday from a hideout in Sandeshkhali. He was produced in Basirhat Sub Division Court and was sent on 10-day police remand. Following a survivor's statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a magistrate, the police expanded the charges to include Sections 376D (gangrape) and 307 (attempt to murder). After this development, the police arrested Shibu Hazra from the Nazat Police Station area under Sandeshkhali Gram Panchayat. Notably, the mastermind of the alleged tortures and sexual assaults Sheikh Shahjahan continues to be at large. Shibu Hazra will be produced before Basirhat SD Court tomorrow (Sunday), said Basirhat Police District SP Hossain Mehedi Rehman. Media reports said that the residents have alleged that the local police remained a mere spectator even as they suffered persistent torture at the hands of the TMC leaders. The police even asked the victims to approach the accused with their complaints. While the state administration imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr PC and suspended internet services in the trouble-torn area, people continued their protests and alleged that the local TMC leaders were forcefully imposing the curbs on them. Later, the Calcutta High Court set aside the prohibitory order but the clampdown continued and the police prevented the delegations of opposition parties like Congress, BJP and the Left parties from reaching the area. According to media reports, Sandeshkhali is still tense and people have vowed to not rest till all the culprits are arrested and brought to justice. Meanwhile, local TMC leaders have rejected the charges against their accused party colleagues, claiming that the allegations in the FIR are motivated and they have been framed in a premeditated manner. According to the reports, the local people have expressed relief at the arrests but are still skeptical if the culprits will be handed out adequate punishment and their safety if the accused are let out. Image Credit: video grab/twitter.com/gpsinghips Guwahati: A major security lapse occurred at Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where separatist and leader of "Waris Punjab De," Amritpal Singh, along with nine aides, is currently locked up. On Friday, jail authorities found a spy camera, a smartphone, a keypad phone, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones and speakers, a smartwatch, and various other items in the cell occupied by the separatist leader and his nine associates. Taking to X, Assam top cop GP Singh said, "Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of information about unauthorised activities taking place in NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in the public area of NSA Block. "Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which jail staff searched the premise of NSA Cell early this morning, leading to the recovery of a smartphone with SIM, a keypad phone, TV remote with keyboard, spy-cam pen, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones, and speakers and smart watch which were lawfully seized by the jail staff. The source of these unauthorised articles and the mode of induction is being ascertained. Further lawful action is being taken and steps being taken to prevent recurrence." Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam - On receipt of Information about unauthorised activities taking place in NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in public area of NSA Block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff pic.twitter.com/Iwf5kWOeXN GP Singh (@gpsinghips) February 17, 2024 Amritpal Singh was transferred to Dibrugarh Central Jail on April 23, 2023, following his arrest by the Punjab Police from Moga district after an extensive manhunt spanning several weeks. The radical Sikh preacher was indicted under the National Security Act (NSA), a strict legal provision. His nine associates are also facing charges under the NSA. Image Credit: video grab Imam (36), a JNU scholar, has been accused of making inflammatory and instigating speeches during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests. He was arrested on January 28, 2020, from Bihar for allegedly making a seditious speech and abetting riots in the Jamia Millia Islamia area in December last year. Sharjeel had applied for bail, arguing that he had already served four years in prison out of a maximum sentence of seven years, making him eligible for statutory bail. However, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai dismissed the bail request, citing the unique nature of the allegations against Sharjeel and his involvement in "disruptive activities which ultimately led to the riots." In a speech in Hindi, allegedly made at an anti-CAA protest, he purportedly said: "Time has come to tell the non-Muslims if they sympathise with us then they have to stand with us on our terms. If they cannot accept our terms, they are not our symapthisers." "I have told this before and I am repeating it again that if we have 5 lakh people organised, we can permanently cut off Assam from rest of India, if not permanently then at least for a few months. "Create ruckus on roads and railway tracks so that it takes them months to clear...it is our responsibility to cut off Assam from India. Only after Assam is seperated from India will they listen to us." "We all know the condition of Muslims in Assam. CAA, NRC have been implemented there. People are being thrown into detention camps. There is a massacre going on there. In the next six to eight months we may find out all the Bengalis, whether Muslims or Hindus, have been killed," he said. While rejecting his bail plea, the court said, Considering the allegations against the applicant and his disruptive activities, the court deems it appropriate not to consider the relief as prayed for and to continue his custody. In Sharjeel Imams purported speech, which had gone viral, on social media, he said, "If we want to help Assam, we have to block the way for Army to reach Assam and also the supplies. And, we can do this. The chicken-neck corridor that connects the northeast with the rest of India is primarily inhabited by Muslims. Remember, if the masses are angry it should be used purposefully and not wasted on photo sessions, he said. In 2022, the trial court had framed charges against Imam under Sections 124A (sedition), 153A (promoting enmity), 153B (imputations prejudicial to national integration), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of IPC and Section 13 (Punishment for Unlawful Activities) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Image Credit: twitter.com/narendramodi New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exuded confidence that BJP will win 370 seats and NDA 400 seats and asked the party workers to work hard to achieve the target. Sounding the bugle for the Lok Sabha election 2024, Modi told the party workers, the PM said 370 is not just a number for the party but would be a tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee who laid down his life for the country. Modi was speaking at the two-day BJP National Council meeting at the Bharat Mandapam here. Addressing a press conference, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said, "For the 370 seats of the BJP, Modi announced the name of the candidate and the candidate is 'Lotus Flower. The selection of candidates will go on but the party workers have to work hard for the next 100 days so that the 'Lotus Flower' wins. Tawde said the PM asked the party workers to meet all the beneficiaries of the government schemes and this will start from February 25 all over the country. Modi also asked all the party workers to work at the booth level for the next 100 day, he said. They should also make it a point to see how 370 more votes are added at each booth. Vinod also asked the party workers to reach out to all the first-time voters and tell them about the development that had taken place in the last 10 years. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the two-day BJP National Council meeting. He was received by party president J P Nadda. Modi also visited an exhibition put up at the venue. More than 11,000 delegates from across the country are expected to be present at the meeting. Many senior leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are also participating in the meeting. BJP president J P Nadda inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the remarkable achievements of the 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Taking to social media handle X, Nadda said, "Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, BJP has spearheaded transformative changes benefiting every Indian. Join us as we celebrate a decade of progress and pledge to continue working tirelessly for the nation's development". (With UNI inputs) Photo courtesy: IBNS Kolkata/IBNS: Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on Saturday inaugurated the first edition of French Film Festival in Kolkata. The festival, which will run for nine days, is held by Alliance Francaise Du Bengale and West Bengal Film Centre Nandan. Speaking at the inauguration, Anil Kapoor said, "I am honoured to be a part of this extraordinary collaboration between France and West Bengal. Both of these places have given birth to some of the cinema's most iconic legends. I have seen several Bengali and French films. "We get to see the classic films of France and Bengal in tandem here. Over the next few days, I am sure the audience will garner newer sides from their work as they are placed together like never before." This is Kapoor's second visit to Kolkata in recent times. The 'Animal' actor also inaugurated the 29th Kolkata International Festival Festival (KIFF) in December 2023. Kashyap, who joined Kapoor at the inauguration, shared, "It's a very good thing to have a film festival like this as people would get to watch films from France. French films have remained a big influence in my life." "I have seen more French films like Hindi films (laughs)," the 'Kennedy' director added. Apart from the two, actor Saswata Chatterjee, actress Rituparna Sengupta, model-actress Richa Sharma were among the attendees. Photo courtesy: IBNS About the festival The festival will run till February 24. 60 screenings featuring 28 full-length films Following the screenings each evening during the Film Festival, there will be panel discussions on various film sections featuring specialists, eminent filmmakers, and actors from film fraternity of Bengal and beyond. Within the framework of this festival there will be the 9 hours of short film screening on February 23 evening to February 24 morning (9:00 pm-6:00 am) at Park Mansions Courtyard. The festival will cover four sections- French New Wave, French Contemporary Films, Films for Young Audience and Indian Filmmakers featured in Cannes Film Festival. Alexei Navalny appears in court in Moscow on 20 February 2021.Photo Courtesy: Evgeny Feldman Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's team members on Saturday demanded his body should be handed over to his family amid widespread criticisms by key world leaders against President Vladimir Putin over his death. Navalnys spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, wrote on X: "Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexeys mother." Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexeys mother. An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 "An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are conducting 'investigations' with him," she said. "We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," she said. 47-year-old Alexey Navalny died in an Arctic prison on Friday. He was serving a 19-year term. Alexey Navalny felt unwell in prison after a walk and lost consciousness. He received all necessary resuscitation measures, but they did not yield positive results, the Federal Ptnitentiary Service stated as quoted by Russia's Sputnik news agency. Authorities are trying to figure out the cause of his death. Commenting on the development, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Sputnik it is up to medics to find out reasons behind Navalny's death. World leaders criticise Putin US President Joe Biden said the incident is proof of 'Putin's brutality'. "Aleksey Navalny's courage will never be forgotten. This tragedy further proof of Putin's brutality reminds us of the stakes of this moment," Biden wrote on X. Aleksey Navalny's courage will never be forgotten. This tragedy further proof of Putin's brutality reminds us of the stakes of this moment. Failure to support Ukraine against his vicious onslaught will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/h1AM76BV8K President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024 "Failure to support Ukraine against his vicious onslaught will never be forgotten," he said. "Failure to support Ukraine against his vicious onslaught will never be forgotten," he said. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said: "Alexei Navalny fought for democracy, for freedom, and for the Russian people. For that, he lost his life. We must stand united against Putins actions. And we must continue to defend democracy together." Alexei Navalny fought for democracy, for freedom, and for the Russian people. For that, he lost his life. We must stand united against Putins actions. And we must continue to defend democracy together. pic.twitter.com/bhLZMggnrS Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 17, 2024 British Foreign Secretary David Cameron posted on X: "Navalny fought bravely against corruption. Putins Russia fabricated charges against him, poisoned him, sent him to an arctic penal colony & now he has tragically died. Putin should be accountable for what has happened - no one should doubt the dreadful nature of his regime." Putin should be held accountable for the death of Alexei Navalny. My reaction to todays tragic news. pic.twitter.com/qvswRrXlrr David Cameron (@David_Cameron) February 16, 2024 The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said it was appalled over the death announced by Russian authorities of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison, calling for an impartial and transparent independent investigation. If someone dies in the custody of the State, the presumption is that the State is responsible a responsibility that can only be rebutted through an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body, said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell, calling on Russia to ensure such a credible investigation is carried out. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons The Pakistani Supreme Court has scheduled for hearing a petition which seeks a declaration of the February 8 general polls in the country as null and void. The hearing, to be conducted by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, is set for February 19, reported Samaa TV. The proceedings will also be overseen by Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Musarrat Hilali who will be part of the bench. The petition, filed by Brig (retd) Ali Khan, alleges that pre-poll rigging and delays in the announcement of election results posed a significant threat to democratic principles, the news portal reported. The petitioner argued that in light of these concerns, the formation of a government following the February 8 elections should be halted. Instead, Khan proposes that the Supreme Court order a fresh election under its supervision. Pakistan voted to elect a new government on February 8. However, none of the parties could form a government after failing to touch the majority. Parties are now trying to form an alliance to form the next government. Almost 100 years ago, the Soviet Union allocated large amounts of money for risky experiments to breed a human-ape hybrid. They were conducted by biologist Ilya Ivanov. ADVERTISIMENT OBOZ.UA offers to find out how the scientist managed to convince the USSR authorities to give him money for a dubious experiment, and how it all ended. Ivanov Ilya Ivanovich was born on July 20 (August 1), 1870, in the city of Shchyhry, Kursk province of the Russian Empire. He graduated from Kharkiv University and studied biology in Paris. He became known for his successful work on artificial insemination of animals. He had been working in this field since 1899. Ivanov developed hybrids of mouse and rat, mouse and guinea pig, zebra and donkey, antelope and cow. Thanks to him, the USSR developed a breed of hardy horses that were very useful in agriculture. ADVERTISIMENT Encouraged by his success, the biologist set his sights on more - he suggested that it was possible to create a human-ape hybrid using artificial insemination. However, all his achievements did not convince the Soviet authorities to provide him with funds for a dubious experiment to create human hybrids. Then Ivanov used other mechanisms and found an approach to the authorities that allowed him to "sell" the idea. The Soviet government was obsessed not only with communism but also with hatred of the Church and religion. And Ilya Ivanov skillfully took advantage of this. He stated that the successful conduct of his experiment would be the final victory of atheistic humanism over religion. This would allow the USSR to create hybrids and control their evolution, and in fact, put the Soviet government on a par with God. And the Soviets took the bait. ADVERTISIMENT In the fall of 1925, the USSR Academy of Sciences allocated Ilya Ivanov the equivalent of 10 thousand dollars and gave him permission to travel to Africa, where he planned to create hybrids. In February of the following year, the biologist went on a business trip to French Guinea, specifically to Kindia. Ivanov had a simple plan: when he arrived in Kindia, he hoped to take a few monkeys and pay local women to give birth to children from the animals. However, the reality turned out to be a bit more complicated. As it turned out, local folklore had a belief that monkeys kidnapped and raped women, and if they returned, they were banished. Therefore, no woman agreed to the scientist's experiment for any money. But the spirit of Ostap Bender still lived in Ivanov's soul, and he took a different path: he anonymously received sperm from the men on his team and fertilized female chimpanzees with it. In doing so, he got himself into a lot of trouble, as chimpanzees are hard to find, hard to catch, and even harder to keep. ADVERTISIMENT However, he was still lucky enough to artificially inseminate 13 female chimps. But not a single viable pregnancy was achieved. Ivanov was on the verge of despair, realizing that he would need to report on something to his "sponsors" who dreamed of how to "overthrow" God. So he resorted to another scam - impregnating women with chimpanzee sperm under the guise of gynecological examinations. But the French authorities exposed him and sent Ivanov home. However, he did not stop. Ivanov sent 20 male chimpanzees to Russia, of which only four survived the journey. At home, he appealed to "all Soviet women" to serve science. And here he was lucky once again. He found such a willing woman, though in a single copy. She went down in history as "volunteer G". The woman herself wrote a letter to the scientist, saying that her personal life was ruined and she saw no point in continuing to exist. Therefore, she asked him not to refuse her and to accept her for the experiment. ADVERTISIMENT And this experiment was conducted. However, it also ended, like the previous ones, in nothing. Subsequently, Ivanov was subjected to political criticism. And during the 1930 purges of scientists, the biologist was arrested and exiled to Kazakhstan, where he died of a cerebral hemorrhage 2 years later. As reported by OBOZ.UA: The Spanish startup Overture Life has created a sperm injector robot that has successfully fertilized a human egg. As a result of the experiment, two healthy babies were born. And for the first time in history, British scientists have managed to create synthetic human embryos from stem cells without the participation of sperm or eggs. This achievement puts humanity on the brink of moral debate over the creation of synthetic children, but scientists hope it will also help to better understand the critical early stages of human development. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Photo Courtesy; Unsplash Workers and supporters of various political parties are continuing their protest in Balochistan over alleged rigging charges in the February 8 general polls. The demonstrators also called for a wheel jam strike across Balochistan on Sunday. The sit-ins in Quetta, Dera Murad Jamali areas reached its eighth day on Friday. Hundreds of workers and supporters of various parties, including a large number of women, are participating in the sit-in, reported Dawn News. Leaders of the four-party alliance comprising Baloch, Pashtoon and Hazara parties have announced that a public meeting would be held in front of the office of the district returning officer, Quetta, on Saturday (today). Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Dr Malik Baloch, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Abdul Khaliq Hazara and other leaders of different political parties will address the rally, the newspaper reported. Central leaders of the alliance, including Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, secretary general of PkMAP, Haji Fida Hussain Dashti of the Hazara Democratic Party, Khalid Chengezi, Haji Abdul Samad Rind, Asmat Yari and Murtaza Sultan participated in the sit-in demonstration. The leaders rejected the results of the polls. People from all walks of life and political workers have rejected the results of the elections not only in Balochistan but also in other parts of the country, Ziaratwal was quoted as saying by Dawn News, adding that protest would continue until the original elected members are announced. Pakistan polls Pakistan voted to elect a new government on February 8. However, the country plunged into a political crisis with none of the political outfits winning the majority needed to form the government. Political parties are now trying to forge an alliance and secure 169 seats needed to secure a majority in the 336-member lower house of parliament. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash The police have not lodged an FIR into the incident. Lohar's family told The Friday Times that he was the headmaster at a local school, Golu Gawans. Terming it a targeted killing, Lohar's family said that the police have yet to lodge an FIR for the fatal gun attack. In a statement, Human Rights organisations Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) condemned the killing and said: "The Sindhi Association of North America condemns the brutal assassination of longtime activist and schoolteacher Hidyat Lohar in Naseer Abad, Sindh." Human Rights Commission of Pakistan posted on X: "HRCP is shocked to learn that schoolteacher and political activist Hidayat Lohar has been murdered in a target killing by unknown persons. Given that Mr Lohar was forcibly disappeared for two years himself and that his family are notable activists for victims of enforced disappearances in Sindh, this incident must be taken seriously. HRCP demands a prompt and transparent investigation into Mr Lohar's murder. HRCP will hold a protest, led by chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt, on Saturday 17 Feb at 4 pm outside the Karachi Press Club in solidarity with Mr Lohar's family." Photo Courtesy: Unsplash One firefighter died and several were hospitalised following a gas explosion in Sterling, US, on Friday evening, local media reported. Nine of the injured were firefighters, and two were civilians. Firefighters responded to a gas leak at a home on Silver Ridge Drive at around 7:30 p.m. local time (0030 GMT Saturday), and an explosion took place about 30 minutes later, said the fire officials. James Williams, assistant chief of operations for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, said at a news conference that the explosion occurred while firefighters were inside the building, describing the damage as "total devastation." An investigation into the explosion is underway, said Williams. The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company said on social media that its crews had been responding to a report of a gas leak before the blast. (With UNI inputs) Get ready for an exciting movie night this Saturday as the Oscars approach! Winning an Oscar is like earning a gold star in the glamorous world of movies it signals that the film is truly amazing! With over 90 years of history, there's a treasure trove of fantastic movies to explore. But no need to stress we have simplified it for you by selecting the absolute best for the ultimate movie night experience! 10. Titanic (1997) James Cameron's epic love story and disaster movie won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Song for "My Heart Will Go On. Picture From Titanic Poster/Twitter Where To Watch? The movie is available on Disney+. 9. The Godfather (1972) Mario Puzo's novel adaptation birthed the modern mobster genre, leaving an enduring impact on both film and real-life crime. Poster Of The Godfather (1972)/Twitter Where To Watch? The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video. 8. The Godfather: Part II (1974) Francis Ford Coppola's sequel surpasses its predecessor, delving into the early years of Vito Corleone and earning its place as the greatest gangster movie ever made. Scene From The Godfather Part II (1974)/Twitter Where To Watch? The movie's second part is also available on Amazon Prime Video. 7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) David Lean's epic-defining spectacle Cinema inspires generations of filmmakers with its breathtaking cinematography and a runtime that still holds the record. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)/Twitter Where To Watch? The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video. 6. All About Eve (1952) Bette Davis and Anne Baxter's timeless performances in a story about the resistance to ageing, with razor-sharp dialogue, make it a captivating classic. Scene From All About Eve (1952)/Twitter Where To Watch? You have the option to purchase "All About Eve" on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, either as a download or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube online. 5. Silence of the Lambs (1990) Jonathan Demme's genre-defying serial killer thriller clinches the Best Picture with a dynamite script, haunting score, and mesmerising performances. Anthony Hopkins During 'Silence of the Lambs 1990' Making/Twitter Where To Watch? You can watch "The Silence of the Lambs" by renting or buying it on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. 4. The French Connection (1971) Gene Hackman's relentless pursuit of justice in a gripping crime drama featuring one of the best car chases in cinematic history. Poster Of The French Connection (1971)/Twitter Where To Watch? Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 3. The Apartment (1960) Billy Wilder's game-changing romantic comedy, starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships. Scene From The Apartment 1960/Twitter Where To Watch? It is available on Amazon and Apple TV. 2. Gone With the Wind (1939) A grand melodrama set during the American Civil War, overcoming production challenges to become a cornerstone of cinema history. Poster Of Gone With the Wind (1939)/Twitter Where To Watch? You can watch it on Amazon and Google Play. 1. It Happened One Night (1934) Frank Capra's trailblazing romantic comedy revolutionised the genre, setting the stage for the best romantic comedies we know today. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert from It Happened One Night (1934)/Twitter Where To Watch? Available on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and Apple TV. The above list showcases the timeless brilliance of Oscar-winning films, each standing as an example of the enduring power of storytelling in the world of cinema. Stay tuned for the Oscars 2024 updates here! For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The 1946 Naval Mutiny: In the vast history of India's struggles for freedom, numerous movements and battles have been documented, showcasing the leadership of revered figures. However, amidst these well-known narratives, there exist unsung heroes whose invaluable contributions often remain confined to the pages of textbooks. Among these overlooked episodes is the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny, also referred to as the Indian Naval Mutiny, a pivotal yet frequently forgotten uprising. Initiating on February 18, 1946, the mutiny saw a diverse array of Indians, including laborers, farmers, and individuals from various backgrounds, rallying in support. Originating as a hunger strike among Navy personnel, the mutiny swiftly transformed into a widespread movement uniting citizens against the British Empire. This revolt played a significant role in India's quest for independence, underlining its importance in the historical struggle. It is a chapter that warrants remembrance by every Indian citizen. Story of 1946 Naval Mutiny- Last War of Independence In 1946, 20,000 non-commissioned sailors of the Royal Indian Navy mutinied. They were inspired by the heroism of the Azad Hind Fauj. But their anger was sparked by terrible service conditions, racism, and broken recruitment promises. In less than 48 hours, 20,000 men took over 78 ships and 21 shore establishments and replaced British flags with the entwined flags of the Congress, the Muslim League, and the communists. The British panicked and announced a Cabinet Mission to discuss modalities of transfer of power. By this time, Indian troops had refused to fire on the ratings, and the mutiny sparked revolts in other branches of the armed forces. The young ratings presented a charter of demands, even as they fought pitched battles against British troops. People thronged the streets in support, and hartals were followed by street fights between civilians and British soldiers resulting in over 400 deaths and 1,500 injured. To quell the rebellion, British commanded their powerful warship HMS Glasgow to sail rapidly from Trincomalee and ordered low sorties by the Royal Air Force fighter planes. In retaliation, the ratings trained the guns mounted on the captured ships towards the shore, threatening to blow Gateway of India, Yacht Club, and the dockyards. As violence escalated, telegrams flew between the Viceroys office and the British Cabinet. The British realized they could no longer hold India by force. While the communists continued to support the rebellious ratings, the Congress and the Muslim League persuaded them to surrender, promising they would not be victimized. Shamefully, years later, the governments of India and Pakistan refused to honour those promises after Independence. The mutiny caused public disagreements between Gandhiji and Aruna Asaf Ali, and between Sardar Patel and Nehru. Historians say it accelerated the transfer of power. But this seminal event, which inspired songs, art and theatre has been edited out of the popular narratives of the Freedom Movement. Forgotten Struggle: The 1946 Naval Mutiny - A Crucial Independence Moment | TOI The Naval Mutiny marked the culmination of the British Empire's ambitions in India The Naval Mutiny marked the culmination of the British Empire's ambitions in India, dealing the final blow to their aspirations. The RIN Revolt played a pivotal role in hastening the decline of British authority in the country. Leaders acknowledged that any widespread uprising carried the inherent risk of undermining the central government's hold on power. Moreover, there was a reluctance to foster indiscipline in the army once Freedom and authority had been established. It's crucial to highlight that the uprising concluded following the intervention of nationalist leaders Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Sardar Patel. They called for the rebels' surrender, issuing a statement demanding their submission in response to appeals for British intervention. A meeting ensued between Sardar Patel and M. S. Khan, President of the Naval Central Strike Committee (NCSC), where assurances were given that no punitive measures would be taken. In a statement issued on behalf of the Muslim League in Calcutta, Muhammad Ali Jinnah supported Patel's plea for the strikers to cease their actions. Subsequently, the rebels capitulated on February 23, 1946. The entire Indian populace, now more motivated than ever, eagerly anticipated the imminent demise of British rule. The 1946 naval mutiny played a significant role in establishing civilian supremacy over colonialism and presented the ultimate challenge to the British government's ability to command its military forces. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Spring has sprung in Delhi, and it's not just the weather that's blooming! The Delhi Tulip Festival 2024 is in full swing, painting the city with a vibrant display of over 200,000 tulips. The festival has been organised by New Delhi Municipal Corporation. This year's festival boasts a diverse array of tulips in various colours, including red, yellow, white, pink, purple, and even black. Many of these bulbs were sourced directly from the Netherlands, bringing a touch of the world-famous Amsterdam Tulip Festival to Delhi. Another 40,000 contributed by the Dutch embassy is on display as well. VIDEO | Delhi's 12-day Tulip Festival featuring over 3 lakh tulips, attracts floral enthusiasts. With 3 lakh tulips sourced from the Netherlands and another 40,000 contributed by the Dutch embassy on display, the Tulip Festival organised by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation is pic.twitter.com/HFsI2aK9vw Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2024 When and Where is it? The 12-day festival kicked off on February 10th and continues until February 21st, 2024. It's held on the lawns along Shantipath Road in Chanakyapuri, offering a convenient location for visitors. A Sustainable Celebration The Delhi Tulip Festival aims to be environmentally conscious. Organizers have implemented waste management strategies and encourage visitors to be responsible with their waste. What else does the festival provide? The festival isn't just about admiring the flowers. Here are some additional highlights: Join free guided walks on February 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) to learn about different tulip varieties and their care. Photography Competition: Capture the essence of the festival and showcase your skills in the photography competition. Food Festival: Tantalize your taste buds with a variety of unique dishes inspired by tulips at the on-site food festival which you can find every single day of the festival. Musical Performances: Immerse yourself in the Indo-Dutch music program on February 17th at Nehru Park, featuring performances by both Dutch and Indian artists. Entry and Timings: Entry to the festival is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. The festival is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Other than that, the location is convenient making it easy to take a cab, a local transport or even your car. Taking the metro can be comfortable too. You can reach the Rajiv Chowk metro station and then take an auto or even Jor Bagh metro station is a close option. If you have still not been able to check the festival out, do not worry there are four more days of complete bliss. Check out the one-of-a-kind festival. For more stories like these, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle. The world of Bollywood has always been synonymous with glamour and style, but recently, A-list celebrities are going beyond the silver screen and stepping into the world of wellness and beauty. From fitness entrepreneurs to skincare gurus, these stars are leveraging their influence to create brands that cater to their fans' holistic well-being. Let's take a look at some of the leading Bollywood celebrities who have launched their own wellness and beauty brands: 1. Kriti Sanon Kriti Sanon is the co-founder of the Hyphen skincare and beauty brand, launched in July 2023. Hyphen focuses on combining natural and scientifically proven ingredients to create effective and targeted skincare solutions. 2. Ranveer Singh Ranveer becomes the co-founder of the sexual and wellness brand Bold Care in late 2023. This marked a significant step for the brand, not only in terms of gaining mainstream recognition but also in its mission to normalize conversations about men's sexual health and empower them to prioritize their well-being. 3. Kareena Kapoor Khan Kareena Kapoor Khan formed a joint venture with Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee, the co-founders of SUGAR Cosmetics, to launch Quench Botanics, a Korean skincare brand tailored for the Indian market. 4. Deepika Padukone Deepika Padukone is the co-founder of her skincare brand 82E, pronounced "Eighty-two East." The brand launched in November 2022 and has since expanded its product line to cater to various skincare needs. 5. Priyanka Chopra Priyanka Chopra's global appeal extends to her haircare brand Anomaly Haircare. This brand caters to diverse hair types and textures with its range of sulfate-free and vegan hair care products. 6. Alia Bhatt Alia Bhatt launched Ed-a-Mamma a sustainable children's clothing brand that offers stylish and comfortable clothing for kids aged 4 to 12. The brand uses organic and natural materials like cotton, linen, and recycled polyester in its clothing. Their ventures cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, offering consumers a plethora of options to choose from. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how these brands evolve and shape the future of the wellness and beauty landscape in India. For more stories like these, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has taken legal action against the naming of a lioness as "Sita" and a male lion as "Akbar" at the North Bengal Wild Animals Park in Siliguri, moving the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court in Jalpaiguri district. Unsplash|Representational Image VHP condemns names as 'irrational' and 'blasphemous' The controversy arose after the two big cats were brought from Tripura's Sepahijala Zoo as part of an animal exchange programme on February 12, as reported by The Indian Express. In a writ petition presented on Friday, the VHP criticised the names as "irrational," "illogical," and "tantamount to blasphemy," arguing that they hurt religious sentiments. The hearing is set for February 20 before Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya. Tripura's Sepahijala Zoo According to VHP's Jalpaiguri unit chief, Dulal Chandra Roy, the organisation had repeatedly protested against the names to state forest officials before resorting to legal action. VHP seeks immediate action VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal emphasised the situation's urgency, urging the court to take immediate action, including changing the lioness's name and refraining from using religious names for animals in zoological parks. Advocate Subhankar Dutta, representing the VHP, stated that the petition was filed after the organisation wrote to state authorities about the issue. However, West Bengal forest minister and TMC MLA Birbaha Hansda refuted the claims, asserting that the names were given by Tripura Zoo and accusing the VHP of engaging in "dirty politics." Lions 'Akbar' and 'Sita' housed separately Representational Image| Lexica Officials confirmed that the lions, named Akbar and Sita, are currently housed separately in Siliguri and are expected to be displayed together in two months. The animals were exchanged between Tripura's Sepahijala Zoo and the North Bengal Wildlife Park, with the latter receiving a lion and lioness named Ram and Sita. However, officials from Sepahijala Zoo clarified that codes rather than names identify animals and that records indicate the lions were named Ram and Sita. This exchange programme marks the first of its kind in the last 10 years for Sepahijala Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary, the oldest and largest zoo and sanctuary in Tripura. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Looking for the best destination to build multi-generational wealth? Look no further than Switzerland, which, according to a recent index by citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, emerges as the premier destination, boasting an impressive 85% total opportunity score. Unsplash Henley Opportunity Index rankings The index assessed countries based on six key parameters: earning potential, career advancement, employment prospects, premium education, economic mobility, and livability. Switzerland is the leading on the index, scoring 100 points in earning potential, 95 points in career advancement, and 94 points in employment prospects. Representational Image| Lexica It also boasts scores of 75 points each in high livability and economic mobility, along with a commendable 72 points in premium education. Renowned for its stable political and economic environment, Switzerland is a hub for numerous international organisations, offering an outstanding quality of life and multicultural society. The United States of America closely follows Switzerland, with a total opportunity score of 82%. US matches Switzerland in employment prospects with 94 points but trails slightly in other categories with 93 points in earning potential, 86 points in career advancement, and 68 points in high livability. India's lower opportunity score The employment prospects and premium education in the USA stand at 74 points. India, on the other hand, ranks lower on the opportunity score, scoring only 32%, placing it below countries like Greece. India faces challenges, particularly in economic mobility, with a score of just 8 points. However, it excels in career advancement, garnering the highest score among the top 15 nations with 43 points. For Indian families with a 32% opportunity score, the comparative aspect of the Henley Opportunity Index suggests that relocating to Switzerland through the Swiss Residence Program could increase their chances of success to 85%. Greece at the bottom of opportunity list Singapore secures the third position on the index with a total opportunity score of 79%. Despite sharing a similar earning potential with Switzerland (100 points). Singapore's overall score is lower due to its rankings in other categories. With 97 points in employment prospects, Singapore tops the list among the 15 nations evaluated. However, it lags behind in career advancement compared to other top-ranked countries. Australia and Canada occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with total opportunity scores of 75% and 74%. Both countries excel in various parameters, including earning potential, career advancement, employment prospects, premium education, economic mobility, and high livability. At the bottom of the list, Greece scores 49% on the total opportunity score, facing challenges in economic mobility and other key parameters. Representational Image| Lexica If you're looking to establish a legacy of multi-generational wealth, Switzerland is the way to go. With unparalleled opportunities for success and prosperity, Switzerland stands out as the ultimate destination for securing your family's financial future. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Some of the biggest names in the tech industry have come together to combat the threat posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes in the crucial election year. A group of 20 20 leading tech companies Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, IBM, Adobe, chip designer Arm, Artificial intelligence startups OpenAI, Anthropic and Stability AI and social media companies such as Snap, TikTok and X on Friday announced a joint commitment to combat AI misinformation in this years elections. REUTERS The threat of deepfakes The announcement was made at the Munich Security Conference and the industry is specifically targeting deepfakes, which can use deceptive audio, video, and images to mimic key stakeholders in democratic elections or to provide false voting information. In a blog post, Microsoft noted that "new generative AI tools make it possible to create realistic and convincing audio, video, and images that fake or alter the appearance, voice, or actions of people." What makes deepfakes dangerous What makes these AI-generated content, also called deepfakes, particularly a matter of concern is that they are easy and cheap to create, but have a much bigger impact, especially among the not-so-tech savvy social media users. REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE As AI technology advances rapidly and now life-like videos and photos can be generated with a few text prompts, the threats they pose have also reached an all-time high. Deepfakes can impact elections This has been exacerbated by the fact that over 40 countries across the world are having elections in 2024. There is a growing fear that AI-generated deepfakes can be used to spread political misinformation. What tech companies are doing According to the Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections, the tech companies have agreed to commitments like developing and implementing technology to mitigate risks related to deceptive AI Election content, including open-source tools where appropriate and assessing models in scope of this accord to understand the risks they may present regarding Deceptive AI Election Content. REUTERS The accord addresses this content abuse through specific commitments: By making it more difficult for bad actors to use legitimate tools to create deepfakes. Bringing the tech sector together to detect and respond to deepfakes in elections. Helping advance transparency and build societal resilience to deepfakes in elections. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. A key reason for the accelerated aging of our body may be damaged DNA and a slowdown in protein production. This especially affects such signs of "growing up" as cellular repair, metabolism, immune defense, and stress resistance, and disrupts once-functional bodily functions. ADVERTISIMENT A team of researchers from the Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands got to the root of the symptoms of aging in a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, Popular Mechanics reports. This discovery may help to overcome death. Scientists explained that premature aging usually occurs as a result of malfunctions in DNA mechanisms. When it can't repair itself, it remains damaged, which leads to a halt in protein production and the appearance of external symptoms of aging. "In other words, the genetic fingerprint created by interrupted transcription (the conversion of DNA to RNA - ed.) is the same as the fingerprint created by aging, which suggests that these two processes are closely related," said Harvard Medical School Professor William Haseltine. "When our bodies can't produce the proper protein reactions and our systems start to break down, it could be the result of damaged DNA. If only we could figure out how to prevent DNA damage," the scientist added. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Scientists have conducted a study that showed that the spine can begin to shrink as early as the young age of thirty. One of the reasons for this disappointing trend is the age-related curvature of the spine. - Scientists have also found that a significant factor in prolonging life is the effect on mitochondria. They help the body to get energy from sugar, which then nourishes the cells. The recently inaugurated grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has a notable connection to Parsi community. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha's temple, recognised as the first Hindu temple made of stone in the Middle East, was constructed by the Mumbai-based Shapoorji Pallonji Group. We are deeply honoured to work with the BAPS and create this incredible monument that combines art, harmony and faith, and besides being a celebration of cultural diversity, its a testament to our engineering expertise, Shapoorji Pallonji Group Chairman, Shapoorji P Mistry told IANS. Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple Inauguration LIVE Streaming: Date, Time, How To Watch BAPS Hindu Mandir Inauguration By PM Modi Online An Architectural Marvel Situated on 27 acres of desert land on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Temple is considered an architectural marvel. It stands as a testament to India's culture and ancient skills in architecture and sculpture. The temple, adhering to traditional Indian texts and inspired by a lotus motif, is open to people of all faiths. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, partnering with BAPS to create a spiritual oasis in the desert. The temple complex, generously donated by UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, includes seven ancillary buildings catering to over 15,000 devotees daily. Tradition meets technology The main temple, constructed with modern technology and traditional architectural elements, features a unique foundation using bamboo sticks and fiberglass instead of iron and steel reinforcements. The facade of the temple is made from 40,000 cubic meters of marble from Italy and 180,000 cubic meters of Pink Sandstone from Rajasthan. Thousands of artisans intricately carved stones in Rajasthan, which were then assembled in Abu Dhabi. The temple complex includes distinctive water features representing the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. This project is seen as a collaboration that not only celebrates cultural diversity but also strengthens bilateral ties between India and the UAE. BAPS Temple Abu Dhabi The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, established 117 years ago, has multiple temples worldwide and aims to promote spiritual and cultural values. Established in 1865, the 159-year-old Shapoorji Pallonji Group has other landmarks to its credit including the Sultans Palace in Muscat (Oman), the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, Port Blair Airport, and Mumbais first auditorium, the Shanmukhananda Hall, and it has also produced Indias all-time classic masterpiece film, Mughal-E-Azam (1960), adds IANS. With IANS inputs The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lampooned the Federal Governments proposed student loan scheme. According to the union, it as a tactic to trap beneficiaries in perpetual debt post-graduation. It contends that the scheme, championed by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, would not only deprive public universities of crucial funds but would also be susceptible to corruption in Nigeria. Information Nigeria had reported that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, urged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to support the Students Loan Fund policy, asserting its goal of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their financial backgrounds. During the unions National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Niger Delta University on Friday, the lecturers reiterated their rejection of the scheme, citing concerns over fee hikes across campuses without input from affected students. For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC of ASUU reiterated its rejection of the Students Loan Scheme which is being promoted by international money lending agencies such as IMF and World Bank. Nigerians should be aware that the scheme is a way of starving public universities of funding and a ploy to divert public funds into private universities owned by politically exposed individuals and their friends. NEC further observed that the students loan scheme will mortgage the entire university system and keep our promising students in perpetual indebtedness. If the scheme could fail in some better-managed economies, there is no guarantee that it will succeed in Nigeria where unbridled corruption, nepotism, and other unsavoury tendencies conspired to kill the Education Bank project after over five years of its existence, the union said. ASUUs President Emmanuel Osodeke, speaking via a communique, also expressed disappointment with the perceived failure of the Tinubu-led administration to address longstanding issues, which had led to a nationwide strike from February to October 2022. READ ALSO: Tinubus Ultimate Plan Is To Pauperise Nigerians Until They Have No Shred Of Dignity Left Atiku NEC condemns in its entirety the wave of fee hike without inputs of the victims across our campuses. Daily scandalous reports of stupendous funds diverted from government treasuries at state and Federal levels reinforce our belief that resources available to the country could support government-funded university education without excessive pressures on parents as currently done, Osodeke said. Meanwhile, NANS called on ASUU to reconsider its opposition to the student loan scheme. NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, urged ASUU to halt its resistance and refrain from speaking on behalf of students without their consent. Babatunde said: It is disheartening to witness ASUU, an organization purportedly dedicated to the welfare of students, opposing a program that could provide much-needed relief to countless individuals. This begs the question: does ASUU truly represent the interests of students, or do they have ulterior motives? We are dismayed by ASUUs hypocrisy in this matter. If ASUU members were to benefit from the Student Loan Program, would they still be opposed to it? It is time for ASUU to come clean and clarify any hidden agenda they may have regarding the student loan. Students demand transparency and honesty from ASUU regarding their stance on this crucial issue. He added, Furthermore, ASUUs attempts to speak on behalf of students regarding the Student Loan Program are unwarranted and unacceptable. Students are perfectly capable of voicing their own opinions and advocating for their interests. ASUU should not presume to speak for students without consulting them directly. Today, students across the nation are calling on ASUU to refrain from interfering in matters concerning the Student Loan Program. Contrary to ASUUs assertions, students are not only supportive of the program but are actively advocating for its implementation. The Student Loan Program represents hope for many Nigerian students, especially those facing financial hardship. It offers an opportunity for sons and daughters of nobodies to access higher education, thereby levelling the playing field and fostering equal opportunities for all. The rift between ASUU and the federal government over the student loan scheme underscores ongoing tensions regarding funding and access to quality education within the education sector. Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, says the blame and anger over the current economic state of the nation should be directed at former President Muhammadu Buhari and the ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. Afenifere said the atrocious and disastrous economic policies of Buharis administration plunged Nigeria into its current hardship. The associations position was contained in a Friday statement, signed by its Publicity and Organising Secretaries, Jare Ajayi and Kole Omololu. The group stated that Buharis administration failed to make provisions for subsidies in the last budget, leading to President Bola Tinubu hastily removing the subsidy on fuel. Afenifere also accused Buhari of not doing anything to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism during his administration. READ ALSO: All Of Us Including Tinubu Are To Be Blamed For Buharis Failure APC Chieftain The group recalled how a probe panel accused the former CBN governor of printing N22.7 trillion through ways and means, while the federal government was borrowing to pay salaries and pensions during the past administration. It said during Buharis government, some ministers had suggested the removal of subsidies, but he refused. President Buhari could not rein in his critical officials like the then Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who was printing money rather than facing the reality of taking the difficult decisions, which were postponed till the evil day. He even wanted to contest the presidential election! There were no penalties for his infractions by President Buhari. These inactions and false lives continued till May 29, 2023, when the new helmsman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in as president. President Tinubu wasted no time amending his inauguration address and declaring the subsidy regime over. This was obvious as there was no appropriation for subsidy from June 2023, the statement read in part. The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued warning to Nigerians to desist from using inflammatory language against the government. In a statement by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the ministrys Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle gave the warning in Abuja against the backdrop of some unguarded utterances coming from some parts of the country due to the security challenges facing the nation. The statement reads: Such comments are incitive and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation. Just recently, the president approved the creation of a committee that included the state governors and federal representatives that will explore, among other things, the possibility of establishing state police that will help in checking crimes. READ MORE: Well Silence Critics, Deliver Security To Nigerians Defense Minister, Matawalle This is in addition to the 15 million vulnerable households that will be added to the extended social safety net. It is imperative for us as Nigerians to embrace dialogue and understanding in addressing our differences. We must remember that our strength lies in our diversity, and only through unity can we overcome the challenges facing our nation. The Independent National Electoral Commission, in Edo State has warned political parties and their aspirants to pull down campaign billboards, posters and jingles being aired on television and Radio stations in the state. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, led this out at an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Benin, on Friday. He said: If you look at the Edo election timetable, it says that commencement of campaign in public by political parties will be on April 24. But what is happening in this state right now, is that all the political parties are campaigning in public not private. If you go round the town, you see campaign billboards, posters and jingles of aspirants not even candidates. We have held a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC) in Edo on this issue but they have clearly not stopped. So I thought I should bring the issue here for us to proffer collective solutions so that nobody will be accused of supporting party A or B. Three persons have died in an accident around Mowe on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the accident was attributed to a container that fell off a truck with number plate T-1563 LA and trapped the three victims said to be occupants of a Howo truck without number plate. However, the Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, in a statement on Saturday, blamed the crash on dangerous driving of the driver. Ogun FRSC spokesperson, Florence Okpe, disclosed that the accident was as a result of loss of control, adding that the FRSC rescue team tried to save the lives of the victims. Florence said: FRSC operatives at Mowe carried out rescue operation at about 0107 hrs on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around Mowe involving 02 vehicles with registration number T-15636LA BLUEBIRD and a HOWO TRUCK no number on it. READ MORE: Two Die, Three Injured In Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Auto Crash Three persons were involved all male adult and they were all killed by the container that fell and rested on the occupants of the HOWO truck. A tow truck was contacted to pull off the truck to ease traffic flow and a crane was also contacted to remove the container off the road. Operatives from the Ekiti State Police Command have detained suspected kidnappers of students and staff from Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Emure Ekiti. According to the Police, one of the nine suspects was shot and killed when the gang engaged operatives in a gunfight while parading the suspects before the media on Friday night at the Command headquarters in Ado Ekiti. Recall that the gunmen On January 29, 2024, abducted some schoolchildren and teachers in the school bus along EmureEporo Road while returning to Eporo after closing from school. The victims, it would be recalled, were five students, three female teachers and a driver. The bus driver was later killed by the gunmen, who released the remaining eight persons after a ransom of N15million was allegedly paid by the families of the victims. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abutu Sunday, while parading the suspects said police received a credible intelligence that some armed men were planning to kidnap expatriates in a dairy farm in Ikun Ekiti. The spokesperson said the police mobilised to the farm and arrested one Abubakar Aliyu, who was on a mission to spy on the location of the expatriates. He noted that a member of the group identified as Ayuba was shot dead during a gun duel when policemen were attempting to make an arrest, adding that the phone used to demand ransom for the release of the abducted pupils and teachers had been retrieved. READ ALSO: Police Nab Most Wanted Abuja Kidnapper After Wikes N20m Bounty, Rescue Two Victims He said, In our relentless and deliberate efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, especially kidnappers, and the quest to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the killing of two traditional rulers in Ikole-Ekiti and the kidnapping of some school children and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti as well as other kidnapping incidents in the state, the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) commenced a thorough investigation and operation, and arrested eight members of a kidnapping syndicate and neutralised one. After the arrest of Abubakar Aliyu, the leader of the kidnapping gang, identified as one Sumo Karami, sent two vigilante members, one Saliu Ibrahim, and one Umaru Saliu, to secure the bail of the arrested gang member from police custody. The two vigilante members were arrested, and they led the RRS operatives to Oro-Ago town, where one Mohammed Bashiru, the leader of Miyetti Allah vigilante in Oro-Ago, Kwara State, was arrested. During interrogation, Bashiru revealed that he is a relative of Sumo Karami, who is the leader of a dreaded kidnapping gang, and that Abubakar Aliyu is one of his gang members who have been terrorising and kidnapping innocent citizens with AK47 rifles and other dangerous weapons. Initial investigations revealed that Sumo Karami and his gang members were responsible for the kidnapping of the pupils and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti on 29th January 2024. Effort also led to the arrest of two other gang members, namely: Yahaya Jubril and Usman Garba in Owo forest, Ondo State. The operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, arrested a domestic worker, identified as Blessing Effiong, and her husband, Bassey Effiong, for allegedly stealing $51,000 (N76,174,620) from her employers home in the Lekki, Lagos. In a statement made available to the public on Friday, by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Tunni Ayuba, the two were taken into custody by the security personnel, on January 31, according The statement reads: Following intensive investigation, both suspects were arrested on January 31st, 2024. During the investigation, it was revealed that Blessing Effiong had approached Anthony under false pretenses, providing misleading contact information and using registered phone numbers not associated with her identity. She failed to complete her employment application form, indicating her fraudulent intentions. Despite initially denying the full extent of stealing, Blessing Effiong eventually confessed to stealing Thirty Thousand United States Dollars ($30,000 USD), admitting to giving Twenty Thousand United States Dollars ($20,000 USD) to her husband, Bassey Effiong. READ MORE: Lagos Police Nab Suspects For Snatching AK 47 Rifle From Officer, Recover Ammunition Bassey Effiong, in turn, confessed to receiving the stolen funds, part of which he used for settling his late mothers medical bills, purchasing a Tipper Truck, Two Motorcycles, and completing a construction project in Cross-River State. Both suspects have been charged and brought before the court following the completion of the investigation, under the directive of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatoye A. Durosinmi. AIG Durosinmi encourages members of the public to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough background checks before hiring domestic staff for their safety and to prevent falling victim to criminal elements. The General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is receiving negative feedback after asserting in a divisive prayer that Christians in other churches will submit to his flocks. A previous video of the clergyman from the churchs 2021 Annual Convention, as well as one from a few weeks prior, showed the preacher being berated. Pastor Adeboye prayed for his congregation during the conference, saying that all Christians from other churches would bow down before RCCG members. In his words, I decree by the name greater than every other name, Christians from all other denominations will bow before you. Social media users responded to the remark in a variety of ways, with many urging the preacher to step down. READ MORE: Bob Marleys Granddaughter Names Nigerian Artist She Would Have Loved To See Feature With Late Legend See some comments femininecarenaija reacted: Those of you praying that God should make you the first and not the last, is it not the same prayer? effedeborah noted: Might be that he has dementia he really needs to retire. somoyegbolahan wrote: When BOW is used in such context , it simply means youll be an envy of others as things move forward, that redeeem members and his children will see upward lifting that would make others come serve their God. Dont misunderstand the word to mean worship . God gave his disciples power over others and commanded them to go into the world and dominate. usendollar said: If you dont go to church anymore gather here Ive not been going to church for the past 2 years but Ive made over 400 million from tech no God by yourself and talk to him directly! gallar__ opined: Even if this prayer get as e be but if we really check amRCCG is the biggest church in Nigeria and has the largest congregation. fiinefornoreason penned: I will not bow before any of you sha theyre even shouting Amen. SEE VIDEO: Leslie Book, a Villanova University law professor and former professor-in-residence with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, says people should file their returns now, not wait for Congress to act on a bill that would expand the child tax credit. Read more Its officially tax season, Philly. If you havent been paying attention, or have been actively putting off the process of preparing your return, you still have two months to do so. But before you file, you may want to check on a few things, including the status of a $78 billion tax cut package: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would expand the child tax credit for some lower-income families and also enhance some tax credits for businesses. The bill passed the U.S. House last month with bipartisan support, but as of late last week it was unclear whether it would get enough support in the Senate. If youve had any major professional or personal changes this past year, you also probably want to assess whether your typical tax return preparation process still makes sense. And you may also see a smaller refund this year. Advertisement To help taxpayers navigate this tax season, we talked to Leslie Book, a Villanova University law professor, former professor-in-residence with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, and a national authority on tax authority and administration. The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. What should readers know about this tax season? How it is different from last year? The IRS has been digging out of its correspondence backlog and its return-processing backlog, so service in general is better. One of the challenges this year is that Congress is considering some retroactive changes which might have an impact on many taxpayers including possible changes to the child tax credit. People should not wait on Congress. People should file their return. And any changes that Congress might make that might be retroactive, for the vast majority of Americans, the changes would be implemented automatically. They would not necessitate filing an amended return. READ MORE: Here are 2023s tax filing deadlines, late penalties, and tax code changes for Pennsylvanians Could filing a return soon, before Congress decides on the child tax credit, delay refunds for some taxpayers? What I think the IRS will do is process the return as filed, and then implement any retroactive changes later. So it wouldnt delay the initial receipt of a refund. It would just trigger an additional payment, if there was someone, for example, who would benefit from an expanded child tax credit. Should everyone who expects a tax refund anticipate delays? It certainly puts additional pressure on the IRS when Congress makes retroactive tax law changes. It means that the IRS has to get busy and kind of retool some of the things it has in place. Having said that, I think the IRS is well-equipped to deal with the vast majority of individual tax returns, no matter what Congress does. What should readers know about the new IRS Direct File pilot system? This is potentially one of the biggest developments in tax administration in my professional lifetime. Most other taxpayers in developed countries have the opportunity to either have a return prepared for them by their tax authority, or they have access to a portal such as what the IRS is experimenting with. Unfortunately, the current plan is a pilot plan, so only taxpayers who are residents of 12 states are eligible. Pennsylvania is not one of the eligible states [Neither is New Jersey nor Delaware]. The IRS does promote the partnership called Free File. Direct File is this experimental portal. Free File is the arrangement the IRS has with software providers. That has been controversial because its underused, and some of the providers, including Intuit which pulled out, have been criticized, sued, and sanctioned for improper practices, in terms of steering taxpayers away from truly free products. This Direct File is something that Im hopeful in the next year or two will be expanded and made available to taxpayers throughout the country. So Direct File provides some of the services that people may now be paying professionals or software companies for? 100%. The Direct File, the pilot, is not a Band-Aid. Its basically creating an option for taxpayers who want to go directly through the IRS for filing online. For now, what is your advice for readers who have not done anything yet in regards to tax preparation? Part of the problem that many Americans face is that the process for filing tax returns in the U.S. is not as transparent and user-friendly as it is in other more-developed countries. So one of the things to think about is: What is the best route for you in terms of preparing and filing a tax return? There are many options including paid return preparers, software, volunteer free preparers, and even free software thats available. What kind of person might want to consider seeking out paid options? While our tax system is generally complex, for most people who have few sources of income or income that is from a single employer, its a fairly straightforward proposition in filing a current return. That is different from someone who may work multiple gig jobs or is starting a new business. They may be unclear about some of the things that are available to them as they start in a new business in terms of what may be deductible, whether something can be expensed or has to be depreciated or deducted over time. So for someone who is changing their job or changing their business thats an area where you dont need to have a paid preparer but thats an area where theres more complexity. You can find out the answers yourself, or you may look to someone who is capable and competent. In our country theres no barrier to hanging up a shingle and being a paid return preparer. There are some red flags. If someone is offering to prepare the return but doesnt want to sign the return, thats an issue. Or someone who doesnt share with you or explain what theyre doing with the return, and is asking you to sign something without reviewing, that is a red flag. I should also add that a lot of software options that are available do provide a kind of meaningful walk-through for people and would allow them to prepare and file correct tax returns. Theres a multichannel approach for filing taxes in this country so there is no one-size fits all. Neighbors of the parents of the recently appointed commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky, in Russia believe that the elderly couple is "ashamed" of their son. The Russians are also convinced that the commander-in-chief, who considers Kharkiv his hometown and whose entire military service is connected to Ukraine, "chose the wrong side." ADVERTISIMENT Journalists of the Russian publication Novoe Vremya talked to Russians who are convinced that the path of an occupier and traitor is more worthy than the path of a defender who is loyal to the country he considers his homeland. Radio Svoboda summarized the results of the conversation. Novoye Vremya journalists went to the village of Novyky, Vladimir region, where Oleksandr Syrskyi's mother was registered. The place where the grandmother of the Armed Forces chief once stood is now inhabited by other people who, upon seeing the journalists, ran away, throwing over their shoulder that they "just live here, run their own household, and that's it" and that they "have no idea" about any Syrskyis. ADVERTISIMENT Instead, the family lived 5 km from the village, in the military garrison "Kosterevo-1": Stanislav, Syrskyi's father, who was a career soldier in the Soviet army, served there. At one time, this military town was classified. In the USSR, the Central Officers' Red Banner Courses of Anti-Aircraft Missile Forces were located there. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and until 2007, it was the Training Center for Air Force Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops. Today, Kosterevo-1 is considered a defunct military camp, but journalists have noticed many military vehicles and people in camouflage in civilian cars there. And the school where Oleksandr Syrsky started his studies was recently named after one of the occupiers, who was eliminated at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Journalists told us that in 1970 Stanislav Syrskyi was sent to serve in Ukraine, and he took his family with him. So Oleksandr Syrskyi finished school in Kharkiv. He considers this city his hometown. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces chief's brother, who is now 50 years old, and their parents, who have already crossed the 80-year mark, live in a residential area of the city of Vladimir, in a simple panel house. Oleksandr Syrskyi's younger brother works as a security guard at a local supermarket. ADVERTISIMENT When asked about the Syrskyi family by journalists, neighbors mostly brushed them off, assuring them that they knew them superficially and only greeted them when they met. "They are wonderful people! Stanislav is a man in general. He is a lieutenant colonel in the Russian army. I'm sick of old people," one of the neighbors said. But the residents of Vladimir were much more willing to talk about Oleksandr Syrskyi himself. "There are many countrymen everywhere. They find themselves on both sides, it's hard to say anything", "It's bad, his parents must be ashamed", "Everyone makes their own choice. He chose a bad position," said the residents of the city with whom the journalists spoke. ADVERTISIMENT Radio Svoboda reminded that Oleksandr Syrskyi's brother admitted that he does not keep in touch with his family in Russia. According to Russian media reports, his parents learned about his appointment only from the news. Oleksandr Syrskyi himself spent his entire military career in Ukraine. Until 2014, he headed the Armed Forces of Ukraine's cooperation with NATO and participated in the defense of Ukraine against hybrid Russian aggression, in particular, he was one of the commanders of the Debaltseve operation. ADVERTISIMENT When his former homeland launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Syrskyi joined the fight to repel the aggression. His name is associated with the defense of Kyiv, Bakhmut, and the Kupiansk direction, as well as with the operation to liberate the Kharkiv region from the invaders in 2022. Earlier, OBOZ.UA described in detail who the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Syrskyi , is. We collected facts about him that Ukrainians did not know or had forgotten. Meanwhile, Russians are using Syrsky's Russian origin to impose the image of a "Soviet and Russian" person on the chief . The NSDC warned about the enemy's efforts to undermine Ukrainians' confidence in the Armed Forces. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! In this 2005 file photo, Jonathan Nyce listens to police audio tape played at the Mercer County Court House in Trenton during his trial for the murder of his wife Michelle Rivera, for which he served eight years in prison. Nyce was sentenced to prison again Friday for a new scheme involving selling fake cancer drugs to dog owners. Read more Twenty years after he killed his wife in a case that became a true-crime tabloid sensation, a former pharmaceutical executive from Collegeville was ordered back to prison Friday this time for scamming money out of the owners of dying dogs. Federal prosecutors described Jonathan Nyce, 73, as a prolific con man and an unrepentant scoundrel who bilked hundreds of desperate pet owners out of nearly $1 million with claims hed discovered a treatment capable of curing canine cancer. He started shilling the fake medications online in 2012 almost immediately after he finished an eight-year sentence for the 2004 bludgeoning death of his wife in their Hopewell Township, N.J. home. As he stood in court Friday, facing incarceration again for a whole new set of crimes, Nyce remained remorseless. He insisted his dog meds which he sold without FDA approval were a precursor to unlocking the secret for a cancer cure in humans. Advertisement This has the potential to revolutionize what we know about cancer, he told U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone, citing what he described as peer-reviewed studies hed conducted on his drugs. My legacy to my species to all of you is that we may be able to normalize cancer [rates] in humans from 50% to 5%. Beetlestone, however, appeared unconcerned that the eight-year prison term she imposed might interfere with any imminent, revolutionary medical breakthrough. The best that can be said, she concluded, crediting government descriptions of Nyces science as bogus nonsense, is that [he] is deluded by his own brilliance. The sentence all but ensured the end of Nyces decades-long career in medical research and drug development one as remarkable for its ambition as it was for scandalous crimes that brought it all crumbling down. A Temple-educated Ph.D. in biology and a former professor at East Carolina University, Nyce originally made his name in the 90s as the founder of the pharmaceutical firm EpiGenesis, which attracted millions of investor dollars in its quest to develop asthma drugs. The treatment failed and so, too, did his company. But within a few years, he went on to gain notoriety just not the sort hed sought out to achieve. The 2004 slaying of Michelle Rivera Nyce drew national headlines as much for where it took place a 21-room, 5,600-square-foot McMansion in a tony section of Hopewell Township as for the stature of Nyce, her accused killer. The couple had been introduced in 1989 after Nyce responded to a newspaper ad offering to connect American men with women from the Philippines. She eventually emigrated to the United States, married Nyce and took a job at the Chanel counter at the Quaker Bridge Mall. But when Nyce learned she was having an affair with their landscaper in 2004, he confronted her and slammed her head into the floor of their garage, killing her and leaving their home covered in blood. Investigators testified at his 2005 trial that Nyce panicked after the slaying. While their children slept upstairs, Nyce stuffed his wife behind the wheel of a Land Rover and drove it through their upscale neighborhood using an 18-inch ice pick to press the pedals from the passenger seat. Eventually, he drove the car off a six-foot drop and into an icy creek bank to make it appear as if his wife had died in a car wreck. A Mercer County jury found Nyce guilty of passion/provocation manslaughter, a lesser crime than the original charge of murder. But hes continued to maintain his innocence since then including in a book titled Under the Color of Law, which he describes on the dust jacket as a fact-driven account of an innocent mans nightmare journey through the American criminal justice system. If he really wanted to kill his wife, his then-attorney Robin Lord, told The New York Times in 2005, he could have designed a drug to do it. Still, as prosecutors told it Friday, Nyce began blazing the trail that would lead him back to prison almost as soon as his release from behind bars. Beginning in 2012, he began marketing his canine cancer drugs which he called Tumexal or Naturasone over the internet to grieving pet owners. While he charged hundreds of thousands of dollars to roughly 900 unknowing victims brought in by claims that the medicines were FDA- funded and approved and could restore a cancer-stricken dogs appetite, spirit and energy he failed to disclose that the drugs had not been vetted and that, in fact, the FDA had twice sent him notices to cease selling his product. The drug was little more than a cocktail of over-the-counter pet meds that Nyce and his son mixed together at a facility in Collegeville, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Parisi said Friday. Nyces dedication was not to research and science, he said. It was to making a quick buck. He is a snake-oil salesman. He is a con man. But Nyces attorney, federal public defender Nancy MacEoin, pushed back, chiding the government for being so quick to dismiss her clients work. None of his more than 900 customers testified at his 2022 trial that they considered themselves to be victims of a scam. In fact, MacEoin noted, the only three who did take the witness stand testified in his defense, saying they were happy with the product Nyce sold them. He has dedicated his life to curing cancer, she said. Nyces daughter, Samantha who was 6 years old and sleeping upstairs at the time of her mothers slaying pleaded with Beetlestone on Friday to let her father go with a sentence of probation or house arrest. Hes the most lovely man that I know, the now 25-year-old told the judge. He doesnt even really know how to be bad or hurt someone. Yet, while his daughter and lawyer sought to convince the court of Nyces good intentions, Nyce was more concerned Friday with convincing the court he was right. In a 20-minute address to the judge, he maintained that decades of cancer research had approached treatment all wrong and that his dog medicines had succeeded in triggering a tumor suppression mechanism in canines that could lead to valuable breakthroughs in human cancer treatments. (He also insisted hed saved thousands of lives with a paper identifying a hormone that he said contributed to numbers of COVID deaths during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.) Parisi, the prosecutor, was unimpressed. Its clear to me that he thinks if he just keeps talking he can eventually convince everyone that hes right, he said. He talked, and he talked, and he talked. And he lied, and he lied, and he lied. And he stole nearly $1 million from hundreds of people desperate to save their dying pets. A North Carolina man was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison Friday for back-to-back attempts to violently abduct women he targeted on Center City streets. Jacob Montague, 38, pleaded guilty last year to charges stemming from both incidents the first of which occurred in November 2020 when he pulled a knife on a woman walking near Rittenhouse Square. She managed to escape and later identify him to police. A day later, he struck again, attacking another woman along the Schuylkill River Trail, putting a knife to her neck and dragging her into his car before bystanders managed to free her and wrestle him to the ground. Montague hunted young women in our community, Assistant U.S. Attorney Priya DeSouza said in court filings leading up to his sentencing Friday. The trauma [he] inflicted upon his victims has altered their lives. [He] robbed these women of their innate sense of personal safety. Advertisement But as he sat in court Friday his shoulders slumped, his head cast downward he struck a far different impression than that of the man whod filled his victims with so much terror. A graduate of Duke with a law degree from the University of North Carolina, Montague had come to Philadelphia in 2020 to support Democratic political campaigns, his mother told the court. But hed struggled with mental health issues for years and stopped taking his medication, she said, leading to the violent tendencies that led to the abduction attempts. She told U.S. District Judge Joel Slomsky she was torn between compassion for her sons victims and concern for her sons well-being an impulse that had prompted her to drive up from North Carolina 52 times since his 2020 arrest. But while acknowledging Montagues mental health struggles, DeSouza maintained they did not excuse his crimes. Just hours before his Philadelphia kidnapping spree, she said, Montague had been stopped by police in Delaware County for following another woman for miles as she drove away from a Whole Foods in Glen Mills. She called 911, and when state troopers pulled him over, Montague maintained he was simply driving around to admire the fall foliage. They let him go but subsequently charged him with stalking and harassing that woman charges to which he later pleaded guilty in state court. But within hours of that incident, DeSouza said, Montague had come to Center City with more vile intentions in mind. His attack on the first of the Philadelphia women was partially caught on nearby security cameras which showed him approaching her with a knife. When the woman backed away, pulled out her phone and threatened to call police, Montague fled back to his car and drove away. His next victim was attending a Zoom meeting on her phone and walking her dog along the Schuylkill River Trail when Montague struck again. As the people on the other end of the line listened in, he grabbed her by the neck, held a knife against it and dragged her away, telling her that she was just so beautiful and that she should just relax. Though bystanders managed to free her before Montague could drive away, the woman said in a letter to the judge that she still feels uncomfortable walking down city streets years later. I knew he was going to try and stab me, she wrote. But almost as soon as Montague was arrested, DeSouza said, he began plotting to convince authorities that he was incompetent to stand trial and could not be held responsible for his crimes. Such efforts had previously worked for a time in North Carolina, where hed been arrested in December 2019 on charges of burglary, larceny, and possession of a stolen vehicle. A court there released him on bail and deemed him incompetent to stand trial a decision it later reversed. In recorded phone calls with his mother from jail in Philadelphia, he said hed pretend to be insane to get better treatment while he was behind bars. Montagues attorney, Richard J. Fuschino Jr., acknowledged Friday that his client was fully competent when he entered his guilty plea to the kidnapping charges in April. But he maintained there are still signs of mental illness that the judge should consider when deciding upon a sentence. For instance, two months after his decision to plead guilty, Montague sent a letter to Slomsky asking if he could clerk for him. His LinkedIn page which lists past jobs with an animal rescue and dance nonprofits lists his current occupation as Prison, Federal Full-time. Being smart, being well-educated, being competent do not mean that youre mentally perfect they may not even mean youre mentally well, Fuschino said. This whole case is very tough. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the National Rifle Association's Presidential Forum in Harrisburg last week. Read more Former President Donald Trump is headed to Philadelphia on Saturday to speak at Sneaker Con, a large-scale gathering for sneaker enthusiasts taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Trump announced he would speak at the convention on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, and a spokesperson for the Convention Center confirmed his appearance. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, is slated to speak at 3 p.m. before traveling to Michigan for a planned evening rally there. Sneaker Con organizers did not respond to requests for more information on what Trump would be speaking about and there was no previous notice advertising his appearance. Convention Center spokesperson Jude Ann Spencer-Phillips said her contact with the group did not know what Trump would cover in his remarks. The organization, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its show in Philadelphia, bills itself as showcasing the sickest kicks and the coolest streetwear and features hundreds of exhibitors to buy, sell and trade footwear. Advertisement Trump was last in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state that he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020, just last week to speak at a National Rifle Association event in Harrisburg. The appearance at Sneaker Con is a far-less-expected crowd for Trump. Hell be speaking in the most Democratic city in the state at an event that captures a younger and more diverse crowd than his rallies typically host. Trump frequently attacks Philadelphia in his speeches elsewhere in the state, holding it up as a model of Democratic failure. In 2020, he now-famously said on a debate stage that bad things happen in Philadelphia. But polls have shown Trump is also siphoning off some support from Biden among younger voters and Black and Latino voters and his campaign has sought to build on that opening. The Biden campaign had some pointed words for Trump ahead of his appearance in Philly Saturday. Donald Trump showing up to hawk bootleg off-whites is the closest hell get to any Air Force Ones ever again for the rest of his life, Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler said. Trump and Biden have been polling neck and neck nationally and in surveys of Pennsylvania voters. The appearance comes the day after Trump was dealt a big financial and legal blow. A judge in New York ordered him and his companies to pay $355 million, finding they engaged in a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated his wealth. Trumps lawyers said they would appeal the decision. But the verdict still amounted to a sizable setback for the former president, who is stretched for resources as he tries to run a presidential campaign while also defending himself against multiple other lawsuits and criminal cases. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at Sneaker Con at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia on Saturday. Read more Former President Donald Trump made a brief stop in Philadelphia on Saturday to announce his new sneaker brand and remind a crowd of sneakerheads to vote. Just hours before a planned campaign rally in Michigan, Trump took the stage for less than 10 minutes at Sneaker Con in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Branding itself as the Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth, the multicity event came to Philadelphia for the second time this year. He is someone who you would have not thought or guessed would have joined the sneaker community, said Chase Young, founder of Philadelphia footwear and apparel company Culture Kicks, introducing Trump to the crowd. Never in our nations history has a U.S. president released their own sneaker, but today, right here, right now, its happening. Trump, the current front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, walked onto the stage to the song God Bless the U.S.A. He held up one of his sneakers and expressed appreciation for the turnout. Advertisement His remarks were brief and barely audible over a crowd of mixed cheers and boos, as well as chants of U.S.A. and a loud and profane anti-President Joe Biden chant. Signs reading Sneakerheads Love Trump were scattered throughout the room, with the website for Trumps new sneaker brand at the bottom. A group of supporters cheered from the area closest to the stage. Acknowledging that the crowd was a slightly different audience than Im used to, Trump then spotted a person from near the stage wearing a Trump 2024 sweatshirt and told her to join him at the podium. We need him. Hes a Christian. Hes a good, honest man, Donna Bernhard said into the microphone. The Lancaster County resident said afterward that she did not expect to be pulled from the crowd. She said she hadnt planned to attend Sneaker Con until she found out on Friday night that Trump would be there. Courtney Kasser, 47, and her 13-year-old son Matthew, of Malvern, were thinking they might attend Sneaker Con, but once they learned Saturday morning that Trump would be there, it tipped the scales toward going. Courtney Kasser said she would likely support Trump if he secured the GOP nomination, but added that her teenage son was the bigger fan. I like what he wants to do for America, Matthew said. About the Trump sneaker, he said, Its cool how hes the first president to come out with one. It was interesting to see peoples reaction to him, positive and definitely some negative reactions, Courtney Kasser said. My favorite part really was Proud to be an American. When they played that song, that was the best part for me. It was Trumps second appearance in Pennsylvania in just more than a week. He spoke in Harrisburg on Feb. 9 at a National Rifle Association gathering, where thousands of supporters filled the crowd. Biden has also visited Pennsylvania multiple times this year. Trumps Sneaker Con appearance comes the day after he was dealt a massive financial blow. A judge in New York ordered him and his companies to pay $355 million, finding that they engaged in a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated his wealth. After news broke Friday night of Trumps planned appearance, Sneaker Con organizers released the following statement on social media: Sneaker Cons mission is to support and promote sneaker culture through our worldwide live events and digital platforms. We are thankful and appreciative of the sneaker community, and recognize individuals who generate awareness and authentic sneaker-related engagement toward our community. While some came to Sneaker Con for Trump, plenty came more for the shoes, apparel, and sneaker culture. Kahron Hogans Jr. and his father, Kahron Hogans Sr., drove from New York for the event. Hogans Jr. was promoting his own brand, L.A.B., (for lifes a blur). They were surprised when they heard Trump would be at the event. Hogans Jr. said that I dont hate him, but that the country seemed divided when he was president, and seems to be even more so now. Im sure he was just trying to appeal to the sneaker culture, Hogans Jr. said. He has his own crisp pair of sneakers coming out, so thats pretty cool. I did not expect that. Hogans Jr. said he would have been more impressed if Trump had mingled with the sneaker culture crowd. Bryana Davis, 18, drove to Sneaker Con from North Jersey with a friend to help him buy sneakers and bought a pair for herself, too. She didnt watch Trumps appearance. Im not his biggest fan, but its cool, she said. Davis was surprised to learn that the former president had come out with his own sneaker. I think thats dope, she said. Ukraine may ban the import of food from the neighboring country due to the blockade of its borders by Polish farmers. This may be a response to deteriorating relations and protests . ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine may introduce trade barriers for Polish goods, a source in the Ukrainian government told Forbes. "I would like us to avoid this, but we are now at the lowest point, and if this continues, it will have to be done," the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. The country's leadership is indeed discussing such a possibility, Mykola Solskyi, Ukraine's Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, confirmed to Forbes. "We are in favor of a constructive approach, but, of course, we will be ready to respond," he says. According to him, the decision can be made within two weeks. "Let's see what happens," he added. Solskyi refused to provide more details. "This is a delicate topic, there is nothing to comment on," he explained. On February 16, Solskyi met with Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski, the press service of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture told Forbes. However, he refused to provide details. ADVERTISIMENT Polish farmers are preparing for a complete ban on Ukrainian transportation Ukrainian carriers have decided to protest after Polish farmers announced that they will block the border between Ukraine and Poland starting February 20. They want to block not only all border crossings between the two countries but also access roads to railway transshipment stations and seaports. Polish carriers may resume their strike as early as March 1. Ukraine is already actively negotiating to prevent this from happening. Polish farmers have already expanded the blockade to the Korczowa-Krakovets checkpoint. In total, six checkpoints are blocked, including Korczowa-Krakovets, Zosin-Ustiug, Uhryniv-Dohobyczow, Medyka-Shehyni, Yahodyn-Dorohusk and Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Paul Sweetman is the incoming chief executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, the representative body of almost 1,000 US businesses operating in Ireland, including some of the countrys biggest employers in tech, financial services, medtech and pharma. He will succeed Mark Redmond, who has been a decade in the role. The American Chamber is recognised as Irelands leading international business representative organisation, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of the job, he said. It is all about competitiveness to me, and while Ireland is a strong and attractive location, competitiveness is that spinning plate we have to constantly tend to. My role will be to work across multiple sectors to maintain the positive competitive advantages we have, and to build and improve upon them in any way we can. Paul Sweetman, CEO designate of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. Having most recently been the managing director of business communications consultancy, Instinctif Partners, Mr Sweetman has also held senior leadership roles with Ibec, in addition to being a board member of Digital Europe and the Data Governance Board for Ireland's public service, as well as Gaisce the Presidents Award. He has a bachelors degree in engineering from University College Dublin, and also holds a masters degree in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech, and a certificate in Sustainable Capitalism and ESG from University of California, Berkeley. The real passion for me is working with the team on behalf of AmCham members, making sure Ireland is a location where US multinationals can thrive. Ireland won 248 new foreign direct investments in 2023, up 2.5% on 2022 figures, enabling the creation of 19,000 new jobs. At the end of 2023, over 1,800 IDA client companies directly employed 300,583 people in Ireland. IDA also reported that 132 investments were secured across regional locations during 2023, representing 54% of the overall figure. The total number of regional jobs now stands at 163,471. These figures underline the positive view of Ireland that exists, in addition to the more than 90 percent of corporate headquarters with locations here who have a similarly positive view of the country as an investment and growth location. Further, 60% of AmCham survey respondents said they expect the number of employees in their Irish operations to increase over the next 12 months, while 33%expect to maintain current employee numbers. These figures certainly represent a bright future ahead, but we must continue with the same vigour of competitiveness that got us to this point. Ireland's 'can do' attitude key to its FDI success Ireland is an incredibly attractive location for investment, and there are a number of key reasons for this including being nimble, flexible and effective in responding to global challenges. How we respond to challenges is a real hallmark of our can do attitude and approach, which is very reassuring for those who are investing here and encourages further growth and investment. The availability of talent and skills is another attractive aspect of Ireland as an investment location, particularly their accessibility throughout the country as evidenced by the substantial growth of FDI outside of Dublin. Having access to talent across the country makes for a very compelling argument for US companies, in that they can look at a number of locations and find which is ideal for their own unique circumstances. That is what companies to Ireland These drivers of Irelands attractiveness require constant monitoring, he says, to keep the aforementioned spinning plates in a state of perfect balance. Global competition for inward investment is only going to get stronger. Other jurisdictions certainly know and have noticed what makes Ireland a great success and try to catch up. We must always look at maintaining and growing our key competitive advantages, as well as looking at new advantages and opportunities that are emerging, to accelerate our offering. Investment is a two-way street for Irish companies expanding across the US Irelands inherent power in its unique position as the bridge between the US and Europe cannot be underestimated, Mr Sweetman believes, in addition to being the only English-speaking, common law country within the EU. We have exceptionally strong relationships on both sides of the transatlantic eco-system, and we need to nurture and grow those advantages. Indeed, while US investment in Ireland is a long-established reality, there is also phenomenal Irish investment across the US. I want to help Irish companies that are continually expanding into the US, Ive seen how that expansion has grown over the past decades and want to keep the shoulder to the wheel in maintaining that competitiveness. It is another exciting part of the job Im looking forward to. According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, Irelands FDI into the US is in excess of 216bn, with over 900 companies operating across all 50 states, employing 110,000. This doesnt just yield growth for those companies, but also for the economy and society at large. I think the most compelling stat is that Ireland is the 9th largest FDI investor in the US a fact that many people dont realise. That really shows the mutually beneficial economic relationship on both sides of the Atlantic. The future of the business relationship between Ireland and the US is very bright, as evidenced by the increasing bottom line figures, the positive view of Ireland and the expected investment growth over the coming year. The figures continue to increase year on year, and I do believe that many of the competitive advantages we have remain remarkably compelling for US companies looking to invest here. It is really important to remember just how rigorously US investors examine multiple locations in advance of their investment decisions, a process that includes looking at key metrics such as the R&D environment, economic stability, access to markets and quality of life. We perform well in each of those areas, and the fact that we are so competitive in those spaces is why we win investment. Mr Sweetman reiterates again the need for a constant monitoring of our proven advantages to maintain Irelands premier position as a location for US companies to come here. Competition will get tougher from other jurisdictions, so we must constantly match what companies need and stay ahead of the curve. We have done it successfully in the past and have that track record, so I have every confidence we can do it again. A zero-tolerance approach to wildlife crime has been sought following claims in the Senate that the State has failed to adequately enforce existing laws and policies to protect biodiversity. Senator Lynn Boylan, who made the call, said wildlife crimes, such as disturbing bats, illegal hare hunting, badger baiting or the destruction of habitats that provide clean water, clean air and healthy soils, all contribute to biodiversity loss. Weak enforcement in this country is sending the clear message that wildlife crime is tolerated and is not taken seriously. Unfortunately, despite some high-profile cases of illegal wildfires and poisonings, there has been a failure to crack down on wildlife crime in any meaningful way, she said. Senator Boylan said records show that between 1977 and 1987, there were 752 cases, an average of 75 prosecutions per year. However, only 118 wildlife crime cases have closed successfully since 2020, an average of 39.3 per year. This is a drop of 48% in prosecutions per year. This is not because the crimes are not happening, unfortunately, she said. Senator Boylan said the subject was not in the portfolio of Minister of State Mary Butler, who was scheduled to reply to the debate. She said Minister Butler would more than likely cite a year-on-year increase of 39% from 2022 to 2023, which is up to 43 prosecutions. While that is a step in the right direction, we are starting from a very low level. This is, therefore, an example of shifting baseline syndrome, she said. She recalled that in the 1980s, a target of 200 was set for the number of prosecutions per year. It was not reached, given the average of 75. Senator Boylan also noted that the recently launched national biodiversity action plan does not contain a specific target for prosecutions. Instead, it just has the vague ambition to seek to increase compliance with wildlife legislation in cooperation with agencies through enhanced detection, enforcement and awareness raising. We need a zero-tolerance approach to wildlife crime, she said, noting there had been some optimism with a focus on wildlife crime making it into the programme for Government, but that dissipated with a U-turn on a dedicated wildlife crime unit. Senator Boylan said one of the main barriers to increasing prosecutions is that the responsibilities of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) wide-ranging and require skill sets that are extremely specialised. Bringing prosecutions is clearly a complicated task so the only real way to bridge this gap, as the experts have said, is to establish the promised wildlife crime unit, she said. She also called for a go-to hub to support regional staff with procedures for detection, investigation, putting a prosecution file together and bringing it to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Minister Butler, deputising for Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, whose remit includes the NPWS, said wildlife crime is a widespread issue that poses a serious threat to biodiversity and the sustainable development of countless communities. While there is no universally agreed definition of what constitutes wildlife crime, it can be described as any action that contravenes current legislation governing the protection of wildlife, but it probably goes beyond that as well. She said Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030, the first national biodiversity action plan to be published on a statutory basis, was launched by Minister Noonan on January 25. It takes an all-of-government and all-of-society approach to protecting nature. The plan includes targets to ensure that the legislative framework for biodiversity conservation is robust, clear and enforceable. The work of NPWS staff has seen a 39% increase in prosecution cases taken in 2023 compared to 2022 figures. She said the NPWS's capability to take more enforcement action and detect and prevent wildlife crime is being greatly enhanced through the recruitment of additional staff to support this work. This means that there will be more boots on the grounds patrolling, investigating, enforcing, and educating. The NPWS is also recruiting ecologists to add scientific expertise and ballast across the service to enhance its wildlife crime efforts. Strengthening relationships with other enforcement and regulatory authorities, such as the Customs, is also pivotal. The NPWS is building on a joint protocol with An Garda Siochana, whose members have powers and functions to enforce wildlife legislation similar to NPWS-authorised officers. She said the NPWS is reviewing the Wildlife Act to improve its enforceability, and a public consultation on this will be announced shortly. Minister Butler said Senator Boylan had also asked if the Government would reconsider its position on the wildlife crime unit. I will have to go back to the Minister of State (Malcolm Noonan) on that and ask him to engage with her directly on her specific questions, she said. The United States has long forged its place in history as the 'land of opportunity', but there really is no better way to describe it for the Irish agri-food firms making top dollar offering a taste of the Emerald Isle stateside. The United States is Ireland's largest agri-food export market outside of Europe and the country's second biggest market globally. With a whopping 1.7bn in exports making it across the pond in 2022, a significant chunk of Ireland's 19bn total agri-food exports, the importance of our special relationship with our American cousins can't be overstated. It's also an essential part of the broader Irish economy, with agri-food representing Ireland's largest indigenous exporting sector. The Food, Drink and Primary Production sector accounted for 40% of all export sales by Irish-owned companies in 2021, directly supporting the jobs of 164,900 people in Ireland (6.5% of the country's total employment). The American food market appears to continue to go from strength to strength despite the fact that strong connections between US and Irish companies go back several decades. Until 2018, the United States was the third largest importer of Irish agri-food, but the US moved to second in 2019, overtaking the Netherlands. Both the volume and value of food exports to both countries have continued to increase over the last five years. However, the pace at which growth has occurred has been faster in the US, increasing a staggering 33% over the span of just a year. Analysts attributed the surge to a significant increase in dairy and beverage exports in 2022, with the top two agri-food categories representing the lion's share of Ireland's agri-food exports to the US. The last year of full trade figures show Irish dairy produce exports to the US totalled an additional 230m (up 52%), while exports in the beverages grew by 172m a 26% increase primarily driven by the American taste for all things Irish, including Jameson whiskey, Baileys cream liqueur and Kerrygold butter. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Dairy Industry Ireland director Conor Mulvihill explained brand power had been a major factor behind the growth. "Irish dairy exports to the US achieved phenomenal growth in 2022 due to the exceptional performance of the Kerrygold brand, which has established itself firmly in American households as one of the US's favourite premium butter brands. It currently holds the enviable position as the number two butter brand in the whole of the States," he said. "Allied to this, Ireland's specialised nutrition success story also performed very well in 2022, with infant formula sales to the US performing exceptionally strongly during a time of shortages in that market. "We very much are working to endeavour to retain these markets and are working with Irish, US and EU officials to ensure no reactivation of the trade war that occurred during the last Trump administration. "During that time, Irish dairy was subject to substantial tariffs during a trade war that undermined our competitiveness." Golden opportunity Much of these sales can be attributed to Ornua, an Irish dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Ireland's dairy processors and, in turn, their suppliers 14,000 Irish dairy farmers. The co-operative is Ireland's largest exporter of Irish dairy products and has annual sales of over 3.4bn, including the much-loved Kerrygold brand. The Kerrygold brand has almost become a golden success story of the Irish-American agri-food trade, with more than 23,000t shipped to the states annually and a cult following which includes the likes of Oprah, Sarah Jessica Parker, and even Khloe Kardashian. In 2019, the brand reached annual global retail sales of 1bn an historic milestone for an Irish dairy brand, but Kerrygold could soon be set to reach double that, Roisin Hennerty, global managing director at Ornua Foods, explained. Five years ago, Kerrygold became Irelands first billion-euro food brand, now bosses say it is well on its way to becoming a 2bn brand. "Kerrygold's impact in the United States may be perceived as an overnight success, but it is a 30-year story in the making. The brand first launched in the US in 1990 through the arrival of Kerrygold cheese, followed by the first pallet of Kerrygold butter to US shores nine years later," she said. "Since then, we have scaled our business to drive further penetration among US households, ensuring we connect with consumers in a meaningful way and deliver the high-quality dairy products they love, when and where they need them. "Kerrygold butter is now the No.2 butter brand and the No.1 imported butter, in the world's largest consumer market, and the brand continues to grow at a phenomenal rate." Ms Hennerty explained that the famous butter brand's success is largely down to the pertinence of its story in the US. "For over six decades, the Kerrygold brand proposition has been built around premium quality and superior taste, owing to the 'grass-fed' difference," she said. "Made from the milk of Irish grass-fed cows, Kerrygold tastes and looks different when compared to other dairy products available globally, and these qualities have resonated with US food-lovers in particular, who are passionate about and value this difference in the taste and texture. "In addition to the unique qualities of the product itself, we are focused on bringing the Kerrygold brand promise to life in an authentic and compelling way through in-market activation programmes that truly connect with a loyal and growing consumer base, ensuring Kerrygold shows up at the very heart of cultural food moments across the US and elsewhere." The firm has also continued to invest in future growth. "Five years ago, Kerrygold became Ireland's first billion-euro food brand, and we are well on our way towards becoming a 2bn brand," Ms Hennerty said. Supporting that continued growth journey is our investment in the brand, in product innovation and in the expansion of our range. We recently completed a major development project at Kerrygold Park the global home of Kerrygold based here in Ireland, in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, which has seen the production capacity of the facility double to meet the growing global demand for Kerrygold products, including in the US. "Around the same time, we launched a major new global advertising campaign in the US, and first, at home in Ireland, which will reach over 150 million consumers in its first 12 months." Beverage exports The other major driver of transatlantic agri-food trade was of course, the beverage sector. Irish beverages were exported to over 100 countries globally last year, making up 11% of Ireland's total agri-food exports. The sector's exports reached a record high in 2022, exceeding 2bn for the first time almost double the value exported a decade ago. This saw growth from 1.1bn in 2013 to 2.1 bn (up 88%) last year. But most strikingly, it comes following a challenging year with the closure of the hospitality sector during the Covid pandemic lockdowns. Read More Alcon Ireland: A global leader in eye care and talent development The impact on hospitality heavily curtailed demand for alcoholic beverages, but exports have since bounced back with vigour, with a 344m increase on the previous peak in 2019. Bottles of Jameson whiskey, produced by Irish Distillers Ltd, on the production line at the Pernod-Ricard bottling plant in Dublin. The United States was the single largest destination for Irish beverage exports, with whiskey alone valued at over 1bn in sales in 2022 alone. The top ten destinations by value for Irish beverage exports were the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy, which combined accounted for 80% of Irish beverage exports in 2022. It's no surprise that the largest products within this category are Irish whiskey and Irish cream liqueur, with exports valued at 1bn and 405m, respectively. The United States was the single largest destination for Irish beverage exports, spending more than double the amount sold to the second largest destination, the UK. In 2022, more than 829m of Irish whiskey, liqueurs and other beverages were shipped across the Atlantic in 2022 an increase of 26% compared to the year before. Something to raise a glass to! Irelands largest dairy exporter, Ornua, has announced the appointment of food industry mogul Lindsay Brady as its new president of its North American operations. Ornua is an Irish dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of its members, Irelands dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. The firm is Irelands largest exporter of Irish dairy products and has annualised sales of over 3.4bn, with the US being one of its biggest markets. The business, which is behind the Kerrygold, Dubliner, and Pilgrims Choice brands, has production facilities in the UK, Spain, the US, Saudi Arabia, and by in-market teams in Africa and the Middle East and employs 3,000 people globally. In her role as president, Ms Brady will have responsibility for leading the Ornua Foods North America business in driving ambitious growth plans for Kerrygold in the United States a market in which the brand currently holds the number two position for branded butter and Latin America. With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage sector, Ms Brady is a proven leader in consumer goods and accelerating business growth. She brings a wealth of experience, having held senior leadership positions with multiple organisations, including Hillshire brands, Tyson Foods, General Mills, and Campbell Soup Company. Most recently, Ms Brady held the role of general manager at Conagra Brands, managing a portfolio of brands and businesses, including Marie Callendars and Birds Eye. Ornua's interim chief executive Donal Buggy explained that Ms Brady is a passionate champion of diversity and inclusion and is vastly experienced in developing a strong business culture. Lindsay brings extensive senior executive experience to this important role, having shaped the growth of several major household brands during her career in the Food & Beverage industry in the United States," he said. "Lindsays appointment reflects the ambition we have to further build the Kerrygold success story in the US market in particular, where there is significant potential for further growth. We look forward to working with Lindsay and wish her and the Ornua Foods North America team continued success as they pursue their ambitious development plans over the coming years. New chief executive It comes as Dairygold chief executive Conor Galvin is set to take up the helm of Ornua's global operations. Mr Galvin is set to take up his new role as Ornua chief executive in May for the firm, which is responsible for 3.4bn of dairy sales annually. Interim chief executive Donal Buggy will resume his role as group chief financial officer once the transition has been completed. Mr Galvin joined Dairygold in 2014 and has held a number of roles in its senior leadership team before becoming chief executive in January 2022. Prior to joining Dairygold, he was finance director with Dairygold Co-operatives Food & Beverage division, and he was also country finance manager with Procter & Gamble in Ireland. Originally from a farming background in Co Westmeath, Mr Galvin is a science graduate from University College Dublin, and holds an MBA from the Smurfit Business School. He is also a qualified accountant. Commenting on the announcement, Ornua Co-operative chairman Aidan ODriscoll said: I am delighted that Conor Galvin will be the new chief executive of Ornua and will lead the Group as it continues to deliver value for its member Co-Operatives and the 14,000 dairy farming families that supply them. "Conor has a deep knowledge of the dairy sector and has extensive senior executive experience. He is deeply committed to the cooperative nature of the dairy business and has a strong focus on working in close partnership with key stakeholders." Commenting on the move, Mr Galvin said: I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead Ornua into the future. For decades, Ornua has delivered significant value for Irish dairy families through the strong connection that it creates between farmers and consumers. "I will encourage collaboration at all levels within the industry to positively address the challenges that face the sector in the years ahead. Ornua has demonstrated a long-term vision of growth and investment, and I look forward to leading the next phase of that development." The eldest of five sisters, Lynda was an introvert, who loved reading but was drawn to science. I wanted to find a cure for malaria, she says. After college, Lynda went to Italy with her husband, and started a family. Since then, shes worked part-time as a GPs secretary, and has gradually built up her writing. I was always writing letters and diaries, and I had a stab at short stories, but I never showed them to anyone. She decided to concentrate on reading, but the addiction to write persisted. I wrote long Facebook posts, like micro stories, then I started a blog. That gave me confidence. I wrote book reviews on Instagram, but I still hadnt the nerve to write a book. Inspiration struck during a weekend to Paris. Walking along the Seine, it felt like something from a novel. I wrote down all that had happened, memoir-style, then I formed a writers group with a friend. I sent him the memoir, and he said: You have to let go, and make stuff up. The novel was an experiment. I was five years writing it. Attending a pitching to an agent event proved invaluable. I learned to put a lot of effort into the initial letter, she says. That worked; agent Polly Nolan took her on in September 2022. Who is Lynda Marron? Date/ place of birth: 1972/ Dublin. Education: Prosperous National School, Kildare; Presentation College, Bandon; Scoil Mhuire in Cork; University College Cork, science and microbiology, MFC in Microbiology. It started out as a doctorate, but the repeated experiments didnt work. Home: Cork. Family: Husband Michael, and four children; Cockapoo, Charlie. The day job: Full-time writer. In another life: Id be meeting authors and writing Beginners Pluck. Favourite writers: Grainne Murphy; Dorothy Whipple; Claire Kilroy; Karl Geary; John Steinbeck, andJilly Cooper. Second book: To be published in spring 2025. Top tip: Take a time-limited break when youre stuck. And keep reading. Instagram: @sultanabun The debut Last Chance in Paris; Eiru, 15.99/ Kindle, 11.29 After a tragedy, Claire and Ronan are on a make-or-break trip to Paris. As they struggle to reconnect, they come across others facing difficult dilemmas. They interact and amazing things happen. The verdict: A glorious read: Heartfelt and heartwarming. Stevies song Fresh from his rousing rendition of Irelands Call at last Saturdays Six Nations game between Ireland and Italy, Stevie Mulrooney returned to the Late Late Show for a reprise and a chat. Stevie stunned viewers during last years Late Late Toy Show when he sang the rugby anthem before being surprised by players Peter O'Mahony and Bundee Aki and invited to a match. Speaking to host Patrick Kielty, Stevie revealed Joshua Dirk van der Flier rang to invite him to sing at the sold-out Aviva Stadium. I was like yes, I will do it. I'll be proud to do that for my nation, he said to a round of applause from the audience. Stevie also revealed he will sing again ahead of a Womens Six Nations match. A decade of opportunity Michelle ONeill joined Kielty at the end of her first fortnight as First Minister of Northern Ireland to discuss her vision for the North and why she believes a United Ireland is no more than 10 years away. ONeill spoke about taking steps to represent people from all political and cultural backgrounds in the North. I just think it's important that we all step outside of our traditional comfort zones and find ways to reach others out there, she said, adding attending events like King Charles coronation is important if I'm going to represent everybody in society, and I believe that I could fairly represent everybody in society. I want to demonstrate that not just by saying it, but by doing things that actually really mean something to people. She said a United Ireland is within reach, predicting much constitutional change in the next decade to make it a reality. I do think that we're in a decade of opportunity and a decade of change, she said, noting her election speaks to change in the political landscape. The prudent thing to do now is to plan [for a United Ireland], we should be planning for what that looks like. How do we crack this and actually, once and for all, have an arrangement that actually works for us? That's what I want to achieve. Standing down from comedy Comedian Kevin McAleer, perhaps best-known to television viewers as Uncle Colm in Derry Girls, revealed on the Late Late that he is retiring from comedy after 30 years. McAleer reflected on his Late Late Show debut and the nerves he experienced before Gaybo gave him some sage advice. I was terrified, he said. I remember I said to Gay Byrne, where's the cameras? He said forget about the cameras, just think of the audience. That was really good advice. I took his advice and it worked a treat. He said he is winding down with two more greatest hits shows in Dublin and Belfast but he is excited about retirement. From acting to activism Actor and Unicef ambassador Stephen Rea spoke to Kielty about his humanitarian work and advocacy for Somalia. Rea said his time in Somalia was pretty shocking and noted the impact of climate change on vulnerable people there. The poor people in Somalia have not been responsible for climate change. They're on the receiving end of the results of climate change. He said he finds it hard to turn down charitable requests, like work he has done to help people in Direct Provision here in Ireland. I couldn't do everything. But if I'm asked to do something, I find it impossible to resist. We have to help each other. Speaking of conditions in Ireland Rea said he does not know if we are doing enough to help people. Housing, health, education: these are what we expect from a republic that people died to create. You have to provide those things for your citizens. Magical Morocco Its exciting to learn of Inclusive Morocco, the first LGBTQ+-founded and led luxury travel company in Morocco. With sustainability and inclusivity at its core, Bilal El Hammoumy and Rania Chentouf create itineraries lead by Moroccans that showcase their fascinating country. The 10-day Morocco with Kids itinerary is packed with exciting and authentic experiences and adaptable to families of all sizes, including multi-generational groups. From 3,165 (3,712) per person. inclusivemorocco.com Spend Easter on Majorca. Majorca at Easter Fancy a side-order of sunshine with your chocolate eggs? Then why not spend Easter on Majorca, at the 4-star SeaClub Resort Apartments in the Mediterranean resort of Alcudia?. A short walk from the beach, the family-friendly apartments include kitchenettes and balconies or terraces. Seven nights self-catering 519 per person including return flights from Dublin based on two adults + two children sharing for travel March 27 2024. clickandgo.com Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta Deal of the week Malta, March 17-21 2024, 3-star hotel from 278. Discover cliffs and coves, temples and Knights, excellent food and endless sun on the compact Mediterranean archipelago of Malta over St Patricks weekend. Stay at the 3-star Topaz Hotel, from 278 per person sharing, including flights from Dublin. The Park Hotel, Kenmare A free night in Kenmare Seeing as February is one day longer this year, the good people at Park Hotel Kenmare have lined up a special treat. Book any two consecutive nights in February and receive a third night free with a half bottle of champagne awaiting in your room upon arrival. One of Irelands most celebrated hotels, and with its new owners at the helm, nows a great time to experience this five-star favourite in picturesque Kenmare. Call 064 664 1200 to book. parkkenmare.com Bermuda Bermudan beauty Pink sands and party boats Cedar and spice Warm welcomes and big smiles. If the words of the Bermuda Tourist Board dont convince you to visit the 54 sq km island north of the Caribbean, then the promises of breathtaking beauty, turquoise seas and rich culture surely will. Stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resorts Natura Spa, where you can enjoy subterranean spa treatments overlooking an underground lake with running water as your soundtrack. Tanaiste Micheal Martin is to meet the International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecutor this weekend ahead of an intervention by the attorney general in a case relating to Israels actions in Palestine. Mr Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar are both attending the Munich Security Conference where the crisis in Gaza and the situation in the wider Middle East will be discussed along with Russias ongoing illegal war in Ukraine. Mr Varadkar on Friday night met with King Abdullah of Jordan, a key player in the Middle East region, with both leaders agreeing to speak again in advance of the Taoiseach's visit to the US for St Patrick's Day events. This is the first time that a taoiseach has attended the conference, which Mr Varadkar said shows "just how seriously we view the current global situation". He told the conference that Israel is no longer a "normal, liberal, western democracy". Mr Martin is due to hold meetings with Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi as well as the ICC's prosecutor Karim Khan on the fringes of the conference. Attorney general intervenes It comes ahead of Attorney General Rossa Fanning's appearance in the Hague next week, during which he will make an in-person intervention on behalf of Ireland in a case on Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. This is separate from the genocide case being taken by South Africa against Israel over its recent actions in Gaza. In Munich on Friday, the Taoiseach said he would like to know more details of suggestions of a deeper defence commitment and talk in recent days of a possible EU defence commissioner by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Mr Varadkar said: I dont think shes proposing a European defence pact or European army or anything like that so its important that people dont misunderstand what she was putting forward. I understand she was putting forward a position in the next commission which might be able to co-ordinate some of the things we do in defence on a European level already. "Ireland is part of certain EU battle groups, were a founding member of Pesco which is the European structured security and defence policy, so if its in that space, I think theres merit to it but would need to see the details." Irish neutrality Mr Varadkar said Irish neutrality has evolved over the years. He said Ireland will never be a major military power but can bring things to the table such as peace-keeping and co-operation at EU level on matters such as cyber-security. He said it is very clear the EU has stepped up in terms of support for Ukraine and that Ireland needs to be able to co-operate more on issues of defence and security. I think we need to see defence as being more than armies but also about other aspects of security too like counter-terrorism, fighting cyber-crime, and also beyond that investing in overseas aid and international development which is a big part of this too. On Donald Trumps comments where he suggested he would tell Russia to attack Nato allies he considered delinquent, Mr Varadkar said Europeans should be prepared for the possibility that the US reverts to isolationism and to be able to deal with issues on our own continent. On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. The heads of state discussed possible joint economic projects, as well as bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy, humanitarian and other spheres. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian president also thanked Aliyev for implementing projects to restore the city of Irpin. Zelenskyy announced this on his Telegram channel. The Head of State expressed confidence that Ukrainian-Azerbaijani relations will only get stronger. He noted that the countries constantly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and Azerbaijan. The President's Office said that Zelenskyy congratulated Aliyev on his victory in the recent early presidential elections in Azerbaijan. The head of state also noted Azerbaijan's assistance in ensuring the reliable functioning of Ukraine's energy system. "I thanked Ilham Aliyev for the implementation of projects to restore the city of Irpin and expressed hope for Azerbaijan's further contribution to Ukraine's economic recovery," Zelenskyy said. ADVERTISIMENT The Presidential Administration emphasized that the interlocutors had coordinated future joint efforts. In addition, Zelensky told Aliyev about preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. To recap, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Munich with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen . During the talks, they discussed the preparation of a bilateral agreement on security and defense support for Ukraine. Earlier, Zelenskyy called the withdrawal of the Defense Forces from Avdiivka in Donetsk region a "professional decision" whose key goal is to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. He stressed that Ukraine is capable of winning the war against the aggressor, but this victory depends not only on the courage of our country's defenders, but also on the West's willingness to help achieve it. ADVERTISIMENT Stormont First Minister Michelle ONeill has said she wants to attend events that are important to the unionist community, stating that political leaders in Northern Ireland need to step outside of our traditional comfort zones. Ms ONeill told of her pride at attending an event this week on The Shankill Road in Belfast alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The Sinn Fein politician became the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland when the Stormont powersharing institutions were restored almost two weeks ago. During an appearance on RTEs The Late, Late Show, Ms ONeill said she had been getting on well with the DUPs Ms Little-Pengelly, stating they had had a positive first two weeks in office. Stormont deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly (left) and First Minister Michelle ONeill (right) on the Shankill Road (Rebecca Black/PA) She said: Were both tasked with leadership, given that responsibility to lead and were determined to do that together. We want to work together, we have come from two very different political backgrounds, two different lived experiences, two different outlooks for where we think we should be in the future, in particular in relation to constitutional change. But thats alright, isnt it? Its fine to have that different viewpoint but also working towards day-to-day things like public services, health, education, childcare and this week was a great opportunity for us because we both prioritised childcare. I believe that's the first time that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister has ever stood on the Shankill Road side by side visiting a project We went into a childcare setting in north Belfast, and we also went into a childcare setting on the Shankill Road. I believe thats the first time that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister have ever stood on the Shankill Road side by side visiting a project. I was pleased that we were able to do that, but I dont think Emma or I looked at the children in north Belfast or the children on the Shankill and thought for a second that they were different, they are children and everything that were doing is about building that better future for them. So I just thought that that was a fabulous thing for us to do. Michelle ONeill attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey (Phil Noble/PA) Ms ONeill said she had an open mind about accepting any invitations to attend events from the unionist community as First Minister. She said: I would gladly receive invitations to anything that anyone wants to send me one for. I just think its important that we all step outside of our traditional comfort zones and find ways to reach others out there. Im a Republican, Im very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and what I want to achieve, but I also think that if were going to lead and be political leaders in todays society, 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, then we all have to be focused on the future. I do think things that are very important symbolically, in particular for those from the British tradition, for example, myself attending the Queens funeral, or King Charless coronation, thats really really important if Im going to represent everybody in society and I believe that I can fairly represent everybody in society. And I want to demonstrate that not just by saying that, but by doing things that actually really mean something to people. Ms ONeill was also asked if she would attend IRA commemorations during her time as First Minister. Any invitations that I would take up but always be very mindful of the office that I hold, because I want to represent everybody fairly She said: We have a very tragic past, a very difficult past where so much hurt and injury has been caused, many injustices out there. I think we have to respect that everybody has a right to remember their dead and we should just be respectful of that and create that space for each other. Clearly, I am First Minister for everybody now. I will be very true to that pledge that Ive made. So any invitations that I would take up but always be very mindful of the office that I hold because I want to represent everybody fairly. And that includes Republicans because I think thats important to say also, I want to represent the community that I come from and the background that I come from, but I can also do that and also represent everybody else there in society. Calls are being made on the Irish Government to purchase the Polar Medal of Anglo Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. This week a memorial stone containing Irish limestone was unveiled at Westminster Abbey in London to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. Shackleton, who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, was born in Kilkea, Co Kildare and moved to Sydenham in south London when he was ten years old. The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals for outstanding service in the field of polar research. A temporary bar has been placed on Sir Ernests medal being exported from the UK. The British Government hopes that an institution in the country will purchase it. The medal is valued at 1.7 million (1.99m). The decision on the badge's export licence application, which would give approval for it to be sent abroad, has been deferred until May 1. Meanwhile, Irish groups say the medal should be bought by the Government in this country before it vanishes into the hands of a private collector. Kevin Kenny of Shackleton Museum in Athy, Co Kildare says that the medal should be purchased for display in Ireland. "Its real value is as an inspiring and historic artefact and the best place for this is on public display, with the Shackleton Museum being its natural home. It's just a matter of the Irish State making the small investment needed. The museum is currently closed to allow for its redevelopment into a world class centre focused on Ernest Shackleton and his legacy. It is scheduled to re open in June of next year. Ernest Shackleton was born on the February 15, 1874. He was the second child to arrive to his parents, Henry and Henrietta. His family grew to eight girls and two boys. His birth was among the new arrivals listed in the Irish Times on February 17, 1874. At the age of sixteen he joined the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a master mariner in 1898. Shackleton's first experience of the polar regions was as third officer on Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery expedition of 19011904, from which he was sent home early on health grounds. In 1907, Shackleton returned to Antarctica, leading the Nimrod Expedition. Within 97 miles of the South Pole, he decided to turn back as food supplies were low. His most notable expedition was that of Endurance in 1914, where he hoped to achieve the first crossing of the White Continent from the Weddell Sea via the South Pole to the Ross Sea. Although he was unsuccessful in reaching the destination, the survival of his crew highlighted his exceptional leadership. During his career, Shackleton was awarded the Polar Medal, fourteen medals by other nations; and eighteen medals by geographical and learned societies. He one of the key figures associated with the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Sir Ernest Shackleton died in 1922 at the age of 47. Thousands of unstamped cigarettes and kilos of tobacco pouches were seized during a search of a house in Cork City by Revenue officers. Paul Moores home at Willowbank View, Fairhill, Cork, was searched on October 17, 2023, by Revenue officers, who received information of the sale or supply of tobacco products from his home. Cigarettes, which would have had a full value of 33,600 if sold legitimately through shops, were discovered. So too was 23.4kg of pouch tobacco. None of the seized tobacco products had the revenue stamps. The total value of cigarettes and tobacco if sold legitimately would have been over 43,000. The total loss of revenue to the State was put at just under 34,000. Jessica Kelleher, barrister for the 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty to having the unstamped tobacco products, said he was fully cooperative with the investigation and this was his first offence of this kind. He is looking for work. He has work lined up in March. He has worked previously. He used to drink to excess but now only drinks at weekends, Ms Kelleher said as she pleaded for leniency for the accused at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Colin Daly noted the accused was cooperative with the investigation and made admissions. He was involved in this for his own financial gain. In mitigation, the personal circumstances and efforts to rehabilitate must be taken into account. The probation report is middling only, at best, where he is deemed to be a high risk of reoffending, Judge Daly said. The judge added he was hesitating in giving the accused a fully suspended sentence and said there had to be some sanction. Judge Daly adjourned finalisation of the matter for the probation service to report on Mr Moores suitability for community service instead of a jail sentence. The case was listed for February 22 for that assessment to be made. Three city councillors have forced the holding of a special meeting of Cork City Council to discuss their calls for the withdrawal of what they say is a request for additional state funding for the controversial event centre project. The meeting will have just that one item on the agenda - their motion that the council rescinds the request for additional funding from central government in respect of the contract with BAM for the Cork event centre and instead secures central government funding for a publicly owned and operated venue. It follows the surprise serving of a Section 140 notice on Lord Mayor, Kieran McCarthy, at the council's February meeting as it was dealing with the minutes of a meeting of the councils February 6 meeting of its corporate policy group (CPG). The notice, which was handed over by Rabharta Glas Cllr Lorna Bogue, was signed by her, as well as Workers Party Cllr Ted Tynan and Solidarity Cllr Brian McCarthy. The CPG meeting included a motion from Ms Bogue seeking an update on the event centre and any related expenditure. A response said a detailed discussion on the event centre took place at a briefing for councillors on January 29 in relation to the estimated 2.5bn investment in housing, sustainable transport, parks, public spaces and climate resilience earmarked for the city centre over the coming five years. The media was briefed on the same investment package the following day. That briefing also featured questions and an update on the event centre. But Ms Bogue suggested that Ms Doherty had prepared the investment package presentation only when RTE's Prime Time started asking questions about the event centre. It broadcast a report on the saga on February 1, featuring an interview with Ms Doherty. Ms Bogue said: If she can brief the national broadcaster on this issue, then she may brief council members on it as well. And the fact that the chief executive must be compelled to do so, rather than us reading about it in the newspapers, or seeing it on television, certainly reflects the priorities of the council. Fine Gael Cllr Des Cahill rounded on Ms Bogue and said didnt attend the January 29 briefing for councillors, nor the CPG meeting where she could have discussed her motion. Shes talking in a vacuum of facts purely because she wasn't at the meetings, he said. If you are bringing it to a public forum at this stage, with that ferocity, with a public attack on the chief executive, the facts should be put out there that you failed to attend the briefing, and you failed to attend the CPG where it was also discussed. Ms Doherty also defended herself and said there was no attempt "to retrofit" anything around an interview with Prime Time. She also said it is not a matter for council to decide on investment in the event centre. It is a national development plan project that's funded by central government. The last decision in relation to funding on the project was made by the Cabinet, not by Cork City Council, she said. Somewhat irregular Officials said it was "somewhat irregular" to have a Section 140 served at a public meeting, but having considered the process, have deemed it valid. They have now arranged for the special meeting to be held on Tuesday evening. It comes as the Cabinet is poised to consider a memo from the department of local government on the final costings for the venue, which had its sod turned eight years ago this month. With 57m in state funding already pledged, costs have soared by what some sources have suggested could be anywhere between 35m and 45m. Following the completion of detailed design work by developers BAM and venue operators Live Nation last summer, the council conducted a cost validation exercise and has submitted a detailed report on the increased costs to the department of local government. It in turn will prepare a memo for Cabinet which will ultimately make the funding decision. Speaking in Cork last week, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the venue has the potential to be a major catalyst for growth of business in the city, and that the Cabinet will be looking at the broader picture when it comes to deciding on whether to approve additional funding or not. Palestine owes Ireland a debt of gratitude for its support of both the Palestinian people and UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the countrys ambassador to Ireland has said. At the Social Democrats conference in Dublin, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said she was thankful to the Irish people for their constant and strong step toward justice and human rights and to the just cause of the Palestinian people and constant support of UNWRA. Ireland announced an extra 20m in funding for the UNs Palestinian refugee agency last Thursday as a number of other countries continue to pause financial support. Over a dozen counties have paused funding after Israel claimed that a number of UNRWA staff had been involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks, claims which are still being investigated. In her speech, Ms Abdalmajid said that Ireland was one of the countries which still believe in the vital work of UNWRA. Palestine's ambassador to Ireland, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, fourth from left, with Social Democrats TDs Gary Gannon, Catherine Murphy, Holly Cairns, Roisin Shortall, and Cian O'Callaghan, at the party's national conference. Picture: Social Democrats She said that Palestine, since the bombardment by Israeli forces, was facing persecution, displacement, and injustice. Palestine and the Palestinians are facing another tragedy, she said. Another ethnic cleansing, another another forced displacement. Palestinians are facing systematic genocide. Ms Abdalmajid said the October 7 attack by Hamas which sparked the latest round of conflict did not come out of thin air. The land of Palestine is not disputed, she said. It is colonised. Its due to the continued Israeli occupation of Palestine and the continuation of their policies of persecution, and daily repression is the blockage of a serious political horizon. Colonial settler violence in the occupied West Bank has doubled since October 7. "The US, UK, and France have announced sanctions on four Israeli settlers accused of committing human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. This is not enough, but maybe we can consider it as a beginning, a good start. "We the Palestinians reject the killing or taking hostages of innocent civilians. However, what has unfolded since October 7, supposedly in response to the attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians, has gone far beyond what the prime minister of Israel and government has described as self-defence. It has gone beyond rage and revenge. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said that the Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich had not been invited. Much had been made about Ms Erlichs attendance at the Fianna Fail ard fheis in November. Our focus really in this moment was to invite the Palestinian ambassador here, said Ms Cairns. "The Irish people sent a clear message that they want Ireland to be strong on this issue," she said. "And thats why weve prioritised the attendance of the Palestinian ambassador at this particular conference." Carrie Deway touched up her make-up one last time before taking a deep breath and stepping out onto the streets of south inner Dublin. Wearing platform shoes, and a black dress with lace tights, as well as a long dark wig, she feared passersby would point and laugh. After anxiously delaying, she felt a rush of power, put one foot in front of the other and began to walk forward. It was 2009, and the then 19-year-old was making her way into the former well-known LGTBQ+ nightclub The Dragon in Dublin city for her debut drag queen show. Carrie's journey to self-acceptance has taken many turns since then. During the day, Carrie is 34-year-old Miko Verrecchia, a gay non-binary person who works as an event organiser. Carrie identifies as female and uses the pronouns she/her, while Miko is gay non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Miko grew up in Crumlin with their parents Mary and Thomas as well as their two older brothers Anthony and Paul. The entire family has always embraced Mikos drag queen persona Carrie and has attended most of her shows. It was a tough enough time, being gay in the south inner city, said Carrie as she sat down with the Irish Examiner this week and spoke about that moment in 2009. Can you imagine walking out that front door that first night in a dress? It was surreal putting on the make-up. I told myself Youll never get used to this. It was scary. Then I realised hang on, there is a power to this. So, I walked confidently, and I felt good. Being on the stage something just takes over, there is a character switch and off you go. Carries performance that first night in the Dragon was an instant success and she became loved for her singing and dancing, as well as packed-out family bingo shows where young children loved the princess dressed in sparkly clothes. But now, after 15 years on stage, Carrie has decided to hang up her high heels and run away with the circus. Its a very emotional time, she said. But its also the right time. The queens of Ireland are so hard-working. People dont realise that our shows are sometimes the first port of call for someone who is trying to figure out their sexual orientation, even though we shouldnt have to come out. People come in out of curiosity, and thats often the first step for them. Its an important part of the community. Carrie Deway: "I just want to say to people 'lose the hate, be kinder'." Photo: Gareth Chaney The move to the circus for me came because my best friend Sian has been in the circus as a dancer for seven years. In 2019, she was in Duffys Circus here and I was asked to join her and the magician in Paris for one of their travelling shows and then I was offered a six-week contract. But I didnt go. That door closed and I thought the circus was over for me. I honestly believed Id never get that opportunity again. I did, though, get another offer and Ill also be in Europa Park for the summer." Looking back on her career as one of the best-known drag queens in Dublin, Carrie describes the shows as a form of activism, hailing Panti Bliss as an inspiration in the field. Once Carrie changes out of drag, she instantly becomes Miko, who described their alter ego as a wild woman who is nothing like me. Bullying Miko said the only time they suffered any sort of discrimination was at the local all-boys CBS Cristian Brothers school. We were the last of the strict Christian Brothers schools, said Miko. So, you have this strong working-class area with strict Catholic brothers. Even though I didnt come out until I was 17, everyone knew I was gay. I had boyfriends and girlfriends. I was so terrified someone would tell someone else that I was gay, and it would spiral. My brother Paul told me to stand up to the bullies, no matter what. Paul said, you dont always have to hit them back, just stand up to them and he was right. I used to dress up in my mothers high heels from the age of five when she would go out and Paul always covered for me if I fell. He was so supportive." But the pressure of feeling like they had to hide who they were, led to a life-changing moment for Miko who first attempted suicide at 16. It took some time to realise that nobody actually cared if I was gay or not. I was trapped in my own head, and I was hospitalised and treated for mental health issues. I felt I could not tell anyone, and I used to stay wide awake at night worrying over it and bottling it all up. I did get abuse, of course, but in the end, if anyone did start on me in school, the lads would jump in to protect me." After sitting the Leaving Cert exam at 17, Miko worked at a number of jobs, including a technician in a pharmacy and manager of two stores. At 23, Miko moved to the UK after receiving a full scholarship at Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in Bedfordshire following an audition. Tragedy Whatsapp photo of Paul Verrecchia. Tragically however, while living in the UK, Mikos beloved brother Paul, who was suffering with depression, took his own life by starting a fire in the family home on May 5, 2014. He was only 29 and in a very dark place, said Miko. He was searching for answers during his depression and studied every religion. He couldnt get past how bad he was feeling. He locked the whole family out of the house one night before setting it on fire and losing his life. I received a phone call with the news. I got a plane and travelled back and never spoke a word for 48 hours. I was in utter shock. Paul was a lovely brother, and I miss him. My mam is a very strong person, but she has her moments. We talk about him all the time though. But I couldnt cope with his death and tried to end my life again. I am grateful to have survived. It was a very difficult time. But its about getting help and talking to people. I am a true believer in reaching out and believing that things are meant for you, like the circus, I opened the right door at the right time and met the right person." Healing Despite the trauma Miko has endured over the years, they carried on with their performances on stage as Carrie which they see as expression and healing. Carrie is a strong-minded woman, she is my suit of armour, and everyone loves her, said Miko. She is wild, but she has never ever had a partner. No man has ever gone near her, and no man ever will. I often say shes a lesbian, she loves the women, but I think she is more of a sister or best friend. There is great sisterhood among the drag queens." Carrie Deway: What I do with my life is not anyones business. I am not hurting anyone and there is a lot of fun in what we do." Photo: Gareth Chaney Last week, Carrie performed at her last LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival at the Dromoland Inn in Co Clare where she sang an emotional rendition of Barbara Streisands Send in The Clowns'. Everyone was in tears, said Miko. Its coming to the end of her shows, and it is hard. But times are changing, and the circus is for me, it always was. There are new drag queens, and the community is particularly big in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, but there is a big scene now in Belfast too. But something has changed in the community, all those years ago, even up to before covid, drag queens got so much love and support. If you walked through the city, people wouldnt bat an eyelid, and if they did, it would be to compliment you. We were moving forward as a country when we officially passed the same sex marriage referendum in 2015. 'Lose the hate' Now, there is a lot of hate, including the far-right who are affecting my community, its not just about racism its also discrimination. Thats the sad part, there is a lot of anger and hate there, and I just want to say to people 'lose the hate, be kinder'. The transgender community is really being targeted too, and thats a really sad thing to see, because we were progressing, but sadly, I feel we are going backwards. After 15 years on stage, Carrie Deway has decided to hang up her high heels and run away with the circus. Photo: Gareth Chaney We try to keep things very positive, even when drag queens dont like each other, they always respect the art. We say, I might not like you, but I respect your work and we get on with it. What I do with my life is not anyones business. I am not hurting anyone and there is a lot of fun in what we do, but there is also support among us for the gay community. I hope things change for the better in Ireland, for me though, its all about walking forward, just like Carrie did that first night in her platforms, you just have to take a deep breath and keep going." Standing at the top of the grassy hill below the huge cross in Dublins Phoenix Park, the Popes Cross as its known, and looking out across the sprawling expanse of the 15 acres, still triggers a sense of nostalgia whenever I visit, considering I grew up less than a mile from this historic site. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here, in front of a congregation of over one million people the biggest mass movement ever to take place in Ireland. During his three-day visit, over 2.7 million people turned out to see him one quarter of the islands inhabitants. Back then, 90% of Irelands population were Catholics. In Ballybrit in Galway, where the crowd was double that of the annual race week, he warned those present of the dangers of growing materialism and secularism in a changing world words that would have meant little if anything to the 280,000-strong audience present that afternoon. In 1979, liberalisation was a word that hadnt found its voice here yet, nor would it for many years to come. Homosexuality was illegal, divorce legislation would take another 17 years, and the crime of abortion carried a sentence of life imprisonment. Today, its rare to see pilgrims visiting the site to pay their respects at where the famous altar once stood. Occasionally you might see someone making the sign of the cross as they stand at the granite memorial stone, which bears the words: Be converted every day. A man walks past the Papal Cross, which was built for the visit of the late Pope John Paul II in September 1979, in Phoenix Park, in Dublin. Now, its a location for weekend family outings, parents with young children who run up and down the hills steep sides under which lies the vaulted remains of the sacristy where the Pope vested that morning. Instead of pilgrims, its mostly tourists from all over the world who arrive on buses these days, walking to the top of the hill, taking photos while listening to their tour guides. Sadly it has all but lost its historic importance, except for an older generation who remember exactly where they were when the most famous pope of a generation stood here. It was another time, from a bygone era, just like Ryans Daughter and Glenroe. Back then, there were over 6,200 priests working in Irish parishes. It took over 2,000 priests almost two hours to distribute communion that day in the Phoenix Park. Today, there are barely 2,000 priests in total on the island of Ireland, with an average age of 70 and above. 52 priests are younger than 40. Most parishes no longer have their own exclusive priest. I suggest you look at your priest, Archbishop Francis Duffy told the dwindling congregation in St Marys Church, Westport, in the Archdiocese of Tuam in July 2022. He may be the last in a long line of resident pastors and may not be replaced. So where have all the good men gone, as the song goes? Well, of course, a number of them were far from good: They were the embodiment of evil. If there was just one reason that has hastened the decline of the church during this generation, it has been the indelible horror of clerical sexual abuse, by monsters who wore white collars and wielded an awesome power of twisted discipline. The audience in the Phoenix Park during the visit of the Pope. Not all of the priests were evil. In fact, the good men far outweighed the evil ones; but then, as we also came to learn, some bishops ignored the shocking claims of abuse. The cover-ups became the final straw for a congregation whose trust by then could never be repaired. Those who knew but did nothing became conspirators, and theres no way back from that. I often ask myself why a man would want to become a priest in todays Ireland. The church has never been able to detach from the contamination of abuse. But its also important to remember another contamination that struck in March 2020, namely covid. Instead of remaining open as a harbour of peace and outreach, churches closed their doors on the orders of government. Many regarded it as a divine contradiction on a massive scale. Here was the perfect opportunity for a church whose central doctrine no longer held much appeal to reinvent itself into a modern platform of spiritual care and relevance, namely a retreat from the mad-scared world out there. It felt strange driving by the local church, seeing the huge front doors locked, while I could still shop in the supermarket, and enjoy a drink in the local pub. You could nourish your body, it seems, but the normal channels for nourishing the soul were out of bounds. Attendance numbers have never recovered since the pandemic. Some say thats because covid was hardest on the older age demographic that attends church regularly, but thats not true; others will say they felt let down by a church that should have been allowed to open their doors. As Lukes gospel says: At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. A church is meant to be a place of refuge. Bishops and priests had no choice but to follow the strict directives of the governments covid guidelines, but it surely raises questions about how the government sees the place of the church in a life-threatening pandemic. A single bouquet at the base of the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, Dublin where Pope John Paul celebrated Mass in September 1979. So why so few vocations to the priesthood in recent years? A vocation needs purpose and direction. Many believe the church has lost its own direction, that the priesthood has lost its purpose, and hasnt kept up with the passage of time. So perhaps therein lies the answer. Vocations are like trends: they change over time. An old friend of mine stood next to me that morning in the Phoenix Park as we looked out over the historic site. He told me of his intentions to leave the priesthood. That was over five years ago. He left shortly after the visit of Pope Francis. He told me he believed that by leaving he could do more to minister to people in need than he could as a priest. He wanted to marry a woman he had known since they were teenagers while they were both still relatively young. He was in love with her. He also wanted to embrace fatherhood. I asked him why he hadnt left sooner. He told me that his mothers greatest wish since he became a priest was that he would be the celebrant at her funeral mass. He felt sad that he no longer believed in a way of life he had committed to thirty years ago, how it had taken him so long to admit it, even to himself. But, as he explained, he had to wait. It was a promise he had made to his mother that he knew he could never break. Perhaps, unknown to him, out of love, that was his greatest calling. I asked him would he stay if priests could marry? Yes, I would, he replied. I met him again recently. He introduced me to his wife and their young son. For the first time in many years, I saw someone who had found happiness, at last. A year on since Hollymania swept the country, the Cairns experiment is yet to have an outcome. While Holly Cairns, the Social Democrats leader, has both enjoyed and endured significant media attention since taking over last March, her opponents cant quite figure out her way of doing politics, which ignores some norms. Ms Cairns will have to prove herself in the coming months: For the Social Democrats, the upcoming local elections are equivalent to the difficult second album. While the partys founding leaders, Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall, were managing a start-up of which little was expected, Ms Cairns must significantly scale up in the local elections to put her party on a solid footing going into a general election. Ahead of the partys conference this weekend, during which Ms Cairns will give her first televised speech as leader, one TD signalled how far the party had come. At least we know each other now: I can tell you, the first few conferences we really needed the name badges. Building a party from nothing is really not for the faint-hearted. Ms Cairns has done well in this regard, and said that keeping up with our own growth was more of a challenge than building the party. However, a member of a rival party, describing Ms Cairns as a political phenomena, said that it is difficult to predict her personal future and the Social Democrats future. Public support for the party more than doubled immediately after Ms Cairns was elected leader, but it has come back down and stabilised at 4%. High ratings Her own ratings remain high: A recent Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll puts her on 41%, just below Tanaiste Micheal Martin, who has the highest approval rating, at 43%. Taking up the reins of any party is daunting even for the most experienced of politicians. They said that it would be exhausting and exhilarating and exciting, Ms Cairns told Irish Examiner political correspondent Paul Hosford this week. Its definitely been all of those things, and more. You know, at times its been overwhelming, but, for the most part, its been really, really fun and a huge privilege, said Ms Cairns, who was among a generation that came to politics through the marriage equality and repeal campaigns. As a first-time TD, Ms Cairns gained a name through her dogged campaigning on social and marginal issues. She was among the most vocal in the wake of the mother and baby home report controversies and strongly advocated on behalf of pregnant women and their partners during the pandemic. The time that she has had to put into this work has naturally decreased because she has also had to direct the broader vision of the party. As an example of Ms Cairnss inexperience, detractors point to the fact that she often rigidly reads from her notes during leaders questions in the Dail. And as a rural politician representing one of the most isolated constituencies in the country, the Cork South West TD doesnt put the same emphasis on the parish pump as would be expected. Instead, she focuses on international issues, such as the conflict in Gaza. Over the summer, Ms Cairns took the unorthodox decision to close her Bandon constituency office, which raised some eyebrows, despite the fact she said that she had been forced to do so for security reasons. She had previously spoken publicly about the abuse directed at her and how she was left absolutely terrified after an online stalker began to appear at her West Cork home. Of course, Ms Cairns will stress that she is still very active on the ground and that she has embraced social media to keep constituents updated. When contacted this week, her party colleagues were quick to row in behind her. Many claimed she wouldnt be elected in 2020. She has a bigger profile now than she had the last time and I wouldnt underestimate that, said one TD. Its not something that we are worried about. However, in the constituency of Michael Collins (both the historical Collins and the current politician), Ms Cairns knows that she will be battling for her seat. She had to fight to gain a place on the council in 2019, winning by just one vote after a lengthy recount. One Social Democrats member acknowledged that Fine Gael, which in the last general election failed to take a seat in what should be a stronghold for the party, will be throwing the kitchen sink at it this time. Ms Cairns is not the only sitting Social Democrats TD who is under pressure. Gary Gannon will be contesting the same constituency as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who will be expected to return a running mate. Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan will also be at risk and the Social Democrats are hoping Mr Gannon will be the one to win and secure the final seat. The partys housing spokesman Cian OCallaghan will be helped by the fact that long-serving TD Richard Bruton has announced that he will not be standing. Equally, the selection of Labour Party TD Aodhan O Riordain as a candidate for Europe means that there is a possibility of two vacant seats going into the general election, which gives the remaining sitting TDs an advantage. Jennifer Whitmore will be standing in a newly configured constituency in Wicklow, alongside two ministers, Simon Harris, higher education, and Stephen Donnelly, health. Before that, the Social Democrats will have to put in a good day in the local elections. The party secured 21 local council seats in 2019, but will be hoping to double that in June and will be fielding somewhere between 80 and 100 candidates. Ms Cairns knows that she needs this amount of representation at local level if the Social Democrats are to come back as a real force in the next Dail. Building from the bottom takes time. Established parties have a significant advantage, with strong constituency networks, longstanding policies, and family dynasties from which to choose candidates. One Social Democrats member said: We have suffered by virtue of the fact that we have not been a party for very long. Another TD said that she often gets told: Its a pity you are not bigger. Ms Cairns is hoping that voters, eager for something different, will be drawn to her new style of politics. What were asking people to do is to give us a chance, she said this week. The results of the Holly experiment will only be seen after Junes election. Ukraines military chief said early on Saturday that he is withdrawing troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where they have battled a Russian assault for four months. The timing is critical as Russia is looking for a morale boost ahead of the second anniversary on February 24 of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the March presidential election in Russia. In a short statement posted on Facebook early on Saturday, Ukrainian commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said he had made the decision to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen. The commander-in-chief added that troops were moving to more favorable lines. Ukrainian troops had been holding out against an onslaught of about 15,000 Russian soldiers (AP Photo/Libkos, File) The statement said: Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment. We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions. The withdrawal came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday made another trip to western Europe, hoping to press his countrys Western allies to keep providing military support. It was Col Gen Syrskyis first major test since being appointed as Ukraines new army chief last week. In his previous position as commander of Ukraines ground forces, he faced criticism for holding on to the city of Bakhmut for nine months, a siege that became the wars longest and bloodiest battle and cost Ukraine dearly, but also served to sap Russias forces. In recent days, reports emerged that Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka faced a deteriorating situation. Rodion Kudriashov, deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, said on Friday that Ukrainian troops were still holding out against the onslaught of about 15,000 Russian soldiers, but he expected the situation would soon become critical. The enemy is trying to penetrate our defence and in some places to bypass our positions, he told The Associated Press. The 3rd Brigade said on its social media account on Friday that its soldiers were at the huge Avdiivka Coke Plant. Russian warplanes have been dropping about 60 bombs a day, relentlessly shelling the area and launching assaults with armour and infantry, the brigade said. A video showed dense black smoke over the factory, said to be caused by burning fuel oil reservoirs. The post said: Poisonous smog spreads all over the plant. Russian media reported the Kremlins forces were making extensive use of plane-launched glide bombs, which fly at a shallower angle, to batter Ukrainian positions. Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday made another trip to western Europe, hoping to press his countrys Western allies to keep providing military support (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, Pool) White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday that Russian forces were beginning to overwhelm Ukrainian defences in the eastern city. He said Avdiivka is at risk of falling to Russia, a development he blamed in very large part on the fact that Ukrainian forces are running out of artillery ammunition. The United States is Ukraines biggest single supporter but some 60 billion dollars (47.4 billion) for Kyiv is being held up by political disagreements among American lawmakers. Heavily fortified with a web of tunnels and concrete fortifications, Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy. Capturing Avdiivka could be a timely boost for Moscow and serve as a possible springboard for Russia to drive deeper into the region. Fewer than 1,000 people remain in the city, according to the Donetsk regional governor, Vadym Filashkin. The city, with a pre-war population of about 31,000, is today a bombed-out shell of what it once was. Aerial footage of Avdiivka obtained by The Associated Press last December showed an apocalyptic scene and hinted at Russias staggering losses, with the bodies of about 150 soldiers most wearing Russian uniforms lying scattered along tree lines where they sought cover. However, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said on Thursday that taking Avdiivka would be more of a symbolic win for the Kremlin and would not bring significant changes to the 1,500-kilometre (930-mile) front line that has barely budged in recent months. The potential Russian capture of Avdiivka would not be operationally significant and would likely only offer the Kremlin immediate informational and political victories, the institute said in an assessment. Russian forces would be highly unlikely to make rapid operationally significant advances from Avdiivka if they captured the settlement, and the potential Russian capture of Avdiivka at most would set conditions for further limited tactical gains. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is willing to take US presidential frontrunner Donald Trump to the Ukrainian frontline, amid concerns about wavering support among Republicans for the war effort. The Ukrainian president, who spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, warned that a lack of long-range weapons is limiting the countrys fightback against Vladimir Putins forces. Keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long range capabilities allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he told those attending. Mr Zelenskyy used the conference to urge the West to continue to back the Ukrainian armed forces, as the two-year anniversary of the invasion approaches. But Republicans aligned to former president Donald Trump have been vocal in expressing scepticism about funding for the fight in eastern Europe. Former US president Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co Clare in Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who is also at the conference, has been among the European leaders urging US politicians to back a multibillion-dollar foreign aid package making its way through Congress. On Saturday, he said backing from the UK, the European Union and Washington would make a real difference to the fight against Russia. The bill has passed through the Senate but faces a deeply uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where hardline Republicans aligned with Mr Trump oppose the legislation. Mr Zelenskyy said that he was willing to show Mr Trump the real war. If Mr Trump will come, I am ready to go with him to the frontline. What does it mean, the real war, not Instagram, the real war, the Ukrainian president said. Mr Zelenskyys appearance came as Ukraines military chief said early on Saturday that he is withdrawing troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where they have battled a Russian assault for four months. Mr Cameron, who has been explicit in his call for Republicans to back Ukraine, did not comment directly on the withdrawal but pointed to successes for Kyiv elsewhere. Things that happen in Ukraine, that is for the Ukraine armed forces to decide. But I would point you towards the Black Sea, where yet again another Russian ship has been sunk by incredibly brave Ukrainian action. Senior Tory MPs including foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns are among those at the security gathering, which is also being attended by Labour leader Keir Starmer. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron (Stoyan Nenov/PA) What I am clear about is that Britain is absolutely in the lead in providing that support, Mr Cameron told broadcasters at the Munich Security Conference. Most of all is look at what Ukraines allies have. If you add up our economies we outmatch Russia 25-one. Weve got ability to give that diplomatic military, economic, moral support, we have just got to make that difference count. Are we doing enough at the moment? No I want us to do more. I know that Britain is doing what it can, the European Union has voted through its package to give massive support to Ukraine. We now need the US Congress to do the same. If all those three things line up, I think that will make a real difference. Flash Tens of thousands of Hungarians gathered in Budapest's Heroes' Square on Friday to demand justice for child abuse victims and stricter child protection laws from the government in connection with a child abuse pardon scandal which had triggered the resignation of several high-profile figures in recent days. The scandal, which has grown into a national outrage, started last week with 444.hu, an independent Hungarian news portal, uncovering that Endre K., who had been convicted for helping to cover up child abuse cases that went on for years in a children's home, was pardoned by Hungarian President Katalin Novak in April 2023. The scandal led to the resignation of the president and that of former Justice Minister Judit Varga, who had signed off the presidential pardon. Friday's demonstration, which was organized by popular Hungarian YouTubers, influencers, and cultural figures, was supported by many other celebrities who accused the state of grossly neglecting child protection and of bending the course of justice based on political considerations. "We've had enough. Regardless of our political standing, we find it important as civilians to raise our voices in defense of the victims, and for transparency, human decency, and honest social dialogue," the organizers said in a joint statement on Tuesday. According to left-wing activist Marton Gulyas, one of the organizers of the demonstration, more than 50,000 people joined in Friday's demonstration. Earlier on Friday, Zoltan Balog, a Calvinist bishop and former advisor to the president, also announced his resignation as ecclesiastical president. He previously served in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government as minister of human resources from 2012 to 2018. Balog admitted that he had committed a "serious political mistake" by supporting the pardon of Endre K. The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden will continue to work with Congress to pass an aid package for Ukraine . The United States is committed to its NATO allies, and the Alliance is stronger than ever, with its eastern flank in Europe significantly strengthened by the presence of U.S. forces. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by US Vice President Kamala Harris in her speech at the Munich Security Conference. "With the support of bipartisan majorities in both houses of the U.S. Congress, we will work to provide the critical weapons and resources that Ukraine needs," she said. Harris recalled that two years ago, on the eve of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, she also took part in the Munich Conference. "Many thought that Kyiv would fall in a matter of days. Despite this, Ukraine's skills and courage, along with the leadership of President Zelenskyy and the US-led coalition of 50 nations, allowed Ukraine to achieve what many thought was impossible. Today, Kyiv is free and strong," she said. ADVERTISIMENT The U.S. Vice President added that the war waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin has already become "a clear failure for Russia" as Ukraine has regained more than half of the territories seized by the enemy, and Russia has suffered significant losses. "We have also made Russia bear the economic costs of its aggression. And together with our partners in the Group of Seven, we have frozen Russia's sovereign assets and made it clear that Russia must pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. I welcome the EU's recent decision to provide $54 billion in support for Ukraine, in addition to the more than $100 billion that our European allies and partners have already committed," she said. According to Harris, the United States' commitment to its NATO allies is "central" to its approach to global security. ADVERTISIMENT "And I believe, as I've said before, that NATO is the greatest military alliance the world has ever had," she said. The Vice President recalled that Article 5 of the NATO Charter on collective defense was invoked only once - after al-Qaeda attack on September 11, 2001 - "and NATO stood by the United States." Today, NATO is stronger than ever, and its eastern flank in Europe has been significantly strengthened, including by the presence of U.S. forces. However, European partners are also fulfilling their part of the commitment and are increasingly meeting the goal of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense. Harris added that the role of global leader for the United States, cooperation with partners, and the fight for democracy in the country and the world are in the interests of all Americans. And the Biden administration's approach is not "charity," it is in Washington's strategic interests, as it protects Americans, supports jobs, and strengthens supply chains. ADVERTISIMENT "Imagine if America turned its back on Ukraine, abandoned our NATO allies, and backed away from our obligations under the NATO Charter. Imagine how we would have treated Putin lightly or even encouraged him. History tells us the answer. If you do nothing while an aggressor invades your neighbor with impunity, he will move on. And in Putin's case, this means that the whole of Europe will be in danger," the Vice President warned. According to her, when America "isolated itself, the threats only increased," so the United States is obliged to support democracy, defend international rules and norms, and support its friends and allies. This represents America's ideals. "And the American people know that this is what makes us strong. So make no mistake. The American people will do this and America will continue to be a leader," Harris summarized. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Afghan women feel scared or unsafe leaving their home alone because of Taliban decrees and enforcement campaigns on clothing and male guardians, according to a report from the UN mission in Afghanistan. The report was issued days before a UN-convened meeting in the Qatari capital Doha, where member states and special envoys to Afghanistan are expected to discuss engagement with the Taliban. The Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed after taking power in 2021. They are also restricting womens access to work, travel and healthcare if they are unmarried or do not have a male guardian, and arresting those who do not comply with the Talibans interpretation of hijab, or Islamic headscarf. The UN missions report said the decrees are being enforced through arrest, harassment and intimidation. A Taliban fighter stands guard as women wait to receive food rations (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP) Women said they increasingly fear going to public spaces owing to the threat arrest and the long-lasting stigma and shame associated with being taken into police custody. More than half of the women interviewed for the report felt unsafe leaving the house without a male guardian, or mahram. Risks to their security and their anxiety levels worsened whenever a new decree was announced specifically targeting them, the report said. Women who went out with a mahram felt safer, but noted the stress from depending on another person to accompany them. Some said their male guardians chided them for wasting time if they wanted to visit certain shops or stray from a route limited to performing basic necessary tasks. This undercut chances to enjoy even micro-moments of stimulation or leisure outside the home, said the report. Some women said that male relatives were also afraid and reluctant to leave the home with female relatives, as this would expose them to Taliban harassment. A spokesman from the Vice and Virtue Ministry, the Talibans morality police that enforces such decrees, said it was nonsense and untrue that women are scared to go to the shops. There is no problem for those sisters (women) who have observed hijab, said Abdul Ghafar Farooq. As women are naturally weaker than men, then Shariah (Islamic law) has called mahrams essential when travelling with them for the sake of their dignity and respect. He said harassing women was against the law. Heather Barr, from Human Rights Watch, told the Associated Press that Afghan womens fear of leaving home unaccompanied was damning and devastating but not surprising. It seemed to be a specific goal of the Taliban to frighten women and girls out of leaving their homes, Ms Barr said. This begs the question of what on earth this discussion is in Doha, with the UN hosting special envoys, she said. We need to be asking why the focus of this meeting and every meeting isnt about this crisis that is unprecedented for women around the world. The UN envoy for Afghanistan last year warned the Taliban that international recognition as the countrys legitimate government will remain nearly impossible unless they lift the restrictions on women. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. Dr. Seuss gave us all a lesson on the importance of books. Now, three bright students from Key Biscayne are doing their part so others can expand their horizons within the printed pages. Longtime friends Federico Sammataro, Marcos Gomes and Alex Martin, all 17-year-old juniors at the highly acclaimed School for Advanced Studies on Miami Dade College's Wolfson campus, founded the charitable organization Books Overseas last fall. Already, they've collected more than 1,000 books and delivered them to the Sir Charles Hayward Library in Freeport, Bahamas, ravaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Their next stop is the St. James Parish Library in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on April 13, and then to several book-starved public libraries in Mexico in September. "I'm really proud of them," said Federico's mom, Cristina Sammataro, who has lived on Key Biscayne her entire life (her mom came to the island when she was 11). "They met in first grade at the Key Biscayne Community School, went to MAST Academy, and now are attending SAS for 11th and 12th grade (where they will graduate with a high school diploma and a college associate's degree in 2025)." Remarkably, in just the first four months, the students collected more than 3,200 donated books while still completing their dual high school Advanced Placement studies and their simultaneous college courses. "They decided this is what they wanted to do as their community service project," Cristina said, noting that such projects are required for certain high-level college applications. "The goal was not just to do community service, but be intentional with what to donate, and this is (a perfect avenue to) improve literacy." The once-battered library in Freeport lost some 2,000 books in that hurricane. Now, the mobile library is running, at least, to the three primary schools in the western area of Grand Bahama island, and shelves at the main library are filling up. Cristina and Marcos' mom, Renata Ribiero, were the chaperones for the flight to The Bahamas, mostly as a "logistical" strategy in carrying the books in luggage. It wasn't easy. Due to Immigration and Customs regulations, each book had to be listed with title and author on a spreadsheet, along with donation letters. "That's a lot of inventory, so it was time-consuming," Cristina laughed. She was startled to find out the news media was there to greet them, and the kids were part of the nightly news. "The boys spoke on camera very well, even though they weren't prepared for that," she said. The library serves the 47,000 adults and children on the island, which is as long as about a one-hour drive from coast to coast. Library administrator Shanreikah Faustin thanked the boys "for allowing us to be the first library to receive such a massive donation of books, and I wish them well in all their endeavors, she said. Miami Dade Public Schools Superintendent Jose L. Dotres also commended the boys on their project, saying in an X post that he was "so proud" of the three students. "The trip was really nice," Cristina said. In addition, they visited the Grand Bahama Childrens Home in Freeport, which, they learned, has been the safe haven for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect for more than 40 years. "We brought some board games and played with the kids," Cristina said. Sunbelt Rentals even sponsored a snack time with the children. All of the books have been donated by the community. Now, she's looking to find more books, especially Spanish-language ones. "Now, we're working with other donors to get us to another 1,000," Cristina said. "The goal is, every year, we can continue to donate and identify areas of need. "This is a project they want to continue, even after they graduate, to establish relationships (with communities and donors), so that other students can continue the mission." To donate books or contribute to the cause, check out the Instagram site at Books Overseas, or call Cristina at (305) 361-5454. 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 drone coalition was officially launched within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. In addition to the co-leaders of the United Kingdom and Latvia, it has been joined by Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Netherlands. ADVERTISIMENT Joining the coalition remains open to other countries. This was reported in the Telegram of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. It is noted that the head of the ministry, Rustem Umerov, has already signed a letter of intent and expressed gratitude to the partner countries. He called the drone coalition a milestone on the way to achieving technological superiority over the enemy. "Serial production and delivery of UAVs significantly expand the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Umerov said. Earlier, Dutch Defense Minister Keesa Ollongren announced that her country was joining a military coalition that will supply Ukraine with advanced drone technology. This should strengthen Ukraine's offensive potential in the war against the aggressor country. ADVERTISIMENT The Dutch promise came in addition to the F-16 fighters, artillery, ammunition, and air defense systems that have already been provided to Kyiv. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - On February 14, the 19th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine took place. Umerov announced the official launch of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition. - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that a group of NATO countries will provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with one million UAVs. The transfer will be made as part of military assistance. Russian occupation forces seized the Khimik neighborhood and a coke plant in Avdiivka. In addition, enemy forcescontinue their offensive east of Terny. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported on the DeepState Telegram channel and shown on the map. Earlier, enemy troops had already captured the Avdiivka railway hospital, a city park, and were advancing on the territory of the Avdiivka Metal Structures Plant in the areas of Lastochkino and Nevelske. "The enemy seized my neighborhood "Khimik" and Avdiivka Coke Plant. The enemy advanced east of Terny. We have geolocated the f***ers at the Avdiivka Coke Plant and in the Avdiivka City Council," the statement says. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, on the night of February 17, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka. He explained the decision by the desire to prevent encirclement and save the lives of soldiers. It was also reported that the occupation of Avdiivka cost Russian troops incredible losses. According to some Z-publics, they "exceed" the losses of the occupiers in the battles for Bakhmut, where the most capable force of the Russian Federation, the Wagner PMC, was practically worn out. As a reminder, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the withdrawal of the Defense Forces from Avdiivka in Donetsk region a "professional decision" whose key goal is to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, he emphasized: "Ukraine can win the war against the aggressor, but this victory depends not only on the courage of the defenders of our country, but also on the willingness of the West to help achieve it. ADVERTISIMENT On February 16, Germany announced the transfer of a new batch of military aid to Ukraine. It includes drones, armored vehicles, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. ADVERTISIMENT For security reasons, the Bundeswehr refrained from providing additional information on the terms and conditions of the delivery. It is noted that deliveries are already being made from industrial warehouses and are financed by German funds. In particular, Ukraine has received: 18 armored personnel carriers (their model is not specified); 3 WiSENT 1 MC demining machines; 1 Dachs engineering tank; 10 Vector UAVs; 30 RQ-35 Heidrun UAVs; 11 Primoco ONE UAVs; 7 Songbird UAVs; 9 mine trawls; 4 vehicles for border guards; 4 thousand 155 mm shells; 500 flashlights and computer equipment. It is emphasized that some supplies require modernization or their production is ongoing. "Training activities for Ukrainian soldiers are also underway," the Bundeswehr added. According to the list, more items are planned for delivery in a future aid package: ADVERTISIMENT 2 SKYNEX air defense systems with ammunition; missiles for IRIS-T SLM/SLS; 18 RCH 155 wheeled howitzers; 18 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers; over 120,000 122-mm artillery rounds of ammunition; 9 engineering tanks; 40 VECTOR reconnaissance drones. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. 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 Mainly sunny. High 58F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) A new opinion poll conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a Muslim-American think tank based in Michigan, finds that half of Jewish Democrats and a majority of Muslim Democrats agree on the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Some 78% of Muslim Democrats favored an immediate ceasefire, the same proportion as Democrats in the general public. 57% of Jewish Democrats wanted an immediate ceasefire, while 30% opposed it. Still, that means that a majority of the two religious groups who lean Democratic agree on this principle. Even 54% of Republicans in the general public wanted a ceasefire. Young Jews and young Muslims are closer to one another than are older Jews and older Muslims. Among Jews 18-29, 54% favor a ceasefire (among Jews over 50 it is only 46%). Among Muslims 18-29, 68% favor a ceasefire (among Muslims over 50 it is 80%). There is only a 14 point spread between young Jewish Americans and young Muslim Americans, whereas there is a 34 point spread among Jewish Americans over 50 and Muslim Americans over 50. It is interesting to me that almost the same proportion of Catholics (71%) wanted a ceasefire as Muslims (75%). Among Protestants the proportion is 60% and among white evangelicals it is 58%. The latter statistic is also remarkable since white evangelicals are strongly biased in favor of Israel; but even so they want a ceasefire in the horrific Gaza conflict. Democracy Now! Video: Incandescent with Rage: Matt Duss on Voter Anger over Biden Support for Netanyahu & Gaza Assault ISPU also asked for views on who is responsible for the war. Among Muslims, 47% blame Hamas and Israel equally for the violence or blame Hamas alone. 40% blame Israel. That is the highest percentage who blamed Israel alone among all American religious groups. But still, more blamed Israel-and-Hamas or blamed Hamas alone (12%). Protestants and non-affiliated had similar proportions who blamed Israel-and-Hamas equally (34% and 38% respectively). Some 47% of Catholics blamed Hamas alone, while 51% of Evangelicals put the entire onus on Hamas. Among Jews, 65% blamed Hamas alone. But note that 10% of Jews blamed Israel alone and 19% blamed Israel-and-Hamas equally, so over a quarter of them generally agreed with Muslims in their point of view on the conflict. It is heartening to see so much unity on the issue of an immediate ceasefire across party lines and across religious affiliations. ISPU commissioned Qualtrics to field the survey to a non-probability online sample of self-identified American Muslims, American Jews, and members of the American general public. 1,296 surveys were completed from Dec. 22 through January 15 of this year. Muslims filled out 330, jews 316, and the general population 550. The occupation of Avdiivka cost Russian troops incredible losses. According to some propaganda channels, they "exceed" the losses of the occupiers in the battles for Bakhmut, where the most capable Russian force, the Wagner PMC, was practically worn out. ADVERTISIMENT Journalist Denys Kazanskyi drew attention to this recognition of Russian patriots who support aggression against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Cyber Resistance activists have obtained evidence of the Russian command's attempts to conceal losses in order not to overshadow Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-awaited "victory." Kazanskyi published screenshots of a post from the Telegram channel of Russian propagandist Maxim Kalashnikov, who is also an associate of terrorist and ex-militant of the "DPR" Igor Girkin. It says that in the assaults on Avdiivka, Russia lost many times more occupants than during the capture of Bakhmut. At the same time, Bakhmut was about twice as large as Avdiivka in terms of population and area. Thus, before the war, Bakhmut, with an area of 41.6 square kilometers, was home to just over 73,000 people. In Avdiivka, on the other hand, about 32,500 people lived on 29 square kilometers. ADVERTISIMENT "Propaganda channels write about the cost of taking what is left of Avdiivka. After losing thousands of their citizens, the Russian "defenders of Donbas" received another ruins with smoke rising over it. It is obvious why Avdiivka was so frantically littered with bodies. Before the election, Putin urgently needed at least some kind of victory. And it was won at the very price that Girkin-Strelkov's friends write about," Kazanskyi commented on the occupiers' acknowledgement. On his channel, the Russian propagandist reposted a message from one of the Russian occupiers, who was outraged by the attempts of most "colleagues" and Russian channels to make the retreat of the Defense Forces from the city look like a "surrender" in order to save the lives of the military and avoid encirclement. "I still believe that it is unacceptable to voice the losses. Everyone knows that Avdiivka cost us many times more in people than Artemovsk (Bakhmut). And even the final stage of the assault cost many times more," the message reads. ADVERTISIMENT The author of the message also recalled the cries of propagandists about the "valiant battles" of the occupiers, whom the Russian command equipped with "iron helmets" instead of modern ammunition. "Today, no one is running around in iron helmets anymore. Not because everyone has been changed but because the wearers of those iron helmets have run out. Literally... No other war in history has ever gnawed away at every inch of vast territories like this or covered every step with blood like this," the author of the post claims. ADVERTISIMENT Meanwhile, the Russian command is doing everything it can to avoid spoiling Putin's much-desired "victory" on the eve of the election. At the end of last year, Cyber Resistance activists managed to infiltrate the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Russian Ministry of Defense, headed by Igor Konashenkov, the main hero of the meme "there are no losses in the Russian Armed Forces". Having obtained as much information as possible that was important and useful to the Defense Forces, the cyberactivists left a "loophole" for further "visits." As a result, they obtained evidence of the Russian Defense Ministry's desperate attempts to conceal the real extent of the Russian occupation forces' losses during the storming of Avdiivka. ADVERTISIMENT In particular, they hacked into the mailbox of Denis Belyaev, the head of the information support group of this department, and extracted an interesting document illustrating the Russian Defense Ministry's attempts to conceal losses. "Now the Russian ministry of propaganda is activating its henchmen and making them spread fakes about the success in Avdiivka and silencing those who talk about heavy losses due to the preservation of the tradition of "meat assaults" to meet the deadlines.. The situation is reaching a point where they are advancing but suffer such losses from the city's defenders that they are forced to turn on the entire military propaganda machine to silence the cries of those who are now being chewed by a cerberus in Russian hell," Cyber Resistance commented on the content of the document. ADVERTISIMENT For example, Konashenkov's department issued an order to the Russian army's press services to praise the "massive feat and heroism" of the invaders who came to foreign lands as occupiers. At the same time, they are to compare the actions of the aggressor country's army with the actions of the Soviet army during World War II. In particular, it is recommended to draw parallels between the capture of Avdiivka and the assaults on the well-fortified positions of Nazi troops by the Red Army during the Mius offensive in 1943. The purpose of that operation was to restrain and, if possible, defeat the enemy group in Donbas in order to prevent its forces from moving to the Kursk salient, where decisive battles were taking place at the time. ADVERTISIMENT Propagandists in the Russian Ministry of Defense are categorically required to "avoid mentioning the loss of personnel in their messages, focusing on the advancement of forces and equipment." The content of the "messages" must be coordinated with the department headed by Konashenkov. The letter also reminded that information about the occupation army's losses in manpower, equipment, and weapons is a state secret, so representatives of the Russian military propaganda machine should make sure that the so-called Russian media do not receive this information. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! A Peel Regional Police car is seen in Brampton, Ont., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. One person has been sent to hospital after a stabbing at a mall west of Toronto. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz evaded answering questions about the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine and our country's prospects in NATO. He called the question about the need to supply cruise missiles "strange" and added that Berlin spends more on arms supplies than other European countries. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the chancellor ignored the question about Ukraine's prospects in NATO, adding that the West would not send its troops to the front to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia. Scholz said this in a speech at the Munich conference. The head of the German government was asked several times why his country has not yet decided to supply cruise missiles to the Ukrainian army. Scholz evaded a direct answer, but said that Germany spends on arms supplies to Ukraine in Europe the most. At the same time, he added that it was necessary to find the "best moment" to supply these missiles. It should be noted that the politician did not deny the possibility of supplying Taurus missiles in the future. "It is important to make the right decisions at the right time. And we are making these decisions. Step by step, we continue to make the right decisions," the Chancellor said briefly. ADVERTISIMENT MP Oleksii Honcharenko emphasized on his Telegram that Scholz also avoided giving a clear answer about Ukraine's prospects in NATO. He noted that the German Chancellor's hints about Ukraine's membership in the Alliance after the war means that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has a green light to continue the war and attempts to destroy our country. "We have formulated clear decisions on NATO in Vilnius. There are declarations on how we will deal with it, so there is no point in going into details. I can say that we have written down these words very sincerely and take them seriously," Scholz said. It is worth noting that Scholz also called on EU countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. He explained that the security of European countries depends on providing assistance to Kyiv. ADVERTISIMENT Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director, Philip Etale, has faulted Kenya Kwanza Alliance supporters for celebrating after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced that he will contest for the African Union chairperson seat. On Thursday, Raila Odinga stated that he will contest for the topmost position in the African Union and expressed confidence that he is equal to the task. If Raila Odinga is appointed, he will have to quit Kenyan politics and concentrate all his affairs on the continental body. According to Etale, the announcement by Raila Odinga that he will contest for the AUC position has excited 80 percent of President Willam Ruto's supporters, since they saw him as a huge threat to the President's re-election in 2027. "But why is it that 80% of the people excited about @RailaOdinga expressing interest in the AU top job are Kenya Kwanza and their sympathizers? Eish!!! "This means Baba is a threat to them in 2027!!! Yeah, my thinking," Etale wrote on X on Friday. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, February 16, 2024 British actor, David Harewood has become the first black president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), four years after the prestigious school admitted it was 'institutionally racist'. Mr Harewood will replace Sir Kenneth Branagh who is leaving the role after nine years. The actor, who has starred in films such as Blood Diamond and hit television shows including The Night Manager and Homeland, will become president immediately. The appointment comes after RADA branded itself 'institutionally racist' in 2020, and apologised for an 'inadequate response' to the Black Lives Matter movement that year. Mr Harewood, who graduated from the school in 1987, said: 'I am extremely delighted to be stepping into the role of President of RADA alongside the wonderful Cynthia Erivo. 'As a former student at RADA and somebody who has enjoyed both the highs and experienced the lows of this industry, I feel I am ideally placed to help these young people navigate the sometimes difficult path from students to professionals, by bringing all the knowledge and experience I've learnt over a 30-year career.' Actress Cynthia Erivo, who has been cast as the Wicked Witch of the West in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, will become RADA's first vice president. The fellow RADA alumni said: 'I am thrilled to be joining David and the whole team at RADA as the Academy's Vice President. 'Having trained at the academy, I am acutely aware of how important a strong support system is, when it comes to education in the arts, it is by no means easy.' The honorary president and vice president of RADA serve symbolic roles to embody the values of the drama school. As well as ambassadorial roles such as through advocacy and raising awareness about the school. Outgoing president Sir Kenneth Branagh said: 'It has been a privilege to serve RADA, and it is a thrill to welcome the brilliant David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo to their new roles at the academy.' RADA is a prestigious central London drama school and its star-studded alumni include the likes of Joan Collins and Ralph Fiennes. Friday, February 16, 2024 American actor, Brad Pitt and his girlfriend Ines de Ramon have reportedly moved in together. Ines, 34, has moved into the 60-year-old actor's home, according to People's sources. 'It's pretty recent. They are going very strong and she is happier than ever,' the insider said, adding that she still has her place as well They were seen two months after Ines separated from her husband Paul Wesley after three years of marriage. The couple have seen together at different outing. Brad reportedly took her to his Babylon premiere in December 2022, followed by birthday celebrations, New Year's Eve together, and a trip to Paris. They also were together to ring in Brad's 60th birthday in December. The actor attended the film festival to help honor his pal Bradley Cooper with the Outstanding Performer of the year award. Brad and Ines were seated next to each other at the event - which took place at Arlington Theater - as seen in Hello! magazine. A source told People: 'He seemed to be in very good spirits onstage when he presented the award to Bradley and poked fun at his friend, joking that he was just here for the free trip to Santa Barbara.' Brad share six children, sons Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Knox, 15, and daughters Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and Vivienne, 15, with ex-wife, actress Angelina Jolie, 48. Friday, February 16, 2024 Cardi B and her estranged husband, Offset, spent Valentines Day together. They had dinner in Miami at celeb hotspot Carbone despite their split. In photos, the rappers were seen arriving at the Italian restaurant together. However, Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, waited a few minutes to go inside after Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar. The couple, who secretly tied the knot in September 2017, then emerged from Carbone together, with Cardi covering her face with her phone. They interacted a bit with fans, then they got into their black SUV and drove away together. Their date night comes a month and a half after Cardi revealed she and the Migos rapper slept together after celebrating New Years Eve together in a club in Miami amid their separation. Was I clubbing with my baby daddy? Yes. Did I get dked down on New Years Eve? Yes. I needed dk on New Years Eve, she said. I feel like we were vibing on New Years Eve, we had a good time. The WAP rapper, however, shared that she and Offset were not back together but were working on their issues and going to therapy. Fans first noticed there was trouble in paradise in December when the rappers were no longer following each other on Instagram. Cardi then revealed on social media that they have been seperated for a while. Though Offset denied cheating on his wife, she lashed out against him on social media, calling him a bitch. Despite the drama the couple who share daughter Kulture, 5, and son Wave, 2 decided to spend Christmas together as a family. After fans questioned Cardis relationship status, she told them to STFU and threatened to delete her social media accounts. Friday, February 16, 2024 Egypt has officially ditched the US Dollar in trade. The country was one of five nations to accept an invitation to join BRICS at its 2023 summit. Other nations are Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Subsequently, Egypt expressed its desire to move away from the US dollar in trade. Egypts Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated its intention earlier this week. The country assured that it will work to urge countries it trades with in national currencies to lessen the burden of the rising cost of utilizing foreign currencies for settlements. Furthermore, the country said that the decision was a result of a global economic shift. They noted the international crises over the past four years, as a major development in its decision. - Detectives have arrested four suspected cryptocurrency scammers after raiding their residence in Kahawa Wendani. According to DCI, the suspects were allegedly working with GHash Mining, which claims to be a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency mining company with over 25 data centres across Africa. DCI and other security units conducted the joint operation after several people reported losing huge sums of money at the hands of the miners. Upon arrest, the officers recovered 1,136 SIM cards from three different mobile service providers. Also confiscated during the syndicate were eight mobile phones, a tablet, and a laptop, recorded as exhibits to aid in the investigation. The suspects were taken to Muthaiga and Pangani police stations pending arraignment as investigations into the syndicate continue. The scammers reportedly send short messages enticing unsuspecting Kenyans with promises of earning easy money. They also send phishing links that compromise the online security of their victims. Verify the authenticity of any online investment platforms with Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) respectively before investing your hard-earned money, DCI warned Kenyans. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Friday, February 16, 2024 A police officer on his way to the scene of a horror crash in which two people died was left heartbroken when he was told by colleagues that his wife was one of the victims. Emergency services were called early on Tuesday morning, February 13, to the three-vehicle crash, in which two cars and a van collided on the A75 in Dumfriesshire. Police confirmed yesterday that Nissan driver Melissa Delaney, 41, and a 35-year-old man driving the van were both pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Delaney's traffic police officer husband was on his way to the incident before finding out his wife was involved, it is understood. The families of both victims have been informed, Police Scotland said yesterday. Tributes have poured in for nurse Mrs Delaney, who lived in Dumfries. She had been involved with the Dumfries Baton Twirlers (DBT) club for almost 15 years and was an active member of its fundraising committee. The club sent out its 'heartfelt condolences' to her family, saying the mother was 'one of the best supporters to all our members and she was so proud of her two girls'. The message continued: 'Every single athlete, parent and supporter of our club is hurting today. We can't imagine any competition or trip ever being the same again.' Club member Abbie Davidson said: 'At DBT we are one big family, and it's not until something tragic like this happens you realise how lucky you are to be surrounded by such a strong and supportive group of people. 'Our family will never be the same without you Mel. 'You have raised such strong, beautiful and talented girls who will continue to be an absolute credit to you.' Saturday, February 17, 2024 - A police officer was on Friday night robbed of her firearm while on duty within Githurai 44, Kiwanjani area, Kiambu County. The officer identified as Mercy Mamboleo reported that while on duty, three armed men attacked her and her colleague, snatching her gun, and escaping. Mamboleo was in the company of another female officer when they were accosted by three men. "Two of the men sandwiched the officer and grabbed her hands while the other one held her colleague while shouting "ua, ua (kill them), a police report indicates. Authorities further revealed that one of the attackers was armed with a pistol. They made away with the policewomans firearm, escaping into the nearby bushes. The two officers immediately requested backup from their colleagues, forcing the robbers to flee without shooting back. A police hunt is currently underway to recover the lost firearm. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, February 17, 2024 - The White House has announced that United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Mama Rachael Ruto, in May 2024. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Peirre said in a statement that Ruto is set for a State Visit to the United States on May 23, 2024. "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya for a State Visit to the United States on May 23, 2024." He said the meeting is set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of US-Kenya diplomatic relations, symbolising a robust partnership that has significantly impacted the citizens of both nations. According to the Press Secretary, the visit which will strengthen Kenya and the US's shared commitment to advancing peace and security will also expand economic ties and show unity in the defense of democratic values. During the State visit, the two Heads of State will discuss ways of bolstering cooperation in areas including people-to-people ties, trade and investment, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security. The Kenyan DAILY POST President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the withdrawal of the Defense Forces from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region a "professional decision", the key goal of which is to save the lives of Ukrainian soldier. He emphasized, "Ukraine can win the war against the aggressor, but this victory depends not only on the courage of the defenders of our country but also on the willingness of the West to help achieve it." ADVERTISIMENT The President said this during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 17. He also warned Europe of the challenges it is facing. Zelenskyy's speech at the Munich Security Conference came after the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced the withdrawal of the Defense Forces from Avdiivka, which had been under intense and continuous Russian assault since early October last year. "It is a professional decision to save our people. And for us, this is the most important task. We save our people, our soldiers," Zelenskyy commented on the latest events. He also emphasized, "Avdiivka is a vivid example of the fact that achieving victory depends not only on Ukrainian soldiers, who have already demonstrated extraordinary courage and valor in defending Ukraine against a much larger and better-armed aggressor." ADVERTISIMENT "Ukraine can win. Our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and range of the means of destruction. Still, it depends not only on us. The situation in Avdiivka confirms this. Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in an artificial arms deficit, in particular in the shortage of artillery and long-range weapons, allows Putin to adapt to the intensity of hostilities. This self-weakening of democracy undermines our joint efforts," Zelenskyy said. The President added that "the biggest thing that Russia has destroyed is not even houses or cities. Russia has destroyed our lives." At the same time, the head of state reminded that the West had somewhat overestimated the military power of the Russian Federation. Zelenskyy sees the aggressor as having only one "advantage" in which the civilized world cannot compete with it. ADVERTISIMENT "Russia now has the only "advantage", which is the complete devaluation of human lives, and the constant meat assaults are a proof of this," he said. At the same time, Zelenskyy warned Europe about the challenges it is currently facing. "Perhaps Europe is on the verge of times when the question of applying Article 5 of the NATO charter will be not a question to Washington but a question to European capitals," the President of Ukraine said. Saturday, February 17, 2024 - The Pest Control Board augmented by DCI detectives has launched operations to weed out unregistered pest control products from the Kenyan market which are being sold to unsuspecting wananchi. In one such joint operation conducted yesterday at Tom Mboya monument along Moi Avenue within Nairobi CBD, four suspects were arrested after they were found selling the said unregistered pesticides christened PEST MAX. Watson Mwangi Macharia, James Mwangi, Peris Wanjiku Wainaina, and Alberta Barbra Odhiambo were taken to custody at Central Police Station, as the seized products including the vehicle they were using were secured as exhibits. The suspects await arraignment on Monday where they will face the charge of selling unlawful/unregistered pest control products contrary to section 4(1) of the Pest Control Act cap.346 Laws of Kenya. Friday, February 16, 2024 Austin North, 27, renowned for his role in "Outer Banks" was reportedly arrested following an altercation with staff members at UMC Hospital in Las Vegas. TMZ reports suggest that North lost control within the medical facility on Tuesday night, necessitating intervention to subdue him. Law enforcement responded to the hospital after receiving reports of an assault and battery incident within the emergency room premises. When the authorities arrived, they interviewed victims, including several nurses and a phlebotomist, who claimed they were attacked by the Netflix star out of nowhere. North was accused of punching a nurse in the head, pushing the phlebotomist into a table and shoving the face of another nurse during the alleged attack. The phlebotomist told police they hit North in the head in self-defense with a nearby tray. He was then restrained by security officers, but not before he allegedly hit one more person. TMZ reported that North was handcuffed to a gurney until the cops arrived and read him his Miranda rights before arresting him for battery. Friday, February 16, 2024 American rapper and actor, Bow Wow has opened up about his battle with drug addiction that once landed him in the hospital. During an interview on The Art of Dialogue podcast, the 36-year-old star was asked about his 2007 collaborative album with Omarion. 'I was on lean. I was sipping so much syrup,' Bow Wow said referencing the combination of promethazine and codeine cough syrup mixed with soda. 'I was drinking that s*** like crazy,' he added. Bow Wow, real name Shad Gregory Moss, said the BET documentary series Road To Platinum showed many Styrofoam cups and Hawaiian Punch bottles in the studio. Bow Wow gave credit to his late publicist Patti Webster, who died in 2013 at age 49, for keeping his drug addiction out of the public. She released a statement about his collapse blaming it on dehydration. '[There] wasnt no dehydration. I was f***ed up off lean. We didn't want the world to know,' Bow Wow said. Bow Wow said he beat his addiction to hard drugs and has since learned his 'boundaries' Saturday, February 17, 2024 Azimio Leader Raila Odinga is just months away from becoming the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairman if what President William Ruto is doing is anything to go by. This is after Ruto unveiled a campaign machinery for Raila ahead of the elections. Ruto unveiled a committee, aimed at campaigning for Raila Odingas candidature for the African Union (AU) chairperson role. The committee, financed through the exchequer, has drawn members from the government and is set to recruit more officials from the opposition to strengthen the plan. According to local reports, Ruto lobbied for Raila in various African countries and paved the way for the opposition leader to announce his interest in the top AU job. Speaking in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on Friday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced that it was Eastern Africas time to take over the AUs leadership. The Central, Southern and Western Africa regions have had their share since 2002, so it is now time for the Eastern and Northern Africa regions. Under the rotational rules, Eastern Africa has the first opportunity when the term of the current chair expires end of this year, Mudavadi stated. Azimio la Umoja leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday, rallied behind their principal, promising to support his bid for the top AU job. We fully support his decision, and we shall back his candidature to our fullest capacity, Kalonzo stated. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has endorsed Raila for the AU job, noting that the Azimio leader was the right candidate to take over from Moussa Faki. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has confirmed that President William Rutos government is doing everything possible to ensure Azimio Leader Raila Odinga becomes the next African Union Commission chairperson. In a statement, Singoei admitted that Rutos government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will endorse and facilitate the candidature of Raila for the AU role. According to the PS, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was the government agency mandated to facilitate such candidature for the country and seek support across the continent. Sing'oei also expressed that the former premier was deserving of the post as the ODM boss is a statesman. "Facilitating the candidature of qualified Kenyans to regional and international organizations is one of the mandates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are on standby to support this quest for a well-deserving national," he stated. The Ministry is expected to begin lobbying for Raila. Notably, leaders allied with Ruto including Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria have already thrown their weight behind Raila. "With incoming Chair of Africa Union Commission. Africa will never be the same again. Super friend and a wonderful soul," Kuria posted on his social media pages. "A man who ticks all the boxes. We enthusiastically look forward to Raila Odinga becoming the AU Commission Chairperson. There has never been a better candidate for this job than Jakom," former Senator Millicent Omanga added. Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and other government officials will launch a charm offensive in the continent to woo African leaders to vote in Railas favour once everything is cleared up. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Controversial lawyer, Miguna Miguna, is among a cabal of Kenyans who are unhappy after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed his interest in becoming the next African Union chairperson ahead of Mousa Faki's retirement this year. Raila, who was flanked by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday, stated that after thorough consultation and soul searching, he has decided to contest for the AUs topmost seat. "I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. "I have asked my friend (Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo) to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people," Raila said. Some leaders led by former Presidential candidate Prof. James Ole Kiyiapi endorsed Raila Odingas bid, saying he is a democrat and he is recognized globally. Miguna said Raila Odinga is semi-illiterate and senile and Africa needs young blood and not an old man who will sleep in continental meetings. Quit sycophancy, professor. The conman should retire and pet his grandchildren. "Africans need to get serious. We dont need a semi-illiterate, incoherent, senile conman to sleep at continental meetings when the world left Africa behind millenniums ago," Miguna told Ole Kiyiapi. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 17, 2024 - The Government of Haiti has disclosed some details about a high-level meeting between officials from the Caribbean nation and Kenya, which was held in the United States for three days. Officials from Haiti remarked that the two countries had agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on when to deploy officers to the troubled nation despite the ban by a Kenyan court. Additionally, it was reported that the two countries set a deadline on when police officers should be deployed to Haiti. The meeting was convened by senior United States government officials. While Haiti officials leaked details of the meeting, they fell just short of making public the deadline set for the police deployment. There was a conspicuous silence from Kenyan officials on how President William Rutos government was going to circumvent the court ruling. Haiti officials though remarked that before the deployment, there would be measures put in place to ensure that the process was lawful. A final decision on the text should come early next week as well as its signature by both parties, Haitis government stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, February 17, 2024 That Mt. Kenya region is so fed up with the government of President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, is not in doubt. So fed up that residents have started heckling leaders in rallies attended by Ruto and Gachagua, a clear indication that all is not well in the restive Mt. Kenya. The residents have lately been expressing frustration over over-taxation, increasing poverty, poor returns for their coffee and tea, high cost of living, and unfulfilled promises by leaders they elected. In December last year, a survey by TIFA revealed that 85 per cent of residents from Mt Kenya said their economic condition was far much worse than in 2022 despite overwhelmingly voting for the Kenya Kwanza government. This is despite Ruto's numerous visits to the region, the latest being his tour of Kiambu and Muranga counties. Residents now feel that Ruto and Gachagua took them for a ride and have turned them into the laughing stock. Our people are not happy at all with this government. It is just a matter of time and you will even have leaders you never thought of coming out publicly to tell the President off, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stated. Our people have been turned into beggars that nowadays sell macadamia nuts at funerals. Ruto has literally handicapped us to a point where the once vibrant community is now begging at the trenches. He planted a seed of hatred. He has found it fashionable to insult retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. He has a party for his community while he doesnt want others to have their own, he added. Political analyst Albert Kasembeli said the main reason the region is uncomfortable with the government is its failure to honour campaign promises. The region massively supported the administration with over 80 percent and they were promised heaven which unfortunately is not the case today. "They are feeling betrayed, said Kasembeli. The Kenyan DAILY POST On the morning of February 17, units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine inflicted serious losses on enemy aircraft. Ukrainian soldiers in the east of the country destroyed three enemy aircraft at once. ADVERTISIMENT Two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter jet were flying away. This was reported by Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "On the morning of February 17, 2024, in the eastern direction, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter! Nothing will stop us! Thank you, warriors! Together - to victory!" the Air Force commander wrote. Oleshchuk also noted that the Russians, as always, claim that "there is no loss." Propaganda Telegram channels reported that the "success" in Avdiivka was "overshadowed" by the loss of one Su-35 aircraft, while the rest allegedly returned to their base unharmed. ADVERTISIMENT "Let me remind you that the Su-35S is a single-seat aircraft, while the Su-34 is a two-seat aircraft. According to radio intercepts, one pilot was found, the others are being 'searched'! Something doesn't add up here, does it?" said Oleshchuk. He informed that there is an international satellite search and rescue system called Kospas-Sarsat, which notifies the pilots' personal radio beacons of their location in case of accidents. "As you can see, the system is working! In the photo, four Cospas-Sarsats (dots on the map) were triggered - look for "brothers" in these areas! No thanks!" the commander said. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on the night of February 17, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka. He explained the decision by the desire to prevent encirclement and save the lives of soldiers. Meanwhile, ISW assessed the situation in Avdiivka . Analysts do not confirm the Russian statements about the chaotic withdrawal of the Defense Forces and the huge losses they suffered during the withdrawal from the city. ISW considers the withdrawal of the Defense Forces to be quite organized. At the same time, the Russians are trying to prevent the withdrawal of Ukrainian soldiers and inflict maximum losses on them, because the capture of Avdiivka does not give Russia any significant operational advantages. Instead, some Russian propagandists have complained about the enormous losses of Putin's troops in Avdiivka: "many times more" invaders were killed near this small town in the Ukrainian Donbas than Russia destroyed in the meaty assaults on Bakhmut. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, as the hackers found out, the Russian Defense Ministry Department, headed by Konashenkov, the author of the "no losses" meme, is making every effort to hide the real cost of the Pyrrhic victory with the capture of Avdiivka. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi has decided to withdraw Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Our defenders will move to defense in more favorable positions. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced on Saturday night, February 17, on the official Facebook page of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief. The military is currently taking measures to stabilize the situation and hold their positions. "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of the military, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defense on more favorable lines," Syrskyi said. He emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers had fulfilled their duty with dignity, did their best to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses in manpower and equipment on the enemy. "The lives of servicemen are the highest value. We will take back Avdiivka anyway," the Chief added. ADVERTISIMENT On his Telegram channel, the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, confirmed that the Defense Forces had withdrawn from Avdiivka to their previously prepared positions in accordance with the order. "In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage and under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision," he emphasized. The encirclement of our forces in Avdiivka was prevented and the personnel was withdrawn, after which our soldiers took up defense at the designated lines, Commander Tarnavskyi added. ADVERTISIMENT The commander of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, Andrii Biletskyi, commented on the withdrawal of our soldiers from Avdiivka. He thanked the command for the balanced decision and noted that the battle continues. "I am grateful to the soldiers for the worthy fight they gave the enemy in Avdiivka in the face of total numerical superiority of the Russians in manpower, equipment and shells. They did everything and more. I am grateful to everyone for their resilience. We are retreating to prepared positions to return and strike an even stronger blow," the statement reads. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Northern Ireland's new First Minister is set to appear on the Late Late Show tonight (February 16). Late Late Show host, Patrick Kielty, will interview Michelle O'Neill - who was very recently sworn in as the first nationalist First Minister on February 3 - live on the sofa at 9.35pm. She called the day she was sworn in "historic" and said at the time: "As a First Minister for All, I am determined to lead positive change for everyone, and to work together with others to progress our society in a spirit of respect, cooperation, and equality. "It is about working together to deliver for workers and families, and creating new and exciting opportunities that ensure our children and grandchildren can achieve their dreams and ambitions in life." This comes following a fraught dissolution of the Stormont Assembly between 2022 and 2024. It's not the first time O'Neill has been interviewed on the Late Late Show; she spoke with former host Ryan Tubridy in April 2021, during which she spoke openly about her personal life and ambitions, and how becoming a mother to her daughter Saoirse at the age of 16 changed her life. She also has a son named Ryan. But who is Michelle O'Neill? Born in Fermoy, Co Cork and raised in Clonee, Co Tyrone, O'Neill has had a meteoric rise since her beginnings as an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in 2007. Entering politics in 2005, she received her first ministerial role in 2011 and became First Minister this month due to Sinn Fein's victory in the 2022 Assembly elections. It marks the first time a nationalist First Minister has been sworn in, and the first time a nationalist/Irish republican party won the most seats in a Northern Irish election. I am honoured to take office as First Minister. I am committed to representing all our people and communities. Let us work together to build a brighter, better future for everyone. pic.twitter.com/J6uM9msUd3 Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) February 3, 2024 She is the Vice President of Sinn Fein, second only to party leader Mary Lou McDonald, and was formerly Deputy First Minister and Joint Head of Government in Northern Ireland in January 2020. O'Neill - who served as both Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Minister of Health - successfully led Sinn Fein's two election campaigns in 2017 and both Local Government and European election campaigns in 2019. She recently appeared on Good Morning Britain and reaffirmed her belief that she expects a referendum on unifying Ireland in the next ten years. 'You can be both British, Irish, both or none. And we have to be conscious and respectful of each other.' Michelle ONeill - the first nationalist First Minister at Stormont - joins us as power-sharing returns to Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/U3PzKlPp5v Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 8, 2024 Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway, she said she prides herself "on being part of the Good Friday Agreement generation". She said, "[I'm] somebody who was gifted peace, someone who was gifted the opportunity for us to be able to work together in a different sort of space, and that's what I'm committed to doing for the tenure I have ahead of me. "Big challenges but I'm certainly up for all that." Asked about her belief that a united Ireland is imminent, she said her appointment as First Minister alone is proof enough that the tides are turning. She said, "My parents and grandparents never thought this day would come." She also accused Secretary of State, Chris Heaton Harris, of "an ostrich mentality" by sticking his head in the sand and not accepting the changes that are coming. She made the comment in response to a video of Heaton Harris claiming he doesn't see a united Ireland happening "in his lifetime". You can watch First Minister Michelle O'Neill on the Late Late Show tonight (February 16, 2024) on RTE One at 9.35pm. The death was announced recently in London, England, of Mrs Maureen Bridget Friel, who hailed from Narabane, Kilmacow. Maureen was the youngest daughter of Jack and Catherine Dowling - her father was the local and popular postman in the district for years. Maureen became a resident of London when she emigrated, like many of her generation, in the early 1960s. There the Kilmacow native worked in various positions and became involved in the London Irish centres. It was at one of these centres that she met her late husband James Friel. James was a proud Donegal man and they set up their new life together in London, where they enjoyed each others company with a rich and long involvement in the Irish Centres. At that time the centres were frequented in their thousands by emigrants from Ireland seeking the songs, music and culture of their native land. Born into the Ireland of the 1940s Maureen would have attended the local Presentation Convent school and later went on to other schools in the region. Irish music and song She was drawn to Irish music and song and was on hand to organise and see that the Irish artists like her favourites, Daniel ODonnell and Louise Morrissey, were always well looked after. She loved to see them coming and had many occasions with them after their shows in London. Her regular visits home to Kilmacow to meet family and old friends and also to Jamess native Donegal were great occasions for them and her family members. Maureen had been blessed with great health up to very recent months. She is survived by her daughter Patricia, her sons Brendan and Stephen, her grandchildren, her in-laws and close friends in London. Maureen was the sister of Pauline Barron, London and Tony Dowling, Newrath, Ferrybank. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Dowling, Anna Dowling, Kilmacow and Kay Dowling, Newrath. Maureen was predeceased by her brother John, Jim in Narabane and brother-in-law Martin Montie Barron, formerly of Kilmacthomas, County Waterford. Maureen had a beautiful send off. Fr Jerome traced her life back to Ireland and her great and long lasting involvement in the Irish clubs and with the Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford associations as well as her great time spent with the local ladies club in her district. Her family in London were joined by relatives from Kilmacow and also from Newcastle and Birmingham in England. And as her remains left for West London Crematorium, the funeral left to the strains of her favourite artist Daniel ODonnells version of Going Home. The family here and across the pond would like to sincerely thank all who sympathised and sent letters and mass cards marking Maureens passing. Ar Dheis Dia ar a hanam. South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association recently held a meeting for their members to celebrate their great achievements throughout 2023. It was widely acknowledged that the 2023 beekeeping season proved to be challenging from mid-June onwards due to the very wet weather conditions. In August last year, South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association held their annual honey show at the Iverk Show, Piltown. Despite the challenging beekeeping season, the number of exhibits were higher than ever before with many exhibitors participating for the first time. The honey show judge was very complimentary of the standard and quality of honey exhibited and this feedback is always welcomed by exhibitors as it sets the standard for high quality honey produce in South Kilkenny. On the night, Peter Walsh and Ciara Hogan displayed trophies and medals that they won at honey shows throughout 2023. Notably, the Phoenix park award for Best Comb Honey at Show won by Peter Walsh, has been awarded to members of South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association for the past 3 years, held previously by Mervyn Rothwell and Peter Walsh. The Phoenix park award for Best Exhibit in Show won by Ciara Hogan returned to South Kilkenny for the second year in a row, previously held by Mervyn Rothwell in 2022. Ciara won the Best Exhibit in Show award at The Clonmel Honey Show and Phoenix Park Honey Show with each honey show having in the region of 300 exhibits to compete with for the award. Both Peter and Ciara, also received a Blue Ribbon award each, which is described as the premier award given at honey shows for exceptional exhibits. To top off an already successful year for South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association, both Maura Dimond and Margaret Doherty, recently graduated from the National University of Galway with a Diploma in Scientific Studies (Apiculture) Bees and Beekeeping. This new knowledge will add to the very vast bank of knowledge, experience and skills already held within South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association. If you are interested in taking up beekeeping, South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association will hold a Beekeeping for Beginners Course, starting on February 19 in Kildalton College, Piltown, Kilkenny. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Margaret Doherty at secretaryskbka@hotmail.com. The United Nations (UN) claimed that it could not confirm the fact that the terrorist country Russia used weapons from the DPRK against Ukraine. At the same time, they decided to remind the aggressor of the need to comply with sanctions. ADVERTISIMENT The UN also boasted that it had "repeatedly condemned the shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure." This was stated by the representative of the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, in a commentary to Ukrinform. According to him, in the context of Russia's use of North Korean ballistic missiles to strike Ukraine, one should remember the need to comply with UN Security Council sanctions. He also stated that there is currently no way to verify reports of the use of weapons from the DPRK or any other country. "We have repeatedly condemned the shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is important that all member states comply with the sanctions adopted. The Security Council has mechanisms to address these issues," the UN said. At the same time, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said that Russian terrorists used at least 24 ballistic missiles made in the DPRK. He noted that the enemy used KN-23/24 missiles during its attacks on Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT He also clarified that the Russians used ballistic missiles from the DPRK between December 30, 2023, and February 7, 2024. The occupiers struck seven regions of Ukraine with North Korean weapons. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! You are here: World Flash French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a 10-year security pact in Paris on Friday. Under the pact, France will offer "up to 3 billion euros" (3.23 billion U.S. dollars) in aid to Kiev in 2024 after having provided support worth 1.7 billion euros in 2022 and 2.1 billion euros in 2023, Macron told a press conference alongside Zelensky. The French president also said he would visit Ukraine by mid-March. The pact with France was "ambitious and concrete", said Zelensky. Earlier in the day, Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed a long-term security agreement in Berlin. Ukraine had already signed such a security agreement with the United Kingdom in January. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar) Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov commented on the poisoning of his wife Marianna, the fact of which became known in late November. According to the lieutenant general, he knows who was involved. ADVERTISIMENT The DIU chief said this in an interview with the French newspaper Liberation. When asked if he knew who was responsible for the poisoning, the DIU chief said, "Of course I know!" Budanov noted that in the near future, everyone will be able to see the actions in response to the poisoning of his wife and that they will take place on the territory of Russia. "I think that in the near future you will see retaliatory actions on Russian territory, and everyone will understand this," he said. Budanov said that he did not use the poison himself, so it is difficult for him to say whether the poisoning of Marianna Budanova was an attempt to take his life. The DIU head added that he had already survived many assassination attempts and would probably survive many more. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Mike Kehoe will travel to Laredo, Texas, to visit some of the 250 Missouri troops deployed to assist with border security. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 60,718 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 714 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil accounts for 2.9% of RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $7,139,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.2% during the second quarter. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,928 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $850,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Lee Financial Co grew its stake 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 valued at $2,194,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 4.2% during the third quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,346 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $276,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.1% during the third 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 boosted its stake in 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 valued at $476,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Mizuho cut shares of Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Monday, February 5th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 target price on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $127.53. Exxon Mobil Stock Performance Shares of XOM traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $103.74. The stock had a trading volume of 20,148,171 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,300,236. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $100.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $106.27. Exxon Mobil Co. has a one year low of $95.77 and a one year high of $120.70. The firm has a market cap of $411.11 billion, a PE ratio of 11.70, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a current ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 company had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $90.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.40 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.25 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.66%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is 42.74%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.06, for a total transaction of $216,132,620.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Exxon Mobil news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were 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 owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The shares were 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 of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Exxon Mobil 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. Featured Articles 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. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly invited former US President Donald Trump to Ukraine. If the American politician accepts the invitation, Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to visit the frontline with him. ADVERTISIMENT The head of state said this at the Munich Security Conference. He noted that in the case of discussing ways to end the war, those who intend to make such a decision must see what real war actually means with their own eyes. "If Trump arrives, I'm ready to visit the front line with him," Zelenskyy said. "If we have a conversation about how to end the war, we must demonstrate what this real war means. Not what they write about on Instagram, but a real war." The President noted that Ukraine is grateful for the bipartisan support in the United States. He added that he is open and wants partners to know what is really happening in this war. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy with snow flurries and snow showers, especially in the afternoon. High around 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. On the romantic date of February 14, the digital realm witnessed a captivating episode of entertainer Lee Su Ji's YouTube show,featuring none other than the K-pop luminary, Jung Yong Hwa. The charismatic CNBLUE star was accompanied by the dynamic members of Kep1er - XIAOTING, MASHIRO, and CHAEHYUN, hailing from China, Japan, and Korea, respectively. The energy in the studio was palpable as they collectively reminisced about Jung Yong Hwa's illustrious popularity that transcended borders. Cyworld Photos Unveiled: The Viral Ski Resort Moment Diving into the depths of Jung Yong Hwa's past, Lee Su Ji unveiled the cherished relics of his Cyworld era. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she playfully remarked, "As far as I know, you were in the third year of middle school here, right? You pretty much took over the internet with these photos taken at a ski resort back then." The visual journey through those viral ski resort snapshots sparked both laughter and nostalgia, setting the stage for the revelation of the K-pop heartthrob's teenage allure. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: K-Netz Agree on Top-Notch Visuals of THIS 3rd-Gen Idol... His Label Even Chased After Him! Mischievous Laughter and Middle School Confessions As the Cyworld photos came to life, MASHIRO, one of Kep1er's spirited members, couldn't help but add a playful remark, "Oh, you were in middle school then? You don't look like a middle school third-grader in the pictures," eliciting spontaneous bursts of laughter. Lee Su Ji skillfully steered the conversation toward Jung Yong Hwa's romantic escapades during his school days, prompting the charismatic artist to share a proud confession, "Well, I always received pepero (chocolate-covered pretzel sticks) from students from other schools too." The studio echoed with laughter, painting a vivid picture of Jung Yong Hwa's teenage charm. The Uncomfortable Price of Popularity However, with great popularity came unexpected discomfort. Jung Yong Hwa revealed a surprising facet of his teenage years, admitting that his soaring popularity forced him to abstain from taking the bus. He candidly confessed, "After the Cyworld photos spread online, I got even more attention from them. So, being around too many girls like that made me kind of feel uncomfortable." The revelation provided a raw glimpse into the challenges that accompanied the idol's unprecedented popularity. Epic Fail: The Utility Pole Incident The climax of the show unfolded when Lee Su Ji, ever the provocateur, questioned if Jung Yong Hwa ever yearned to savor his popular moments. In response, he recounted a hilarious incident when he attempted to impress middle school girls by greeting them from the street, inadvertently colliding with a utility pole. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE Despite the unexpected mishap, Jung Yong Hwa seamlessly played it cool, nonchalantly stating, "Oh, I didn't know there was a utility pole here." READ ALSO: SISTAR19 Hyolyn Faces Backlash for Saying the 'N-Word' on Instagram Post: 'She's embarrassing' For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. Back in 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russian dictator Vladimir Putin of the catastrophic consequences for Russia if Navalny died in prison. This happened after the Russian opposition leader went on a hunger strike in protest after the colony's management refused to provide him with access to proper medical care. ADVERTISIMENT This statement by Biden three years ago is being recalled by the world media on February 16, the day of Alexei Navalny's death. The US president then emphasized that Navalny's death in custody would be a tragedy and would harm Russia's relations with the United States and the rest of the world. It would be another indication that Russia has no intention of respecting fundamental human rights. "I made it clear to him that I believe the consequences of this would be devastating for Russia. It would be a tragedy. It would bring nothing but deterioration of relations with the whole world and with me," Biden said at the time. The American leader warned the Kremlin dictator about the possible consequences for his regime on June 16, 2021, in Geneva after a bilateral meeting with Putin. "I told him that no U.S. president can maintain the trust of the American people if he does not defend our democratic values. That is why we will stand in support of Alexei Navalny," Joe Biden said at the time. ADVERTISIMENT Following Biden's strong statements, Putin denied suggestions that he might have been involved in the assassination attempt on Navalny. This refers to the poisoning of the Russian oppositionist on an airplane in 2020. "We do not have such a custom of killing anyone. The person you mentioned (Navalny - Ed.) will be treated no worse than anyone else who is in prison," Putin cynically assured at the time. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PNN New Delhi [India], February 17: Noida-based CallerDesk which is India's regulatory licensed Virtual Network Operator (VNO) holder, is transforming businesses by providing virtual call center solutions all over India. CallerDesk, which means a virtual help desk for callers is a platform that provides complete call center solutions but over the cloud. In just 30 Minutes, businesses can run cloud call centers in operational mode along with remote workforce compatibility. For this, a customer support executive just requires a laptop, mobile phone, or softphone integration to start handling incoming & outgoing business calls. Also Read | LAH vs ISL Dream11 Team Prediction, PSL 2024: Tips and Suggestions To Pick Best Winning Fantasy Playing XI for Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United Cricket Match. "It's best for companies that have a major business dependency to connect with customers via phone calls in terms of heavy customer support call volume", says Kaushal Bansal, Co-Founder & CEO, of CallerDesk. CallerDesk model hugely benefited from the Covid-19-induced work-from-home situation. The company's support team can handle thousands of calls while working from home including multiple options like tracking business calls or team productive hours, live break time analysis, via facilitating smooth routing of calls to the responsible support team member including all advanced must-have features for call centers like softphone integration. "With the help of our platform, a company support executive can work routinely at home like previously they used to work at the office", says Rajesh Dimania, Co-Founder & CTO of CallerDesk. Right now, India is the second-largest BPO Industry in the world which is directly helping employment generation but physical on-premises call center companies are paying high costs for capital infrastructure and still overall setup is not very flexible and needs high maintenance. Even during the lockdown, most of the on-premises call center setups faced unexpected issues globally as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to turn to remote working. However, now the greater challenge is to enable the customer support team to be available for the customers even while working from home. Also Read | Australia Shocker: Man Inserts Button Batteries into His Penis for 'Sexual Gratification', Hospitalised. That's why the CallerDesk cloud call center solution was devised as one of the key communication technologies for this "New Normal" scenario. It helps businesses avoid the restrictions and hurdles of on-premises infrastructure and makes the company's customer support employees capable of working from home which is very needed during and even after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian government has also supported the remote workforce environment through the liberalization policy for the BPO/IT-enabled industry. This has been implemented by removing the OSP license requirement along with many other benefits that were previously holding the cloud call center industry. CallerDesk customer call interaction volume increased by 800 per cent along with 5X sales & revenue growth as compared to the last two years. As an IIM Lucknow-EIC seed-funded startup company, CallerDesk currently has a 1,000+ active client base, including 30+ channel partners all over India. Some of them include HCL Avitas, Gomechanic, Medanta, Park+ and many more. Presently 25,000+ Customer support executives from all existing clients are using the platform and handling customer support calls on a regular basis. The company has also been awarded as an Emerging company in the IT category by the Indian Achiever Forum. CallerDesk is also an official resource partner with the Startup India Portal, Nasscom 10,000 Startup Kit, Multiple incubation centers, and co-working spaces like 91Springboard to provide free premium accounts for a limited time to all of their enrolled startup companies, considering it as an effort to contribute towards the startup ecosystem. As per one Global Market Survey by a research firm, the Growth of the global call center market size projection reached USD 496 Billion and the market for call-center AI technology is expected to increase from USD 800 million in 2019 to USD 2.8 billion by 2024 as AI-enabled conversational chat-bots are now trying to replace human agents with virtual agents. CallerDesk's goal is to become the Primary outlet for Business phone call optimization & analytics for businesses, marketers, and agencies. To achieve this, they are going to launch a mobile application specifically for solopreneurs or those with small team sizes to manage all incoming and outgoing calls through a single mobile app. The app will also include integrations with an AI Voice bot, WhatsApp, SMS, and detailed business intelligence reporting. For more information about the company, visit: https://callerdesk.io/ (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) Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh) [India], February 17 (ANI): Two people were found dead in the Gauri Sadan pilgrims' accommodation section in Srisailam on Saturday. The incident came to light when a woman and a man were found in room 137 of Gauri Sadan. According to the hotel owner, a person named Mallesh had booked the room on February 13. The hotel owner told the cleaning staff of the temple to go and clean the room. Also Read | Munich Security Conference 2024: India Pushing for Two-State Solution for Decades; Now More Countries Seeing It As 'Urgent', Says EAM S Jaishankar on Situation in Gaza. The staff were shocked to see the two people hanging and informed the police and the higher officials. The police reached the scene and started the investigation. The police found the Aadhaar card of the woman, whose name was Sarita, along with a knife and a sanitiser bottle. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: 122 Arrested Across State for Impersonation, Cheating in Police Constable Recruitment Exam. Srisailam Circle inspector Prasad Rao said, "The police have registered a case and investigation is underway." (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 (Bihar) [India], February 17 (ANI): The Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar on Friday ordered a probe to review the functioning of the departments under the state's former Deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and his close ministers in the previous JDU-RJD government. According to an official statement, orders have been given by the Bihar government to review the functioning of the departments under Tejashwi Yadav and his close ministers in the previous government. Also Read | Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 17, 2024. The work of the Health Department, Road Construction Department, Urban Development and Housing Department and the decisions taken by him will be reviewed. Apart from this, the work of the RJD regime in the Rural Affairs Department, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Mines and Geology Department will be reviewed. Instructions have been issued by the government to the secretaries of all concerned departments. Also Read | Mumbai Fire: Over 25 Vehicles Burnt After Massive Blaze Erupts at Parking Lot in Borivali (Watch Video). Earlier, after winning the floor test, CM Kumar took a swipe at his former Mahagathbandhan ally Rashtriya Janata Dal and alleged that the RJD indulged in "corrupt practices" during the party's rule in the state adding that the Bihar government will initiate a probe into it. Bihar CM in the state Assembly claimed that during RJD's tenure, several communal riots took place in Bihar. "Since 2005, when I got into power, there has been significant development in Bihar. Before that, his (Tejashwi Yadav's) father and mother got the opportunity to serve Bihar for 15 years. What did they do?" Bihar CM said. He further said that earlier there used to be many conflicts between Hindus and Muslims adding that when he came to power, these conflicts stopped. "I gave them respect but was in pain when I came to know about their malpractices. Where did the money come from? Will launch a probe against alleged corruption by RJD leader," he added. Nitish Kumar further asserted that the Bihar government worked for every section of the society. The JD(U) has 45 MLAs in the House of 243 while its partners, the BJP and the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S), have 79 and four legislators respectively. The NDA has the support of 128 MLAs and the majority mark in the state assembly is 122. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ahmedabad, Feb 17 (PTI) A convict in the case related to the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots has moved the Gujarat High Court seeking parole to attend a wedding in his family. Rameshbhai Chandana approached the high court on Friday with a plea to be released on parole to attend his niece's wedding. Also Read | Tamil Nadu: Miffed Over Frequent Arrests by Sri Lankan Navy, Rameswaram Fishermen To Boycott Fishing. Chandana and 10 others were sent back to jail last month after the Supreme Court struck down the remission granted to them by the Gujarat government. Earlier, Pradip Modhiya, another convict in the case, was released from the Godhra district jail on parole from February 7 to 11 after the high court allowed his plea. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BRS-BJP Alliance Likely in Telangana for LS Polls. Chandana's lawyer Khushbu Vyas told Justice Divyesh Joshi that his client wished to attend his niece's wedding on March 5. The court then directed the registry "to place the matter before the appropriate court (for hearing)". As per the Gujarat government's affidavit before the Supreme Court, Chandana had enjoyed parole for 1,198 days and a furlough of 378 days since his incarceration in 2008. In August 2022, 11 convicts serving a life sentence were granted premature release from jail after the state government accepted their remission applications in keeping with its 1992 policy, citing their 'good conduct' during imprisonment. The Supreme Court had last month quashed the remission of sentence of all 11 convicts. The apex court quashed the remission order on January 8, ruling that the state government lacked jurisdiction to grant premature release to the convicts, as the trial in the 2002 case was held in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court then ordered the convicts, who were released from Godhra district jail on Independence Day in 2022 after being in prison for 14 years, to return to jail within two weeks. They surrendered before the Godhra jail authorities on January 21. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 18: In collaboration with various Animal Welfare Organizations, the Veterinary Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has launched an extensive mass anti-rabies vaccination drive. This initiative, operating under the umbrella of the 'Mumbai Rabies Elimination Project,' aims to protect public health and promote the well-being of stray dogs, stated an official release by the BMC. BMC Budget 202425: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Focusses Big on Mumbai Infra Projects, To Dip Into Reserves for Expenses. The Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. (Mrs.) Ashwini Joshi, are overseeing various animal welfare activities run by BMC. Providing detailed information on these initiatives, the General Manager of the Veterinary Department and Deonar Abattoir slaughterhouse, Dr Kalimpasha Pathan stated, "this initiative aims to mitigate the spread of rabies, a fatal viral disease that poses significant risks to both human and animal populations. Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites. Stray dogs, often vulnerable to the disease due to lack of proper care and vaccination, represent a significant reservoir for rabies transmission in urban areas." According to the 2014 census, the number of stray dogs in the Mumbai metropolis is approximately 95 thousand. Since September 2023, around 25 thousand stray dogs have been vaccinated. As a result, by the end of March 2024, approximately 70 percent of the dogs will be vaccinated. The mass vaccination campaign is being conducted by a team of trained professionals equipped with safe and effective rabies vaccines. Vaccination teams will strategically move across the city to ensure accessibility and coverage of stray dog populations in various neighbourhoods. This campaign underscores our commitment to public health and animal welfare by preventing human rabies deaths, protecting animal welfare and enhancing community safety. BMC Budget 2024-25: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Presents Rs 59,955 Crore Budget at Civic Headquarters in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urges all residents to actively support this crucial public health initiative by ensuring their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccination. Additionally, residents are encouraged to report any stray dogs to designated authorities for vaccination. The collaboration with organizations like Janice Smith Animal Welfare Trust, Youth Organization in Defense of Animals, Universal Animal Welfare Society, and Utkarsh Global Foundation is pivotal in carrying out this work in the city. Together, we can collaboratively build a safer and healthier community for both humans and animals, the BMC stated. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Feb 17 (PTI) Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher Saturday asked the Centre to bring an ordinance on giving a legal guarantee to MSP and said the entire country is looking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing the farmers' demands. He also expressed hope that the farmers will get "good news" after the Sunday's meeting with Union ministers, saying now the "ball is in the government's court". Also Read | Sushma Swaraj Birth Anniversary 2024 Date: Interesting Facts About the Peoples Minister on Her 72nd Birthday. The demand comes a day before the fourth round of talks between farm leaders and Union ministers over their various demands. Stating that the Centre has a right to take "political" decisions, Pandher said, "If it (Centre) brings an ordinance and it can bring it overnight, if it wants so. If the government wants resolution of farmers' protest, then it should bring out an ordinance with an immediate effect that it will enact a law on MSP, then discussion can proceed further." Also Read | Munich Security Conference 2024: EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Permanent, Long-Term Fix to Israel-Palestine Conflict (Watch Video). A legal guarantee to the minimum support price for crops is a key demand of farmers currently camping at the Punjab's borders with Haryana. Speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border on Saturday morning, Pandher said as far as the issue of modalities is concerned, any ordinance has a six-month validity. In another media interaction in the evening, Pandher said, "The whole country is looking to the powerful Prime Minister to gather up courage and take a decision on ordinance on legal guarantee to MSP and debt waiver." "We hope that we will get good news from tomorrow's meeting. We have not taken back our programme of going to Delhi. If they (the Centre) accept our demands, then the issue can get resolved. Now the ball is in the government's court," he said. Pandher said that "we will go with an expectation that the Centre takes a decision for farmers and labourers". "We will go with a positive mind," he added. Asked if the government may give an offer for the formation of a committee on the MSP, Pandher said, "We do not have such inputs." It is not appropriate for making any comment on the basis of any speculation, he said. "We have clearly said frame a law on MSP." When the government framed previous (now-repealed) laws, the farmers were not even consulted for the same, said Pandher, who is the general secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. At the presser during the day, Pandher said as far as the demand for "C2 plus 50 per cent" as per the Swaminathan Commission's recommendation goes, the government was giving a price according to "A2 plus FL formula. Under the same formula, an ordinance can be brought." On the issue of farm debt waiver, Pandher said the government is saying that the loan amount has to be assessed. The government can collect data from banks in this regard, he said, adding, "It is a question of political will power." "They (the Centre) are saying it has to be discussed with the states. You leave aside the states. You talk about the Centre and central banks and then finalise how to waive farmers' debt," said Pandher. The other demands of farmers are also important, he further said. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal also said that the government should bring an ordinance for "giving something to people of the country". "The government should bring the ordinance with such an intention that it is implemented with immediate effect, and within six months, it can be converted into a law and there is no problem in that," said Dallewal, who was spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march along with Pandher. On claims suggesting that giving the MSP on all 23 crops will require a huge funds, Dallewal said one study says that a sum of Rs 2.50 lakh crore was needed for this. Another study suggests that only Rs 36,000 crore is required, claimed Dallewal. "If the government seriously looks at producers and consumers and gives less attention to corporates, then the matter can be sorted out," he said. He also stressed that small agro-based industries should be promoted in villages. Dallewal said the agriculture sector is generating 50 per cent employment. "The agriculture sector has 20 per cent share in the GDP...why is it difficult for the government to give Rs 2.50 lakh crore?" he asked. "We are demanding a law on the purchase of crops at an MSP. Anybody can buy a crop in any state but should not buy it at less than the MSP, it is our demand," he said. Pandher said that the government was importing crops like pulses from the other countries. If the government guarantees an MSP on crops like pulses, farmers can produce them here, he said. Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai and farmer leaders will meet on Sunday for the fourth round of talks. The two sides met earlier on February 8, 12 and 15 but those talks remained inconclusive. On the fifth day of their "Delhi Chalo" march -- called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- the farmers stayed put at the two border points of Punjab and Haryana as they press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee to an MSP for crops. Besides a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act-2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during the previous agitation in 2020-21. (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 17 (PTI) An FIR was registered in Karimnagar district of Telangana against a judge's son based on a complaint by a woman, who accused him of attempting to outrage her modesty, police said on Saturday. The FIR was registered under relevant IPC sections on February 14 and the Telangana High Court was informed in this regard on Friday. Also Read | Munich Security Conference 2024: EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Permanent, Long-Term Fix to Israel-Palestine Conflict (Watch Video). The woman had recently filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking direction to the police to register the FIR against the son of the judge alleging that he tried to molest and attempted to exploit her sexually last year, police said. In the petition, the woman stated that when she had approached the police in Karimnagar with the complaint, the case was not registered. Also Read | Electoral Bond Scheme: Election Commission of India To Follow Supreme Court Order on Electoral Bonds Issue, Says Poll Panel Chief Rajiv Kumar. The High Court had on Wednesday ordered the SHO of Karimnagar II Town to appear in person before the court on February 16 and accordingly the SHO appeared before the court, a police official said. The High Court was informed that an FIR was registered based on the complaint of the woman after which the court disposed of the petition, the official said. The case is under investigation, police said. The woman, who earlier worked as office subordinate in Karimnagar, was dismissed from service after an enquiry found that she got the job by suppressing the facts with regard to her education qualification, police added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Maharajganj (UP), Feb 17 (PTI) A court here has sentenced five men to life imprisonment after convicting them in a case of gang rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. Special Public Prosecutor Vinod Singh said that the court of Additional Sessions Judge Vinay Kumar Singh on Friday sentenced five men -- Pankaj Sahni, Vivek, Govind Chauhan, Sonu and Ram Narayan Rajbhar -- all in their late twenties in a 2021 case of the minor girl's gang-rape and murder. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's Two-Day National Convention To Chart Strategy for LS Polls Set To Begin Today in Delhi's Bharat Mandap. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 90,000 on each of the convicts. According to police, the victim was strangled to death after being raped by the accused at the Khalikgar village under Purendarpur police station in the district on January 18, 2021. Also Read | Telangana Shocker: 20 Stray Dogs Shot Dead by Masked Men in Mahbubnagar, Investigation Underway. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], February 17 (ANI): The Ranchi Police on Friday imposed Section 144 as a precautionary measure in the Nagri area after a clash broke out between two groups during the procession of Goddess Saraswati idol statue immersion in Jharkhand's Ranchi, officials said. "As of now, the situation is completely peaceful," Ranchi Police said. Also Read | Japan Successfully Launches H3 Rocket. Further investigations are underway. More details are awaited. In a similar incident in Bihar, a clash broke out between two communities after stones were pelted at a procession en route to immerse the Goddess Saraswati statue in the Bahera market in Darbhanga on Friday, officials said. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP to Set Agenda for General Polls in Two-Day National Convention in Bharat Mandapam. Darbhanga District Magistrate, SSP and senior officials reached the spot and took the situation under control. "Under Bahera Police Station, during idol immersion, a clash broke out between two communities. The officials reached the stop and took the situation under control," Darbhanga DM Rajeev Raushan told reporters. Darbhanga DM said that the people who are involved are being identified. "There was stone pelting between two communities. There is no information on any injuries as of now. Some people have been detained," he said. Earlier on Thursday, clashes broke out between two communities in Bihar's Darbhanga over the issue of idol immersion officials said. The incident took place in Muria village of Darbhanga district. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mahabubnagar, February 17: The Telangana Police on Saturday said a probe has been initiated into the incident in which over 20 stray dogs were found dead in a village in the State's Mahabubnagar district. According to locals, the incident took place at Ponnakal village, Addakal mandal of Mahabubnagar, late on Friday night. After the incident came to light, a group of animal activists approached the police and lodged a complaint. Chennai Horror: 30 Stray Dogs Found Dead at Garbage Dump in Madambakkam They alleged that some masked men arrived in a car after midnight and opened fire on the strays. They claimed that around 20 stray dogs were shot dead, and several others were injured. Dog Attack in Surat: Stray Dogs Kill Four-Year-Old Girl in Gujarat "According to locals, a few masked men arrived in a car after midnight and opened fire on the dogs," Adulapuram Goutham, an animal activist, said. "We have lodged a complaint with the police officials regarding this incident," the activist said. The police said that they have received a complaint and that a probe has been initiated. More details are awaited. (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 17: A class 11 student was stabbed to death by three teenagers for allegedly harassing one of them in south Delhi's Neb Sarai area, police said on Saturday. The three juveniles, including a class 10 student, have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Two knives used in the commission of the crime have also been recovered, they said. Delhi Shocker: Two Men Enter Sewer in Keshavpuram Area in Search of Gold, Die After Inhaling Toxic Gas Rohan was found injured on Thursday in Neb Sarai. There were multiple stab wounds on his body. He was taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where he died during treatment, a police official said. CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime spot was collected and the attackers were subsequently identified and apprehended on Friday, he said. Delhi Shocker: Man Strangles Live-In Partner to Death After She Pressures Him to Leave His Wife and Children; Arrested Following Hunt Across Seven States During interrogation, one of the accused told police that he and Rohan studied in the same school, a police officer said. "Rohan used to harass him at school. So, the accused decided to take revenge along with his two friends," he said. The three called Rohan from his house and attacked him with knives, the officer said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Sao Paulo [Brazil], February 17 (ANI): Brazilian researchers described the case of a nine-year-old boy admitted to the hospital with multiple symptoms and overlapping conditions that made diagnosis difficult, including short stature, thin tooth enamel (dental enamel hypoplasia), moderate mental deficiency, speech delay, asthma, mildly altered blood sugar, and a history of recurring infections in infancy. The article was published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Also Read | World Thinking Day 2024 Date and Theme: Know History and Significance of the Global Event Celebrated by All Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The scientists searched for genetic alterations in GCK and BCL11B using exome sequencing, which analyses only the protein-coding region of the genome. They discovered them. As a result, monogenic diabetes and T-cell abnormalities syndrome were identified as rare disorders. The identification of the actual cause of the problem, as well as the detection of a blood sugar change, had a substantial impact on their treatment decision. This is one of six cases involving syndromic growth disorders with multiple genetic diagnoses (two or more distinct genetic conditions in the same patient) described in the article, which concerns a study conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP). Also Read | Use of Anabolic Steroids Can Raise Heart Disease Risk, Says Study. "Exome sequencing is a very useful technology to reduce what we call the diagnostic odyssey - the long journey patients with rare or complex conditions have to undergo until they receive a proper diagnosis. Ten years ago, private labs charged BRL 10,000. The price has now fallen to BRL 4,000 [about USD 800]. That's still a lot of money for a test, but it has proved essential to accurate diagnosis and treatment in cases of this kind," said Alexander Augusto de Lima Jorge, last author of the article. The team sequenced the exomes of 115 patients with syndromic growth disorders that had hitherto unknown causes, diagnosing 63 on the basis of the genetic analysis; 9.5% of these had a multiple diagnosis, far more than in previous studies. "The cases involved two or more rare monogenic conditions in the same patient. Such cases are very hard to diagnose, especially by clinical assessment alone. The study highlights the need to use broad genetic tests such as whole exome or whole genome sequencing for these patients as the only way to identify the rare diseases that explain such clusters of conditions," Lima Jorge said. There are numerous rare diseases, including growth disorders, so it is naturally difficult to identify many of them, he added. Between 5% and 10% of the world population is believed to have a rare disease. Short stature or tall stature is not a diagnosis but a clinical finding. "Short stature may have an external cause, such as an infection or malnutrition. Even so, genetic factors will always be important to growth. In healthy children with short or tall stature as the only manifestation, there will probably be a polygenic basis [where stature is influenced by several genetic variants], but in syndromic growth disorders, in which short or tall stature is accompanied by other findings such as mental deficiency, deafness, autism spectrum disorder or malformation, an alteration in one or more genes is more likely as a justification for the complex phenotype involved," Lima Jorge said. In light of the results, the researchers advocate recognition of multiple genetic diagnoses as a possibility in complex cases of growth disorder, opening up novel prospects for treatment and genetic counseling for such patients, in place of the typical paradigm that calls for a single diagnosis to explain all findings. In the article, the researchers state that the development of next-generation sequencing techniques such as whole exome or whole genome sequencing has made selecting a single gene as the candidate to explain a case unnecessary. This particular benefit has proved useful in the research environment to foster the discovery of novel disease-associated genes, to further the study of conditions with a high degree of genetic heterogeneity, and to help care for patients with complex syndromic conditions, where diagnoses cannot be obtained by traditional clinical and genetic methods. Several challenges noted by Lima Jorge include the high cost of genetic tests and the fact that exome sequencing has a success rate of about 50% in the diagnosis of complex cases. In other words, about half the patients submitted to this kind of analysis will have to go on looking for a conclusive diagnosis. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) United Nations, Feb 17 (AP) The Islamic State extremist group poses a rising threat amid political instability in West Africa and the Sahel and remains intent on carrying out attacks abroad, the UN counter-terrorism chief has said. Vladimir Voronkov reiterated UN findings that IS continues to pose a significant threat to international peace and security, especially in conflict zones, despite significant progress by UN member nations in countering the threat. The group has also increased operations in its former strongholds in Iraq and Syria as well as Southeast Asia, Voronkov said. Also Read | Earthquake in China: Quake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Jolts Southern Xinjiang, No Casualty Reported. Voronkov told the UN Security Council that in West Africa and the Sahel, a broad region cutting across the continent, the situation has deteriorated and is becoming more complex, as local ethnic and regional disputes cross with the agenda and operations of the extremist group, which is also known by its Arabic name Daesh, and its affiliates. Daesh affiliates continued to operate with increasingly more autonomy from the Daesh core, he said, warning that if this trend persists there is a risk that a vast area of instability may emerge from Mali to the borders of Nigeria. Also Read | Who Was Alexei Navalny? Jailed Opposition Leader and Staunch Critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dies in Prison; All You Need To Know. Natalia Gherman, executive director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, said: They are exploiting the political instability and expanding their radius of influence, their operations and territorial control in the Sahel, with growing concerns for coastal West Africa. The African continent now accounts for almost half of terrorist acts worldwide, with central Sahel accounting for about 25 per cent of such attacks, she told the council. Voronkov, who heads the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, said countering the threat of terrorism in Africa remains a priority for his office. Gherman said that enduring challenges persist in the Middle East and Southeast and Central Asia, with indications that Daesh is attempting to resurge in those sub-regions as well. The Islamic State group broke away from Al-Qaida over a decade ago and attracted supporters from around the world. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, UN experts said last month that there are still between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters. In Iraq, they are carrying out a low-intensity insurgency with covert terrorist cells while in Syria attacks have intensified since November, the experts said. In positive developments, Voronkov pointed to the group's prolonged delay in naming a new leader after the previous leader was killed, saying this is assessed to reflect internal challenges and difficulties in ensuring the new leader's security. In countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and Mozambique, he said, terrorist activity by Islamic State affiliates has been reduced by effective counter-terrorism efforts by member states. Government efforts to tackle IS financing are also continuing to produce results, Voronkov said. Daesh's financial reserves are currently estimated between USD 10 million and USD 25 million, down from hundreds of millions a few years ago, the UN undersecretary-general said. In Afghanistan, Voronkov said, efforts by the country's Taliban rulers have reportedly had an impact on the ability of the Daesh affiliate to conduct attacks inside the country. But UN experts have described ongoing ties between the Taliban and al-Qaida. Gherman said a priority for her committee is working with the 193 UN member states to address the use of new technology for terrorist purposes, pointing as an example to IS's increasing use of drones for intelligence gathering and attacks. Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock said the international police organisation is working closely with UN counter-terrorism officials on a project to help law enforcement identify and prevent the exploitation for terrorist purposes of enablers such as encryption services, video distribution tools and new propaganda platforms. He said Interpol also has a project to collect data on links between organised crime and terrorists, citing as an example the trafficking of cocaine through North and West Africa mostly by sea and along the Sahel route. Our findings show interactions between terrorist groups and criminal organisations, where their interests and areas of operation converge to benefit both sides, he said. In combating terrorism, Stock said, Interpol is focusing on biometrics, border security and battlefield information. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Detroit, Feb 17 (AP) A jury awarded USD 10 million to a Detroit-area man who spent nearly six years in prison for the killing of a 15-year-old girl before his conviction was thrown out at the request of prosecutors. The jury said Alexandre Ansari's constitutional rights were violated by a Detroit police detective who concealed evidence in the fatal shooting. Also Read | Earthquake in China: Quake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Jolts Southern Xinjiang, No Casualty Reported. The verdict, returned Thursday in federal court, restores some of Mr. Ansari's dignity and will allow him to recover from the horrendous experience of being wrongfully convicted of a heinous crime he did not commit, attorney Wolf Mueller said. Mueller argued that police had crucial information about a different suspect, but it was not shared with the prosecutor or defence at the 2013 trial in Wayne County court. Also Read | Who Was Alexei Navalny? Jailed Opposition Leader and Staunch Critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dies in Prison; All You Need To Know. The information would have revealed that the fatal shooting of Ileana Cuevas and the wounding of two more people in 2012 was likely arranged by a heroin dealer upset over drug thefts, he said. A failure to disclose the information would be egregious," US District Judge Stephen Murphy III said earlier in the litigation. The detective had denied wrongdoing. But the prosecutor's office found that he feared for his family in Texas and Mexico if the drug dealer knew he was investigating him for murder, according to evidence in the case. In 2019, prosecutor Kym Worthy agreed to a "full and complete exoneration" of Ansari, freeing him from a life prison sentence, Mueller said. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gwadar [Pakistan], February 17 (ANI): A protest erupted on Saturday in the Kuntani Hor area of Gwadar, Balochistan, after the Pakistani coast guard killed a local Baloch labourer at sea. Reportedly, the coast guard killed the labourer by hitting their speedboat onto his kayak, The Balochistan Post reported. The dead body of the victim of the Coast Guard could not be recovered from the sea. After the event, the members of the Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan have called upon all the officials and the general public to gather near the district collector office to protest against the heinous act. Haq Do Tehreek has said that the sit-in of kayakers, pick-up people, and people associated with Kantani business is going on against the killing of poor labourers in Kuntani, the report added. Also Read | Munich Security Conference 2024: EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Permanent, Long-Term Fix to Israel-Palestine Conflict (Watch Video). Moreover, the Balochistan province in Pakistan has been the centre of protest for a very long time now. Previously, Hub Chowki, an industrial city in Balochistan, was rocked by a protest on Thursday as hundreds of citizens of the area came together to raise their voices against a violent crossfire that took place between two rival election candidates and their supporters recently, The Balochistan Post said in another report. According to that report, violence erupted near the Civic Centre, where the votes of the PB-21 constituency were being recounted. Both sides declared their victory after the 2024 general elections in Pakistan. Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Calls on WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 'Tulsi Bhai', Discusses Traditional Medicine, Pandemic Preparedness. The political candidates involved in the crossfire were Ali Hassan Zehri from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Bhootani group. The crossfire between the two rival groups left 2 people dead and 11 injured. However, the authorities intervened later. One of the victims of the crossfire, identified as Sikkandar Chatna, belonged to the Bhootani group. The city administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 in Hub Chowki and banned pillion riding, carrying weapons, and political gatherings for a month. The protestors at the Hub Chowki, as reported in the same news piece, blocked roads, demanding that the culprits of the 'heinous act' be arrested. The protestors claimed further that the supporters of Zehri were openly flaunting their weapons at that time, and the administration supported them, instead of bringing the culprits to justice. Additionally, local sources cited in the Balochistan Post report claimed that the police were negotiating with the people of Bhootani Group over the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the PPP supporters. A delegation of the Bhootani group also met with the SP of Hub Chowki. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gilgit Baltistan [PoK], February 17 (ANI): The residents of Gilgit City protesting against the electricity load shedding observed restricted traffic movement for the second consecutive day on Saturday, Pak vernacular media reported. According to the report, after the Friday prayer, Shaheed Millat Road was blocked at Nagral and the road was closed to all kinds of traffic. The protestors demanded from the government that there are only statements to end the special lines, yet there is no action in this direction. Also Read | Australia Shocker: Man Inserts Button Batteries into His Penis for 'Sexual Gratification', Hospitalised. Protesters noted that Ramadan is coming and people need electricity during this whole month, the government should stop pretending and immediately run diesel generators for 24 hours to bring Gilgit city out of darkness. At present, people are getting electricity for only one hour, which is not sufficient for business as well as household activities. They asked the authorities of the electricity department to provide electricity. Also Read | Earthquake in Myanmar: Quake of Magnitude 4.4 on Richter Scale Jolts the Country, No Casualties Reported. They vowed, "Electricity was not supplied, and if this process continues, the protests will last longer, and there will be protests throughout Gilgit city and the government will be responsible for it." On Thursday, protest demonstrations broke out across Gilgit-Baltistan against prolonged electricity load-shedding, paralysing routine life in the region, Dawn reported. Most areas in the region have been enduring 22 hours of outages in a day. People of Kashrote Gilgit area, including women and children, took to streets against prolonged outages. Protestors were seen carrying banners inscribed with their demands, chanted slogans against the government. They blocked Park link road and burnt tyres. The protesters said they have been experiencing several hours of load shedding daily which has paralysed their routine life in the region. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kathmandu, Feb 17 (PTI) A Chinese male and a UK female tourist have died near the Mount Everest base camp, probably due to high altitude sickness, authorities said on Saturday. Everest base camp is at 18,000 feet and scores of people suffer breathing troubles. Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Calls on WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 'Tulsi Bhai', Discusses Traditional Medicine, Pandemic Preparedness. Chinese tourist Woniswo Dong, 26, was found dead on Wednesday in his hotel room at Gorakshep near the Everest base camp. He had apparently spent a night while moving upward to the place after he reached Lukla airport from Kathmandu. Elizabeth Diaro, 42, from the UK fainted as she reached her hotel on her way up to the base camp from Lukla airport, where she had landed from a flight from Kathmandu. Also Read | UK General Election 2024: British PM Rishi Sunak Makes Plea for Conservative Family To Come Together To Beat Labour Party. She died after a while on Thursday. Both of them might have died due to high altitude sickness. Their bodies are being taken to Kathmandu for conducting post mortems, according to Anil Kumar Mishra, police inspector at the Solukhumbu district police office. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai [UAE], February 17 (ANI/WAM): The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) received 6,235 innovative ideas during the year 2023 through the internal electronic "My Ideas" platform dedicated to encouraging the authority's employees to be creative and innovative. The Authority reported that 85 per cent of the ideas approved so far have been implemented, which contributed to supporting the innovation and development system in the Authority's services and achieving the highest global competitiveness indicators, including the shortest duration of power outages in the world with an average of only 1.06 minutes per subscriber annually, and providing Network services, including electricity and water, are 100 per cent, in addition to the availability of the Authority's most important digital services by 99.99 per cent. Also Read | Munich Security Conference 2024: EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Permanent, Long-Term Fix to Israel-Palestine Conflict (Watch Video). Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said: We are keen to provide a work environment that stimulates creativity that helps employees innovate and develop new ideas that advance the development process. He added: Adopting innovation as a basic practice within the Authority's work environment contributes to developing our services and improving efficiency and performance, and the great response from the Authority's employees to present their innovative ideas through the "Afkari" platform reflects their awareness of the responsibility placed on them as partners in achieving success by presenting innovative ideas and proposals that contribute to Developing the services provided by the Authority to all stakeholders, including customers and employees, and achieving more successes and achievements in order to enhance the Authority's competitiveness locally and globally. Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Calls on WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 'Tulsi Bhai', Discusses Traditional Medicine, Pandemic Preparedness. It is noteworthy that the "My Ideas" platform is the first platform in the Dubai government to implement an ideas management system, where employees can vote and comment on their colleagues' ideas in a way similar to social networking sites. The platform enables the Authority to benefit from ideas proposed by employees, and provides a central repository for innovation management to ensure continuous improvement. (ANI/WAM) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Paris, Feb 17 (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with France hours after he officialised a similar one with Germany. The agreements send a strong signal of long-term backing as Kyiv works to shore up Western support nearly two years after Russia launched its full-scale war. Also Read | Earthquake in China: Quake of Magnitude 4.6 on Richter Scale Jolts Southern Xinjiang, No Casualty Reported. Zelenskyy was greeted in Paris at the Elysee presidential palace by President Emmanuel Macron. The agreement provides an additional package worth 3 billion euros (USD 3.2 billion) in military aid this year, the largest annual amount France has given to Ukraine since the war began. Also Read | Who Was Alexei Navalny? Jailed Opposition Leader and Staunch Critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dies in Prison; All You Need To Know. The outcome of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine will be decisive for our interests, our values, our security and our model of society, Macron said. Yes, we must further invest to support Ukraine at a greater scale and in the long term, he added. Macron said he would travel to Ukraine by mid-March. Zelenskyy's stop in France comes after he met earlier in the day in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said Berlin was providing another 1.1 billion-euro (USD 1.2 billion) package of military aid, including 36 howitzers, 1,20,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and two more air-defence systems. Ukraine signed last month its first such bilateral agreement with the UK. These three agreements ... give me confidence as president that we are not alone, Zelenskyy said in Paris. It's very important that we have specific agreements with all our partners. But I would like to emphasize that this is not an alternative to the United States, we are all together, he said. Zelenskyy earlier said more deals were in the works with other countries. Ukraine has never yet had more valuable and stronger documents, he said. The security agreements appear aimed primarily at sending a message of long-term solidarity as Ukraine has gone back on the defensive in the war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. Two years after the beginning of this terrible war, we are sending a crystal-clear message today to the Russian president: we will not ease off in our support for Ukraine, Scholz said. He put his country's deliveries and pledges of military aid so far at a total 28 billion euros. Macron said the agreements also show Europe's commitments amid concerns that former US President Donald Trump might return to the White House and allow Russia to expand its aggression on the continent. Europe's future cannot depend on the American election," Macron said. "This is my idea of sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Both the French and the German agreements, valid for 10 years, underscore Paris and Berlin's intention to provide long-term military support to Ukrainian security. They say Ukraine and its partners will work together on ensuring a sustainable force capable of defending Ukraine now and deterring future aggression in the future. In case of future Russian aggression, Germany, like France, would provide Ukraine as appropriate, with swift and sustained security assistance" and modern military equipment as needed, as well as seeking agreement on imposing economic and other costs on Russia, the agreements state. They go on to state that Ukraine will continue to implement an ambitious reform program, which is essential to its ambitions to join the European Union and NATO. The agreements follow commitments made by the world's most advanced economies at a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. Zelenskyy's trip came on the same day that Russia's prison agency announced the death of Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's fiercest foe. Putin has already become one of the bloodiest dictators in European history, but unfortunately his journey is not over, Zelenskyy said in Paris. We will work with everyone in the world who is able to bring him to justice." On Saturday, Zelenskyy is set to attend the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of high-ranking security and foreign policy officials, where he plans meetings with US Vice President Kamala Harris, among others. European allies are appealing to the US Congress in recent days to approve a package that includes aid for Ukraine, a USD 60 billion allotment that would go largely to US defence entities to manufacture missiles, munitions and other military hardware that are being sent to the battlefields in Ukraine. The package faces resistance from House Republicans. Scholz travelled to Washington a week ago to underscore the urgency of releasing US funding. After meeting Zelenskyy, he renewed his appeal for Congress to release the aid. The US is a great power, and its support is essential to the security of Ukraine and its ability to defend itself, the German leader said. We are making our contribution, too, but that of the US should not be underestimated. Zelenskyy said he thinks the majority of the American population supports his country's cause. I expect that the United States will not drop out,' he said. I expect that in all of this a pragmatic American approach to us, protecting the security of the world, will be found." Germany is now the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the US, and Scholz has called recently for other European countries to step up with more weapons deliveries. France announced last month more planned deliveries of its Caesar artillery system to Ukraine and committed to deliver 3,000 155mm shells per month this year as well as around 40 additional long-range Scalp cruise missiles. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Reality TV star Divya Agarwal, who is all set to tie the knot with her boyfriend, restaurateur and influencer Apurva Padgaonkar, gave a sneak peek into her home, saying, "kal se shaadi chalu". Taking to Instagram Stories, where she has 2.9 million followers, Divya shared a video of her home, accompanied by the tune of 'What a mess'. The MTV Ace of Space 1 winner will tie the knot with Apurva on February 20. Apurva owns multiple restaurants in Mumbai. It's Official! Divya Agarwal to Tie the Knot With Fiance Apurva Padgaonkar on February 20 (Watch Video). Divya Agarwal's Instagram Story Divya Agarwal's Instagram Story On Valentine's Day, Divya shared some romantic pictures of her with Apurva and announced her wedding date. In the caption, she had written: "Every day is Valentine's for us, and the month of February will be the most special month for us. ... 20th February 2024, we will be husband and wife forever." Earlier, the nuptials website Wedding Sutra had shared pictures from their pre-wedding shoot, in which we can see Divya dressed in an orange ethnic attire, even as Apurva dons a red kurta-pyjama. Wedding Sutra captioned the pictures: "Actress @divyaagarwal_official and restaurateur @apurva.insta are all set to tie the knot in Mumbai on 20th February. After their nuptials, Divya and Apurva did an editorial shoot with Wedding Sutra at Cafe Panama. Nine years ago, their eyes met across a Navi Mumbai lounge. Today, their hearts beat as one, ready to embark on their happily ever after." The note added: "Get ready for an at-home wedding that's both simple and stunning, blending Maharashtrian and Punjabi cultures like a perfectly spiced chai (Divya's favourite beverage)." Art Moulika -- the wedding card designer -- shared an animated video of the lovebirds. The hashtag for their wedding is #cocokibaico. In December 2022, Divya and Apurva got engaged to each other. Earlier, Divya was dating her MTV Splitsvilla 10 co-contestant Priyank Sharma. Thereafter, she was said to be in a romantic relationship with MTV Roadies contestant Varun Sood. They worked together on Roadies: Real Heroes and MTV Ace of Space. On the work front, Divya is the winner of Bigg Boss OTT. She was last seen in the web series Fuh Se Fantasy and the music video Rista Rista. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 17, 2024 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, February 17: India has been pushing for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue for many decades and an increasing number of countries are now not only supporting it but seeing it as "more urgent" than before, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, amid concerns over the prevailing situation in Gaza. He made the remarks at an interactive session at a security conference in Munich in presence of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The external affairs minister described the October 7 attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas as "terrorism" but at the same time, referring to Tel Aviv's response, said Israel has an international obligation to observe the humanitarian law. He said it is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties. Explaining New Delhi's position on the conflict, Jaishankar said there are different dimensions to it, and broadly classified them into four points. "Number one -- we must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism; no caveats, no justification, no explanation. It was terrorism," he said. Munich Security Conference 2024: EAM S Jaishankar Calls for Permanent, Long-Term Fix to Israel-Palestine Conflict (Watch Video) "Number two, as Israel responds, it is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties. It has an international obligation to observe humanitarian law," Jaishankar said. Mentioning point number three, he said the return of hostages today is imperative. "Number four -- There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable humanitarian corridor to provide relief. And eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long-term fix. Otherwise we are going to see a recurrence," he said. The external affairs minister also highlighted India's long-held position on the Palestine issue. "Certainly India has long believed in a two-state solution. We have maintained that position for many decades and, I think, today many more countries in the world feel not just that the two state solution is necessary, but it is more urgent than it was before," he said. Israel has been continuing its military offensive in Gaza as part of its retaliation to the unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7. Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped more than 220 others some of whom were released during a brief ceasefire. Over 25,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run authorities in Gaza. India has been calling for de-escalation of the situation and creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. India strongly condemned the terror attack by Hamas. Asked about India's foreign policy priorities in the backdrop of observations that it is traversing from 'non-alignment to all alignment', Jaishankar asserted that the country should not be criticised for having multiple options. EAM S Jaishankar Calls on WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Tulsi Bhai, Discusses Traditional Medicine, Pandemic Preparedness While putting the question, the moderator specifically mentioned India's continuing procurement of crude oil from Russia notwithstanding Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "Why should it be a problem? I am smart enough to have multiple options. You should be admiring and not criticising. Is it a problem for others? I do not think so," he said. In that context, Jaishankar explained different pulls and pressures countries face, adding that different nations have different histories and challenges and it is very hard to have an unidimensional relationship. "I do not want you, even inadvertently, to give the impression that we are purely and unsentimentally transactional. We are not. We get along with people, we believe in things, we share things, ...but there are times when you are located in different places, different levels of development, different experiences, all of that gets into it," he explained. "So Life is complicated, life is differentiated," he said. "Good partners provide choices, smart partners take some of those choices," Jaishankar said. To a question, the external affairs minister said the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India- China-South Africa) grouping started in an era when the Western dominance was very strong. The premier gathering of the world was G7 and you had a number of significant powers in the world which felt that they were not part of the G7 but can also bring values to table. Jaishankar said last year, around 30 countries showed interest to be part of BRICS as they saw value in it. There must be something good we have done, he said. "I think it is important today to make a distinction between being non-West and anti-West. I would certainly characterise India as a country which is non-West but which has extremely strong relations with the Western countries that is getting better by the day," he added. The sale of cotton candy has been banned in Tamil Nadu following the discovery of cancer-causing chemicals in the confectionery. This decision comes two days after food safety officials confirmed the presence of these harmful substances in cotton candy, known as panju mittai in Tamil Nadu. Earlier this month, a similar ban was imposed in Puducherry. The Government Food Analysis Laboratory in Guindy conducted an analysis of coloured cotton candy samples. The results revealed the addition of a textile dye and a chemical compound known as Rhodomine-B. Consequently, the samples were declared substandard and unsafe under various sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Visible Signs, Causes and Treatment: All You Need To Know the Cancer That Starts in the Cells of the Cervix. Cotton Candy Banned in Tamil Nadu (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) In a significant legal blow, a New York judge has ruled that Donald Trump, along with his eldest sons and associates, must pay $355 million after being found guilty of intentional financial fraud spanning a decade, according to The Guardian. The decision, delivered by Judge Arthur Engoron, has far-reaching consequences for the former president and his associates. Judge Engoron, in his decision, expressed shock at the "frauds" committed by the defendants, barring Trump and two executives from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation or entity for three years. Trump's sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr. received a two-year ban. The ruling for Trump financial fraud case comes as a devastating setback for the former president, known for his success in real estate development. READ NEXT: Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial: Judge Receives Bomb Threats Donald Trump's Response and Credibility Compromised Following the ruling, Donald Trump announced plans to appeal, expressing confidence in a successful outcome, per NBC News. However, the judge's scathing remarks about Trump's conduct during the three-month hearing have raised concerns about the former president's credibility. During the Donald Trump fraud case trial, the former president's refusal to answer questions directly and tendency to interject irrelevant speeches compromised his credibility. "Overall, Donald Trump rarely responded to the questions asked, severely compromising his credibility," Judge Engoron noted. The decision also highlighted the defendants' lack of contrition and remorse, bordering on pathological. In a public statement at Mar-a-Lago, Trump dismissed the ruling as a "fine of 350 million for doing a perfect job" and continued to attack the judge and attorney general. Trump's legal challenges are not limited to this case, as he faces four separate pending criminal trials, the first scheduled to begin on March 25. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the ruling as "illegal" and "unAmerican." He called the decision a "complete and total sham." During the Donald Trump fraud case trial, he and his company executives attempted to shift blame to accountants, but Engoron dismissed these claims, stating that evidence pointed to the Trump Organization's responsibility for truthful financial data. As legal battles continue, the consequences of this ruling extend beyond financial penalties, affecting Trump's political persona and the future of the Trump Organization. The appointment of an Independent Monitor and the installation of an Independent Director of Compliance further underscore the severity of the judge's decision. Financial and Operational Implications The judge's decision not only impacts Donald Trump's personal finances but also raises questions about the future of the Trump Organization, POLITICO noted. With interest, the total penalties in the civil fraud case alone could surpass $450 million, putting financial strain on Trump. Engoron imposed measures affecting the Trump Organization's operations, banning Eric and Donald Trump Jr. from running New York companies for two years and fining them over $4 million each. A court-appointed monitor will oversee the company for another three years, requiring approval for any financial disclosure to third parties. Former Trump Organization executive Allen Weisselberg was also fined $1 million. It remains uncertain if Donald Trump has the liquid assets to cover the penalties without selling assets. The financial and operational ramifications of the ruling may reshape the landscape of the Trump family business. READ MORE: Donald Trump Immigration Plans This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Judge in Trump's New York civil fraud case expected to issue long-awaited ruling - From CBS News The federal government and the state of Texas are sparring over a controversial Texas law known as SB4, an anti-immigration law that allows police to arrest illegal immigrants or those they think are illegal immigrants, with the judge expressing his skepticism regarding it. SB4 has been described as "the latter's Senate Bill 4, an unprecedented anti-immigrant law creating a state deportation scheme." The bill, set to take effect on March 5, has many in the Latino community worried as the law's wording may deport many, even if they are US citizens, as police may arrest them on suspicion of being illegal. US District Judge David Ezra, a Reagan appointee, expressed his skepticism about the law, pointing out that it may be unconstitutional and should be blocked. He then asked Texas State Attorney Ryan Walters several skeptical questions and criticized the bill as sloppy. The judge told the Texas lead lawyer that he found SB4 to be lacking in care, saying, "A little more care, in fact maybe a lot more care, could have gone into the drafting of this statute." He also warned that the law might lead to each state having its own immigration system, which would be problematic to the US government as it would "turn us from the United States of America to a confederation of states," which was what the US Civil War previously tried to prevent. He also criticized one of the Texas law's provisions, noting, "It just slaps the federal immigration law right in the face." Judge Ezra, a noted conservative, concluded the hearing by saying that he would decide on enjoining the law "as quickly as [he] possibly can" and well before the March 5 deadline. READ MORE: Joel Osteen Church Shooting: 7-Year Old Child Wounded in Shooting Was Shooter's Son What Is New Texas Law, SB4, Exactly? The US Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block the law from taking effect, with many opponents calling the Texas law "the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law" that was previously struck down by the Supreme Court. This begs the question, what exactly is SB4? According to the Associated Press, it is a law that "would allow any Texas law enforcement officer to arrest people who are suspected of entering the country illegally." Those arrested are then given two options: they could either agree to a local Texas judge's order to leave the US or be prosecuted on a misdemeanor charge of illegal entry. Those who are arrested again could be charged with a more serious felony, However, the US Constitution explicitly says that the matters of immigration fall under the jurisdiction of the US federal government, not the states. Federal Government and Its Feud With Texas Governor Greg Abbott Over the Border Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been accused of violating various US laws with his various policies regarding the US-Mexico border, from his controversial floating barriers along the Rio Grande to SB4, which he has been pushing. As the Texas Tribune noted, these conflicts with the federal government often led to lawsuits, and in one case, the Supreme Court even got involved, siding with the Biden Administration over a lawsuit filed by the state, claiming that its policies were "open boarder policies." Abbott also recently lost a case against the federal government, with the Supreme Court finding that federal agents can indeed cut the razor wire placed by Abbott to stop migrants. READ MORE: Mexico Finds Another Dead Body Near Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Floating Barriers This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Is Texas' new immigration law SB4 unconstitutional? Two individuals were found dead in a dormitory on the University of Colorado's campus in Colorado Springs on Friday morning, prompting a thorough investigation by local authorities, according to CNN. The college dorm shooting, which occurred just before 6 AM, is being treated as a double homicide, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. Contrary to initial concerns, the police department ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide, providing assurance that there is no perceived ongoing threat to the community. The university's spokesperson, Ira Cronin, addressed the media. "We don't believe at this point that there's an ongoing threat to the community, and we're investigating this as an isolated incident," she said. The University of Colorado police swiftly responded to a call reporting shots fired, reaching the dormitory by 6:05 AM. There, they discovered two lifeless bodies, each having sustained at least one gunshot wound. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation, diligently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic event while also notifying the next of kin. The official cause of death is yet to be determined, awaiting confirmation from the coroner's office in the coming days, as mentioned by Cronin during a press conference. READ NEXT: UNLV Shooting: Gunman Was a Professor Details on Investigation and Victims of Colorado College Dorm Shooting Colorado Springs police have not disclosed any information about potential suspects or arrests related to the case, per The Denver Post. The department emphasized that they are in the early stages of piecing together the events and are in the process of notifying the families of the deceased. The El Paso County Coroner will officially identify the cause of death and release the victims' names at a later date. The university officials, including UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen, expressed their condolences and commitment to supporting the victims' families throughout the pursuit of justice. Sobanet conveyed the campus community's shock and grief, describing the college dorm shooting as "unspeakable violence" that had reached into their home. During a news conference, officials refrained from taking questions, focusing on providing essential information and reassurance to the community. College Dorm Shooting Reaction and Public Safety Measures In response to the incident, authorities implemented a temporary shelter-in-place order, which was later narrowed down to Alpine Village, 9 News noted. The public was advised to limit movements on campus, although police indicated that there is no perceived danger to the broader public. Students grappling with the tragic event expressed their frustration and shock. "We are just college kids here trying to go to school, trying to go to our jobs," Kailey Spurlock, a freshman at UCCS, said, highlighting the unexpected nature of the incident. Julia Sanchez Busby, another freshman, echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration about such events occurring despite the collective desire for them to cease. While students shared a sense of shock, they also expressed the belief that the campus generally remains a safe environment. "That's why I think a lot of people were shocked because the whole year I've been here, the worst we've had is like, bikes were stolen," Spurlock said. As authorities continue their investigation, the University of Colorado's campus community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, seeking solace and understanding in the wake of unexpected violence. READ MORE: California Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: 2 killed in shooting at Colorado Springs university campus - From 9NEWS Just blocks from the shuttered Bethlehem Steel plant, the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley was bustling on a recent day with scores of older people eating lunch. Downstairs, out of sight, a constant stream of visitors was shopping in its massive food pantry. Over the past seven months, the number visitors to the pantry has risen by more than a third. The centers executive director, Raymond Santiago, sees that as a stark sign of something he has felt over the past couple years: Many in the areas Latino community are struggling to meet their basic needs. Northampton County, which includes Bethlehem, is a traditional bellwether for Pennsylvania, one of the most important presidential swing states, and Latinos are a key part of the coalition that President Joe Biden is trying rebuild as he embarks on his campaign for a second term. In doing so, the Democrat might have challenges selling a crucial part of his reelection strategy. One of the messages he has delivered in previous visits to Pennsylvania is that former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the GOP nomination, is a danger to American democracy. Biden is hoping that message energizes the same voters who turned out four years ago, when Northampton County narrowly flipped to him after supporting Trump by a thin margin in 2016. Based on his interactions with visitors to the Hispanic center, Santiago isnt so sure. Its the price of groceries and lack of affordable housing that dominate conversations there. I think so many people are already immune to that messaging, it wont land as cleanly this election as it did in 2020, he said. If he keeps pushing that message, it might turn voters away. Biden chose a location near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, with its deep symbolism for the countrys struggle for freedom, for his initial campaign event for 2024, portraying Trump as a grave threat to America and describing the general election as all about whether democracy can survive. It was a message similar to one he gave before the 2022 midterm elections at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the nations founding documents were created. Biden warned that Trump and his followers threatened the very foundation of our republic. Biden has continued the theme during the early primary season, telling supporters winning a second term is essential for maintaining the countrys democratic traditions. Over the course of several days, The Associated Press interviewed a cross section of voters in Northampton County to ask whether Bidens messaging around the fate of democracy was resonating. These voters represented parts of the very coalition Biden will need to win Pennsylvania again Black voters, Latinos, independents and moderates from both parties. Their overarching response: The presidents warning that a second Trump presidency will shred constitutional norms and destroy democratic institutions is not one that, alone, will motivate them and get them out to vote. Like people across much of the rest of the country, most of those interviewed would prefer avoiding a rematch of the 2020 contest, and several suggested they would seriously consider a serious third-party candidate with a strong message and a chance of winning. Evelyn Fermin speaks during an interview, Jan. 18, 2024, in Bethlehem. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews with Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Fermin's opinion about Trump has been set since Jan. 6, 2021, when the former presidents supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. But she doesnt think reminders of that day will be sufficient to persuade voters in November.AP Photo/Chris Szagola Evelyn Fermin, 74, who regularly visits the Lehigh Hispanic center, has lived in the county for two years after spending most of her life in New Jersey. Her opinion about Trump has been set since Jan. 6, 2021, when the former presidents supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent bid to stop Congress from certifying Bidens win. But she doesnt think reminders of that day will be sufficient to persuade voters in November. For the daughter of parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, her concerns are border security and spending abroad. Rather than sending it out to foreign countries, I think we should use it for our people, she said. As a divorced mother who supported her son as he worked his way through school to become a lawyer, she also doesnt support Bidens attempt to waive student loan debt: If I was able to to do it, I feel that they should. Curt Balch poses for a photo in the Hellertown area. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews with Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Balch, 44, worked in the health care industry and is now a stay-at-home dad. He said the messaging by both sides is pretty toxic when they warn that the other is a threat or a danger to the fundamentals of the country moving forward."AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson Curt Balch, 44, worked in the health care industry and is now a stay-at-home dad. He was weathering a two-hour school delay with his 5-year-old daughter in his home in Hellertown, in a more rural part of the county. He registered Republican so he could vote in primaries, but describes himself as more libertarian. Balch said the messaging by both sides is pretty toxic when they warn that the other is a threat or a danger to the fundamentals of the country moving forward. He supported Trump in the past two elections but is open to considering other candidates this year, especially if he thinks there is an appealing third-party or independent candidate. Balch believes the dire warnings about a potential second Trump term are overblown. Balch notes that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump let states decide for themselves how to handle it. I understand the rhetoric, Oh, hes going to be a fascist dictator, Balch said. I dont think its a message thats getting people to the polls. I dont think people are legitimately thinking that they need to be afraid of Donald Trump. Christian Miller speaks during an interview, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Bethlehem. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews with Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Miller was a lifelong Democrat but became an independent in 2022 out of frustration with political gridlock and a sense that as he got older, he was growing more conservative.AP Photo/Chris Szagola Christian Miller was a lifelong Democrat but became an independent in 2022 out of frustration with political gridlock and a sense that as he got older, he was growing more conservative. He said he might one day consider switching to the Republican Party, but not as long as Trump is leading it. Thats not out of any worry that Trump would become a dictator if he wins a second term. I dont know that I fear it as much as its being made out to be in the media from either side, said Miller, a 53-year-old bank executive who lives in Nazareth. I feel that the institutions are safe and and are strong enough to withstand the challenges. Miller cited the dozens of failed court challenges seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential results by Trump and his allies as an example of the institutions holding firm. Surveys indicate concern about the state of democracy, but its not clear how that will translate in Novembers election. A Biden campaign spokesperson said the democracy message is central to the campaign but it is not the only one the campaign will use to reach voters. Protecting abortion rights and fighting for higher wages will be among the issues essential to the presidents pitch. Northampton County, especially Bethlehem, has been slowly emerging from the economic shock that followed the collapse of the local steel industry. The plant produced the steel that built the Golden Gate Bridge during the Great Depression and a decade later, during World War II, became the countrys largest shipbuilder. The blast furnaces, which fell silent nearly 30 years ago, are still visible for miles as they sit alongside the Lehigh River. But Bethlehem has been enjoying a revival in recent years as it has evolved into a hub for health care and technology companies. New shops, an art center, museum, performing arts stage and a casino, among other developments, have added vibrancy to a picturesque city dotted with historical structures dating to the 18th century. Northampton also is a historical bellwether. As the county has gone in the presidential election, so has the state, said Christopher Borick, a political science professor and director of the Institute of Public Opinion at Muhlenberg University in Allentown. The last time they split was 1948, when the county voted for Democrat Harry Truman but the state went for Republican Thomas Dewey. Its about as great a benchmark county as youll ever find, Borick said. Biden narrowly carried the county in 2020, four years after Trump had narrowly prevailed in his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Anna Kodama speaks during an interview, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Bethlehem. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Kodak said Biden seems to connect better with people when he promotes a positive message, rather than a negative one that she believes will not motivate people in the fall.AP Photo/Chris Szagola Anna Kodama, 69, is the type of voter who traditionally has swung back and forth between the parties. She grew up in a Republican household in Ohio but switched parties during college. She recalls voting across party lines frequently since she moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1977 until 2016 when Trump was making his first run for the presidency and she voted a straight ticket for Democrats. The people Kodama encounters are not listening to Bidens messages about a dark future under Trump. Instead, she would like him to speak more about what he is doing to improve the economy and forge stronger ties with Europe. She paid attention to a Biden visit earlier this year to a nearby town, Emmaus, where he stopped at local stores to discuss the importance of supporting small businesses. She said Biden seems to connect better with people when he promotes a positive message, rather than a negative one that she believes will not motivate people in the fall. Thats where I find it compelling look what we can do together, said the artist and former teacher who was sipping coffee at Cafe the Lodge in Bethlehem. That message resonates with me and with people I know. Esther Lee, president of the Bethlehem Chapter of the NAACP, talks about the presidential election in Bethlehem, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews with Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Getting Black voters engaged is going to take more from Biden, Lee believes, because so far his campaign messages have not resonated. She questions whether the Black community in Northampton County is the target audience.AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson For Esther Lee, the 90-year-old president of the local NAACP, the threat-to-democracy message is not generating much concern among the people she contacts. She already plans to vote, but not because she is fearful of another Trump presidency. We already know who he is, she said. Getting Black voters engaged is going to take more from Biden, she believes, because so far his campaign messages have not resonated. She questions whether the Black community in Northampton County is the target audience: Im not seeing evidence of it, she said. Lee said the issue she hears about most in her circle is homelessness: Its No. 1, she said, adding that the resources dont seem to be sufficient to address the local problem. The companion to that, she said, is affordable housing. With Bidens campaign, they need to reach down further, with the messaging, she said. Guillermo Lopez Jr. speaks during an interview Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Bethlehem. President Joe Biden is warning that Donald Trump will be a grave threat to American democracy if he wins re-election, but interviews with Pennsylvania voters again suggest it's not resonating. Lopez thinks the message is essentially meaningless for many of the county's working class voters. Their concern, he said, is finding steady work with good pay.AP Photo/Chris Szagola At the Lehigh center, Guillermo Lopez Jr., 69, recalls his deep ties to the area and the many members of his extended family who worked at Bethlehem Steel. He worked at the plant for 27 years, following a father who worked there for 36. He is now on the centers board of directors and a local leader in the Latino community. A Democrat who said he leans independent, he plans to vote for Biden in part because of how he thought Trumps rhetoric, beginning with is campaign announcement in 2015, made targets of Latinos and other minorities. It just speaks to me that theres so much misguided hatred toward people like me, he said. But Lopez thinks messages of fear and Trump imperiling American democracy are essentially meaningless for many of the countys working class voters. Their concern, he said, is finding steady work with good pay. I actually think that harms the vote, he said of the democracy warnings. The average person who just puts their nose to the grindstone and goes to work, I dont think that motivates them. I think it scares them and freezes them. NJ Advance Media explored the county and its unique electoral history in a series of stories during the last election season, in 2020. The project, Swing County, Swing State, was a collaboration between lehighvalleylive.com and sister site NJ.com. By GARY FIELDS Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. President Joe Biden on Friday surveyed the federal cleanup in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after an explosive fire following the derailment of a train loaded with hazardous chemicals and saw up close the lingering hostility from victims still angry that he waited so long to visit them. The White House has said Biden was waiting for the right moment to make the trip. He visited after being invited by the villages mayor. Addressing residents, Biden said he wants them to understand that were not going home, no matter what, until this job is done, and its not done yet. He did not explain why he didnt visit sooner nor did he address the communitys collective hurt. He praised what he said were Herculean efforts and announced federal grants to study the short- and long-term effects of what happened. Signs of the communitys still-hurt feelings were evident. Some people shouted profanity at Biden as his motorcade whisked him into town from an earlier stop in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, where he greeted local officials and first responders. A sign invoked the illness of the presidents late son, Beau, who died of brain cancer. Biden arrived at the site of the derailment and saw what resembled a construction site. Rigs, trucks, generators and covered metal tanks resembling above-ground swimming pools dotted the landscape. Local officials, including the mayor, briefed the president. The president has always said when the time is right and when it made sense for him to go, he would go, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. And so, thats what hes doing. Jean-Pierre said in response to a question before the trip that Biden has no concerns about drinking the water in the town, where chemicals and hazardous waste spread because of the fire. She noted that EPA Administrator Michael Regan drank the water during an earlier visit. President Joe Biden greets people as he visits the Darlington Municipal Complex in Darlington, Pa., Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, before continuing on to East Palestine, Ohio.AP Photo/Andrew Harnik Democrat Biden has ventured into Republican territory amid a reelection campaign. Aides said its a chance for Biden to hear from the community, talk about his efforts to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and push for passage of a rail safety law. A number of administration officials have visited over the past year. Its been a year of challenge, but a year of solidarity, Regan said in a statement. Im proud of East Palestine, a community that has embodied resilience, hope and progress. During Bidens visit, there will be a separate rally for former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump won nearly 72% of the vote in Ohios Columbiana County, which includes East Palestine. He visited several weeks after the derailment. Mike Young, the rallys coordinator, described the grass-roots event as anti-Biden. He said he delivered water to the community after the disaster and the president should have been an immediate presence on the ground. The sentiment from residents has been: Where were you a year ago? Young said. Too little, too late. And now Biden shows up at election time. Well, I guess better late than never, said Steven Carpenter, an East Palestine resident who was among those gathering early for Youngs rally. Mark Happel, a construction worker who lives in East Liverpool, Ohio, and plans to vote again for Trump, said communities surrounding East Palestine were in danger from the chemicals and smoke. He said the biggest issue he sees is the sickness people coughing, lung issues and colds. East Palestine will bounce back, but the ongoing health issues is everybodys concern, Happel said. From PennLive in collaboration with The News Lab at Penn State: A year after Ohio derailment, pair monitor waterways: Theres still something going on Trumps presidential campaign posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting his visit to East Palestine last year and questioning Biden hadnt yet traveled there. The visit will be Bidens first trip interacting with voters since a special counsels report last week questioned the mental fortitude of the 81-year-old president. East Palestine has emerged as a test of his ability to bridge political divides and publicly show that hes up for the burdens of the presidency. The EPA engaged in an intense cleanup and says the communitys air, water and soil are now safe. It removed more than 176,000 tons of hazardous waste. More than 49 million gallons of water, rainfall and snowmelt were removed or treated. The federal agency is also collecting 2,500 samples to ensure that the cleanup has succeeded. Norfolk Southern said it has spent roughly $1.1 billion in its response to the derailment. Since the fire began on February 3, 2023, and caused hazardous chemicals to mix, the company says it has invested $103.2 million in the community, including $21 million distributed to residents. Still, there are some in the community who say more work must be done. On Thursday, community activists sent Biden a letter that asked him to issue a major disaster declaration for the community, as well as provide long-term health care for residents, increased environmental testing and relocation funding for those who wish to leave. Krissy Hylton, 49, is among those worried about returning to their homes. Hylton, an assistant manager at a convenience store, said she would tell Biden about her health concerns. The EPA testing says her home should be safe, but she said she has independent tests that point to a risk of chemical exposure. She worries about where she will live once the lease on a rental home paid for by Norfolk Southern ends in May. My home is not safe to go back to, she said between sobs. This has been devastating. No matter what day it says on the calendar, its still February 3, 2023, to me. Because I have no answers. I have more questions. By JOSH BOAK and DARLENE SUPERVILLE Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. A suspended magistrate judge in Pennsylvania shot her estranged boyfriend in the head as he slept last weekend, police said Thursday in filing attempted murder and aggravated assault charges against her. Tests showed Magisterial District Judge Sonya M. McKnight, 57, had gunshot residue on her hands an hour after Michael McCoy was shot in the bed of his home in the Harrisburg area early Saturday, Susquehanna Township Police wrote in an arrest affidavit. McKnight was in the Dauphin County Prison on Friday with bail set at $300,000. No lawyer was listed for her in court records. A lawyer who had represented her previously said he did not currently represent her and declined comment. A message was left on McKnights cellphone. Authorities say McCoy is now blind in his right eye. Police wrote that McCoy, 54, had tried numerous times to get McKnight to move out after he ended their one-year relationship. On Friday, Feb. 9, McCoy came home to find McKnight in pajamas on the couch. When he returned from a restaurant he told her he planned to get McKnights mothers help to get her out of the home. Michael McCoy stated that it was like she finally understood that it was over, police said. He went to bed at about 11 p.m. McCoy awoke to massive head pain and was unable to see, police said, and when he began to scream McKnight told him, Mike what did you do to yourself? He had suffered a gunshot wound to the right temple that exited his left temple, police said. McCoy told police at the scene and later at the hospital that he did not shoot himself. When McKnight called 911 shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday, she could not explain what happened and stated that she was sleeping and heard him screaming, police said in the affidavit. Investigators found doorbell videos from neighboring homes that contradicted McKnights claim that she did not leave the home the night of the shooting. McCoy suspected she had checked on him at the tavern. Detectives wrote in the affidavit that the gun was registered to McKnight and both of them said no one else was in the home at the time of the shooting. The attempted murder case was transferred from the Dauphin County district attorneys office, which cited a conflict of interest, to a neighboring prosecutor, Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack. A message was left seeking comment from McCormack. McKnight, an elected judge in Dauphin County since 2016, was suspended without pay in mid-November by the Court of Judicial Discipline, which handles misconduct allegations against judges. The Judicial Conduct Board, which investigates and charges misconduct cases against Pennsylvania judges, claimed in a September filing that McKnight had violated judicial probation from a previous misconduct case centered on her actions regarding a 2020 traffic stop involving her son. She was acquitted of criminal charges in that matter. Among the pending misconduct allegations, the Judicial Conduct Board alleges that she gave excess vacation time to members of her court staff; directed an aide to ignore a womans civil complaint that claimed McKnight owed her for a $2,100 loan; and used a Facebook profile with her photo in judicial robes to promote sales of a consumer product. Pennlive.com reported McKnight was not charged for shooting her estranged husband in 2019 after inviting him to her home to help her move furniture. State prosecutors did not charge her, citing self-defense, Pennlive said. By MARK SCOLFORO Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. We got about 8 inches of snow in the latest storm, so now Im wondering what the snowdrops that were blooming before it snowed will look like when it melts. I can already see that the yellow winter aconite blossoms under a big viburnum in the front yard that are surrounded by snow appear unaffected by it. Before it snowed, a few purple hellebore flowers were also opening up, but Im guessing they havent fared very well. I planted all three of these species years before I began planting all native perennials. And I admit that I still like seeing their small blossoms in the dead of winter when everything else is bare and brown. However, Pat Sutton, a well-known educator and naturalist from Cape May, New Jersey, wouldnt approve of planting these species. For more than 30 years, shes rightly been a proponent of using all native plants. And recently she talked about two guide books on landscaping with just native plants that are available from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. One covers the southern part of the state and the other one deals with the northern part. A U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service photo of a ruby-crowned kinglet in Minnesota.Mike Budd/USFWS It was really cold the morning I wrote this column, and bird activity was high. Most interesting was a small hyperactive adult male ruby-crowned kinglet that kept coming back to natural beef suet in the front yard. Its red crest was showing even though more often than not its kept hidden. Ruby-crowned kinglets dont nest in Pennsylvania, at least not to current knowledge. In the winter they migrate down into the Northeast from further north, and usually go further south than where I live. But this ones been around all winter. While I was watching the kinglet, a purple finch, another bird not normally seen in our area, came into a feeder of black oil sunflowers. This species nests in Pennsylvania, but not this far south. Perhaps, though, someone doing the third Pennsylvania atlas project for breeding birds that just began its five-year run will find one nesting around here. The late Roger Tory Peterson described adult male purple finches as looking like they were dipped in raspberry juice. The females, however, are basically brown and white. In our geographical area house finches are common, but their color is reddish, not purplish. Later that morning I went out to look at animal tracks in the snow. But, while there were lots of them, many were hard to recognize because the melting snow compacted over and around them. Of course I assume though that most of them were from white-tailed deer, some of which had gathered together at the warm water in the heated bird baths. The big open fields across the road were full of tracks, some of which most likely were made by coyotes. These grayish predators, a very small percentage of which are melanistic or black, are all over both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. And theyre in suburban communities where theyre not expected. Coyotes, in fact, have expanded to the point where theyre all over the country. Recently on a show that David was watching, the sportscaster said that his plane in the Atlanta airport couldnt take off on time because there were coyotes on the runway. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Members of the business community had the chance to showcase the diversity of businesses that are emerging from Laois during a visit by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond T.D. to the county on Friday. Minister Richmond visited the Portlaoise Local Enterprise Office (LEO) where he was greeted at County Hall by Laois An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, CEO of Laois County Council, John Mullholand, Director of Services, Gerry Murphy, and Head of Enterprise Evelyn Reddin. He was introduced to some members of the LEO team as well as some of their client companies. Speaking about his visit Minister Richmond said: "I always enjoy meeting some of the brave entrepreneurs, who have taken the steps to start their own business. In 2023, the Laois LEO supported over 140 companies who in turn employ 777 people, which is a testament to the supports they provide, as well as the strength of the local businesses here in Laios. The Minister was introduced to representatives from some of the local businesses that have been assisted by the LEO including David Walsh Kemmis, founder and Marketing Director at Ballykilcavan Brewing Company. They offer a variety of craft beers each made by hand on a copper-clad 1000 litre kit. The company, a leader in sustainable brewing, produces beers using 100% Irish barley grown on their farm, selling them locally, in France, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Minister Richmond then met PJ Kavanagh, owner of Kavanagh's Bar & Venue, a family run pub which has been in the family over five generations and has been serving Laois' people since 1869. He also met Wellington Da Silva Co owner of Mueller & OConnell Bakery in Abbeyleix. Mueller & O'Connell is an artisan bakery that produces 11 different variety of breads daily, offers seasonal pastries and supplies local food markets. Imelda OBrien, owner of Midland Denture Clinic who create and repairs dentures, specializing in 3D printing and receiving dental scans also attended the event. The Minister was then introduced to Pauric Hackett of Make and Share, an event management company who offer comprehensive solutions for clients, including design, production, event management, and fabrication of bespoke pieces. Finally, Minister Richmond met Flaxilet OFlynn of OMimos Good Globe Pantry. Their homemade fresh Chilli Sauces and tantalising Apple Chilli Sage Jam are made in small batches with premium and where possible, local ingredients. The OMimos range aims to bring excitement and a new food sensation to the market. On the conclusion of his visit, Minister Richmond said: It was a pleasure to meet the team and clients from the Local Enterprise Office in Laois. It is always enjoyable to see firsthand the positive impact that the LEOs have in assisting these new businesses to get up and running. The entrepreneurs I have met today show the diversity of businesses that are emerging from Laois and show the possibilities that are open to anyone who wishes to start their own business." A man grabbed an 11-year-old boy from a bike in a Portlaoise estate because his son was allegedly being bullied. Stanislav Moravcik, 44, of 12 Walnut Close, Portlaoise admitted assaulting the boy at Foxburrow, Portlaoise on August 25 last year. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the incident occurred at about 6pm. This gentleman grabbed the injured party, an 11-year-old boy, by the body and told him to stop bullying his son, he explained. He said the man pulled the boy from a bicycle causing him to cut his arm and hand. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that while it is no excuse, there was a particular background to the offending. He said the man has been living in Ireland for 18 years and works part time in a pizzeria. His 9-year-old son has psychological issues from bullying, he said. Mr Fitzgerald said his client saw something happening and had reacted totally over the top. He explained that his reply when charged was to apologise and that the man had brought 1,000 to court and had written a letter of apology for the court. Mr Fitzgerald said the man was on a waiting list to move house and had a letter from the HSE in relation to his own son. He said a victim impact statement from the boys father is to be commended for being magnanimous. He does say that he doesnt want severe legal consequences for the client, he said. Judge Nicola Andrews said children get bullied and although it isnt pleasant people cant act in the way the defendant had. She said she was quite moved by the victim impact statement from the father. She ordered that the 1,000 be directed to the victim and applied the probation act to the defendant. It is not up to you to take matters into your own hands, Judge Andrews warned the man. 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. On Tuesday February 13, Sligo Traveller Support Group held a Pancake Tuesday fundraiser in support of suicide prevention and mental health charity North West STOP. Two hundred euro was raised on the day with the event being attended by members of the Traveller community, representatives from a range of organisations and elected representatives including Cllr Marie Casserly and TD Marian Harkin. North West STOP provide free counselling and a range of other mental health and suicide prevention supports across the region for anyone that is struggling or experiencing mental health difficulties or concerns. Mental Health worker with Sligo Traveller Support Group Jamie Murphy highlighted the importance of organisations like North West STOP, There is not a family or community in Ireland that has not been impacted by the issue of poor mental health and suicide. It is something which has touched people from all walks of life and it can have an absolutely devastating impact. It is important though that while we acknowledge the difficulties posed by poor mental health that we also emphasise the supports that are available for the people affected, their friends and families, and the many stories of recovery from difficult situations. North West STOP are a fantastic community organisation who provide support and are one of many across the country that do so. We in STSG would also encourage people who are experiencing any type of mental health difficulty, no matter how big or small it may feel, to reach out for support. That could be with your GP, a friend or loved one or an organisation like North West STOP, Samaritans or Pieta House. For members of the Traveller community we in STSG are also here to support you in whatever we that we can." CN Files a Notice of Dispute MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) filed for a notice of dispute in its negotiations with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) to support the parties in achieving a negotiated settlement. The TCRC represents approximately 6,000 conductors, conductor trainees, yard coordinators and locomotive engineers across CN's network in Canada. CN strongly believes that an agreement can be achieved through the collective bargaining process and remains committed to working with the TCRC to reach an agreement that is good for the employees, for CN and for Canada's supply chain. "CN continues its efforts to modernize its railway in a manner that will deliver the best possible service to our customers, while providing our employees with better work conditions and better work/life balance. Recent regulatory changes have challenged crew availability and CN is proposing to address that issue through a modernization of the compensation model. A strong supply chain is good for all stakeholders, the economy, and our employees." Pat Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer. About the notice of dispute Also known as ?conciliation', the notice of dispute is a request made to the Canadian Minister of Labour by either party during a negotiation to appoint a conciliation officer to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. About CN CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Contacts: Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Stacy Alderson Director Assistant Vice-President Public Affairs and Media Relations Investor Relations (438) 455-3692 (514) 399-0052 [email protected] [email protected] 16 february 2024 at 17:00 News published onand distributed by: BOEING SHAREHOLDER ALERT BY FORMER LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL: KAHN SWICK & FOTI, LLC REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against The Boeing Company - BA NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until April 1, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), if they purchased the Company's shares between October 23, 2019 and January 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. What You May Do If you purchased shares of Boeing and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ba/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by April 1, 2024 . About the Lawsuit Boeing and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On January 5, 2024, a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing soon after takeoff when a panel of the plane snapped off at 16,000 feet, leaving an open hole in the main cabin. Subsequent investigations revealed potential problems with the Company's manufacturing and production processes, leading to the grounding of many 737 MAX 9 aircraft and additional regulatory and market scrutiny. Finally, on January 24, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that the Company would not be allowed to expand production of the 737 MAX due to ongoing safety concerns. On this news, the price of Boeing's shares fell $12.25 or 5.7%, to close at $201.88 on January 25, 2024. The case is State of Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer, on behalf of the Employees' Retirement System of the State of Rhode Island v. The Boeing Company, No. 24-cv-00151. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients ? including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors ? in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner [email protected] 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 SOURCE KAHN SWICK & FOTI LLC 16 february 2024 at 22:45 News published onand distributed by: LETTER FROM CUZCO Logging in Coronel Portillo province (Ucayali department), Peru, January 2019. MARLON DEL AGUILA GUERRERO This is the most emblematic case of mafia violence against environmentalists: the retrial of the alleged killers of the "Saweto Four," the latest episode in a 10-year legal battle, is currently taking place in the Amazonian region of Ucayali, in central-eastern Peru. It symbolizes the inaction of the State and the lack of protection afforded to indigenous populations. For many years, victims had unsuccessfully sought help from the authorities in the face of constant death threats. The events date back to 2010. Edwin Chota, head of the Asheninka community (one of Peru's 51 Amazonian ethnic groups) in Alto Tamaya-Saweto, Ucayali, and three other leaders were vehemently denouncing the timber mafias that had been operating with impunity in their territory since the mid-2000s. This region of Peru, bordering Brazil, is known as one of the epicenters of tropical timber trafficking. Since the turn of the century, Amazonian territories in general have been the prey of exponential growth in criminal economies: drug trafficking, land usurpation, timber trafficking, illegal gold mining, etc. Timber mafias Chota had lodged various complaints about "illegal logging" and "forest depredation" within the communal territory. They were all to no avail. On September 1, 2014, he and three other Asheninka leaders were cruelly murdered. The boats on which they were traveling were ambushed. They were shot several times and their remains were thrown to the fish. They left behind four widows and 11 orphans. The alleged killers were hired as hitmen by timber mafias and paid between 10,000 and 25,000 soles (2,400 to 6,000). The masterminds are believed to belong to the Comando Vermelho, one of Brazil's largest criminal organizations. An initial trial in 2022 resulted in the sentencing of the five alleged perpetrators to 28 years in prison. But the sentence was overturned in August 2023. The Ucayali Criminal Court of Appeal pointed to a procedural flaw, casting doubt on the independence of the magistrates. "Those responsible are still at large. One fled and will be tried in absentia. Meanwhile, the widows are constantly receiving threats, and the community has to cohabit with its enemies [the timber traffickers], who are at the village gates," said Rocio Trujillo, one of the families' lawyers. Convictions for crimes against indigenous environmentalists are rare. Recently, the man responsible for the death of Arbildo Melendez, a leader of the Kakataibo ethnic group who had fought against land invasions in the Huanuco region's territory, gangrened by drug trafficking received a lenient sentence of four years and seven months in prison in 2022. The hypothesis of an accident was retained. You have 47.86% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. The death has occurred of Mary Houlihan (nee O'Riordan) of Raheen, Limerick / Ballyneety, Limerick. On February 15th 2024, peacefully, at Charleville Nursing Home. Pre-deceased by her husband John and sisters Kitty and Peggy. Deeply regretted by the extended ORiordan and Houlihan families, neighbours and a large circle of friends. May She Rest in Peace. Reposing at Crosss Funeral Home, Ballyneety, on Sunday, February 18th, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Remains will arrive at St. Marys Church Meanus, on Monday, February 19th, for Requiem Mass at 12pm, burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis. The death has occurred of Mary Hayes (nee Minihan) of Wolfe Tone Terrace, Limerick City, Limerick Peacefully, in her 97th year, at St. Camillus' Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Pre-deceased by her husband James and her brothers Tommy, Willie, Denis, Michael and John G. Very deeply regretted by her daughter Maureen, son-in-law Pat Nash, nephew Des, niece Marian, other relatives, friends and neighbours. May She Rest in Peace. Reposing at Cross's Funeral Home, Gerald Griffin Street, on Monday, February 19th, from 3pm to 4.30pm. Funeral will arrive on Tuesday, February 20th, at St. John's Cathedral, Cathedral Place, for Requiem Mass at 11.00am, funeral afterwards to Mount St. Lawrence (extension) Cemetery. Mary's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Doctors and Staff of the Shannon Ward of St. Camillus' Hospital for their exceptional care of Mary. The death has occurred of Liz Hayes of Swords, Dublin / Bruff, Limerick. February 15th, 2024, at Beaumont Hospital. Beloved daughter of the late Vincent and Nora and aunt of the late Orla. Her loss will be deeply felt by her loving brothers Tony and Ger, niece Dee, sister-in-law Maire and cousins. Liz will be sadly missed by her very loyal friends and by her neighbours and carers. May she Rest In Peace. Reposing at her home on Sunday (Feb. 18th) afternoon from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Removal on Monday (Feb. 19th) afternoon to Dardistown Crematorium where all are welcome for a civil ceremony at 2.30 p.m. You can view the ceremony live on webcam through the link below. Please leave your personal messages of condolence for Liz's family in the section below. Family flowers only please. "I did it my way". The death has occurred of Thomas Greaney of Cappamore, Limerick / Corbally, Limerick. February 15th 2024 (unexpectedly). Predeceased by his mother Helen, sister Mairead and his father Michael. Sadly missed by his beloved children TJ and Sienna, partner Suzanne, heartbroken family, sisters Sharon, Geraldine and Liz, brother Michael, aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Rest in peace. Reposing at Lynch-Kelly Funeral Home, Cappamore Sunday evening (18th February) from 5.30 pm with removal at 7 pm to St. Michaels Church, Cappamore. Requiem Mass Monday at 11.30 am with cremation afterwards in Shannon Crematorium at 2 pm. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to the Irish Coast Guard. If you wish to leave a message of sympathy for the family you may do so in the Condolence Section below. Requiem Mass will be streamed live via link below May he rest in peace. To leave a message of condolence, please click here HSE MID-WEST Community Healthcare is reminding members of the public of alternative care options such as the local pharmacy, injury unit and out-of-hours GPs over the weekend. February is a time when many people have coughs and colds. For these and general ailments such as headaches, minor cuts or sprains, advice and over-the-counter medication is available from your local pharmacist, a spokesperson for the HSE said. According to the HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare, your local pharmacy and your GP surgery is your first port of call for general ailments. You should call your GP if you require medical attention and they will advise you of their availability and their out-of-hours service arrangements. Those who have a medical requirement that requires urgent attention outside of normal GP hours you can call your GP for details of their out-of-hours service arrangements such as: Shannondoc on Lo-call 0818 123500 or on 061 459500(Operating hours: Monday Friday 6pm - 8am; Weekends and Public holidays Open 24 hour). READ MORE: Tributes pour in for 'beautiful angel' killed in collision close to Limerick/Tipperary border Over the weekend's sports-related injuries and minor injuries can occur. For broken bones, dislocations, sprains strains, wounds, scalds and minor burns contact your nearest injury unit: Ennis, 065 686 3121, V95 HN29: 8am to 8pm, Nenagh, 067 42311, E45 PT86: 8am to 8pm, and St Johns, Limerick, 061 462 222, V94 H272: 8am to 7pm. The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24/7 and it is available to all those who require emergency care. Chief officer HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare Maria Bridgeman said: Emergency departments can be very busy, please remember that if you need emergency care please attend the Emergency Department, if your illness is not an emergency please consider all other care options such as pharmacies, GP, your urgent out of hours service and your nearest Injury Unit in the first instance. We are working collaboratively with the UL Hospitals Group and Public Health Mid West to ensure the public are receiving the right care in the right place, she said. LAST month, Michael Sheehan completed his role as parks superintendent for Limerick City and County Council, to begin a journey into a new and unknown chapter of his life - retirement. It is now 45 years since Michael walked through the gates of the Peoples Park, a public park he would soon know like the back of his hand. Through the highs and the lows, the now-former parks superintendent watched Limerick change across four decades, from his own viewing stand - the local parks and greenways. I am extremely proud to have been a part of a team that helped to improve Limericks image by citizens and visitors alike, Michael said. Other areas the department was responsible for included the protection and restoration of biodiversity, adhering to the All-Ireland pollinator plan, according to Michael. We increased perennial planting which provided colour and interest in every season, and the continuation of the Bridges in Bloom project, urban tree planter project and seasonal flower-shrubs which all enhance our parks. Our city centre playgrounds also received upgrades with new and enhanced play features and improved accessibility, Michael said. A lot of memories were made during his time as parks superintendent for Limerick council but two events stick out in his mind, the Special Olympics opening ceremony and the Limerick hurlers homecoming last year. The sun didnt shy away from the sky on a long-anticipated day in June, 10 years ago this year. Thousands of people lined the streets of Limerick city as 1,500 Special Olympic athletes from every county in Ireland paraded through the city towards the Peoples Park for the Special Olympics Ireland Opening Ceremony. A grand stage was erected at the back of the Peoples Park at the St Joseph Street entrance and the park never looked grander. To see the excitement on the childrens faces, to see how excited they were during the ceremony, and to see the parents proudly standing by, there was nothing like it. It was a brilliant atmosphere. It was certainly a highlight of my time in the Parks Department. A more recent occasion saw a sea of green in and around the Peoples Park - no, not St Patricks Day but the homecoming celebrations after Limericks fourth All-Ireland hurling win in-a-row. That glorious day back in July saw a stage erected in Pery Square as the Limerick senior hurling team, fresh from their victory over Kilkenny in Croke Park the day before, brought the Liam MacCarthy Cup back to Limerick. The official ceremony was held inside the Peoples Park. READ MORE: In Pictures: Fluffy fun as University of Limerick host children at Teddy Bear Hospital Michael recalls the whole occasion as another one of his highlights as parks superintendent. Another feat of Michaels was the day the Peoples Park became the first park in Ireland to be awarded a green flag back in 2008. Going from the day-to-day management of the parks in the metropolitan area of Limerick to retirement is a massive change for the Cappa man. His job involved a lot of liaising with public representatives and local communities. I am looking forward to retirement and exploring other avenues, Michael said. There have been major changes in the parks of Limerick throughout the years, according to Michael. A lot has changed, in particular the facilities that were provided to the public, such as playgrounds and walkways. They have improved enormously in recent years. Weve also had a lot more footfall. A lot more people are using our parks, greenways and walkways in recent times, in particular since Covid. The UL walkway, the Baggot Estate and Cleeves Bank are some of the areas that have been improved over the years, he added. According to Michael, the works and improvements over the years were a massive team effort. I wish my colleagues all the best and Im sure they will carry on the good work into the years to come to the best of their abilities, he said. Being the parks superintendent was a job Michael loved throughout the years and a quote that comes to mind for the Limerick man is one by Mark Twain. Find a job you love and youll never have to work a day in your life. Is a united Ireland within 'touching distance'? The question from the latest episode of RTE's Late Late show has sparked reaction online, both positive and negative among social media users. Late Late show host Patrick Kielty interviewed guest and First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Fein Leas Uachtaran (Vice President, Michelle O'Neill, this Friday night. The notion of a united Ireland was one topic to crop up, with mixed reactions pouring in online. According to Ms O'Neill, unity might be struck between Northern Ireland and the Republic within the next 10 years. "We are in a decade of opportunity, a decade of change," she said. "The prudent thing to do now is to plan. We should be planning for what does that [unity] look like and we should be having the conversation, a mature conversation, to what constitutional change looks like for us all." Michelle O'Neill tells Patrick Kielty "We are in a decade of opportunity" and we could see a united Ireland within 10 years. #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/GcRIF9gVtS Fintan McCarthy (@MccarthyFintan) February 17, 2024 Some users were angered by the interview, while others praised the First Minister. One person said: "The Late Late show can't stoop much lower having Michelle on it? She doesn't represent the decent women of Ireland." Another simply wrote "Garbage", with someone else stating their opinion as: "Full of waffle. All talk while committing to nothing." Despite criticism, others commented: "Quite extraordinary" and "Fantastic interview", while another said: "Brilliant interview. Well done Michelle and great questions from Patrick". Watch the full interview back on X below via Youtube: In the field of business education, the MBA program continues to be an essential base for aspiring leaders. With technological progress, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, there has been a notable shift in how students are selected for various courses. This article discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming the methods of recruiting students for MBA programs. The article aims to focus on the role of AI in PGDM admissions, along with its impact on business schools. The Shift in MBA Program Admissions Initially the common process for getting into an MBA program involved a detailed manual review of applications, examining elements like academic history, employment background, and recommendation letters. However, the introduction of AI has transformed our approach to assessing prospective students. In the field of PGDM(MBA^) Admissions, artificial intelligence now looks through a set of data to spot patterns and predict candidates who are the most deserving. This makes admission faster and helps ensure that assessments are fairer, human decisions that could be subjective. The impact of AI extends beyond simply the process of admissions and affects how we handle human resources within MBA programs. Enhancing this aspect of education is crucial for nurturing future business leaders. AI-powered tools assist in identifying potential talents by examining the candidates skills, competencies, and compatibility with the program's curriculum. Artificial intelligence also supports creating personalized learning paths for MBA students, concentrating on their unique strengths and points they can improve. This tailored approach enhances the overall quality of education, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to adapt to shifts in the business world. Unveiling the Landscape of PGDM/ MBA Admissions As we progress into the future, it is anticipated that the process of PGDM(MBA^) Admission 2024 will become more intricate. It's likely that AI technologies will advance to evaluate not just static data but also dynamic factors such as shifts in markets, industry demands, and emerging technologies. In the CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT Management Exam, platforms that incorporate artificial intelligence will continue to play a key role in adaptive education. These platforms ensure students receive personalized assistance to strengthen their areas of weakness. Teaching in a manner that is customized for each individual doesn't only improve their possibilities of success in difficult tests, but also enhances their understanding of business concepts. The Role of NIRF Ranked B-Schools in AI Integration Business schools ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework are at the forefront of adopting artificial intelligence to enhance their recruitment processes. NIRF Ranked B-Schools leverage AI tools to analyze historical placement data, identify trends in various sectors and predict future job market conditions. Their understanding helps them to mold their course of study so that it meets the specific needs of the evolving commercial landscape. In the case of PGDM(MBA^) placements, artificial intelligence-powered tools assist in locating appropriate jobs. These instruments examine personal skills, desires of individuals, and necessities across various sectors to ensure a high number of placements while also achieving a strong match between the graduate and their new role. The Implications for B-Schools A B-School with MBA programs must incorporate artificial intelligence in their student recruitment methods to stay competitive and achieve success. Artificial intelligence enables PGDM schools to attract top-quality students, enhance their educational approaches, and establish a more prominent reputation within the industry. Heres a quick glance at the aspects and benefits of AI in recruitment - View Full Image Benefits of AI in recruitment In Conclusion AI's role in changing how MBA programs recruit is very important. It has changed the way MBA Program in Business Analytics admissions work, reshaped how we manage human resources, and influenced what we expect for PGDM/ MBA admissions. AI is a big factor driving these changes. Business schools like JIMS Technical Campus, ranked by NIRF, recognize the significance of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing operational efficiency and providing a more tailored learning experience for future business leaders. As technology progresses, integrating AI into MBA programs may offer a refreshed and dynamic perspective on business education. To sum up - AI expedites MBA admissions, ensuring objective evaluation. Human Resources Management benefits from AI-driven assessments and personalized learning paths. PGDM (MBA^) admissions in 2024 will see AI evolving for dynamic analysis. NIRF ranked B-Schools leverage AI for strategic placement and curriculum planning. B-Schools integrating AI attract top talent, enhance education, and stay competitive in the evolving business education landscape. FAQs 1. What is the significance of AI in MBA program admissions? AI streamlines the student admission process by providing fair evaluations, accelerating the procedure and assisting in maintaining impartiality in our judgments of candidate suitability. 2. How does AI impact Human Resources Management in MBA programs? Artificial intelligence enhances the functioning of human resource departments by assessing candidate skills and developing tailored training programs to prepare graduates for their roles in companies. 3. How will AI influence PGDM/ MBA admissions in 2024? AI will evolve to check variables like how markets shift and what different sectors require, thus improving customized learning and boosting the likelihood of succeeding in hard exams. 4. Why are NIRF ranked B-Schools integrating AI into their recruitment processes? NIRF B-Schools use artificial intelligence to analyze data, predict job market tendencies and match their graduates with suitable jobs to ensure a quality placement process. 5. What benefits do B-Schools gain from integrating AI into their programs? Business schools are utilizing artificial intelligence to attract quality students and enhance their teaching methods by adapting to the latest developments in business education. 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! Adani Realty has secured the contract to redevelop the 24-acre Bandra Reclamation land parcel, put up by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRDC), as per a report by the Free Press Journal. The final approval is pending and will be decided by the MSRDC Board in their upcoming meeting. Adani Realty emerged as the 'preferred bidder' by offering the highest financial bid, providing 22.79 percent revenue to MSRDC. This surpassed Larsen and Toubro's bid of 18 percent, as per the report. The decision comes despite L&T having a stronger net worth of approximately 84,000 crore compared to Adani's 48,000 crore, Adani's higher bid secured the preference, it added. Also Read | Reddit signs content licensing deal with AI company ahead of IPO The land parcel has a potential development area of 45 lakh square feet and is valued at around 30,000 crore, as per a Hindustan Times report. MSRDC's Perspective According to Anil Kumar Gaikwad, the Vice Chairman and MD of MSRDC, the decision was based on a revenue-sharing model. Adani's higher bid aligns with the government's interest in maximizing revenue for new and ongoing infrastructure projects. Gaikwad also refuted allegations that the bidding process favoured specific developers. He emphasised an open and transparent process, seeking financially and technically strong players. Both Adani Realty and L&T qualified in technical and financial capability rounds. Since the MSRDC bids are of a revenue-sharing model, the developer who offers the maximum percentage of revenue and is beneficial to the government will be the obvious choice. Adani has offered us a higher bid so he is our preferred choice. We need resources and funds for our new and ongoing infra projects," said Gaikwad. Also Read | US considering more than $10 billion in subsidies for Intel Technically both are strong and have met the stringent criteria and eligibility norms of the tender process. They both are capable of undertaking a project of this magnitude and scale and completing it on time. But Adani is offering us more revenue," he added. Project Details If approved by the board, Adani Realty will be responsible for bringing funds, handling clearances and permissions, and paying a minimum of 8,000 crore to MSRDC as a benchmark amount. The revenue-sharing model stipulates a 22.79 percent share for MSRDC. "This ( 8,000 crore) is the benchmark amount. If the revenue is more than they will have to share it with us 22.79 percent," Gaikwad told FPJ. The MSRDC bidding process set stringent criteria, including a minimum consolidated net worth of 15,000 crore by March 31, 2023. This criterion raised concerns among some builders during the pre-bid meeting. Also Read | Trade balance with Europe moves into deficit in FY24 While 18 top players attended the pre-bid meeting Adani Realty, Godrej Properties, JSW, K.Raheja Corp, L&T Realty, Lodha, Mahindra Lifespaces, Oberoi Realty, Phoenix Realty, Runwal, Sahana Group, Sattva, Sunteck Realty, Sumitomo, Wadhwa Group, and Wellspun, among others, however, only three responded to the bidding process. Anonymous sources had raised concerns about the eligibility norms favouring only a select few. Some builders argued that the 15,000 crore net worth requirement in a single entity restricted opportunities for all but a few developers. However, MSRDC noted the criterion came amid concerns, considering the developer's obligation to pay 8,000 crore to MSRDC over 9 to 14 years. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! NEW DELHI : JSW Steel Ltd, Indias largest steelmaker by capacity, will invest 65,000 crore in Odisha to set up one of its biggest manufacturing plants, adding to the countrys efforts to boost production of the alloy. The announcement comes close on the heels of the $23-billion JSW Group announcing a 40,000-crore investment in Odisha for an electric vehicle and a battery manufacturing unit, taking its investment in the state to more than 1 trillion. It has also announced a 5,500 crore investment in Karnataka. In the announcement made on Friday, JSW Steel said it will establish a greenfield complex in the industrial city of Paradip, which will include a steel plant with a capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), a captive power plant, captive jetties with cargo-handling capacity, a cement manufacturing unit, and a modern township. The investment will be in phases. Steel plays the most important role in building any great nation. A steel plant changes the lives of future generations and positively affects the economy in many ways," said Sajjan Jindal, chairman of JSW Group, following a foundation-laying ceremony on Friday that was presided over by Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. There will be a total investment of 65,000 crore in this facility and more than 30,000 direct and indirect employment potential," Jindal said. JSWs new complex will be set up over 2,958 acres of land handed over to it by the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha. The group said it plans to use about 30% of the land for preservation of forest and water bodies. The company at present has a total manufacturing capacity of 28.5 million tonnes (mt), which includes Indias current largest steel plantits facility in Vijayanagar, Karnataka that has an annual capacity for producing 12 mt of steel. The company is upgrading this facilitys manufacturing capacity to 18 mtpa. JSW Steels latest addition in Paradip aligns with the national steel policys target of boosting Indias total steel manufacturing capacity to 300 mt by 2031, from about 161 mt now. Based on the announced investment pipeline, the steel industry is set to augment its capacity by about 40 million tonnes between FY24 and FY27, nearing a total installed capacity of close to 200 million tonnes upon project completion," said Priyesh Ruparelia, vice-president and co-group head, corporate ratings, at Icra Ltd. However, the pace of capacity growth hinges on the timely execution of these expansion initiatives." Earlier this week, JSW Steel announced plans to set up a 5,500-crore, grain-oriented electrical steel manufacturing facility through a joint venture with Japans JFE Steel Corp. in Karnataka. At a press briefing on Thursday, Santrupt Misra and Sasmit Patra, national spokespersons for the Odishas ruling Biju Janata Dal party, said the state was seeking substantial private investments to boost its economy. He also said the state government had approved about 1,860 industrial projects over the previous five years, receiving total investments of about 11.63 trillion and creating employment opportunities for over 733,000 people. According to analysts, the consistent flow of investments from the steel industry into Odisha, which has a 485-km coastline along the Bay of Bengal, is owing to its mineral-rich characteristics and the governments policies. Odisha being a mineral-rich state has high-quality iron ore reserves, which is a critical raw material for a steel plant. Moreover, the presence of thermal coal mines supports the operation of captive power plants for the steel companies in the region," said Icras Ruparelia. The JSW Group has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Odisha government for an electric vehicle and a battery manufacturing unit in Cuttack and Paradip. The company will invest 40,000 crore for the manufacturing plants, it had said. Earlier this week, Kalyani Steel Ltd announced a plan to invest 26,000 crore to set up a titanium metal and aerospace components manufacturing facility and an integrated specialty steel and automotive components manufacturing complex at Gajamara in Odisha. Reddit has signed a contract allowing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) company to train its models on the social media platform's content, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Reddit, which is eyeing an initial public offering (IPO) launch, has told prospective investors that it signed the deal, worth $60 million on an annualized basis, earlier this year, the report said. Also Read | US considering more than $10 billion in subsidies for Intel The details of the AI deal could change as talks over the Reddit IPO launch, which could come in March, continue. The content licensing deal comes at a time when interest in AI is at an all-time high. Reddit declined to comment. Also Read | Paytm shifts nodal account to Axis Bank; Soundbox, Card machine to continue working even after March 15 The agreement, signed with an "unnamed large AI company", could be a model for future contracts of a similar nature, Bloomberg reported. Reddit's IPO, which has been in the works for over three years now, would be the first IPO of a major social media company since Pinterest's debut in 2019. The San Francisco-based company was valued at about $10 billion in a funding round in 2021. Also Read | How Air India managed to grab its highest domestic passenger traffic ever 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. Imports touched 2,093 crore during the year, up from the previous years 1,500 crore, data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Association showed. With this, India has become the worlds 22nd largest Swiss watch importer, moving up one place from last years position. The year 2023 performed very well for the watch market, especially luxury," said Pushpa Bector, senior executive director of DLF Retail, the retail arm of the real estate development company. People are aspiring to buy luxury, and in 2024, there will be more exclusive brand outlets coming up for luxury brands. This is because some of these brands are very successful in multi-brand outlet formats, and they now want to have an exclusive presence for customers. One such example is Rolex. There will also be newer luxury brands that will come into the country in 2024," Bector said. Shopping for wedding trousseaus kept up demand across categories, Bector said; however, watches in the mid-market to premium category did not perform as well as those at the higher end. In December alone, Indians snapped up Swiss watches worth 179.74 crore, up 31% from 135.26 crore a year earlier (at current exchange rates), becoming the worlds No. 17 buyer of these timepieces. However, India still trails richer countries like the US, the No. 1 importer of Swiss watches at 4.16 billion Swiss francs ( 39,193 crore) in 2023. Virtually all good brands grew in imports, said Ashok Goel, founder of Delhi-based Luxury Time Pvt. Ltd, which distributes brands including Hublot, Tag Heuer and Zenith. Goel said the top five brands in Swiss watches maintained their positions vis-a-vis high imports. The overall market saw much higher supplies to retailers, and that also meant that sales to end customers improved, especially in the higher-end luxury products. But affordable luxury and straight-line watches at the lower-end were negative last year. This year, 2024, could be a bit of a question mark. The reason is simple, there is now just too much supply chasing customers who are happy spending money on the experience of buying rather than the acquisition itself. Therefore, growth could come from more affordable luxury brands," he said. Viraal Rajan, who runs a dedicated boutique in Mumbai for Rolex and 16 other luxury watch brands including exclusive brands such as Alchemists, HYT, Konstanti Chaykin, LEPEE 1839, Purnell, Reuge, Manufacture Royal said the trend of luxury consumption has strengthened across categories, and not just watches. From an aspirational standpoint, we all know Indias growth story and that just 0.5% of India is buying luxury, but even within that niche, we are now seeing tremendous growth. In fact, we have found it much easier to retail watches that are upwards of 10-15 lakh rather than those in the 3-5 lakh category. That shows the evolution of the customer as well," he said. But Rajan, too, agreed that while there will be growth in 2024, it may not be at the same level as in 2023. Worldwide, sales of watches made of two metals rose 21.8% in value and 28.5% in volume in December, data showed. Sales value of watches made of precious metals such as gold grew 8.9% during the month. The other materials category saw an increase of 6.1%. Overall sales of Swiss watches rose by 7.2%, or over one million items, to touch 17.9 million. The trend is reflected in numbers reported by Swatch Group AG, which makes Omega, Swatch, Tissot and Longines watches. The company, which clocked double-digit growth in Asian watch sales in 2023, had stated that despite a challenging currency environment and deliberate increases in marketing investments, the segment maintained the strong operating margin of 17.2% as in the previous year. The United States government Joe Biden administration is in talks to award more than $10 billion in subsidies to Intel Corp , Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Negotiations are underway, and Intel's award package will likely include both loans and direct grants, according to the report. Also Read | Tech sector at $254bn in year of uncertainty The US Department of Commerce, which oversees the disbursement of CHIPS Act funds, and Intel declined to comment. The department has already announced two smaller Chips Act grants and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said earlier this month that her department planned to make several funding awards within two months from the government's $39 billion program to boost semiconductor manufacturing. The semiconductor fund is intended to subsidize chip production and related supply chain investments, and the awards will help build factories and increase production. Also Read | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 sparks anticipation with potential 200MP camera upgrade Intel plans to spend tens of billions of dollars to fund chip factories at longtime sites in Arizona and New Mexico, along with a new site in Ohio that the Silicon Valley company says could become the world's largest chip plant. But the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Intel planned to delay completion of the Ohio site until 2026 due to a slowdown in the chip market and a slow rollout of federal dollars. Also Read } Best smartwatches with heart rate monitoring: Top 10 options to consider It remains unclear whether a wave of federal dollars this year would speed those plans back up, or the plans of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, which has also applied for US funding and whose chip factory under construction in Arizona has been delayed. Micron and Samsung Electronics are also constructing new chip factories in the US and have applied to the program. 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. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Saturday an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk. He made the announcement while presenting the annual Budget of 58,444 crore for 2024-25. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio, hiked the MSP of cow milk from 38 to 45 per litre and buffalo milk from 47 to 55 per litre. "Himachal is the first state to give MSP on milk," he was quoted by PTI as saying. "Making farmers and cattle herders prosperous is the priority of our government," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. He said liabilities of all milk cooperative societies will be waived off and 150 crore will be spent on strengthening infrastructure for milk procurement and its processing. The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister announced Rajiv Gandhi Prakriyat Kheti Yojna, under which 36,000 farmers 10 farmers from every panchayat will be trained in natural farming techniques. Sukhu's statement came amid the protest launched by thousands of farmers who are demanding law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and a doubling of farmers income among other key things. Sukhu further said universal cartons will be introduced for apple packaging and horticulture tourism will be encouraged. "Farmers were worried due to the disaster, they were wondering how their apples would reach the markets. Then we decided that we will not let even a single apple of the farmers rot....Due to the strong will of our government, all the apples were delivered to the markets without any hindrance," Sukhu said. He reiterated the state government's resolve to make Himachal Pradesh a green state by 2026. He said the state government announced a special package of 4,500 crore for disaster-affected people after last year's monsoon, and added that the Centre had not given any special package. ALSO READ: What happened to govt-appointed panel on MSP formed after 2020-21 farmers protest? Sukhu blamed the "financial mismanagement of the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state" for Himachal's total debt, which, he said, stands at 87,788 crore. According to PTI, Sukhu said a sum of 22,406 crore was due to Himachal from the Centre that included a proposal of 9,906 crore post-disaster need assessment sent to the Centre, 4500 crore due from Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as power arrears, and 8,000 crore employees' contribution under the pension scheme. ALSO READ: MSPs, dearness allowance raised ahead of elections Other announcements included setting up of the first modernised de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Kandaghat in Solan district, appointment of 6,000 nursery teachers, and monthly review meeting of schools. He also said 327 old diesel buses will be replaced with electric buses and vehicle scrap centres will be established in the state. The CM also announced to increase the daily wages of MGNREGA workers by 60 from 240 to 300 per day. (With inputs from PTI) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Indian stock market: Following the Defense Acquisition Councils (DAC) meeting held on Friday to disburse the 80,000 crore order, defence stocks in India are expected to remain in focus on Monday. According to stock market experts, defence companies with strong CAPEX are expected to come under the radar of Dalal Street bulls as some value buying is expected for to defence segment when the Indian stock market reopens on Monday. Speaking on the impact of the DAC meeting outcome on the Indian stock market, Amit Goel, Co-Founder and Chief Global Strategist at Pace 360 said, "The recent military order of 80,000 crores signifies a significant YoY increase in military spending. This amount, constituting 13% of the military sector's budget for FY 2425, aligns with the government's Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan and Atmanirbharta campaign. Companies to benefit from this DAC meeting outcome On defence companies that may benefit from this DAC meeting outcome, Rajesh Sinha, Senior Research Analyst at Bonanza Portfolio said, Defence PSUs like Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), etc. are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the project approval of 84,560 crore." Sinha went on to add that in December 2023, DAC gave initial approval to defence acquisition projects worth Rs.2.23 lakh crore that included the procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand combat helicopters, in a major move to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the armed forces. Defence stocks to buy On defence shares to buy on Monday, Pace 360 expert said, "Defence-related stocks, especially HAL and BEL, stand to benefit from this, with both companies having robust order books and efficient delivery capabilities. Additionally, both companies also have their capital expenditures in place, further benefiting the stocks. BEL, with its strategic diversification plans into sectors like metro, railway, and artificial intelligence, presents a compelling investment opportunity compared to the relatively overvalued HAL. Additionally, BEL's involvement in supplying equipment for key ship-building programs such as the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel, Next Generation Missile Vessels, and cadet training ships, adds to its growth potential." Also Read: Gold price dips for second straight week on higher US Fed rate buzz HAL share price outlook Speaking on HAL share price, Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research at StoxBox said, "HAL share looks a favorable and long-term play on the growing capex and modernization of Indias air defense system. The industry tailwinds such as the governments focus to indigenously procure its defense requirements along with the companys inherent strengths such as a strong order book and improvement in profitability due to economies of scale and operating leverage make it a compelling story from a long-term perspective." BEL share price outlook On the outlook for BEL shares, the StoxBox expert added, "As far as BEL is concerned, we believe that the company would play a critical role in Make in India and AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiatives and would benefit from its strong execution, robust manufacturing and R&D base, strong balance sheet and healthy return ratios." 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. HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS 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! Karnataka Budget 2024: The recent announcement made by the Karnataka government to raise excise duty on alcohol, particularly beer, has put the spotlight on brewery stocks in the upcoming week. According to stock market experts, liquor prices are already high in Karnataka and the current Karnataka Budget 2024 proposal may have an adversary impact on liquor sales in the state in the short term. Speaking on the Karnataka Budget 2024 proposal, Avinash Gorakshkar, Head of Research at Profitmart Securities said, "The Karnataka government has increased duty on alcohol for the second time in the last one year. In July 2023, the Karnataka government raised excise duty on beer and Indian-made foreign liquor. So, these Karnataka Budget proposals are going to put the spotlight on the liquor majors like United Breweries, United Spirits, Radico Khaitan, Globus Spirits, etc." Also Read: Gold price dips for second straight week on higher US Fed rate buzz Market connection with Karnataka Budget On how this Karnataka Budget 2024 proposal will impact the leading liquor brands in India, Yashovardhan Khemka, Senior Manager Research at Abans said, "With the current hike, companies manufacturing and distributing beers will be impacted more than those focused on spirit. Notably, this marks the second instance of such a duty hike, following a similar move in July 2023, when excise duty on Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) rose by 20 percent and on beer by 10 percent. With this recent adjustment, the government aims for a substantial 13 percent uptick in excise collection compared to current run rates." Also Read: General Elections 2024: IOC, HUL among top 10 stock picks offering 10%-20% upside The Abans expert went on to add that despite already higher liquor prices in Karnataka compared to other southern states, especially for beer, spirit brands with lower price tags remain relatively more affordable in the state. In Karnataka, 78 percent of sales come from liquor falling within the lowest and medium price brackets, with a small share of 5 percent coming from top-tier brands, underscoring the predominant price sensitivity among buyers. The recent move can place some constraints on the growth of premium brands, hindering their market expansion in the medium term. Also Read: Market Recap: Nifty Next-50 outperformed blue chips, Microcap 250 gained most On how the market will react to this Karnataka Budget 2024 proposal on Monday, Yashovardhan Khemka said, "As liquor sales are inelastic, the impact of duty hikes on overall liquor sales will be temporary, and long-term market trends will remain stable. Recently, despite prior excise duty hikes, beer sales surged by 15% in 2023, while Indian-made liquor witnessed an uptick of just over 2%, indicating sustained demand and customer preference for beers despite price pressures." 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. UNITED SPIRITS 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! Zerodha Fund House announced the launch of the Zerodha Gold ETF. The scheme opened for public subscription on February 16, 2024, and will close on February 21, 2024. The scheme re-opens for continuous sale and repurchase within five days from the date of allotment . What kind of mutual fund scheme is this? This is an open-ended exchange-traded fund replicating/tracking the domestic prices of gold. This product is suitable for investors seeking Long-term capital appreciation. Investment in gold to generate returns similar to the performance of the gold, subject to tracking errors. What is the main objective of investing in this fund? The investment objective of the scheme is to generate returns corresponding to the domestic price of gold before expenses, subject to tracking errors, fees and expenses by investing in physical gold. How may one invest in this scheme? Investors can invest under the scheme with a minimum investment of 500 per plan/option and in multiples of Re 1. There is no upper limit for investment. Under normal circumstances, the asset allocation of the scheme will be as follows: Instruments Indicative allocations (% of total assets) Risk Profile Physical gold & gold related instruments as may be specified by SEBI 95% to 100% Moderate to High Debt and Money Market Instruments, cash and cash equivalents. 0% to 5% Low to Moderate Are there similar mutual funds in the market? To date, many asset management companies (AMCs) have launched such gold exchange-traded funds, thus, allowing inclined investors to avail of returns corresponding to the total returns of the securities in this particular index. These include: Name of the fund 10-year returns (in %) Axis Gold ETF 5.80 Nippon Gold ETF 5.80 SBI Gold ETF 6.02 IDBI Gold Exchange Traded Fund - ICICI Prudential Gold ETF - Invesco India Gold ETF 5.86 Kotak Gold ETF 6.13 HDFC Gold Exchange Traded Fund 6.02 UTI Gold Exchange Traded Fund - Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold ETF 6.12 SBI- ETF Gold - Canara Robeco Gold Exchange Traded Fund - Edelweiss Gold ETF - Source: AMFI (As of February 16, 2024) How will the scheme benchmark its performance? The benchmark for the scheme is the domestic prices of physical gold. Performance comparisons for the scheme will be made vis-a-vis the benchmark. However, the schemes performance may not be strictly comparable with the performance of the benchmark, due to the inherent differences in the construction of the portfolio. The Trustee reserves the right to change the benchmark for evaluation of the performance of the scheme from time to time in conformity with the investment objectives and appropriateness of the benchmark subject to SEBI (MF) Regulations, and other prevailing guidelines, if any by suitable notification to investors to this effect. Are there any entry or exit loads to this scheme? This scheme involves no Entry Load", which means that investors do not have to pay anything to park their earnings in this scheme. The Exit Load" would also be Nil". The AMC reserves the right to revise the load structure from time to time. Such changes will become effective prospectively from the date such changes are incorporated. Who will manage this scheme? Shyam Agarwal would be looking after investments in this scheme. Does the fund contain any inherent risk? The scheme involves High Risk" as per the details mentioned in the Scheme Information Document and is best suited to investors willing to understand that their principal will be subject to high risk only. However, investors should consult their financial advisors if they doubt whether the product is suitable for them. 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! Canara Robeco Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Canara Robeco Manufacturing Fund. The scheme opened for public subscription on February 16, 2024, and will close on March 01, 2024. The scheme re-opens for continuous sale and repurchase on March 18, 2024. What kind of mutual fund scheme is this? This is an open-ended sectoral/thematic equity scheme following a manufacturing theme. This product is suitable for investors seeking Long-term capital appreciation Investments in equity and equity-related instruments of companies engaged in the manufacturing theme. What is the main objective of investing in this fund? The scheme aims to generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in equities and equity-related instruments of companies engaged in the manufacturing theme. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the scheme will be realized. Also Read: NFO Alert: Zerodha Fund House launches Zerodha Gold ETF How may one invest in this scheme? Investors can invest under the scheme with a minimum investment of 5000 per plan/option and in multiples of Re 1. There is no upper limit for investment. Under normal circumstances, the asset allocation of the scheme will be as follows: Instruments Indicative allocations (% of total assets) Risk Profile Minimum Maximum High/Medium/Low Equity and equity-related Instruments of companies engaged in the manufacturing theme 80% 100% Very High Equity and equity-related Instruments of companies other than engaged in the manufacturing theme 0% 20% Very High Debt & money market instruments 0% 20% Low to Moderate Units issued by REITs & InvITs 0% 10% Very High Are there similar mutual funds in the market? To date, many asset management companies (AMCs) have launched such manufacturing funds, thus, allowing inclined investors to avail of returns corresponding to the total returns of the securities in this particular index. These include: Mutual Fund House Name of the Fund Navi Mutual Fund Navi Nifty India Manufacturing Index Fund Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund Kotak Manufacture in India Fund Bank of India Mutual Fund Bank of India Manufacturing & Infrastructure Fund ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund ICICI Prudential Manufacturing Fund Source: AMFI (As of February 16, 2024) How will the scheme benchmark its performance? The performance of the scheme will be benchmarked against the S&P BSE India Manufacturing TRI. As approved by the Board of Directors/Trustees the scheme has currently selected the above-mentioned benchmark based on the investment pattern/objective of the scheme and the composition of the Index. The investment manager may revise the same to a more appropriate benchmark index, if any, as and when formulated by competent agencies. AMC may give its comments/perception on the comparison of returns and benchmarks if desired. Are there any entry or exit loads to this scheme? This scheme involves no Entry Load", which means that investors do not have to pay anything to park their earnings in this scheme. The Exit Load" would be calculated as under - 1% - if redeemed/switched out within 365 days from the date of allotment. - Nil - if redeemed/switched out after 365 days from the date of allotment. Who will manage this scheme? Pranav Gokhale and Shridatta Bhandwaldar are the fund managers for the scheme. Does the fund contain any inherent risk? The scheme involves Very High Risk" as per the details mentioned in the Scheme Information Document and is best suited to investors willing to understand that their principal will be subject to very high risk only. However, investors should consult their financial advisors if they doubt whether the product is suitable for them. 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 employee in Australia by the name Noel chose to quit than to miss brother's wedding in a recent incident when his boss cancelled his leave for brother's wedding in Bali. Noel received a controversial text message from his boss after which he decided to leave his job. The incident surfaced on social media when a business owner and outsourcing expert, Michael Sanz shared a video on TikTok, stating, "This guy sounds like a tool. He's automatically cancelling leave without any conversation." Netizens reacted strongly, sparking discussions on work boundaries and the importance of clear communication in the workplace. View Full Image Michael Sanz urged netizens to maintain work life balance and work boundaries. (Michael Sanz, Tik Tok) Sanz shared an insight into the conversation between the employee and his boss. Sanz disclosed that the conversation between the employee-boss duo was received via the boss who claimed to stand by his opinion. Also read: The quality of your commute to work may be far more important than a high salary The boss named Nick, informed the employee that his scheduled time off was cancelled as another staff member was resigning. The boss had claimed that it would be all hands on deck" while they try to find a replacement. The boss had further stated, We can push back a few months. Ive advised HR its now changed for you. Appreciate your understanding," reported New York Post. View Full Image Michael Sanz underscored the importance of clear work boundaries called upon employees to make their boundaries explicit and involve HR in making such discussions (Michael Sanz, TikTok) The employee pleaded the boss to not dismiss his leaves and said, All flights are paid for and my kids are in the wedding party." He added, I did book this in seven months ago, so canceling isnt an option. I can help out more until I leave if that helps, but I cant change my leave dates." Despite this, the boss asked Noel to reduce his leave from three weeks to three days while mocking Bali as a destination. Noel disturbed by the exchange said that he would consider his leave to start from today" and during his time off he would contemplate whether a company that doesnt promote boundaries is a place I really want to work at". Sanz called upon work-life balance to be maintained in life and appreciated Noel over dealing with this situation well. Sanz said that no worker should justify taking annual leaves. One social media user remarked, "Oh hell no! He handled that well, not his problem." Another user remarked, Business Owner here. Unacceptable by the boss. Not the employees problem. Enjoy Bali!" A third user stated, "Response should have been. 'You'll need to find 2 new hires. Regards from Bali'." Fourth user said, Quick fix - Boss has to tell Jenny not to resign because they are too busy and need time to find a replacement." Noel stood his ground to take those leaves as planned and turned off his phone for three weeks. He went on to look for another job upon his return as the management was distant. While speaking to news.com.au, Sanz underscored the importance of clear work boundaries called upon employees to make their boundaries explicit and involve HR in making such discussions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as it calls it a 'curse' for Indian farmers. The Centre is treating protesting farmers like enemies, according to Kharge who claimed that only his party would be able to provide the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers. Also Read: Farmers announce nationwide protest. Banks, offices shut? Know details "The Modi government is a curse for the country's food providers, the farmers. Because of the continuous false 'Modi's Guarantee', 750 farmers lost their lives at first. Yesterday, one farmer gave his life and three lost their sight to rubber bullets. The Modi government has treated the farmers like enemies. Only Congress will provide them with the legal right to MSP!" says his post on X (formerly Twitter). Many farmers and a few journalists got hurt during clashes with the police as they tried to get past the barricades. Security forces at the Shambhu Border kept stopping the protesting farmers trying to get into the national capital as the protests reached the fifth day on February 17. The protesting farmers have been staying at the border areas since their march began on February 13. The third set of discussions with the government didn't lead to an agreement on February 15, during the ongoing conflict at the Punjab-Haryana border between protestors and security forces. Another meeting is scheduled for February 18, ANI reported. What do the farmers want? The 'Delhi Chalo' protest march is organised to push the BJP-led government to meet their demands. Farmers are marching to Delhi with 12 demands for the central government. This protest is organised by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (a non-political group) and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, led by leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The protesting farmers say the government promised them higher prices for their crops, which led them to stop their 2021 protest. Now, they want a law that ensures a minimum price for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. They also want all farm debts forgiven and a plan for pensions for farmers and farm workers. (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! External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly that focused on the present state of bilateral ties. The talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference took place on Friday. As per an official statement, the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) got underway an in-person event from February 16-18, at its traditional venue, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. Also read: 'Jaishankar called our wives and said...,' recalls Ragesh, one of ex-Navy personnel released by Qatar Jaishankar in a social media post on X said, "Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejolyon sidelines of #MSC2024. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation." Also read: EAM S Jaishankar stresses developing international relations with Indian characteristics Earlier, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged the involvement of Indian government in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June 2023. However, India denied these accusations while stating them to be "absurd" and motivated." The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation amid strained ties between India and Canada. The conference in Munich, that is being held under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen, saw S Jaishankar hold a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. On the first day, the two talked about the global challenges and the pathway ahead while reviewing preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "So good to meet my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our Inter-Governmental Consultations." After returning from Qatar, Commander (retired) Amit Nagpal said he would visit any other country across the world but wouldn't ever go to Qatar. "I won't even travel in the plane which crosses the skies of Qatar..." Nagpal told Hindustan in an interview on Saturday. Amit Nagpal was among eight former Indian Navy officers who returned to India from Qatar on February 12. This was nearly three-and-half months after a Qatari court handed them a death sentence that was subsequently commuted to varying jail terms. They reportedly faced charges of espionage, but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against them public. ALSO READ: Decoding India's reaction to Qatar's death sentence to 8 Indians Upon his return to India, Nagpal, who lives in Noida Sector 29 Arun Vihar, said in the interview he was sure that he was innocent and would be released soon. "With this belief, I had spent each day in jail...our return to India was no less than fulfilment of a dream," he was quoted as saying. He told Hindustan that he had started working in Qatar's Dhara Global Company in 2017. He said he was providing training to the navy in Qatar. "Qatar Navy personnel were impressed with him and considered him a guru," the report said. ALSO READ: 'Jaishankar called our wives and said...,' recalls Ragesh, one of ex-Navy personnel released by Qatar He further informed that on August 30, 2022, the Qatar Police arrested him on the charges of espionage. "I couldn't believe what as happening at that time...the family was in shock," he said. He added that with the efforts of the Indian government, he managed to return to India almost after 528 days on February 12. Qatar released eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel and seven of them returned home on February 12, in what is seen as a major diplomatic victory for India. The eight nationals were Captains (retired) Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders (retired) Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, SK Gupta, BK Verma, and Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh. People familiar with the matter earlier told PTI that Commander (retired) Tiwari stayed back in Doha and is likely to come back to India soon. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself constantly supervised all the developments in the case and has never shied away from any initiatives that would ensure the return of the Indians. The seven Indian nationals reached Delhi by a private airline at around 2:35 am. 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! Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, spoke about two of his biggest passions that is his family and the Invictus Games following a visit to his ailing father, reported ABC News . The Duke said, I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could" after his father, King Charles III, was diagnosed with cancer. The Prince travelled to British Columbia's Whistler in Canada just days after visiting his father in London who was recently diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer. He took off for Whistler, the site of the 2025 Invictus Games just a week after flying from California to London. Following Harry's brief meeting with King Charles in London, he said he was "grateful" for the time he spent with his father. He said, Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, Im grateful for that," reported ABC News. Over King's health condition, the Duke said, Ive got other trips planned that will take me through the U.K., or back to the U.K." The King's diagnosis was announced publicly on February 5. The Prince had not met his 75-year-old father since the king's coronation last May at Westminster Abbey. "I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can," Harry said assuring that there would be more visits to the UK in the near future while accepting that families could be brought closer by such health concerns. While in Canada to promote the Invictus Games, the Prince said, I love my family," reported ABC's Good Morning America. Prince Harry called Charles' illness a force that created a reunifying effect on his family. He said, "Throughout all of these families, I see it on a day-to-day basis,- again, the strength of the family unit coming together." He added, "So, yeah, I think any illness, any sickness, brings families together. I see it time and time again, and that makes me very happy." Invictus Games is a Paralympic-style competition for wounded service members that was founded one decade ago. While in London, Prince Harry neither met with his older brother nor his wife, Princess of Wales, who had abdominal surgery on January 16, due to strained relationship. 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! Russian President Vladimir Putin's critic Alexei Navalny has died after falling sick in an Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year punishment. His death was announced by Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service on Friday. Situated approximately 1,900 kilometers northeast of Moscow in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region, the prison is well-known for its harsh and protracted winters. In December, Navalny was transferred here after being found guilty of extremism. For the first time, Navalny was seen via a video link from Kharp on January 10. Images of him with a buzz cut and dressed in black prison clothes are released by Russian news agencies. Addressing the Supreme Court in Moscow, Navalny detailed the inhumane circumstances in the jail situated above the Arctic Circle. Navalny cracked jokes about the freezing temperature and asked whether a party was thrown by officials at his previous prison upon his transfer. He also informed the court that inmate mealtimes are limited to ten minutes, as per CNN reports. It is impossible to eat in 10 minutes. If you eat every day within 10 minutes, then this meal turns into a rather complex process," he told the Supreme Court judge as quoted by CNN. He further revealed that prison officials kept Alexei Navalny in a tiny punishment cell which often remains cold. Do you know why people choose a newspaper there?" he asked. To protect or cover themselves because it is much warmer to sleep with a newspaper than it is without one, I can assure you, judges. Thus, to avoid freezing, you need a newspaper," he replied. Navalny also alleged that he is only allowed a certain amount of religious texts due to restrictions from the prison authorities. (The regulations) say that I am allowed to have 10 books. I need 2 books to practice my religion. One book is not enough for me, it directly violates my religious rights," he said as quoted by Hindustan Times. I want to have 10 books in my cell for education, and religious practice," he added. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! A day after Russian opposition leader and Vladimir Putin's critic Alexei Navalny fell unconscious and died after a walk at the 'Polar Wolf' penal colony in Kharp, his mother was told that Navalny had been struck down by 'sudden death syndrome', Reuters reported quoting Navalny's team. The 47-year-old former lawyer's team even said that his body would not be handed over to the family until an investigation was completed. On Friday, the prison service had said that prison service was unconscious and died after a walk at the Polar Wolf penal colony in Kharp about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow where he was serving a three-decade sentence. US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Navalny's courage and accused President Vladimir Putin of being responsible for the death without citing evidence. Apart from this, Britain said there would be consequences for Russia. Meanwhile, the Russian administration said the West's reaction was unacceptable and 'absolutely rabid'. Putin has yet to comment on Navalny's death. ALSO READ: Mourners detained as Kremlin stays silent on Alexei Navalny's death On Saturday, Navalny's 69-year-old mother, Lyudmila, braved Arctic temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius to visit the penal colony where her son perished. She was given an official death notice stating the time of death as 2:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) on Feb. 16, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, told Reuters. "When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X. According to details, 'sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. Navalny's team, however, said that it is unclear where Navalny's body was. His mother had been told that the body had been taken to Salekhard, the town near the prison complex but when she arrived at the morgue it was closed. Navalny's body: The morgue said it did not have Navalny's body, Reuters quoted his lawyer Yarmysh as saying. Later, they were told by officials that the body would not be handed over until the investigation was complete, though earlier they had been told that the investigation had discovered no traces of criminality. "Right now we don't have access to the body and we don't know for sure where it is, and we demand that the Russian authorities immediately give Alexei's body to his family," Yarmysh said in an interview. An employee at the only morgue in Salekhard told Reuters that Navalny's body had not arrived. ALSO READ: Alexei Navalny death: Very cold place, Russian critic's final words in Arctic prison Despair and apathy: Following the death of Navalny, his supporters laid flowers in Moscow and other Russian cities to honour him. But overnight hundreds of flowers and candles were removed in black bags. In central Moscow, several dozen roses and carnations remained in the softening snow on Saturday at the monument to the victims of Soviet repression, which sits in the shadow of the former KGB headquarters on Lubyanka Square. At the "Wall of Sorrow" memorial on the avenue named after Soviet physicist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, some Russians laid flowers beside pictures of Navalny. One message read: "We will not forget, nor shall we forgive." Since Navalny's death was announced, the OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 270 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials. 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! Former US President Donald Trump remained silent on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnys death report on Friday, rather his campaign referred a reporter to a statement that made no mention of Navalny or Vladimir Putin. In a post on Social Truth, Trump said, America is no longer respected because we have an incompetent president who is weak and doesnt understand what the World is thinking. I am the only one who can bring Peace, Prosperity, and Stability like I did during my first term." Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley slammed Donald Trump for maintaining an amiable relationship with Vladimir Putin and remained silent after Russian officials said opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in a prison colony on Friday. "Donald Trump continues to side with Vladimir Putin - a man who kills his political opponents, holds American journalists hostage, and has never hidden his desire to destroy America," Haley said in an official statement. In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), Haley wrote, Putin murdered his political opponent and Trump hasnt said a word after he said he would encourage Putin to invade our allies. He has, however, posted 20+ times on social media about his legal drama and fake polls." Trump has praised Putin on and off for years, calling the Russian leader a "genius" in 2022 for his decision to invade neighboring Ukraine, igniting a war that is still raging. The 47-year-old lawyer rose to prominence more than a decade ago by speaking publicly about what he said was the vast corruption and opulence among the "crooks and thieves" who ran Putin's Russia. Many Western leaders accused the Kremlin of murder regarding Navalny. They produced no evidence, but Putin's enemies have a history of dying under opaque circumstances. Haley's remarks came as she has ratcheted up her criticism of Trump, in a bid to eat into the former president's overwhelming lead in all national and state-level primary polls. (With inputs from agencies) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Flash A Fijian child poses for photos with a billboard introducing the Year of Dragon stamps at a launching ceremony held in Nausori, Fiji, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Sang Qinlong/Xinhua) Fiji enjoys an enduring friendship with China and Fiji-China relationship will be strengthened in the years ahead, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has said. Fiji firmly adheres to the one-China principle, which has served as the cornerstone since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Rabuka said in his Chinese New Year's message published in the Fiji Times recently. "I am confident that our partnership will only strengthen and deepen in the years ahead," he said. Rabuka stressed that China has been a steadfast partner of Fiji. The bilateral relations are guided by shared aspirations and mutual interests, laying the foundation for a comprehensive strategic partnership built on trust and respect. He noted that over the years, the friendship between Fiji and China has flourished, enriched by people-to-people exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation across various sectors including agriculture, education and climate change. "I extend my deepest gratitude to the Chinese government for the invaluable assistance rendered to these crucial sectors of our economy," Rabuka said, adding that he "eagerly" anticipates the further enhancement of Fiji-China relations for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. With Chinese people joyfully celebrating the Year of the Dragon that kicked off on Feb. 10, the prime minister said the dragon symbolizes good fortune, heralding a year of great promise. "May this year bring bountiful blessings and opportunities to each and every one of you," he said. Jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan 's party has decided to sit in the Opposition in Parliament while launching a countrywide protest against alleged rigging in the elections after its efforts to form the next government failed. Pakistan's major political parties have stepped up efforts to form a federal government after the February 8 elections delivered a split verdict, according to a report published by the news agency PTI. While Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed independent candidates dominated the election results, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) claimed to have enough numbers to form the government as some independents joined the Nawaz Sharif-led party post-polls. On Friday, PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif announced that following the instructions of PTI founder Khan, the party has decided to sit in the Opposition both at the Centre and in the key province of Punjab. The decision came after the party had named Umar Ayub Khan as its candidate for the prime minister and Aslam Iqbal as chief minister for Punjab. Speaking to media persons after visiting the Qaumi Watan Party in Islamabad, Saif said the party decided to sit in the Opposition in the Centre and Punjab under the instructions of party founder Khan. We decided to sit in Opposition despite the reality that if we received seats according to our votes and the results were not changed then maybe today we might have been in the Centre with 180 seats. We have the evidence that our candidates won," he said as quoted by PTI. The party, which also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday, has decided to kick off its demonstrations on Saturday. A PTI source said that the partys incarcerated founder has tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive. A PTI delegation led by Qaisar met the leader of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) on Friday, while a meeting with Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Partys Mehmood Khan Achakzai is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Qaiser-led delegation also met Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Mian Muhammad Aslam and discussed the post-election scenario. The delegation sought JIs support for joint protests against the alleged rigging. It was not clear if the party would participate in the election of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister after the decision to join the opposition ranks. Khan's party claimed that at least 85 seats won by it in Parliament were snatched in the "biggest voter fraud" in the country's history and announced plans to hold "peaceful" nationwide protests on Saturday against alleged rigging. PTIs core committee met on Friday and finalized the plans for the nationwide protest campaign on the call of the partys founder Khan. The meeting urged the whole nation to come out of their houses against the massive rigging". The meeting also sought the resignation of the chief election commissioner. Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. However, PTI's two main rivals appear on course to form a coalition government after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance on Tuesday. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Khan declared on Friday will not seek political vengeance upon returning to power. (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! The Philippines on Saturday accused Chinese coast guard ships of "dangerous" manoeuvres after they repeatedly blocked a Filipino vessel delivering supplies to fishermen at a reef off the Southeast Asian nation's coast. The incidents happened near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal on Thursday and Friday, several days after the Philippine Coast Guard made similar accusations against Chinese boats in the same area. Scarborough Shoal -- a triangular shaped chain of reef and rocks in the disputed South China Sea -- has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. Since then, Beijing has deployed patrol boats that Manila says harass Philippine vessels and prevent Filipino fishermen from reaching a lagoon where fish are more plentiful. In the latest incidents, a Chinese navy ship, China Coast Guard vessels and other Chinese boats shadowed a Philippine vessel belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that was bringing food and fuel to Filipino fishermen, allowing them to spend more time at sea and pursue a larger catch. AFP correspondents and journalists from several local outlets were on board the Philippines' BRP Datu Tamblot for the three-day roundtrip. The Datu Tamblot and the China Coast Guard vessels issued repeated radio challenges to each other, with each side accusing the other of encroaching into their territorial waters. On four occasions, Chinese coast guard vessels briefly blocked the Datu Tamblot by crossing its bow and stopping in its path as it neared the shoal. "It's not permitted for any vessel to cross the bow of another vessel because it is very dangerous," Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela told a news conference in Manila. Tarriela, who is the coast guard's spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said such actions could "cause a collision". Despite the Chinese actions, the Datu Tamblot was able to get within a few kilometres of the shoal and deliver 21,000 litres (5,550 gallons) of diesel and other provisions to 19 Philippine fishing boats, Tarriela said. Scarborough Shoal is 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan. China claims almost the entire sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis. The incidents came after tense standoffs between China and the Philippines around disputed reefs in the South China Sea last year that saw collisions between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting water cannon at Philippine boats. Alexei Navalny did not like tragedies. He preferred Hollywood films and fables in which heroes vanquish villains and good triumphs over evil. He had the looks and talent to be one of those heroes, but he was born in Russia and lived in dark times, spending his last days in a penal colony in the Arctic permafrost. A fan of Star Wars", he described his ordeal in lyrical terms. Prison [exists] in ones mind," he wrote from his cell in 2021. And if you think carefully, I am not in prison but on a space voyageto a wonderful new world." That voyage ended on February 16th. Mr Navalnys death was blamed by Russian prison authorities on a blood clotthough his doctor said he suffered from no condition which made that likely. Whatever ends up on his death certificate, he was killed by Vladimir Putin. Russias president locked him up; in his name Mr Navalny was subjected to a regime of forced labour and solitary confinement. Mr Navalny will be celebrated as a man of remarkable courage. His life will be remembered for what it says about Mr Putin, what it portends for Russia and what it demands of the world. A man of formidable intelligence, Mr Navalny identified the two foundations on which Mr Putin has built his power: fear and greed. In Mr Putins world everyone can be bribed or threatened. Not only did Mr Navalny understand those impulses, he struck at them in devastating ways. His insight was that corruption was not just a side hustle but the moral rot at the heart of Mr Putins state. His anti-corruption crusade formed a new genre of immaculately documented and thriller-like films that displayed the yachts, villas and planes of Russias rulers. These videos, posted on YouTube, culminated in an expose of Mr Putins billion-dollar palace on the Black Sea coast that has been watched 130m times. Despite the palaces iron gates, adorned with a two-headed imperial eagle, Mr Navalny portrayed its owner not as a tsar so much as a tasteless mafia boss. Mr Navalny also understood fear and how to defeat it. Mr Putins first attempt to kill him was in 2020, when he was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok smeared inside his underwear. By sheer good luck Mr Navalny survived, regained his strength in Germany and less than a year later flew back to Moscow to defy Mr Putin in a blast of publicity. He returned in the full knowledge that he would probably be arrested. On the way back to confront the evil ruler who had tried to poison him he did not read Hamlet. He watched Rick and Morty, an American cartoon. By mocking Mr Putin, he diminished him. Ive mortally offended him by surviving," he said from the dock during his trial in 2021. He will enter history as a poisoner. We had Yaroslav the Wise and Alexander the Liberator. And now we will have Vladimir the Poisoner of Underpants." Mr Navalny was sentenced to 19 years in jail on extremism charges. He turned his sentence into an act of cheerful defiance. Every time he appeared in court hearings via video link from prison, his smile cut through the walls of his cell and beamed across Russias 11 time zones. On February 15th, on the eve of his death, he was in court again. Dressed in dark-grey prison uniform he laughed in the face of Mr Putins judges, suggesting they should put some money into his account as he was running short. In the end there was only one way Mr Putin could wipe the smile off his face. In his essay Live Not by Lies", in 1974, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, a Nobel-prize-winning Soviet novelist, wrote that when violence intrudes into peaceful life, its face glows with self-confidence, as if it were carrying a banner and shouting: I am violence. Run away, make way for meI will crush you." Mr Navalny understood, but instead of running he held his ground. His great strength was to understand Mr Putins fear of other peoples courage. In one of his early communications from jail he wrote that: it is not honest people who frighten the authoritiesbut those who are not afraid, or, to be more precise: those who may be afraid, but overcome their fear." That is why his death portends a deepening of repression inside Russia. Mr Navalnys murder was not the first and it will not be the last. The next targets could be Ilya Yashin, a brave politician who followed Mr Navalny to prison, or Vladimir Kara-Murza, a historian, journalist and politician who has been sentenced to 25 years on treason charges for speaking against the war. The lawyers and activists who continue to defend these dissidents are also in danger. Since Mr Putins return to the presidency in 2012, the number of prisoners has increased 15 times. Even as the remnants of Stalins gulag fill with political prisoners, professional criminals are being recruited and released to fight in Ukraine. Mr Navalnys death also casts a shadow over ordinary Russians. In Moscow and across Russia, people flooded the streets at the news. Before the police started to arrest them, they covered memorials for previous victims of political repression in flowers. Yet that repression is intensifying. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, 1,305 men and women have been prosecuted for speaking out against it. A wave of repression is also swallowing up people who never before engaged in politics. The president will shoot into the crowds if he must. For the West, Mr Navalnys death contains a call to action. Mr Putin considers its leaders too weak and too decadent to resist him. And for many years Western politicians and businessmen did much to prove that fear and greed work in the West, too. When Mr Putin first bombed and shelled Chechnya in the early 2000s, Western politicians turned a blind eye and continued to do business with his cronies. When he murdered his opponents in Moscow and annexed Crimea in 2014, they slapped his wrist. Even after he had invaded Ukraine in 2022, they hesitated to provide enough weapons for Russia to be defeated. Every time the West stepped back, Mr Putin took a step forward. Every time Western politicians expressed their grave concern", he smirked. The West needs to find the strength and courage that Mr Navalny showed. It should understand that Mr Navalnys murder, the soaring number of political prisoners, the torture and beating of people across Russia, the assassination of Mr Putins opponents in Europe and the shelling of Ukrainian cities are all part of the same war. Without resolve, the Wests military and economic superiority will count for nothing. Western governments should start by treating people like Mr Kara-Murza as prisoners of Mr Putins war who need to be exchanged with Russian prisoners in the West or prisoners of war in Ukraine. They should not stigmatise ordinary Russians living under a paranoid dictator and his goons, or put the onus on ordinary people to overthrow the dictator who is repressing them. The best retort to Mr Putin is by arming Ukraine. Every time Americas Congress votes down aid, Russia takes comfort. The leaders assembled at the Munich Security Conference, who heard Mr Navalnys wife, Yulia, speak of justice for her husbands death, need to stiffen their resolve to see through the war. For their part Ukrainian politicians must see that standing up for Russian activists and prisoners is also a way of helping their own countryjust as Mr Navalny called for peace, for rebuilding Ukraine and the prosecution of Russian war crimes. Liberating Ukraine would be the best way to liberate Russia, too. The voyage ends After he had been poisoned, Mr Navalny returned home because he believed that history was on his side and that Russia was freeing itself from the deadly grip of its own imperial past. Putin is the last chord of the USSR," he told The Economist a few months before he took that last fateful journey. People in the Kremlin know there is a historic current that is moving against them." Mr Putin invaded Ukraine to reverse that current. Now he has killed Mr Navalny. Mr Navalny would not want Mr Putins message to prevail. [If I get killed] the obvious thing is: dont give up," he once told American film-makers. All it takes for evil to triumph is the inaction of good people. Theres no need for inaction." Mr Navalnys death has seemed imminent for months. And yet there is something crushing about it. He was not alone in believing that good triumphs over evil, and that heroes vanquish villains. His courage was an inspiration. To see that moral order so brutally overturned is a terrible affront. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalnys death Friday at a Russian prison camp in the Arctic silenced a man who was arguably the most influential remaining critic of President Vladimir Putin and the authoritarian state the former spy has methodically built on the wreckage of the Soviet Union. Putin, who has effectively run Russia for 24 years and is seeking to extend his time in office for another six years in elections set for next month, now strides the Russian political stage with almost no visible challengers. Many of those who have opposed him have ended up in prison, or dead. Since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has introduced laws to punish critics of its military campaign, muzzled independent media, branded pro-peace authors and artists as foreign agents" and denied Russians the ability to publicly express opinions about the war. Authorities have unleashed a wave of repression to ensure compliance. Many ordinary citizens have been swept up in a crackdown and handed fines and lengthy jail times for what authorities view as discrediting the army or spreading misinformation about Russias stalled military campaign. A 72-year-old woman who questioned Russias conduct in the war in Ukraine online was sentenced recently to 5 years in jail. Navalny and the network of political offices he established in 2017 were once able to assemble protests in major Russian cities, rattling the Kremlin and prompting the deployment of riot police to quell them. There hasnt been a significant wave of demonstrations since the days just after Russia invaded Ukraine. Hundreds of anti-Kremlin activists have fled the country, many of them continuing from abroad their efforts to shed light on government corruption and the crackdown on opposition within Russia, despite being declared foreign agents by the state and facing prosecution if they return home. View Full Image Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny joins demonstrators marching in memory of a murdered Kremlin critic in Moscow in 2020. PHOTO: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES Russias parliament recently passed a bill allowing authorities to confiscate the assets of people convicted of discrediting the Russian military, including those living abroad. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the parliaments lower house, said such people publicly throw dirt at Russia, insult our soldiers and officers" and feel their impunity, believing that justice cannot reach them." Even lawyers who served government critics as a last line of defense against a legal system that is being reshaped to punish dissent have either been jailed or fled the country. Three of the lawyers who have represented Navalny are now in jail on charges of involvement in an extremist group. Two have been arrested in absentia. Its not even clear how any doubt in what Putin says can be voiced in Russia, what kind of disagreement can be raised," said Konstantin Sonin, an expert on Russian politics at the University of Chicago who personally knew Navalny. Faced with punishment for criticizing the war, which the Russian government refers to euphemistically as a special military operation," ordinary Russians are also starved of access to information that questions the Kremlin narrative. Putins government has banned the social-media platforms X, Instagram, and Facebook. Although the social-media messenger platform Telegram is widely used as a source of information, state media remains the dominant source of news for most Russians. Television, which is almost entirely controlled by the state, pumps out daily propaganda reports that paint the West as Russias enemy, rails against Putins political opponents, and portrays those who left the country as traitors. A large number of Russians sincerely believe that Russia has never started wars and has never lost them. Therefore, they are inclined to trust the broadcast image of a future victory," Mikhail Vinogradov, president of the St. Petersburg Politics Foundation, a research center, said in emailed comments. That widespread and effective campaign to stifle opposition, combined with state medias relentless promotion of pro-Kremlin narratives, has cleared the field for Putin to win a fifth term in office when Russians head to the polls, a result that could make him modern Russias longest-serving leader, surpassing Joseph Stalin. View Full Image Russian President Vladimir Putin visited a factory in the Urals this week as part of his travels across Russia ahead of the presidential election. PHOTO: RAMIL SITDIKOV/POOL Even before Navalnys death, Putin faced no real challenge in the coming presidential election. The three Putin rivals permitted to run have all publicly backed the president. The only two antiwar candidates have been barred from contesting the vote. As part of his travels across Russia ahead of the election, Putin on Friday appeared before factory workers in the Urals city of Chelyabinsk. Before the event aired, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had been informed of Navalnys death. Putin smiled and looked upbeat as he praised the factory and joked with its employees. He didnt comment on Navalnys death. In regular speeches, Putin has framed the war in Ukraine as an existential fight with the West, which he accuses of trying to bring about Russias collapse, and placed the Russian economy on a war footing as he hints at a protracted standoff. He has expedited efforts to bolster Russias nuclear arsenal and develop a host of new strategic weapons, including one designed to attack American and allied satellites. Putin has also set about grooming the next generation by molding their views on the West and Russias place in the world. Classes touch on topics such as the heroism of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine and why Crimeaa Ukrainian peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014is important to Russia. Updated history books have been introduced in schools, highlighting what they describe as the Wests long-held plans to destabilize Russia, the U.S. and European Unions falsification of the Soviet Unions role in World War II and its relationship with Nazi Germany, and the revival of ultranationalism in modern Ukraine. A new basic military and naval training program has been introduced in schools, with older students receiving more advanced instruction, including how to handle a Kalashnikov assault rifle and use hand grenades. Preparing themselves for a long war, thats what theyre doing now," said James Nixey, head of the Eurasia-Russia program at the London think tank Chatham House. They are able to tell the populace that this is a question of national security, that this is a question of honor and that right is on their side." Navalny sought for years to counter this narrative with videos on social media that broadcast a simple and accessible message at odds with the Kremlin line. Even after his poisoning in 2020, when he collapsed on a flight from Siberia and was flown for emergency treatment to Germany, he chose to return to Russia and face the prospect of imprisonment on charges he said were trumped up to silence him. He continued, through his lawyers, to publish political tracts from prison, predicting Putins demise and railing against the war. Meanwhile, other opponents of the Kremlin were placed behind bars, including Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, was in August killed in a plane crash. Wagner, the paramilitary force he ran, was dismantled and taken over by the Defense Ministry. After the announcement of Navalnys death on Friday, several dozen people lined up in Moscow to lay flowers in honor of the man whose arrest in January 2021 inspired tens of thousands to rally in vain for his release. Knowing that political slogans can lead to arrest, they stood in silence. Write to Ann M. Simmons at ann.simmons@wsj.com and Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com Kamal Nath, a Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, has not resigned from the party yet. However, Nath is "unhappy with what is happening" in the party and feels that it isn't the same organisation that he had joined over four decades ago, sources told NDTV on Saturday. The comments came amid speculation about the former Madhya Pradesh Congress chief ditching the Congress and switching to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Follow LIVE Updates on Madhya Pradesh politics here According to the report, Kamal Nath conveyed his unhappiness to the Congress leadership". "He feels that Rahul Gandhi is busy with the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the party is now being run by the likes of senior leaders Jairam Ramesh, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala," sources told NDTV. Kamal Nath reached Delhi on Saturday, reportedly to meet the BJP leadership there. Sources told NDTV that Kamal Nath has not met Union Home Minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "and has only heard leaders like BJP Madhya Pradesh President VD Sharma saying that he is welcome to join the BJP". As per the sources, Kamal Nath cited people in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara saying that they want him to "join the BJP to fast-track development". They added, "...the senior Congress leader has said that the matter is under his consideration." Kamal Nath has been an MP from Chhindwara for nine times. Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, who is the MP from Chhindwara, might also join the BJP. On Saturday, Nakul Nath reportedly changed his bio and removed Congress" from it, fueling the speculations. The sources, however, claimed Kamal Nath said his son never had the party's name in his bio to begin with. Several reports also claimed that around 10-11 Congress leaders may also switch parties ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024. As he reached Delhi on Saturday, Kamal Nath asked the media to not get excited and said he would inform if something like that happens. "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that...," he said. Amid the buzz, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said, "...He (Kamal Nath) has always stood with the ideology of Congress...Indira Gandhi used to consider him as her third son." "For the past seven years, he has been working as MP Congress chief, all the party workers have worked hard to make him the CM...Kamal Nath is not like Scindia. Kamal Nath is a Congress leader by ideology. He will never change his party for positions...even such a thought that he will leave is wrong," Jitu Patwari said. ALSO READ: Kamal Nath out, Jitu Patwari appointed as new Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Meanwhile, Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma, a close aide of Kamal Nath who reportedly changed his bio on social media on Saturday, said, Three things work in politics - respect, insult and self-respect, when these are hurt a person changes his decisions...When such a top politician who has done a lot for Congress and the nation in the last 45 years, thinks of moving away from his party, then all three factors work behind it. No decision has been taken that Kamal Nath ji is going, right there is just speculation..." 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 largest share of electoral bonds was sold in Mumbai, since the inception of the donation scheme to political parties in 2018. However, most of the bonds were encashed in Delhi during the period. According to data compiled by Election Watchdog, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Mumbai contributed about 24 per cent of the now-scrapped bonds worth 16,518 crore sold across cities in India until January 2024, with 5,426 bonds worth 4,009.4 crore. Following Mumbai, Hyderabad ( 3,554 cr), Kolkata ( 3,333 cr), New Delhi ( 2,324 cr), and Chennai ( 1,524 cr) were the top cities in terms of bond sales. These five cities together accounted for over 14,744 crore, close to 90 percent worth of 28,030 bonds sold across 18 cities. The Supreme Court (SC) on February 15 struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme (EBS) and directed the State Bank of India (SBI), the sole issuer of bonds, to submit names of bond buyers, the dates of purchase, and amounts donated to the Election Commission (EC) by March 6. The poll panel has to publish these on its website by March 13. Introduced by the Centre in 2018, EBS allowed individuals and corporations to anonymously fund political parties by purchasing electoral bonds from the State Bank of India. The bonds are sold in five denominations- one thousand, ten thousand, one lakh, ten lakh, and one crore. While Mumbai tops the sale of bonds, the majority of them were redeemed in the national capital New Delhi. According to ADR, one among the four petitioners who had challenged the scheme along with Congress leader Jaya Thakur, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and non-profit Common Cause, as many as 16,982 bonds worth 10,402 crore were redeemed in New Delhi between March 2018 and January 2024. Former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi called the SC verdict a significant judgment which, according to him, will have a long-term effect on India's electoral democracy. Top Five Cities Sale of EBS Mumbai 4,009.4 Cr Hyderabad 3,554 Cr Kolkata 3,333 Cr New Delhi 2,324 Cr Chennai 1,524 Cr Top Five Cities Encashing EBS New Delhi 10,402 Cr Hyderabad 2,252 Cr Kolkata 1,722 Cr Bhubaneswar 962 Cr Chennai 682 Cr 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 Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Shari f and his brother Shehbaz Sharif are unlikely to form a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), according to reports. Nawaz Sharif, whose party PML-N was the single largest party in the February 8 elections, thinks it 'won't be an appropriate form of government and also it is not easy to deal with the Zardaris on a day-to-day basis. By Zardari's Nawaz meant PPP, led by party president Asif Ali Zardari and chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. On February 9, PML-N announced an alliance with PPP and four other parties and nominated Shehbaz for the PM post. 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 had said after the annoucement besides promising to 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." Speaking alongside Shehbaz Asif Ali Zardari said that a coalition government was the need of the hour. We have decided to form a coalition government and pull the country out of the economic crisis," the former Pakistani President said adding that the new government would also try to reconcile with everyone including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The six parties in the coalition are PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP. Why PML-N deciding to back out of the coalition? However, taking a U-turn from the earlier stand, the PML-N has said it feel that this was not appropriate to form a government at the centre despite getting the largest number as a party, according to a report in CNN-News18. The report, quoting unnamed people familiar with the development, said PML-N feels it will not be easy to negotiate with the Zardaris of the PPP and also handle the PTI-backed independents on a day-to-day basis. The PML-N supremo is now realising it is better to sit in the opposition benches," the report said Who will form the next government in Pakistan? Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed independent candidates dominated the election results, but the coalition of PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP reached majority secured 152 general seats Now, the Pakistan spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) met Imran Khan in Adiala jail and made a deal after which Imran nominated Omar Ayub Khan as his PM candidate, CNN-News18 report cited. They further added that it will not be easy for any government or the establishment to handle the PTI-led opposition while also countering international pressure. There are speculations that PPP might join hands with PTI to for a coalition. But. Zardaris are yet to comment on these developments. 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! Rahul Gandhi is urgently departing from Varanasi to Wayanad for his Lok Sabha duties, marking a crucial turn in his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra . The decision to resume the yatra from Prayagraj on Sunday afternoon was announced by the party, highlighting the significance of Gandhi's presence in his constituency amid pressing issues. Gandhi's visit to Wayanad follows a tragic incident wherein a man, seriously injured in a wild elephant attack, succumbed to his injuries at the Kozhikode medical college. The victim, identified as an eco-tourism guide stationed at Kuruva Island, was a Forest department employee. This unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for attention to man-animal conflicts in the region. In a post on social media, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized the necessity of Gandhi's immediate presence in Wayanad, confirming his departure from Varanasi at 5 PM. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is scheduled to resume at Prayagraj on February 18th at 3 PM, signaling Gandhi's commitment to addressing critical issues facing the nation. The call for a district-wide hartal in Wayanad, led by various political parties, underscores the gravity of the situation and the demand for permanent solutions to mitigate man-animal conflicts. As a result, shops and business establishments remained closed, and vehicular movement was restricted across the district. Despite Gandhi's absence in Bhadohi, where the yatra is currently stationed, Congress secretary Rajesh Tiwari confirmed that the yatra would continue as planned, progressing from Bhadohi to Prayagraj. Gandhi is expected to join the yatra in Prayagraj on Sunday afternoon, reaffirming his commitment to the cause of justice and unity across the nation. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spanning from east to west, traverses 6,700 km through 15 states, aiming to engage with people and promote the message of 'nyay' (justice). It serves as a platform to address pressing issues while fostering dialogue and solidarity among communities across the country. 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! Will Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Kamal Nath switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024? Amid speculations, several reports claimed that the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister could be upset with the Congress leadership. NDTV quoted sources as saying on Saturday that "Kamal Nath has conveyed his unhappiness to the Congress leadership". Here's a look at possible reasons which might have impacted ties between "Indira Gandhi's third son" Kamal Nath and the Congress leadership: 1. Hints of Kamal Nath being 'insulted' A close aide of Kamal Nath, Sajjan Singh Verma said when a "big politician" decides to sever ties with his organisation, then "all three factors work behind it". He said three things work in politics "maan, apmaan and swabhimaan (respect, insult and self-respect)". "When these factors are hurt, a person changes his decisions...When such a top politician who has done a lot for Congress and the nation in the last 45 years, thinks of moving away from his party, then all three factors work behind it," Sajjan Singh told news agency ANI. "A person who dedicated 45 years to Congress, if somewhere we are not able to respect that person, then it is the weakness of that political party. That's why a person is free to take his own decision," he added. Verma, however, said no decision has been taken yet on Kamal Nath leaving the Congress. "...right there is just speculation," he added. ALSO READ: 'Will inform you if there is something': Kamal Nath amid speculation over joining BJP | Watch video 2. Kamal Nath not nominated for Rajya Sabha There are speculations that Kamal Nath might also be "unhappy" over not being nominated for the Rajya Sabha elections this year. However, sources told NDTV that this wasn't true. They were quoted as saying that the former chief minister had pushed for Ashok Singh's nomination from Madhya Pradesh and did not want Meenakshi Natarajan to be nominated. Natarajan was reportedly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's pick for the Upper House. 3. Securing future of son Nakul Nath? If sources are to be believed, one of the reasons for Kamal Nath purportedly joining the BJP could be about securing his son's future in the political arena. Aaj Tak cited sources as saying that Kamal Nath wants his son to be given a "big responsibility" in the BJP. Nakul Nath might also switch to the BJP, along with his father, reports claimed on Saturday. He is an MP from Chhindwara. 4. Kamal replaced as MP Congress chief Kamal Nath was replaced by Jitu Patwari as the president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee in December last year. This was soon after the Congress faced defeat in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Election 2023. The BJP retained power in Madhya Pradesh after winning 163 of the total 230 assembly seats in the state. The Congress won 66 seats and the Bharat Adivasi Party bagged one seat in the 2023 state election. 5. Kamal Nath blamed for Congress' poll debacle? "Kamal Nath had been in touch with BJP leaders since the Congress high command blamed him for the party's debacle in Madhya Pradesh polls," a sources told the Hindustan Times. Former Madhya Pradesh minister Deepak Saxena asked on Sunday why only Kamal Nath is blamed for te Congress's loss in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. "No one would have thought that Bhupesh Baghel would lose. We lost in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan where we didn't think we would lose. But why is only Kamal Nath being blamed for it," he said. Meanwhile, Aaj Tak cited its sources as saying that Congress leadership believes Nath was chosen as the Chief Minister in place of Jyotiraditya Scindia, but he could not handle the government. They said that it was because of Nath's "stubbornness" that a few leaders switched to the BJP, leading to the collapse of Kamal Nath-led government in 2020. The party reportedly said that the recently-concluded assembly election were fought with Kamal Nath as the Congress's face and still party lost elections to the BJP. According to the report, Kamal Nath refused to cooperate with any party leader from Delhi to Madhya Pradesh. He had "sidelined" senior leader Jai Parkash Aggarwal. Moreover, Kamal Nath continued to make one-sided" decisions related to campaigning and ticket distribution in the assembly elections, Aaj Tak reported. Speculation is rife that former Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath might ditch the Congress and switch to the BJP. He reached Delhi on Saturday, reportedly to meet the BJP leadership there. Sources told NDTV that Kamal Nath has not met Union Home Minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "and has only heard leaders like BJP Madhya Pradesh President VD Sharma saying that he is welcome to join the BJP". 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 Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard spacecraft GSLV F14 on Saturday, in the evening. Here are 5 points to know about satellite INSAT-3DS' launch: Also read: What is Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India's first space station to be set up by 2035? Date and Time: The satellite INSAT-3DS that will be aboard spacecraft GSLV F14 during launch today, February 17, will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota at 5:35pm Purpose this satellite will serve: The satellite will help attain more accurate, precise and informative weather forecasts by studying the surface of the ocean and will be able to provide natural disaster warnings. GSLV F14's 16th mission: This is the 16th space mission for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and it aims to deploy the INSAT-3DS satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Funding: The GSLV F14 will embark on its 16th mission which has been funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and marks a major step forward in India's space advancements. Success rate: Former chairman of the ISRO termed GSLV F14 as naughty boy" as it has been known to run into problems often. It holds a failure rate of 40 per cent as out of its total 15 space missions so far, GSLV F14 has faced problems in 6 of them. Also read: ISRO successfully completes all missions under POEM-3; set to make re-entry into Earth ISRO's last mission in May 2023 involving GSLV F14 spacecraft was a success, but the one prior to it had failed. Also read: ISRO aims to launch first module of Indian space station by 2028, says chief Somanath: Reports INSAT-3DS mission details The satellite mission GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS would provide continuity of services and assistance to the previously launched INSAT-3D (launched in 2013) and INSAT-3DR ( launched in September 2016), according to ISRO. ISRO chairman S Somanath said," We have the launch of GSLV rocket carrying a meteorological satellite-INSAT-3DS for weather climate studies today. This satellite is built for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is the third satellite in the INSAT series of satellites," reported ANI. Following success of this mission, ISRO will be able to undertake enhanced meteorological observations, monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning. The space agency will also be able to provide Satellite aided Research and Rescue services (SAR) among others. Moreover, the Indian space agencies chairman offered prayers at Sri Chengalamma Temple in Sullurpet of Andhra Pradesh today, ahead of meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS launch. 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! Ukraines top military commander ordered his outgunned forces to withdraw from the besieged eastern city of Avdiivka, as Russias army made its first major gain in months. Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskiy said early Saturday that he was pulling back troops to better defensive lines in order to prevent encirclement and preserve lives. The Russian armys push into the city came rapidly in recent days, as Ukraines lack of artillery ammunition hamstrung efforts to hold the invaders back. The Biden administration has blamed the lack of shells on Congresss failure to send further military aid to Ukraine. Russias capture of Avdiivka following a monthslong assault represents the biggest victory for President Vladimir Putin since his forces seized the eastern city of Bakhmut in May 2023. Moscow has retaken the initiative in the war as Ukraine is short on personnel and military equipment after a failed counteroffensive last year. Control over the city puts Russia closer to its strategic aim of seizing all of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. But the slow pace of the Russian advance and the heavy cost in lives and armored vehicles have given Ukrainian officials confidence that Russian forces lack the tactical coordination and quality personnel needed for a major breakthrough. Russian forces had pressed deeper into Avdiivka on Friday, pounding it with guided aerial bombs after cutting a key supply road. Ukraine sent reinforcements including the powerful 3rd Assault Brigade this week in a deployment apparently aimed at securing the retreat. Russian military bloggers posted an image of the Soviet victory flag flying from a sign in Avdiivka where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took a selfie during a visit to the city in December. Speaking during a news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday, Zelensky said he had instructed battlefield commanders to give priority to preserving soldiers lives: Our military is the most important thing we have, and it is our most important weapon," he said. The Russian gains demonstrate the enormous challenge Kyiv would face against its larger neighbor without further U.S. support for Kyiv. The Senate this week passed a new aid package containing about $60 billion related to Ukraine, overcoming objections from Republican lawmakers. But the bill faces a further hurdle in the GOP-run House. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Wednesday said a lack of shells was in large part to blame for the situation in Avdiivka. Russia is sending wave after wave of conscript forces to attack Ukrainian positions and because Congress has yet to pass the supplemental bill, weve not been able to provide Ukraine with the artillery shells they desperately need to disrupt these Russian assaults," he said. The decision to withdraw from Avdiivka contrasts with the battle for Bakhmut, when Ukrainian forces held out for as long as possible, taking heavy losses that depleted Kyivs army ahead of the counteroffensive. Syrskiy, who was criticized over that strategy when he commanded defense of that city, was promoted to commander in chief of Ukraines armed forces last week. Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment," Syrskiy said. The lives of military personnel are the most valuable thing." Ukrainian forces began pulling out of the city this week, withdrawing from a military base in the south where they were at risk of being cut off by Russian forces. We held this position as long as it allowed us to effectively deter and destroy the enemy," said Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, commander of Ukrainian forces fighting in the southeast. Ukrainian soldiers said they were suffering from acute shortages of ammunition. For every 10 artillery shells fired by Russia, Ukraine can respond with only one, Tarnavskiy said. Soldiers sometimes hold fire even when Russian soldiers are in their sights in order to preserve ammunition. Another huge challenge is Russias intensive use of guided aerial bombs against which Ukraine has little protection, soldiers say. These bombs completely destroy any position," said Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, adding that Russia dropped between 60 and 80 a day. He described the battle for Avdiivka as many times more hellish" than Bakhmut. Russia renewed its efforts to seize the city last fall as Ukraines counteroffensive in the south petered out. After failed assaults on the city using columns of tanks and armored troop carriers, the Russians changed tactics, sending waves of infantry forward in small groups. The industrial city has long been a thorn in the side of Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. The fortified town forms a salient north of Donetsk city, limiting Russian control of the region. Ukrainian troops had held off Russian attacks since 2014, when Moscow launched a covert invasion of Ukraines east. Once home to more than 30,000, Avdiivka had seen its population dwindle to 1,400 by the time Russia intensified its campaign for the city last fall. On a recent day outside the city, Ukrainian soldiers talked of exhaustion and falling morale. Everybody is tired and they dont know what will happen in the next few minutes, let alone tomorrow," said Nazar Filipchuk, an infantryman who has been in the army for two years. Among soldiers complaints was a lack of time off and that brigades arent being rotated out of hot-spot areas, in the way that U.S. and European forces would move units out after a defined tour of duty. Behind Avdiivka, Ukrainian engineers were building a series of antitank trenches, likely as a defensive line to fall back to. Kate Vtorygina contributed to this article. Write to Isabel Coles at isabel.coles@wsj.com and Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com In a concerning turn of events for iPhone users worldwide, iOS security has been rattled by the emergence of the first-ever banking Trojan tailored specifically for Apple devices. Dubbed GoldPickaxe, this malicious software, originally known as the Android Trojan GoldDigger, has evolved with advanced features designed to facilitate the unauthorized draining of bank accounts of users with iPhones. According to a report by TechRadar, first identified in October, GoldPickaxe has now surfaced with capabilities to infiltrate iOS devices, specifically targeting iPhone users. The Trojan is equipped with the ability to harvest sensitive data such as facial recognition information, identity documents, and intercepted text messages, all aimed at streamlining the pilfering of funds from various banking and financial applications. The report from the publication suggests that the obtained biometric data is leveraged to create AI deepfakes, enabling cybercriminals to impersonate victims effectively and gain unauthorized access to their bank accounts. While currently confined to targeting victims primarily in Vietnam and Thailand, the potential success of this campaign raises concerns about the expansion of operations to include iPhone and Android users in English-speaking countries such as the U.S. and Canada. One of the most notable aspects of the GoldPickaxe Trojan is its unprecedented method of entry into iOS devices. While infiltrating Android devices often involves malicious apps and phishing tactics, compromising iPhones proves more challenging due to Apple's closed ecosystem. However, hackers managed to exploit Apple's mobile application testing platform, TestFlight, to distribute the GoldPickaxe.IOS Trojan initially. Following its removal from TestFlight, hackers resorted to social engineering techniques, convincing victims to install a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile, thus granting complete control over the compromised iPhone. Attributed to a single threat actor named GoldFactory, responsible for developing both GoldPickaxe versions, cybersecurity firm Group-IB uncovered a new variant named GoldDiggerPlus. This upgraded malware allows hackers to make real-time calls on infected devices, adding a concerning dimension to the evolving threat. To combat the growing threat of iOS malware, users are advised to exercise caution and follow essential security measures. This includes refraining from installing apps through TestFlight unless necessary, being wary of installing Mobile Device Management profiles unless explicitly requested by employers for company-issued iPhones, and considering the use of malware scanning solutions when connected to a Mac via USB cable. Additionally, enabling Lockdown Mode and activating Apple's Stolen Device Protection can further enhance device security against potential threats. 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 school has purchased about $50,000 worth of new equipment for the career technical institute, thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Education. Sherrie Waters says Tabitha Smith was like a daughter to her and didn't realize it would be the last time she saw her. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Over fifty tourism service operators, community group representatives and accommodation providers from county Longford attended the first information briefing organised by Longford County Council on the new EU Just Transition Fund for regenerative tourism projects this week. The new grants are aimed at supporting communities across Europe who have been the most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality by addressing employment, economic, social, and environmental issues. Aligning with the National Climate Action Plan in Ireland, the EU JTF is focused on the wider Midlands region which has been impacted by the move away from peat production and electricity generation from peat. Failte Ireland will be operating the new regenerative tourism scheme and 18 Million euro is to be made available under the fund which is ONLY open to the tourism sector in 5 counties - Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon, Laois, and Offaly and just to two smaller municipal areas in parts of Kildare, Tipperary, and Galway. Grainne Cornally, of Failte Ireland attended this weeks meeting to outline details of the new funds alongside the EUJTF Tourism Activator Ciaran Mullooly and acting director of services Michael Nevin of Longford county council. Under the scheme there are four categories of support available for applicants with tourism attractions, accommodation, capital plans and accessibility requirements. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Colm Murray welcomed the turn out. Im delighted to see this level of interest in enhancing Longfords tourism output. This fund is a wonderful opportunity for local operators and entrepreneurs to develop ideas or current offerings and we look forward to seeing the results. Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, The opportunity being presented to Longford through the Just Transition Fund is one that Longford County Council is committed to realising, by supporting businesses and creating the right environment for new investment. This information night was a welcome first step in that process. For further information on the Just Transition funding opportunities or to speak to the Tourism Activator, please email cmullooly@longfordcoco.ie or call Ciaran at 087 064 92 87. Frustration at the progress of local improvement projects and a general disillusionment in local politics are the primary motivations for independent councillor Gerry Warnock's decision not to put his name on the ballot paper next June. Cllr Warnock announced his decision on social media last week: It's something that's been on my mind for the last 12 to 18 months, he told the Leader, I've been mulling it over a very, very long time now. As it was getting that closer to the hustings I knew I was going to have to make a decision. I wanted to make a decision far enough out from the election to let somebody else have a crack at it. First co-opted onto Longford Town Council in 2011, Cllr Warnock followed in his father Christy's footsteps. Gerry was elected to Longford County Council on his first attempt in 2014 and served as Cathaoirleach during that term. He was then re-elected in 2019 He says he's put a lot of consideration into the decision: I took it under careful consideration. I had a lot of conversations with my father and my wife Rachel, getting their advice. The independent councillor puts his choice to not seek re-election down to being disillusioned with politics on a local level: I was getting very frustrated with the whole set up locally. It's so hard, so protracted, to get from A to B. I think it's getting harder over the last couple of years, particularly since COVID, to try and progress anything. Then you're seeing your town taking a nose dive nearly by the week. Cllr Warnock is pulling the shutters on his role as a councillor with no intention of returning: I definitely would rule it out when it comes to local government. I don't go back. I've hit every peak I could hit at the local level, holding the post of Cathaoirleach as an independent. Bowing out in 2024 comes as Irish society experiences an unfamiliar volatility: Over the last number of years, Ive become increasingly disillusioned with politics here in Ireland. Politics should provide a space where the welfare of the citizen is paramount, and politicians should aspire to continuously enhance the quality of life for those citizens. In my view this is not happening, and we are witnessing a divisiveness in society that I have not encountered before. I believe that this can be directly attributed to government who have dropped the ball on the bread and butter issues (such as housing, health, law and order and unsustainable migration policy), in favour of a weak form of politics branded as being progressive where spin over substance appears to be the order of the day, he said. A tilt at the Dail is another kettle of fish: I still left the whole national thing on the table. That's something that I may consider further down the road. For the last 13 years, I've put my career on hold. So now, for the first time in 13 years, I have options. Despite his decision to walk away, Cllr Warnock says his time in politics has been gratifying: It has been a privilege serving the people of Longford and particularly Longford town. At the end of the day I enjoyed every bit of it. I loved representing people. I love trying to get a few things across the line. And look, it wasn't all doom and gloom. There were more highs than lows. When things were going well, you got to deliver a lot, like some of the bigger projects, but I just felt that everything had stagnated in the last few years. His future plans are yet to be fully formulated. I'm just going to be happy now, just to take a little break and get outside of the fishbowl for a while and look in, Cllr Warnock concluded. Crime By Long Island Published: February 17 2024 Michael Everett, 63, entered DSW Shoe Warehouse located at 357 Old Country Road and tried on a brand-new pair of sneakers. The Public Information Office reports the arrest of an undomiciled man for a Robbery that occurred on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 1:30 PM in Carle Place. According to Police, Defendant Michael Everett, 63, entered DSW Shoe Warehouse located at 357 Old Country Road and tried on a brand-new pair of sneakers. The defendant then proceeded to pass all points of purchase, with the sneakers on his feet, and exit the store without rendering payment. A female employee, 43, confronted the defendant who then threatened to stab her, so she called 911. No weapon was displayed. Subsequent to the investigation, Officers located the defendant nearby and placed him under arrest without incident. No injuries were reported. LIVONIA, MICH. The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress in 2020 and included a significant change to the processes and systems utilized by the federal government to award student aid. These changes went into effect for the 2024-2025 application and have resulted in delays for students accessing the form and institutions accessing student data. Despite the unexpected delays in the US Department of Educations processing of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data. Madonna University remains committed to delivering an accessible and affordable education to all students. FAFSA Delays and Actions for Students We recognize this delay may cause uncertainty and stress for prospective and current students. While we await FAFSA data, Madonna is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth financial aid process and to maintain our affordability. Students who have not yet submitted their 2024-2025 FAFSA application are encouraged to do so before March 1, 2024. Be sure to include Madonna Universitys code (002282) to ensure your information is received once it is made available. If you have already submitted your FAFSA, please be patient. Madonna University will prioritize creating and sending out financial aid offers as soon as student information is released. Madonna University is Committed to Affordability Recognizing the potential impact of these delays, Madonna University is taking several steps to ensure an affordable education for all students. Reduced Live-On Requirement: Starting Fall 2024, the live-on requirement for students has been reduced from two years to one year. Additionally, the boundary defining on-campus residency has been expanded, providing increased flexibility for students. More information is available on the Residence Life webpage. Commitment to Affordable Learning: Newly admitted students receiving the maximum federal Pell Grant, Michigan Tuition Grant, and Michigan Achievement Scholarship will have no additional out-of-pocket tuition expenses beginning in Fall 2024. Details are available on the Financial Aid webpage. Increased Scholarships: Madonna University has increased merit-based scholarships for all newly admitted students beginning in Fall 2024. This change will benefit first-year, transfer, and international students. More information is available on the undergraduate scholarships and grants page. While the FAFSA delay may cause temporary inconvenience, we understand your concerns and are here to support you through this process. Madonnas commitment to affordability remains steadfast. Remember, our Admissions and Financial Aid Offices are available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Nick Millican Explains Real Estate Investment in a Changing World Real estate has long been considered the gold standard for investment, anchored by reliable returns and long-term stability. However, the world of real estate investment is constantly evolving, and successful investors must be able to adapt to the changing economic, technological, and environmental landscape to remain profitable. Nick Millican of Greycoat Real Estate has established himself as a recognized and trusted thought leader and advisor in the real estate market, particularly when it comes to large commercial properties and developments in central London. Nick Millicans work primarily involves acquiring, developing, and operating commercial properties. His company owns and manages a deeply diversified portfolio of assets, and his investment strategies have evolved significantly over the past several years in response to many multifaceted changes across the global economic, political, financial, and real estate worlds. The Impacts of the Global Economy and Technology on the Real Estate Market According to Nick Millican, a key factor driving changes in the real estate market is the global economy. Economic shifts greatly impact the value and demand for real estate, and Nick Millican highlights the global economic boom of the early 2000s as a time when many well-funded property investment and management companie s snapped up commercial properties in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe and China. These companies believed that these markets had strong growth potential and that lucrative properties in those markets could be secured at a relatively low cost. Nick Millican says that this strategy proved to be hugely successful, as the demand for commercial real estate in these regions skyrocketed, delivering substantial long-term returns to those who saw the opportunity and made the right moves at the right time. Within a few short years, however, once the global financial crisis hit in 2008, Nick Millican said that a quick, strategic pivot was needed. Astute property managers shifted their focus to more resilient and established markets , and Nick Millican says that the ability to quickly pivot, adjust to, and respond to changing economic conditions is a key factor that differentiates between successful and unsuccessful real estate investors. In addition to economic shifts, Nick Millican says that technological advancements also have a significant impact on the real estate industry. For example, the rise of the internet and digital technologies have changed the way that properties are marketed, bought, and sold. Virtual reality technology allows potential investors to take virtual tours of properties from anywhere in the world, and customized marketing and outreach help real estate agents better target and attract users from a vast pool of potential investors and partners. The Impacts of Sustainability and Customization on the Real Estate Market Nick Millican says that the emergence of sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings is also having a moment in the real estate space. Many tenants from private residents to large, commercial concerns make a conscious effort to improve sustainability and reduce their carbon emissions. Nick Millican says that, by retrofitting existing properties with energy-efficient systems and developing new buildings that meet strict environmental standards, real estate developers and managers can better cater to the needs and expectations of such users. Having flexible and adaptable workspaces is another important consideration in today's real estate market. With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, traditional office spaces have become somewhat less relevant. Nick Millican says that he recognizes that this trend is likely here to stay. By developing shared workspaces and co-living spaces, providing flexible and affordable options for individuals and small businesses, and carefully monitoring the market for changes in consumer tastes, changes in demand and supply, and the overall health of the market, Nick Millican says that forward-thinking real estate players can secure the business and close the deals they need today to ensure long-term profitability. Nick Millicans Assessment: Real Estate in the Future The real estate space is constantly changing, as are global economic conditions, geopolitics, the global financial market, and consumer preferences, all of which impact the demand and supply of residential and commercial properties. What the real estate market holds tomorrow is anyones guess, but Nick Millican says that making smart investments today based on market research and developing trends can ensure long-term growth tomorrow. Availing opportunities, securing funding, developing properties that clients want, and building long-term relationships are all part and parcel of real estate success. Being flexible and quickly responding to market changes then becomes a competitive advantage that sets successful real estate developers and management companies apart from the competition. Nick Millican attributes much of his success to his ability to read the market, respond to changes, and spend time developing expertise in the areas that matter and the competencies that ensure profitability. The strategies outlined above have helped him and his company weather numerous crises in the real estate market while emerging as a leader in smart real estate investment, development, and management. By adopting such strategies, future-proofing against tech changes, and developing the flexibility needed to quickly respond to changes in the volatile global marketplace, Nick Millican says anyone can deliver results and be successful in real estate. By Sumeet Manhas 2024 Copyright Sumeet Manhas - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Dear Annie: We have a very close friend whose 16-year-old daughter, Lily, babysits for us quite often. There have been a couple of times, however, that Lily has not had her phone with her when she comes to babysit. I like to check in often with Lily to ensure things are going well with my kids, a 3- and 4-year-old. So when I couldnt get a hold of her one day, I called her mom, who is our friend. She explained that Lily didnt have her phone because she got in trouble, and taking the phone away was her punishment. But our friend assured me that she had shown Lily how to call 911 using an iPad (my little ones have 2nd generation iPads, so not very up to date). She was also relying on my 14-year-old daughter, who happened to be home that day during the babysitting session. She said since she knew my daughter was home that there was a phone there for use just in case. I dont feel that its my daughters responsibility to have a phone for emergencies, especially when shes not the one responsible for babysitting. That was the first time this happened, but it happened again this past weekend when Lily came to babysit. I texted her to ask how things were going, and her mom replied, saying All is well and that she had been checking in. Again, my 14-year-old was also home. How can I relay to our good friend and mom of our babysitter that Im really not comfortable with that set up? Am I out of line? Phoneless in Texas Dear Phoneless: Your concern in this situation is warranted, especially considering how young your children are. Fast, reliable, direct communication with your babysitter is vital; you shouldnt have to pass messages through Lilys mother to get an update on your kids. Express your worries kindly but firmly to Lilys mom and see what solutions you can come to together that prioritize the safety and well-being of all your children. If shes not able to get on the same page, then it might be time to look for new sitters. Dear Annie: Im writing in response to Worried in Louisiana, whose mother-in-law is in poor health and kept pretty isolated from the rest of the family by her sole caretaker, one of her daughters. Im a nurse and if I couldnt see my 96-year-old amputee mother, I would be calling the police immediately for a welfare check. The police can assess the living conditions and initiate extraction if necessary. There is no reason for her to be kept away from her family other than for nefarious purposes. Ive seen some crazy things working as a nurse, and this has red flags flying everywhere. Nurse on Alert Dear Nurse: Thank you for this suggestion. Others who felt similarly also recommended involving adult protective services. In the words of another wise reader, If the mother is OK, then no harm was done. But if shes being mistreated or neglected, this might save her life. How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner? is out now! Annie Lanes second anthology featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM When first-time restaurant owner Yvonne Souto opened a modest cafe on East View Farm in October 2023, she had no idea a few months later her business, The Haven, would take Massachusetts foodies by storm. Soutos rendition of the ordinary meat, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich has sent Worcester County and beyond into a frenzy. Her breadless take on a classic breakfast sandwich features two farm-fresh eggs, two pieces of cheese and meat piled between two hand-crafted, deep-fried potato patties and costs $13.50. Some guests have traveled from as far away as Taunton to the Rutland restaurant to see what all the hypes about, she said. The Rutland cafe is about 15 miles from Worcester. 11 1 / 11 The Haven's breakfast sandwich, The Gavin, gains popularity I wanted to do something different, said Souto, 49, of Millbury. I knew I wanted to do something with potatoes, because who doesnt like potatoes? The Washington native said she experimented with several potato variations including home fries, tater tots and hash browns before finalizing The Havens potato patty. The problem with home fries is they sit on a grill, said Souto, adding that the texture of the potato changes as it sits. I needed something you could make fresh and drop into the fryolator, she said. After combining her eight years of fry-cook experience with practice and perseverance, Souto came up with the now-popular patty. Less of a hash brown and more of a home fry base, The Haven patties possess a hearty, chunky and crunchy quality. The patty soon transformed from a side dish to the main attraction, serving as a bread replacement and becoming a flagship dish. The Gavin is born After a quiet day on the job earlier this year, Souto and a restaurant regular, Gavin, 17, decided to experiment. Souto realized the potato patties not only proved to be a yummy side, but were strong enough to hold up as a sandwich base. And so, The Gavin was born. A few days later, Souto posted the sandwich on a popular Central Mass.-based food group on Facebook, which gained the Rutland cafe and event space instant traction. That weekend after posting it on Worcester Eats, we were busy, said Souto. The Haven, which makes about two dozen patties a day, sold out by noon for two consecutive weekends. The breakfast sandwiches were absolutely delicious and filling, Tricia Chambers, of Auburn, shared in the Facebook group in January. She said the views from the farm were a bonus with plenty of farm life to check out. We will definitely be back, Chambers wrote. Another customer, Jennifer Wilson, said she visited The Haven on Feb. 2, and described the restaurant as a gem. The food is farm-fresh, homemade, and reasonably priced, said Wilson. Before the potato patty made its debut in mid-January, guests were already raving on Facebook about Soutos cooking, with one customer sharing they brought Soutos squash bisque on vacation all the way to the Bahamas. Another guest gushed their appreciation on The Havens Facebook page, sharing their blueberry muffin was delicious, with others commenting how they enjoyed Soutos fresh-baked bread. Another customer said she stopped in for lunch on Jan. 11, and had Soutos butternut squash bisque, chili and grilled cornbread. Maria Thoin said even though we are almost an hour away in NH, she will definitely be back. The person behind The Haven Souto hails an eclectic background with nearly 10 years experience in food service management and event coordination. Before accepting an event coordinator position at East View Farm, Souto gained experience cooking and coordinating at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, under the ownership of Phantom Gourmet. It wasnt before long the company recognized Soutos skills and utilized her talents in several positions, promoting her to director of operations for Mendon Twin Dive-In, and later vice-president of special events. It was working for Phantom Gourmet that I realized how much I enjoyed planning events and decided to start my own event planning and consulting business in 2020, Souto shared in a Facebook post. Although I do not have a professional chef background nor have I ever owned a restaurant, I cook with love, said Souto. I cook from the heart and want to make sure that everyone is happy when they leave. Souto graduated with honors with a bachelors degree in business management from Boston University in 2021. She said she met Dick Schultz, East View Farm owner, in June 2023 when he sought out her event coordination skills for an autumn Harvest Fest celebration. Souto said while her initial plans for The Haven cafe space was to focus on hosting events, she also saw an opportunity to create something amazing. She wrote on Facebook that she envisioned a space where friends and families could gather and create memories! Hence the name The Haven. If you go: The Haven website 163 Maple Ave., Rutland Wed. - Fri. 7 a.m - 2 p.m Sat. - Sun., 8 a.m - 2 p.m East View Farm website MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the LGBTQ+ community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts. Profiles of these leaders will be published through the rest of February. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change. (Courtesy of Reggi Alkiewicz)Reggi Alkiewicz Reggi Alkiewicz Age: 24 Community: Boston Their story: For activist Reggi Alkiewicz, their parents were the fantastic reason for how I became the person I am today. While Alkiewicz graduated from Amherst-Pelham Regional High School in 2017, they were once a student at elementary and middle schools in Turner Falls. After another transfer, they and their mother led the effort to remove Turner Falls High Schools Indians mascot, Alkiewicz told MassLive. Their mother, a UMass Amherst journalism graduate, was involved with the universitys Indigenous students program at the Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center. Having former classmates of mine defend the name so intensely is a core memory of mine, Alkiewicz said. Years later, Alkiewicz became the civic engagement coordinator for the North American Indian Center of Boston, the oldest urban indigenous center in the city since 1969. The city is a hub of Native activism and supporting Native advocacy is an important part of my role, they said. The centers work focuses on community events, food access and care for the elderly, among other things, they said. Its been amazing to be here for the past four years and see the way weve come together through COVID and the George Floyd protests, Alkieqicz continued. We were there helping our frontline workers throughout the lockdown and continue to be working with the state to assist with COVID measures. The center is also a co-sponsor of the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda, which has five bills in the State House, Alkiewicz said. And so, with one of MILAs bills being to change the mascots of the 24 public schools left with a Native-based mascot despite the numerous psychological papers that state Native-based mascots hurt both Native and non-Native children its an amazing full circle moment to help other youth throughout the Commonwealth by the work I do, they said. In their words: We do our standouts for our Two-Spirit community for the intersection of being Native and queer. Im beyond grateful that my executive director and board president are also queer for I learn almost everything from them and our other staff. A sincere thank you to all my elders before me. Were always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form. A group of Newton parents aggrieved by an 11-day teacher strike say they were harmed and are owed money due to the decision by the union to protest to secure a new contract, according to several news reports. Attorneys for the parents filed the lawsuit against the Newton Teachers Association in response to the longest teachers strike in recent Massachusetts history. The lawsuit notes that it is against the law for teachers to strike in the state and that parents were harmed due to the stiff penalties doled out against the protesting union $625,000 in fines. The lawsuit was reported by several outlets, including Boston.com and CBS Boston. Court filings were not available on Saturday. The lawsuit seeks to recover unspecified damages caused to parents by the strike, according to the lawsuit filed in Middlesex Superior Court on Friday, which seeks to expand on an existing case brought by the state and the Newton School Committee against the union. In a press statement, Daniel Suhr, a Wisconsin lawyer representing Newton parents, wrote that the teachers union knowingly, willfully, intentionally chose to break the law by engaging in an illegal strike ... throwing the lives and educations of 12,000 students and their families into chaos as a result, The Boston Globe reported. In the court filing, per The Globe, the parents claim that the damages caused to students and parents were a central part of the teachers strike: The (Newton Teachers Association) calculated that the school committee would cave if the community could no longer tolerate the inconvenience and disruption caused by the strike. A parent of three Newton public school students previously asked a judge to end the strike, claiming it was an interference to a constitutional right to public education. The teachers union and Newton officials came to an agreement on Feb. 2, ending the strike. The school district was forced to cancel the February break in order to make up lost days. A firefighter was injured and seven people were displaced because of a fire that broke out in Boston late Friday, according to officials. Firefighters responded around 6 p.m. Friday to the heavy fire on the rear porches on the second and third floors of 14 Dorr St., which is listed as a multi-family home in the Roxbury neighborhood of the city. A second alarm was ordered for the blaze, the Boston Fire Department said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. The fire at 14 Dorr St., a residential building that three families lived in, remained on the second and third floors before spreading to the attic. The rear porches were significantly damaged, according to another post from the department. One firefighter who suffered minor injuries in the blaze was transported to the hospital by Boston EMS. Seven residents were displaced. The American Red Cross Massachusetts Chapter is helping them with housing, the department said in another post. Deputy Chief Michael Doherty briefs the media on the 2 alarm fire , Dorr st. 1 Firefighter was transported by @BOSTON_EMS with minor injuries, 7 residents were displaced @RedCrossMA to help with housing. BFD-FIU investigating the cause of the fire. pic.twitter.com/xRd7GcDQOv Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) February 17, 2024 The departments Fire Investigation Unit is investigating the cause of the blaze. A cool uncle, a sincere person, someone who got fulfillment from being a father: This is how Justin R. Park is being remembered following his unexpected death earlier this month. Parker, who lived on Chestnut Street in North Attleboro, was identified by the Norfolk District Attorneys Office as the 37-year-old man killed in a shooting on Interstate 95 in Foxborough on the night of Feb. 3. Justin was taken from us tragically and unexpectedly leaving us heartbroken with a void in our lives, Parkers obituary read. Born in Quincy, Parker was raised in Holbrook and went on to work maintaining roadways and bridges, according to his obituary. Parkers parents, his two brothers and his daughter, Brianna, anchored him. His proudest accomplishment in life was being a father to Brianna, who he spent most of his days with and gave his life fulfillment, according to his obituary. Some would describe Justin as a reserved man and one who kept to himself, Parkers obituary read. Those who knew Justin well would say the opposite. Justin was a caring and sincere person who would not hesitate to help those family and friends he loved. Parker is mourned by his daughter and her mother, Kristie OConnell, his parents, Steve and Kelly, his brothers, Chris and Rob, Robs wife, Jenn, his grandmothers, Mary Parker and Corally Toye, and his closest friends. He is also remembered as the cool uncle by his nephews, Jack, Charlie and Mason, according to his obituary. Parker was shot while driving southbound on I-95 near Exit 17 shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. After Parker was shot, his black 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan swerved into a Lexus SUV that a family was in, struck a guardrail and came to a stop on the highway, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. State police patrols found Parker inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound. He was driven by ambulance to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was pronounced dead, according to the statement. Investigators determined multiple rounds of ammunition were fired from a black or dark-colored sedan at Parkers car. The vehicle from which the shots were fired continued to drive southbound after the shooting, state police said. The Lexus SUV that was struck by Parkers Mercedes veered off the road into the woods. The family inside the car did not suffer any serious injuries, state police noted. State police are asking anyone who observed or captured video of the black or dark-colored car on I-95 south or Route 3/Interstate 93 to contact troopers who are investigating the fatal shooting. Specifically, authorities are interested in any observations or dash camera footage from motorists who were on I-95 south from Waltham to the Rhode Island line or Route 3/I-93 from Boston or Weymouth heading toward I-95 south between 9 and 10 p.m. on Feb. 3. MSP is seeking the assistance of members of the public who may have been driving on two highways in the area during the relevant time period, state police said. Detectives with state police are asking any members of the public to call them at (781) 327-9801 if they witnessed part of the incident, saw one or more dark-colored cars being driven erratically or at a high rate of speed or captured video or dashcam footage on the areas of I-95 and Route 3/I-93. Police have arrested a man who is accused of shooting another man in Quincy early Friday, according to authorities. Officers responded to Elm Avenue and Marlboro Street in the Wollaston neighborhood of the city around 3:09 a.m. Friday and discovered a man with a gunshot wound that was not life-threatening. He was taken to a nearby hospital in Boston for treatment, the Quincy Police Department said in a statement. Investigating Quincy police detectives arrested a Lowell man Friday evening in connection with the non-fatal shooting, according to the departments statement. I would like to commend the outstanding police work of the departments patrol and detective units in making a quick arrest and also let residents in the Wollaston neighborhood of Quincy know that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public, Quincy police Chief Mark P. Kennedy said in the statement. The man, who police did not immediately identify to the public, was charged with armed assault with intent to murder, possession of ammunition without a firearms identification (FID) card, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building or dwelling, illegal possession of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, according to the statement. The man is being held at Quincy police headquarters and is scheduled to be arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday, the statement said. Anyone who has information about the shooting is asked to call the Quincy Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at (617) 479-1212. Police in Hanson are warning the community of a so-called grandparent scam targeting seniors. The Hanson Police Department said it is investigating two recently reported scams that targeted elderly residents. The victims reported receiving a phone call from a man who identified himself as their grandsons lawyer and told them their grandson had been in an accident and was being detained in another state. The caller then requested cash for the grandson to be released. In the common grandparent scam, scammers call an individual to inform them a relative is in an emergency or has been arrested or detained, sometimes in another state or foreign country. The scammers may pose as the relative of the victim or a lawyer, sometimes using artificial intelligence to clone a loved ones voice, the department explained in a statement Friday. The scammers then request bail payment in cash or in the form of a pre-paid gift card, given to a person posing as a courier or bail bondsman who arrives at the victims home. Alternatively, the scammers may request money be transferred via a wire or shipping service, according to the departments statement. Hanson police urge all residents to remember any detainment of relatives can be confirmed with the arresting police department or local district court. Government agencies, including law enforcement, never contact the public demanding payment by wire transfer or prepaid cards when individuals are being held on bail, the statement noted. While there are different types of fake emergency scams, there are often commonalities: the scammer says it is urgent and only you can help, the scammer says it is important to keep it a secret and the scammer plays with your emotions and counts on you to act quickly without verifying the story. If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money, police recommend you take the following steps: Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is. Verify the persons identity by asking questions that a stranger could not answer. Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine. Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you have been told to keep it a secret. Do not wire money or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. While it is extremely difficult to recover funds lost as a result of these scams, residents and community members should always report these scams to the police. Those who believe they may have fallen victim to such a scam are encouraged to contact the Hanson Police Department at (781) 293-4625. Read more: Residents advised to verify IDs after reports of fake utility workers in Holyoke For more information about scams, visit the Federal Trade Commissions website or the states Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. A woman in her 60s died in a fire in Yarmouth earlier this week that authorities said was caused by smoking. Firefighters responded to the area of 115 Route 28 after a medical alert activation around 9:50 p.m. Tuesday. When first responders arrived, they found a person dead and signs a fire had extinguished on its own, according to a joint statement from Yarmouth Fire Chief Enrique Arrascue, Yarmouth Police Chief Kevin Lennon, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois. The individual who died was a woman in her 60s who had limited mobility. She was the only person inside the studio residence where the fire broke out, the statement said. Authorities did not immediately provide her name to the public. The Yarmouth Fire Department, the Yarmouth Police Department and Massachusetts State Police jointly determined the fire was accidental and started because of smoking materials discovered near the point of origin of the blaze, according to the statement. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of the womans death. First and foremost, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims family, Arrascue said in the statement. I also want to remind everyone in our community that smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts and the nation. Older adults are especially at risk. If you or a loved one smoke, please use a heavy ashtray on a sturdy surface and be sure to put it out, all the way, every time, the fire chief added. In the past five years, around 45 Massachusetts residents have died in fires that started because of smoking materials, and more than half of them were people above the age of 65, according to Davine. There is no truly safe way to smoke, but if you must do it then please dont smoke when youre in bed, drowsy, or impaired. Its just too dangerous, the state fire marshal said. Visit www.mass.gov/quitting or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to learn more about multilingual resources for smokers who want to quit. The Department of Justice said it has broken up a network of malware-infected Wi-Fi routers that Russian military intelligence was using as a platform for espionage. Russian military intelligence, also known as GRU, had installed malware on a specific model of Wi-Fi router after users in the states and around the world who installed them in their homes and offices did not change the default administrative password, according to a Department of Justice press release. EVEN the most insipid nationalist must have felt a surge of pride to see Michelle ONeill descend the gilded staircase to be ushered in as First Minister of Northern Ireland. One did not need to be an admirer of Sinn Fein to realise that the long road had finally reached its turning, that the wheel had come full circle and to put it bluntly the shoe was at last on the other foot. To the credit of the newly victorious, the triumphalism was muted, and Ms ONeill went out of her way to extend the hand of friendship and to state her intent to make the restored Stormont an assembly that would carry out the mandate it had been given. In cold political terms, it could be said that the unionist faction, or more specifically, the DUP, became second best through nobodys fault but their own. It has often been remarked that, when it comes to practical politics, Sinn Fein would run rings around the DUP. But then, as other wags have remarked, it was easy to run rings around the DUP, since there can hardly have ever been a more inept conclave of elected representatives on the island of Ireland. The litany of misjudgements, blunders and gaffes which is the DUP template for decision making surely places the voices of unionism at the creche level of political competence. By its lack of leadership and authority over the past decade, the DUP not only enabled Sinn Fein to take the high ground of competency, it held the door open for the nationalist representation to walk through. And through all that decade, nobody seemed to know not least the DUP itself what exactly it was seeking by way of concession or preferred treatment. To recap, this was the party that stridently campaigned for a hard Brexit, against the express wish of the electorate it purported to represent. That crusade included the expenditure of a mysterious 400,000 on a pro-leave advertising campaign on the British mainland, where the party does not even have a presence. The DUP wilfully scuppered Theresa Mays plan to keep the UK, in its entirety, within the customs union, a gold-wrapped gift that would have kept the North aligned completely with the rest of the UK. And to the utter dismay of the pragmatic, hard-headed, northern farmers and business leaders who know more than most the value of a pound it put every possible obstacle in the way of a smooth landing. For most of the UK, the supposed benefits of Brexit proved to be illusory. (The country recently learned that British expats owning holiday homes in France will not be allowed stay longer than ninety days, without a visa). But for Northern Ireland, almost by default, the ball has bounced kindly. Now in the enviable position of being able to sell simultaneously into the UK and into the EU single market unhindered, the prospects should be bright. But again, true to form, the DUP wails of the glass being half empty; the North, it complains, is being forced to align itself with EU market rules, it must accept dictation from Brussels. It is, in effect, cut off from its true home across the water, and all because of the perfidy of London which, it claims, sold it down the river. Whether the unionist element at Stormont is up to the task of putting its shoulder to the wheel and restoring prosperity to Northern Ireland is an open question, given that the North is now the poorest region in the UK. The 3 billion dowry that lured it back into Stormont wont last forever, and it would be a brave punter who would bet the house against the unionists walking again before too long. In the passing of Maureen Mullins, aged 94, the racing world bid farewell today to a remarkable figure whose invincible spirit and unwavering dedication left an everlasting mark on the sport she loved. With a lifetime devoted to horses and racing, Maureen's legacy as the mother of Irish racing will be remembered for generations to come. Her funeral took place today at Church of the Holy Trinity, Goresbridge, and was attended by large crowds including the aide-de-camp of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. Mourners heard of a proud and faithful Goresbridge woman who had a wonderful life. She adored her grandchildren and was proud of each and every one of them. They recited the Prayers of the Faithful at today's funeral Mass. Her son Tony Mullins gave a touching and at-times humourous eulogy, recounting the details of a fascinating life well lived. Her early years were shaped by a passion for horses and the thrill of the race. While many of her siblings played musical instruments, young Maureens interests were hunting and show jumping. From her carefree beginnings on the family farm to the heights of international acclaim, Maureen's life journey showed how strong and determined she was. She moved from the idyllic countryside of Carlow to the bustling streets of Dublin, where she embarked on a career as a secretary for the British Paint Company. It was during this time that she crossed paths with her future husband, Paddy Mullins, a meeting that would forever alter the course of her life. Maureen and Paddy's journey began when they first met at the tender age of 14, bonding over their shared love for equestrian pursuits while hunting with the Mount Loftus Harriers. They were married in 1954 and had five children - Sandra, Willie, Tom, George, and Tony. As the beloved wife of the late Paddy Mullins, Maureen played an instrumental role in his distinguished career as a trainer and jockey. Behind every great man, it is said, stands an even greater woman, and Maureen's unwavering support and encouragement were the bedrock of Paddy's success. Together, they forged a partnership that became synonymous with excellence, earning acclaim on tracks both at home and abroad. The couple were married for 54 years, until Paddys passing 12 years ago. Maureen, whose equestrian expertise extended to successful point-to-point riding, gave her two wins in the sport, noting her last ride two decades ago at the age of 75. Fondly remembered for outpacing her daughter Sandra to clinch third place in a race at Gowran in 1982, a moment treasured by both mother and daughter. Throughout her life, Maureen remained a pillar of strength and inspiration to her family, including sons Willie, Tom, and Tony, and grandson Emmet, who followed in her footsteps as stewards of Ireland's racing dynasty. With grandsons Danny, Patrick, David and Charlie in the saddle, the Mullins dynasty continues to dominate the racing world. With a keen eye for talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Maureen's influence extended far beyond the racecourse. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the hearts she inspired, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of Irish racing. Maureen always graced the track, elegantly dressed with a big smile, leaving everyone struck by her warmth and wit. In her final years, Maureen reflected on a life well-lived, filled with the thrill of victory and camaraderie shared with fellow race goers. From the triumphs of Vintage Tipple victory ridden by Frankie Dettori, in the 2003 Irish Oaks to the iconic Height of Fashion and the legendary Dawn Run. Her memories are a testament to her enduring passion for the sport. As we bid farewell to Maureen Mullins, we celebrate her legacy that will forever be enshrined in the annals of Irish racing history. She was a beacon of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her spirit continue to gallop on in the hearts of racing enthusiasts around the world, a fitting tribute to the lady and mother of Irish racing. Maureen Mullins (nee Doran) Doninga, Goresbridge, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday. Predeceased by her husband Paddy. Sadly missed by her children, Sandra (McCarthy), William, George, Tony and Tom, spouses, and partner, ten grandchildren, sisters Elizabeth and Angela, brothers Tom and Noel. Predeceased by her siblings, Peggy, Agnes Patricia, Eileen, George and Michael, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. It was a day for champagne celebrations in the Wee County as Arthurs XL Shop on the Newry Road in Dundalk was revealed as the selling location for Wednesdays jackpot winning ticket worth an astonishing 3,523,021. The winning numbers in the Wednesday 14th February draw were 01, 05, 10, 15, 44, 47 and the bonus was 45. Brian Duffy, who owns the store with his wife Clodagh, was thrilled to hear the news so soon after selling another large prize: "Two months with two big wins for our customers! Back in January, we sold an All Cash Platinum scratch card with a 75,000 prize and now the winning has gotten even bigger for February. We are delighted for the winner imagine checking your ticket to see its worth over 3.5 million. "Myself and my wife took over the shop back in December 2021 from my wifes father so this has been our biggest win since then. There is sure to be lots of excitement in-store as the news spreads and of course around the town as well. "We have a real mix of locals who come into us daily as well as passing trade from far and wide as we are located not too far from the border. The winner really could be anywhere, so we wish them all the very best with their huge win." Lotto players in Louth are now being urged to check their tickets carefully for last nights draw as one player now has a ticket worth a life-changing amount. Wednesdays jackpot winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and to keep it safe. They should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to collect their 3.5 million prize. A National Lottery spokesperson said: "It might be known as the Wee County but the celebrations are certain to be huge this week in Louth with a Lotto player bagging themselves over 3.5 million in Wednesday nights draw. "The midweek multi-millionaire has officially taken the title of 2nd Lotto jackpot winner of 2024 as well as the 5th National Lottery millionaire of the year to date. "We are encouraging all of our players who purchased their tickets in Louth to carefully check their tickets today as one player has a prize worth 3,523,021 waiting for them. "The first thing the jackpot winner should do is the sign the back of their ticket and then make contact with our prize claims team who will make arrangements for Irelands newest millionaire to visit Lotto HQ to collect their life-changing prize. by Colin Kirkland , February 16, 2024 OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company known for ChatGPT, has announced Sora, a new text-to-video model that is able to generate brief 1080p videos from typed prompt responses. According to the company, these movie-like scenes can involve multiple characters and background details. Sora has a deep understanding of language, enabling it to accurately interpret prompts and generate compelling characters that express vibrant emotions, OpenAI wrote in a blog post. The model understands not only what the user has asked for in the prompt, but also how those things exist in the physical world. Sora's creations are being praised for their high video-quality, consistency, style range and length. OpenAI's posts on X include Sora-generated clips of woolly mammoths running through snowy tundra, a photo-realistic woman walking through the streets of Tokyo at night, an animated monster playing with a candle and more. advertisement advertisement I did not expect this level of sustained, coherent video generation for another two to three years, Ted Underwood, a professor of information science at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, told The Washington Post. To create a video through Sora, which can be up to one minute long -- far longer than any other AI video-generator to date -- users will respond to a prompt with a descriptive paragraph like this: Animated scene features a close-up of a short fluffy monster kneeling beside a melting red candle. the art style is 3d and realistic, with a focus on lighting and texture. the mood of the painting is one of wonder and curiosity, as the monster gazes at the flame with wide eyes and open mouth. its pose and expression convey a sense of innocence and playfulness, as if it is exploring the world around it for the first time. the use of warm colors and dramatic lighting further enhances the cozy atmosphere of the image. According to a group of OpenAI researchers' newly published paper called Video generation models as world simulators, Sora also has the ability to not only generate looping videos and edit existing videos, but simulate digital worlds, meaning that Sora can replicate video-game environments like Minecraft while controlling the player character. To a basic degree, Sora not only generates photos or videos, but can determine the physics of each object in a digital environment, making it a data-driven physics engine, said senior Nvidia researcher Jim Fan. These capabilities suggest that continued scaling of video models is a promising path towards the development of highly-capable simulators of the physical and digital world, and the objects, animals and people that live within them, the OpenAI co-authors wrote in their paper. When Sora launches, the tool will initially be available to a small group of artists, filmmakers and a group of researchers called red teamers focused on exploring ways the AI tool might be used maliciously, such as in the spread of election misinformation and the creation of deepfakes. The company is also working with experts to develop tools for detecting whether a video was generated by Sora. Despite extensive research and testing, we cannot predict all of the beneficial ways people will use our technology, nor all the ways people will abuse it, OpenAI said. That's why we believe that learning from real-world use is a critical component of creating and releasing increasingly safe AI systems over time. Nita Ambani is known for her impeccable fashion sense and her dedication to Indian traditions and corporate success. The businesswoman and philanthropist recently turned heads during a casual shopping spree in London for the only reason one can expect the price tag of her whole outfit. A throwback video shared by an Ambani fan page offers a glimpse into this stylish escapade, where Nita effortlessly blended luxury with casual elegance. Earlier this year, the 60-year-old magnate was spotted exploring the chic boutiques of Bicester Village in the UK. In the video, she exuded grace in a classic baby pink-hued floral printed dress paired with a matching set of sandals. The highlight of Nita Ambani's ensemble was undoubtedly the dress, a stunning outfit from the renowned luxury brand, Oscar De La Renta. The dress featured the delicate artistry of season 39's magnolia flowers, adorned on a lightweight cotton poplin fabric. An Ambani fan page did some digging and found that the Degrade Magnolia Poplin Shift dress is priced at a staggering USD 1590 aka Rs 1.32 lakhs. As seen in the pictures, it seamlessly combines opulence with casual flair, epitomising Nita's penchant for the finer things in life. What happens when a space station falls out of the sky? The world got a preview back in 1979 with the end of Skylab, the United States' first space station. NASA had placed Skylab into Earth orbit six years earlier in 1973. Its crews had come and gone by 1974, and a plan to control the deorbiting process by attaching a separate vehicle to it -- much like the plan currently being considered for the International Space Station -- had fizzled. While shut down for a four-year nap, Skylab's orbit had decayed, and a surprisingly active solar cycle in 1977 had warmed up Earth's atmosphere, expanding it and rendering it denser than expected. As a result, Skylab lost so much altitude that the proposed solution, which involved a flight of a yet-to-fly space shuttle, couldn't happen in time. As a result, NASA simply adapted the best it could as Skylab fell back to Earth -- with spectacular results. Today, as the U.S. and its ISS partners work through another possible down-to-the-wire, space station deorbiting scenario -- of a significantly more preponderous flying lab -- a top takeaway from Skylab still applies. "You're only as good as your worst assumption," said Dave Huntsman, a recent NASA retiree who was one of Skylab's flight controllers during its final years, in an interview with Military.com. 'The World Had Its Eyes on Us' Unlike the ISS, Skylab belonged to the U.S. alone. U.S. military astronauts commanded all three of Skylab's crewed missions that took place in 1973 and 1974 and accounted for seven of its nine crew members.The Apollo 12 commander who'd walked on the moon, test pilot and Navy Capt. Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr., commanded Skylab's first three-member crew of all U.S. naval officers in 1973. The three missions accomplished about 2,000 hours of experiments and logged images of Earth and the sun, and each group of astronauts spent longer onboard than the last, culminating in the world record, at the time, for the longest-duration human spaceflight at 84 days. A close-up view of the Skylab space station cluster photographed against a black sky (NASA). Then Skylab orbited, inert, from February 1974 until March 1978, when NASA flight controllers began the process of waking it back up and reestablishing control, and analysts set about the task of constantly estimating when, then where, it might fall back to Earth in a thousands-of-miles-long trail of scorched debris. They had few options. "For the last two years, everything was broken," Huntsman recalled. "We practically had to throw out the manuals." NASA personnel still had enough control, however, to change Skylab's attitude, or orientation, into a handful of configurations. A plan emerged to command Skylab to reorient into different attitudes as its orbit decayed, with the object of eventually getting it into a situation conducive to a safe reentry -- one that avoided populated areas. The final attitude in the scheme, a tumble, would cede all control NASA had to affect the orientation. A NASA technical memorandum published in 1980, the year after Skylab's reentry, rehashes all the predictions, and adjustments to the predictions, of Skylab's orbital decay, starting in the space station's design phase to narrow down the likely time and place of its impact -- until the last day, July 11, 1979, when the plan changed. "The world had its eyes on us in 1979," said Huntsman -- not unhappily -- with "insults being hurled" in the international press over "not knowing where it was going to fall." As real-time data from the actual descent became available, the plan to place Skylab into its tumble at 75 nautical miles in altitude, or 455,708 feet, started to look problematic as NASA's analysts realized the timing could result in debris scattering across North America, with "a relatively large population area" given "a high probability of being impacted by Skylab debris," according to the report. Reconstructing the reentry with all real data after the fact showed that this had, in fact, been a "significant probability." Skylab's orientation "flat-on to the wind" created a lot of drag, so it "was coming down quickly, with the impact site in southeastern Canada," Huntsman recalled. Skylab's Last Day On that July day, NASA played its last card. To reduce drag and hopefully send Skylab sailing past the East Coast, the decision came down to command the tumble sooner, at 81 nautical miles, with the intent of crashing the debris into the Indian Ocean, "with a slight probability of an Australian impact," according to the report. If Skylab did hit Australia, the "overshoot" would present "very little risk to the population." "We all agreed, 'Yeah, it'll never reach that far,'" Huntsman said. Even with Skylab's relatively compact size -- 82 feet long without the Apollo transport modules attached, compared to the sprawling International Space Station's 356-foot length -- "very small deviations in the observed data" still moved the projected impact point "by a large amount," the report explains. A 5% difference in solar activity, for example, could amount to a three- to five-minute difference in the time of impact. If the altitude estimate was off by 2 nautical miles, that could make up to a 10-minute difference, as could a 1% variation in aerodynamics or the altitude of the breakup. Just one or a combination of wrong assumptions could land the debris somewhere unplanned. Related: 'I.S.S.' Imagines if War Came to the Space Station. Here's What Could Actually Go Wrong With the tumble command sent and Skylab presumably tumbling, the flight controllers settled in to wait. Estimates assumed that Skylab's solar arrays would have broken off by the time it got within range of a tracking station on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Then they got a surprise. "The screens lit up like a Christmas tree," Huntsman said, with Skylab communicating to Ascension Island "more and better data ... than we'd seen for the past year. The coverage was magnificent." They realized they were "seeing Skylab as it was burning, but it was still transmitting." They were "watching the disintegration in real time." Then it passed over the southern horizon from Ascension Island, "and that was it" for communications. Skylab ultimately did overshoot its target, and it rained down debris over remote parts of Australia. It had disintegrated later -- at a lower altitude -- than predicted. But having moved "the actual impact point by approximately half a revolution" around the Earth, according to NASA's estimates, and representing "minimum risk to earth's population," the agency deemed the deorbiting a success. The Next Chapter Skylab's mission analysts documented all their deorbiting estimates in order to inform future missions, a future coming to pass only now, almost 45 years later. Their current-day counterparts will consider some of the same factors -- solar activity, for example, though with better surveillance of space weather and several more decades of data to refine the predictions. But in other ways, NASA and its ISS partners may have more cut out for them as they sort out what they'll do at the end, currently expected around the end of this decade, not to mention in an emergency in which it might fall back to Earth sooner. The International Space Station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a fly-around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony modules space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021. (NASA Photo) For one thing, the ISS is so much bigger and more complex than Skylab, comprised of a long series of interconnected modules with docks for visiting spacecraft and solar panels arrayed like wings, compared to Skylab's single modest habitation module, relatively limited space for experimentation and less extensive arrays. For another thing, NASA owned Skylab outright and could command it from the ground. However, in the case of the ISS, Russia owns the segments that actually steer the space station, including "all of the propulsion ... for station [altitude] reboost, attitude control, debris avoidance maneuvers and eventual de-orbit operations," according to NASA. A NASA spokesperson did not address Military.com's question about whether, in the event of an emergency in which the astronauts have to evacuate, the ISS could be controlled remotely from the ground like Skylab, even with Russian participation. Perhaps significantly, both old and new ideas for deorbiting the ISS -- a now-discarded plan to control it with three of Russia's autonomous Progress cargo capsules, and a new one to acquire a U.S.-built vehicle for the purpose -- might solve the problem of a lack of remote control. Those vehicles could be controlled from the ground. Even while Progress was the plan, the last crewed mission would have lasted right down to an altitude described in a NASA report as "ISS point of no return," after which it would rapidly descend. Once the space station reaches the atmosphere, engineers expect solar arrays and radiators to break off first, followed by the pressurized modules where astronauts reside and experiments take place, "and finally individual module fragmentation and loss of structural integrity of the truss," or structural backbone, according to NASA. Much hardware, the agency says, will melt or vaporize, "whereas some denser or heat-resistant components like truss sections will survive re-entry." Huntsman speculated that in Skylab's case, however, it might not have broken up in the predicted sequence -- maybe some part better withstood the effects of reentry than its designers had expected, for example, with each deviation from the estimate setting off a chain reaction. Despite all the estimates and revisions, with Skylab's mission analysis team continuously adjusting and improving their data sets, one set of assumptions had thrown things off: "It held together longer than anyone imagined," Huntsman said. 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. The Pirates have signed Chase Anderson to a minors contract, according to FanSideds Robert Murray (X link). The veteran right-hander will receive an invitation to Pittsburghs big league Spring Training camp. Anderson pitched for three different organizations in 2023, beginning when he signed a minor league deal with the Reds last offseason. Cincinnati traded Anderson to Tampa in May before he could enact an out clause in his contract (since hadnt yet been placed on the active roster), and Anderson made two relief appearances for the Rays before he was designated for assignment and then claimed off waivers by the pitching-needy Rockies. The result was a 5.42 ERA over 86 1/3 innings in 2023, with all but five of those frames coming in a Rox uniform for the right-hander. Anderson didnt provide much in the way of results for Colorado and he missed around six weeks due to shoulder inflammation, but he at least ate some innings for a Rockies team desperate to find any healthy starters for any period of time. The Pirates pitching situation isnt as dire as Colorados, yet the Bucs are heading into 2024 with a lot of questions in their rotation. Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales were acquired as bounce-back candidates, joining Mitch Keller and a host of younger and more unproven rotation candidates. Rumors continue to swirl that Pittsburgh might yet bolster its rotation with a more higher-profile starter, but adding a veteran depth starter like Anderson is standard operation procedure for any team heading into Spring Training. As he enters his age-36 season, Anderson is getting further and further away from his prime years with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. Anderson posted a solid 3.94 ERA over 857 innings (starting 160 of 166 games) from 2014-19, but the last four years have been a major struggle. Since the start of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign, Anderson has only a 6.19 ERA in 192 innings for five different teams at the Major League level. Should he appear in a big league game with his new team, the Pirates will be the eighth different club of Andersons 11 MLB seasons. Left-hander Tanner Scott won his arbitration hearing with the Marlins, according to MLB.coms Mark Feinsand (X link). The Marlins were looking to pay Scott $5.15MM in 2023, but the reliever will instead earn his desired figure of $5.7MM. The salary checks in just slightly under the $5.8MM that MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected for Scott, but its still a very nice raise for the southpaw in his final year of arbitration eligibility. Scott avoided arbitration in his first two winters of eligibility, and his $5.7MM salary is more than double the $2.825MM he earned in 2023. The payday comes in the wake of the best season of Scotts seven-year MLB career. The lefty posted a 2.31 ERA over 78 innings for Miami, and only four pitchers topped Scotts total of 74 appearances. Beyond the durability, Scotts Statcast page is a veritable sea of red, as he ranked in at least the 90th percentile of almost every major statistical category. The eye-popping numbers included a 33.9% strikeout rate, 26.3% hard-hit ball rate, and 35.3% chase rate that all ranked among the leagues elite. Scotts 7.8% walk rate was modest in comparison, sitting at only the 60th percentile of all pitchers. Yet this stat was perhaps the key element to Scotts success, given how control problems have plagued his career Scott had a career 14.2% walk rate prior to his greatly improved 7.8BB% last season. Pundits and scouts have long felt that Scott had elite potential if he could ever harness his stuff, and 2023 is a very promising sign that Scott has now turned the corner at age 29. Scott moved into the closers job down the stretch for Miami and looks to assume that same role heading into the coming season. Since he is set to hit free agency next winter, Scott stands out as a potential trade chip if the Marlins arent in contention by the deadline. There was even some speculative trade buzz around Scott this winter given the Marlins surplus of left-handed relievers, though the Fish already moved another southpaw last week when Steven Okert was dealt to the Twins for Nick Gordon. Scotts case was the final pending arbitration hearing of the 2023-24 offseason, and the players emerged with a winning record from this years slate of hearings. Players won nine of the 15 cases that went to arbitration. This premier Pulsz Casino bonus allows new players to claim up to 367,000 Gold Coins as well as 32.2 Sweeps Coins with code mlive. The only way to qualify for this promotion is to be a brand new Pulsz Casino player who is physically located in one of the sites legal states at the time of registration. As of February 2024, Pulsz Casino is not operating in these states: Idaho, Michigan, Nevada and Washington. 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This year ,organizers canceled the race at the start of February and announced they were pivoting to the Festival of the Sled Dog, powered by NMU (Northern Michigan University). With last years experience under their belt, the community quickly came together to keep the eccentric tradition alive. UP200 President Darlene Walch said that while organizers had been determined to hold the races for both mushers and the community, the current conditions left them no choice. It has been a very hard winter for everybody who deals with winter sports. It has been especially tough on mushers. This is not U.P.-centric. Races in Minnesota, Wisconsin - nothing has been able to run, Walch said. The UP200 typically covers 238 miles, trekking through hills, creek crossings, deep snow and isolated trails from Marquette to Grand Marais and back. Walch said they had a record number of 52 teams registered across the three races this year: the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30. With unfavorable conditions, this winter teams havent even really had a chance to train on sleds, and they have been resorting to ATVs, she said. To kick off the block party Friday evening, they held an opening ceremony featuring the local color guard and the Marquette Male Chorus. Marquette Mayor Sally Davis, NMU president Brock Tesmman, State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan were some of the speakers that kick off the evening. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II made the trek up from Lansing as well. The entire state of Michigan is proud of this event, were proud of this community, were proud how everyone comes together to celebrate one another. What makes us unique and special here in Marquette, across the Upper Peninsula, and really reflects the best parts of the state of Michigan. When we support one another--our growth, our success, our beautiful natural resources--that is what the UP200 is all about, Gilchrist said to the crowd. Throughout the evening people could interact with several experienced mushers, seeing their gear, meet the dogs and finding out about the art of mushing. The NMU Pre-Vet Club was also there, demonstrating the veterinary checks the do throughout the race. Each year tons of snow is hauled in transforming downtown streets into a hard-packed starting chute. This year, they brought out the start and finish chutes for sled demonstrations and offered kids sled rides down the snow-packed Washington Street, turning around at Fourth Street. They also formed a sledding hill going down the steep Third Street hill. Sled dog demonstrations during the Festival of the Sled Dog in Marquette, Michigan on Friday, Feb. 18, 2024. Children were able to ride with the teams to get a front row experience. The festival replaces the running of the UP200 for the second year in a row due to poor trail conditions. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Festivalgoers patronized the many bars, restaurants and shops along the downtown corridor. Downtown Marquette also has a social district that was in place for the event. A large tent was set up for live local music throughout the evening. They also had a large area for childrens activities with face painting, arts and coloring, balloon animals and even a scavenger hunt for both kids and adults. In addition, this year organizers expanded the weekend to feature Grand Marais Winterfest in downtown Grand Marais on Saturday. Grand Marias has been the turn-around spot for the UP200 race over the years. For decades, people have lined Washington Street in downtown Marquette to cheer on mushers and dog teams as they exited the starting gates on their icy, grueling journey across Michigans Upper Peninsula. Walch and the UP200 committee are hopeful the race will be back on for next year. The UP200 is a 12-dog, mid-distance race and a qualifying race for the Iditarod, a 938-mile race from Anchorage to Nome in Alaska held in March. The top finishers of the UP200 are usually on the trail from 22-24 hours. I am not a meteorologist and cannot predict the weather, but I remain hopeful that we will resume races next year, Walch said. The MLive video below shows the starting of the 30th running of the UP 200 in 2020. ANN ARBOR, MI Early voting for the 2024 presidential primary is officially underway in Ann Arbor. Mayor Christopher Taylor had the honor of casting the first ballot at city hall as voting began at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, with Mayor Pro Tem Travis Radina right behind him. Allowed for the first time under Michigan law, early voting will continue for nine straight days at six sites in Ann Arbor, including at libraries and on the University of Michigan campus. It was super easy, Taylor said after going through a new ballot on demand process where a ballot is freshly printed for each voter based on their precinct and political party. Mayor Christopher Taylor votes at Ann Arbor's city hall at the start of early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 17, 2024. Taylor said he proudly cast his ballot for Democratic incumbent Joe Biden. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The whole process from start to finish took about seven minutes from the time the mayor stepped in line to fill out an application for a Democratic Party ballot, showed his ID, got a ballot printed, stepped over to a voting station and then ran his voted ballot through a tabulator machine. Im just so grateful that we have early voting this year, said Taylor, who said he proudly voted for President Joe Biden. Taylor said hes doubly grateful for all the great work done by City Clerk Jackie Beaudry and her team of election workers who are helping people vote early and ensuring the experience is swift and efficient for everyone. With the advent of early voting in Michigan, so many more people are going to have the opportunity to vote its really an exciting thing for our state and for democracy, Taylor said. Election worker Carson Ching selects Mayor Christopher Taylor's precinct and political party to print out a "ballot on demand" at Ann Arbor's city hall at the start of early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 17, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The new ballot-on-demand system makes it possible for voters to vote at any early voting site in the city regardless of their precinct, Beaudry said. Once someone votes anywhere, thats communicated through the system in real time so other sites know the person has already voted, she said. While it took a couple minutes to work through the new ballot printing process for the first time on Saturday, Taylor said he was impressed by the operation and the historical significance of introducing early voting wasnt lost on him. Its a big deal for the city and its a big deal for Michigan democracy, he said. Mayor Christopher Taylor feeds his voted ballot into a tabulator machine at Ann Arbor's city hall at the start of early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 17, 2024. Taylor said he proudly cast his ballot for Democratic incumbent Joe Biden. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The opportunity to early vote, to expand the franchise, is crucial to enabling the entire community to have a real influence over our government, he added. Weve seen structures inhibit the expression of the peoples will gerrymandering, voting limitations and so forth. This is going the exact opposite direction. Were increasing the likelihood that ... were going to express the peoples will and its incredibly exciting. In addition to the new early voting process, voters still have the option of requesting absentee ballots ahead of the Feb. 27 election both by mail and in person. Thats a separate process that requires putting voted absentee ballots in sealed envelopes to be securely stored and counted later, which sometimes delays the reporting of election results on Election Night. With true early voting, voters tabulate their ballot on the spot by feeding it into a machine like they would at the polls on Election Day. Ballots are still securely stored and machines will not tally results until polls close on Election Night, Beaudry said. For voters, we think that its convenient, she said of the new option. Our slogan this year is more days, more ways, so if Saturdays and Sundays are better, or Friday afternoon, we have a lot of opportunities, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and were on campus, downtown and in the neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tem Travis Radina puts on his "Ann Arbor bicentennial early voter" sticker after casting his ballot at city hall at the start of early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 17, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News The early voting process also allows for second chance voting if voters make a mistake on their ballot, Beaudry said. Thats not likely in this election, but if you crossover vote in August or accidentally vote for more candidates than allowed, the machine would tell you, she said. So, with early voting, rather than in-person absentees, you have a chance to correct any mistakes that might have happened. Beaudry said votes will be counted this election at the citys new election center on Miller Road, a secure facility where the city also does election worker training now. The ballots are securely stored every night and the machine is shut down and the polls are suspended, not closed, she said of how it works with early voting. And in fact, the machine doesnt have the capability to tally results until 8 p.m. on Feb. 27, so we couldnt accidentally do it. Ann Arbor City Clerk Jackie Beaudry, right, with her team of election workers at city hall at the start of early voting for the presidential primary on Feb. 17, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Beaudry said the citys costs for the presidential primary are fully reimbursed by the state and the city received funding to procure the new ballot-on-demand printers, new tabulators, voter assist devices, voting booths and other materials. She thinks having six early voting locations over a nine-day period can accommodate the same amount of voters the city managed previously at 53 precincts. We did also consolidate precincts down to 47 with the expectation that more voters would start to move to either mail voting or early voting, she said. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. -- Families and community members were invited to decorate the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. as part of the World of Winter festival on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. The event brought out artists of all ages. Marianne Meltzer and her daughter Stella painted bows and flowers on the ice. She loves to paint, Meltzer said about Stella. Across the rink, Abbi Anderuszko worked on a intricate design with bright swirls. She is a current student at Mott Community College with the goal of becoming an art teacher. Art has always been something that I love, Anderuzko said. Along with painting, the event included a variety of food trucks, an interactive drum circle, and a visit from Frozen characters Anna and Elsa. The World of Winter is organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. The festivals website advertises it as one of the largest winter festivals in the country. The World of Winter runs until March 10. 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: Want to use Michigans new early in-person voting? It might be a long commute. DeVos Family Foundation to announce transformational gift for childrens health care Large, 256-unit housing development planned south of Grand Rapids Paz de la Huerta, 39, is showing some of her paintings in contemporary art gallery Ruttkowski; 68, in the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais. Its the first time exhibiting her art for the cult actress and underground icon, who has been a muse for directors like Jim Jarmusch and Martin Scorsese. She was also one of the women who in 2017 called out the sexual abuse of producer Harvey Weinstein. The group show shes participating in until the end of February is a preview of a solo show that will open this summer in the same gallery. Her canvases, impregnated with surrealism and religious themes, are influenced by artists like Francesco Clemente, who she calls a friend and teacher, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, who went to the same New York high school that she did, Saint Anns in Brooklyn Heights. Ive painted since I was a child. But it was my therapist, Michael Rebel, who encouraged me to do it as a form of therapy. He taught me that art could heal me, explains the actress in a videocall with EL PAIS. Since I was a child, I have gone to many psychologists, who have tried to make me understand the real relationship I have with my parents, but it was so crazy that I didnt want to accept it. Somehow, I have expressed it through painting. Known for her roles in films like The Limits of Control and Enter the Void, and the television series Boardwalk Empire, De la Huerta says that her work speaks of her life: of the abuses that she says she suffered at the hands of her family. Also, of her constant flight from her parents, whom she accuses, among other things, of harassment and attempts to have her committed to a mental health facility. In one of her paintings, entitled Oh, Father, she portrays herself as a child with a black eye, next to a menacing father figure. In another, How I Replaced Every Memory Of My Evil Mother With The Virgin Mary, she imagines herself as a baby, mutilated by her own parent. My art is my way of seeing things clearly. Ive had a lot of drama in my life, and for a long time I was keeping it in my subconscious. How I Replaced Every Memory Of My Evil Mother was the way I found to heal myself of the hurt that my mother caused me. Through therapy and painting, I have replaced every memory I have of her with the Virgin Mary, she says. In the painting titled Oh, Father, Paz de la Huerta portrays herself as a child with a black eye, next to a menacing father figure. Cortesia de Paz de la Huerta y Ruttkowski;68. The actress paintings are full of mystic and supernatural references: angels who cry, virgins and celestial beings Im very much a believer. I am Catholic. My faith in Jesus has saved me. Because of that, my art is very biblical, she recognizes. She also practices the Yoruba faith, an African belief system that is derived from Cuban Santeria and Brazilian Candomble. She says she believes the orishas, spirits sent by the supreme being to show us the road. In another one of her works, The Fairy Forest, a group of children play in the woods under the attentive gaze of angels, or divine beings. She recalls that she painted it during a stay at the Mount Madonna yoga and meditation center in California, where, according to her, she hid for a time from her family. I dont want to say where I live now. Its a darling place, surrounded by animals and with fantastic friends. But if I say where it is, theyll come for me, she says. Who? My parents, she responds. The actress says shes been hiding for two years from her parents, the Spanish aristocrat Ricardo Ignacio de la Huerta, Duke of Mandas y Villanueva, Grandee of Spain, and her mother, U.S. activist Judith Bruce, a well-known voice in the fight against child marriage and violence against girls. She has filed a complaint against them for sexual abuse, a process that, as her Spanish lawyer explained to EL PAIS, is currently in preliminary proceedings. The complaint was filed in the Talavera district courts and, after appeal, has been reopened by the Toledo provincial court. Paz has already testified, her parents have testified and we are waiting for the court to agree on the testimony of a witness, after having requested it, says the actress legal representative, Esther Romero Simon of the firm Le Morne Abogados. Her team also requested a protective restraining order against De la Huertas parents, which was rejected. The aristocracy thinks that its powerful, but I know the whole truth about them. I dont care about spending all the money I have on lawyers and applying for restraining orders in Spain, France, United States or wherever else. Im not going to stop until I get it, says the actress. She states that, after years of therapy, shes arrived at the conclusion that her parents were also the ones who put her in touch with Weinstein, the powerful Hollywood producer who she accused of rape in 2017. Last April, her family denied having been involved in any kind of abuse against her, or having sold her to Weinstein. I have had no involvement of any kind in the sexual abuse that, in her case, my daughter may have suffered. As a father, I can only deeply regret that this could have happened to a daughter of mine, said the Duke of Mandas in a letter addressed to the newspaper ABC. It is false that at the age of 13 (or at any other age) we sold her to Weinstein (or anyone else). In fact, I have never met Weinstein, said Bruce, who has worked with United Nations groups on strategies for ending discrimination and violence against girls. Question. Does one of your paintings reflect what youve suffered in Hollywood? Answer. Are you referring to Wein? No, I have never painted Weinstein. Q. You were one of the actresses who accused the producer. Have you felt penalized by the movie industry? A. I feel like theres a lot of hypocrisy, above all among women. There are women who call themselves feminists and then dont behave well towards other women. My mother is an example. In the work entitled How I Replaced Every Memory Of My Evil Mother With The Virgin Mary, the actress imagines herself as a baby, mutilated by her parent. Cortesia de Paz de la Huerta y Ruttkowski;68 Q. Last year, Weinstein, who is already serving a 23-year sentence in prison on rape and sexual assault charges, was sentenced to another 16 years for the same crimes. How did you react to the news? A. l was angry that I couldnt testify in the case. I blame my family for that. I havent given up on justice, but honestly, Im trying to focus my energy on art. Justice cannot be trusted, but art is allowing me to regain my voice. I hope my story helps other victims. There are many girls who continue to be exploited in Hollywood, who continued to fall into drugs or spiral into self-destruction. I could have ended up dead or in an asylum, but I ran away from it all and I have survived. Q. Can someone like Weinstein be forgiven? A. Its easier for me to pardon a man like him, who did what he did, than a woman. I dont want anyone to misinterpret me or think that Im justifying what he did. I am not justifying it. But when I was a young girl, I looked for and needed my mother to protect me. Many of the people who harmed me were women who are looked at as saints or activists, women who I ran to as sisters and they hurt me. The hypocrisy angers me more than anything else. Weinstein didnt pretend to be a good man. Neither did my father. De la Huerta was just 14 years old when she first came into contact with Weinstein, who was the co-founder, along with his brother Bob, of the production company Miramax. She met him shooting Lasse Hallstroms The Cider House Rules in 1999. At that time, the producer had already triumphed with such box-office and critically acclaimed hits as Dogma and Shakespeare in Love. Eleven years later, in 2010, according to her testimony, the Hollywood magnate raped her on two occasions a month apart. In 2017, during the popularization of the #MeToo movement, she publicly denounced him, joining a long list of other victims. The New York police and the citys then-mayor Bill de Blasio called her claims highly credible although her testimony was not included in the case. The Manhattan district attorney did not file charges. In 2018, the performer filed a lawsuit against Weinstein in Los Angeles superior court, alleging that the trauma had driven her to drink and emotionally wrecked her. In 2021, she and 40 other actresses and former Miramax employees signed a settlement agreement with the producers lawyers to end the civil lawsuits. According to The New York Times, the collective financial settlement amounted to about $17 million and offered different levels of payment to the victims depending on whether they wanted to release Weinstein from future lawsuits. Would I have liked to testify against Weinstein? Of course, says the actress, who does not regret signing the agreement. The money has allowed me to be free. If it hadnt, I would be dead or in a mental hospital and no one would know my story. Now, shes writing a memoir with U.S. journalist Sam Kashner, a Vanity Fair contributor and expert on the Hollywood star system. The Fairy Forest, painted during a stay at the Mount Madonna yoga and meditation center, where she hid from her family. Cortesia de Paz de la Huerta y Ruttkowski;68 Q. Would you ever work in Hollywood again? A. Of course. I love making movies. I have a project in the works with Tony Kaye. And I would love to work with Pedro Almodovar. Q. Is Hollywood still an unsafe place for women? A. Less than it was before. Now, after everything that has happened, men in the industry have more fear. Hollywood is a less dangerous place that when I began. PORTAGE, MI After 15 years of running D&R Daily Grind Cafe, Dave and Rittia Morris whove been married 42 years decided it was time to sell their restaurant and have some us time. The cafe at 8712 Portage Road announced the closure earlier this month. Its last day of business will be Sunday, Feb. 25. More than anything, Dave Morris said, hes going to miss the relationships theyve built at the cozy breakfast and lunch cafe in the Lake Center area of Portage. Its a great community down here, he said. Weve gained so many friends. Its like a big family here. Weve cried with them. Weve hugged with them and weve laughed with them. Its quite hard to walk away from it. But well see them around. Dave and Rittia purchased the cafe in November 2008. When they did so, they continued the long tradition of serving breakfast and lunch to the lake community. Prior to that, the space was the Friends Cafe. Before that it was Buckys Diner. Before that, Robins Nest. Now, the building will take on a new restaurant style, as it becomes Michiganders Windy City Dawghouse. Dave Morris and Andra Lee pose for a portrait inside D&R's Daily Grind Cafe, at 8712 Portage Road, in Portage on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Dave and Rittia Morris, who owned the restaurant for 15 and a half years, are closing D&R's on Feb. 25. Andra Lee will open a new restaurant at the site called Michiganders Windy City Dawghouse. Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com The authentic Chicago eatery is being opened by Andra Lee, who spent 57 of her 60 years in Chicago, before moving to Kalamazoo three years ago. Lees granddaughter, Leila Groh, will run the front of the house. The family-run, family-oriented business will abandon the early-morning breakfast model and serve up Chicago favorites such Italian beef sandwiches, breaded steak sandwiches and Chicago Vienna beef dogs. Expect the dogs to be served with a side of sarcasm and absolutely, no ketchup, Lee said. Customers can bring their own ketchup packets, but if they are caught using them, they can expect to have the blasphemy bell rang in their honor, she said. If dogs arent their thing, they can try a homemade pizza puff or Maxwell Street Pork Chop Sandwich. Andra Lee, left, her granddaughter, Leila Groh, and partner, Keith Colm, talk with MLive inside D&Rs Daily Grind Cafe, at 8712 Portage Road, in Portage on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Dave and Rittia Morris, who owned the restaurant for 15 and a half years, are closing D&R's on Feb. 25. Lee will open a new restaurant at the site called Michiganders Windy City Dawghouse. Groh will be running the front of house. Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com For desert theres also the decadent Destined to be Famous Dawghouse Chocolate Cake and chocolate peanut butter brownies, both of which made their first appearance at the Daily Grind on Friday, Feb. 16. Patrons at the cafe were seen enjoying every bite. Morris has helped make the transition a smooth one for Lee. Hes allowed Lee and Groh to come in and meet some of the longtime regulars and pass out some dessert samples, among other things. Morris has already given her a key and has been working with her and her longtime partner, Keith Colm, to make sure everything is ready for inspection. Lee hopes to open the restaurant by mid-March. If it wasnt for Dave and Rittia, this opportunity, my dream, would never have happened, she said. The venture, Lee said, has been a lifelong dream. She spent much of her career working in restaurants. Once she met Morris, she knew it was now-or-never time to follow that dream, Lee said. Owner Dave Morris, center, fills coffee for customers at D&R's Daily Grind Cafe, at 8712 Portage Road, in Portage on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Dave and Rittia Morris, who owned the restaurant for 15 and a half years, are closing D&R's on Feb. 25. Andra Lee will open a new restaurant at the site called Michiganders Windy City Dawghouse. Im closer to some of these people than some family, Morris said.Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com But before the place is transformed with a new vision with Chicago-themed decor, Morris still has some hard goodbyes and see you laters waiting. When I came in, he introduced me to a table. And the first thing a woman at the table said was how devastated she was that they were closing, Lee said. She told me that this was the only place that they come for breakfast and they dont know what theyre gonna do now. While hes ready to step away, Morris isnt 100% sold on a permanent retirement. One thing is for certain, though, a long break awaits. Ive worked my ass off since I was 17, he said. It may be too early for me to retire, but I can, so Im going to, he said. And like I told her, maybe its a blessing she isnt doing breakfast here, because I wouldnt want to compete with her. Now, if I get bored, we may come back to the Lake Center area and do this again. I love this community. For now, though, Morris said he plans to travel. The first stop is a an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. After that? Who knows, Morris said. But fly fishing in Colorado in August sounds nice, he added. And so does July in Alaska. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. LANSING, MI Though Tuesday, Feb. 27, is the official date for Michigans presidential primary this year, voters statewide have more options than ever for casting ballots ahead of time. From whos on ballot to how to cast one, heres what you need to know about this months election. Whats this election about? Michiganders will get a chance to cast their votes in the upcoming presidential primary on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The primary is a closed one, meaning voters must either opt for a ballot comprising solely Democratic or Republican candidates when either at the polls or voting absentee. Related: Want to use Michigans new early in-person voting? It might be a long commute. Whos on my ballot? On the Democratic side, voters can choose from President Joe Biden and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Marianne Williamson, an author and speaker, will also appear on Michigans Democratic primary ballot despite dropping out of the race Feb. 7. On the Republican side, there will be a slew of names on the ballot come election day, though only two are actually still in the running: former president Donald Trump and ex-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. As with Williamson, candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will still appear on Michigans Republican primary ballot since they dropped out of the race after Michigans printing deadline. So what does that mean for me? Nothing much will change for Democrats with respect to the primary. Thats to be expected, considering Michigans Democratic legislature was the one to push for the new primary date in 2023. For Republicans, however, the move is a bit more complicated. When taking to the polls later this month, voters will see little difference from presidential primaries of years past. Behind the scenes, though, the Michigan Republican Party has worked with the Republican National Committee for months to finalize a hybrid caucus and primary plan. RELATED: Michigan Republicans internal presidential caucus would be tied for fifth in U.S. A candidate needs to secure at least 1,215 delegates nationally to secure the Republican Partys nomination. In Michigan, 55 of those delegates are up for grabs. With the dual system implemented in 2024 done to avoid Michigan Republicans being penalized for holding a primary prior to March 1, which violates RNC rules 16 of those 55 delegates will be awarded through a proportional system based on the Feb. 27 results. In order to win a delegate in the February election, a candidate will need to win at least 12.5% of the vote. The remaining 39 delegates would then be allocated in closed caucuses, held in each of Michigans 13 congressional district Republican parties. The RNC has reportedly approved a plan where officials in each congressional districts will vote how to award three delegates apiece. Where can I check if Im registered to vote? Michiganders can check online with the Department of State to see a number of things, including: How can I vote? There are several ways Michiganders can cast their ballots later this month. No reason absentee: Since 2018, Michiganders have been able to vote absentee without needing a reason to do so. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through the states online absentee voter request form. The last day to do so is prior to 5 p.m. the Friday before an election. Forms to request an absentee ballot which must be returned to your local clerk either in person or by mail to get an absentee ballot are available to download online in English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Spanish and in large print format. You can also call your city or township clerk and ask that an application for an absentee ballot be mailed to you if unable to print one. For those who have already requested an absentee ballot, the state began mailing out those forms Jan. 18. Should you have already mailed yours back in, and are curious if thats been received yet, you can check the status of your absentee ballot online. Voters will have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 to spoil an already mailed absentee ballot, but would need to do so via in-person written request in order to receive a new ballot from their clerks office. Its recommended to turn in absentee ballots by hand to your local clerks office if doing so within two weeks of election day. Early in-person: Effective Saturday, Feb. 17, voters may vote in-person ahead of the actual primary date. The last day to vote early, according to the Department of State, is Sunday, Feb. 25. To find out where thats available to you, click here. On election day: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8 p.m. Click here to figure out where your polling location is. Why so many options to vote this year? In 2022, 60% of voters approved Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment to expand voting rights in the state of Michigan. As part of that amendment, the move: At one time, Christin Stewart was thought of as the Detroit Tigers outfielder of the future. Now, hes training with another Tigers outfielder of the future. Stewart worked out with Parker Meadows during the off-season, with Meadows heading to Spring Training with the Tigers and Stewart heading to Tijuana as the new outfielder for the Tijuana Bulls in the Mexican League. Stewart, 30, was the Tigers first-round pick and 34th overall in the 2015 draft out of Tennessee. He played in the 2016 Futures Game. He made his Detroit Tigers debut in 2017, getting 60 at-bats and hitting .267 with a .375 on-base percentage. Stewart earned regular playing time in 2018, playing in 104 games for the Tigers and hitting 10 homers with a .233 batting average. His final season in the majors came in 2019 when hit .167 in 36 games for Detroit. After hitting .254 with 21 homers for Toledo in 2021, the Tigers released Stewart, who signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox. After hitting .237 with 19 homers for Triple A Worcester, the Red Sox released him after the 2022 season. MORE Former Tigers top prospect attempts comeback with Gary Former Detroit Tigers closer signs with Dodgers Tigers sign infielder, former Brewers top prospect Kenta Maeda on first days with Tigers: I feel very welcome 2024 Detroit Tigers TV schedule: How to watch, stream Spring Training games Former Detroit Tigers prospect Franklin Perez is making a comeback attempt, signing with the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association. Perez was a key figure in the Justin Verlander trade, with Houston sending Perez, catcher Jake Rogers and outfielder Daz Cameron to the Tigers in 2017. The 6-foot-3 right-hander battled injuries with the Tigers after joining the organization in 2017. He pitched in the Detroit minor-league system for Lakeland and the Gulf Coast League Tigers. Perez was also on the rosters for Toledo, Erie and West Michigan. Perez was placed on the 7-day disabled list three times in 2018 and four times in 2019, missing the 2021 season on the 60-day disabled list. The Tigers released Perez in 2021, resigning him to a minor-league contract six days later. But after another trip for Perez to the 7-day disabled list for Lakeland in 2023, the Tigers released him in August. In 2023, he made 10 appearances for Lakeland and the Florida Coast League Tigers with a 6.89 ERA and seven strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings. Perez was a top prospect for the Astros, reaching Double A in 2017 and posting a 3.09 ERA in seven games for Corpus Christi. He was ranked as the Tigers top prospect heading into the 2018 season. In 79 minor-league appearances, the right-handed pitcher from Venezuela made 55 starts and struck out 259 in 271 innings. MORE Former Detroit Tigers closer signs with Dodgers Tigers sign infielder, former Brewers top prospect Kenta Maeda on first days with Tigers: I feel very welcome 2024 Detroit Tigers TV schedule: How to watch, stream Spring Training games In hopes of comeback season, Tigers Javier Baez focused on his back Hi, Im Tigre. At your service, Rodolfo Zamora introduces himself. Hes had that nickname since he was young and takes pride in it. You can see his love of tigers in the paintings, drawings, stuffed animals and other objects found around his farm in Oreamuno, a mountainous area in the province of Cartago, Costa Rica. Zamora and his wife, Hannia, show us around the Rinconcito Organico Irazu farm and share the story of how it all came about. The farm sits on a tidy 1.7 acres where they have been growing nearly 70 different crops since 2006. That was the year Tigre decided to leave his bank job and become a farmer. Tigre and Hannia may seem like just another couple of farmers in an agricultural area, but they actually represent a minority. Tigre points at his neighbors land: It looks healthy and green, but it actually lacks nutrients. The soil is visibly affected by land erosion. The property line between the two farms marks the boundary between two worlds: organic farming and conventional farming with agrochemicals, which accounts for 98% of the countrys agriculture. Rinconcito Organico Irazu farm in Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera According to the State of the Nation Program, a report prepared annually by Costa Ricas public universities, organic agriculture makes up 1.9% of the countrys farmed area. To be recognized as organic producers requires certification from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). Organic farms aim to maximize natural resources through circular agriculture methods: separate sections of a farm are intentionally linked together so that each area helps the other. Despite its long-standing promotion and commitment to ecological practices, Costa Rica has the highest per-acre pesticide use in the world. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Costa Rica used an average of 51.5 pounds (23.4 kilos) of pesticide per 2.47 acres (1 hectare). There is strong evidence of the health risks posed by these products, leading to strict regulations in the European Union. However, Costa Rica still lacks such regulations. Not far from where Tigre and Hannia live, two towns in Cartago province with approximately 10,000 people lost their drinking water in 2023 due to contamination from chlorothalonil pesticide. Its a carcinogenic substance banned in the European Union, although its still produced in Germany. Costa Rica finally banned chlorothalonil last November after years of pressure by environmentalists. Harmony with the soil Tigre shows off the strawberries thriving in his greenhouse. The difference between his organic strawberries and chemically-treated ones is immediately noticeable. The flavor is so delicious and tender its something else altogether. Tigre and Hannias farm is an exemplary model. They have won national and international awards, host visits from prestigious universities in Europe and the United States, and offer courses on organic farming. People are amazed to see our little project stuck in the middle of all these conventional farms, said Hannia. Hannia Villalobos inspects organic produce at Rinconcito Organico Irazu farm in Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera Tigre and Hannia stress that organic goes beyond simply avoiding chemicals. In the classroom theyve set up on the farm, the couple offers lectures on their process. This includes minimal tillage, no heavy machinery, homemade fertilizer, rainwater harvesting, crop grouping, and even techniques for optimal plant growth. Everything converges in a natural and harmonious way, said Tigre. Diversifying crops is crucial for soil health. Monoculture leads to soil degradation, while variety enriches it. Crop rotation also disrupts pest reproduction and drives them away. On conventional farms that grow the same crops every season, pests tend to multiply, requiring chemical treatments. Organic farming mimics nature, where everything grows in harmony. The couple is frustrated because they havent been able to replicate organic production in the area. They want to convince other farmers that conventional farming is more vulnerable to climate change and unstable prices. However, this doesnt mean that Tigre and Hannias organic farm is safe from these external factors. The long drought in Costa Rica has depleted their water reserves more than usual for this time of year. Cristian Rivera, a worker at Rinconcito Organico Irazu farm in Costa Rica, applies organic fertilizer Carlos Herrera Organic farming also stands out for its recognition of the harmful effects of pesticides on both consumers and farmworkers. Cristian Rivera was once a day laborer on a conventional farm and experienced the harmful effects of chemical exposure on his health. I couldnt run without getting out of breath, he said.Rivera now works at Rinconcito Organico, free from agrochemical exposure, and has regained his health. A small and exclusive market Excuse me, do you know where Bryans stand is? The one with Papaya? Its over there, said a woman, pointing to a produce stand with three dogs running around. Papaya is not a fruit its the name of one of Bryan Didiers dogs. Didier has a stand at the Green Farmers Market, where only certified organic producers can sell their goods in downtown San Jose. Bryans dog is named after one of his star products. He entices buyers by offering them a taste of fresh papaya. It really tastes different, said Didier, who has a farm in La Fortuna, about three hours drive from San Jose. Since 2006, he has worked on the farm with his father, cultivating around 70 different crops. Bryan Didier at his produce stand at the Aranjuez Green Farmers' Market in San Jose, Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera La Fortuna is an area with a mix of tourism and large-scale monoculture. Bryans farm is surrounded by big companies that use pesticides. To protect his land from contamination, he created a living barrier using green poppies. The strategy has been successful. Unlike the barren monoculture plantations, Bryans farm is teeming with wildlife that has naturally made its way to the area. Bryan takes pride in the sight of four sloths living in his trees. He has two helpers at the stand, where he shows an older woman the right way to eat lemon peel. He tells another customer in English about all the products available today. You can hear a lot of English spoken at the Green Farmers Market, and not just by Bryan, who is half American. The market is geared to a small and exclusive slice of San Jose: Americans, Europeans and wealthy Costa Ricans. The farmers at this market know that they cater to customers willing to pay higher prices for organic products because of the harm caused by conventional agriculture. Bryan Didier arranges some of his organic products at the Aranjuez Green Farmers' Market in San Jose, Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera Organic farmers are unable to match the low prices offered by conventional farmers because of the $1,000 annual certification fee and cumbersome bureaucratic paperwork. The MAG can conduct surprise inspections and revoke certifications if all requirements are not met. The government is crushing us. I wouldnt do it again, knowing what I know now, said Didier. There are other problems, such as what Moises Gomez calls unfair competition in the organic sector. This includes producers falsely claiming organic certification or mixing products from organic and conventional farms. Moises Gomez sells organic produce at the Aranjuez Green Farmers' Market in San Jose, Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera Gomez is well acquainted with this world as his entire family is involved in organic agriculture in Dota, a canton located south of San Jose. Alongside his parents and three brothers, they cultivate a variety of products that they sell at the Green Farmers Market. They begin stocking their stand before daybreak; its the first one you see when entering the market. Unlike Bryan, Hannia, and Tigre, who are surrounded by conventional farms, the Gomez farm is in one of the most organically productive areas of the country. He says that many of his neighbors also grow organic crops, so there is less concern about chemical contamination. But he agrees with the others that organic producers are penalized by the government instead of promoted. Denmark is known for being the country with the highest percentage of organic agriculture, accounting for 90% of its crops. The Danish government provides subsidies and encourages organic producers, while Costa Rica heavily relies on agrochemicals. People like things fast and easy, but they need to understand that the cheapest medicine is food, said Gomez. They need to understand that its worth the effort. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Flash The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) opened in Munich on Friday, with a spotlight on the need to boost cooperation and improve global governance. In his opening remarks, MSC Chairman Christoph Heusgen expressed hope that participants look for silver linings in their discussions on the pressing security challenges against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical rivalry and economic uncertainty. Ongoing conflicts including the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict will be discussed at the three-day conference. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his opening speech that today's global order is not working for everyone. "In fact, I would go further and say it's not working for anyone." The global community is "more fragmented and divided than at any time during the past 75 years," he said, noting that the world is facing nuclear danger, the climate crisis, and the risks stemming from Artificial Intelligence. Guterres referred to this year's edition of the Munich Security Report published on Monday, which warned of the "lose-lose dynamics" of inter-governmental interactions amid growing geopolitical tensions and rising economic uncertainty. The mentality of prioritizing relative payoffs may spur these lose-lose dynamics while jeopardizing cooperation and undermining the international order, the report noted. "Global governance in its present form is entrenching divisions and fueling discontent," Guterres said. "We must work for solutions based on justice, with renewed urgency and solidarity." Meanwhile, MSC Chairman Heusgen sounded a hopeful note, saying that since many of the challenges the world faces are man-made, that means they can be changed. Inaugurated in 1963, the MSC is an international platform for high-level discussions on global security issues and a venue for diplomatic initiatives to address security concerns. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters celebrate in front of the Greek parliament, after approving same-sex civil marriages, in Athens, Greece, February 15, 2024. Greece has become the first majority-Orthodox Christian nation to legalize same-sex marriage under civil law. At least for the near future, it will almost certainly be the only one. Eastern Orthodox leadership, despite lacking a single doctrinal authority like a pope, has been united in opposing recognition of same-sex relationships both within its own rites and in the civil realm. Public opinion in majority Orthodox countries has mostly been opposed, too. But there are some signs of change. Two small majority-Orthodox countries, Montenegro and Cyprus, have authorized same-sex unions in recent years, as did Greece in 2015 before upgrading to this weeks approval of full marital status. Civil unions may become more common among Orthodox countries gravitating toward the European Union. They remain off the table in Russia, which has cracked down on LGBTQ+ expression, and countries in its orbit. Following is a summary of church positions and public opinion in the Orthodox world, followed by the situation in individual majority-Orthodox lands. The orthodox world Eastern Orthodoxy is a socially conservative, ancient church with elaborate rituals and a strict hierarchy. Churches are mostly organized along national lines, with multiple independent churches that share ancient doctrine and practices and that both cooperate and squabble. Roughly 200 million Eastern Orthodox live primarily in Eastern Europe and neighboring Asian lands, with about half that total in Russia, while smaller numbers live across the world. Like other international church bodies, Orthodoxy has confronted calls for LGBTQ+ inclusion. A 2016 statement by a council of most Orthodox churches called marriage between a man and a woman the oldest institution of divine law and said members were forbidden from entering same-sex unions. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, considered the first among equals among Orthodox leaders, affirmed that stance in a statement after the Greek vote. But he added that the church must respond to members in such unions with pastoral responsibility and in Christ-like love. In countries where they are a majority, Orthodox believers overwhelmingly said society should not accept homosexuality or approve same-sex marriage, according to surveys conducted in 2015 and 2016 by the Pew Research Center, a Washington-based think tank. Greek Orthodox showed relative tolerance, with half of Orthodox saying homosexuality should be accepted and a quarter favoring same-sex marriage. In more recent polls, Greeks overall narrowly supported the marriage law. The Greek law validates marriage in the civil realm but doesnt require any church to perform such rites. Nevertheless, Greeces Orthodox leadership unanimously opposed the law in January, saying the duality of genders and their complementarity are not social inventions but originate from God. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the churchs position but said, We are discussing the decisions of the Greek state, unrelated to theological beliefs. Civil unions may be in some Orthodox countries near future, said George Demacopoulos, director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University in New York. In terms of civil marriage, I think the countries that are in the European Union will eventually all do it, Demacopoulos said. My guess is the assemblies of bishops in those countries will offer some resistance to the measure, and depending on where you are, that may or may not delay it. Ukraine In Ukraine, same-sex couples cannot register their status legally. In 2023, the issue became acute as many LGBTQ+ people joined Ukraines armed forces. That year, a bill was introduced in Parliament to establish civil partnerships for same-sex couples, providing basic rights such as compensation if one of the partners is killed in action. The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations which includes Ukraines two rival Orthodox churches opposed the draft law, contending that some international entities are using the countrys current vulnerability to force unwanted changes. The legislation remains pending. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2023 that Ukraine violated the rights of a same-sex couple who sought legal protections provided to married heterosexual couples. Ukraine is majority Orthodox, with various religious minorities. Russia In increasingly conservative Russia, President Vladimir Putin has forged a powerful alliance with the Russian Orthodox Church and has made traditional family values a cornerstone of his rule, juxtaposing them with perversions of the West. Putin effectively outlawed same-sex marriages in the 2020 constitutional revision that added a clause stipulating that marriage is a union of a man and a woman. In 2013, the Kremlin adopted whats known as the gay propaganda law, banning any public endorsement of nontraditional sexual relations among minors. After sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, Russian authorities ramped up a campaign against what it called the Wests degrading moral influence, in what rights advocates saw as an attempt to legitimize the war. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has assailed LGBTQ+ rights. As head of the Russian Orthodox Church, he oversees the worlds largest Orthodox flock. He depicted his countrys invasion of Ukraine as part of a metaphysical struggle against a liberal agenda that included gay parades. In November, Russias Supreme Court effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism, labeling what the government called the LGBTQ+ international movement as an extremist group and banning it in Russia. In 2021, a survey by Russias top independent pollster, the Levada Center, showed that only 33% of Russians completely or somewhat agree that gay men and women should enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals, a decrease from earlier years. Belarus The Belarus Family Code defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. There is also no legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Homosexuality was decriminalized in Belarus in 1994, but the LGBTQ+ community faces heavy stigma and high suicide rates, advocates say. Human rights groups report hundreds of cases of the KGB the countrys main domestic security agency trying to recruit gay people and threatening to out them. Serbia and Montenegro Serbia and Montenegro, two conservative Balkan nations where the Serbian Orthodox Church holds huge influence, have had mixed results addressing LGBTQ+ rights as part of efforts to join the European Union. Tiny Montenegro passed a bill in 2020 allowing same-sex partnerships not marriage and with fewer rights. In Serbia, a similar draft law never made it to a parliamentary vote. The Serbian Orthodox Church, which maintains close relations with the Russian church, has opposed the idea of same-sex marriages. Serbias President Aleksandar Vucic has said he would not sign off a bill on same-sex marriages, although Serbia has had an openly lesbian prime minister for years. Activists have been campaigning for legal partnerships. Pride marches in Serbia are routinely banned or held under tight security. In Montenegro, though same-sex partnerships are allowed, the highly male-oriented society of 620,000 people remains divided over the issue. Romania and Moldova Romania is one of the few European Union members that allows neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions, despite a growing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. In 2023, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Romania had failed to enforce same-sex couples rights by not legally recognizing their relationships. In early February in Romania, LGBTQ+ activists were allegedly assaulted while holding a peaceful protest outside the Bucharest headquarters of the countrys far-right AUR party. In 2018, Romania held a referendum backed by the Orthodox Church on whether to narrow the constitutional definition of marriage from a union of spouses to a union between one man and one woman. Rights campaigners urged Romanians to boycott the vote, which failed due to low turnout. In neighboring Moldova, which isnt an EU member but has official candidate status, neither same-sex marriages nor unions are allowed. Large majorities in both countries are Orthodox. Bulgaria Public opinion in Bulgaria is mostly hostile to gay people and more so to same-sex marriages. In the Balkan country, patriarchal family traditions still predominate. The European Court of Human Rights last year found that Bulgarias government was violating European human rights law in failing to legally recognize same-sex couples. The court also ruled that Bulgaria is obliged to adopt legal recognition for same-sex couples, but Bulgaria shows no signs of implementing the decision. Leaders of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which includes about 80% of Bulgarians, condemned the ECHR ruling and called on the government not to give in. Bulgarias constitution explicitly prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriage. Amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in parliament on three consecutive votes. Such a scenario seems remote. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), announced on January 28, shatters a long process that began half a century ago of integration, primarily economic, in the West African region, which until now had been widely regarded to be a model for the rest of the continent. It is not only the free movement of goods and people that will be impacted. The break-up heralds a West Africa separated into blocs, according to the clout of external stakeholders such as Russia or the European Union, but nevertheless obliged to understand each other because of their strong economic, cultural and population links. The ECOWAS as we knew it is over, nothing will ever be the same again, Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UN development coordinator for the Sahel, says by telephone. Even the possibility of breaking with the CFA franc and establishing a currency of its own is being considered. The decision was announced simultaneously on the public television stations of the three countries, which are governed by military juntas that arose from coups detat, through the release of a joint press release. They thoroughly master the art of distraction, believes Gilles Yabi, director of the Senegalese think-tank Wathi. The announcement of the withdrawal occupies peoples minds and will continue to do so for weeks and months while the repressive measures of the governments toughen (...) and while the discussion on the end of the transitions disappears from the public debate. All three military regimes announced their provisional capacity and the convening of elections upon taking power, but in Mali and Burkina this transition process has been interrupted and in Niger it is yet to even begin. This reveals the intention of the new leaders to hang on to power beyond the promised timeframe. After the independence of African countries, particularly in the 1960s, five regional economic blocs were formed. The ECOWAS, established in 1975, comprises the 15 West African nations, although for a short period it also included Mauritania, which withdrew in 2000 to join the Maghreb union. Since its foundation, the organization has promoted regional economic integration and the creation of an area for the free movement of goods and people. This includes the existence of an ECOWAS passport held on a common basis by its citizens. Even with difficulties and challenges in customs harmonization, internal trade has been consolidated over the last half-century. However, ECOWAS is more than an economic bloc. It possesses a court of justice and has intervened decisively in political and defense and security matters. It has even stepped in with peacekeepers, as was the case in Sierra Leone and more recently in the Gambia in 2017 to force the dictator Yahya Jammeh, who was defeated in the elections, out of the country. It is not just a matter of trade and economic integration, but of the construction of a regional bloc that could collectively defend the interests of its populations in the long term and represent an influential economic, diplomatic, security, human and scientific hub on a continental level and in its relations with the rest of the world, explains Yabi. Room for negotiation According to ECOWASs own legal documents, the decision for the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso will not come into effect until one year from now, as stipulated in its rules of procedure. This leaves some room for negotiation. The heads of state have learned from their mistakes, like the tough sanctions against Mali or the threat of intervention in Niger. After the stick, they have realized that it is time for the carrot, explains Bakary Sambe, director of the Timbuktu Institute. At the moment there is intense diplomatic activity in order to find a diplomatic solution. However, it seems difficult to imagine a return to the current ECOWAS. History does not move backwards, insists Dieye. New forms of cooperation between countries will emerge because they are obliged to understand each other, but the crisis is very profound and the economic repercussions of this decision are enormous, he goes on to say. Even the monetary union has come into question. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso share the CFA franc, along with five other countries Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Guinea-Bissau and Togo. This currency, inherited from the French colonial era and which maintains a fixed parity with the euro, has been strongly disputed by a part of West African civil society. In line with their current policies of rejection of France, the debate on its potential replacement is surfacing within the Sahel countries. Both Burkina Fasos president, Ibrahim Traore, and Nigers president, Abdourahamane Tchiani, have recently opened a can of worms regarding the potential break with the CFA franc and the creation of a separate currency for the three countries, which could be called the Sahel. The complexity of such a decision is currently hindering their aspirations. For this to be achieved, economists agree that the Sahel states would have to possess sufficient reserves of raw materials to guarantee their stability, the necessary infrastructure to manufacture the new banknotes and a central bank to determine monetary policy. When the time is right, we will take a decision, said General Tchiani in a televised interview. Captain Traore believes this is a necessary step in their process of cutting all ties with France. The momentous decision to withdraw from ECOWAS was taken directly by the heads of state of the three countries. It was not the subject of any parliamentary debate, which could have taken place in the case of Mali and Burkina Faso, where there are representative bodies in the context of the transition, nor was there any consultation with the populations. Last year, the three countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AoSS), which is developing as a bloc of its own with Russias external support as a new preferred military ally. This is in contrast to ECOWAS, whose members such as Nigeria, Senegal and Ivory Coast maintain strategic alliances with the United States and, in particular, with the European Union. Experts are concerned about the spillover of global tensions between new emerging players and the West to Africa. Russia, China, Iran or Turkey are taking advantage of the void in the Sahel, where the European Union, preoccupied with other crises, lacks a common strategy. We see Italy moving its laborers, or France, which is still in shock after its expulsion from the three countries, adds Dieye. Do we really want to make our region a breeding ground for violent confrontation by the most antagonistic large, medium and small powers, each of which militarily backs crony leaders who otherwise no longer need any internal legitimacy? wonders Yabi. The institutional fragmentation of the region is the genuine threat to the prospects for peace, security and common progress, he concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Balentine LLC raised its position in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 6.7% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 51,307 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,241 shares during the quarter. Chevron makes up approximately 0.3% of Balentine LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Balentine LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $8,651,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. V Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 0.9% in the second quarter. V Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,007 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,102,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Addison Capital Co lifted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 1.9% during the second quarter. Addison Capital Co now owns 3,339 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $525,000 after buying an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. NCM Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Chevron by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. NCM Capital Management LLC now owns 5,570 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $909,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares during the period. Sweet Financial Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chevron by 0.7% in the third quarter. Sweet Financial Partners LLC now owns 8,761 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,477,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the period. Finally, Strategic Investment Advisors MI raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 3.8% in the third quarter. Strategic Investment Advisors MI now owns 1,758 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $296,000 after purchasing an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. 68.87% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets CVX has been the topic of several recent research reports. DZ Bank lowered shares of Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $160.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, February 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Chevron from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $184.00 to $182.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Raymond James cut their price target on shares of Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted 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. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $180.95. Chevron Stock Up 0.1 % NYSE CVX traded up $0.17 on Friday, reaching $154.63. The company had a trading volume of 7,567,731 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,884,952. 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 companys fifty day moving average is $148.58 and its 200 day moving average is $154.34. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $139.62 and a 52-week high of $172.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $291.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.13. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.19 by $0.26. The business 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%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $4.09 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 16.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate 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 paid a $1.63 dividend. This is a positive change from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.51. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.22%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is currently 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 Stories 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. Balentine LLC lowered its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 84,400 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,235 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil comprises approximately 0.3% of Balentine LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Balentine LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $9,924,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. increased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 720.0% in the second quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 324 shares in the last quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. grew its stake in Exxon Mobil by 222.5% in the 1st quarter. Turim 21 Investimentos Ltda. now owns 574 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares during the period. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter valued at $49,000. 58.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Exxon Mobil In other Exxon Mobil 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 transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The stock was 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 directly 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 SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were 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 owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.06% of the stock is owned by insiders. Exxon Mobil Stock Up 0.0 % XOM stock traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $103.74. The companys stock had a trading volume of 20,148,171 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,300,236. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 52-week low of $95.77 and a 52-week high of $120.70. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $100.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $106.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $411.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.70, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.97. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. The company had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.40 EPS. Exxon Mobils revenue for the quarter was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.25 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.74%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth XOM has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Mizuho lowered shares of Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $116.00 to $119.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.53. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Exxon Mobil 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. Recommended 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. Clearstead Advisors LLC lessened its stake in Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:BX Free Report) by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 41,638 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 1,033 shares during the quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLCs holdings in Blackstone were worth $4,461,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Blackstone during the 4th quarter worth $510,355,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Blackstone by 96,256.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,790,996 shares of the asset managers stock worth $429,634,000 after purchasing an additional 5,784,986 shares in the last quarter. J.P. Morgan Private Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Blackstone during the 3rd quarter worth $190,920,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Blackstone by 13.3% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 14,825,769 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,588,433,000 after purchasing an additional 1,744,652 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in Blackstone by 54.5% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,675,429 shares of the asset managers stock worth $500,925,000 after purchasing an additional 1,649,486 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.35% of the companys stock. Get Blackstone alerts: Blackstone Price Performance NYSE:BX traded down $2.36 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $127.89. 3,549,192 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,731,627. The firms 50-day moving average is $124.26 and its 200-day moving average is $111.07. The stock has a market cap of $90.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 70.24, a P/E/G ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.84. Blackstone Inc. has a 1-year low of $76.19 and a 1-year high of $133.53. Blackstone Increases Dividend Blackstone ( NYSE:BX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The asset manager reported $1.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.16. Blackstone had a return on equity of 17.30% and a net margin of 17.34%. The company had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.48 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.07 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Blackstone Inc. will post 4.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 12th. Investors of record on Monday, February 5th were given a $0.94 dividend. This is a positive change from Blackstones previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.94%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 2nd. Blackstones dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 205.46%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Ruth Porat acquired 232 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $127.08 per share, with a total value of $29,482.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 34,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,349,313. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CAO David Payne sold 5,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $128.21, for a total transaction of $705,155.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 47,781 shares in the company, valued at $6,126,002.01. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Ruth Porat purchased 232 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $127.08 per share, with a total value of $29,482.56. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 34,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,349,313. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 83,352 shares of company stock valued at $10,668,224. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes BX has been the subject of several analyst reports. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Blackstone in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. TheStreet downgraded Blackstone from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Blackstone from $120.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Blackstone from $127.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on Blackstone in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. They set a market perform rating and a $118.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $117.81. View Our Latest Analysis on Blackstone Blackstone Company Profile (Free Report) Blackstone Inc is an alternative asset management firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Blackstone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackstone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Russian prison authorities announcement of opposition leader Alexei Navalnys death has triggered a cascade of reactions from Western leaders. With necessary caution in light of the unreliability of the source of the news, different European and American political leaders have all pointed out the responsibility of Vladimir Putins regime. This represents a dramatic new escalation in the tensions between Russia and the West, which the Kremlin has taken to a level not seen for decades with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalnys death, U.S. President Joe Biden said in an on-camera statement at the White House after the news broke. The Democrat said that although the exact circumstances of what happened are unknown there is no reason to doubt the opposition leaders death, but he avoided asserting that it was an assassination. Nevertheless, he reiterated that Navalnys death was undoubtedly the consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did. Let no one be under any illusions. Putin not only targets the citizens of other countries, as we see with whats going on in Ukraine right now, he also inflicts terrible crimes on his own people, Biden noted. People in Russia and across the world are mourning Navalny today because he was so many things that Putin is not. He was brave. He was principled. He was dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and where it applied to everybody. The president also cited the opposition leaders death as another reason for the U.S. Congress to immediately approve aid to Ukraine, which requires approval by the House of Representatives. News of Navalnys death influenced the start of the Munich Security Conference, a forum that brings together political, military and diplomatic leaders from much of the world. The Russians had participated in the past but are no longer invited in the wake of Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the Bavarian capital, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was categorical: If confirmed, this would be a further sign of Putins brutality. Whatever story they tell, let us be clear. Russia is responsible, she emphasized. Also in Munich, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that [Navalnys] death in a Russian prison and the fixation and fear of one man only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built. Russias responsible for this. EU leaders have been equally forceful in their statements. The EU holds the Russian regime solely responsible for this tragic death, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) as soon as the news broke. The reaction of the former Belgian Prime Minister was one of the first condemnations and has shaped the path followed by many of the leaders of the Member States and top EU officials. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, commented that Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. A grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about. Similarly, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Josep Borrell, who was also in Munich, asserted on his official X account: Putin is responsible for [the] murder & will be accountable. In Munich, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that All the facts [have] to be established and Russia has serious questions to answer. Alexei Navalny has been a strong voice for freedom, for democracy for many years, and NATO and NATO Allies have called for his immediate release for a long time. Navalnys wife, Yulia, also reacted from Munich, giving a short speech right after U.S. Vice-President Harris spoke. Visibly shocked but strong, the widow addressed an audience full of leaders after much applause. I am sure that, in my position, Alexei would have decided to get up on this stage at this moment. I dont know whether we should believe the terrible news weve only received from official media. For many years, they have lied constantly. But if it is true, I want Putin and his team to know that they will be punished for what they have done to our country and to my family. They will be brought to justice. That day will come soon. I call on the entire international community to unite, to fight this evil, horrible regime, the dissidents wife said. Beyond Munich, European leaders expressed similar outrage from their respective capitals. He stood up for democracy and freedom in Russia - and apparently paid for his courage with his life. This terrible news shows once again how Russia has changed and what kind of regime is in power in Moscow, noted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X In todays Russia, free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death. Anger and indignation. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, also blamed Moscow, noting that Navalnys death shows the extraordinary brutality of the Russian regime. In 2021, Navalny won the European Parliaments Sakharov Prize awarded for freedom of thought. By that time, he was already in prison and could not go to receive the prize in person. The honor was bestowed on him for his immense courage in denouncing the corruption of Vladimir Putins regime. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, noted in a message on X that she was horrified and that the world has lost a fighter whose courage will echo through generations... His struggle for democracy lives on. Charles Michel also emphasized that facet of the activist: Alexei Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The President of the European Council ended his message with a solemn sentence: Fighters die. But the fight for freedom never ends. Likewise, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo observed: Alexei Navalny was an advocate for democracy and human rights. [...] Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Navalny and all brave Russian political prisoners. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Craneware plc (LON:CRW Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,646.07 ($20.79) and traded as high as GBX 2,100 ($26.52). Craneware shares last traded at GBX 2,100 ($26.52), with a volume of 93,372 shares changing hands. Craneware Trading Up 0.5 % The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.44. The stocks 50 day moving average is GBX 1,897.74 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 1,649.43. The company has a market cap of 756.49 million, a PE ratio of 10,166.67 and a beta of 0.13. About Craneware (Get Free Report) Craneware plc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, licenses, and supports computer software for the healthcare industry in the United States. The company provides solutions, such as Trisus pricing transparency software; Trisus Pricing Analyzer, a solution that simplifies and automates the price modeling process; Trisus Chargemaster, an automated chargemaster management solution; InSight Medical Necessity, a solution that offers medical necessity for the United States payors; Trisus Claims Informatics, a retrospective charge capture analytical application that identifies areas of risk for its team to investigate; Trisus Supply, a solution that improves supplies reimbursement; and InSight Audit, an audit management solution for government and commercial payors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Craneware Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Craneware and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC lowered its holdings in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 39.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 12,554 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 8,149 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $1,476,000 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. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 83.0% during the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,269,030 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $149,213,000 after buying an additional 575,649 shares in the last quarter. Qsemble Capital Management LP raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 34.3% during the 3rd quarter. Qsemble Capital Management LP now owns 4,700 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $553,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the period. Meyer Handelman Co. raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 5.9% during the 3rd quarter. Meyer Handelman Co. now owns 390,975 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $45,971,000 after purchasing an additional 21,895 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 23.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 229,416 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $24,605,000 after purchasing an additional 43,654 shares during the period. Finally, Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Pinkerton Retirement Specialists LLC now owns 40,900 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,387,000 after purchasing an additional 453 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the 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 $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Exxon Mobil news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the director now directly owns 13,000 shares in the company, valued at $1,352,780. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms 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 transaction, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Exxon Mobil Price Performance Shares of Exxon Mobil stock remained flat at $103.73 during midday trading on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 19,274,529 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,273,469. The stock has a market cap of $411.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.70, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.97. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $100.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $106.27. 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 Co. has a 1-year low of $95.77 and a 1-year high of $120.70. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $90.03 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.40 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.25 earnings per share for the current year. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.66%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is 42.74%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently weighed in on XOM shares. UBS Group dropped their price target 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. Mizuho cut 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. TD Cowen upgraded Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $116.00 to $119.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $127.53. Read Our Latest Research Report on XOM 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 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. Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) (NYSE:HOMB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,840,000 shares, a decline of 5.2% from the January 15th total of 4,050,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,040,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.7 days. Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) Stock Performance Shares of NYSE HOMB traded down $0.39 during trading on Friday, reaching $23.67. 860,581 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,037,202. Home Bancshares, Inc. has a 52-week low of $19.61 and a 52-week high of $25.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The company has a 50-day moving average of $24.33 and a 200-day moving average of $22.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.24 and a beta of 1.12. Get Home Bancshares Inc. (Conway AR) alerts: Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) (NYSE:HOMB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $245.62 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $238.50 million. Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) had a return on equity of 10.91% and a net margin of 29.21%. Analysts forecast that Home Bancshares, Inc. will post 1.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) Announces Dividend Insider Activity The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.04%. Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR)s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.92%. In other news, Director James Pat Hickman sold 60,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.38, for a total transaction of $1,522,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 238,497 shares in the company, valued at $6,053,053.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO John W. Allison purchased 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $22.74 per share, for a total transaction of $454,800.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 5,509,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $125,296,990.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director James Pat Hickman sold 60,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.38, for a total value of $1,522,800.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 238,497 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,053,053.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 7.72% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HOMB. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its stake in Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) by 189.6% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,034 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 677 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) during the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) during the 3rd quarter valued at about $31,000. TFO Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) by 14,809.1% during the 4th quarter. TFO Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,640 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,629 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in shares of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) by 84.4% during the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,684 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 771 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.32% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on HOMB. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $26.00 price objective on shares of Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Citigroup began coverage on Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $23.00 price objective on the stock. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Finally, Stephens cut their price objective on Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) from $25.00 to $24.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $25.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on HOMB About Home Bancshares, Inc. (Conway, AR) (Get Free Report) Home Bancshares, Inc (Conway, AR) operates as the bank holding company for Centennial Bank that provides commercial and retail banking, and related financial services to businesses, real estate developers and investors, individuals, and municipalities. Its deposit products include checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Home Bancshares Inc. (Conway AR) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Home Bancshares Inc. (Conway AR) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report) by 2.3% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 2,330,206 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 51,690 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF makes up approximately 5.1% of Balentine LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Balentine LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $151,976,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 57,915 shares of the companys stock worth $4,178,000 after buying an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,740 shares of the companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the period. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 42.1% during the 1st quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 4,721 shares of the companys stock worth $341,000 after acquiring an additional 1,398 shares during the period. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC now owns 11,487 shares of the companys stock worth $827,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the period. Finally, Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 14,359 shares of the companys stock worth $1,036,000 after acquiring an additional 875 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Stock Up 0.4 % EFAV stock traded up $0.28 during trading on Friday, reaching $68.72. 890,761 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $64.68 and a 1-year high of $76.51. The companys fifty day moving average price is $68.84 and its 200-day moving average price is $67.11. The firm has a market cap of $7.71 billion, a PE ratio of 16.01 and a beta of 0.60. iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of developed-market equities, ex-US and Canada, selected and weighted to create a low volatility portfolio subject to constraints including sector exposure. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFAV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:EFAV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lcnb Corp trimmed its stake in Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR Free Report) by 24.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,679 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 550 shares during the quarter. Lcnb Corps holdings in Danaher were worth $417,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Danaher in the third quarter worth $25,000. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new position in Danaher in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. IAG Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Danaher by 344.8% in the 2nd quarter. IAG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 129 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Danaher in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new position in Danaher in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. 76.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Danaher alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently commented on DHR shares. KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of Danaher from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Danaher from $240.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Danaher from $255.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Barclays lowered shares of Danaher from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $240.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Danaher from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $215.00 to $205.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $266.00. Danaher Stock Up 0.4 % DHR stock traded up $1.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $250.00. 2,152,215 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,976,303. The company has a market capitalization of $184.73 billion, a PE ratio of 39.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 0.85. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $233.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $231.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Danaher Co. has a twelve month low of $182.09 and a twelve month high of $252.33. Danaher (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 30th. The conglomerate reported $2.09 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.18. Danaher had a net margin of 17.26% and a return on equity of 12.25%. The firm had revenue of $6.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.87 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Danaher Co. will post 7.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Danaher Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. Danahers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 15.02%. Insider Activity In other Danaher news, Director Teri List sold 3,289 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $248.32, for a total transaction of $816,724.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 19,726 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,898,360.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Danaher news, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 2,622 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $242.67, for a total value of $636,280.74. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,244 shares in the company, valued at $1,029,891.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Teri List sold 3,289 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $248.32, for a total value of $816,724.48. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 19,726 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,898,360.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock. About Danaher (Free Report) Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes and services; and healthcare filtration solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Tianyin Pharmaceutical Inc Co (OTCMKTS:TPIY Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.00. Tianyin Pharmaceutical shares last traded at $0.00, with a volume of 88,900 shares changing hands. Tianyin Pharmaceutical Trading Up Tianyin Pharmaceutical Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tianyin Pharmaceutical Co, Inc is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of modernized traditional Chinese medicines and other pharmaceuticals in China. Its products address significant medical needs in the therapeutic areas spanning internal medicines, gynecology, hepatology, otolaryngology, urology, neurology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, dermatology and pediatrics. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tianyin Pharmaceutical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tianyin Pharmaceutical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE:AHT Get Free Report) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Friday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 0.690-0.750 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 0.820. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Ashford Hospitality Trust also updated its Q4 2023 guidance to -0.3800.330 EPS. Ashford Hospitality Trust Stock Performance NYSE AHT traded down $0.08 on Friday, reaching $1.62. The companys stock had a trading volume of 848,187 shares, compared to its average volume of 724,721. Ashford Hospitality Trust has a twelve month low of $1.24 and a twelve month high of $6.12. The stock has a market cap of $55.87 million, a PE ratio of -0.25 and a beta of 2.24. The firms 50 day moving average is $1.73 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.27. Get Ashford Hospitality Trust alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, B. Riley reduced their target price on Ashford Hospitality Trust from $3.00 to $2.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ashford Hospitality Trust A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AHT. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust by 41.8% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,786,284 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,465,000 after purchasing an additional 526,792 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Ashford Hospitality Trust by 141.4% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 669,207 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,599,000 after purchasing an additional 392,014 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in Ashford Hospitality Trust by 48.1% in the 3rd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 15,477 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 5,027 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Ashford Hospitality Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $138,000. Finally, Ergoteles LLC bought a new position in Ashford Hospitality Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $127,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 32.04% of the companys stock. About Ashford Hospitality Trust (Get Free Report) Ashford Hospitality Trust is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing predominantly in upper upscale, full-service hotels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ashford Hospitality Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashford Hospitality Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC lessened its stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report) by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 32,544 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 206 shares during the period. Booz Allen Hamilton accounts for 1.5% of RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton were worth $3,556,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAH. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in the third quarter worth $25,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in the second quarter worth $29,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in the third quarter worth $34,000. IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 29.4% in the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,105 shares of the business services providers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 29.2% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 686 shares of the business services providers stock worth $64,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.32% of the companys stock. Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BAH has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $120.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $141.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $120.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Barclays downgraded shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $138.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $139.56. Booz Allen Hamilton Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of Booz Allen Hamilton stock traded up $0.24 on Friday, reaching $145.61. 589,727 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 728,074. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. has a one year low of $87.99 and a one year high of $148.07. The company has a market capitalization of $18.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.97, a PEG ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a current ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10. The company has a 50-day moving average of $132.16 and a 200 day moving average of $124.13. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 26th. The business services provider reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.28. The firm had revenue of $2.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.54 billion. Booz Allen Hamilton had a return on equity of 65.31% and a net margin of 3.96%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.07 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. will post 5.42 earnings per share for the current year. Booz Allen Hamilton Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 12th will be given a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 9th. This is an increase from Booz Allen Hamiltons previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.40%. Booz Allen Hamiltons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 65.81%. Insider Buying and Selling at Booz Allen Hamilton In other Booz Allen Hamilton news, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 49,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $145.69, for a total value of $7,138,810.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 557,411 shares of the companys stock, valued at $81,209,208.59. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Booz Allen Hamilton news, COO Kristine Anderson sold 5,068 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.88, for a total value of $708,911.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 71,656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,023,241.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 49,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $145.69, for a total value of $7,138,810.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 557,411 shares in the company, valued at approximately $81,209,208.59. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.76% of the companys stock. About Booz Allen Hamilton (Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It also focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 8.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,606,587 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,240,902 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $905,806,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Herold Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Herold Advisors Inc. now owns 33,668 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,954,000 after acquiring an additional 1,051 shares during the period. Wealth Architects LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Architects LLC now owns 8,012 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $512,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the period. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 69.6% in the 2nd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,049 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $323,000 after buying an additional 2,072 shares during the period. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 139,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $8,115,000 after buying an additional 12,121 shares during the period. Finally, Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 14.8% in the 3rd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 101,772 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $5,907,000 after buying an additional 13,122 shares during the period. 74.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on BMY shares. Cantor Fitzgerald cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the company from $68.00 to $55.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. William Blair cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. TheStreet cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $68.00 to $54.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Bank of America cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $68.00 to $60.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $61.17. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $49.78 per share, with a total value of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares in the company, valued at $4,115,412.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $49.78 per share, with a total value of $99,560.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 82,672 shares in the company, valued at $4,115,412.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $48.86 per share, with a total value of $150,049.06. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders acquired a total of 13,571 shares of company stock valued at $672,994 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Up 0.8 % Shares of NYSE:BMY traded up $0.42 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $49.86. The companys stock had a trading volume of 13,174,124 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,872,955. The firm has a market cap of $100.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1 year low of $47.58 and a 1 year high of $71.98. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $50.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.42. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.55 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $11.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.19 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.33% and a net margin of 17.83%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.82 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 6.52 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 5th were given a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 4th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.81%. This is an increase from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 62.18%. Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, December 7th that authorizes the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the biopharmaceutical company to buy up to 2.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. About Bristol-Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lifted its stake in Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS Free Report) by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 59,987 shares of the health services providers stock after purchasing an additional 4,683 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P. owned 0.09% of Universal Health Services worth $7,542,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UHS. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of Universal Health Services by 48.0% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,967,220 shares of the health services providers stock worth $247,339,000 after purchasing an additional 638,166 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 4th quarter worth about $66,334,000. Iron Triangle Partners LP purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter worth about $74,152,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Universal Health Services by 45.4% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 802,139 shares of the health services providers stock worth $80,784,000 after purchasing an additional 250,295 shares during the period. Finally, Junto Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Universal Health Services during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,783,000. 85.11% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Universal Health Services alerts: Universal Health Services Stock Performance Shares of UHS stock traded down $0.56 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $162.16. The company had a trading volume of 309,729 shares, compared to its average volume of 451,030. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $155.86 and a 200-day moving average price of $139.23. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a one year low of $113.69 and a one year high of $164.96. The firm has a market cap of $11.07 billion, a PE ratio of 17.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.38. Universal Health Services Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be paid a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.49%. Universal Health Servicess dividend payout ratio is presently 8.39%. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on UHS. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Universal Health Services from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $144.00 to $177.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 2nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Universal Health Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Universal Health Services from $152.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Universal Health Services from a sell rating to a buy rating and set a $170.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $159.07. Read Our Latest Analysis on UHS About Universal Health Services (Free Report) Universal Health Services, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals, and outpatient and behavioral health care facilities. The company operates through Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Care Services segments. Its hospitals offer general and specialty surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, emergency room care, radiology, oncology, diagnostic and coronary care, pediatric services, pharmacy services, and/or behavioral health services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Universal Health Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Universal Health Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Placing a bouquet of flowers to the victims of political repression is an act of rebellion in Russia. In a country with almost a million police officers, thousands of citizens overcame their fear and paid tribute to the activist Alexei Navalny after learning of his sudden death in prison this Friday. At least 102 people were arrested, according to the Russian organization OVD-Info, specialized in defending victims of political repression, and their great problem now is that the authorities might consider that these protests were not a spontaneous act of empathy towards the dissident, but were instead organized by Navalnys platform, the Anti-Corruption Foundation. Being an organization that was declared extremist by the authorities, detainees run the risk that bringing a flower to a monument will be equated to an act of terrorism before judges. Hundreds of Muscovites showed up with their faces uncovered, despite the cameras with integrated facial recognition, at the Solovetsky Stone, the monument to political reprisals located on Lubyanka Square, where the headquarters of the Federal Security Service, the former KGB, is located. The police sealed off the area and allowed them to make this gesture of affection towards Navalny, the dissident most hated by Putin, although several arrests were made, including that of a journalist. Additionally, attendees faces were likely recorded and there is a precedent for security forces later returning to their homes to ask questions. It was a controlled protest. In another, more symbolic act, some dissidents brought flowers to Moskvoretsky Bridge, located in front of the Kremlin and St. Basils Cathedral. There, since 2015, a group of opponents has been guarding a small citizen tribute to the former opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, shot dead at that same spot when he was organizing massive protests against Russian participation in the war in Donbas. Late at night, some unidentified people arrived at the scene along with several agents to remove all the flowers and throw them in the trash. The police acted more forcefully in St. Petersburg, where at least 20 of the arrests took place, including a photographer and a reporter for RusNews journalist. In Nizhny Novgorod, citizens paid their tribute in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, at the sport where journalist Irina Slavina blew herself up in 2020, a day after the police searched her house for allegedly possessing material from Open Russia, the foundation created by the exiled dissident Alexander Khodorkovsky, labeled an undesirable organization by Russian authorities. Blame the Russian Federation for my death, the reporter wrote on her social media accounts. Security forces also broke up tributes in other Russian cities that were further away from the news focus. In Vladivostok, in the far east of the country, the police not only dismantled the piles of flowers that showed up in the Vera (Faith) and Nadezhda (Hope) parks, but also took note of the names of the people who came to that small tribute to Navalni. The same thing happened in Khabarovsk, on the border with China, and in Irkurtsk, the city on Lake Baikal. In this last location, the agents went one step further and photographed the attendees. With Fridays arrests, that makes practically 20,000 detentions at demonstrations since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. In fact, since Navalny returned to Moscow (and was arrested on the spot) in January 2021 it has been practically impossible to even picket individually with a single placard. In Russia, only acts of propaganda by the authorities are allowed, and the only unauthorized demonstrations that the Kremlin has allowed have been those of some members of the Communist Party over the alleged 2021 electoral fraud and its leader was later arrested in a strange case that mixed poaching and alcoholand the protests by wives of men sent to the front, although on this occasion the police detained the journalists and not the protesters so as not to increase tension with the soldiers. The situation was so dangerous for protesters this Friday that OVDInfo showed them a manual titled Instructions for the ideal detainee. Reality is far from the ideal and the behavior of police officers is even further from it, warns the document in which the organization asks protesters for calm and common sense. And a golden rule: know your rights and protect them, but do not exaggerate your rights. Especially if you are inexperienced and not confident in your abilities. There is an enormous difference between defending legal rights and oscillating rights, points out OVDInfo. There are so many repressive laws enacted in recent years that it is enough to accuse people of discrediting the authorities or being part of an extremist organization to open a criminal case against those who placed a flower at the monuments to those who were politically retaliated against this Friday. Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) Director Walter G. Lohr sold 3,289 shares of Danaher stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $251.15, for a total value of $826,032.35. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 14,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,548,498.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Danaher Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of DHR traded up $1.04 during trading on Friday, reaching $250.00. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,144,045 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,976,303. The company has a fifty day moving average of $233.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of $231.58. Danaher Co. has a twelve month low of $182.09 and a twelve month high of $252.33. The company has a market cap of $184.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.01, a P/E/G ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Get Danaher alerts: Danaher (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The conglomerate reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.18. Danaher had a return on equity of 12.25% and a net margin of 17.26%. The company had revenue of $6.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.87 EPS. Danahers quarterly revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Danaher Co. will post 7.67 EPS for the current fiscal year. Danaher Cuts Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.38%. Danahers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 15.02%. Several analysts have commented on the company. HSBC assumed coverage on Danaher in a report on Monday, December 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. StockNews.com lowered Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Danaher from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $215.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. TheStreet raised Danaher from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Finally, KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Danaher from $260.00 to $290.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $266.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on DHR Institutional Investors Weigh In On Danaher Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main grew its stake in Danaher by 214.4% during the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 3,073,661 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $711,051,000 after buying an additional 2,096,038 shares during the last quarter. Hobbs Group Advisors LLC bought a new position in Danaher during the 4th quarter worth $43,000. Peloton Wealth Strategists grew its stake in Danaher by 54.6% during the 4th quarter. Peloton Wealth Strategists now owns 5,464 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,264,000 after buying an additional 1,929 shares during the last quarter. Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Inc. bought a new position in Danaher during the 4th quarter worth $4,194,000. Finally, Childress Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in Danaher by 16.9% during the 4th quarter. Childress Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $476,000 after buying an additional 297 shares during the last quarter. 76.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Danaher (Get Free Report) Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes and services; and healthcare filtration solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 9,870,000 shares, a growth of 9.5% from the January 15th total of 9,010,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,520,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.9 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Envista A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Envista by 5.8% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,167,767 shares of the companys stock worth $413,056,000 after purchasing an additional 944,596 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Envista by 14.6% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 6,047,276 shares of the companys stock valued at $204,640,000 after acquiring an additional 768,687 shares during the last quarter. Ariel Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Envista by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 5,335,578 shares of the companys stock valued at $148,756,000 after acquiring an additional 218,461 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its position in shares of Envista by 65.3% during the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 5,262,092 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,606,000 after acquiring an additional 2,077,786 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its holdings in Envista by 50.5% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 4,209,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,733,000 after buying an additional 1,412,915 shares during the period. Get Envista alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on NVST shares. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Envista from $45.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Envista from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. William Blair lowered shares of Envista from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Envista in a research report on Friday, January 5th. They set a neutral rating and a $26.00 price target for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Envista from a buy rating to a sell rating and set a $22.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $30.78. Envista Stock Up 0.1 % Envista stock traded up $0.03 during trading on Friday, reaching $22.53. The company had a trading volume of 3,083,974 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,519,236. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $23.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $26.21. Envista has a 1-year low of $20.00 and a 1-year high of $40.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 2.23 and a quick ratio of 1.90. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by ($0.04). Envista had a negative net margin of 3.90% and a positive return on equity of 6.31%. The company had revenue of $645.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $638.37 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.52 EPS. Envistas revenue was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Envista will post 1.42 EPS for the current year. About Envista (Get Free Report) Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and periodontists; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lcnb Corp decreased its holdings in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 6.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 14,267 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,000 shares during the period. Lcnb Corps holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $1,678,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. IronBridge Private Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. IronBridge Private Wealth LLC now owns 38,642 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,544,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the period. Allen Operations LLC acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil during the third quarter valued at approximately $4,938,000. Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 2.4% during the third quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 109,066 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $12,824,000 after purchasing an additional 2,563 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 3.0% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 145,199,301 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $17,072,534,000 after purchasing an additional 4,162,149 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TRUE Private Wealth Advisors boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 4.0% in the third quarter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors now owns 49,128 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,777,000 after acquiring an additional 1,895 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on XOM shares. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $120.00 price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Mizuho cut Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Erste Group Bank reissued a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Friday, December 22nd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.53. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the director now owns 13,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.06% of the companys stock. Exxon Mobil Price Performance Shares of NYSE:XOM remained flat at $103.73 during midday trading on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 20,145,596 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,300,236. 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 $411.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.70, a P/E/G ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $100.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $106.27. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. The firm had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.03 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. The companys revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.40 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.66%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.74%. 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. Recommended Stories 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. Global Payments (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) updated its FY24 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of $11.54-$11.70 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $11.76. Global Payments also updated its FY 2024 guidance to 11.540-11.700 EPS. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently weighed in on GPN. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Global Payments from $138.00 to $137.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday. TheStreet raised shares of Global Payments from a c rating to a b- rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Global Payments in a report on Monday, November 20th. They set a buy rating and a $135.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Global Payments from $154.00 to $172.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, Wedbush raised their price target on shares of Global Payments from $130.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and twenty have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Global Payments presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $151.15. Get Global Payments alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GPN Global Payments Price Performance Shares of GPN traded down $3.64 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $134.18. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,795,849 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,967,943. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $130.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $122.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.23, a PEG 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 has a fifty-two week low of $94.05 and a fifty-two week high of $141.77. Global Payments (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The business services provider reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.64 by $0.01. Global Payments had a net margin of 10.22% and a return on equity of 11.54%. The company had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.18 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.30 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Global Payments will post 11.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Global Payments Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. Global Paymentss payout ratio is 26.46%. Institutional Trading of Global Payments Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Global Payments by 10.3% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 6,136 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $840,000 after purchasing an additional 572 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC raised its position in shares of Global Payments by 7.7% in the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 3,942 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $539,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Global Payments by 3.9% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,288,788 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $176,366,000 after purchasing an additional 48,605 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its position in shares of Global Payments by 259.7% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 17,285 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,377,000 after purchasing an additional 12,479 shares during the period. Finally, Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of Global Payments in the first quarter valued at approximately $766,000. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. 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. Further Reading 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. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 10,240,000 shares, a growth of 10.0% from the January 15th total of 9,310,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 3,280,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.1 days. Institutional Trading of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. acquired a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the third quarter worth about $31,000. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. acquired a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the third quarter worth about $32,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 181.1% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,409 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 4,129 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ieq Capital LLC purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in the 4th quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.47% of the companys stock. Get Grupo Televisa S.A.B. alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $4.00 price target (down previously from $7.00) on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in a report on Friday, January 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $3.90 to $3.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $5.52. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Trading Up 10.2 % Shares of TV stock traded up $0.32 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $3.47. 2,223,248 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,912,089. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. has a 1 year low of $2.10 and a 1 year high of $5.89. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $3.11 and a 200 day moving average of $3.28. The company has a quick ratio of 1.65, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a market cap of $1.96 billion, a PE ratio of -2.48 and a beta of 1.77. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Televisa, SAB. operates as a media company in the Spanish-speaking Mexico and internationally. It operates through three segments: Cable, Sky, and Other Businesses. The Cable segment operates cable multiple system that provides basic and premium television subscription, pay-per-view, installation, Internet subscription, and telephone and mobile services subscription services, as well as sales local and national advertising services; and telecommunication facilities, which offers data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Televisa S.A.B. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Televisa S.A.B. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hill Investment Group Partners LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 1.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 19,120 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 380 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil accounts for about 0.4% of Hill Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest holding. Hill Investment Group Partners LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $2,248,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of XOM. FMR LLC raised its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 145,199,301 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $17,072,534,000 after acquiring an additional 4,162,149 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 140,855.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 123,341,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,604,575,000 after buying an additional 123,254,064 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 74,126,090 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,930,414,000 after buying an additional 254,968 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 11.9% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 52,478,674 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,788,398,000 after buying an additional 5,566,797 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,226,390,000. Institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have commented on the company. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the company from $116.00 to $119.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 9th. Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $127.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 8th. 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 note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $127.53. Exxon Mobil Price Performance Shares of XOM stock remained flat at $103.73 during trading hours on Friday. The stock had a trading volume of 20,143,453 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,300,172. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 1 year low of $95.77 and a 1 year high of $120.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $100.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $106.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $411.07 billion, a PE ratio of 11.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.97. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 EPS 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 company had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.40 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders 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 dividend yield of 3.66%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is presently 42.74%. Insider Activity In other news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were 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 owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,652,596.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the transaction, the vice president now 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 accessible through this link. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 directly owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,352,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.06% 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. Further Reading 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. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (NYSEARCA:VRP Free Report) by 1.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 195,024 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,037 shares during the period. Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF comprises approximately 1.8% of RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest position. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC owned approximately 0.30% of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF worth $4,363,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. IFP Advisors Inc increased its stake in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF by 31.3% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 21,423 shares of the companys stock worth $533,000 after purchasing an additional 5,104 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Financial Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. Horizon Financial Services LLC now owns 176,814 shares of the companys stock worth $3,955,000 after purchasing an additional 7,886 shares during the last quarter. AlphaStar Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $1,349,000. Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its stake in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF by 6.6% during the 3rd quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 40,878 shares of the companys stock worth $914,000 after purchasing an additional 2,526 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in shares of Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 153,882 shares of the companys stock worth $3,424,000 after purchasing an additional 6,776 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF alerts: Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:VRP traded down $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $23.53. The stock had a trading volume of 166,052 shares, compared to its average volume of 374,426. Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF has a 1-year low of $20.88 and a 1-year high of $23.70. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $23.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $22.66. Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF Profile The Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of variable- and floating-rate preferred stocks. VRP was launched on May 1, 2014 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VRP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (NYSEARCA:VRP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nu Skin Enterprises (NYSE:NUS Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Friday. A number of other brokerages have also commented on NUS. TheStreet lowered shares of Nu Skin Enterprises from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. DA Davidson cut their price objective on shares of Nu Skin Enterprises from $29.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $23.67. Get Nu Skin Enterprises alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on NUS Nu Skin Enterprises Stock Performance Insider Buying and Selling NUS stock traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $13.69. 2,149,883 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 753,917. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Nu Skin Enterprises has a 52 week low of $13.37 and a 52 week high of $43.76. The business has a 50-day moving average of $18.41 and a two-hundred day moving average of $20.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $676.42 million, a PE ratio of 76.06 and a beta of 1.17. In related news, Director Andrew D. Lipman sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.55, for a total value of $37,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 31,225 shares of the companys stock, valued at $579,223.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders sold 6,000 shares of company stock valued at $110,100 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 66.4% during the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 460,697 shares of the companys stock worth $9,771,000 after buying an additional 183,769 shares in the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises by 581.2% during the third quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 78,860 shares of the companys stock worth $1,673,000 after buying an additional 67,284 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises during the second quarter worth approximately $21,804,000. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises during the third quarter worth approximately $124,000. Finally, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund acquired a new stake in shares of Nu Skin Enterprises during the third quarter worth approximately $626,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.62% of the companys stock. About Nu Skin Enterprises (Get Free Report) Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops and distributes various beauty and wellness products worldwide. It offers skin care devices, cosmetics, and other personal care products, including ageLOC LumiSpa and ageLOC LumiSpa iO, ageLOC Body Spa; and nutricentials skin care products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nu Skin Enterprises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nu Skin Enterprises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pets at Home Group Plc (LON:PETS Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 321.09 ($4.06) and traded as low as GBX 283.40 ($3.58). Pets at Home Group shares last traded at GBX 287.80 ($3.63), with a volume of 945,765 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Berenberg Bank downgraded shares of Pets at Home Group to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from GBX 440 ($5.56) to GBX 390 ($4.93) in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Shore Capital downgraded shares of Pets at Home Group to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Get Pets at Home Group alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on PETS Pets at Home Group Stock Performance Pets at Home Group Cuts Dividend The company has a market capitalization of 1.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,698.82, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.58. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 300.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 320.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 45.27. The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 7th were issued a dividend of GBX 4.50 ($0.06) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 7th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.57%. Pets at Home Groups payout ratio is presently 7,647.06%. Pets at Home Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pets at Home Group Plc engages in the specialist omnichannel retailing of pet food, pet related products, and pet accessories in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail, Vet Group, and Central. The company offers pet grooming services comprising a full dog groom, bath, microchipping, and nail clipping; and pet insurance products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Pets at Home Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pets at Home Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC increased its holdings in Global X MSCI Greece ETF (NYSEARCA:GREK Free Report) by 3.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 84,302 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 2,559 shares during the quarter. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs holdings in Global X MSCI Greece ETF were worth $2,801,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sepio Capital LP increased its position in shares of Global X MSCI Greece ETF by 1.3% in the third quarter. Sepio Capital LP now owns 171,953 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $5,714,000 after acquiring an additional 2,230 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF by 74.0% during the second quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 129,496 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,808,000 after acquiring an additional 55,068 shares in the last quarter. Arlington Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF during the first quarter worth about $2,639,000. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF by 1,999.3% during the first quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 79,250 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,406,000 after acquiring an additional 75,475 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hilltop Holdings Inc. bought a new stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF during the second quarter worth about $2,883,000. Get Global X MSCI Greece ETF alerts: Global X MSCI Greece ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:GREK traded down $0.39 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $39.52. 19,300 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 40,918. Global X MSCI Greece ETF has a one year low of $28.75 and a one year high of $40.47. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $38.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.48. The company has a market cap of $210.64 million, a PE ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 1.03. Global X MSCI Greece ETF Company Profile The Global X MSCI Greece ETF (GREK) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI All Greece Select 25-50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of about 15 Greek firms. GREK was launched on Dec 7, 2011 and is managed by Global X. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GREK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Global X MSCI Greece ETF (NYSEARCA:GREK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Global X MSCI Greece ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X MSCI Greece ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. It is impossible to live in Russia, but dying is possible, goes a well-known aphorism by the philosopher Dmitry Merezhkovsky, who died in exile during Stalinism. The sudden death of Alexei Navalny in prison brings his words to mind. Not only dissidents, but anyone who has raised their voice against the Kremlin and has not fled, is either locked up in prison or dead. In the case of the internationally best-known dissident, the causes of death have not yet been clarified, but in Russia, on the streets and behind the scenes, it is believed that Navalny was murdered. Without politicians who disagree able to speak in public, President Vladimir Putin has paved the way to his fifth presidential term in the elections to be held between March 15 and 17. Navalnys death on Friday mobilized some people who spontaneously laid flowers at the monuments to the politically persecuted in cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg the largest city in the Urals and Novosibirsk, the largest Siberian city. The police cordoned off the statues and at some points allowed bouquets and photos of the activist to be placed without any political message, while in other places law enforcement dispersed and arrested the attendees. No street demonstration is expected for Navalny: even an individual protest is persecuted in todays Russia. The population that does not support the president has been orphaned of the figures that represented it within the political system. The Central Electoral Commission has vetoed the two individuals to whom those dissatisfied with the war against Ukraine clung: the political scientist Boris Nadezhdin and the journalist Yekaterina Duntsova; the former is a regular speaker on Russian propaganda channels and the second is practically unknown. Navalny was a member in the 2000s of the only remaining Russian opposition party, Yabloko. However, this party does not have representation in the State Duma and has not proposed any candidate after its founder, Grigori Yablinski, was summoned by Putin to his office in November. Generation of opponents After Yabloko, Navalnys figure gained traction among Russians with the protests that began due to accusations of election fraud in 2011 and continued until 2013, when a generation of opposition leaders emerged who today are locked up in penal colonies far and wide. One of the best-known of these politicians is Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42, who was poisoned in 2015 and 2017 and later sentenced to 25 years in prison for an alleged crime of high treason for accusing the Russian army in international forums of having committed war crimes. Kara-Murza has been closely linked to two politicians who were great rivals of Putin. On the one hand, he worked with former deputy prime minister and opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in front of the Kremlin in 2015 shortly before his investigation into Russias participation in the war in eastern Ukraine was released. On the other hand, Kara-Murza was coordinator of the Open Russia platform, founded by businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky from exile. Khodorkovsky was the richest man in Russia until he was forced to flee in 2004 under accusations of tax evasion. The assets of his oil company, Yukos, were awarded to another company close to power, Rosneft. In the previous presidential election, held in 2018, there were observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but there will be none on this occasion. The repression of dissent has intensified since 2020, the year in which Navalny was poisoned with the chemical agent Novichok, which almost cost him his life. A series of legal reforms led by the law on foreign agents and bans on demonstrations, even individual ones, have left dissidents no room to maneuver since then. With the doors of parliament and the media closed, some opponents believed they had found a place in local councils. However, the invasion of Ukraine and the law against discrediting the actions of the armed forces changed everything. A total of 19,855 people have been arrested in demonstrations since the day Putin ordered an attack on Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, and authorities have opened 883 criminal cases against war opponents, according to the human rights portal OVD -Info. Among those convicted are some of these politicians who had sought a place in the municipal councils. Among them, the veteran Alexei Gorinov, 62, whose health is of concern after he was sentenced to seven years in prison for criticizing a childrens contest that was organized while bombs were falling on Ukrainian cities; and Ilia Yashin, 40, who also rose to prominence after the 2011 protests and who was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for questioning the Kremlins version of the massacre in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. Yashin, Kara-Murza, the leader of Yabloko and many other opponents showed their support for the historic non-profit Memorial when it was liquidated by the Kremlin at the end of 2021, months before Putin launched his war. There is Memorial, there are the arrests of Navalny, of [filmmaker] Oleh Sentsov... The international reaction is very important because it reminds the authorities that what they do does not go unnoticed, Kara-Murza then warned this newspaper. Among those attending the trial of the closure of the organization, dedicated to investigating the crimes of Soviet repression and modern Russia, was Oleg Orlov, 70, one of Memorials most prominent human rights defenders he was exchanged for Russian hostages during the Chechen war. It has been a tragedy for everyone, I have no words, the activist said this Friday about Navalnys death outside the court where he is being triedand could be sentenced to prisonfor writing a column against Putins government. Orlov refused to allow witnesses to appear in his defense so as not to put them in danger. Silencing the ultranationalists The Russian opposition is not compact and part of it disagreed with Navalny and his team. In fact, there were public clashes between some members of the deceased politicians Anti-Corruption Platform and other dissidents about how to act in the elections whether to vote en masse for any candidate except Putin or to boycott them altogether or whether or not to support the Wagner mercenaries rebellion in June 2023. In any case, the Kremlins repression has not focused only on opponents considered close to the West. In Putins preventive detention centers there is also space for figures from the Russian ultranationalist sector and other political actors who are very critical of the West. The latest case is that of the communist Sergei Udaltsov, 47, leader of the Left Front and an ally and friend of the French far left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon. It is sad and insulting that the Russian authorities persecute patriots, instead of scammers and scoundrels, some of whom are in power, lamented the politician, who despite supporting the illegal annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine has been accused of justifying terrorism after encouraging criticism of the Russian high command for its conduct of the war. For this same reason, a former hero of the pro-Russian camp in the war in Donbas in eastern Ukraine, Colonel of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Igor Girkin, better known by his nickname Strelkov, has been sentenced to four years in prison. His diatribes against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the president were tolerated until the middle of last year, when the Wagner rebellion led the Kremlin to take measures against the most critical elements within the pro-war sector. Although the owner of the mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, focused his attacks on the defense minister and his chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, for mistakes on the front, Putin never forgave his public attacks. Two months after the plane in which the entire Wagner leadership was traveling, including his boss, mysteriously crashed, Putin claimedwithout official investigationthat the accident was the result of mixing hand grenades and cocaine in the cabin. Even today one can see Wagner flags and insignia among veterans of the Ukraine war, but no one dares to raise their voice. If something unites all Russians who are critical of Putin today, it is fear. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund acquired 13,619 shares of the specialty retailers stock, valued at approximately $4,654,000. Murphy USA accounts for 1.9% of RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of MUSA. Pinebridge Investments L.P. increased its position in Murphy USA by 136.1% during the second quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 85 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its position in Murphy USA by 70.8% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 111 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the period. C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. bought a new position in Murphy USA during the second quarter worth about $38,000. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in Murphy USA by 34.2% during the third quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 153 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Finally, Covington Capital Management bought a new position in Murphy USA during the third quarter worth about $61,000. 83.95% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Murphy USA alerts: Murphy USA Price Performance Murphy USA stock traded up $5.69 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $398.35. 157,877 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 212,178. The company has a market cap of $8.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.62 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.15. Murphy USA Inc. has a twelve month low of $231.65 and a twelve month high of $404.93. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $367.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of $351.39. Murphy USA Increases Dividend Murphy USA ( NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The specialty retailer reported $7.00 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.79 by $1.21. Murphy USA had a net margin of 2.59% and a return on equity of 70.92%. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.32 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $5.21 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Murphy USA Inc. will post 25.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 26th will be paid a $0.42 dividend. This is an increase from Murphy USAs previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 23rd. Murphy USAs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 6.43%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Murphy USA from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $375.00 to $425.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Murphy USA from $382.00 to $408.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $425.00 price objective on shares of Murphy USA in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Murphy USA from $252.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Murphy USA from $395.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Murphy USA currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $395.60. View Our Latest Analysis on Murphy USA Murphy USA Profile (Free Report) Murphy USA Inc engages in marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. The company operates retail stores under the Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and QuickChek brands. It operates retail gasoline stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MUSA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Murphy USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLC lessened its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 12,774 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 163 shares during the period. RPg Family Wealth Advisory LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF were worth $2,869,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in IWO. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF during the second quarter valued at $25,000. Peoples Bank KS bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 200.0% during the first quarter. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC now owns 150 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Column Capital Advisors LLC boosted its position in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 302.5% during the third quarter. Column Capital Advisors LLC now owns 161 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Trading Down 1.6 % iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF stock traded down $4.09 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $259.44. 777,619 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 585,316. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $203.42 and a 12 month high of $264.03. The firm has a market cap of $10.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.55 and a beta of 1.15. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $247.74 and a 200 day moving average of $234.22. About iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Friday. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Northland Securities cut shares of Piper Sandler Companies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. JMP Securities restated a market perform rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Piper Sandler Companies from $171.00 to $193.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Piper Sandler Companies Piper Sandler Companies Trading Down 1.5 % Shares of Piper Sandler Companies stock traded down $2.91 on Friday, hitting $187.48. 146,500 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 92,336. The firms 50-day moving average price is $178.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $168.37. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 37.95 and a beta of 1.41. Piper Sandler Companies has a one year low of $120.97 and a one year high of $193.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The financial services provider reported $4.03 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.61 by $1.42. The company had revenue of $457.39 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $370.12 million. Piper Sandler Companies had a net margin of 6.33% and a return on equity of 13.43%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.33 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Piper Sandler Companies will post 11.17 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.56, for a total value of $802,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 19,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,206,543.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 950 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.12, for a total transaction of $171,114.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 14,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,525,462.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.56, for a total transaction of $802,800.00. Following the transaction, the president now owns 19,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,206,543.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 51,123 shares of company stock valued at $9,236,744. Company insiders own 3.32% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Piper Sandler Companies A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of PIPR. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new stake in Piper Sandler Companies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in Piper Sandler Companies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in Piper Sandler Companies in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Piper Sandler Companies by 62.1% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 167 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Piper Sandler Companies by 328.3% in the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 227 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. 67.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Piper Sandler Companies (Get Free Report) Piper Sandler Companies operates as an investment bank and institutional securities firm that serves corporations, private equity groups, public entities, non-profit entities, and institutional investors in the United States and internationally. It offers investment banking and institutional sales, trading, and research services for various equity and fixed income products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Piper Sandler Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piper Sandler Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tanger Inc. (NYSE:SKT Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,360,000 shares, a decrease of 10.1% from the January 15th total of 4,850,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 922,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.7 days. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Tanger news, insider Steven B. Tanger sold 64,212 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.50, for a total value of $1,637,406.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,062,771 shares in the company, valued at $27,100,660.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, insider Steven B. Tanger sold 75,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.01, for a total transaction of $1,875,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,126,983 shares in the company, valued at $28,185,844.83. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Steven B. Tanger sold 64,212 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.50, for a total value of $1,637,406.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 1,062,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,100,660.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 2.20% of the companys stock. Get Tanger alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tanger A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Tanger by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 18,889,097 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $416,882,000 after acquiring an additional 399,522 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Tanger by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 16,577,247 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $226,777,000 after acquiring an additional 44,744 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Tanger by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,538,718 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $144,310,000 after acquiring an additional 82,202 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC lifted its stake in shares of Tanger by 33.1% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 4,315,625 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $97,533,000 after acquiring an additional 1,072,443 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP increased its holdings in Tanger by 29.9% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,953,555 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $89,350,000 after purchasing an additional 909,622 shares during the period. 84.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets SKT has been the subject of a number of research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Tanger from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $27.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Compass Point lowered Tanger from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $24.67. View Our Latest Stock Report on SKT Tanger Trading Up 3.4 % Shares of NYSE:SKT traded up $0.94 during trading on Friday, hitting $28.64. The company had a trading volume of 1,724,129 shares, compared to its average volume of 780,465. The stock has a market cap of $3.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.39 and a beta of 1.83. Tanger has a one year low of $17.22 and a one year high of $29.04. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.78, a current ratio of 2.04 and a quick ratio of 2.04. Tanger Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were paid a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.63%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. Tangers dividend payout ratio is currently 119.54%. Tanger Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc (NYSE: SKT), a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers, fully or partially owns and/or manages a portfolio of 37 centers, including the newly opened Tanger Outlets Nashville. Tanger's operating centers, which comprise over 14 million square feet, are located in 20 states and in Canada and are leased to over 2,900 stores operated by more than 700 different brand name companies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tanger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tanger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE:UNFI Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,940,000 shares, an increase of 10.1% from the January 15th total of 2,670,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 883,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.3 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Natural Foods A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of UNFI. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its position in shares of United Natural Foods by 2,136.5% during the 4th quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 657,320 shares of the companys stock worth $10,668,000 after buying an additional 627,930 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of United Natural Foods by 211.9% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 916,382 shares of the companys stock worth $17,915,000 after acquiring an additional 622,560 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of United Natural Foods by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,135,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,064,000 after purchasing an additional 567,961 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Natural Foods during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $21,416,000. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in United Natural Foods during the 4th quarter worth approximately $19,828,000. 88.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get United Natural Foods alerts: United Natural Foods Stock Performance UNFI stock traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $16.35. The company had a trading volume of 427,861 shares, compared to its average volume of 568,399. The firm has a market capitalization of $971.32 million, a PE ratio of -11.76 and a beta of 0.59. United Natural Foods has a fifty-two week low of $12.88 and a fifty-two week high of $43.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $15.72 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.53. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth United Natural Foods ( NYSE:UNFI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 6th. The company reported ($0.04) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.28. The company had revenue of $7.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.61 billion. United Natural Foods had a negative net margin of 0.27% and a positive return on equity of 3.59%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.13 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that United Natural Foods will post 0.07 earnings per share for the current year. Several research analysts have commented on the stock. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of United Natural Foods from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on shares of United Natural Foods from $15.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 7th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of United Natural Foods from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an underweight rating and set a $15.00 price objective on shares of United Natural Foods in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and eight have given a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $17.83. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on United Natural Foods United Natural Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) United Natural Foods, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. It operates in two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The company offers grocery and general merchandise, produce, perishables and frozen foods, wellness and personal care items, and bulk and foodservice products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for United Natural Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Natural Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alcosta Capital Management Inc. increased its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,737 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group accounts for about 3.7% of Alcosta Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest holding. Alcosta Capital Management Inc.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $4,405,000 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 company. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 11.6% during the 2nd quarter. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,788 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $5,185,000 after acquiring an additional 1,122 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 24.0% during the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 42,045 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $20,209,000 after buying an additional 8,144 shares in the last quarter. Ascension Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $216,000. Blue Chip Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Chip Partners LLC now owns 49,995 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $24,030,000 after buying an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $207,000. 85.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $610.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $605.00 price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $584.00 to $581.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, UnitedHealth Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $575.79. Insider Transactions at UnitedHealth Group In other news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction dated 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 $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 0.1 % NYSE:UNH traded up $0.47 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $521.35. The company had a trading volume of 2,135,487 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,079,581. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $522.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $518.04. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1 year low of $445.68 and a 1 year high of $554.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $482.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.87, a PEG ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.54. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.98 by $0.18. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 26.39% and a net margin of 6.02%. The company had revenue of $94.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $92.13 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $5.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. It operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. See Also 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. WINTON GROUP Ltd grew its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 20.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,958 shares of the information technology services providers stock after buying an additional 1,885 shares during the period. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in Accenture were worth $3,365,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in Accenture during the first quarter worth about $28,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Accenture during the third quarter worth about $31,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the third quarter worth about $33,000. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the second quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Canton Hathaway LLC bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the third quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors own 70.42% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ACN has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Accenture from $365.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. StockNews.com raised shares of Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Accenture from $369.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Mizuho began coverage on shares of Accenture in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. They set a buy rating and a $426.00 target price on the stock. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Accenture from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $440.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $363.84. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction on Friday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $362.77, for a total value of $2,267,312.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 167,831 shares in the company, valued at approximately $60,884,051.87. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Accenture news, Director Paula A. Price sold 551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $345.36, for a total value of $190,293.36. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 6,583 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,273,504.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $362.77, for a total transaction of $2,267,312.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 167,831 shares of the companys stock, valued at $60,884,051.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 26,551 shares of company stock worth $9,739,791 in the last quarter. 0.07% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Accenture Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ACN traded down $2.03 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $369.48. The stock had a trading volume of 2,404,325 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,052,849. The companys 50 day moving average price is $355.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $329.55. The firm has a market cap of $231.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.21. Accenture plc has a twelve month low of $242.80 and a twelve month high of $375.73. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 19th. The information technology services provider reported $3.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.14 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $16.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.17 billion. Accenture had a net margin of 10.65% and a return on equity of 29.08%. Accentures revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.08 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 12.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Accenture Company Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WINTON GROUP Ltd cut its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 18.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 48,740 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 10,747 shares during the quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $4,720,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $131,000. United Bank grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.2% in the first quarter. United Bank now owns 27,280 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,229,000 after buying an additional 1,826 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 813,253 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $96,257,000 after buying an additional 15,521 shares in the last quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% in the first quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 19,467 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,304,000 after buying an additional 436 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 636.2% in the first quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $262,000 after buying an additional 1,915 shares in the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: 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 sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.50, for a total value of $4,781,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at $7,315,537.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT traded up $0.37 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $114.01. 7,130,820 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,401,790. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $111.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $104.01. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $89.67 and a 52 week high of $115.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $197.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.19. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.19 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The businesss revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.03 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 12th were issued a $0.55 dividend. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 11th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.93%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 67.48%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ABT has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Barclays increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 26th. TheStreet upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Citigroup raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $126.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective 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, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. 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, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. See Also 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. WINTON GROUP Ltd lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 543.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 29,207 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 24,665 shares during the quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in EOG Resources were worth $3,702,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EOG. Truvestments Capital LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Peoples Bank KS bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Eagle Bay Advisors LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. 89.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on EOG. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their price target for the stock from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on EOG Resources from $165.00 to $163.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. Citigroup downgraded EOG Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $144.00 to $135.00 in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Raymond James cut their price target on EOG Resources from $148.00 to $145.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Bank of America downgraded 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 note on Friday, January 5th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.50. EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EOG traded down $0.70 on Friday, hitting $113.55. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,150,857 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,043,662. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $116.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $123.69. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $98.52 and a 1 year high of $136.79. The company has a market capitalization of $66.22 billion, a PE ratio of 8.50, a PEG ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 2.10. About EOG Resources (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). 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. WINTON GROUP Ltd raised its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Free Report) by 24.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 206,653 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 39,990 shares during the period. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise were worth $3,590,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Aspire Private Capital LLC increased its holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 169.2% in the 4th quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC now owns 1,217 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $19,423,320,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares during the last quarter. Authentikos Wealth Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 3rd quarter worth $31,000. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE purchased a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. McIlrath & Eck LLC grew its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 90.2% in the 2nd quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 1,910 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 906 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Manhattan Co. grew its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 89.4% in the 1st quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 2,413 shares of the technology companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 1,139 shares in the last quarter. 81.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Trading Down 2.2 % Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock traded down $0.33 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $14.93. The company had a trading volume of 10,075,280 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,623,310. The firm has a market cap of $19.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.87. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 1 year low of $13.65 and a 1 year high of $18.14. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $16.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $16.49. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Increases Dividend Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( NYSE:HPE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 28th. The technology company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $7.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.36 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a net margin of 6.95% and a return on equity of 9.83%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.23) EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.6 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 13th were given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.48%. This is a boost from Hewlett Packard Enterprises previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 12th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises payout ratio is 33.77%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have commented on HPE. StockNews.com raised shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Raymond James lifted their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $20.00 to $17.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Six equities 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 has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $17.60. View Our Latest Analysis on Hewlett Packard Enterprise Insider Buying and Selling at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In other news, EVP John F. Schultz sold 209,748 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.40, for a total value of $3,439,867.20. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 278,118 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,561,135.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, SVP Kirt P. Karros sold 26,127 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.07, for a total value of $419,860.89. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 26,130 shares in the company, valued at approximately $419,909.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP John F. Schultz sold 209,748 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.40, for a total transaction of $3,439,867.20. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 278,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,561,135.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 303,575 shares of company stock valued at $4,989,141 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Profile (Free Report) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ukraine is withdrawing from Avdiivka. In this city in the Donetsk province, practically surrounded by Russian troops since the end of 2023, the invaders flag will fly after the announcement at midnight on Saturday about the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Its commander in chief, Oleksander Sirski, confirmed it in a statement in which he justified his decision to avoid being besieged and preserve the lives of our men. Ukrainian military accounts on Telegram claim that there were nearly 5,000 defending soldiers in the city. This week there were public messages of alarm from the brigades resisting in Avdiivka, confirming that it was impossible to stop the enemy. Sirski has now followed a different strategy from the Russian siege of Bakhmut in winter 2023. At that time, the now commander-in-chief was responsible for the army. Following orders from the president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Sirsky ordered troops to resist in the urban area of Bakhmut, where there was street-by-street fighting. That goal required concentrating a good part of the Ukrainian military potential in Bakhmut, but it caused a very high number of casualties and also gave Russia time to build fortifications along the entire front. Avdiivka is a city adjacent to the town of Donetsk, illegally annexed by Russia. Taking this municipality allows the invading troops to reduce the risk of receiving artillery fire in Donetsk and gain a new stronghold to avoid a possible Ukrainian offensive in the future. The Ukrainian army will remain in the Avdiivka perimeter, where in the last three months it has erected new defense lines. Russia is at its strongest since the first months of the invasion, with clear superiority in the number of troops, artillery, anti-aircraft defenses and, above all, in control of the aerial war thanks to its fleet of attack drones and surveillance aircraft. Ukrainian troops on the front line in Avdiivka already told EL PAIS last November that it would very difficult to resist the Russian siege beyond this winter. Artillery officers from the 47th Mechanized Brigade detailed that in Avdiivka they had 10 times less ammunition available than during the summer 2023 counteroffensive in Zaporizhzhia. A mortar unit from the 110 Mechanized Brigade stated that if in 2022 the difference in ammunition was three to one in favor of the Russians, now it was eight to one. The arsenals of Ukraines NATO partners are at minimum levels and the priority of the Ukrainian General Staff is to ration ammunition as much as possible. Kyivs other urgency is to immediately launch a new massive mobilization of troops to relieve hundreds of thousands of casualties, including the wounded and the dead. Around 880,000 people have been involved in the defense of the country, according to Zelenskiys official data, and the army believes it is now necessary to recruit 500,000 civilians. This mobilization is a cause of discontent among the population because fewer and fewer people are willing to join the fighting at a time when the meaning of the war is bleak for the interests of Ukraine. Russia is advancing, little by little, on the Donetsk and Kharkiv fronts. The advance of the invading forces is slow, but constant because every few hundred meters they follow the strategy of raising trenches to secure their positions. The next Russian strategic objectives are the cities of Kupiansk (Kharkov) and Chasiv Yar (Donetsk), two municipalities that, due to their geographic conditions, serve as key defense bastions. WINTON GROUP Ltd decreased its position in Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 40.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 71,828 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 47,892 shares during the quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltds holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $3,793,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in BSX. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Boston Scientific in the first quarter worth $54,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Boston Scientific in the first quarter worth $35,000. Prudential PLC bought a new position in Boston Scientific in the first quarter worth $1,076,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 24.0% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 28,793 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $1,275,000 after acquiring an additional 5,581 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter valued at $230,000. Institutional investors own 89.11% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Edward J. Ludwig sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.03, for a total transaction of $455,210.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 41,374 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,690,551.22. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Edward J. Ludwig sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.03, for a total transaction of $455,210.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 41,374 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,690,551.22. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 11,660 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, January 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total value of $699,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 173,472 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,408,320. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 49,185 shares of company stock valued at $2,949,177. 0.71% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Boston Scientific Price Performance NYSE:BSX traded down $0.27 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $65.82. The stock had a trading volume of 7,266,496 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,038,818. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.42. Boston Scientific Co. has a 52 week low of $45.92 and a 52 week high of $66.86. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $59.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $55.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $96.43 billion, a PE ratio of 62.24, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.78. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The medical equipment provider reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.73 billion for 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 previous year, the company posted $0.45 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Boston Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Boston Scientific from $67.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on Boston Scientific from $60.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $64.00 price target on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Friday, December 29th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price target on Boston Scientific from $59.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $65.55. Read Our Latest Analysis on Boston Scientific 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. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK The thousands of people who end up underground in Mexico every year, whether with a gravestone or without it, make it impossible to look the other way. There is also no way to hide the reality that hits the country the hardest and that only intensifies during election time. That will be the most controversial matter in the campaign that the two presidential candidates with the possibility of winning will maintain. Both nominees will be weighed down by past policies. The candidate on the right, Xochitl Galvez, is weighed down by the policies of the Felipe Calderon era, while the candidate on the left, Claudia Sheinbaum, will have to deal with the security disaster that this six-year term has entailed and the militarization that came with it. In the absence of a specific electoral program explaining how to combat violence, there are already signs of how the opposition will attack from that flank and some signs of the possible escape routes that the ruling team will use. Security will be the great offensive deployed by Galvez, who frequently remarks on the levels of violence in the country, also when she travels outside of it, such as on her tour of the United States and Spain, where she asserted the urgency of reversing this tragedy not only out of logical humanity (so many corpses!) but due to the need to offer the business community a territory without conflicts. The insinuations of drug traffickers support for former campaigns by current president Lopez Obrador published in the media, and other manifestations of organized crime against the president, contribute to the sense of limited strength that the opposition still displays at the beginning of the presidential race. Galvezs team, which champions the alliance between the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) for the June 2 election, therefore has something solid to attack. It is more complicated to see how Sheinbaum will organize her defense strategy. The candidate embraces the continuity of this six-year term, but in terms of security she will be forced to distance herself in some way from the presidents policies and there are already signs of this. The figure of Omar Garcia Harfuch comes to the fore. The former Secretary of Security of Mexico City stands as a symbol of civil versus military power and as the person who exemplifies the successes against crime in the Sheinbaum Administration in the Mexican capital. Harfuch is the person in charge of the candidates team for this matter, and he will draw the lines to follow. His image is already taking away the limelight from Sheinbaum herself at some of her campaign events. Nothing is coincidental in politics. This week, Harfuch outlined in a conference with businessmen the predominant idea defended by the official candidate to combat crime, whether organized or not. He spoke of strengthening local and state police and prosecutors offices and granting the National Guard greater investigative capacity. A preventive model with research, he said. But it will not be easy to separate this line of action from the militarization that has dominated security matters in this six-year term. Neither for Sheinbaum nor for Galvez, according to analysts. The next president will inherit a kind of deterministic prison in terms of security based on a transexennial arrangement that will limit the capacity for action, says Humberto Beck, a historian at the international studies center Colegio de Mexico. Despite the legal dispute that persists, in fact the National Guard functions as a branch of the Armed Forces and the Army is involved in security tasks, as well as many others. The strange thing is that there are not more soldiers in ministries other than those of National Defense or the Navy, he says, underscoring that reversing this process will be complicated. Army troops working together with municipal police in Tijuana (State of Baja California), in January 2023. Omar Martinez Noyola (Cuartoscuro) Beck maintains that three powers co-govern in the country: the civil, the military and the criminal, which has gained alarming strength in some territories. Sheinbaums best card is to showcase Harfuchs supposed achievements as the head of the capitals police, because at the federal level there is nothing on that side. The symbol of the police officer gives him the ability to argue that his project is different from that of Lopez Obrador, adds Beck. Of course, security is the great issue to be resolved in this country and it is the best weapon for the opposition, because not only has the fight against violence not improved in this six-year term, but it will be the one with the most deaths, says the political analyst Paula Sofia Vasquez Sanchez. The campaign itself will be full of blood, as is already being seen before it begins, with nearly 20 murdered candidates and government employees. It will be interesting to see how many candidacies are unique, without contenders, because that will be a measure of the places co-opted by crime, she adds. This expert understands why Sheinbaum exhibits Harfuch as a model against crime, perhaps for the same reason that the police officer was also her first choice for the Mexico City candidacy. It gives her a framework for the national campaign, but Claudia has to reckon with militarization. What is going to happen to the work of the armed forces in terms of security? asks Vasquez Sanchez. She believes that Sheinbaum has no choice but to throw Harfuch forward to mask that militarized security. The way the country is, a police officer is a better option than a soldier, she says. Capitalizing on the countrys insecurity entails risks. An unfortunate slip on the part of the opposition could hit back: you dont do politics with the dead, some would say. A simple photo of Xochitl Galvez with former president Felipe Calderon in Spain has been enough to intensify criticism of the candidate regarding her political security program. I dont know what the oppositions strategies are in this matter, but I suppose they will have to focus on the entities. In Guerrero it is the hottest issue, but there are many other States that are seeing how they lose governability and enter a criminal logic, such as Chiapas, Morelos, Guanajuato or Zacatecas, says the analyst. Taking advantage of the violence in the campaign will depend a lot on the opposition in these places, maintains Vasquez Sanchez. This campaign will be measured by the attacks on the state of security and by the defense mounted by the presidents successor, but in this matter, there are those who believe that the most sensible thing will be to distance oneself from the results presented by the Lopez Obrador Administration. After successfully launching the Chandrayaan-3 rocket on the south pole of the Moon in August 2023, ISRO has drawn up a more "complex" mission of bringing back the soil from the surface of the Moon to the Earth. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, took to the main stage of the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security and foreign policy officials, on Saturday, just hours after it emerged that his countrys forces had decided to withdraw from Avdiivka, a city in the province of Donetsk practically surrounded by Russian troops since late 2023 and a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in recent months. Zelenskiy took advantage of the event in the German city to underscore the enormous damage caused on the battlefield by the shortage of military supplies from his partners. Dear friends, unfortunately keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, Zelenskiy said. Regarding the withdrawal from Avdiivka decided by the new military command, Zelenskiy defended the measure, alleging the need to preserve the lives of the soldiers in the face of the enemys firepower and their greater willingness to accept casualties. We need more weapons, we dont have enough. But the most important asset is the soldiers, their lives. We must protect them, he said. The president said he could not provide exact figures, but that the casualty balance is seven Russians for every Ukrainian. Russia has a total disregard for the lives of its soldiers, he said. The causes of the disturbing dynamics of war are clear. Flows from the United States have been reduced, and this has an impact on the battlefront, added Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General. The paralysis of aid for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress is one of the key elements of debate in Munich. Republican Senator Pete Ricketts defended his partys obstructionism, arguing that each country has its priorities and crises, that the United States faces one of its own with the arrival of irregular migrants at the southern border, and that the rest of the world should understand that they are trying to to advance their political goals on this matter while maintaining aid to Ukraine as a negotiating tool. After these arguments, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas, intervened, emphasizing that the time that is wasted works in favor of Putin and against a world based on rules. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also spoke out on these issues, reaffirming his governments commitment to increasing military spending and maintaining support for Ukraine over time. Berlin and Paris sealed agreements with Kyiv on security guarantees. We have to ask ourselves if we are doing enough to signal [to Putin] that we are in this for the long term, Scholz said. Later, he answered himself: We Europeans have to do more. Speaking along these lines, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the presentation, within three weeks, of a defense industrial strategy. Dont ask us Ukrainians when the war will end. Ask yourselves why Putin is still in a position to wage it, added Zelenskiy, demanding greater efforts from the partners while thanking them for everything that has been done to date. Irfan Amin Malik is a freelance journalist based in J&K. He tweets @irfanaminmalik Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Nayib Bukele was re-elected as president of El Salvador this past February 4, with more than 80% of the vote. His party also won the legislative elections by a landslide. Given that the Constitution of El Salvador prohibits seeking re-election, the most accurate description for this electoral process would be complete farce. Four aspects strongly support this statement: Firstly making it clear whos in charge the election results were announced by Bukele himself. This implies that the independent electoral authorities, whose impartiality is fundamental in any democratic election, have disappeared. And this detail only adds to the suspicion and lack of transparency that marred the entire process. Once the vote was completed, the national electoral system lost all relevance: Bukele assumed total control. The process was so crude that, several days later, four of the five judges who sit on the Supreme Electoral Tribunal distanced themselves from the vote-counting process to determine the seat distribution in the Legislative Assembly, due to irregularities. Secondly, clear democratic principles including the balance of powers, respect for constitutional legality and the basic rule of law were destroyed in the 2024 elections. Immediate presidential re-election in El Salvador is prohibited, invalidating the supposed election of Bukele, who wasnt even supposed to have been a candidate, since he has already served one term in office (2019-2023). However, this didnt stop him from running, demonstrating a clear disregard for democratic norms and the rule of law. And all of these rules were violated without a peep from the rest of the countries in the Western Hemisphere. Thirdly, international legality has not been respected. The inter-American community shouldnt have remained silent in the face of this outrage. No government spoke out against the subjugation of the Constitution, nor did any government defend the international standards adopted by the inter-American system, such as those contained in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Adopted unanimously by the countries of the Americas in September of 2011, the Charter specifies that, among the essential elements of democracy (Article 3), there are several core norms. With impunity, Bukele has dismissed them, both in his way of governing and in his re-election campaign. Access to power and its exercise [are] subject to the rule of law and the separation and independence of public powers. This also implies respect for freedom of expression and of the press. Fourthly, the recent electoral process is just one example of the growing concentration of power in the hands of Bukele. This personalization of politics has resulted in a significant deterioration of democratic institutions in El Salvador. This governing model has been criticized for its incompatibility with democratic principles and for its constant violations of fundamental human rights. Katya Salazar, executive director of the Washington DC-based Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), has highlighted actions taken within the Bukele phenomenon that are totally incompatible with democratic societies. A few months after coming to power in 2019, the presence of the Armed Forces in the Legislative Assembly on Bukeles orders, so as to intimidate its members was the first warning sign. Then, the members of the Constitutional Court of El Salvador, which had been a kind of counterweight to the executive branch and its aspiration for absolute power, were all dismissed by Bukele. Subsequently, the individuals selected to replace the dismissed judges were appointed in a manner that was completely outside the established process. Finally, it was those irregularly-appointed judges who issued the unconstitutional decision to allow for immediate presidential re-election, despite the fact that several articles of the Constitution expressly prohibit this. Effectively, the dismantling of the essential pieces of institutional control is underway at an accelerated and unsanctioned pace. The concentration of political power and the violations of fundamental rights includes the destruction of freedom of expression. The most visible and scandalous occurrence is now clear, for example, through the battle that has been waged against El Faro, an important independent publication. It has now been formally shuttered within El Salvador (although it continues to operate online beyond the borders), while its directors are persecuted by the government. Indeed, the government is in a head-on collision with the most basic democratic standards. Faced with this collapse of democratic institutions, theres a great paradox: this governing model appears to have captivated large segments of public opinion in El Salvador and across Latin America, due to its crackdown on crime. This is despite the fact that an autocratic government violates the most fundamental structures and institutions, while engaging in the terrifying process of concentrating power in the hands of one person something that, as we know, usually ends very badly for societies. Certainly, when we look at Latin American history, the way in which Bukele has extended his time in power is by no means unusual. Its hardly any different from how other South and Central American autocrats have stayed past their allotted time: Batista (Cuba), Somoza (Nicaragua), Trujillo (Dominican Republic), Fujimori (Peru), Ortega (Nicaragua), or Chavez (Venezuela) are just some examples of strongmen from the past century. All of them adjusted legal norms to seek successive re-elections and used the state apparatus for their campaigns, and, later on, for corruption. The Bukele model: undermining democracy The so-called Bukele model is, among other things, the devious undermining of democracy. Does Latin America really want to continue to follow this model? Some argue that this has served to fulfill a desirable social objective, which is to drastically reduce crime in El Salvador. However, the collapse of the balance of powers and democratic institutions isnt a required tool for crime control. Rather, this has occurred because of the simple desire to accumulate absolute power. The history of the continent indicates what consequences these types of autocratic processes have brought about: excessive corruption and poor management of public finances, factors that end up seriously affecting the population. Signs of this are already being observed in El Salvador. Michael Shifter, former president of the DC-based Inter-American Dialogue, writes in a recent article for El Faro that El Salvadors economic performance is disappointing, even by currently low Central American standards. He recalls that, according to the World Bank, foreign investment in the country has fallen under the Bukele administration. On the other hand, he points out that credible investigations have already revealed corruption scandals around Bukele. There are no signs that this will change. These two elements are serious consequences of the governing model in question. An excuse to amass absolute power In the short-term, the reduction of insecurity, a severe problem in El Salvador, is what has contributed to Bukeles popularity. However, the war on crime has also served as an excuse that has allowed him to accumulate absolute power. Certainly, the drop in crime cannot be denied. But this shouldnt allow us to look the other way when it comes to the rising authoritarian phenomenon in El Salvador today. What was meant to be a temporary state of emergency has become permanent, with regulations that violate the basic rights of due process, raising fundamental questions about how this governing model affects citizen security in the long-term. For instance, a recent report on disappearances during the state of emergency in El Salvador is very telling. Prepared by the DPLF in collaboration with the World Organization against Torture (OMCT), the Center for Civil and Political Rights (CCPR), the human rights organization Cristosal, the Institute of Human Rights at the Central American University (IDHUCA) and the Passionist Social Service (SSPAS), the document sheds light on an alarming situation that requires the worlds attention. According to this valuable report, massive and indiscriminate arrests of more than 71,000 people have been carried out in El Salvador. There are thousands of innocent people within this figure. The majority of arrests have been accompanied by the systematic refusal to provide information to the detainees families regarding the status of people arrested by the police and prison authorities. There are no reports available about the status and location of the detained persons, nor are there proper judicial controls being applied to the arrests. The trials are massive: cases are not individualized. Sentencing in absentia is permitted, while judges identities are confidential. The majority of those affected are young people in poverty, accused of the crime of belonging to illicit groups. This wording is so broad that it allows for the arrest of people without any legal basis. There has never been so much impunity on the part of the security services since the Salvadoran Civil War (1979-1992). Several examples which are detailed in the report reveal an unacceptable pattern of state repression For example, people are often captured by the police or military, operating under the jurisdiction of the state of emergency, in public places, in the presence of witnesses. But when their relatives later go to different police stations to request information, officials deny that the arrests even occurred. The whereabouts of the detained person are kept hidden. In several cases, detainees have died in detention, without their families having been informed. The report mentions, as examples, the names of Henry Joya, Rafael Lopez and Noelia Garcia. Henry Joya was detained for more than a year, with no official information provided about his arrest. The authorities eventually provided information to his relatives for two months, but then stopped informing them about his health. Given the lack of information, his family went to the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML), where they recognized his body through photographs. Henry had been buried on July 8, in a mass grave. According to the report issued by the IML, Henry died due to pulmonary edema. However, a witness who shared a cell with him at the Mariona Penitentiary Center told the family that Joya had been subjected to severe beatings by the guards and that he died as a result of the physical abuse. Rafael Lopez was arrested at his workplace located in Jucuapa, in the region of Usulutan. According to his family members, four local police officers arrested him for the alleged crime of belonging to an illegal group and transferred him to a prison. From that moment onwards, the authorities denied them any information about Rafael and his state of health. Two months later, while completing an administrative procedure, the family was belatedly informed of his death. He apparently had suffered from health complications and was transferred to the Zacamil Hospital, where he died on June 1, 2022. He was buried 20 days later. As in many other cases, he was buried in a mass grave, with his family not being notified. Noelia Garcia was arrested on June 14, 2022, at her home in Santa Ana. She was transferred to a police station, where the officer only allowed her family to bring her some clothing. That same day, she was sent to a penitentiary center and, from there, the authorities stopped providing the family with information about her location and health situation. On January 23, 2023, Noelias family found out through their own sources that she had been rushed to hospital. Finally, on February 1, 2023, through social media, the family learned that an unidentified woman had died in a hospital. It was later confirmed that she was Noelia. Questionable emergency measures Everything indicates that, so far, Salvadoran society seems to be looking the other way. This is despite the fact that several families are paying a high price for the policies being implemented to quell gang violence. As is mentioned in the DPLF report, nobody is preoccupied until it affects them personally. Is the situation sustainable? The emergency measures only address the issue from an incarceration perspective: theres nothing about prevention or rehabilitation. But is anything being done about the causes of gang violence? Well, theres no known comprehensive project or strategy to address this long-standing problem. And this lack of planning exists within a stagnant economy, as foreign investment declines. Finally, whats going to happen with the mass trials of those more than 70,000 detainees? Sooner or later, they will be formally interrogated. Many cases may end up falling apart. Bukeles unconstitutional triumph sends a dangerous message to the region. Essentially, from his perspective, democratic values are an obstacle to governing: the jailing of some innocents and the erosion of some rights are simply part of the price that must be paid for security. Latin American societies, and the entire world, have enough information (or can easily access it ) to not invent sweeping governing models. Rather, its best to design institutionally appropriate strategies to combat crime. This doesnt require destroying democracy or generating new autocrats: the region already has too many of them. Garbage like pellets, plastics and microplastics is inundating beaches worldwide. Surprisingly, hermit crabs have adapted and are using things like bottle caps, light bulbs and plastic cups as shells. A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that this behavior can be observed on a global scale, and most terrestrial hermit crab species now use trash as their shells. Polish biologists conducted a study analyzing scientific literature and online videos, discovering 386 instances of crustaceans wrapped in garbage. These videos showcased specimens from 10 of the 16 hermit crab species found worldwide, spanning tropical regions from Africa to Central America. Interestingly, 85% of them utilized plastic scraps while the remaining used alternative materials like metal and glass. Weve just confirmed that hermit crabs all around the world are using artificial materials, said biologist Zuzanna Jagiello, the studys lead author. The research team found that crabs prefer debris over shells because its easier to find along coasts and provides better camouflage. They also analyzed factors like odor, weight and sexual signaling. Carrying a heavier natural shell requires more energy, and the color and smell of plastic can help attract a partner. A study conducted in 2021 found that crabs are attracted to a chemical emitted by plastics. However, there is a flip side to this story. In 2019, scientists discovered 414 million pieces of garbage washed up on the shores of the Cocos Islands, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. They analyzed the impacts of this waste on the regions hermit crabs and found that over half a million had died, trapped in the man-made objects they inhabited. The effects of replacing natural shells with plastic ones are unclear, but researchers believe it can lead to dangerous consequences, like turtles with straws stuck in their noses and sperm whales living with pounds of garbage in their stomachs. Jagiello finds it heartbreaking to see these creatures living in garbage, but acknowledges that they are simply adapting to their surroundings. The intelligence of hermit crabs Finding a house is no simple task. Hermits lead lives full of challenging decisions that demand advanced cognitive abilities. While research on the brains of hermit crabs is still in its infancy, initial studies have identified distinctions from other crabs. Notably, their spatial perception and exploration faculties are more developed. Strong memories enable them to recall shell characteristics, which saves time and energy in the long run. Unlike most crabs, hermit crabs are born with soft bodies instead of naturally calcified abdomens. They live in shells for protection against predators, water currents (if they are marine crabs) and desiccation (if they are terrestrial). Selecting the best shell is crucial for a hermit crab but how do they do it? First, they evaluate a shell with their eyes to gather information about its type, size and color. Then, using their legs and pincers, they explore the inside and outside to ensure its the right size. As they grow, they discard their shells and search for larger ones to molt into. Hermit crabs also have exchange chains. When one finds a shell thats too big, it keeps it nearby for another crab to use. As larger shells become available, the waiting crabs arrange themselves by size. Once the first crab makes the switch, an exchange chain happens and everyone gets a better shell. Crabs anticipate the need for new shells and organize themselves to facilitate relocation. Research confirms their ability to remember previously inhabited or inspected shells. Photographer Shawn Miller contributed to the research by capturing images of crustaceans using debris as shells. One of his videos shows a crab moving from a piece of plastic to a natural shell. Miller says hermit crabs dont choose to live permanently in plastic; they simply use it temporarily until they discover a more suitable natural shell. The availability of natural shells is decreasing, while the volume of discarded plastic continues to increase. Mollusks make their own shells using calcium carbonate from seawater, but their numbers are dropping due to fishing pressure, rising ocean temperatures and water pollution. Greenpeace estimates plastic production surged by 900% between 1980 and 2020, exceeding 500 million tons annually. Many plastics end up in landfills instead of being recycled. Perhaps these pictures of hermit crabs inhabiting pieces of garbage will teach us a lesson about reusing plastic instead of discarding it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Thai Thai Healthy Cuisine Restaurant, seen Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Tamuning, was the location of a shooting Wednesday night, Feb. 14, 2024. Nicholas Moore is pictured in a file photo from Aug. 16, 2022, at the Superior Court of Guam in Hagatna. KYODO NEWS - Feb 17, 2024 - 08:38 | All, Japan The Japanese Defense Ministry will allow Self-Defense Forces recruits to have longer hair from April this year as it aims to make the armed services more attractive to young people. The ministry currently requires new troops in training units to have a buzz cut for men and short hair for women, but it will start allowing them longer hairstyles, officials said, reflecting a similar relaxation of rules at public high schools in recent years. From the start of the new fiscal year, the ministry will allow men to have short back and sides with longer hair on top and women to have long hair as long as it does not interfere with the wearing of a helmet or hat and is tied up when they are in uniform so it does not fall onto the shoulders. The easing of haircut rules was reported last month at a meeting of an expert panel tasked with bolstering troop numbers, after the panel called on the ministry last July to "change or eliminate disciplinary regulations that lack rationality." "As our nation faces a serious workforce shortage, we recognize competition with others, including the private sector, to secure talent has been intensifying," Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told the expert panel meeting on Jan. 18. It is his "mission" as the defense chief to improve the working environment for each SDF officer and secure excellent personnel, Kihara added. The move comes as Japan faces a worsening regional security environment caused by China's rapid military buildup and North Korea's expanding missile and nuclear programs. In a related move, the Defense Ministry has also been considering allowing people with tattoos to join the SDF by reviewing the current guidelines banning them from applying to be SDF cadets. Related coverage: Japan taxi, bus driver's license tests to go multilingual Japan OKs new foreign trainee program to strengthen rights protection Campaign signage cautions View Photo San Andreas, CA Political campaign sign issues related to stealing, defacing, and placement have local law enforcement and Caltrans cautioning the public. Recent incidents of sign stealing have Calaveras County Sheriffs officials reminding the public that this is a criminal offense. It is critical to respect the democratic process and the rights of others to express their opinions freely. We have been made aware of some incidents regarding stealing political campaign signs, which we would like to clarify is disrespectful and a criminal offense under California law, disclosed sheriffs officials. According to California Penal Code 594, as defined in sections 484 and 488, punishable offenses include vandalism, theft, and defacing property with inscribed materials, which impose penalties such as fines and community service. The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office is dedicated to maintaining the law and ensuring that every citizen can freely express themselves through speech and political expression without any threat of damage or theft. We encourage all members of our community to value and respect the political process and the belongings of others, added sheriffs officials. Additionally, Caltrans District 10, which covers the Mother Lode, gave this reminder to political candidates and campaign workers that any political campaign signs are not to be placed within the state right-of-way, nor visible within 660 feet from the edge of any state highway or freeway. Click here for more information on the campaign signage laws. KYODO NEWS - Feb 17, 2024 - 11:32 | All, World U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday agreed with China's top diplomat Wang Yi that senior officials should follow up the pair's discussions on North Korea and the Middle East, the State Department said. While having a "candid and constructive discussion" with Wang in Munich, Blinken also raised concern over China supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the South China Sea, according to the department's top spokesman, Matthew Miller. The first meeting since October between the top U.S. and Chinese diplomats took place on the sidelines of a security conference in the German city, with the two countries having agreed to promote frequent high-level communications. Wang told Blinken that both sides should "adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and actively explore the right way for the two major powers to get along," according to China's Foreign Ministry. It quoted Wang, the most senior foreign policy official in China's Communist Party, as saying the United States should view the country's development "objectively" and abide by the one-China principle if it "truly hopes for stability across the Taiwan Strait." Miller indicated Blinken's talks with Wang centered on regional issues, but did not elaborate, for instance, on what their high-ranking officials will discuss with regard to North Korea or the unfolding situation in the Middle East. With the war in Ukraine about to enter its third year, Blinken voiced concern over China's backing of Russia's defense industrial base, according to the spokesman. But he gave little information on other topics the top diplomats took up. Blinken reiterated that the United States will continue to stand up for its interests and values and those of its allies, Miller said. Despite long-running tensions over issues such as Taiwan's future, human rights and trade restrictions, the United States and China have sought to responsibly manage differences and cooperate where they can. Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, and Wang held more than 12 hours of discussions over two days last month in Thailand, with issues on the table including military-to-military communication, the safety of artificial intelligence and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis. It was the first in-person meeting of senior officials of the two countries since Taiwan's presidential election in mid-January, won by Lai Ching-te of the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. Following their talks in Bangkok, a senior U.S. administration official said President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are expected to hold talks over the phone this spring. Blinken's meeting with Wang on the margins of the Munich Security Conference was also intended to follow up on the summit of the U.S. and Chinese presidents near San Francisco in November. Biden and Xi agreed at the time to reopen military-to-military lines of communication at several levels and work together on transnational challenges such as counternarcotics to help foster confidence between the geopolitical rivals. Since then, despite disagreements over various political and economic issues, the United States and China have gradually taken steps to restart cooperation where possible. In late January, they launched a working group to help choke off exports of ingredients for fentanyl, which is fueling a deadly drug crisis in the United States. The two countries also plan to begin a dialogue this spring on the safe use of artificial intelligence. Related coverage: Top U.S., Chinese diplomats to meet in Munich on Feb. 16 China no longer No. 1 source of U.S. imports, 1st time since 2008 Japan PM mulls visiting South Korea on March 20 for talks with Yoon TCSO patrol vehicle View Photo Groveland, CA A Groveland woman was arrested after the driver of the vehicle she was in ran after being pulled over and remains on the loose. A recent traffic stop for expired registration in the 11800 block of Powder House Street near Foote Street south of Highway 120 in Groveland ended with the driver taking off on foot while the passenger remained inside the vehicle. Tuolumne County Sheriffs Deputies then ordered the passenger, 34-year-old Audrey Pritchard, out of the vehicle. A record check revealed that Pritchard had an outside agency misdemeanor warrant for her arrest. A search of the vehicle uncovered a leaded cane or club, which is illegal to have in the state of California, and an open container of alcohol. She was arrested without incident on charges of felony possession of a leaded cane, possession of an open container of alcohol, expired vehicle registration, and an outside agency misdemeanor warrant. Joking in the jungle: Apes have humor and they love teasing each other ZMEScience (Dr. Kevin) Apes Got the Giggles Millions of Years Ago ScienceBlog (Dr. Kevin) Watch: Airboat glides across ice to save trapped man BBC. Darwin Award fail, at Little Bay de Noc, as in Escanaba, Michigan, one of my old stomping grounds. Above the fold! Our human ancestors often ate each other, and for surprising reasons New Scientist (Dr. Kevin) Pesticide linked to reproductive issues found in Cheerios, Quaker Oats and other oat-based foods CBS (Kevin W) Youve heard about incels but you should know about femcels: the secret world of involuntary celibate women ZMEScience (Dr. Kevin) Aeschylus Prometheus Unbound: Rebuilding a Lost Masterpiece Antigone (Anthony L) #COVID-19 Climate/Environment China? Old Blighty The commercial motivations behind SANDF deployment to the DRC . PART 1 The M23 rebels supported by Rwanda have been capturing the cobalt rich Rubaya Mines in North Kivu. The orginal mining licence to the area was granted to Edouard Mwangachuchu, a Tutsi man from Rwanda,aligned pic.twitter.com/z2e0KzPWjP Hughes (@MainlandAfrica) February 16, 2024 Gaza New Not-So-Cold War Navalny Big Brother is Watching You Watch Imperial Collapse Watch Cracks in the NATO Narratives and NATO Unity Chas Freeman, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen Rumble (Chuck L) Trump Biden Immigration Democrats eye new immigration strategy after Suozzi win The Hill. One robin does not make a spring. Our No Longer Free Press Crime Blotter Florida Cop Empties His Gun, Runs For Cover After Acorn Falls On Car Jalopnik. Paul R: Florida deputy Jesse Hernandez screamed shots fired, and frantically fired his gun after an acorn fell onto the roof of his squad car, making him jump. This is insane. Apparently there was a handcuffed suspect in the back seat of the car, and Hernandez thought the suspect was shooting at him. So he shot up the car. Spotify Modifies Terms for Audiobook Rightsholders, Changes May Put Authors in Legal Peril With Narrators StoryFair Audiobooks. Paul R: I dont use Spotify but some people in Lemmy think this matters. Recession has struck some of the worlds top economies. The US keeps defying expectations Associated Press (Kevin W). Pride goeth before a fall. AI The Bezzle Class Warfare Trust me, important: I watch my alma mater, Georgetown Uni., 'cause its a factory of the elite i.e., a hypercompetitive, careerist, neolib environment overexposed to political trends. But what happens when progressive demands hit THAT WHICH MUST NOT BE TOUCHED? A short https://t.co/i7p8noeHRH Smug Doomposting Publishing House (@Smug_editing) February 15, 2024 Barbara Lee calls for $50/hour federal minimum wage National Desk (Paul R) Antidote du jour. CV: A Kodiak bear. And a bonus (Alice X): this is my new favorite video pic.twitter.com/fYS7RtAG8B Nature is Amazing (@AMAZlNGNATURE) February 14, 2024 A second bonus: He's mine pic.twitter.com/3H5tKAa6B2 Why you should have a cat (@ShouldHaveCat) February 16, 2024 See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here Yves here. Just like those horrible movie franchises that lumber on through zombified sequels and prequels, Russiagate is getting a revival in the UK via a ludicrous tale of Russia being the moving force behind the Brexit vote. By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears A book by a man announcing himself on page one as an undercover MI6 agent, dedicated on page two to the people of Ukraine as they continue their fight for freedom, then endorsed on the dust jacket by the Times newspaper as first class, cant be fiction; it cant be fact; and because it declares its audience restricted to those who already believe and dont need persuading, it cant be propaganda. Its the fourth gender in the cyber universe transfiction, transfact, and transpropaganda, a genre created by a combination of covert insertions and circumcisions, reinforced by injections of hallucinatory substances, including money. This is what has become of the British these days. The book celebrates it. According to Private Eye, it is too good to be untrueRussia and dirty Russian money, out here in the real world, has seeped so deeply into British public life its not entirely certain well ever get it out again. In this British reality, Charles Beaumonts book, A Spy Alone, claims to have uncovered the Kremlin plot to cause the British vote for Brexit and thereby destroy the countrys economy; allow Russian manipulation of British energy supplies and prices; destroy the careers of the countrys security chiefs, the Cabinet Secretary, the National Security Advisor, and the Secret Intelligence Service; ignore and discredit the intelligence uncovered by MI6 field agents and Bellingcat; and allow Russian assassins to roam across the UK, killing as they go. All of this, according to author and hero, amounts to one of [the Russian governments] deepest secrets, the intelligence coup of the century, one of the great revelations in intelligence history, and the most important intelligence discovery in Britain since the end of the Cold War. In short, this does for Britain what the former MIG agent, Christopher Steele (lead image centre) and his Orbis Business Intelligence Limited, claimed to do, and still does, to US presidential elections and Donald Trump in the fabrications of the Russiagate affair. In fact, this new book may be Steeles attempt to repeat Russiagate in England, reverse the rulings of the courts against his veracity, and make more money. For Charles Beaumont (lead image, right) is not the authors real name; the publisher has published an Artificial Intelligence illustration instead of a real face, and since the book purports to be Beaumonts first novel, there is no trace of him in the open sources, not even for Bellingcat to find. The blurb says [Beaumont] is ex-MI6, but then it would, or he would, comments a source in a position to know. If I were choosing a pseudonym I dont think Id pick one that already belonged to an admittedly very different writer. The source believes Beaumont is working in the business intelligence business. Private Eye has told its readers to buy Beaumont because he shows how powerful a book can be when the writer looks the country straight in the face and writes about what they see. Le Carre used to be very good at doing that. Now Charles Beaumont has done it too. Amazon, the worlds largest publisher and bookseller, lacks confidence this is either Russiagate or Le Carre quality. Despite 1,568 ratings as terrific, brilliant, stunningly accomplished, and scarily plausible, Amazon is marking the book down to clear at a 50% discount. Thats a steal, not a pun on the real plot in this story. David Cornwell, a onetime MI6 agent who wrote spy books under the name of John Le Carre, produced one of the most successful British intelligence deception operations since the end of the last war. The objective was to convince millions of readers and moviegoers to pay to believe that for all of its faults, British intelligence has gotten one thing right Russians are evil and deserve to be liquidated, along with the British traitors who help them. Read the Cornwell/Le Carre dossier here. David Cornwell/John Le Carre: His fiction masqueraded as the truth for a strategic purpose to control and repair the damage which Kim Philby had done to the reputation of British intelligence, especially in Washington. Canelo, a small publisher at a Hatfields, London, address which is a low-rent, short-term location for fly-by-night companies, is so new in the market, it has almost no business record, and draws just three paragraphs of Wiki profile. Charles Beaumont is the only author on the Canelo list to display no photographic proof of himself/herself/itself. In a promotional podcast, the publisher saysthat due to Charles Beaumont's work for the Intelligence Services, our technical division has digitally altered his voice to protect his identity. Canelo lists its address as Unit 9, 5th Floor, Cargo Works, 1-2 Hatfields, London SE1. The fifth floor is the cheapest accommodation in the buildings attic. The book repeats MI6s recent Russian operations as successes in exposing Russian evil bested by British ingenuity e.g., the 1985 exfiltration of Oleg Gordievsky from Russia in the trunk of a car; the recruitment of GRU officer Sergei Skripal in 1995; the running of a loose global network of ethical hackers , transparency campaigners and freelance investigators anarchic youngsters [who] had shed more light on the murkier corners of international finance than years of effort by state intelligence agencies (aka Bellingcat). Notwithstanding, until Beaumont and his hero arrive, the Russians had been outplaying the Brits e.g., advance MI6 spy-source intelligence of a Russian invasion of Georgia (August 2008) and then takeover of Crimea (February 2014) was ignored in London because London is not interested. So the hero fired off his resignation and never stepped inside the headquarters again. Simon sees a rampant Russia annexing sovereign territory and a West that is apparently powerless to respond. He also sees the Russians buying up the best properties in London and enthusiastically laundering their money with the help of the City and the compliance of the regulators. He decides he has given enough of his life in service to a state that appears unable to defend its most basic interests. But the hero redeems himself with and Beaumont promotes the super-secret explanation of why the British have been losing to the Russians. Through a spy ring they recruited at Oxford, the Russians have their agents in the top jobs in Whitehall and Downing Street. This spy ring, code named COSTELLO, is so secret that in Moscow its run by the Kremlin apart from the foreign and military intelligence services, the SVR and GRU. Surviving Chechen assassin squads, the hero discovers that a Russian agent bearing more than passing resemblance to Dominic Cummings, chief staff man to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has been masterminding the strategic plot, and forcing resignations of loyal officials bearing more than passing resemblances to Sir Mark Sedwill, Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Theresa May, and MI6 chief, Sir Alex Younger. Left to right: Dominic Cummings; Sir Mark Sedwill; Sir Alex Younger. The backfile investigating the facts exposes these claims to be score-settling inside the British deep state. The evidence, however, is that the domestic potency and media gullibility of the line against Russian evil over the years has been expanding. The book claims the opposite to be the truth. To paste over this contradiction, Beaumont invents a technical improbability. According to A Spy Alone, the Russian services have been able to hack into every police CCTV system in the country, so Moscow knows in real time what happened on March 4, 2018, when Sergei and Yulia Skripal collapsed on a town bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire, allegedly from Novichok poisoning. If Beaumont is right, then the three-assassin squad from the GRU in Moscow knew their every movement in Salisbury was being monitored, as well as their airport arrival and departure, their London hotel sex night, their train rides, and so on. How then, a naive reader might ask, were the knowing Russian spies so careless, so open and unconcealed in front of the all-seeing British cameras, which Russian HQ was also monitoring? Beaumonts answer: Russians operate with impunity because they are protected by British traitors in the highest offices of the land. That fails to explain why the CCTV records of the Skripal affair, and its alleged sequel, the death of Dawn Sturgess, and the witness statements of the two Skripals, have not been allowed to appear in open court, or in the public press for six years, through two inquest coroners and a public inquiry under a Court of Appeal judge. The possibility that MI6 hit the Skripals and then borrowed Sturgesss corpse to fabricate the Novichok story and cover up the mistakes Sedwill and Younger had made, is the risk Beaumont and his book have been invented to neutralize. Read more (right). Along the way the author arranges for English bluebells to flower in the summer instead of the spring; an Indian restaurant to serve papadums instead of papadams; confuses his glass of Bordeaux between Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Lafitte; and betrays his lack of Eton and Oxford education by creating the verb administrate in place of old-fashioned administer (since 1395 according to the Oxford Dictionary). There is also the fake tradecraft, enabling the hero to spot hostile agents in the street: Its their shoes that give them awaysturdy black leather with a gleam of polishWhite trainers, no brand but a muddy line on the left oneconverse high tops navy blue. In the tradecraft of police interrogators and counter-intelligence experts, interpreting an individuals involuntary micromuscular movements across the face, pulse rate, and so on is a guide to gauging when a person is telling the truth or lying. For writers, the clue is what cliches are written on the page. Beaumonts cliches are involuntary; he cant hold back: the Brits are prissy about blackmail human intelligence is all about control no Russian intel officer does something without a reason the amazing resistance of the Ukrainian military, knocking out Russian tanks with Javelin missiles That was just the hot air they had blown up his arse The power of intelligence to change events and make history Here on the Continent history is something that happened to us Putain Who were they? Asks Simon. Chechens, says Alena, as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.Never a good sign, says Simon, grimly familiar with the use of Chechen gangsters by Russian intelligence to carry out their dirty work. Socialism was never the objective, it was the means. The objective is power. Thats always the objective. Paranoia goes with the territory I just want people like him to stop getting away with it (continues with several dozen more iterations until on the very last line of the book) Simon has nowhere to go, nobody to meet, no clear plan. But he knows what he has to do. The pattern revealed here is of an avid reader of Bellingcat and Private Eye who has never met a Russian intelligence officer or businessman, has no ear for how they speak, nor eye for how they think. His familiarity with British intelligence operatives and operations is also hearsay, cut and pasted. Its everything Steeles Russiagate dossier was paid to achieve, except for the bed-wetting in the presidential suite of the Moscow Ritz-Carlton. As MI6 operations go, Beaumonts book is a golden shower of a kind the kind which dogs do to trees. This book reveals that MI6 communicates with dogs in a language they understand. Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana met with Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi of North Macedonia for talks at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (13 February 2024). They discussed security in the Western Balkans, support to Ukraine and preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington. The Deputy Secretary General thanked the Prime Minister for North Macedonias commitment to the Alliance, including by contributing troops to NATOs Kosovo peacekeeping mission and to the battlegroups in Romania, Bulgaria and Latvia. Mr Geoana welcomed North Macedonias commitment to increase its defence budget, building up to 2% of GDP this year. On Ukraine, Mr Geoana thanked Prime Minister Xhaferi for the military, financial and humanitarian support North Macedonia has provided to Ukraine, underlining that Allies continued support is making a difference on the battlefield. On the Western Balkans, Mr Geoana emphasised that the region is of strategic importance for NATO as highlighted by the recent visit of the North Atlantic Council to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amid secessionist threats, Mr Geoana said that the Alliance stood by Bosnia and Herzegovinas territorial integrity. He recalled that the Alliance had increased its military presence in Kosovo following recent violence and would do what is necessary to keep the peace. The two leaders further discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington, including NATOs push to invest more in defence and expanding the transatlantic industrial base. Marking the Alliances 75th anniversary, the Summit will send a strong message of unity and demonstrate that NATO is adapting to an uncertain and more dangerous security environment, the Deputy Secretary General said. (As delivered) Christiane Amanpour For you Secretary General, NATO has said, and actually key Defence Ministers from the frontline countries, have said that you are concerned for the first time. This wasnt the case last year, that within three to five years even, Putin could test the resolve of a NATO country. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg We can never take peace for granted, but I think it is important to convey that we don't see any imminent threat against any NATO Ally. The world has become more dangerous, but NATO has become stronger. And the purpose of NATO is to prevent war, is to ensure that there is no room in Moscow for any miscalculation about NATO's readiness and resolve to protect all Allies. And to make it clear that an attack on one Ally will trigger the response from the whole Alliance. And as long as we convey that message, clearly to Moscow, no Ally will be attacked. So our deterrence remains credible and therefore we don't see any military threat against any NATO Ally. Christiane Amanpour Can I ask you to pick up on the progress that NATO nations are making in what youre all demanding for more defence spending? NATO Secretary General In 2014, NATO made the very important decision, triggered by Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and also NATO Allies after years of reducing defence spending, we had to start to increase defence spending. And that was at the NATO Summit in Wales. I remember I was there. And I thought this was just another pledge by politicians and I made that international meeting and [thought] not so much was going to happen. The reality is that a lot has happened because since then, all NATO Allies have increased defence spending. This year, we expect 18 Allies to meet the 2% guideline, spend 2% of GDP on defence. That's up from three [Allies] in 2014. That's a significant increase, meaning that in total European Allies and Canada have added 600 billion [dollars] extra for defence. And those Allies which are not yet at 2% have plans in place to be there very soon. So there is an enormous difference and the European Allies have really stepped up because they realise that there is need to invest in high-end capabilities, have more readiness of our forces. And NATO has implemented the biggest reinforcements on collective defence in generations with battlegroups, combat troops in the eastern part of the Alliance for the first time in our history, with high readiness, more forces, and now total new defence plans. So Im not saying everything is fine. I agree that Europeans have to do even more, but they're really on track to something which is demonstrating a commitment of all Allies that need to stand together. Christiane Amanpour Can you today be certain that NATO can defeat Russia, if it comes to that? All we're hearing is that you're not ramped up enough. You don't have enough to do what you need to do in Ukraine, much less if you were to confront Russia, and you've said that if he steps on your territory, every single inch will be defended. NATO Secretary General NATO is the strongest military power in the world today. We represent 50% roughly of the world's total military might. And militarily, we are stronger than Russia. But at the same time, I think the war in Ukraine has demonstrated that there are some serious gaps. For instance, when it comes to sustainment, its one thing to have all the advanced weapons systems, but they need spare parts, they need maintenance, and obviously they need ammunition. And in the beginning of the war in Ukraine, we depleted our stocks, but now they are running quite low. So now we are focusing extremely, on how to ramp up production. We have some good news. There are new factories being set up. Production has increased but theres an urgent need to do more. So yes, I think we all have learned some serious lessons about warfare and also for NATO from the war in Ukraine. Then of course, I was speaking about burden sharing. Europeans have more to do when it comes to total defence spending. But actually, when you look at support for Ukraine, European Allies and Canada have provided more support to Ukraine in total than United States. Of course, the United States have done a lot, in particular in constant military support to Ukraine. But the problem now is of course, the lack of decision in the US Congress means that the flow from the US has gone down. And that has a direct impact on the frontline in Ukraine. So of course, it's not about making the right decision, but it's about making the right decision early as quickly as possible because it's urgent. Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the frontline in Ukraine. So it's not for me to give advice on how to pass legislation through the US Congress. But what I can say is the vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine because they need that support. And we have a burden sharing between Europe, Canada and the United States. Now it's for the US to deliver what they promised. Question Im [inaudible] Finland, Former Minister Sanna Marins government. It's clear that Europe needs a credible and strong deterrence looking at Ukraine and beyond. Chancellor Scholz pointed out earlier this morning. Do you think that we can achieve that by conventional means only? Or is it timely to discuss the European nuclear weapon as it is being discussed currently in Germany? What are the expectations especially across the Atlantic? NATO Secretary General NATO has a well-established nuclear deterrent. It has worked for decades. It's something the United States does together with European Allies. We have agreed command and control. We have exercises. We have doctrines and its actually something we do together as NATO. And I think that any questioning of that deterrent will only undermine NATO in a time when we really need credible deterrence. So of course we have US nuclear power. We have France and UK. But the idea of developing some kind of parallel joint nuclear deterrent among some NATO Allies, not including the United States and presumably not the UK either, that's not helpful and it will only undermine a nuclear deterrent that's worked well for many, many years. Question And thank you very much Tobias Ellwood, United Kingdom Parliament, former foreign minister. Senator [Ricketts] I understand this is the biggest delegation for the United States, for generations to come to Munich and that's really good to see. I hope the message goes back that part of Europe is on fire. The lines on the map are being redrawn. And we are absolutely baffled as to how this has been tied in with what's going on the Mexican border. My question, if I may, is to do a standardisation of NATO rounds. Because if you take a Howitzer from United States, and you put it with the munitions from Estonia, as Ukraine found, it won't work. And we need to be building more artillery pieces and shells as well. But until we standardise this equipment, it simply won't happen. Surely that must be a priority for NATO. NATO Secretary General Yes, absolutely. And the good news is that, again, we have learned some very serious lessons from the war in Ukraine. It's not only Estonian Howitzers or ammunition from USA doesn't work together. It's also, we have a joint Dutch-German brigade where they discovered exactly the same. So we have too many examples where Allies have made some small changes in NATO standards partly, I guess, to protect their own industry. And this doesn't work. So therefore, we have done a lot in NATO to actually reinforce and to implement the agreed NATO standards. This will reduce costs and it will ensure interoperability and also that weapons and ammunitions are interchangeable. Christiane Amanpour Question to both of you actually, because you've been using China more and more in your arguments to US lawmakers. And others have told us that they're watching. You know, Iran is watching, China's watching. Everybody's watching what happens on the battlefield of Ukraine. And others have suggested that there is actually a new axis of anti-American nations, Iran, North Korea, you know, Russia joining to really challenge the United States. I'd like to hear your view on that. And then your answer on that. NATO Secretary General I think we have to remember that just a few days before the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine back in 2022, President Putin went to Beijing and he signed an agreement with President Xi where they promised each other a partnership without any limits. And what we see is that China and Russia are coming closer and closer. So of course, if President Putin wins in Ukraine, it's not only challenging for the Ukrainians, but it sends a message not only to Putin, but also to Xi that when they use military force, they get what they want. So what happens in Ukraine today can happen in Taiwan tomorrow. And therefore, I strongly believe that it's a good deal for the United States to support Ukraine. It's not charity, it's an investment in their own security. Because it makes it less likely that Xi uses force for instance, against Taiwan, but also because by spending a fraction of the US defence budget together with European Allies, we have enabled the Ukrainians to destroy a substantial part of the Russian fighting power. So this is actually in our interest to ensure that Putin doesn't win. Not least because we are concerned about what China may learn if he wins in Ukraine. So therefore, it's urgent that the US makes a decision on continuing support to Ukraine. Biden regime told Amazon to CENSOR books critical of COVID jabs, government weaponization committee finds The House Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has learned that the Biden regime, and specifically former Biden White House Senior Advisor for the Covid response Andy Slavitt, bullied Amazon into censoring books that are critical of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines." Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Oh.) relayed the findings on X, explaining that "never-before-released internal emails subpoenaed by [the judiciary committee] reveal that the Biden White House pressured Amazon to censor books that expressed views the White House did not approve of." On March 2, 2021, Slavitt "fired off an email demanding to know who he and his White House colleagues could talk to at the company about 'the high levels of propaganda and misinformation and disinformation of [sic] Amazon?'" Jordan explained about these internal correspondences. Slavitt's goal was to convince Amazon to weed out all books that the Biden regime considers to be "propaganda and misinformation." The White House even "ran keyword searches for controversial topics, such as 'vaccine,' and emailed Amazon when it didn't like how the search results appeared," Jordan revealed. Never-before-released internal emails subpoenaed by @JudiciaryGOP reveal that the Biden White House pressured Amazon to censor books that expressed views the White House did not approve of. Is the [Biden] Admin asking us to remove books? pic.twitter.com/ZsAN9BZAcX Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 5, 2024 (Related: Last year, Amazon banned a book by Leo Hohmann discussing Muslim immigration in U.S. and Europe as being "treacherous" and "violent.") When Big Brother colludes with Big Tech to silence free speech At first, Amazon was apprehensive about Slavitt's request but not for ethical or moral reasons. No, Amazon's primary concern was that censoring these books would be "too visible" to Americans, likely causing an uproar across conservative media. On March 9, 2021, a week after Slavitt sent the emails to Amazon, the e-commerce monopoly met with Biden regime officials to discuss whether or not to bury the books' search results or remove the books entirely from the Amazon platform. After "feeling pressure" from Biden officials, Amazon ultimately enabled a "Do Not Promote" function on the titles while considering other ways to keep them invisible to searchers. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. On March 2, 2021, Slavitt fired off an email demanding to know who he and his White House colleagues could talk to at the company about the high levels of propaganda and misinformation and disinformation of [sic] Amazon? pic.twitter.com/aWSMp3aSOc Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 5, 2024 "Why was the Biden White House so upset with Amazon?" Jordan asked on X before proceeding to answer his own question. "Because Amazon believed 'retailers are different than social media communities' & provided their 'customers with access to a variety of viewpoints.'" "For the Biden Admin, letting Americans think for themselves was unacceptable." Those who support this kind of censorship are likely to play the "Amazon is a private company and can do whatever it wants" card, despite the fact that all this serves as clear evidence of collusion and corporate fascism between Big Brother and Big Tech. "This administration is just plain crooked they abuse every power they have, and find ways around them by using private actors and private companies to do the dirty work for them," someone wrote on X in response to the news. Another pointed out that Slavitt's actions on behalf of the Biden regime represent a clear violation of the First Amendment. "Why isn't the Constitution cared about or enforced?" asked another. "I was wondering what was going on, I had to deal with my bank 3 separate times to try and get a book purchased off Amazon by Whitney Webb," said another about her experience with Amazon's Slavitt-induced "book burning." "It took a lot to get that book." Big Tech is working overtime to stop the truth about COVID "vaccination" from spreading. Learn more at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: ThePostMillennial.com NaturalNews.com China creates MICROWAVE CANNON that can fire high-power microwaves to disable satellites Chinese researchers have created an advanced "microwave cannon" that is capable of disrupting satellites using high-power microwaves (HPMs) 68,000 times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. This cutting-edge weapon is augmented by four Stirling engines, ensuring efficient cooling and remarkably low energy consumption compared to similar systems. The microwave cannon can be mounted on a truck, offering exceptional mobility and strategic deployment options for the Chinese military. The inclusion of Stirling engine technology sets this weapon apart, making it the first of its kind openly revealed to the public. Led by electronic engineering scientist Xu Ce, the project team highlights that the weapon's continuous, steady-state magnetic field is exceptionally powerful. Its intensity reaches levels comparable to nearly half of the magnetic field strength generated by the Large Hadron Collider in Europe, emphasizing the technological sophistication achieved by Chinese researchers. The capability to operate continuously for up to four hours without power degradation enhances the weapon's practicality, allowing for sustained deployment during longer missions. The HPM cannon was developed by scientists from the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology and the Institute of Electrical Engineering, showcasing China's advancements in this technology and the nation's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities and technological prowess on the global stage. Microwave cannon could lead to breakthroughs in directed-energy weapons technology The revolutionary HPM weapon marks a significant leap in directed-energy warfare technology. This breakthrough in Stirling engine technology is a game-changer, providing enhanced efficiency and sustainability to the HPM weapon. (Related: China making dramatic advances in development of HYPERSONIC WEAPONS.) Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Stirling engines efficiently convert thermal energy into mechanical energy, operating as a reverse heat pump. The HPM weapon's unique design incorporates these engines to boost its cooling properties, making it an energy-efficient and powerful tool. The ability to emit powerful HPM waves makes this weapon suitable for disrupting various targets, including drones, military aircraft, and satellites. China claims that this HPM weapon is the world's first openly reported system based on Stirling engine technology. The strategic advantage of such a weapon lies in its truck-mountable design, providing mobility and flexibility in deployment. The reduction in energy consumption, approximately one-fifth of existing technologies, aligns with global efforts to develop more sustainable and efficient military systems. Recent advancements in miniaturization and beam control aim to overcome historical disadvantages associated with HPMs, making them practical in diverse military scenarios. The compact size and operational efficiency of this Stirling engine-powered HPM weapon position it as a potential asset for future urban warfare situations. The weapon's capacity to neutralize electronic systems without causing harm to human life underscores its significance in modern military strategies. Microwave weapon likely made for use against Taiwan In an October 2023 article for Think China, Woon Wei Jong highlights Taiwan's proactive measures in preparing for urban warfare and bolstering its asymmetric warfare capabilities. The focus includes the acquisition of "mobile, small, portable, and AI-enabled" weaponry, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and counter-UAV systems. The Taiwanese military strategically plans to leverage geography, terrain features, urban environments, buildings, and critical infrastructure protection measures within tactical defensive areas. This approach aims to establish layered counter-offensive capabilities and defense-in-depth strategies. Considering the potential scenario of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, HPM weapons may emerge as crucial tools. These weapons could play a vital role in addressing resistance while minimizing collateral damage, a key factor in preventing the hardening of Taiwanese resolve against invading forces. However, despite the advancements in HPM technology, some experts caution against viewing them as definitive game-changers. Timothy Heath and other contributors emphasize in a 2023 RAND report that the foundation for a resilient defense lies in strong political leadership, a united and cohesive public, and robust public support for a compelling national cause or ideology. The report underscores that Taiwan's ability to withstand China's aggression in the initial 90 days, before potential U.S. intervention, depends significantly on the strength of its political leadership and social cohesion. Watch this video discussing the threat posed by microwaves on life on the planet. This video is from the Make Earth Great Again channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. Space Force: China and Russia are CONCEALING THREATS posed by their satellites. Peer-reviewed academic paper: Chinese naval vessels could penetrate military radar systems of the U.S. and its allies. Ben Armstrong: China's balloon launch over Taiwan is a DISTRACTION for surprise attack on America. 80% of new leading research in advanced technological fields COMES FROM CHINA. Sources include: The-Sun.com AsiaTimes.com Brighteon.com Elitist one-percenters behind brewing cultural civil war in America For the most part, Americans are middle-of-the-road when it comes to political hot button issues. The vast majority are the opposite of radical, taking a sensible approach that leaves room for conflicting points of view, but then there are the elitist one-percenters who are radicalizing everything and steering the country off a cliff. Pollster Scott Rasmussen recently uncovered a fascinating tidbit stemming from his own surveys about what the major driving forces are behind the destructive radicalism in the United States that is ushering the nation into a cultural civil war. Every week, Rasmussen conducts two national surveys, usually involving around 1,000 respondents. He and his team observed that with each survey, there are always about three or four super radicals who push the most divisive ideology, all of them rich and "educated." "The radical responses came from people who had graduate degrees (not just graduate studies), family incomes above $150,000 a year, and lived in large cities (more than 10,000 people per zip code)," writes Newt Gingrich for Real Clear Wire. "When Rasmussen aggregated the responses from more than 20 surveys, he realized these people made up a unique elite 1 percent." (Related: Be sure to check out these five bizarre traits of modern leftism to learn more about the derangement of left-wing elitists.) Rich elitists love Biden To probe the matter further, Rasmussen and his team concocted a survey specifically designed to root out more of these radicals, asking respondents to rate President Biden's performance. While generally speaking Biden holds around a 41 percent approval rating, the aforementioned rich, elitist one-percenters gave Biden an 82 percent approval rating. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Learn about our free, downloadable AI tools on nutrition, health and preparedness at this article link. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Many of these wealthy one-percenters are surprisingly young, with 67 percent being between 35 and 54 years old. Eighty-six percent of them have fair skin and are classified as "white." Nearly half of this group, around 47 percent, favors "Sanders-like policies," meaning the democratic socialism platform of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. And, as you might expect, around three in four from this rich elitist group are registered Democrats. Another thing these rich elitists seem to abhor is freedom. While 57 percent of America in general now agrees that there is no longer enough individual freedom afforded to Americans, nearly half, or 47 percent, of rich elitists say there is too much freedom, and that individual liberty must be scaled back dramatically. "If you ask the section of the group that is politically obsessed (people who talk politics every day), 69 percent say there is too much individual freedom in America," Gingrich notes. "Given this, it's not surprising that the elite 1 percent have great faith in government. Some 70 percent trust government to do the right thing most of the time." Perhaps the most disturbing finding in Rasmussen's investigatory survey pertains to free and fair elections. A shocking 35 percent of rich elitists, and 69 percent of politically obsessed rich elitists, admitted that they would rather cheat than lose an election. "Among average Americans, 93 percent reject cheating and accept defeat in an honest election," Gingrich further notes. "Only seven percent reported they would cheat." "While only six percent of most voters have a very favorable opinion of members of Congress, 69 percent of the elite 1 percent have a very favorable view (this is almost unimaginable). While 10 percent of all voters have a favorable view of journalists, the elite 1 percent really like them (71 percent favorable). While 17 percent of all voters have a favorable view of college professors, the elite 1 percent just love them (76 percent). This tracks, because many of the elite one percent may be college professors." It will not be long now before America as we currently know it will cease to be. Find out more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: RealClearWire.com NaturalNews.com KYODO NEWS - Feb 17, 2024 - 16:05 | All, World A New York court on Friday ordered former U.S. President Donald Trump and other defendants to pay $354.8 million in total in a civil fraud case involving the conglomerate led by Trump Organization Inc. The ruling for the enormous sum was handed down after Trump, the front-runner in the Republican Party's presidential nomination race, was ordered last month to pay $83.3 million in damages to writer Jean Carroll over defamatory comments he made when he was in office. New York state attorney general Letitia James, who filed the civil fraud lawsuit, accused the conglomerate of having falsely taken out loans by padding the value of its assets from 2011 to 2021. James demanded the defendants pay back $370 million to the lenders. The Trump side denied the claim. Justice Arthur Engoron said in Friday's ruling that the court "finds that defendants are likely to continue their fraudulent ways unless the court grants significant injunctive relief." Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House through the presidential election in November, sharply reacted to the ruling, saying on his social media platform, "This election interference and tyrannical abuse of power by a crooked judge and crooked attorney general cannot be tolerated." Related coverage: Trump told to pay $83 million in damages for defaming columnist Trump wins again in race for U.S. Republican presidential nomination FOCUS: Some hints on Trump's popularity collected in Iowa Forced prison labor is supplying renowned U.S. food giants with millions of dollars worth of agricultural products According to a sweeping two-year Associated Press (AP) investigation on a former southern slave plantation that is now the country's largest maximum-security prison, prisoner labor has been tied to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of agricultural products sold on the open market. Coming out of Louisiana State Penitentiary are unmarked trucks packed with cattle. AP report indicated that prisoners here are sentenced to hard labor and forced to work, for pennies an hour or sometimes nothing at all. After rumbling down a country road to an auction house, the cows are bought by a local rancher. The news outlet followed another 600 miles to a Texas slaughterhouse that feeds into the supply chains of giants like McDonald's, Walmart and Cargill. The damning report further indicated that if the vulnerable prisoners refuse to work, it may jeopardize their chances to get parole. Worse, they are punished by being sent to solitary confinement. The probe also found that they get excluded from protections guaranteed to almost all other full-time workers, even when they are seriously injured or killed on the job. Meanwhile, the end products that the jail men produce go to supply chains to leading groceries and supermarkets, including Kroger, Target, Aldi and Whole Foods. Some goods are even exported to countries that have had products blocked from entering the U.S. for using forced or prison labor. AP argued that the companies purchasing this supply from prisons are violating their policies against the use of forced free labor. But it may be completely legal. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Learn about our free, downloadable AI tools on nutrition, health and preparedness at this article link. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Enshrined in the Constitution by the 13th Amendment, slavery and involuntary servitude are banned except as punishment for a crime. That clause is currently being challenged on the federal level, and efforts to remove similar language from state constitutions are expected to reach the ballot in about a dozen states this year. Moreover, AP analyzed data from correctional facilities nationwide which traced nearly $200 million worth of sales of farmed goods and livestock to businesses over the past six years. The news organization believes this is a conservative figure that does not include tens of millions more in sales to state and government entities. Much of the data provided was incomplete, though it was clear that the biggest revenues came from sprawling operations in the South and leasing out prisoners to companies. To some critics, labor inside the penitentiary may be continued but the incarcerated people should at least be paid fairly and treated humanely and all work should be voluntary. "They are largely uncompensated, they are being forced to work, and it's unsafe. They also aren't learning skills that will help them when they are released," law professor Andrea Armstrong said. "It raises the question of why we are still forcing people to work in the fields." (Related: The corporations that are so concerned about slavery and social justice still rely on forced slave labor to make their profits.) Prison laborers routinely hurt, abused and even killed AP perused through thousands of documents and spoke with over 80 incarcerated people, including men and women currently and formerly convicted of crimes that ranged from murder to shoplifting, writing bad checks, theft or other illegal acts linked to drug use. They found people who were hurt or maimed on the job as well as women who were sexually harassed or abused by their civilian supervisors or correctional officers. The AP probers examined dozens of cases that managed to make their way into the court system although its often nearly impossible for them to file cases. AP also spoke to family members of prisoners who were killed, including Frank Dwayne Ellington. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after stealing a mans wallet at gunpoint. In 2017, Ellington, then 33, was cleaning a machine near the chicken "kill line" in Ashland, Alabama at Koch Foods when its whirling teeth caught his arm and sucked him inside, crushing his skull. He died instantly. Koch Foods at first argued Ellington wasn't technically an employee and later said his family should be barred from filing for wrongful death because the company had paid his funeral expenses. The case eventually was settled under undisclosed terms after a year-long legal battle. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company $19,500, saying workers had not been given proper training and that its machines had inadequate safety guards. "It's somebody's child, it's somebody's dad, it's somebody's uncle, it's somebody's family," said Alishia Powell-Clark, the victim's mother. "Yes, they did wrong, but they are paying for it." Visit Enslaved.news for more on modern-day slavery. Watch the video below that talks about the history of forced labor and human rights abuses in China. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: COMMIE PLANTATIONS: China enslaves ethnic minorities in cotton-picking programs, prompting some American companies to stop sourcing cotton from China. At least 7 Apple suppliers are using slave labor in China, report reveals, WE'RE ALL SLAVES: China's Uyghur forced labor slaves are making the face masks worn by Americans. The corporations that are so concerned about slavery and social justice still rely on forced slave labor to make their profits. Sources include: BlacklistedNews.com APNews.com Brighteon.com Hawaii court just declared that its Aloha Spirit places it above the United States Supreme Court Our judicial system is starting to look more like a circus than a hall of justice. Activist judges are making courtrooms their own personal stage for progressive agendas by putting social issues over the law. And the latest act from Hawaii is the grand finale of this madness. The states highest court seems to think its got the authority to trump the United States Supreme Court, all thanks to HBO and its unique spirit. And honestly, this might not even surprise you at this point, given how the left has turned our sacred institutions into weapons against everyday folks. (Article republished from Revolver.news) Apparently, the United States Constitution doesnt have that Aloha Spirit either. "We read those words differently than the current United States Supreme Court. We hold that in Hawai?i there is no state constitutional right to carry a firearm in public." This is wild. A court in Hawaii has now declared itself to be above the United States Supreme Court. https://t.co/uiBJcvKjuu Hans Mahncke (@HansMahncke) February 7, 2024 Heres a closeup of the images: The Reload: The Aloha States highest court upheld a mans gun-carry conviction on Wednesday after rejecting landmark decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). Hawaiis Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision that found charges leveled against Christopher Wilson for carrying a gun without a permit violated his rights. Instead, the court ruled its state constitution provides no gun-rights protections whatsoever. Thats despite it including a provision protecting the right of the people to keep and bear arms identical to the one in the federal Constitution. Article I, section 17 of the Hawai?i Constitution mirrors the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Hawaiian court wrote in Hawaii v. Wilson. We read those words differently than the current United States Supreme Court. We hold that in Hawai?i there is no state constitutional right to carry a firearm in public. The ruling directly contrasts with the core holdings at the center of SCOTUSs gun rights precedents. The state supreme courts ruling explicitly rejects the federal supreme courts findings in 2008s District of Columbia v. Heller and 2022s New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. The lower courts straightforward rejection of the higher courts Second Amendment jurisprudence could provoke SCOTUS to take up the case and issue a rebuke, as it did when the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled protections dont extend to modern weapons in 2016s Caetano. There seems to us no doubt, on the basis of both text and history, that the Second Amendment conferred an individual right to keep and bear arms, the majority wrote in Heller. Similarly, in Bruen, SCOTUS ruled the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect an individuals right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home. SCOTUS also outlined a history-based test for whether gun laws are compatible with the protections offered by the Second Amendment. [W]e hold that when the Second Amendments plain text covers an individuals conduct, the Constitution presumptively protects that conduct, the majority wrote in Bruen. To justify its regulation, the government may not simply posit that the regulation promotes an important interest. Rather, the government must demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with this Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. Only if a firearm regulation is consistent with this Nations historical tradition may a court conclude that the individuals conduct falls outside the Second Amendments unqualified command. In its 53-page decision in State V. Wilson, the Hawaii super court says Aloha Spirit is a valid reason to ban arms.https://t.co/z0g95DGGjypic.twitter.com/iFBfcSvlzi hawaii firearms coalition (@hificoorg) February 8, 2024 And just in case things didnt sound crazy enough for you, the Hawaii judges are using HBOs The Wire as a precedent. The Reload piece goes on: The Hawaiian judges argued that standard should be tossed out, citing a line from an HBO drama. As the world turns, it makes no sense for contemporary society to pledge allegiance to the founding eras culture, realities, laws, and understanding of the Constitution. The thing about the old days, they the old days. The Wire: Home Rooms (HBO television broadcast Sept. 24, 2006) (Season Four, Episode Three). Instead of American history, the Hawaii court looked at the islands pre-American history for guidance on the protections provided by its state constitution. We reject Wilsons constitutional challenges, the court wrote. Conventional interpretive modalities and Hawai?is historical tradition of firearm regulation rule out an individual right to keep and bear arms under the Hawai?i Constitution. The judges concluded Hawaiis unique spirit overrode SCOTUSs view that its citizens are entitled to gun rights. If Hawaiians are on board with this stance, perhaps theyre also ready to forego federal funding. Beyond the Trump Derangement Syndrome turning once sensible judges and other so-called experts into outright lunatics, the COVID lockdowns and vaccine mandates have also emboldened radical lawmakers and judges with a sense of impunity. They know they are above the law, and nothing will ever happen to them, so everything is on the table, even dismissing the US Supreme Court and the Constitution. Read more at: Revolver.news Houston PD criticized for agonizing over church shooters correct pronouns (Article by Paul Joseph Watson republished from Modernity.news) Authorities identified the shooter as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, who previously used the name Jeffrey Escalante Moreno. Moreno, who it was initially suspected could have been transgender, was accompanied by a 7-year-old child for whom she was the biological mother. The child and another 57-year-old man were the only people injured in the shooting, which was quickly stopped by armed off-duty police officers who killed the suspect. During a press conference, Houston PD announced, Shed utilized both male and female names, but through all of our investigation to this point, talking with individuals, interviews, documents, Houston Police Department reports she has been identified this entire time as female she her and so we are identifying her as Genesse Moreno hispanic female. Elon Musk responded, accusing the police of having Seriously messed up priorities. Seriously messed up priorities Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 12, 2024 Moreno, originally from El Salvador, also reportedly had written the words Free Palestine on her AR-15, although authorities later clarified that the word just said Palestine. The shooter, who had a long criminal record, entered the church wearing a long rifle, a backpack and a trench coat. Antisemitic writings were also found inside the vehicle Moreno drove to the church. The child was shot in the head during the incident and is not expected to survive. Despite charges of assault, weapons, marijuana possession, forgery charges stretching back to 2005 and a history of schizophrenia and mental illness, as well as harming her own child twice, Moreno was able to legally purchase the AR-15. Some respondents on X also questioned why Morenos race was also apparently recorded as being white. Race: white All of our crime stats are fraudulent. https://t.co/G2Ld5JU2aW pic.twitter.com/r8gRDmXebS John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) February 12, 2024 Read more at: Modernity.news Iran tests ballistic missiles as part of war drills designed to prepare for potential strikes on Israeli military facilities Iran executed advanced ballistic missile tests on Tuesday, Feb. 13, as part of extensive war drills designed to prepare for potential strikes on Israeli military facilities housing American-made F-35 fighter jets, according to reports from Iran's state-controlled media. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), responsible for recent strikes in the Middle East, engaged in a simulation where they used enhanced versions of Emad and Qadr ballistic missiles to destroy hangars holding Israeli F-35s. The chosen target was a mock-up of the Palmachim Airbase near Tel Aviv. Iran claimed that its ballistic missiles have a range of more than 1,000 miles, enabling them to strike deep into Israeli territory. The timing of these missile tests coincides with Iranian proxies carrying out deadly operations against U.S. and Israeli forces in various regions, including Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. (Related: Iran declares RED LINE: If U.S. strikes Iranian soil over three soldier deaths, Iran will strike numerous American targets throughout Middle East.) A recent attack by the Houthi militant group in late January, resulting in the death of three American military members, triggered retaliatory actions by the United States. The potential threat of an attack on Israel's F-35s adds a significant layer of tension amid ongoing conflicts with groups like Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the House Intelligence Committee revealed that it had examined classified materials concerning a "serious national security threat." While specific details were not disclosed, the committee called on President Joe Biden to declassify the information for open discussion. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Learn about our free, downloadable AI tools on nutrition, health and preparedness at this article link. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Adding to the complexities, a massive explosion occurred at an Iranian gas line on Tuesday, raising concerns about potential Israeli involvement. Iran promptly labeled it a "terrorist act of sabotage," heightening tensions in the region. Simultaneously, Iran's foreign minister held a meeting with senior leaders of the Hamas terror group during a visit to Qatar. This gathering signals Iran's ongoing support for Hamas, particularly as it continues its conflict with Israel following the October 7 attack that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives. Iran closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon Meanwhile, Iran claimed that it has successfully launched a long-range ballistic missile from a warship. Hossein Salami, the commander of IRGC, issued a thinly veiled threat to the U.S. and its allies, suggesting that Iran's "ocean-liners" equipped with long-range missiles could reach any target, thereby challenging the perceived safety of those threatening Iran's security. While videos released by Tasnim News depicted the missile launch from a vessel, the specific type of missile used remains unverified. If confirmed, this move would represent a departure from Iran's historically defensive military posture. Despite the lack of visual evidence of the test, Salami's statements indicate active efforts by the IRGC to explore the deployment of ships as platforms for launching long-range missiles. In recent years, Iran has shifted from a relatively subdued regional power to one consistently flexing its military muscles, possibly due to a perception that it would face minimal resistance. Despite numerous attacks by Iranian proxies on U.S. forces, President Biden has consistently signaled a reluctance to engage in conflict with Iran. However, this cautious approach has faced criticism, with some arguing that it has emboldened Iran to pursue a more aggressive agenda. Beyond the unverified missile launch, a growing and more significant concern is Iran's nuclear program. Ali-Akbar Salehi, the former head of Atomic Energy Organizations, hinted at Iran being closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon. Salehi's acknowledgment of surpassing thresholds in nuclear science and technology raises questions about the peaceful intentions of Iran's nuclear endeavors. Critics argue that the Biden administration's attempts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have not deterred Iran's provocative behavior. There are increasing concerns about the possibility of Iran testing nuclear weapons soon, presenting a complex and urgent challenge in the region. Watch this report about Iran possibly striking U.S. cities from a ship off the coast with nuclear cruise missiles. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Iran, Russia finalize deal for purchase of advanced military aircraft. Iran denies involvement in deadly attack on U.S. military base in Jordan. Iran just proved it can hit Israel with "Kheibar Shekan" ballistic missiles. Sources include: FreeBeacon.com IranIntl.com Brighteon.com Jeffrey Epsteins suicide likely a cover-up, internal prison files show Newly uncovered internal documents from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons suggest that pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's alleged "suicide" may not have been what we were all told it was. Apparently, prison officials colluded with one another to blame the sex predator financier for his own death before an official autopsy had even been performed. In other words, "suicide" was more cover story than fact. The Grayzone filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking more information about whether Epstein's alleged first suicide attempt on July 23, 2019, really happened. The media outlet found that the Bureau did, in fact, distort the nature of what happened prior to an autopsy. "This meant the narrative of suicide was pushed on the public to the exclusion of all other explanations before basic facts were ascertained," The Grayzone explains. (Related: Among his many other sexual crimes against minors, Epstein reportedly exploited a teenage girl to "obtain blackmail information" on "prominent American politicians.") Was Epstein murdered (or maybe he's hiding out in Israel)? All of this is coming back into the news cycle after previously sealed court documents pertaining to Epstein were released in early January. Those documents sparked fresh interest in the Epstein case, the full web of which is still being investigated. Establishment "journalists" have shown pretty much zero interest in any of these latest revelations, demonstrating that their allegiances are not to truth and fact. In fact, many of them are claiming that the revelations are "fake" as they provide cover for the Epstein scandal. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Epstein's official cause of death is listed as suicide by hanging. A medical examiner ruled that Epstein likely took his own life on Aug. 10, 2019, a claim that just 16 percent of America believes is actually true. Keep in mind that Epstein's own legal team declared that, based on available evidence at the time, the pedophile's death is "far more consistent" with murder than with suicide. Dr. Michael Baden, a leading forensic pathologist who is said to have monitored Epstein's autopsy, also claimed that his findings "did not support suicide." There were broken bones in Epstein's neck that are "more common in victims of homicide by strangulation," other reports state. Three weeks prior to his death, Epstein was reportedly found injured and semi-conscious in his cell with unknown marks on his neck, this according to an official inquiry from the Department of Justice Inspector General. Epstein said at the time that he knew nothing about the incident, and his cellmate, former New York police officer Nicholas Tartaglione, pleaded ignorance. Just minutes after Epstein was reportedly discovered by prison guards, prison officials formally logged his attempted suicide as being from "hanging/asphyxiation." Further details, including who made this claim, are redacted from the report. The following day, Epstein was removed from suicide watch and charged with violating prison code 228, which addresses "tattooing or self-mutilation." Why this occurred remains unknown, but we do know that at least one prison official openly pondered whether Epstein was "mentally capable of proceeding with the disciplinary action." Another prison official said about the disciplinary hearing that he "would feel really uncomfortable doing this," whatever "this" entailed. A few days later, the official incident report for Epstein was updated to include "self-mutilation" as the alleged cause of his failed suicide, citing indeterminate "lacerations," this despite attending prison doctors never mentioning any lacerations. Not long after that, Epstein's "self-mutilation" was "expunged" from official records, with a prison representative admitting that it was "unclear why it had been expunged and whether Mr. Epstein knew this." The latest news about the Jeffrey Epstein rabbit hole can be found at Epstein.news. Sources for this article include: TheGrayzone.com NaturalNews.com Unhinged liberals want Tucker Carlson to face criminal charges over his journalistic interview with Vladimir Putin Liberals are melting down after Tucker Carlson aired an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for the journalist to be charged with treason or the Espionage Act. Carlsons groundbreaking two-hour interview marks the first time Putin has agreed to sit down with an American journalist since the beginning of the conflict with Ukraine two years ago. Carlson has bravely spoken out against the Biden administration over its support for Ukraine. He explained that he wanted to conduct the interview because Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they are implicated in. The U.S. has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including financial, military and humanitarian support, at a time when investments in national security and domestic concerns, such as border security, are sorely needed. The interview, which can be seen on Brighteon, aired on Thursday, and Tucker has encouraged people to share it out of concern that some platforms may remove it. Critics call for sanctions and charges Critics, who have long accused Carlson of supporting Russia, started calling for him to be prosecuted under the Espionage Act before the interview even aired. In a video posted to X, lawyer Ian Corzine said that although the interview might have technically been legal, he believes Carlson could have some big problems ahead given what he described as the super broad language of the Espionage Act, which bars Americans from spying on behalf of other countries. However, he believes that the constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press would also come into play. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. "Does Tucker Carlson have an intent to harm the U.S.? This is where the Espionage Act case against Tucker gets weaker, and it gets even more weak when you consider that the U.S. government is duty bound to follow the dictates of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and the U.S. Supreme Court has done everything it can to protect this provision and journalists." He said that we cant rule out the possibility that he might be prosecuted at some point in the future on bogus charges. The White House cant be happy that Putin was willing to say in the interview what they seem to be trying and failing to hide: Biden is not really in charge right now. "We're convinced he is not running the country," Putin said. "Let's say we have good sources that confirm that, but it's plain for anyone to see for themselves. The U.S. has now entered a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership." Coverage of the interview in the mainstream media has been largely unfavorable, with the press questioning Tucker's knowledge of history. They also complain that he let Putin do all the talking an absurd criticism considering Putin was the subject of the interview. Hillary Clinton even called him a useful idiot. Carlson was said to be the subject of calls for sanctions in Europe, with reports quoting members of the European Parliament calling for EU sanctions against him. However, a spokesperson said that while the relevant EU bodies are not discussing sanctions, they can theoretically sanction propagandists who manipulate information to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and to promote the illegal and brutal aggression by Putin. Although discussions may not be underway at the moment, member countries could still propose sanctions, but they would need evidence and a unanimous decision among the 27 EU member nations. Kremlin says Carlson is not pro-Russian A Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has said that they do not believe Carlson is pro-Russian but acknowledged that he takes a different stance toward the conflict than many other journalists. He said: "His position is different from the others. It is in no way pro-Russian, it is not pro-Ukrainian, it is pro-American, but at least it contrasts with the position of the traditional Anglo-Saxon media." Carlson has also requested an interview with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, but it appears his bid has been unsuccessful. It is worth noting, however, that no one seemed to have a problem when CNN interviewed Putin in the past. It is clear that unhinged liberals want nothing more than to see Carlsons downfall. Their zealous pursuit of Carlson and desperation to find some reason he should face charges only makes them look worse. Why are they panicking so much? Are they worried that the truth about the Ukraine war will be exposed? Carlson maintains that we have a right to hear what Putin has to say and decide for ourselves, but we all know how threatened the Democratic party feels by free thinkers. Its not surprising at all that they dont want the type of national debate about Ukraine that this interview could inspire. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com Newsweek.com CFR.org Hamas rape hoax: NYTs Jeffrey Gettleman says its not his role to provide evidence of Hamas rapes Jeffrey Gettleman, the main author of the New York Times' debunked propaganda piece claiming Hamas committed mass rape on October 7 , now says he doesn't want to describe the "evidence" he gathered as "evidence" because it's not his "role" to actually prove any such rapes took place. (Article by Chris Menahan republished from InformationLiberation.com) Instead, Gettleman claims his "role" is simply to "present information" and "give people a voice" (even if those people are proven liars with an agenda). And what we found I don't want to even use the word evidence because evidence is almost like the legal term that suggests you're trying to prove an allegation or prove a case in court. @nytimes journo @gettleman describing his reporting in, Screams Without Words, as not pic.twitter.com/XlEfxYd7mW Dawn Clancy (@dawnmclancy) February 9, 2024 "I worked with two other colleagues and we interviewed almost 200 people over the course of two months," Gettleman said, "and what we found -- I don't want to even use the word evidence because evidence is almost like a legal term that suggests you're trying to prove an allegation or prove a case in court." "That's not my role," he continued. "We all have our roles and my role is to document, is to present information, is to give people a voice." "Jeffrey Gettleman, the NYT correspondent who claimed with absolute confidence to have proven that Hamas employed 'systematic sexual violence' on October 7, now says, 'it's not my role' to provide evidence for the claims he published," The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal commented on X. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. "First time I've heard a self-styled journalist attempt to minimize the importance of evidence, but understandable given the NYT already canceled a podcast episode about Gettleman's discredited article under internal pressure." Jeffrey Gettleman, the NYT correspondent who claimed with absolute confidence to have proven that Hamas employed "systematic sexual violence" on October 7, now says, "it's not my role" to provide evidence for the claims he published First time I've heard a self-styled journalist https://t.co/9QPQ6IdZnF Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) February 9, 2024 "LOL. NYT's @gettleman, who weaponized sexual violence to baselessly accuse Hamas of weaponizing sexual violence, goes out of his way to stress that his reporting is not 'evidence,'" Aaron Mate said. "Correct you fraudster, it's pro-genocide propaganda." LOL. NYT's @gettleman, who weaponized sexual violence to baselessly accuse Hamas of weaponizing sexual violence, goes out of his way to stress that his reporting is not "evidence." Correct you fraudster, it's pro-genocide propaganda. https://t.co/BYFjC7TdbD Aaron Mate (@aaronjmate) February 9, 2024 During his talk, Gettleman didn't provide any new evidence but he did bring up the Holocaust to try and bolster his case. "This was the biggest slaughter of Jewish people since the Holocaust," Gettleman said for dramatic effect. "Israel is a country of 12 million people and they lost 1,200 people that day. It was overwhelming to the country. Everybody in Israel knows somebody who was victimized." The genocide of civilians in Gaza over the past four months dwarfs what happened in Israel but Gettleman made no attempt to dramatize their slaughter. Instead, he said it is "not my job" to "get involved in a very intractable, difficult, emotional, long standing conflict in the Middle East." His propaganda piece in The Times was used by Israel to justify the atrocities they're inflicting on the Palestinians. Gettleman's lies to justify Israel's war were a repeat of Judith Miller and The Times' WMD hoax that lied America into the war in Iraq on behalf of Israel. You can watch Gettleman's full comments below: [Embed starts at 1:59:10.] Read more at: InformationLiberation.com IMF says SEIZURE of frozen Russian assets must have sufficient legal support Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has stressed that any action that may be taken to gain access to Russia's frozen deposits must have " sufficient legal support ." In an insightful interview with Foreign Policy magazine published on Monday, Gopinath highlighted the complexities surrounding the situation. The United States and the European Union have collectively blocked an estimated $300 billion in assets linked to the Russian central bank since the commencement of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. A substantial portion of these frozen assets, amounting to 196.6 billion ($211.5 billion), is currently held by the Belgium-based clearinghouse Euroclear. Interestingly, Euroclear accrued nearly 4.4 billion ($4.74 billion) in interest on these funds last year, adding a layer of financial intricacy to the geopolitical landscape. Recent developments indicate that the European Council has taken steps toward the potential seizure of the interest income generated from these frozen assets. (Related: Russia vows to respond in kind if West seizes its frozen assets.) Concurrently, the U.S. State Department has disclosed ongoing discussions with allies and G7 partners on strategies for accessing the Russian assets, underscoring the international dimension of the matter. Gopinath emphasized that the decision on how to handle Russia's frozen assets ultimately lies with the countries holding them and the negotiations taking place among these nations. Additionally, she stated that IMF analysts would rigorously evaluate the repercussions of any decisions made, both on the fund's member countries and the broader global economy, should such actions be implemented. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Learn about our free, non-commercial AI / LLM project here. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. While refraining from passing judgment on the effectiveness of Western sanctions imposed on Russia, Gopinath acknowledged a noteworthy aspect: Russia's ability to export significant quantities of oil despite price constraints, resulting in substantial earnings from exports. $300B Russia assets frozen by the West Following President Vladimir Putin's deployment of troops into Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and its allies imposed sanctions, prohibiting transactions with Russia's central bank and finance ministry. This move resulted in the blocking of approximately $300 billion of sovereign Russian assets in Western countries. The Financial Times reported that the U.S. has suggested the formation of working groups within the Group of Seven (G7) to explore strategies for seizing these frozen assets. The assets in question, largely comprised of the Russian central bank's gold and foreign exchange reserves, were held in liquid forms such as major currencies, gold and government bonds, with around half of these reserves situated in the West. Central Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina faced criticism for allowing a substantial portion of the bank's reserves to be frozen. The frozen Russian assets encompassed the euro, U.S. dollar, British pound, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc holdings, primarily invested in foreign securities, bank deposits and nostro correspondent accounts. Although the detailed breakdown of the frozen assets was not provided by the Russian central bank, documents from early 2022 revealed the composition of its holdings. The largest bond holdings included sovereign bonds from China, Germany, France, Britain, Austria and Canada. Notably, Russia's gold reserves remained within the country, and investments in yuan were held in China. The assets were not concealed through complex structures, making identification straightforward, as most were frozen at depositaries. Russian officials have staunchly opposed any state confiscation of assets, emphasizing the principles of free markets and the protection of private property. There are warnings that such actions could lead to reciprocal measures, affecting foreign investors' assets in Russia, particularly those held in special "C" accounts. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov mentioned significant funds in these accounts, potentially comparable to the $300 billion of Russian reserves frozen in the West. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that Russia would challenge any confiscation in courts, emphasizing immediate response if faced with such actions. Read more stories like this at RussiaReport.news. Watch this video discussing the Biden administration's plan to steal Russia's frozen assets. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Spain's idea to help Ukraine using SEIZED profits from frozen Russian assets deemed unviable. U.S. lawmakers introduce bill that allows government to STEAL Russian assets and give them to Ukraine. U.S., Europe explore possibility of seizing frozen Russian assets and giving them to Ukraine as American funding dries up. Sources include: RT.com USNews.com Brighteon.com U.S. granted the UN $1.3 billion in 2023 to aid illegals invading America United States taxpayers are being milked of money that the United Nations (UN) and other agencies are spending to aid illegals in crossing the U.S. borders . Based on available government spending data, more than $1 billion in funding from the government has been granted to agencies assisting migrants. "We are actually funding our own border crisis," Todd Bensman, a senior national security fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, an anti-mass migration think tank. "And it's provided by, ultimately, the United States taxpayer." Before President Joe Biden's term as president, America shelled out around $500 million per year to the UN's main migration arm, the International Organization for Migration (IOM). But beginning in the Biden administration, the funding skyrocketed to nearly $1.3 billion in 2023. This amount is more than double what it had been under former President Donald Trump's administration, as per USASpending.gov. As per government spending data, most of the money comes from the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). A total of $547 million over two years ending in 2023 has also been voluntarily contributed to IOM from the Population, Refugees and Migration, which is under the State Department. Moreover, the UN's "Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan" update for 2024 is requesting $1.6 billion to be distributed to 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries. It is also receiving U.S. grants and has been allocated $372 million in cash and vouchers and "multipurpose cash assistance" during 2024 for 624,300 migrants in Central and South America who are headed for the U.S. border. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Learn about our free, downloadable AI tools on nutrition, health and preparedness at this article link. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Migrants also directly receive cash, or what the UN emergency manual calls "cash in envelopes," and they know that the U.S. border is wide open. According to the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, there had been 6.2 million encounters at the southern border, in addition to 1.7 million known gotaways since Biden took office. "They say, 'Well, you know, we're coming now because Biden's letting us in,'" Bensman said. Bensman, who has been at the forefront of investigating the causes of the migrant surge, found that 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 noted long lines of migrants waiting to receive the cards. (Related: Speaker Johnson reveals 64 instances Biden where sabotaged border security and encouraged illegal migration.) Republicans propose bill to defund UN's illegal immigration operations Even sanctuary city mayors have been crying for help and admitting that their local government funding and services are at breaking points due to the worsening migrant crisis at the United States border. Because of this, the GOP lawmakers took the liberty to reintroduce legislation that would eliminate UN migrant funding. H.R. 6166, the "Tax Dollars for the UN's Immigration Invasion Act," would prohibit contributions to the IOM and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Moreover, the said bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an audit of all federal funding previously appropriated to UN agencies that have financed the migrant crisis to force repayment of that funding to the U.S. Treasury. UN agencies are "financing the ongoing U.S. border crisis," Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) 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 UN and Davos actively finance an invasion of our sovereign territory. It's 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." Visit InvasionUSA.news for more stories on how the current United States government is pushing for weak border policies for illegal immigrants. Watch the video below that talks about Democrats' open border policies that caused the explosion of illegal immigration. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden's economic record tied to illegal migrant employment surge, says report. Liberal mayors beg for help as migrant crisis spirals out of control, even in "sanctuary" cities. Sanctuary city mayors admit being at the breaking point with migrant crisis, but they blame Texas Gov. Abbott instead of Biden's open borders. Illegal migrants camp at U.S. airports; MA Governor Healey pleads for Washington and Congress to act on the crisis. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com USASpending.gov EmergencyManual.IOM.int Brighteon.com Weather experts said that a storm is seen to bring cold air and snow over the northeastern portion of the United States. They said that following a wintry weekend with cold air and some snow, temperatures are seen to trend upward into the middle of next week across the Northeast. However, a new storm is seen to affect the area. Meteorologists said that they would monitor the progress of the winter storm that could bring snow as well as a wintry mix. Lake-Effect Snow From Great Lakes The National Weather Service (NWS) said that an upper-level energy moving over the Great Lakes into the Northeast would produce lake-effect snow downwind from the Great Lakes, with the heaviest amounts over the eastern upper portion of Michigan and northwestern lower portion of Michigan. On the other hand, other areas of heavier snow will be downwind from Lakes Erie and Ontario while the snow will continue through Sunday. The snow will also result in reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, upper-level energy over the Northern Rockies will aid in creating snow over parts of the Great Basin and the Central Rockies through early Saturday morning. Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, snow will develop over parts of the Central and Southern High Plains, which is forecasted to end by Saturday evening. The snow will result in reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions. On the other hand, a front off-shore from the West Coast will move onshore and dissipate by Saturday evening. The upper-level energy associated with the dying front moves over the Pacific Northwest, which will produce rain and higher-elevation snow from early Saturday morning through Sunday. Snow will also develop overnight Saturday into Sunday over parts of the Northern Intermountain Region. In addition to this weather condition, it was also predicted on Saturday that rain and higher-elevation snow will develop over parts of Northern and Central California. Read Also: Washington, Philadelphia Weather Forecast: New Brewing Storm Likely This Week Heavy Rains In California Further, a plume of moisture will stream into California on Saturday, producing areas of heavy rain. Due to this weather condition, the Weather Prediction Center has issued a slight risk of excessive rainfall over parts of Northern California from Saturday into Sunday morning. The associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash floods, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and burn scars the most vulnerable. On Sunday, the plume of moisture will move over Southern California, producing heavy rain from Northern California to Southern California. With that, the Weather Prediction Center has issued a slight risk of excessive rainfall over parts of Northern California to Southern California on Sunday. The associated heavy rain will create mainly localized areas of flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and burn scars the most vulnerable. A wave of low pressure over the Ohio Valley is expected to move northeastward off the Mid-Atlantic Coast by Saturday morning. The system will create snow over the Middle Mississippi Valley/Ohio Valley and heavy snow over parts of the Central Appalachians and northern Mid-Atlantic from Friday evening into Saturday morning. The snow will result in reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions. The snow will also linger over parts of the Central Appalachians/northern Mid-Atlantic through Saturday evening. Related Article: New York Valentine's Day Weather: Chilly Conditions to Continue This Week With Gusty Winds KYODO NEWS - Feb 17, 2024 - 23:08 | All, Japan, World Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki on Saturday to seek his understanding over the transfer of a key U.S. military base within the island prefecture. The meeting came over a month after the central government started construction work on a part of the new base for relocation, following its unprecedented decision to override the local authority's objection to the project. Kihara stressed the need to strengthen defense capabilities in the country's southwestern region, where Okinawa is located, although Tamaki responded by saying he hoped the central government would "accept the wishes of the prefecture's residents" and stop the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the coastal Henoko area. But Kihara said that "considering the deterrence capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and the dangers posed by the Futenma base, relocation is the only solution. We will proceed steadily," pressing ahead with the government's policy to transfer the air station from a crowded residential district in Ginowan to the less populated Henoko. The defense minister added that strengthening Japan's defense capabilities "will enhance deterrence and lead to the safety of all Japanese citizens, including those of Okinawa Prefecture." During the meeting, Tamaki also handed a written request to Kihara stating Okinawa's opposition to the deployment within the prefecture of long-range missiles for counterattack use with the ability to strike enemy bases in foreign territories. The central government began reinforcing soft ground at the site on Jan. 10 in waters on the Oura Bay side of the Henoko area in Nago after approving a modified landfill plan in lieu of the local government in an unprecedented move. Kihara had inspected the site via helicopter earlier Saturday and later met in the prefectural capital of Naha with mayors of local municipalities living alongside U.S. military bases or Self-Defense Forces facilities. Kihara met with Tamaki last month in Tokyo in their first meeting since he assumed his post as defense minister in September. During those talks, Kihara expressed his desire to hear the opinions of local residents. The central government and Okinawa have long been at odds over relocating the Futenma base within the prefecture after the transfer plan was agreed upon between Japan and the United States in 1996. The Japanese government selected Henoko as the new site in 1999. As part of the construction work, it plans to reclaim land off Henoko and build two runways laid out in a V-shape. Landfill work in the southern part of the Henoko coastal area started in 2018 and has been completed. Related coverage: U.S. base transfer work in Okinawa begins after state OKs by proxy Japan gov't overrides Okinawa objection to U.S. base transfer work Okinawa appeals high court ruling over key U.S. base relocation Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. KYODO NEWS - Feb 17, 2024 - 18:42 | All, Japan Japan successfully launched its new H3 rocket at a space center on a southwestern island Saturday, nearly a year after a failed attempt cast doubt over the country's aspirations in the space industry. The H3 rocket No. 2 entered its planned orbit and deployed a dummy satellite and two functioning microsatellites, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said. It lifted off at 9:22 a.m. from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The H3 launch vehicle, expected to be a successor to Japan's current mainstay H2A rocket, will likely be used to deliver supplies and materials to the International Space Station and the Gateway, a lunar-orbiting outpost planned under the U.S.-led Artemis space program. "The H3 finally gave its first cry. The launch was a perfect success," JAXA project manager Masashi Okada told a press conference. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hailed the successful launch of the domestically produced rocket, saying on his X account, "I would like to express my respect for the efforts of everyone involved over the years, and hope that Japan's flagship rockets will continue to steadily accumulate achievements." In the latest launch, JAXA aimed to confirm the rocket's capacity to control its positioning and deploy satellites. The dummy satellite matches the weight and balance of the one on the H3 rocket No. 1, which in March last year was ordered to self-destruct minutes after launch due to its second-stage engine failing to ignite. The failure followed a string of delays in the rocket's development. The No. 2 rocket has an improved ignition system. JAXA confirmed its second-stage engine ignited properly about five minutes after liftoff. The H3 was developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to serve as Japan's next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. The development has cost some 220 billion yen ($1.46 billion). The failed launch last year led to calls for an overhaul of the country's space strategy. The H3, the first revamp of the main launch vehicle in around 20 years, is expected to give the country continuous access to space as it aims to gain a foothold in the increasingly competitive satellite-launching business. Global competition has intensified since SpaceX of the United States, which boasts a strong track record in rocket launches, entered the market. "We have made great progress toward securing international competitiveness" with the successful launch of the H3 rocket, JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa told the news conference. With the H3 rocket, JAXA plans to launch an earth observation satellite named ALOS-4 and undertake the Martian Moons Exploration project, or MMX, in the future. Around 1,200 people gathered at a park about six kilometers from the space center to watch the launch. "I felt like I saw Japan's potential," said Katsuhiro Yoshida, 25, who arrived from Aichi Prefecture on Friday and spent the night in a car. Satoshi Harada, 40, who lives in Kagoshima Prefecture and came with his family, said, "The rocket carried the enthusiasm of the people involved and was very impressive. I would like to thank them for delivering such bright news." The H3 was originally scheduled for launch by the end of March 2021. But the plan was significantly pushed back over issues including with the newly developed engine. The launch service price for the H3 will be lower than that of the H2A, according to JAXA. Saturday's launch of the No. 2 rocket was initially scheduled for Thursday but was postponed due to a forecast of bad weather. Related coverage: Japan postpones launch of new H3 rocket due to bad weather forecast Japan agency receives data on Moon explorer landing H2A rocket with Japan's lunar lander successfully lifts off Emily Blunt praises 'Oppenheimer' co-star Cillian Murphy, says, there's something just captivating about you Washington DC, February 17 Actor Emily Blunt have all the praises for her 'Oppenheimer' co-star Cillian Murphy and she told Murphy, "There is a reverence that you are so deserving of," according to People. "And you are, like, the quietest conductor of this whole thing," says the actress, who also starred with Murphy, 47, in 2021's A Quiet Place Part II. "You don't mean to be -- it's not in your nature to want to lead -- but I think that there's something just captivating about you, whether you like it or not, that people are spellbound by." "And it is. As much as you like to say, 'This is all of [director] Chris Nolan,' why people are so captivated by this film, but it's you," Blunt adds. In the same conversation, the duo's costar Robert Downey Jr. praised Murphy's "leadership," adding, "You are meant and born to be at the front of big cinematic experiences." He continued by making fun of the response they got during a Q&A, "I come in, I get your typical, 'It's Tony Stark, but now he's bald.' Cillian comes in, people start standing up. Chris comes in, everyone's on their feet." Murphy is nominated at the upcoming Academy Awards for the first time, in the Best Actor category, for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt is up for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as his wife Kitty Oppenheimer, and Downey Jr, 58, is in the running for Best Supporting Actor as Atomic Energy Commission chairman Lewis Strauss. The A-list ensemble of Nolan's epic agrees that the film's lead, Irish actor Murphy, delivers a performance of a lifetime as the American physicist who oversaw the United States' drive to develop an atomic bomb during WWII. However, they agree that his deep blue eyes might be distracting while acting opposite him. "It's a real problem when you're doing scene work with Cillian," Matt Damon told People last summer, in a group interview alongside Blunt and Murphy. "Sometimes you find yourself just swimming in his eyes." "It's like that 'Ocean Eyes' song by Billie Eilish. We just hum it all day," Blunt joked. "They're not even that blue!" Murphy exclaimed in response to his costars' comments. 'Oppenheimer' is now streaming on Peacock. The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held Sunday, March 10, inside the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, and will air live on ABC. (ANI - Posted on 17 February 2024) Emily Blunt praises 'Oppenheimer' co-star Cillian Murphy, says, there's something just captivating about you Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Gen Manoj Pande visits forefront military innovation unit of USA New Delhi, Feb 17 , General Manoj Pande, Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) visited the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), the forefront military innovation unit of the US Army, in San Francisco. According to the Indian Army the COAS also visited the California National Guard. The visit by the COAS highlights the shared values and interests that underpin the partnership between India and the US, aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation and development in Defence and security domains. During this visit, ideas were 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. These discussions are aimed at sharing insights, ideas, and best practices between the two armies, officials added. General Manoj Pande during his visit to the US also visited Headquarters 1 Corps, USA Army and was briefed about the Stryker Unit, Multi-Domain Task Force and the Special Forces Group. The visit to the specialist units by the COAS aims at exploring avenues for more significant training engagements, the Army added. Officials said that the COAS engaged in high-level discussions and interactions with General Randy George, United State Chief of Staff of the Army and other senior military leaders. The Ministry of Defence said that the visit includes the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir, the National Defence University at Fort McNair, and interactions with leadership at Headquarters 1 Corps. He also engaged with units at the forefront of military innovation and strategy, including the Stryker Unit. (IANS - Posted on 17 February 2024) Gen Manoj Pande visits forefront military innovation unit of USA Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Anil Kapoor says 'The Night Manager' has become a milestone in his career Mumbai, Feb 17 As his show 'The Night Manager' has clocked one since its release, veteran star Anil Kapoor called the series a milestone in his career. For the caption, Anil wrote: Dear Fans, Team, and Admirers of 'The Night Manager', As we mark the one-year anniversary of our cherished show, 'The Night Manager', my heart brims with gratitude and emotion. He shared that the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and its success resonates deeply within him. Anil added: "The outpouring of love and unwavering support from each of you has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Your passion has propelled 'The Night Manager' beyond mere OTT; it has become a milestone in my career, a testament to the power of storytelling. The 67-year-old star then went on to praise the team behind-the-scenes working on the project. To the remarkable team behind the scenes, your tireless dedication and pursuit of excellence have been the cornerstone of our success. Together, weve crafted something truly special, something that will endure in the hearts of viewers for years to come. Heres to 'The Night Manager'! Thank you for the love! he concluded. The Night Manager also stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Ravi Behl and Saswata Chatterjee. (IANS - Posted on 17 February 2024) Anil Kapoor says 'The Night Manager' has become a milestone in his career Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Gulzar, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya to get 58th Jnanpith Award New Delhi, Feb 17 The country's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award for 2023, is being conferred upon famous Urdu lyricist Gulzar and eminent Sanskrit writer Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The literary and research organisation established in 1944, Bharatiya Jnanpith told IANS that the decision was taken in a meeting of the selection committee chaired by Jnanpith awardee and noted litterateur Pratibha Ray. Since 1965, this award has been given annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith for outstanding contribution to Indian literature. This is the second time that a Sanskrit writer has been given this award, while this is the fifth time that it is being conferred on an Urdu writer. The award will carry prize money of Rs 11 lakh, a citation and a statue of Vagdevi the goddess of speech. The committee said that Jagadguru Rambhadracharya who was born in 1950 in Khandi Khurd Village of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, is an eminent scholar, educationist, polyglot, writer, preacher, philosopher and a religious leader living in Chitrakoot, UP. He is one of the present four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect and has been holding this position since 1988. He is the founder president of Tulsi Peeth, a religious and social service institution named after Saint Tulsidas that is based in Chitrakoot. He is a polyglot who speaks 22 languages. He is a poet and writer in many languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili. He has authored more than 240 books and texts, including four epics (two in Sanskrit and two in Hindi), a Hindi commentary on the Ramcharitmanas, a poetic Sanskrit commentary on Ashtadhyayi and Sanskrit commentaries on Prasthanatrayi (Brahmasutra, Bhagavad Gita and Pradhan Upanishads). He is considered among India's best known experts on Tulsidas and is the editor of an authentic copy of Ramcharitmanas, published by Tulsi Peeth. In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with a Padma Vibhushan. The other recipient of the award is Sampooran Singh Kalra. Born in 1934, he is popularly known as Gulzar and is a famous lyricist of Hindi cinema. The committee said that apart from this, he is a screenwriter, film director, playwright and famous poet. His works are mainly in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Gulzar was also bestowed the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award given by the Government of India, in 2004. In 2009, he received the Oscar Award for Best Song for Jai Ho written by him for the film Slumdog Millionaire that was directed by Danny Boyle. He was also honoured with a Grammy Award for the same song. Along with his long film journey, Gulzar has been setting new milestones in the field of literature. In poetry, he invented a new genre Triveni, which is a non-mukaffa poem of three lines. Gulzar has always created something new through his poetry. For some time now, he has also been paying serious attention to children's poetry. (IANS - Posted on 17 February 2024) Gulzar, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya to get 58th Jnanpith Award Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! GAZA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Menna Hamouda, a 20-year-old Palestinian artist in the Gaza Strip, is busy every day with painting the faces of displaced children in the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. About a month ago, Hamouda decided to use face painting to help Gazan children in overcoming their fear in the bloody conflict, after she learnt that efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had failed. "It is too hard for innocent children to go through such a tragic event as the ongoing bloody war. They are constantly under pressure because of the killings and other incidents they are witnessing," she said. Hamouda, who was displaced from her home in the city of Beit Lahia about four months ago to a school-turned-shelter in Deir al-Balah, paints about 50 children for free in a day. Every day, Hamouda would walk from one shelter to another to paint for children, using the tools that she had brought with her from her home in northern Gaza. Because of the ongoing Israeli attacks and siege of the coastal enclave, Palestinians are unable to access daily necessities and recreational facilities. Hamouda said she decided to use face painting as a way to help children go through the difficult time. She said she had painted a lot of moving things to "let children believe that life will go on." Among the most popular images Hamouda paints on children's faces are birds, olive branches, small houses and the Palestinian flag. "I want to send my message to the world that our people are looking forward to living a normal life as soon as possible. I hope all people around the world will take actions and step up pressure on Israel to end its war against us in Gaza," she said. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate the movement's surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people in Israel were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,775 with 68,552 others wounded, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Friday. "We have never witnessed a conflict as bloody as the one in Gaza. Everyone is under Israeli attacks, and nobody can save himself from death," said the artist. Mohammed Abu Daher, a Palestinian child who was displaced after the conflict, was overjoyed when Hamouda drew an olive tree and the Palestinian flag on his face. He has not had his face painted since the conflict broke out in Gaza more than four months ago. "I like the trees in my house and the Palestinian flag that was raised over our house in the Jabalia refugee camp," he said. "I hope the war will end soon so that we can go back to our homes and resume our normal life once again. I missed my friends, my puppets, my school, and my relatives," he said as he looked in a mirror to see his face paintings. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Snow flurries this morning will give way to partly cloudy skies during the day. High 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 26F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Delays in diagnosing melanoma due to Covid-19 lockdown may have contributed to over 100,000 years of life lost across Europe and over 6bn in costs, mainly indirectly due to loss of productivity, finds a new study led by UCL and University Hospital of Basel researchers. The authors of the new JAMA Network Open paper say their findings show how vital early detection of cancer can be, while also highlighting the importance of considering unintended side effects in any future pandemic planning. Co-lead author Dr Kaustubh Adhikari (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment and The Open University) said: "When lockdowns were introduced as a much-needed measure to stop the spread of Covid-19, there were extensive unintended consequences. Many screenings were cancelled and medical treatments were delayed. "As many people missed appointments to detect or treat skin cancer, their cancer progressed to a later stage, which resulted in more expensive care and a greater risk that the treatment would not be successful. "It's alarming that for just one disease, there were many years of life lost, a lower quality of life for many thousands of people, and billions of pounds of economic impact - this may be just the tip of the iceberg of the consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment due to lockdowns. While the lockdowns did save many lives by mitigating the toll of Covid-19 itself, it is important that we learn from the experience to ensure that if another pandemic arises, we can effectively balance different healthcare priorities." The team of researchers, from the UK, Switzerland, Germany, US, Italy, Australia and Hungary, were investigating the health economic consequences of delays in diagnosing melanoma, a common type of skin cancer and one of the 10 most common cancers in Europe. The analysis was based on information from 50,072 patients of two cancer treatment centres in Switzerland and Italy, supported by further data from the UK and Belgium. The researchers estimated how many people's cancer would have progressed from one stage to the next due to delays in beginning or continuing treatment, as both screening services and treatments were disrupted in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdown restrictions, staff shortages, and fear of infection. They estimated that for roughly 17% of people with melanoma, their cancer would have progressed to a higher stage in 2020-2021, due to delays in diagnosis or treatment of two to three months or longer. The research team then estimated the additional medical costs, as treating later-stage cancer is more expensive and comes with a lower chance of success. These cost estimates included both the direct costs to healthcare providers (such as the NHS), as well as the broader impacts such as the loss of productivity (indirect costs) due to disability and years of life lost. The researchers estimated that delays to melanoma diagnoses contributed to 111,464 years of life lost across 31 countries in Europe, with a total economic cost of 6.1bn (7.1bn or $7.7bn USD). Most of the costs (94.5%) were indirect costs such as loss of productivity. Our findings show that preventative healthcare always needs to be a top priority, both in normal times and in times of crisis; any plans for potential future pandemics need to consider unintended side effects on a wide range of health conditions and plan holistically. Delays to diagnosis and treatment can be devastating to people affected by cancer, so getting prompt evaluation and treatment is vital for people concerned about their health, while screening programmes need to be treated as a priority by healthcare system leaders." Dr Elisabeth Roider, co-lead author, University Hospital of Basel The research was supported by the Research Foundation of the University of Basel, the ProPatient Foundation, University Basel, the Goldschmidt Jacobson Foundation, and the Swiss National Science Foundation. Researchers led by Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have introduced a pioneering approach aimed at combating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In a new study, researchers discovered a new way to enhance the body's antioxidant response, which is crucial for cellular protection against the oxidative stress implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. The study published today (Feb. 16) in the journal Advanced Materials. Nathan Gianneschi, the Jacob & Rosaline Cohn Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and member of the International Institute for Nanotechnology, led the work with Jeffrey A. Johnson and Delinda A. Johnson of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Targeting neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease, characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles; Parkinson's disease, known for its loss of dopaminergic neurons and presence of Lewy bodies; and ALS, involving the degeneration of motor neurons, all share a common thread of oxidative stress contributing to disease pathology. The study focuses on disrupting the Keap1/Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI), which plays a role in the body's antioxidant response. By preventing the degradation of Nrf2 through selective inhibition of its interaction with Keap1, the research holds promise for mitigating the cellular damage that underlies these debilitating conditions. "We established Nrf2 as a principal target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases over the past two decades, but this novel approach for activating the pathway holds great promise to develop disease-modifying therapies," Jeffrey Johnson said. Limitations of current therapeutics The research team embarked on addressing one of the most challenging aspects of neurodegenerative disease treatment: the precise targeting of PPIs within the cell. Traditional methods, including small molecule inhibitors and peptide-based therapies, have fallen short due to lack of specificity, stability and cellular uptake. The study introduces an innovative solution: protein-like polymers, or PLPs, are high-density brush macromolecular architectures synthesized via the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornenyl-peptide-based monomers. These globular, proteomimetic structures display bioactive peptide side chains that can penetrate cell membranes, exhibit remarkable stability and resist proteolysis. This targeted approach to inhibit the Keap1/Nrf2 PPI represents a significant leap forward. By preventing Keap1 from marking Nrf2 for degradation, Nrf2 accumulates in the nucleus, activating the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE) and driving the expression of detoxifying and antioxidant genes. This mechanism effectively enhances the cellular antioxidant response, providing a potent therapeutic strategy against the oxidative stress implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. The innovation behind protein-like polymers PLPs, developed by Gianneschi's team, could represent a significant breakthrough in halting or reversing damage offering hope for improved treatments and outcomes. Focusing on the challenge of activating processes crucial for the body's antioxidant response, the team's research offers a novel solution. The team provides a robust, selective method enabling enhanced cellular protection and offering a promising therapeutic strategy for a range of diseases including neurodegenerative conditions. Through modern polymer chemistry, we can begin to think about mimicking complex proteins. The promise lies in the development of a new modality for the design of therapeutics. This could be a way to address diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's among others where traditional approaches have struggled." Nathan Gianneschi, the Jacob & Rosaline Cohn Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences This approach not only represents a significant advance in targeting transcription factors and disordered proteins, but also showcases the PLP technology's versatility and potential to revolutionize the development of therapeutics. The technology's modularity and efficacy in inhibiting the Keap1/Nrf2 interaction underscore its potential for impact as a therapeutic, but also as a tool for studying the biochemistry of these processes. A collaboration of minds Highlighting the study's collaborative nature, Gianneschi's team worked closely with experts across disciplines, illustrating the rich potential of combining materials science with cellular biology to tackle complex medical challenges. "We were contacted by Professor Gianneschi and colleagues proposing to use this novel PLP technology in neurodegenerative diseases due to our previous work on Nrf2 in models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS and Huntington's disease," Jeffrey Johnson said. "We had never heard of this approach for Nrf2 activation and immediately agreed to initiate this collaborative effort that led to the generation of great data and this publication." This partnership underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in developing new therapeutic modalities. Impact With the development of this innovative technology, Gianneschi, his colleagues at the International Institute for Nanotechnology and the Johnson Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, are not just advancing the field of medicinal chemistry, they are opening new pathways to combat some of the most challenging and devastating neurodegenerative diseases faced by society today. As this research progresses towards clinical application, it may soon offer new hope to those suffering from diseases of oxidative stress such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. "By controlling materials at the scale of single nanometers, we're opening new possibilities in the fight against diseases that are more prevalent than ever, yet remain untreatable," Gianneschi said. "This study is just the beginning. We're excited about the possibilities as we continue to explore and expand the development of macromolecular drugs, capable of mimicking some of the aspects of proteins using our PLP platform." A study co-led by Professor Kelly Metcalfe of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, and researchers at the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit at Women's College Hospital, finds risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variant, significantly reduces the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer and lowers the probability of death. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, examined how RRM affects the rate of death of women with a pathogenic variant but no cancer diagnosis. To date, there has been only one other study published by researchers in the Netherlands that examines the impact of RRM on mortality and quantifies the benefits associated for women. "The decision to have a risk reducing mastectomy is often difficult for a woman to make, and the more evidence we are able to provide them with when they are making that decision, the more informed their care plan will be," says Metcalfe who is also a Senior Scientist with Women's College Research Institute. Women who have an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant, have an 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Research has shown that an RRM reduces the risk of breast cancer by 90 per cent, and in Canada, 30 per cent of women with a pathogenic variant opt for this surgery. It is, Metcalfe says, one of the most effective ways of preventing breast cancer in women with this risk profile. Through a pseudo-randomized trial, Metcalfe, and her team, followed over 1600 participants from a registry of women with a pathogenic BRCA 1/2 variant from nine different countries over the course of six years, with half of the women having a risk-reducing mastectomy. At the end of the trial, there were 20 incident breast cancers and two deaths in the group who opted for a RRM, and 100 incident breast cancers and seven deaths in the control group. RRM reduced the risk of breast cancer by 80 per cent, and the probability of dying of breast cancer 15 years after risk-reducing mastectomy was less than one per cent. "Although there wasn't a significant difference in deaths between the two groups in this study, we know that a risk reducing mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of ever developing breast cancer," says Metcalfe. Metcalfe points out that following these participants for an extended period would generate more evidence to assess the true mortality risk with precision and highlight the benefits associated with this type of surgery. Right now, we have good screening in place for breast cancer, including breast MRI, so surgery is only offered as an option, not a recommendation. But with more studies being conducted to assess women's trajectory and risk factors following RRM, we will know whether these guidelines need to be changed in the future." Professor Kelly Metcalfe, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Testing wastewater to assess the spread of the COVID-19 virus became common and well-publicized during the pandemic, but it has been focused mostly on urban areas. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $400,000 to Virginia Tech, with an additional $50,000 to Virginia Tech from the Virginia Department of Health, for a two-year project to identify and implement improved and new methods to detect pathogens for multiple diseases in the wastewater of rural communities. "My work and research have primarily been focused on rural areas, and prior to the pandemic, most of my research was on drinking water and health-related challenges," said Alasdair Cohen, assistant professor of environmental epidemiology in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Cohen is the principal investigator on this new project that will build on research Cohen's team has been conducting since 2022 in collaboration with a wastewater utility in Southwest Virginia and led by Amanda Darling, a Ph.D. student in Cohen's group. Dr. Cohen does important work on drinking water and health, locally and globally. During COVID, he jumped in to help develop improved methods for wastewater surveillance. This let the university and Virginia better track and manage diseases. With ARC funding, he and his community partners will bring this science to benefit rural communities." Laura Hungerford, Head of the Department of Population Health Sciences Early in the pandemic, Virginia Tech researchers in the College of Engineering began testing campus wastewater for COVID-19. Cohen was part of this team and led the statistical analyses of the data, finding that they were able to predict future COVID-19 cases at scales as small as one residence hall. The team published its findings in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Water, and this campuswide research collaboration also piqued Cohen's interest in the use of wastewater surveillance in rural settings. He is joined in the ARC grant by two co-investigators from the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering: Amy Pruden, University Distinguished Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Peter Vikesland, the Nick Prillaman Professor in civil and environmental engineering, as well as Leigh-Anne Krometis, associate professor of biological systems engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Concurrent with the grant funding, Cohen's team recently published "Making Waves: The Benefits and Challenges of Responsibly Implementing Wastewater-based Surveillance for Rural Communities" in the journal Water Research. The article calls attention to the potential public health benefits of wastewater surveillance for rural communities and to methodological and ethical challenges that Cohen and his colleagues are working to address. "ARC's grant of $400,000 will help Virginia Tech expand their work to detect pathogens in wastewater from rural communities," U.S Rep. Morgan Griffith said in a press release announcing the grant. "This work is aimed at improving our country's public health through better community health monitoring and outbreak forecasting." The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) monitors wastewater at sites across the commonwealth for pathogens causing COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, hepatitis A and respiratory syncytial virus. The department found though that results from some smaller rural communities are challenging to interpret. "This project aims to complement VDH's efforts in using wastewater-based surveillance to advance public health in rural towns in Appalachian Virginia," said Rekha Singh, the department's Wastewater Surveillance Program manager. "The VDH has initiated wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 in communities statewide since September 2021. This new project will help identify the best practices for sampling in small communities and will assist VDH in implementing effective wastewater surveillance in similar communities." Infrastructure is often part of the challenge in testing rural wastewater, Cohen said. "You have fewer people but over a larger space, so you have more wastewater collection infrastructure per person than you would in an urban setting," Cohen said. "Many rural towns, and especially older rural towns, are going to have sewage collection infrastructure with a lot of breaks and cracks in the pipes. That means sewage could get out into the ground and it means water can get into the pipes." Especially after periods of heavier rain, runoff seeping into sewage systems could dilute the results of wastewater testing in rural areas. It can also mean tax dollars down the drain with sewage plants treating rainwater alongside wastewater. "We have enough preliminary data from our pilot research to show that this can be a problem," Cohen said. The grant will allow Cohen's team to take on wastewater surveillance in new Southwest Virginia communities, gaining efficiency as experiences from prior studies are applied. "The goal is we want to try to develop an approach so that rural utilities and public health agencies can determine if wastewater surveillance is something that makes sense for a given rural community," Cohen said. "And if so, how could it best be implemented?" Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze believes that attracting overseas students to study in Hong Kong increases their chances of settling in the city and continuing to be part of its talent pool. Third-year science undergraduate Aybala Nisa Kesici from Turkiye credits the scholarship with not only providing her with academic opportunities but enabling her to connect with students from diverse countries and backgrounds. Second-year quantitative finance undergraduate Chia Xynn Yen from Malaysia says she was attracted to Hong Kong through the Belt & Road Scholarship as well as the citys reputation as an international financial hub. To strengthen education collaboration with Belt & Road countries and regions, scholarships have been offered to outstanding students coming from countries along the Belt & Road since the 2016-17 academic year. Exploring opportunities One of them is Chia Xynn Yen from Malaysia, a second-year quantitative finance undergraduate at the University of Hong Kong who was awarded full funding for her studies through the Belt & Road Scholarship. Miss Chia said she was attracted to Hong Kong through the scholarship as well as the citys reputation as an international financial hub. Last summer, she took up an investment analysis internship in Hong Kong and gained valuable knowledge and experience in her chosen field. Hong Kong is a place where a lot of hedge funds and quantitative finance trading firms set up their office and it might be their only office in Asia as a whole. So I feel like this definitely provides a lot of jobs and opportunities for me and also a great career trajectory ahead. Hong Kong is where people come in and invest in China, at the same time, it is also how China invests in other countries and we all do that through Hong Kong, so I think that it is definitely a good connector between China and the rest of the world. Embracing diversity Aybala Nisa Kesici from Turkiye is in her third year of studying molecular biology and biotechnology at the University of Hong Kong, and is keen to pursue an academic career in the hopes of eventually becoming a university professor. She credits the scholarship with not only providing her with academic opportunities but enabling her to connect with students from diverse countries and backgrounds. You start to see different backgrounds, peoples life struggles, and this is actually highly important for science because science is universal, so you cannot only focus on your own background or on the place that you are living in right now, you actually have to consider everyone's needs and everyone's perspective and everyone's challenges so that you can provide solutions to those people. Impressed by the Governments strong commitment to developing innovative technologies, Miss Kesici said she plans to establish her career in Hong Kong as she believes it will join other rapidly advancing Asian cities in shaping the future of scientific development. Talent acquisition The admission quota for the 2024-25 academic year has been increased to 150. Since its launch, more than 430 students from 39 countries have benefited from the scholarship. Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze explained that the selection committee evaluates applicants based on four key criteria: academic performance, communication and leadership skills, contributions to institutions and societies, and commitment to Hong Kong society. Mr Sze also pointed out that it was equally important to nurture local talent whilst attracting international students. In addition to attracting talent from different places who have already completed their university studies elsewhere, I think it is important for Hong Kong to nurture our local talent. It is ideal if we can attract students to study in our universities, so that while they are studying as a student they can explore around Hong Kong, they can learn more about this city and they can have internships during their study in Hong Kong. After graduation, there is a higher chance that they will stay in Hong Kong and continue to be part of our talent pool. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with David Cameron, British foreign secretary, on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Britain, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, should enhance strategic communication and play their due roles in promoting security and maintaining peace, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with David Cameron, British foreign secretary on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference. As the international situation is undergoing changes and instabilities with resurfacing Cold War mentality, rampant protectionism, and sluggish economic recovery, the world faces challenges one after another, said Wang. China and Britain should also make joint efforts to expand the convergence of interests, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, properly handle differences and disputes, and bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound and steady development, which not only serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, but also meets the common wish of the international community, he said. For his part, Cameron expressed the British side's willingness to perceive bilateral relations from a strategic perspective, jointly develop more constructive bilateral relations, and handle disputes and solve problems with mutual respect. The British side will continue promoting cooperation in areas that serve the shared interests, and expects to strengthen dialogues on renewable energy, economy and trade, as well as education, Cameron said. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the two countries should jointly preserve peace and security, and build a better world, said Cameron. China has the best records among major countries on peace and security, Wang said, noting that China's development means a stronger force for peace and a greater stabilizing factor. China advocates and practises true multilateralism, and firmly upholds the UN-centered international system, the basic norms governing international relations with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at its core, as well as the international order based on international law, said Wang. RBI FAQ Paytm Payments Bank: The RBI on Friday advised customers as well as merchants of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) to shift their accounts to other banks by March 15, giving 15 more days to the beleaguered entity to close most of its operations, including deposit and credit transactions. The earlier deadline was February 29, 2024, which the RBI has extended by 15 days keeping in view the interest of customers (including merchants) of PPBL who may require a little more time to make alternative arrangements in larger public interest. The central bank has also issued a list of 30 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), for the convenience of customers of PPBL, and the general public at large. Also Read: Heres Why RBI Banned Paytm Payments Bank According to the FAQs, those having a wallet with PPBL can continue to use money from the wallet after March 15, 2024 up to the balance available in the wallet. On FASTags, the RBIs FAQs said one can continue to use them to pay toll up to the available balance. Paytm FAQ By RBI Is Given Below; Bank Accounts with Paytm Payments Bank 1. I have a savings or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to withdraw money from this account after March 15, 2024? Can I continue to use my debit card issued by Paytm Payments Bank? Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer your funds from your account upto the available balance in your account. Similarly, you can continue to use your debit card to withdraw or transfer funds upto the available balance in your account. 2. I have a savings bank or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I deposit or transfer money into this account after March 15, 2024? No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to deposit money into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. No credits or deposits other than interest, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or refunds are allowed to be credited. 3. I am expecting a refund in my account with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. Can this refund be credited into my account? Yes. Refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest are permitted credits into your account even after March 15, 2024. 4. What will happen to the Deposits maintained with partner banks through sweep in/out arrangements, after March 15, 2024? The existing Deposits of Paytm Payments Bank customers maintained with partner banks can be brought back (sweep-in) to the accounts with Paytm Payments Bank, subject to the ceiling on balance prescribed for a Payments Bank (i.e. Rs 2 lakh per individual customer at the end of day). Such sweep-ins for the purpose of making available the balances for use or withdrawal by the customer will continue to be allowed. However, no fresh deposits with partner banks through Paytm Payments Bank will be allowed after March 15, 2024. 5. My salary is credited into my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive my salary into this account? No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credits into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you make alternative arrangements with another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid inconvenience. 6. I receive a subsidy or certain direct benefit transfers linked to my Aadhaar from the Government in my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive it into this account? No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credit into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. Please arrange to change your linked account to another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience or disruption. 7. My monthly electricity bill is paid automatically from my bank account with Paytm Bank Limited? Can this continue? Withdrawal/debit mandates (such as National Automated Clearing House (NACH) mandates) will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024. 8. My monthly OTT subscription is paid automatically through UPI from my bank account with Paytm Payments Bank? Can this continue? Withdrawal/debit mandates through automatic UPI mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024. 9. The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue? Auto debit mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements for setting up EMI payments through another bank before March 15, 2024. 10.The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with a bank other than Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue? Yes, EMIs registered with any bank other than Paytm Payments Bank can continue. Paytm Payments Bank Wallet 11. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use money from this wallet after March 15, 2024? Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer to another wallet or bank account upto the balance available in the wallet. Minimum KYC wallets1 can, however, be used only for merchant payments. 12. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I top-up or transfer money into this wallet after March 15, 2024? Can I receive money from any other person into this wallet after March 15, 2024? No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or transfer money into the wallet or receive any credits, other than cashbacks, or refunds into this wallet. 13. I have a cashback due in my wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I receive this cashback after March 15, 2024? Yes. Refunds and cashbacks are allowed to be credited. 14. I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I close this wallet and have the balance transferred to my bank account with another bank? Yes. You may approach Paytm Payments Bank or use its banking app to close your wallet and transfer the balance to an account maintained with another bank in the case of full KYC wallets. In the case of minimum KYC Wallets2, you may use the available balance or request for a refund. FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank (for more details on FASTag, you may visit website of IHMCL https://ihmcl.co.in) 15. I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it to pay toll after March 15, 2024? Yes. You can continue to use your FASTag to pay toll upto the available balance. However, no further funding or top ups will be allowed in the FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience. 16. I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I recharge the balance after March 15, 2024? No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience. 17. Can I transfer the balance from my old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new FASTag obtained from another Bank? Credit balance transfer feature is not available in the FASTag product. Therefore, you will have to close your old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank and request the bank for a refund. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) issued by Paytm Payments Bank 18. I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it after March 15, 2024? Yes. You can continue to use your NCMC card upto the available balance. However, you will not be able to load or top up funds into the card after March 15, 2024. To avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024. 19. I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I add to its balance through top-up, recharge, etc. after March 15, 2024? No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024. 20. Can I transfer the balance from my old NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new card obtained from another Bank? The balance transfer feature is not available in the NCMC card. Therefore, you may use the card upto the available balance. In case you have some more balance which you have not been able to use, you may request Paytm Payments Bank for a refund. Merchants using Paytm Payments Bank to receive payments 21. I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox or Paytm POS terminal, linked to another bank account (not with Paytm Payments Bank). Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024? Yes. If your receipt and transfer of funds is linked to any bank account other than Paytm Payments Bank, you can continue to use this arrangement even after March 15, 2024. 22. I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, Paytm POS terminal linked to my bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024? No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to receive any credit into your bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank other than refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest. In order to avoid any inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you may obtain a fresh QR code linked to an account with another bank or wallet to receive payments. You may also change your bank account details (in which you receive payments) through your service provider. Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) 23. Can I make payments through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) using my account with Paytm Payments Bank? Yes. You can continue to make payments from your Paytm Payments Bank account through Bharat Bill Payment System upto the balance available in your account. Since you will not be able to credit any further funds into your accounts or wallets with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024, it is advised that you may make alternative arrangements with another bank account for BBPS before March 15, 2024. Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) 24. Can I make withdrawals from my Paytm Payments Bank account with biometric authentication under Aadhaar enabled Payment System? Yes. You can continue to withdraw using the AePS authentication, upto the balance available in your account. Money Transfer through UPI/ IMPS 25. Can I transfer my money into my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024? No. You cannot transfer the money into your Paytm Payments Bank account after March 15, 2024. 26. Can I withdraw my money from my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024? Yes. You can withdraw your money from Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS upto the balance available in your account. Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent 27. I have an account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can the Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (also referred to as Paytm Payments Bank Agent) help me in withdrawing funds from my account after March 15, 2024. Yes. The Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (Bank Agent) can help you to withdraw money from your bank account upto the balance available in your account. Accounts frozen, lien marked etc. 28. What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on the directions of Law Enforcement or judicial authorities? Any lien or freeze (full or partial) marked as per the instructions of any law enforcement or judicial authorities on the account/wallet of a customer with Paytm Payments Bank will continue to be governed by the orders passed by such authorities. 29. What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/ wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on account of internal policies of Paytm Payments Bank? The bank has been directed to allow withdrawal or transfer to another bank account of the customer, upto the available balance in the account/wallets. Onboarding of new customers 30. What is the status of the Business restriction placed on Paytm Payments Bank vide RBI Press Release dated March 11, 2022? The business restriction dated March 11, 2022, prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding any new customers for any of its services continues to be in force. Hence, Paytm Payments Bank cannot onboard any new customers after March 11, 2022. Meanwhile, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm founder and CEO, in a post on X said: Paytm QR, Soundbox and EDC (card machine) will continue to work like always, even after March 15 Do not fall for any rumour or let anyone deter you to championing Digital India!. In March, 2022, the RBI had barred PPBL from onboarding new customers with immediate effect. One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), which owns the Paytm brand, holds a 49 per cent stake in PPBL, but classifies it as an associate and not as a subsidiary. The central bank further said settlement of all pipeline transactions in nodal accounts (in respect of all transactions initiated on or before February 29, 2024) will be completed by March 15, 2024 and no further transactions will be permitted thereafter. However, the RBI added the nodal accounts of OCL and Paytm Payments Services Ltd maintained by PPBL are to be terminated at the earliest, in any case not later than February 29, 2024. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sent out a strong warning over a fake notification that is making the rounds on social media that says the Farmers Protest has caused the Class 12 Board Exams to be postponed. The Board stated that the advisory is misleading and inaccurate in a post on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter). For students taking their class 12 examinations this year, the aforementioned letter brought about apprehension. #CBSE FACT CHECK! Beware! The following letter under circulation is FAKE and misleading. The board has not taken any such decision, the post read. #CBSE FACT CHECK!Beware! The following letter under circulation is FAKE and misleading. The board has not taken any such decision. pic.twitter.com/30CKR3VffO CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) February 16, 2024 The fake notification, believed to be issued by the CBSE, claims that issues resulting from the Farmers Protest have resulted in a postponement of the Class 12 Board exams. It says that students who are having trouble showing up for the exams can ask to have their exam location or dates changed. The bogus notification also provides specific steps on how to submit these kinds of requests. However, CBSE quickly dismissed the bogus notice, emphasising that the Board had not made any such decisions. It is recommended that students and stakeholders disregard false information and instead depend solely on official releases from CBSE. In order to ensure that students and parents arrived at the exam centres on time, the board previously also issued a traffic advisory before the start of the board exams for both classes 10 and 12. Due to current protests, the board recommended Delhi students to use metro facilities. In the meantime, CBSE has already issued a warning against fake CBSE board social media handles and published a list of accounts that are misinforming the public by utilising the boards name and emblem. The CBSE reaffirmed its dedication to prompt and open communication about any modifications or revisions pertaining to the Board exams. It advised students to use only the official CBSE website and verified social media platforms to stay informed about authentic information. The CBSE exams for classes 10 and 12 began on February 15. The exams for classes 10 and 12 will end on March 13 and April 2, respectively, according to the official datesheet 2024 that was made available at cbse.gov.in. The National Institute of Design (NID) released the result of the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) 2024 prelims examination on February 16. The Institute has declared the result for the Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. Candidates who appeared for the NID DAT 2024 can now check and download their scorecard by visiting the official website at admissions.nid.edu. To access the M.Des NID DAT prelims result 2024, candidates will have to enter their login details such as Email Address and Date of Birth. The NID conducted its Design Aptitude Test on December 24, 2023. The prelims examination was administered in a pen-and-paper mode across various centres. It was held for those seeking admission in Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) courses and the Master of Design (M.Des) programmes. Every year, the NID DAT is held to shortlist candidates for admission to the BDes and MDes programmes at the NID campuses. Candidates who are unhappy with their NID DAT scores can request a recheck of the answer sheet via the official website at admissions.nid.edu. The NID DAT preliminary rechecking facility will remain open until tomorrow, February 18, 2024. NID DAT Prelims Result 2024: Steps To Download Step 1: Go to the official website at admissions.nid.edu Step 2: On the homepage, look for and click on the link that says Click here to view M.Des DAT Prelims Result 2024-25 Step 3: As a new page opens, enter the login credentials and click on submit. Step 4: The NID DAT Prelims Result 2024 will appear on the screen. Step 5: Check and download the preliminary result. Those who pass the preliminary examination will be eligible to sit for the NID DAT Mains 2024. According to the official schedule, the DAT mains will be held on March 3 and April 6 for M.Des programmes and April 27 and April 28 for B.Des courses. The DAT M.Des exam schedule is now available on the exam authoritys official website. Candidates can download the NID Main admit card 2024 on February 22 for M.Des and April 14 for B.Des. According to the NID DAT pattern, the prelims exam assesses the candidates knowledge, skills, and behavioural abilities. The main exam includes a studio test, and those who perform well will advance to the personal interview round. Those candidates appearing for two studio tests on the same day, shall report to the Ahmedabad campus for registration, reads the official notice. Surbhi Chandna is all set to tie the knot with Karan Sharma, whom she has been secretly dating for 13 years. Following much speculation, the pair finally revealed their wedding plans. The couple has also begun their wedding preparations. While every other detail seems to be in place, Surbhis friends and colleagues from the industry have taken it upon themselves to give her a grand bachelorette. Surbhi Chandna is close to her co-stars from the show Ishqbaaz. Shrenu Parikh, Mansi Srivastava, and Surbhi Chandna are frequently seen having fun together. In the latest, they surprised Surbhi with her bachelorette celebration, and these will surely give you BFF goals. The bride-to-be posted some glimpses on her now-deleted Instagram story. She showed off the simple yet beautiful decor and the surprise her friends planned for her. The party appeared to be at one of their homes, with the words Bride to Be written in the background. Surbhi also wore a sash with the same words. Apart from the in-home celebrations, the girl gang also planned a party outdoors. Several pictures from the party were shared by Surbhis fans on X. The actress was seen posing with her friends and having a gala time at the party. She was also seen cutting a special cake organised by her friends. Bride-to-be #SurbhiChandna looks beautiful in a colourful maxi dress as she poses for the paps at Bastian, Bandra How amazing does she look? pic.twitter.com/yz1gWPofMY Take One Filmy (@TakeOneFilmy) February 16, 2024 Meanwhile, Surbhi recently shared unseen glimpses from her roka ceremony. The actress posted a video from her roka ceremony that took place in September. The clip showed the couple and their relatives participating in rituals during their rokation, which is a roka and vacation combined. Surbhi looked lovely in a beige Indo-western attire, and Karan chose a white kurta pyjama combination with a beige blazer. Throughout the ceremony, the couple posed for beautiful photographs together. In the caption, she wrote, September is such a Special month for both of us. Both our birthdays fall in the same month and we are just two days apart. We decided it would be even more special if we did our ROKA in September. The idea was to have a ROKA*TION (roka + vacation) spread over 3 Days in Goa and boy we had so much fun with the Sharmas and Chandnas and blessings from above. Sealed it finally after 13 years on 18.09.2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surbhi Chandna (@officialsurbhic) Surbhi and Karan have been together for 13 years, after meeting in Mumbai in 2010. Last month, Surbhi announced her wedding to Karan Sharma on Instagram. Surbhi and Karan are all set to marry in March 2024. Arvind Kejriwal News LIVE: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Friday moved a confidence motion in the Assembly. This move comes ahead of his appearance before the Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday, in connection with the Enforcement Directorates complaint against him for skipping five summons in the Delhi excise policy case. This is the second time within a two period that the AAP has moved a confidence motion in the House. Speaker Ram Niwas Goal posted the discussion on the proposal on Saturday. The development comes just days after the anti-corruption agency summoned the Delhi chief minister for the sixth time in connection with the liquor policy scam case. Kejriwal has been asked to appear before the agency at its headquarters in the national capital. At least eight were injured at Delhis Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium as a temporary hanger fell on the lawn. The incident happened near gate number 2 of the stadium and no casualty has been reported so far. The collapsed pandal was being prepared for a marriage and around 10-12 people were feared trapped. All the injured people were taken to AIIMS Delhis trauma unit, the police said. The victims were later shifted to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. 10-12 people who have suffered injuries have been shifted to hospital. A rescue operation is underway, Asif Ansari, Medical technician-Emergency told ANI. A Delhi Fire Services official said a call was received about the pandal (temporary structure) collapsing at the stadium. We got a call that a tent has collapsed and around 10-12 people are trapped. We rescued 7 people with minor injuries. Since the fire did not break out, people could be safely rescued. Everyone is safe, they have minor injuries. I was informed that the tents were put up for a marriage ceremony. The reason for the tent collapse will known later. Since everyone is safe, the rescue operation has been called off, Director of Delhi Fire Services, Atul Garg said. Initially, two people were rescued from under the debris. Later, nine more people were brought out. A police officer said most of the injured were workers. A team of NDRF also arrived at the site to facilitate the rescue operation. The stadiums security guard said that the incident happened when the labourers were at lunch adding that no heavy damage has been reported. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday told a court that he wanted to appear before it in connection with an application moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case but the budget session, including a floor test, was underway. Main court aana chahta tha lekin ye ekdum se floor test aa gaya. Hamara budget session March first week tak chalega, aap uske baad case laga le. Main appear ho jaaunga (I wanted to come to court but this floor test came up suddenly. Our budget session is till the first week of March. You can give me a date for after that and I will appear), said Kejriwal who appeared before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Divya Malhotra via video conferencing. The court accepted the request put forth by the Delhi chief minister and posted the matter for further hearing on March 16. Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta, appearing for Kejriwal, argued that his appearance in court will cause hardship to everyone. Also, there is a budget session going on in the assembly and there is a floor test as well. But he will appear before the court in person, Gupta argued. On February 7, the court had issued summons to Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17 after he skipped a series of summons by the Enforcement Directorate. The ED, in its plea, stated that Kejriwal is a high-ranking public functionary and thus, is expected to obey the law. The agency further said if persons holding such high officers disobey the law, then it will set a wrong example for the common man. In its complaint, the ED had said that instead of attending the summons, Kejriwal raised frivolous objections and deliberately created grounds which clearly show that the chief minister intentionally did not want to obey the summons. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here and appreciated her guidance in taking the India-Bangladesh Maitri forward. This is Jaishankars first meeting with Hasina after she returned to a record fifth term in January. The two leaders were meeting on the sidelines of the prestigious Munich Security Conference, in its 60th edition, which is the worlds leading forum for debate on international security. Honoured to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. Congratulated her on the renewed mandate. Appreciated her guidance for taking India Bangladesh Maitri forward, Jaishankar posted on X along with a photograph. The Indian minister also met Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. India hosts the WHOSEAR, the top health bodys South East Asia Regions headquarters. Glad to (have) met DG World Health Organization @DrTedros. Discussed traditional medicine and pandemic preparedness. Thank you Tulsi bhai! he posted on X. Since his arrival here on Friday, Jaishankar has met US Secretary of State Blinken, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Greeces Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, Foreign Minister of Argentina Diana Mondino and Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly. He also met Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the EU Commission on Friday. Jaishankar held a wide-ranging conversation with Baerbock, shared perspectives on the major security challenges with Dendias and discussed economic and political cooperation between India and Argentina with Mondino. So good to meet my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our Inter-Governmental Consultations, Jaishankar posted on X along with a photo of the meeting attended by officials from both sides. Glad to meet Minister of National Defence of Greece @NikosDendias on #MSC2024 sidelines. Shared perspectives on the major security challenges facing the world today, he said after the meeting late on Friday evening. Pleasure to meet FM @DianaMondino of Argentina this evening. Discussed our economic and political cooperation. Look forward to working with her, he said. The Minister also met Perus Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea and Bulgarias Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel. KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA KR-641 RESULT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Karunya KR-641 lucky draw for Saturday, February 17. Check the full list of winning numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Karunya Plus KN-510 WINNERS for February 22, 2024; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh! FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA KR-641 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE KN 380682 KO 380682 KP 380682 KR 380682 KS 380682 KT 380682 KU 380682 KV 380682 KX 380682 KY 380682 KZ 380682 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 80 LAKH IS KW 380682 (KANNUR) Agent Name: SUDHEESH K Agency No.: C 4677 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 5 LAKH IS KO 240709 (PALAKKAD) Agent Name: L SURESH Agency No.: P 2267 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 1 LAKH ARE KN 488545 (IRINJALAKUDA) KO 546964 (PATHANAMTHITTA) KP 997498 (ADOOR) KR 944232 (PATTAMBI) KS 902743 (PALAKKAD) KT 927500 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM) KU 442297 (PALAKKAD) KV 250201 (ALAPPUZHA) KW 495302 (PATTAMBI) KX 999995 (ADOOR) KY 553785 (ERNAKULAM) KZ 974839 (ERNAKULAM) WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE 0280 0635 1198 1406 1438 1520 2714 3382 3480 5573 5707 6305 6837 6951 7753 7929 8236 9095 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE 1095 2005 2257 2607 3278 5097 5972 7849 8728 9210 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE 0417 0556 1109 1464 2353 2872 4689 4977 5204 5514 6932 7078 8732 9099 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE 0027 0101 0118 0238 0246 0362 0599 0746 0872 0973 1196 1235 1254 1413 1620 2160 2444 2478 2734 2753 2789 3129 3225 3339 3344 3392 3485 3516 3777 3938 4021 4069 4103 4238 4392 4430 4499 4527 5368 6207 6508 6513 6546 6564 6578 6822 7025 7156 7162 7206 7335 7575 7683 7799 7821 7928 8012 8037 8057 8120 8467 8754 8830 8899 8925 8929 8944 9076 9085 9171 9192 9295 9309 9381 9415 9707 9756 9790 9899 9988 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE 0032 0096 0261 0272 0320 0328 0360 0440 0448 0590 0637 0868 0955 0986 1407 1570 1624 1645 1778 1854 1919 2112 2315 2327 2425 2539 2577 2819 2844 2943 3021 3128 3270 3467 3469 3536 3592 3653 3658 3698 3737 3884 3920 4040 4160 4186 4218 4254 4316 4348 4398 4568 4581 4614 4680 4683 4782 4947 5002 5178 5493 5535 5560 5728 5813 6035 6053 6105 6131 6172 6287 6316 6322 6371 6458 6506 6587 6596 6786 6818 6989 6990 7016 7049 7112 7170 7254 7266 7412 7430 7547 7581 7620 7735 7820 7949 7977 8108 8142 8149 8169 8191 8277 8287 8320 8480 8518 8562 8739 8765 8838 8947 8965 9206 9311 9336 9353 9384 9405 9431 9456 9562 9706 9800 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY: KARUNYA KR-641 PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 80 lakh 2nd Prize: Rs 5 lakh 3rd Prize: Rs 1 lakh 4th Prize: Rs 5,000 5th Prize: Rs 2,000 6th Prize: Rs 1,000 7th Prize: Rs 500 8th Prize: Rs 100 Consolation Prize: Rs 8,000 HOW TO VERIFY KERALA KARUNYA KR-641 LOTTERY RESULTS? To view the Kerala Karunya KR-641 Lottery results, visit the Kerala Lottery Departments official website at www.keralalottery.info. Additionally, winning numbers can be checked at the Kerala Government Gazette office. Keep up with official sources for accurate and reliable lottery results. HOW TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? To see if you won a prize in the Kerala Karunya KR-641 Lottery, compare the numbers on your ticket to those published in the Kerala Government Gazette. To be eligible for a prize, your ticket number must match those on the official winning list. If you win, you must collect your prize from the Kerala Lottery Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. Make sure to submit your winning ticket within 30 days of the draw date. To facilitate the award, keep your winning ticket and a valid form of identification on hand. The protesting farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, continued their agitation on Saturday as their Delhi chalo march entered Day 5. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has said it will intensify the stir in the coming days after farmers groups, along with trade unions and others, observed the Grameen Bharat bandh on Friday. 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. Meanwhile, mobile internet services will remain snapped in seven districts of Haryana, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on February 13 morning began their Delhi Chalo march to press for their demands, amid heavy barricading at Haryana-Punjab border and entry points into the National Capital. However, most of them were stopped by security personnel at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjabs border with Haryana. The protesters have stayed put at the two border points since then. Over 200 farmers unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are taking part in the march to press the Centre to accept their demands. Besides a legal guarantee of MSP, the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. Farmers protest: Heres a list of developments so far China's self-developed large passenger aircraft #C919 will perform flight demonstration at Singapore #Airshow 2024. #XinhuaNews You may like The main accused in the Sandeshkhali violence, TMC leader Shibu Prasad Hazra was arrested on Saturday. He was arrested from the Najat area of Basirhat in West Bengal. Hazra, a TMC block president, had been missing since women in Sandeshkhali levelled allegations of sexual harassment and rape against him and another party member. Shibu Hazra has been arrested from the Najat area of Basirhat in West Bengal. A total of 18 people have been arrested including Shibu Hazra. An investigation is underway based on the complaints we are receivingWe have not received any complaint against Shahjahan Sheikh Police and force are deployed in every gram panchayat SP Basirhat said. #WATCH | Sandeshkhali violence | HM Rehman, SP Basirhat says, Shibu Hazra has been arrested from the Najat area of Basirhat in West Bengal. A total of 18 people have been arrested including Shibu Hazra. An investigation is underway based on the complaints we are receivingWe pic.twitter.com/h66HYI6uiw ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 The state police chief said sections of rape were added to the FIR against him earlier in the day. Meanwhile, West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar said Section 144 imposed in the area will be lifted in a day or two. A woman has made a statement before the magistrate and we have added this thing and will bring all the perpetrators to the book whosoever he isWe will be reviewing the situation area-wise, and in a day or two, we will remove Section 144 Kumar said. DGP Kumar also noted that a 10-member committee of state police personnel led by two DIG rank lady officers investigated the entire area of Sandeshkhali and listened to the issues faced by the people. State police 10-member committee led by 2 DIG rank lady officers investigated the entire area of Sandeshkhali and listened to the issues faced by the people. A total of 17 arrests have been made in the Sandeshkhali case. Police are not trying to hide anything and we have said that necessary action will be taken. If anyone has such complaints(rape complaints), register written complaints and we will investigate he said. BJP Reacts to Sandeshkhali Unrest Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while speaking at the BJP National Convention 2024 in New Delhi on Saturday, condemned the Sandeshkhali Violence. Whatever has happened in Sandeshkhali and the bravery with which our workers are fighting against this oppression and tyranny, I want to congratulate for this. I consider such incidents to be a stain on the civilized society. This should be strongly condemned he said. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BJP National Convention 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the Sandeshkhali Violence and says, Whatever has happened in Sandeshkhali and the bravery with which our workers are fighting against this oppression and tyranny, I want to congratulate pic.twitter.com/Lgwd6uKSoe ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of supporting the criminals in Sandeshkhali. We wont say that we are extremely happy but yes, Mamata Banerjees Police has acknowledged. Sandeshkhali is not just in Sandeshkhali, it is all across Bengalall under the supervision and guidance of Mamata Banerjeeshe has been giving support and inspiration to these criminals because it is all give and take policy, Agnimitra Paul said. #WATCH | Sandeshkhali incident | BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul says, We wont say that we are extremely happy but yes, Mamata Banerjees Police has acknowledged. Sandeshkhali is not just in Sandeshkhali, it is all across Bengalall under the supervision and guidance of Mamata pic.twitter.com/UvlNlEROHL ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Sandeshkhali Row Sandeshkhali, a small village in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been rocked by protests for over a week as women have alleged atrocities committed against them by a TMC strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. The indigenous women of the state have alleged sexual assault and land grabbing at the behest of Shajahan Sheikh. A spy camera, smartphone, mobile phone, pen drives, Bluetooth headphones and several other devices were found in the cell of separatist leader and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh in a major jail security breach in Assam. Singh and his nine associates are lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. He was arrested by the Punjab police from the states Moga district after several weeks of dramatic manhunt. Giving information about the breach, Assam DGP GP Singh informed that all the devices were seized and lawful action has been initiated in the matter. On receipt of Information about unauthorised activities taking place in the NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in the public area of NSA Block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff searched the premise of NSA Cell early this morning, leading to the recovery of a smartphone with SIM, keypad phone, TV remote with keyboard, spy-cam pen, pen drives, Bluetooth headphone & speakers and smart watch which were lawfully seized by Jail staff, the top cop said in a X post. Reference NSA detenues at Dibrugarh Jail, Assam On receipt of Information about unauthorised activities taking place in NSA cell, additional CCTV cameras were installed in public area of NSA Block. Inputs received confirmed unauthorised activities, based on which Jail staff pic.twitter.com/Iwf5kWOeXN GP Singh (@gpsinghips) February 17, 2024 The source of these unauthorised articles and mode of induction is being ascertained. Further lawful action is being taken and steps are being taken to prevent, he added. The Punjab Police arrested 29-year-old Amritpal Singh from a gurdwara in Rode under the stringent National Security Act in April 2023. The pro-Khalistani leader was charged under the stringent National Security Act, or NSA. In February last year, Singhs followers stormed the Ajnala police station by his supporters to secure the release of an arrested associate. Yash, the actor known for his role in KGF, visited Chitrapur Math with his wife Radhika Pandit. While on their visit, the actor decided to buy a treat for his wife. Interestingly, he stepped out to go to a local store to fulfil his wifes wish. Photos of Yash standing at the grocery shop circulated on social media and went viral in no time. It is speculated that the actor was purchasing ice candy for his wife Radhika while on their way to a shrine for darshan. Yashs small gesture drew acclaim from supporters around the country. People applauded the actor for maintaining a humble demeanour. In one of the photos shared by his fan page, Yash can be seen talking to the local store owner while Radhika is seen enjoying her ice candy. Upon their visit to the Chitrapur Math, located in Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada district, Yash met and received blessings from the Swamijis. Fans gathered around the temple as the actor visited the premises. He also shook hands and snapped photographs with them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 07 (@the_yash_fan_official) Recently, Yash celebrated Valentines Day with his wife Radhika, and their two children, Ayra and Yatharv. They had a great outing together. Radhika documented their Valentines Day lunch on Instagram, sharing a few stills of the family together. In the caption, she wrote, Valentines lunch with my forever Valentines. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Radhika Pandit (@iamradhikapandit) According to reports, Yash and Radhika Pandit first met while working on the 2007 film Nanda Gokula. They became good friends, and spent a lot of time together. As is customary, rumours about their relationship spread swiftly, and this only increased with their third film, Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari. Eventually, the couple got engaged in 2016 and married on December 9, 2016. Their wedding was a low-key event, attended only by their closest friends and family. Yash was last seen in Prashanth Neels acclaimed action film, KGF: Chapter 2, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Anushka Shetty, Prakash Raj, and others in key roles. The film, which was released in 2022, received worldwide recognition for its riveting plot and skilled performances. The actor will next appear in Geetu Mohandas upcoming film, Toxic. Reportedly, Kareena Kapoor has also been roped in for a key role in the film. The makers are yet to officially declare whether the Bollywood actress has accepted the offer. Being a dancer helped her learn stunts in the upcoming film Crakk, says Nora Fatehi who wants to do next level action like co-stars Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal in her future projects. Fatehi, who has featured in films such as Street Dancer 3D and Bhuj: The Pride of India, said like dance, action is also set to choreography. As a dancer, you are like an athlete too. The level we take our bodies to physically is crazy. You do the same thing in the dance and action world. You have to follow a certain choreography when the action director is formulating a scene, the 32-year-old told PTI in an interview. I feel it (being a dancer) helped me. Arjun and Vidyut did next level action, I had an action sequence but not like what they did which was out of this world. I only hope one day writers make films with female roles that can do such stunts. I want that because Im ready to do that, the actress added. She also described Crakk, directed by Aditya Datt, as a film by self-made actors and outsiders. Jammwal has also backed the movie via his Action Hero Films banner. We all know that a debate has been going on for a couple of years about outsiders and how come they are not in certain projects and how filmmakers dont take them in especially big-budget projects. Vidyut and Aditya sir took a punt on all self-made actors and outsiders on a huge budget film, added Fatehi. Crakk follows the journey of a man named Siddhu, played by Jammwal, from the slums of Mumbai to the world of extreme underground sports. Rampal, who stars as the antagonist in the film, shared his definition of a villain. The 51-year-old has previously played grey roles in titles such as Om Shanti Om, Ra.One and Dhaakad. I think a person who loses control over curbing his or her desires (is a villain). These desires could be harmful to another individual Being absolutely selfish, that person kind of goes towards a villainous trait. If you have desires that are not harmful and they are as strong as the villains desires but they dont harm anybody, he added. Jackson, 32, said she is happy to be starring in films again after a five-year hiatus. The actor, known for Ekk Deewana Tha and 2.0, said she has been trying to strike a balance between work and motherhood. When I got the call about Crakk, I thought this is not what I had in mind but I sat with Aditya on Zoom, heard the storyline and it was fantastic. It was challenging trying to juggle schedules. That mum guilt is always going to be there, all mums have it. But I also want him to know that Im a working mum, said Jackson, who is mother to four-year-old Andreas. The actor said her son has been on sets with her and is familiar with India. Hes had that beautiful experience of new cultures, travelling, seeing mum on the big screen. It instils a kind of work ethic which is really important to me as a mother. And, this film goes hand in hand in my evolution and it has also helped his life. Everything I do now is for him, she added. Crakk is set to be released on February 23. Jackky Bhagnani is all set to tie the knot with long-time girlfriend Rakul Preet Singh. They have chosen to tie the knot in an intimate two-day celebration, set to conclude on February 21 in Goa. The couple has not revealed anything but the preparations are going on in full swing. Amid this, Jackky and Rakul recently shared photos from what seemed like their dhol night. Rakul Preet Singh looked her glamourous best as she posed in a bright green sharara set. Rakuls sharara was adorned with mirror work and the actress paired the outfit with an emerald and diamond choker and earrings. She kept her makeup simple and left her hair open, framing her face perfectly. She captioned her post on Instagram, Mai koi aisa geet gaun? Take a look at Rakuls Instagram post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) Meanwhile, Jackky Bhagnani looked dapper in a black patterned kurta with a matching pyjama. He completed his look with matching black shoes. Jackky shared his photo on Instagram with the caption, Best things are about to happen . Check out Jackkys Instagram post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by JACKKY BHAGNANI (@jackkybhagnani) The couple had originally planned a destination wedding overseas but made a last-minute decision to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for families to host their wedding festivities within India. However, they chose Goa for a special reason. Pinkvilla quoted a source as saying, Goa holds a special place in their hearts. Thats where it all started and their romance flourished. Choosing Goa is a sentimental decision for them and the wedding is going to be absolutely serene. Rakul and Jackky have been dating for a few years now, leading to this joyous moment of matrimony. From their first few encounters to the love they share today, their journey has captivated fans and set the stage for a heartwarming celebration. A favourite narrative of the left scholars that keeps appearing regularly in media is the claim that there were no Hindu temples before the 5th century CE. This claim is nothing but a myth, and the propaganda is primarily aimed at postulating that most pre-Gupta temple structural ruins were Buddhist in nature, and Hinduism, Hindu gods/murtis, and Hindu temples are a later development, with the concept of Hinduism and Hindu gods starting from around the Kushana period. This fake narrative has been force-fed to the Indians through constant repetitions of the claim in academia (school and college textbooks) and the publishing of articles/columns on this topic in various journals and media platforms written by so-called scholars. Unfortunately, many gullible Indians growing up to this constant brainwashing believe this fake/ mythical claim, thinking Hindus did not have any temples as such before the Gupta period. Recently, in an article, a slightly modified claim was made that large Hindu temples did not exist before the 5th century CE. From no Hindu temples before 5th century CE to no large Hindu temples before 5th century CE, the shift in narrative is noteworthy. The standards of civilisation are often measured, among other things, by the then available scientific planning, longevity of structures built, aesthetic appeal, and successful completion of buildings that range from religious to military to residential structures. Seeing the antiquity and the advanced nature of Indian civilisation, it is not surprising to find Indian writers from ancient times quite taken up with the subject of architecture, and this obsession is evident in all forms of literature ranging from the Vedas to the Epics, Puranas, Buddhist texts, Jain texts, Agamic literature, various historical and even political treatises. With such a vast spectrum of knowledge compiled in books, and India being a country that has always been deeply religious, it is completely illogical to think ancient Indian civilisation would have no Hindu temples. This article will take a look at the various evidences that clearly show Hindu temples existed in ancient times and did not start from the 5th century CE, as Marxist scholars have always claimed. Evidence from texts Texts from ancient India help us to understand the nature of the worship of gods in India and the temples built for them. In the Astadhyayi (around the 4th century BCE), Panini gives names of Vedic deities, such as Agni, Indra, Varuna, Bhava, Sarva, Rudra, Mrda, Aryama, Tvasta, Surya, Soma, Indrani, Varunani, Agnayi, Usha, Prthivi etc, who were worshipped. Bhakti or theistic form of devotion was present in Paninis time, which is clear by his reference to devotion to Vasudeva and Arjuna, while names like Varunadatta and Aryamadatta indicate sons were named after gods like Varuna and Aryama, to show devotion. Panini also mentioned the use of images for worship (arcas), which indicate the existence of shrines where these arcas were worshipped. Patanjalis Mahabhasya (2nd century BCE), which is a detailed commentary on Paninis work, mentions the worship of Vasudeva-Krishna as a deity; and specifically mentions temples of Dhanapati (Kubera), Rama (Balarama), and Kesava (Vasudeva), where worship would occur with various elaborate rituals, accompanied by music and dance. From around the same time, there have been found murtis of Kupiro yakho (Kubera yaksa) from Bharhut, and of Balarama from Mathura. A murti with the inscription of four-armed Vasudeva-Visnu carrying gada and chakra in his upper hand and holding a sankha (broken) in the lower hand, from Malhar (Bilaspur in Madhya Pradesh), is dated to the 2nd century BCE. These murtis would all be worshipped in temples of their own. Kautilyas Arthasastra refers to various temples within a fortified city that enshrined Shiva, Vaisravana, Asvinikumaras, Sri (Laksmi), and Madeira (a fertility goddess associated with the sect of Mother Goddess). The Arthasastra mentions images of Aparajita (Durga), Apratihata (Visnu), and Jayanta (Kumara), which were worshipped by King Bhagabhadra (131 BCE, the fifth Sunga ruler); and Vaishnava shrines erected by Gautamiputra Bhagavata, the ninth Sunga ruler, in his 12th year. Evidence from inscriptions Three inscriptions from Nagar (Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), refer to the construction of a stone wall that enclosed a place for worship of Sankarsana and Vasudeva by King Sarvatata of the Kanva dynasty (250-300 BCE). The Nanaghat (Pune) inscription of Naganika of the 1st century BCE refers to Vedic sacrifices by the Satavahana royal family and starts with homages to divinities such as Dharma, Indra, Sankarsana-Vasudeva, Chandra-Surya, and the Lokapalas (Yama, Varuna, Kubera, and Vasava). An inscription from Mora (Mathura) during the reign of Mahaksatrapa Sodasa (10-25 CE) records the installation of murtis of the five Vrsni heroes in a stone temple. Another Mathura inscription of the same time, found engraved on a doorjamb, records the construction of a temple with torana and vedika for Vasudeva. An inscription from Nandsa (Udaipur, Rajasthan, 226 CE), records the performance of Vedic sacrifices after the construction of temples dedicated to Brahma, Indra, Prajapati, and Visnu. Structural Evidence from Mauryan Periods From the time of Ashoka Maurya (272-232 BCE) to the early Kusana period, various pieces of evidence from rock-cut shrines and from surviving foundations of temples suggest that in those times, temples were built in circular (vitta), elliptical (vettayata), and apsidal (capakara) forms. The Ajivika caves at Barabar (Gaya, Bihar) of Mauryan times, preserve both circular and elliptical shrines in hut forms with domed or vaulted roofs. Belonging to the Mauryan period is a circular brick-and-timber shrine (plinth) of the 3rd century BCE, located at Bairat (Jaipur). Temple no. 40 at Sanci was originally an apsidal stone temple of the Mauryan period, raised on a high rectangular plinth, the superstructure likely built of wood that no longer exists. Structural forms prevalent during the Mauryan period continued into later periods, as found recorded in many bas-reliefs from Sanchi, Mathura, Amaravati, etc. The apsidal plan for temples was more popular than the circular or elliptical plan during this period. Three stone apsidal shrines from the 1st century CE are known from Taxila (Takshasila), while Temple no. 18 at Sanchi was also an apsidal shrine, datable to the 2nd century BCE. Remains of temples from pre-Shunga- to Shunga era: Archaeological evidence The apsidal temple at Sonkh (Mathura, dated 1st century BCE) was one of such early temples. The Ghosundi inscription (1st century BCE, near Chittorgarh) talks of a temple complex named Narayana-vatika dedicated to Samkarshana-Vasudeva; foundations of an elliptical structure, dated 2nd century BCE, found at the site of Besnagar in Vidisha is that of a Vaishnava temple; an identical structure discovered at Nagar (Chittorgarh) by Bhandarkar is dated to 350-300 BCE; while the Mora well inscription (1st century CE) refers to a temple in Mathura. Hindu temple architecture from the post-Mauryan era is known from the remains of the temple foundations, pertaining to their ground plans, found during various archaeological excavations. Unfortunately, the superstructures of these ancient temples were not preserved, because they would often be built of wood or bricks. One such example of a temple from ancient India is the Vasudeva shrine from the 3rd century BCE (approximately dated 200 BCE), found close to the Heliodorus pillar in Besnagar, near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. From a study of the archaeological report of the excavation of this site by D.R. Bhandarkar (ASI- Annual Report 1913-14), it is very clear the temple which belonged to the Sunga period was by no means a small one. In fact, the word prasadottoma was found in an inscription on a pillar stump from the site, meaning the temple was the best among the ones in Vidisha, clearly indicating the Heliodorus Garuda pillar was built in front of the most celebrated temple of Vasudeva of that time. Thus, we find archaeological evidence of a large Hindu temple from the 3rd-2nd century BCE. Another example of a Hindu temple from ancient India is the Vasudeva-Sankarshana temple found in Nagari, Rajasthan. Here, a stone enclosure for a Vasudeva-Sankarshana shrine is mentioned in an inscription which belonged to 300-250 BCE. The site preserves a massive stone enclosure and the plinth of an elliptical brick temple. Below the surface level of this stone enclosure, archaeologists found the remains of an earlier building that dated to 350-300 BCE. The Vasudeva-Sankarsana shrine structure was elliptical in shape with a puja-sila-prakara built around it, and only the lower moulding of the superstructure had survived which was 2 feet high, showing the temple was a large one. The shrine remained an active place for Vaishnava worship until the 7th century CE. A series of apsidal temples from ancient India were excavated at Sonkh, dating to the 1st century BCE. The apsidal Temple No. 2 at Sonkh had a large stone railing surrounding the shrine that had engravings on both sides. On the southern side of the railing, carved ruins of a stone entrance were found that had two pillars supporting a superstructure of three architraves with voluted ends. An architectural piece from the bottom lintel of the doorway showed carvings depicting a naga and a nagin sitting on thrones, surrounded by attendants and devotees, thus denoting the temple as a Naga shrine. Numismatic evidence of Hindu temples in 200 BCE Numismatically speaking, ancient Hindu temple architecture was found depicted on coins and coin moulds marked by the Yaudheyas. The Yaudheyas were a martial republican clan, who were at the peak of their power between 200 BCE to 400 CE, in areas of what is now Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Being a martial clan, most of the Yaudheya coins depicted the war-god Karttikeya (Brahmanyadeva). Among the many temples seen on Yaudheya coins, one structure with a dome-shaped roof and square plan stands out (1st one in second image). It stood on an elevated adhishthana, consisting of four mouldings. The object of worship would have stood in the centre. Double domes were a popular design at that time, as evident from the many coins depicting them (shown in the images), while there are examples of even triple-domed temples. The third image clearly shows a Shiva temple with the Shiva linga at the centre of the sanctum. The existence of Shaiva shrines is confirmed by a four-pillared double-domed structure surmounted by a trident, which is the established emblem of Shiva. The Trident on top of a four-pillared double-domed structure also confirms the Shaivite affiliation of such shrines. Sometimes temples on Yaudheya coins show a dome marked by vertical divisions, which indicate wooden beams on the sanctum roof. A double or triple-domed structure having a square plan shows that the domes would have been covered by slanting slabs giving the sikhara a triangular look. One Yaudheya coin also depicts a structure topped with a vajra-like motif, clearly indicating a shrine dedicated to Indra Deva. Thus, from the above-presented evidence (texts, archaeological, and numismatics), it is quite clear that Hindu temples were indeed present much before the 5th century CE, and they were often large shrines dedicated to various gods. The mission of Hindu consolidation seems to be complete for the RSS-BJP combine as the ideological fountain head of the BJP and the party itself are now concentrating on broader political and social consolidation. Even as the RSS is reaching out to non-Hindu communities like Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, the BJP seems to be working overtime to get its old allies back to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Over the past five years, things have changed for both the RSS and the BJP as they are now looking to build a full anti-Congress force in India by engineering a rainbow coalition of socialist parties in states and several non-Hindu but likeminded communities, a senior RSS functionary said, explaining the new trend. By organising a Jain convention to observe the Maha Nirvan of Mahaveer in Delhi on Monday, the RSS made its stand clear. The Sangh has brought the Jain monks of several sects of Jainism to a single platform and the monks lauded the RSS efforts to bring the communities together in the name of Ram. The RSS reaching out to Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs, and the BJP making parallel efforts to bring all its disgruntled constituents, including JD(U), TDP, Akali Dal and RLD, back to the NDA fold shows that the Right-wing ecosystem is currently working on an absolute consolidation of a larger force in India that is anti-Congress and anti-Left. Nationalist Narrative of Hum Sab Hindu Hain On February 12, while addressing the Kalyanak Mahotsav of Jains, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed that the Sangh volunteers recite the Ekatma Stotra, which includes the words of the saints from Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Jain Granth, Buddhist Tripitaka and Guru Granth Sahib, and hence, it is the best source of knowledge in Bharat. He also mentioned that the syllabus for RSS-run shakhas (weekly or daily training programmes) has included chapters on Jainism and Buddhism. He further said that everyone in the world wants the truth that gives eternal happiness, but the difference between the world and India is that the world stopped after searching it outside. However, after searching outside, Indians started searching the same within, and eventually reached the ultimate truth, he said. Bhagwat also mentioned that the rituals Jains and Buddhists follow are not much different from what the Hindus follow and observe. The way of worship can be different, but many of our rituals are the same. The culture and tradition we belong to is of Hindustan. Our ancestors are same. We started from the same location and we are destined to reach the same point. Our paths can be different. This is how we say that all of us are Hindus. It is a cultural connection. Hum sab Hindu hain, added Bhagwat. The RSS and the VHP, the organisations that worked on the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya last month invited seers and monks from all communities, including Jains, Buddhists and Nagas. Talking to News18, a senior RSS functionary said that the Sangh is open to all non-Hindu communities which are nationalist in nature. During the Jain convention, senior RSS functionaries called Jains nationalists too. Creating a Caste Coalition For the RSS and the BJP combine, the narrative of different castes and divisions has always been a bad idea both politically and socially, said another senior RSS functionary. We have faced conversions from Hinduism to Islam and to Christianity due to the caste divides our society had. We paid a price. If we need to put our folks back together, we have to approach all non-Hindu communities which are willing to bond with us over the idea of nationalism. Our outreach programmes have been going on for over three to four years now. We are seeing results now. Not only the Christians, Jains or Buddhists, but the Muslims have also responded to us in a positive way. We are working on an all-faith and all-caste coalition based on our tradition and culture. This is the idea of Akhand Bharat we are working on, he added. Referring to the results of the Assembly elections in four states last year, he added that people have stopped responding to the divisive ideas of the Congress and did not fall for the caste survey and rights for the OBCs narrative. That is our win, he said. Bharatiya Janata Partys two-day National Council meeting, which aims at outlining a robust political campaign for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, began on Saturday in New Delhis Bharat Mandapam in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the media at the BJP National Council meet, party National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said that PM Modi talked about their partys Mission 370 for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. #WATCH | On BJP's two-day National Council meeting, party National General Secretary Vinod Tawde says, "In today's meeting while guiding all the party workers, PM Modi said that BJP will get 370 and NDA 400 (seats), where 370 is not just a number but a tribute from us to Dr Syama pic.twitter.com/8jFk00wbrx ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 In todays meeting, while guiding all the party workers, PM Modi said that BJP will get 370 and NDA 400 (seats), where 370 is not just a number but a tribute from us to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Our campaign will be centred around development, the welfare of the poor and putting the nation at a place of pride in the world, we need to take these things to the people, Tawde said. The meeting will be attended by nearly 11,500 BJP delegates drawn from across the country. The National Council will be inaugurated by PM Modi along with BJP National Chief JP Nadda, who will address the delegates today. Prime Minister Modi also visited the exhibition at Bharat Mandapam. PM Modi will on Sunday deliver the valedictory address, a speech that is likely to draw the broader contours of the partys campaign and exhort its members to go all out to achieve his target for the party to win 370 seats in the elections. BJP National Council Meet: Here Are Top Updates of The Day The BJP National Council Meet will be attended by nearly 11,500 BJP delegates drawn from across the country. From its elected panchayat heads to district presidents and Union ministers, the BJPs national council meeting is going to be the ruling partys biggest organisational get-together. The meeting was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president JP Nadda unfurled the party flag during the two-day National Council meeting of BJP at Bharat Mandapam. PM Modi, who is completely busy in the administration of the country, makes the party his priority and he has always stood for the BJP, said JP Nadda while addressing the council meeting. Some people ridiculed us that we would build the temple there but would not tell us the date. Ram temple was constructed and on January 22, PM Modi consecrated Ram Lalla, he added. BJP has become the largest political party in the world. Before 2014, we had governments in only 5 states but after that, there are NDA governments in 17 states and pure BJP governments in 12 states, Nadda added. In the last ten years, the Modi Government have pulled around 25 crore people out of poverty, and have given these people new wings to fly, the BJP chief added. Today, we state with pride that the hard work and efforts of our Partys leaders have turned our Adhiveshan into Maha Adhiveshan, Nadda said. The Council meeting was preceded by a meeting of the partys national office-bearers. Senior party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad has said two resolutions are likely to be passed by the council. BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said that PM Modi talked about their partys Mission 370 for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Union Minister Amit Shah welcomed BJP President JP Nadda as he arrived to attend the BJP National Council meeting at Bharat Mandapam. It will be an important and informative session for young public representatives. This time we will win all 26 Lok Sabha seats with a lead of more than 5 lakh votes in Gujarat, BJP MLA Rivaba Jadeja said. This is going to be a big convention for all the obvious reasons as it is happening before the Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi will guide us and will give us the direction, former Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur said. In the national council meetings held in the last 10 years, including the two organised in the national capital weeks before the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the attendance had generally remained around 3,000. The recent white paper on the economy tabled in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the perceived disarray in the opposition INDIA bloc, the successful G20 Summit in 2023, and the countrys global standing are among the issues that are likely to figure in the speeches of key BJP leaders at the meeting and in the resolutions. Over 11,000 leaders from across the country starting from Union ministers, chief ministers and national and state office bearers, to MPs, MLAs MLCs and district-level office bearers will gather in the national capital on Saturday for a two-day mega national convention of the BJP. Round-the-clock preparations have been underway for the big gathering at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. The last of such meetings took place at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi in 2019. In a first, the party is calling this meeting its national convention. The two-day affair will begin with party president JP Nadda chairing a meeting of the office bearers. The national office bearers include the partys vice president, national general secretary, national secretaries, and national spokesperson. This meeting will also include state presidents and morcha chiefs of various factions. The main meeting will begin at around 3pm with Naddas opening address. On Sunday, the conclave will end with an address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Usually, BJP meetings like these are closed-door discussions but since this is a council meeting, the addresses of both Nadda and PM Modi will be telecast live. The address by BJPs top brass is extremely important in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as it will give a roadmap to party leaders. During the two-day summit, three resolutions will be brought in by the party. One is the political resolution highlighting the political success of the party, especially the recent state election wins of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The economic resolution of the party is expected to focus on the economic success of the Modi government. Just like what was witnessed in Parliament recently, there will be another resolution to thank PM Modi for building the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A senior minister in the Modi government will also be making a detailed presentation on the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra aimed at connecting crores of people with benefits of the Union government schemes. Some states are also expected to make a presentation about their performance in the recent months during the meeting. The prime minister had declared in Parliament recently that the BJP will win 370 seats in the 2024 polls while the NDA will get 400. This meeting is hence expected to provide party leaders and cadres with a roadmap to achieve the historic victory. As the Nationalist Congress Party formally breaks before Lok Sabha elections, its founder, Sharad Pawar, on Saturday got emotional and said it has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from their own outfit. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. The steps taken by the Election Commission and the President regarding party and symbol are not fair to us. We have approached the Supreme Court in this matter. We will need to increase our public outreach, senior Pawar said in Baramati, the area which is now in headlines over nephew Ajits plans to field his wife against Sharad Pawars daughter, Supriya Sule. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Pictures of Deputy CM Ajit Pawars wife Sunetra Pawar were seen along with the NCP symbol in Baramati. pic.twitter.com/qcZSB1Qitl ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Responding to speculations of an NCP vs NCP battle during the Lok Sabha polls in Baramati, he said, He is making people emotional by saying that family is on one side and he is alone on the other. Things that have never happened in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency are now happening. Baramati | On losing NCP party name and symbol, Sharad Pawar says It has never happened before that those who formed a political party were removed from the party. Not only this, the party symbol was also taken away. This decision was not in accordance with the law. We have pic.twitter.com/849fUoYbxP ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Sharad Pawar further said, Out of the 14 elections I have contested so far, five of them had different symbols. First there was the pair of oxen, then came the cow-calf, then came the Charkha symbol, then came the hand symbol. Then came the watch. We have seen different signs. Therefore, if someone thinks that removing the symbol means that the organization will cease to exist, this is not the case. Saturday marks the second day when Sharad Pawar spoke on the rift. Giving his first reaction on the issue, the leader said in Satara, Out of the 14 elections I have contested so far, five of them had different symbols. First, there was a pair of oxen, then came the cow-calf, then came the Charkha symbol, then came the hand symbol. And then came the watch. We have seen different signs. Therefore, if someone thinks that removing the symbol means that the organisation will cease to exist, this is not the case. In a democracy, everyone has the right to stand in elections. If someone is exercising that right then there is no reason to complain about it. We should put our position before the people. People know what we have done in the last 55-60 years, he said. Referring to the Bombay High Courts decision of dismissing the entirely without merit petitions seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Dhangar (shepherd) community in Maharashtra, he said, BJP should have taken steps to give reservation to the community. Responding to Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Partys move to field senior leader Praful Patel for the coming election to the Rajya Sabha even though he is already a member of the Upper House of Parliament, Sharad Pawar said, It is surprising that he was nominated when he has four years of his Rajya Sabha term left. On Ashok Chavans decision to join the BJP, he said, Some mechanisms have become important. Central probe agencies are effective and the government uses it against the Opposition. So everyone decides carefully. KIGALI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) will close its field office in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, on Aug. 31 after completing genocide trials, an official has said. The tribunal's registrar, Abubacarr Tambadou, made this announcement in a statement on Friday following his visit to Rwanda, where he held talks with various senior government officials. Set up by the UN Security Council in December 2010 to complete the remaining tasks of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the IRMCT has operated a field office in Kigali for about three decades. Tambadou said the office closure follows a decision by the Hague-based court to drop the case against prominent Rwanda genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, who was deemed unfit to stand trial last year. The mechanism, which was handling cases of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, no longer has any trials to conduct following the prosecutor's conclusion that two of the remaining men on the IRMCT's wanted list, Protais Mpiranya and Augustin Bizimana, were found to have died, he said. "The closure of the field office does not mean disengagement with Rwanda as the mechanism will only change its approach to its work," Tambadou said. He added that the mechanism will continue its "mandated functions, such as witness protection, mainly from the Arusha branch of the Mechanism," while a small team of staff from the office of the prosecutor will remain in Rwanda to continue assisting national authorities, particularly in tracking fugitives. Tambadou, who was in Rwanda from Feb. 11 to 16, discussed the need for continued collaboration with various Rwandan senior government officials as well as representatives from IBUKA, an umbrella association of genocide survivor organizations in Rwanda. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal won the trust vote in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday with 54 votes. The AAP supremo further dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek votes for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party was the biggest challenger to the BJP in the coming polls and that is why it is under attack from the saffron camp. Out of the 62 AAP MLAs, 54 were present for the voting, and according to Kejriwal, none of the AAP MLAs defected. Two MLAs are in jail, some unwell and some out of station, Delhi CM said. While addressing the assembly, Kejriwal blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for poaching and the condition of Delhi. He said, Your enmity is with me. Why drag the people of Delhi into it? My heart weeps. Someday Ill write about it. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had moved a motion of confidence in the assembly and it was discussed on Saturday in the presence of ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs and the Leader of Opposition, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri. Following the discussion, the AAP won the motion of trust. This is the second time when the Arvind Kejriwal government sought a trust vote. The Aam Aadmi Party has 62 MLAs in the 70-member Assembly and the BJP has eight. We have majority in the House but this confidence motion was needed because BJP was trying to poach AAP MLAs, the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, the Delhi Chief Minister on Saturday appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court through video-conferencing seeking exemption from physical appearance for the day as the Budget session in the Delhi Assembly is going on. Kejriwal was to appear the court under the summons issued to him on a complaint filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for non-appearance before the agency in connection to a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi liquor scam. Two prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in jail in connection with the case. Kejriwal has skipped five summons issued by the probe agency. Here are the top quotes from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals emotional assembly address during the floor test. The first day of the BJPs National Council meeting on Saturday, attended by more than 11,000 workers from Chief Ministers to municipality chairpersons, was a grand Thank You, Modi gesture. Starting with party president JP Naddas speech elaborating how the BJP juggernaut is here to stay, the highlights of the day revolved around Modi Ki Guarantee of a developed India and the key achievements in the last 10 years on the way to that goal. The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was among the main themes of the day with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pausing his speech to address PM Modi directly, calling the inauguration of the temple on January 22 a moment that was second to none. We may have got independence in 1947, but the spirits Pran Pratishtha was done on January 22, 2024, said Singh, who brought forth the resolution titled Viksit Bharat Modi ki gurantee which was seconded by Nirmala Sitharaman, Yogi Adityanath and L Murugan. Meanwhile, targeting the Congress, Nadda said: Some people ridiculed us saying we would build the temple there, but would not tell us the date. The Ram Temple was constructed, and on January 22, 2024, the Prime Minister consecrated Lord Ram You (opposition) did not come, these were your deeds. To rousing applause, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: Not only has the temple been delivered, but exactly where we promised. Apart from the abrogation of Article 370, Modi governments thrust on women empowerment, pro-farmer policies and direct benefits transfers were also lauded repeatedly at the conference. Rajnath Singh said that as a farmer himself, he understands the significance of government policy decisions that help farmers like the move to bring down urea price. Another highlight of the day was Singh tearing into the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal for the Sandeshkhali violence and protests where women have alleged sexual abuse by local musclemen close to the party leadership. It should be condemned in the strongest possible terms, said Singh. While Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Naths will inform if anything happens response fueled the speculation about him and his son, Nakul Kamal Nath joining the BJP, fellow party colleagues rejected the reports. One of his aides, Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma, however, hinted towards insult and self-respect being the driving factor behind the change in a persons decision. Three things work in politics- respect, insult and self-respect, when these are hurt a person changes his decisions. When such a top politician who has done a lot for Congress and the nation in the last 45 years, thinks of moving away from his party, then all three factors work behind it. No decision has been taken that Kamal Nath ji is going, right there is just speculation Verma said. #WATCH | Indore: Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma and close aide of former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath says Three things work in politics- respect, insult and self-respect, when these are hurt a person changes his decisionsWhen such a top politician who has done a lot for pic.twitter.com/BrJnzeV6lv ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Another party leader BK Hariprasad, while refusing to comment on Kamal Nath, said some leaders are looking for a greener pasture. I cant say on Kamal Nath, but some leaders looking for a greener posture, they are leaving the Congress party. That doesnt make any change. Millions of workers are strongly behind the Congress party Well, they (Kamal Nath) are the most greedy leaders, they are leaving the party for the greed of power the Congress leader said. #WATCH | Mangaluru, Karnataka: On Former MP CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath, Congress leader BK Hariprasad says, I cant say on Kamal Nath, but some leaders looking for a greener posture, they are leaving the Congress party. That doesnt make any change. Millions of workers pic.twitter.com/FJbI8T756b ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh asked how can someone think a person who started his political journey and stood with the Nehru-Gandhi family when Indira Gandhi was sent to jail would ever leave Congress and the Gandhi family. I spoke to Kamal Nath at 10.30 pm yesterday, he is in Chhindwara. A person who started his political journey and stood with the Nehru-Gandhi family when Indira Gandhi was sent to jail, do you think he will ever leave Congress and the Gandhi family? Digvijaya Singh said. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari called the news baseless saying how can you think Indira Gandhis third child will leave us? For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third sonin the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief. I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress govt in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Naths leadership and ideologythe news thats speculating is baselesscan you imagine Indira Gandhis third son leaving Congress? Cant think about something like that even in dreams he said. #WATCH | Bhopal: On Former MP CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari says, He has always stood with the ideology of CongressIndira Gandhi used to consider him as her third son. For the past 7 years, he has been working as MP pic.twitter.com/iandYeOeiB ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 The development came after Congress leader Nakul Kamal Nath removed the party name and symbol from his social media bio. Nakul Naths move sparked rumours that his father and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath could also join the BJP. BJPs top sources told News18 that Kamal Nath is likely to join the saffron party in the next 48 hours. The upcoming Lok Sabha poll is going to be an interesting watch in Maharashtras Baramati as theres a high possibility of a close battle between two members of the Pawar family. Without naming anyone, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hinted at fielding a candidate against his cousin and Baramati MP, Supriya Sule, in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Friday. Sounding the election bugle against Sule, Ajit Pawar made an emotional appeal to his constituents to elect a first timer who is though surrounded by experienced people. His speech fuelled speculations about his party fielding his wife, Sunetra Pawar, against Sule. Ajit Pawar also said that only if his candidate wins against Sule, he will contest the Assembly elections from Baramati and urged voters to vote for the development of the constituency. Since the formation of Maharashtra state and the commencement of elections till date, it has never happened in Baramati that the deposit of opposition candidate was not forfeited. And I am proud of it, Pawar said on Friday. He further urged the people to show their love and said, People will come to you and ask for your votes on emotional issues but it is up to you to decide whether you will vote on emotional grounds or to continue development work and for the welfare of your future generations. In a veiled attack on Sule, he said, Those who work, are bound to face allegations. Those who do not work, are bound to remain clean. Supriya Sule has represented the Baramati constituency for three consecutive terms since 2009 and was Rajya Sabha member before that from 2006 to 2009. According to a Hindustan Times report, Sunetra Pawar has started a publicity campaign for Ajit Pawar in the Baramati constituency and is likely to be fielded against sitting Supriya Sule, the daughter of seasoned leader and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar. Recently, banners wishing Sunetra on her birthday were put up across the Baramati constituency. The banners also extended political greetings to Ajit and Sunetra Pawar. The banners featured photos of Parliament along with Ajit and Sunetra Pawar, indirectly wishing luck to Sunetra for her political career. Responding to the developments and speculations, Supriya Sule said, Given the political scenario, it is expected that someone will be contesting against me. So such decisions should be welcomed with complete strength. Responding to speculations of an NCP vs NCP battle during the Lok Sabha polls in Baramati, he said, He is making people emotional by saying that family is on one side and he is alone on the other. Things that have never happened in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency are now happening. Who is Sunetra Pawar Sunetra, Ajit Pawars wife, hails from a politically influential family, with her brother Padamsinh Patil being a senior politician and former minister. The couple has two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. While Jay oversees the family business, Parth, with political aspirations, contested and lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Maval, as reported by Deccan Herald. Sunetra Pawar is recognised for her social work in Baramati, and her official website highlights her role as the founder of the Environmental Forum of India, an NGO established in 2010. She has played a key role in promoting the eco-village concept in India. Additionally, Sunetra serves as a trustee for Vidya Pratishthan, a renowned educational institution. Since 2011, she has been a think tank member of the World Entrepreneurship Forum in France, according to her website. If I were Sharads son: Ajit Pawars retort to stealing claims Ajit Pawar, who has been accused of stealing his uncles party, while refraining from directly naming Pawar Senior, said, Had I been born in the seniors (Sharad Pawar) house, I would have naturally become the national president, and the entire party (NCP) would have been under my control. Although not in the seniors family, I was still born in his brothers family, Pawar said while addressing a rally in Baramati. (With ANI inputs) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday responded to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs door is always open remark for him and said, I dont pay attention to who says what. Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD). We will now investigate whatever went wrong in between, he added. #WATCH | On Lalu Yadavs doors open remark, Bihar CM & JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar says, Dont think of who says whatThings were not going well, so I left them (RJD) pic.twitter.com/CEBDq5LaMn ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Days after Nitish Kumar exited the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar and joined hands with old ally BJP, Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday, said his doors are always open for the JD(U) chief if he decides to come back. Speaking about giving another chance to Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav said, Let him come back, we will see then (jab aaenge tab dekha jaaega). He said the doors were always open for Nitish, who ditched him for the second time, leading to his son Tejashwi Yadav losing the deputy chief ministers post twice. Doors are always open (darwaza toh khula hi rehta hai), he said. JD(U) chief spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar responded to Lalu Yadavs comment ruling out the possibility of a possible return. Lalu ji says the doors are still open. He should know that the famous padlock of Aligarh has been placed on the doors. Our leader Nitish Kumar has clearly said whenever RJD has shared power with us, it has engaged in corruption. There is no question of going back, Neeraj Kumar said. Ditching the traditional leather suitcase that holds the state budget papers, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was this time seen carrying a locally made leather bag by the Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR). The CM held up the dark tan-coloured satchel for all to see, marking a significant move to promote the leather industry and support leather artisans in the state. A source in the Chief Ministers Office mentioned that Siddaramaiah decided to initiate the new tradition of using products from the state-owned LIDKAR company for official purposes. True to his belief of supporting AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes, and Dalits), CM Siddaramaiah tries to promote every section of the society and this is just another step to help our artisans, the official said. LIDKAR was initially known as Karnataka Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd, and later the name was shortened for convenience. Established by the Government of Karnataka in 1976, the corporations nomenclature was changed to Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd in 2010 and is managed by the state Social Welfare Department. These state-owned outlets, located across Karnataka, sell genuine leather products such as bags, footwear, shoes, and belts made by leather artisans and small-scale industries, explained the official. Leather artisans in the state have been economically disadvantaged, engaged in making and selling traditional footwear and leather products for generations. With the advent of commercialization and the involvement of middlemen, local artisans began to be exploited, receiving inadequate compensation for their products. During the tenure of the then Chief Minister Devaraja Urs, a decision was made to provide leather artisans and sellers with a platform to showcase and sell their products at competitive rates. In the Tharu tribe, marriage rituals often reflect Hindu traditions as well as their tribal customs. Tharu people migrated from the Thar Desert to Nepal over time. Today, Tharu communities are found not only in Indias Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar but also in neighbouring Nepal. Tharu tribe marriages include a ritual noted by Rajesh Joshi, an independent journalist and media trainer from Uttarakhand. He mentioned a specific tradition i.e. following the wedding ceremony, when the bride prepares food for the first time, she has to serve food to her husband with her feet instead of her hands. In India, the Tharu community mainly lives in Champaran, Bihar, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand and Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. They inhabit 141 villages in Khatima, Kichha, Nanakmatta, and Sitarganj of Udham Singh Nagar in Uttarakhands Kumaon region. Additionally, around 6.6 per cent of Nepals population belongs to the Tharu community. They primarily reside in areas bordering Bihar and Nepal, known for their mountainous terrain, rivers, and forests. Other marriage customs of the Tharu tribe include unique practices. Following the tilak ceremony, the groom wears a dagger and turban. Boys worship the Sakhu tree in the forest with curd, Akshat, and vermilion, gathering branches for rituals. These branches are later used to roast Lava, a special dish, on the wedding day. The engagement ceremony, known as Apna Paraya or Khanauri signifies commitment, while Baat Katti determines the wedding date. In the Tharu tribe of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, women hold higher status, often barring men from the kitchen. The tharu tradition includes worshipping Lord Shiva and Mother Kali at altars. The traditional attire for Tharu women includes lehenga and chunari, complimented by jewellery such as bracelets and anklets. But this attire is now mainly worn by older women. Men still wear dhoti-kurta and gamchha. While there was once a tradition of wearing sandals, few people still adhere to it. Its noteworthy that the Tharu tribe is the largest tribal community in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand in terms of population. Historians suggest various origins for the Tharu tribe. Some link them to the Sisodia dynasty of Rajasthan, while others propose descent from Mahatma Buddha or connections to the Mongols. Some historians believe that the Tharu tribe originated in the Himalayas and moved to the plains because of the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The Tharus are also associated with the Kirat dynasty, which comprises many castes and sub-castes. Russian President, Vladimir Putins most outspoken critic, Alexei Navalny died due to sudden death syndrome, his mother was told on Saturday. According to a Reuters report, Navalnys family was also told his body would not be handed over to them until an investigation was completed, his team said. Navalny, 47, died in the Arctic prison colony on Friday where he was serving a three-decade jail sentence. In a statement, Russias federal penitentiary service said Navalny fell and lost consciousness after a walk at the Polar Wolf penal colony in Kharp, about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow, and could not be revived by medics. Navalnys 69-year-old mother, Lyudmila, visited the penal colony on Saturday where her son died. She was given an official death notice stating the time of death as 2:17 pm local time (0917 GMT) on February 16, Navalnys spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, told Reuters. When Alexeis lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalnys death was sudden death syndrome, Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said in an X post. Western government came down heavily on President Putin over Navalnys death. Speaking on NPR, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Kremlins long and sordid history of harming its opponents raises real and obvious questions about what happened here. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a terrible news and a huge tragedy for the people of Russia. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life, Sunak said on X, adding that his thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia. The Kremlin called the Wests reaction unacceptable and absolutely rabid. President Putin has not commented on Navalnys death- yet. A septuagenarian Australian man needed urgent urethra surgery after he jammed three button-style batteries into his penis. The 73-year-old man told doctors when he arrived at the hospital that he was fuelling his own sexual gratification by intentionally shoving batteries into his penis. This led to a case of urethral necrosis. To the best of our understanding, this is the first reported case of urethral necrosis with button battery insertion, the doctors who operated on him wrote in the March edition of Urology Case Reports. Urethral necrosis is the death of tissue in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The doctors noted their observations in the study and noted that the patient reportedly inserted batteries several times before without them getting stuck inside. The man earlier also endured shockwave therapy on his penis as he suffered from erectile dysfunction for three years. The man waited for 24 hours to seek medical attention and the doctors moved quickly to remove the foreign objects as the corrosiveness of the batteries can cause necrosis in just two hours. They also hoped that the man does not contract the rare but lethal infection of Fourniers gangrene. Using forceps, the surgeons were finally able to get out the little batteries from the mans penis. All extracted batteries were coated with black tar-like material, the study said. Ten days later, the man returned to the hospital and complained that he noticed swelling and icky discharge. The doctors then decided to operate again. An incision was made to the penile skin (and) a large amount (of fluids) leaked out, the doctors noted. The doctors who were afraid that the man would develop necrosis found out that they were right about their concern as the man developed an extensive degree of necrosis. The doctors also removed part of his urethra. In males, the urethra is a tube that runs through the penis, allowing urine to exit the body from the bladder. Given the complexity of his injury, it was deemed that formal penile urethral reconstruction would likely require a 3-stage repair, the researchers said, describing the complex, six-month procedure of mucous membrane grafts. They then assessed the extremely damaged penis and decided the best option would be for no further penile reconstruction. (with inputs from the New York Post) Robert Lighthizer, who served as President Donald Trumps trade representative between 2017 and 2021 in his book titled No Trade is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China and Helping Americas Workers published last year, claimed that he told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting that India is the worlds most protectionist country and that its trade practices were hurting American farmers and leading to a large trade deficit while contributing to job losses in America. News18 has not independently verified the details of the conversations that Lighthizer has claimed to have with Indian officials. He also wrote in his book that he kept the biographies of 15 Indian billionaires on his desk as he prepared for trade negotiations with Indian counterparts during his time at the Trump administration. He claims in his book that oligarchs influence government policy despite India having an extremely strong professional bureaucracy in all areas of the government. When I was in negotiations with Indian officials, I kept a copy of the biography of each of the countrys 15 or so billionaires on my desk. In predicting Indian government positions, I would look to the interests of these men. I can remember at one point telling an Indian friend of mine who had made a fortune in business that I thought there were 15 oligarchs who basically ran the country. He corrected me. Bob youre wrong. Only about seven of them actually run the country. The others just try to influence the seven, Lighthizer noted in his book. Robert Lighthizer, according to a report by Hindustan Times, was considered as a barrier to constructive trade talks and a spoiler within the then-Trump administration on the India-US relationship. It is likely that Trump will approach Robert Lighthizer once more if he is reelected and the report by Hindustan Times also said that he is likely to get a cabinet-rank position handling trade again. In his book, Lighthizer recognised Indias strengths and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking steps to lift India out of poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a particularly interesting figure. He came up through the ranks of right-wing political organisations and clearly considers himself a nationalistHe is an extremely gifted politician and the first leader of India who was born after its independence in 1947, he writes. Modi is dedicated to raising India out of poverty. He believes in doing it through state control of innovation, high tariffs, mercantilism, and protectionism. There are lots of hangovers from the time of British rule, but free trade is not one of them, he further added. Trade Tussle with India, US-China Relations Robert Lighthizer writes that the Trump administrations strategy with India was to maintain good relations but then use its leverage to increase our access to their market, to obtain fairness and reciprocity in trade, and to achieve balance. Setting this as the background, Lighthizer shares his side of the story on why the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) system became a key fault line between India and the US. Lighthizer has acknowledged that the US tried to leverage Indias use of GSP, a duty-free programme, to obtain more access. India is by far the biggest user of the program. A large percent of all its imports come into the United States under this preference duty-free. While India uses GSP and runs large trade surpluses with us, it denies us equal access to its market and charges our producers high tariffs, he writes. The US took away Indias GSP status in June 2019. Lighthizer claims they tried to restore it in exchange for better access to Indias market. However, the Trump administration realised it wouldnt happen because India doesnt usually open its market, and the demands were being made during the farmers protest. Indian officials, according to the newspaper, said that they showed flexibility when possible and retaliated when needed, even using counter-tariffs, in order to defend Indian economic interests. The officials also found that it was challenging to deal with an administration that was erratic and also shifted its priorities but they focussed on resisting Trumps pressure, seeing it as a sign of strength and commitment to national interests. In discussing Indias industrial policy, Lighthizer mentioned the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives and said India aims to attract more foreign investment, reduce regulations, boost exports, and protect certain sectors like electronics and communication devices. However, Lighthizer also claims that India subsidises exports through tax breaks and exemptions, especially in industries like textiles, steel, and wood products He also acknowledged the shared challenge from China. During Lighthizers tenure under Trump, Americas trade and China policy faced significant changes, some of which have continued under the Joe Biden administration. Perhaps most importantly, the rise and growing militarism of China is the greatest geopolitical concern for both our nations. India and China both claim territory in the mountains that separate them. India feels as threatened as we do by the aggressive surge of China. There is truth in the old saying (modified for obvious reasons) that the adversary of my adversary is my friend, he further added. Lighthizer in his book also mentioned counterparts Suresh Prabhu and Piyush Goyal and also praised them. Trumps chief trade adviser believed that having a stronger economic bond with India would be great. He saw India as an important ally against China due to its educated population and large workforce. We clearly have the geopolitical reason to do it. India is a natural adversary of China. It also has a population that contains an enormous number of very educated and smart people as well as a large inexpensive labour force, he said, concluding the part about India on a positive note. Health workers are seen at CBCA Ndosho Hospital in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Feb. 15, 2024. As clashes escalate between the military and armed rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Goma, the main city in the region, has been beset by an influx of civilians into displacement camps, and its healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the continuous influx of the injured. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) by Xinhua writers Alain Uyakani, Shi Yu GOMA, DR Congo, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- As clashes escalate between the military and armed rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Goma, the main city in the region, has been beset by an influx of civilians into displacement camps, and its healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the continuous influx of the injured. At the CBCA Ndosho Hospital, the best-equipped in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province and also a strategic and commercial city in the Great Lakes region of Africa, doctors and nurses are tirelessly working, 24/7, to face this growing health crisis, exacerbated by the recent offensives by rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) in the town of Sake and its surroundings. Sake is located about 27 km northwest of Goma. At the triage under the coordination of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), healthcare workers were attending to several emergency cases, with cries of pain echoing in the corridor and a continuous arrival of the injured, transferred by motorbikes from the conflict-stricken areas indiscriminately bombed by the M23 rebels for weeks. "We are overwhelmed by the current situation in our facility. In Goma, we have never seen anything like this before. This situation is unique under the current circumstances," said Laurent Cresci, the head nurse of the surgical team of the ICRC in Goma, with a fatigued expression in the emergency room where his team operates day and night. According to Cresci, with about 20 operations daily, almost 90 percent of the patients in this healthcare facility are victims of the ongoing clashes in North Kivu Province, particularly in Sake, where the fighting between the Congolese military and the M23 has been raging since last week. Sake is considered the last barrier before Goma. Once Sake falls into the hands of the M23, the city of Goma would be completely isolated except for Lake Kivu. In late 2012, Goma was briefly occupied by the M23 before being militarily defeated the following year. Since Monday of this week, at least 76 other injured individuals have been transferred to the hospital, some with serious gunshot wounds, said the ICRC Thursday, expressing concern about the risk of the local healthcare system breaking down with the escalation of violence around Goma. "We have treated over 318 injured individuals since the beginning of the year 2024, whereas our initial capacity is 64 beds ... The lack of space to accommodate so many patients is our main challenge," Cresci said. SCENES OF TRAUMA Several patients share a narrow bed, with their bandages stained with blood after receiving medical care, while others are still waiting for their turn for an operation. It is in this overcrowded room that the injured share scenes of suffering. Mupenzi Nzitonda, 19, sitting on the bed with a serious back injury, is one of the victims of the attack on Feb. 7 when the M23 rebels bombed Sake. Still recovering from several bullet shots on his back, he said that he temporarily sought refuge in Sake with his family after leaving his home in Karuba, a village now under M23 occupation. "We found ourselves between two explosions (of bombs)," he recalled. It is the same case for Riziki Sengihuva, originally from Karuba, who had one of her legs pierced by bomb shrapnel fired at her shelter in Sake. After being transported to the hospital by volunteers, medical staff managed to control her pain and put her leg back in place despite losing several nails. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), since the first week of February 2024, at least 15 civilians have been killed and 29 injured around Goma and Sake. The UNHCR estimated that around 135,000 internally displaced persons have fled Sake to Goma, putting pressure on the city, which already has a population of about two million. "We were all outside the house, and the little girl was inside the house when a bomb fell on our house. Unfortunately, the girl was severely wounded by bomb shrapnel," confided a mother who fled Sake, sitting on a bed next to her daughter, who was injured in the leg and head during the attack. Since the escalation of hostilities and the M23's advance into the territory of Masisi in North Kivu, healthcare institutions, where conflict-displaced people seek refuge, have been severely exposed to crossfire during the deadly clashes over the past few months. "The situation is extremely worrisome. The hospital is overwhelmed, with thousands of people crammed inside, trying to find some protection from the fighting," lamented Caglar Tahiroglu, project coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Mweso, one of the centers of violent clashes. GOMA ON THE VERGE OF SUFFOCATION With the main roads between Goma and its surroundings cut off by the M23, the city of Goma is on the verge of economic suffocation, while the situation remains highly volatile on the frontline. It is holding on with the influx of civilians into displacement camps, which risks worsening the already precarious humanitarian crisis, with the supply of goods heavily cut off and suffocated by the M23's advance. "I fear a major famine for the city of Goma. You see, these are people (the displaced) coming from regions that do agriculture for Goma. Since Goma is now enclosed, we fear widespread famine in Goma," said Jacinthe Maarifa, a volunteer with the organization "Agir RDC." For over a week, fighting has been raging in Sake, with several attempts by M23 rebels to take control of Sake, but thwarted by the Congolese army with the support of military elements from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, despite being repelled, the rebels still control the hills overlooking Sake. Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defense Jean-Pierre Bema stressed Wednesday that everything had been done to secure the victory of this war. Hundreds of additional soldiers have still been sent to Goma since last week by Kinshasa, which has rejected any dialogue with the M23 rebels. In the offensive against the rebels in Sake, two South African soldiers deployed as part of the SADC force have been killed, according to military authorities in a statement released Thursday. A patient sits on bed at CBCA Ndosho Hospital in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Feb. 15, 2024. As clashes escalate between the military and armed rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Goma, the main city in the region, has been beset by an influx of civilians into displacement camps, and its healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the continuous influx of the injured. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) A patient sits on bed at CBCA Ndosho Hospital in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Feb. 15, 2024. As clashes escalate between the military and armed rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Goma, the main city in the region, has been beset by an influx of civilians into displacement camps, and its healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the continuous influx of the injured. (Photo by Alain Uyakani/Xinhua) Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders on Saturday said he sent a personal message of strength to Nupur Sharma and expressed his desire to meet Sharma, a former spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I sent a personal message of support to the brave Nupur Sharma, who is threatened by Islamists for years now only for speaking the truth. Freedom loving people all over the world should support her. I hope to meet her one day while visiting India. #NupurSharma Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) February 17, 2024 I sent a personal message of support to the brave Nupur Sharma, who has been threatened by Islamists for years now only for speaking the truth. Freedom loving people all over the world should support her. I hope to meet her one day while visiting India, Wilders, who is in the race to become the Prime Minister of Netherlands, said in a post on social media site X. Wilders on several occasions has supported the former spokesperson, saying that he is a defender of freedom of speech and expression. He backed her when she was sidelined from the party after she made controversial remarks regarding Prophet Mohammad on a news show. Geert at that time backed her and said that he supports what Nupur Sharma has said. Geert Wilders, whose Freedom party (PVV) shocked Europe by finishing first in Netherlands general elections in November 2023, is known for his firebrand nature. The right-wing politician, however, changed his stance slightly as elections approached and even told news media outlets that he doesnt like being labelled as far-right. We are a country of consensus-building. We dont even have that many far-right people in our country; we never will. Indigenous people are being ignored because of mass immigration they feel mistreated, Wilders said. He also said that his plans to ban the Quran, Islamic schools and mosques as mentioned in his partys manifesto is now in the cold storage, in an attempt to make his party more palatable to moderate voters, as per a report by the BBC. His party, however, still stands beside the proposed ban on Islamic headscarves in public buildings, which is also mentioned in its manifesto. Wilders is also a major supporter of the current Indian governments policies. He backed the governments decision to dilute Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Meanwhile, the firebrand leader is struggling to form the government in the Netherlands despite being the largest party with most votes as coalition talks with the centrist New Social Contract (NSC) collapsed last week. Wilders PVV won a shock 37 seats in the election but fell far short of the 76 seats needed for a majority. He wants to form the next government with the NSC, which won 20 seats, the BBB agrarian party (seven seats), and the centre-right VVD party (24 seats), according to a report by the Guardian. Israel has an extraordinary opportunity to end a cycle of violence in the coming months as almost every Arab nation is in favour of normalising relations with it, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday. Efforts underway to reform the Palestinian Authority would also help it become a better partner for Israel, assessed Blinken. As Israel pushes on with its war against Hamas, triggered by the Gazan rulers attack on Israeli soil, negotiators have been scrambling to find ways to end the conflict and build long-term peace. Blinken, who has travelled several times to the Middle East since the war erupted, has been in talks with key figures in the region to seek a truce deal and an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas war. But the efforts risk being torpedoed as Israel readies an incursion into Rafah, the southern Gaza border city where around 1.5 million people have sought shelter. In a message that appeared aimed at Israel, Blinken said he thought that there is an extraordinary opportunity for Israel in the months ahead to once and for all end that cycle of violence. There are new facts that didnt exist before, he told the Munich Security Conference. Starting with the fact that virtually every Arab country now generally wants to integrate Israel into the region, to normalise relations if they havent already done so, to provide security assurances and commitments, so that Israel can feel more safe and more secure. Genuine efforts were also underway to reform the Palestinian Authority, which holds power in the West Bank, but not Hamas-ruled Gaza, Blinken said. The aim is to make it more effective in representing the interests of the Palestinian people and would be a better partner for Israel in that future, he said. Nevertheless, there is also an imperative to proceed to a Palestinian state one that also ensures the security of Israel. At a meeting with Israels President Isaac Herzog in Munich, Blinken also alluded to the genuine opportunities for a more secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians. Herzog agreed that there are opportunities but that they need to be studied in depth. He stressed however that Israel must complete the work of undermining and eradicating the basic infrastructure of Hamas. Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser. The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the mans action and the police response. He was wearing an Arab-style robe and brandished a meat cleaver and carried a notebook with Arabic writing at a tram stop in eastern Paris. When police arrived on the scene, the man refused to drop the cleaver and proceeded towards the police, prosecutors said. According to first reports, four police officers fired their pistols a total of about 20 times, they said, adding that none of the police on the scene were injured. The four who opened fire had been taken to hospital in a state of shock, the prosecutors said. Union external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly met on Friday and held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The two leaders said their talks focused on the current state of India-Canada bilateral ties. Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejoly on sidelines of #MSC2024. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation. pic.twitter.com/g1G1VhS3vn Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 16, 2024 Both leaders also exchanged their views on global and regional developments. Met my Canadian counterpart FM Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the 2024 Munich Security Conference. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation, Jaishankar said in a post on X. At #MSC2024, @DrSJaishankar and I had a frank discussion on Canada-India relations and the current global issues, including Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/prAZGb5LyF Melanie Joly (@melaniejoly) February 17, 2024 Melanie Joly in a post on X said that both leaders also discussed the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war. At the 2024 Munich Security Conference, Dr S Jashainkar and I had a frank discussion on Canada-India relations and the current global issues, including Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, Joly said in her post. Both foreign ministers met amid strained ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that India played a role in the death of Khalistani separatist-terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Nijjar in Surrey in June 2023. India denied all the allegations, calling them baseless, absurd and motivated. Meanwhile, the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) got underway this Friday. The two-day conference is being held at its traditional venue, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen is the chairman of this edition of the MSC. S Jaishankar also met German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and reviewed preparations for the next edition of the India-Germany intergovernmental consultations. So good to meet my German colleague FM Annalena Baerbock on 2024 Munich Security Conference sidelines. A wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our intergovernmental consultations, Jaishankar said in a post on social media site X. Jaishankar also met Argentinian counterpart, Diana Mondino and Greek minister of national defence Nikos Dendias. He also held a meeting with European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. 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. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Given Africa's increasing prominence on the global stage, exemplified by the AU's permanent membership in the G20 and the growing engagement of African countries in key multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the summit is expected to further underscore the importance of enhancing Africa's common position in international affairs. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- As African leaders gather at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, enhancing education, fostering development momentum, and ensuring peace and security are set to take center stage at the summit. The summit, held from Wednesday to Sunday under the AU's theme 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," is deliberating on the continent's current state of affairs. DRIVING AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT AGAINST CHALLENGES As part of the AU summit, the AU Executive Council meeting, which brings together foreign ministers from AU member states, concluded Thursday. Addressing the executive council meeting, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the importance of bolstering Africa's capabilities to drive its development aspirations while addressing recurrent man-made and natural challenges. "Africa must, for its peace, its security and its sustainable development, count first and foremost on its own strengths, its own genius, its own chain of solidarity," said Faki. Africa should build resilience against global uncertainties, as the continent faces the brunt of global economic and security shocks, the adverse effects of climate change, and inequalities, among others, said Faki. "The repercussions of this global geopolitical fact reach our continent which, unfortunately, is also facing serious situations of armed conflict," Faki added, emphasizing the need to tackle Africa's continued security and development challenges collectively. Experts and officials from different African nations made similar remarks. "Africa has natural resources, a young population, and a labor force that can be educated. Africa could be the investment destination globally if these constraints are addressed," said Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, who has served as an economic advisor to the AU and the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Comorian foreign minister and the chairperson of the AU Executive Council, emphasized the importance of Africans from all walks of life to join forces towards realizing the common goal of building "an Africa we want," free from insecurity and external dependence, while also building resilience against climate change. INCREASED VOICE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE Given Africa's increasing prominence on the global stage, exemplified by the AU's permanent membership in the G20 and the growing engagement of African countries in key multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the summit is expected to further underscore the importance of enhancing Africa's common position in international affairs. Faki said the G20 membership provides an important impetus to fast-track Africa's position on the global stage. Similarly, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie emphasized that the AU's membership in the G20 represents the broader African continent and would contribute to amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage. The AU and the African continent are encouraged to exert concerted efforts to make better use of the G20 membership as a valuable platform to amplify Africa's priorities in the global arena, said Atske Selassie. 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. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Apart from the AU's G20 membership, the contribution of individual AU member countries to enhancing Africa's position in key multilateral institutions like BRICS is acknowledged, he added. Atske Selassie further said that, as one of the new members of the BRICS family, Ethiopia will leverage its membership in the BRICS mechanism, together with other African countries, to further advance the shared interest of the continent and contribute to a strengthened global governance and multilateralism. During the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, BRICS leaders agreed to invite countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join the group. The membership of these countries took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. ANTICIPATING ENHANCED CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION Experts and AU officials expressed optimism about increased China-Africa cooperation, especially in education and human capital development. Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the summit, Albert Muchanga, AU commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, said Africa-China cooperation in education and vocational training is "very important" and a critical enabler for human capital development in Africa. "China and Africa are cooperating very, very well. We have continuous engagements and there are frameworks for collaboration. It (China-Africa cooperation in the education sector) is very important and we encourage it to continue," the AU commissioner said. Muchanga emphasized China's critical role in augmenting Africa's human capital, particularly among the continent's youth, ultimately contributing to Africa's socio-economic development. One of the manifestations of the ever-expanding China-Africa cooperation in education and human capital development is the expansion of the Chinese-supported Luban Workshops across the continent. Since Africa's first Luban Workshop was launched in Djibouti back in March 2019, a number of African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda have launched world-class Luban Workshops to provide quality vocational training to local people and support Africa's industrialization. Cooperation in education and talent development is seen as a vivid example of robust China-Africa ties, ranging from flourishing diplomatic and economic relations to growing people-to-people and cultural exchanges. "The Africa-China camaraderie is in its prime stage with Chinese investments fueling infrastructure and industrial development in Africa. China is now the number one trading partner of Africa. South-South cooperation is in full bloom," Costantinos said. THE beleaguered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has been plunged into further turmoil as Prof Welshman Ncube has been named the leader of the party for the next 90 days. He will rotate with Mr Tendai Biti who will do another 90 days with Lynette Karenyi-Kore following after, in a rotational format until congress to elect a substantial leadership following the resignation of Mr Chamisa from the party. Insiders accused the new leadership of grabbing power from the Mr Tshabangu team that had pushed Mr Chamisa out of the picture. Mr Tshabangu was part of the interim leadership of the party, announced recently, but was not included in the new set up announced yesterday. The leadership committee of the party that was initially announced by the Mr Tshabangu team has Dingilizwe Tshuma, former legislator for Entumbane-Njube constituency in Bulawayo as chair, Mhlanga (former Pumula MP, Bulawayo deputy mayor and committees deputy), Tshabangu (secretary-general), Khaliphani Phugeni (information), Sikhululekile Moyo (interim chairperson for women), Nomvula Mguni (ex-proportional representation MP), Mbuso Siso (treasurer) and Benoni Ncube (youth). Bitter infighting has erupted following the submission of the list of Senators and Proportional Representation candidates to replace those that were recalled by the partys interim secretary-general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu. A couple of weeks ago the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gazetted the CCC list which saw Mr Tshabangu as one of the candidates nominated to fill vacancies in the Senate under Matabeleland North Province. Other candidates nominated to fill vacancies in the Senate include lawyer Kucaca Phulu, Lilian Mlilo, Linda Sibanda and Collet Ndhlovu all from Bulawayo. Maxwell Mdhluri comes in for Manicaland while Sam Chapfudza fills in the Masvingo vacancy. In Matabeleland North, Mr Tshabangu, Teresa Kabondo and Grace Mampande complete the Senate list. The list has, however, ignited controversy within the party, leading to intense name-calling and bitter accusations among its ranks. Some members have even gone as far as boldly threatening that they would send lightning to their rivals. In a WhatsApp voice note which emerged last week, former Pumula legislator, Mr Albert Mhlanga claims to be part of the initial group with Mr Tshabangu that approached former leader Mr Nelson Chamisa and took him to task on the imposition of candidates to represent the party in last years harmonised elections. It is the same group that initiated the recalls from Parliament, claiming they were targeting people they believed had been imposed by Mr Chamisa. In the voice note, Mr Mhlanga accuses lawyer and former Nkulumane MP, Mr Phulu of imposing himself on the list of Senators and also hijacking their movement. I hope I find you well honourable lawyer Phulu, I remember you once tried to call me and I ignored your call because I was so angry and I was going to tell you off. I always tell you of this tendency of yours, where you go behind my back, you claiming its (Tendai) Biti, but I know its you, to ensure I do not get onto the list of Senatorial candidates. I do not know why you are fighting with me but I am also prepared to take these three years fighting with you, be prepared for that fight. How we fight, I do not know. You might be a lawyer and win every legal battle in court but you will never win the Mhlanga war, with my little money I am prepared to buy lightning from anyone selling it and that lightning strikes you, said Mr Mhlanga in the voice note recorded in isiNdebele. Contacted for comment, Mr Mhlanga confirmed that indeed it was him in the voice note, saying he stood by the sentiments. He accused Mr Phulu of hijacking their project and then sidelining them so that he could bulldoze his way back to Parliament for personal gain. We are the CCC whose leader is Mr Chamisa, the idea we had after the controversy surrounding the partys primary elections was to engage Mr Chamisa and come up with some form of solution. When that failed we decided to formalise the party, where together with the likes of Mbuso Siso and Collet Ndhlovu, to mention but a few, decided to work on issues like the party constitution. Phulu was approached and he flatly refused to be a double candidate or even to be our lawyer. We then got our own lawyers to represent us, when Phulu realised that we were scoring legal victories he requested to assist the lawyers, that is how he got into the picture, said Mr Mhlanga. The former legislator further claimed that after Mr Phulu got himself into the legal team, he then sidelined them and was now only dealing with Mr Tshabangu. It was honestly shocking. They were now always in court without even consulting us, they were recalling people willy nilly, which was not what our intentions were. Mr Phulu made sure he separated us from Mr Tshabangu, even the Senate and Proportional Representation list, these were all drafted by Phulu, where he made sure he bulldozes his way to Senate and ignoring the list which we had all drafted. This is not the first time that Mr Phulu has done this, when we formed the MDC-Alliance, he did exactly what he is doing now, that shows you the person he is, which is why I am saying better he be struck by lightning, that is how angry I am, said Mr Mhlanga. Mr Phulu on the other hand distanced himself from the accusations that were levelled at him by Mr Mhlanga, saying he was not aware what he was talking about. Yes I heard Mr Mhlangas voice note but to be honest, I dont even know what Mhlanga is talking about, if I knew, maybe I would give an informed comment but he is just babbling and saying nothing at all. His accusations do not even make any sense at all, he said. Sunday News LAWYERS representing gospel musician Ivy Kombo and her husband, Admire Kasi, who are facing allegations of acquiring conversion certificates to practice law in Zimbabwe without writing the conversion examinations, have written to the National Prosecuting Authority expressing their displeasure over the conduct of the trial prosecutor. The prosecutor, Anesu Chirenje, attempted to serve the lawyers with a piece of evidence that was rejected by the court on the last hearing. The lawyers described it as an attempt to smuggle evidence into the record. They argued this would be prejudicial to their clients as they prepared and prosecuted their defence without it. Admire Rubaya, who is representing the Kombo couple, wrote: We write herein to address your highly concerning attempt to introduce an email extract into the record during the recent trial, which we are deeply disturbed by as it amounts to smuggling the so-called extract in a manner which we deem unethical and highly improper. We, therefore, firmly reject your attempt to serve this document in this manner. The State availed and served us with an affidavit containing only one annexure, which is a schedule not an email extract. He added: It is worrying that your unfortunate conduct of having slept at work demonstrates a concerning lapse in diligence because you failed to provide the crucial email extract that you now intend to rely on. Such an omission, or oversight, was brazenly negligent on the part of the State to say the least. Attempting to discover it now is unfair, unlawful, abusive and an unprocedural tactic. With all due respect, we contend that your position as a public prosecutor should not be used to hit our client below the belt on the basis of service of the document that never was discovered before the commencement of the trial. H Metro wo vacancies have arisen in the National Assembly of Parliament in Mount Pleasant and Harare East constituencies, following the resignations of Fadzayi Mahere and Allan Markham, respectively. The Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, announced the vacancies formerly held by members of parliament elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), necessitating by-elections in those two constituencies. Mahere resigned on January 29, 2024, and Markham on January 31, 2024, in solidarity with former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, who resigned from the party on January 25, 2024, citing infiltration of the opposition. Captured in Thursdays Hansard, the Speaker confirmed receiving letters from Mahere and Markham, respectively. On the 29th and 31st of January 2024, Parliament received letters from Ms Fadzayi Mahere and Mr Allan Markham, respectively, advising of their resignation from Parliament with immediate effect, in accordance with Section 129 (1) (b) of the Constitution, Mudenda said. Section 129 (1) (b) states as follows: a seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant upon the Member resigning his or her seat by written notice to the President of the Senate or to the Speaker, as the case may be. Ms Mahere was a Member of Parliament for Mount Pleasant Constituency, and Mr. Markham was a Member of Parliament for Harare East Constituency, added the Speaker. Mudenda said consequently, vacancies exist in the membership of Parliament, in respect of the two constituencies. And in terms of Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], His Excellency the President and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission shall duly be notified in writing of these vacancies,' said the Speaker. Regarding when the by-elections in the two constituencies might be held, section 158(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that: Polling in by-elections to Parliament and local authorities must take place within ninety days after the vacancies occurred unless the vacancies occur within nine months before a general election is due to be held, in which event the vacancies may remain unfilled until the general election. Accordingly, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is expected to notify President Mnangagwa for the by-elections in Mount Pleasant and Harare East to be held within the prescribed period. Analysts note it remains to be seen whether Mahere and Markham will run in the by-elections for the constituencies that they resigned from. CITE BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's transport departments are taking measures to ensure the smooth flow of travelers as the Spring Festival holiday draws to an end. The country is expected to see a peak in its annual travel rush on Saturday, the last day of the eight-day holiday period this year, with the rush hours estimated to fall between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the Ministry of Transport. The ministry said that highway traffic will peak at 65.2 million vehicles, about 1.75 times the average amount during the Spring Festival travel rush. Meantime, due to the cold wave, there will be strong winds and cooling weather in most areas of the country, making road travel more difficult. An official with the ministry said that local transport departments have taken measures to enhance road network management, emergency response, congestion relief and other work to ensure the safety and orderly travel of passengers. In central China's Hubei Province, transport authorities guided drivers to avoid congested road sections through radio, electronic display screens and map navigation. In order to enhance the travel experience of teachers and students returning to Shanghai, local authorities provided customized special lines to 27 university campuses from Feb. 16 to March 5, with the help of the "Mobility as a Service" platform. Railway passenger flow also continues to rise. According to the official railway ticket-booking app 12306, the passenger flow from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou and other cities is relatively large. China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has added 410 passenger trains between popular destinations such as Beijing-Shanghai, Guangzhou-Shenzhen, while China Railway Zhengzhou Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has been operating 56 high-speed trains at night. In the south of the country, the Qiongzhou Strait has also been welcoming the peak of Spring Festival return travel. In order to meet passenger demand for sea crossings, the maritime department has guided operating enterprises to improve the efficiency of ship turnover to meet transport demand to the greatest extent. Most know it as the Into the Wild busthe abandoned vehicle in the Alaskan wilderness that served as the shelter for Christopher McCandless before the 24-year-old died in 1992. Those a bit more familiar with the story, made famous in a book and movie , might know it as Bus 142, the number emblazoned upon it from its former life as a city bus in Fairbanks. At Outside magazine, Eva Holland explores the buswhich was airlifted out of the wilderness by state officials in 2020in its new incarnation: as a museum exhibit not only about McCandless and the bus, but about Alaska itself. She details the delicate balance curators at the University of Alaska Museum of the North struck as they sought to restore the bus and simultaneously preserve it in its most well-known iteration: as a destination for hikers who made pilgrimages to the site. And does it all work? Yes, writes Holland, but maybe not in the way she expected. She likens stepping into the bus like stepping into a church, but instead of being awed by statues or stained glass, she was awed by the countless messages scrawled all over the bus over the years. "The sheer volume of scribbles, and the earnestness of what they expressed, were overwhelming," she writes. ("Live before you die" is one she cites.) "I was deeply, unexpectedly moved." She adds that she never understood McCandless' quest for extreme solitude until reading his sister's book about their abusive childhood home. "If reading Carine's book had helped me understand Chris, seeing the bus for myself helped me understand the people who'd followed him down the Stampede Trail." Read the full story. (McCandless may have missed his escape window by only a day or two.) Ana Maria Knezevic traveled from South Florida to Spain in December to get away for a while. Her family and friends say the naturalized American originally from Colombia has been going through a nasty divorce from her Serbian husband, but the trip was also a chance to explore new places. Then, she vanishedtwo weeks ago, shortly after a man wearing a motorcycle helmet disabled the security cameras at her Madrid apartment building by spray-painting the lenses. The next day, two friends received separate text messagesone in English, one in Spanishfrom the 40-year-old's phone saying she was running off for a few days with a man she'd just met. "It is very unsafe and crazy behavior. She wouldn't do that," Sanna Rameau, the friend who got the English text, told the AP . It was written, she said, in an emotionless style that wasn't Ana's. The Spanish message was so flat it appeared to have been written in English and run through Google Translate, Rameau said, adding, "It just didn't make sense." Knezevic is also tinysmaller than the 4 feet, 11 inches listed on her driver's license, Rameau said: "I can lift her up with one arm and carry her away." Ana traveled with Rameau in Austria in January and planned to see a Spanish friend in Barcelona on Feb. 5 before reuniting with Rameau in Madrid starting Feb. 8. But on Feb. 2 at about 9:30pm local time, the helmet-wearing man disabled the apartment complex's security camerassomething no one searching for Ana knew for almost a week. She had a normal phone call with a friend about a half-hour later. Neighbors said they last saw her about that time. The next day, Rameau became alarmed when she got two texts from Knezevic's phone. "I met someone wonderful!! He has a summer house 2H (hours) from Madrid," read one text. A second text read: "Yesterday after therapy I needed a walk and he approached me on the street! Amazing connection. Like I never had." Rameau said there's no chance her friend would have run off with a stranger. Police in Madrid and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were notified, launching investigations on each side of the Atlantic. Both agencies are being tight-lipped about where the search stands, with each declining comment. The US Embassy in Madrid also declined comment. Spain's Missing Persons Association has posted Knezevic's photo around the nation's capital, but it hasn't received any responses, per a spokesman. More here, including on Knezevic's "nasty" divorce. (More missing woman stories.) President Biden on Friday surveyed the federal cleanup in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after an explosive fire following the derailment of a train loaded with hazardous chemicals, and saw up close the lingering hostility from victims still angry that he waited so long to visit them. Aides have said Biden was waiting for the right moment to make the trip. He visited after being invited by the village's mayor. Addressing residents, Biden said he wants them to understand "that we're not going home, no matter what, until this job is done, and it's not done yet." He did not explain why he didn't visit sooner, the AP reports, nor did he address the community's collective hurt. Biden praised what he said were "Herculean efforts" and announced federal grants to study the effects of what happened. Signs of the community's still-hurt feelings were evident. Some people shouted profanity at Biden as his motorcade delivered him from a stop in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, where he greeted officials and first responders. A sign invoked the illness of the president's late son, Beau, who died of brain cancer. Biden arrived at the site of the derailment and saw what resembled a construction site. Rigs, trucks, generators, and covered metal tanks resembling above-ground swimming pools dotted the landscape. Local officials, including the mayor, briefed the president. During the visit, a separate rally was planned for Donald Trump, who visited East Palestine several weeks after the derailment. Mike Young, the rally's coordinator, described the grass-roots event as "anti-Biden," saying the president should have been an immediate presence on the ground. The EPA conducted an intense cleanup and says the community's air, water, and soil are now safe. Still, some say more must be done. Krissy Hylton said that EPA tests indicate her home should be safe but that independent tests point to a risk of chemical exposure. "My home is not safe to go back to," she said between sobs. "This has been devastating. No matter what day it says on the calendar, it's still February 3, 2023, to me." (More President Biden stories.) Alexei Navalny's spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was "murdered." She demanded that his body be handed over to his family. An official note handed to Navalny's mother stated that he died at 2:17pm local time Friday, Kira Yarmysh said. She added that an employee of the prison colony said that Navalny's body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a probe into his death, per the AP . "We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," Yarmysh wrote on X . The cause and circumstances of Navalny's death Friday remain largely unclear. His mother arrived in the area seeking to claim his body, but Yarmysh wrote on Saturday that when she and Navalny's attorney arrived at the Salekhard morgue, it was closed. "Alexey's body is not in the morgue," she wrote . Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported Navalny felt sick after a walk and became unconscious at the Kharp penal colony, about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he couldn't be revived. The cause of death is still "being established," it said. Police across Russia on Saturday detained scores of people who tried to place floral tributes to Navalny. More than 100 people were detained in various Russian cities the previous day when they came to lay flowers in memory of Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges, per OVD-Info. The tributes were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday, and arrests continued. Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Navalny said he understood he was "serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime." Hours after Navalny's death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at a security conference in Germany, where many world leaders had gathered. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, "but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putin's friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility." US President Biden said Washington doesn't know exactly what happened, "but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did." (More Alexei Navalny stories.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned allies on Saturday that an "artificial deficit" of arms for his country risks giving Russia breathing space, highlighting the need for artillery and long-range weapons after his military chief said he was withdrawing troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka, "the first major gain Russian forces have achieved since May of last year," reports the New York Times . Zelensky spoke to the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security and foreign policy officials, per the AP . Ukraine is back on the defensive against Russia in the nearly two-year-old war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," Zelensky said. "We can get our land back, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield." "Our actions are limited only by ... our strength," he added, pointing to the situation in Avdiivka. Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said early Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the city, where outnumbered Ukrainian defenders battled a Russian assault for four months, to avoid encirclement and save soldiers' lives. "Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," Zelensky said. "The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results." The president said the troop withdrawal, however, was "a correct decision" and emphasized the priority of saving soldiers. He suggested that Russia has achieved little, adding it has been attacking Avdiivka "with all the power that they had" since October and lost thousands of soldiers. "We're just waiting for weapons that we're short of," he added. Ukraine's European allies are appealing to the US Congress to approve a package that includes aid for Ukraine$60 billion that would go largely to US defense entities to manufacture missiles, munitions, and other military hardware for the battlefields in Ukraine. The package faces resistance from House Republicans. US Vice President Kamala Harris said after meeting Zelensky later Saturday in Munich that "it is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support." "History shows us: If we allow an aggressor like Putin to take land with impunity, they keep going. The other would-be aggressors then become emboldened," Harris said. More here. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) French President Emmanuel Macron has said recognizing a Palestinian state is not a "taboo" for France, as international frustration grows with Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. France and the EU have long supported a two-state solution in the Mideast, but as part of a negotiated settlement, the AP reports. With talks long stalled and Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza deepening, some European countries are voicing support for recognizing a Palestinian state sooner. It was the first time a leader of France has made the suggestion, per Politico Europe . "Recognizing a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France," Macron said Friday at a meeting in Paris with Jordan's King Abdullah. '"We owe it to Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled on for too long. We owe it to Israelis, who lived through the worst antisemitic massacre of our time. We owe it to a region that is seeking to rise above those who promote chaos and seed revenge." Macron did not elaborate on when and under what conditions France could recognize a Palestinian state. France, one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, would be unlikely to do such a thing unilaterally, per the AP. But Macron said: "Our partners in the region, notably Jordan, are working on it, we are working on it with them. We are ready to contribute to it, in Europe and in the Security Council." He also called for a cease-fire in Gaza. The UK's foreign minister, David Cameron, said earlier this month that his country could officially recognize a Palestinian state after a cease-fire in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Palestinian statehood, and there have been no substantive negotiations on a two-state solution since 2009. A move by key Israeli allies to recognize a Palestinian state could exert pressure to resume negotiations. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.) Hours after the loss of an eastern Ukrainian city, President Biden told the nation's leader that Congress' failure to approve military aid is to blame. "Ukraine's military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction," a White House readout of the call with President Volodymyr Zelensky said, CNN reports, "resulting in Russia's first notable gains in months." Despite the fact that the aid package is sitting in Congress, Biden reaffirmed to Zelensky the "strong bipartisan support" for Ukraine's defense, per the AP . Zelensky had warned of his country's arms shortage the same day at the Munich Security Conference, where he met with Vice President Kamala Harris. Russia announced that its forces took complete control of Avdiivka, the site of intense combat for months, on Saturday after Ukrainian troops were withdrawn. The seizure could provide the Russian government a tool for boosting morale, per the AP, as the second anniversary of its invasion approaches. Kremlin spokesman called the city's capture an "important victory," and Tass reported that President Vladimir Putin sent personal congratulations to troops there. The aid can't pass before the House returns from recess at the end of the month, which Zelensky referenced in a speech in Munich. "Please, everyone, remember that dictators do not go on vacation," he said. "Hatred knows no pause." Biden had been critical about the lawmakers' break in remarks Friday at the White House. "Two weeks, they're walking away," he said, calling it outrageous. Biden added that the decision reinforces "real concern about the United States being a reliable ally." (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) Police are concerned for the welfare of a woman last seen on February 7 in south Auckland's Mangere. They're appealing for sightings of 23-year-old Cortney who has been reported as missing. Cortney is described as having a slim build and is approximately 163cm tall. She has shoulder-length dark hair and a black tattoo on her right hand/arm. A spokesperson said both police and Cortney's family have concerns for her welfare. Anyone who has seen her is asked to contact police by calling 105 and reference file number 240216/6794. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Meanwhile, an international relations expert hopes the death of Navalny will spur New Zealand to do more to support Ukraine in their war with Russia. Otago University professor Robert Patman said while New Zealand has given humanitarian aid and some military assistance to Ukraine, other Western allies had done more. "We haven't matched the sort of support that Australia and Canada have been giving to Ukraine, and make no mistake about it, a non-nuclear, liberal democracy like New Zealand has a huge stake in making sure that a non-nuclear liberal democracy in Ukraine does not succumb to an illegal invasion from an authoritarian neighbour," he said. Patman said there had been concern about "Western battle fatigue" in supporting Ukraine but Navalny's death would have "significant consequences" for the war. "I think the shock of Navalny's death will possibly spur the Europeans, and possibly put pressure on domestic supporters of Mr Putin in the Republican Party of the United States to back down." He was not entirely surprised by reports of Navalny's death in Russian custody. "It was always possible because Alexei Navalny was a major opposition leader to Vladimir Putin, who has always been very insecure around Navalny," he said. Strong reaction worldwide There has been widespread condemnation of Navalny's death from around the world. US President Joe Biden has laid the blame at the feet of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and other US politicians have also criticised Putin. The United Nations secretary-general has expressed shock and called for an immediate investigation. In the UK the government has "summoned the Russian embassy" to make it clear that they "hold the Russian authorities fully responsible" for Navalny's death, the BBC is reporting. French President Emmanuel Macron said that in Russia "free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death" as he shared his "anger and indignation" in a post on X. Despite the Russian authorities warning against protests, hundreds of people have begun leaving flowers in central Moscow in memory of the Kremlin critic while vigils are taking place across European cities, the BBC says. RNZ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for a sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. ties. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting here with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference. During the meeting, the two sides had candid, substantive and constructive discussions. Wang said President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful meeting at the end of last year, where they exchanged in-depth views on strategic, overall, and directional issues in the China-U.S. relations and reached important consensus. Wang said the most important task for both sides currently is to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state to make the "San Francisco vision" a reality, so as to promote a sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations. To this end, the two sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation and actively explore the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other, Wang noted. The U.S. side should view China's development objectively and rationally, and adopt a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and implement President Biden's commitments into concrete actions, Wang added. The top Chinese diplomat also stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China's territory, which is the true status quo of the Taiwan question. He added that what is trying to change the status quo is the "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and the connivance and support of external forces. If the United States genuinely hopes for stability across the Taiwan Strait, it should abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and carry out its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence", he said. Wang said that the pursuit of turning "de-risking" into "de-sinicization," building "small yard, high fence" and "decoupling from China" will eventually backfire on the United States itself. He called on Washington to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals and not undermine China's legitimate rights to develop. The two sides also exchanged views on people-to-people exchanges and on facilitating personnel exchanges. Wang urged the U.S. side to stop unwarranted harassment and interrogation of Chinese citizens and to promote activities that enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. "An act of kindness, no matter how trivial, is worth performing, while an act of evil, no matter how small, must be shunned," Wang noted. The two sides discussed exchanges at all levels between the two countries in the next stage, and agreed to maintain dialogue and communication in various fields and continue to carry out the "San Francisco vision." Speaking highly of the work of the China-U.S. counter-narcotics cooperation working group, the two diplomats expressed the hope that the coming high-level meeting between the law enforcement departments of the two countries will achieve positive results. In addition, they agreed to continue to promote dialogue and consultation on foreign policy, Asia-Pacific affairs, maritime affairs and artificial intelligence, and maintain communication between the two militaries. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Palestine-Israel conflict, the Korean Peninsula and other regional hotspot issues, and agreed to maintain contact between the two sides' special envoys for Peninsula affairs. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain mourns the loss of Aisha Ahmed Al-Moayyed, a prominent social and cultural figure who passed away at the age of 98 yesterday. Aisha leaves behind a profound legacy, marked by her contributions to documenting the vibrant community life in Bahrain, particularly in Fareej Al-Fadil, where she spent her formative years. Born in 1926 to parents Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Moayyed and Maryam Al-Sahhaf, Aisha hails from a family deeply affected by the plague that swept Bahrain at the turn of the last century, claiming the lives of many of her relatives. She was the youngest among her siblings, with an older sister, Latifa, and a brother, Muayyad, who played a pivotal role in her education. Despite her upbringing in a prominent merchant family, Aishas childhood deviated from traditional gender norms. Assigned tasks like milking cows and household chores, she learned resilience and independence from an early age. Her educational journey began with learning the Holy Quran under the guidance of a volunteer named Safia Umm Muhammad Baqir. However, due to rumours surrounding the Christianisation of Muslim students, Aisha was withdrawn from the American Mission School by her father. Later, she briefly attended Aisha Umm Al-Muminin School before opting for home education, where her brother Muayyad played a pivotal role in teaching her to read and write. Throughout her life, Aisha remained deeply connected to Bahrains cultural and social fabric, leaving an indelible mark on the community she dearly cherished. Her contributions will be remembered fondly, serving as a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to preserving Bahrains rich heritage. AFP | Beijing, China The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a security deal with Germany yesterday in Berlin, hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a historic step amid Kyivs raging battles against Russia. Zelensky will also seal a similar deal with France later Wednesday, as he seeks to shore up help for his forces, who are struggling to hold off Russian attacks on the frontline city of Avdiivka. With the Ukraine war about to enter a third year, the president was to make a new plea for sustained help on financing and armaments at the Munich Security Conference, where leaders like US Vice President Kamala Harris are to gather. Munich Security Conference (MSC) Chairman Christoph Heusgen speaks during the opening of the 60th MSC in Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind stands in stark contrast to the West's preoccupation with countering perceived threats and preserving its own dominance. BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- In the newly released Munich Security Report 2024, the West expressed concerns about the advent of "lose-lose dynamics," where many governments are no longer focusing on the absolute benefits of global cooperation. Such concerns deserve serious consideration. However, of greater importance is the imperative for the West to reflect on its role in prompting a lose-lose situation on the global arena. It is not the first time that the West has found itself grappling with uncertainty and unease. The eruption of conflicts including the Ukraine crisis and the Gaza crisis, and their subsequent spillover effects, have unsettled the West for years. Such unease has colored several recent Munich Security Conferences with a tinge of pessimism. Indeed, the West is largely responsible for the instability and outbreak of hostilities that have shattered world peace. Historical legacies of colonialism, interventionism, and geopolitical maneuvering have left indelible scars on regions and civilizations around the world, exacerbating grievances and perpetuating violence and instability. The report correctly highlights the disturbing growth of zero-sum mentality in global affairs. However, it is critical to acknowledge that the West, despite its professed devotion to liberal ideas and democratic principles, is gravely bound by the shackles of the Cold War mentality that stifles growth and perpetuates divisions. The Cold War mindset, which stems from decades of geopolitical rivalry and ideological confrontation, continues to have a strong influence on Western policies and strategic thinking. The binary mindset of "us versus them," defined by bloc politics and zero-sum games, continues to shape notions of friend and foe, ally and opponent. In the report, the authors also noticed a disturbing trend: countries are increasingly defining their success in relative terms, rather than prioritizing the collective well-being of the international community. China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind stands in stark contrast to the West's preoccupation with countering perceived threats and preserving its own dominance. Considering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a series of Western plans at the BRI's heels, the fact is self-evident. Whether it be the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment by the Group of Seven, or the "Build Back Better World" plan by Washington, or the Global Gateway Initiative by the European Union, the Western brand-building exercise is, in Reuter's comment, only aimed at improving "relationships with developing countries to prevent them from falling into China's arms." It is no surprise that the West's response to the BRI has been vague and met with little excitement in the Global South. The Global South received special attention in this year's security assessment. Since last year, the Munich Security Conference has placed a greater emphasis on Global South countries. One contributing element is the recognition of the Global South's weak support for the West's approach to Ukraine. As such, some statements in the report may appear to champion the cause of the Global South, but fundamentally, they are still tightly bound by the Western tradition of bloc politics. To overcome the current impasse that governments are "increasingly concerned that they are gaining less than others," the report proposed such a solution -- while transatlantic partners and "like-minded states" must invest in defense and deterrence, they should restrict the pursuit of mutual benefits to "politically like-minded states." This obsession with bloc confrontation demonstrates that the Western world is the de facto creator of the lose-lose situation. In the global context, China sticks to genuine multilateralism and fosters a new paradigm for international relations that prioritizes cooperation and mutual benefit. China's proposals in recent years, including building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, have all contributed impartial solutions to global challenges. While the West intends to make "politically like-minded" friends to avoid the lose-lose situation, true multilateralism, which China firmly stands by, is proving more persuasive. A former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ernest Umakhihe, has withdrawn from the Edo State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In a statement signed by Umakhihe and dated February 16; a copy which was made available on Saturday, he said his withdrawal was to engender peace and unity in the APC. The statement read, It is with utmost satisfaction that I write to update you and everyone, including our party leaders that have contributed to my Fresh Hope for Shared Prosperity campaign, since we embarked on our socio-political revival mission. Like the cedar tree, the tree that we all planted on shared interest for a new and better Edo State, germinated so fast and was ready to bear fruits. My cardinal principle in life is that of Malcolm X, which says that a man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. This is why I am in politics and exactly the reason I joined the race to be elected governor of our dear state, that is in urgent need of an experienced and talented administrator. He added, And in the words of late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Man is the Alpha and Omega, the only dynamic means and the sole end, of all earthly human activities. All productive activities, if they are to be meaningful, equitable, just and human, should be geared to one and only one goal the welfare of the individual. These dignified words energised me and my team to have toured the 18 local government areas, preaching the gospel of prosperity and development. However, our train is making a temporary stop to engender peace and unity in our party, the All Progressives Congress. Frankly, the hardest part about making this decision has been the fate of the Edo people, who are faced with diverse challenges. They have been more agitated than Ive ever seen some of them. However, I have taken the decision on behalf of Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe Campaign Organization that, clearly under the present circumstances, this campaign cannot go on. I have stepped down and ready to support any popular choice of our party. My profound appreciation to all those who made material and otherwise contributions to our campaign. Kindly accept my assurances and those of my friends and supporters. Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Lucky Imasuen had also withdrawn from the race, leaving nine of the 12 cleared aspirants in the race. The Pan-Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere, has said that the former President Muhammadu Buharis administration should be blamed for the present economic hardship being faced by Nigerians and not President Bola Tinubu. A statement signed by the groups Publicity and Organising Secretaries, Jare Ajayi and Kole Omololu, said that the immediate past administration, dug political and economic holes for the administration of his successor, Bola Tinubu. Afenifere said that the Buharis administration did not make provision for oil subsidies in last years budget which made Tinubu cancel the regime of oil subsidies in his inaugural speech. It added that the economic downturn was caused by Buharis administration which was built on a platform of hope and a defective federalism saying promises made were not fulfilled. The group said that Under Buharis watch, terrorists and banditry were operating effortlessly. Law and order broke down. Many innocent citizens including the daughter of our leader were killed and or kidnapped. President Buhari could not rein in his critical officials like the then Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who was printing money rather than facing the reality of taking the difficult decisions, which were postponed till the evil day. The group said a probe panel accused Godwin Emefiele and his team of printing N22.7 trillion through ways and means and the federal government was borrowing to pay salaries and pensions during the years of the Buhari administration. It added that some ministers suggested the removal of subsidies, among other economic decisions but President Buhari did not agree until his last year in office to lay a booby trap for the incoming administration of President Tinubu. It was, therefore, obvious that we were simply postponing the evil day. The CBN Governor denied leaks flying around that the books were being doctored. He reassured the federation that all was well. He even wanted to contest the presidential election! There were no penalties for his infractions by President Buhari. These inactions and false lives continued till May 29, 2023, when the new helmsman, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in as President. President Tinubu wasted no time amending his inauguration address and declared the subsidy regime over! This was obvious as there was no appropriation for subsidy from June 2023. He quickly followed up with the deregulation of the forex regime, which resulted in the free fall of the Naira. A man who is not shy about making difficult decisions, he probably underestimated the capability and capacity of the beneficiaries of the old order to make things ungovernable for his administration. Afenifere noted that those sleeping and snoring during the eight years of Buhari suddenly woke up forgetting that these remedial actions should have been taken many years back. The major sin of President Tinubu was in his contesting and winning the presidential election and making these decisions, which will hurt in the short term but bring us back to reality in the long run. Afenifere, therefore, suggested a vibrant Ministry of Information to regularly stay in touch with the people, as a way out of the economic downturn. It also suggested regular town hall meetings across the country where ministers would go back to their constituencies to engage with the people. The group said there should be the realignment of the National Assembly budget and launch of operations go back to the people by the legislators and each member must take palliatives back to the constituency. Governors receiving almost double allocations due to the removal of subsidies and readjustment of the exchange rates should deliver to their people. The allocations of each state of the federation should be published monthly. Implementation of operation grow what we eat and eat what we grow policy. Make banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism a capital offence punishable by death. Return to true and fiscal federalism with state police, for which we commend the President and Governors endorsement, and state ownership of mineral resources. This is not the time for some elder statesmen to make incendiary comments that can put our unity in jeopardy. Rather, it is a time to deepen peaceful co-existence to navigate through our current challenges. Afenifere noted that Orchestrating anarchy will be resisted in our dear nation. We fought through our blood to achieve democracy. We will also vigorously defend it, as it is here to stay. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with his Mongolian counterpart Batmunkh Battsetseg on the sidelines of the ongoing 60th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to enhance synergy of development strategies with Mongolia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with his Mongolian counterpart Batmunkh Battsetseg on the sidelines of the ongoing 60th Munich Security Conference. Noting that China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors and partners linked by mountains and rivers, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaa Khurelsukh have reached an important consensus on laying a solid foundation for a community of shared future between the two countries and jointly building the Belt and Road with high quality, which charts the course for further development of bilateral relations. This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Mongolia diplomatic ties, the 30th anniversary of the revision of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty between China and Mongolia, and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said, adding that the two sides should take this opportunity to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, understand and support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, consolidate mutual political trust and expand exchanges in various fields. China appreciates that Mongolia has placed its relations with China as a priority in its diplomacy, Wang said. China is ready to synergize development strategies, deepen exchanges of experience on governance, and fully tap the potential for cooperation with Mongolia, so as to elevate the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level and achieve common development and prosperity, he added. For her part, Battsetseg said that Mongolia cherishes the friendship with China and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance mutual political trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and push for more achievements in bilateral relations. Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has urged citizens of the state to fast and offer special prayers on Monday for divine intervention over the current economic hardship and insecurity in the state. Zulum, in a broadcast on Friday, urged everyone to pray for peace, prosperity and the development of the state while observing the fast. "I am deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items," Zulum said. "I understand the burden that this places on families and individuals, and I want to assure you that we are taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue. "Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative. "We are investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to local farmers, and creating incentives for agricultural innovation. "By doing so, we hope to not only lower the cost of food items but also to create sustainable livelihoods for our people. "As people of faith and from our previous experience, I implore his eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam, Imams, and the Christian brothers and the citizens of Borno State to observe a one-day voluntary fast on Monday the 19th of February 2024." A judge has ordered Donald Trump, former United States president, to pay nearly $354.9 million in a ruling in the New York civil fraud case. Trump is also barred from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation or other legal entity in the state for three years. The other defendants include Trump's eldest sons, their companies, and some of the former president's organisation executives. In a 92-page ruling on Friday, Arthur Engoron, presiding judge, said "this Court finds that defendants are likely to continue their fraudulent ways unless the Court grants significant injunctive relief". Engoron described Trump and his associates as unremorseful, saying "their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological". "This is a venial sin, not a mortal sin," the judge said tartly," he added. "Defendants did not commit murder or arson. They did not rob a bank at gunpoint. Donald Trump is not Bernard Madoff. "Yet, defendants are incapable of admitting the error of their ways. Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies." Engoron also barred Trump from applying for loans from any financial institution registered with the New York Department of Financial Services for three years. Donald Jr. and Eric, the former president's sons, were each ordered to pay $4 million for their personal profits from the fraud. Allen Weisselberg, former Trump organisation's chief financial officer, was fined $1 million. The lawsuit brought by Letitia James, the city's attorney general, alleged that Trump and his co-defendants committed repeated fraud in inflating assets on their financial statements to deceive bankers into giving them better loan terms. According to the lawsuit, Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion in three separate years between 2011 and 2021. Trump's attorney said he plans to appeal the decision. The trial in this case has served as a precursor to the four criminal trials the former president faces this year as he tries to make a comeback for the White House. Denrele Edun, a popular Nigerian crossdresser and media personality, has spoken about his battle with stroke. Denrele while speaking about the most challenging chapter of his life, disclosed that he suffered a stroke that affected half of his face. In a now viral interview with Channels TV, the media personality explained that he was very sick at the time because he had a stroke. Recounting his ordeal, he stated that the stroke left his left eye closed and caused a noticeable shift in his facial features, leading him to cover the affected side with his hairstyles. I had just come out of having a stroke on half of my face, I was very sick. But it still did not stop me from working. My face was dropping on the right side anytime I had to drink water it would pour out of my mouth. One of my eyes was widely opened and I couldnt hear and breathe. A former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election being held in Edo today. This was according to a withdrawal letter released on Saturday morning by Imasuen. Imasuen was one of the 12 governorship aspirants screened and cleared by a committee set up by the APC National Working Committee. In his withdrawal letter addressed to his supporters, Imasuen said he withdrew from the primaries in the interest of peace and unity. He said he did so since the party leadership decided to zone the governorship ticket to the Central Senatorial District. The letter read, I have come to the conclusion that since members of our National Working Committee, in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the decision of the party. I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me, throughout this journey. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind my campaign. While this decision was not made lightly, I trust that you will understand, and continue to support our party, as we work together towards our shared goals. From the foregoing, I am ready to support whoever emerges as our candidate in the primary election. The partys primary election holds today. Yesterday, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, announced his withdrawal from the race. In a letter of withdrawal (which was not dated) he sent on Friday to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, and copied the acting state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, to notify the party of his decision, Ize-Iyamu said the decision was a painful one. Ize-Iyamu had been one of the top contenders before he quit the race to the surprise of many. The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore said he deserves an apology from the Nigerian government for his arrest and detention in 2019. Sowore stated this in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday. When asked if he would demand an apology for all he has gone through, Sowore simply said, This should have come forward with an apology first, not that Im demanding it. I deserve an apology. But what I would do is that Im not so interested in an apology I will extract compensation from them in jurisdiction that they have no power to affect a decision like this. Recall that the Nigerian government had discontinued its case against Sowore over alleged treason. Sowore was arrested and detained by Nigerias intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) in August 2019 for calling for a revolution in the country under then-President Muhammadu Buharis government. The activist was later released on bail but could not leave the country as part of his bail conditions. But a Notice of Discontinuance stamped by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on Wednesday, said the complainant (Federal Government of Nigeria) would discontinue the case. The notice reads, By virtue of the power conferred on me under Section 174 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, intend to discontinue Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019. Meanwhile, Sowore said many Nigerians did not understand the context of the revolution until he led a protest to call for a revolution in 2019. He noted that his goal in 2019 was to achieve a complete system change in Nigeria, something that had never happened in any other country. Sowore said, I actually was calling for revolution, and I never denied it. Theres only one form of revolution a change that has never been seen before. In the life of any country, thats what I was calling for. And I told the DSS (Department of State Services) guys the same thing when I was interrogated. It is on record. I told the judge when I came to court. When they were charging me, I said I didnt understand the charges because you cannot prosecute the revolution. So theres nothing different. Guess what? Most Nigerians didnt know the context of the revolution until then. Five million people searched for the word revolution on Google on August 5, 2019. I would have been arrested before the protest and I was surprised that the protest still went ahead across the country. An interesting thing now is that its no longer a crime to say the word revolution. Everybodys calling for revolution. The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Mandilas Market for the next two days to enable marketers to comply with its directive for the removal of illegal make-shift structures erected on road setbacks within and around the market. The closure notice was issued on Saturday during a joint inspection and enforcement exercise carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, in conjunction with some law enforcement agencies and other relevant government agencies in charge of emergency-related matters. The enforcement exercise followed the expiration of the 14-day self-removal notice earlier given by the state government to the traders to remove their wares and shops from the roads, especially around Mandalas on Lagos Island. The Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde; his colleague in charge of Central Business District, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal; the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Nurudeen Sodehinde: and the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, led the enforcement team during the monitoring exercise. Speaking on the rationale behind the extension, Babatunde explained that the extension of the initial ultimatum was meant to further give room for the affected shop owners to salvage their belongings and voluntarily remove obstructions erected on walkways. He said, With the level of non-compliance and lackadaisical attitude put up by the affected traders, the state government is fully ready to enforce compliance and removal where necessary upon the expiration of the new ultimatum given. On her part, the Special Adviser, Central Business District, said the clean-up exercise being embarked upon by the state government throughout the entire Lagos Island was in the interest and safety of the residents. Olumegbon-Lawal lamented, The rate of safety infractions being perpetrated within the Mandilas market including the erection of high capacity generating set on make-shift extensions on first, and second floors. While pleading for self-compliance from the affected shop owners to remove all illegal attachments and extensions, Olumegbon-Lawal stated that the state goovernment is desirous of achieving a saner, well-organised and clean city devoid of all forms of environmental nuisance. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, said the state government was sending strong a message to Lagosians to be law-abiding. He added, If the state government is forced to carry out the removal of the extensions and illegal structures, the affected persons would be compelled to pay for such exercise. Lagos is an urban state and this implies that there should be organisation and proper coordination in the way and manner we carry out our businesses and all our engagements. He assured Lagosians that the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the ongoing cleanup would be sustained until total sanity is restored to Lagos Island. The Lagos State Government had on January 29, 2024, given a 14-day ultimatum to traders occupying illegal structures in Lagos Island to evacuate. The Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, on Saturday, confirmed his suspension for two months without salaries by the Egba Traditional Council over alleged abuse of naira notes. Speaking with our correspondent, Sowemimo said the suspension was announced during the traditional rulers meeting on Friday. They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician. And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months. I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision, he said. A viral video in early January showed the royal father decorating a popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, with knitted new notes of N1,000 which was used as a garland to decorate the musician. The council had moved against Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence that contravenes the law of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was reportedly suspended on Friday at the Egba Traditional Council February statutory meeting which was chaired by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. The meeting in a joint resolution adopted the suspension of the monarch following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee which declared that during the period of his (Sowemimo) suspension, he should not parade himself as a traditional ruler. It was further gathered that the resolution emphasized that Sowemimo should not be invited or seen at any government or public function as a traditional ruler, and for three months should not receive any payments The Chairman of a three-member Ethics Committee of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Saka Matemilola, who read the report of the committee, said that the committee came to its decision after examining the viral video in which Sowemimo breached the ethics of a Yoruba traditional institution by defacing Nigerias currency. The committee chairman, who is the Olowu of Owu, said findings revealed that the embattled traditional ruler was seen holding strewn naira as a bead and hanging onto the neck of a musician in public. The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said Obas action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007. The National Orientation Agency had also last month issued a strict warning to the embattled traditional ruler for abusing the naira notes during his 13th anniversary of ascension to the royal stool. Reacting to the video in a statement signed and directed to the monarch, Director General, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the display was an abuse of the national currency that attracts imprisonment, fines, or both. Preparations to dry dock the Battleship New Jersey for the first time in over 30 years are underway, with crews gearing up for its historic move south in the Delaware River next month. The more than 80-year-old battleship located on the Camden waterfront is the most decorated U.S. Navy ship in American history for its role during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. On March 21, the public can witness as it gets towed from the waterfront to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for a dry dock maintenance project that should last about two months. Gates will open at 10 a.m. on 100 Clifton St. in Camden, officials said. A program featuring speeches from New Jersey dignitaries and U.S. Navy officials, will occur before the ship officially departs at 12:10 p.m. During its time in Philadelphia, tickets can be purchased for walking tours of underneath the ship Saturdays and Sundays from April through May while it undergoes repairs, according to the Battleships CEO, Marshall Spevak. This is sort of a once in a generation opportunity to come visit the ship on a tour on the dry dock and to see this ship move, Spevak said. For many of our remaining World War II veterans and for Korean War veterans and many of our volunteers who are getting older...this will likely be the last time they ever see this ship move, he added. The Battleship New Jersey, docked at Camden, will be dry-docked for repairs on March 21.battleshipnewjersey.org The dry-docking process has already started with the ships mast and search radar, which sits on top of the vessel, being removed so that it fits underneath the Walt Whitman Bridge. The Battleship New Jersey, also known as Big Jay, was built in the 1940s in Philadelphia and served for over five decades before its retirement in 1991. The move next month will mark its return to the naval yard where it was first built. Since 2001 it has been docked along the Camden waterfront, serving as a museum and open for self-guided and guided tours daily. Its been almost 33 years since the ship has been dry-docked. Navy regulations and guidance says decommissioned museum ships should be taken to dry land for repairs every 20 years, according to Spevak. At the naval shipyard, the vessel will undergo three major repair projects, including repainting the ships hull, fixing the anti-corrosion system underneath the vessel, inspecting the through-hull openings and replacing the ships aluminum anodes. Officials said that the repairs are expected to last only 60 days. Afterward, the ship will return to Camden, where it will reopen for museum tours, ideally by Memorial Day weekend, Spevak said. Theres a lot of passion and emotion that comes with with this, especially for the thousands of sailors who have served on her, Spevak said. We take very seriously that obligation that we are maintaining this ship as a museum and as a memorial for generations to come. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Nyah Marshall may be reached at Nmarshall@njadvancemedia.com. Editors note: This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. This story is part of the series Migrating and Vanishing. Cecilia Delgado Grijalva is a buscadora (name adopted by mothers and relatives of missing persons who are devoted to finding the remains of their loved ones) and founder of Buscadoras por la Paz (Searchers for Peace), in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.Photo by Andrea Godinez A properly done necropsy takes between three and six hours to complete, but some state prosecutors offices in Mexico employ just one forensic doctor a day who can perform up to 10 necropsies in 12 hours. How many forensic doctors are needed to identify the more than 50,000 bodies in Mexico? And how many are needed to return to Guatemalan families the remains of their migrants that were found dead here? Jairo Hernando Vivas, a forensic expert in human identification at the Coordinating Group of Mexicos Extraordinary Forensic Identification Mechanism (MEIF), describes the challenges that local prosecutors offices face, especially those in areas with high rates of violent deaths, to deal with the forensic crisis in Mexico. You look at how the colleagues are working and you see they dont have enough time to do an autopsy, to leave a record of all the necessary evidence; not only for the identification, but for the investigation of the crime itself. So it is understandable, says the doctor. What is happening at the moment? Why couldnt they identify these bodies? These same local prosecutors offices have custody of the bodies and are responsible for sending missing person investigation files to the National Search Commission (CNB, per its acronym in Spanish), to be included in the National Registry of Missing or Unlocated Persons (RNPDNO). A day of searching for missing migrants in Nogales, Sonora.Photo by Andrea Godinez Any citizen, journalist or NGO member who wants to consult the RNPDNO to find out how many immigrants appear as missing will find an abysmal underreporting. Until December 31, 2022 the CNB had published just 9.6% of the total reports of missing migrants that Mexican prosecutors offices had received until that point. This team discovered the undercount when the total numbers of migrants gone missing in Mexico from 2017-22 were requested from the 32 local prosecutors offices. After receiving responses from 26 prosecutors offices, it was concluded that a total of 1,270 migrants had been reported as missing. The CNB, however, only counts 124 in the same period an enormous gap. As far as missing migrants and migrants found dead are concerned, the prosecutors offices reported a total of 64, but only two are registered in the CNB. To obtain these figures, this research team sent 157 requests of access to information to state and federal governments, and to the CNB itself. In addition, it submitted appeals for review with prosecutors offices such as that of the state of Nuevo Leon, which initially claimed that it was humanly impossible to know how many investigation files and reports of missing immigrants they have. Underreporting of missing migrants After processing the data, this investigation team concluded that there is an underreporting in the RNPDNO, a discrepancy acknowledged by the CNB. But why is there an undercounting if the main sources of information for this national registry are the local prosecutors offices? The CNB was asked to explain why the state prosecutors offices had reports of 1,270 missing immigrants when their public registry shows only 124. After insisting for six months for an interview, the CNB said they had about 1,300 immigrants categorized as missing in a database, which they refused to share under claims that it is in an standardization phase. The figure that we use as we oversee the search for migrants is about 1,300 missing persons, which is the number of cases that we are aware of and that we follow up on and then a search gets underway, said Sonja Perkic-Krempl, CNBs general director of search actions. In an interview for this investigation, Perkic acknowledged that there is a public underreporting in the RNPDNO and attributed it to the fact that the reports made lacked accuracy, and that the database does not have enough information to trace. So, what the national public database shows is an underreporting? she was asked. Yes. In fact, we are aware of this underreporting because it is difficult to track the information. I reiterate, these are cases that we are working on and tracking in order to have accurate information, Perkic-Krempl said. Forensic retrospective There are more than 50,000 unidentified bodies in Mexico. MEIF does not rule out the possibility that that number includes migrants, but identifying those bodies is very challenging, due to a backlog in addressing the countrys forensic crisis. We start with bodies that have no name and, therefore, we dont have any indication or suspicion that it could be a migrant, says Vivas: That makes it much more complex and challenging. What is the most complicated thing? While it is hard to work with or have information on people reported missing in the country, it will be much more difficult to obtain that information from other countries. The shovels used by mothers when they venture into the fields to search for the remains of their children in Nogales, Sonora.Photo by Andrea Godinez The MEIF is working to improve the information collected and submitted by local prosecutors offices when exhuming remains found prior to 2019. They are currently working with at least three local prosecutors offices, in San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas, on a retroactive identification project to analyze unidentified bodies in morgues. During the interview, Vivas clarified that they only provide the methodology to the prosecutors offices and try to match the DNA with names from the databases of people reported missing or unaccounted for. The owners of the information continue to be the state prosecutors offices, he reiterated, adding, Both the information and the body remain in the custody of the prosecutors offices at all times. However, the work with the prosecutors offices is based upon agreements, which they are not obliged to sign or follow. Therefore, in order to work with the MEIF, they must rely on political will. The search from Central America When Cecilia Delgado Grijalvas son disappeared, she founded Buscadoras por la Paz (Searchers for Peace), a group of mothers in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, devoted to the task of recovering the remains of their loved ones. During that initial search, Cecilia located the remains of her son. Now she is searching for her nephew, who also went missing. A mother who goes out into the field with a pick and a shovel hoping to at least give her son a peaceful resting place is a living testimony of the grave reality Mexico faces. But it also speaks to the struggle and persistence of these women who never stop searching. Mothers from Central America, Guatemala in particular, contact Cecilia by telephone or social media to ask for help. A search for family members gone missing in Sonora, Mexico.Photo by Andrea Godinez I have many cases of mothers who lose their children (who are) on their way to the American dream. They talk to me in tears. They tell me the location their children were in the last time they had contact. And we dont have quick access to an immediate search. That kills us, not being able to help them at 100%. I can help them distribute their search form, but many times they are in other places, such as Tamaulipas, where we dont have any access. And the truth is, I feel their suffering, especially because they cannot be here in Mexico, explained Cecilia in the middle of a search in March. Many Central American families travel to Mexico to begin the search for their loved ones. When they ask for their humanitarian visas to come here and look for their children, they encounter many obstacles. They are re-victimized, Cecilia added. We experienced what they are going through and we know what that pain is like. This investigation was produced with the support of the Consortium to Support Independent Journalism in Latin America (CAPIR) led by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). __ Veronica Liso is an Argentinean product manager for digital native media and a freelance investigative journalist since 2013. She specializes in judicial journalism and data journalism. She has published in Cosecha Roja, Infojus Noticias, Pagina 12, Revista Anfibia, eldiario.ar, Perycia, among others. Rosario Marina is a journalist specializing in data and narrative. She studied at the National University of La Plata, in Argentina. She has been covering human rights, gender and LGBTIQ issues, migration and police violence for 10 years for media outlets in Spain, Guatemala, the United States and Argentina. Gabriela Olga Villegas is a regional digital content editor for Univision Texas and Chicago. She is the winner of a Lone Star EMMY for winter weather coverage in North Texas with the Noticias 23 team. She worked for more than seven years as a journalist for El Norte and Reforma in Monterrey, Mexico, where she began in daily news coverage and also conducted investigative journalism focused on corruption that had a national impact, such as the detour of resources in social programs and the favoritism of politicians with companies to distribute contracts and bids. Andrea Godinez is a Guatemalan social communicator with a career of seven years dedicated to photojournalism and production of journalistic content, covering issues of migration, poverty and social inequality. She studied Communication Sciences at Universidad Rafael Landivar. With news breaking on Friday that former President Donald Trump had been hammered with a $364 million penalty in a civil case alleging financial fraud, MSNBC host Katy Tur tossed a softball question to her panel. Is this fair, to go after Donald Trump like this in this environment? she asked New York Times reporter Susan Craig and the networks legal analyst Lisa Rubin. Wait, did we say, softball? We meant live grenade. Even though Tur was trying to solicit and answer for the MAGA supporters and others who believe the civil and criminal cases against Trump are witch hunts that are designed to torpedo his bid for another term as President, liberal viewers didnt like the sympathetic framing for a candidate they believe is putting American democracy at risk. And, oh, by the way, Trump was found liable. Even tennis icon Martina Navratilova went for the jugular: Get rid of Katy TUR, she is awful. Get rid of Katy TUR, she is awful https://t.co/N5q4sGv8ea Martina Navratilova (@Martina) February 17, 2024 A slew of MSNBC viewers didnt appreciate the phrasing, and social media has been roasting her since. Here are some examples: Katy Tur questioned: Is this fair to do this to Donald Trump in this environment? Hey, MSNBC: You know what viewers dont think is fair? Its that we are still being subjected to Katy Turs [crappy] little takes. If we wanted [crappy] little takes, wed tune in to Sean Hannity! MSNBC, were begging you: Katy Tur needs to go. Dear Katy Tur: Convicting a career criminal, con-man, rapist, tax-evading, swindling, liar, cheater, and traitor to the United States is the very definition of fair. MSNBC needs to replace you. Is this fair, to go after Donald Trump in this environment? What is going on with Katy Tur? Anyone have insight? Katy Tur still trending 10 hours laterit was that bad. Are... you... [bleeping] ... serious? In this environment? You mean one where Trumps found guilty and liable? Was it fair for Trump to defraud and steal from all the middle-class contractors who did work for him? Was it fair for Trump to defraud all those people who lost money to Trump University? Was it fair for Trump to sexually assault all those women? Katy Tur is ridiculous. Viewers also objected to Turs comments about Trumps status in New York. She called him a legend in New York City, and added that Trump is synonymous with New York. Of course, that was decades ago, when Trump was the Page Six darling who was seen as a cross between a real estate magnate and a cartoon character. Since he declared his presidential candidacy in 2015, New York City has shunned Trump pulling his name off buildings, soundly rejecting him in elections (and candidates he has endorsed), protesting outside Trump Towers and forcing him and his family to flee to Florida. Tur, who rose to stardom during Trumps initial bid for the White House, wrote a book about her experiences covering that successful campaign Rough Draft: A Memoir. This photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024 shows a 50 MW Chinese-built photovoltaic power plant in Mymensingh District, Bangladesh. The Mymensingh district in north-central Bangladesh enjoys better sunshine than any other place in the South Asian country. The 50 MW photovoltaic power plant invested by HDFC SinPower Ltd. whose major shareholder is China Huadian Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. started construction in September 2019 to utilize the advantage of solar resources here. (Xinhua) by Sun Nan, Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Mymensingh district in north-central Bangladesh has a diverse landscape of valleys and hilly terrains. With its height of 19 meters above sea, the district is the highest place of all major cities in the delta country. Due to its elevation, the district enjoys better sunshine than any other place in the South Asian country. On a flat ground of the district, some 169,000 solar panels are laid in rows and absorbing power from the sun. The 50 MW photovoltaic power plant invested by HDFC SinPower Ltd. whose major shareholder is China Huadian Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. started construction in September 2019 to utilize the advantage of solar resources here. Overcoming difficulties during the construction, the project was put into commercial operation in November 2020 and became the largest solar power plant in Bangladesh at that time. "We never thought that electricity would be generated from sunlight, (and) now electricity is being generated from sunlight," Md Nasir Uddin, a local villager, told Xinhua recently. "Many of our sons, daughters and relatives are working in this power plant, it has benefited us greatly." As of now, the solar farm has been in continuous safe production for about 1,200 days, and the cumulative power generation reached about 300 million KWH. The clean energy generated by the plant has been delivered to the national grid for local people. Local agriculturalist Md Rafiqul Islam Rafiq said, "the people of our entire area are proud because of the installation of the solar power plant here." Because of this plant, the locals are getting electricity, and their living standard has improved a lot, he said. Expressing his thanks to China for the solar park under the Belt and Road Initiative, the agriculturalist said that people are getting benefits from Chinese investments in Bangladesh. "I want to express my gratitude and thanks from the bottom of my heart to all the Chinese who have worked behind it," he said. The plant now serves as an epitome of Bangladesh's booming green power development, as the country has announced that it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. As an engineer of the plant, Jamel Mahmoud Faisal said, "This 50 MW PV power plant was a benchmark in technology standard or in construction standard. Because it took very little time to construct during the strict COVID situation in Bangladesh," adding that "it is China speed and it's the record." As the first green energy project utilizing the Chinese standard, "I will say this standard is very high, for the maintenance section or for safety purposes," said the engineer. The project reduces carbon emissions by more than 50,000 tons per year and has also completed Verified Carbon Standard certification in January 2023, marking it has international carbon trading rights. Zhou Jinshun, chairman of HDFC SinPower Limited Company, said that on the basis of implementing the concept of low-carbon development and practicing the sustainable development of green energy, the project actively explores new value growth of green economy. With eyes to the future, Zhou said that "we're committed to make greater contributions to promoting local economic development, improving local people's livelihood and well-being, promoting exchanges between China and Bangladesh." This photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024 shows a 50 MW Chinese-built photovoltaic power plant in Mymensingh District, Bangladesh. The Mymensingh district in north-central Bangladesh enjoys better sunshine than any other place in the South Asian country. The 50 MW photovoltaic power plant invested by HDFC SinPower Ltd. whose major shareholder is China Huadian Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. started construction in September 2019 to utilize the advantage of solar resources here. (Xinhua) After weeks of speculation, lawmakers in Phillipsburg finally settled the terms of a contract to employ Mayor Randy Piazza Jr. on Wednesday. At its regular meeting, Town Council voted 3-2 to set the mayors annual salary at $50,000 a $15,000 reduction from last years proposed amount and to forfeit some of his benefits, including his medical insurance coverage. The salary reduction will see Piazza paid less than his predecessor, Todd Tersigni. Piazza requested the salary decrease himself, in front of council on Feb. 14. This could be the first time the town has seen a mayor choose to cut their own salary, some reports speculate. He was elected as mayor in November 2023. He succeeded former mayor Todd Tersigni, who served only one term as mayor. Tersigni succeeded Stephen Ellis. Piazza says he will fulfill his duties as mayor by supplementing his time with volunteer work. He noted, hes already attended many regular community meetings as mayor that have either never been, or rarely been attended by his predecessors. He intends to be an active investor in the community groups, he said. Business Administrator Matthew Hall said he didnt see any issue with mayors proposal given the nature of the job requires 24-hour participation in town activities, as an on-call civil servant. The job of mayor requires an individual to be available 24 hours a day. Whether that requires someone to sit at a desk from 9 to 5 is debatable given our current world, he said. The position of mayor doesnt take a day off and doesnt have set hours. He is not a part-time employee. Officially, Piazza will remain a full-time employee of the Delaware River Joint Toll Commission where he works as an Inventory Control Specialist and Auditor, he told lehighvalleylive.com. A job posting on Glassdoor.com for an auditor for the Delaware River Joint Toll Commission indicates the salary for the position is scaled at between $54,000 and $91,000, as of Feb. 17. Its unknown how much Piazza actually earns, or if his salary is within that range. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Feb. 17. The mayors salary could also see him forfeit other fringe benefits, including his medical insurance option through the town and a town car, paid for by taxpayers; and participation the the public employees retirement system, per Piazzas request. He will still be required by New Jersey state law to contribute and benefit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program, but the contribution will be far less than typical, Hall noted. The combined savings on the exemptions will be redirected to the towns fire department, emergency squad and senior center, respectively, according to the ordinance. The could add up to roughly $20,000, an official noted. In the long run, the savings could continue to add up, as health and medical premiums, determined by the state, continue to fluctuate from year to year. Between 2022 and 2023, health costs saw a 27% increase, Hall said. The mayors vehicle is currently sitting in a parking lot for employees to use as needed, Hall said. The resolution earned zero support from the towns democrat representatives. Councilman Keith Kennedy and Lee Clark both voted against the measure. Clark told lehighvalleylive.com he proposed stricter cuts to the mayors salary during Wednesdays meeting, but the option was dropped without council support. If approved, Clark said his amendments wouldve designated the mayors position to part-time, set the salary at $20,000 and designate $15,000 to each of the entities instead of the $5,000 weve decided on. No one can work two full-time jobs and execute them both to 100 percent of their ability, Clark said. In good conscience, I dont see any benefit in the town paying a full-time salary for a part-time mayor. Kennedy told lehighvalleylive.com he held similar opinions. In other news, at the regular meeting, council also approved the appointment of Matt Noel, director of recreation for the Town of Phillipsburg, to director of public works. Noels roles have been combined, Business Administrator Matt Hall explained. The recreation director and public works superintendent have often been the same position in the past, Hall said. We thought it was a natural pairing because public works is the department that maintains our recreational infrastructure, Hall said. Noel will report to Pat Kays, director of municipal services, who oversees public works, engineering, town inspections and community development. While retaining his duties as recreation director, Noel will be tasked with integrating the towns maintenance services to ensure upkeep of all public facilities and parks. Last year, Noel oversaw completion of the Walters Park pool renovation, as well as its summer operations schedule, and the launch of the towns Rails to Trails initiative and the Green Acres opportunity, town documents state. Noels annual salary was set at $80,000 annually, with eligibility for annual increase. A $20,000 stipend for recreation was also placed under his supervision. Editors Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Matt Noels role for the town. The article has been corrected to reflect his true title. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today. TAMPA A veteran major league scout who follows the Yankees closely wishes he had been a fly on a wall when GM Brian Cashman was about to pull the trigger on a Winter Meetings blockbuster with the Padres. The scout is a big fan of superstar outfielder Juan Soto and likes the other player that the Yankees got in the deal, two-time Gold Glove center fielder Trent Grisham. TAMPA Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes was with his girlfriend for eight years, so he jokes that their wedding last Nov. 25 in Miami simply made their commitment official. I just have a title now, the lefty said with a laugh before Fridays spring training workout. 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. April 8 eclipse: Thousands will flock to north country for celestial event CANTON For a little more than three minutes in April, a swath of Northern New York will be WATERTOWN With the potential of traffic jammed on city streets for hours, the Watertown City School District still plans to open school for half a day during the total eclipse of the sun on April 8. Superintendent Larry C. Schmiegel said the district still plans to hold classes for a half day on that Monday, even though as many as 174,000 people could be coming to Watertown to view the eclipse. In making that decision, school officials are concerned that the district will end up using all of its weather days before the day of the eclipse. So far, the district has used four of its six days. Earlier this week, local officials were a bit surprised to learn that so many people could be coming to view the celestial phenomenon. State emergency management officials have put the higher number of visitors at 174,000 people and lower number estimates at about 43,000. The path of the total eclipse considered North Americas most anticipated celestial event for years to come runs right through the north country. During a city eclipse meeting on Monday, Schmiegel was told to expect that traffic will tie up city streets for hours and that school buses could be stuck in it. It could be difficult to pick up students from elementary schools at 10:30 a.m., take them home and then head to the middle and high school an hour later to pick up students and take them home, City Police Chief Charles P. Donoghue warned. The school district uses the same school buses from First Student, the local company that it contracts to provide its bus transportation for primary and secondary schools. First Student will not be able to provide a double number of buses to pick up students for the two runs, Schmiegel said. The district could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in state aid if it uses its six snow days and is forced to close school on the day of the eclipse, Schmiegel said at the citys eclipse meeting on Monday. We cant, fiscally, because of state aid, he said. The district, however, plans to apply for a declaration with the state Education Department to allow for closing on the eclipse day without losing state aid if all six weather days are used before then. The district will have to officially apply for the declaration at the end of the school year in June, Schmiegel said. Well see where it goes, he said. He plans to discuss the situation with the districts attorney and provide information to city officials about it. Sen. Mark C. Walczyk and Assemblyman Scott A. Gray, both representing Watertown and surrounding areas in the state legislature, have sent a letter requesting that the declaration is granted because of the unique situation caused by the migration of people expected in Watertown. Mayor Sarah V. Compo Pierce is also sending a letter requesting the declaration. Districts across the north country intend to open school for a half day on April 8, but Watertown might attract much louder crowds because the city will be one of the best places to view the event. The city expects tens of thousands to attend its Total Eclipse of the Park in Thompson Park on the day of the eclipse. The Watertown Downtown Business Association will be holding a celebration on the Saturday before around Public Square. Sackets Harbor, Henderson, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Tupper Lake, Ogdensburg, Massena and others are organizing eclipse viewing events in their communities. Fort Drum is planning its own event. The Massena Central School District is among other districts moving to a half day of classes on April so students can observe the total solar eclipse. But the change might not be necessary. The eclipse occurs the day after spring break ends, and the district may have unused snow days at that point. 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%. ABUJA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Friday pledged a significant investment of 37 million euros (about 40 million U.S. dollars) to bolster Nigeria's power sector. The announcement was made during a meeting between Samuela Isopi, head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, and Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu in Abuja, in which Isopi said this financial commitment stands apart from the approximately 200 million euros (216 million dollars) in grants that have been injected into Niger's power sector since 2008. The newly pledged support aims to address critical areas within the sector, focusing on enhancing infrastructure and accessibility, Isopi noted, saying the allocated funds will specifically target initiatives such as the development of small hydropower and solar energy solutions tailored for healthcare facilities. The investment will extend to rural electrification projects, encompassing both isolated and interconnected mini-grids, the EU envoy said. She said the EU plans to integrate circular economy principles into these endeavors to promote sustainability and efficient resource utilization. During the meeting, Adelabu said more support is needed to address the challenges facing Nigeria's power sector. The Nigerian government announced on Wednesday plans to end subsidies on electricity in a significant policy shift aimed at addressing economic challenges. The EU's commitment to investing in Nigeria's power sector highlights the significance of international partnerships in fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens, Adelabu added. At the beginning of their initial romance in Thailand, Aom Srisuk and Frankie Weinberg liked to get away from the city to put their toes in the sand on Ko Samet island. We were young, and bungalows there were cheap, chef Srisuk recalls. That was 23 years ago, when Frankie was making $250 a month. We would eat seafood cooked on the beach and talk about having a seafood restaurant of our own. But I never thought it would happen. Although the sand is conspicuously absent, last month Srisuk and Weinberg opened Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro at 828 Gravier St. in the CBD. This is their second Thai restaurant, a follow-up to Pomelo, which they opened in Uptown in 2021. Good Catch took over the space that was home to Singha Thai for more than a decade. The modern, airy restaurant is triple Pomelos size, with a full bar, soft lighting and rattan accents. There is a bigger kitchen with a wok station and a hood for ventilation. Aom must be so creative at Pomelo because she cooks on induction burners, Weinberg says. Some dishes she cant make there. Here we have gas appliances, even a small walk in. There are many more menu options. Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro Where 828 Gravier St., (504) 581-2205; goodcatchnola.com When lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. How dine-in and delivery Check it out Chef Aom Srisuk expands her Thai menu at second restaurant Despite falling hard for each other in 2000, the romance sputtered. Weinberg, who was in Thailand teaching English, had to return to America, and Srisuk was working at her familys restaurant. I wasnt ready to leave Thailand, she says. Fast forward 17 years, and Weinberg, then a professor in international studies at Loyola University New Orleans, reached out to her on a work trip. Timing being everything, Srisuk was ready to rekindle the romance and move to New Orleans. The pair wed in December 2018 and settled in Uptown, close to where their first restaurant is. Srisuk was born in Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, where she ran her own Japanese-style izakaya, a bar and restaurant catering to workers at the local Japanese auto parts factory. She describes her cooking as a capital city style that incorporates many kinds of regional dishes both from the north and south. Good Catch offers a northern favorite, khao soi udon, a fragrant dish made with noodles, pickled mustard greens, ground chilies and aromatics. It is served with vegetables and tofu, or diners can bump up the protein with the addition of mixed seafood, seared scallops or pork shoulder. Her green curry has roots in the south. Its rich coconut broth is studded with tender enoki mushrooms, crisp kernels of sweet corn, Chinese eggplant and broccoli, all topped with a slab of grilled salmon or another protein. Another southern specialty is her yellow curry, served over gluten-free mung bean noodles, long beans and mustard greens, the flavor and color informed by turmeric. Its topped with lumps of sweet crabmeat. Srisuk is thrilled to have a kitchen equipped to fry a whole sea bass, which she serves with a sweet and spicy bird chili sauce, bright with citrus and garlic. There also is steamed sea bass with chili, garlic and lime. Its fun to try new preparations, she says. When I plan the menu, I come up with what I love and what I miss that most places here dont really have. Another specialty is glass noodles and shrimp baked in a clay pot with bacon, ginger and shiitake mushrooms, served with piquant seafood sauce on the side. The menu includes a fried oyster plate with bean sprouts and green onion and shrimp pad thai using glass noodles. Seafood ramen arrives flavored hot-and-sour in the style of tom yum. Jumbo lump crab fried rice is loaded with crabmeat. A fishermans platter swims with shrimp, calamari, oysters and catfish tossed in sweet chili sauce. The menu includes some of her Pomelo customers favorites, including street-food-style noodle dishes. Chewy pok pok glass noodles are spiked with roasted barbecue pork shoulder, shrimp, baby bok choy, peanuts and chili. Northern Thailand-style laab uses crispy rice in a minced pork salad full of vegetables, spices and herbs. A salad of mango and shrimp is bright with cilantro, onion, lime and mint. Som yam soup delivers the sour-and-sweet flavor punch that distinguishes so many Thai dishes. This weekend, the University of New Orleans' St. Claude Gallery will open an exhibition in honor of beloved New Orleans writer and photographer Christy Lorio, who was in the process of earning her second master's degree from the university before she passed away from cancer in November 2022. Lorio, who was 42 when she died at home, had been living with stage-IV colorectal cancer for four years an experience she wrote and spoke about candidly and often with a sense of humor. "Choose Joy," which opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, is a posthumous thesis exhibition of Lorio's photography. The reception runs until 9 p.m. and will include Lorio's husband, Thomas Fewer, reading from her chapbook, "Cold Comfort." The exhibition will be on display through March 3. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and admission is free and open to the public. Find more information at unostclaudegallery.org. Lorio had earned her bachelor's and then a MFA in creative writing from UNO before starting her MFA in fine arts for photography in fall 2020. "Christy was a remarkable person, full of love and enthusiasm for life and art," a spokesperson for the gallery said in a statement. "She was an excellent graduate student and grad assistant for the photography students in the fine arts department at UNO." "She excelled at anything she put her mind to, and her pursuit of photography and becoming an artist was no different," they continued. "The New Orleans art community, and the photography community at large, lost a talented individual." A scholarship fund also has been set up in Lorio's name to support UNO graduate students in the final parts of completing their degrees. Lorio had contributed to Gambit as well as Antigravity, Uptown Messenger and other publications. Shortly before she passed, she published "Cold Comfort." The chapbook of essays and photography is about her experiences with late-stage cancer and finding joy where she could. "When your life exists in the dark spots, you need to interject brightness into your life as much as possible," she wrote. Find the book at bellepointpress.com. This month we remember New Orleans civil rights leader and attorney A.P. Tureaud, who was born 125 years ago on Feb. 26, 1899. Alexander Pierre Tureaud was born in New Orleans and educated in the citys public schools. At age 17, he moved to Chicago, where he worked on the railroads before relocating to New York. There, he became familiar with the work of the NAACP (the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), which influenced his next career move: law school. He earned a law degree from Howard University in 1925. After practicing for a short time in Washington, D.C., he returned to Louisiana, where he was one of only four Black lawyers in the entire state. He would spend the rest of his legal career fighting against racial discrimination. As an attorney for the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund, Tureaud filed numerous lawsuits to desegregate schools, businesses and public facilities. He later became president of the NAACPs local chapter and was a mentor to Ernest Dutch Morial, New Orleans first Black mayor. Tureaud died in 1972. U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall, a colleague of Tureauds earlier in his career at the NAACP, delivered the eulogy at his funeral. According to a Times-Picayune article, Marshall said, In this age of civil rights, we got where we are today by the efforts of men like A.P. Tureaud, who made himself a leader. That mans courage was unbelievable. In 1981, a stretch of London Avenue from St. Bernard Avenue to N. Broad Street was renamed in Tureauds honor. A life-sized statue of him by Sheleen Jones was unveiled in 1997. It stands in a park at A.P. Tureaud and St. Bernard avenues. During the Tibetan New Year, diverse festive celebrations have been held in China's Xizang. Click to feel the joy of traditional Tibetan games held by villagers in Xigaze City. Produced by Xinhua Global Service People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) This photo taken on Feb. 16, 2024 shows a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) People visit a lantern show held in Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan) The Urban League of Northwest Indiana started a free entrepreneurship program to help aspiring business owners. The nonprofit, which works to improve conditions for people of color in Northwest Indiana, launched the new initiative after entrepreneurs sought it out for advice and resources on how to start or grow a business. The program aims to teach business owners essential skills, such as how to use accounting software, register with the state or create a digital mailbox. The Urban League movement is nationally known for generating programs that support entrepreneurship, said Vanessa Allen-McCloud, president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. We are honored and excited to introduce a program that is designed to arm entrepreneurs with tools for success. The Urban League, at 3101 Broadway in Gary, will host the program on Saturdays once a month this year. Urban League board member Bahiyah Shabazz, owner of the financial and advisory firm Decimalytics, worked with Allen-McCloud to develop a curriculum for business owners looking to grow. As we began to do research to develop the entrepreneurship program, it became evident that local businesses were applying for government grants and needed various skills and/or certifications in order to qualify for funding, said Shabazz. We also discovered amazing programs that other Urban League affiliates were already implementing from which we could benchmark our efforts. Business owners can take part in lunch and learn sessions with experts in different fields. The March 1 meeting will include a Women In Business fire side chat, the April 6 meeting will concern budget and forecasting, the May 3 meeting will discuss how to create a brand and the June 1st meeting will review tax strategies for small businesses. I am extremely excited about the experience we are offering entrepreneurs in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, added McCloud. They will be the first to participate in this venture, so we are eager to get their feedback and witness their growth and success as a result of this initiative. For more information, call 219-887-9621 or visit www.urbanleagueofnwi.org. A former state lawmaker serving Northwest Indiana recently was awarded a Certificate of Distinction the highest honor bestowed by the Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Association. Don Lehe, a Republican who represented Dyer, Schererville, St. John and points south during part of his 20-year tenure in the Indiana House, was recognized for his leadership on agricultural issues at the local and state level, including sponsoring legislation to establish the Indiana Center for Animal Policy that now houses the State Board of Animal Health and the Board of Veterinary Medicine. "I am personally grateful for his leap of faith to support the new center," said Bret Marsh, state veterinarian. "The citizens of Indiana will reap the benefits of his leadership for many decades to come." Lehe earned degrees in agriculture education and animal sciences at Purdue before returning to his hometown of Brookston where he worked as a teacher and later served on the board of the Frontier School Corp. He also worked with swine on his family farm and eventually led the White County Pork Producers and the White County Agricultural Association, which runs the county fair, and served on the board of the Indiana Pork Producers Association. During his Statehouse tenure, Lehe led the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and served on the Public Health and Environmental Affairs committees. He was an advocate for the Indiana corn checkoff program, as well as legislation promoting livestock health and expanding farmer health benefit programs. Lehe said when he retired from the Legislature in 2022 that he was "very thankful to all of the Hoosiers I have been fortunate enough to represent for nearly two decades." 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 Marcus Lyons slowly circled outside the Lake County Government Complex in Crown Point with a protest sign stating, Lake County judges allow corruption. Justice delayed is justice denied. The 65-year-old military veteran from Gary wore a U.S. Navy jacket on this bitterly cold day as a fierce wind swirled around him. Onlookers watched curiously as he explained to me the reason behind his one-man demonstration. (Watch a video at NWI.com.) Ive been falsely accused of another crime that I did not commit, Lyons said angrily. Earlier that day, he made a similar protest outside the Gary City Court complex. Ive been ignored for over a year now, so if I have to go to Washington D.C. and do another crucifixion again, then so be it, Lyons said. Crucifixion? Sort of. In 1987, Lyons was wrongfully convicted of raping a female neighbor inside his apartment building in the Village of Woodridge, located west of Chicago, where his life was going along perfectly normal. He was a Navy reservist who was engaged, employed and enjoying life. Everything changed when that female neighbor, who was white, pointed him out in a police lineup. An all-white jury found Lyons guilty on all counts and, on Oct. 19, 1988, a judge sentenced him to six years in prison. Lyons retained a Chicago lawyer to appeal the conviction, but he failed to file an appeal. Lyons ended up serving about half his sentence before being released and forced to register as a convicted sex offender. Many years later, he was exonerated by DNA testing that linked semen recovered at the scene from the victims bra and underpants to another man. But the wrongful accusation, charges and conviction took a toll on Lyons mental health. In 1991, a couple weeks after being released from prison, Lyons wore his Navy reserves uniform to protest outside the DuPage County courthouse. He brought a large handmade cross, constructed from railroad ties, and began to crucify himself with a hammer and nails. He nailed a spike into his foot and started nailing one into his hand. He was on the cross for 15 minutes before firefighters pulled him down. Lyons wanted to make a public point how he was crucified by authorities who didnt properly investigate that rape crime. Police arrived at the Illinois courthouse and forcibly stopped him. Your 15 minutes of fame are over, one officer told him. Not quite. The wrongful conviction and its aftermath crushed Lyons for many years, even after he returned to his hometown of Gary, where he held a similar crucifixion protest outside a courthouse in 2022. When police arrived, Lyons had a nail protruding from his left foot. He was transported to Methodist Hospital for treatment, where a doctor asked him why he would do such a thing. Youll find out on TV! he exclaimed. Ill get to that new case in a minute. That old case truly destroyed my life, Lyons told me as he protested outside the Lake County government complex. In 2005, Lyons retained an Illinois attorney firm to file a motion for post-conviction DNA testing of the untested items from that 1987 rape case. In 2007, his conviction was vacated. In 2008 in response to a petition filed by Jane Raley, senior counsel at Northwestern University School of Laws Center on Wrongful Convictions, and her students then Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich granted Lyons a pardon based on innocence, qualifying him for a small compensation from the Illinois Court of Claims, according to universitys legal clinic. Nothing changed with that pardon, not really. It still hasnt gone away, Lyons said. And now Im being falsely accused and crucified again, just like Jesus Christ. Lyons said he is currently accused of violating a Gary city ordinance for not paying fees for owning a rental property that is not in his name. It is in a trust account, he said. The city sued me, not the trust account. The city also denied me a jury trial. The judge knew it was wrong and thought she could intimidate me. That is why she won't bring the trial back to court. But they dont know who theyre dealing with. Legal battles are nothing new or intimidating for Lyons, who is again determined to seek exoneration for something he is convinced he hasnt done. They didnt know my background with false allegations. I will fight to the death before I allow another false conviction. I want this case overturned, Lyons said as he walked back and forth with a protest sign stating, Unethical. He is referring to Gary City Court Judge Deidre Monroe, who I contacted for a response. I am not familiar with Mr. Lyons case, Moore said. Additionally, the judicial canons prohibit me from making any comment regarding this case. However, my staff will advise the city attorney that you have contacted the court regarding Mr. Lyons case. Lyons claims that Gary City Court is evading him and violating his 1st, 4th and 14th civil rights. He shared with me legal documents from Lake Superior Court directing his case back to the city of Gary. In June, 2023, Judge Julie Cantrell filed an order to formally deny acceptance of the case, which was improperly transferred under Local Rule 15. Lyons remains undeterred. My training in the military taught me that whatever it takes to complete your mission, you put in the work, Lyons said. In the Navy, I swore to defend this country with my life. I will do the same for myself. I will expose the criminal behavior thats being done by the powers to be who exploit their position. You cannot break the law in order to uphold the law. And thats what is being done. In 2010, Lyons told newspaper reporters, I dont think Ill ever be totally exonerated. Fourteen years later, he once again feels wrongfully accused, regardless if its accurate or not. The battle is just getting started, Lyons said outside the government complex. Yale University on Friday issued a formal apology for its early leaders involvement with slavery, accompanied by the release of a detailed history of the universitys connections to slavery and a list of what it said were initial steps to make some amends. The announcement came more than three years after Yale announced a major investigation into the universitys connections to slavery, the slave trade and abolition, amid intense national conversations about racial justice set off by the murder of George Floyd. And it frames what the schools leaders say will be a continuing commitment to repair. We recognize our universitys historical role in and associations with slavery, as well as the labor, the experiences and the contributions of enslaved people to our universitys history, and we apologize for the ways that Yales leaders, over the course of our early history, participated in slavery, the universitys president, Peter Salovey, and the senior board trustee, Josh Bekenstein, said in a message to the university community. Acknowledging and apologizing for this history are only part of the path forward, they continued. The university is also creating new programs to fund the training of public schoolteachers for its home city, New Haven, Conn., whose population is predominantly Black. And Yale will expand previously announced research partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities across the country, with a significant new investment to be announced in coming weeks. Joe Louis Dudley, who expanded a kitchen-table business that he started with his wife at the time into one of the largest Black-owned hair care companies in the Southeast, and who founded schools that trained tens of thousands of cosmetologists, died on Feb. 8 at his home in Kernersville, N.C., a suburb of Winston-Salem, He was 86. The cause was complications of Parkinsons disease, his daughter Ursula Dudley Oglesby said. In the 1960s, Joe and Eunice Dudley were newly married and selling S.B. Fuller beauty products door to door in New York City. Mr. Fuller no relation to the venerable Fuller Brush Company door-to-door enterprise was a Chicago-based Black businessman who preached a gospel of advancement through hard work and who made millions in the days when women were eager to buy cosmetics in their homes. Imbibing his training and message, the Dudleys took their door-to-door Fuller venture to North Carolina. And when the Fuller company had manufacturing problems, they began making their own products: scalp creams, oil shampoos and pomades that they mixed at home and poured into old mayonnaise jars. Mr. Dudley stirred the formulas in steel drums with a spatula the size of a canoe paddle. Ms. Dudley typed the labels, and their children screwed on the jar tops after the products had cooled and set overnight. Tucker Carlson left Moscow more than a week ago, riding high from an interview with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia that returned him to the spotlight after his abrupt cancellation by Fox News last spring. But the interview with the wartime autocrat, mocked in various corners of the political-media world for its soft touch, continues to have a long and tortured afterlife becoming a trending topic all over again on Friday after Mr. Putins most vocal domestic opponent, Aleksei A. Navalny, turned up dead in a Russian prison. This is what Putins Russia is, @TuckerCarlson, Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, wrote on X after the news of Mr. Navalnys death broke on Friday. And you are Putins useful idiot. Naomi Biden, President Bidens granddaughter, also weighed in, pointing to a video that Mr. Carlson had recently posted in which he contrasted the supposed splendors of Russia under Mr. Putins leadership with the filth and crime of the United States. Has anything aged so poorly, so quickly before? Ms. Biden wrote on X. Gov. Kathy Hochul apologized on Friday night for remarks she made at a Jewish philanthropy event in New York City that implied that Israel would be justified in destroying Gaza because of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. In a speech on Thursday at the event, for the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York, Ms. Hochul began by calling out Hamas for being a terrorist organization that must be stopped, saying that Israel could not continue to live with that threat, that specter over them. She then attempted to make an analogy to the United States, relating the war to her hometown, Buffalo. If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, Im sorry, my friends, there would be no Canada the next day, Ms. Hochul said in a video of the speech posted on social media. That is a natural reaction. You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure that it never happens again. And that is Israels right. In a statement provided to The New York Times on Friday night, after the speech began circulating on social media, Ms. Hochul said that she regretted her inappropriate analogy. She apologized for her poor choice of words. Job seekers inquire about job opportunities at a job fair for college graduates in Jinhua City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 21, 2023. (Photo by Shi Kuanbing/Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China intensified efforts to shore up employment in 2023, with more than 300 billion yuan (about 42.23 billion U.S. dollars) directly channeled by governments at all levels to support employment and entrepreneurship, according to the country's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. A total of 12.44 million jobs were created in urban areas in 2023, said Yun Donglai, an official with the ministry, adding that about 33.97 million people who were lifted out of poverty secured new employment opportunities over the past year. Last year, the country provided assistance to 5.14 million unemployed individuals and aided 1.72 million people facing challenges in finding employment to secure new jobs. Adhering to an employment-first strategy, China has taken important steps to stabilize employment. Going forward, the country will prioritize employment even more prominently and implement measures to enhance the effectiveness of policies aimed at strengthening employment, according to the ministry official. For nearly 40 years, the novelist Bret Easton Ellis has been chronicling noirish debauchery in best-selling books such as American Psycho and Less Than Zero. This week, his partner, Todd Michael Schultz, was arrested at the fancy Los Angeles condominium building where the couple lives, and was charged with burglary, according to Abraham Bedoyan, a sergeant at the West Hollywood sheriffs station. On Tuesday, Sergeant Bedoyan said, management at 818 North Doheny Drive received a phone call from a female resident in distress. The resident said that a man had entered her apartment and was ransacking her things, according to a police report Sergeant Bedoyan read from. The woman reportedly told management that the intruder was unresponsive to her requests that he leave her apartment. Building representatives arrived and detained the man, whom Sergeant Bedoyan confirmed to be Mr. Schultz, 37. There is nothing to suggest Mr. Ellis, 59, was associated with the crime, according to Sergeant Bedoyan. Sephora made headlines this week after a video went viral showing three girls wearing apparent blackface at one of the chains Boston locations. The company said in a statement to the news media that it had asked the shoppers to leave the premises, adding, Under no circumstance is this type of behavior tolerated at Sephora. But two witnesses have a different account of what took place. The 24-second video, which was posted on TikTok, was taken Feb. 8 at the Sephora store at the Prudential Center in Boston. It shows a blond woman confronting a second woman, who appears to be the girls chaperone. Standing near the two adults is a girl whose face is painted in a circle of dark brown foundation makeup. The blond woman calls the behavior incredibly offensive. The chaperone walks away, shaking her head. The person filming the incident says, This is so shameful. Then the video cuts to a shot that shows two other girls in dark makeup. After the video set off news coverage nationwide, Sephora, a division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, said in its statement that its top priority is to create a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience for all. After the shooting in Kansas City this week at a parade to celebrate the Super Bowl victory of the hometown Chiefs, children who had been struck by gunfire flooded into Childrens Mercy Hospital, less than a mile from Union Station, where the shooting occurred. Fear, the hospitals chief nursing officer, Stephanie Meyer, told reporters. The one word I would use to describe what we saw and how they felt when they came to us was fear. On the other side of the guns were young people, too, according to the authorities who said on Friday that two teenagers detained in the aftermath of the shooting had been charged with gun-related offenses and with resisting arrest. What had seemed like an attack on the parade itself turned out to be a far more common act of American violence: a dispute that ended in gunfire, and in this case, left one person dead and 22 people injured, about half of them younger than 16. A 7-year-old boy who was shot in the head when his mother opened fire at a Houston megachurch on Sunday has undergone at least two surgeries in 24 hours and lost a major part of what makes us who we are, his grandmother said in an update on Thursday. The surgeries included removal of part of the frontal lobe of the brain and a portion of the skull, the grandmother, Walli Carranza, said in a post on Facebook. It included a jarring photo of the child from his hospital bed, where officials said he remained in critical condition. She said the boy was engaged in a fight for life. Authorities said the boy, Samuel, was with his mother on Sunday when she entered the Lakewood Church in Houston, just after a service led by the televangelist Joel Osteen. The mother, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, opened fire with an AR-15 and was killed in a gunfight with two security guards, officials said. It is still unknown who fired the shots that struck Ms. Morenos son and injured a bystander, a 57-year-old man who has since been released from the hospital. Interviews with people who know the family, police records, and legal documents from a divorce and custody battle filed by the childs paternal relatives offered a window into Samuels troubled upbringing, beginning with his premature birth in 2016 when his mother was just six months pregnant. With every election cycle, the notion of genuine swing voters seems to grow more remote. We live in an era of intense partisanship, and only a handful of states are truly competitive in the Electoral College. To make matters even more stark, the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be a contest between a current and a former president who have been in public life for decades. Like them or not and many voters fall into the latter category most people made up their minds about President Biden and former President Donald Trump years ago. When I asked Patrick Murray, the director of the polling institute at Monmouth University, about who the persuadable voters of 2024 might be, he quipped: You want me to name them individually? Because I probably could at this point. And yet, even in a likely rematch, and at a moment of deep political tribalism, a few constituencies a slice of a slice of a slice of the electorate remain up for grabs. You can be certain that both campaigns will be spending hundreds of millions of dollars to reach them. A fast-moving storm system brought several inches of snow to parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions for the second time this week, leaving two inches of snow in Central Park but double-digit accumulations in other areas, such as parts of Long Island. Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, Md., described the overnight system, which over-performed in some places, as having a narrow stripe that brought eight to 12 inches of snow across portions of central Ohio through central Pennsylvania, north-central New Jersey and clipped the very extreme southern portions of New York. Nearly 10 inches of snow accumulated in Coney Island, while parts of Queens recorded up to six inches, according to the National Weather Service. Two inches of snow fell in Central Park. Snow totals so far have ranged from six to 10 inches across southwestern Long Island, southern portions of northeastern New Jersey and parts of Staten Island, forecasters said. A snowballing scandal in Hungary over the pardoning of a man convicted of covering up pedophilia in a childrens home forced the third resignation in a week on Friday of an important political ally of the countrys authoritarian prime minister, Viktor Orban. The departure of Zoltan Balog, a former government minister, from the leadership of the Hungarian Reformed Church followed the resignations last weekend of Hungarys president, Katalin Novak, and Judit Varga, a former Justice minister and a leading figure in Fidesz, Mr. Orbans conservative governing party. All three have been at the forefront of Mr. Orbans efforts to present Hungary as a bastion of family values, committed to fending off what Fidesz reviles as woke globalists intent on undermining Christianity and Hungarian sovereignty through L.G.B.T.Q. propaganda imported from the outside. Hungarys carefully nurtured image as a safe zone for traditional values, however, suffered a damaging blow this month from revelations that a man who was pardoned last year had been convicted of covering up sexual abuse by the director of a state-run childrens home in Bicske, near Mr. Orbans home village. The crime for which the man was convicted was not made public at the time of his pardon. While the Kremlin authorities worked tirelessly over many years to silence Aleksei A. Navalny, they never entirely succeeded, not even by locking him up in one of the harshest penal colonies located above the Arctic Circle. Using both his reputation as the most respected, most viable leader of the often beleaguered opposition movement and his training as a lawyer with a wily understanding of loopholes in the system Mr. Navalny always found ways to be heard. From prison, he denounced the war in Ukraine and continued to spotlight the vast wealth accumulated by senior government officials. In his latest effort, he endorsed the idea that, during the presidential election from March 15 to 17, all Russians opposed to the war should protest silently by showing up at polling stations across Russia exactly at noon. While in prison, Aleksei Navalny remained the moral and de facto leader of the opposition to Putin, said Fyodor Krasheninnikov, a Russian political commentator based in Brussels. This certainly bothered the authorities. The choreographer Alonzo King sees ballet differently. A dance is never just a dance. Its a kind of faith, and the training necessary for it day in and day out is a way to keep that faith alive. His ballets have a way of sailing through sensations, of calming the nervous system, of realigning the body and mind. Deep River, which will have its New York premiere at Lincoln Centers Rose Theater beginning Feb. 22, is named after the spiritual, which is part of its score, and is rooted in ideas about courage and hope. Its about a belief that King has: Within every person, a river flows. You cant live a full life without having gotten in contact with the river that is inside of you, he said in a video interview from San Francisco, where he lives and where his company, Lines Ballet, is based. And its a knowing, its a knowledge. Its your internal world. You want to tap into the knowledge that is waiting inside of you. Alvin Moscow, who wrote a best-selling account of the sinking of the ocean liner Andrea Doria in 1956, then collaborated on the memoirs of several public figures, including Richard M. Nixon soon after he lost the 1960 presidential election to John F. Kennedy, died on Feb. 6 in North Las Vegas, Nev. He was 98. His death, in a hospital, was confirmed by his daughter Nina Moscow. Mr. Moscow was a reporter for The Associated Press when he covered the court hearings focused on determining the cause of the violent collision between the Andrea Doria, which was en route from Genoa, Italy, to New York, and the European-bound Stockholm, in dense fog about 45 miles south of Nantucket Island in Massachusetts on the evening of July 25, 1956. In all, 51 people died. But in a remarkable civil maritime rescue operation, more than 1,600 passengers and crew members survived. BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- On Feb. 14, during the Chinese New Year holiday, the Panlongcheng Ruins Museum in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province welcomed a steady stream of visitors. One exhibit that caught tourists' attention was a golden ornament adorned with inlaid turquoise, featuring an intricate Chinese dragon design embossed upon it. The artifact serves as compelling evidence of spiritual beliefs held by Chinese ancestors during the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC-1046 BC). Dating back about 3,500 years, the Panlongcheng site has yielded a wealth of archaeological discoveries, such as walled palaces, royal cemeteries and craft workshops. Regarded as the root of today's Wuhan, the site was the center of the early Bronze Age civilization along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. As an important cultural heritage, Panlongcheng provides material evidence that both the Yellow River and Yangtze River belong to the same Chinese civilization. Throughout Chinese history, the image of the loong, or the Chinese dragon, has evolved continuously, yet its essence has been passed on through generations of Chinese people. At an exhibition currently underway in the National Museum of China in Beijing, over 200 pieces and sets of collections have been put on display, narrating the story and significance of the loong as a totem of Chinese culture. The exhibition, titled "A New Year Guarded by the Dragon: Exhibition for the Chinese New Year," delves into various perspectives spanning customs, rites, history, culture, art and lifestyle. Xie Zhaoliang is an inheritor of the Tongzhou Canal Dragon Lantern craft and dance who leads his team in street parades, performing the double dragon dance. The majestic Chinese dragons, rising and coiling, bestow Lunar New Year's blessings upon local villagers amidst lively beats of drums and gongs. "By reviving the nearly 200-year-old Tongzhou Canal Dragon Lantern tradition during the Spring Festival, we are not only enhancing the New Year's atmosphere but also introducing younger generations to this cherished tradition," Xie said. The art of dragon dance from Beijing's Tongzhou District, also known as the dance of "Tongzhou Canal Dragon Lantern," has been showcased in schools and exhibited in museums. A newly opened museum dedicated to Grand Canal dragon dancing curates New Year's pictures, stamps and postcards featuring dragon dancing themes from home and abroad. Visitors can espy the tradition of praying for safety and prosperity through dragon dances while also gaining insight into the global influence of Chinese dragons. The imagery of the loong has adorned the streets of Beijing and Wuhan, with numerous international brands decorating their shop windows with Chinese dragons. Posters of the film "Wish Dragon" were spotted at a shopping mall in Wuhan. Directed by a foreign filmmaker, the movie draws inspiration from the story of his Chinese friend, presenting a heartwarming tale of personal growth and friendship. In Beijing, flash mob performances of dragon and lion dances have graced many cultural sites along the Central Axis. These revitalized dances wind through the streets, striving to preserve local traditions while enriching the Spring Festival celebrations for both locals and tourists. Loong-themed exhibitions, carnivals and creative cultural products are captivating tourists nationwide, injecting strong momentum into China's rebounding cultural and tourism market. From Feb. 10 to 13, the 174 key tourist attractions in Beijing collectively welcomed more than 9.6 million visitors, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of 80.4 percent. At Beihai Park, creative cultural products inspired by the Nine-Dragon Screen have garnered enthusiastic responses from tourists. These products convey good wishes, with rising dragons symbolizing flourishing careers and vitality, while coiled dragons represent pervasive happiness. In addition to enjoying the presence of the loong in the park, tourists can also immerse themselves in Chinese dragon culture by appreciating the creative cultural products, noted Zhang Mian, director of the Beihai Park research office. The Hugo Awards, a major literary prize for science fiction, have been engulfed in controversy over revelations that some writers may have been excluded based on their perceived criticism of China or the Chinese government. Suspicions in the science fiction community have been building for weeks that something was amiss with last years awards, which rotate to a different city each year, and in 2023 were hosted in Chengdu, China. Now, newly released emails show that the awards were likely manipulated because of political concerns. Heres what we know. What are the Hugo Awards? The awards, first established in 1953, are given annually at a gathering hosted by the World Science Fiction Convention. Writers are nominated and awarded prizes by members of the World Science Fiction Society, which includes science fiction fans. Each person can nominate five works for each category. Those entries are then tallied so that the six works with the most votes become finalists. Previous winners have included luminaries like Ursula K. Le Guin, William Gibson and Philip K. Dick. Why were writers, and fans, upset? In January, the Hugo Awards revealed which writers had been nominated for last years awards, and by how many people. The information made clear that multiple authors who had enough nominations to be finalists were shut out of the process; award administrators had marked them as not eligible, without specifying a reason. Among the excluded authors were two Western writers of Chinese descent: R.F. Kuang, who is Chinese American and who was widely expected to be recognized for her novel Babel, a historical fantasy set in mid-1800s Oxford, and Xiran Jay Zhao, a Chinese Canadian author whose novel Iron Widow is a sci-fi reimagining of Chinas female emperor. As a queer teenager growing up in northern Nigeria, Arinze Ifeakandu often found himself searching for books that reflected what he felt. He combed through the books at home and imagined closer bonds between the same-sex characters. He scoured the book stands in Kano, the city where he lived, hoping to find stories that focused on L.G.B.T.Q. lives. Later, in furtive visits to internet cafes, he came across gay romance stories, but they often focused on lives far from his own, featuring closeted white jocks living in snowy towns. Ifeakandu wanted more. He began writing short stories in which gay men battled loneliness but also found lust and love in conservative, modern-day Nigeria. I have always taken my own desires, my own fears, my own joys seriously, Ifeakandu, 29, said. I knew I wanted to write characters who are queer. Thats the only way I am going to show up on the page. Lab grown meat. It sounds like a plotline from a sci-fi movie about test-tube chicken fingers, but its a real thing. Start-up companies around the world are competing to develop technologies for producing chicken, beef, salmon and other options without the need to raise and slaughter animals. China has made the development of the industry a priority. In the United States, the Department of Agriculture has given initial blessings to two producers. Now, a measure in Florida that would ban sales of laboratory-grown meat has gained widespread attention beyond state borders. The bill, which is advancing through the Florida Legislature, would make the sale or manufacture of lab-grown meat a misdemeanor with a fine of $1,000. Its one of a half-dozen similar measures in Arizona, Tennessee, West Virginia and elsewhere. Opponents of lab-grown meat include beef and poultry associations worried that laboratory-made hamburgers or chicken nuggets could cut into their business. Before he was gunned down inside his recording studio in Queens in 2002, in what prosecutors say was a drug deal gone bad, Jam Master Jay of the New York hip-hop trio Run-DMC faced a predicament. The money wasnt coming in, an assistant U.S. attorney, Miranda Gonzalez, told jurors in the federal trial in Brooklyn of two men charged with Jam Master Jays murder, which began late last month. But people still depended on him. As Run-DMC, which had led hip-hops mainstream explosion in the 1980s, receded from record charts and MTV playlists, Jam Master Jay born Jason Mizell struggled financially and turned to drug dealing to meet his obligations, prosecutors and witnesses said. A pioneering D.J. and role model who publicly campaigned against drug use, Mr. Mizell spent his last years leading a double life, according to testimony and trial records: He worked as a drug middleman while managing intertwining public roles entertainer, record label owner, father of three and financial lifeline to relatives, co-workers and friends. We have a lot of cash, Donald J. Trump boasted 10 months ago, under oath, claiming that the number was going up very substantially every month. But whatever cash he had may soon be gone. On Friday, the judge overseeing Mr. Trumps civil fraud case issued a final ruling that inflicted a staggering financial penalty. With interest, the former president has been ordered to pay New York State about $450 million, a sum that threatens to wipe out a stockpile of cash, stocks and bonds that he amassed since leaving the White House, according to a New York Times review of Mr. Trumps financial records. He will have only 30 days or so to either come up with the money or persuade an outside company to post a bond. The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, also imposed several new restrictions on Mr. Trump and his family business. For three years, Mr. Trump cannot run any New York company, including portions of his own, nor can he obtain a loan from a New York bank. The same restrictions apply to his adult sons for a two-year period. And the family business will be under the thumb of a watchful outsider, a court-appointed monitor who can hamstring the company if she does not like what she sees. All told, the judges decision poses unprecedented threats to Mr. Trumps finances, his family business and his ego at a critical time for the former president. Although Mr. Trump will not go bankrupt and the Trump Organization will not go out of business, the companys loudest hype man could for now become a silent partner in his hometown properties. The organization will be another real estate company in a city full of them this one facing unusual new constraints that could impede its ability to compete. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a professor of practical theology and pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia, has an unusual approach to Lent. Instead of giving up chocolate or fasting, sometimes Ill say Im giving up self-neglect, she told me. For Lent two years ago she began blogging through 40 Days of Self-Care. She committed each day to healthier eating, more yoga, meditation and better time management making do with what she had rather than buying new stuff, since marketing experts are tapping into self-care, she said. The reaction from others surprised her: First friends and then strangers told me they were following the Lenten challenge. It floored me that people were taking it seriously. It connected to a hunger, Dr. Walker-Barnes said. She published a book called Sacred Self-Care last year. Dr. Walker-Barnes is one of many Christians who are reclaiming Lent, the 40 days of reflection, repentance and self-denial before Easter. What looks to outsiders like the biggest buzzkill of the church calendar has become a season that some younger Christians look forward to. They see it as a chance to rethink false promises about personal freedom and purpose promises offered by churches that have let them down and by a mainstream culture in which podcast gurus push juice cleanses and meditation in the name of self-optimization, a crooked image of the Lenten fast. The earliest Christians marked the lead-up to Easter with a short period of fasting and repentance. By the late fourth century, Christians in Rome observed a 40-day Lent, according to some historians; in the sixth century Pope Gregory I inaugurated Ash Wednesday, when Christians with especially grievous sins on their conscience were supposed to do public penance in sackcloth and ashes. In 1091 a church synod called for all believers to receive a sprinkling or a smudge of these biblical symbols of repentance to remind them that you are dust and to dust you will return. This week in Texas Monthly, I read a troubling profile of Tim Dunn, a 68-year-old billionaire Texas oilman and lavish financier for right-wing extremists in the state. In the past two years, Russell Gold writes, Dunn has become the largest individual source of campaign money in the state by far. He has spent, through his political action committee, millions of dollars targeting Republicans who dont meet his ideological litmus tests of opposition to public schools, opposition to renewable energy and support for tax cuts and draconian anti-abortion laws. A pastor who once said that only Christians should hold leadership positions in government, Dunn sees himself as someone who is on a religious mission of sorts and has devoted his time and wealth to imposing his ultraconservative politics and fundamentalist beliefs on as many Texans as possible. I highly recommend reading the entire profile, which is a comprehensive look at a very powerful man. I was disturbed. There is his wealth and influence, yes. But there is also his worldview, captured in the opening scene of the piece. Dunn makes an unfavorable comparison between human societies and bee hives: When everybody does what they do best for the hive, it prospers, he said. If youre a guard, then be a guard. If youre a scout, be a scout. Dunn then contrasted the cooperation of the hive with the inexorable tumult of modern politics. Why do people hate politics? he asked. Everybodys making it all about themselves, he said. Does it create harmony? Are people there trying to serve the body with their gifts? Thats why you hate it. Its an example of what not to do. By itself, this passage reads as fairly innocuous. But when read with Dunn in mind a straightforward Christian nationalist whose allies in Texas politics are leading the charge to ban books, suppress the rights of L.G.B.T.Q. Texans and restrict reproductive health care it takes on a more ominous cast. My name is Danielle Mckinney. Im a visual artist, and my favorite song is Kiss of Life by Sade. [TRANQUIL MUSIC] What I love about Sade is that shes a very private person. You dont hear about her in the news. She comes out with a big, loud voice, a powerful female voice, and then she goes back in herself. And thats something I respect about her. Its something that I also carry through in my paintings. They are these strong, beautiful Black females, but then they go back into their spaces, you know? Sade got me through moving here from the South to New York and not knowing a soul. I turned her on in the subways. Sade was the first sound of music for me as a child when I was eight years old. Saturday mornings, my mom would let me sleep in, but she would always have the music on. And so I would wake up always because the radio station in Alabama played the same songs. So Kiss of Life was my first understanding of music and sound. When Im in my studio, and Im stuck with ideas, and I dont know what to paint, I turn her on and close my eyes and go back to this soothing moment of home. Its like the paintings need that sound to kind of move the paint. Sade got me through the birth of my first child. I remember being in the hospital, and I was so nervous. And all I needed was something to just calm me down. And I looked at my husband. I said, Turn on Sade. I immediately calmed down. And within 30 minutes, the baby was there. But I needed the voice. I needed the sound of Sade just to soothe me, to bring me back home. So I hope she hears this because I love her. [SADE, KISS OF LIFE]: The color of love. [CHUCKLES]: I know. I love her. I love her so much. Painted Walls for Exhibition Designs by Nathalie du Pasquier Nathalie, Javier Mariscal and I are some of the only non-architects of the Memphis Group [the design movement founded by the Italian architect Ettore Sottsass and others in Milan in 1980], and Im astounded and delighted by the degree to which shes managed to go off into the fine art realm. She does these walls with color-blocked borders for her exhibits [the one above is from 2017], and Im so upset because theyre so good. Image Credit... Courtesy of Cassina Superleggera Chair (1957) by Gio Ponti Im just not able to do something straight-up functional. Who doesnt want to be what theyre not? The corpse of a woman and the cremated remains of at least 30 other people were found at the home of a former funeral director in Colorado, prompting the Denver Police Department to issue an arrest warrant for the man on Friday. The former funeral director, Miles Harford, 33, will most likely face charges of abuse of a corpse, forgery of a public document, and theft, Beth McCann, the Denver district attorney, said during a news conference on Friday. The Denver police said they had contacted the family of the woman, who was 63 when she died in August 2022. Theyre devastated, theyre shocked, they were hurt by this, Cmdr. Matt Clark, who oversees the Police Departments major crimes division, said at the news conference. ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Three soldiers from the Yemeni government forces were killed on Friday following a Houthi attack on a border area in the country's northern province of Saada, a military official told Xinhua. The Houthi members launched a major offensive using various weapons on several military sites belonging to pro-government troops in the Baqim border district, the local military official said on condition of anonymity. The source confirmed that the attack left three soldiers killed and three others seriously wounded. Fierce clashes followed the assault and continued for several hours before government forces were able to repel a Houthi advance on some military positions. Brigadier General Suleiman Nuwahi, commander of the 3rd Brigade of the government border guard troops, said in a statement carried by the state-run Saba news agency that national army troops foiled the Houthi attack on sites in Baqim, inflicting heavy losses. Nuwahi said the Houthis used mortars, artillery shells, and other weapons in the attack. He said the attack was part of repeated Houthi attacks along the front, aimed at derailing peace efforts in Yemen. Pro-government military units and border guard brigades are deployed in parts of Baqim near the border with Saudi Arabia, while the Houthis have controlled large swathes of the district for over nine years. Most fronts in Yemen's civil war have seen a decline in fighting since a United Nations-brokered truce between the government and rebels took effect in April 2022. The truce ended in October 2022, but military operations have remained largely frozen in many areas, barring some skirmishes and sporadic shelling. The Biden administration said Saturday that the Ukrainian military withdrawal from Avdiivka was the result of Congress failing to provide additional money to support Kyivs war effort. Ukraine ordered the withdrawal from the eastern city of Avdiivka before dawn on Saturday, the countrys first major battlefield loss since the fall of Bakhmut last year. This is the cost of congressional inaction, said Adrienne Watson, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council. The Ukrainians continue to fight bravely, but they are running low on supplies. The Senate passed an emergency aid bill including $60.1 billion for Ukraine this week, but the measure faces an uncertain fate in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he does not intend to put it to a vote. The Biden administration has spent months pushing for additional funding, arguing that Ukraine is running out of artillery, air defense weaponry and other munitions. As early in-person voting began on Saturday in Michigan, a fight for control of the G.O.P. in the crucial battleground state plunged Republicans there deeper into a political maelstrom, with rival factions potentially barreling toward hosting dueling nominating conventions. As if things werent already confusing. In a little over a week, the state will host a traditional primary on one day, and then a caucus-style convention a few days later. Now, it seems, there could actually be two conventions, in different parts of the state, each claiming legitimacy. Former President Donald J. Trump is headed to Michigan on Saturday night, with a campaign rally in Waterford Township, about 30 miles northwest of Detroit. While he has made it clear which faction he is supporting, and so has the national party, that has done little to dissuade the Trump-styled election denier attempting to hold on to power. The feud, already being waged in state court, appears to be only gaining intensity. Pete Hoekstra, whom the Republican National Committee recognized on Wednesday as the state partys rightful chairman after his election last month, said he was moving forward with plans to hold a statewide nominating convention on March 2 in Western Michigan. When Russia conducted a series of secret military satellite launches around the time of its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, American intelligence officials began delving into the mystery of what, exactly, the Russians were doing. Later, spy agencies discovered Russia was working on a new kind of space-based weapon that could threaten the thousands of satellites that keep the world connected. In recent weeks, a new warning has circulated from Americas spy agencies: Another launch may be in the works, and the question is whether Russia plans to use it to put a real nuclear weapon into space a violation of a half-century-old treaty. The agencies are divided on the likelihood that President Vladimir V. Putin would go so far, but nonetheless the intelligence is an urgent concern to the Biden administration. Even if Russia does place a nuclear weapon in orbit, U.S. officials are in agreement in their assessment that the weapon would not be detonated. Instead, it would lurk as a time bomb in low orbit, a reminder from Mr. Putin that if he was pressed too hard with sanctions, or military opposition to his ambitions in Ukraine or beyond, he could destroy economies without targeting humans on earth. The riot police appeared out of nowhere, charging furiously toward the young protesters trying to oust King Mswati III, who has ruled over the nation of Eswatini for 38 years. The pop of gunfire ricocheted through the streets, and the demonstrators started running for their lives. Manqoba Motsa, a college student, and his fellow Communists quickly slipped into disguise, pulling plain T-shirts over their red hammer-and-sickle regalia. They ducked down a sloped street and raced away, thinking that, somehow, they had escaped. Then Mr. Motsas phone rang: A close friend at the protest had been shot. They found him splayed on a bed in the emergency room, a bloody bandage around his torso, a tube in his arm. We cant stop fighting, the wounded protester, Mhlonishwa Mtsetfwa, told the dozen red-clad Communist Party members surrounding his hospital bed. Well do this until our last breath. When the thieves broke into the country home of a renowned film director in southern India, taking gold, silver and cash, they made a clean getaway. But days later, a small plastic bag appeared outside the houses gates, stitched shut with thin sticks and containing something wrapped in a white handkerchief. Inside was a medal for a prestigious national award that the director, M. Manikandan, had won in 2021 for one of his films. With it was a brief note handwritten in Tamil, a regional language. Sir, please forgive us, the note read. Your hard work belongs to you alone. The burglary and partial return, with its small-town intrigue and big-hearted absurdity, could have figured in the kind of movies Mr. Manikandan and other filmmakers in Indias south make. In Richmond, one of British Columbias largest cities, with 230,000 people, municipal council chambers turned raucous this week as a full public gallery of residents opposed a plan for staff to study whether a safe consumption site for drug users would be viable in the community. The plan was adopted on Tuesday, but the effort is off to a rocky start, with few officials and agencies standing up to defend it. More than 100 residents signed up to speak in the meeting, some tearfully, others amid shouting. The citys mayor of 22 years, Malcolm Brodie, competed with residents for control of the room, and tensions escalated to screaming matches in the hallway, where Mounties intervened. Aleksei A. Navalnys political allies on Saturday confirmed his death, saying that his mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, had received an official notification that her son died on Friday afternoon. The confirmation came as Russian officials detained hundreds of people mourning his death. Mr. Navalnys family was still waiting for officials to release the body. Kira Yarmysh, Mr. Navalnys spokeswoman, said in a statement on X that Russian investigators had transferred Mr. Navalnys body from a penal colony in the Arctic to the town of Salekhard, where it was being examined. We demand for Aleksei Navalnys body to be released to his family immediately, Ms. Yarmysh said in her statement. Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the eastern frontline city of Avdiivka, Ukraines top general, Oleksandr Syrsky, said on Saturday, allowing Moscow to score its biggest battlefield victory in months and dealing a blow to Ukraines stretched and outgunned forces as the two-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion approaches. General Syrsky said he had ordered the retreat in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen. Avdiivka once a city of 30,000 people before being reduced to ruins sat in a pocket surrounded by Russian troops to the north, east and south. In recent months, they had been slowly advancing through relentless assaults, in a pincer movement. The ability to save our people is the most important task for us, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. He added that Ukrainian troops had been hindered by a shortage of ammunition because of declining Western military assistance. Heres what to know about the fall of Avdiivka. How did the battle unfold? Avdiivka is a suburb of the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, which has been on a front line since a Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The city held through eight years of often low-intensity war in the east and then nearly two years of full-scale assaults by the Russian Army after it launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. After the Hamas invasion on Oct. 7, Doron Shabty and his wife and their two small children hid in Sderot, near the border with Gaza, and survived. A reservist in the infantry, he went into the army the next day. He just returned after more than 100 days in Gaza, having lost friends. Mr. Shabty, 31, who sees himself on the political left, said he felt no sense of revenge, even if other soldiers did. Nor did he justify every act of the Israeli military, expressing sorrow over the many thousands of Gazans killed in the fight against Hamas. But he said he felt certain that to restore Israelis faith in their countrys ability to protect them, there cannot be a return to the situation of Oct. 6. We cant live with an armed Gaza we just cant do that, he said. And in order to disarm Gaza, you need to pay a terrible price. The shock of Oct. 7 was emotional, physical and psychological, undermining the idea of security, both personal and national, and reminding Israelis that they have powerful enemies next door who wish them dead and gone. Aleksei A. Navalny portrayed himself as invincible, consistently using his hallmark humor to suggest that President Vladimir V. Putin couldnt break him, no matter how dire his conditions became in prison. But behind the brave face, the reality was plain to see. Since his incarceration in early 2021, Mr. Navalny, Russias most formidable opposition figure, and his staff regularly suggested his conditions were so grim that he was being put to death in slow motion. Now his aides believe their fears have come true. The cause of Mr. Navalnys death in prison at 47 has not been established in fact his family has not yet even been allowed to see his body but Russias harshest penal colonies are known for hazardous conditions, and Mr. Navalny was singled out for particularly brutal treatment. Aleksei Navalny was subjected to torment and torture for three years, the Russian journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitri A. Muratov wrote in a column after his death was announced on Friday. As Navalnys doctor told me: the body cannot withstand this. BANGKOK, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on Feb. 18, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Saturday. Thaksin ended his exile of over 15 years and returned to Thailand in August 2023, and was soon detained and sentenced to an eight-year prison sentence on several charges. However, he was soon transferred from a Bangkok prison to a hospital due to health concerns and has remained in hospital since. Ukraine ordered the complete withdrawal from the decimated city of Avdiivka before dawn on Saturday, surrendering a position that had been a military stronghold for the better part of a decade, in the face of withering Russian assault. Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defense on more favorable lines, Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraines top military commander, said in a statement issued overnight. The fall of Avdiivka, a city that was once home to some 30,000 people but is now a smoking ruin, is the first major gain Russian forces have achieved since May of last year. After rebuffing a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer and fall, Russian forces in recent weeks have been pressing the attack across nearly the entire length of the 600-mile-long front. The Ukrainian withdrawal on Saturday follows a bloody endgame that saw some of the fiercest fighting of the two-year-old war. Relying on its superiority in personnel and weaponry, Russia pounded the city with aerial bombardments and ground assaults, even as its fighters suffered a staggering amount of casualties. Thousands of antigovernment protesters on Saturday filled a central Tel Aviv thoroughfare, the same street where demonstrations riled the nation before the start of the Israel-Hamas war, in the largest show of anger toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in months. In the immediate aftermath of the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, in which some 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli officials, the nation was in shock and the antigovernment protests were put on pause. The protesters said at the time that they felt a need to be unified as a nation, and many demonstrators were called up to the military reserves or volunteered to help the war effort. But as the war has passed the four-month mark, protests against the government have been strengthening. On Saturday, calls for an immediate election were heard above a deafening din of air horns. A red flare was lit in the middle of a drum circle that beat out marching tunes. Flag-wielding demonstrators stared down half a dozen police officers on horseback. The people need to rise up, and the government needs to go, said Yuval Lerner, 57, referring to Mr. Netanyahus right-wing governing coalition. He said that even before the war, he had lost confidence that the government had the nations best interest at heart. Large antigovernment protests over plans to weaken the nations judiciary were once a routine occurrence in Israel before the outbreak of war. Then, tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv, the same street as Saturday nights protest. Karen Saar, 50, who wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with the words deposition now, said that the return to Kaplan Street was symbolic. Its the Kaplan protests, she said, repeating the phrase used locally. Weve returned the protest movement to the place where it was before the tragedy and the war. The protests against Mr. Netanyahu and the government are separate from the increasingly divisive public debate over the course of action in Gaza regarding the hostages captured by Hamas and other groups on Oct. 7. More than 130 hostages remain in the enclave, including at least 30 who are believed to be dead, according to the Israeli security services. Demonstrations demanding the government prioritize their release have also occurred regularly. On Saturday, one antigovernment protester said he felt the time was right to return to the streets. Shahar Danziger, 45, who carried a flag for Brothers in Arms, a grass-roots organization made up of Israeli military veterans and reservists who shifted to help those affected by the war, said that until recently, it was hard to return to protesting when some of his colleagues were serving as reservists. At first we set up to help during wartime, he said. But now its time to demonstrate. Consumers continue to place a premium on corporate responsibility, but they increasingly want to see that responsibility directed toward issues that affect the bottom line, according to a new study from Mission North. The agencys 2024 Brand Expectations Index, which asked 1,000 adults in the US to weigh in on what factors add to a brands value and which detract from it, found that when companies focus on issues that are tied to their core business, they are seen more positively by consumers. The top thing that consumers expect from a brand: security. More than seven in 10 of those surveyed (71 percent) said they want brands to put an emphasis on customer security. Coming right behind was making customer privacy a priority (70 percent). Product innovation was also high on the list, at 66 percent. When it comes to social responsibility, consumers expect brands to keep things close to home, with 61 percent saying they want companies to give back to their communities. Almost as many (59 percent) expect companies to improve their diversity and pay equity policies. Responsibility initiatives that look beyond the brands core business and its employees are not nearly so well regarded for the most part. Only 39 percent of respondents expect a company to take public stances on larger social issues, with slightly fewer (38 percent) thinking that taking bold actions on such issues is to be expected. The one exceptionsix out of 10 respondents (60 percent) said they expect brands to take strides to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Also, while respondents may not be gung-ho about a brand taking a stance on broader social issues, about two-thirds (66 percent) are in favor of supporting employees who do so. The study also looks at what consumers expect from brands as regards the use of AI. Almost half (47 percent) think that AI will create a more dangerous future, with only 32 saying it will result in a better future. A considerable majority (62 percent) say companies should not dramatically change their staffing levels in response to AI, with only 22 percent agreeing that those who heavily invest in AI can stay relevant even if that means a reduction in staff or layoffs at their company as a result. AI ranks rather low in the overall list of actions that made respondents say they would be more likely to trust a brand. Only 34 percent said that companies that use AI to automate their internal process or operations or companies that use AI to improve how customers think about them would seem more trustworthy. That compares rather unfavorably with companies that cut through corporate red tape (48 percent), companies that are future-focused (67 percent) and companies that own up to their mistakes. (74 percent). The iconic Hen Harrier, a beautiful bird which is known as The Sky Dancer, is facing extinction in one its strongholds, the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This is a tragedy for all those in the region who love the Hen Harrier and who have done what they can to increase the bird's numbers. This includes farmers who want to see wildlife thrive, and Rangers who work hard to stop illegal poaching. The bad news came via a press release issued by Birdwatch Ireland. This stated that the fifth national survey of Hen Harriers in 2022 published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service has revealed shocking declines in this deeply-loved bird of prey of our upland regions. Only 85 confirmed pairs of Hen Harrier were recorded throughout the country by the survey, representing the most severe decline of any national survey to date. The survey stated that there had been a 25% decline in the Slieve Bloom population over the 7 years since the last survey in 2015. The 2015 survey recorded 11-12 pairs. Speaking to The Midland Tribune, Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, pointed out that while the Slieve Blooms have always been one of the bird's strongholds in the country, it hasn't been without its problems and the population number of breeding pairs does fluctuate from year to year. In the early 2000s there were 10ish pairs breeding across the blanket bog and edge habitats up the mountain. In recent years the number has hovered around 8 pairs annually. A spokesperson for Birdwatch Ireland pointed out that too much industrial forestry in the Slieve Blooms is the principal reason for the decline. Hen Harriers love the open blanket bog of the hill-tops but it would seem this area is dwindling rather than expanding because of encroaching conifer forestry (predominantly sitka spruce). There are in fact a lot of sitka spruce saplings (escapees from the main plantations) dotting the open hillside; and there seems to be no effort at all to remove these or to curtail the plantations' growth. Ricky agreed with afforestation being the principal culprit. As well as impeding on the habitat space, he said, there is also a phenomenon, associated with Sitka plantations, which is called 'edge-effect' which is defined by the presence of Sitka forests skirting hen harrier (and other ground nesters) breeding habitat, which allows predators to access and stalk ground nesting birds from the edge of said forest cover. He added that other factors which might be impacting on numbers might include recreational activity such as hillwalking, mountain biking, quadbiking (quadbiking is illegal); deliberate, legal fires which get out of control (you can burn vegetation which you have cleared, such as hedgerows); and accidental fires (caused by cigarette butts or campfires). The Biodiversity Officer pointed out that an excellent National Biodiversity Action Plan, which outlines measures to fight against the decline of hen harrier numbers, has been drawn up but it has never been put into effect. The 2022 national survey was undertaken by a partnership of the Golden Eagle Trust, Irish Raptor Study Group and BirdWatch Ireland on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Similar to previous surveys, the 2022 national survey received enthusiastic support from a substantial network of voluntary surveyors including birdwatchers, farmers, wildlife rangers, foresters and biologists with more than 250 fieldworkers dedicating over 7,700 hours to the survey. Despite these collective efforts, stated the Birdwatch Ireland press release, the Hen Harrier has been pushed closer to the brink of extinction. The current national population estimate of 85-106 breeding pairs in 2022 represents a decline of one-third (33%) in the total population since the 2015 national survey which previously recorded 108-157 pairs. There has also been a 27% contraction in their breeding range for the same period. A comparison of Hen Harrier numbers in specific survey squares which were covered across the various national surveys reveals that Hen Harriers have declined by a shocking 59% since the first national survey in 1998-2000. At the current rate of decline, population extinction could be expected within 25 years and there could be fewer than 50 breeding pairs of Hen Harrier remaining within the next 10 years. In 2007, as a requirement under the EU Birds Directive, Ireland designated six sites in upland areas as Special Protected Areas (SPAs), based on their national importance for breeding Hen Harriers at that time. The 2022 survey revealed that Hen Harrier populations in five of these SPAs have declined by between 20% and 80% since 2007, when they were identified for designation. We have reached crisis point at this stage, commented John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer, of BirdWatch Ireland. The situation could not be more serious, and we need to act accordingly if we are to stand any chance of ensuring Hen Harriers dont become extinct within our lifetimes. Hen Harriers are one of the best studied bird species in Ireland. We know the main reason why their populations have declined to such low levels, is land-use changes resulting in the loss of habitat for Hen Harrier in our uplands, due to afforestation on important habitats for Hen Harrier and other wildlife inside and outside the Special Protection Area network. There is also associated disturbances from forest management activities and other pressures including wind energy developments. These pressures in combination have affected the integrity of our uplands, which are some of our most important areas for biodiversity and we are now seeing the very real effects of poor spatial planning and management of our uplands for Hen Harrier populations. We know what needs to be done to save this species, said Oonagh Duggan, Head of Advocacy with BirdWatch Ireland. The Government knows what needs to be done but it is not acting. The Government recently issued a draft Threat Response Plan for Hen Harrier for public consultation which was ten years in the making. During this time the species declined by a third. The Threat Response Plan has vague actions and is lacking ambition. It is just not good enough. This is a litmus test for government and its new National Biodiversity Action Plan which has an objective to halt the deterioration of 30% of species with unfavourable status by 2030. We will be launching a campaign soon so that members of the public can offer support to save the skydancing Hen Harrier from extinction. All national Hen Harrier breeding and wintering sites must be protected from afforestation, forest management activities and wind energy development. Habitat restoration for these important areas is also critical and we need long-term and well-funded agri-environment scheme to support farmers for their conservation efforts. Dr Marc Ruddock, one of the report authors working for the Golden Eagle Trust, and Jamie Bailey secretary of the Irish Raptor Study Group confirmed that both organisations are thankful to all the surveyors involved and are pleased at the publication of the Irish Wildlife Manual to help inform conservation actions. However, they were dismayed at the findings and such significant declines observed in the Hen Harrier population. Jamie Bailey commented, The publication of the Hen Harrier survey represents a huge testament to the more than 250 volunteers and surveyors that searched systematically, often fruitlessly, for the species across Ireland in 2022 and their dedication and expertise is hugely valued. Many IRSG members having surveyed the species for many decades noted that so many of these areas that once were strongholds for the species now appear functionally extinct for the Hen Harrier. An application for a ''small quarry'' involving the extraction of 200,000 tons of sand and gravel has been refused permission by An Bord Pleanala. The proposed quarry was to be located at Esker More, Mount Lucas, Tullamore. Offaly County Council had refused permission for the development in August 2022. Figile, the company behind the venture, appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala. The proposed 3.2ha site is 8km east of Daingean and 10km south west of Edenderry. Figile said that following the extraction the site would be restored to agricultural use including the importation of inert soil and subject to a waste management facility permit. An Taisce submitted that the description of ''small'' in relation to the quarry was ''not justified.'' It stated, ''once established it will be used to justify further expansion. While under the 5ha threshold, the cumulative impact requires assessment.'' In reaching its decision the Board took into consideration the 2021-2027 policy of Offaly County Council in relation to places of high amenity which is to protect and preserve the county's areas of high amenity, including the Eiscir Riada and other eskers. It said that the proposed development would materially contravene the council's policy and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It also took into consideration the council's policy to ensure that extractions, including quarries and sand and gravel pits, would result in a reduction in the visual amenity of such areas including eskers and should not be permitted. In addition, the council's objective in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, Westmeath County Council, the Geological Survey of Ireland, is to investigate the potential designation of north Offaly esker landscape as a UNESCO Geopark to promote the unique geological heritage of the area. The proposed development would conflict with the achievement of this objective. Another objective of the council is to improve, where possible, access to esker and geological sites and encourage appreciation of esker and geological heritage. Finally the Board said that in the absence of sufficient information on the importation of material, an assessment of this aspect of the proposal is not possible, and it cannot be determined that the proposed development would not lead to adverse environmental impacts or impacts on European sites. This combo photo taken on Feb. 16, 2024 shows Zhang Xiaomeng (1st L), his wife He Hui and their daughter Zhang Xihe standing in front of their car (top), and their car trunk stuffed with homemade specialty food (bottom), at Luoding Village of Qutang Town in Hai'an, east China's Jiangsu Province. People across the country are leaving their hometowns for places where they live and work as this year's Spring Festival holiday is soon to end. (Photo by Xu Jingbai/Xinhua) This combo photo taken on Feb. 16, 2024 shows Hu Jungang (C), his wife Dou Fan and his daughter Hu Enfei awaiting their train for Nanchang in east China's Jiangsu Province (top), and specialty food prepared by Hu's mother in their luggage (bottom), at Lianyungang East Railway Station in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province. People across the country are leaving their hometowns for places where they live and work as this year's Spring Festival holiday is soon to end. (Photo by Wang Chun/Xinhua) This combo photo taken on Feb. 16, 2024 shows Sun Jianqi standing with his luggage in front of Qujing North Railway Station (top), and food prepared by his mother in his luggage (bottom), in Zhanyi District of Qujing, southwest China's Yunnan Province. People across the country are leaving their hometowns for places where they live and work as this year's Spring Festival holiday is soon to end. (Photo by Sun Wenlai/Xinhua) This combo photo taken on Feb. 15, 2024 shows Cheng Hongxing (1st R) and Cheng Hongxia (2nd L) standing with their mother (front) and other family members in front of their cars before leaving for Zhongshan in south China's Guangdong Province (top), and Cheng Hongxing's car trunk stuffed with homemade food and local specialties (bottom), in Dashan Village of Xixiu District in Anshun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. People across the country are leaving their hometowns for places where they live and work as this year's Spring Festival holiday is soon to end. (Photo by Cheng Hongkai/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 16, 2024 in Guangzong County of Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province shows Jia Yuebo and food prepared by his mother in his car trunk before he leaves for QingXian County in north China's Hebei Province. People across the country are leaving their hometowns for places where they live and work as this year's Spring Festival holiday is soon to end. (Photo by Wang Lei/Xinhua) SANAA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Saturday claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Friday against what they described as a British oil tanker in the Red Sea. "We attacked the British oil ship, Pollux, in the Red Sea with a large number of suitable naval missiles, and the hit was accurate and direct, thanks to God," Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson, said in a televised statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. "We confirm that we will continue launching missile attacks against Israel-linked commercial vessels and Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," he said, suggesting that his group will only stop if Israel halts its aggression on the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip. "We will not hesitate to expand our attacks in solidarity with the Palestinian people," the Houthi spokesperson added. The Friday attack was first reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency, saying the attack occurred in the vicinity of 70 nautical miles northwest of al-Mukha, a city south of Yemen's Hodeidah port city. "The master (of the targeted vessel) reports vessel was attacked by a missile and reports an explosion in close proximity," the UKMTO said in a statement on social media X, formerly Twitter. "The military authorities are responding," it said, referring to the U.S.-British maritime coalition tasked to protect international shipping from Houthi missile attacks. The UKMTO noted that the vessel and crew were safe. The Houthi attack came simultaneously with the United States' designation of the Houthi group as a "global terrorist organization," according to a statement by the White House. The designation, which came into force on Friday, will not affect humanitarian works in northern Yemen, according to the statement. The U.S.-British coalition has been struggling to deter Houthi attacks on civilian shipping vessels since November last year. LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Two were killed in a shooting at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) on Friday morning. The Colorado Springs Police Department said on social platform X that they received a call just before 6 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) regarding shots fired in a dorm room on campus, and found two bodies on the scene. The fatal incident was being investigated "as a homicide," with no information about the shooter or the dead disclosed. "We won't be releasing any further information at this time regarding the investigation into the circumstances of what happened. We are working diligently and looking at every possibility. We will release more information when appropriate," said the police. UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet called the shooting an isolated event. The UCCS is a public research university in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is one of the four campuses that make up the University of Colorado. As of fall 2023, the UCCS had 11,431 students, including 9,540 undergraduates and 1,891 graduate students. The British exerted strong influence in India for a couple of centuries plus, and the British Isles being the place where these pukka sahibs came from, there resulted a natural affinity in the local populace for this fabled land. Thus it was that the post-independence Indian, and also Pakistani (for a new country had been carved out) leaders had all been educated in England. The upper classes continued to go to England for their higher-level education in the professions and the sciences. Chartered Accountants, doctors, engineers, scientists and so forth returned with British diplomas all set to reap their financial rewards. Post WW2 however, there was another form of traffic -- manpower. Having lost many young men and older ones in the war, there was a shortage of labor in Britain and it looked to the colonies: West Indians, Pakistanis and Indians with little education streamed in to seize the opportunities of higher wages and a better life in the fabled mother country. Their children and grandchildren, born in the UK, prospered further... So it is that Rishi Sunak, ethnic Indian, heads the current English government; Humza Yusaf, ethnic Pakistani, is the first minister of Scotland; and Leo Varadka, whose father was Indian, is the Irish leader. It is a changed world where once subjugated peoples begin to rule the subjugators. Then there was indentured labor where the British transported Indian labor, under contract usually for five years, to its other colonies to work on plantations: sugar in the West Indies and in remote islands like Fiji; coffee in East Africa, tea in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); rubber in Malaya (now Malaysia); food crops in South Africa, although one might add that the late 19th-century Boer war diminished British influence there. Along with the West Indies, there was British Guiana where Indians also settled. Independence from Britain in the 1960s and merger with Dutch Guiana resulted in the new country of Suriname on the northern coast of South America. One side effect of major consequence was how the mistreatment of Indians awakened Gandhi, a young lawyer, to fight against colonialism first there, then later in his home country of India. Eventually, the British left many of these places. In the wake of their departure, the settlers, or rather descendants, found their privileged positions in society no longer tenable so many returned to Britain, somewhat bewildered by the alien (to them) culture of a modern western industrial country. It was a three-cornered trade that brought wealth to Britain in the 19th century: Manufactured goods were sent to West Africa, from where slave ships took their human cargo to the West Indies and particularly the southern United States for the arduous work of planting and picking cotton, that is the valuable cotton bolls. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). An infant and a toddler who were abandoned in the woods near Jacksonville were rescued by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office Friday afternoon. Deputies were searching for 24-year-old Justin Ryan Trompeter of Trail, who is facing allegations of domestic violence assault, robbery, theft, and reckless endangerment from an incident that happened Feb. 7 in Shady Cove. Deputies learned that Trompeter was hiding with the 6-month and 1-year-old children deep in the woods surrounding Jacksonville. They found the children alone in a car at the top of Wagon Trail Drive at about 1:30 p.m. The children were checked by medics and turned over to the Department of Human Services. New charges of child neglect are being added by the Jackson County District Attorneys Office. The Sheriffs Office asks anyone who knows where Trompeter is to to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon at (541) 776-7206. The Oregonian/OregonLive A right-wing podcaster from Sherwood was arrested Friday and accused of smashing a sign and disrupting the Electoral College count during the U.S. Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. FBI agents in Portland took David Medina, 34, into custody on charges of obstructing an official proceeding, a felony, and several misdemeanors, including destruction of government property and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Medinas time in custody was brief. By Friday afternoon, Medina had taken to social media, vowing to plead not guilty to all charges. I stopped living in fear years ago. God has me, he wrote. An unsealed arrest warrant says Medina was caught on video trying to destroy a wooden nameplate outside the office of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A day later, Medina posted a video online saying someone else tore down the sign and he just kinda broke it in half. It felt so good, according to the warrant. The warrant says the signs replacement cost was $870, noting that other photos show Medina waving a gilded U.S. flagpole he had removed from its ceremonial post. In a March 2021 interview, Medina admitted to FBI agents that he had yelled inside the Capitol and said he had eventually returned the flag to a police officer, according to an affidavit included with the warrant. The FBI later received a search warrant for Medinas phone and found messages he had sent to a friend planning to attend the Washington, D.C. rally. We need a war bro, Medina wrote, according to the warrant. This country will never stop being soft until another big event happens. The warrant says Medina and the friend, who isnt identified, attempted to downplay the events of Jan. 6 in its aftermath. I wish I wouldve stayed with you. If I had known what it was going to turn into I would have, Medina wrote, according to the warrant. I never actually thought people were going to break into the capitol. Weeks earlier, Medina had been involved in a breach of Oregons Capitol building in Salem, according to a January 2021 report by Oregon Public Broadcasting. OPB reported Medina was present as other protesters tried to push past Oregon State Police after former State Rep. Mike Nearman opened a side door to the closed Salem Capitol. Medina was never charged in that incident. In June 2021, Nearman became the first lawmaker to be expelled from the Oregon House. Medina didnt immediately respond Friday to a request for comment. He made his first appearance in federal court in Portland Friday afternoon after his arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Bateman did not seek Medinas continued detention. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo ordered Medina not to return to Washington, D.C., except for required court appearances. The judge also sought a certification that hell remove all guns from his home. Assistant Federal Public Defender Robert Hamilton, representing Medina in court, said Medina would agree to those conditions. The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Maxine Bernstein contributed to this article. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China intensified efforts to shore up employment in 2023, with more than 300 billion yuan (about 42.23 billion U.S. dollars) directly channeled by governments at all levels to support employment and entrepreneurship, according to the country's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. A total of 12.44 million jobs were created in urban areas in 2023, said Yun Donglai, an official with the ministry, adding that about 33.97 million people who were lifted out of poverty secured new employment opportunities over the past year. Last year, the country provided assistance to 5.14 million unemployed individuals and aided 1.72 million people facing challenges in finding employment to secure new jobs. Adhering to an employment-first strategy, China has taken important steps to stabilize employment. Going forward, the country will prioritize employment even more prominently and implement measures to enhance the effectiveness of policies aimed at strengthening employment, according to the ministry official. TEHRAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A man shot dead 12 of his family members and injured three others on Saturday morning in the southeastern Iranian province of Kerman, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. The incident occurred at 04:30 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) in Faryab County, when the 25-year-old armed man opened fire on his two stepbrothers and their family members in two houses, Tasnim quoted Kerman's Police Commander Nasser Farshid as saying in an address to reporters. He cited family differences as the shooter's motive, adding that a manhunt had been launched to arrest the "murderer." Ebrahim Hamidi, head of Kerman's Justice Department, said the man used a Kalashnikov rifle to kill his family members, including his father, according to the official news agency IRNA. Photo: (Photo : Jens Schlueter/Getty Images) A 13-year-old, arraigned for shooting a man on a Denver bus, reportedly released a handgun during a conflict that came when the man approached the teen and his friends at the back of the bus, according to court evidence released on Thursday. Originally, police had mentioned a "verbal exchange" over the man's leg blocking the hallway between the teen and 60-year-old Richard Sanchez on January 27. 13-Year-Old Shoots Man on Bus Based on surveillance footage and witness accounts, the testimony for the 13-year-old's apprehension admitted that Sanchez had exchanged words with three adolescents upon their bus entry. The situation escalated as they crossed over or stepped over his legs to reach the rear of the bus. Once the teen occupied a raised seat at the back, Sanchez approached, leading to a verbal altercation. The teen then retrieved a handgun from a sweatshirt and fired seven shots. Following the shooting, the 13-year-old and two other juveniles exited the bus, stepping over the collapsed Sanchez near the back door. Another juvenile, seemingly armed, pointed what looked like a handgun at Sanchez on the floor during their exit, as per the affidavit. Read Also: Jennifer Crumbley Trial: Mother of Oxford High School Shooter Appears in Court on Day 2 An online fundraiser organized by Sanchez's family revealed that he was en route to his daughters and grandsons when the incident occurred. The affidavit's release coincided with the confirmation of first-degree murder charges against the teen in juvenile court. The Denver District Attorney's Office is contemplating whether to seek adult prosecution, a decision subject to judicial determination. The juvenile's identity remains undisclosed, and the charges include various first-degree murder allegations, assault, endangering a public transport crew, and juvenile gun possession. The arrest affidavit, redacted in parts, occasionally obscures references to the specific juvenile. It took several days for the police to locate them, aided by prior contact with at least one juvenile and assistance from school administrators using surveillance images for identification. Police have Reported the Incident Denver police reported that a 13-year-old boy supposedly shot and killed a 60-year-old man on a bus because the man's leg was obstructing the lane. The boy was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of first-degree crime, as stated in a news issued by the Denver Police Department on Friday. The occurrence continued when officers responded to a shooting on a Transdev bus near the junction of South Federal Boulevard and West Mississippi Avenue at 6:41 p.m. on Saturday. The casualty, known as Richard Sanchez, was found with a gunshot cut and was afterwards transferred to a local hospital, where he was proclaimed dead. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner determined that Sanchez's death resulted from numerous gunshot wounds, describing it as a homicide. According to Denver police, the inspector believes that the boy engaged in a "verbal exchange" with Sanchez regarding the man's leg blocking the bus hallway, leading to the shooting. A second individual injured in the occurrence received on-site cure and did not need hospitalization, as cited in a consequent news release by the department. Related Article: Kansas Teen Faces Charges for Assault and Racial Slur Against Black High School Student in Hallway Incident Photo: (Photo : CRISTINA VEGA RHOR/AFP via Getty Images) Omalizumab (marketed as Xolair by Genentech) has received a mandate from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lessen allergic reactions to food in adults and the majority of children. The treatment is designed for regular use by individuals with food allergies to decrease the likelihood of reactions, including anaphylaxis, in the event of unexpected risk to one or more allergens. It's essential to note that this injection is not allowed for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions. First Medication for Individuals with Food Allergies Genentech announced on Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized Xolair as the first and only medication for individuals with one or more food allergies, based on conclusive data from the Phase III OUtMATCH research. The research disclosed that a remarkably greater proportion of food allergy patients, including those as young as 1 year, treated with Xolair could accept small amounts of peanut, milk, egg, and cashew without encountering an allergic reaction compared to those on a test substance. Dr. Larry Tsai, VP and global head of respiratory, allergy, and infectious contagious product improvement at Genentech, expressed personal implication in the FDA approval, both as a physician and as a parent of a child with food allergies. Dr. Levi Garraway, Genentech's chief medical officer, displayed the approval's effect, building on two decades of patient acquaintance and an established adequacy and security profile since Xolair's initial approval for allergic asthma. The promising results from the studies in late December led to optimism regarding FDA approval for the use of Xolair in treating allergies, particularly in children. Genentech and Novartis had initially announced the FDA's prioritized review of the application for using Omalizumab (marketed as Xolair) in cases of accidental exposure to allergenic foods. Despite the need for further research and potential FDA approval, the small study, combined with earlier research, suggests that Xolair could help prevent allergic reactions in people with multiple food allergies, particularly anaphylaxis. The ongoing federally funded trial, backed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is set to conclude in 2026. Read Also: Breakthrough RSV Vaccines for Infants, Seniors Face Uneven Uptake Amidst Supply Chain Woes FDA Approval on the Availability of Xolair Dr. Garraway emphasized the limited treatment advances for food allergies, and the ongoing trial aims to address this gap, with a hope to make Xolair available to a broader population dealing with food allergies in the U.S. Preliminary data from the trial showed positive outcomes, indicating Xolair recipients could consume more foods without triggering allergic reactions compared to those on a placebo. While awaiting FDA approval expected in the first quarter of 2024, Xolair, if approved, would be the first medication to reduce allergic reactions to multiple foods following accidental exposure. Dr. Tsai, acknowledging the consistent concern for parents of children with food allergies, sees the study results as a promising act towards providing new remedy options for both children and adults impacted by food allergies. Markedly, the Xolair medicine, available since 2003, has been used to administer constant hives and constant rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The cost of Xolair differs depending on indication, dose, frequency, weight, and serum IgE levels, with a monthly cost of $3,663 for those with allergic asthma. As per the 2021 statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 6% of individuals in the United States had a food allergy that had the possible to produce a life-threatening reaction. Health authorities affirm that there is currently no cure for food allergies. Living with food allergies can be particularly demanding for individuals and their families, notably when dealing with occasions such as children's birthday parties, school lunches, and holiday dinners with friends and family, notes Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. With the developing pervasiveness of food allergies, this progress brings hope to diverse children and adults who may find a new means to take care of their food allergies. Related Article: Affordable Healthcare Leap: FDA Approves Florida's Canadian Drug Importation Initiative By a plenary indulgence is meant the remission of the entire temporal punishment due to sin so that no further expiation is required in Purgatory. A partial indulgence commutes only a certain portion of the penalty; and this portion is determined in accordance with the penitential discipline of the early Church. Some indulgences are granted in behalf of the living only, while others may be applied in behalf of the souls departed. The pope, as supreme head of the Church on earth, can grant all kinds of indulgences to any and all of the faithful; and he alone can grant plenary indulgences. The mere fact that the Church proclaims an indulgence does not imply that it can be gained without effort on the part of the faithful. From what has been said above, it is clear that the recipient must be free from the guilt of mortal sin. Furthermore, for plenary indulgences, confession and Communion are usually required, while for partial indulgences, though confession is not obligatory, the formula corde saltem contrito, i.e. at least with a contrite heart, is the customary prescription. It is also necessary to have the intention, at least habitual, of gaining the indulgence. Finally, from the nature of the case, it is obvious that one must perform the good works prayers, alms deeds, visits to a church, etc. which are prescribed in the granting of an indulgence. The Council of Trent (Sess, XXV, 3-4, Dec., 1563) declared: Since the power of granting indulgences has been given to the Church by Christ, and since the Church from the earliest times has made use of this Divinely given power, the holy synod teaches and ordains that the use of indulgences, as most salutary to Christians and as approved by the authority of the councils, shall be retained in the Church; and it further pronounces anathema against those who either declare that indulgences are useless or deny that the Church has the power to grant them (Enchridion, 989). It is therefore of faith (de fide) that the Church has received from Christ the power to grant indulgences, and that the use of indulgences is salutary for the faithful. An essential element in indulgences is the application to one person of the satisfaction performed by others. This transfer is based on three things: the Communion of Saints, the principle of vicarious satisfaction, and the Treasury of the Church. We being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another (Romans 12:5). As each organ shares in the life of the whole body, so does each of the faithful profit by the prayers and good works of all the resta benefit which accrues, in the first instance, to those who are in the state of grace, but also, though less fully, to the sinful members. Each good action of the just man possesses a double value: that of merit and that of satisfaction, or expiation. Merit is personal, and therefore it cannot be transferred; but satisfaction can be applied to others, as St. Paul writes to the Colossians (1:24) of his own works: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the Church. [Dave: we could also add: 2 Corinthians 12:15 (RSV): I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. . . .; 2 Timothy 4:6: For I am already on the point of being sacrificed . . .; Romans 12:1: . . . present your bodies as a living sacrifice . . .; 2 Corinthians 1:6: If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation . . .; 2 Timothy 2:9-10: the gospel for which I am suffering . . . I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory; Philippians 1:7: . . . you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 15: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus . . . For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God; Deuteronomy 9:18: Then I lay prostrate before the LORD as before, forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin which you had committed, . . . Psalm 35:13: But I, when they were sick I wore sackcloth, I afflicted myself with fasting; Ezekiel 4:4: Then lie upon your left side, and I will lay the punishment of the house of Israel upon you; for the number of the days that you lie upon it, you shall bear their punishment.] Christ, as St. John declares in his First Epistle (2:2), is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. Since the satisfaction of Christ is infinite, it constitutes an inexhaustible fund which is more than sufficient to cover the indebtedness contracted by sin, Besides, there are the satisfactory works of the Blessed Virgin Mary undiminished by any penalty due to sin, and the virtues, penances, and sufferings of the saints vastly exceeding any temporal punishment which these servants of God might have incurred. These are added to the treasury of the Church as a secondary deposit, not independent of, but rather acquired through, the merits of Christ. As Aquinas declares (Quodlib., II, q. vii, art. 16): All the saints intended that whatever they did or suffered for Gods sake should be profitable not only to themselves but to the whole Church. And he further points out (Contra Gent., III, 158) that what one endures for another being a work of love, is more acceptable as satisfaction in Gods sight than what one suffers on ones own account, since this is a matter of necessity. According to Catholic doctrine, the source of indulgences is constituted by the merits of Christ and the saints. This treasury is left to the keeping, not of the individual Christian, but of the Church. Consequently, to make it available for the faithful, there is required an exercise of authority, which alone can determine in what way, on what terms, and to what extent, indulgences may be granted. Once it is admitted that Christ left the Church the power to forgive sins, the power of granting indulgences is logically inferred. Since the sacramental forgiveness of sin extends both to the guilt and to the eternal punishment, it plainly follows that the Church can also free the penitent from the lesser or temporal penalty. This becomes clearer, however, when we consider the amplitude of the power granted to Peter (Matthew 16:19): I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. (Cf. Matthew 18:18, where like power is conferred on all the Apostles.) No limit is placed upon this power of loosing, the power of the keys, as it is called; it must, therefore, extend to any and all bonds contracted by sin, including the penalty no less than the guilt. When the Church, therefore, by an indulgence, remits this penalty, her action, according to the declaration of Christ, is ratified in heaven. That this power, as the Council of Trent affirms, was exercised from the earliest times, is shown by St. Pauls words (2 Corinthians 2:5-10) in which he deals with the case of the incest man of Corinth. The sinner had been excluded by St. Pauls order from the company of the faithful, but had truly repented. Hence the Apostle judges that to such a one this rebuke is sufficient that is given by many and adds: To whom you have pardoned any thing, I also. For what I have pardoned, if I have pardoned anything, for your sakes have I done it in the person of Christ. St. Paul had bound the guilty one in the fetters of excommunication; he now releases the penitent from this punishment by an exercise of his authority in the person of Christ. Here we have all the essentials of an indulgence. Among the works of charity which were furthered by indulgences, the hospital held a prominent place. Lea in his History of Confession and Indulgences (III, 189) mentions only the hospital of Santo Spirito in Rome, while another Protestant writer, Uhlhorn states that one cannot go through the archives of any hospital without finding numerous letters of indulgence. The one at Halberstadt in 1284 had no less than fourteen such grants, each giving an indulgence of forty days. The hospitals at Lucerne, Rothenberg, Rostock, and Augsburg enjoyed similar privileges. It may seem strange that the doctrine of indulgences should have proved such a stumbling-block, and excited so much prejudice and opposition. But the explanation of this may be found in the abuses which unhappily have been associated with what is in itself a salutary practice. In this respect of course indulgences are not exceptional: no institution, however holy, has entirely escaped abuse through the malice or unworthiness of man. And, as Gods forbearance is constantly abused by those who relapse into sin, it is not surprising that the offer of pardon in the form of an indulgence should have led to evil practices. These again have been in a special way the object of attack because, doubtless, of their connection with Luthers revolt. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that the Church, while holding fast to the principle and intrinsic value of indulgences, has repeatedly condemned their misuse: in fact, it is often from the severity of her condemnation that we learn how grave the abuses were. Boniface IX, writing to the Bishop of Ferrara in 1392, condemns the practice of certain religious who falsely claimed that they were authorized by the pope to forgive all sorts of sins, and exacted money from the simple-minded among the faithful by promising them perpetual happiness in this world and eternal glory in the next. When Henry, Archbishop of Canterbury, attempted in 1420 to give a plenary indulgence in the form of the Roman Jubilee, he was severely reprimanded by Martin V, who characterized his action as unheard-of presumption and sacrilegious audacity. In 1450 Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa, Apostolic Legate to Germany, found some preachers asserting that indulgences released from the guilt of sin as well as from the punishment. This error, due to a misunderstanding of the words a culpa et a poena, the cardinal condemned at the Council of Magdeburg. Finally, Sixtus IV in 1478, lest the idea of gaining indulgences should prove an incentive to sin, reserved for the judgment of the Holy See a large number of cases in which faculties had formerly been granted to confessors (Extrav. Com., tit. de poen. et remiss.). These measures show plainly that the Church long before the Reformation, not only recognized the existence of abuses, but also used her authority to correct them. In spite of all this, disorders continued and furnished the pretext for attacks directed against the doctrine itself, no less than against the practice of indulgences. Here, as in so many other matters, the love of money was the chief root of the evil: indulgences were employed by mercenary ecclesiastics as a means of pecuniary gain. Leaving the details concerning this traffic to a subsequent article, it may suffice for the present to note that the doctrine itself has no natural or necessary connection with pecuniary profit, as is evident from the fact that the abundant indulgences of the present day are free from this evil association: the only conditions required are the saying of certain prayers or the performance of some good work or some practice of piety. Again, it is easy to see how abuses crept in. Among the good works which might be encouraged by being made the condition of an indulgence, alms giving would naturally hold a conspicuous place, while men would be induced by the same means to contribute to some pious cause such as the building of churches, the endowment of hospitals, or the organization of a crusade. It is well to observe that in these purposes there is nothing essentially evil. To give money to God or to the poor is a praiseworthy act, and, when it is done from right motives, it will surely not go unrewarded. Looked at in this light, it might well seem a suitable condition for gaining the spiritual benefit of an indulgence. Yet, however innocent in itself, this practice was fraught with grave danger, and soon became a fruitful source of evil. On the one hand there was the danger that the payment might be regarded as the price of the indulgence, and that those who sought to gain it might lose sight of the more important conditions. On the other hand, those who granted indulgences might be tempted to make them a means of raising money: and, even where the rulers of the Church were free from blame in this matter, there was room for corruption in their officials and agents, or among the popular preachers of indulgences. This class has happily disappeared, but the type has been preserved in Chaucers Pardoner, with his bogus relics and indulgences. While it cannot be denied that these abuses were widespread, it should also be noted that, even when corruption was at its worst, these spiritual grants were being properly used by sincere Christians, who sought them in the right spirit, and by priests and preachers, who took care to insist on the need of true repentance. It is therefore not difficult to understand why the Church, instead of abolishing the practice of indulgences, aimed rather at strengthening it by eliminating the evil elements. The Council of Trent in its decree On Indulgences (Sess. XXV) declares: In granting indulgences the Council desires that moderation be observed in accordance with the ancient approved custom of the Church, lest through excessive ease ecclesiastical discipline be weakened; and further, seeking to correct the abuses that have crept in . . . it decrees that all criminal gain therewith connected shall be entirely done away with as a source of grievous abuse among the Christian people; and as to other disorders arising from superstition, ignorance, irreverence, or any cause whatsoeversince these, on account of the widespread corruption, cannot be removed by special prohibitionsthe Council lays upon each bishop the duty of finding out such abuses as exist in his own diocese, of bringing them before the next provincial synod, and of reporting them, with the assent of the other bishops, to the Roman Pontiff, by whose authority and prudence measures will be taken for the welfare of the Church at large, so that the benefit of indulgences may be bestowed on all the faithful by means at once pious, holy, and free from corruption. After deploring the fact that, in spite of the remedies prescribed by earlier councils, the traders (quaestores) in indulgences continued their nefarious practice to the great scandal of the faithful, the council ordained that the name and method of these quaestores should be entirely abolished, and that indulgences and other spiritual favors of which the faithful ought not to be deprived should be published by the bishops and bestowed gratuitously, so that all might at length understand that these heavenly treasures were dispensed for the sake of piety and not of lucre (Sess. XXI, c. ix). In 1567 St. Pius V canceled all grants of indulgences involving any fees or other financial transactions. One of the worst abuses was that of inventing or falsifying grants of indulgence. Previous to the Reformation, such practices abounded and called out severe pronouncements by ecclesiastical authority, especially by the Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215) and that of Vienne (1311). After the Council of Trent the most important measure taken to prevent such frauds was the establishment of the Congregation of Indulgences. A special commission of cardinals served under Clement VIII and Paul V, regulating all matters pertaining to indulgences. The Congregation of Indulgences was definitively established by Clement IX in 1669 and reorganized by Clement XI in 1710. It has rendered efficient service by deciding various questions relative to the granting of indulgences and by its publications. Lea (History, etc., III, 446) somewhat reluctantly acknowledges that with the decline in the financial possibilities of the system, indulgences have greatly multiplied as an incentive to spiritual exercises, and they can thus be so easily obtained that there is no danger of the recurrence of the old abuses, even if the finer sense of fitness, characteristic of modern times, on the part of both prelates and people, did not deter the attempt. The full significance, however, of this multiplication lies in the fact that the Church, by rooting out abuses, has shown the rigor of her spiritual life. She has maintained the practice of indulgences, because, when these are used in accordance with what she prescribes, they strengthen the spiritual life by inducing the faithful to approach the sacraments and to purify their consciences of sin. And further, they encourage the performance, in a truly religious spirit, of works that redound, not alone to the welfare of the individual, but also to Gods glory and to the service of the neighbor. *** Related Reading * * About ten minutes past midnight on the 17th of February, in 1986, Jiddu Krishnamurti died in Ojai, California. He was ninety years old. Or thereabaouts. He had been several things in his life. One of them a world teacher. Its not precisely sure when Krishnamurti was born, probably in May, but what day precisely, and in either 1895 or 1896. He was born a brahmin in Madanapalle, in Andhra Pradeshi. His father Naarayanaiah, was a government official. He was one of eleven children. His mother died when the boy was ten. He was sickly, sensitive, and dreamy, it is said. After his fathers retirement from the colonial government, an ardent Theosophist, Narayanaiah went to work at the Theosophical headquarters in Adyar. In April, 1909 young Krishnamuri had a fateful meeting with the Anglican cleric (and later Liberal Catholic bishop) Charles Leadbeater. Leadbeater was a disciple of H. P. Blavatsky, a renowned psychic, close associate of Annie Besant, and a leading figure within the Theosophical Society. Later he would be one of the founders of the Liberal Catholic Church. He was also controversial within the movement, having been forced to resign from leadership in the TS in 1906 for advising adolescences to masturbate in order to relieve obsessive sexual thoughts. He was reinstated the next year. But the shadow lingered. On that fateful day in 1909 Reverend Leadbeatter saw young Krishnamurti playing at the beach. He immediately felt the boy was meant to be the vehicle of the coming world teacher. According to a biographer Leadbeater proclaimed the most wonderful aura he had ever seen, without a particle of selfishness in it. Krishnamurti and his younger brother Nityananda were taken in and provided with a world class tutorial education in India and later in Europe.He never warmed to Leadbeater, but grew increasingly close to Annie Besant. She became his and his brothers legal guardian. At some point his father wanted the boys back and there was a legal struggle. Besant won. In 1911 the TS formed the Order of the Star in the East, which was meant to prepare the way for Krishnamurti to take on his role as world teacher. The following years he was educated and traveled. Ms Besant and others said that when he came into his own he would bring a message. It would be hard to hear, and many wouldnt. Then, in 1929 Krishnamurti was scheduled to give a lecture to the Order of the Star of the East. Some three thousand ardent followers were present, as were his mentors. He rather quickly got to the point. I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. That is my point of view, and I adhere to that absolutely and unconditionally. Truth, being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized; nor should any organization be formed to lead or to coerce people along any particular path. And with that he dissolved the organization. For me it is fascinating that for years Bishop Leadbetter and Mrs Besant and other Theosophical leaders were saying that when the new world teacher came, he would say things that people could not accept. And, sure enough, when Krishnamurti came into his own he said words they could not accept. Institutionally they didnt have much say. He was in charge. He was, after all, the world teacher. Soon after Krishnamurti severed all ties with Theosophy and embarked upon his remarkable career as a lecturer and commentator on matters of the spirit. I am a qualified fan of Krishnamurti. I do not agree with all he said over his teaching life. But, I think he had a genuine eye, as we Zen people like to say, and offered wise counsel that helped many people. So, thanks to Bishop Leadbetter and Mr Besant for noticing the boy all those years ago, and investing in bringing him to adulthood. And, most of all, to Kirshnamurti himself, for being able to step away from the cult before it hardened his heart. Something rare, I believe. And, then, of course, and then going on to speak to the great matters in ways that people could and continue to be able to hear. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reiterated its commitment to address major gaps in the financial ecosystem of the country. This is to ensure the country does not return to the EU and UKs list of high-risk money laundering and terrorism financing countries. In 2016, a mutual evaluation carried out identified significant deficiencies in Ghanas AML/CFT/PF regime, leading to a grey listing by Financial Action Task force (FATF) in 2018 until 2020 when Ghana was de-listed following extensive reforms to strengthen the regime, in line with FATF recommendations. This was disclosed at the Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proliferation Financing (ML/TF & PF) National Risk Assessment (NRA) pre-assessment workshop in Accra. It was to prepare the country for the third round of mutual evaluation in 2025. Second Deputy Governor BoG, Elsie Addo-Awadzie, speaking at the event pledged the central banks willingness to tighten the countrys regulatory framework to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. She said, it is imperative that we sustain the fruits of the hard work exerted by all stakeholders that led to critical reforms and implementation that persuaded FATF, the EU, and the UK to remove Ghana from any adverse listings for ML/CFT/PF risks. All stakeholders must continue to work to maintain an effective AML/CFT/PF regime that stands the test of time. For her, the NRA allows for a self-assessment on whether Ghanas AML/CFT/PF regime is still robust in the face of recent developments at a time financial systems, key sectors, and business practices have evolved. The Bank of Ghana, as the guardian of the monetary system, remains committed to playing its parting as regulator to support the successful completion of the NRA and a successful Third Round Mutual Evaluation exercise. Starting in January this year, the Bank of Ghana is sensitizing banks and other regulated entities on what is required from them to make the NRA a success. I know that other regulators in the financial sector and in relevant sectors are doing likewise, Elsie Addo-Awadzie added. The Financial Intelligence Center said it will work to mitigate these systemic issues confronting the country to make Ghana a destination of financial services on the continent. We will properly channel resources to mitigate the risks identified in our continuous efforts to strengthen our regime. We are being asked to roll up our sleeves and get to work again. I have no doubt in my mind that with your support we can do it again. We will do it again to maintain the good image of Ghana in the sub-region as far as AML/CFT is concerned, said CEO of the Financial Intelligence Centre, Kwaku Dua. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Health Minister-designate, has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to continue the variou projects initiated by his predecessor, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Manu. He indicated that, despite having his priorities, he views this approach as essential for a seamless tenure, especially considering the limited time left for the Akufo-Addo administration. On Wednesday 14th February, President Akufo-Addo effected his first ever major reshuffle which has stirred controversy with some ministers being kicked out of office while others make way for new entrants, including Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye. Dr. Okoe Boye's appointment awaits approval from the Parliamentary vetting committee. Dr Okoe Boye, who previously served as Deputy Health Minister from 2020 to 2021, is set to return to the health sector when the approval is given. In an interview with Bernard Avle on the Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized his intention to see to the completion of the projects started by his predecessor. Sometimes it is not the programmes you introduce into a sector that makes people happy or improve the state of mind. It is the relationship and addressing basic things which do not require resources necessarily but require attention and offering protocols and this is going to be my major priority. Despite not yet receiving Parliaments approval, he revealed that he had already initiated discussions with key players, including those at Korle Bu and the Ghana Medical Association. When I went to Korle Bu, what I did was that I sat with those who have been there for a long time and most of them have a fair idea what the problems are, what it ought to be done and what to put in. As I speak to you, Ive spoken to the Ghana Medical Association President and some of the Executives. Ive not gone for the vetting but informally, Im like guys, lets sit down, what do you want, where do we get to? What must be done? The first approach is to talk to the people in the field, Dr Okoe Boye revealed. 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 decision to postpone this month's elections in Senegal is against the constitution, the country's top court has ruled. The Constitutional Council annulled both President Macky Sall's decree and a contentious bill passed by parliament moving the vote to December. Widespread protests have gripped the West African country, once considered a bastion of democracy in the region. Opposition figures said it amounted to an "constitutional coup". Mr Sall had announced he was pushing the election back because of concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates. His proposal was backed by 105 out of the 165 MPs after a fiery debate which saw police remove some opposition MPs from the chamber. A six-month postponement was originally proposed, but a last-minute amendment extended it to 10 months, meaning a new election date of 15 December. Mr Sall had reiterated that he was not planning to run for office again. But his critics accused him of either trying to cling on to power or unfairly influencing whoever succeeds him. Opposition candidates and lawmakers, who had filed a number of legal challenges to the bill, will feel vindicated by the court's decision on Thursday evening. Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor of the capital Dakar, who is not related to the president, had called the delay a "constitutional coup", while Thierno Alassane Sall, another candidate, also no relation, called it "high treason". The court said it was "impossible" for the election to be held on the original date of 25 February - just 10 days away - but urged authorities to organise it "as soon as possible". Mr Sall is yet to react to the ruling. His second term of office expires on 2 April. While the election could be held before April, the disputes that led to the polls being postponed in the first place remain unresolved, including allegations of corruption in the Constitutional Court and objections from opposition candidates who had been excluded from the candidate list published last month. Holding the elections using the disputed candidate list could spark renewed unrest and violence by supporters of those barred from contesting, in particular Ousmane Sonko, who is hugely popular among young Senegalese. Most candidates have not been campaigning since President Sall issued his 3 February decree, hours before campaigns were meant to kick off. The decision comes on the same day as several opposition politicians and civil society members were released from prison, in what some in the country viewed as a move to appease public opinion. Senegal had long been seen as one of the most stable democracies in the region. It is the only country in mainland West Africa that has never had a military coup. It has had three largely peaceful handovers of power and until earlier this month had never delayed a presidential election. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Accra's Mayor, Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Sackey, has commended J. Stanley Owusu Company Limited, an accredited waste management firm, for procuring three new fleet vehicles to enhance service delivery in waste collection, treatment, and disposal and elevate sanitation standards in Accra. The Mayor commended J. Stanley Owusu Company Limited on Wednesday when the fleet consisting of two compactors and one roll-on, roll-off truck was presented at Accra City Hall, stating that the addition was in line with the Presidents vision of transforming Accra into the cleanest city in Africa. She urged other waste management firms to similarly expand their vehicle fleets to combat monopolies and foster healthy competition and productivity within the sub-metros. Mayor Sackey emphasized the direct link between sanitation and climate change and admonished residents to refrain from burning waste and instead collaborate with accredited waste companies to recycle waste, to ensure the success of AMA's source separation program. She added that under her leadership, the Assembly has introduced some innovative measures such as the Street Sweepers Initiative, the Creating Livelihood Environmentalism in Accra Now (CLEAN) project, and Zero Waste Street, among others, as part of continuing efforts to achieve a clean and liveable city. The General Manager responsible for Finance and Administration at J Stanley Owusu Company Limited, Joshua Abrako Darko, said his entity was positioning itself to deliver quality service and disclosed that consignments of new trucks were expected to arrive next year. He stated that the presentation was done to inform the AMA about the new trucks, demonstrate competence, and update its record system to ensure transparency. Mr. Darko outlined plans to establish landfills in all sixteen regions nationwide. He emphasized that J. Stanley Owusu was aware of the operational challenges and diligently procured new fleets to enhance service delivery. The fleet of vehicles is set to operate within the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District, except for the Bubui Electoral Area. Present at the ceremony were the Coordinating Director for the AMA, Douglas N.K. Annoful, Director of Finance, Mr. Abeiku Amissah, Director of Waste Management, Solomon Noi, and Deputy Director for Waste Management, Mr. Victor Kotey, among others. Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Bono East NPP members have congratulated Martin Adjei Mensah-Korsah on his new appointment as Minister-designate for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development. His new post was announced in a statement from the presidency on February 14, 2024. Bono East NPP in a statement expressed their gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa AKufo-Addo and promised to support Mr Mensah-Korsah to excel at his new post. Read statement below CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE NPP BONO EAST TO HON. MARTIN ADJEI-MENSAH KORSAH, MP AND MINISTER DESIGNATE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, DECENTRALIZATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (LGDRD) On behalf of the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party and its leadership from the Polling Stations, Electoral Areas, Constituencies and the Region, we congratulate the Hon. Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Candidate for Techiman South Constituency, MARTIN ADJEI-MENSAH KORSAH (HON.) on the huge honour of his appointment as a Minister-designate responsible for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo. Yesterday, the 14th of February, 2024, the Bono East Region got its first-ever Cabinet Minister in the generous, illustrious, diligent and political luminary of our generation, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah as a Minister responsible for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (LGDRD). In conveying our profound applause to the President for such a decisive and bold decision, we are particularly grateful and pleased for the inclusion of the generous and diligent son of Bonokyempem, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah in the President's illustrious list of Cabinet members. Without an iota of doubt, we remain certain that, Hon. Korsah, who is also the Sompahene of Techiman Traditional Area, has competently distinguished himself over the years, as a results-driven individual, whose contributions would be largely instrumental in driving our party and government in the Bono East and the entire country to a historic emphatic victory in the 2024 general elections. Finally, we will like to call on all well-meaning Ghanaians, especially, the people of the Bono East region to rally their unflinching support and prayer behind the Hon. Minister to succeed in his new role as we gear ourselves towards making history by breaking the Eight (8) with Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and snatch more seats in the region. Once again, kindly accept our warm felicitations, Hon. MP and Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, HON. MARTIN ADJEI-MENSAH KORSAH. Signed David Yaw Boakye 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 Edson Prestes, an informatics professor at Brazil's Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, speaks during an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Feb. 5, 2024. China has set an "example" in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), an informatics professor at Brazil's Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul has said.(Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) LJUBLJANA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- China has set an "example" in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), an informatics professor at Brazil's Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul has said. China is making huge investments in education to enhance the development of AI products and services and has also made principles on "how to do good research and implement good services and products," Edson Prestes said in an interview on the sidelines of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI that took place earlier this month. During the UNESCO forum held in Slovenia, China's Vice Minister of Education Wang Jiayi said that China is willing to participate in global efforts to promote the ethics and governance of AI so that it will benefit all mankind. Citing the China-proposed Global AI Governance Initiative and the Beijing AI Principles, which aim to support AI's healthy development, Prestes said he was a "bit surprised" by China's emphasis on the environment, which is included in Chinese AI governance stating the importance of citizens protecting the environment. "That's a very good point in terms of regulation." The lead expert in RAM exercise said regulation should respect cultural differences between states. "We should not have almost homogenous kind of regulation because we are different by nature and in terms of race, gender, age, and future." Regulation should not be solely influenced by the Global North and the West, but should emphasize global discussion on AI, he said. "I believe China could contribute a lot to showing others how to implement AI systems and services ... and be part of international cooperation on this matter," he said. "What happens in Brazil could affect the Chinese, and what affects the Chinese could also affect citizens of the United States ... It is very important to foster collaboration across countries and cooperation in building a global framework where you can accommodate different cultural aspects," Prestes said. The professor, who is also an avid lover of Chinese culture, said China is a very important player in the global discussion on AI development, adding that Chinese experts have contributed greatly to this kind of discussion and debate. He also encouraged more Chinese experts to take part in international discussions and debates on AI development. "It is necessary to be open and listen to others, and try to consolidate these different views," he said. The reassignment of five ministers by the President, Akufo Addo, is set to be challenged by the Minority in parliament at the Supreme Court. The Minority in Parliament has served notice to go to the Supreme Court to challenge the validity of the five ministers who have been reassigned by the Presidency. A member of the legal committee of the National Democratic Congress and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Hon. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, argues that the ministers in questions appointments were officially cancelled by the president hence their re-assignment must be thoroughly scrutinized by the Parliament. I am saying on the authority of the constitution that those persons appointments were revoked by the president, and their re-assignment must be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny. So, we are demanding that those five ministers he has reassigned must be subjected to parliamentary vetting, and that is the procedure, so they cannot escape parliamentary scrutiny, he said in Parliament on Friday. Hon. Dafeamekpor added that, We will do our duty as the constitution demands, and we will demand that their names be submitted to parliament for them to be vetted, and if this call is not heeded, we will proceed to the Supreme Court for legal interpretation. The President caused a massive shake-up in for some ministries who had their ministers appointment either revoked or reassigned. Top of the reshuffling is that of the finance minister, ken ofori Atta. Whilst some members of the public thought the reshuffling should have been two years ago, others have also expressed optimism in the last minute ministerial shake up. This was contained in a press release dated February 14, signed by the Director of Communication at the presidency, Eugene Arhin. 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 Suspended Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight called 911 early on Feb. 9, telling them her ex-boyfriend could not see and needed an ambulance. Officers found 54-year-old Michael McCoy with a gunshot wound that entered the right side of his temple, and exited on the left, they wrote in recently released court documents. McKnight told police she was sleeping and suddenly heard McCoy scream. But McCoy emphatically told police, I did not shoot myself. McKnight, a magistrate judge, is used to arraigning defendants. But Thursday night, Dauphin County President Judge Scott Evans formally informed her she is accused of attempted murder and aggravated assault during her court appearance. McKnight is locked up in Dauphin County Prison, and bail is set to $300,000. The purpose of bail is to keep a defendant from fleeing and to protect the community. The events leading up to the shooting McKnight lived full-time at McCoys house on the 200 block of Saddle Ridge Drive, and had her clothing and other belongings in the house. But when McCoy decided to end the relationship on Feb. 4, however, McKnight would not leave, according to police. McCoy removed his house key from McKnights key ring before going to work the next day. However, when McCoy returned home, he found McKnight inside his house, and began yelling at her, asking what she was doing there, how she got into the home and why she was there, according to police. McKnight calmly said she took his spare keys from the common area of the home, he told police. McCoy later wrote in a Protection From Abuse Order petition that he asked McKnight to leave every day until Friday, Feb. 9, when he arrived home from work. He told McKnight, who was sitting on the couch wearing pajamas and a pink robe, that he was going out, police said. Police said McKnight began to question McCoy, and he left without telling her where he was going. McKnight called and texted McCoy throughout the night. While she denied leaving the Saddle Ridge Drive home during that time, police said Ring doorbell cameras and license plate scanners showed she drove to Crawdaddys the bar McCoy had gone to. Police said McKnight confronted McCoy after he returned home and asked if they were going to talk. But McCoy said they would talk the next day and went to bed at around 11 p.m. telling McKnight, once more, the relationship was over, police said. Oh, youre serious, McKnight said, according to the account McCoy gave police. He later told police it was as if she finally understood it was over. The aftermath of the shooting Mike, what did you do to yourself? is the first thing McCoy heard when he woke up screaming, in excruciating pain and unable to see. McKnight repeated the sentence several times for several minutes. McKnight told McCoy he was bleeding, and he asked her to help him to the bathroom. According to court documents, McCoy had to ask a reluctant McKnight to call an ambulance. First, McKnight could not find her phone, he told police so McCoy gave her his phones password number so she could call for an ambulance on his phone. Whats the number? McKnight asked McCoy, according to police. Police said first responders shocked McCoy when they told him he had been shot in the area of his right temple; he had no idea. The bullet had exited his left temple, police said. McCoy said he did not shoot himself, and emphatically denied ever thinking about shooting or harming himself, police said. Who fired the gun? Police say, based on the gunshot wound and the appearance of the entry wound, that the gun had to be held about a foot away from McCoys head when the shot was fired. That gun was registered to McKnight, and a presumptive test showed gunshot residue on her hands around an hour after the incident. A cascade of conflicts of interest Defendants typically are incarcerated and prosecuted in the county where a crime occurs. But McKnights arrest was followed by a series of recusals because she sat the bench alongside the other district judges and ruled on cases presented by prosecutors. The Dauphin County District Attorneys Office initially asked the Attorney Generals Office to take over the investigation. However, the Attorney Generals Office declined because McKnight is suing one of its investigators in federal court. Under Pa. law, that gave the decision back to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo to choose a prosecutor from an adjoining county. He then handed the case over to Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack. McKnights suspension from the bench The states Judicial Conduct board suspended McKnight from her position as a magisterial district judge in a complaint that cited seven violations filed in September. It was her second time within three years of being suspended without pay. Those allegations include failing to recuse herself in a matter where her partiality could be questioned, providing contradictory testimony to the judicial conduct board, and instructing her staff to bury a civil complaint filed against her. The wide array of misconduct reveals Judge McKnights lack of understanding or concern for her responsibilities as a Magisterial District Judge, the conduct board argued in a Nov. 8 filing. Judge McKnights behavior reflects someone who believes she is not bound by the law nor the Rules Governing the Standard Conduct of Magisterial District Judges. A previous shooting ruled as self-defense The Attorney Generals Office previously cleared McKnight of wrongdoing for shooting her ex-husband in the groin during a domestic dispute in 2019. After a three-month investigation, a spokesperson for the office said McKnight had acted in self-defense. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) The deaths of two people who were shot in a dorm room at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Friday morning will be investigated as homicides, police said. The victims, who were not immediately identified, were found dead when police responded to a report of a shooting around 6 a.m. At this point in our investigation, this incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides, the Colorado Springs Police Department said in a statement on social media Friday evening. Students look outside their dorm window in the Village at Alpine Valley housing, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, as police investigate a shooting on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP)AP The coroners office will determine how they died, but each person was shot at least once in what appeared to be an isolated incident, police spokesperson Ira Cronin said at a briefing. A lockdown across campus lasted for about 90 minutes and later was isolated to a student apartment complex on campus, school spokesperson Chris Valentine said. Following the lockdown, the campus about 69 miles south of Denver was closed for the weekend. The school has more than 11,000 students and nearly 2,000 faculty and staff. By EMMA BURROWS, The Associated Press Alexei Navalnys spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was murdered, but it is unclear where his body is. An official note handed to Navalnys mother stated that he died at 2:17 p.m. local time Friday, Kira Yarmysh said. She added that an employee of the prison colony said that Navalnys body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a probe into his death. She demanded that his body be handed over to his family. When a lawyer and Navalnys mother visited the morgue in Salekhard, it was closed, Navalnys team said, writing on their Telegram channel. The lawyer called the morgue and was told that Navalnys body is not there, his team said. We demand that Alexey Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately, Yarmysh wrote on X, previously Twitter. The cause and the circumstances of Navalnys death Friday remain largely unclear. Only an hour ago, the lawyers were informed that the investigation had been concluded and that something criminal had not been established. They literally lie every time, driving us around in circles and covering their tracks. (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny felt sick after a walk and became unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he couldnt be revived. The cause of death is still being established, it said. Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the opposition leader would live on forever in millions of hearts. Navalny was murdered. We still dont know how well keep on living, but together, well think of something, she wrote on X. Arrests continued Saturday after more than 100 people were detained in various Russian cities Friday when they came to lay flowers in memory of Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia. The tributes were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St. Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny there. In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. Police officers detain a man laying flowers to Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. (AP Photo)AP A woman lays flowers paying the last respect to Alexei Navalny at the monument, a large boulder from the Solovetsky islands, where the first camp of the Gulag political prison system was established, with the historical the Federal Security Service (FSB, Soviet KGB successor) building in the background, in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)AP Navalny, 47, had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow to face certain arrest after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Navalny said he understood he was serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime. The news of Navalnys death comes less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. Hours after Navalnys death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at a security conference in Germany where many world leaders had gathered. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband. A woman touches a photo of Alexei Navalny after laying flowers at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)AP U.S. President Joe Biden said Washington doesnt know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. The Kremlin bristled at the outpouring of anger from world leaders, with Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov as inadmissible and outrageous, noting that medics havent issued their verdict on the cause of Navalnys death. WILLIAMSPORT A Montgomery County man who admitted stealing hundreds of thousands in heavy equipment out of state and then selling them in Pennsylvania was sentenced to 6 years in prison. In addition to the jail term U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann imposed Friday, Joseph John Waldron III, 65, of Horsham, must pay restitution of $44,537. He will be on supervised release for three years when he gets out of jail. The interstate transportation of stolen goods charge to which Waldron pleaded guilty last September involved this equipment all stolen in 2021: * John Deere tractor and mower stolen Aug. 14 in Big Flats. New York, and delivered to addresses in Morris, Tioga County, and Warminster, Bucks County, respectively. * Kubota excavator stolen Oct. 23 in Pennington, New Jersey, and delivered to a Huntingdon Valley address. * Kubota backhoe and a trailer stolen Oct. 29, in New Castle, Delaware, and delivered to the same address in Coopersburg, Lehigh County. * Kubota zero turn mower and an Exmark zero turn mower stolen Dec. 4 from Westminster, Maryland, and both delivered to an address in Perkasie, Bucks County. Waldron would go to lawn and farm equipment stores in rural areas late at night, used a battery-operated grinder to cut chains on fences and find a trailer to hook onto his truck. He would drive the equipment on the trailer and transport it to a purchaser. When the thefts began in 2020 he was with a woman who introduced him to cocaine, his attorney Thomas Thornton said. Before long the two were using $1,000 worth of cocaine monthly, he said. There were other thefts not identified in the charges, Thornton had said during the guilty plea hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin said then the total loss was $688,000. Safety concerns led to the temporary closure of a Northampton County post office Friday, representatives of the United States Postal Service said. The Treichlers Post Office, 331 E. Breadfruit Drive in Lehigh Township, is shuttered as a result of the issue. USPS representatives made the announcement in a news release posted on the postal services website. Representatives did not provide specifics about the issue, and there was no timeline on when the regional office may reopen. By Julia Terruso, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) PHILADELPHIA Former President Donald Trump said he is headed to Philadelphia on Saturday to speak at Sneaker Con, a large-scale gathering for sneaker enthusiasts taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Trump announced he would speak at the convention on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, and a spokesperson for the Convention Center confirmed his appearance. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, is slated to speak at 3 p.m. before traveling to Michigan for a planned evening rally there. Sneaker Con organizers did not respond to requests for more information on what Trump would be speaking about and there was no previous notice advertising his appearance. Convention Center spokesperson Jude Ann Spencer-Phillips said her contact with the group did not know what Trump would cover in his remarks. The organization is celebrating its 15th anniversary with its show in Philadelphia. Trump was in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state that he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020, at the NRAs Outdoor Show in Harrisburg. The appearance at Sneaker Con is a far less expected crowd for Trump. Hell be speaking in the most Democratic city in the state at an event that captures a younger and more diverse crowd than his rallies typically host. Trump frequently attacks Philadelphia in his speeches elsewhere in the state, holding it up as a model of Democratic failure. In 2020, he now-famously said on a debate stage that bad things happen in Philadelphia. But polls have shown Trump is also siphoning off some support from Biden among younger voters and Black and Latino voters and his campaign has sought to build on that opening. The appearance comes the day after Trump was dealt a big financial and legal blow. A judge in New York ordered him and his companies to pay $355 million, finding they engaged in a yearslong scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated his wealth. Trumps lawyers said they would appeal the decision. The 2023-24 English Premier League season rolls into the weekend with a big Saturday slate of matches that kicks off with a battle between Liverpool and Brentford. That contest is set to start at 7:30 a.m. EST at Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford. The Liverpool vs. Brentford Premier League showdown will be televised on USA Network. Live streams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV. Liverpool holds a narrow lead, 54 points to 52, over Manchester City for the top spot in the English Premier League standings. The Reds are 16-6-2 through 24 games with a league-best goal differential (+32), but not by much with Man City and Arsenal both in hot pursuit. Liverpool gets a chance as a heavy favorite, even in a road match, to put more distance between themselves and a 3-1 loss to Arsenal on Feb. 4. This is a top-notch side that will have to keep showing up in order to stay at the front of the Premier League pack. LIVERPOOL VS. BRENTFORD MATCH INFO When: 7:30 a.m. EST Where: Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England. TV channel: USA Network Live stream options: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling TV (low intro rate) Moneyline: Liverpool -165, Brentford +380, draw +350. Brentford has flashed the potential to make a defining move in the Premier League standings, but the inability to finish matches continues to be a cloud that hangs over the clubs season. Brentford is competitive enough offensively and defensively balances an attack where eight players have at least two goals. The Liverpool vs. Brentford match will be carried on USA Network with a 7:30 a.m. start time. Live streams for the match are also available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), along with DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (low intro rate). See also: More coverage of the English Premier League The 2023-24 English Premier League season rolls into the weekend with a big Saturday slate of matches highlighted by a key battle between Manchester City and Chelsea. The match is slated to start at 12:30 p.m. EST at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The Manchester City vs. Chelsea Premier League showdown will be televised on NBC. Live streams are available with offers from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV. This match will also be live-streamed on Peacock, which is available for $5.99 monthly for the Premium package, which includes live sports. Peacock also has a Premium Plus plan for $11.99 monthly that offers select ad-free programming, downloadable content and 24/7 access to users local NBC stations. Manchester City is tasked with following suit after Premier League leader Liverpool won its early Saturday match over Brentford to improve to 17-6-2 overall with 57 points. Man City has played two fewer matches than Liverpool and enters the Chelsea match with a 16-4-3 record and 52 points. This will be Manchester Citys return to league action after defeating FC Copenhagen, 3-1, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 series. City has won its past four straight league matches with a 16-5 goal differential. MANCHESTER CITY VS. CHELSEA MATCH INFO When: 12:30 p.m. EST Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England. TV channel: NBC Live stream options: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Sling TV (low intro rate) | Peacock Moneyline: Man City -320, Chelsea +650, draw +500. Chelsea is also looking to make a move in the middle of the Premier League pack, which features little separation between Newcastle United in seventh position (36 points) and Wolverhampton Wanderers in 11th (32 points). Chelsea sits in 10th position going into Saturday with a 10-4-10 record and 34 points. The match against Manchester City is a big challenge, and its followed by a contest against Premier League leader Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Feb. 25. The Manchester City vs. Chelsea match will be carried on NBC with a 12:30 p.m. start time. Live streams for the match are also available with introductory offers from FuboTV (free trial), along with DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (low intro rate). See also: More coverage of the English Premier League The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 5:59 p.m. on Saturday for snow showers until 7:30 p.m. for Northern Clinton, Northern Centre, Southern Centre, Southern Clinton and Southern Lycoming as well as Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, Columbia, Perry, Dauphin and Lebanon counties. "Numerous snow showers will continue to move quickly from northwest to southeast across central Pennsylvania into early this evening. Brief bursts of heavy snow may produce very localized and brief whiteout conditions along with rapid changes in road conditions. Motorists should be alert and prepared for locally hazardous driving conditions and slick roads that could lead to accidents," according to the weather service. Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it's prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of swollen waterways: Do not play in or around culverts or drainage ditches as swiftly moving water that occurs during heavy rain can sweep you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and stay cautious: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes. Visibility matters: Turn on your headlights. Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. 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. DUBAI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's green energy transitions will contribute to the global fight against climate change and inspire other countries toward green transition, said Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in a recent interview with Xinhua. In the interview during the 11th World Governments Summit recently held in Dubai, the UNDP administrator said China's development has been remarkable in so many respects, including poverty alleviation, and its investments in technology and the green transition. "It is addressing some of the legacies of its rapid industrialization, the air pollution, and the cleaning up of water systems." China has made major commitments that it would strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, noted Steiner. "These transitions will enable China to be both a contributor to a global response to climate change, but also with its technologies and policies will help many other countries including many developing countries to pivot forward into a green transition strategy." Also in the interview, Steiner highlighted China as the backbone of the international economic recovery. His assessment comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global growth to stay at 3.1 percent in 2024 and rise to 3.2 percent in 2025 while forecasting the Chinese economy to expand by 4.6 percent this year. "The outlook on the global economy is in part also premised on China's own economic development." He noted that although there are many factors influencing China's recovery in terms of GDP growth, the Chinese economy is looking positive at the moment and the UNDP remains optimistic that a recovery path is on its way. UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN's development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "We see great potential for our future collaboration in China with the SDGs, including on the SDG innovation hubs that China is establishing and where we are collaborating." Asked about his priorities for UNDP in 2024, Steiner said the challenge of climate change remains a centerpiece of UNDP's work. The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) is planned to take place in Brazil between Nov. 10 and 21, 2025. "We are today committed to working with countries across the world towards the Conference of the Parties next year in Brazil, when countries will present their new nationally determined contributions and national climate plans," he said. Update: Speed limit restrictions lifted on most central Pa. highways: PennDOT If you have to drive somewhere on Saturday morning, youll need to go slower. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has lifted vehicle restrictions, placed last night, for commercial vehicles, tractors without trailers and so forth on Interstates 81 and 83 in a region that includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, and York counties. However, speed restrictions remain on major highways accross the area, with 45 mph limits on Interstates 78, 81, 83 and 283 and Routes 15, 22, 30, 222, 283, and 581. Many places preemptively canceled Saturday events because of the forecast. Before you head to a program or business Saturday, check to see if its still happening/open, in addition to allowing extra travel time. Itll be windy on Saturday, the National Weather Service in State College warns, with gusts around 30 mph. That could blow snow around and make driving difficult as well. Update: The National Weather Service in State College says localized heavy snow showers or squalls are possible late this morning and this afternoon. Much of the southern part of Pennsylvania, from Johnstown to Lancaster, has been under a winter storm warning that expires at 9 a.m. Four to six inches of snow is on the ground. Live radar over Pennsylvania: The Quebec Superior Court is seen Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in Montreal. The Bar of Montreal is warning newcomers to the city to watch out for fake immigration lawyers after a spike in complaints. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday urged Taiwan authorities to release the mainland fishermen who were forcibly detained after a fatal expulsion of a mainland fishing boat. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks concerning the incident that took place on Wednesday afternoon, in which the fishing boat from the southeastern Fujian Province was expelled in the waters of Kinmen area. The incident led to all four aboard falling into the sea, two of whom died. Zhu noted that the incident sparked widespread outrage on the mainland, and severely hurt the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, Zhu reiterated. She added that since ancient times, fishermen from both sides of the Strait have been operating in the traditional fishery zones of the Strait. There has never been such a thing as "off-limit" or "restricted" waters in the zones, said Zhu. The mainland always has goodwill towards Taiwan compatriots, but will not tolerate Taiwan authorities' negligence of the lives and property of mainland fishermen, said the spokesperson. She urged Taiwan authorities to release the detained fishermen and fishing boat at an early date. She added that the mainland reserves the right to take further measures, the consequences of which shall be borne by the Taiwan side. Trump has gone completely unhinged after being told that he has to pay $355 million for fraud committed in New York. How Did Trump Respond To The Fraud Verdict? Trump posted on Truth Social: The Justice System in New York State, and America as a whole, is under assault by partisan, deluded, biased Judges and Prosecutors. Racist, Corrupt A.G. Tish James has been obsessed with Getting Trump for years, and used Crooked New York State Judge Engoron to get an illegal, unAmerican judgment against me, my family, and my tremendous business. I helped New York City during its worst of times, and now, while it is overrun with Violent Biden Migrant Crime, the Radicals are doing all they can to kick me out.. Page 2: This decision is a Complete and Total SHAM. There were No Victims, No Damages, No Complaints. Only satisfied Banks and Insurance Companies (which made a ton of money), GREAT Financial Statements, that didnt even include the most valuable Asset The TRUMP Brand, IRONCLAD Disclaimers (Buyer Beware, and Do your Own Due Diligence), and amazing Properties all over the World. All the other side had was a ridiculous $18 million valuation of magnificent Mar-a-Lago, an unConstitutional Gag Order, a Consumer Fraud Statute never before used for this purpose, No Jury allowed, and a refusal to send this disgusting charade to the Commercial Division, where it would have been put to a deserving end To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. Page 3: This case is OVER ever since the Appellate Division ended it on Statute of Limitations, also letting my daughter Ivanka out of this Witch Hunt. The Democrat Club-controlled Judge Engoron has already been reversed four times on this case, a shameful record, and he will be reversed again. We cannot let injustice stand, and will fight Crooked Joe Bidens weaponized persecution at every step. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump Is Still Claiming To Have Won Things That He Lost There was no injustice in the fraud case, and Trumps claim that there were no victims in the case because Trump victimized every single taxpayer in the state of New York. Trump immediately tried to turn this judgment against him into a part of his political campaign by attacking the justice system and claiming that these rulings were a big conspiracy against him. The most fascinating part of Trumps statement was the claim that he actually won the case because it showed that, just like with the 2020 election, Trump still tries to claim victory when he loses. Donald Trump didnt win the case. He completely lost, and this meltdown should be expected to continue at his campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Michigan on Saturday. 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 Trump supporter has started a GoFundMe to take a stand and raise money so that he can pay off the $355 million that he owes the state of New York. Why Does Trump Have A GoFundMe? After Trump was found to have committed fraud and assessed a $255 million penalty, Trump supporter Elena Cardone started the GoFundMe and wrote: My name is Elena Cardone and I am a wife of Grant Cardone, mother and an ardent supporter of American values and an advocate for justice, I stand unwaveringly with President Donald Trump in the face of what I see as unprecedented and unfair treatment by certain judicial elements in New York. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has fought tirelessly for this country, risking everything to preserve the freedoms and principles that define us as a nation. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. This fundraiser, therefore, is not merely about raising the settlement. Its about making a stand. Its about showing that when one of us is targeted for championing the values that make America great, he does not stand alone. We stand with him, shoulder to shoulder, ready to support, defend, and fight back against a system that threatens to undermine the very foundations of our republic. Now, more than ever, its time for patriots to unite, to show our collective strength and resolve. Lets stand with Trump, as he has stood with us, to ensure that justice prevails and that we continue to fight for a country that respects freedom, honors courage, and rewards the unwavering spirit of its people. People are free to do whatever they want with their money, but the fact that hundreds of people are willing to raise roughly $29,000 at the time of publication and give it to someone who was just found liable for systemic fraud explains a lot about the current state of the Republican Party. MAGAs seem to be the rubes that keep giving. No wonder Donald Trump wont leave politics. Running for president is a cash cow when so many people are willing to hand over their money to him no matter what he is found guilty of. Trump doesnt need a GoFundMe. Trump needs better lawyers, and to stop committing crimes. 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. An injured girl is transferred to a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on Feb. 17, 2024. At least 40 Palestinians were killed and many others injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential homes in the central Gaza Strip. (Xinhua) GAZA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 Palestinians were killed and many others injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential homes in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinian medical sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes launched a series of violent raids on several homes in the areas of Nuseirat, Al-Zawaida, and Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, killing dozens of people and wounding many others. The sources added that civil defense crews were able to recover 40 bodies, while dozens remained under the rubble, noting that the dead and wounded were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the city of Deir el-Balah. The Ministry of Health, run by Hamas in Gaza, announced that the number of Palestinian deaths had risen to 28,858 since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel is launching a large-scale military war on the Gaza Strip for the fifth month in a row after Hamas carried out a sudden and unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the Strip, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages. An injured man is transferred to a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on Feb. 17, 2024. At least 40 Palestinians were killed and many others injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential homes in the central Gaza Strip. (Xinhua) An injured man is transferred to a hospital in central Gaza Strip city of Deir el-Balah, on Feb. 17, 2024. At least 40 Palestinians were killed and many others injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential homes in the central Gaza Strip. (Xinhua) Scottie Scheffler has become the first player in the 50 years of The Players Championship to win back-to-back. This was the hardest. Not only was he dealing with neck pain all week, he started the final round five shots behind. Scheffler closed with a 64. That matches the lowest final round by a winner. He also tied a Players Championship record with a five-shot comeback. U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, British Open champion Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele all finished one shot behind. All of them had their chances over the final three holes to force a playoff. Read moreScheffler goes back-to-back in Players Championship in Sunday thriller at Sawgrass Residents of Powell Pond Road are on track for a massive spike in traffic in a few days, with one of Aiken County's largest outdoor events set for Feb. 23-25. The reenactment of the Battle of Aiken draws thousands of visitors each year, and this year's event, in keeping with tradition, is to begin with a day dedicated to students, drawing busloads of kids from throughout the Aiken-Augusta area. "The kids always get a lot out of it, even if they've been there before," said Mary Beth Avent, principal of the lower school at Town Creek Christian Academy. "To be able to see the reality of war without the blood and guts is very good." Blacksmithing, sewing, woodworking and medical treatment are among other angles of "living history" on display at various points through the weekend, and the result can be that students "really learn to appreciate what they have," Avent added. "They start to connect with things that they learn about in their books, but can't actually go out and see." The re-enactment is a creation of the Brig. Gen. Barnard E. Bee Camp, which is based in Aiken and named for a Charleston native who became a Confederate general and was killed at the First Battle of Bull Run. The South Carolina Encyclopedia touches on events at the heart of the re-enactment. It notes, "With the outbreak of the Civil War, Camp Butler was established near Aiken, and the Ryan Guards were mustered there in 1861. On February 11, 1865, Confederate cavalry units thwarted Union troopers in a skirmish that probably saved Aiken from the torch." This year's event will include "a much larger military timeline, to honor the veterans," said Bee Camp representative Pete Peters, noting that displays will include material from the 1770s to the past couple of decades. New displays will include the firing of an authentic, battle-used flamethrower from World War II, and plans are also in place for a sunset firing of cannons and muskets. North Augusta reporter Elizabeth Hustad is a reporter with The Post and Courier North Augusta. She covers government, growth and development, and business. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and previously worked with a Twin Cities weekly. Her work has appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and MinnPost. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers The top executive of a Daniel Island-based technology firm is facing DUI charges after a traffic stop. Mike Gianoni, 63, president and CEO of Blackbaud Inc., was charged for allegedly driving under the influence. He was arrested early Feb. 16 and refused to submit to a breath alcohol test, according to Charleston County jail records. Gianoni was pulled over along the Isle of Palms Connector around 2 a.m. for having his high beams on within 200 feet of a vehicle and failing to signal a lane change, according to the arrest report. The officer suspected impairment during the traffic stop, reporting slurred speech and that Gianoni's breath gave off an overwhelming scent of an alcoholic beverage. The officer stated in the report that Gianoni did not answer questions asked about his sobriety and became argumentative during the field sobriety tests. A representative of the cloud software business said the company is aware of the situation and will not comment at this time. A court date is scheduled April 24. Gianoni of Sullivan's Island has been at the helm of Blackbaud since 2014. The Isle of Palms Police Department booked Gianoni into the Charleston County jail just after 6 a.m. Feb. 16. Comedian Stephen Colbert is adding to his resume: cookbook author. Teaming up with his wife Evie McGee Colbert, the host of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" will share more than 100 recipes in "Does This Taste Funny: Recipes Our Family Loves." The cookbook, inspired in part by the couple's Charleston heritage, will be published by Celadon Books on Sept. 17. We are so excited to announce our new cookbook, which we have been working on together for two years," the Colberts said. "We hope everyone enjoys the recipes and stories. We made it with love and an enormous amount of butter." Growing up on James Island with 11 brothers and sisters, Stephen Colbert graduated from Porter-Gaud School in 1982. From there, he went on to study drama at Northwestern and later joined the Second City improv group in Chicago, which has acted as a launching pad for many comedy stars, including Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Mike Myers. Colbert joined Comedy Central in New York on shows "Exit 57," "The Dana Carvey Show" and then "The Daily Show," where he first developed his character as a right-wing commentator. That persona landed him his own spin-off, The Colbert Report, which aired for 10 seasons starting in 2005. Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of "The Late Show" on CBS in 2015. The cookbook will feature recipes the Colberts came up with themselves or gathered from extended family and friends, highlighting "the best of Lowcountry cuisine," according to a press release. Stephens Kindergarten Soup, spicy lemon chicken thighs and the Colbert Bump cocktail are among the recipes readers can expect from the book, which will also be filled with banter, stories and at-home photographs. 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 There's a special class of political opportunists who believe they can sell people any sort of nonsense just by adorning a "conservative" label or invoking the name of the defeated former president, and the other day they put on an exhibition leading up to a House subcommittee meeting. Their target was a bill to give municipalities the option of using the instant-runoff/ranked-choice voting method in their elections that South Carolina already offers to members of the military in state primaries. My colleagues and I support it because it gives you all the benefits with none of the cost or aggravation of a traditional runoff, but it has barely better than zero percent chance of passing. Regardless, the mere idea of a subcommittee holding a public hearing on it set the hair-on-fire gang's hair on fire. A group that calls itself United Patriots Alliance sent out an urgent blast email the day before the meeting warning of the Greatest Attack on Election Integrity EVER! Opponents acknowledged that H.4022 applies only to municipalities, but warned that the next step is the state level, before declaring in large bold red letters: THIS IS JUST ANOTHER WAY TO KEEP TRUMP OFF THE BALLOT. A few hours later, a group called Palmetto State Watch breathlessly revealed an entirely different conspiracy: House Republicans had put the instant-runoff/ranked-choice voting bill on the agenda as a DIVERSIONARY TACTIC so they could kill it and look like the heroes while running out the clock on the meeting so there would be no time to take up the conspiracy-inspired bills to make the job of election workers more difficult. Apparently it never occurred to either group that, as usual, the chairman simply put bills on the agenda that the sponsors asked him to. MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Top international organizations and government officials called for a permanent settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the ongoing 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), saying that only the two-state solution can make the region achieve lasting security. Addressing the conference at its opening ceremony on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for peace and better global order, highlighting the two-state solution to the crisis. He said that the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a humanitarian ceasefire are the only way to massively scale up aid delivery in Gaza, and thus will lay the foundation for concrete and irreversible steps towards a two-state solution. Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, expressed strong concern over the humanitarian situation and the wider consequences for the region. He emphasized the need to lower regional tensions and promote international efforts towards a two-state solution. During a meeting here with Guterres, Borrell also underlined the need for increased EU cooperation with the UN in striving towards a two-state solution. In his address at the conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also supported the two-state solution, saying that is the key for both Israel and Palestine to get out of the conflict and have a peaceful future. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a penal discussion that eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long-term fix to the conflict, otherwise "we're going to see a recurrence." "India has long believed in a two-state solution. We have maintained that position for many decades. And I think today many more countries in the world feel that not just the two-state solution is necessary, but it is more urgent than it was before," he said. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told the audience at the MSC that he was firmly convinced that the only pathway towards security and stability for everyone in the region is through a Palestinian state. Addressing a panel discussion on the Middle East situation, Faisal said that the greater the consensus in the international community on the two-state solution, the closer the world will get to it. "We agree that the two-state solution is the right solution. And it's now time to put all of our efforts into making that happen," he stressed, adding that "we cannot hold the future of our region, the future of our generations hostage to politics or ideology, and we must push to move forward." Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said at the panel discussion that part of the reasons behind the failure of talks on the two-state solution in the past was the lack of political will. "I think we are totally committed and convinced that this is the only solution, a viable solution that can bring the region out of this cycle of violence and create normal conditions for everyone to prosper and to live in peace," he said. Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that what's happening now represents "a wake-up call" that the situation was not sustainable and "we need to step up and to look at a better future for the people in the region." The two-state solution guarantees an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. If were lucky, Dominions residential and other industrial customers wont end up subsidizing this deal. On Thursday, after the county and the PSC gave away the farm, Google finally confirmed that it was the long-secret beneficiary of this extraordinary package of incentives, which will help it build another server farm which will suck up a tremendous amount of electricity and water and provide precious few jobs but at least produces a service that just about everybody uses. But what if it hadn't been Google? What if the mysterious company had been something that a lot of us consider destructive? Like, say, a cryptocurrency mining operation? After all, a cryptocurrency operation wouldn't have been inconsistent with what we knew. And as long as government agencies refused to tell us what it was they were investing our money in and allowing our monopoly utility to grant super-cheap electricity rates, we had no assurances that it wasn't that. Or something even worse. If youre not sure you understand what a cryptocurrency mining operation is, dont worry. Were not sure most people do. Cryptocurrency is a made-up thing that involves massive computers using up resources, which could be devoted to something useful, to run complex mathematical computations that prop up an idea that true believers consider money. Of course its not money: Money is backed by the full faith and credit of a government; this is backed by the faith of people who have invested in it, and it reminds us a lot of Ponzi schemes. Its also not a stock, or anything like stocks, which represent a share of ownership in a company that has actual property with actual value. The idea behind Bitcoin and other cybercurrencies is to make it easier for people to run a society without government and the rules that we agree for government to enforce that is, its a useful component of anarchy. It's also useful to people who want to hide illegally gotten gains from tax and law enforcement officials. 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 Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication. GREENVILLE Thousands of low-income South Carolinians could end up paying more for high-speed internet or losing access altogether this spring unless Congress acts, but South Carolina's representatives are split over continuing the subsidy program. The pandemic-era Affordable Connectivity Program has helped nearly 425,500 South Carolina households by reducing their internet bills $30 to $75 monthly and providing a one-time discount on laptop, desktop or tablet purchases. White House officials estimate South Carolina families below poverty level have received a total of $204.6 million in funding, helping them collectively save about $11.6 million monthly. In South Carolina, most of the people who use the program live in the state's 7th Congressional District represented by Republican congressman Russell Fry. The district contains GOP stronghold Horry County and the Grand Strand, as well as some of the poorest and most rural counties in South Carolina, including Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Georgetown, Marion, Marlboro and most of Florence County. The Pee Dee district has the highest number of participating households at 81,856, or 28 percent. The $14.2 billion originally allocated to fund the internet discount program is slated to run out this April unless Congress votes to extend it. The Federal Communications Commission stopped enrolling new customers as of Feb. 7, and internet providers have notified customers the program could be ending soon, leaving many to choose between paying more or losing coverage. The White House has asked Congress for $6 billion to maintain the program through December, deeming it a critical request. But representatives like Fry do not support extending the funding. "While intended to connect non-subscribers to the internet, this pandemic-era program has abused taxpayer dollars," Fry spokesperson Hannah Nine said in an emailed statement. "Our nation is facing a serious debt crisis, and its imperative that federally funded spending programs are narrowly focused on helping those who need it the most." BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Saturday to the opening of the 37th African Union (AU) Summit. Xi pointed out that in the past year, the China-Africa relationship has kept deepening and developing, noting that China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue was successfully held and both sides have decided to support each other in their respective pursuit of modernization paths, so as to jointly create a good environment for realizing the vision of development. He expressed the willingness to work with African leaders to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation this year, and jointly promote a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-17 05:50:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 669 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAO PAULO, BRAZIL / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Bioma Token, a creative initiative in the DeFi world, utilises blockchain technology to establish a secure and transparent ecosystem. With a unique approach, the Bioma Token is establishing a new era of environmental conservation by dedicating one inch of forest per token, beginning with the foundation's own permanent preservation areas. More than just a cryptocurrency, the Bioma Token is building unity between people worldwide and the evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency world making a phenomenal move towards sustainability.Bioma EcoLodge Hotel: First and Only Crypto Eco HotelThe Bioma Eco Lodge focuses on sustainability by implementing the use of sustainably sourced local materials in building as well as waste management and renewable energy systems. To maintain exclusivity, the number of guests who can visit the Eco Hotel is limited.NFT Experience at Bioma Eco LodgeThis creative project creates a strong bond between visitors and the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest that goes well beyond a normal visit. Every guest will have the unique chance to plant a tree and leave their unique mark on the environment, all of which will be painstakingly documented on the blockchain via a unique NFT.This can act as a digital demonstration of your commitment to forest preservation, every tree you plant becomes a distinct NFT with real-time updates and monitoring that is accessible to watch its progress and users can use their NFT to tell a compelling story about their involvement in forest conservation."We have the vision of setting the benchmark for forest preservation within the cryptocurrency realm, establishing a model to be followed and admired across the industry, our Eco Lodge has been one the examples of what our vision is. We also have plans for Bioma Blockchain as well as the Bioma Eco Tree project that would act as another step towards our commitment towards the sustainability of the Amazon Biome", said Edson Gurgel, CEO & Founder of BIOMA ECO.RoadmapFrom Q1-2023, project evaluations were started, equipment for a live 24/7 broadcast of the forests was acquired, and a massive marketing effort that included traditional and internet media outlets was launched, laying the foundation for the project.The rest of 2023 saw a lot of progress as the Bioma Token Game's iOS and Android versions were finished, and marketing video scripts showcasing the project's features were created. Also, in Q4 of 2023, a contract with Exchange Bitcointoyou was signed, plans for a private pre-sale were made, the Bioma Ecolodge was opened, and on December 11th, the much-awaited Bioma Token pre-sale took place. With five million units available to the general public, the Bioma Token was launched in Q1 2024. The first lockup batch's release in Q2 of 2024 predicts greater growth, bringing 5 Million more tokens to the market.The aim for 2025 is the implementation of a robust DeFi platform that will empower Bioma Token investors to securely store their assets and receive a monthly income, underscoring the commitment to creating value and sustainability for the community.With the launch of Bioma Ecolodge in 2023, BIOMA ECO has also been successful in forest reserve acquisition, geo reference for the reserve as well as local community integration which helps to preserve the rich customs and culture of the local populations. Also, establishing healthy relationships with nearby communities makes sure that BIOMA ECO have a beneficial impact on their well-being and the preservation of their way of life. BIOMA ECO also plans on launching the Bioma Blockchain soon.The company's commitment to sustainability can also be witnessed from the data from their Tokenomics, which shows around 1.5 Million tokens being reserved for their upcoming Bioma Eco Trees project.Source:BIOMA Token WhitepaperLearn more about the BIOMA Project:More details about the project can be found on their website ( https://www.bioma.eco ) and their Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Bioma_eco ).For in-depth information about the project, read the Whitepaperhere .Media ContactOrganization: BiomaContact Person: Edson GurgelWebsite: https://www.bioma.eco Email: contact@ bioma.com City: Sao PauloCountry: BrazilSOURCE: Bioma PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-17 01:00:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 840 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / WEZOM , an IT company that turns digital ideas into powerful realities, has reached new milestones in its journey to becoming a top provider of efficient, customized software solutions. After successfully completing an innovative project that allows vehicular license plates to be recognized using AI-driven technology, WEZOM is now developing a SaaS solution for energy companies in the United States, expected to be launched in late 2024. WEZOM is also thrilled to announce it has been honored with threeTechbehemonths Awardsfor 2023. As Founder/CEO Serg Guzenko states, "Thanks to the hard work of our team, the last year for WEZOM has been especially pivotal. It all points to a strong future for us in 2024 and beyond." 24 years ago, Guzenko, an aspiring Ukrainian programmer, was working in the civil service with a salary of $100. He was raising a young daughter and dreamed of having his own business to provide a better future for his family. He and his friends rented an apartment in his native Kherson and opened a small web studio called WEZOM. Today, all of Guzenko's dreams have come true. WEZOM has turned into a strong player in the global software market, and its clients include large enterprise companies with 10 to 200,000 employees.WEZOM offers next-generation enterprise applications for businesses.WEZOM provides bespoke product development services for enterprise companies operating in the logistics, ecommerce, and energy industries.WEZOMis a group of companies that includes Elit-Web, focused on digital internet marketing in Ukraine and Europe; WEZOM Academy, specializing in niche education; and GTS, focused on website development on WordPress/Opencart. At global offices in Kyiv, New York City, Chicago, Warsaw and Stuttgart, WEZOM's 280 employees specialize in customizing large ERP and BMPS (Business Process Management) systems for energy companies and developing TMS and FMS systems for trucking fleets owned by logistics corporations.With the success ofits latest AI project , WEZOM continues its track record of leveraging technology to solve the most burning business issues. CEO&Owner shares howWEZOMdesigned its piece of software that digitized the leasing and maintenance of tires for a large company in Ukraine."The expertise of our team was instrumental to the success of this project, as the guys had to transform all operations that were originally performed by hand," Serge Guzenko says. "All records, including inspection reports, tire parameters, billing, and invoices were digitized. Using artificial intelligence, we also created software that allows tablet cameras to recognize license plates automatically. By improving the quality and standardizing the data collected during tire inspections, our client can now gain a more relevant view of the company's assets and make better-informed business decisions." Building on the success of its ERP system project for the energy sector, the WEZOM team is developing a SaaS solution for US energy companies that have difficulty implementing complex ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. WEZOM creates a modern gold standard: managed software that provides the benefits of a large ERP system but goes beyond the limitations of email.As a result, small and mid-sized companies will get tools that allow their customers to conveniently access billing via mobile and web apps. WEZOM plans to launch the new solution in the United States in late 2024.For its dedicated services incustom software development ,web development , andReactjsdevelopment, WEZOM was honored with the Techbehemoths Award 2023. And the team couldn't be happier that their hard work and professionalism are being recognized.Serge Guzenko at the Chicago office"We are very happy that our vision of an IT company that powers its clients with a capable vehicle to manage and grow their businesses has been achieved," Serge confirms. "We always believed that if we focused on streamlining workflows, remained flexible, and gained a deep understanding of the tasks and problems faced by our clients, we could use IT to make their lives much easier. That is exactly what has happened." Serge Guzenko invites all businesses seeking customized IT solutions to reach out to WEZOM. "We stay professional and customer-oriented from the very kick-off to the full completion of your project," he says. "Through collaboration and shared success, we will delve into your complex business challenges and find the creative solutions that really hit the spot." About WEZOM WEZOM is an IT partner for SMBs and enterprises that operates with integrity, transparency, and quality. With 24 years of ecommerce experience and a team of 280 people, WEZOM offers customized software solutions that help businesses scale and develop across all relevant industries. Its services include evaluation & design, custom software, mobile development, web development, and maintenance & support. WEZOM has been listed among the Top 3 IT companies of Ukrainian origin in the United States and regularly receives positive reviews from both itscustomersandemployees . Also, WEZOM's CEO runs apodcastwhile there is a separate WEZOMpodcastthat answers common industry questions.WEZOM's team in ChicagoFor more information about WEZOM, please see itswebsiteor contact:Serge Guzenko1-872-225-3073office_usa@ wezom.comhttps://www.facebook.com/wezom.companyhttps://www.instagram.com/wezom.company/https://twitter.com/wezomcompany SOURCE: WEZOM PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-17 02:35:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 881 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ASHLAND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Satya Therapeutics (the Company) is pleased to announce that it has conducted almost three hundred psilocybin administration sessions at its Ashland service center since opening in July 2023. The Company believes that it accounts for at least twenty percent of all client sessions to date in the entire State of Oregon, making Satya the leading Psilocybin Therapy Service Center.Jennifer Met, co-founder and CEO commented, "We are very excited by the response we have had to date. Clients are coming to us from all over the world with serious mental health conditions and they are receiving significant benefits from our services. We believe Satya's low prices (and we do have the most affordable prices in the State), our exceptional facilitators, and our "upscale yet relaxed" service center all meet the needs of clients looking to better their lives. Clients can receive psilocybin services for $1,250 or less-and that's an amazing value. We even have several facilitators partnering with Satya to deliver ALL INCLUSIVE journeys at $499!"The company has been providing-in conjunction with facilitators-ongoing discounts to meet social equity opportunities. The Company estimates that Satya and facilitators are providing additional discounts of around 15% to clients in-need. This includes Senior Citizens, Veterans, first responders, and people from disadvantaged communities. Jennifer Met also commented, "We believe Satya is providing more social equity discounts than most other service centers in the State as many other service centers are only offering 5% of their sales as discounts. Satya is committed to health and social equity." Satya has received over twenty 5-star google reviews to date. Clients compliment Satya on how fast we respond to inquiries, our fully open schedule (no wait lists), and our willingness to accept the most challenging client circumstances. Clients enjoy our friendly environment-describing it almost feeling like family-because Satya is really just a mom and pop' operation." Almost all clients coming to Satya suffer from major mental health issues, including PTSD, treatment resistant depression, alcoholism and other addictions, bi-polar disorder, OCD, and end of life anxiety. Clients state they come to Satya for relief and they are getting the results that are looking for-in many cases entirely transforming their lives. Jennifer Met commented, "we have the most experienced facilitators in the State with several having seen over fifty clients since we opened. Our facilitators have become exceptionally versed at dealing with the host of medications clients are taking, and how to effectively plan psilocybin doses for positive outcomes. The results are astounding!"As the result of strong ongoing bookings through March, the Company is ramping up its grow operation to meet demand. Satya is the only company in the State that not only runs a service center, but also has a psilocybin production license-allowing the company control over the product it offers for client consumption. Andreas Met, co-founder and COO, stated "We are seeing clients who require more psilocybin than we initially planned. The average client dose is over 40mg of psilocybin (between six and eight grams of dried mushrooms). As a result, we need to grow at least 350g of mushrooms a month. Other service centers are also taking advantage of our low wholesale prices. We sell product to other service centers at a 40% discount compared to even the lowest price competitor--$15 per gram, or $1.50 per mg of psilocybin. So we are growing an additional buffer stock in the event more service centers decide to buy from Satya." On January 20th the Company applied for it's manufacturing license renewal. This process is expected to take up to sixty days. Andreas Met commented, "Satya has a distinct pricing model from any other service center in the State as we grow our own mushrooms. We offer these same mushrooms to other service centers at a price that will allow a 35mg dose to be sold to their clients at $100. It is unfortunate that clients have to pay up to $500 for the same amount of psilocybin at other service centers in Oregon because it really excludes a large amount of clients in-need. We remain committed to making psilocybin services accessible to people from all walks of life." As part of the Manufacturing operations licensing renewal process the Company has applied for an extraction endorsement. The company believes there is an emerging market for extracts and edibles to offer clients an additional consumption option other than capsules, tea, or whole mushrooms. Satya believes choice is always an important aspect to customer satisfaction.Satya is considering expansion opportunities now that business is stabilizing. Jennifer Met commented, "the future looks incredibly bright to us. We've transitioned out of the start-up mode. We're considering possible expansion into Arizona (we were just featured in the news there) and possibly Missouri, and maybe Colorado. It's an exciting time to consider where the next amazing steps might take place. All-in-all its thrilling to be a leader in a business devoted to helping clients heal their lives. We're all so lucky to be a part of this while honoring those cultures and traditions that allow us to be here today." For more information about Satya Inc. Contact: Satya Inc. www.satyatherapeutics.com Andreas Met, Co-founder and COO541-930-2478 or andreas@ satyatherapeutics.com SOURCE: SATYA INC. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-17 05:15:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 700 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Saville Resources Inc. (TSXV:SRE)(FSE:S0J) (the " Company ") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the " Offering ") for gross proceeds of up to $750,000 through the issuance of up to 15,000,000 units (each, a " Unit ") of the Company at $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit shall consist of (i) one common share (a " Common Share ") in the capital of the Company, and (ii) one-half share purchase warrant (each whole, a " Warran t"), with each whole Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.075 per share until twelve (12) months following closing.Finder's fees may be payable in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange "). The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for general working capital.The Offering remains subject to approval of the Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. Insiders may participate in the Offering, but the extent of insider participation, if any, is unknown at this time.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsSAVILLE RESOURCES INC."Mike Hodge"Mike Hodge, President Tel: 604.681.1568The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or 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 a U.S. person unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsStatements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes"and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the completion, anticipated size, and use of proceeds from the Offering. 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 Company's expectations include but are not limited to market conditions and the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. 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 Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.SOURCE: Saville Resources Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-17 04:15:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 347 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, LLP has launched an investigation into whether the board members of HireRight Holdings (NYSE:HRT) breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of the Company to the investment funds affiliated with General Atlantic and Stone Point Capital.You can click on the following link to join this investigation:Click Here to Join the InvestigationOn February 16, 2024, HireRight announced that it had entered a deal to merge with General Atlantic and Stone Point Capital. Under the terms of the deal, HireRight shareholders will receive $14.35 per share in an all-cash offer.The investigation concerns whether the HireRight board failed to satisfy its duties to the Company shareholders, including whether the board adequately pursued alternatives to the acquisition and whether the board obtained the best price possible for HireRight shares of common stock. Nationally recognized, Johnson Fistel is investigating whether the proposed deal represents adequate consideration, especially given analysts' projections for future earnings growth and last year HireRight shares traded over $18, just two years ago.If you are a shareholder of HireRight. and believe the proposed buyout price is too low or you're interested in learning more about the investigation, please contact lead analyst Jim Baker ( jimb@ johnsonfistel.com ) at 619-814-4471. If emailing, please include a phone number.About Johnson Fistel, LLP:Johnson Fistel, LLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York, Georgia, and Colorado. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.johnsonfistel.com Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Johnson Fistel, LLP has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Frank J. Johnson is the attorney responsible for its content.Contact:Johnson Fistel, LLP501 W. Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101James Baker, Investor Relations or Frank J. Johnson, Esq., (619) 814-4471 jimb@ johnsonfistel.com or fjohnson@ johnsonfistel.com SOURCE: Johnson Fistel, LLP Nigeria grapples with the highest prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) in Africa with an estimated total of 479,000 cases in 2022. Yet, the inadequacy of a revolutionary diagnostic tool impedes the nations fight against this infectious disease, ALFRED OLUFEMI reports. At the crack of dawn every morning, Mver Foga, a 56-year-old farmer from Agasha, an agrarian community in Nigerias Benue State, embarks on an arduous journey to his cherished farmland. On some days, he navigates the rugged terrain on foot, while on others, he mounts his trusty old motorcycle. However, this routine that caters to a family of six was disrupted when Mr Foga began falling ill repeatedly in January 2022. It all started with a dry cough. At the initial stage, he purchased flu medication from a nearby drug store, hoping the cough would disappear with time. But instead, it worsened, leading to frequent bouts of illness that made him stay away from farming. The mysterious cough was later identified as a symptom of the infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB) when Mr Foga was tested two months later that same year. Mr Foga had his sputum sample collected during a TB testing drive held in March 2022, a World TB awareness month. According to him, some health workers visited the Agasha Comprehensive Health Centre in Guma Local Government Area, where many residents were screened for TB. I heard about it and presented myself for the test at the health centre. That was where they tested me and diagnosed me with Tuberculosis; they told me it was the reason I have been coughing, Mr Foga said. The health workers who took his sample suspected he was infected, but they had to send the sample to the state capital in Makurdi for a confirmation test and it came back positive. I had to make sure that all my family members got tested also. Thank God I was the only one who had it, he added. Following a positive diagnosis, Mr Foga underwent a six-month treatment plan, which he completed later in 2022. I started the treatment in March and completed it in September. Altogether, it took me six months. Im very well now, he said in July (2023), breathing a sigh of relief. Deadly disease The early detection and subsequent treatment plan cured Mr Foga of a disease that could have killed him or left him maimed. Tuberculosis, caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is spread by airborne transmission. While its primary impact is first on the lungs, it can also target other vital organs like the brain, kidneys, or spine if not treated early enough. According to the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC), tuberculosis is curable; but without proper treatment, it can be fatal for those affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) described the infectious disease as one of the worlds deadliest infectious killers, causing 1.6 million deaths each year and affecting millions more. Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth in the world, accounting for about 4.6 per cent of the global TB burden, according to the global body. Introduction of advanced diagnostic tool The World Health Organization in 2010 recommended the use of rapid molecular diagnostic tests as the initial diagnostic test in all persons with signs and symptoms of TB. These have high diagnostic accuracy and will lead to major improvements in the early detection of TB and drug-resistant TB, the organisations media advisory read. One of the rapid tests recommended is the Xpert MTB/RIF, a Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) test that uses a disposable cartridge with the GeneXpert machine, a technology developed by Cepheid, an American molecular diagnostic company. To conduct the test, a sputum sample is collected from a suspected TB patient and mixed with a reagent. A cartridge containing this mixture will then be placed in the GeneXpert machine. At this point, the process is automated and the result can be obtained in about two hours as against conventional methods such as microscopic examination and chest X-ray that may take weeks. GeneXpert shortage in Nigeria This revolutionary technology, Xpert MTB/RIF was first introduced to Nigeria in 2011 through a collaboration between WHO and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and some were installed in eight health facilities. By 2016, Nigerias federal ministry of health had fully adopted the use of the technology alongside the conventional methods and the plan was to have at least one machine in each of the 774 local government areas. However, seven years later, this goal has remained unmet. The National Coordinator for the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Chukwuma Anyaike, in an interview with this reporter, noted that there are currently 503 GeneXpert machines across the country but recognises the existing gap of over 250 machines. Our plan is to have at least one in every of the 774 local government areas, he said. He then urged the federal government to provide adequate funding for the purchase of more machines to make the target a reality. The Director of Technical Programmes at KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, Sani Useni, stated that the shortage poses a significant challenge to the countrys testing targets. Going by the estimate of the country, if you look at Nigerias population, we are expected to detect at least 219 cases in 100,000 population. As long as these machines are not available across the LGAs where a client can conveniently access them, the numbers of persons who are presumed to have TB will not be detected and by extension, the backlog (body of people) who are transmitting the diseases to the communities will not reduce. He added that this situation puts communities at risk as many infected individuals like Mr Foga could unknowingly spread the disease. For persons who are not found, detected and put on appropriate treatment, this will result in at least 15 to 20 people being infected in a year, Mr Useni noted. The case of Benue State Benue State, where Mr Foga resides, is one of the states in Nigeria, with a high TB prevalence, exacerbated by a high rate of HIV/AIDS. In 2021, over 40,000 residents of the state were at risk of contracting TB, according to the former Programme Manager for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control in the state, Igbabul Ishember. He also revealed that between 2020 to 2022, more than 10,500 people diagnosed with TB in Benue State were placed on a six to twelve-month treatment plan. However, in many places in Benue, especially rural areas, GeneXpert machines are not readily available for TB testing. Suspected patients are often directed to distant health facilities for testing. Unlike Mr Foga who had his sputum collected during the testing drive campaign, 27-year-old Joseph Edache had to travel 30 kilometres to get tested. Mr Edache, a resident of Ojali community in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, was suspected to have been infected but had his sputum collected in a health facility in Idakpe, the headquarters of his LGA. At the health centre, I met a nurse who carried out my registration and educated me on how to take the drug firstly, four tablets a day for two months. Then, I was told to go for another test which I did at my local government headquarters in Idekpa, Ohimini LGA. Seven LGAs without GeneXpert The Programme Manager of the Benue State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Terrence Akighir, in an interview with this reporter, said there are currently 28 GeneXpert machines distributed across 16 out of the 23 LGAs of the state. He said the distribution was informed by the burden of tuberculosis in the different areas of the state. So, some places have two (machines) while others have one and others none at all. It was based on the burden where TB was commonly diagnosed. According to the official, seven of the LGAs without the GeneXpert machine include Apa, Ogbadigbo, Agatu, Ado, Guma, Ohimini and Obi. While he explained that those LGAs had had fewer or no cases in the past, he admitted there is a dire need for them to have the GeneXpert, considering the prevalence and spread of the disease. As I told you, TB can be spread, he said. Supposing (sic) somebody has TB, he can go to church, sneeze and then release the TB germ in the church so two or three people might pick it up, take it home and like that it will start spreading. Maybe they were not looking for them in those places but now we are getting them so there is a need for those LGAs to have GeneXpert machines. The traditional head of Ohimini community, John Ochayi, also emphasised the need for GeneXpert machines in his community, citing how communal living exposes residents to a higher risk of infection. At the subclinical level, there is a high prevalence rate of TB and the presence of not testing with high sensitivity machines; some of my people may have it without knowing. We need this machine in Ohimini LGA so it will be easier to pick up cases of infection, he said. Urban Health Centres experience surge in visits Findings by this reporter showed that in certain local government areas, mostly urban, where GeneXpert machines are present, they are often installed within a healthcare facility. As a result, these facilities experience a surge in the number of visitors. For instance, in Makurdi local government, the state capital, the machines are found in Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Nigerian Air Force (NAF) hospital and Bishop Murray Medical Centre. When this reporter visited FMCs AIDS Prevention clinic, many suspected TB patients were observed taking turns to be attended to. The clinic days, according to staff, are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A staff member, who asked to remain anonymous because he is not authorised to grant interviews, said the clinic serves a minimum of 100 patients per clinic day, with most being diagnosed with TB using the GeneXpert machines. A medical officer at the facility, Ode Michael, also told this reporter that the clinic records an average of 20 TB cases monthly. Its alarming but this is a federal medical centre. Its a tertiary institution, not just what you see in town (sic). Some people come from far places and neighbouring states on referrals, so thats one of the reasons we have such numbers. As we are having new cases, we are also getting some treated and discharged. He, however, mentioned that not all the people seen by the reporter are new cases. Some are coming for their drugs and some for follow-up after treatment, he said. Commenting on the situation in Benue, Mr Useni, the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation director, advocated for more GeneXpert machines and in the interim, an effective linkage system that connects the people to the existing ones. Definitely theres a need to access GeneXpert machines across the state. A number of machines may not be appropriate but when you come to individual local governments it becomes very obvious, he said. The linkage mechanism should be such that if the person cannot access GeneXpert machine there has to be that specimen transport system for clients that are presumed to have TB. Once theyve produced their specimen, state and local Government personnel can create that support where specimens can be transported. Despite the high prevalence of HIV in Benue, Mr Useni believes that if the system is enhanced, people will have access to quality diagnoses and will be put on the right course of treatment. This work was produced with the support of the Africa-China Reporting Project at the Wits Centre for Journalism, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The opinions held are of the author(s). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal Lagos nullifying the takeover of the landed property of Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). A member of the Supreme Court panel, Emmanuel Agim in, in his lead judgement, dismissed the appeal brought to it by AMCON and affirmed the lower courts decision to halt the companys takeover and ordered a new hearing at the High Court. I find no merit in this appeal. The judgement of the court of appeal is hereby affirmed, Mr Agim declared. The Court of Appeal had in a lead judgement by Ugochukwu Ogakwu, held that the failure of AMCON to join Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited as a defendant in its suit before the Federal High Court rendered the proceedings leading to the takeover order nullity. The court also ordered that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing. The Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered the takeover of the companys property by AMCON for not paying the loan obtained from the defunct Oceanic Bank. AMCON had prayed the court to order security agencies to offer it protection to enable it to exercise its possessory rights as a legal mortgagee under the Deeds of Legal Mortgage, over Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limiteds landed properties. But Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited appealed against the judgment on the grounds that it was denied a fair hearing because it was not joined as a defendant. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Sahad Stores, a popular Abuja shopping mall, has been reopened hours after it was sealed off by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The stores Area 11, Garki branch was sealed off on Friday following an alleged disparity between prices on the shelf and what customers had to pay. According to a statement signed by the agencys acting chief executive officer, Adamu Abdullahi, the store was reopened at 7p.m. on Friday following a mutual understanding and commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices. Mr Abdullahi said his agency had conducted an on-the-spot check on Sahad Stores in Abuja on Friday which led to the temporary closure of the store due to continued violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency. He noted that the FCCPC had on 8 January investigated Sahad Stores following reports of misleading pricing practices and found that Sahad Stores displayed lower prices on shelves and charged higher prices at checkout, contravening Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. The investigation included all Sahad Stores branches in Abuja to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue and implement corrective measures across the entire chain, he said. The FCCPC issued a summons to specific Sahad Stores staff members, asking them to appear on 12 February to discuss corrective measures but they failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPA. ALSO READ: FCCPC seals off Sahad Stores in Abuja On visiting the stores on Friday, they confirmed through random checks that the deceptive practice did not only continue, but cashiers also charged prices at their discretion, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to unfair pricing. Mr Abdullahi states that businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times. The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights, he added. Mr Abdullahi further encouraged all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has penned an emotional tribute to his late elder sister, Obebhatein Jonathan, who died on 11 January 2024 at the age of 70 years. In a tribute published in the funeral brochure presented at last Fridays burial ceremonies in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Jonathan described the death of her only surviving sibling from his aged mother as traumatising. In the two-page tribute, the former President also noted that he shared a special bond with his late elder sister, adding that he would continue to carry on her legacy with honour. Below is the full text of the tribute: TRIBUTE TO SISTER OBEBHATEIN By Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Can I, in all honesty, say adieu to my dear loving sister Obebh? Sister Obebhatein is gone! How I wish I could turn back the hands of time. How can she depart the world now when our mum is in her nineties and knowing that our mum has only two of us as her surviving children? No! I still find it hard to believe that the only sibling I have from my mum is dead. The news of her death was the most devastating and unkind news that my ears suffered to hear for as long as I can remember. It was too hard to process and bear now that the family has come to accept the Grim Reapers cold jab. Yes, I knew she was ill, but I believed she would pull through. Little did I expect death to come knocking so soon. I was in Bayelsa State on December 27, 2023, and stayed through the New Year period. During that period, I spent some time with her. I noticed that my elder sister was up and about, even attended some ceremonies but a bit frail in her gait. Even then, she assured me that it was no longer so much of a concern. I still insisted that her doctor should conduct a comprehensive check on her and advise on the best course to take for her full recovery. I had a personal matter to sort out abroad. As I travelled on January 8, my thoughts were squarely on my sister. In my head, I had worked out a plan to send her to a specialist hospital for a follow-up and comprehensive examination once I returned. But that was not to be. Later, I got to hear that the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa did their best to avail her of the necessary care, especially when her condition suddenly worsened. They assembled many consultants, including endocrinologists and neurologists, and carried out an MRI scan and other required tests in a bid to stabilise her. But her health deteriorated so fast, such that the cold hands of death could not be stopped. Her death is terribly traumatising. We know we will all die, but the time and circumstances of death are critical and significant. Now that she is gone, can our mother take this news? Can she survive it? I did not brief my mother in detail about why I had to travel abroad, but I reckon that someone might have told her that I could also see a doctor during the trip. That must have been a piece of information too dense for her to digest. Is she losing her only two surviving children at the same time, at such an advanced age? This is a woman who had ten live births, but eight died before their first birthday. I could only imagine the devastating storm the development had triggered in her psyche. Sister Obebh exited this world at the wrong time. Mama will have to contend with the eternal absence and loss of a daughter who had, over time, become a mother and grandmother and her companion in her old age. Since she retired from teaching ten years ago, my sister has become our mothers associate, friend, confidant, and key support system. There was a special bond between me and my sister. She was the only sister I knew growing up, and I was her only brother from childhood. Together we lived, dreamed, played, laughed, loved, fought, and stood for each other. In the tapestry of my life, there are threads of love, humility, companionship, and an unbreakable bond that belongs solely to Obebh, my dear elder sister. As I write this, my heart is heavy with sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude for all that God led her to do for me. Obebh, from the beginning, you were not just a sister but also a guide, a confidant, and a fellow dream-weaver. Together, we navigated the labyrinth of life, chasing shared dreams with a determination known only to those who truly understand the power of close sibling camaraderie. I am eternally grateful, blessed beyond measure, to have grown up alongside you, my beloved sister. Even though you are no longer with us in body, your memory, and the love we shared will forever remain in my heart. Thank you for the cherished moments, the unspoken understanding, and the unwavering support. You will always be a part of me, and I will carry your legacy with honour. We are all grieving now, but we are hoping for Almighty God to comfort and strengthen all of us. We will take solace in the fact that you were an exemplary woman and role model who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity. Farewell, my dear sister, until we meet again. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, GCON President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested eight members of a kidnapping syndicate that abducted some school children and their teachers in Emure, Ekiti State recently. Parading the suspected kidnappers on Friday evening, the police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said the breakthrough was made possible through the dogged efforts of men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). Mr Abutu said that while the police was trying to apprehend the kidnappers, there was an exchange of gunfire, which led to the killing of one of the suspects. According to him, items recovered from the suspects included one (1) AK 47 assorted rifle, one (1) pump action gun loaded with five (5) live cartridges, twenty-one (21) AK 47 live ammunition, and expended shells of AK-47 ammunition. Others are one (1) face-mask, one (1) nose mask, two (2) pairs of hand glove, twenty (20) different handsets, one (1) National ID Card bearing Salisu Mohammed, two (2) MTN sim cards, and one (1) airtel sim card. In our relentless and deliberate efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, especially kidnappers, and the quest to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the killing of two traditional rulers in Ikole-Ekiti and the kidnapping of some school children and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti as well as other kidnapping incidents in the state, the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) commenced a thorough investigation and operation, and arrested eight members of a kidnapping syndicate and neutralised one. On 8/02/2024 at about 1300hrs, the Command Rapid Response Squad (RRS) received a credible tip-off that a gang of armed men has invaded a farmland at Eda-Oniyo-Ekiti and were planning to kidnap some expatriates in Dairy Farmland, Ikun-Ekiti. Upon receipt of the information, a team of RRS operatives swung into action and arrested one Abubakar Aliyu who was on a mission to spy on the actual location of the expatriates, the spokesperson said. He disclosed that after Mr Aliyus arrest, the leader of the kidnapping gang identified as Sumo Karami sent two vigilante members one Saliu Ibrahim and Umaru Saliu to secure the bail of the arrested gang member from police custody. The two vigilante members were arrested and subsequently led the RRS operatives to Oro-Ago town where one Mohammed Bashiru, the leader of Miyetti Allah vigilante in Oro-Ago, Kwara State, was arrested. During interrogation, Mohammed Bashiru revealed that he is a relative of Sumo Karami, who is a leader of a dreaded kidnapping gang and that Abubakar Aliyu is one of his gang members who have been terrorising and kidnapping innocent citizens. Initial investigation revealed that Sumo Karami and his gang members were responsible for the kidnapping of the pupils and their teachers in Emure-Ekiti on 29 January 2024. Meanwhile, the phone used to demand for ransom for the release of the pupils and the teachers was recovered from the suspects and further efforts led to the arrest of two more gang members, namely, Yahaya Jubril and Usman Garba in Owo forest, Ondo State, Mr Abutu said. He told journalists that further investigation led to the arrest of one Kenneth Ugwu in Ibadan, Oyo State, on 14 February. According to him, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped five pupils, three teachers and a driver in Emure-Ekiti. The suspect led a team of RRS operatives to the kidnappers hideout inside Agric Reserved Forest between Ise-Ekiti/Emure-Ekiti. On sighting the police, the armed hoodlums engaged the team in a gun duel. In the process, one of the gang members, who was later identified as Ayuba, was neutralized; one Abubakar Mohammed was captured alive while other gang members escaped through the forest. Investigation revealed that the syndicate was responsible for the kidnapping of one Paul Omotosho, the APC chairman, Ekiti State, along Agbado/Imesi, Ekiti road on 8 July last year, the kidnapping of Mr. and Mrs. Awoniyi along Ikere/Itaogbolu road in January this year and the kidnapping of teachers and pupils of Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Emure-Ekiti on 29 January this year, Mr Abutu added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze YAOUNDE, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Oozing with confidence and pride, Rodrigue Tene Taling watched attentively as Cameroonian students performed Chinese songs during a competition on Friday organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Yaounde II. About 13 years ago, he was a spectator and contestant in the show, but today he was one of the judges tasked with selecting winners of the annual competition, which is open to all Cameroonian students interested in singing Chinese songs. Now in its 10th edition, the competition, dubbed Voice of Cameroon, is an important opportunity for Chinese people in Cameroon to come together with the local community, said Xue Xiaobin, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute. "Music knows no borders," Xue said. "Now is the Chinese New Year, so it is a very important time for Chinese people to celebrate with our families, and here at the Confucius Institute, our partners, our colleagues, our students are just like our family members. So, we are very happy that we can celebrate this very important festival together with this music competition." But for Taling, it was more than just a competition and a coming-together event. "I owe my success to the Confucius Institute," said the 38-year-old father of two. In 2010, he enrolled in the institute to learn the Chinese language and culture. Years later, Taling graduated as one of the best students. Thanks to a scholarship offered by the Chinese government, he traveled to China where he studied and obtained a master's degree and then a PhD in Chinese language at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University. "China has one of the most important things, that is, its language and culture. I usually compare it to the key to opening China's door. If you do not master them, you cannot really integrate into that society," said Taling, who is today the director of the Center for African Films and TV Studies at Zhejiang Normal University. "Having studied the Chinese language for over two years here in this institute (in Cameroon) before leaving for China, I will acknowledge today that the key to my success there has been the Chinese language and culture I have been learning here," he added. When Taling enrolled at the Confucius Institute, he met his friend, who asked to be identified simply as Sema, who was also actively involved in the organization of Friday's song competition. Sema was studying physics at a Cameroonian university, but his love for the Chinese language and culture brought him to the institute where he learned the basics of the language. He later traveled to China where he obtained a master's degree in Chinese language. The 41-year-old said that the institute has laid the bridge between China and Cameroon, hence making it necessary and possible for Cameroonians to learn the Chinese language. "I personally think the cooperation between Cameroon and China is benefiting Cameroonian people. So we should just work hand in hand with Chinese people to do more. I have greatly benefited from this cooperation, and I am still benefiting because now I am recruited by the Confucius Institute, teaching at the University of Buea (in Cameroon)," said Sema, who is currently carrying out a study on how to use Chinese characters to write Cameroonian languages. "They have provided me with every tool, material and financial support that I needed to achieve that project. So with the Confucius Institute, everything is okay. It's just what it should be," he added. The institute in Cameroon has made a great contribution to mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, said Xue. Apart from the song competition, it also organizes the Chinese proficiency test. In each Chinese traditional festival, the institute holds different kinds of activities to introduce traditional culture to students and the local communities. "At the moment at the Confucius Institute, half of our teachers are Chinese people, and the other half are Cameroonians. All of them were once our students, and many of our teachers have become local Chinese teachers at primary and secondary schools in Cameroon, and many of them work in Chinese enterprises," Xue said. At the end of the competition, the duo of 20-year-old Francine Sephorah Dimaha and 22-year-old Grace Bile Akomo, both students of the Confucius Institute, were declared the overall winners. They expressed their eagerness to deepen their study of the Chinese language and culture, hoping that one day they would have the opportunity to travel to China. "Chinese language today is the most important tool in our cooperation with China, and China today is a great country with a big influence on the world platform. I will personally recommend this institute for our young Cameroonians for China is part of the future community with shared destiny," Taling said. The First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has deposited N540 million into an interest-yielding bank account in favour of a cleric, Emmanuel Omale, who it defamed. On 1 February, the Court of Appeal in Abuja refused to stay the execution of an earlier judgement awarding N540 million to Mr Omale, who was falsely accused of laundering money for Ibrahim Magu, as then acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Yusuf Halilu, a judge of the FCT High Court at Maitama, Abuja, in October 2022, ordered FCMB to pay the compensation to Mr Omale of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry and his wife, Deborah, over a false claim that they laundered N573 million for Mr Magu. The false claim against Mr Omale, and other unproven allegations of wrongdoings were reported without proof in the lead-up to Mr Magus turbulent exit from office as head of Nigerias anti-corruption agency, EFCC. Consequently, the conditional stay of execution is hereby granted to the Appellant. The condition being that the judgment sum shall be deposited into an interest-yielding bank account of the Court to be opened by the Chief Registrar of this Court within 48 hours of the grant of this Order. Payment In compliance with the appellate court order, the bank credited N540 million into an interest-yielding account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the court held by the Premium Trust Bank on 8 February. The Court of Appeal had ordered FCMB to pay the money into an interest-yielding account of its Chief Registrar within 48 hours of its enrolled order. Mr Omales lawyer, Gordy Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a letter dated 2 February, informed FCMBs lawyer, Wale Olawoyin, a law professor, to comply with the order or risk contempt proceedings against his client. May we also bring to your knowledge the fact that this conditional stay of execution was a consent order having been consented to by M.S. Hamza Esq. who held your brief for the appellant. WHEREFORE we wish to state that if the said judgment sum of N540, 500, 000. 00 (five hundred and forty million, five hundred thousand naira) is not immediately deposited with the Court of Appeal as directed in the enrolled order of the Court, we shall commence contempt proceedings against the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, to commit her to Prison for disobedience to order of Court, Mr Uche indicated in the letter. Background During the investigation of Mr Magu by a Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020, it was alleged that an investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) revealed that Mr Magu, who is now retired from the police, paid N573 million into Mr Omales churchs account. It further alleged that the funds were used to purchase property for him in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). About the time the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the report of the panel, Mr Magu was facing a barrage of similar allegations from a presidential investigative panel led by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami. President Muhammad Buhari has refused to release the report of any of the panels to enable the public to have first-hand information about Mr Magus culpability or otherwise in the charge and many others levelled against him. The Mr Salami-led panel, which conducted its months-long hearing in secrecy, is believed to have been engineered by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to get Mr Magu out of office over wide differences they shared on diverse issues. Mr Magu, who was suspended as Acting Chairman of the EFCC in the wake of the probe by Mr Salamis panel, was never recalled or held accountable for any infraction after the panel submitted its report to Mr Buhari. The other panel, titled, Final Report of the Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020, was said to be headed by Abdullahi Ibrahim, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice. It stated that Mr Magu, through a pastor named Omale, had been laundering public funds to foreign countries. As an unknown pastor, the NFIUs report showed the huge movement of funds ranging from N573, 228,040.41, the report claimed. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nearly 40 years after the gruesome murder of Dele Giwa, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the federal government to reopen an investigation into the incident. Mr Giwa was 39 years old when he was blown to smithereens by a parcel bomb at his residence in Lagos, South-west Nigeria in October 1986. Reputed as one of Nigerias foremost investigative journalists at the time during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, Mr Giwas death remains one of the many unresolved cases in Nigeria. But the judgement by Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday offers a glimmer of hope in tortuous advocacy for Mr Giwas killers brought to justice. Judgement In the judgement, Mr Ekwo asked the government to recommence probes into unresolved cases of extra-judicial killings of other journalists in Nigeria. An order is hereby made directing the federal government of Nigeria to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of all attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that all victims of attacks against journalists have access to effective remedies. An order is hereby made directing the federal government to take measures to raise awareness and build the capacities of various stakeholders, particularly journalists and other media practitioners, policymakers, law enforcement, security, intelligence, military as well as other officials and relevant stakeholders on the laws and standards for ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners. The judge held that the governments response in the case did not controvert the plaintiffs argument. Mr Ekwo said, It is pertinent to note that the respondent has neither denied that these killings have taken place or that these persons were not journalists or media practitioners. The position of the law is that affidavit evidence which is not challenged or controverted howsoever, is deemed admitted and can be relied upon by a court. An order is hereby made directing the federal government of Nigeria to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists and other media practitioners, the court ordered. Background A not-for-profit organisation, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), had instituted the suit in 2021, seeking to enforce the fundamental rights of journalists to safety as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human & Peoples Rights. Aside from Mr Giwa, the plaintiff listed other journalists who have been victims of extra-judicial killings Bolade Fasisi of the National Association of Women Journalists, killed on 31 March e1998; Edward Olalekan of Daily Times, killed in June 1999; Omololu Falobi of The Punch, murdered in October, 2006; Godwin Agbroko of Thisday, December 1999; Abayomi Ogundeji of Thisday, August 2008; and Edo Sule-Ugbagwu of The Nation, April 2010. In January, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, claimed that Nigeria remains one of the safest places for journalists in Africa. Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) spoke at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland. The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every 4.5 years. While presenting Nigerias report of its human rights efforts, Mr Fagbemi said journalists ply their trade in Nigeria without any form of harassment or intimidation. Contrary to Mr Fagbemis claim, several journalists have been arbitrarily arrested and detained, while others were killed for doing their job. In 2021, a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) revealed that 278 journalists have been killed in the last ten years in Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kano State Government has budgeted over N5.32 billion for meals and the renovation of the governors lodge and some other buildings at Government House. The amount is contained in the states 2023 supplementary budget and 2024 budget Governor Abba Yusuf signed into law last year. Mr Yusuf had presented to the State House of Assembly a supplementary budget of N58 billion last September and another N24 billion in November, making it a total of N82 billion after he assumed office on 29 May. The governor proposed the supplementary budgets after President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies, presenting the federal, state, and local governments with more money. In the first supplementary budget, the governor proposed N800 million for the renovation of his office at the Government House and N500 million for the renovation of his personal residence at Kwankwasiyya City in the Kano metropolis. Mr Yusuf also proposed N200 million for phase one of the construction of a new governors lodge in the same Kwankwasiyya City, according to the supplementary budget document. The renovation of the office complex of the Government House was completed last December and commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The governors media aide, Sanusi Bature, in a press release at the time, said the government spent millions on the renovation. Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the multi-million-naira redesigned Kano Governors Office Complex at the Government House in Kano. The edifice included a redesigned council chamber, an executive conference hall, and a VIP lounge with state-of-the-art office facilities, Mr Bature said in December. Mr Bature did not give the details of the amount spent. Details However, the budget document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, shows that N15 million was allocated for the construction of a Banquet Hall and another N15 million for the reconstruction of roofing at Coronation Hall, both at the Government House. Another N45 million was earmarked for the renovation of the Coronation Hall and N20 million for the construction of a two-bedroom house at the Government House. Meanwhile, in the 2024 budget, over N3.72 billion was allocated for various expenses at the Government House, including recurrent expenditure of over N2.5 billion, and N1.56 billion as overhead cost. About N775,860,07 was budgeted for refreshments and meals; N77,586,206 for local training, N800 million for security services, and N800 million for unspecified services. Also in the 2024 budget, N90 million was allocated for fuel and lubricants, N38 million for motor vehicle fuel; N47 million for plant and generator fuel, and N1 billion for capital expenditures. The budget also allocated over N232 million for travel and transport; N77 million for local travel; N3 million for telephone charges; N3 million for internet access charges, and over N4.6 million for satellite broadcasting access charges. The Government House also got N100 million for the purchase of photocopy machines; N100 million for fixed assets purchases; N1 billion for the acquisition of intangible assets; N500 million for Research and Development, and N500 million for special intervention funds. A review of the budget by PREMIUM TIMES shows that Mr Yusuf is embarking on non-essential spending while promising to be frugal. For instance, some observers said the renovation of the Government House and governors lodge at Kwankwasiyya City at a time when residents of the state are facing economic hardship is insensitive. They argued that revenues accruing from the removal of fuel subsidies should be used to ease the pressure on the vulnerable, and other citizens. They said Kano needs to make serious financial commitments to addressing the high number of out-of-school children roaming its streets and fix the crisis in its health sector. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), there are more than 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria with Kano having the fourth highest number of the children among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Other allocations While the government budgeted N5.32 billion for the Government House, it budgeted just slightly over N5.89 billion for agriculture and over N6.16 billion for water resources. The Ministry of Higher Education got N4.12 billion while the mother Ministry of Education got N39.2 billion. But a breakdown of allocations to the education sector show that they are paltry in comparison to the amount earmarked for the Government House. For instance, the College of Education and Preliminary Studies got N2.54 billion. READ ALSO: Kano traders vow to stabilise prices of goods Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada got N1.9 billion. Kano State Polytechnic got N3.7 billion. The Informatics Institute received N150 million. The state-owned university Yusuf Maitama Sule University got N6,18 billion. Aminu Kano School of Islamic and Legal Studies got N2.57 billion. Audu Bako College of Agriculture Danbatta got N1,15 billion while the newly converted Saadatu Rimi University got only N5.81 billion. The states Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) got over N10 billion, the Agency for Mass Education, N1 billion, Science and Technical School Board was allocated N4.44 billion, and the Senior Secondary Schools Management Board got N25.37 billion. Kano State Islamic and Quranic School Board (overseeing the Almajiri schools) got a paltry N577 million. Under the health sector, N34 billion was budgeted for the Ministry of Health. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has disclosed that several international and domestic investors have pledged to inject over $30 billion into Nigerias economy. Speaking Friday at a Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Uzoka-Anite noted that these investments are already underway across various sectors. The Federal Government has secured an investment commitment of $30bn since we came into power eight months ago. It means the investors are going to bring in the money or a promise to bring in the investment. So the money, investment, proposal, and every other thing is done. Some have already started building and the investments will come in over a period of five to eight years. Some of the monies will come in the form of equipment, direct investments into manufacturing, and into the facilities. So that fund is here already, she said. Emphasizing the outcomes of Nigerias bilateral engagements, the minister reiterated significant investment announcements and partnership opportunities for Nigerian trade. While giving a breakdown, she attributed these investments to President Bola Tinubus diplomatic visits to India and engagements with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. Our bilateral engagements have been fruitful and have led to significant investment announcements and partnership opportunities for Nigerian trade. A notable example is the G20 summit in India, where a $14bn worth of FDI inflow to Nigeria was announced and being actualised, she said. The minister added that they also secured $10 billion in investment commitments for the oil and gas sector. She said that following this achievement, the Confederation of Indian Industries visited Nigeria to delve deeper into identified investment prospects. These interactions with countries such as India, Germany, the Netherlands, the UAE, and South Africa, among others, have created opportunities for investment and the development of collaborative regulatory frameworks. She said that Nigeria received an expression of interest from a leading steel manufacturer in India, committing $7 billion to the countrys steel sector. Additionally, she mentioned hosting representatives from the oil and gas-free zone, who pledged an additional $10 billion in investments. She also said the Nigerian Bottling Company has invested $1.3 billion over the past decade, with plans for an additional $1 billion investment in the next five years. The minister emphasised collaborative efforts between the ministry, customs, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Finance to automate the export permit process for increased transparency. She reiterated the commitment to enhance transparency by automating the export permit process, enabling better oversight and auditing to ensure that exports are duly repatriated. She also highlighted that policy reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification have bolstered investor confidence, fostering economic growth, job creation, and improved access to capital. Shell In response to concerns about Shells investments in Nigeria, the monister clarified that Shell is not withdrawing but rather expanding its investments. According to her, other companies like Coca-Cola and Unilever have also pledged to deepen their investments in Nigeria, indicating confidence in the countrys business environment. I hosted the Managing Director of Shell who came to see me and explained to me the investment plan of Shell. I can tell you they are not leaving, they are rather expanding and increasing their investment in Nigeria. They are selling their offshore assets and increasing their investment in gas and in onshore assets, she said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Having lost some family members to the dangerous cancer disease, renowned Nigerian broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, has reeled out her plans to dedicate her 70th birthday to raising a minimum of N100 million in support of cancer patients in the country, and research works on the dreaded disease. Towards achieving the set target, Mrs Oloyede said former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, have volunteered to grace a gathering of family, friends and well-wishers where funds mobilised ahead of the day and those to be donated on that day will be publicly announced. Mrs Oloyede, who will join the septuagenarian club on 15 March, said the event to be graced by both Messrs Obasanjo and Anyaoku, and aimed at climaxing the fundraising activities, will be hosted at Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos. She spoke on Thursday at a press briefing hosted at the International Press Centre (IPC) in Lagos, noting that the birthday ceremony, which coincides with the ongoing Lenten period and the forthcoming Ramadan month, will feature the fundraising immediately after a short Songs of Praise Service, before the reception proper. READ ALSO: Nigerian philanthropist donates books to Jigawa government She therefore appealed to philanthropists globally to support her initiative targeted at helping humanity. Towards ensuring probity and accountability, Mrs Oloyede said a fundraising committee chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Women Radio 91.7 FM, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, has been set up to coordinate the donation through the celebrators non-governmental organisation- Lifeline Advocacy and Development Initiative. Why Cancer care? While thanking God for granting her the grace to be alive, Mrs Oloyede hinted of her bitter experiences each time her family was struck by the dreaded disease. She thanked friends, family members and well-wishers for standing by them during the difficult times, even as she rued the challenges faced by numerous cancer patients who she said might not be as lucky as her family to receive such support. She said: I felt that I should tell you myself about my plans for my 70th birthday. I feel so grateful to God for enabling me to stand before you in this manner. I feel thankful that my profession and the nature of my job pushed me to keep showing up, despite the personal difficulties I had with various members of my family. I owe my reason to my God, my profession, my family, and my friends, because the combination of the four kept me going. These are the thoughts that brought me back to this constituency (that is you) and my resolve to mark my birthday in a different way. I have spent almost 50 years performing in public and it has been a blessing. It is that same public that I come to now, asking for their help. Some members of my family have struggled with an ailment known as cancer; sometimes winning and sometimes losing, but, thankfully, in those trying times, when we reached out to friends, we received the help we needed to cope with the situations, one by one. She said she has, however, spoken to relevant stakeholders including oncologists, and health practitioners, who she noted confirmed that new cases are being diagnosed at an alarming rate every clinic day in all the public hospitals. I am therefore convinced that I must do something significant to make life more comfortable for cancer patients. Specific target Apart from targeting cancer patients in dire need of intervention from any part of the country and without ethnic, gender or religious bias, Mrs Oloyede said some basic but necessary tools that could ease cancer care management in public health facilities have been identified to be supplied to hospitals. She however noted that beneficiaries will only be considered for intervention at public healthcare facilities, saying: I have also investigated ways of making diagnosis and treatment days more agreeable for cancer patients and have identified items that will help to achieve that aim. From my investigations, some Nigerian hospitals are working with Professor Olufunmilayo Olopade, a globally renowned haematology oncologist, who is the Associate Dean for Global Health and Walter L. Palmer, Distinguished Service Professor in Medicine and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago. The structures are therefore available to pursue various research programmes, she added. Mrs Oloyede said the donations should be credited to the Lifeline Advocacy and Development Initiatives account 5601206418 with Fidelity Bank Plc. She said the NGO has a board of trustees people by men and women of integrity including a former diplomat and elder statesman, Christopher Kolade; the Vice-Chairperson of Channels Media Group, Sola Momoh, among others. Committee pledges accountability Welcoming journalists to the briefing, the chairwoman of the fundraising committee, Mrs Okewale-Sonaiya, commended the media houses for supporting their own, even as she sought their support in giving prominence to the campaign. She said: We have gathered here this morning because our own Mrs Bimbo Oloyede has chosen to celebrate her 70th birthday in an unsual humane way by raising100million naira towards fighting cancer in Nigeria and extend a lifeline and hope to cancer patients. The birthday gift Mrs Oloyede is requesting of you her colleague is to help give media awareness regarding this laudable cause and on behalf of this planning committe, I thank you for honouring our invitation. We are grateful. Mrs Okewale-Sonaiya, who pledged accountability and transparency in the management of the funds, thanked members of her committee, which includes the Deputy Director of News at Arise Television, Ohi Odiai; PREMIUM TIMES Mojeed Alabi, and Kikelomo Oduyebo of the Lagos State Ministry of Information. Others are Grace Moronfolu, Wemimo Adewuni, Bukola Oloyede, all media practitioners, and Mercy Ekwuruke. Meanwhile, reechoing the motive of the initiative was a representative of the NGOs board of trustees and Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Development Communications Limited, Kingsley James, who also spoke of openness and transparency in the execution of the intervention. About Mrs Oloyede Mrs Oloyede is an author, speaker and trainer and has been a broadcast professional for nearly almost five decades. Employed by the then NBC/TV as an assistant producer in 1975, she was later assigned to the Presentation Department, and became a pioneer member of NTAs Network News team and thus, the first woman to cast Network News on Nigerian Television. Thereafter, she teamed up with her husband and became an independent Radio/TV producer, presenter, moderator and compere. She established The Womens Optimum Development Foundation (WODEF) and from 2000 to 2015, partnered with UNFPA, UN Women, UNIC, USAID, UNDP, the Canadian Government, the British Council, among others, convening workshops, producing radio jingles, radio and TV drama, even as she promoted gender equality, highlighting gender-based violence. She was also elected National Coordinator of The Global Fund for Women Network in Nigeria, which she headed for more than five years. From 2002 to 2015, she was a consultant/news anchor and trainer at Channels Television and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for journalistic excellence by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, in 2015. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The European Union (EU) is set to invest 37 million in the Nigerian power sector. Bolaji Tunji, special adviser on strategic communication and media relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. Mr Tunji said this is apart from about 200 million grants invested in the sector since 2008. He said this disclosure was made by the EU ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, during a visit to Mr Adelabu on Thursday. According to the statement, Ms Isopi was accompanied by the new head of cooperation of the EU, DE Luca Massimo and the Programme Manager on Energy, Godfrey Ogbemudia. During the visit, Mr Tunji said Ms Isopi spoke on the EUs various intervention programmes in the power sector noting that the current support would cover small hydropower, solar for health care facilities, rural electrification with isolated and interconnected mini-grids projects, and circular economy in power sector projects. She said the projects will commence this year. Ms Isopi, according to the statement, also used the opportunity to invite the minister to an upcoming launch of two projects funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) which will both be launched on 26 March. READ ALSO: In his response, Mr Adelabu who received the ambassador in the company of his Chief Technical Advisor, Adedayo Olowoniyi, expressed appreciation to the EU for the support they have been giving to them while noting that more support is needed to address the enormous challenges in the sector. He identified the liquidity issue as the main problem that the government is trying its best to resolve and said that the market will only be sustainable and run efficiently when there is a cost-reflective tariff in place. Mr Tunji added that the minister was very excited about EU programmes for the sector and confirmed the alignment of these programmes with the ministrys strategy for the sector while promising to work with the EU on their programmes especially on small hydro and state electrification within the new act. Nigeria has struggled with poor power supply for decades, a challenge that is estimated to cost businesses about $29 billion yearly, according to the World Bank. The country has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the countrys 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 released by Tracking SDG 7. Earlier in the month, the Nigerian government attributed the main cause of poor power supply in the country to the low supply of gas to generating companies. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Saturday, gave full details of its investigations against a popular Abuja shopping mall, Sahad Stores, which it temporarily sealed off on Friday. The stores Area 11, Garki branch in Abuja was sealed off on Friday for persistently displaying lower prices on shelves and charging higher prices at the checkout, the agency said. A statement issued by the agencys acting chief executive officer, Adamu Abdullahi, on Saturday, giving fuller details of the commissions investigation, said the store was persistently involved in misleading or deceptive pricing practices. Acording to Mr Abdullahi, the agency launched an investigation of all Sahad Stores branches in Abuja on 8 January, following complaints about their alleged misleading pricing practices. After the commissions findings confirmed the allegation at the Garki branch of the store, Mr Abdullahi said, its officials were summoned to appear on 12 February to discuss corrective measures, but they failed to honour the invitation. However, the staff failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPC. Consequently, on February 16, 2024, FCCPC operatives visited Sahad Stores and confirmed through random checks that the deceptive practice did not only continue, but cashiers also charged prices at their discretion, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to unfair pricing. Exercising its authority under Section 18(f), the Commission temporarily sealed the premises, the statement said. The statement, however, added that the store was reopened at 7 p.m. on Friday following a mutual understanding and commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices. Read FCCPCs full statement below. FCCPC Statement on SAHAD STORES TEMPORARY SEALING. The (FCCPC) Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission conducted an on-the-spot check on Sahad Stores in Abuja on February 16, 2024, leading to the temporary closure of the store due to continued violations involving misleading pricing and lack of transparency. Earlier, on January 8, 2024, the FCCPC investigated Sahad Stores following reports of misleading pricing practices. The investigation revealed that Sahad Stores displayed lower prices on shelves and charged higher prices at checkout, contravening Section 115 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. ALSO READ: Sahad Stores reopened hours after sealing off by FCCPC The investigation included all Sahad Stores branches in Abuja to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue and implement corrective measures across the entire chain. The FCCPC promptly issued a summons to specific Sahad Stores staff, asking them to appear on February 12, 2024, to discuss corrective measures. However, the staff failed to appear without justification, raising concerns about potential violations under Section 33(3) of the FCCPA. Consequently, on February 16, 2024, FCCPC operatives visited Sahad Stores and confirmed through random checks that the deceptive practice did not only continue, but cashiers also charged prices at their discretion, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to unfair pricing. Exercising its authority under Section 18(f), the Commission temporarily sealed the premises. However, following a mutual understanding and commitment from Sahad Stores to implement transparent pricing practices, the FCCPC reopened the store on February 16, 2024, at about 7:00 PM. Businesses are expected to display transparent pricing information to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, especially during challenging economic times. The FCCPC remains committed to combating all forms of exploitative or misleading practices that undermine consumer rights. The FCCPA protects consumer rights and prohibits deceptive business practices. Section 115 outlines potential penalties for violations, including fines for organisations and imprisonment for directors. The FCCPC encourages all businesses to adhere to fair and transparent pricing practices to ensure consumer protection and a healthy market environment. Dr. Adamu Abdullahi Ag. Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is ready to host the African Central Bank in line with the vision of the Abuja Treaty. Addressing leaders at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, President Tinubu said his administration will engage the African Union Commission in collaboration with member states to ensure that the bank takes off as scheduled in 2028. The President affirmed that Africas success in conclusively addressing its challenges hinges on the firmness of its resolution, built on a foundation of deep-rooted solidarity, if it is to avoid perpetuating existing problems and creating new ones. As a continent and as individual nations, we face strong headwinds and difficult hurdles threatening to complicate our mission to bring qualitative democratic governance and economic development to our people. Many of these obstacles, such as climate change and unfair patterns of global trade, are largely not of our making. However, some of the pitfalls, including coup-birthed autocracies and the deleterious tinkering with constitutional tenure provisions, are developmental cancers we as Africans are giving to ourselves, he stated. Speaking on the military takeovers in the Republics of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and the exit of three of these nations from ECOWAS, the President said disagreements over the unconstitutional changes of government should not mean a permanent rupture of the abiding lines of regional affinity and cooperation. The drive for a peaceful, strong, and united West Africa is bigger than any one person or group of people. The bonds of history, culture, commerce, geography, and brotherhood hold deep meaning for our people. Thus, out of the dust and fog of misunderstanding and acrimony, we must seize the chance to create a new people-centric era of trust and accord. To all who care to listen, I declare that if you come to the table to discuss important matters in good faith, you will find Nigeria and ECOWAS already sitting there waiting to greet you as the brother that you are, President Tinubu said. On education, which is the theme of this years summit, the President said education is the core ingredient in the process of evolving creative solutions to the unique challenges long confronting the continent. In helping to achieve the Agenda 2063 objective of a peaceful, united and prosperous Africa, I consider African education, not only in the narrow context of the benign use of science and technology to improve the material standards of our people, but also in the nuanced appreciation of the fact that Africa must also become better educated in the humane art of democratic practice, diplomacy, and conflict resolution without violence. This years theme encourages us to remodel our educational systems to fit these goals. In Nigeria, my administration is devoting ample resources to education at all levels. From redesigning our school feeding programmes and academic curricula to making ourselves an Information and Communication Technology hub, through which we shall bring more youths into the classroom and furnish them with the tools required to flourish in the global economy of the 21st century, he said. The President used the occasion to extend invitation to the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit scheduled to take place in April 2024, in Abuja, stating that the summit aims to expand discussions beyond military and law enforcement remedies to comprehensively tackle the root causes of violent extremism, such as poverty, inadequate political access, and the propagation of hateful ideologies. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) February 17, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 2691 Times) Udaipur: The stationery distribution campaign by the Rajasthan Social Service Institute commenced on Saturday. The institute initiated the distribution at the Government Higher Primary School in Upli Badi (Badgaon Panchayat Samiti). This year, during the winter season, the Rajasthan Social Service Institute provided sweaters to around 500 needy children in government schools. The service team of the institute distributed stationery kits to students from classes one to four and clipboards to students from classes five to eight at Upli Badi School. With upcoming exams, children expressed joy over having the necessary stationery materials available in time. President Devendra Sharma explained that under the campaign, in the coming days, needy children from other government schools will also receive stationery distributions. Sharma reassured the school staff of continued support for school children in the future as per their needs. During the event, Yugalkishor Joshi, Kushwant Sharma, Shiv Shankar Joshi, Gagan Sharma, and Kushwant Vyas provided their services. Principal Nandalal Meghwal and school staff appreciated the efforts of the institute. Source : COLOMBO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government has launched a three-pronged concessional debt restructuring package to repay 36 billion U.S. dollars of foreign debt, state media reported on Saturday quoting a minister. Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the package will be implemented in three phases: 5-6 years, 6-20 years, and beyond 20 years. Gunawardena said the government plans to repay 37 percent of the foreign debt within five to six years. He said 51 percent of loans are to be paid within the next 6-20 years and the remaining 12 percent of the loan amount will be paid off beyond 20 years. Two consulting firms with international expertise are working on behalf of the Sri Lankan government on the concessional debt restructuring package, Gunawardena said. DUBLIN, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "2024 Reputation Strategy & Brand Resilience Summit" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Whether you're a small local company dealing with negative online reviews or a large movie studio or company hiring a crisis management firm to deal with increased scrutiny from the media, online, and the general public, the stakes are higher than ever to be perceived in a favorable light. A negative perception of your company or brand, can have disastrous consequences for your company's stability and revenue. The truth is most people still do believe what they read and 97% of potential customers will have searched online for reviews of your business before they decide to either work with you or make a purchase. In today's world, creating an external and internal reputation management & brand resilience plan is essential for long-term success. So where do you begin in implementing a company-wide watertight reputation management & brand resilience plan? One that protects and can even help turn a potentially negative situation into a positive one? What partners do you need to work with? Join 120+ PR/Marketing & Communications professionals for Industry's ONLY 'TED-Style' Reputation & Brand Resilience Summit. Hear from 25+ cross-industry speakers discussing their front-line experiences of planning, contingency & recovery while managing internal and public communications in often challenging, fast-moving situations. Learn the do's and don'ts and receive invaluable actionable takeaway strategies for future success. 25+ Industry-led Speakers 120+ Senior Participants 12+ Networking Hours Previous Summit Themes Included: Building a new corporate culture in living rooms and home offices Black Out Tuesday: Were companies practicing advocacy or performative activism? Telehealth: Lessons for Reputation Brand resilience anytime anywhere Communicating through crisis The importance of staff trust when navigating an external crisis Measuring social media strategy in the new normal Hands-on education during COVID: Reinventing your marketing strategy for the new norm Innovation and brand resilience coming out of the pandemic Why the business card isn't dead...just yet Using media intelligence to combat disinformation Speakers Previous Speakers Included: Georgette Pascale Founder & CEO Pascale Communications Alechia Reese Director of Public Relations & Creative Marketing The PowHERful Foundation Kati Murphy Executive Director of Public Affairs The Art Institute of Chicago Richard Crompton VP Corporate Communications Cayuga Centers Hunter Hoffmann SVP, Global Marketing and Communications Amtrust Financial Services Tori Oman Carter Global Public Affairs KFC Yum! Brands Tom Albright President & CEO Recros Medica Frederik Bjorndal Corporate Press Manager Novozymes Sheila Doyle Managing Director High Falls Hemp Ken Wisnefski Founder & CEO Webimax Stephen Madden Editor in Chief Haymarket Media Brandi Boatner Social and Influencer Communications Lead, Global Markets IBM For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1p4in7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Amidst the City's rejection of their latest demands to stop wasteful contracting out, city workers came together to say: "We don't want to go on strike, but all options are on the table." SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, February 16, over 500 San Francisco city workers represented by SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, and other City unions rallied outside of San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center to shed light on the dangerous impacts of understaffing. In bargaining with City unions, the City administration has recently rejected demands to prevent wasteful spending on contracting out. Photos and videos available for use: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1x88llbxne5zaweo9z159/h?rlkey=2k9v65ix4auaemhqksm6qnd17&dl=0 Livestream available here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3bCAnxuPA7/ The City spends on average $5.2 billion each year on contractsand the vast majority of these dollars are awarded to contractors based outside of San Francisco. At least one in 10 contract requests are due to lack of staff. "We know firsthand that this hospital has reported that its nurses have missed over 16,000 breaks. We're just asking for a bite of food during a 12-hour shift," said Heather Bollinger, RN (she/her), registered nurse at SFGH and SEIU 1021 RN chapter president. "We love our jobs and we love taking care of our community. We continue to show up everyday. It's time for the City to show up for us, staff up, and stop bringing people in on short-term contracts that we cannot afford, and invest in the people who have proven that they will stay." "A short-staffed hospital means our patients are waiting longer for care, and in some cases going unseen," said Zach Vickers (he/him), physical therapist at SFGH and IFPTE Local 21 member. "We serve San Francisco's most vulnerable populations. We are their safety net and without our care they suffer. Our patients deserve better and the city needs to staff up." In attendance were City and County of San Francisco employees represented by SEIU 1021, IFPTE Local 21, Teamsters 856, IBEW Local 6, UA Local 38, IATSE Local 16, SMW Local 104, Laborers' Local 261, Stationary Engineers Local 39, TWU Local 250-A. BACKGROUND : http://www.FixSFNow.org/background The Public Employee Committee of the San Francisco Labor Council brings together over 30,000 dedicated public service workers among 26 unions. SOURCE IFPTE Local 21 NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE: BTI) between February 9, 2023 and December 6, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased British American Tobacco securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the British American Tobacco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20894 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) British American Tobacco materially understated the risks and potential likelihood of an impairment to its Premium American Cigarette Brands as a result of longstanding headwinds and; (2) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the British American Tobacco class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20894 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm's attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE: EAF) between February 8, 2019 and August 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased GrafTech common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) GrafTech's manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico had for decades chronically contaminated neighboring communities with harmful carcinogenic gasses and particulate matter; (2) GrafTech had signed agreements with local authorities committing itself to improving the environmental performance of its Monterrey facility, but repeatedly failed to honor these commitments; (3) GrafTech had been repeatedly warned over an approximately 30-year period regarding its wanton disregard for the environment and health and well-being of people near its operations in Monterrey, Mexico; (4) GrafTech's operations in Monterrey, Mexico were not in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; (5) GrafTech had failed to adequately remediate the environmental problems caused by the Monterrey facility following the 2019 administrative proceeding conducted by the Department of Sustainable Development of the State of Nuevo Leon; (6) the government of Apodaca had sought intervention from the State of Nuevo Leon authorities to curtail and prevent the adverse environmental impacts and noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations caused by the Monterrey facility; (7) GrafTech's purported cost leadership was achieved in substantial part by failing to implement appropriate and effective environmental safeguards at its manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico; (8) GrafTech's capital expenditures and/or related operational projects were woefully insufficient to adequately address the harm that GrafTech's operations in Monterrey, Mexico had inflicted on the environment and people within the neighboring communities; (9) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that GrafTech's manufacturing operations in Monterrey, Mexico would be severely disrupted by government action or enforcement; and (10) as a result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that its supplies of pin stock and graphite electrodes would be withdrawn and/or materially diminished, thereby materially harming GrafTech's business, operations, reputation, and financial results. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the GrafTech class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22210 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. SYDNEY, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Furious mayors in Australia's Queensland criticized the Bureau of Meteorology for failing to warn people of heavy rainfall in the southeastern part of the state, local media reported on Saturday. Brisbane has been hit by some of the heaviest rainfall since the devastating 2022 floods with more than 180 mm recorded at Paddington overnight, while other suburbs and parts of the Gold Coast and Moreton Shire received more than 150 mm, according to local newspaper The Courier-Mail. Angry mayors said their councils were caught out by the huge deluge and slammed the Bureau of Meteorology, which was also accused of failing to provide adequate alerts for other recent events including the Gold Coast and Logan storm catastrophe and devastating North Queensland floods in December, the report said. "Many Brisbane residents are rightly asking why they went to bed on Thursday night with the Weather Bureau predicting moderate falls, only to wake to a massive deluge," Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner was quoted as saying. "No-one is saying weather forecasting is easy, but there's been too many recent examples of massively wrong forecasts this summer," he said. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said it was at least the third time in two months that the city had been "caught short" by Bureau of Meteorology warnings, the Australian news channel Sky News reported. "I woke up and I went 'Oh my God'," he said. The bureau's senior forecaster Daniel Hayes blamed a coastal trough that formed without warning for why the deluge wasn't predicted earlier, The Courier-Mail said. DUBLIN, Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Switzerland Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Social Commerce Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q1 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Social commerce industry in Switzerland is expected to grow by 23.8% on annual basis to reach US$3.02 billion in 2024. The social commerce industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 19.7% during 2024-2029. The social commerce GMV in the country will increase from US$2.44 billion in 2023 to reach US$7.43 billion by 2029. This report provides a detailed data centric analysis of social commerce industry, covering market opportunities and risks. With over 50+ KPIs at country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics. The research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view on emerging business and investment market opportunities. Reasons to buy In-depth Understanding of Social Commerce Market Dynamics: Understand market opportunities and key trends along with forecast (2020-2029). Insights into Opportunity by end-use sectors - Get market dynamics by end-use sectors to assess emerging opportunity across various end-use sectors. Develop Market Specific Strategies: Identify growth segments and target specific opportunities to formulate social commerce strategy; assess market specific key trends, drivers, and risks in the industry. Scope Switzerland Ecommerce Industry Key Players Facebook Instagram YouTube ImmoScout24 Inyova Switzerland Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029 Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2020-2029 Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2020-2029 Clothing & Footwear Beauty and Personal Care Food & Grocery Appliances and Electronics Home Improvement Travel Hospitality Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2020-2029 B2B B2C C2C Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2020-2029 Mobile Desktop Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029 Domestic Cross Border Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2020-2029 Tier-1 Cities Tier-2 Cities Tier-3 Cities Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2020-2029 Credit Card Debit Card Bank Transfer Prepaid Card Digital & Mobile Wallet Other Digital Payment Cash Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms Video Commerce Social Network-Led Commerce Social Reselling Group Buying Product Review Platforms Switzerland Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour,2023 By Age By Income Level By Gender For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/45cowh 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 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 Jerusalem, Feb 17 : Israel's Wartime Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz has warned that fighting in the Gaza Strip will continue during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, if Israeli hostages are not released. "Either the hostages will be returned, or we will extend the fighting to Rafah," he said in a video statement. Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on or around March 11. Israel will keep in touch with Egypt and other countries and evacuate residents in Rafah before launching ground operations into the southernmost city in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Gantz. "There will not be a ceasefire of even one day until the hostages are returned" and Israeli goals are achieved, he added. Washington, Feb 17 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed a range of regional and global issues, including the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and Russia's war in Ukraine during their talks in Germany on Friday, a US State Department spokesperson said. They met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday as Washington has been doubling down on its drive to "responsibly" manage strategic competition with China through improved bilateral communication and other measures, Yonhap news agency reported. "The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula and affirmed that their respective senior officials should meet to follow up on these discussions," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout. Miller did not elaborate on the Korea-related topic, but the two sides were expected to touch on North Korea's evolving military threats. Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, while raising concerns over China's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, including support for Russia's defence industrial base, according to Miller. The secretary also highlighted the importance of continuing to implement the progress made by President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit in November in California, including counternarcotics cooperation and military-to-military communications. "The secretary reiterated that the United States will stand up for our interests and values and those of our allies and partners," Miller said. Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication across a range of strategic issues, including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months, according to the spokesperson. Munich, Feb 17 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday and discussed bilateral ties. The discussions came amid an ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations with Canada accusing India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last year and the latter denying the charge as "absurd" and "motivated". "Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation," Jaishankar wrote on X. Recently, Canada named India as a "foreign threat" that could potentially interfere in their elections, months after they accused New Delhi of playing a role in Nijjar's killing. India categorically denied the allegation and asserted that the "core issue" with Canada is the space it gives to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements on its soil. Earlier, the External Affairs Minister met his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and held a "wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead". The two leaders also reviewed preparations for the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations meeting. He also met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the conference to discuss maritime security in the Red Sea. "Secretary Blinken highlighted that the respective US and Indian approaches to maritime security in the Red Sea are mutually reinforcing and play important roles in safeguarding economic stability in the region," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement released on Friday. Miller added that the two leaders also discussed ongoing work to ensure lasting peace and security in the Middle East. The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), which began on Friday, is currently underway at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. This year's conference is being held under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen. New Delhi: First day of the Budget session at Delhi Legislative Assembly. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 17 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to appear before a Delhi court on Saturday in connection with a complaint filed by the ED on non-compliance with the agency's summons in a money laundering case relayed to the alleged excise policy scam. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra, had taken cognisance of the complaint on Februray 7. "...summons are being issued to him to appear on February 17," the judge had said. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on January 31, issued fresh summons to Kejriwal, and he was told to appear before it on February 2. That was the fifth summon issued to the AAP Convenor. The financial probe agency's complaint alleged that Kejriwal 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. The ED had issued a fourth summons to Kejriwal on January 13, asking him to appear before it on January 18. On February 2, AAP said that Kejriwal did not appear before the ED for questioning, and also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he wants to topple the Delhi government. "Delhi CM and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will not appear before ED today as well. The party calls the summon 'unlawful'. We will comply with the lawful summons. PM Modi's aim is to arrest Arvind Kejriwal and topple the Delhi Government. We will not allow this to happen," AAP had said. Meanwhile, Kejriwal brought a motion of confidence in the Delhi Assembly on Friday after the ED summoned him for the sixth time. IANS spr/kvd Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar with NCP MLA Rohit Pawar and party MP Supriya Sule before they appeared at the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) office. Image Source: IANS News Pune, : , Feb 17 (IANS) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the country has never witnessed a situation in which a person who founded a political party has been removed from it, but "this happened with the NCP." The veteran leader also vowed to rebuild his party. Pune, (Maharashtra), Feb 17 (IANS) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar said on Saturday that the country has never witnessed a situation in which a person who founded a political party has been removed from it, but "this happened with the NCP." The veteran leader also vowed to rebuild his party. Meeting a large number of supporters and members of the public at his Govind Baug residence on Saturday morning, Pawar, 83, said that there have been many party disputes in India in the past. However, he said that not only the party's name but even the NCP's iconic 'Clock' symbol was taken away, which was not in accordance with the law. He said, "Everybody knows who founded the NCP." Now the party has approached the Supreme Court for relief in the matter and expressed hope that they would get justice there. "Nevertheless, there is no need to worry too much about losing the symbol Till date I have contested 14 elections. Among them five were on the symbol of a 'Pair of Bullocks', the 'Cow-and-Calf', a 'Charkha' (Spinning Wheel), the 'Hand', and lastly, the 'Clock'. Taking away the symbol does not mean that the organisation is finished," Pawar pointed out. He stressed on the need for his party workers to increase their public outreach and explain to the masses the party's policies and principles and what the party can do for them. "I don't think there will be many problems even while starting afresh We shall go around Maharashtra with a new hope and meet the people, convince them, so there won't be a great deal of difficulties with a new symbol," said Pawar optimistically. This was Pawar's first official comment after the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled that the 'real NCP' belonged to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Earlier, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had recognised the Ajit Pawar faction and given the NCP name and 'Clock' symbol to him. On Ajit Pawar's recent speeches in the state appealing to the people to vote for him and his candidates, Sharad Pawar said, "It appears that he is trying to gain public sympathy but the masses of the state will take the appropriate decision during the elections." Ratnagiri : , Feb 17 (IANS) Uneasy calm prevailed in the tourist destinations of Chiplun and Guhagar surroundings a day after clashes and stone-pelting between Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) activists, in both towns, here on Saturday. The Ratnagiri Police cracked the whip by booking more than 350 accused from both parties indulging in the violence on the busy Mumbai-Goa National Highway that left several dozen vehicles damaged and many nearby homes also suffered collateral damage. At least, a dozen of the rioters from both sides and six police personnel were also injured in the vicious stone-pelting incidents. The skirmishes, arising out of the old political rivalry between supporters of BJP ex-MP, Nilesh N. Rane and Shiv Sena (UBT) local strongman plus Guhagar MLA, Bhaskar Jadhav, saw the police bursting teargas shells and mildly caning (lathi-charge) the protestors to disperse them. Son of Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane, Nilesh Rane was proceeding to address a public meeting at Tali village late evening when Jadhavas supporters resorted to loud protests in Chiplun, raising anti-BJP slogans, triggering the ruckus. At that time, Nilesh Raneas vehicular convoy was passing near the offices of Jadhav in Chiplun that led to the clashes, damaging many vehicles and homes in the vicinity. The Ratnagiri Police deployed tight security in the vicinity from Friday evening till Saturday morning when Chiplun resembled a town under curfew with little public or vehicular movements visible. The police have also beefed up security around Jadhavas office and homes as a precaution, and the situation is now under control. Nilesh Rane has been a former Congress MP from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency, but was unseated by Shiv Sena (UBT)as Vinayak Raut in 2014 who retained it for a second term in 2019. After Narayana Rane was denied a Rajya Sabha nomination for the biennial elections, he (Narayan Rane) is likely to lock horns with Raut in the upcoming LS polls, making it a prestige issue for both parties. The police have zeroed in on around 200 activists from both sides and the process is on to book them. NEW DELHI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and nine others critically injured Saturday in an explosion at a firecracker factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, police said. The blast took place in Virudhunagar district, about 569 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. According to police, the victims were working in the factory when the blast occurred in the chemical mixing room of the factory. The injured were admitted to a government hospital. Media reports said the explosion completely damaged the manufacturing facility. Chennai, Feb 17 : Wildlife and social activists of Tamil Nadu are seeking stringent action against a person who chased a young wild elephant in a forest reserve of the state in his vehicle. Palanisami Muthuraman, a wildlife enthusiast and social activist from Coimbatore told IANS, "Stringent action will be taken against the person who chased a young elephant in his vehicle at night in the reserve. He scared the hapless young animal by blowing the horn incessantly, putting on loud music and fog lights of his vehicle in the pitch dark in contravention of all rules of the reserve." This incident is a clear violation of the Wild Life Protection Act and can lead to an imprisonment of three years. The violation took place at the core tiger reserve area Navamalai in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) on Thursday night. The incident came to light after the offender Mithun, who hails from Kottur in Tamil Nadu, uploaded the video of him chasing the wild elephant in his white Scorpio. The forest department has already commenced a preliminary investigation into the matter. It has to be seen how Mithun was able to enter the core tiger reserve area without crossing the Aliyar and Monkey Fall checkpoints where stringent night bans are in place. Palanisami told IANS that vehicles cannot be allowed into the forest area and crossing the Aliyar and Monkey Fall checkpoints without the permission of the authorities was impossible. He said that in Navamalai there were only a few houses and that Aliyar and Monkey Falls checkpost officials have a list of the people who live inside Navamalai and their vehicle numbers. C Rajeev, Director, Centre for Policy and Development Studies (CPDS), a think tank based out of Chennai called for strong action against the offender for harassing the young elephant in his own home which is a protected area. He said that the violation was grave and a matter of serious concern. C Rajeev said that this would fall under the gambit of wildlife hunting. Meanwhile Chief Wildlife Warden of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department told media persons that the act the offender indulged in was a serious offense and that necessary action would be taken against him. New Delhi, Feb 17 : At the turn of this millennium, Ana Ros had to choose between a career in her country's diplomatic service or to co-manage a restaurant and inn that her boyfriend inherited from his parents who had just retired. Days before she was to fly to Brussels to take up her first foreign assignment, Ana chose to stay back, much to the horror of her parents, and run the countryside restaurant. Hisa (pronounced Hi-sha) Franko nestled in the pristine Soca valley in Slovenia's far west. Apart from being popular in the area, Hisa Franko came with an inn that had doubled as a hospice post World War I, where, it is said, Ernest Hemingway spent time recovering from wounds he had suffered in Italy during the war and wrote his iconic novel, 'A Farewell to Arms'. Her parents -- her father was a physician and her mother a well-known journalist -- still did not consider it a reason for Ana, who had studied international relations at the University of Trieste and was before that a champion Alpine skier and member of the Yugoslav national youth team, to give up what was possibly a more glamorous career. Today, fame and glamour chase the Michelin three-star chef fluent in five languages, who was voted the world's best in 2017, and a proud mother of two adult children. Ana is now also a globe-trotting culinary diplomat, a self-taught 'Green Chef' with her own brand of 'hyper-local' cuisine (she says "nature around me is my supermarket"), and the unofficial ambassador of her country of 2.1 million people. It was this role that brought Ana to the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, where Prateek Sadhu, a talented young chef famous for his passion for foraging for ingredients, got her talking about her life journey and how women can juggle the competing demands of motherhood and a busy career. Slovenia, incidentally, was born out of the wreckage of communist Yugoslavia and is so small that, to quote Ana, it takes two hours to travel across it from the north to the south, and three and half, from the east to the west. The scale of Ana's achievement is apparent from the stark reality that whereas 125 male chefs are recipients of the rare Michelin three stars, just five women are a part of this elite club. There's an unmissable glass ceiling in a profession still dominated by men. Ana's conversation with Sadhu, who was much-celebrated during his stint with the Mumbai restaurant Masque and has recently opened Naar in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, began on the subject of bears. The wild kind and not the stock market variety. Sadhu and Ana were exchanging recipes online during the Covid-19 lockdown when he was struck by the mention of bear claws. Ana explained that thanks to the ethnic strife that wracked neighbouring Croatia in the 1990s, a large number of bears sought refuge in the calmer climes of Slovenia and never went back. It was all right till their numbers started growing and they became a menace to livestock. To deal with the menace of bears posing a threat to lives of domesticated animals, Slovenia passed laws allowing a set number of them to be slaughtered every year. That was when bear meat became a delicacy in Slovenia, though Ana's menu is best known for handmade pastas, which Mayur Sharma of Highway On My Plate fame praised profusely during the conversation, and home-cured Tolminc cheese, apart from white asparagus with smoked egg dip and walnut to two-day-aged trout cooked on the barbecue and served with brown butter fish sauce and horseradish. Ana is also famous, as highlighted by the World's 50 Best, for her take on the New Orleans corn beignet served with fermented cottage cheese as well as potato cooked in a summary hay crust. Despite her enviable fame earned from "a countryside restaurant with a resident dog and cat', Ana says that she keeps thinking about new ways to cook and present food "even when I am sleeping", and her advice to younger members of her profession is to stop chasing awards and accolades, and instead to keep working for the satisfaction of their guests. Ana's parting advice: "Hospitality is all about taking good care of your guests. Awards will come if they are cared for." Words of wisdom that young chefs who spend more time on Instagram and Facebook would do well to pay heed to. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Ex 'Bigg Boss' contestants Hina Khan and Munawar Faruqui, who were recently spotted shooting in Kolkata, on Saturday gave the first glimpse of their upcoming project, which is a music video titled 'Halki Halki Si'. The duo took to their social media accounts and shared the first poster of their song. The romantic poster shows the duo holding hands, while they are gazing towards the sky, sitting against the beautiful backdrop of the iconic Howrah Bridge of Kolkata. Hina is wearing a blue saree, with silver oxidised ornaments, while she rests her head on Munawar's shoulder. The winner of recently concluded 'Bigg Boss 17', Munawar is sporting a beige shirt and matching Nehru-collared jacket. The poster is captioned as: "Embrace the gentle whispers of affection with the Halki Halki Si Teaser out on February 20 at 11 a.m. Exclusively on @Playdmfofficial YouTube Channel." The song is sung by Asees Kaur, and Saaj Bhatt. The lyricist and music composer is Sanjeev Chaturvedi, while the video is shot by A Tru Makers Film. Presented by Anshul Garg, the teaser of the song will be released on February 20 at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, Hina was the first runner up of the controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss 11'. She was last seen as a challenger in 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 13'. The actress will be next seen in the English and Hindi bilingual movie 'Country of Blind'. Bhopal, Feb 17 : Amid political circles from Bhopal to New Delhi abuzz with speculation about senior Congress leader Kamal Nath along with his son and Chhindwara MP Nakul Nath joining the BJP, both the leaders all of a sudden left for the national capital lenting credence to the rumours. Furthermore, Nakul Nath, the lone Congress Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh, who was supposed to continue his meeting with party workers in his family bastion Chhindwara from February 14 to 18, stopped the meeting and left for Delhi along with his father. Meanwhile, he also removed 'INC' from his social media bio. All these sequences gave rise to the speculation that Kamal Nath, who is considered close to the Nehru-Gandhi family, likely to end his decades long association with the grand old party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. On February 10, IANS had reported that a rift between Kamal Nath and former AICC president Rahul Gandhi erupted following the party's loss in the assembly election in November last year. Sources had then also claimed that a deal between Kamal Nath and the BJP that was "derailed" due to some reasons, was "brought back" on track again with several top leaders from the BJP having supported the same. However, seasoned politician with over 40 years of experience, Kamal Nath left the political watchers guessing.. Though all is not going well between Rahul and Kamal Nath, the latter was regularly visiting to meet Sonia Gandhi. Kamal Nath's frequent visits to meet Sonia were also being viewed as the leader racing for the Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh. Recently when Kamal Nath invited Congress MLAs for a dinner at his residence in Bhopal, it was judged as his power show to obtain the Rajya Sabha seat. However, two days later, the party nominated MP Congress treasurer Ashok Singh for the Upper House of the Parliament. That probably had disappointed Kamal Nath, who wants to retain his bastion Chhindwara. However, sources in the Madhya Pradesh Congress still believe that Nakul Nath may join the BJP but not Kamal Nath, citing latter's decades long association of Kamal Nath with the Congress and his personal bonding with the Nehru-Gandhi family. Kamal Nath and veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who refrained from making any comment on all these speculations, said on Saturday that he cannot believe the person who gave years to the Congress, will join the BJP. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 17 : A massive protest broke out at Pulpally in Wayanad district of Kerala on Saturday when angry locals carrying the dead body of Paul -- who was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Friday -- staged a protest. The protesters shouted slogans against the government for their callous attitude and not doing enough to address the man-animal conflict in Wayanad. As police failed to pacify the protesters, another group came with the carcass of a cow, which they claim was eaten and left out by a tiger, the previous night in the same locality. The protesters lifted the carcass and tied it to the bonnet of the forest jeep. On Saturday, the various political parties called for a shutdown protesting against the government for failing to plug loopholes in the Wild Life Act. On January 30, a local named Laxmanan was killed by a wild elephant. Last week, another local, Ajeesh, was killed by a wild elephant. On Friday, Paul was gored to death by a wild elephant. The passionate pleas by the young daughter of Paul -- how due to various flaws in the law she lost her father -- have gone viral on social media. "We are losing faith in the government as all assurances given to Wayanad people remain only election promises. We are thinking of boycotting the next elections," said an angry resident during the protest. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday directed all the stakeholders to sit down together to discuss the issue of man-animal conflict. Bengaluru, Feb 17 : Minister for Mine, Coal and Law Pralhad Joshi on Saturday said that the Congress government has ensured the release of the accused in Hubballi riot case. "Congress government has always been sympathetic to the accused of the Hubballi riot incident. They did not place the arguments efficiently before the court and in process ensured their release. They will have to pay a heavy price for it," Joshi told media persons. He said that the accused faced sedition charges but they were freed by the Congress government. "A letter was submitted which demanded their release on an immediate basis. Pressure was also built in the case. This all happened after Congress came to power in the state," he said. Karnataka High Court granted bail to 106 persons in Hubballi riot case on Friday, while three accused are still in jail. The division bench headed by Justice Srinivas Harish Kumar and Justice Venkatesh Naik passed the judgement. Violence erupted on April 16, 2022 in Hubballi city in Karnataka over a provocative WhatsApp status in which a photo-shopped picture of religious flag was seen hoisted atop a mosque. The police had arrested 152 persons in connection with the violence. Earlier, the Supreme Court had also granted bail for 35 persons while the minor boys detained in connection have also been granted the bail. The angry mob had attacked people and the police station, damaging 10 police vehicles in process while injuring a police inspector and six cops. The accused were lodged in Belagavi and Bellary prisons. Why shouldnt we allocate 1% budget to Muslims: Shivakumar on appeasement allegations. Image Source: IANS News Bengaluru, Feb 17 : Reacting to the appeasement charges, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday asked why can't government not allocate even 1 per cent budget to Muslims. "In 3.71 lakh crore budget, only Rs 3,000 crore have been allocated to Muslims for the schools and development. Shouldn't we allocate even 1 per cent to Muslims?" Shivakumar told media persons. He said that BJP has a habit of making everything a political issue. Karnataka government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the development of Christian community and Rs 100 crore for the protection and development of Waqf properties and has also made slew of announcements of release of grants to them. On BJP and JD (S) planning to field a strong candidate against his brother, Shivakumar said that he is confident that people will not vote for their candidate. "I had contested against former PM Deve Gowda in 1985 and 1990 elections. I have contested against H.D. Kumaraswamy also. When BJP and JD (S) had fielded Kumaraswamy's wife Anita against me, I had won with a margin of 1.31 lakh votes," he said. He said that the voters are with the Congress party and his brother Suresh is not a "Delhi MP" but a ground level worker. "The people have seen the difference between the governance between Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy and him. Let them field any candidate, people will make better judgment," Shivakumar said. Bhopal, Feb 17 : Congress MP Nakul Nath, son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, removed 'INC' from his social media bio, giving further momentum to the rumours that he is going to join the BJP. Furthermore, Nakul Nath, the lone Congress MP from Madhya Pradesh, who was supposed to continue his meeting with party workers in his family bastion Chhindwara from February 14 to 18, stopped the meeting and left for Delhi along with his father. All these sequences gave rise to the speculation that Kamal Nath, considered close to the Nehru-Gandhi family, is likely to end his decades long association with the grand old party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. On February 10, IANS had reported that a rift between Kamal Nath and former AICC president Rahul Gandhi erupted following the party's loss in the assembly election in November last year. Sources had then also claimed that a deal between Kamal Nath and the BJP that was "derailed" due to some reasons, was "brought back" on track again with several top leaders from the BJP having supported the same. However, seasoned politician with over 40 years of experience, Kamal Nath left the political watchers guessing.. Though all is not going well between Rahul and Kamal Nath, the latter was regularly visiting to meet Sonia Gandhi. Kamal Nath's frequent visits to meet Sonia were also being viewed as the leader racing for the Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh. Recently when Kamal Nath invited Congress MLAs for a dinner at his residence in Bhopal, it was judged as his power show to obtain the Rajya Sabha seat. However, two days later, the party nominated MP Congress treasurer Ashok Singh for the Upper House of the Parliament. That probably had disappointed Kamal Nath, who wants to retain his bastion Chhindwara. However, sources in the Madhya Pradesh Congress still believe that Nakul Nath may join the BJP but not Kamal Nath, citing latter's decades long association of Kamal Nath with the Congress and his personal bonding with the Nehru-Gandhi family. Kamal Nath and veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who refrained from making any comment on all these speculations, said on Saturday that he cannot believe the person who gave years to the Congress, will join the BJP. London, Feb 17 : Russian President Vladimir Putin's foes and critics have often met with violent deaths at the very peak of their conflicts with the Kremlin leader during his nearly quarter-century in power, a media report said. Alexei Navalny's death, which many foreign leaders and supporters say is murder, came after he was banished to an Arctic Circle prison, where he was regularly thrown in a punishment cell, exposed to the elements and significantly malnourished. Putin's other foes have been targeted in diverse ways: shootings, poisonings and even a plane crash. Many of the deaths are never solved and remain listed as accidents and suicides, leaving open the question of just how many of his enemies Putin has dispatched with over the years, The Guardian reported. A number of former members of the Russian intelligence services who defected to the west have been targeted in poisonings since 2000. Putin's dark methods first came to international attention during the case of Alexander Litvinenko, a former member of the FSB security services who had become an opponent of Putin and died of polonium-210 poisoning in London in 2006. His killers, who both had links to the intelligence services, were accused of lacing his tea with a radioactive element, The Guardian reported. The former head of the Wagner paramilitary group Yevgeny Prigozhin was on poor terms with Putin when he arrived in Moscow in August last year. He was there for talks with Putin after an aborted mutiny that saw his mercenaries seize the city of Rostov and march toward Moscow. He appeared to have negotiated a truce with the Kremlin, agreeing to evacuate his troops to Belarus and focus on the groupas activities outside Ukraine. But an explosion aboard his Embraer Legacy 600 business jet sent the plane spiralling to the ground, killing Prigozhin, the field commander Dmitry Utkin and eight others on board, The Guardian reported. One of the most brazen killings of a Putin critic was the 2015 shooting of Boris Nemtsov, an opposition leader who had served as deputy prime minister under Boris Yeltsin and was seen as a potential successor. Nemtsov was shot four times in the back by an unknown assailant within view of the Kremlin. Five men of Chechen origin were arrested over the attack, but those close to Nemtsov believed the Kremlin was directly involved, The Guardian reported. Anna Politkovskaya, the journalist, who had reported critically of Putin and of the Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, was shot in her apartment building in Moscow in 2006. There also have been reports of prominent Russian executives dying under mysterious circumstances, including apparent suicides or falls from great heights, The Guardian reported. In 2013, Boris Berezovsky was found apparently hanged in the bathroom of his Ascot home. Berezovsky was a former Kremlin insider turned vocal critic of Putinas government who went into self-imposed exile in the UK in the early 2000s, The Guardian reported. Many of Berezovskyas associates have also died in mysterious circumstances, including Badri Patarkatsishvili, a Georgian oligarch and business partner, and Nikolai Glushkov and the Yukos oil founder, Yuri Golubev, who were found dead in London. Man shoots 12 of his family members in Iran. Image Source: IANS News Tehran, Feb 17 : A man shot dead 12 members of his family and injured three others in Iran's Kerman province, country's semi official news agency reported. Addressing reporters, Kerman's Police Commander Nasser Farshid said the incident occurred at 4.30 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) in Faryab County, when the 25-year-old armed man opened fire on his two stepbrothers and their family members in two houses, Tasnim news agency reported. The accused committed the crime due to "family differences", Farshid said, adding a manhunt had been launched to arrest him, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Tasnim news. As per Ebrahim Hamidi, head of Kerman's Justice Department, the man used a Kalashnikov rifle for the crime, state media reported. People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) People fly kites during the 2024 Otaki Kite Festival held on the beach of Otaki, Wellington, New Zealand, Feb. 17, 2024. Hundreds of colourful kites were flying in the sky of Wellington's Otaki Beach during the kite festival held from Feb. 17 to 18. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) Kolkata, Feb 17 : A Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Special Court in Kolkata rejected the first bail plea filed by former West Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick on Saturday, just a day after he was stripped of his ministerial portfolio. Mallick is currently in judicial custody because of his alleged involvement in the multi-crore PDS case in his capacity as the West Bengal Food & Supplies Minister from 2011 to 2021. Mallickas bail plea was significant on two counts. First, he moved the plea just a day after he was stripped of his ministerial portfolio on Friday and second, this was the first time that he moved a bail petition since his arrest by the sleuths of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in October last year. Political observers say that the West Bengal Governmentas action against him has convinced Mallick that he will now have to fight his own battles as the Trinamool Congress leadership has distanced itself from him. On Saturday, while moving his plea, Mallickas counsel pleaded that his client does not have any connection with the PDS case and hence should be granted bail. He also argued in support of the petition citing Mallickas poor health. While rejecting the bail plea, the PMLA court said that the next hearing in the matter would be on February 20. With the Lok Sabha polls around the corner, the Mamata Banerjee Government is under pressure to clean up its image as a regime mired in corruption. The Opposition BJP is breathing down its neck and will make it a point to corner the Mamata Government on the issue of graft and the numerous scams that the Trinamool Congress leaders have been involved in. Chennai, Feb 17 : Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, on Saturday called upon the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, to reveal the number of jobs it has provided in the three years since it assumed office in May 2021. In a statement issued on Saturday, Ramadoss demanded that the state government release a White Paper giving details of jobs provided in each department and also how many permanent jobs had been given. Ramadoss said that the White Paper should also include TN Public Service Commission (TNPSC) recruitments as well as employment created through establishment of new industries in the state. The PMK leader, who is also a former Union Health Minister, called upon the Stalin Government to explain the measures it is planning to take to fulfill its poll promises of filling 3 lakh vacancies, creating 2 lakh jobs, and of providing permanent work orders to temporary employees. Ramadossa statement came a day after Stalin stated in the Legislative Assembly that his government had been creating employment opportunities for the youth of the state. New Delhi, Feb 17 : Just 10 per cent of the ancient Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang's travelogue, which offers an eyewitness account of India at the time of Harsha Vardhan (the itinerant Buddhist scholar was here between 630 and 645 CE), has been discovered so far. That opens up endless possibilities of scholars around the world stumbling upon unseen remnants of the manuscript in libraries and collections, which is exactly what is being explored at a two-day conference titled 'Asia on the Move: Histories of mobility and the making of Asia' at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on February 22-24. One of the pivots in this movement of saints and scholars and the intermingling of traditions and cultures in the ancient world was Gautama the Buddha, which is why one of the main focus areas of the conference will be his life and times. To understand Buddha's contribution to bringing Asia together, the IIC has invited a phalanx of scholars from around the world to shed light on the subject. Prominent among them will be Dr Karan Singh, whose family ruled Kashmir, one of the key centres of this intellectual exchange; author William Dalrymple, distinguished historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam, now also known as the brother of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Dr Navina Najat Haidar of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and a host of Russian as well as Central Asian scholars. "We are looking at many Indian manuscripts which are now only found abroad," explained Shyam Saran, IIC President and former foreign secretary. "Many valuable manuscripts went away from India, but they are available in other countries. Whether in Sanskrit or other Indian scripts, they are in fact stored in other countries." The conference, he said at a media briefing, is a first step towards the IIC acquiring the digital versions of these manuscripts that are no longer available in India, but shed new light on the Buddha as well as the journeys of Buddhism and Buddhist scholars to and from India. Discussing the philosophy of the conference, Shyam Saran noted: "There is sometimes a debate that the term 'Asia' actually did not arise from Asia, but is a western concept. Is 'Asia' an artificial entity? Does it have its own personality? Or a clear identity? Are there strong affinities among Asian countries that have influenced one another? These are some of the questions which this conference will be looking at." He said the idea is to pick up threads from accounts of travellers who not only visited India, but also travelled through other Asian countries and left behind intriguing and interesting accounts of their travels. Continuing on this note, Shyam Saran said: "These may be Chinese pilgrims who came to India to collect Buddhist scriptures. These could be adventurers who were seeking a career in Asian countries. These may be the traders who sailed across Asia in search of markets. And these could be people who came with invading armies and left behind accounts of the places they visited. We are looking at all these accounts." The scholars who have been invited to attend the conference will look at these accounts left behind by ancient pilgrims, scholars and adventurers, and view the idea of Asia through their eyes. Kiev, Feb 17 : Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky on Saturday said that the country has ordered withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka town. In a post on social media, Syrsky said: "To avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favorable lines." The measure is being taken to stabilise the situation and maintain their positions in the area, he said, Xinhua news agency reported. He also emphasised that the lives of military personnel are of utmost importance to Ukraine. Earlier this week, local media reported that Russian forces advanced in Avdiivka, an industrial town in the Donetsk region, after fierce fighting with Ukrainian troops. New Delhi, Feb 17 : Google on Saturday announced a second startup support fund for Ukraine worth $10 million, to allocate equity-free cash awards throughout 2024 and 2025. Since the devastating war in Ukraine started, Google said it has committed over $45 million in cash and $7 million in kind to support humanitarian relief efforts for people in Ukraine and those fleeing the war. "We've also sought to use our products to help people affected by the war, like protecting against cyber attacks and fighting misinformation," said Agnieszka Hryniewicz-Bieniek, Senior Director, Google for Startups. The second 'Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund' will select startups on a rolling basis and give up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as ongoing Google mentorship, product support and up to $300,000 in Cloud credits. "This hands-on support is designed to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs maintain and grow their businesses, strengthen their community and build a foundation for post-war economic recovery. Applications will open later this year," the company announced. In March 2022, the company first announced the fund to support Ukraine-based startups, which has gone on to provide $5 million in equity-free cash awards to 58 recipients. Startups supported by the Ukraine Support Fund have received $15.8 million in follow-on funding, created 100 per cent revenue growth and significantly increased their employment despite the war and hardships they have faced, the company said. Startups like Skyworker.ai and Mindly are using AI to drive economic opportunity, Google added. Kolkata, Feb 17 : Cochin Shipyard Ltd has ordered a dozen 30-mm AK-630M Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) naval guns for Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) being built by it. These guns will be manufactured by Gun and Shell Factory (GSF), Cossipore, in Kolkata. GSF Cossipore is now a part of Advanced Weapons and Equipment Ltd (AWEIL), Kanpur, one of the companies that came up in 2021 after restructuring and corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board. The Rs 274.76 crore order for the guns is to be executed over a period of four years. This order will further establish capabilities of AWEIL and GSF Cossipore to meet demands for a wide range of weapons systems for India's defence forces. "The fully automatic 30 mm AK-630 CIWS rotary canon has six barrels and a high rate of fire of 4,000-5,000 rounds per minute. The system is mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by radar and electro-opto detection and tracking. The weapon's primary purpose is defence against aircraft and helicopters. It is a tried and tested CIWS and is also effective against anti-ship missiles and drones. This has been demonstrated during exercises. This makes the AK-630 an extremely potent anti-air weapons system on naval vessels. The system is also effective against ships and small craft, coastal targets and floating mines," said Rajesh Kumar Pandey, executive director, GSF, Cossipore. "The AK-630 systems that will be manufactured at GSF, Cossipore, will have substantial indigenous content, involving three major DPSUs AWEIL, AVNL and BEL as well as nearly 50 private companies. Our efforts towards Atmanirbharta, is providing opportunities to these companies," he added. The order is of particular significance at a time when Indian naval assets are being deployed near conflict zones to protect merchant vessels from attacks by missiles and armed drones. Chennai, Feb 17 : The fishermen's associations in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district have announced to boycott fishing along the Palk Bay for an indefinite period following the increasing number of arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen's associations have also announced to boycott the two-day annual festival of St George church in Katchatheevu to be held on February 23-24. All the six associations of Tamil fishermen have announced the boycott. The association leaders also said that black flags would be hoisted atop the dwellings of the fishermen as a mark of protest against the continuing attack on Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy. The announcement was made after an emergency meeting in Rameswaram on Saturday, which was attended by fishermen and their families in large numbers. The meeting that lasted for more than an hour was presided over by fishermen association leader R. Sagayam. Another fishermen association leader, P. Jesu Raja, told mediapersons that it has become a routine affair for the Sri Lankan Navy to arrest fishermen from Tamil Nadu on charges of poaching. "We are within our rights. We have been fishing along this stretch since time immemorial," he said. On February 4, in two separate incidents, 42 fishermen were held by the Sri Lankan Navy and four trawlers belonging to them were impounded. The arrested fishermen were later remanded to judicial custody in the island nation. A Sri Lankan court freed 20 of these fishermen on Friday, with a warning to not violate the IMBL (International Maritime Boundary Line) agreement. The court also awarded prison terms to two boatmen and one fisherman for having repeated the offence. Jesu Raja claimed when the fishermen were seeking help for their survival and livelihood, no tangible effort was made by the Union government to stop these arrests. He added that the Sri Lankan authorities have intensified their arrests of gullible fishermen from India. The fishermen's leader also appealed to the Union and state governments to come to their rescue immediately by retrieving their mechanised boats impounded by the Sri Lankan authorities. He added, "An assurance that they will not be arrested while fishing alone would give the fishermen community confidence to venture into the sea, but until then they would stay away from the waters." The meeting also resolved to stage a padayatra from Rameswaram to the Ramanathapuram district collector's office on February 20, and hand over all documents issued to the fishermen by the state authorities, including their licence, since they have decided not to venture into the sea. Yami Gautam: 'A Thursday' changed course of my career. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Feb 17 : Actress Yami Gautam on Saturday celebrated the second anniversary of her vigilante thriller film 'A Thursday', expressing her gratitude for being part of a project that changed the course of her career. 'A Thursday' is a gripping hostage thriller where Yami portrays the role of a play school teacher Naina Jaiswal, who takes 13 children hostage, creating suspense throughout the narrative. As the film completed its two-year milestone, Yami reflected on the journey, acknowledging the pivotal role 'A Thursday' played in reshaping her career trajectory. Taking to Instagram Stories, she shared the poster and wrote: "A film that changed the course of my career, all over again." The 'Kaabil' fame actress extended her appreciation to the director, producers, cast, crew, and the audience. She further said: "Grateful to my director, producers, cast, crew & the audience. #2YearsOfAThursday." 'A Thursday' directed by Behzad Khambata, and produced by RSVP Movies, also stars Atul Kulkarni, Neha Dhupia, Dimple Kapadia, and Karanvir Sharma in pivotal roles. Yami was last seen in comedy drama 'OMG 2', co-starring Akshay Kumar, and Pankaj Tripathi. She will be next seen portraying the role of an intelligence officer in 'Article 370', navigating the intricate web of political intrigue and national security. The film is produced by her husband Aditya Dhar, and also stars Priyamani. She also has 'Dhoom Dhaam' in the pipeline. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The country's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award for 2023, is being conferred upon famous Urdu lyricist Gulzar and eminent Sanskrit writer Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The Jnanpith Award Selection Committee on Saturday announced that the 58th Jnanpith Award for 2023 was being given to two eminent writers, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for Sanskrit and Gulzar for Urdu respectively. The literary and research organisation established in 1944, Bharatiya Jnanpith told IANS that the decision was taken in a meeting of the selection committee chaired by Jnanpith awardee and noted litterateur Pratibha Ray. Since 1965, this award has been given annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith for outstanding contribution to Indian literature. This is the second time that a Sanskrit writer has been given this award, while this is the fifth time that it is being conferred on an Urdu writer. The award will carry prize money of Rs 11 lakh, a citation and a statue of Vagdevi the goddess of speech. The committee said that Jagadguru Rambhadracharya who was born in 1950 in Khandi Khurd Village of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, is an eminent scholar, educationist, polyglot, writer, preacher, philosopher and a religious leader living in Chitrakoot, UP. He is one of the present four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect and has been holding this position since 1988. He is the founder president of Tulsi Peeth, a religious and social service institution named after Saint Tulsidas that is based in Chitrakoot. He is a polyglot who speaks 22 languages. He is a poet and writer in many languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili. He has authored more than 240 books and texts, including four epics (two in Sanskrit and two in Hindi), a Hindi commentary on the Ramcharitmanas, a poetic Sanskrit commentary on Ashtadhyayi and Sanskrit commentaries on Prasthanatrayi (Brahmasutra, Bhagavad Gita and Pradhan Upanishads). He is considered among India's best known experts on Tulsidas and is the editor of an authentic copy of Ramcharitmanas, published by Tulsi Peeth. In 2015, the Government of India honoured him with a Padma Vibhushan. The other recipient of the award is Sampooran Singh Kalra. Born in 1934, he is popularly known as Gulzar and is a famous lyricist of Hindi cinema. The committee said that apart from this, he is a screenwriter, film director, playwright and famous poet. His works are mainly in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. Gulzar was also bestowed the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award given by the Government of India, in 2004. In 2009, he received the Oscar Award for Best Song for aJai Hoa written by him for the film aSlumdog Millionairea that was directed by Danny Boyle. He was also honoured with a Grammy Award for the same song. Along with his long film journey, Gulzar has been setting new milestones in the field of literature. In poetry, he invented a new genre aTriveni,a which is a non-mukaffa poem of three lines. Gulzar has always created something new through his poetry. For some time now, he has also been paying serious attention to children's poetry. Mumbai, Feb 17 : Reality TV star Divya Agarwal, who is all set to tie the knot with her boyfriend, restaurateur and 'ginfluencer' Apurva Padgaonkar, gave a sneak peek into her home, saying "kal se shaadi chalu". Taking to Instagram Stories, where she has 2.9 million followers, Divya shared a video of her home, accompanied by the tune of 'What a mess'. The winner of 'MTV Ace of Space 1' will be tying the knot with Apurva on February 20. Apurva owns multiple restaurants in Mumbai. On Valentine's Day, Divya had shared some romantic pictures of her with Apurva and announced her wedding date. In the caption she had written: "Everyday is Valentine's for us and the month of February will be the most special month for us. ... 20th February 2024, will be husband and wife forever." Earlier, the nuptials website Wedding Sutra had shared pictures from their pre-wedding shoot, in which we can see Divya dressed in an orange ethnic attire, even as Apurva dons a red kurta-pyjama. Wedding Sutra captioned the pictures with: "Actress @divyaagarwal_official and restaurateur @apurva.insta are all set to tie the knot in Mumbai on 20th February. Ahead of their nuptials, Divya and Apurva did an editorial shoot with Wedding Sutra at Cafe Panama. Nine years ago, their eyes met across a Navi Mumbai lounge. Today, their hearts beat as one, ready to embark on their happily ever after." The note added: "Get ready for an at-home wedding that's both simple and stunning, blending Maharashtrian and Punjabi cultures like a perfectly spiced chai (Divya's favourite beverage)." Wedding Sutra also shared an animated video of the lovebirds. The hashtag for their wedding is #cocokibaico. In December 2022, Divya and Apurva got engaged to each other. Earlier, Divya was dating her 'MTV Splitsvilla 10' co-contestant Priyank Sharma. Thereafter, she was said to be in a romantic relationship with 'MTV Roadies' contestant Varun Sood. They worked together on 'Roadies: Real Heroes' and 'MTV Ace of Space'. On the work front, Divya is the winner of 'Bigg Boss OTT 1'. She was last seen in the web series 'Fuh Se Fantasy' and music video 'Rista Rista'. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Brunei police have intercepted and seized 900 cartons of contraband cigarettes on the nation's waterways, according to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF). According to the local daily Borneo Bulletin on Saturday, Marine Police personnel detected two suspicious boats on the Bunga River and initiated a pursuit as the suspicious boats sped off instead of stopping for police check on Thursday. One of the boats managed to escape and the other was found abandoned. Authorities discovered 900 cartons of cigarettes on the abandoned boat. Tobacco production are subject to strict regulation in the sultanate according to Brunei laws, and heavy duties are imposed on imported cigarettes, and those who are convicted of tobacco smuggling will face huge fines or imprisonment. New York, Feb 17 : Even as nearly 5 million deaths are associated with Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) every year worldwide, a new report has called for urgent need for global action. The 2024 AMR Preparedness Index Progress Report, released by the Global Coalition on Aging and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), shows that while large global economies have made some progress in their efforts to address AMR, they need to do more to reduce the health and financial impact. The report assesses how the 11 largest global economies -- Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US -- have advanced on calls to action laid out in the 2021 AMR Preparedness Index. The 2021 Index examined over 100 metrics to evaluate and rank countries' performance against AMR and establish benchmarks for policy action and leadership. "Each year, nearly 5 million deaths are associated with AMR, with a disproportionate impact on low and middle-income countries. Without the creation of innovative and novel antimicrobials, growing resistance to our existing drugs threatens our ability to perform even routine medical care," the report said. "AMR is a significant barrier to health system sustainability and public health, including healthy ageing. It is also an economic challenge -- without correcting course on AMR, the World Bank estimates that AMR could cost the global economy as much as $3.4 trillion annually by 2023," it added. The report showed that the UK maintained its position as the global leader in the fight against AMR, and many of the countries showed promising progress in many areas, but there is still greater action and targeted investment needed across all countries evaluated, particularly to revive the floundering pipeline of novel antibiotics. "AMR is no longer just a public health threat -- it is already here," said Michael Hodin, CEO of GCOA, in a statement. "It's imperative that global leaders leverage their power -- both separately and collaboratively -- to commit and implement concrete actions in the face of growing drug resistance. Without such action, we risk losing antibiotics, and with them, our ability to enjoy the longevity that we do currently." Chandigarh, Feb 17 : Advocating the need for the international air law specialists, Supreme Court Judge, Justice Sanjay Karol, on Saturday inaugurated the AIL Sarin National Rounds of the 15th Sarin International Air Law Moot Court Competition, the only one in the world, at the Army Institute of Law in Mohali. Delivering the inaugural address, Justice Karol, commended the Sarin Memorial Legal Aid Foundation for preparing young lawyers in a specialised arena of air law in association with the Netherlands' Leiden University. Addressing the young lawyers and participating teams from across the country, he emphasised the need for every professional should be to serve society and its people by upholding the cause of justice for larger public good. He emphasised the need for the international air law specialists to consider the impact of the aviation industry on global environment, an area hitherto not studied. He said that with nearly 4.17 lakh people travelling daily on domestic circuts, the aviation industry's responsibility grows to ensure safety, efficiency, and security. He said that there should be legal check on refund policies as well as the unbridled escalated pricing of air tickets by airlines during crisis situations especially when air travel is becoming a necessity and is no longer a rich man's prerogative. "There is a need also to make the air booking apps more useful for the masses by making them vernacular language friendly," he said. Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, acting Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, in his presidential remarks advised the young lawyers to believe in themselves, master the research and presentation skills, develop good memory, intern and litigate in the courts to become the best in their fields. Twelve teams from the top national law universities of India participated for the Indian national rounds out of which three teams qualified who would be participating in the international moot court competition from April 18-20 in Mexico City. The day-long proceedings of the competition was judged by a panel of 35 experts, including four judges from the Panjab and Haryana High Court, including Justice Deepak Sibal, Justice Vikas Bahl, Justice Vikas Suri and Justice Aman Chaudhary. Senior Advocate and secretary general of the foundation, M.L. Sarin, expressed gratitude to the Army Institute of Law for hosting this event regularly since its inception and the Leiden University which partnered with the Sarin Foundation to organise this unique moot court competition on air law. The finals shall see top teams from Greece, the US, Germany, France, Indonesia, Turkey, Singapore, the Netherlands, South Korea, Hong Kong, Spain, China and India will compete for the top laurels in this competition. Nitin Sarin, trustee and an air-law and aircraft finance specialist, in his welcome address said this is the only moot court competition held in the world on air law and holds special importance since Indian aviation industry is slated to grow many times over in the coming decades. He also emphasised the need for students of law to sharpen their all round skills to prepare themselves for the real world. Some of the countries that hosted this international moot court competition on air law included Dubai, Turkey, Abu Dhabi, Bucharest, Beijing, Jakarta, Malta, Seoul, India and the Netherlands. Three editions were also held virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kolkata, Feb 17 : Two senior cops were transferred by the West Bengal Government on Saturday in wake of the continuing tension at Sandeshkhali in 24 Parganas District, under whose jurisdiction the troubled zone comes. The area has been rocked by protests by women alleging sexual assault by local Trinamool Congress leaders and inaction by the police. Senior IPS officer Supratim Sarkar, who was earlier the Additional Director General (Traffic), has replaced Siddhinath Gupta as the Additional Director General (South Bengal). Similarly, the current Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Barasat Range, Sumit Kumar has been transferred as DIG (Security). Kumar has been replaced by Bhaskar Mukhopadhyay, who was earlier the DIG of Malda Range. State government insiders said that the transfers are extremely significant in the backdrop of the expected visit of the full Bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the first week of March to take stock of the situation for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Government sources said since Sandeshkhali has already come to the notice of the commission, in all probability it would have asked the government to transfer these senior cops in due course. So before receiving any such order from the ECI probably the state administration thought it prudent to transfer the two officers, they said. Meanwhile, on Saturday, amid widespread criticism and pressure from different sources, the state police finally registered cases under clauses of rape and attempt to murder, against two Trinamool Congress leaders Uttam Sardar and Shibu Hazra. While Sardar is already in police custody, Hazra is absconding like his political mentor Sheikh Shahjahan, the mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali on January 5. Sources said that cases had been registered against Hazra and Sardar based on an in-camera statement given by a victim from Sandeshkhali. To recall, the protesting women at Sandeshkhali last week burnt down a poultry farm and a farmhouse owned by Hazra. He has been absconding since then. Bhopal, Feb 17 : There are talks in the political circles about veteran Congress leader Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Natch's probable shift to the BJP, which is being linked to the party's recent Assembly election debacle in Madhya Pradesh and the subsequent handing over of the state unit's charge to Jitu Patwari. Also, Nakul Nath removing 'INC' (Indian National Congress) from his social media bio on Saturday has only added fuel to the fire. The dismal election results also reportedly paved the way for a 'rift' between former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and senior party leader Rahul Gandhi. Though sidelined, Patwari's predecessor Kamal Nath apparently kept pushing to resolve the issue with the help of Sonia Gandhi. But Rahul Gandhi reportedly maintained the distance and even stopped communicating with Kamal Nath. While all these speculation can be cited as the key trigger if Nakul Nath or his father, or both, joins the BJP, all eyes are on how the veteran leader saves his family bastion Chhindwara and the political future of his son. Nakul Nath (49) made his political debut from Chhindwara when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from there in 2019. In fact, he was the only Congress candidate to taste success in in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh, as the BJP rode on a massive (Narendra) Modi wave to sweep the remaining 28 seats in the state, one more than its 2014 tally. Now, looking at Congress' poor performance in the Assembly elections held in November last year, there are talks in certain circles that Kamal Nath's son might lose the family bastion in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. While Kamal Nath managed to retain Chhindwara from 1998 to 2014 before his son won from there in 2019, the BJP this time seems prepared to wrest the family bastion from the veteran Congress leader. Senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is a minister in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's Cabinet, had recently said that the party may filed ex-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Chhindwara. In fielded, Chouhan -- who served four terms as the Chief Minister and is considered to be one of the most popular politicians in the state -- would definitely pose a huge challenge for Nakul Nath. Interestingly, even though Nakul Nath won from Chhindwara in 2019, Congress' vote percentage had gone down, with the winner securing 47.06 per cent votes against 44.5 per cent managed by BJP nominee Nathan Shah. In comparison, the vote share of Kamal Nath in both 2009 and 2014 was above 50 per cent. A senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity that Kamal Nath might have sensed that the chances of his son winning from Chhindwara is less this time, and that is why he advised Nakul Nath to decide his own political future. Nakul Nath, on his part, has already declared himself a candidate for the Lok Sabha elections, although the Congress is yet to release its list. The speculation about the father-son duo's possible defection to the BJP has been doing the rounds for the past few days. And by removing 'INC' from his social media bio and the sudden visit to Delhi on Saturday, Nakul Nath has only added fuel to the fire. New Delhi, Feb 17 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday visited the famous Kashi Temple in Varanasi -- Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- and offered prayers to Lord Vishwanath. Later in the day, he also held a roadshow in the town, as a mark of show of strength. Rahul's visit to the holy town has sparked off controversy over the 'failure' of temple administration to furnish pictures of his paying obeisance to Lord Shiva. Blaming the state government, Congress accused it of 'blocking' Rahul's 'shivbhakti'. However, the state government has rubbished the charges as 'blatant lie'. Congress, via its X handle, hurled a barrage of allegations against the temple administration as well as state government and termed it a plot to deny Congress leader, an opportunity to get photos clicked at the sanctum sanctorum. The party said that the temple authorities denied opportunity to our cameraman to click pictures of Rahul offering prayers at the temple, at the last moment and it was done at the behest of district administration. "Our permission was rejected at the last hour. District administration, despite its assurances, didn't provide us pictures for more than 3.5 hours," the party said. "After persuasion and repeated requests, the temple administration shared 7 photos of Rahul's visit but none of them pertain to his bowing down to Lord Shiva," it further claimed. However, Kashi temple CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, told in an exclusive conversation with IANS, rejected the party's charges as 'baseless and unwarranted', saying that as per the existing protocols, cameras are not permitted inside the premises. "Relaxations are extended only in exceptional cases," the temple official said, while maintaining that all people are treated at par before the Lord Vishwanath. "Neither was permission given nor denied, as claimed," the official said. He also added that no such permission was sought by Rahul's associates or the party. Notably, when Rahul visited the holy temple at around 10.30 AM, it saw huge commotion and also wide sloganeering by his supporters. Some eyewitnesses, who were present at the temple during his visit, also said that the huge rush prevented them from getting darshan of the Lord Shiva. Replying to the charges of 'sabotage' over Rahul's Kashi visit, the official clarified: "A peaceful atmosphere is need for photo-op opportunity too. Amidst the din, the temple photographer managed to click Rahul's pictures and we duly shared it with them, as demanded." --IANS mr/dan Hyderabad, Feb 17 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday alleged that Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project is a blot and not a boon for Telangana due to large-scale corruption. Intervening in the debate on white paper over irrigation projects in the State Legislative Assembly, he said the then BRS government redesigned the Pranahita-Chevella project to make easy money. He also stated that the BRS made the state bankrupt with indiscriminate borrowings during the last 10 years. Revanth Reddy held former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister for irrigation T. Harish Rao responsible for harming the interests of Telangana in every aspect of irrigation from securing the rightful share in river waters of Krishna and Godavari to large-scale corruption in the execution of projects. He claimed that a committee of retired engineers formed by the previous government had recommended in its report to continue with Tummidihetti as the location for the construction of a barrage to divert 160 tmc ft water of Godavari for the Pranahita-Chevella project. The Chief Minister laid on the table the report of the committee, which was against construction of barrage at Medigadda. Though KCR wanted the panel to examine alternative locations, it recommended that lifting water from Medigadda to Mid Manair was not desirable. He mentioned that the retired engineers panel had suggested the government agree to barrage FRL (full reservoir level) at Tummidihetti at 150 metres even if the Maharashtra government refuses to agree either for the original 152 metres or 151 metres. The Chief Minister alleged that however, the BRS government went ahead with redesigning and took up Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages and multiple lifts with an aim to make easy money. The debate saw heated exchanges between Harish Rao and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, who presented the white paper through a powerpoint presentation. Harish Rao launched a counter attack terming the white paper a apack of liesa. He alleged that the white paper is a false paper aimed at defaming the previous BRS government. The BRS leader also voiced the doubt that the Congress government wants Medigadda barrage to collapse and urged the government to take up restoration works to safeguard the interests of farmers. Reacting strongly to this, Uttam Kumar Reddy said instead of owning the responsibility for what happened, Harish Rao was launching a counter-attack. He suggested that BRS apologise to the people of Telangana. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said by renaming and redesigning the Pranahita-Chevella project conceived in the combined Andhra Pradesh, the BRS government increased the cost of the project from Rs 39,000 crore to Rs 1.47 lakh crore. The Chief Minister suggested Harish Rao give a confession statement during the sitting/retired judge probe, whenever it would be instituted, into Kaleshwaram irregularities. Members of ruling Congress and opposition BRS traded allegations over Kaleshwaram project, the reports of National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and Comptroller and Auditor General of India and other irrigation projects and also on protecting the stateas interests in Godavari and Krishna waters. Harish Rao said the Congress was making false allegations against BRS though the efforts of the previous government during the last 10 years resulting in improving agricultural production and in checking migration from rural areas. New Delhi, Feb 17 : BJP President J.P. Nadda on Saturday heaped praise on Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, attributing the party's massive rise and growth to the Prime Minister. Addressing around 11,500 delegates of the party on the inaugural day of the two-day National Convention of the BJP at the Bharat Mandapam here, Nadda said that the Modi government will score a hat-trick and retain power in the upcoming general elections. Amid chanting of 'Modi-Modi' and 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans, the party chief said that after PM Modi assumed office in 2014, the BJP's footprint expanded across the country at a larger scale, as the party formed governments in 12 states on its own. He also spoke at length about the growth of the country made under the leadership of PM Modi, saying that the BJP has become the largest political party in the world. Today, there are NDA governments in 17 states, Nadda said. The senior leader also said that he has firm belief in the capabilities and efficiency of the party workers, as he urged them to ensure that the party wins more than 370 seats and the NDA crosses the 400-mark in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. This is the goal set by PM Modi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he said. PM Modi was seen clapping when Nadda urged the workers to ensure BJP's massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Recalling the country's growth story under the leadership of PM Modi, Nadda said that over 80 crore beneficiaries are receiving free foodgrain under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Because of the efforts made by the Modi government, 25 crore people have came out of poverty, he said. Discussing the meteoric rise of the party, Nadda said the BJP rose from 10 per cent votes and 3 seats to 38.5 per cent votes and 77 seats in West Bengal. "We will come to power in West Bengal after the next elections," Nadda claimed. It is a big achievement that a government with an absolute majority came to power in India in 2014 after 30 years, Nadda remarked, adding that this could be possible only because of PM Modi's leadership. "We are happy to say that the last decade under PM Modi's leadership has seen all-round achievements and growth," the BJP President said, adding, "We are lucky to be part of the BJP National Convention 2024." "We have seen victories in the past, and will continue to see victory in the future also," Nadda said. Kolkata, Feb 17 : Noted Bengali actress of yesteryear Anjana Bhowmik (79), who received critics' accolades for her portrayal of 'Sujata Mitra' in the 1968 hit film 'Chowringhee', passed away at a hospital in Kolkata on Saturday. She is survived by her two daughters -- Nilanjana Sengupta and Chandana Sharma. Nilanjana is married to popular actor Jisshu Sengupta. The family members of the actress told mediapersons that Bhowmik was admitted to a city hospital for some time now owing to age-related ailments. Many critics feel that despite her acting talent, Bhowmik was unable to reach the height of popularity she deserved because of the presence of other prominent actresses during her time, namely Suchitra Sen, Sabitri Chattopadhyay and Supriya Devi. However, in the cinemas where she appeared in lead roles, she won the hearts of the viewers and drew accolades from the critics because of her natural acting talent. Apart from 'Chowringhee', other films with Bhowmik in the lead include 'Nayika Sangbad' opposite Uttam Kumar, 'Thana Theke Ashchi' and 'Mahashweta', among others. In 2012, she received a lifetime achievement award from the West Bengal government. Mourning Bhowmik's demise, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "I express my heartiest condolence over the death of acclaimed actress Anjana Bhowmik. Her death is an irreparable loss for the Bengali film industry. I express my sympathy towards her family members and fans." New Delhi, Feb 17 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said a permanent and long-term fix to the Israel-Palestine conflict is necessary to avoid what the world witnessed on October 7 last year when Hamas launched surprise attacks from Gaza. Speaking at a panel discussion on 'Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities' at the ongoing Munich Security Conference, the minister stressed the necessity and urgency of a two-state solution. "There has to be a permanent fix, a long-term fix, otherwise, we are going to see a recurrence," Jaishankar said when asked about India's views on the spiralling conflict that has seen at least 28,858 Palestinians dead and 68,667 wounded since the hostilities broke last year. Stating that India has long believed in a two-state solution, the minister said many more countries in the world feel that the two-state solution is not just necessary, "but it is more urgent than it was before". The solution has long been suggested as the best hope for peace in the region, which would see an independent Palestinian state established alongside the existing one of Israel. However, deciding what the borders of a potential Palestinian state would be has turned out to be the biggest obstacle with both the warring parties seeing the two-state solution as an impossibility. Jaishankar was participating in the session along with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. On being asked by Financial Times' editor Roula Khalaf what advice he would give to them, Jaishankar said: "Well, I don't have advice for my colleagues, though I particularly think all of us follow the enormous efforts which Antony (Blinken) is putting in right now. But the way we look at it, there are different dimensions, different elements to this." Elaborating further, the External Affairs Minister said that what happened on October 7 was "terrorism" and that Israel "should be, should have been very mindful of civilian casualties". Calling the return of the hostages imperative, Jaishankar added that there is a need for a "sustainable humanitarian corridor" to provide relief to the people in war-ravaged areas. The 60th Munich Security Conference, which began on Friday, is currently underway at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich and is being held under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The board of directors of Novartis India took note of the communication received from Novartis AG, holding company and promoter, regarding their intention to conduct a strategic review to unlock the value of their shareholding in the company. aAfter some deliberations, the Board agreed to support Novartis AG, as may be required, in evaluating their strategic options," Novartis India said. Novartis India Limited is a public company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The strategic review will include an assessment of the 70.68 per cent shareholding of Novartis AG in the company. Novartis India Limited is separate from Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Novartis group in India. Novartis Healthcare Private Limited includes the Novartis Corporate Centre in Hyderabad, the commercial arm of Novartis in India, and R&D teams, which currently conduct clinical trials at more than 300 trial sites in the country. The strategic review will not impact Novartis Healthcare Private Limited. aThere can be no assurance that the strategic review of Novartis India Limited will be completed in 2024, or that the outcome would result in the implementation of any transaction," the company said. aNovartis remains deeply committed to India with a footprint that has expanded significantly in recent years. Today, Novartis proudly employs more than 8,100 associates in India," it said. BRUSSELS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU)'s foreign policy chief urged the Israeli government on Friday not to take military action in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, which shelters more than 1.3 million displaced Palestinians. A military action in Rafah "would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance," Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement. The EU "reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with International humanitarian law and to respect the Jan. 26 order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is legally binding," Borrell said. On Jan. 26, the Hague-based ICJ ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocide acts in the Gaza Strip. In his statement, Borrell said the EU recognizes the right of Israel to defend itself in line with international law and international humanitarian law. He also reiterated the EU's call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Since Monday, Israel has launched airstrikes against Rafah and indicated that it is set to launch a ground operation in the city. Chennai, Feb 17 : Ten workers were killed and three others were injured in an explosion at a private fireworks factory unit in Kundayiruppu near Sattur in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a relief of Rs 3 lakh for each of the deceased families and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. The blast, which took place at the Winner Fireworks unit has completely destroyed five buildings on the premises. Police said that nine people were brought dead while one was declared dead on arrival at the Sivakasi government hospital. The dead were identified as S. Ramesh (28), A. Karuppasamy( 23), Rambika (30), M. Muthu(28), K. Aberaj (62), T. Murugajothi (48), V.Santharoobi (43), M. Gurusamy (52), Muniyasamy (44), and R. Jeya (34). Three workers with burn injuries -- who were admitted to the Virudhunagar and Sivakasi government hospitals -- have been identified as S. Sivakumar (29); M. Muthukumar (30); and S. Rengammal (55). The officials said that the medical condition of the injured is critical. Rescue and fire service personnel from Vembakottai and Sivakasi rushed to the spot to douse the fire. New Delhi, February 17 : The rank and file of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is enthused and energised over the 'saffron wave' gripping the country after the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The party's top brass has launched a series of campaign strategy and outreach programme to mobilise the masses in the urban and rural centers as well as the Generation Z via digital media, for giving not just a third term to the Modi government, but with a resounding and record mandate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said at an election rally that the BJP will bag more than 370 seats on its own, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will cross the 400-seat mark. Axis My India, one of the most credible polling agencies, has released its 'analysis and arithmetic' on how the saffron party can realise the dream of 370 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Speaking to IANS over phone, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Axis My India, said that the BJP's projected numbers could be a reality, given the party's renewed allies' support and its repeat performance in 2024, akin to the 2019 elections. "NDA has been strengthened in Bihar and Maharashtra, with Nitish Kumar switching side to the BJP and also rebel factions of Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) joining hands. This indeed has been a shot in the arm for the NDA, but it needs to replicate the strike rate of 2019 polls," he said. As per Axis My India's poll number calculation, the BJP will require the three factors mentioned below for scripting a bigger victory than 2019. Retaining strongholds In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA had a strike rate of 94 per cent and made a clean sweep in the Hindi heartland. In many states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Jharkhand, it won more than 94 per cent of the total LS seats, thereby winning 198 of the total 210 seats. This time too the party will have to retain the same 94 per cent strike rate, rather spike it further. Better NDA tally in key states The BJP demolished its rivals in the Northern belt but its performance in the Southern states remained unsatisfactory. In Uttar Pradesh too, the party lost 16 out of 80 seats. This time, it will need to close these gaps and aim for even greater share from the country's biggest state. In out of these 285 seats, the party grabbed 114 seats, at a strike rate of 40 per cent. The party will need to increase the strike rate to 57 per cent this time, i.e., register victory on 161 of the 285 seats. Equation with Shiv Sena and NCP Maharashtra remains one of the crucial states for the BJP. In the 2019 elections, it won 23 seats while its key ally Shiv Sena bagged 18 seats. Together, they claimed 41 out of the 48 seats, resulting in a strike rate of 85 per cent. After the vertical split in Shiv Sena and NCP, the BJP will be expected to not just retain its own 23 seats, but also command victory on 18 seats. --IANS Kolkata, Feb 17 : Shibu Hazra, a local Trinamool Congress leader and one of the two prime accused in the alleged sexual harassment of women at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, has been arrested by the state police on Saturday evening. His arrest from a hideout at Sandeshkhali, as told by the police, came just hours after the cops registered cases under rape and attempt to murder charges against Hazra and another key accused, Uttam Sardar. While Sardar is already in police custody, Hazra was absconding for the past one week after the local women protesting at Sandeshkhali burnt down his farmhouse and poultry farm. Hazra will be produced before a district court on Sunday. However, the political mentor of the duo and the mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali on January 5, Sheikh Shahjahan, is still absconding ever since the day of the attack. Meanwhile, acting DGP of West Bengal Police, Rajeev Kumar, said on Saturday that when the state police launched the probe into the matter, the ED went to the court following which a stay was put on the investigation process. The DGP was probably referring to the investigation order by a joint special investigation team (SIT) of the state police and CBI, which was passed by the Calcutta High Courtas single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta. However, the ED approached the division bench of the high courtas Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya against the single bench order and demanded an independent CBI probe into the matter, instead of the joint SIT investigation. The division bench put an interim stay on the investigation by the joint SIT till the next hearing scheduled in March. Magisterial probe ordered to find out 'hidden agenda' behind mob attack on SP, DC offices in Manipur. Image Source: IANS News Imphal, Feb 17 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Saturday that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered to find out if there was some 'hidden agenda' behind the mob attack on the offices of Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police on February 15 in Churachandpur district. Without naming the MLA, the Chief Minister said the police will book a Churachandpur legislator on charges of inciting violence in the district. Two persons were killed and over 40 others were injured in Churachandpur after security forces fired at a mob that stormed a government compound, which houses the offices of the SP and DC late on Thursday night. Singh said the loss of lives in the arson in Churachandpur and the attempt to loot weapons from the Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) at Pangei and the 5th Battalion of Manipur Rifles complex in Chingarel were unfortunate, and that the government condemns the incidents in the strongest terms. "Magisterial inquiries would be conducted into the two incidents. Actions according to the law will be taken against anyone found guilty. It is the primary duty and responsibility of the government to maintain law and order, protect public property and human lives," he told the media. The Chief Minister also stressed that legal action has been initiated against an individual who issued a threat to the Churachandpur SP on social media. About the reported ultimatum issued to the SP by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Singh said such threats will not be taken lightly and that the government will not turn a blind eye to these incidents. The state government had suspended seven personnel in connection with the incident at MPTC and 5th Battalion of Manipur Rifles complex. Condemning the comments of some persons about the two incidents, Singh said that playing such divisive politics and misleading the youth is deplorable. He said the state government is also preparing to take legal action against the individuals. "There would be no compromise against any challenge to state or national security at any location," the Chief Minister said, adding that additional forces have been rushed to Sugunu area Lailoiphai, from where gunfights were reported, to conduct combing operations. He said: "Certain areas have been identified as sensitive or hot-spot zones. No area in the state will be left out from the purview of law and order." Singh also said that financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per head to 59,800 persons staying in relief camps has been sanctioned for the third time, adding that the government will soon provide alternative accommodation to these people. New Delhi, Feb 17 : The Delhi Legal Service Authority (DLSA) on Saturday submitted the Victim Impact Assessment Report concerning the killing of Ankit Saxena, who was murdered in full public view in West Delhi in 2018. Ankit's mother being the sole surviving member of the family following the demise of his father, the report is pivotal for assessing compensation. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sunil Kumar Sharma of Tis Hazari Court has taken the report on record and scheduled the matter for hearing the arguments on sentencing the three convicts involved in the case for March 2. On January 31, the court had directed the DLSA to compile and submit the Victim Impact Assessment Report. The court had convicted Akbar Ali, Shahnaz Begum, and Mohammad Salim on December 23 last year. The case took a darker turn in 2018 after it was revealed that the perpetrators of the crime were none other than the parents and maternal uncle of Ankit's girlfriend, who opposed Ankit's interfaith relationship. They were later convicted. Earlier, an affidavit submitted on behalf of convict Salim lacked attestation by the jail superintendent, leading to procedural concerns. Akbar Ali's counsel had expressed the accused's intention to add details to the affidavit, requesting additional time. The counsel had also raised objections to media reporting of the case, saying that daily coverage could impede the rights of the convicts. They sought a directive to impose restrictions on media reporting. The Special Public Prosecutor had countered this, saying that the case had concluded with the judgement being a public document and subject to media reporting. At this, the court had asked the counsel to file a formal application regarding media reporting restrictions. The charges against the convicts include IPC Sections 302 (murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Moreover, Shahnaz Begum has also been convicted of voluntarily causing hurt. Kolkata, Feb 17 : Determined to prevent Sheikh Shahjahan, the mastermind behind the attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on January 5, from securing anticipatory bail, the central agency on Saturday moved a district court seeking to be a party in the case. Shahjahan, who is absconding since the day of the attack, moved the district court through his counsel seeking anticipatory bail. Earlier he moved a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in Kolkata with a similar plea for anticipatory bail, which was rejected through ED, opposed the anticipatory bail plea then also at the special court. Now the hearing on Shahjahan's plea at the Barasat district court is scheduled on February 26 and before that date of hearing ED has moved the same court seeking to be party in the case. In his application, ED has claimed that a copy of the notice of application for the anticipatory bail was not served to the central agency and the court should hear their arguments as well before taking a decision on anticipatory bail plea. ED's move on this count is quite significant especially in the backdrop of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently giving a clean chit to the absconding leader and holding the central agency responsible for the ongoing tension at Sandeshkhali. The Chief Minister recently said on the floor of the House that ED sleuths went to Sandeshkhali targetting Shahjahan with the intention of creating tension there. "The RSS has its hub at Sandeshkhali. ED is behind this and is responsible for what is happening at Sandeshkhali now. ED went to Sandeshkhali targetting Shahjahan and with the intention of creating trouble there, " she said on the floor of the House on February 15. Colombo, Feb 18 : Sri Lanka has rolled out infrastructure development projects and innovative tourism promotion programmes in a bid to attract high-end tourists, the President's Media Division (PMD) said. The PMD said in a press statement that President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted a tour of Tangalle and Galle areas on Saturday to assess tourism industry resurgence on the southern coast of the country, Xinhua news agency reported. During the tour, the President visited several tourist hotels, talking with owners to understand their challenges first hand, the PMD added. The PMD said the tourism sector in Sri Lanka faced a rapid downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic challenges. With the government's new initiatives, there has been a significant surge in tourist arrivals, said the PMD, adding that more than 1.4 million tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2023. Building on this momentum, the government aims to surpass the peak of 2.5 million tourists in 2017, with plans underway to achieve this milestone by 2024, the PMD said. Prayagraj, Feb 18 : The Allahabad High Court has ruled that it is not mandatory to procure prior sanction for the lodging of an FIR and investigation against civil servants. The court also observed that even if sanction is required for initiating legal proceedings, it should be obtained while submitting the charge sheet before a Magistrate and when the Magistrate takes cognisance of the matter. The High Court gave this ruling while dismissing an anticipatory bail plea filed by one Ranjeet, who had allegedly obtained three passports under different names. In passing the order, Justice Krishan Pahal observed, "For the institution of FIR and investigation thereupon, there is no obligatory requirement to secure prior sanction even against a public servant, as per the mandate of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It shall equally apply to persons charged under the Passport Act, 1967." The applicant had sought anticipatory bail in connection with an FIR against him for alleged offences under Section 420 (cheating) and other sections of the IPC and under Section 12 of the Passport Act. The FIR was lodged at Barhalganj police station in Gorakhpur. The High Court referred to the case of P. Prathapachandran Vs CBI (2002) and noted that the relevant time for sanction to prosecute under the Passport Act is when the court is about to take cognisance of the offence. Therefore, the applicant's objections to the validity of the sanction and the authority of the officer who granted it are unfounded. Referring to RS Nayak Vs AR Antulay (1984) case, the bench reiterated that valid sanction is necessary before taking cognisance of enumerated offences. It concluded that the argument against the availability of sanction during the FIR or investigation stage lacks merit. Therefore, no sanction is needed for the investigation in this case. In addition, the court also observed that the criteria for granting anticipatory bail under Section 438 of CrPC differs from those of other bails under Section 439 of CrPC. Anticipatory bail aims to protect individual rights, preventing the misuse of arrest powers and shielding innocent individuals from harassment. However, it poses a challenge in balancing individual rights with the interests of justice, the court said. Lucknow, Feb 18 : Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav will join the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in Rae Bareli on Tuesday. Top sources said that the Congress and SP are likely to finalise their seat-sharing arrangement in the state within the next two days. The seat-sharing between the two parties has been stuck since January 27 when Akhilesh had announced 11 seats to the Congress which caught the party off-guard. There have been no further developments in seat-sharing since then. There was no acknowledgement from Congress about the 11 seats though both the parties constantly maintained that talks are going on. In the meantime, Akhilesh accepted Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge's invitation to join the Nyay Yatra. SP National Secretary and Spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said: "Akhilesh will join the Nyay yatra for some distance with Rahul. He will join the yatra in Rae Bareli -- most likely at Bachhrawan." Bachhrawan is a Vidhan Sabha seat that the SP won in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Rae Bareli and Amethi are two Lok Sabha constituencies where the SP has not fielded any candidates in several successive Lok Sabha elections. The two parties, despite being rivals earlier, had not been fielding candidates against the Gandhi and Yadav family members. KIEV, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has ordered the withdrawal of troops from the frontline eastern town of Avdiivka, Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said Saturday. "To avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defense on more favorable lines," Syrsky said on Facebook. He emphasized that the lives of military personnel are of the utmost importance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain their positions in the area, Syrsky added. Earlier this week, local media reported that Russian forces advanced in Avdiivka, an industrial town in the Donetsk region, after fierce fighting with Ukrainian troops. In Look Away (Grand Central, May), Kushner reports on a German white supremacist terrorist organization that targeted immigrants from 2001 to 2011. Why didnt German law enforcement stop these attacks for over a decade? The police preferred to see this as a problem that isnt German. They chose to see this as drug crime or immigrant crime because they just didnt want to believe that Germans would do this. I saw this denial time and again with the polices reactionlying to the families of the murdered men; fabricating evidence; sometimes attempting to get the families to admit that they were in on the hit. How did survivor narratives come to be so central to your book? I reached out to all the families. Most of them never did speak to the press at all. Gamze Kubasik, the daughter of one of the murdered men, ended up agreeing to speak with me but she hesitated at first. She had been outspoken about her fathers murder even before the National Socialist Underground was discoveredafter her father died, she was leading protests demanding justice, demanding answersbut what she was accustomed to doing were press conferences or short interviews. Whereas with me, she spent hours speaking about intimate memories of her father. It was emotional. A striking moment was when I asked, What did your fathers voice sound like? And she said she didnt remember; she was so upset. Its incredibly traumatic to lose a loved one violently like this. But more importantly, what Gamze said to me and what others have said is that it was also incredibly traumatic to be re-victimized by the police and accused of having had a hand in their loved ones murders themselves. Why did the trial go on for so long? There were so many inquiries across Germany about the NSU. One year into the trial, in just one state, investigators estimated that they had gone through one million pages of documents. The sheer amount of information was massive. Especially because, as eventually became central to the public outcry, there were so many intelligence agencies who had far-right informants on the scene when these murders happened. You also tell the story of antifascist activist Katharina Konig, who exposed the NSU network. Katharina knew the terrorists when they were teenagers. But she also just knows so much about neo-Nazis. Talking to her, youre astounded by all the details of far-right rallies, of attacks against immigrants, of something that happened just the other day. The lens she provides into this world is one that you dont get just from the news; even an avid news consumer wouldnt have a sense of how organized and how pervasive the far right is. In Song of the Huntress (Redhook, Mar.), which PWs starred review said stands out from the crowded field of legends retold, Lucy Holland reimagines the Northern European myth of the Wild Hunt. She gender-swaps immortal King Herla, leader of the folkloric hunt, for a female war chief who meets her match in the historical warrior queen thelburg. Holland spoke with PW about her characters real-life inspirations, surfacing queer identities, and the finer points of historical accuracy. What prompted you to wed a myth about otherworldly hunters to figures from British history? My previous novel, Sistersong, got me into historical fantasy. Where I live in England, its a very mythic landscape, and Im interested in the boundary between history and myth. Im also very keen to re-seed queer identity into historical periods where it definitely existed, but from which its been, often purposefully, left out. We dont get to hear very much from people who differ from the dominant narrative. How did you choose the historical figures on whom the characters are based? Ine and his wife thelburg of Wessex ruled for a very long time around the beginning of the eighth century, and their Kingdom of Wessex eventually became England. They were a power couple, but they had no children. There are many possible reasons no children are recordedperhaps they couldnt have them, perhaps they had them and they died. But I thought, maybe this is a chance for me to explore different identities. In the book, Ine is asexual and struggles with that, because he lives in a society that, like ours, is extremely binary. And the historical thelburg is believed to have been an Anglo-Saxon female warrior, which was quite rare. In the book, thelburg struggles against ideas of what women were expected to be like. How did you approach writing about this violent period in British history? When I have to write a violent scene, its the emotional impact thats much more important to me than the gory details. Those are important, too, but I very much want to find out why these people are fighting, what theyre fighting for. Thats the heart of every battle, especially the very visceral battles fought in this book. What sources did you draw on to build your version of Anglo-Saxon England? I wanted to make the book as historically accurate as possible. My first port of call was to get an idea, from a historians perspective, of the major things going on culturally, politically, and geographically in the area where its set, in the southwest of England. But theres also a level of detail a writer needs to bring a world to life. I ended up on the Instagram accounts of local archaeology sites and people who would be considered amateurs but have a vast array of very detailed knowledge. LARPers are amazing for this, because theyre genuinely interested in reproducing things like the clothes, weapons, and tools of a period. Theres a great group called Thegns of Mercia who have enormous posts on their website about the difference between beer, cider, and ale. The book took me the better part of three years to write. I was working with an established myth that I was deliberately subverting. But the heart of it is very much its three main characters and how their individual struggles with their identities impact each others struggles. Return to main feature. Viking and Haig Do the Impossible Matt Haig, author of the 2020 blockbuster bestseller The Midnight Library, has sold U.S. rights to The Life Impossible to Patrick Nolan at Viking. Haig was represented by Clare Conville of C+W Agency. Viking said the novel, a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning, follows a retired math teacher who inherits a long-lost friends rundown house on a Mediterranean island and comes to terms with her own life as she searches for answers about her friends death. The book will be published in September. Viking and Haig Do the Impossible Matt Haig, author of the 2020 blockbuster bestseller The Midnight Library, has sold U.S. rights to The Life Impossible to Patrick Nolan at Viking. Haig was represented by Clare Conville of C+W Agency. Viking said the novel, a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning, follows a retired math teacher who inherits a long-lost friends rundown house on a Mediterranean island and comes to terms with her own life as she searches for answers about her friends death. The book will be published in September. Smarsh Signs Two with Scribner Scribner editorial director Kathryn Belden has acquired North American rights to two books from acclaimed journalist and National Book Award finalist Sarah Smarsh. Scribner said the first book in the deal, Bone of the Bone: Essays on America by a Daughter of the Working Class, set for fall, is a collection of mostly previously published essays with a new essay and an introduction. The second book in the deal is an as-yet untitled work of narrative nonfiction that will, according to the publisher, uncover the industrial and cultural forces decimating North Americas tallgrass prairie and the little-known movement to save it. That book is set to be published in 2026. Smarsh was represented by Julie Barer of the Book Group. Subramaniam Goes to HarperVia HarperVias Gabriella Page-Fort has acquired world rights (excluding the Indian subcontinent) to Arundhathi Subramaniams Women Who Wear Only Themselves. The deal was negotiated by Priya Doraswamy of Lotus Lane Literary, who described the book as sensitive, insightful, and spare, and written to address the gender imbalance in spiritual teachings. In it, Subramaniam interviews four female spiritual travelers about their journeys. The book will be published in March 2025. Pinborough Takes Gothic Thriller to Flatiron In an exclusive submission, Sarah Pinborough (Behind Her Eyes) has sold North American rights to We Live Here Now to Christine Kopprasch at Flatiron Books. The deal was brokered by Grainne Fox at UTA on behalf of Veronique Baxter at DHA. Fox described the novel as a gothic thriller that follows Emily and her husband Freddies move from London to a beautiful, remote country estate, where Emily soon learns that the house has secrets, and so does her husband. We Live Here Now will be published in summer 2025. Donlea Sells Four to Kensington Kensington editor-in-chief John Scognamiglio has signed a four-book, world rights deal with Those Empty Eyes author Charlie Donlea. Marlene Stringer at the Stringer Literary Agency brokered the agreement. The first novel will be The Anonymous Client, which follows a psychologist who is thrust into a murder investigation and a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse when an anonymous client confesses to the crime. The Anonymous Client will be published in August 2025. No details were announced for the other books in the deal. Acho, Tishby Take Conversation to Simon Doris Cooper at Simon Element has acquired U.S., Canadian, and open market rights to Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by bestselling authors Emmanuel Acho (Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man) and Noa Tishby (Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth). Meredith Miller at UTA brokered the deal on behalf of Acho, and Becky Sweren at Aevitas represented Tishby. The publisher described the book as a timely, disarmingly honest, and thought-provoking investigation into antisemitism. Publication is slated for April. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Speculative fiction is rife with depictions of combatinventive takes on historical wars, clashes on battlefields suffused with magic, and military strikes executed by futuristic AI. What makes science fiction, fantasy, and horror such fertile ground for contemplating war? For one, genre fiction offers an opportunity to literalize things that are otherwise invisible or impossible to reckon with, says fantasy novelist Katherine Arden. She and other authors PW spoke with confront visceral realities through flights of imagination. History lessons When Arden, whose Winternight trilogy is set in a magical medieval Russia, was considering her next project, she came across a WWI-era photograph of a German cavalry officer on horseback, holding a lance and wearing a gas mask. It sparked the idea for The Warm Hands of Ghosts (Del Rey, Feb.), which PWs starred review called a breathtaking historical fantasy [that] blends a meticulously researched WWI epic, an eloquent family saga, and a touch of the supernatural. The story follows honorably discharged Canadian field nurse Laura Iven, who returns to Europe to search for her brother Freddie, missing in action in Belgium. As Arden conducted research for the book, she says, it seemed to her that the 20th century ushered in these earthly hellscapes. She wondered, If humans make the hellscapes, what does the devil do? Lucy Hollands Song of the Huntress (Redhook, Mar.) draws on earlier European historythe eighth-century CE reign of warrior queen thelburg of Wessexand the Northern European legend of the Wild Hunt. Holland, who lives near the part of England where the book is set, is fascinated by the time and place that inspired her story. It was a war-torn landscape, she says. Obviously, the formation of Britain was very bloody. Daughters of Chaos (Overlook, July) is set during the American Civil War, but author Jen Fawkes says its central conflict is the struggle to be a woman in the world. In the novel, Sylvie Smith comes to Nashville to search for a missing sibling. She begins to spy for the Union Army and is also drawn into a sisterhood of women with secret, potent powersthe Cult of Chaos, whose members have been militating against mens violence since ancient times. Fawkes says she had an epiphany while rereading the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata, in which women end the Peloponnesian War by withholding sex until the men agree to make peace. She realized there are so many untold stories of women and the way warfare has impacted them, she says. In the book, the women are their own army. They become a force standing in for all women who are struggling for personhood. Rules of engagement Other books use historical events as a launchpad to second-world settings. Nebula Award winner Premee Mohamed says shed grown interested in WWII-era German pacifists and wanted to remove some of the baggage of real-world history while also writing about the wartime lives of civilians. In The Siege of Burning Grass (Solaris, Mar.), which PWs review called a haunting and insightful examination of the human capacity for violence and mercy, the Varkal and Medariz empires are locked in perpetual battle. Varkal pacifist leader Alefret, tortured by his own government, is offered a chance at freedom, one that could end the fighting but would also mean moral compromise. For the fantasy House of Open Wounds (Head of Zeus, Mar.), Adrian Tchaikovsky looked to the European revolutions of 1848, which he calls the greatest historical upheaval that never was because the uprisings were brutally put down by imperial power. The book, second in the Hugo Award winners Tyrant Philosophers series, focuses on a group of healers in an occupying armys field hospital. PWs starred review, which likened the story to M*A*S*H written by an uncharacteristically somber Terry Pratchett, said this depiction of the corroding conflict between medicine and war is not to be missed. Samantha Mills, who has won numerous awards for her short fiction, makes her full-length debut with The Wings upon Her Back (Tachyon, Apr.), a cathartic adventure, according to PWs starred review. In the aftermath of a civil war, the city of Radezhda is split into five sects, each worshiping a different sleeping god. Winged Zemolai, banished from the mecha sect after an act of mercy toward a spy, is rescued by a rival faction and must choose between betraying her people or begging the forgiveness of her former leader. In Radezhda, Mills says, to rebel is to demand the right to be heretical, to question the gods and the government. Zemolais struggle to distance herself from her increasingly authoritarian sect dramatizes a behavior pattern called the irrational escalation of commitment, she explains. Its similar to the sunk cost fallacy, where a person or group gets increasingly negative consequences from their actions but instead of pulling back, they double down. It appears irrational, but its consistent. Its the only way to justify prior things youve done. Once and future conflict The Korean War, which led to the separation of North and South Korea, is technically still ongoing, and the fear and dread of living in a war zone suffuse the atmosphere of Yeji Y. Hams debut, The Invisible Hotel (Zando, Mar.). Ham, who was born in South Korea and moved to Canada at age 11, says, I have vivid memories of, for example, having to draw posters for my elementary schoolreport the reds, report North Koreans. Being so young, I didnt know what those meant, but looking back, the war had always lived with us and it still lives with us. In The Invisible Hotel, that presence is literal: protagonist Yewon watches her mother wash the bones of ancestors who suffered the fallout of the conflict. As Yewon begins to spend time with Ms. Han, an elderly refugee from North Korea, the younger womans haunting dreams of an inescapable hotel with infinite rooms grow more intense and harder to distinguish from reality. Like many authors of military science fiction, U.S. Army veteran Zac Topping is intimately familiar with the moral complexities of war. He follows his PW-starred debut, Wake of War, with the near-future thriller Rogue Sequence (Tor, June), in which a genetically engineered super-soldier suddenly finds his very existence to be illegal. Topping says the book considers how technological innovations such as gene editing might be implemented in for-profit militaries, and how were going to address thatwith a knee-jerk reaction, a stopgap measure thats not fully thought out? He also wanted to explore a character reckoning with his past, recognizing the fact that you didnt always do the right thing. And if you have the ability to do that, then you have the ability to change. Your future doesnt have to be defined by your past. Edward Ashton covers similar philosophical ground in Mal Goes to War (St. Martins, Apr.). Mal, a free AI, becomes trapped in the body of a childs cyborg bodyguard while a civil war rages between factions who support human augmentation and those who oppose it. Ashtons vision of the future feels all too plausible and his blend of action and humor keeps the pages flying, according to PWs review. Ashtons time as a research engineer for the U.S. Navy brought him as close to an AIs point of view as is currently possible. A lot of the combat in the book is mediated through electronics and drones, Ashton says, and the violence seems like a game until you recognize that the missiles are flying at real people. Mal has a similar realization. At first, he considers himself not just at a remove from humans but superior to them. As the conflict continues, Mal begins to see the violence as both futile and costly, Ashton explains. He makes a decision that he is not going to do this anymore. Mal and other novels discussed in this feature could likewise prompt readers to examine their own attitudes toward war. Vera Kean is a writer living in New York City. Read more from our Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror feature: 8 New Cozy Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels In these comforting stories, relationship building is as important as worldbuilding. 5 New Horror Novels for Fans of Scary Movies Cinematic monsters make terrifying cameos in these forthcoming titles, haunting mansions, cameras, the Hollywood Hills, and more. For Queen and Country: PW Talks with Lucy Holland In the historical fantasy Song of the Huntress, Lucy Holland leads readers on a gender-swapped Wild Hunt. A man who barricaded himself in a van in the middle of South First Street in Tucumcari was apprehended by police nearly five hours later Friday afternoon. After two flash grenades detonated near the suspect's van had no apparent effect, a New Mexico State Police robot rolled up to the vehicle and held a canister containing a teargas variant into its window. The suspect crawled out of the driver's side window, where he was grabbed by a slew of officers in tactical gear. TPD Chief Patti Lopez identified the suspect as Edwin Ruben Corrales Gutierrez, 39, a Mexican national. He briefly was examined by emergency medical technicians in a nearby ambulance after his arrest, then placed into a Tucumcari Police squad car. Lopez said there was evidence of alcohol and methamphetamine use by Gutierrez. Lopez said the initial call about the suspect came at 10:29 a.m. Friday, when Gutierrez and an unnamed male passenger in the van became embroiled in an argument as they were traveling from Arizona to Florida. Gutierrez brandished a machete at the passenger, who jumped out of the vehicle in an area on South Second Street behind the Allsup's convenience store. The passenger called police, Lopez said, because he had property inside the van. Local police tried to speak to Gutierrez, but he refused. He finally began a low-speed, intermittent chase with officers in the area, including in and out of the McDonald's parking lot. A sheriff's deputy placed a spike strip behind the van, flattening its rear tires. At one point during the stop-and-go chase, Lopez said Gutierrez backed his van into one of the police cars. She said a Tucumcari police officer also suffered a cut hand trying to push aside a broken window in the van. Gutierrez finally stopped his vehicle in a center turn lane of South First Street, where he barricaded himself inside. "He refused to come out because he thought we would shoot him," Lopez said. Several police vehicles boxed in the van to keep it from moving. Dozens of law enforcement vehicles including those from New Mexico State Police, Tucumcari Police Department and the Quay County Sheriff's Office -- closed off several blocks of South First Street during the standoff. Ambulances and a Tucumcari firetruck also were on standby. City vehicles also helped block off streets and provided traffic control. Officers were seen pointing their guns at the van while others took defensive positions behind vehicles. In the meantime, Lopez said several officers tried to negotiate with Gutierrez by phone and encouraged him to surrender. By mid-afternoon, officers tossed flash grenades that exploded with a large bang near the van. New Mexico State Police soon brought two tactical vehicles to the scene. Finally, a NMSP robot holding a canister containing a teargas variant reached into the van, prompting Gutierrez to exit the driver's side window and showing his hands. A state police officer explained the robot held the canister aloft to keep it from accidentally setting fire to trash inside the van. Traffic was reopened about 4:30 p.m. after Gutierrez's van was towed away. We'll have more details in the next edition of the Quay County Sun. If a pandemic treaty fails to account for the dismal international response to COVID-19 and isnt focused on preventing future pandemics, is it really a pandemic treaty? Yet thats the current state of the draft pandemic treaty being negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). The failures of the international health systems response to COVID are well-established. The Peoples Republic of China failed to inform the international community of the outbreak in a timely manner as required by the International Health Regulations a provision established because of Beijings cover-up of the 2002 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). China mischaracterized COVID-19 saying that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmissiona deadly lie that the WHO parroted unquestioningly. The failures didnt stop there. China did not expeditiously share genomic data of the virus and did not allow prompt access to the Wuhan lab by an international expert team. It also shut down internal travel while allowing international travel, turning a local outbreak into a global pandemic. To date, the Chinese government has refused to allow an unfettered independent international investigation into the origins of Covid 19, which even WHOs director general has called for. A comprehensive, scientific investigation with total access is vital to prepare for and prevent the next pandemic. Without this basic level of cooperation and information, it is farcical to move forward with this Potemkin facade. All of this resulted in millions of deaths and trillions in economic harm that might have been prevented if China had acted responsibly. One would expect any new pandemic treaty toat a minimumaddress Chinas failures during COVID-19 to prevent future repetition. But the current WHO draft treaty does no such thing. It fails to require timely access for expert teams, to specify obligations by governments to provide full and timely disclosure of genomic data. Nor does it clarify other measures, such as trade and travel restrictions, that governments can reasonably take in response to a pandemic. So, what would this new treaty actually do? Well, it affirms that Equity is at the centre of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, both at the national level within States and at the international level between States. That means that the drafters of the treaty prioritize redistribution and preferences specifically unhindered, fair, equitable and timely access to safe, effective, quality and affordable pandemic-related products and services. If youre not in the class of people that the notion of equity is meant to protect, you just may be out of luck during the next pandemic. The treaty would also establish a new international bureaucracy to oversee the agreement, because, naturally, if you really want to solve a global problem, you need hundreds of international bureaucrats working on it. The treaty envisions an annual meeting of all the treaty membersa conference of parties (COP) just like the U.N. climate-change convention. The COP may, in turn, create subsidiary bodies and expert advisory groups to carry out the treatys functions, including an Implementation and Compliance Committee. So there will be lots of busywork. Its unclear whos going to pay for all of this convening and implementing, but you can be sure that the U.S. will be on the hook for more than its fair share if the Biden administration attempts to join it (as it surely would). The financial responsibilities created by the draft treaty are vague, open-ended, and leave an undue level of discretion to whatever international bureaucracy is created to determine which amount of financial support is required from countries that ratify the treaty. Empowering an international bureaucracy to oversee equitable distribution of pandemic-related products and services is Orwellian enough, but it gets worse. The draft also requires nations to battle misinformation and disinformation relating to pandemics. Specifically, parties to the treaty must combat false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation, including through effective international collaboration Presumably, governments and the WHO will decide what is misleading. But, of course, it was the WHO and governmentsnotably Chinathat were the most egregious purveyors of disinformation about COVID-19. Remember, the WHO communicated false information from Beijing that preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission [of COVID-19]. Some governments, including our own, purveyed misinformation or disinformation about the efficacy of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the origins of the virus, and the economic, social, and educational costs from school closures. Quite simply, the WHO and governments have been wrong (and downright dishonest) too often to give them authority to police misinformation and disinformationespecially when it infringes on the internationally accepted right to freedom of expression. In addition to all of this, the draft treaty obligates members to encourage pharmaceutical companies under their authority to share proprietary technology with developing countries (such as China) and waive their intellectual property rights. Such requirements would do grave harm to the property rights of U.S. companies and disincentivize future research and development of vaccines and other medical innovations that could be critical in dealing with a future pandemic. All of this is a shame. The prevention of future pandemics should be an issue that galvanizes the world. The WHO and the nations negotiating the treaty, including the Biden administration which has been participating in the drafting, have an opportunity to craft a no-nonsense, focused agreement that gets to the heart of the failures of the COVID-19 response. The current draft treaty, however, falls far from the mark. It ignores the failures of the current international health system revealed by COVID-19: working largely behind closed doors, weakening intellectual property rights, and encouraging actions to address misinformation that will certainly be used to suppress free speech rights. The Biden administration should not sign, and the Senate should not ratify, this fatally flawed effort. Brett D. Schaefer is The Heritage Foundations Jay Kingham Senior Research Fellow in International Regulatory Affairs. Steven Groves is the think tanks Margaret Thatcher Fellow, concentrating on issues that threaten to undermine American sovereignty, self-governance, and independence. Property details: No Reserve Auction. Beautiful 1.00 acres of land lot in Mohave County, Arizona. Lot 66, Mead-O-Rama, Ranchos Unit# 1. Please see the pictures of general area and of the lot. Parcel Number 33716369. It is located on W. Flora Drive, Dolan Spring, AZ 86441. A dirt road access. Beautiful real estate. Mead-O-Rama Estates offers high-desert landscapes perfect for hiking, camping, hunting, and year-round fishing only an hour away at Lake Mead or Lake Mohave. The title will transfer via a special warran... Price: $ 495 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Property Address: W. 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An investigation into the explosion is underway, said Williams. The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company said on social media X that its crews had been responding to a report of a gas leak before the blast. Disney/John Fleenor By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/17/2024 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Nick Viall has criticized Joey Graziadei for being a "people pleaser" and not making truly "authentic" decisions when narrowing down his cast of bachelorettes.According to Nick, who starred on 's 21st season after two failed attempts to find love on ette and one stint on Bachelor in Paradise, Joey is taking "the easy way out" by waiting to eliminate women at formal Rose Ceremonies."I was really bummed -- and I'm going to critique Joey here -- I wanted him to send [ Rachel Nance ] home. It's nothing against Rachel. It's just, like, up until her one-on-one, I didn't remember her," Nick, 43, said on the Thursday, February 15 episode of his "The Viall Files" podcast."It seemed like they had a really strong connection after the date, but no one has been sent home outside of a Rose Ceremony. There has been no traumatic exit."Nick said Sydney Gordon 's exit in Malta doesn't count because Joey let her go during a two-on-one date, when only one rose was available to give out. (Joey opted to give the two-on-one date rose to Maria Georgas instead)."Joey hasn't sent anyone home outside of the format of the show... On a two-on-one, you have to send someone home. I mean, you don't have to, because technically there are no rules, but that's the format of the show," Nick complained."Everyone else has gone home on a Rose Ceremony," he continued."There's been no interaction where Joey is sitting down with someone, they're having some sort of conversation, and in that moment, Joey's like, 'You know what? You're not my person. No offense. You seem lovely, but I just don't think there's a fit here.'"Nick apparently wants to see Joey send a woman home in the spirit of "just being honest," and "not because anything traumatic... or dramatic" is happening.Nick said he desperately wants to watch Joey spontaneously decide -- and acknowledge to the bachelorette's face -- that she's simply not his person."But it's hard to do," Nick admitted, thinking back on his own season."I did that a lot, and I just thought it would be more authentic. But to me, that's just Joey, the people pleaser, wanting to be kind of nice."Nick praised Joey saying, "It comes across as super nice. It very much does."But then Nick added, "It's less authentic. It's also the easy way out. It's much easier to not give someone a rose than to actually say, 'Hey listen, I just don't think this is it. Can I walk you out?'"Nick reasoned, "There's just no way he's having all of these one-on-ones and realizing with all of these women that there's a strong connection. And to me, when a Bachelor or Bachelorette doesn't send anyone home outside of the format of the show, it makes their actual connections seem a little less authentic."Nick confessed it's just "a personal gripe" he's been dealing with."It's time for an awkward, messy breakup. It's time for, 'I need to cry while walking you out' -- a sad [scene]. Right now, it's just like [ Autumn Waggoner ] walks away and, 'Oh, bye!'"All of Joey's one-on-one dates on so far have ended with the women receiving roses.On 's two-night event earlier this week, Joey denied Sydney a rose during her two-on-one date, and then Joey ousted Allison Hollinger and Edwina Dorbor at the Rose Ceremony in Malta.After Joey and his bachelorettes traveled from Malta to Spain, Joey eliminated Autumn and Madina Alam at the Rose Ceremony.star and his remaining ladies will be shown traveling to Montreal, Canada for the next round of dates when Episode 6 airs Monday, February 19 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.For Nick's part, he is currently engaged to a surgical technician outside of Bachelor Nation, Natalie Joy, and the pair just welcomed a baby girl together.When Nick starred on in 2017, his season ended in March 2017 with Nick getting engaged to Vanessa Grimaldi . They announced their split months later in August 2017.Prior to , Nick had competed for Andi Dorfman 's heart on ette's tenth season followed by Kaitlyn Bristowe 's ette season in 2015.Nick also appeared on Bachelor in Paradise's third season and Season 2 of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. Click here to learn more about Joey's bachelorettes or click here to read spoilers that reveal how Joey's season ends and who he picked as his winner.Interested in more news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The University of Georgias International Coffee Hour is an event that occurs every Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is hosted by the univ Hybrids have helped Maruti acquire leadership in SUVs, a segment that was never its forte. Toyota has also risen with the hybrid tide to clock its highest-ever annual sales in 2023. IMAGE: The Toyota Innova Hyrcross Hybrid. Photograph: ANI photo In the latest bitter battle in motown, the one between electric vehicles and hybrids, the latter seem to be getting their nose ahead, with the government setting up a panel to examine whether hybrid cars deserve policy support in the form of lower taxation. Recently, missives have floated across the top tier of policymaking, as a result of which the ministry of heavy industries has formed an internal committee to examine whether the cess on hybrid cars should be reduced. Speaking unofficially, officers confirmed the move. It is a move that will raise the hackles of EV makers, which claim to be the ones truly mitigating the ill effects of vehicular pollution. Despite attracting GST of only 5 per cent and no cess, electric cars continue to cost a bomb to make, because of higher battery costs, and it was seen as a major feat when Tata Motors, the EV market leader, managed to price its cheapest EV in the region of Rs 10 lakh. Hybrids, which combine a battery with an internal combustion engine (ICE), usually petrol, are cheaper and suffer no range anxiety while boosting the overall fuel efficiency. Of late, they have been finding more rapid adoption than pure electric cars that have no IC engine and have to be plugged in to charge the battery after the car has done its 'range'. The range could be anywhere from 300 to 500 km, depending on the make and price (Mercedes Benz EQS, said to go 857 km on one charge, costs about as much as a good house in a Delhi suburb). Hybrids attract 28 per cent GST, but the cess takes the total tax incidence to 43 per cent, unless it is a small car. ICE cars incur the same GST, but the cess takes the total to up to 50 per cent, varying on the size of the body and engine. The issue of taxation, as it often does, has once again brought fault lines to the fore. Speaking to PTI last month, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Managing Director Shailesh Chandra said only zero-emission cars (read electric) could cut air pollution and reduce fuel imports. Off the record, people close to Tata Motors use stronger language. Hybrid cars, they say, are essentially fossil-fuel vehicles using a two-decade-old technology that is being dumped on India. Tata and its fellow homegrown auto major, Mahindra & Mahindra, are betting on pure EVs. On the other side of the divide is Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker that has swelled on hybrid technology sourced from its partner, Toyota. Hybrids have helped Maruti acquire leadership in SUVs, a segment that was never its forte. Toyota, which does cross-badging of vehicles with Maruti, has also risen with the hybrid tide to clock its highest-ever annual sales in 2023. Expectedly, those on Maruti's side have a bone to pick with Tata's assertion. They say hybrids have seen four distinct generations of improvisation and their penetration in the developed markets of the United States and some other countries is on the rise. A New York Times report last month spoke of a hybrid renaissance, saying sales were robust, 'underscoring what may be the enduring reality check of 2023: Many Americans are hugely receptive to electrification, but they're not ready for a fully electric car'. Those on the Maruti-Toyota side project cumulative passenger vehicle sales in India between FY23 and FY30 to be 42 million, of which EVs will be about 6 million, leaving a large number of the other kind. 'As long as there is a single ICE car sold in India,' says the hybrid side, 'there should be an effort to at least partially electrify it and get at least a 30-35 per cent reduction in oil consumption.' Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Two superintendents of police and three other senior policemen are among 19 persons against whom a case has been registered in connection with the kidnapping and extortion of an employee of a firm in Gujarat's Kutch district, police said on Saturday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The Crime Investigation Department on Thursday registered an FIR against two SPs, three deputy superintendents of police, a sub-inspector, and owners of Electrotherm Limited, among others, nearly a month after the Supreme Court lifted the stay on the Gujarat high court order directing the probe agency to do the same, they said. According to a release issued by the CID, Parmanad Seerwani, a resident of Gandhidham in Kutch district, lodged a police complaint against two company owners and 11 others for kidnapping and extortion committed in December 2015. The probe agency, in the release, did not disclose the exact roles of the accused police officers, citing that it would affect the investigation. Former Kutch (East) SPs GV Barot and Bhavna Patel and DySPs RD Desai, DS Vaghela and VJ Gadhvi, and sub-inspector N K Chauhan have been named in the FIR, the release stated. The complainant worked at Electrotherm Limited in 2011 and later tendered his resignation, which was repeatedly rejected by company owners Shailesh Bhandari and Anurag Bhandari. The Bhandaris were accused of allegedly kidnapping the complainant when he refused to become the firm's director after trying to resign unsuccessfully, the release said. In December 2015, Seerwani was allegedly kidnapped and held captive in the company bungalow in Ahmedabad, where he was forced to sign blank papers to give away his properties, along with cash and gold worth lakhs, it said. A case has been registered against the accused under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 347 and 348 (wrongful confinement and extortion), and 364 (kidnapping to murder), among other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act, the release said. The complainant and his wife had approached the concerned authorities between December 6, 2015 and February 4, 2016 to get an FIR registered against the accused, it said. However, when no action was taken, they moved the high court for directions to register an FIR, it said. In its order dated October 10, 2019, the high court directed the authorities to register an FIR, but the accused got a stay from the Supreme Court. The stay was lifted on January 16 this year, the release said. Sukanta Majumdar, the state BJP president, said, "Amit Shah has set a target of 35 seats. We will achieve that". IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Shah at a public rally at Dharmatala in Kolkata. West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari are also present. Photograph: ANI Photo If Karnataka and Telangana are pivotal to the Bharatiya Janata Party's blueprint to stamp its footprint and expand in the South, West Bengal is central to establishing its presence in the East, notwithstanding its near-dominance in the North East with the help of regional forces. The BJP entered Bengal with a bang in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, winning 18 of the 42 seats, four less than the Trinamool Congress Party, its principal adversary. However, the setback in the 2021 assembly election, followed by more reversals in by-polls, including the loss of the Asansol Lok Sabha seat, dampened the state party's morale. The central command was determined to build on the BJP's status as the main Opposition party in the West Bengal legislature and never double-backed. With parliamentary polls three months away, the BJP's main agenda is not just to retain the seats it picked up five years ago but to augment the score. Sukanta Majumdar, the state BJP president, said, "Amit Shah has set a target of 35 seats. We will achieve that; wait and see." The confidence emanated from the local BJP's assessment that in each parliamentary constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself commanded a vote share of "5-6 per cent" and with the "appropriate" strategies, a "strong and aggressive" discourse, and unrelenting attacks on the TMC, this quantum would "rise exponentially". Asked if the figure was based on a survey, Samik Bhattacharya, the West Bengal BJP's chief spokesperson, claimed, "We are day-to-day political activists who have our ears to the ground. "The only issue before our people is the restoration of democracy, which Mamata Banerjee (the chief minister and TMC chairperson) wiped out because she doesn't believe in the right to dissent." Suvendu Adhikari, Nandigram MLA and Opposition leader in the assembly, claimed, "There is a pro-Modi storm in the state." With the collapse of the tentative efforts to build an Opposition coalition of the TMC, the Left Front and the Congress, the BJP will likely be pitted against Mamata, as in the elections of the recent past. By the BJP's reckoning, the battle might not be as "one-sided" as it publicly hoped for because so far it seemed that Mamata had set the narrative. "With a powerful regional leader against us, the problem is that state-specific issues get tangled with the central themes on which we want to campaign," a state BJP source conceded. Mamata flagged the Centre's 'stepmotherly' attitude towards West Bengal through the alleged closure of funds allotted under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, despite repeated reminders from the state. At a TMC meeting last November, she exhorted the cadre to protest against the 'freeze' in all election booths on December 2 and 3. She accused Governor C V Ananda Bose of functioning like a 'zamindar'. 'New zamindars have come up in Raj Bhavan; you eat, move, and give prizes on state expenses,' Mamata charged, and she said that assembly sessions were prorogued on the governor's orders. 'You lead colourful lives, and we cannot even pass a single Bill?"]' she alleged. IMAGE: Suvendu Adhikari, along with other Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs and leaders, celebrate their party's win in the Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan assembly elections, December 4, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Ashok Lahiri, the BJP's Balurghat MLA and a member of the 15th Finance Commission, contended, "What she's saying does not have substance. MGNREGA is an Act, and an Act has certain provisions governing financial probity. "Article 27 (of the Act) says that if you think there's hanky-panky, appropriate action will be taken by the Centre." Lahiri said there was no audit report beyond 2017 until one came out in 2022. "The Centre sent three teams at different points that found certain infirmities. Funds were used for activities not authorised under the Act. There was a huge amount of money for which no utilisation certificate was given." Majumdar assailed Mamata's latest sit-in to protest the Comptroller and Auditor General of India report, which drew attention to the alleged wrongful use of funds, and asked, "She says the CAG report is false. How can a chief minister say that? The report is based on documents from her government." While Lahiri said the BJP's campaign would revolve around "corruption (the TMC's) and being long on promises and short on delays", Adhikari and Majumdar flagged the Ayodhya temple. "The temple has had a good impact on our people," said Adhikari, while Majumdar's take was, "It's an ideological issue and not a political one. But it would have been impossible without Modi". IMAGE: State BJP Mahila Morcha president Phalguni Patra at a protest by surrounding the police station in the Howrah Sadar organisational district to protest against the alleged oppression of women in the state and the inaction of the state police. Photograph: Kind courtesy BJP West Bengal/X The West Bengal BJP spared no effort to create the pre-temple consecration atmospherics, using the cadre to convey the message, especially to families in the villages. The implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, in abeyance after its passage by both Houses of Parliament in 2019, was resurrected by Home Minister Amit Shah at a Kolkata rally in December 2023 and reaffirmed by West Bengal's central ministers, Shantanu Thakur and Nisith Pramanik. The BJP's problem was that the two largest Dalit communities, the Rajbanshi and Namasudra, which it had wooed and won over to an extent since 2019, were split on the CAA. The Rajbanshis were not enthused by the Act, fearing that Bengali Hindu refugees from Bangladesh residing in North Bengal would become bona fide Indian citizens. The Matuas from the Namasudra sub-caste had for long demanded the rehabilitation and resettlement of Hindu Bengali-speaking refugees. Reconciling the divergent stands taken by two vital sources of its support base is another challenge before the BJP in West Bengal. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com In this article, we will be navigating through the 20 best small cities to live in the US. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Best Small Cities to Live in the US. Small Cities May Be Underrated The hustle and bustle in large metros can be overwhelming for many. This is where small cities come into play and offer an element of escape from the fast-paced life. While many of these cities might not be big on fancy amenities, they offer a lower cost of living that could ease the affordability concerns of many Americans. Affordable cities in the US have been previously covered. The United States hosts numerous small cities which are vibrant yet peaceful. While some of the US small towns are overlooked or underrated, they have a lot to offer. While the Ohio-based city of Marietta is extremely affordable, it allows an abundance of outdoor recreation options. The city is deemed walkable as well. Similarly, the small resort city Hot Springs is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains and is home to the renowned Hot Springs National Park. The median home price in the city is also low which makes it a feasible living option. You can also take a look at other US cities with the highest quality of life. Companies Catering to Homebuyers' Needs KB Home (NYSE:KBH), Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN), and Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) facilitate homebuyers in settling in their desired locations across the US. Lets take a look at some of the recent developments these firms have undertaken. You can also learn about the largest homebuilders in the US. KB Home (NYSE:KBH) is one of the largest homebuilding companies in the US. The company has constructed more than 680,000 homes in the past. On February 9, KB Home (NYSE:KBH) reported the grand opening of its new community in Buckeye, Arizona. Those who wish to reside in the community can easily access employment centers in the Phoenix area. Residents can also visit Buckeye Aquatic Center and Goodyear Ballpark. A short commute from the community also leads to options for outdoor recreation such as Skyline Regional Park and Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Pricing for the new homes starts from the low $300,000s. Story continues Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is an American home construction company that engages in the construction of affordable, move-up, and active adult homes. The firm also constructs high-quality multifamily rental properties. On February 16, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) reported that it will be commencing sales in its new Fort Myers community in March. Downtown Fort Myers can be conveniently accessed while staying in the new community Stonehill Manor. Simultaneously, Caloosahatchee Regional Park and beaches in the area can also be visited. Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) is another leading American homebuilder. The company even allows homeowners to customize their primary living areas at no extra cost through Beazer's Choice Plans. On February 16, Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) reported that it will be hosting the grand opening of new model homes at two communities on February 24 and February 25. The first community Waterford Park in Mt. Juliet will provide a short commute to Providence Marketplace. A playground, pool, and green spaces will be some of the available amenities. The other community Tulip Hills in Hermitage is a townhome and single-family home community. Percy Priest Lake and Nashville International Airport are situated at a short distance from the new community. Without further ado, lets move to the 20 best small cities to live in the US. 20 Best Small Cities to Live in the US 20 Best Small Cities to Live in the US Our Methodology: In order to rank the 20 best small cities to live in the US, we used a consensus approach. We sourced data from multiple sources including Business Insider, Readers Digest, Thrillist, and Travel Magazine. To find the most common small cities that were considered good living options across our sources, we calculated an average score based on the city's individual ranking in our sources and narrowed down our list to cities with the lowest average scores, i.e. that appeared among the top picks in our sources. Once we had a list of all the cities with the lowest scores, we acquired their average home prices from Zillow, a leading real-estate source. The latest data was available as of January. Please note that the sources had already considered factors that deem these places suitable for living so we incorporated an affordability factor represented as home prices to rank these places. Finally, we ranked the 20 best small cities to live in the US in descending order of their average home prices. 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 Best Small Cities to Live in the US 20. Ann Arbor, Michigan Average Home Price: $471,650 The average home price in Ann Arbor is $471,650 as recorded in January. The citys average home value has gone up by 5.7% year-over-year. Ann Arbor ranks as one of the best small US cities to settle in. 19. Juneau, Alaska Average Home Price: $468,404 Juneau is another small US city deemed good for living. As of January, the average home price in the city is $468,404 which has increased by only 0.6% year-over-year. 18. Asheville, North Carolina Average Home Price: $453,415 Asheville has witnessed a year-over-year increase of 4.8% in its average home value. As of January, the average home price in the city is $453,415. Hence, Asheville is one of the small US cities considered well for living. 17. Gulf Shores, Alabama Average Home Price: $451,994 Gulf Shores is a known beach town in the United States. The average home price in Gulf Shores is $451,994 as recorded in January. This price has increased by 0.2% year-over-year. 16. Saint Augustine, Florida Average Home Price: $446,238 Saint Augustine has a lot of culture and history to offer to those residing in or visiting the city. As of January, the average home price in the city is $446,238. Therefore, Saint Augustine is another one of the best small cities to live in the US. 15. Brookfield, Wisconsin Average Home Price: $444,353 Brookfield ranks among the best small cities to reside in the US. The city has an average home value of $444,353 as recorded in January. This price has climbed 7.9% year-over-year. 14. Westfield, Indiana Average Home Price: $429,623 As of January, Westfield has an average home price of $429,623 and ranks among the best small cities for living in the United States. The average home price has gained 1.3% year-over-year. 13. Traverse City, Michigan Average Home Price: $407,320 Traverse City ranks as another small city suitable for living. The city records an average home price of $407,320, as of January. This price has gone up by 6.8% year-over-year. 12. Fishers, Indiana Average Home Price: $404,562 The 20 best small cities to live in the US include Fishers as well. The average home price in the city is $404,562 as recorded in January. A year-over-year increase of 2.6% has been recorded in the average home value for the city. 11. Knoxville, Tennessee Average Home Price: $339,434 The average home value in Knoxville has increased by 12.1% year-over-year. Currently, the city has an average home price of $339,434 and ranks as another good small city to settle in the United States. 10. Lancaster, Pennsylvania Average Home Price: $332,718 Lancaster ranks among the 20 best small cities to seek to live in the US. The average home value in Lancaster is $332,718, as of January. 9. Sioux Falls, South Dakota Average Home Price: $311,408 Sioux Falls has an average home price of $311,408 which is relatively affordable. This price has climbed 2.9% year-over-year. Sioux Falls is one of the best small cities in the US where people can seek a living. 8. Ithaca, New York Average Home Price: $308,036 As of January, the average home price in Ithaca is $308,036. The city has witnessed a year-over-year increase of 7.5% in its average home price. Ithaca is one of the best small cities to live in the US. 7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Average Home Price: $299,609 Myrtle Beach is another good city where people can reside. As of January, the beach town has an average home price of $299,609 which has gone up by 0.9% year-over-year. 6. Greenville, South Carolina Average Home Price: $294,132 Greenville ranks among some of the best small cities to live in the US. The average home price in Greenville is only $294,132 as recorded in January. This price has experienced an increase of 3.7% year-over-year. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Small Cities to Live in the US. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 20 Best Small Cities to Live in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey. A six-member team of the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Saturday visited Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district to ascertain complaints of child abuse in the politically troubled area. IMAGE: Union Minister of State for Education and a member of the BJP delegation Annapurna Devi and party MP Kavita Patidar reach Rampur, where members of the party delegation were barred by the police on their way to meet the victims of the Sandeshkhali violence, in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, February 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Villagers alleged that a seven-month-old child was snatched from her mother's lap and thrown away by miscreants in Sandeshkhali. The child is now under treatment. Advisor to the state child rights panel Sudeshna Roy told reporters, "We have come to ground zero to assess the situation. Our duty is to give protection to every child in the state and also see their rights are protected". "We will talk to the mother of the child who was allegedly tortured", she said. The six-member team of the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights which visited Sandeshkhali was led by its chairman Tulika Das. Tension started brewing in Sandeshkhali after the ED went to the area to search the premises of local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shajahan more than a month ago. The Trinamool Congress leader is still at large. Earlier, representatives National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes also visited the area. Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been witnessing protests over alleged atrocities, including sexual abuse, by some TMC leaders against villagers and has triggered a fierce political blame game with senior leaders of the Congress, which is part of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party Opposition bloc INDIA along with TMC at the national level, joining others to criticise the Mamata Banerjee government over the issue. A convict in the case related to the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven of her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots has moved the Gujarat high court seeking parole to attend a wedding in his family. IMAGE: A view of high court of Gujarat. Photograph: Courtesy HC of Gujarat online Rameshbhai Chandana approached the high court on Friday with a plea to be released on parole to attend his niece's wedding. Chandana and 10 others were sent back to jail last month after the Supreme Court struck down the remission granted to them by the Gujarat government. Earlier, Pradip Modhiya, another convict in the case, was released from the Godhra district jail on parole from February 7 to 11 after the high court allowed his plea. Chandana's lawyer Khushbu Vyas told Justice Divyesh Joshi that his client wished to attend his niece's wedding on March 5. The court then directed the registry "to place the matter before the appropriate court (for hearing)". As per the Gujarat government's affidavit before the Supreme Court, Chandana had enjoyed parole for 1,198 days and a furlough of 378 days since his incarceration in 2008. In August 2022, 11 convicts serving a life sentence were granted premature release from jail after the state government accepted their remission applications in keeping with its 1992 policy, citing their 'good conduct' during imprisonment. The Supreme Court had last month quashed the remission of sentence of all 11 convicts. The apex court quashed the remission order on January 8, ruling that the state government lacked jurisdiction to grant premature release to the convicts, as the trial in the 2002 case was held in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court then ordered the convicts, who were released from Godhra district jail on Independence Day in 2022 after being in prison for 14 years, to return to jail within two weeks. They surrendered before the Godhra jail authorities on January 21. Authorities have temporarily relaxed curfew in Banbhoolpura of Haldwani city, which was imposed following violence, that broke out on February 8 after an "illegal structure" was demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive. IMAGE: Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh inspects the violence-hit area of Banbhoolpura in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, February 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo "However, night curfew will continue from 8pm to 6am in Gaujajali, FSI, Godown area. The night curfew will continue in the rest of the areas under Banbhoolpura police station from 5pm to 6am," the Nanital police posted on X. The curfew was imposed and the administration issued shoot-at-sight orders after stone-pelting incidents, torching of vehicles and a mob surrounded the local police station following the anti-encroachment drive. On Friday, additional director general, administration, Amit Sinha, reached the site of the violence in Banbhoolpura and took stock of the newly established police post. During his visit, the ADG reviewed security arrangements in the area. The ADG discussed in detail the proposal regarding the prescribed standards required for the new police station and gave the officers concerned the necessary directions to improve the security arrangements. As many as 30 people have been arrested, in connection with the Haldwani violence. Houses of the father-son duo, Abdul Malik and Abdul Moeed, who were wanted in the Banbhoolpura violence, were on Friday attached by the authorities in Haldwani. During the action, police and administration teams including Harbans Singh, superintendant of police, Haldwani City, Sangeeta CO Lalkuan, Sachin Tehsildar Haldwani, DR Verma in-charge inspector Lalkuan, Nandan Singh Rawat police station head Kaladhungi were present at the spot. Earlier, the Haldwani civil court had issued orders to confiscate the property of nine miscreants, including Abdul Malik and his son, the alleged masterminds of the violence. The court has permitted the police to take action against all the accused under sections 82, and 83 of CrPC. On Tuesday, the civil court issued non-bailable warrants against all nine accused. The development came days after the Municipal Corporation in Haldwani issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against the key accused Malik asking him to deposit the money to cover damage caused to government property during the violence. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had earlier said that there is no room for 'miscreants' in the state. Uttarakhand director general of police Abhinav Kumar also stressed that recent "violent" clashes were not "communal." The clashes and violence left five people dead and dozens injured. Several countrymade weapons and live rounds were recovered from those arrested, the police said. The state government had asked the Centre for four additional companies of paramilitary forces to be deployed in the district. The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) will on Saturday hold dharnas outside the residences of three senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Punjab on the fifth day of the farmers' protest over their various demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP). IMAGE: Farmers stage a protest at Shambhu border. Photograph: ANI Photo Apart from holding dharnas outside the homes of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, the BJP's Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar and senior leader Kewal Singh Dhillon, the union will also hold protests at toll plazas in the state, extending support to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' call. On the fifth day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march -- called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- the farmers stayed put at the two border points of Punjab and Haryana as they press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of an MSP for crops. The farmers from Punjab began their march to Delhi on Tuesday but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and the Khanauri points of Punjab's border with Haryana. The protesters have stayed put at the two border points since then. The Gurnam Singh Charuni-led Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni), which is based in Haryana, will on Saturday take out a tractor rally in solidarity with the protesting farmers. Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai and farmer leaders will meet on Sunday for the fourth round of talks. The two sides met earlier on February 8, 12 and 15 but those talks remained inconclusive. On Friday, the Haryana Police released a series of video clips that purported to show several farmers pelting them with stones and attempting to provoke security personnel at the Shambhu border. In a post on X, the police asserted that 'ruckus' cannot be allowed under the guise of the farmers' movement. They claimed 25 security personnel -- 18 from the Haryana Police and seven paramilitary force jawans -- were injured in clashes with the farmers. Farmer leaders spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' call claimed that the Haryana security personnel used 'force' against the protesters by hurling tear gas shells and firing rubber bullets at them, leaving many injured. A 63-year-old farmer, who was among the protesters at the Shambhu border, died of a heart attack on Friday. Gian Singh, from Punjab's Gurdaspur district, complained of chest pain in the morning and was taken to the Civil Hospital in Punjab's Rajpura. From there, he was rushed to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala where doctors declared him dead. The protesting farmers paid tribute to Singh. A 52-year-old police sub-inspector posted at the Shambhu border also died, an official said on Friday. Hira Lal, who was attached to the Haryana Railway Police, was deployed at the Shambhu border for the farmers' protest, a police spokesperson said. He experienced a sudden decline in his health while on duty, he added. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farm leader, on Friday accused the Centre of trying to 'suppress' the voices of the protesters, claiming social media accounts of farmers and Youtubers have been suspended. Besides a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and 'justice' for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act -- 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. A day before the crucial meeting with Union ministers, farm leaders on Saturday asked the Centre to bring an ordinance on giving a legal guarantee to minimum support price, while a tractor march and dharnas were held in support of farmers protesting at the borders of Punjab. IMAGE: Bhartiya Kissan Union Ugraha supporters take part in a sit-in protest in front of Former Punjab CM and BJP leader Captain (retd.) Amarinder Singh over their various demands, in Patiala, Punjab, February 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai and farmer leaders from Punjab will meet on Sunday for the fourth round of talks. The two sides met earlier on February 8, 12 and 15, but those talks remained inconclusive. On the fifth day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march -- called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha -- the farmers stayed put at the Shambhu and Khanauri points of the Punjab-Haryana border as they pressed the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday demanded that the Centre should bring an ordinance on giving a legal guarantee to MSP, a key demand of protesting farmers. Stating that the Centre has a right to take "political" decisions, Pandher said, "If the government wants resolution of farmers' protest, then it should bring an ordinance with an immediate effect that it will enact a law on MSP, then discussion can proceed further." "It (Centre) can bring the ordinance overnight, if it wants so," he added. Speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border, Pandher said as far as the issue of modalities is concerned, any ordinance has a six-month validity. As far as the demand for "C2 plus 50 per cent" as per the Swaminathan Commission's recommendation goes, Pandher said that the government was giving a price according to "A2 plus FL" formula. "Under the same formula, an ordinance can be brought," he said. On the issue of farm debt waiver, Pandher said the government is saying that the loan amount has to be assessed. The government can collect data from banks in this regard, he said adding, "It is a question of political willpower." "They (the Centre) are saying it has to be discussed with the states. You leave aside the states. You talk about the Centre and central banks and then finalise how to waive farmers' debt," said Pandher. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' march along with Pandher, also said that the government should bring an ordinance for "giving something to people of the country". "The government should bring the ordinance with such an intention that it is implemented with immediate effect, and within six months, it can be converted into a law and there is no problem in that," said Dallewal. Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) took out a tractor march in Haryana while BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) held dharnas outside residences of three senior BJP leaders in support of farmers protesting at the borders of Punjab and Haryana. The Gurnam Singh Charuni-led faction, which is based in Haryana, took out tractor marches at several places including Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar and Sirsa. In Kurukshetra, Charuni led the tractor march at Pehowa in which over 150 tractors participated in the march and the protesters were raising slogans against the government and in favour of farmers' unity. Later, talking to the media, Charuni said they fully support the demands raised by the agitating farmers of Punjab. In Punjab, the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) held dharnas outside the residences of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh in Patiala, BJP's Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar in Abohar and senior party leader Kewal Singh Dhillon in Barnala. The farmer body also held protests at 21 toll plazas in 13 districts in the state, extending support to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' call. They forced the authorities not to charge any toll fee from commuters. The BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) will continue their protests on Sunday also. In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait announced that farmers will stage dharnas in UP, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand on February 21 to press their demands, including a legal guarantee to MSP. Speaking to reporters after attending a panchayat in Sisauli, Tikait said a resolution was passed during the meeting asking the Samyukta Kisan Morcha to launch a tractor march to Delhi in the last week of February if the government does not accept farmers' demands. In Tamil Nadu, around 100 farmers from different farm associations were arrested at Thanjavur railway station on Saturday when they tried to stage a 'rail roko' protest in front of the Cholan Express. The group was protesting the police action against the farmers' agitation at Punjab-Haryana borders. Meanwhile, around 200 women from various parts of Punjab also reached the Shambhu border. There was no report of any confrontation between the protesters and the Haryana security personnel on Saturday. The farmer leaders have asked the protesters to maintain calm at the borders. The farmers from Punjab began their march to Delhi on Tuesday but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri points of Punjab's border with Haryana. The protesters have stayed put at the two border points since then. Besides a legal guarantee for MSP, the farmers are demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, and withdrawal of police cases registered during the previous farm agitation in 2020-21, among others. Nawaz Sharif sacrificed his ambition to become Pakistan's prime minister for a record fourth term and nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the plum post as the powerful Army gave him two options either to choose the premiership or leave it to allow his daughter to become the chief minister of Punjab, according to party insiders. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif speaks, flanked by his daughter and politician Maryam Nawaz Sharif (left) and his brother and ex-PM Shahbaz Sharif (right), at the party office of Pakistan Muslim League (N) at Model Town in Lahore, on February 9, 2024. The nomination of Shehbaz Sharif for the slot of prime minister by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif has stirred quite a debate among the PML-N ranks who are questioning why the 74-year-old three-time premier was "sidelined" despite the earlier announcement on the premiership. Sources in the PML-N told the Press Trust of India in Lahore that Nawaz Sharif decided to withdraw himself from the race for the prime minister's office for his daughter and political heir, Maryam Nawaz, 50. "Nawaz Sharif could have become the prime minister to lead the coalition government for the fourth time but then his daughter would have no chance to become the Punjab chief minister. For the love of his daughter, Nawaz sacrificed his wish to become prime minister for the fourth time, a party insider said. The sources said that Nawaz Sharif was given two choices by the military establishment after his party's poor performance in the February 8 elections. The powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled coup-prone Pakistan for more than half of its 75-plus years of existence, has wielded considerable power in matters of security and foreign policy. "The first was to become premier of the coalition government in Islamabad and make his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif Punjab chief minister and the other was to leave the top post for Shehbaz and have his daughter Maryam accommodated as the Punjab chief minister. Nawaz chose the second," another source said. The source said that since Shehbaz Sharif, 72, was a favourite of the military, Nawaz Sharif had to be sidelined by one excuse or another at the end of the day. Since the PML-N failed to win a simple majority in the 266-member National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif prevailed over his elder brother Nawaz Sharif in the race for the post of Prime Minister. This week social media was also abuzz with the PML-N's decision to nominate Shehbaz Sharif as its prime ministerial candidate. "Pakistan ko Nawaz do (Give Nawaz to Pakistan)" was one of the top trends on X in the country showing resentment over Shehbaz Sharif's nomination. People in their posts on X asked whether Nawaz Sharif's political career is over. Initially, the PML-N claimed Nawaz Sharif would be the party's pick for the top slot followed by a full-throttle media campaign in the lead-up to the general elections. Maryam on Wednesday said her father's decision to withdraw himself from the top slot is related to the PML-N's not securing a clear majority in the polls. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Former prime minister Imran Khan's PTI-backed independent winners lead the lower house (National Assembly) with 92 seats followed by PML-N with 80, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party with 54 and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement with 17 seats. Maryam is now set to become the first woman chief minister of Punjab, a crucial province of over 120 million people. Former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has alleged that Maryam would become the Chief Minister on its "stolen mandate" thus having no credibility of her selection. On the other hand, Shehbaz Sharif is all set to form a six-party coalition to run the government early next month. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan's tally, the total number of general seats won by these six parties comes to 152, which shows they can 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. None of the three major parties, the PML-N, the Pakistan People's Party, or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf 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 a government on their own. Pakistan recorded a 47.6 percent voter turnout in the February 8 election, which was lower than the previous one in 2018 when 52.1 percent of voters cast the ballot. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Baidyanath Ram, who was allegedly dropped from the list of ministers at the eleventh hour, on Friday said he would not tolerate 'this insult' and contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming assembly polls if required. IMAGE: Jharkhand CM Champai Soren with former CM Hemant Soren and JMM-led coalition MLAs after winning the floor test in the assembly in Ranchi on February 5, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Basant Soren, JMM supremo Shibu Soren's youngest son, and seven others on Friday took oath as ministers in Jharkhand's Champai Soren-led government. "Everything was finalised and my name featured in the ministers' list. But, at the last moment, my name was dropped. It is an insult. I will not tolerate it," Ram asserted. "Under pressure from the central leadership of Congress, my name was removed," he alleged. Ram also claimed that Chief Minister Champai Soren assured him that he would resolve the matter within two days. "I may contest the assembly polls as an independent candidate if need be," the Latehar MLA added. Meanwhile, internal bickering in Congress also surfaced soon after the allocation of portfolios to ministers. A group of Congress MLAs met its Jharkhand chief Rajesh Thakur and lodged their protest against 'repetition of ministers from the party's quota' in the new cabinet. Four Congress leaders -- Alamgir Alam, Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta and Badal Patralekh, who were a part of the previous Hemant Soren cabinet -- were included in the Champai Soren cabinet, too. "We wanted an opportunity this time," party MLA Deepika Pandey Singh said. Congress legislator Jaimangal Singh said the group has handed over a letter signed by 12 MLAs to the party chief over the matter. "The MLAs expressed their grievances. I will convey the same to the party high-command," Thakur said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that he discussed the 'present state' of bilateral ties and the current global issues with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, amidst a diplomatic row between the two countries over the killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Photograph: ANI Photo The two leaders met on Friday on the sidelines of the prestigious Munich Security Conference here in Germany. The meeting comes amid bitterness in bilateral ties over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil last year. 'Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejoly on the sidelines of #MSC2024. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation,' Jaishankar posted on X. Joly also posted about her meeting with Jaishankar on X. 'At #MSC2024, @DrSJaishankar and I had a frank discussion on Canada-India relations and the current global issues, including Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine,' she wrote. The ties between India and Canada came under strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations on September 18 of the 'potential' involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia province. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India has rejected the Canadian government's charges as 'absurd and motivated'. The Aam Aadmi Party government on Saturday won a trust vote in the 70-member Delhi assembly with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claiming that his party has emerged as the biggest challenger to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which "wants to crush it by any means". IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal arrives at the state assembly ahead of the discussion on the Motion of Confidence moved by him, in New Delhi, February 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Kejriwal, who is also the national convener of the AAP, won the confidence motion with the support of 54 MLAs and said no legislator of his party defected. Out of 62 AAP MLAs in the Delhi assembly, 54 were present in the House during the trust vote, two were in jail, two others were unwell, three were out of station and one was not present due to a wedding in his family, the AAP national convener said. Kejriwal had moved the motion of confidence in the assembly on Friday and accused the BJP of trying to poach his party's MLAs. Since seven of the eight BJP legislators were suspended for the remainder of the session for allegedly interfering during the Lieutenant Governor's address on Thursday, Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri was the only Opposition MLA who was present in the House during the trust vote. He said there was no need for the confidence motion as the AAP government enjoys a majority in the House. "But the chief minister has lost the confidence of the people of Delhi," Bidhuri said. "There are many serious allegations of corruption against the government and it has failed on many fronts. Kejriwal and his minister Atishi are not cooperating with a police enquiry on the BJP's complaint over their MLA poaching allegations," the leader of the opposition said in the House. On his part, the chief minister said the AAP government has a majority in the House but it needed to bring the motion of confidence because "the BJP was trying to poach party MLAs" and topple his government. Kejriwal claimed his party will "free" the country from the BJP in 2029 even if the saffron party wins the Lok Sabha polls this year. The AAP convener also alleged that the BJP was spreading a "rumour" that the Delhi assembly will be dissolved after the Lok Sabha polls and the city will be governed as a Union Territory. "This country is not anyone's property. They cannot dissolve the assembly just like that. I challenge the BJP to contest elections on this issue. The BJP should clarify whether they will dissolve the Assembly after Lok Sabha polls," he said, asking the AAP MLAs to tell people that if they voted for the BJP, it would snatch their right to vote. Kejriwal also accused the BJP of obstructing the works of his government by controlling the services and the bureaucracy. "They claim to be Ram bhakt but they stopped medicines for the poor people in our hospitals. Lord Ram never said stop medicines for the poor people" the chief minister said, referring to the charge of substandard medicine being supplied to hospitals. Kejriwal said he has faced attacks in the past, been slapped, got ink thrown on him and now the BJP wanted him to be arrested. "There are many Abhimanyus here who will come out of their Chakravuh of deceit," he said referring to the epic Mahabharat. Bidhuri claimed the AAP government brought the confidence motion to divert people's attention from "scams" related to the Delhi Jal Board, panic buttons in buses, and medicine supplies in hospitals among others. Kejriwal, however, charged that the ruling AAP was under attack from all sides by the BJP because it was not able to digest its defeat in Delhi. "This kind of attack was never seen before. This is because the AAP has emerged as the biggest challenger to the BJP in the country. If the BJP faces any future threat from anyone, it is the Aam Aadmi Party and they want to crush the AAP by any means," he said. Earlier this week, the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi Assembly was extended till the first week of March, with Finance Minister Atishi citing a delay in budget finalisation due to certain reasons. The budget proposal was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for its approval on Thursday. The BJP has alleged that Kejriwal has tried to use the budget "as his weapon to escape the investigation of the liquor scam". Kejriwal has been summoned for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 19. Earlier in the day, a Delhi court granted an exemption to Kejriwal from personal appearance for the day in connection with a complaint filed by the ED against him over non-compliance with its summonses in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. Kejriwal told the court that he was unable to appear before it due to the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi Assembly. Appearing for Kejriwal, senior advocate Ramesh Gupta told the court that the Delhi chief minister will appear before it in person on the next date of hearing. The court has adjourned the matter to March 16. United States President Joe Biden said that he is 'outraged' by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. IMAGE: A picture of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is seen as people gather outside the Russian embassy, in Drammensveien, Oslo, Norway on February 16, 2024. Photograph: Frederik Ringnes/NTB/via Reuters He blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death. In his remarks on Navalny's death, Biden said, "Reports of his death if they're true and I have no reasons to believe that they're not -- Russian authorities are going to tell their own story but make no mistake Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world." Outspoken Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, Putin's most formidable domestic opponent, fell unconscious and died on Friday according to state media reports. "Putin does not only target citizens of other countries as we've seen what's going on in Ukraine right now he also inflicts terrible crimes on his people and as people across Russia and around the world are mourning Navalny today because he was so many things that Putin was not," he added. He said Navalny 'bravely stood up to the corruption the violence and all the bad things that the Putin government was doing'. Biden stated that Navalny could have lived safely in exile. However, he returned to Russia knowing that he would likely be imprisoned or even killed if he continued to work. Biden said that like millions of people around the world, 'I'm literally both not surprised and outraged by the reported death of Alexei Navalny. He bravely stood up to the corruption the violence and all the bad things that the Putin government was doing. In response, Putin had him poisoned, he had him arrested. He had him prosecuted for fabricated crimes. He sentenced him to prison he was held in isolation. Even all that didn't stop him from calling out Putin's lies.' The US President said that Navalny was a powerful voice for the truth even in prison and did not fear returning to Russia. "Even in prison, he was a powerful voice for the truth which is kind of amazing when you think about it and he could have lived safely in exile after the assassination attempt on him in 2020 which nearly killed him I might add and but he was traveling outside the country at the time. Instead, he returned to Russia knowing he'd likely be imprisoned or even killed if he continued his work but he did it anyway because he believed so deeply in his country, in Russia," he added. Calling him 'brave, principled and dedicated to building a Russia where the rule of law existed and where it applied to everybody', Biden said Navalny believed in Russia, a cause worth fighting for. In his remarks, he offered condolences to Navalny's family, Biden called for providing funding for Ukraine so that it can defend itself 'against Putin's vicious onslaughts and war crimes'. He stressed the need to reject the statements made by former US President Donald Trump that he said invited Russia to invade NATO allies if they were not paying. He said, "Now as I've said before and I mean this in a literal sense history is watching the House of Representatives the failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten it's going to go down on the pages of history." "It is, it's consequential and the clock is ticking and this has to happen. We have to help now you know we have to realize what we're dealing with with Putin all of us should reject the dangerous statements made by the previous president that invited Russia to invade our NATO allies if they weren't paying," Biden added. Asked whether Navalny was assassinated, Biden said, "We don't know exactly what happened, but there's no doubt that the death of Navalny was the consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did." Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Al Jazeera reported on Friday, citing state media. The death of the jailed Russian opposition leader, 47, has been reported by state media which further cited the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence. Al Jazeera cited a statement put out by state media quoting the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region which said that Navalny 'felt bad' after a walk and lost consciousness 'almost immediately'. Investing can be as detailed or simple as you want it to be. In other words, you don't have to pick individual stocks to make money in the stock market. Instead, investors can buy and hold exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, buckets of stocks that trade under one ticker symbol. Vanguard is a common name you'll see associated with exchange-traded funds. It's an investment company owned by the investors who hold its various funds, which means Vanguard serves investors first and foremost. You can absolutely build a million-dollar portfolio from a diversified portfolio of Vanguard ETFs. Here are five that should speak to investors in some form or another. Bonus: They all carry an expense ratio of 0.12% or less, meaning the fees for holding each is, at most, $0.12 per $100 invested. 1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Expense ratio: 0.03% All-time investing great Warren Buffett, who manages Berkshire Hathaway's billion-dollar portfolio of over 50 stocks, only owns two ETFs. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) is one of them. The pitch is simple: The S&P 500 has proven to be one of America's best wealth-building vehicles. It's an index of 500 of the most prominent U.S. companies. This ETF mimics the S&P 500. The index has gone up and down over the years, but despite wars, recessions, and pandemics, the S&P 500 recently closed above 5,000 for the first time. Investors looking to bet on America's ongoing economic growth can start with this ETF. 2. Vanguard Growth ETF Expense ratio: 0.04% Suppose you want more growth than the broader market offers. The Vanguard Growth ETF (NYSEMKT: VUG) could be what you're looking for. This ETF concentrates on large-cap growth stocks. That means the fund invests in growing companies that are still established enough to avoid the risks you see with smaller, less-proven companies. Its most significant holdings include the "Magnificent Seven" plus other industry leaders like payments company Visa and pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly. The fund has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past five years, though nothing is guaranteed. Plus, growth stocks can be more volatile, so investors should keep that in mind. Story continues 3. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF Expense ratio: 0.06% Some investors would rather focus on investment income instead of price appreciation. Consider the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEMKT: VYM) if that's you. It offers investors a 3% dividend yield by focusing on companies that pay higher-yielding (but sustainable) dividends. The funds' top holdings include high-yield blue chip stocks in financials, consumer staples, industrials, and healthcare. Those include names like JPMorgan Chase, AbbVie, and ExxonMobil. Investors can sometimes fall for yield traps, stocks of unhealthy companies that can't support their high dividend yields, and ultimately cut their payouts. This is a simple way to avoid that while diversifying your portfolio with one ticker. 4. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF Expense ratio: 0.06% Dividend investing isn't just for conservative investors, either. Stocks that pay and raise their dividends over time can generate stellar long-term results. That lands the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSEMKT: VIG) on this list. The fund focuses on companies that can keep paying you more money each year. The dividend yield is a bit smaller at 1.8%, but the fund's consistent performance helps make up for it. The fund has averaged double-digit annual returns over the past one, three, five, and 10 years. The ETF's top positions include a mix of technology, finance, and consumer discretionary stocks, with names like Apple and Home Depot in the top 10. 5. Vanguard Real Estate ETF Expense ratio: 0.12% The real estate industry is seemingly as old as time itself. After all, people have owned land for centuries, and there is only so much of it. The Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ) represents a collection of real estate investment trusts (REITs), publicly traded companies that lease real estate. Think of them as professional landlords you can invest in. The fund covers various property types, including retail, office buildings, data centers, industrial properties, and more. Altogether, the fund holds 161 stocks and pays a dividend that yields 5.1%. Investors should remember that the economy can impact the real estate industry and this fund's performance. It also has the highest expense ratio of the funds on this list. That said, it's an easy way to add real estate exposure to a portfolio. Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF right now? Before you buy stock in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, 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 Vanguard S&P 500 ETF 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 JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, Vanguard Index Funds-Vanguard Growth ETF, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, Vanguard Specialized Funds-Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF, Vanguard Specialized Funds-Vanguard Real Estate ETF, Vanguard Whitehall Funds-Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 5 Vanguard ETFs That Could Help You Retire a Millionaire was originally published by The Motley Fool The Border Security Force and the Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a joint search on Saturday for any possible cross-border tunnel along the International Border in Samba district, amid heightened security in the Union territory ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next week, officials said. IMAGE: BSF personnel patrol along international border in Jammus Akhnoor. Photograph: ANI Photo In the past decades, about a dozen cross-border tunnels which were used to push terrorists, weapons and narcotics from across the border were uncovered by the security forces along the International Border with Pakistan in Samba, Kathua and Jammu districts. The police had recently announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who helps in locating such tunnels used by "anti-national elements". Modi is visiting Jammu on February 20 to inaugurate and lay the foundation of 209 projects worth Rs 3,161 crore. He will also address a public meeting at the Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of Jammu. As part of the heightened security arrangements in view of Modi's visit, the officials said, the BSF and the police conducted a joint two-hour-long anti-tunnelling operation in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. The operation started around 9.45 am and search teams did not find anything suspicious on the ground, they said. The officials said BSF troops guarding the IB and police personnel manning the border posts have been put on maximum alert, especially after the recent ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers, and have been asked to maintain a tight vigil on any suspicious movement from across the border. Besides the border areas along the IB, security arrangements have been beefed up along the Line of Control and the hinterland to thwart any attempt by terrorists to carry out an attack, the officials said, adding security forces have intensified patrolling, area domination and checking in sensitive areas to maintain peace. On Wednesday evening, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire by firing on a BSF post at Makwal along the IB in R S Pura sector, prompting retaliation by the Indian border guards. The cross-border firing continued for 25 minutes and later the BSF lodged a strong protest with their counterparts for the unprovoked firing. Army troops guarding the LoC also fired at Pakistani drones on three occasions in different sectors of Poonch district in the past six days. On February 16, 2024, the death of the jailed Russian Opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, 47, was reported by State media which further cited the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence. According to the prison service, Alexei Navalny 'felt bad' after a walk and lost consciousness 'almost immediately'. Navalny has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. IMAGE: Alexei Navalny takes part in a rally in Moscow, February 29, 2020, to mark the 5th anniversary of Opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder and to protest against proposed amendments to the country's constitution. Photograph: Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny with his wife Yulia, surrounded by supporters and the media, makes his way to the city's election commission office in central Moscow, July 10, 2013, to submit documents to get registered as a mayoral election candidate. Photograph: Grigory Dukor/ IMAGE: Navalny and his daughter Daria meet with journalists outside a polling station in Moscow, September 8, 2019, during the Moscow city parliament election. Photograph: Tatyana Makeyeva/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny and his brother Oleg take selfies during a rally in memory of politician Boris Nemtsov, Moscow, February 24, 2019. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny is seen on a screen via a video link from the IK-2 corrective penal colony in Pokrov during a court hearing to consider an appeal against his prison sentence, May 24, 2022. Photograph: Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny, his lawyers Olga Mikhailova and Vadim Kobzev and other participants are seen on a screen via a video link during an external hearing of the Moscow city court in a new criminal case against Navalny on numerous charges, including the creation of an extremist organisation, at the IK-6 penal colony in the Vladimir region, June 19, 2023. Photograph: Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny appears on a screen via a video link from the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp in the Yamal-Nenets region during a hearing against the ministry of justice in Russia's supreme court, January 11, 2024. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters IMAGE: Navalny's parents, Anatoly and Lyudmila, leave after an external hearing of the Moscow city court in a new criminal case against their son. Photograph: Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters IMAGE: People attend a protest in support of Navalny outside the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany, January 24, 2023. Photograph: Lisi Niesner/Reuters IMAGE: Graffiti depicting Navalny in St Petersburg, Russia, April 28, 2021. The graffiti reads: 'The hero of the new age'. Photograph: Anton Vaganov/Reuters IMAGE: A person lights a candle next to a portrait of Navalny at the monument to the victims of political repression in St Petersburg, February 16, 2024, following the announcement of Navalny's death. Photograph: Reuters Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Key Insights Significantly high institutional ownership implies Westwood Holdings Group's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions 51% of the business is held by the top 9 shareholders Insider ownership in Westwood Holdings Group is 17% Every investor in Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE:WHG) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 55% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Westwood Holdings Group, beginning with the chart below. View our latest analysis for Westwood Holdings Group What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Westwood Holdings Group? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. Westwood Holdings Group already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of Westwood Holdings Group, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. It would appear that 5.9% of Westwood Holdings Group shares are controlled by hedge funds. That worth noting, since hedge funds are often quite active investors, who may try to influence management. Many want to see value creation (and a higher share price) in the short term or medium term. Our data shows that Hoak & Co. is the largest shareholder with 7.5% of shares outstanding. Allspring Global Investments, LLC is the second largest shareholder owning 7.1% of common stock, and GAMCO Investors, Inc. holds about 6.8% of the company stock. Furthermore, CEO Brian Casey is the owner of 5.4% of the company's shares. Story continues On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 9 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Our information suggests that there isn't any analyst coverage of the stock, so it is probably little known. Insider Ownership Of Westwood Holdings Group While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions. Our information suggests that insiders maintain a significant holding in Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.. Insiders own US$17m worth of shares in the US$100m company. We would say this shows alignment with shareholders, but it is worth noting that the company is still quite small; some insiders may have founded the business. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 15% stake in Westwood Holdings Group. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Private Equity Ownership Private equity firms hold a 7.5% stake in Westwood Holdings Group. This suggests they can be influential in key policy decisions. Sometimes we see private equity stick around for the long term, but generally speaking they have a shorter investment horizon and -- as the name suggests -- don't invest in public companies much. After some time they may look to sell and redeploy capital elsewhere. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Westwood Holdings Group better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Westwood Holdings Group (including 1 which shouldn't be ignored) . If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, backed by strong financial data. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The main aim of stock picking is to find the market-beating stocks. But in any portfolio, there will be mixed results between individual stocks. So we wouldn't blame long term Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE:ARI) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 40% over a half decade. So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress. Check out our latest analysis for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance 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). Looking back five years, both Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance's share price and EPS declined; the latter at a rate of 28% per year. This fall in the EPS is worse than the 10% compound annual share price fall. So the market may previously have expected a drop, or else it expects the situation will improve. The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. This free interactive report on Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance the TSR over the last 5 years was 10%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! Story continues A Different Perspective Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance shareholders gained a total return of 4.1% during the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 2% over half a decade It is possible that returns will improve along with the business fundamentals. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (of which 1 is significant!) you should know about. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Defector-turned-director based his film on his own experience in the military. Director Jeong Haneul was a soldier in the North Korean army in 2012 when he escaped to the South by crossing the Demilitarized Zone. Park Jin Chul was still high on meth and slightly drunk when he spat into his hand and held it out in front of Ri Kwang Hyuks face. Eat this, he ordered his junior non-commissioned officer. Kwang Hyuk thought about submitting to his former classmate, who had once looked up to him but who now outranked him in the North Korean army. But he had seen enough. Jin Chul was still the slacker he was back then, and he was only leading this unit because he came from a higher-status family. He talked down to his men and ordered them around like servants. Defiantly, Kwang Hyuk stood motionless. Fine, if thats how it is, Jin Chul said as he grabbed Kwang Hyuk by the throat and slammed him against the wall. Life in the North Korean military is very much like this scene from recently released short film Two Soldiers, said defector-turned-director Jeong Haneul, who had been a soldier when he escaped to the South across the demilitarized zone in 2012. But the main point of his 23-minute film is not so much to reveal hardships facing soldiers but more to illustrate the unfairness of North Koreas songbun system of ascribed status, he said. It was this caste-like system that drove Jeong to risk everything to get to South Korea, where he became a film director. I titled the film Two Soldiers to show through the lives of soldiers how differences in class and songbun exist as discrimination, Jeong told RFA Korean. Caste based on loyalty Those with the highest songbun are descended from people who fought alongside national founder Kim Il Sung against colonial Japan prior to and during World War II, and have demonstrated through multiple generations that they are steadfast in their loyalty to the North Korean leadership. These people are also the most privileged and can expect a fast track to membership in the ruling Korean Workers Party, which almost guarantees them cushy government jobs, the best education for their children, and expensive homes in the best parts of the capital Pyongyang. Meanwhile those with the lowest songbun are descendants of those who collaborated with Japan during the colonial period, or criminals. They have almost no hope of ever joining the party and they arent even allowed to visit the capital without a rare invitation from the government. They are given the most menial jobs and have little access to higher education. An image from Two Soldiers," to movie Haneul made the movie to show how differences in class and songbun exist as discrimination. (Courtesy Jeong Haneul) In essence, those with low songbun are paying for crimes or lapses of loyalty committed by their grandparents or even great-grandparents, and those with high songbun are often reaping the rewards that they did not earn. North Koreas mandatory military service, which, for men, is now seven years but was 10 years until recently, brings people of all strata of society together, but those from the lower status must fall in line or else, Jeong said. Sick of this system, Jeong sneaked away when the senior officer at his border guard post was taking a midday nap. Normally, a fence surging with 2,200 volts of electricity would have prevented such an escape, but it had collapsed in a recent typhoon. The next day, he encountered a South Korean soldier on the southern side of the border and told him he wanted to defect. As of 2024, the total number of North Korean escapees to have entered South Korea since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War is 34,078. Jeong is among around only 400 who crossed the land border to South Korea and lived to tell the tale. Most take a much more circuitous route through China and Southeast Asia, from where they fly to Seoul. Elements of truth The film Two Soldiers, which debuted on Jan. 21 and can be viewed on YouTube, is based loosely on Jeongs own experience. His family were laborers, relatively low on the social ladder, so his time in the army was similar to that of the protagonist Kwang Hyuk. Jin Chul, the arrogant and abusive higher ranking soldier in the film, is based on a schoolmate with whom Jeong served whose uncle was a high-ranking military official. The classmate would brag that he would be a member of the party only five years after being discharged, easily get a recommendation to attend the prestigious Kim Il Sung University and become a party official upon graduation making him one of the elite. Soldiers drink imported whiskey a rarity in North Korea in a scene from the film Two Soldiers. (Two Soldiers) He was also able to be assigned a sleeping position wherever he wanted, and I remember his untanned face, " he said. [He even] disappeared for several days during training to rest at his uncle's house in Pyongyang and then came back. In the movie, the privileged Jin Chul, whose uncle is a big shot political official, doesnt even bother wearing his full uniform. When Kwang Hyuk arrives, Jin Chul orders Kim Kwang Il, a private under his command whom he treats like a servant, to bring some whiskey and food for him and his old schoolmate. Kwang Hyuk questions whether it is wise to be drinking openly while they should be on duty, but Jin Chul explains that hes the boss, and if Kwang Hyuk sticks with him, he can get preferential treatment. Though soldiers arent supposed to have any visitors, Jin Chuls girlfriend arrives in a Mercedes Benz convertible, and she delivers him a supply of ice, the North Korean street name for crystal meth. Jin Chul later passes out on his bunk in the middle of the day after binging on meth. He uses the half-empty bottle of Ballantines whiskey as a makeshift pillow. Intentionally exaggerated Jin Chuls portrayal could be seen as over the top, but Jeong says that is deliberate. I intentionally exaggerated the setting in the movie, but considering my experience in military life, North Korea is capable of doing more than that, he said Jeong, as a laborer, was in a better situation than farm workers, he said. In order to get off the farm, they would have to be recommended to a military school that trains officers or a security college that trains security agents after discharge. During Jeongs service, an order was issued to reduce the number of former farm workers recommended to military schools, which closed off many opportunities for them. This kind of discrimination is not anyones fault, he said. The North Korean authorities who created that system are the cause. While he was making Two Soldiers, Jeong said he was often reminded about his experience during bootcamp. I missed my parents so much and thought about my hometown a lot, he said. My weight was 45 kilograms [99 pounds]. I was almost malnourished. His lack of freedom was stifling, Jeong said. I was unable to do anything or go anywhere. There was no one on my side and I felt completely isolated, he said. I cried endlessly in the blowing autumn wind. I was hoping that someone would take me away and that someone would recognize me. Translated by Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The parents talk to RFA about a video of the cruel and brutal killing that appeared on social media. Phoe Tay, left, and Thar Htaung were captured in November during fighting between pro-Myanmar junta forces and resistance fighters at Myauk Khin Yan village in Magway region. Earlier this month, a video of the burning deaths of two anti-junta fighters was widely viewed by Burmese people on social media. Phoe Tay, 23, and Thar Htaung, 22, were captured Nov. 7, 2023, in fighting between pro-junta forces and resistance fighters at Myauk Khin Yan village in Magway regions Gangaw township. The video showed them in shackles as they were interrogated by armed men. They were then dragged to a nearby tree where they were suspended as a fire was set underneath them. The two young men screamed as flames rose up and engulfed them. The video was taken by a villager who fled the area in December, according to a local official from the administration of the shadow National Unity Government. Its unclear who first posted the video that began circulating in early February. Phoe Tays father, Myint Zaw, told Radio Free Asia last week that he was aware of his sons death but had not seen the video. Edited transcripts of RFAs interviews with Myint Zaw and the parents of Thar Htaung Ye San and Soe Linn are below. Interview with Myint Zaw RFA: We watched the video of the burning alive of two youth Peoples Defense Force fighters Phoe Tay and Thar Htaung. Myint Zaw, what would you like to say first? Myint Zaw: When Phoe Tay died in action, it was immediately posted online. Yes, it is Phoe Tay, my son. He is gone. His life as a human is over. I learned that he was beaten on the head, beaten on the knees. In one photo, he was on his knees. That image is still springing to my mind. The image is still in my phone. After that, I didnt know how he was killed. We could not retrieve the body. Nobody could go there because Myauk Khin Yan is a stronghold village of the pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militias. Phoe Tays father says his son joined the resistance after the 2021 coup. (Provided by family) RFA: You saw photos from just before the burning. Did you watch the video of them being burned alive? What did you hear about this video? Myint Zaw: I havent watched it. But there are reports about it, and many people are talking about it. My phone is not available for such things because of poor internet connections. His friends in the village are horrified by it. Is it true? They really did that? People are deeply hurt. They cannot accept such an act. Many people are talking about it. I heard that they dragged him by tying a rope around his neck and that they burned him alive. So, Ill never forgive the perpetrators. RFA: Please tell us about Phoe Tay. What was his education? Myint Zaw: My son, Phoe Tay, is also known as Myo Htet Aung that was his school registration name. Before the coup, under the National League for Democracy government, he sat for the matriculation exam. Two months after the 2021 coup, when the exam results were announced, he passed with two distinctions. RFA: We learned that he joined the Yaw Defense Force. Why did he join the YDF? Myint Zaw: When the 2021 coup detat took place, he was in a jade mine in Hkamti, where he was learning to drive a backhoe. My nephew, his cousin, was driving a backhoe there. He brought my son there. Then some friends called him and asked him what he was doing. With politics in his mind, he immediately returned home. Then he joined the YDF. RFA: Did he seek permission from you to join the YDF? Myint Zaw: I told my son that if I was your age, I would have already joined the resistance. My son and I had the same opinion. But he did ask for my permission. RFA: Did you talk to him at all after he joined the armed group? Myint Zaw: I still have to take care of his younger brother. After the Thadingyut festival (to celebrate the harvest moon) in October, (Phoe Tay) said we had to initiate the brother as a Buddhist novice. He said, Father, I can look after you only when the revolution is over. Please try hard now. We have to initiate my brother as a Buddhist novice monk. I can help you only after the revolution. I told him not to worry about us. Im proud that my son sacrificed for the people and the country. But I feel sad I am devastated, says Phoe Tays father. (Provided by family) RFA: What do you do to make a living? Myint Zaw: Im a farmer. There is a land plot given by my mother in Maw Lel village of Gangaw township. I make a living with a rice milling machine. I have a tricycle to transport sand and stones to nearby villages. RFA: On Nov. 7, when Phoe Tay was killed, did the Yaw PDF inform you? How did they inform you? Myint Zaw: They arrived one-and-a-half days later, because they had to come on foot. His comrades looked glum. They came and told us that he was killed and asked us what they should do. RFA: Did the YDF provide your family with cash? Myint Zaw: Yes, they gave us cash. They provided 2 million kyats (about US$950) for Thar Htaung and the same amount for Phoe Tay. RFA: How do you and your family feel about your son being burned alive, killed brutally and inhumanely? Myint Zaw: Im proud that my son sacrificed for the people and the country. But I feel sad. I dont want to talk about it. And I dont know what to say. I am devastated. RFA: Phoe Tay might have been the smartest in the village. He passed his exam with two distinctions. What were his goals? Did he tell you about what he wanted to be? Myint Zaw: He didnt say exactly. What he used to say was that he valued being dutiful. He also said that he wanted to support people like him. I still remember that. He wanted villagers to be educated like him. Burmese social media has seen an outpouring of AI-generated art tributes to Phoe Tay and Thar Htaung after the nature of their deaths became public. (Clockwise from top left: AIMasterPieces, Christine Ang, ChanHlong, Hein Htut Aung, Crd-AungYeWin and UKhaing) Interview with Ye San and Soe Linn, the parents of Thar Htaung RFA: What can you tell us about Thar Htaung? Ye San, the mother: He asked us two times to join the resistance two, but we did not let him because our family depends on his wages. One day when we went to the forest, he left a letter to us asking for forgiveness for his decision, saying that they will fight for a better future. RFA: We understand that you were left with a broken heart after watching the video of him being burned alive. What is your comment as a mother who lost her son in the brutal killing? Ye San: I felt heartbroken as my son was tortured and killed. I was so angry at first that I wanted to take revenge but we could do nothing but grieve. I have never heard of such a cruel and brutal killing among Buddhists. I was so angry at first that I wanted to take revenge but we could do nothing but grieve, says Thar Htaungs mother. (Provided by family) RFA: After the video went viral, international human rights activists have begun seeking ways to bring justice. What is your request to the international community in response to the loss of your son? Ye San: I want to ask for more support for the resistance groups. They need more food and other supplies. RFA: Did you watch the video? Soe Linn, the father: I also did not watch this video. How could I? But I have grieved the brutal killing of my son. RFA: Before Thar Htaung joined the resistance force, did he say anything to you? Soe Linn: He asked how much we can get if we sell the home and yard. When I asked him why, he replied that he wanted to buy guns. I asked: How could we do that? We already pawned the home and yard due to lack of income. But we will support you to buy guns in other ways. He did not complain about it and did not express any displeasure. He never said things against his parents will. I think the Pyu Saw Htee forces killed him. I will never forgive them till the end of the world, says Thar Htaungs father. (Provided by family) RFA: What do you do to make a living in your village? Soe Linn: We work on farms. RFA: Do you know who is responsible for your sons death? Soe Linn: I think the Pyu Saw Htee forces killed him. I will never forgive them till the end of the world. I want to take the same revenge and burn them. RFA: Do you have any last words regarding your son? Soe Linn: My son sacrificed his life for the good of the country, and I am proud. I would never cry for him. Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw and Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed. Male students who enrolled in Taliban-run religious schools say that sexual and physical abuse has led some to end their pursuit of an education in Afghanistan. The students, all of whom were aged 10 to 17 and spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity out of fears of repercussion, described numerous instances in which they and fellow classmates were pressured to engage in sexual acts with teachers and subjected to corporal punishments. The reported cases took place in western and southwestern Afghanistan at Taliban-run madrasahs, part of the network of religious schools that the extremist group has expanded significantly as part of its drive to foster religious education more in keeping with its hard-line Islamist views. One 16-year-old student, a resident of Farah Province, described being propositioned by a teacher at the madrasah he attends. "One day at school a Taliban member who teaches there made an inappropriate offer, but I did not accept it," the boy told Radio Azadi, using inexplicit language to describe sexual abuse, a culturally taboo topic in Afghanistan. "When the lessons were over, he bothered me again." The boy said he reported the incidents to a "qari," a person who has memorized the Koran and serves as a religious authority at the school, to no avail. "I told the qari that the teacher was doing bad things to me, and the qari told him not to do these things, that he was a teacher," the boy said. "The teacher admitted doing it, but it had no effect. He has continued to do bad things and made sexual requests to numerous students at the school." Another student in southwestern Afghanistan, a 17-year-old in the 10th grade, gave a similar account of his experience during his six months studying at a Taliban-run madrasah. "A Taliban member who teaches at the school proposed having a relationship with me and said some other things that I did not accept," the boy said. After being refused, the teacher swore and issued threats, the boy said, adding that his fellow students have faced similar treatment. "He also harassed several of my classmates, and one of them left the school," the boy said. "He told me I should not go to school anymore because the same teacher is harassing me." The boy said the experience has left him "damaged" and unsure of whom he can confide in. "I can't tell my family," he said. The Taliban has come under widespread criticism for the severe restrictions it has placed on the daily lives of the Afghans since seizing power in August 2021. In its pursuit to impose its extreme interpretation of Islam, the Taliban has restored many of the draconian rules it was infamous for during its first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. The ban on the education of girls past the sixth grade, and the erasure of women's role in society stand out among the measures the Taliban has taken. But other steps -- including prohibitions on music and idolatry through art, and pressure against students and teachers -- have affected all walks of life regardless of sex. Since the Taliban returned to power, many educators have left the country, while female teachers have been left at home without work due to restrictions on women's freedom of movement and their ability to teach males. Meanwhile, the Taliban has steadily worked to replace secular state schools and informal madrasahs with a system of religious schooling. The system does allow for girl students, including those of university age, but critics say it falls far short of the standards of modern education for girls and boys alike and often promotes extremism. According to a report on Afghanistan issued by the United Nations in February, the Taliban has established 6,836 madrasahs for males and 380 for females and was expected to finalize a standardized religious curriculum in time for the new school year beginning this month. The recruitment of madrasah teachers is also in full swing, according to the report, following a decree by the Talibans spiritual leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada to have 100,000 new madrasah teachers in place. In December, Human Rights Watch gave a stinging assessment of the state of education in general, saying that in addition to the obstacles to the education of girls and women, the Taliban had "also inflicted deep harm on boys' education" in Afghanistan. "Many boys were previously taught by women teachers; the Taliban has prohibited women from teaching boys, depriving women teachers of their jobs and often leaving boys with unqualified replacement male teachers or sometimes no teachers at all," HRW said. "Parents and students said that corporal punishment, which has long been a problem at Afghan schools, has become increasingly common. The curriculum in many schools appears to be under revision to remove important school subjects and promote discrimination." The rights watchdog said the circumstances had "led many boys to leave school altogether" and "left boys struggling with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression." Shortly after the Taliban regained power, the United Nations highlighted the dire situation for children in Afghanistan, including exposure to sexual violence and increased risk of students dropping out of school. Difficulties in ensuring the protection of children are exacerbated, according to the UN, by the Taliban's refusal to consider people below the age of 18 to be children, as is the international standard, instead using the onset of puberty as the basis for adulthood. Younger madrasah students in western and southwestern Afghanistan below or at the age of puberty said they were not spared physical abuse and sexual harassment from teachers. One young man who spoke to Radio Azadi said he recently learned that his young brother was being subjected to sexual abuse at a madrasah in western Afghanistan. The young man said his brother was being assigned extracurricular "homework by a teacher, or to put it bluntly, he was being asked for sex, [the teacher] fondled his hands and feet and kissed him." As a result, the young man said he told his brother not to go to school anymore. Fear of sexual harassment and sexual and physical abuse were cited as a common factor leading boys in western and southwestern Afghanistan to give up their studies. "Some teachers harass our students and make immoral requests," said one 14-year-old boy who also described common methods of corporal punishment at his madrasah. "They strike our faces or beat our hands and feet under the pretext of disciplining us for not learning our lessons properly." The boy said many students were studying hard in fear of being taken to a special room for punishment, and that "some even drop out of school." Another student, aged 10, said his teacher separated him and other students from their class to beat the soles of their feet. Afterward, he told Radio Azadi, he stopped going to class because he was afraid. And upon hearing about the incidents, his and his classmates' parents "did not allow us to go to school." The Taliban authorities did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations of abuse at madrasahs it has established. And efforts to speak to individuals aware of the situations at madrasahs in other areas of Afghanistan were met by refusals to comment due to fear of reprisals. A women's rights activist who asked that her name not be published told Radio Azadi that families have no avenue to lodge complaints about the abuse their children encounter at Taliban-run madrasahs because they, too, would face threats. The activist said that not only had she been made aware of sexual harassment against both girls and boys at Taliban-run madrasahs, but the curriculum also serves to "increase the level of extremism in the country." Reducing the risks of both threats, she said, would require greater oversight by the Taliban authorities and ideally, she said, a reduction in the number of madrasahs. Najib Amini, a civil society activist in western Afghanistan, said that for now, the onus falls on families to be aware. "Children are subjected to sexual abuse in madrasahs established under the Taliban regime," Amini said. "Families have an important and essential role in this regard. If they do not want their children to be abused in schools, if they want their children to get a basic education...then they should not send their children to madrasahs under the control of the Taliban." Written by Michael Scollon based on reporting by RFE/RLs Radio Azadi 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. Baader Bank (ETR:BWB) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: 170.8m (down 32% from FY 2022). Net income: 2.80m (down 68% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 1.6% (down from 3.5% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue. EPS: 0.06 (down from 0.18 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Baader Bank's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago. Risk Analysis Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Baader Bank that you should be aware of. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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." When Aleksei Navalny left a Moscow jail in August 2019 after serving 30 days for encouraging protests, the Russian opposition leader delivered the kind of message he had pushed relentlessly for a decade, earning himself a reputation as the most vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. "The lies and falsifications are not enough," he told a group of reporters in his usual fast clip. "They have to arrest dozens, beat hundreds, and raid organizations." "This regime will come to seriously regret what it has done," he said. Navalny, a longtime anti-corruption fighter and Russia's most prominent opposition politician for over a decade, died in prison on February 16, the local branch of the Federal Penitentiary Service said. He was 47. Navalny had been sent in December to IK-3, a harsh prison known as Polar Wolf in the Yamalo-Nenets District settlement of Kharp, north of the Arctic Circle. He was serving a 19-year sentence on an extremism conviction that he and his supporters say was politically motivated revenge for his anti-Kremlin activism. The penitentiary service said in a statement that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and subsequently lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived to try to revive him but he died, the statement added. On February 17, Navalny's family and close associates confirmed his death and demanded his body be handed over. Navalny had been behind bars since January 2021, when he was arrested upon returning to Russia after recovering abroad from a nerve-agent poisoning that he said was a state-sponsored assassination attempt carried out by Russian security agents and approved by Putin. A lawyer by training, Navalny was a charismatic and sharp-witted politician who was shaped by the Internet and the street and used both mediums in his unrelenting and often innovative campaign against Putin's increasingly undemocratic government. Despite carrying the baggage of an uncomfortable early dalliance with Russian nationalism and statements deemed racist by many, he rose to transcend easy labels through a singular and seemingly indefatigable focus on official corruption and an insistence on peaceful, legal methods to oppose the Kremlin. Navalny rose to national prominence as he became one of the leaders of major anti-government protests in 2011, when his viral blog posts exposing graft fueled public anger in the build-up to that year's parliamentary elections. He called on voters to cast their ballots against the "party of crooks and thieves" in power, a term he coined to describe the ruling United Russia party that was immortalized in the opposition lexicon. The opposition movement gained more steam when Putin made the controversial decision to seek a third presidential term in the 2012 election. Tens of thousands of people attended protests between the December 2011 parliamentary vote, which was marred by widespread evidence of fraud, and Putin's inauguration in May 2012. Soon, Navalny expanded his muckraking campaign to launch the Anti-Corruption Foundation and a YouTube channel where he uploaded slick videos to a growing subscriber base, shedding light on the illicit activities of officials in Putin's government and inner circle. In 2017, the foundation's probe into then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's wealth, which garnered tens of millions of views, became a catalyst for a wave of mass rallies that erupted across Russia that March. Navalny's personal charisma and social-media-savvy style quickly gained him a mass following, even though he was all but ignored by state media. For many years, Putin was unable or unwilling to pronounce Navalnys name aloud. But his early anti-immigrant comments, including YouTube videos in which he likened Central Asian labor migrants to harmful tooth cavities and residents of Russia's Muslim-majority North Caucasus to cockroaches, continued to dog him throughout his career, and some in opposition politics -- particularly in non-ethnic-Russian movements -- kept their distance from him. The nationalist tone of Navalny's early career and equivocal statements about Crimea following Russia's occupation of the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula in 2014 raised hackles among many in Ukraine, and his vehement condemnation of the full-scale invasion launched by Putin in 2022 did little to improve his reputation there. Navalny's rise was also impeded by Putin's growing authoritarianism and efforts to stamp out the opposition movement Navalny spearheaded, including the introduction of laws drastically reducing the scope for street protest and punishing Russians who voiced public criticism of the authorities. Some of Navalny's aides and allies fled Russia amid threats; others quit politics. Navalny remained in Russia and continued to expose graft, despite constant harassment of himself and his family by pro-government trolls, a concerted propaganda campaign to discredit and stigmatize him, frequent arrests and searches, and a seemingly endless string of criminal cases and other moves aimed at cowing him into submission. In 2017, during a visit to the Siberian city of Barnaul, an unknown assailant doused him with a bright green liquid, causing a chemical burn that damaged his vision. Several days later, he appeared -- his face stained green -- in a YouTube video where he promised nothing would keep him from shining light on corruption. "All I want to say is this: The Kremlin may think I'm not going to record videos with a green face, but I will -- it'll get me even more views," he said. "This definitely won't stop me." In 2019, while in detention yet again for leading an unauthorized protest, Navalny was hospitalized with what his doctor said was a "severe allergic reaction." Navalny and his aides suspected it was a case of deliberate poisoning. The incident was never resolved despite widespread calls for an official investigation. Navalny was used to spending time behind bars. In the years after he gained prominence, and until his near-fatal poisoning in August 2020, he was jailed at least a dozen times, spending hundreds of days locked up on charges he insisted were fabricated to cut short his efforts to incite protest. In 2013, he faced the threat of lengthy incarceration when he was sentenced to five years in prison in a fraud trial that was widely viewed as retaliation for his political activity. Amid protests, the authorities suspended the sentence and released Navalny, a stunning reversal that analysts and allies said was driven by the Kremlins fear of turning him into a martyr and stoking mass demonstrations. Navalny received a suspended sentence again in 2014, after a trial in a separate case that he also contended was politically motivated. But his brother Oleg, who was not involved in politics, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison. Navalny said his brother's incarceration made his battle with the Kremlin personal, fueling an anger that redoubled his commitment. Around this time, many in Russia began to consider him a viable challenger to Putin, a former KGB officer who has stood at Russia's helm since 2000. "Many think that Navalny is not a serious candidate for the Kremlin," opposition politician Leonid Gozman wrote in Vedomosti in 2015. "That's probably what Jaruzelski thought about Walesa, or South Africa's leaders about Mandela, or Kerensky about Lenin." Navalny sought to meet those expectations and tried to challenge Putin in the 2018 presidential election, establishing a network of campaign offices across the country. But he was barred from running due to his criminal convictions, and the campaign teams were reorganized into regional branches of his anti-corruption NGO, working to shed light on illicit activity at the local level. In the summer of 2019, Navalny backed a group of opposition figures seeking to participate in elections to the Moscow city assembly. Their exclusion from the vote led to weeks of protest in Moscow met by a sweeping clampdown that culminated in lengthy prison sentences for a number of activists and law enforcement raids of Navalny's regional offices. But that experience prompted Navalny and his team to seek new ways to break Putin's stranglehold on power and to launch a campaign dubbed Smart Voting, aimed at shattering the United Russia monopoly by concentrating the protest vote on rival candidates considered most likely to defeat its candidates. In an interview in the spring of 2020, Navalny told RFE/RL's Russian Service the coronavirus pandemic and the government's handling of it was accelerating a fall in Putin's popularity and creating opportunities for the opposition. "Just look at the government's ratings," he said. "We see their unprecedented decline, a decline that will continue. The government cannot do anything about it." Several months later, Navalny collapsed on board a flight to Moscow from Tomsk, where he was visiting local supporters. The plane was diverted to the city of Omsk, where his staffers learned that he had been poisoned. After pleading with the authorities for two days, his wife Yulia Navalnaya and Navalnys aides succeeded in securing his transfer for treatment in Berlin, where German experts determined he had been poisoned by a Novichok-type nerve agent. Open-source investigators Bellingcat issued findings that Navalny had been the target of an assassination attempt by a team of Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives. Navalny spent almost five months recuperating and working on a major investigation into a $1.36 billion Black Sea palace that he alleged ultimately belonged to Putin. That investigation was released upon Navalny's return to Moscow on January 17, 2021, when he was arrested upon arrival at Sheremetyevo airport. His decision to return to Russia was controversial, with some lauding his courage and others questioning his surrender to seemingly inevitable imprisonment. Russia was rocked by two consecutive weekends of mass protests for Navalny's release that led to thousands of arrests, but Navalny was nevertheless sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on February 2 for breaking the rules of the parole imposed during his fraud trial. "However much [Putin] tries to portray himself as a geopolitician, a great world leader, he resents me because he'll go down in history as a poisoner," Navalny said in a blistering speech from his defendant's cage. "The main goal of this trial is to scare a huge number of people. That's how it works. They jail one person to scare millions." Navalny was sent to a strict-regime prison in the Vladimir region east of Moscow. Almost immediately he and his associates began complaining of a "deliberate campaign" to undermine his health. Having been designated an escape risk, he was awakened hourly every night and was denied access to his doctor. He said he had crippling back pain and had all but lost the use of his right leg. He was hospitalized during a hunger strike in April 2023, abandoning the protest on the advice of his doctors. During his years in prison, officials repeatedly punished him for trivial alleged infractions. For his part, he used his legal expertise to clog the system with outlandish requests, publishing the stilted official rejections he received. At the same time, the government continued to file charges against him and to add time to his prison term. In March 2022, he was given a nine-year prison term for contempt of court and corruption. In June 2021, his Anti-Corruption Foundation and other organizations tied to him were officially banned as extremist by the Russian government. As a result, more of his associates fled Russia or faced harsh criminal prosecution. In August 2023, Navalny was handed a 19-year sentence in a special-regime prison the harshest category -- after being convicted of inciting and financing "extremist activity." He denounced the sentence as "Stalinist." Nonetheless, throughout his imprisonment and at his numerous trials, he steadfastly insisted he was not afraid and urged Russians also to overcome their fear of Putins repression. Long in progress, the Kremlin's clampdown on dissent escalated with Navalnys arrest in January 2021. The authorities turned the screws even tighter a little over a year later, when Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In a social-media post on the first anniversary of the unprovoked attack, Navalny said Putin "has unleashed an unjust war of aggression" and dismissed Putins justifications as ridiculous pretexts. He said that "tens of thousands of innocent Ukrainians have been murdered" and that "war crimes have been committed." He called for the restoration of Ukraine's internationally recognized 1991 borders and for Russia to "look for acceptable ways to compensate for the damage done to Ukraine." "We will have to reimburse Ukraine for all the damage caused by Putin's aggression," he concluded. "We have hit rock bottom." Many in Ukraine remained wary or critical of Navalny, distrusting his public comments on the war and doubting his dedication to Ukrainian sovereignty. He was widely praised in the West, however. In October 2021, he was awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for his relentless fight against "the corruption of Vladimir Putin's regime." "This cost him his liberty and nearly his life," then-European Parliament head David Sassoli said. Navalny is survived by his wife and their two children, Dasha and Zakhar. Former RFE/RL correspondent Matthew Luxmoore contributed to this report U.S. Russia expert Michael McFaul said he was "in shock" after hearing about the death of Aleksei Navalny, whom he had considered a friend. The former U.S. ambassador to Russia and currently a professor of political science at Stanford University spoke to RFE/RL on the sidelines of the annual Munich Security Conference on February 16, shortly after Russian authorities announced that Navalny had been found dead. The jailed Russian opposition leader's team confirmed his death on February 17. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged his Western partners to deliver more weapons and ammunition to Kyiv, with the remarks coming on the heels of his decision to pull his outgunned and outmanned forces out of the embattled eastern city of Avdiyivka in the face of the latest Russian onslaught there. "Its important for us to save the lives of our people, thats our main objective. Were saving the lives of our soldiers," Zelenskiy said at the Munich Security Conference on February 17. "Russia has not seized anything [following the Ukrainian withdrawal]. They just destroy," Zelenskiy said, adding that Ukrainian defenders were outmanned 7-1 by the Russian invaders in Avdiyivka. Russia's Defense Ministry late on February 17 claimed that its forces had taken "full control" of Avdiyivka, saying it had been "a powerful defensive hub of the Ukrainian armed forces." In a news conference with Zelenskiy, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated Washington's vow to back Kyiv in its battle against the Russian invasion for "as long as it takes" and said the U.S. government would push for Moscow to pay damages to Ukraine following the end of the war. "We will continue in our efforts to secure a just and lasting peace," she said. "We will work to make sure Russia pays damages to Ukraine." Earlier on February 17, Ukraine's commander in chief , Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, announced his forces were withdrawing from Avdiyivka after four months of a brutal battle with Russian soldiers. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," Zelenskiy said, adding that "our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of the range of our strength.... The Avdiyivka situation proves this." Ukraine, which is heavily dependent on economic and military aid from its Western allies and especially from the United States, has been facing an increasingly acute shortage of ammunition and military equipment as U.S. Republican lawmakers squabble over a $61 billion military and economic aid package for Kyiv. In a phone call with Zelenskiy, President Joe Biden reassured his Ukrainian counterpart of U.S. backing while saying that U.S. congressional inaction had contributed to Ukraine's battlefield setback. "This morning, Ukraine's military was forced to withdraw from Avdiyivka after Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russia's first notable gains in months," the White House said in a statement. "President Biden emphasized the need for Congress to urgently pass the national security supplemental funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces [and] reaffirmed the strong bipartisan support in the U.S. government and among the American people for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to imposing costs on the Russian government to hold it accountable for its actions," it added. Zelenskiy, who is redoubling efforts to garner more military, political, and economic support for Ukraine to stave off Russia's unprovoked invasion that is nearing the two-year mark, again urged Ukraine's Western allies to speed up heavy weapons and ammunition deliveries. "Keeping Ukraine in artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficits of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," he said. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. In response to a question from the media on whether it would be good for Zelenskiy to invite former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine, "If Mr. Trump, if he will come, I am ready even to go with him to the front line," he said. "I invite him publicly, but it depends on his wishes, of course. We are ready." Trump, who is the current front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly expressed scepticism about further U.S. support for Ukraine. Speaking separately at the Munich forum, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the U.S. delay in unlocking the aid for Ukraine has a direct impact on the front line situation. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," he said. Prior to her meeting with Zelenskiy, the U.S. vice president, a Democrat, on February 16 warned that failure by the Republican-led House to authorize further aid for Ukraine would amount to a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Addressing the Munich forum, Harris told Ukraine's European allies, "You have made clear that Europe will stand with Ukraine and I will make clear, President Joe Biden and I stand with Ukraine." Harris later said Biden's administration stood ready to support Ukraine for "as long as it takes" and would push for Russia to pay damages to Ukraine following the end of the war. "We will continue in our efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. We will work to make sure Russia pays damages to Ukraine," she said at a joint news conference with Zelenskiy on February 17. Zelenskiy traveled to Munich a day after he signed key security agreements with France and Germany. The Ukrainian leader said the agreements signed with Germany and France would give "an impulse to the United States" to approve the critical $61 billion aid package. But German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, when asked earlier on February 17 in Munich whether his government would supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, sidestepped the question, saying only that German decisions would be made at the right time. Speaking on the margins of the Munich Security Conference on February 17, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized fellow supporters of Ukraine for being too slow and hesitant to supply the embattled country with the weapons it needs. The international community made costly mistakes in responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Frederiksen said, and too little is still being done to deliver the weapons that Ukraine needs. Frederiksen urged other European countries to send weapons and ammunition from existing stocks to Ukraine while also investing more in building up Europe's capacity to produce weapons. Also in Munich, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Ukraine would eventually become a member of the European Union and also of NATO, but it can't join the Western military alliance while it remains in a military conflict with Russia. "The message to Russia is very clear: Ukraine will be a member of the European Union, and then we are working to have Ukraine as a member of NATO," Tajani said. But he insisted that NATO membership wasn't possible while Ukraine is in a war with Russia. "We need to be very prudent," as having a NATO member that is at war with Russia would mean "World War III." Outside the meeting halls, supporters of Ukraine rallied in Munich's Odeonplatz to call for an end to the Russian invasion, with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko attending. Other rallies also took place, including a demonstration calling for Western leaders to speak out against the fundamentalist Islamic government of Iran, which has been accused of human rights violations, most recenty with brutal crackdowns on antigovernment protests. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa As reports of Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny's death in a harsh Arctic prison swept around the world, U.S. President Joe Biden once again called on Congress to pass a long-stalled $60 billion aid package that is crucial to Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. For the past four months, a group of Republicans in the House of Representatives has been holding up the aid, mostly money for weapons and other military support, while pressing Democrats and the White House for major immigration reforms and more funding for the U.S. border with Mexico. Russian authorities said Navalny died after feeling ill and losing consciousness at the remote strict-regime prison north of the Arctic Circle where he was sent in December to serve a 19-year sentence on an extremism conviction that he and his supporters say was Kremlin revenge for his activism. For many in the West, his death -- after more than three years in custody in conditions his associates likened with torture -- underscored the threat that President Vladimir Putin and his government pose to his own country and others including Ukraine, where Russia's full-scale invasion hits the two-year mark on February 24. "This tragedy reminds us of the stakes of this moment. We have to provide the funding so Ukraine can keep defending itself against Putin's vicious onslaughts and war crimes," Biden, who said that "Putin is responsible" for Navalny's death, told reporters on February 16. "The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten," Biden said. But several U.S. analysts and advocates of aid to Ukraine say Navalny's death is unlikely to have a substantial effect on the fate of the aid package, which was passed by the Senate on February 8 but faces an uncertain future in the House. "Even though this should be something that moves members of the House to counter Russia by supporting Ukraine, the death of Navalny, unfortunately, won't be a factor when it comes to voting on the bill or another piece of legislation that would provide financial assistance to Ukraine," said Daniel Vajdich, president of Yorktown Solutions, a Washington-based firm that lobbies on behalf of Ukraine. The House broke for a two-week recess on February 16 without taking up the latest version of the $95 billion bill -- which also includes funding for Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank -- meaning that any aid legislation could not pass until the beginning of March at the earliest. In a statement the same day, House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) blamed Putin for Navalny's death and said the United States and its partners must use "every means available to cut off Putin's ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine." But he has suggested that the lower chamber would take its time with any aid legislation, leaving it unclear when he might bring the current bill to a vote -- if ever. "The Republican-led House will not be jammed or forced into passing a foreign-aid bill," Johnson said on February 14. The United States has been the biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, allocating more than $44 billion for weapons and equipment. However, the Biden administration has been unable to distribute any additional aid since late December amid Republican opposition to the proposed package. The lack of additional military support and uncertainty over whether it will ever come is reducing Ukraine's capacity to defend itself, forcing Ukrainian troops to conserve ammunition. Analysts say Russia has taken advantage of Ukraine's predicament by launching consistent attacks along the front in the east. Many believe Putin wants a significant battlefield victory ahead of the tightly controlled March 15-17 election that is set to hand him a new six-yar term -- and he appears to have gotten it. Ukraine announced in the early morning hours of February 17 that it was withdrawing its forces from Avdiyivka, a destroyed city it had been fiercely defending since October. The withdrawal represents Russia's first major victory since May 2023. Andrij Dobriansky, director of communications for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, a diaspora umbrella group advocating for aid, says he believes that neither Navalny's death nor the fall of Avdiyivka will prompt the Republicans holding it up in the House to move on the matter. Navalny's death may be out of the headlines by the time House lawmakers return to Washington, he said. "Right now, the people who want aid to go to Ukraine can't find a good-faith partner from the side that's blocking the bill," he added. Amid twists and turns in Congress that have reflected deep divides between Democrats and Republicans as well as rifts within the Republican Party, the Biden administration's efforts to secure new aid for Ukraine have been stymied since August. In October, Biden proposed a $118 billion spending bill that included Ukraine aid as well as funding for the U.S. border and immigration reform. On February 6, Republicans in the Senate killed that bill amid pressure from former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the party's nomination in the November 2024 election. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. The current $95 billion package does not include the border and immigration element. With its fate in the balance, analysts say Johnson is under immense pressure from the Republican Party's right wing, which could attempt to oust him if he brings the bill to the floor in its current form. In his statement following reports of Navalny's death, Johnson indicated a desire to find a compromise aid bill that could satisfy more members of his party. "As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States, and our partners, must be using every means available to cut off Putin's ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states," he said. John Herbst, U.S. ambassador to Ukraine from 2003-06 and now an analyst at the Washington-based Atlantic Council, says there is speculation that Johnson is planning to write his own aid and immigration bill. The two-week recess would potentially give his team time to work on it. Johnson may be looking to bring a bill to the floor that substitutes some aid with loans, Yorktown Solutions analyst Vajdich says. Trump said earlier this week that he supported loans to Ukraine. Replacing aid with loans might be a largely cosmetic change in the long run, because Russia's invasion has so devastated Ukraine's economy that Kyiv might never be able to pay back the loans. Vajdich suggests that could be a face-saving way for Republicans to approve new military support for Ukraine. "If that's what makes the bill palatable for Johnson and Republicans to be able to claim a win in the context of Ukraine assistance, so be it," he said. The corporate raider Carl Icahn might be on a new streak as of today, his 88th birthday. JetBlue Airways announced on Friday that it had struck a deal to grant seats on the companys board of directors to two representatives from Icahns companies. The lightning-fast JetBlue settlement came just days after utility company American Electric Power said it had reached an agreement with Icahn to seat two of his representatives on the board. At JetBlue, Icahn disclosed his 9.9% ownership stake on Monday, the same day that new CEO Joanna Geraghty took over the job. It was also the same day that AEP announced its own deal with Icahn. His stakes in the two companiesand the winsmarked a public return to his well-worn activist-investing background after he weathered criticism from short-seller Hindenburg Research last year and pledged to investors that he would stick to what he does best: agitating for change on a board or in the CEO role and unlocking value for shareholders. In the joint statement, Geraghty said the company was working to restore its earning power. The airline has been reeling since a federal judge quashed a merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines a month ago. JetBlue shares rose 16% when Icahn disclosed his stake this week and 5.9% in after-hours trading following the announcement, reported Bloomberg. We are executing more than $300 million of revenue initiatives this year, and are on track to deliver significant cost savings from our structural cost program, fleet modernization, and fixed cost base reductions, said Geraghty, adding that JetBlue welcomes the contributions of our new board members as we move forward with that common goal. Icahn said he appreciated the constructive engagement with JetBlues board and C-suite. We very much look forward to working with them in the future, he said. JetBlue appointed Icahn Enterprises general counsel Jesse Lynn and Icahn Capital portfolio manager Steven Miller, the company said in a filing with the SEC. Lynn has served on boards including Crown Holdings, FirstEnergy and Xerox. Miller is a board member at Dana Incorporated, Bausch Health Companies and previously served on the Xerox board. Story continues JetBlue chairman Peter Boneparth said Lynn and Miller would add useful insights to the board as the company charts a path to growth. The two new board members will be non-voting observers when they join the board on Feb. 26, and wont have voting power until after the annual shareholder meeting this year. Meanwhile, Icahns $120 million stake in AEP yielded board seats for Icahn Enterprises senior managing director Hunter Gary, who joined the AEP board along with Henry Linginfelter, former executive vice president of Southern Company Gas. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Chandigarh to Delhi Flight Ticket Price Rs 1 Lakh, Seat Availability in Trains Chandigarh to Delhi Flight Ticket Price Chandigarh to Delhi Flight Ticket Price, Train Seat Availability Amid Farmers Protest: Amidst the farmers' protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, the commuters, who want to travel to Chandigarh to Delhi or vice versa, are facing a lot of issues in their travel. While the roads are blocked, people are looking for the options of railways and airways for their travel. However, there is no seat availability on either trains or flights from Chandigarh to Delhi for the next few days besides the ticket prices for Chd to Delhi flight has reached upto Rs 1 Lakh. As per the data available on the IRCTC website, there is no seat available on any of the trains until February 18 while all the trains have waiting lists until February 18. Advertisement In the meanwhile, flight travel has become expensive as the prices of tickets have soared six times the normal price. In fact, some of the flights are selling tickets at the whopping amount of Rs 1 lakh. It is pertinent to mention that the farmers started marching towards Delhi as a part of their 'Delhi Chalo' call on February 13 and were stopped at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders due to the heavy blockade by the Haryana police. Besides, the farmers observed Bharat Bandh on Friday from 6 am to 4 pm. During this, the roads and highways were blocked by farmers for four hours that caused inconvenience to the commuters. From Cambridge, UK: While many people believe that physical attractiveness should play no role in whether someone is interviewed or offered a job, scholars have for decades looked at this link with conflicting results. Research co-authored by Professor Christopher Marquis of Cambridge Judge Business School helps to resolve such contradictions. Some previous field and laboratory studies have shown that more attractive job candidates are more likely to be hired, but several other studies have found that employers might disfavour attractive candidates perhaps because they perceive them as more entitled and less hardworking, or assume that they have more options and thus represent a higher turnover risk. The research by Chris examines this topic in 2 seemingly different employment contexts China and the United States. The findings forthcoming in the American Journal of Sociology show there is a remarkable similarity in both locations that the effects of attractiveness depends on consistency with other status characteristics, most notably educational prestige, as well as the fit with the job in question. Read more ESMT Berlin launches new sustainability institute From Berlin: ESMT Berlin is significantly expanding its sustainability focus across all facets of the international business school. Building upon a decade of highly successful sustainability initiatives, it is bringing together its diverse and effective programmes under one roof: the ESMT Institute for Sustainable Transformation. The institute will bundle the business schools sustainability activities in the areas of research, teaching, and outreach, thus amplifying their impact and fostering responsible leadership practices that benefit individuals, businesses, and society at large. The ESMT Institute for Sustainable Transformation is at the forefront of addressing real-world environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges through rigorous academic research. The institutes academic pedigree is strengthened through the expertise of its leading researchers: ESMT President Jorg Rocholl, the Deutsche Bank professor in sustainable finance, and ESMT Dean of Faculty and Research Per Olsson, the DHL Group professor in sustainable accounting. Their combined knowledge and leadership underscore the institutes commitment to developing impactful solutions and advancing the field of sustainable business practices. Story continues ESMT is committed to driving positive change through research, education, and collaboration. The establishment of this institute marks a pivotal step in enhancing our capacity to effect substantial and enduring impact, says Jorg Rocholl. Read more What its like to be a woman in STEM, according to one-year masters students at Michigan Ross From Ann Arbor, Michigan: In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb.11, the Ross School of Business celebrates the innovative and barrier-breaking women of the One-Year Masters Programs. STEM, an acronym that stands for the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, has not always been a welcoming space for women. Even now, the fields remain mostly male-dominated: in 2021, about two-thirds (65%) of those employed in STEM occupations were men and about one-third (35%) were women, according to the National Science Foundation. Despite many barriers to entry in the field, like unwelcoming work cultures and stereotypes, the number of women pursuing STEM careers has increased by 3% between 2011 and 2021, according to NSF. Many careers under the STEM umbrella are some of the fastest-growing and highest-earning jobs from analysts to engineers to scientists. Women everywhere are breaking down barriers in order to make STEM more accessible to the promising young leaders of the future. To delve deeper into what it means to be a woman in STEM, the Ross School asked six students in two of the schools STEM-designated OYM Programs, the Master of Supply Chain Management and Master of Business Analytics, to share their experiences. Read more DONT MISS RECORD VC HIRES IN THIS TOP B-SCHOOLS 2023 MBA CLASS The post Is Being Good-Looking Enough To Land Your Dream Job? Maybe And Maybe Not appeared first on Poets&Quants. Oil price climbed higher on Friday, lifting the most active WTI Crude futures to a 11-week high, as concerns about potential supply disruptions amid rising tensions in the Middle East outweighed a weak demand outlook for oil. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures for March ended higher by $1.16 at $79.19 a barrel. Brent crude futures for April were up $0.51 or 0.63% at $83.87 a barrel a little while ago. Supply disruptions amid an escalation in Middle East tensions contributed to the rally in oil prices. According to reports, Gaza's largest functioning hospital was under siege on Friday in Israel's war with Islamist group Hamas, as warplanes struck Rafah, the last refuge for Palestinians in the enclave. In its montly oil market report released on Thursday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said global demand growth is losing momentum, with annual gains easing from 2.8 million barrels-a-day in Q3 of 2023 to 1.8 million barrels-a-day in Q4 of 2023. The IEA report cited a significant decline in Chinese demand as the reason for its demand outlook. Meanwhile, data from the Labor Department showed producer prices in the U.S. increased more than expected in January. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Amazon.com (AMZN) founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos sold about $2 billion of shares of his company over the past few days. It is the third time Bezos has sold nearly $2 billion worth of Amazon stock this month, bringing his total sales to over $6 billion. According to a statement filed with federal regulators, Bezos sold about 12 million Amazon shares at an average price of $169.50 a share. Bezos had sold about 12 million shares, worth $2 billion, between Friday and Monday, and sold another 12 million shares the week before that. Last week, Amazon announced that Bezos would sell up to 50 million shares of the company, valued at around $8.4 billion. By relocating from Seattle to Miami, Bezos is expected to save about $600 million due to Florida's tax advantages. The sales this month mark the first time Bezos has sold Amazon stock since May 2021, the year he stepped down as Amazon CEO. Apart from his decisions, Bezos has also made philanthropic commitments towards addressing climate change and promoting human unity. In 2022, he disclosed his intention to donate a significant portion of his $124 billion fortune towards these initiatives. Bezos is currently the world's third-wealthiest person, with a net worth of $191.4 billion, according to Forbes. His Amazon holdings have dropped to 952.26 million shares from 976.25 million shares after these sales. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News When compared to Indian pricing, 5-Door Suzuki Jimny launched in Indonesia costs around Rs. 7 lakh more (on road) for top-spec variant At the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Suzuki had a big showcase. The company showcased its flagship and most expensive offering for Indonesia, which is a Jimny 5-Door. Price on road for top-spec Jimny 5-Door in Jakarta is around IDR 478 Million, which turns out to be Rs. 25.4 lakh. 5-Door Suzuki Jimny Launched In Indonesia PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor unveiled the Jimny 5-Door in Indonesia at the ongoing Indonesia International Motor Show 2024. The car was showcased in a candy red shade. In India, Maruti Suzuki calls it Sizzling Red and gets a dual tone roof option too in Candy Red + Bluish Black combination. Currently, Jimny 3-Door is manufactured in Suzukis Kosai plant in Shizuoka, Japan and Maruti Suzukis Manesar plant in Gurugram, India. However, 5-Door Jimny is still exclusively manufactured in India. The 5-Door Jimny launched in Australia as Jimny XL, was shipped from India and gets an upgraded 9-inch infotainment system. Indonesia spec Jimny 5-Door is likely to be shipped from India (lack of ADAS). In India, Karnataka state is plagued with the highest road taxes and top-spec Jimny 5-Door Alpha AT costs around Rs. 18.4 lakh. In Indonesia, the same car is almost Rs. 7 lakh more expensive than Karnataka pricing. Perks of local manufacturing, eh? Jimny 5-Door base model prices start from IDR 443.9 Million, which turns out to be Rs. 23.6 lakh. In Indonesia, PT Suzuki Indomobil Motor is charging IDR 18 Million for the upgrade from 3-Door model to 5 Door model. In Indian currency, IDR 18 Million turns out to be around Rs. 1 lakh, which is kind of reasonable. Specs and features In Indonesia, Suzuki is offering both manual and automatic transmission variants. Pound-to-pound exported Indonesia-spec Jimny looks identical to India-spec model. It gets a K15B 1.5L 4-cylinder NA petrol engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic. Other attributes like front headlight washer, 4X4 transfer case, 15-inch wheels, projector headlights, rear tailgate mounted spare wheel and more remain similar too. On the inside, 9-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 6 airbags, parking sensors and parking camera, are other highlight features. In Indonesia, Suzuki sells a front grill accessory with iconic Suzuki lettering. Called Front Grille (Logo Suzuki), it looks much better than the current 5-slat grill that comes as standard. We hope this launches in India as an accessory as it completely transforms Jimnys looks in a good way. It costs IDR 3.75 Million, which is Rs. 20,000. It also gets a new Metallic Shiffon Ivory shade in Indonesia. In India, Jimny sales have decreased dramatically, with just 163 units sold in January 2024, while its arch-rival Mahindra Thar registered best-ever numbers of 6,059 units. Exporting it to more markets could prove logical for the company. 1 of 6 Source Mahindra continued to dominate this mid-size SUV segment with its Scorpio/N and XUV700 commanding a near 70% market share in January 2024 Following our earlier report on sub-4 meter SUVs (3.8m to 4.0m) which had Tata Punch and Nexon in top order and compact SUV sales (4.0m to 4.4m) which saw Maruti Grand Vitara in the lead, we now bring you mid-size SUV sales. Mid-size SUVs (4.4m-4.7m) have seen sales improve both in terms of YoY and MoM by significant numbers. Sales stood at 31,245 units in January 2024, up 43.08 percent over 21,837 units sold in January 2023. This was a volume growth of 9,408 units. MoM sales also increased by 26.95 percent from 24,613 units sold in December 2023. Mid-Size SUV Sales January 2024 Mahindra led the segment with both its Scorpio/N and XUV700 commanding a 68.80 percent share on this list. Scorpio/N sales improved by 64 percent YoY to 14,293 units in January 2024, up from 8,715 units sold in January 2023. The Scorpio/N currently commands a 45.74 percent share marginally down from 46.13 percent held in December 2023 when sales had stood at 11,355 units relating to a 25.87 MoM growth. Mahindra XUV700 posted YoY and MoM growth with 7,206 units sold in the past month. This was a growth of 24.52 percent over 5,787 units sold in January 2023 while MoM sales improved by 22.53 percent from 5,881 units sold in December 2023. Recently Mahindra announced its plan to reduce waiting periods for the Scorpio/N, XUV700 and Thar. Increase in production has brought down order backlog significantly. Tata Safari and Harrier Post Outstanding YoY and MoM Growth Tata Motors two offerings the Safari and Harrier together command a 17 percent share on this list. Both these mid-size SUVs have seen increased sales both on YoY and MoM basis. Safari sales were up 180.33 percent YoY to 2,893 units, from 1,032 units sold in January 2023. MoM sales were up 37.57 percent over 2,103 units sold in December 2023. Tata Harrier sales also escalated 67.05 percent YoY and 87.04 percent MoM to 2,626 units in January 2024. There had been 1,572 units and 1,404 units sold in January 2023 and December 2023 respectively. Lower down the sales list was the Hyundai Alcazar with 1,827 units sold last month. This was an 18.87 percent YoY growth over 1,537 units sold in January 2023. MoM sales were up 91.51 percent from 954 units sold in December 2023. MG Hector sales dipped 25.56 percent YoY and 16.80 percent MoM to 1,817 units in January 2024. Premium Mid Size SUV Sales Jan 2024 Jeep Compass faced a challenging month, witnessing a 41.03% decline in sales, with only 286 units sold in January 2024. Similarly, Volkswagen Tiguan experienced a modest growth of 56.94%, selling 113 units. Both brands may need to strategize to address the evolving market dynamics. Hyundai Tucson also contributed to the brands success with 183 units sold, showing a slight growth of 1.67%. Citroen C5 Aircross started its journey with only 1 unit sold in January 2024. While the sales figures are minimal, its important to note that the model is still trying to establish its presence in the market. The overall performance of mid-size SUVs in India for January 2024 indicates a robust demand, with key players like Mahindra, Tata, and Hyundai leading the way. The market is evolving, with consumer preferences shifting towards feature-rich and performance-oriented vehicles. As the year progresses, the mid-size SUV segment is expected to remain dynamic, with manufacturers likely to introduce new models and features to meet the growing demands of Indian consumers. The yearly results for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) were released last week, making it a good time to revisit its performance. The result was positive overall - although revenues of US$45b were in line with what the analysts predicted, Bristol-Myers Squibb surprised by delivering a statutory profit of US$3.86 per share, modestly greater than expected. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimates to see what could be in store for next year. View our latest analysis for Bristol-Myers Squibb Following last week's earnings report, Bristol-Myers Squibb's 24 analysts are forecasting 2024 revenues to be US$45.9b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to dip 4.2% to US$3.80 in the same period. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$45.9b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$3.97 in 2024. So it looks like there's been a small decline in overall sentiment after the recent results - there's been no major change to revenue estimates, but the analysts did make a small dip in their earnings per share forecasts. It might be a surprise to learn that the consensus price target was broadly unchanged at US$58.15, with the analysts clearly implying that the forecast decline in earnings is not expected to have much of an impact on valuation. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. There are some variant perceptions on Bristol-Myers Squibb, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$85.00 and the most bearish at US$41.00 per share. Note the wide gap in analyst price targets? This implies to us that there is a fairly broad range of possible scenarios for the underlying business. Story continues Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. We would highlight that Bristol-Myers Squibb's revenue growth is expected to slow, with the forecast 2.0% annualised growth rate until the end of 2024 being well below the historical 14% p.a. growth over the last five years. Compare this against other companies (with analyst forecasts) in the industry, which are in aggregate expected to see revenue growth of 9.1% annually. So it's pretty clear that, while revenue growth is expected to slow down, the wider industry is also expected to grow faster than Bristol-Myers Squibb. The Bottom Line The most important thing to take away is that the analysts downgraded their earnings per share estimates, showing that there has been a clear decline in sentiment following these results. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates. With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on Bristol-Myers Squibb. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have estimates - from multiple Bristol-Myers Squibb analysts - going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here. Plus, you should also learn about the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Bristol-Myers Squibb . 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. Wilson Logistics apprenticeship program recognized by Gov. Mike Parson Ricky Schmoll, Teresa Parson, Gov. Mike Parson, Jeff Fields, and Kayla Putnam. Gov. Mike Parson recognized the success of Wilson Logistics apprenticeship program during his Jan. 24 State of the State address. The hour-long speech touched on many of the governors triumphs while in office, including his focus on stimulating an increase in professional apprenticeships throughout the state. Truck-driving apprentices Ricky Schmoll and Kayla Putnam represented Wilson Logistics at the address with Logistics Director of Safety Jeff Fields. I firmly believe that with hard work, determination, and a skill of some kind, anyone can achieve the American dream, Parson said. And these individuals are proving it. Schmoll traded a welding career for trucking with a promise of larger wages. Putnam is following a lifelong interest in trucking instilled by the many truckers in her family. Both seek to benefit from the apprenticeship program at Wilson Logistics, which guides potential workers through the process of gaining their CDL-A license. It also trains them in practical driving situations despite apprentices lack of previous trucking experience. City of Nixa opens bidding for graphic designers, photographers, videographers Nixa has a need for local stock photography, document design, layout work, and videography. The city is looking for qualified and talented local creative professionals to establish a contract for hourly work. The candidate will be responsible for adding to the citys library of local b-roll footage as well as complete video projects. The intent is not to offer contracts only to the lowest bidders quality of portfolios and prior relevant work will be taken into consideration. The city also plans to interview finalists and contact references before making any decisions. Once the city has established contracts with local creative services vendors, they will be able to assign projects at the contracted hourly rate. In order to submit a bid, follow these instructions: Story continues Visit https://nixa.ionwave.net/Login.aspx Register as a supplier. To bid for photography work, look for the Bid Issue RFP-008-2024/Comm Professional Photography Services. To bid for graphic design work, look for the Bid Issue RFP-009-2024/Comm Professional Graphic Design Services. To bid for videography work, look for the Bid Issue RFP-010-2023/Comm Professional Videography Services. Download the attachments. Sign off on all the acknowledgments and upload an e-verify document. If you do not have any employees, you will need to indicate that you are exempt from submitting e-verify. You will be asked to upload or provide a link to your portfolio. You will be asked to indicate the hourly rate you would charge for the work as described by the City of Nixa. Martin Equipment presented with seventh John Deere Onyx Circle Award Ryan Campbell, Jason Daly, Brooke Martin, Bobby Martin, DeLene Martin Bane, Brett Bane, Jeff Averill, and Brian Wells. Martin Equipment has been presented with the Onyx Circle Award by John Deere Construction and Forestry. Again. The Onyx Circle Award was developed by John Deere to recognize and commend North American dealers that go above and beyond for customers and employees. Since the awards creation in 2011, Martin Equipment has won the Onyx Circle Award seven times. John Deere announced in a press release that this years award will once again go to Martin Equipment. The fourth-generation earthmoving and forestry equipment dealer has nine locations across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Beginning in 1926, the company has almost 10 decades of experience and 200 employees. For nearly 100 years, our family has been honored to serve the surrounding communities and work alongside such hardworking employees and customers, said DeLene Martin Bane, president of Martin Equipment. Were committed to providing the same level of support for years to come. Elliot, Robinson & Company announces staff promotions Elliot, Robinson & Company, LLP, Certified Public Accountants in Springfield has announced five staff promotions. The staff members promoted are: Brittany Hopp , CPA, CFE, CVA. Hopp has been promoted to partner. Her specialty areas include taxation, valuation services, litigation support, and fraud investigation/support. She is a member of the Taxation Practice and leads the Valuations Practice, which encompasses business valuations, economic loss, pension valuations and merger/acquisition support. Hopp holds bachelors degrees in accounting and business administration from Drury University. Marissa Randolph , CPA. Randolph has been promoted to manager. She began her career at Elliot, Robinson & Company as an intern and was hired full-time in 2015. She specializes in trust and estate tax returns, tax review, tax training, and client management. Randolph holds a bachelors degree from Drury University. Briana Bates , CPA. Bates has been promoted to manager. She joined Elliot, Robinson & Company in 2018 with extensive experience in private accounting. Bates oversees the Accounting Services Practice area along with client management and relations. She holds a bachelors degree in accounting and a master of accountancy degree from Missouri State University. Chanel Lontoc , CPA. Lontoc has been promoted to supervisor. Lontoc started as an intern at Elliot, Robinson & Company, becoming full-time in 2018. Her specialty areas include business and individual tax returns, particularly trusts, estates, and gift tax returns. She holds degrees in accounting, finance, and business management from Drury University. Regan Fish, CPA. Fish has been promoted to senior accountant. She began her career at Elliot, Robinson & Company as an intern in 2020 and was hired full-time in 2022. She is a member of the Audit Practice, specializing in low-income housing and nonprofit organizations. Fish holds a bachelors degree in accounting and a master of accountancy degree from Missouri State University. Goldsmith Oplotnik Group featured in Forbes Magazines list of wealth management teams Anita Oplotnik and John Goldsmith The Goldsmith Oplotnik Group at Morgan Stanley in Springfield has been named in Forbes Magazines list of Americas best-in-state wealth management teams, according to a press release. The ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings. These meetings measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, and quantitative criteria. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. Helbig recognized by Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Greg Helbig Greg Helbig, director of Operations at Hiland Dairy, was awarded the Dairy Leadership award from the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors, according to a Hiland press release. Established in 1971, the Dairy Leadership award goes to individuals who exhibit dedication and leadership, significantly impacting the growth and prosperity of the Missouri dairy sector. Helbig has 38 years of experience in the dairy industry and is a native of southwest Missouri. He began working for Hiland Dairy in 1985 in the quality assurance lab. He also took on roles such as Corporate Quality Control Manager and Plant Supervisor. Those culminated in Helbigs current role as Director of Operations overseeing Hilands 23 manufacturing facilities. His dedication to the dairy industry doesnt end with Hiland. Helbig is the president of the Missouri Dairy Products Association, and he has served on the Ice Cream segment Board for the International Dairy Foods Association. He has also been involved with the Missouri State Milk Board and the QCS Purchasing Group. Helbigs leadership and tireless advocacy continue to shape the landscape of the dairy industry, inspiring colleagues, the release said. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Gov. Parson recognizes apprenticeships, Nixa opens bid for designers C.K. McWhorter Commits $10 Million Towards McWhorter Foundations Ocean Ambassador Trust. C.K. McWhorter Commits $10 Million Towards McWhorter Foundations Ocean Ambassador Trust. MIAMI, Feb. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The McWhorter Foundation, in a stride towards environmental preservation, announces the launch of the McWhorter Foundations Ocean Ambassador Trust, backed by a generous $10 million commitment from Chairman C.K. McWhorter. This visionary initiative emerges as a beacon of hope for the conservation of earths marine life & oceans, with a strategic domestic focus on revitalizing the beleaguered marine ecosystems of the southern coast of Florida, & California's western coast. Charting a Course for Restoration The Ocean Ambassador Trust is poised to deploy its resources towards mitigating the challenges plaguing these critical habitats, such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and overfishing, which threaten marine biodiversity and coastal resilience. By prioritizing these regions, the Trust aims not only to protect and restore their natural beauty but also to establish a replicable model of conservation success. Innovative Solutions for Ocean Health Leveraging the McWhorter family's $10 million commitment, the Trust will invest in cutting-edge research and technology to cleanse the waters, restore marine habitats, and protect endangered species. Collaborations with marine scientists and conservationists will drive initiatives ranging from coral reef restoration in South Florida to innovative waste reduction techniques along California's coast. Empowering Coastal Communities Through Education and Action Understanding that true change begins with community involvement, the Ocean Ambassador Trust will engage local populations in conservation efforts, enhancing their capacity to act as stewards of their marine environment. Educational programs and community-based projects will aim to foster a deep-rooted culture of conservation, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of these oceanic treasures. Story continues A Legacy of Environmental Philanthropy This initiative expands the McWhorter family's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship. "The ocean's plight is our fight. By focusing on the California and South Florida coasts, we are taking a stand where it's most needed, hoping to inspire a wave of change that will ripple across the globe," stated C.K. McWhorter. A Clarion Call to Action As the McWhorter Foundations Ocean Ambassador Trust embarks on its mission, the McWhorter Foundation extends an open invitation to like-minded individuals, organizations, and corporations to join this critical cause. "Every drop counts in the ocean of change. Together, we can protect our planet's most vital resource for generations to come," McWhorter echoed. With the establishment of the Ocean Ambassador Trust, the McWhorter Foundation is charting a hopeful course towards a future where the world's oceans thrive as bastions of biodiversity and sources of life and livelihood for all. For more information about the Ocean Ambassador Trust, including how to support its mission, please visit Contact: Disclaimer, Disclosure & Legal Notice: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. It is not intended to provide specific recommendations, endorsements, or investment strategies. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Regulatory Considerations: This press release is not intended to constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offers, sales, or purchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations. McWhorter Foundation has not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and may operate under exemptions. Any investment decisions should be made in consultation with appropriate legal and financial advisors, considering the individual circumstances and objectives of potential investors. Forward-Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any 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. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or suggested by any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory and legal developments, market conditions, and the outcome of negotiations. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9ea383a-dba7-403d-8749-aa357e756d13 CONTACT: For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Media Contact: Tyler Wells VP Public relations tylerwells@mcwhorter.foundation The stock market has been off to a great start to 2024, with the S&P 500 hitting the 5,000 mark for the first time ever. While big tech is a key reason for the index's success, investors shouldn't overlook another hot area of the stock market, and that's cannabis. Pot stocks have been surging in value this year as investors have warmed up to growth stocks as a whole amid hopes that interest rates will come down. Lower interest rates will lessen borrowing costs and thus decrease the overall risk for growth stocks and businesses that aren't yet profitable. The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSEMKT: MSOS), which invests in multistate marijuana companies, has soared nearly 40% since the start of 2024, and that's after giving back some gains in recent trading days. Is this a sign that optimism has returned to the cannabis industry and that it's a good time to invest in pot stocks again? Low valuations have made pot stocks more attractive The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis exchange-traded fund is actively managed and holds swaps, which are financial derivatives, of many multistate marijuana companies, including big names such as Green Thumb Industries, Curaleaf Holdings, and Trulieve Cannabis. While these are top cannabis producers in the U.S. market, they haven't exactly been great investments. Over the past three years, their valuations have all declined by more than 60%. Their respective price-to-sales multiples have also come down significantly. CURLF PS Ratio Chart Regardless of whether you expect marijuana legalization in the U.S. to happen in the near future, distant future, or never, there's still the expectation that there is a lot of growth in the global pot market. Researchers at Fortune Business Insights projected last year that the global cannabis industry will grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 34% until 2030. That long-term potential could entice investors to take a chance on some of these stocks, especially as other growth stocks may have become overvalued of late. Story continues Why cannabis investors might be feeling a bit more bullish these days Although some pot stocks have been hot out of the gate (Trulieve, in particular, was up around 90% at the start of 2024), a big part of the reason is speculation, and hopes that marijuana reform could be on the horizon. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reportedly considering rescheduling cannabis so that it does not share the same Schedule I classification as other dangerous substances such as heroin and ecstasy. But even if it is changed to a lower classification, that alone doesn't mean that legalization of cannabis will follow. There is also the hope that in November, Florida will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing marijuana for recreational use (it's already approved for medical reasons). Trulieve has a huge presence in Florida (131 locations), which is why many investors may be feeling bullish on its prospects, as it would arguably stand to benefit the most from the launch of a recreational pot market in its home state. The danger for investors is that neither of these developments is guaranteed to happen. The DEA may opt not to reschedule cannabis, and Florida may not end up legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Cannabis investors have been here before, with high hopes for marijuana reform often dashed later on. Odds, however, are high that Florida will legalize recreational marijuana before the federal government makes a big move; 24 states and the District of Colombia have already legalized marijuana for recreational use. Is now the time to invest in cannabis stocks? Pot stocks haven't made great investments in recent years. But there is undoubtedly a lot of growth potential in the industry. If you're willing to take on the risk and uncertainty and hang on for the long haul, there could be an opportunity to generate some promising gains from pot stocks, given how low-priced many of them still are today. Investing in a fund such as the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF can be a good way for investors to gain exposure to the U.S. cannabis market, as it holds shares of the best cannabis stocks in the country. And since the fund is actively managed, you likely won't have to worry about tracking new pot stocks or opportunities which come up in the industry. The caveat, however, is that investors should be careful not to assume that the current rally will last or that significant reform at the federal level will take place in the near future. Investors often get burned by setting their expectations too high. If, however, you go into this knowing that there can and likely will be significant volatility and that it may be several years before there is a big payoff, then investing in the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF could prove to be a smart move. Should you invest $1,000 in AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF right now? Before you buy stock in AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF, 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 AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF 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 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Green Thumb Industries and Trulieve Cannabis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This Cannabis ETF Is Already Up Nearly 40% in 2024: Is Now the Time to Load Up on Pot Stocks? was originally published by The Motley Fool Investors' focus over the coming week will be on a raft of global purchasing managers' surveys that may yield useful insights into the strength of the global economy. The closely-followed purchasing manager survey results from S&P Global for the UK, euro area and U.S. are all set for release on Thursday. Also due out, the day before, are the minutes of the U.S. central bank's last policy meeting on 30-31 January. On home shores meanwhile, Monday will see the release of Rightmove's monthly house price index, and Wednesday will bring with it public sector net borrowing data for January. Finally, on Friday, consultancy GfK will publish its UK consumer confidence index for February. Further afield, rate-setters in China will meet to decide on policy on Tuesday. Financial markets in the U.S. will remain closed on Monday in observance of Presidents' Day. Monday 19 February INTERIMS Transense Technologies, Wilmington GMS Cloudbreak Discovery, East Imperial, Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings FINALS Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company (CDI), Moneysupermarket.com Group Tuesday 20 February INTERIMS Petra Diamonds Ltd.(DI), Springfield Properties INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Current Account (EU) (09:00) Q4 Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (CDI) FINALS Antofagasta, Barclays, InterContinental Hotels Group, Plus500 Ltd (DI) AGMS Abrdn Equity Income Trust, Abrdn Equity Income Trust, Carr's Group, Dewhurst Group Wednesday 21 February INTERIMS Feedback, Feedback INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (12:00) FINALS BAE Systems, Conduit Holdings Limited Com Shs (DI), Glencore , HSBC Holdings, Rio Tinto, Riverstone Credit Opportunities Income AGMS Gooch & Housego, Tharisa (DI) UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Public Sector Net Borrowing (07:00) Thursday 22 February INTERIMS Genus, Hargreaves Lansdown, Hays, Pantheon International , Sylvania Platinum Ltd (DI), Sylvania Platinum Ltd (DI) INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Brickability Group INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE Alumasc Group, Braemar , Gateley (Holdings) , Heath (Samuel) & Sons, Molten Ventures VCT , Redrow, Van Elle Holdings QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE GSK, Land Securities Group, The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited, Tritax Eurobox (EUR), Tritax Eurobox (GBP), Unilever INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Price Index (EU) (10:00) Continuing Claims (US) (13:30) Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30) Q4 Georgia Capital , Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. ADS(REPR 1/2 OF 1 SHS GRD750), Indivior FINALS Anglo American, China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd GDR (Reg S), Georgia Capital , Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. ADS(REPR 1/2 OF 1 SHS GRD750), Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Indivior, Jupiter Fund Management , Lloyds Banking Group, Mondi, Morgan Sindall Group, Nova Ljubljanska Banka D.D., Ljubljana GDR (Reg S), Rolls-Royce Holdings, WPP SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE Life Settlement Assets AGMS Bankers Inv Trust, Me Group International, NARF Industries , RWS Holdings, Spiritus Mundi , Sunrise Resources TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS Hays FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE Blackrock Throgmorton Trust, easyJet, Hercules Site Services , Jersey Electricity 'A' Shares, Northern Bear, Titon Holdings, Virgin Money UK Friday 23 February INTERIMS City of London Investment Group, City of London Investment Group INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Ferrexpo QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust , Primary Health Properties INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Gross Domestic Product (GER) (07:00) FINALS Afarak Group SE (DI), Allianz Technology Trust SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Capital Gearing Trust, Hollywood Bowl Group, Impellam Group EGMS Marble Point Loan Financing Limited NPV, ZCCM Investments Holdings 'B' Shares, Zhejiang Yongtai Technology Co. GDR (EACH Repr 5 A SHS) (REG S), Zhejiang Yongtai Technology Co. GDR (EACH Repr 5 A SHS) (REG S) AGMS Bluebird Merchant Ventures (DI), Chemring Group UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS GFK Consumer Confidence (00:01) FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Gooch & Housego, Hollywood Bowl Group, RWS Holdings, Victrex plc European stocks extended gains Friday, even as investors digested hotter-than-expected US inflation data. Those figures came amid the foreboding news of the death of the leader of Russia's political opposition, Alexei Navalny. The Stoxx 600 index was up 0.62% at 491.59, with almost all major bourses higher alongside. Germany's Dax was also higher, climbing 0.42% to 17,117.44, but Spain's Ibex 35 was left out and gave up 0.41% to 9,886.40. In equity news, shares in Swiss banking software vendor Temenos remained under selling pressure after Hindenburg Research shorted the company alleging "accounting irregularities, failed products and an illusive turnaround". The US investment research firm says a four-month investigation into Temenos, involving interviews with 25 former employees, including senior leaders at the company, uncovered hallmarks of manipulated earnings and major accounting irregularities. Shares in Metso jumped almost 9% after the Finnish mining equipment maker reported a Q4 profit beat and gave upbeat outlook for its aggregates unit. NatWest gained 7% after the lender beat expectations with a 20% increase in full-year pre-tax operating profit. Barclays initiated coverage of Dowlais on Friday with an overweight rating and 110p price target, sending shares in the engineering firm spun off from defence contractor Melrose higher. Nibe shares were down 13% as the Swedish heating technology group reported large fluctuations in demand and a clear decline in the European heat pump market in the second half of last year. Establishing a comprehensive "AI-assisted Physician" using generative AI from Google Cloud, including MedLM TAICHUNG, Feb. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) in Taiwan announced its collaboration with Google Cloud in mid-December 2023. Using Google Cloud's generative AI technology, including MedLM, which is a large language model built on Med-PaLM 2, CMUH has developed a comprehensive "AI-assisted Physician" system which aims to assist healthcare professionals in disease diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, and medical research, etc. Superintendent Der-Yang Cho of CMUH announced a collaboration with Google Cloud to develop a large language model, MedLM, based on Med-PaLM 2. CMUH is the first medical center in Asia to adopt Med-PaLM 2. The collaboration between CMUH and Google Cloud will introduce assistive tools designed to support medical professionals in precision cancer treatment. These tools, including "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" and "Cancer Therapy Q&As," aim to reduce the time spent searching for information and enable the quick capture of accurate data. This can aid professionals in developing cancer treatment plans, offering personalized treatment-related information to patients, and providing responses to patient health education inquiries. CMUH is one of the first university hospitals in Asia to test MedLM. Through its collaboration with Google Cloud, CMUH is dedicated to driving AI innovation in smart healthcare to shape the future of healthcare in Taiwan. MedLM will help facilitate CMUH in the timely access of accurate medical information to establish the best Healthcare AI models for the Chinese-speaking market in Asia. Prof. Der-Yang Cho, Superintendent of CMUH, pointed out that MedLM is advanced in its ability to provide precise and rapid data analysis for drug guidelines, disease gene sequencing, and medical records, among other areas. Such capabilities can significantly accelerate the discovery of new treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases by medical teams and assist in the rapid development of treatment plans to help patients. "We are excited about this collaboration, which positions smart hospitals in Taiwan at the forefront of providing more precision- and safety-oriented support to healthcare professionals and patients alike," Prof. Der-Yang Cho said. Story continues CMUH was already recognized as the world's third smart hospital by the US. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in their 2022 Digital Health Indicator (DHI) ranking. Additionally, Newsweek named CMUH as one of the World's Best Hospitals for 2023 and one of the World's Best Smart Hospitals for 2024. With its widespread recognition, CMUH is deeply committed to advancing the diversification and precision of smart healthcare services. "Life sciences problems are fundamentally data problems, and this is where AI can fully unleash its potential," said Kathy Lee, Managing Director of Google Cloud, North Asia. "Generative AI solutions from Google Cloud can help healthcare and life sciences organizations operate more efficiently and improve patient outcomes. In this remarkable era of gen AI, we are excited to collaborate with medical industry leaders that drive innovation through AI like CMUH, and partner with them to build the future of healthcare in Taiwan." Aashima Gupta, Global Director of Healthcare Strategy and Solutions at Google Cloud, shared that healthcare professionals are committed to delivering the best care for patients, and gen AI can be a crucial ally in reducing their workload. Gupta pointed out that this technology will ease the cognitive burden for staff and improve personal care for patients. Furthermore, it will allow healthcare professionals at CMUH to devote more time to tasks that require human judgment and expertise. She mentioned that ensuring the safety and effectiveness of gen AI is fundamental to these benefits. Greg Corrado, a Distinguished Scientist and Senior Research Director at Google Research, discussed how MedLM is designed specifically for the healthcare industry and is part of the growing family of gen AI technologies that have the potential to significantly improve the healthcare experience for professionals and patients. Corrado emphasized the importance of collaborating with healthcare institutions like CMUH in testing and implementing new gen AI solutions, underlining it as a critical step towards developing safe and effective AI technologies. Prof. Oscar K. Lee, Vice Superintendent of CMUH explained that among global generative AI large language models, Med-PaLM 2 stands out in model performance. It scored 85% on MedQA-USMLE (US Medical Licensing Examination), reaching a level of excellence comparable to professional physicians. This makes it a pioneer among the world's medical AI models in terms of outstanding performance. By training the model to analyze treatment guidelines and care cultures from various regions, MedLM will become even better at addressing the medical and healthcare needs of local populations." Currently, the collaborative applications between CMUH and Google Cloud include "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" and "Cancer Therapy Q&As". The "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" are developed based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and are integrated with MedLM, enabling clinicians to quickly capture accurate information based on the patient's cancer staging, treatment methods, and risk assessments, etc. It can also generate cancer treatment plans and provide personalized treatment recommendations for clinicians to review, edit and use with patients. Focusing on health education for cancer patients, the "Cancer Therapy Q&As" application incorporated the cancer care-related health educational content of CMUH into the MedLM model for training and optimization, resulting in a system with extensive medical knowledge and Q&A capabilities. Such advancement not only diminishes the time healthcare professionals spend searching for information but also provides comprehensive treatment options. Furthermore, it contributes to enhancing overall clinical efficacy, improving patient understanding and engagement, and enhancing the quality of healthcare, thereby fostering warmer doctor-patient interactions and steering us collectively toward a healthier future. In addition, in terms of new drug development, CMUH is leveraging Google's unique AI accelerators, TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), to assist in calculations related to protein folding and the development of new drugs. Preliminary tests at CMUH have shown that utilizing these resources can reduce the computation time for related programs by over tenfold. With its robust research and development capabilities, CMUH's Artificial Intelligence Center has provided over 20 distinct AI medical services in recent years, assisting doctors in making fast and accurate medical decisions. Media contact: Carolyn Chen, 100709@tool.caaumed.org.tw Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-medical-university-hospital-cmuh-in-taiwan-upgrades-smart-healthcare-with-gen-ai-302062857.html SOURCE China Medical University Hospital Amidst the radiant morning in Sriharikota, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved another historic feat in space exploration by flawlessly launching the GSLV-F14 rocket. Commencing on February 17, 2024, this mission signaled a remarkable advancement with the successful placement of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This endeavor, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), underscores a profound stride in enhancing meteorological monitoring and disaster alert systems both within India and globally. With the GSLV-F14 undertaking its 16th mission and its 10th flight utilizing the indigenous cryogenic engine, ISRO has not only showcased its engineering prowess but also its unwavering commitment to advancing Earth observation capabilities. The INSAT-3DS, poised to enhance weather monitoring, replaces its predecessors, the INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR. Entirely funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this satellite exemplifies India's dedication to harnessing space technology for terrestrial advantages, particularly in weather prediction and climate research. The successful deployment of INSAT-3DS also sets a significant precedent for forthcoming missions, including the highly anticipated NISAR Earth observation satellite. In a captivating fusion of tradition and technology, ISRO's choice to bypass the number '13' in its mission naming, opting for GSLV-F14 and skipping over the potentially ominous numeral, reflects a pattern observed in its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) series. This decision also resonates with the superstitious tendencies observed in space agencies globally, reminiscent of NASA's avoidance of the number post the Apollo-13 incident. This cultural homage does not diminish the scientific rigor inherent in ISRO's operations. Officials uphold a distinctive blend of traditional practicessuch as coconut-breaking ceremonies, prayers at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, and pujas preceding rocket integrationsbelieving these rituals to be complementary to their scientific endeavors. Notwithstanding these traditions, ISRO's launch determinations remain firmly rooted in scientific considerations, including the optimal positioning of the target planet and precise timing for spacecraft orbit insertion. As the INSAT-3DS satellite embarks on its mission to deliver advanced weather observations, it not only succeeds its predecessors but also sets the stage for future advancements in meteorological studies and disaster management. The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission, blending cutting-edge technology with respect for cultural traditions, epitomizes the spirit of a nation confidently stepping toward the forefront of global space exploration. This mission highlights the seamless fusion of scientific excellence and cultural ethos, reflecting ISRO's vision for upcoming missions aimed at enhancing human understanding of Earth and fortifying its inhabitants against the capricious forces of nature. The Union Mines Ministry recommends disseminating the US-led Minerals Security Partnership's critical mineral block proposals to central PSUs for overseas asset acquisition. The Union Mines Ministry has proposed disseminating critical mineral block proposals from partner countries within the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to central public sector undertakings (PSUs). This initiative aims to facilitate PSUs' acquisition of critical mineral assets abroad. In a meeting, the ministry recommended that PSUs empower relevant subsidiaries with a clear financial mandate to streamline the acquisition process. Notable PSUs such as Coal India Limited, NLC India Ltd, and NTPC Ltd, represented in the meeting, have expressed keen interest in procuring overseas lithium, cobalt, and graphite assets. During the session, VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, pledged comprehensive assistance to PSUs to acquire critical mineral assets abroad. The assurance encompasses disseminating details about select block proposals received through the MSP. These insights were gleaned from the meeting minutes obtained by The Indian Express through the Right to Information (RTI) ActIndia's accession to the MSP during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US. The MSP represents a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the United States, encompassing thirteen participating nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, and the European Union. Its primary objective is to stimulate public and private investments across critical mineral supply chains globally. Presently, the consortium is actively cultivating a platform for cooperative endeavors focused on essential minerals and metals, fostering knowledge exchange, establishing a resilient battery materials supply network, and jointly pursuing the establishment of a minerals processing facility in South America. Kantha Rao further advocated bolstering pertinent subsidiaries' financial capabilities to streamline the execution process upon the receipt of feasible proposals. He cited ONGC Videsh Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and international arm of the prominent upstream petroleum corporation Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), entrusted with exploring and developing oil and gas reserves abroad, as an illustrative example. Additionally, he referred to NTPC Mining Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, currently entrusted with overseeing the coal mining operations of the thermal power utility within India. During the meeting, M. Nagaraju, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Coal, responsible for overseeing Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India, communicated the interest of these two Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in acquiring essential mineral blocks overseas. Nagaraju sought assistance from the ministry and KABIL (a central public sector enterprise under the Mines Ministry). Notably, KABIL recently entered into an agreement on January 15 with a state-owned entity in Argentina to explore and develop five lithium blocks in the South American nation. Asheesh Kumar, the General Manager at CIL, further articulated the PSU's interest in procuring lithium and cobalt blocks in Australia. Notably, a report on the Mines Ministry's website indicates that in March 2023, KABIL's two lithium and three cobalt blocks were earmarked for investment following discussions between the Union Minister of Coal and Mines and the Australian Minister for Resources. Despite attempts to seek clarification on the nature of engagement between CIL and KABIL in exploring critical mineral projects in Australia, neither entity has responded to queries. In a statement, Kumar emphasized Coal India Limited's (CIL) strategic focus on securing critical mineral assets, highlighting Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina as target regions. NTPC, through its subsidiary NTPC Mining Limited, is actively pursuing the acquisition of lithium, cobalt, graphite, and high-purity limestone assets abroad. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) representatives expressed similar interest in acquiring coal, limestone, and iron ore assets overseas for captive use. Despite these minerals not being among the thirty critical minerals identified by the mines ministry, Kantha Rao, during the meeting, they have advised SAIL to explore investments in critical minerals abroad within the Steel Ministry, which oversees the PSU. Responses from NTPC and SAIL regarding their essential plans for minerals were not available at the time of inquiry. CIL unveiled its plans to venture into critical mineral mining in India, starting with exploring a lithium block expected from the central government. This move aligns with CIL's amended Memorandum of Association (MoA) in 2023, which now includes non-ferrous and critical minerals, reflecting the PSU's heightened commitment to this sector. Earlier, NLC India had also expressed interest in auctioning twenty essential blocks of minerals initiated by the mines ministry in November 2023. During the meeting, Kantha Rao recommended ministries and PSUs interested in critical mineral assets overseas engage international consultants to conduct comprehensive studies, compile detailed reports, and oversee due diligence procedures for prospective projects. Additionally, he stressed the importance of maintaining communication channels with Indian missions abroad, citing the embassies' role in facilitating the smooth acquisition of overseas projects. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Deer still roam Staten Island, but a vasectomy program is paying off, according to city data. On Sept. 19, the city Parks Department published a report highlighting the decline in the local white-tailed deer population since the vasectomy program began in July 2016. The Parks Departments report listed the current deer population estimate as 1,273 a 41% drop from an initial estimate of 2,166. Counts are based on a number compiled by White Buffalo Inc., the non-profit organization contracted to run the deer vasectomy program. Since this project began in 2016, there has been a 41% decrease in the total deer population, as well as a 94% reduction in the number of fawn births, Katrina Toal, deputy director of the NYC Parks Wildlife Unit said. This data shows that the sterilization study is making a substantial impact on the deer population on Staten Island. LESS DEER VEHICLE COLLISIONS The citys report also included other data that showed the Islands deer population headed in a positive direction, including declines in collisions and carcass removals. According to the Parks Department report, vehicle collisions with deer have declined 60% since the project started with carcass collections also down 62%. While those numbers have decreased, one metric, the prevalence of Lyme disease on Staten Island, has been a bit more complicated to track. Deer at the Decker farm on June 27, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) LYME DISEASE SPIKE Numbers on Lyme disease have generally trended in a positive direction, but 2022, the most recently-available data, showed a sharp spike, according to the Parks Department data. The years 2019, 2020 and 2021 saw 53, 48 and 55 cases reported on Staten Island, respectively, but 2022 saw cases skyrocket to 128. According to the Parks Department, the spike is apparently due to a change in the CDC case definition. The new case definition counts anyone with a positive test result and does not require clinical criteria. However, officials have found fewer ticks on the Island, a lower prevalence of the bacteria causing Lyme on the ticks found, and a decrease in the number of cases of the disease acquired on the Island, according to the report. Deers impact on local plants has also remained mostly consistent since the project started, but the Parks Department suggested it could be related to natural changes in vegetation over time. Officials have installed a variety of deterrents to protect local plant life from deer, including tree guards, deer fencing, and bud caps while also making efforts to spray deer repellent. While small populations of deer can be found in secluded parts of the Bronx, like Pelham Bay Park, Staten Island is the only borough with enough of the animals to have a meaningful impact on the day-to-day lives of its residents, but many of those metrics have improved since the vasectomy program launched under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. A deer in Mariners Marsh Park at dusk, in Mariners Harbor December 4, 2016. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)Staff-Shot THE VASECTOMY PROGRAM The citys first contract with White Buffalo, announced in 2016, was for $3.3 million over three years, and estimated an annual deer population reduction between 10% and 30%, according to Advance/SILive.com reporting at the time. Despite not reaching those annual benchmarks, the city made another contract with White Buffalo in 2019 for about $2.6 million over five years, according to records from when the contract was available for public review. De Blasios 2016 announcement of the vasectomy program followed years of growing concerns about the deers impact on Staten Island that gained momentum in the late 2000s. Though deer had long been thought eradicated from the Island, there were sporadic sitings as far back as the 1990s as the deer swam across from New Jersey, according to Advance records. A deer gallops through Freshkills Park. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) The citys deer efforts on Staten Island launched in 2016 have also included a variety of educational efforts, including visits to local classrooms, road signs warning of deer and a public-messaging campaign. Borough President Vito Fossella said the data showed good signs, but that locally, his office would continue to keep an eye on the programs efforts. It appears that we are getting a better control of the deer population, he said. The fewer deer we have, the less likely we encounter tick bites and traffic accidents. We will continue to monitor the progress. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As we prepare to spring forward into Daylight Saving Time, it seems the debate over clock changes is ticking on, leaving us in a perpetual state of time-travel confusion. Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a practice where clocks are pushed ahead to extend daylight hours. In the United States, DST typically begins on the second Sunday of March each year. A bill, the Sunshine Protection Act, aimed at making DST permanent, passed the Senate in March 2022, but was not signed into law. Sen. Marco Rubio reintroduced the bill in March 2023 with bipartisan support, but the House did not vote on it, leading to the continuation of clock changes in fall 2023. Supporters of permanent DST argue that it benefits various sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, while opponents favor a permanent switch to Standard Time for better alignment with natural circadian cycles and improved health and safety. Rubio contends that the clock change practice is outdated, emphasizing the need for a consistent time system. Proponents of permanent DST also highlight potential advantages for young parents, as babies sleep schedules would remain unchanged. Despite ongoing debates, the routine clock changes continue, with the next shift to DST scheduled for March 10, where clocks are set forward by one hour. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established uniform DST throughout the U.S., except in certain regions. Notably, DST is not observed in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and most of Arizona. As the amount of daylight increases, residents can anticipate the benefits of extra evening sunshine during DST. Spring officially begins on March 19 and is set to end on Nov. 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. NEW YORK, N.Y. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA) has issued a travel advisory through Thursday, Feb. 22, warning of lane closures and service changes at the George Washington Bridge (GWB) and NYC tunnels. Travelers should plan ahead and consider additional travel time due to these closures, according to the PA. LANE CLOSURES George Washington Bridge One westbound lane on the upper level will be closed from 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Holland Tunnel The New Jersey-bound tube will be closed from 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, to 5:30 a.m. the following morning and on multiple overnights through 2025. One eastbound lane will be closed from Tuesday, Feb. 20, to Thursday, Feb. 22, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. Lincoln Tunnel A south tube will be closed from 11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. The center tube will be closed from 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, to 5 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22. For further details and updates, travelers can visit the respective Port Authority websites or download the PATH mobile app, RidePath. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Use cash. Businesses around the state are allowed to charge higher prices for credit and debit card purchases to offset payment processing fees, and the easiest way to avoid the extra cost is by using cash. A New York law that recently went into effect requires more transparency around credit card purchase prices, but does not offer consumers the same protections when shopping with debit cards, according to the state Division of Consumer Protection (DCP). New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees DCP, explained some of the law that went into effect Sunday. Many consumers and businesses are confused when it comes to surcharges in the marketplace, she said. New York businesses must advertise accurate prices. A business may offer a discount if consumers pay in cash, but cannot charge more at the register simply because a consumer uses their credit card. Under the new law, stores need to post clear policies on credit card prices, and have a few options on how to do so. They can simply list an items price including the credit card charge, or they can list the higher credit card price next to a lower cash price. Stores will no longer be able to list cash prices as discounts, charge a separate fee for credit card users, or display price tags that list the cash cost with an additional credit card percentage. In New York, Attorney General Letitia James has authority to enforce these laws while DCP has the responsibility of assisting aggrieved consumers in the marketplace. If consumers identify merchants charging additional fees improperly, consumers are encouraged to: Consumers can best support their complaints by submitting evidence of noncompliance, including pictures of the advertised price and fees, receipts with fees assessed, and merchants location details, according to DCP. A New York City man who admitted to smuggling three Burmese pythons in his pants through a U.S.-Canadian border crossing was sentenced earlier this week to a year of probation and fined $5,000, federal prosecutors said. Calvin Bautista, 38, crossed into northern New York with the hidden snakes on a bus from Montreal to New York City on July 15, 2018. The young adult snakes were hidden in the inner thigh of his pants in snake bags tied to the pants drawstring. They were discovered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, according to court documents and a release from the office of U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman. The Queens resident purchased the snakes, which were worth more than $2,500, at a reptile store in Canada, according to court documents. Importation of Burmese pythons is regulated by an international treaty and by U.S. federal regulations listing them as injurious to human beings. The Burmese python, one of the worlds largest snakes, is considered a vulnerable species in its native Asia and is invasive in Florida, where it threatens native animals. Bautistas attorney had no comment. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Plans for the closed St. John Villa Academy property in Arrochar and discussions about local battery storage facilities and liquor license applications are among the topics to be discussed as two of Staten Islands three Community Boards hold public meetings this week. Community Board 1 Community Board 1 has several virtual meetings planned this week. The West/New Brighton-St. George-Tompkinsville Area Committee will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. On the agenda are liquor license renewals for businesses at 502 Henderson Ave. and 676 Forest Ave., in West Brighton, and 1115 Richmond Terrace, Livingston. Additionally, a list of criteria for renewing cannabis applications will be discussed. To join the meeting, visit the Zoom website. The meeting ID is 845 9778 7458. The passcode is 109628. Also on Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Mariners Harbor-Port Richmond-Elm Park-Arlington Area Committee will meet via Zoom at 7 p.m. On the agenda are liquor license renewals for businesses at 75 Innis St. and 330 Heberton Ave., both in Port Richmond. To join the meeting, visit the Zoom website. The meeting ID is 878 6787 8755. The passcode is 879472. The Rosebank-Shore Acres Area Committee will also meet on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the board office, 1 Edgewater Plaza, room 2017, Rosebank. During the meeting, Josh Rivera, director of Staten Island Regional and Community Affairs for Con Edison, will discuss battery storage. On Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a hybrid meeting of the Clifton-Concord-Stapleton Area Committee. It will be held virtually and in person in the Stapleton Library, 132 Canal St., Stapleton. A National Grid presentation will take place. Also to be discussed is Borough President Vito Fossellas Topographical Bureaus re-numbering of 47 Fairview Place, Dongan Hills. Liquor License Applications for 25 Navy Pier Court and 118 Broad St., Stapleton, are also on the agenda for discussion. To join the meeting, visit the Zoom website. The meeting ID is 852 8932 8780. Community Board 2 The regular monthly meeting of the full board will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd., Sea View. At the meeting, a representative of the New York City School Construction Authority will discuss the master plan for the shuttered St. John Villa Academy property. The campus had been used by the city as a controversial migrant shelter in 2023 and was the site of several community protests. Also on the agenda is the citys proposed citywide zoning text amendment to allow gaming facilities, as permitted use in certain commercial districts and manufacturing districts. Members will also discuss a zoning application sought to authorize modification of topographical features within the Special Natural Area District at 283 Ocean Terrace, Todt Hill. Anyone from the public who wishes to speak during the public session section of the meeting must fill out the Webinar Registration Form on the Community Board 2 website. Community Board 3 Community Board 3 has no meetings scheduled this week. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhood and surrounding areas. Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards: COMMUNITY BOARD 1 Arlington Castleton Corners Clifton Concord Elm Park Fort Wadsworth Graniteville Grymes Hill Livingston Mariners Harbor New Brighton Port Richmond Randall Manor Rosebank St. George Shore Acres Silver Lake Stapleton Sunnyside Tompkinsville West Brighton Westerleigh. The board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The district manager is Joan Cusack. The telephone number is 718-981-6900. COMMUNITY BOARD 2 Arrochar Bloomfield Bulls Head Chelsea Dongan Hills Egbertville Emerson Hill Grant City Grasmere High Rock Lighthouse Hill Midland Beach New Dorp New Springville Oakwood Ocean Breeze Old Town Richmond South Beach Todt Hill Travis. The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number is 718-568-3595. The chairman is Fred Guinta. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico. COMMUNITY BOARD 3 Annadale Arden Heights Bay Terrace Charleston Eltingville Great Kills Greenridge Huguenot New Dorp Oakwood Pleasant Plains Princes Bay Richmond Valley Richmond Rossville Tottenville Woodrow. The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner. Students from Wuhan University hold flags during the graduation ceremony in the school's stadium on June 20, 2023 in Wuhan. Ren Yong/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images China released a revised youth unemployment figure after not publishing data since June 2023. The new metric excludes students. December's youth unemployment stood at 14.9%. But this is still above broader joblessness and points to continued headwinds, Atlantic Council fellow Nicole Goldin wrote. China's youth unemployment rate is once again available to the world, after a six-month blackout period where no new figures were published. Joblessness looks to have dropped considerably since the data was last released in June. But the new figure isn't exactly comparable to previous months it now excludes full-time students from the calculation. On its face value, youth unemployment in December stood at 14.9%, whereas it touched 21.3% in the summer. Back then, the high-flying number was a focal point for economists, highlighting emerging challenges resulting from China's slowing economy. As fresh graduates poured into the nation's workforce, they faced stagnating industries with a weaker demand for labor. These realities may still hold true, even if the revised methodology provides a smaller number, Nicole Goldin, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, wrote. "The lower result though, is still about three times the overall unemployment rate in China (5.1 percent) and reflects the quandary facing young people there. (For comparison, the OECD average is 10.5 percent.)," she wrote in a Friday post. While headwinds to youth unemployment aren't exclusive to China, the country is mired in broader economic turmoil, from slowing consumption, a debt-burdened property sector, and a stock market in free-fall. Against this backdrop, the amount of new graduates is on the rise, estimated to reach 12 million this year, Goldin said. Not only are they coming up against a lack of jobs in general, but Beijing's crackdown on tech is limiting opportunities in industries most likely to hire them. Meanwhile, China's falling birth rate is spurring concerns about its future labor force. With the number of newborns having dropped by 500,000 in 2023, young women in the country are facing pressure to raise families instead of pursuing work. "The implications of the situation are stark not only as a drag on Chinese productivity and growth but, given the outsized role of China in the global economy, its weakening has the potential to impact youth labor markets worldwide," Goldin wrote. "That's especially true in countries in Africa and Latin America for example where Chinese development finance, investment, and trade are critical to their own dynamism and job creation amid debt distress." Read the original article on Business Insider STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following an unexpected heap of fluffy snowfall early Saturday, forecasts call for a series of dry days in the week ahead. A clipper storm that was forecast to deliver up to 3 inches of snow overnight instead dropped a whole lot more. Clipper storms are fast-moving storms that dip down from Canada and cross the Great Lakes, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). SNOW IN NEW YORK CITY The rapid storm came upon Staten Island as most of us slept and delivered mounds of light, fluffy snow across the borough. While most of the city saw an average of 2- to 4- inch totals, Staten Island bore much of the precipitation, according to NWS Meteorologist Jay Engle. The Staten Island Advance offices in Bloomfield recorded just over 3 inches of snow, while a Advance/SILive.com measurement recorded 6 inches of snow in Dongan Hills. The worst of the snow came down on the South Shore, with some residents reporting 10 inches. Staten Island's South Shore is covered with snow on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance) Owen Reiter While major roadways seemed to be cleared this morning, there was still plenty of the frosty fluff adorning rooftops, tree branches, and unpaved surfaces in the early afternoon. With that being said, how much time do the youngest winter enthusiasts have to enjoy the bounty of snow? And is more coming our way? A QUICK MELT OVER THE COMING DAYS The clock is ticking, and the snow melting. Even now, just hours after Saturdays snowfall stopped, the precipitation is gradually diminishing. Yet, a potential storm could bring more snow, along with rain and a wintry mix, to the Northeast, according to AccuWeather forecasters. But first, the melt will take place, thanks to temperatures sitting just above freezing, a trend in temperature expected to persist throughout the week ahead. Just before noon on Saturday, temperatures sat at just 33 degrees, according to the Advance/SILive.com weather station. Were in a pattern where temperatures are going to be during the daytime/afternoon in the upper 30s to around 40. So were going to be above freezing, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. Police officers from the 123rd Precinct in Tottenville clear snow from their patrol car on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance)(Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance) These conditions enable the melting of snow. However, at night, Roys notes that temperatures will dip below freezing. This, of course, can foster hazardous, icy conditions. This pattern will characterize the next couple of days, so take advantage of the brief period of playtime to make a frosty snowman with your family. Thats largely where were going to stay, is were going to stay somewhere in the low 40s, through Thursday next week, in the afternoon, and well drop down to around 32 each night, Roys said. Theres going to be a lot of sunshine around, so the snow will be continuously melting throughout this period. Following the stretch of dry days, Roys notes the indication of a potential system moving into the area Friday into Saturday. According to AccuWeather, the potential storm is being tracked. And it could yield snow, rain, and a wintry mix, in the Northeast. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Residents of Staten Island awoke to unanticipated amounts of snow Saturday morning, after original forecasts called for minimal figures. Those whove been following this clipper storm know that on Thursday, meteorologists reported that New York City could receive only up to an inch of snow. Clipper storms are fast-moving storms that dip down from Canada and cross the Great Lakes, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). This system developed and shifted northbound on Friday, looking to deliver up to 3 inches; 6 inches on the high end (originally slated with a 10% probability). Yet, this storm clearly beat the odds to deliver the high end amounts and then some. SNOWFALL AMOUNTS ACROSS THE CITY New York City snowfall amounts varied across the board, with much of the precipitation piling up on Staten Island, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Pretty much 2- to 4- inch amounts on average, except when you get into lower Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island amounts were a lot higher, NWS Meteorologist Jay Engle said. Engle said southwestern Nassau and parts of Queens are reporting 5- to 6-inch amounts, while southern Brooklyn near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Bensonhurst received 7- to 8-inch totals. However, the worst of this snow accumulation ended up on Staten Island, with Engle reporting totals of 7 to 9 inches, and South Shore residents reporting 10 inches measured in some locations. Bloomfield received just over 3 inches of snow on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. (Courtesy of Billy Lynch)(Courtesy of Billy Lynch) Lighter accumulations have been reported on the North Shore. While 9 inches was reported in New Dorp just before 6 a.m., only 3.5 inches was measured at the time in Tompkinsville. Snowfall amounts varied greatly depending on the neighborhood. The Staten Island Advance offices in Bloomfield measured just over 3 inches of snow, while a Advance/SILive.com measurement recorded 6 inches of snow in Dongan Hills. On the bright side, unlike Tuesdays wet and heavy accumulation which is a hassle to shovel Saturdays snow appears to be light and fluffy fun to play in and not so bad to shovel. Staten Island's South Shore is covered with snow on Saturday, February, 17, 2024. Here, Staten Island Railway tracks bear a frosty white coating early on Saturday morning. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance)Owen Reiter STATUS OF ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION City Department of Sanitation snowplows could be heard around the Island through the night. One resident who made their daily commute Saturday morning reported that main roads appeared to be clear, while side streets require some additional attention. Parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn got SEVEN INCHES OF SNOW, barely a day after forecasts called for "one to two." There's still more to do, but the Strongest were ready as always, and really gave New York City their all overnight. pic.twitter.com/8l3TpZOpb0 NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) February 17, 2024 The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge remains open, but remains wet; motorists are advised to reduce speed, as reported by the MTA. At around 8 a.m. Saturday, the NYCT Subway account on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted that Tottenville-bound SIR trains were running with delays unrelated to the snowfall. Rather, the post notes that a train was removed from service with a door problem at Great Kills. STATEN ISLAND ZOO CLOSED The Staten Island Zoo, home of the boroughs beloved prognosticator, Chuck, is closed on Saturday thanks to the weather conditions, Ken Mitchell, executive director of the Staten Island Zoo, told the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com. Chuck, who predicted an early spring, may need to answer to some upset Islanders, who are longing for an end to the cold days of winter. Children heading out to sled and build snowmen may forgive him, though. Jayden Huang and dad, Leo, of Westerleigh enjoy sledding at Mount Loretto on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Pleasant Plains. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance)Owen Reiter WHEN WILL THE SNOW MELT? The snow seems to be tapering off Saturday morning with some lingering flurries expected into the afternoon. However, winds will remain a concern as the afternoon looks to hold sustained winds around 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines. As temperatures are expected to rise into the mid 30s Saturday afternoon, as noted by the NWS, we could see some of that snowfall begin to melt. However, as temperatures dip back into the 30s overnight, freezing could be a problem, creating a hazard for pedestrians and motorists alike. Following this system, it looks as though New York City will be spared any precipitation systems for at least a few days. According to AccuWeather, the break will persist through mid-week before a new storm with the potential for snow, rain, and a wintry mix, looks to impact the Northeast. 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 The unquestionably cool woman in question is Marni Van Vliet, a former dancer who is one of a number of Auslan interpreters making live music accessible to the deaf community. You may be cool but youll never be as cool as this sign language interpreter at the Pink concert, read the caption on the clip, which has been viewed by more than 1 million people on TikTok. In a video recorded at one of pop superstar Pinks Sydney shows last weekend, a woman is giving the crowd an incredibly slick, high-energy performance of the singers 2001 hit Get the Party Started. She isnt Pink. After performing in Sydney and Newcastle, Van Vliet has followed Pink to Brisbane. But when shes not performing at Suncorp Stadium, her focus is on her next sold-out gig: Taylor Swifts Eras Tour. We have a week or two to prepare. Usually set lists dont get finalised until the last minute, she said. (And: no, she cant reveal Swifts.) The 35-year-old will be one of two interpreters at the Eras Tour in Sydney. Two other interpreters from the agency which employs her, Auslan Stage Left, have been rostered on the Melbourne shows this weekend. With the two languages using very different grammatical structures, Auslan interpreters must think about the meaning behind English words to give them their best meaning. In planning her Eras Tour performance, Van Vliet said she had turned to online fan communities, reading up on Reddit pages and Discord servers to inform her interpretation of the lyrics. Those of a certain age see working from home as a privilege because they grew up into a workforce environment where it just wasnt a norm, and they see any attempt to create a boundary around that as an entitled reaction, he said. Loading Whereas those who are younger will say: of course remote working has benefits, but also there are downsides to it and so we need to erect boundaries. The ways in which younger employees spend their time outside of work might go some way to explaining why they have a particular enthusiasm for wanting to be able to disconnect from it, said social researcher Claire Madden, author of Hello Gen Z: Engaging the Generation of Post-Millennials. Every generation is using technology and social media, but the sense to which these are integrated into their sense of self as a [member of] Gen Z is on another level, she said. While previous generations would leave their workplace, office workers now carry a huge part of it the smartphone after hours, whether they are working from home or not. But, as is less the case for older generations, the smartphone is also a younger persons primary way to unwind after work, Madden said. Recreation time, spent scrolling social media or streaming a series, is brought to an instant halt by a notification from work on the screen. You might be on your device for one purpose, but you can be so easily interrupted. Its emotionally taxing, Madden said. I think Gen Z are probably the ones realising they need those boundaries to be put in. Madden said Generation Zs approach to work a lack of willingness to perform the dance of presenteeism and confidence to speak up despite their junior status reflected the social environment in which they came of age, entering the workforce in the disruption and confusion of a global pandemic. They dont place as much value on having an employer for life [and] the things that motivate them to stay in a job are different: they want to feel like they are relationally engaged and like they are making a contribution early on in their careers, she said. Loading While these traits might rub senior colleagues the wrong way, Madden said workplaces should be open to structuring operations to make the most of their younger employees: Isnt it a good thing that they have this willingness? They dont want to wait to make a difference. Demographer and social analyst Mark McCrindle said every new generation brings a level of disruption to the workplace: practices we now consider part of the office furniture, such as mentoring and town hall meetings, were disruptive to the extremely hierarchical workplaces Baby Boomers faced at the starts of their careers, he said. UNSW Business School senior deputy dean Frederik Anseel agreed the arguments being levelled against Generation Z by older colleagues were not new. Every new generation over the past 100 years has been called lazy or not willing to work, he said. The Belgian native strongly disagrees the right to disconnect is a Generation Z impost, noting it had been a feature of western European workplaces since the 2010s, when employees realised that just because they could work 24/7 doesnt mean they should. In that time, attitudes have shifted from companies literally turning off their servers at the end of the workday to more of a personal work hygiene, he said, characterised by steps such as including a disclaimer in ones email signature (to the tune of: just because I keep these hours doesnt mean you have to). The problem with the right to disconnect is it became an obligation, he said. In Europe we started with a radical right to disconnect, but what we realised is we actually just needed to learn what flexibility is. McCrindle questioned whether the right was a solution in want of a problem, arguing younger employees were confident asking for workplace flexibility and setting boundaries. They dont really need something mandated because theyve already arranged it and are pretty empowered in the workplace, he said. In her experience, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michele ONeil said the push for right to disconnect protections in enterprise agreements, such as in the current negotiations for federal ministerial staff, was not just coming from younger workers. When workers are not being paid and [are] spending time with family, playing sport and relaxing, these new laws will mean they cant be contacted unreasonably, she said. Many union agreements, such as those in higher education and some banks, already have the right to disconnect as part of their agreements its seen as a basic right that you should be paid for the work you do and have quality time off. Generational divide: what each gen brought to the office Baby Boomers: Baby Boomers bring a boom to every lifestage they enter, says demographer Mark McCrindle. The influx of workers heralded an economic boom in which workers trusted loyalty and hard work would be rewarded. They started at the bottom and worked their way up, he says, noting Boomers were also keen adopters of technology, ushering in the PC age. Generation X: They followed in the footsteps of the Boomers but, unfortunately, economically speaking they came an hour late, says McCrindle. Gen X bore the brunt of right-sizing and cost savings as they entered the workforce in the recession we had to have. Millennial: Major change tends to take a couple of decades, and the Millennials were transformative like the Boomers, says McCrindle. The digital revolution heralded a new online era of entrepreneurship and self-marketing. Generation Z: While conversations about quiet quitting and entitlement have plagued Gen Zs entry to the workforce beyond flexibility, the new generation of workers are mostly focused on values, McCrindle says. They want to be working at a place with values they resonate with and where they feel their contribution is valued. Haymarkets Chinatown ceremonial gates are set to be restored and heritage listed, after a public consultation process overwhelmingly supported plans to preserve the monuments. The gates, which stand at the northern and southern ends of the Dixon Street precinct, were built in 1980 using donations from the local community. Sydneys Chinatown ceremonial gates are set to be heritage listed. Credit: Christopher Pearce The listing is part of a $44 million plan by City of Sydney Council to revitalise Chinatown and neighbouring Thai Town. The heritage process began in 2020, as the council considered ways to support the local business community after patronage dwindled during the COVID-19 pandemic. A heritage assessment concluded the gates had local significance and were suitable for listing. Bondi Beachs population will triple, with residential buildings casting shadows over the sand under a worst-case scenario, as the backlash intensifies against the Minns governments housing reforms. Waverley Council also warned eight-storey apartment complexes could be built next to single-storey homes in the eastern suburbs under the state governments low- and mid-rise housing proposal. An artists impression shows how apartment blocks up to 21 metres high could be built in Bondi Beach under housing reforms proposed by the Minns government. Credit: Waverley Council The Minns government wants to permit buildings up to six storeys (21 metres) within 400 metres of train stations and town centres or four storeys between 400 and 800 metres under planning reforms to address the housing crisis. But a report by council staff said the policy could lead to eight-storey buildings next to a single storey house as well as substantial suboptimal outcomes for the amenity of neighbours, including increased overshadowing, loss of privacy and fewer trees. From what we can see, insiders were net buyers in Corero Network Security plc's (LON:CNS ) during the past 12 months. That is, insiders acquired the stock in greater numbers than they sold it. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. View our latest analysis for Corero Network Security The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Corero Network Security In fact, the recent purchase by Richard Last was the biggest purchase of Corero Network Security shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is UK0.083. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. While we always like to see insider buying, it's less meaningful if the purchases were made at much lower prices, as the opportunity they saw may have passed. In this case we're pleased to report that the insider bought shares at close to current prices. Richard Last was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Does Corero Network Security Boast High Insider Ownership? Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Corero Network Security insiders own about UK20m worth of shares (which is 47% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Corero Network Security Tell Us? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. But on the other hand, the company made a loss during the last year, which makes us a little cautious. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Corero Network Security insiders are well aligned, and quite possibly think the share price is too low. That's what I like to see! So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. For example - Corero Network Security has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. There is clearly a problem and a regulatory gap when it comes to how the asbestos has got there. It should not be there. Its illegal for it to be there. I want the EPA to get to the bottom of this investigation, she said. Investigators from the EPA estimate that the task of tracing all mulch trucked out of the Bringelly site between March and December last year is more than 90 per cent complete. They are combing through supply chain data, examining trucking records, weighbridge data and CCTV. It is a painstaking job youre looking at a whole web of possible sites including subcontractors, and the list is growing day by day, said a senior EPA staff member, who is involved in the work but not authorised to speak publicly. Loading The mulch pile at the Bringelly site is now locked down again, and the EPA is not commenting on the progress of its investigation, which may take months. Staff at the environmental watchdog have been warned not to speak to the media, but a source said that, despite what investigators described as compelling circumstantial evidence, there are no test results showing the presence of asbestos in mulch inside the Bringelly plant in the crucial period from March to December last year. Asbestos testing of mulch is not routinely undertaken, with the law only requiring a visual inspection of the product before sale. Results obtained by this masthead show the EPA tested nine samples of mulch and three of soil from Greenlifes stockpiles in January, after asbestos was first found in mulch in Rozelle, and none of those samples came back positive for asbestos. An EPA spokesperson said the authority was concerned about mulch that was manufactured and sold between March and December 2023 and is no longer on site. Greenlife has launched a legal action against the EPA for prohibiting it from processing or selling its mulch. Credit: Wolter Peeters However, Greenlife has said the mulch used for Rozelle Parklands was independently tested by John Holland, the contractor in charge of the development, following 20 site visits between January and November. On all occasions, it was cleared of any asbestos contaminates. [Greenlife] was then permitted to deliver it to the head contractor at Rozelle, the spokesperson said. Greenlife said two other samples of mulch collected from its site in October and November 2023 have also been tested by an independent testing lab and found not to contain asbestos. There are media reports suggesting [that] because [Greenlife] is the common source, then it must be responsible for the asbestos contamination. This is incorrect, a spokesperson said. The company stressed there are multiple different occasions when their mulch is handled, and could be contaminated after leaving its facilities, such as on contractors trucks, in holding yards, or onsite. Many of the sites the mulch is delivered to are remediated sites, meaning those sites have had asbestos buried there many decades ago, the spokesperson said. Greenlife Resource Recovery co-director Domenic Vitocco, pictured alongside company lawyer Ross Fox, said the mulch is produced from clean timber products. Credit: Wolter Peeters In January, the EPA issued a prevention notice prohibiting the company from supplying any more of the product. Greenlife has launched a legal challenge against the ban. When The Sun-Herald visited the facility last week, the mulch at the centre of the EPAs investigation had been pushed up into five-metre high piles. The company said its mulch is manufactured from wooden pallets and natural timber products. Some of the mulch material has come from trees cut down from a nearby farm owned by a Vitocco family company. Greenlife said this was in accordance with council consent, and in line with EPA regulations. The timber is trucked to the facility and the truck weighed while viewed on camera. Its then tipped out and spread out along the ground for a visual inspection. Once inspected by Greenlife staff and approved, the timber is pushed up into a large pile. Its then ground down into woodchips. A screening machine then filters out any chunks of material larger than two centimetres, and the mulch is trucked offsite, either by Greenlife staff or a third party. The mulch is screened using a machine which filters out pieces larger than two centimetres. Credit: Wolter Peeters Greenlife accepts some building waste in the form of gypsum boards, which it grinds down to form soil additives, but said that despite being licensed to do so it does not accept demolition waste a major source of asbestos contamination. Vitocco said the business had been hit from every side but was sympathetic to the stress caused to the public. We are extremely concerned, just like everyone else, on the discovery of asbestos at even one location, let alone multiple locations, and the impact it is having on the people of Sydney, he said. According to a government briefing prepared in 2018 and seen by The Sun-Herald, about 10,000 cubic metres of asbestos-laced soil was dug up during works to widen The Northern Road, which runs past the gate of the Bringelly facility. A witness recalls seeing piles of earth covered with tarpaulins along the road in the vicinity of the waste recovery plant in 2018. At least some of the soil was removed by contractors, and it is unclear if the historic contamination in the area is related to the current asbestos emergency. The company also processes building waste in the form of gypsum board from new homes, but does not accept demolition waste even though it is licensed to do so. Credit: Wolter Peeters Asked if asbestos-contaminated soil was stored at the site and whether the plant might still be contaminated from any previous asbestos exposure, a spokesperson said: The site was subject to comprehensive clean-up and remediation works, which were supervised by the EPA. The remedial works included the capping of the site, and the installation of a hardstand material. The clean-up and remedial works were accepted by the EPA. The EPA has been battling widespread asbestos contamination for decades. According to internal briefing documents seen by The Sun-Herald, an audit of NSW waste processing facilities producing recovered fines a soil additive made from construction waste that can be used in landscaping found alarming levels of asbestos. In late 2019, the agency tested 73 samples from 14 facilities and 57 per cent contained traces of asbestos. Changes to industry practice are needed following compliance testing by the EPA which found that over 50 per cent of facilities were producing recovered fines that contained asbestos, plastics and other contaminants, the agency said in a letter to industry stakeholders in May 2022. But after consultation with industry players, the EPA elected not to bring in a tougher regime of mandatory testing of recovered fines before sale. Loading It was congratulated by the government at the time, which said stricter rules would place higher costs on small operators and lead to more waste being dumped in landfill. NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson called for earlier testing for contaminants to avoid future catastrophes. On a quiet street in Sydneys eastern suburbs, Alexei Navalnys supporters clashed with a handful of Vladimir Putin loyalists outside the Russian consulate on Saturday afternoon. Navalny, a 47-year-old Russian opposition leader, died while being held in a jail about 60 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where he had been sentenced to 19 years in prison. On Saturday, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh confirmed that Navalny was dead, citing an official notice given to Navalnys mother, Lydumila. Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny supporters protest outside the Russian Consulate in Woollahra. Credit: Rhett Wyman Yarmysh, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, demanded that Navalnys body be immediately handed over to his family, Reuters reported. Grabbing a coffee while enjoying some of Brisbanes 2100 council parks could be easier under an LNP re-election plan. The Coffee Carts in Parks proposal would allow licensed vendors to operate in 60 more Brisbane parks, playgrounds and off-leash dog areas. Kombi Pod operator Steve Prater, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the LNPs Wynnum Manly candidate, Alex Givney. I think residents will enjoy being able to easily grab a coffee while theyre visiting a park, taking the kids to a playground, or exercising their dog in an off-leash area, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said on Saturday. Under this plan, were also supporting Brisbanes growing range of mobile food businesses, giving them more opportunities to reach customers. Extra electric buses and a future stage 3 of the all-electric Brisbane Metro will expand into Brisbanes northside, if Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinners LNP team wins the March council elections. Schrinner will on Sunday announce a new electric charging station built on council-owned land at Fitzgibbon, near Carseldine, allowing electric buses to be charged in six minutes. The charging station would allow electric buses to be charged in six minutes. Schrinner said the new five-hectare electric charging station was essential for expanding the future Brisbane Metro North service to Brisbanes northside. It will also allow us to run fully electric, high-frequency Metro services into the northern suburbs from the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, he said. Ive always said to the accused, Look, I know you committed this offence, but youre a decent person, youre an intelligent person, and as soon as you say all that they just drop all the anger and stress. They know what theyve done, you dont have to give them another kick. Thats helped me a lot. The courtyard of the Russell Street court complex. Credit: Viki Yemettas Working at Russell Street In 1975, Kumar came to Australia and soon became friends with Jim Kennan, SC. They worked together in the legal fraternity before Kennan moved into politics and became attorney-general under then Labor premier John Cain. Kumar believes it was this friendship that led to his selection in 1985, alongside peers Sally Brown, Margaret Rizkalla, Iain West and Rodney Crisp, as the first group of law graduates appointed magistrates. Before that, bench clerks were upgraded to the position. Kumars first stop on the bench was the old Melbourne Magistrates Court on Russell Street. Working at Russell Street proved pivotal to Kumars career, but in ways he could never have imagined. Police officers collect evidence from the car bomb explosion outside the Russell Street police station in 1986. Credit: The Age Kumar was only weeks into his new job and sitting in courtroom No.4 the day a bomb went off outside in March 1986. I had a woman charged with theft of motorcars. She decided to bring her three children to court, they were quite small kids, he recalls. I decided to sit through the luncheon break. I remember looking at my watch and it was 1pm. Seconds later the bomb went off. She got saved because of that. Loading Kumar says that in the seconds after the blast most people in the area thought it was a gas explosion. No one knew it was a bomb. I saw people running towards it rather than running away, then the cars started exploding as the fire spread. Thats when we realised someone had put a bomb in a car, he says. We had about nine magistrates working that day, and we couldnt find some. It was very frightening. When we went down [stairs] thats when I saw Angela Taylor. [She] had given evidence before me a week or so before that. She was a lovely young person. All I can hear still whenever March comes around is her saying, Help, help. We were just frozen. Constable Angela Taylor died from injuries she suffered in the blast. Kumar says it wasnt until years later that a policeman revealed just how close the magistrate and the young family had come to death. The officer told Kumar a piece of gelignite was found in his courtroom right near the bench. Trees for Broadmeadows Kumar had never been to Broadmeadows before his work moved him there. He drove from Carlton on a Sunday just to see where the court was. But it was there that Kumar became a trailblazer and opened the doors to a community with about 105 different ethnicities. Kumar and Ann Collins as magistrates at Broadmeadows in 2003. Credit: Craig Sillitoe He also used his charming, relaxed nature to help create meaningful change outside the court. Soon after Kumar arrived, he noticed there were no trees outside. I asked for some trees, and they said theyd give them to me, but [a council officer] asked how was I going to plant them? Loading Kumar asked Corrections Victoria to redirect anyone on a community work order to the steps of the courthouse to help him plant trees on a weekend. They planted them for me, but they didnt have the knowledge that you have to take the black plastic [pots] off. I said to them, where is the plastic? he laughs. We had to take them out and start again. Over the following decades Kumar was offered the position as Victorias deputy chief magistrate five times, but always politely declined. While his closest friends quickly climbed the ranks to higher courts, Kumar says he knew he was still needed in Broadmeadows. A man of change Despite four decades on the bench, Kumar is quick to reply when asked what hes most proud of. The creation of the Koori Court, and suggesting a list for the contest mention a hearing that enables an accused person to learn what sort of sentence might be on offer in exchange for a guilty plea has fast-tracked cases and save courts incalculable hours of delay. Kumar says it was his time working for the public solicitors office, before he became a magistrate, that opened his eyes to how much time could be saved if both defence and prosecution lawyers found common ground. Every time I went to Pentridge [prison] in the 70s to see a prisoner charged with murder, the first question theyd ask when you introduced yourself was: Whats going to happen to me? Prisoners in the exercise yard at Pentridge Prison in 1983. Credit: The Age Archives When I came here this [Broadmeadows] court was in a disarray with a huge backlog. Cases would be booked in for a two-day contest but at the door of the court theyd plead guilty on the first day and the magistrates wouldnt have anything to do. I went and saw the chief justice [in 1992] and said this is what I want to introduce, Kumar explains. Since then its had a 95 per cent success rate. You save a lot of court time, trauma of the victim giving evidence and all the witnesses. It would take parliament and several attorneys-general years before they introduced contest mention hearings into the Criminal Procedure Act of 2009, and this gave the courts explicit powers to provide accused people with a sentence indication. The compassionate magistrate has gained quite a following in his community. He says he is often stopped in the local shopping centre or when crossing the road with colleagues to be thanked for his kindness. Kumar has retired after nearly 40 years on the bench. Credit: Jason South Ive had so many letters from people Ive dealt with. In fact, last week I was in Airport West and this bloke said, Judge Kumar, I appeared before you some time ago and you did not send me to jail. You said if I came back again you would. Im doing very well and have got a good job, Kumar smiles. His advice to aspiring magistrates? Make good use of it. Its the greatest job one can have. You have a great responsibility to the community. County Court judge Peter Lauritsen says Kumars departure leaves big shoes to fill. On Kumars final day on the bench, late last year, long-serving lawyer Rob Melasecca rose to thank the outgoing magistrate for his service and the impact hed had on the legal profession. Melasecca says Kumars work would live on as a great achievement in the states history. County Court judge Peter Lauritsen, a close friend, says Kumars departure leaves big shoes to fill, acknowledging the outgoing magistrate was leaving with a long list of accolades including an Order of Australia honour. It cant be too much fun having to share your new(ish) boyfriend with the voting public, but Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses fiancee, Jodie Haydon, seems remarkably good-natured about it. News of the couples engagement was published on Thursday morning, on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), which seemed apt, as thats where they first connected. Theirs is both an unusual romance and a thoroughly common contemporary tale. Jodie Haydon and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after telling the media of their engagement at The Lodge on Thursday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese is a second-time-rounder, having been married before (a friend of mine who married a divorced father-of-three called him a quality retread). They had met the old-fashioned way in person, at a superannuation event. But it was only when Haydon slid into Albaneses direct messages on Twitter that they got together for a date. Higher daily fees for wealthy Australians in nursing homes that pay for living expenses such as meals, laundry and cleaning are being weighed up by the federal government as it prepares to overhaul funding of the residential aged care system. Increasing the $61 daily payment for people who can afford it has emerged as one of the likely options for reform after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week ruled out changing how the family home is means-tested in aged care, in a sign he wants to avoid an emotional political debate. The government has repeatedly delayed the release of an independent review about how to fix aged care funding. Credit: Louise Kennerley But his government nonetheless needs to make a difficult judgment about which Australians should be charged more, and how much those fees will be, as it approaches the May budget with the promise of addressing its rising aged care bill. The government has repeatedly delayed the release of an independent review about how to fix aged care funding, which it received in December, as it focuses on cost-of-living relief. Sources familiar with the taskforce report but not authorised to speak publicly said it had made principle-based recommendations and the government would choose how it responded to those. Where are the women? As the ABC Nemesis series about the period of Liberal power just gone recalled, this time three years ago, a very female crisis engulfed the government. In the #MeToo moment, all women had begun to reflect on their treatment by powerful or simply entitled men and many had discovered that experiences they thought theyd brushed off still burned. Time was being called on the casual sexual entitlement of men. A swirling feminist anger, locked up within during COVID lockdown, was ready to make change. Brittany Higgins and Lisa Wilkinson outside Parliament House in March 2021. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Liberal women were angry that the party couldnt seem to preselect them and recognise their contribution. Illiberal women were angry that Scott Morrison had won an election that was supposed to be in the bag for Labor. Then on February 15, 2021, former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went to air with allegations that she had been raped in Parliament House and that her rape was hushed up for political reasons. The interview channelled the anger of women over slights and humiliations, grabby bosses and sleazy peers, which they had for decades been told to brush aside. A couple of weeks later, ABC Four Corners screened Bursting the Canberra Bubble, a follow-up from a November show which pointed out sexual indiscretions in the capital but hinted at something more sinister by an unnamed minister. Bursting aired on International Womens Day, after attorney-general Christian Porter, who had been accused of raping a girl when they were teenagers (which he vehemently denies) outed himself as the unnamed minister subject to serious allegations. The intoxication reform was legislated in 2021 following the death of Yorta Yorta woman Tanya Day, who suffered a fall while in custody. When police, paramedics and venue staff encounter someone who is intoxicated and may need help, they call a hotline that dispatches crews to provide assistance. Members of the public can call triple zero, which will connect them to the same hotline. Danny Jeffcote in one of cohealths vans. Credit: Eddie Jim Support vans also patrol transport hubs and nightlife hotspots including Brunswick Street in Fitzroy and Chapel Street in South Yarra and pull over if they see someone in need. We check that we first have consent to engage, and then its Hi, Im Danny, do you mind if we have a quick chat? Jeffcote said. Is there someone we can call? Is there going to be someone that could be there? If not, then we have to make an assessment about their safety, and is it going to be safe for you to keep on going? Or do we really need to insist that you consider coming with us. Inside the sobering centre. Jeffcote said staff were trained to call an ambulance in cases of extreme intoxication, where people could not talk, give consent or get up off the ground to get in their van. In one de-identified example of cohealths work, crews helped a highly intoxicated 20-year-old woman at an end-of-year work function at a CBD hotel. She was assessed by paramedics and deemed not in danger, but there were concerns her friends were too drunk to look after her. The woman consented to going to the sobering-up centre where she spent the night and then ordered an Uber home. In another case, a 45-year-old drunk man at railway station was found to have urinated in his pants. Outreach teams attended, helped him to his feet and took him home with his consent. Critics of the governments public intoxication reforms have argued the new laws did not account for when drunk people refused assistance. Jeffcote said there would always be some who turned down support, but that they still had a duty of care. If we think that theyre a danger to themselves or others, then we will have to call emergency services. Same as if any person found someone in the street, he said. People can still refuse an ambulance when it gets there. People go home drunk in taxis every night. Its [a matter of] how intoxicated is that person? How safe are they going to be? I really enjoy working with emergency services. The police have been amazing and ambulances have been amazing. When drunk people arrive at the Collingwood sobering-up centre, they are assessed by a nurse to make sure it is safe for them to stay. They are taken to a room, offered a bed and checked by staff every 30 minutes or 15 minutes if they believe there is a higher risk to their wellbeing. Inside the Collingwood sobering centre managed by cohealth. We let them sleep. Its not three or four hours, and youre out the door, Jeffcote said. People typically stay for eight to 10 hours, have a sleep and then when they get up in the morning, we offer them a simple breakfast and a shower. And then have a chat to them about what their plan is to get home. Throughout the process, cohealth and other outreach teams link the people they encounter with other support services in areas such as drugs, family violence or health. Jeffcote said the teams were not inundated with demand on New Years Eve and Melbourne Cup Day as some had expected. But he said numbers would increase as the public got used to the new system. It has only been going for a short time. The service will definitely mature and need to scale up and scale down in response to different changes, he said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Red Sea: Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its accompanying warships have spent four months straight at sea defending against ballistic missiles and flying attack drones fired by Iranian-backed Houthis, and are now more regularly also defending against a new threat fast unmanned vessels fired at them through the water. While the Houthis have launched unmanned surface vessels, or USVs, in the past against Saudi coalition forces that have intervened in Yemens civil war, they were used for the first time against US military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea on January 4. The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and other warships cross the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf. Credit: AP In the weeks since, the US Navy has had to intercept and destroy multiple USVs. Its more of an unknown threat that we dont have a lot of intel on, that could be extremely lethal, said Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, commander of Carrier Strike Group Two, of which the Eisenhower is the flagship. The Houthis have ways of obviously controlling them just like they do the [unmanned aerial vehicles], and we have very little fidelity as to all the stockpiles of what they have USV-wise, Miguez said. The Houthis began firing on US military and commercial vessels after a deadly blast at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza on October 17, a few days after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement The rebels have said they will continue firing on ships transiting the region until Israel ceases its military operations inside Gaza. Sailors participate in a steel beach picnic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Credit: AP The Eisenhower has been on patrol here since November 4, and some of its accompanying ships have been on location since October. In that time, the Eisenhowers fleet of fighter and surveillance aircraft has worked non-stop to detect and intercept the missiles and drones fired by the Houthis at ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. The carriers F/A-18 fighter jets are also frequently launched to take out missile sites they detect before munitions are fired. As of Wednesday, the carrier strike group which includes the cruiser USS Philippine Sea, the destroyers USS Mason and Gravely, and additional assets in the region, including the destroyers USS Laboon and USS Carney has conducted more than 95 intercepts of drones, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles and made more than 240 self-defence strikes on more than 50 Houthi targets. On Thursday, US Central Command reported that the strike group had intercepted and destroyed seven additional anti-ship cruise missiles and another explosive USV prepared to launch against vessels in the Red Sea. Advertisement A commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden reported a suspected Houthi attack, and the crew and ship were able to safely continue their journey after an explosion occurred near the ship, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre reported. Sailors prepare to load ordnance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron 86 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Credit: Getty Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree later claimed the attack, asserting without evidence that the rebels missiles struck the vessel. He identified the targeted vessel as the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier Lycavitos, owned by the British firm Helikon Shipping. The company declined to comment. We are constantly keeping an eye on what the Iranian-backed Houthis are up to, and when we find military targets that threaten the ability of merchant vessels, we act in defence of those ships and strike them precisely and violently, said Captain Marvin Scott, commander of the carrier air wings eight squadrons of warplanes. But the USV threat, which is still evolving, is worrisome, Miguez said. Thats one of the most scary scenarios, to have a bomb-laden, unmanned surface vessel that can go in pretty fast speeds. And if youre not immediately on scene, it can get ugly extremely quick, Miguez said. Advertisement US Central Command also reported on Thursday that the US Coast Guard cutter Clarence Sutphin jnr boarded a vessel in the Arabian Sea that was bound for Yemen on January 28 and seized medium-range ballistic missile parts, explosives, USV components and military-grade communications equipment. An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter flies back to the USS aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower. Credit: AP The ships have spent four months at a constant combat pace with no days off with a port call. That takes a toll on sailors, the commander of the Eisenhower, Captain Christopher Chowdah Hill, said in an interview aboard the Eisenhower. The ship keeps up morale by letting sailors know how important their job is and by giving them Wi-Fi access so they can stay connected with their families back home. I was walking through the mess decks the other day and I could hear a baby crying because someone was teleconferencing with their infant that they havent even met yet, Hill said. Its just extraordinary, that sort of connection. The destroyers dont have Wi-Fi because of bandwidth limitations, which can make it harder for those crews. Sailors participate in sporting events on the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Credit: AP Advertisement pensions 401(k) With a few notable exceptions, the age of pensions is largely over in the U.S. Traditional defined benefit plans have replaced largely by defined contribution retirement vehicles like 401(k) plans. A new study from the National Institute on Retirement Security, though, seems to suggest that the end of pensions may not actually be as beneficial to companies as once thought. In fact, a giving employees a traditional pension plan may actually be less costly than operating a 401(k) or other defined contribution plan. If you want help saving for retirement, consider finding a financial advisor using SmartAssets free financial advisor matching service. Why Are 401(k) Plans Costlier Than Pensions? The logic behind why companies wanted to switch to defined contribution plans is pretty simple. In a traditional pension plan, the company is on the hook for a predetermined payment every year until a worker dies. If they live particularly long, that can get expensive. With a defined contribution plan like a 401(k), however, the payment is entirely determined by how much an employee saved during their working years and of they run out, it doesnt impact the employer. The group nature of a pension plan, though, may actually result in lower costs for the employers, though, according to the new NIRS study. Pensions have economies of scale and risk pooling that just cant be replicated by individual savings accounts, said Dan Doonan, the NIRS executive director, in a statement. This means pensions can provide retirement benefits at a much lower cost. The study found that in order to replace 54% of income for employees after retirement, a DB plan required contributions of 16.5% of total payroll. A DC plan, meanwhile, required 32.3% of payroll to get to the same endpoint. These cost differences are a key consideration for employers and policymakers given that most Americans are deeply worried about retirement and retirement savings levels are dangerously low for the typical U.S. household, Doonan notes. Policymakers are wise to protect existing pensions while also fostering innovation in DC plans to improve the financial security of those relying on 401(k) accounts. Story continues Pension Plan Basics pensions 401(k) A pension plan works by having money contributed to a pool by both the company and employees who are enrolled in the plan. There may be a cliff at which point a person becomes vested in the plan meaning that you become eligible for benefits after working at the firm for a certain amount of time. The money put into the pool is then invested in the market so that it grows. There will often be either an investing board or a financial advisor who makes investing choices. The money from the pool is then used to pay predetermined amounts of money to retired employees, often based on how long a person has worked at the company and what their salary was while they were there. 401(k) Plan Basics A 401(k) plan is much more individualistic. Each person contributes money to their own account and choose from a menu of investment options. Once they retire, they can schedule their own drawdown plan to take money out as needed. Money contributed to a 401(k) is put in pre-tax, so participants will pay taxes when they take money out in retirement. There is sometimes an employer element to 401(k) plans an employer match. This is an option some employers use as a part of employees compensation package. Basically, a firm will match a certain amount of money the employee contributes. This could be a dollar-for-dollar match or a possible match, but generally the company only contributes based on how much each employee contributes. The Bottom Line pensions 401(k) For the past several decades, pension plans have largely been phased out in favor of defined contribution plans, except in a few industries, notably the public sector. New research, though, shows that the conventional wisdom may be wrong and pension plans may actually cost employers less than offering a 401(k) plan. Retirement Planning Tips No matter what type of retirement plan your company offers, a financial advisor can help you plan for your golden years. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors in your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Its important to know how much youll need to live your retirement dreams. Use SmartAssets retirement calculator to see what youll need and if youre on pace to get there. Photo credit: iStock.com/insta_photos, iStock.com/pinkomelet, iStock.com/SrdjanPav The post Pensions May Actually Be Cheaper For Employers Than 401(k) Plans appeared first on SmartAsset Blog. ~Empowering Individuals and Businesses with Comprehensive Taxation Resources~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance, Mr. Ardwell Irion, proudly announces the official launch of the Sint Maarten Tax Administration's new website, tax.sx, effective today. The website is designed to provide comprehensive information to individuals and businesses seeking detailed knowledge regarding taxation on Sint Maarten. Notably, it offers a wealth of information, including background on the structure of the tax administration, relevant laws, and various downloadable forms, such as Tax Return Forms, Profit Tax Returns, and Pension Request Forms. The platform also features an extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, allowing users to easily find answers to commonly asked questions. Content is available in English, Spanish, French, and Dutch, accessible on both mobile devices and computers, catering to a diverse audience. This milestone is part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the Minister of Finance to enhance tax compliance throughout Sint Maarten. The modernized website reflects the government's commitment to creating a more efficient, user-friendly, and customer-centric Tax Administration. The Minister encourages individuals to explore the wealth of information and resources available on tax.sx to stay informed about Sint Maarten's taxation landscape. For further information or inquiries, contact the Tax Administration via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Texas to build military base on Mexico border, in new swipe at Biden Houston, Feb 16 (AFP) Feb 16, 2024 Texas plans to construct a military base along the border with Mexico, the state's Republican governor announced Friday, as his election-year tug-of-war with the White House over migration continues to broil. A wave of illegal border crossings in recent months has made migration a key talking point in the US presidential election campaign once again, with Republicans seeking to pin blame for the record-high numbers entirely on Democratic President Joe Biden. Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement of the new base in the flashpoint border town of Eagle Pass, where he has amassed national guard troops from Texas and other Republican-led states to erect razor wire and other barriers in a bid to block migrants from entering the country. The town lies along the Rio Grande, the river that forms the border. The facility built on the site will be able to accommodate some 300 soldiers by April -- and will have the ability to expand to house up to 2,300, Abott said. "This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas military department personnel in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and more efficiently," said the governor. Abbott, a supporter of former president and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, accuses the Biden administration of allowing an "invasion" of illegal migrants at the country's southern border. He also accuses the White House of failing to take action against the drug cartels that, according to him, control the border on the Mexican side. Border control is a federal responsibility in the United States, but in January the Texas National Guard moved into a municipal park in Eagle Pass, overlooking the river. Abbott has also installed some 100 miles (160 kilometers) of barbed wire along the Rio Grande, a measure that the Biden administration is challenging in court. The US Supreme Court has temporarily authorized the federal government to remove the barbed wire, but Texas has continued to install it while the dispute proceeds. "Having the soldiers located right here, right by the river, they're going to have the ability to more quickly be able to construct that razor wire barrier," said Abbott on Friday, praising the "effectiveness" of the device. Texas has also recently passed a law allowing its forces to arrest illegal migrants at the border, a power normally reserved for the federal government. The courts are expected to rule on the issue before the law goes into effect in March. Turkish soldier killed in attack on Iraq base Ankara, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2024 A soldier was killed and another injured in an "attempted intrusion" of a Turkish military base in northern Iraq, Turkey's defence ministry announced Saturday. The attack on the base was carried out by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), classed as a terrorist organisation by Ankara and its Western allies, according to private Turkish television station NTV. A retaliatory military operation is underway in the area, the authorities said. Attacks on Turkish military bases in northern Iraq in December and January killed 17 soldiers. Turkey has over the past 25 years established a series of bases in northern Iraq from where it regularly carries out raids on positions of the PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. The Body Shop went into administration earlier this week, putting around 2,000 jobs at risk - Gareth Fuller/PA A dealmaker who helped to spearhead the private equity takeover of The Body Shop has left abruptly after the retailer collapsed just three months later. Aurelius, the German buyout specialist where Peter Wood had held the position of managing director is facing criticism over the 207m deal, which saw it become top creditor to The Body Shop before its insolvency. The chain is now being run by administrators from FRP and bracing for a wave of store closures and job losses. It is understood that after completing its acquisition in January, Aurelius discovered The Body Shops finances were in a much worse state than expected, sparking urgent discussions over what went wrong during the companys due diligence process. At the time of the deals announcement three months ago, Mr Wood, who joined Aurelius in January 2018, said on social media that he was excited to bring the company back to its former glory. This came after the company said in November that it wanted to re-energise the business and drive operational improvements. A person close to Aurelius said: The business was found to be in a much worse financial position than it expected it to be. The deal was completed on January 1. Within a couple of weeks, they knew it was in a very different situation. However, questions have been raised over the nature of Aurelius cut-price takeover, as more than 2,000 jobs are at risk. Aurelius is facing questions over an alleged failure to make payments worth 3m to a group of around 20 former employees in January, which was reportedly part of the agreement struck with The Body Shops former owners Natura. It is understood that Aurelius invested less than 20m of equity in the deal, as Natura sold the business at a significant reduction compared to the 870m it paid in 2017. A senior retail source with knowledge of The Body Shop said the failed payments to former staff represent the unacceptable face of capitalism, the very extreme end of private equity. Story continues A person close to Aurelius rejected the claims and said the payments would be treated like any other financial obligation by the administrator. Aurelius is understood to be in pole position to reclaim The Body Shops assets if no bidder materialises. The firms status as top creditor means it holds sway over the businesss future if it is not sold. The retailers UK stores will remain open while administrators at FRP attempt to restructure the business and products will continue to be sold online. In a statement last week, the administrators 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 Shops restructuring. The Body Shop was founded by Dame Anita Roddick in Brighton in 1976 - Johnny Green/PA Founded in Brighton in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, an environmental activist, The Body Shop was widely credited for bringing ethical or cruelty-free beauty products to a mainstream audience. However, in recent years, the retailer has struggled with flagging sales and increased competition from newer rivals on the high street such as Lush and Rituals in the UK. The companys most recent accounts show that The Body Shop posted a loss of 71m in 2022, down from a 10m profit, which came while the business was still owned by the Brazilian cosmetics group Natura. Natura called 2022 the most difficult year in the history of The Body Shop. Its latest troubles have also led to The Body Shops German business filing for bankruptcy, where around 350 people are employed across 66 shops. Meanwhile, the collapse of its UK arm has left landlords, which include shopping centre owner Land Securities and Network Rail, bracing for closures. The Body Shops future on UK high streets is uncertain. Aurelius declined to comment. Mr Wood, who resigned from Aurelius, was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The results of the 2024 Bafta film awards will not be revealed until Sunday night, but one outcome is already certain: there will be no British winner of either best actor or best supporting actor. Mr Corbyn took to the stage amid raucous applause, telling the crowd: Weve got to carry on. This is the 14th national demonstration and theres going to be as many more as it takes until there is a ceasefire, until there is justice for the Palestinian people. Well, we say here together: no more. The time for begging is over. Now is the time for action. Now is the time for us to fight with everything we have. Fight for our communities and fight for UK steel. They "have to understand (that) only in unity we can win (against) Russia," he said. Asked whether it would be a good idea to invite former US president and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump to Kyiv, Mr Zelensky replied: "I invited publicly, but it depends on his wishes." "If ... he will come, I'm ready even to go with him to the front line," he added. Speaking separately at the same conference, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Congress' delay has meant the flow of US weapons and ammunition dropped, with a direct impact on the front line. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," he said. Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, pointed to the history of the 1930s. "If America isolates itself, it eventually is going cost you more," she said, warning that if "aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardizing global security." Mr Zelensky argued that "among us, there is no one for whom the ongoing war in Europe does not pose a threat". "Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end," he said. "Ask yourself why is Putin still able to continue it." She said she had considered cancelling, "but then I thought what Alexei would do in my place. And I'm sure he would be here", adding that she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources. Strengths highlight Caterpillar's market leadership and innovative product offerings. Weaknesses underscore challenges in competitive pricing and supply chain management. Opportunities focus on sustainability initiatives and emerging market penetration. Threats include economic fluctuations and intense global competition. On February 16, 2024, Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT), the world's leading manufacturer of heavy equipment, released its 10-K filing, offering a comprehensive view of its financial health and strategic direction. With a firm order backlog of $27.5 billion at the end of 2023, down from $30.4 billion the previous year, Caterpillar demonstrates a robust demand for its machinery, energy, and transportation offerings. Despite a slight decrease in backlog, the company's commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and expanded offerings positions it for continued market dominance. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as revealed in the latest SEC filing, providing investors with a nuanced understanding of Caterpillar's strategic and financial standing. Decoding Caterpillar Inc (CAT): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Market Leadership and Brand Power: Caterpillar Inc's market leadership is undisputed, with a 13% market share in 2021. The brand is synonymous with quality and reliability, a reputation earned through nearly a century of innovation and excellence. This strength is not just in name; it's reflected in the company's extensive dealer network, with 2,700 branches across 191 countries, ensuring global reach and local presence. The brand's power is further reinforced by a robust R&D focus, particularly within the Construction Industries segment, which in 2023 concentrated on next-generation construction machines, ensuring Caterpillar remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Financial Services Synergy: The integration of Caterpillar Financial Services provides a strategic advantage, offering retail financing for machinery and engines, which facilitates sales while also providing wholesale financing to dealers. This synergy not only supports the company's core manufacturing business but also creates a stable revenue stream and fosters customer loyalty by providing financial solutions that ease the purchasing process for clients. Story continues Weaknesses Competitive Pricing Pressure: Caterpillar Inc faces intense competition from both global and regional players, which often leads to price discounting in various markets. This competitive environment puts pressure on margins and can negatively impact operating profit. The company's premium brand and quality may not always justify higher prices in developing economies, where customers prioritize purchase price over long-term value, presenting a challenge in balancing product affordability with profitability. Supply Chain Constraints: The company's reliance on a global supply network exposes it to risks of supply chain disruptions, which have led to parts and components constraints across some products. While Caterpillar employs strategic sourcing models and risk mitigation processes, the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of global supply chains remain a significant challenge that can affect the company's ability to meet customer demand and maintain production efficiency. Opportunities Sustainability Initiatives: With sustainability now a strategic focus, Caterpillar is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for environmentally friendly products and services. The company's commitment to developing innovative technologies that support customers' sustainability journeys opens new markets and differentiates its offerings. This strategic pivot not only aligns with global trends but also presents an opportunity to lead the industry in sustainable practices and solutions. Emerging Market Penetration: Caterpillar's differentiated product offerings, such as the SEM brand machines, are tailored to meet the needs of customers in developing economies. By focusing on these markets and leveraging customer-driven product innovations, Caterpillar has the opportunity to expand its footprint and increase market share in regions where infrastructure development and industrialization are accelerating. Threats Economic Sensitivity: Caterpillar's business is highly sensitive to global and regional economic conditions. The cyclical nature of the industries it serves means that economic downturns can significantly reduce demand for its products and services. This sensitivity to economic fluctuations poses a threat to the company's financial stability and requires careful management to navigate periods of uncertainty. Intense Global Competition: The competitive landscape for construction machinery is crowded with global competitors such as Komatsu Ltd., Volvo Construction Equipment, and regional players, particularly in China. This intense competition requires continuous innovation and strategic marketing to maintain market share. Caterpillar must constantly evolve to stay ahead of competitors who may have advantages in their home markets or offer more aggressive pricing strategies. In conclusion, Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT) stands as a formidable player in the heavy equipment industry, backed by a strong brand, a global dealer network, and strategic financial services. However, it must navigate competitive pricing pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities. Opportunities in sustainability and emerging markets present avenues for growth, while economic sensitivity and global competition pose ongoing threats. By leveraging its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, Caterpillar can capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats, ensuring its continued leadership in the market. 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. Comprehensive SWOT analysis based on the latest 10-K filing. Strategic evaluation of Cboe Global Markets Inc's market position and future prospects. Expert financial overview and detailed examination of company's operational segments. On February 16, 2024, Cboe Global Markets Inc (CBOE) filed its annual 10-K report, providing a detailed account of its financial performance and strategic direction. As a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, CBOe operates across diverse asset classes and global markets. The company's commitment to innovation and inclusivity has positioned it as a trusted marketplace for participants aiming for a sustainable financial future. The financial overview from the filing reveals a robust balance sheet and a strategic focus on proprietary products, such as SPX options and VIX options and futures, which significantly contribute to transaction fees and volumes. With a market capitalization of approximately $14.2 billion as of June 30, 2023, and a strong portfolio of registered trademarks and service marks, Cboe stands out as a formidable player in the global financial markets. Decoding Cboe Global Markets Inc (CBOE): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Market Leadership and Proprietary Products: Cboe Global Markets Inc's leadership in the volatility space is a significant strength. The company's proprietary products, particularly SPX options and VIX options and futures, are exclusive offerings that drive substantial trading volumes and transaction fees. These products leverage the S&P 500 Index's status as a bellwether for the U.S. economy, attracting a diverse customer base, including pension funds, asset managers, and hedge funds. The introduction of innovative products like 0-DTE products, Mini- and Nano-SPX options, and 24x5 trading in SPX options further solidifies Cboe's competitive edge by providing customers with precision in hedging and trading strategies. Global Reach and Diverse Asset Classes: Cboe's expansive global presence across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, coupled with its offerings in equities, derivatives, FX, and digital assets, positions the company to capitalize on market opportunities worldwide. The company's network of exchanges and clearinghouses, including Cboe Europe and Cboe Clear Europe, demonstrates its ability to cater to a broad spectrum of market participants. This geographical and product diversification not only mitigates risks associated with market fluctuations but also allows for cross-segment synergies and innovation. Story continues Weaknesses Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Costs: The financial industry is highly regulated, and Cboe is no exception. The company faces ongoing regulatory changes, such as the SEC's equity market structure proposals and the Volume Based Proposal, which could lead to increased compliance costs and technology changes. These regulatory pressures may affect the company's operations and profitability if not managed effectively. Additionally, the evolving digital asset regulatory landscape presents uncertainties that could impact Cboe Digital's operations and the company's ability to innovate in this space. Dependence on Subsidiary Performance: As a holding company, Cboe's ability to pay dividends and meet its obligations relies on the profitability and distributions from its subsidiaries. This dependence creates vulnerability if the subsidiaries face financial difficulties or choose to retain profits for business needs. Furthermore, certain provisions in Cboe's organizational documents and governing law could prevent or delay a change of control, potentially affecting the company's agility in responding to market changes or acquisition opportunities. Opportunities Expansion in Digital Assets: The acquisition of ErisX, now Cboe Digital, presents Cboe with the opportunity to establish a foothold in the burgeoning digital asset market. The company's plans to develop digital asset indices and a robust market data offering based on Cboe Digital's spot crypto market could position it as a leader in this nascent industry. The ability to leverage existing index calculation capabilities and create new derivative product opportunities may lead to new revenue streams and a diversified portfolio. Strategic Index Provider Relationships: Cboe's strategic relationships with index providers enable the company to create and disseminate proprietary indices, which are licensed for use by third parties or serve as the basis for Cboe's proprietary products. These relationships not only generate revenue through distribution and licensing but also enhance Cboe's product offerings and market influence. The company's ability to innovate and develop new indices can attract additional trading volumes and strengthen its market position. Threats Market Volatility and Competition: Financial markets are inherently volatile, and Cboe's performance is subject to fluctuations in trading volumes and market sentiment. Intense competition from existing and new entrants in the financial exchange industry could pressure transaction fees and market share. Cboe must continuously innovate and adapt to maintain its competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market environment. Technological and Cybersecurity Risks: As a technology-driven company, Cboe faces the risk of technological failures, cyber-attacks, and data breaches. These risks could lead to operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage. The company must invest in robust cybersecurity measures and technology infrastructure to safeguard against such threats and ensure the integrity of its trading platforms. In conclusion, Cboe Global Markets Inc (CBOE) exhibits a strong market presence with its proprietary products and global reach. However, regulatory challenges and reliance on subsidiary performance are areas that require careful management. Opportunities for growth in digital assets and strategic index provider relationships present promising avenues for expansion. Nonetheless, the company must navigate market volatility, competitive pressures, and technological risks to sustain its success. Overall, Cboe's strategic initiatives and forward-looking strategies suggest a company poised to leverage its strengths and opportunities while addressing its 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. 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A strong national defence industry will strengthen Romania's position on a regional and international level, he said, when meeting, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, with Armin Papperger, CEO of the German company Rheinmetall AG. The main topic of discussion between the two officials was represented by the intensification of industrial cooperation in the field of defence. "We hope that this decision will determine as many German companies as possible to invest in our country," Angel Tilvar said. The Romanian minister emphasized the relevance of cooperation at the technical-military level, a positive signal being the signing by the General Staff of the Land Forces, in December 2023, of the modernization contract for four VIFOR systems based on Oerlikon 2X35 mm anti-aircraft guns produced by Rheinmetall AG. "I am confident that by cooperating with companies like Rheinmetall we can bring a plus in areas such as research and development, the production of state-of-the-art military equipment and the initiation of advanced technological projects. MApN constantly aims for endowment programmes to involve, as much as possible, the national defence industry, which has the chance to develop in the current security context. A strong defence industry adapted to the requirements of the current and future security environment will strengthen the position of our country on a regional and international level," the minister stressed. Angel Tilvar added that Romania remains engaged in the process of developing defence capabilities. Currently, at the level of the Ministry of National Defence, more than 60 endowment programmes for all categories of the army forces are taking place, in different stages. Romania and Estonia share common values and similar concerns regarding regional security, said the minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, who met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference with his Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur. "During the discussions, the two officials appreciated the substantial and constant dialogue on the political-military level and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, both bilaterally and within NATO and the EU. In this context, the strengthening of the allied posture of deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, the increase of inter-operability by participating in joint exercises, as well as cooperation within the European Union's initiatives, were highlighted as common priorities," the MApN informed on Saturday in a statement sent to AGERPRES. A particular item on the discussion agenda was the preparation of the NATO Anniversary Summit in Washington, from July of this year. At the same time, the two ministers also emphasized the need to continue providing support to Ukraine, in the context of Russia's war of aggression against this country. "Cooperation with allies on the Eastern Flank is a priority in the field of defence. The intensification of dialogue and bilateral cooperation is extremely relevant in the current complex security context," minister Tilvar said. The Romanian Defence minister also emphasized the interest in strengthening cooperation in the field of cyber defense, appreciating Estonia's major contribution to European and allied efforts in this field. Six more Dutch F-16 aircraft will arrive in the coming months at the European Training Center in Romania, announced the minister of Defence, Angel Tilvar, in the context of Saturday's meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Kajsa Ollongren, in the context of participating in the 60th edition of the Security Conference in Munich. Minister Angel Tilvar had, on Saturday, a bilateral meeting with Kajsa Ollongren, the minister of Defence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This meeting provided an excellent platform for in-depth discussions on essential security and defense issues, emphasizing the close cooperation between the two nations, according to a press release from the Ministry of National Defence sent to AGERPRES. According to the source, the topics addressed by the two officials covered a wide range of common interests, placing a special emphasis on security in the Black Sea region, especially in the context of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine. Minister Tilvar condemned the Russian attacks on the Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube and presented Romania's efforts to maintain the safety of civil maritime traffic. In this context, he mentioned the importance of the Republic of Turkey - Romania - Bulgaria (MCM Black Sea) trilateral agreement for countering the dangers represented by sea mines adrift in the Black Sea. The progress of joint training programmes, the participation of the Dutch military, in 2022 and 2023, in the NATO Battle Group led by France, the deployment of three unmanned MQ-9 Reaper aircraft in Romania, during 2024 - a first for the Netherlands, as well as the deployment of aircraft at the European F-16 Training Center in Romania were also discussed, their importance in strengthening regional defence and security being highlighted, the ministry says. Regarding the support for Ukraine, minister Tilvar recalled Romania's firm support for the training of Ukrainian pilots at the European F-16 Training Center, when they will reach the level of training that will allow them to start training at southeastern Fetesti air base. Minister Tilvar expressed his appreciation for the robust political-military dialogue between Romania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, through continuous support for strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture in the Black Sea area. "I thanked the minister for the decision of the Government in The Hague to contribute substantially to the strengthening of the defence of NATO's eastern flank and, in particular, of the Black Sea region, by deploying troops and high-performance military equipment in Romania, including F- 16 for the European F-16 Training Center," minister Tilvar stressed. FLORISSANT An employee was charged with shooting a man inside a Walmart here on Friday night. Police responded around 10:45 p.m. for a shooting call at the Walmart at 3390 North Highway 67 and found a man at the front of the store shot in the "lower extremities." His injuries are not life-threatening. Police arrested 23-year-old Larry Miller at the scene and confiscated his gun. He was charged Saturday with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Police said the shooting happened after a fight between Miller and the victim. Miller pulled a gun, authorities say, and shot the victim while the victim was running away. Shoppers were inside the store at the time, but no other injuries were reported. February 17, 2024: In late 2023 and into early 2024, Shia rebels in Yemen, armed by decades of smuggled Iranian weapons shipments, sought to block commercial shipping from entering the Red Sea by firing rockets and missiles, as well as sending out speed boats carrying explosives or armed men who try to attack or board commercial ships and force the crew, at gunpoint, to move the ship to a pirate friendly port in nearby Somalia. The threats begin at the entrance to the Red Sea, which passes through the 26 kilometer wide and 50 kilometer long Bab-el-Mandeb strait. The rebels do not control any territory near these narrow straits. Rebel controlled territory is over a hundred kilometers north of the straits. The Houthi rebels are launching rockets and guided missiles at commercial ships that get close enough to the shore to hit. Most ships remain out of range and the rebels sometimes send out speed boats carrying armed men to board and take control of cargo ships. Some boats carry explosives, and the operator leaves the boat as it is aimed at a ship where the explosives are detonated remotely or when the boat hits a ship. Western warships destroy most of these boats and armed guards on some cargo ships can do the same. The Americans imposed economic sanctions on the Shia rebels, who consider themselves the true government of Yemen. These sanctions make it more difficult and sometimes impossible for the Yemen rebels to use any money they have in foreign banks. Holding a lot of cash inside Yemen is dangerous and prevents the rebels from moving that money around to buy things they need. The United States also sent ships equipped with electronic warfare equipment to disable the communications of Iranian ships that were supplying the Yemen Shia rebels with target information. The United States, Britain, Canada, Bahrain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain offered to send warships to protect commercial shipping using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal and ports in the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. Most of these nations decided not to send warships and left it to the Americans and a few other nations to deal with the situation. These nations believed it was easier to let commercial shipping use the longer and more time consuming route around the southern tip of Africa. Egypt, which operates the Suez Canal and earns $10 billion a year in transit fees, is offering to provide repairs for any commercial ship damaged by the Yemen Shia rebel attacks. Egypt and Iran are enemies and reducing Suez Canal income is a win for Iran, which supported the Yemen rebels for more than a decade to make that success possible. The warships include an American aircraft carrier, whose aircraft join land based aircraft from Persian Gulf bases to attack Yemen Shia rebel forces and munitions, especially missiles used against commercial shipping. Many of the foreign warships in the Red Sea have defensive weapons that can intercept Shia rebel missiles. All these efforts have been sufficient to greatly reduce but not eliminate the attacks by the Yemen rebels on Red Sea shipping. The current security efforts in the Red Sea are a continuation of anti-piracy efforts that began in 2008 and have continued since then, mainly near the African or Somali coast but close enough to deal with threats on the Arabian Peninsula or Yemen side of the Red Sea route to the Suez Canal. Somali pirates were the main threat twenty years ago, but they were eventually eliminated with help from Western and other countries, such as China, that send a lot of their seaborne trade through the Red Sea. For over a decade the Iran-backed Shia rebels were losing the civil war with the Sunni Arab Yemenis in the south. The Sunnis were the majority but not as unified as the Shia in the north. It wasnt until a decade ago that Iran admitted that it was supporting Yemen Shia rebels with weapons and advisory personnel. The Shia rebels refused to make peace, in part because of continued Iranian support and partly out of fear of the consequences. Yemen has proved to be an embarrassment for Iran and the Saudi/UAE backed Yemen government. The other Arabs are not willing to suffer the heavy casualties a quick victory would require. The war drags on and wont end until more Arab states like Saudi Arabia fight back and force Iran to halt its support of the rebels. Iranian withdrawal is always a possibility because of growing popular protests in Iran against the expensive foreign wars in Syria and Yemen plus the increased Western naval forces in the Red Sea. Iran smuggled in more and more weapons that were not intended for the ongoing Yemen civil war but for use against targets designated by Iran. Until late 2017 there was not much progress in the Yemen civil war, a development that favored Iran. By early 2018 the Shia rebel coalition began unraveling and Iran suddenly had its own domestic uprising to deal with back home. Worse, the U.S. government changed in early 2017 and the new president was much more aggressive dealing with Iran. There was also a radical new government in Saudi Arabia with a young Crown Prince in charge and organizing more effective resistance to Iranian aggression. That played a role in causing the Yemen unrest evolving into a full-scale civil war in 2015. That was when Shia rebels sought to take control of the entire country. Neighboring Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, quickly formed a military coalition to halt the Yemeni rebel advance. The Arab coalition succeeded and by 2016 pro-government forces were closing in on the rebel-held capital. The coalition did not go after the capital itself because of the expected heavy casualties and property damage in the city. The coalition concentrated on rebuilding the Yemeni armed forces, recruiting allies from the Sunni tribes in the south and eliminating al Qaeda and ISIL groups that had grown stronger as the Shia rebels gained more power. As the fighting intensified in early 2015 Iran admitted it had been quietly supporting the Shia rebels for a long time but now was doing so openly, and that support was increasing. The UN got the government and rebel Shia Houthi forces to accept a cease fire in 2022. Now the Houthis have Western warships and combat aircraft attacking them because of the continuing Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. Iran is allied with China and Chinese commercial ships are not fired on as they enter the Read Sea and head for Suez. Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to seal the deal. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming or a little of both plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This nation concept is still looked on with some suspicion by many in the region. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity like kingdoms, emirates, or modern variations in the form of hereditary secular dictatorships like North Korea. For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Islamic militants in the north. They have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional Shia tribal territories, led by the local imam, a religious leader who was often involved in military planning. This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962. Yemen also became the new headquarters of AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for the terrorists after 2007. Now there is ISIL and an invading army composed of troops from oil-rich neighbors. By late 2017 the rebels were slowly losing ground to government forces who, despite Arab coalition air support and about five thousand ground troops, were still dependent on Yemeni Sunni tribal militias to fight the Shia tribesmen on the ground. While the Shia are only a third of the population, they are united while the Sunni tribes are divided over the issue of again splitting the country in two and with no agreement on who would get the few oil fields in central Yemen. Many of the Sunni tribes tolerate or even support AQAP and ISIL. Yemen is the poorest region of the Arabian Peninsula, although the only one that receives enough rain each year to permit farming. Instead of food, other crops are encouraged. Much of the Yemeni agricultural crisis is caused by the fact that Yemen's economic situation has been rapidly deteriorating since the late 20th century. This is largely because the government has done nothing to deal with the overpopulation and water shortages in Yemen, as well as Khat. The last item is a narcotic plant that is chewed fresh, requires a lot of water to grow and is worth a lot of money in Saudi Arabia where it is illegal and has to be smuggled in. The Khat profits go to the warlords. The Shia rebels are seen by other Yemenis as just another gang of armed men seeking to establish themselves as warlords in part of Yemen. There is some truth to that, but the Shia rebels cannot ignore the wishes of their Iranian backers. Thats why the Iranian smuggling pipeline continues to operate, and the Yemen rebels were able to buy additional weapons from other sources because they received cash from nations or groups hostile to the Arab Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Shia rebels were from northern Yemen and controlled the border with Saudi Arabia. Over the last decade the rebels launched more and more attacks on Saudi targets. The rebels obtained more powerful weapons as well, including Iranian ballistic missiles, which were disassembled so they could be smuggled from Iran to Yemen, where Iranian technicians supervised the missiles being assembled and launched into Saudi Arabia. In the last few years, the rebels have received longer range ballistic missiles that can hit Saudi and UAE oil production facilities on the Persian Gulf coast. The rebels also fired more missiles at targets passing the Yemen Red Sea coast controlled by the rebels. This has always been a potential threat to ships using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal in Egypt, at the north end of the Red Sea. At the end of 2023 Iran ordered the Yemen rebels to open fire on shipping in the Red Sea, which moves along the Yemen coast on its way to or from Saudi ports or the Suez Canal. Ships unable to use the canal must take the longer route around the southern tip of Africa. This takes more time and increases costs for the shipping company and their customers. The Western response was more warships in the Red Sea and more aerial firepower attacking hostile targets in Yemen. Iranian-backed groups throughout the region are now under attack. [Jim, only Israel is attacking Hezbollah, and that has nothing to do with the Red Sea. SAO PAULO, BRAZIL / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Bioma Token, a creative initiative in the DeFi world, utilises blockchain technology to establish a secure and transparent ecosystem. With a unique approach, the Bioma Token is establishing a new era of environmental conservation by dedicating one inch of forest per token, beginning with the foundation's own permanent preservation areas. More than just a cryptocurrency, the Bioma Token is building unity between people worldwide and the evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency world making a phenomenal move towards sustainability. Bioma EcoLodge Hotel: First and Only Crypto Eco Hotel The Bioma Eco Lodge focuses on sustainability by implementing the use of sustainably sourced local materials in building as well as waste management and renewable energy systems. To maintain exclusivity, the number of guests who can visit the Eco Hotel is limited. NFT Experience at Bioma Eco Lodge This creative project creates a strong bond between visitors and the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest that goes well beyond a normal visit. Every guest will have the unique chance to plant a tree and leave their unique mark on the environment, all of which will be painstakingly documented on the blockchain via a unique NFT. This can act as a digital demonstration of your commitment to forest preservation, every tree you plant becomes a distinct NFT with real-time updates and monitoring that is accessible to watch its progress and users can use their NFT to tell a compelling story about their involvement in forest conservation. "We have the vision of setting the benchmark for forest preservation within the cryptocurrency realm, establishing a model to be followed and admired across the industry, our Eco Lodge has been one the examples of what our vision is. We also have plans for Bioma Blockchain as well as the Bioma Eco Tree project that would act as another step towards our commitment towards the sustainability of the Amazon Biome", said Edson Gurgel, CEO & Founder of BIOMA ECO. Roadmap From Q1-2023, project evaluations were started, equipment for a live 24/7 broadcast of the forests was acquired, and a massive marketing effort that included traditional and internet media outlets was launched, laying the foundation for the project. The rest of 2023 saw a lot of progress as the Bioma Token Game's iOS and Android versions were finished, and marketing video scripts showcasing the project's features were created. Also, in Q4 of 2023, a contract with Exchange Bitcointoyou was signed, plans for a private pre-sale were made, the Bioma Ecolodge was opened, and on December 11th, the much-awaited Bioma Token pre-sale took place. With five million units available to the general public, the Bioma Token was launched in Q1 2024. The first lockup batch's release in Q2 of 2024 predicts greater growth, bringing 5 Million more tokens to the market. The aim for 2025 is the implementation of a robust DeFi platform that will empower Bioma Token investors to securely store their assets and receive a monthly income, underscoring the commitment to creating value and sustainability for the community. With the launch of Bioma Ecolodge in 2023, BIOMA ECO has also been successful in forest reserve acquisition, geo reference for the reserve as well as local community integration which helps to preserve the rich customs and culture of the local populations. Also, establishing healthy relationships with nearby communities makes sure that BIOMA ECO have a beneficial impact on their well-being and the preservation of their way of life. BIOMA ECO also plans on launching the Bioma Blockchain soon. The company's commitment to sustainability can also be witnessed from the data from their Tokenomics, which shows around 1.5 Million tokens being reserved for their upcoming Bioma Eco Trees project. Source: BIOMA Token Whitepaper Learn more about the BIOMA Project: More details about the project can be found on their website ( https://www.bioma.eco ) and their Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Bioma_eco ). For in-depth information about the project, read the Whitepaper here . Media Contact Organization: Bioma Contact Person: Edson Gurgel Website: https://www.bioma.eco Email: [email protected] City: Sao Paulo Country: Brazil SOURCE: Bioma View the original press release on accesswire.com The four-year legal dispute was settled out of court this week with both sides agreeing to retire the Mountaineers Foundation name, closing out the remaining issue in the lawsuit SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The final piece of litigation between The Mountaineers and Keta Legacy Foundation has been formally settled out of court this week. Both groups leaders have been engaging in confidential negotiations since September 2023 to resolve the remaining piece of the litigation: The use of and rights to the Mountaineers Foundation name. After months of negotiations to resolve the final piece of the overall litigation, we are pleased to find a pathway forward that ensures both organizations can focus their time and resources on our missions and align with our board and donor values, said Jeff Wirtz, former president of Keta Legacy Foundation. In addition to agreeing that both groups will retire the name Mountaineers Foundation, we also found our way to resolving other issues that arose due to cross-boundary access needs. Reaching common ground allows us to move forward with our top priorities of protecting the forests and salmon-bearing streams in and around the Rhododendron Preserve and ensuring outdoor access for all through both groups activities. Both groups benefit from finding common ground, not just on the name, but on access to one anothers lands. Weve been neighbors in Kitsap County for decades and we each have a stake in protecting the environment while ensuring that we respect each others priorities. This agreement achieves those goals which we reached in a spirit of compromise and a desire to forge a better working relationship moving forward, said Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers. Most important, this agreement allows both organizations to put these issues behind us and allows us each to focus on the important work ahead. In addition to agreeing that neither organization will use the Mountaineers Foundation name, the two groups reached resolution on issues unrelated to the final litigation, including: A land swap that allows Keta Legacy Foundation clear access to the Big Tree Trail and the recently restored salmon habitat of Hidden Valley as well as The Mountaineers backstage access to the Kitsap Forest Theater and space for parking. An agreement on a commonsense process to determine the intent of donors bequests and whether they were meant to go to Keta Legacy Foundation or The Mountaineers. Reciprocal easements for potential electrical upgrades across each others properties, allowing for a safer electrical system for the Theater and potential electrical needs on Keta Legacy Foundations land. Wirtz and Vogl believe the months-long negotiations sparked a better understanding of what each group does, their missions and their desire to focus their time and resources on the good work for which both organizations are known. The leaders added that while this dispute was not how either wanted to dedicate time and energy, the work has created a greater framework for more thoughtful collaboration in the future. For more information, visit mountaineersfoundation.org. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS The Mountaineers is a Washington nonprofit corporation, originally founded in 1906, and merging with its successor organization The Mountaineers of the Pacific Northwest in 2011, with the purpose of providing, among many other services and activities, a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, educational activities, training, charitable fundraising, conservation activities, and social events. Keta Legacy Foundation is a Washington nonprofit corporation, originally founded in 1968 as the Mountaineers Foundation, with the purpose of providing community grants, educational activities, charitable fundraising, stewarding lands and waters including the Rhododendron Preserve in Kitsap County, and conservation activities. The organization will change its legal name to Keta Legacy Foundation in 2024. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240216081300/en/ Media Contacts: Keta Legacy Foundation: Bobbi Cussins, 360-280-1679, [email protected] The Mountaineers: Mark Firmani, 206-919-9357, [email protected] Source: The Mountaineers Robust sales growth of 3% in 2023, reaching $36.7 billion. Strong backlog of $31.8 billion, promising future revenue streams. Strategic acquisitions and innovation aligning with key megatrends. Continued investment in employee development and diversity initiatives. On February 16, 2024, Honeywell International Inc (NASDAQ:HON) released its 10-K filing, revealing a year of strategic growth and operational excellence. The company reported a 3% increase in sales, amounting to $36.7 billion, with significant contributions from its Commercial Aviation, Defense and Space, and Process Solutions businesses. Honeywell's commitment to its Honeywell Accelerator operating model has been pivotal in driving growth, margin expansion, and cash generation. The company's robust backlog, valued at $31.8 billion, lays a solid foundation for future revenue, while strategic acquisitions and a focus on megatrends such as automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition, underscore its forward-thinking approach. With a strong balance sheet and a dedication to shareholder value, Honeywell International Inc stands as a formidable player in its diverse markets. Decoding Honeywell International Inc (HON): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Diverse Portfolio and Innovation: Honeywell International Inc's diverse portfolio across Aerospace, Building Technologies, Performance Materials and Technologies, and Safety and Productivity Solutions is a significant strength. This diversification not only mitigates risks associated with market volatility but also allows for cross-pollination of technologies and best practices. The company's innovation, particularly in the aerospace sector, is evidenced by its backlog growth to $31.8 billion, indicating strong future demand. Honeywell's investment in Honeywell Forge, an enterprise performance management software, demonstrates its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology across its operations. Financial Health and Capital Deployment: Honeywell's financial health is robust, with a disciplined approach to capital deployment. In 2023, the company strategically allocated $8.3 billion towards capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, and mergers and acquisitions. This financial prudence has enabled Honeywell to reduce share count and increase dividends consistently, enhancing shareholder value. The company's ability to maintain a strong balance sheet while investing in growth opportunities positions it well for sustained success. Story continues Weaknesses Competition and Price Sensitivity: Honeywell International Inc operates in highly competitive markets, where performance, technology, and price are key differentiators. As noted in the 10-K filing, the company faces considerable price competition, which can pressure margins and profitability. While Honeywell is a significant competitor in its major product and service areas, the need to continuously innovate and maintain cost efficiency is imperative to stay ahead of competitors like Siemens, Emerson, and 3M. Supply Chain and Single-Source Dependencies: The company's reliance on single or sole-source suppliers, particularly in Aerospace, poses a vulnerability. Supply chain disruptions or supplier performance issues could impact Honeywell's ability to meet delivery commitments, potentially affecting customer relationships and financial results. Although Honeywell has implemented strategies to mitigate these risks, the inherent weakness in supply chain dependencies remains a concern. Opportunities Megatrend Alignment and Acquisitions: Honeywell International Inc's strategic focus on megatrends such as automation, the future of aviation, and energy transition presents significant growth opportunities. The company's recent acquisitions, including Compressor Controls Corporation and SCADAfence, align with these trends and offer potential for market expansion and technological advancements. Honeywell's proactive approach to capitalizing on these global shifts can drive long-term growth and market leadership. International Expansion and Market Penetration: With more than half of Honeywell's sales coming from international operations, there is ample opportunity for further geographic expansion and market penetration. The company's global presence and established reputation provide a platform to leverage emerging markets and increase its share in existing ones. Honeywell's ability to navigate the complexities of international trade and regulations will be crucial in realizing these opportunities. Threats Macroeconomic and Industry Risks: Honeywell International Inc's performance is subject to macroeconomic and industry-specific risks, including fluctuations in demand for air travel, global construction activity, and commodity prices. These factors can adversely affect customer investments and, consequently, demand for Honeywell's products and services. The company's diverse portfolio provides some buffer, but sensitivity to economic cycles remains a threat to stability and growth. Geopolitical and Regulatory Challenges: The company's extensive international operations expose it to geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and regulatory changes. For instance, the ongoing trade actions between the U.S. and China, including tariffs and retaliatory measures, could impact Honeywell's competitive position and financial results. Navigating these challenges requires strategic foresight and adaptability to maintain operational efficiency and compliance. In conclusion, Honeywell International Inc's SWOT analysis reveals a company with a strong foundation, characterized by a diverse portfolio, financial health, and strategic alignment with global megatrends. However, competitive pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, macroeconomic uncertainties, and geopolitical risks present ongoing challenges. Honeywell's ability to innovate, expand internationally, and manage external threats will be critical in shaping its future trajectory. With a solid backlog and a clear strategic vision, Honeywell International Inc is well-positioned to capitalize on its strengths and opportunities while addressing its weaknesses and threats. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Approval based on FLAURA2 results which showed TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy extended median progression-free survival by nearly 9 months vs. standard of care WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AstraZenecas TAGRISSO (osimertinib) with the addition of chemotherapy has been approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approval following a Priority Review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was based on the results from the FLAURA2 Phase III trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine. TAGRISSO with the addition of chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 38% compared to TAGRISSO monotherapy which is the 1st-line global standard of care (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.79; p plus chemotherapy, an 8.8-month improvement versus TAGRISSO monotherapy (16.7 months). PFS results from blinded independent central review (BICR) were consistent with the results by investigator assessment, showing 29.4 months median PFS with TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy, a 9.5-month improvement over TAGRISSO monotherapy (19.9 months) (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.48-0.80; p=0.0002). Each year in the US, there are over 200,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer, and 80-85% of these patients are diagnosed with NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer.1-3 Approximately 70% of people are diagnosed with advanced NSCLC.4 Additionally, about 15% of NSCLC patients in the US have an EGFR mutation.5 Pasi A. Janne, MD, PhD, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the trial, said: This approval based on the unprecedented data from FLAURA2 brings a critical new treatment option to patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Now, with the choice of two highly effective osimertinib-based options, physicians can better tailor treatment to an individuals needs and help ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice President, Oncology Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said: This important new treatment option can delay disease progression by nearly nine additional months, establishing a new benchmark with the longest reported progression-free survival benefit in the 1st-line advanced setting. This approval reinforces TAGRISSO as the backbone of EGFR-mutated lung cancer treatment either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. This news is especially important for those with a poorer prognosis, including patients whose cancer has spread to the brain and those with L858R mutations. Laurie Ambrose, President and CEO, GO2 for Lung Cancer, said: We are so excited to see this continued progress advancing more personalized treatment options for our community. The more we can target the right treatments for the right people at the right time, the better outcomes will be for our community a goal we all collectively share. Results from a prespecified exploratory analysis of patients in the FLAURA2 trial with brain metastases at baseline showed TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy reduced the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disease progression or death by 42% compared to TAGRISSO alone (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.33-1.01) as assessed by BICR. With two years of follow up, 74% of patients treated with TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy had not experienced CNS disease progression or death versus 54% of patients treated with TAGRISSO monotherapy. While the overall survival (OS) results remained immature at the second interim analysis (41% maturity), no trend towards a detriment was observed (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57-0.97). The trial continues to assess OS as a key secondary endpoint. The safety profile of TAGRISSO with the addition of chemotherapy was generally manageable and consistent with the established profiles of the individual medicines. Adverse event (AE) rates were higher in the TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy arm, driven by well-characterized chemotherapy-related AEs. Discontinuation rates for TAGRISSO due to AEs were low in both arms of the trial (11% for TAGRISSO plus chemotherapy and 6% for monotherapy). In December 2023, TAGRISSO with the addition of chemotherapy was added to the NCCN Clinical Practical Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) as a NCCN Category 1 Other Recommended regimen for patients with NSCLC whose tumors have EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R mutations based on the data from FLAURA2.6 The US regulatory submission was reviewed under Project Orbis, which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology medicines among participating international partners. As part of Project Orbis, TAGRISSO in combination with chemotherapy is also under review by regulatory authorities in Australia, Canada, and Switzerland. Regulatory applications are also under review in several other countries based on the FLAURA2 results. TAGRISSO is approved as monotherapy in more than 100 countries including in the US, EU, China and Japan. Approved indications include for 1st-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC, locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, and adjuvant treatment of early-stage EGFRm NSCLC. Regulatory applications are under review in several countries based on the FLAURA2 results. As part of AstraZenecas ongoing commitment to treating patients as early as possible in lung cancer, TAGRISSO is also being investigated in the neoadjuvant setting in the NeoADAURA Phase III trial with results expected later this year, and in the early-stage adjuvant resectable setting in the ADAURA2 Phase III trial. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION There are no contraindications for TAGRISSO Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis occurred in 4% of the 1813 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.4% of cases were fatal. In the FLAURA2 study, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 3.3% of the 276 patients who received TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy; 0.4% of cases were fatal. Withhold TAGRISSO and promptly investigate for ILD in patients who present with worsening of respiratory symptoms which may be indicative of ILD (eg, dyspnea, cough and fever). Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO if ILD/pneumonitis is confirmed Heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation occurs in TAGRISSO-treated patients. Of the 1813 TAGRISSO monotherapy-treated patients in clinical trials, 1.1% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 4.3% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. Of the 276 patients treated with TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy in the FLAURA2 study, 1.8% were found to have a QTc >500 msec, and 10.5% of patients had an increase from baseline QTc >60 msec. No QTc-related arrhythmias were reported. Conduct periodic monitoring with ECGs and electrolytes in patients with congenital long QTc syndrome, congestive heart failure, electrolyte abnormalities, or those who are taking medications known to prolong the QTc interval. Permanently discontinue TAGRISSO in patients who develop QTc interval prolongation with signs/symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia Cardiomyopathy occurred in 3.8% of the 1813 TAGRISSO-treated patients; 0.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. In the FLAURA2 study, cardiomyopathy occurred in 9% of the 276 patients who received TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy; 1.1% of cardiomyopathy cases were fatal. A decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10% from baseline and to Keratitis was reported in 0.6% of 1813 patients treated with TAGRISSO monotherapy in clinical trials. Promptly refer patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of keratitis (such as eye inflammation, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eye) to an ophthalmologist Postmarketing cases consistent with erythema multiforme major (EMM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if EMM, SJS, or TEN is suspected and permanently discontinue if confirmed Postmarketing cases of cutaneous vasculitis including leukocytoclastic vasculitis, urticarial vasculitis, and IgA vasculitis have been reported in patients receiving TAGRISSO. Withhold TAGRISSO if cutaneous vasculitis is suspected, evaluate for systemic involvement, and consider dermatology consultation. If no other etiology can be identified, consider permanent discontinuation of TAGRISSO based on severity Aplastic anemia has been reported in patients treated with TAGRISSO in clinical trials (0.06% of 1813) and postmarketing. Some cases had a fatal outcome. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of aplastic anemia including but not limited to, new or persistent fevers, bruising, bleeding, and pallor. If aplastic anemia is suspected, withhold TAGRISSO and obtain a hematology consultation. If aplastic anemia is confirmed, permanently discontinue TAGRISSO. Perform complete blood count with differential before starting TAGRISSO, periodically throughout treatment, and more frequently if indicated Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating TAGRISSO. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 6 weeks after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 4 months after the final dose Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from TAGRISSO, women should not breastfeed during treatment with TAGRISSO and for 2 weeks after the final dose. Most common (20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were: TAGRISSO monotherapy: leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, diarrhea, rash, musculoskeletal pain, neutropenia, nail toxicity, dry skin, stomatitis, and fatigue TAGRISSO in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy: leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, rash, diarrhea, stomatitis, nail toxicity, dry skin, and increased blood creatinine INDICATIONS [TAGRISSO is indicated as adjuvant therapy after tumor resection in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test] [TAGRISSO is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test] [TAGRISSO is indicated in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test] [TAGRISSO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation-positive NSCLC, as detected by an FDA-approved test, whose disease has progressed on or after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy] Please see complete Prescription Information, including Patient Information for TAGRISSO. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here Notes Lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for about one-fifth of all cancer deaths.7 Lung cancer is broadly split into NSCLC and small cell lung cancer.2 The majority of all NSCLC patients are diagnosed with advanced disease.4 Patients with EGFRm NSCLC are particularly sensitive to treatment with an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) which blocks the cell-signaling pathways that drive the growth of tumor cells.8 FLAURA2 FLAURA2 is a randomized, open-label, multi-center, global Phase III trial in the 1st-line treatment of patients with locally advanced (Stage IIIB-IIIC) or metastatic (Stage IV) EGFRm NSCLC. Patients were treated with TAGRISSO 80mg once daily oral tablets with the addition of chemotherapy (pemetrexed (500mg/m2) plus cisplatin (75mg/m2) or carboplatin (AUC5)) every three weeks for four cycles, followed by TAGRISSO with pemetrexed maintenance every three weeks. The trial enrolled 557 patients in more than 150 centers across more than 20 countries, including in the US, Europe, South America and Asia. The primary endpoint is PFS. The trial is ongoing and will continue to assess the secondary endpoint of OS. TAGRISSO TAGRISSO (osimertinib) is a third-generation, irreversible EGFR-TKI with proven clinical activity in NSCLC, including against CNS metastases. TAGRISSO (40mg and 80mg once-daily oral tablets) has been used to treat more than 800,000 patients across its indications worldwide and AstraZeneca continues to explore TAGRISSO as a treatment for patients across multiple stages of EGFRm NSCLC. There is an extensive body of evidence supporting the use of TAGRISSO in EGFRm NSCLC. TAGRISSO is the only targeted therapy to improve patient outcomes in both early-stage disease in the ADAURA Phase III trial and late-stage disease in the FLAURA Phase III trial and FLAURA2 Phase III trial. The Company is also researching ways to address tumor mechanisms of resistance through the SAVANNAH and ORCHARD Phase II trials, and the SAFFRON Phase III trial, which test TAGRISSO plus savolitinib, an oral, potent and highly selective MET TKI, as well as other potential new medicines. AstraZeneca in lung cancer AstraZeneca is working to bring patients with lung cancer closer to cure through the detection and treatment of early-stage disease, while also pushing the boundaries of science to improve outcomes in the resistant and advanced settings. By defining new therapeutic targets and investigating innovative approaches, the Company aims to match medicines to the patients who can benefit most. The Companys comprehensive portfolio includes leading lung cancer medicines and the next wave of innovations, including TAGRISSO and IRESSA (gefitinib); IMFINZI (durvalumab) and IMJUDO (tremelimumab-aclt); ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) and datopotamab deruxtecan in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo; ORPATHYS (savolitinib) in collaboration with HUTCHMED; as well as a pipeline of potential new medicines and combinations across diverse mechanisms of action. AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment. AstraZeneca in oncology AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. The Companys focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience. AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death. About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca. References ASCO. Lung Cancer - Non-Small Cell: Introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-non-small-cell/types-treatment. Accessed February 2024. LUNGevity Foundation. Types of Lung Cancer. Available at: https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101/types-of-lung-cancer. Accessed February 2024. American Cancer Society. What Is Lung Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html#:~:text=About%2080%25%20to%2085%25%20of,(outlook)%20are%20often%20similar. Accessed February 2024. Cagle PT, et al. Lung Cancer Biomarkers: Present Status and Future Developments. Archives Pathology Lab Med. 2013;137:1191-1198. Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. J Clin Oncol. 2011:29;2121-27. NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Version 1.2024. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. [2024]. All rights reserved. Accessed [February 14, 2024]. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. World Health Organisation. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lung Fact Sheet. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/15-Lung-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed February 2024. Cross DA, et al. AZD9291, an Irreversible EGFR TKI, Overcomes T790M-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors in Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov. 2014;4(9):1046-1061. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240216171764/en/ Media Inquiries Brendan McEvoy, +1 302 885 2677 Chelsea Tressler, +1 302 885 2677 US Media Mailbox: [email protected] Source: AstraZeneca TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FT Portfolios Canada Co. (First Trust Canada), announced today that the cap, buffer and dates for the next Target Outcome Period for the First Trust Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF February (FEBB.F) (the fund or February Buffer ETF) are as follows: TICKER CAP BUFFER OUTCOME PERIOD FEBB.F 16.83% (Gross) 10% 20/02/2024 21/02/2025 The previous Target Outcome Period for FEBB.F concluded on February 16, 2024 and the upside cap for the new Target Outcome Period has been reset to prevailing market conditions. The fund seeks an outcome that provides investors with returns (before fees, expenses and taxes) that match the price return of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY or underlying ETF), up to a predetermined upside cap, while providing a buffer against potential SPY losses. The fund is managed and sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC (Vest) using a target outcome strategy or pre-determined target investment outcome. If an investor purchases hedged units after the first day of the Target Outcome Period, they will likely have a different return potential than an investor who purchased hedged units at the start of the Target Outcome Period and the buffer the fund seeks may not be available. First Trust Canada believes a buffer against a level of losses can help investors stay invested during volatile times. The fund offers a way to gain access to outcome-based investingspecifically to buffer against a level of downside risk while allowing growth to a maximum cap eliminating bank credit risk, in a convenient, flexible investment vehicle. Karan Sood and Howard Rubin, of Vest, serve as a portfolio managers for the fund. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for making investment management decisions for the fund. For further information: Media Contact: Susan Johnson, FT Portfolios Canada Co., 40 King Street West, Suite 5102, Email: [email protected], 1-877-622-5552. About First Trust First Trust Canada is the trustee, manager and promoter of the fund. First Trust Canada and its affiliates First Trust Advisors L.P. (FTA), portfolio advisor to the fund, an Ontario Securities Commission registered portfolio manager and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisor, and First Trust Portfolios L.P., a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately U.S.$211.21 billion as of January 31, 2024 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. For more information, visit www.firsttrust.ca. About Vest: Vest (formerly, Cboe Vest) is the creator of Target Outcome Investments, which strive to buffer losses, amplify gains or provide consistent income to a diverse spectrum of investors. Today, Vests Target Outcome StrategiesTM are available in mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), unit investment trusts (UITs), collective investment trusts (CITs), and customizable managed accounts / sub-advisory services. For more information about Vest and the evolution of Target Outcome Investments, visit www.vestfin.com or contact Linda Werner at [email protected] or 703-864-5483. There may be commissions, management fees and expenses associated with ETF investments. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the prospectus of the fund before investing. Contact FT Portfolios Canada at 1-877-622-5552 or visit www.firsttrust.ca to obtain a copy of the prospectus and ETF Facts for the fund. Important Information The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. Financial advisors are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients. First Trust Advisors L.P. is the portfolio advisor to the fund. First Trust Advisors L.P. is an affiliate of FT Portfolios Canada Co., the trustee, manager and promoter of the fund. Further information about First Trust Canadas ETFs can be found at www.firsttrust.ca. CONTACT: Susan Johnson First Trust Portfolios Canada (416) 865-8054 [email protected] Source: FT Portfolios Canada Co. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 16, 2024) - CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (TSXV: EKG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), a global medical provider of consumer heart monitoring and medical electrocardiogram ("ECG") software solutions, is pleased to announce that Dr. Robin Black has been added to the Company's board of directors. In addition, the Company would like to provide an update on its audit of its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company confirms that Dr. Robin Black has joined as the fourth member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Black brings a wealth of experience in the development and support of early-stage medical device company technologies. During his time with the National Research Council (NRC), Dr. Black co-founded the NRC Space Life Science program with a special focus on the application of Canada's expertise in tele-medicine to the design of the health care facility on the International Space Station. He subsequently served as an Industrial Technology Advisor with NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program working under a mandate to support the development of medical device companies nationally. Throughout his career he has been active in supporting the engineering profession through the executive of affiliate organizations of the Engineering Institute of Canada and presently serves on the executive of the Vancouver Island Engineering Society. Dr. Black received a B.Sc. in Biology from McMaster University, a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and holds a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) designation. In January of 2024, CardioComm undertook a comprehensive review of its financial reporting and accounting infrastructure and proactively implemented system changes which included engaging a professional advisory firm to oversee audit functions and financial operations. These changes will ensure the Company will continue to meet its reporting timelines, starting with the Company's 2023 year-end financial statements and associated disclosures, due April 29, 2024, in addition to improving the quality of the information disseminated to the Company's valued shareholders. The advisor will also provide the Company with access to a range of consulting, accounting and advisory services. The contracted firm has extensive experience with ASPE, IFRS and U.S. GAAP and a variety of securities filings such as prospectuses, registration statements, business acquisition reports and other public filings in the U.S. and Canada, and has assisted companies in going public transactions through CPCs and reverse takeovers as well as assisting with buy-side and sell-side due diligence. To learn more about CardioComm's products and for further updates please visit the Company's websites at www.cardiocommsolutions.com and www.theheartcheck.com. About CardioComm Solutions CardioComm Solutions' patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485 and ISO 27001 certifications, is HIPAA compliant and holds medical device clearances and sales licenses from the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer 1-877-977-9425 x227 [email protected] Forward-looking statements This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations). Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/198365 Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. SIPs, renowned for their energy efficiency and eco-friendly design, have gained tremendous traction in recent years. Georgia Terra offers a new service to bridge the gap between builders and DIY enthusiasts. Georgia Terra, a frontrunner in the Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) industry, today unveiled its approach to SIP installations. Recognizing the growing debate among homeowners and builders to DIY or to opt for professional installation the company has launched a suite of services tailored to support both choices. SIPs, renowned for their energy efficiency and eco-friendly design, have gained tremendous traction in recent years. This surge in popularity has given rise to a pivotal question: Is the DIY route the way to go, or is professional expertise the key to unlocking SIPs' full potential? Georgia Terra's CEO Eli Ducros weighed in on the matter: "We understand the hands-on approach of DIY, and with SIPs a small team can build a home in a few days. At the same time, we recognize the value of professional expertise. Our goal is to bridge the gap, offering solutions that cater to both ends of the spectrum." Tailored SIP Services for All Construction Needs Georgia Terra's range of services includes: Consultation and Purchase: A dedicated team assists clients in selecting the ideal SIPs tailored to their architectural visions and functional requirements. Installation Assistance: Catering to DIY aficionados and those seeking a professional touch, Georgia Terra provides insights, resources, and recommendations to ensure efficient and top-notch results. Post-Installation Support: Beyond installation, Georgia Terra commits to being a long-term partner, offering maintenance advice and addressing any arising concerns. By positioning itself as a comprehensive SIP solution provider, Georgia Terra hopes to demystify the installation process and empower homeowners and builders to make informed decisions. "Our aim is to be more than a supplier. We're here to be a guide, a consultant, and a partner, ensuring every SIP installation, be it DIY or professional, stands the test of time," remarked Eli Ducros. For more information on Georgia Terra's SIP services or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://siphousepanels.com About the company: Georgia Terra is a leading provider of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), committed to delivering quality, efficiency, and innovation in every project. With a client-centric approach, the company has rapidly become a trusted name in the SIP industry, offering end-to-end solutions from selection to post-installation support in the United States. Contact Info: Name: Elie Ducros Email: Send Email Organization: Georgia Terra Inc. Address: 225 Parkway 575 Woodstock GA 30188 Phone: 770-215-0888 Website: https://siphousepanels.com/ Video URL: https://youtu.be/NggjLjWgHVE?si=5uX5qrFdRIh9jsZC Release ID: 89121770 If you come across any problems, discrepancies, or concerns related to the content contained within this press release that necessitate action or if a press release requires takedown, we strongly encourage you to reach out without delay by contacting [email protected]. Our committed team will be readily accessible round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take appropriate actions to rectify identified issues or support with press release removals. Ensuring accurate and reliable information remains our unwavering commitment. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Rene Schroeder's transformative book, "Lost in the Ocean of Agility" renowned for its insightful take on Agile Transformation Strategies, is now reaching a wider audience with its release in five languages - English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Additionally, the book is available in audiobook format in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This expansion ensures that Rene Schroeder's pivotal work on Navigating Organizational Agility and Overcoming Common Agility Pitfalls is accessible to a global readership. A notable highlight of "Lost in the Ocean of Agility" is the foreword by Javier Rodriguez Gonzalez, Global Head of Value Creation at KPMG International. Javier Rodriguez Gonzalez, a leader in global advisory services, brings his extensive experience and deep understanding of todays business challenges to the foreword, offering readers an invaluable perspective on the book's relevance in the modern business landscape. "Lost in the Ocean of Agility" is more than a mere business book; it's a lifeline for navigating organizational agility. This compelling work delves into overcoming common agility pitfalls and equips leaders with strategies for dynamic business adaptation. Rene Schroeder's expertise shines through in every chapter, offering agile leadership insights essential for thriving in uncertain markets. The book stands out for its unique narrative style, employing maritime metaphors to simplify complex concepts. This innovative approach brings to life the real-life agility challenges faced by organizations, making it a relatable and engaging read. Why "Lost in the Ocean of Agility" is a Must-Read: Agile Transformation Strategies : The book offers a deep dive into the strategies that are essential for a successful agile transformation. : The book offers a deep dive into the strategies that are essential for a successful agile transformation. Overcoming Common Agility Pitfalls : Rene Schroeder addresses the typical challenges and obstacles organizations face on their agile journey, offering practical solutions. : Rene Schroeder addresses the typical challenges and obstacles organizations face on their agile journey, offering practical solutions. Dynamic Business Adaptation: With the business landscape constantly evolving, the book provides insights on how to adapt swiftly and effectively. With the business landscape constantly evolving, the book provides insights on how to adapt swiftly and effectively. Agile Leadership Insights : Leaders will find invaluable insights on guiding their teams through agile transformation. : Leaders will find invaluable insights on guiding their teams through agile transformation. Thriving in Uncertain Markets : The book equips readers with the knowledge to succeed in fluctuating market conditions. : The book equips readers with the knowledge to succeed in fluctuating market conditions. Real-Life Agility Challenges: Rene Schroeder uses real-world examples to illustrate the principles of agile business, making the book highly practical and applicable. About the Author: Rene Schroeder is a master of change, integrating agility into the core of organizations. With over two decades of experience, he has emerged as a leading figure in agile consulting. His pragmatic approach and tailored strategies for various industries have transformed numerous business challenges into success stories.. Foreword by Javier Rodriguez Gonzalez: Javier Rodriguezs foreword sets the stage for the book, emphasizing its practicality and the crucial role of agile methodologies in modern business. His endorsement underscores the book's significance as a guide for leaders and organizations embarking on the agile transformation journey. Availability: "Lost in the Ocean of Agility" is available for purchase online and in bookstores. The audiobook versions provide an alternative for those who prefer listening to reading. For More Information: Visit them for more details about "Lost in the Ocean of Agility." Review copies, interviews with Rene Schroeder, and additional press materials are available upon request. Contact Info: Name: Rene Schroder Email: Send Email Organization: Panda Story ~ a book series about agility Website: https://pandastory.blog Release ID: 89121716 If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority. Establishing a comprehensive "AI-assisted Physician" using generative AI from Google Cloud, including MedLM TAICHUNG, Feb. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) in Taiwan announced its collaboration with Google Cloud in mid-December 2023 . Using Google Cloud's generative AI technology, including MedLM, which is a large language model built on Med-PaLM 2, CMUH has developed a comprehensive "AI-assisted Physician" system which aims to assist healthcare professionals in disease diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, and medical research, etc. The collaboration between CMUH and Google Cloud will introduce assistive tools designed to support medical professionals in precision cancer treatment. These tools, including "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" and "Cancer Therapy Q&As," aim to reduce the time spent searching for information and enable the quick capture of accurate data. This can aid professionals in developing cancer treatment plans, offering personalized treatment-related information to patients, and providing responses to patient health education inquiries. CMUH is one of the first university hospitals in Asia to test MedLM. Through its collaboration with Google Cloud, CMUH is dedicated to driving AI innovation in smart healthcare to shape the future of healthcare in Taiwan . MedLM will help facilitate CMUH in the timely access of accurate medical information to establish the best Healthcare AI models for the Chinese-speaking market in Asia . Prof. Der-Yang Cho , Superintendent of CMUH, pointed out that MedLM is advanced in its ability to provide precise and rapid data analysis for drug guidelines, disease gene sequencing, and medical records, among other areas. Such capabilities can significantly accelerate the discovery of new treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases by medical teams and assist in the rapid development of treatment plans to help patients. "We are excited about this collaboration, which positions smart hospitals in Taiwan at the forefront of providing more precision- and safety-oriented support to healthcare professionals and patients alike," Prof. Der-Yang Cho said. CMUH was already recognized as the world's third smart hospital by the US. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in their 2022 Digital Health Indicator (DHI) ranking. Additionally, Newsweek named CMUH as one of the World's Best Hospitals for 2023 and one of the World's Best Smart Hospitals for 2024. With its widespread recognition, CMUH is deeply committed to advancing the diversification and precision of smart healthcare services. "Life sciences problems are fundamentally data problems, and this is where AI can fully unleash its potential," said Kathy Lee , Managing Director of Google Cloud, North Asia . "Generative AI solutions from Google Cloud can help healthcare and life sciences organizations operate more efficiently and improve patient outcomes. In this remarkable era of gen AI, we are excited to collaborate with medical industry leaders that drive innovation through AI like CMUH, and partner with them to build the future of healthcare in Taiwan ." Aashima Gupta , Global Director of Healthcare Strategy and Solutions at Google Cloud, shared that healthcare professionals are committed to delivering the best care for patients, and gen AI can be a crucial ally in reducing their workload. Gupta pointed out that this technology will ease the cognitive burden for staff and improve personal care for patients. Furthermore, it will allow healthcare professionals at CMUH to devote more time to tasks that require human judgment and expertise. She mentioned that ensuring the safety and effectiveness of gen AI is fundamental to these benefits. Greg Corrado , a Distinguished Scientist and Senior Research Director at Google Research, discussed how MedLM is designed specifically for the healthcare industry and is part of the growing family of gen AI technologies that have the potential to significantly improve the healthcare experience for professionals and patients. Corrado emphasized the importance of collaborating with healthcare institutions like CMUH in testing and implementing new gen AI solutions, underlining it as a critical step towards developing safe and effective AI technologies. Prof. Oscar K. Lee , Vice Superintendent of CMUH explained that among global generative AI large language models, Med-PaLM 2 stands out in model performance. It scored 85% on MedQA-USMLE (US Medical Licensing Examination), reaching a level of excellence comparable to professional physicians. This makes it a pioneer among the world's medical AI models in terms of outstanding performance. By training the model to analyze treatment guidelines and care cultures from various regions, MedLM will become even better at addressing the medical and healthcare needs of local populations." Currently, the collaborative applications between CMUH and Google Cloud include "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" and "Cancer Therapy Q&As". The "Customized Cancer Treatment Guidelines" are developed based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and are integrated with MedLM, enabling clinicians to quickly capture accurate information based on the patient's cancer staging, treatment methods, and risk assessments, etc. It can also generate cancer treatment plans and provide personalized treatment recommendations for clinicians to review, edit and use with patients. Focusing on health education for cancer patients, the "Cancer Therapy Q&As" application incorporated the cancer care-related health educational content of CMUH into the MedLM model for training and optimization, resulting in a system with extensive medical knowledge and Q&A capabilities. Such advancement not only diminishes the time healthcare professionals spend searching for information but also provides comprehensive treatment options. Furthermore, it contributes to enhancing overall clinical efficacy, improving patient understanding and engagement, and enhancing the quality of healthcare, thereby fostering warmer doctor-patient interactions and steering us collectively toward a healthier future. In addition, in terms of new drug development, CMUH is leveraging Google's unique AI accelerators, TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), to assist in calculations related to protein folding and the development of new drugs. Preliminary tests at CMUH have shown that utilizing these resources can reduce the computation time for related programs by over tenfold. With its robust research and development capabilities, CMUH's Artificial Intelligence Center has provided over 20 distinct AI medical services in recent years, assisting doctors in making fast and accurate medical decisions. Media contact: Carolyn Chen , [email protected].tw View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-medical-university-hospital-cmuh-in-taiwan-upgrades-smart-healthcare-with-gen-ai-302062857.html SOURCE China Medical University Hospital Leaders from 36 communities representing youth from more than 650 U.S. schools called on Members of Congress to pass a bill prioritizing youth impacted by foster care, mental health issues and other systemic barriers WASHINGTON , Feb. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of the Children leaders from 36 communities representing youth from more than 650 schools descended upon Capitol Hill last week to deliver one message: put children first. Leaders from Friends of the Children chapters across the country called on members of Congress to prioritize investment in paid, professional mentoring for children who have immense potential and face immeasurable obstacles. "Every child deserves the chance to reach their inherent potential," said Terri Sorensen , national CEO of Friends of the Children. "For more than 30 years, Friends of the Children has demonstrated that with support from a paid, professional mentor, children and families are able to reach for their dreams and overcome great obstacles. We are proud that Congressional members on both sides of the aisle are open to working with our network to realize our vision that every child who needs a Friend has one." Friends of the Children is a nonprofit network that pairs children who face some of the hardest things in life like foster care, housing insecurity, and family mental health challenges with long-term paid, professional mentors. These professional mentors, called Friends, walk alongside youth and their families from kindergarten through high school12+ years, no matter what. Studies of the program show that 92% of youth go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our county, or enter the workforce; 83% of youth earn a high school diploma or GED; 93% of youth remain free from the juvenile justice system; and 98% of youth wait to parent until after their teen years. Leaders from the organization's 36 locations met with more than 70 Congressional offices in both the House and Senate over two days, including in-person meetings with: Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). In addition, Friends of the Children marked its 30th anniversary with a reception at the AT&T Forum near Capitol Hill, awarding Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) with the Champion for Children Award for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of our most vulnerable children. Rep. Blumenauer is set to introduce legislation in the House of Representatives that would formally recognize paid professional mentoring programs, like Friends of the Children. A graduate of the Friends of the Children program, Freddi McCullers , was on hand to share how a Friend impacted her life and to celebrate the organization's anniversary, alongside executive directors and board chairs from each of the chapters. During their visits, Friends of the Children leaders asked Members of Congress to support increased long-term professional mentoring for youth including: The demonstrated return on investment ( $7 to $1 ) of the Friends of the Children professional mentoring model. to ) of the professional mentoring model. The impact of the Friends of the Children model localized to support the specific needs of youth and families in rural, Indigenous, suburban and urban communities. model localized to support the specific needs of youth and families in rural, Indigenous, suburban and urban communities. The introduction of legislation that would create a five-year pilot program supporting professional mentoring programs for youth. Friends of the Children has shown tremendous growth from 5 to 36 locations in the 10 years as more communities recognize the model as a strategy for both foster care prevention and mental health promotion for young people for face great obstacles. Their work has recently been featured on CNN and in The New York Times and Vanity Fair . Learn more at friendsofthechildren.org . Media kit with photos and videos from the event is accessible here (photo credit: Ting Shen ). About Friends of the Children Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit with the mission of impacting generational change by empowering youth who face the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors 12+ years, no matter what. Our successful model is now in 36 locations around the country in rural, Indigenous, suburban, and urban communities. Our work has been highlighted in The New York Times , Stanford Social Innovation Review and CBS News . Visit friendsofthechildren.org to learn more and follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn . Contact: Ariane Le Chevallier , [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leaders-from-across-friends-of-the-childrens-national-network-meet-with-members-of-congress-to-advocate-for-professional-mentoring-for-youth-facing-adversity-302064421.html SOURCE Friends of the Children FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken takes part in a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, southern Germany on February 17, 2024. THOMAS KIENZLE/Pool via REUTERS/FILE PHOTO By Humeyra Pamuk MUNICH (Reuters) -There is "an extraordinary opportunity" in the coming months for Israel to normalise ties with its Arab neighbors, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday, while also emphasizing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state. The top U.S. diplomat said there were genuine efforts led by Arab countries to revitalize the Palestinian Authority so it can be more effective in representing the Palestinians. "Virtually every Arab country now genuinely wants to integrate Israel into the region to normalize relations...to provide security commitments and assurances so that Israel can feel more safe," Blinken said during a panel discussion at the annual Munich Security Conference. "And there's also, I think the imperative, that's more urgent than ever, to proceed to a Palestinian state that also ensures the security of Israel," he added. The Biden administration has been working to secure a mega-deal that will see ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel normalize. The Kingdom and other Arab countries are seeking the creation of a Palestinian state as part of the deal. Washington is also working to achieve a deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 when the group crossed the border into Israel and mounted one of the deadliest attacks on the country in decades. While in Munich, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discussed efforts to reach a hostage deal and achieve a pause in the conflict to allow more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, a State Department spokesman said in a statement. The hostage deal and the humanitarian pause are seen as instrumental in helping advance conversations on a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which had been frozen in the immediate aftermath of the attack but have resumed in recent months. Talks on the structure of Gaza when the war ends, and how the Palestinian Authority - which exercises limited self-rule in some areas of the occupied West Bank - needs to be reformed to potentially rule the densely populated enclave and identifying a pathway for a Palestinian state are all variables in the same equation, according to U.S. officials. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Jason Lange in Washington; Editing by Jan Harvey and Diane Craft) French President Emmanuel Macron speaks while making a joint statement with King of Jordan Abdullah II at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 16 February 2024. YOAN VALAT/Pool via REUTERS PARIS (Reuters) - The recognition of a Palestinian state is no longer a taboo for France, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday, suggesting Paris could make the decision if efforts for a two-state solution stalled because of Israeli opposition. A unilateral French recognition would do little to change the situation on the ground without true negotiations, but would weigh symbolically and diplomatically. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced opposition to Palestinian sovereignty, saying he will not compromise on full Israeli security control west of Jordan and that this stands contrary to a Palestinian state. French lawmakers voted in 2014 to urge their government to recognise Palestine, a symbolic move that had little impact on France's diplomatic stance. Macron's comments were the first time a French leader had made such a suggestion and highlighted further impatience among Western leaders as casualties mount in Gaza from Israeli retaliation after an attack on Oct. 7 by Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas that killed 1,200 people, and took 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. "Our partners in the region, notably Jordan, are working on it, we are working on it with them. We are ready to contribute to it, in Europe and in the Security Council. The recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France," Macron said alongside Jordan's King Abdullah II in Paris. "We owe it to the Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled on for too long. We owe it to the Israelis who lived through the greatest anti-Semitic massacre of our century. We owe it to a region that longs to escape the promoters of chaos and the those who sow revenge," he said. Macron's comments are likely aimed at adding pressure on Israel. Israel's massive aerial and ground offensive in small, densely populated Gaza has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, flattened built-up areas and left most of its 2.3 million people homeless. While most developing countries recognise Palestine as a state, most Western European countries do not, arguing that an independent Palestinian state should emerge from negotiations with Israel. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said earlier this month that part of British policy is to say there will be a time when Britain would look to recognise a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations. Macron added that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could only lead to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in the conflict. (Reporting by John Irish in Munich; editing by Diane Craft) FILE PHOTO: Palestinians gather near a house hit by an Israeli strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 16, 2024. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/File Photo By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli forces carried out arrests in Gaza's largest functioning hospital, health officials and the military said on Saturday, as airstrikes hit across the enclave and rain battered Palestinians taking shelter in Rafah. Israeli forces raided the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Thursday as they pressed their war on Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that rules the enclave. "Occupation forces detained a large number of medical staff members inside Nasser Medical Complex, which they (Israel) turned into a military base," said Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday pledged to push on with the military campaign and said troops would move into the southern border city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it was hunting for militants in Nasser and had so far arrested 100 suspects on the premises, killed gunmen near the hospital and found weapons inside it. Hamas has denied allegations that its fighters use medical facilities for cover. At least two released Israeli hostages have said they were held in Nasser and Israel has released pictures and videos supporting its claim that Hamas operates within medical compounds. The Israeli incursion into the hospital has raised alarm about patients, medical workers and displaced Palestinians sheltering there. About 10,000 people were seeking shelter at the hospital earlier this week, but many left either in anticipation of the Israeli raid or because of Israeli orders to evacuate, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Further south in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population are sheltering, the winter cold added to already dire conditions when wind blew away some tents of the displaced and rain flooded others. INTERNATIONAL CONCERN FOR RAFAH Israeli plans to storm Rafah have prompted international concern that such action would sharply worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel was intent on taking out Hamas battalions in Rafah - regardless of whether a deal was reached to free the remaining Israeli hostages - and that there will be room to evacuate the civilian population, including in areas north of the city. "But we need to be sure to do this in an orderly fashion. That's the directive I gave to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). The IDF is doing it and preparing it." "Yes, there is a lot of opposition in the world, but this is exactly the moment we have to stand and say 'we will not do half the work or three-quarters of the work'." Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the group said in a statement on Saturday. Haniyeh added that Hamas would not accept anything less than a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and "lifting of the unjust siege," as well as a release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails. Israel's air and ground offensive has devastated much of Gaza and forced nearly all of its inhabitants from their homes. Palestinian health authorities say 28,858 people, mostly civilians, have been killed. The war began when Hamas sent fighters into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. At least 83 people were killed in airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since Friday, health officials said, including one person on Saturday in Rafah, an area that borders Egypt and which Israel says is Hamas' last bastion. Residents and medics said more died as night fell on Saturday when Israeli warplanes carried several airstrikes on at least seven houses, killing and wounding dozens of people. Hamas media outlets put the number of those killed at 38. The Israeli army spokesperson said they were checking into the reported strikes. The Israeli military said its jets had killed numerous militants in Gaza fighting since Friday. Across the border, air raid sirens warning of incoming rockets sounded in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Saturday. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Maayan Lubell in JerusalemEditing by Frances Kerry and Sharon Singleton) International Paper Co (NYSE:IP) holds a significant position in the North American corrugated packaging market. Recent divestitures and closures reflect strategic repositioning and cost management efforts. Global economic conditions and market volatility present ongoing challenges for IP. IP's commitment to safety, ethics, and stewardship shapes its corporate culture and operations. On February 16, 2024, International Paper Co (NYSE:IP), a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products, filed its annual 10-K report with the SEC. With a strong presence in North America and operations across Latin America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia, IP is a key player in the industry. Despite the challenges of a dynamic market, IP reported an aggregate market value of its common stock held by non-affiliates of approximately $10.96 billion as of June 30, 2023. The company's strategic decisions, including the sale of its equity interest in Ilim S.A. and the closure of certain production facilities, reflect its focus on optimizing its asset portfolio and improving operational efficiency. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as disclosed in the 10-K filing, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of IP's strategic position and future prospects. Decoding International Paper Co (IP): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Market Dominance and Brand Reputation: International Paper Co (NYSE:IP) commands a significant share of the North American corrugated packaging market, positioning it as a leader in the industry. The company's brand is synonymous with quality and reliability, which has cultivated a loyal customer base. IP's strong brand equity is a result of its long-standing history, extensive product portfolio, and commitment to sustainability and innovation. This reputation not only attracts customers but also provides a competitive edge in securing long-term contracts and maintaining pricing power. Story continues Operational Efficiency and Strategic Asset Management: IP's recent divestitures, including the sale of its stake in Ilim S.A. and the closure of underperforming mills, demonstrate a strategic approach to asset management. These actions are aimed at reducing costs, streamlining operations, and focusing on the most profitable segments of the business. By proactively managing its asset base, IP is able to maintain a strong balance sheet and invest in areas with the highest growth potential, ensuring long-term financial stability and shareholder value. Weaknesses Exposure to Economic Cycles and Market Volatility: As with many players in the manufacturing sector, IP's performance is closely tied to global economic conditions. The cyclical nature of the industry means that IP's financial results can be significantly impacted by fluctuations in demand for packaging and pulp products. This exposure to economic cycles presents a challenge in maintaining consistent revenue streams and can lead to volatility in financial performance. Workforce Unionization and Labor Relations: A substantial portion of IP's workforce is unionized, which can lead to complexities in labor relations and potential disruptions from labor disputes. While the company has master agreements in place covering wages and other employment conditions, the need to negotiate local agreements can introduce uncertainty and risk of work stoppages, affecting operational continuity and cost structures. Opportunities Expansion in Emerging Markets: IP has the opportunity to further expand its footprint in emerging markets, where demand for packaging and pulp products is growing due to economic development and increasing consumer spending. By leveraging its global presence and expertise, IP can tap into new revenue streams and diversify its market exposure, reducing reliance on mature markets and enhancing growth prospects. Innovation and Sustainable Solutions: There is a growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and IP is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By investing in research and development, IP can introduce innovative products that meet environmental standards and customer expectations. This focus on sustainability not only aligns with global trends but also opens up new business opportunities and strengthens IP's market position. Threats Global Economic Uncertainty and Market Risks: IP operates in a complex global environment where economic uncertainty and market risks, such as trade tensions, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical events, can adversely affect its business. The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other potential health crises add to this uncertainty, potentially impacting demand for IP's products and disrupting supply chains. Competition and Technological Disruption: The packaging and pulp industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Technological advancements can also disrupt traditional business models, requiring IP to continuously innovate and adapt to maintain its competitive edge. Failure to keep pace with industry changes and emerging technologies could result in lost market share and reduced profitability. In conclusion, International Paper Co (NYSE:IP) exhibits a robust market presence and brand reputation, underpinned by strategic asset management and operational efficiency. However, the company must navigate the challenges posed by economic cycles, labor relations, and global market risks. Opportunities for growth lie in emerging markets and sustainable innovation, but IP must remain vigilant against competition and technological disruption. By leveraging its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, while capitalizing on opportunities and mitigating threats, IP can continue to thrive in the evolving global landscape. 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. FILE PHOTO: An H3 rocket carrying a land observation satellite is seen before its launch at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan February 17, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Kyodo via REUTERS/File Photo By Kantaro Komiya TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan successfully launched its new H3 flagship rocket on Saturday, putting its space programme back on track after multiple setbacks including the failure of the rocket's inaugural flight last year. The launch also marks a second straight win for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) after its lunar lander, SLIM, achieved a "pinpoint" touchdown last month and made Japan only the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon. A relatively small player in space by number of launches, Japan is seeking to revitalise its programme as it partners with ally the United States to counter China. The H3 lifted off at 9:22 a.m. local time (0022 GMT) and after it successfully released a small satellite, jubilant scientists at the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan clapped, yelled and hugged each other. The rocket also released a microsatellite and a dummy satellite during its flight of nearly two hours. "The newborn H3 has just made its first cry", JAXA project manager Masashi Okada, who has led the decade-long development of the new rocket, told a news conference. "And we need to start preparing for the third H3 launch as soon as tomorrow." The H3 is due to replace the two-decade-old H-IIA, which is retiring after two more launches. Another failed flight would have seen Japan face the prospect of losing independent access to space. The first launch in March ended up with ground control destroying the rocket 14 minutes after liftoff when the second-stage engine failed to ignite. JAXA listed three possible electrical faults in a review released in October but could not identify the direct cause. Five months earlier, JAXA's small rocket Epsilon had also failed to launch. "So happy to see this incredible accomplishment in the space sector that follows on from the success of the SLIM moon landing," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a post on X. The 63 m (297 ft) H3 is designed to carry a 6.5 metric ton payload and over the long-term, the agency wants to reduce per-launch cost to as low as five billion yen ($33 million) - half of what an H-IIA launch costs - by adopting simpler structures and automotive-grade electronics. JAXA and primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries hope those features will help them win launch orders from global clients. "It's taken some time for the program to get to this point but with this launch, they will be fielding inquiries from around the world," said Ko Ogasawara, a professor at the Tokyo University of Science. The Japanese government plans to launch about 20 satellites and probes with H3 rockets by 2030 for domestic use. The H3 is scheduled to deliver a lunar explorer for the joint Japan-India LUPEX project in 2025 as well as cargo spacecraft for the U.S.-led Artemis moon exploration program in the future. Satellite launch demands have skyrocketed thanks to the rise of affordable commercial vehicles such as SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 and a number of new rockets are being tested this year. Last month marked the successful inaugural flight of the United Launch Alliances Vulcan rocket, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The European Space Agency also plans to launch its lower-cost Ariane 6 for the first time this year. Masayuki Eguchi, the head of Mitsubishi Heavy's defence and space business, said the company has a long-term target of launching eight to ten rockets a year, which would boost its 50 billion yen space business sales by 20-30%. That would require additional production capacity, he added, noting the company's factories can currently only produce five to six H3 rockets a year. ($1 = 150.2100 yen) (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) BERLIN (Reuters) - German defence company Rheinmetall plans to open an ammunition factory in Ukraine as part of a joint venture with a Ukrainian partner, it said on Saturday. Rheinmetall, one of the world's biggest producers of artillery and tank shells, began ramping up production after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which faces acute shortages of ammunition and whose troops have in recent days been forced to withdraw from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka. The German company signed a memorandum of understanding at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday to build and jointly operate the new factory with a Ukrainian partner, whom it did not name. The factory in Ukraine will produce a six-digit number of 155mm calibre bullets per year, Rheinmetall said, but did not say when production would begin or where the facility would be located. Rheinmetall will own 51% of the new company, with the remaining 49% share held by the Ukrainian partner. The German company is already involved in a joint venture in Ukraine to service and repair Western weapons sent to help Kyiv fend off Russia. It also plans to build armoured vehicles in Ukraine. (Reporting by Maria Sheahan; Editing by Matthias Williams and David Holmes) By Robertson S. Henry KINGSTOWN (Reuters) - The top court in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines dismissed a challenge to anti-gay laws dating to British colonial rule on Friday, leaving the Caribbean country among a handful that still prescribes harsh criminal penalties against gays and lesbians. The challenge was brought by Javin Johnson and Sean Macleish, two gay men who had pushed to decriminalize same-sex relations, arguing they were forced to leave the socially conservative country due to their sexual orientation. Local laws call for up to ten years incarceration for anyone who has same-sex relations, under a 1988 criminal code that upheld laws from the colonial era. In her ruling, Judge Esco Henry held that Johnson and Macleish did not have the standing to challenge the laws since they do not live in the country. She also described as reasonable the concern that "an un-stemmed deluge of new HIV cases" could overwhelm the health system if the laws were overturned. The judge further ordered the two men to pay nearly $3,000 to the Attorney General's office, one of the defendants in the case. Reuters was not able to reach Johnson or Macleish for comment, and it was not immediately clear if they planned to appeal the ruling to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. Activists argue that the laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relations between adults encourage physical abuse and discrimination, even though they are rarely if ever enforced. Cristian Gonzalez, a Human Rights Watch researcher, criticized the ruling in a post on X, calling it a "sad day for human rights." Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island state of some 110,000 inhabitants, now remains one of six Caribbean nations that still prescribes jail terms for gays and lesbians, including Jamaica, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Guyana and Grenada. But elsewhere in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados have decriminalized gay sex in 2022, while Trinidad and Tobago struck down its ban altogether in 2018. (Reporting by Robertson S. Henry in Kingstown and Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Raju Gopalakrishnan) (Adds link in paragraph 2) By John Irish MUNICH (Reuters) - Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the frontrunner to be the next secretary-general of NATO, said on Saturday that Europe should stop whining about Donald Trump and focus instead on what it could do for Ukraine. Former U.S. President Trump has sparked outrage in Europe, saying that if re-elected in November he would not defend NATO allies who fail to spend enough on defence. "We should stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump," Rutte told the Munich Security Conference. He added: "It's up to the Americans. I'm not an American, I cannot vote in the U.S. We have to work with whoever is on the dance floor." He said Europe should in any case be spending more on defence and ramping up ammunitions production, not just because Trump might come back. He said Europe needed to increase its support for Ukraine because it was in its interests. Rutte, who unexpectedly announced his departure from Dutch politics in July, has said he does not know if he is being considered a front-runner to lead NATO and would not start a personal campaign. "And all that whining and moaning about Trump. I hear that constantly over the last couple of days. Let's stop doing that," Rutte said, adding that after talking with U.S. politicians in Munich he was "cautiously optimistic" that a U.S. military aid package that has stalled would eventually pass. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been in post since 2014 and is due to step down in October 2024. His term was extended in July for a fourth time, as the alliance's 31 members opted to stick with an experienced leader rather than try to agree on a successor with Russia's war in Ukraine raging on NATO's doorstep. Before NATO decided to stick with Stoltenberg, diplomats said Rutte would have been a strong candidate to succeed him, but the Dutchman had insisted he was not available at that time. (Reporting by John Irish; editing by Giles Elgood) FILE PHOTO: Palestinians gather near a house hit by an Israeli strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip February 16, 2024. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/File Photo (Reuters) - The Biden administration is preparing to send bombs and other weapons to Israel that would add to its military arsenal even as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing current and former U.S. officials. The proposed arms delivery includes MK-82 bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions that add precision guidance to bombs, and FMU-139 bomb fuses, the Journal reported, adding that the value of is estimated to be "tens of millions of dollars." The proposed delivery is still being internally reviewed by the administration, the report added, citing a U.S. official, who said the details of the proposal could change before the administration notifies congressional committee leaders who would need to approve the transfer. The U.S. State Department and Defense Department, Israel Defense Forces and Israel Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. As of December 2023, the Biden administration had skipped congressional review of weapons sale to Israel twice. The Biden administration has faced criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel as allegations pile up that American-made weapons have been used in strikes that have killed or injured civilians. The war in Gaza began when Iran-backed Hamas sent fighters into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's air and ground offensive has since devastated much of Gaza, killing 28,775 people, also mostly civilians according to Palestinian health authorities, and forcing nearly all of its more than 2 million inhabitants from their homes. (Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Panama-flagged crude oil tanker Pollux transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey, February 3, 2024, in this still image taken from video. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik DUBAI (Reuters) -Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility on Saturday for an attack on the oil tanker M/T Pollux, which U.S. officials said the previous day had been hit by a missile. "The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a targeting operation against a British oil ship (Pollux) in the Red Sea with a large number of appropriate naval missiles," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement, adding the strikes "were accurate and direct". U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said on Saturday that four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea over several hours on Friday. Centcom assessed that at least three of the missiles were launched towards the M/T Pollux, which it said was a Panamanian-flagged, Denmark-owned, Panamanian-registered vessel. There were no reported injuries, the statement said. The U.S. State Department said on Friday that the vessel, which was carrying crude oil bound for India, was hit by a missile on its port side. M/T Pollux embarked from Russia's Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on Jan. 24 and was due to discharge in Paradip, India, on Feb 28, according to LSEG data. The Houthis have launched repeated drone and missile attacks against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait since mid-November, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians as Israel wages war on Hamas. (Reporting by Ahmed Elimam and Adam Makary; Editing by Stephen Coates and Frances Kerry) U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. (U.S. Coast Guard) A Senate investigative panel is requesting interviews with Coast Guard personnel to elaborate on 2018 planning documents that led service leaders to bury a report on the yearslong mishandling of sexual assault allegations at the Coast Guard Academy. The documents were provided Feb. 1 to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subpanel on investigations, which is examining the cover-up of Operation Fouled Anchor a 2020 report based on a six-year inquiry into the handling of sexual assault and sexual harassment at the academy. After reviewing them, Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., wrote Wednesday to Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the Coast Guard, that the documents are troubling and raise new questions about the reasons for the Coast Guards fall of 2018 decision not to brief Congress about Operation Fouled Anchor. Blumenthal is chairman of the subpanel, and Johnson is its top Republican. Operation Fouled Anchor reviewed 102 instances of rape or sexual assault at the academy dating back to the early 1990s through 2006, Blumenthal said in a December hearing on the report. It identified 43 alleged perpetrators and 63 victims. Only five cases had been reported to law enforcement at the time, he said. Included in the two-dozen pages released to the subpanel this month were lists of the pros and cons for revealing the report to Congress and the public. Coast Guard officials were concerned revealing the report, which had not yet been completed at the time in 2018, would risk the initiation of comprehensive congressional investigations, hearings and media interest. In one section, it is recommended the Coast Guard discuss renaming Operation Fouled Anchor before its release. Another includes handwritten notes from then-Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray that stated: Problem is one of the past. K. Denise Rucker Krepp, a former U.S. Maritime Administration chief counsel and former Coast Guard officer, has been following the situation closely and supports a call to have those leaders involved in the cover-up brought back from retirement to face accountability. She also fears the impact the situation is having on recruiting. The Coast Guards continued refusal to be transparent about the decades of rapes in the service is degrading the trust that current Coast Guard personnel have in their leadership, she said. What mom sends her daughter into a service that fails to prosecute rape and fails to hold senior leaders accountable for four decades of cover-ups? The senators have also requested the Coast Guard provide further information on the documents, including a list of people involved in the creation and dissemination of them, a list of people who received them and a list of all meetings where the documents were involved and the names of those who attended. At a December hearing on Operation Fouled Anchor, Blumenthal and Johnson said they are willing to issue a subpoena to Coast Guard officials if cooperation in the subpanels investigation stops. At that time, the Coast Guard had not provided documents as informative as those released this month. The reports existence only became known to the Senate subpanel and the public after reporters with CNN obtained a copy last year. Only then did the Coast Guard officials brief Congress about the report. Kahu Kordell Kekoa performs a traditional Hawaiian blessing in August 2023 as the Navy begins construction on a new dry dock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. (Justice Vannatta/U.S. Navy) JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii The Navy has begun the most expensive building project in its history with construction of a $3.4 billion submarine-repair dry dock in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The initial work of installing foundational piles into the harbor waters began this month, with project completion expected by early 2028. The new dry dock will replace the smallest of the four at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The current dry dock is too small to handle the Navys Virginia-class attack submarines, the services nuclear-powered subs that are replacing the slightly smaller Los Angeles-class vessels. The Pearl Harbor project eclipses the $1.7 billion dry dock complex now being built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. All four of the Navys public shipyards, which also include Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Washington, are in dire need of upgrading and modernization, according to a May 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office. In 2018, the Navy undertook a $21 billion infrastructure plan to upgrade dry docks, buildings and equipment at the shipyards, the report states. Complex, costly and rare The oldest dry dock at the Pearl Harbor shipyard was built in 1919, Capt. Richard Jones, commander of the shipyard, said during a media roundtable Friday on the joint base. The youngest dry dock was completed in 1943 during World War II, he said. Dry Dock 3 is too small, too shallow, to accept the Virginia-class submarine, Jones said. The new dry dock will be almost twice as deep as Dry Dock 3, he said. The construction of a dry dock is complex, costly and, thus, rare, Capt. Stephen Padhi, who is overseeing construction, said at the roundtable. Padhi is commander of Officer in Charge of Construction, Pearl Harbor Navy Shipyard, a newly commissioned command by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command. The amount of just material that goes into these projects alone is staggering, Padhi said. Were talking about 250,000 cubic yards of concrete, he said. If that were delivered by truck, wed be talking about 25,000 trucks. The project will require about 63,000 tons of steel. Thats enough steel to build eight submarines, Padhi said. The length of utilities to be installed for the dry dock could circumnavigate Oahu, he said. The price tag for the project reflects what it takes to build something of this magnitude in Hawaii, he said. Building the dry dock on a speck of an island in the Pacific costs roughly twice what it would on the mainland because of the cost and complexity of getting materials to Hawaii, he said. There are also costs for a very robust degree of environmental protection and permit compliance, safety requirements. 150-year lifespan Roy Morioka, a project manager for a pair of firms contracted for the build, said during the roundtable that many of the concrete components needed for the dry dock construction are being made on a peninsula just across the harbor from the shipyard. Temporary trestles are being built on both sides of the harbor to transport material to and from dockside, Morioka said. The good news, Padhi said, is how long a dry dock can last, referring to the 105-year-old dry dock still being used at the shipyard. This dry dock has been designed with a 150-year service life target and could beat that, he said. Over the next year, workers will be driving steel piles into the water to create what is essentially the footprint of the new dock, Padhi said. Once that is completed, the area inside can be dewatered. By 2027, all the critical facilities are expected to be in place so that shipyard personnel can begin certification and testing to make way for the first submarine in January 2028, he said. The entire dry dock project is ultimately about giving the shipyard workforce infrastructure they need to be successful. And their success translates to the fleets success and being able to have the critical, crucial, forward presence that our nation needs with the attack submarine force in the Indo-Pacific region, Padhi said. (Christopher B. Stoltz/Stars and Stripes) Camp Zama, Japan, March 10, 2007: Michael Jackson is welcomed by troops and families. Jackson toured some of the facilities and watched a promotion ceremony during the visit. Check out the article on Jacksons visit here. Robust brand recognition and innovative product offerings position Snap-on Inc as a leader in the tool manufacturing industry. Dependence on franchisee success and global economic fluctuations present ongoing challenges for the company. Emerging markets and technological advancements offer significant growth opportunities for Snap-on Inc. Intense competition and potential supply chain disruptions pose threats to the company's market share and profitability. On February 16, 2024, Snap-on Inc (NYSE:SNA) filed its annual 10-K report, revealing the financial and operational nuances of the company's performance. As a leading innovator and manufacturer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, and systems solutions, Snap-on Inc has established a strong presence in the professional repair industry. The company's financial tables from the 10-K filing indicate a sustained commitment to growth and efficiency, with a notable increase in net sales across its diverse product groups. This SWOT analysis aims to dissect the intricate details of Snap-on Inc's operations, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Decoding Snap-on Inc (SNA): A Strategic SWOT Insight Strengths Brand Recognition and Market Presence: Snap-on Inc's brand is synonymous with quality and reliability, a reputation built over a century of operation. The company's extensive product range, including hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment, is a testament to its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Snap-on Inc's unique business model, which leverages franchisee-operated mobile vans, ensures a direct and personal connection with auto technicians, fostering loyalty and repeat business. This approach has not only solidified Snap-on Inc's market position but also created a competitive moat that is difficult for new entrants to penetrate. Financial Services Arm: The financial arm of Snap-on Inc provides a strategic advantage by offering financing to franchisees for their operations. This includes loans and leases for mobile vans, which are essential for the franchisees to conduct their business effectively. By supporting its franchise network in this manner, Snap-on Inc ensures a stable and consistent distribution channel for its products, which in turn drives sales and reinforces brand loyalty among end-users. Story continues Weaknesses Franchisee Dependence: While the franchise model is a strength, it also presents a vulnerability. Snap-on Inc's success is heavily reliant on the performance of its franchisees. If franchisees struggle, whether due to economic downturns, poor management, or other factors, Snap-on Inc's revenue and market presence could suffer. This dependence places an additional burden on the company to continuously support and monitor the health of its franchise network. Global Economic Sensitivity: Snap-on Inc's operations are subject to the whims of the global economy, including fluctuations in raw material costs, energy prices, and currency exchange rates. The 10-K filing highlights concerns such as the impact of tariffs, trade sanctions, and supply chain inefficiencies, all of which can adversely affect profitability. Additionally, the company must navigate the complexities of international trade, including the effects of Brexit and other geopolitical events. Opportunities Technological Advancements: The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles. Snap-on Inc has the opportunity to leverage its R&D capabilities to develop new tools and diagnostic solutions tailored to these advanced vehicles. By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, Snap-on Inc can capture new market segments and maintain its relevance in a changing industry landscape. Emerging Markets: Snap-on Inc has the potential to expand its footprint in emerging markets, where vehicle ownership and the need for professional repair services are on the rise. By tapping into these new markets, Snap-on Inc can diversify its revenue streams and reduce its dependence on mature markets, where growth may be more stagnant. Threats Intense Competition: The tool manufacturing industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Snap-on Inc faces the challenge of maintaining its premium pricing strategy in the face of aggressive competition. The company must continuously innovate and deliver superior value to justify its price points and retain its customer base. Supply Chain Risks: As highlighted in the 10-K filing, Snap-on Inc is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, which can arise from natural disasters, climate-related events, or geopolitical conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. These disruptions can lead to production delays, increased costs, and ultimately impact the company's ability to meet customer demand in a timely manner. In conclusion, Snap-on Inc (NYSE:SNA) exhibits a robust set of strengths, including a strong brand and a supportive financial services arm, which have positioned it as a leader in the tool manufacturing industry. However, the company must navigate weaknesses such as its dependence on franchisee success and sensitivity to global economic conditions. Opportunities for growth exist in technological advancements and emerging markets, but these are tempered by threats from intense competition and potential supply chain disruptions. Investors should weigh these factors carefully when considering Snap-on Inc's prospects for sustained growth and profitability. 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. A U.S. Army paratrooper briefs a German soldier on the M240 machine gun during qualification for the Schuetzenschnur, the German Armed Forces badge of marksmanship, at the 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, on June 17, 2021.. (Markus Rauchenberger/U.S. Army) Europes in a race against time to arm itself. Senior officials know they shouldnt be counting on the US for Europes defense, but building up their own military capabilities requires a determination theyre yet to prove. The continents efforts leave it at least a decade away from being able to defend itself unaided, according to people familiar with these preparations. Amid fears that Russias invasion of Ukraine may represent just the first phase of much broader imperial ambitions, western intelligence assessments are suggesting that the Kremlin could be in a position to target a NATO member within the much shorter span of three to five years. The resurgence of Donald Trump has upped the pressure, after the presidential hopeful said hed welcome a Russian attack on NATO allies falling short on their spending commitments. That would leave more than a third of the alliance outside of the US security umbrella, according to new figures released Wednesday. The fact is that European leaders need no encouragement from across the pond to turn themselves into a serious military power, but everything from supply-chain snags to disagreements over procurement means theyre falling short. It all takes time, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in an interview in Brussels on Jan. 30. Unfortunately, we do not have time. Because Europe is witnessing the biggest conflict on its soil since World War II, it feels threatened. Because of its long history of relying on the US, it feels unprepared. And because Trump narrowly outpolls his democratic rival in surveys for the November election its feeling increasingly rattled, according to the officials who spoke to Bloomberg and who asked to remain anonymous when discussing matters of strategy. These fears are likely to dominate panels and conversations from Friday at the annual Munich Security Conference; a gathering of leaders, military officials, and security experts which takes place days before the two-year mark of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trumps provocative weekend remarks were just the latest combative statements reminding European leaders how, at a time when theyre battling unpredictable foes, they now contend with unpredictable allies too. The specter of his return to the White House has heightened the stakes. But theyre already foregrounded under what is superficially a more cozy transatlantic partnership with Joe Biden, whos struggled to push through the military aid Ukraine badly needs to repel its Russian invaders. The USs NATO partners arrested a long-term trend by increasing defense expenditure every year since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and in no single year so steeply as just after its second invasion. But thats been insufficient to rival US largesse - still less to fill the breach were it to retreat. If European nations came under attack today they would still be dependent on the US for a slew of capabilities, and the gaps are especially large in certain areas. These include air and missile defense, deep-fire missiles, and the advanced computer systems needed to conduct warfare, according to officials familiar with the matter. The worst case scenario would emerge from three things happening in succession: Europe not acting quickly enough to invest in its defense, the US failing to send Ukraine more aid, and Trump winning re-election then pulling the US out of NATO, according to one senior EU diplomat. Since only the last of these is an outside prospect, it is not hard to see why the moment has European officials on edge. Several told Bloomberg they suspect Trump wants to spook the continent into spending more, rather than withdraw from the alliance entirely. The risk he makes good on such threats has been mollified by a new bill that bars a president from withdrawing unilaterally. But the fear hell summarily cut off aid for Kyiv and hand Moscow a victory is far more imminent to them. Trump has long given allies reasons to doubt his commitment to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which enjoins every NATO member to support others under attack. The only time its ever been invoked was after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US. More than $60 billion worth of aid to Ukraine is stalled in Congress, exacerbating European suspicions over the USs commitment to their security. The outbreak of conflict in the Middle East has also reminded Europe of Washingtons split attentions, and they fear forces could ultimately be transferred elsewhere; including to Asia, if China were ever to attack Taiwan. One way that Europe is trying to keep the US on side is by emphasizing, behind the scenes, that its attuned to its concerns over China. That could serve as a reminder to the American public of NATOs relevance to the US. If Russia wins in Ukraine, and if the US disengages - either prior to that or consequently - the EUs main powers would need to do more than just make up the existing shortfall in order to defend the alliances eastern flank. NATOs presence would have to triple along its new border with an emboldened Vladimir Putin, according to another senior European diplomat. Never again After the end of the Cold War, European countries slashed defense budgets and divested large equipment in the belief that the continents major wars were a thing of the past. Fast forward to 2024 and 18 NATO allies are on course to reach the alliance-wide 2%-of-GDP spending goal, compared to just three of them in 2014 - one of which was the US. But the effects will take time to be felt, since theyre trying to churn out ammunition and weapons at a time when demand is skyrocketing around the world, leading to competition for both components and raw materials. Compared to 2023, the EU expects to triple its production of artillery shells to around 1.4 million units this year. The problem is that Russia is ramping up faster than expected and will make 4 million unites this year, according to Estonian estimates. The US currently has around 80,000 forces stationed across Europe, hosts missile-defense sites in Poland and Romania and four destroyer warships in Spain. It leads a battle group and contributes forces to others on the eastern flank. Crucially, it also stores around 100 tactical nuclear weapons in five NATO nations: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. While both France and the UK have nuclear weapons, these wouldnt be enough to deter Russia from using one of its own, according to retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a former commander of US Army Europe. The US provides a nuclear umbrella and its because of that the Russians would never dare to attack a NATO country, Hodges said. Wake-up call NATO and European allies are working to give their weapons greater interoperability, given the many different types of weapons systems in use across Europe, which hampers forces ability to fight side by side. The challenge was laid bare when Ukrainian fighters tried - and failed - to use the same caliber ammunition in similar equipment donated by different western allies. But in trying to build up military capability, Europe is derailed by an almost Trump-like concern: that of protectionism. Clashes between Paris and Berlin over whether to buy foreign weapons systems are inciting tensions at a time when joint procurement could be growing capacity. France has held back from joining a German-led anti-missile program, dubbed the European sky shield, which will purchase air defense systems from abroad, including the Israeli Arrow 3 and US-made Patriots. The concern in Paris is that buying outside of the EU displaces investment that would otherwise go toward boosting local industry, especially as big weapons purchases involve long contracts and years of maintenance. We all agree theres been fragmentation in Europe, because we all have this reflex of doing everything by ourselves, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said in an interview on Jan. 31. Now we have to have a European reflex, and that will make all of us stronger. Some of the proposals under discussion include the inauguration of an EU defense commissioner or even the introduction of small battalions answerable to Brussels, according to one official, who nevertheless said that nothing is likely to transpire before European Union elections in June. In the short-term, grouping orders among different member states would help solve interoperability problems and drive production by giving defense contractors clarity about demand. And large multinational orders are already taking place, including through NATOs procurement agency and the European Defense Agency. In the coming weeks, EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton is due to unveil an EU defense strategy that will designate strategic areas for investment and strip away red tape for businesses, among other measures. At an event last month he pointed to Trump as he urged Europe to do drastically more to boost its own defense. Now more than ever, we know that we are on our own. With assistance from Cagan Koc, Alan Katz, Ania Nussbaum, Alberto Nardelli and Ben Sills. A video screen grab shows a man identified as Faisal Ali Musalam Naami, whom Israel alleges is a United Nations Relief and Works Agency member seen Oct. 7, 2023, just before picking up the limp body of an Israeli man who had been shot at Kibbutz Beeri, stuffing it in the back of a vehicle and driving off with the body.. (South First Responders) This story has been corrected A U.N. relief worker alleged by Israel to have participated in the Oct. 7 attacks was captured on video that day removing the limp body of an Israeli man who had been shot at Kibbutz Beeri and driving off with it, according to information released Friday by Israeli authorities. Israel told the United Nations Relief and Works Agency last month that Faisal Ali Musalam Naami, 45, and 11 other UNRWA employees participated in or lent support to the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that precipitated Israels war in the besieged Palestinian territory. Israeli authorities have said Hamas and allied gunmen killed 1,200 Israelis and took some 253 people hostage back in Gaza. The explosive allegations plunged the United Nations into crisis, leading the United States the agencys largest donor and other nations to suspend funding for the relief agency and threatening to collapse its operations in Gaza and the wider Middle East. The footage of the person Israel identified as Naami would be the first to surface publicly of any of the accused individuals participating in the attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant released a screenshot from the video at a news conference Friday as part of a dossier that publicly identified the accused relief workers. UNRWA has lost legitimacy and can no longer function as a U.N. body, Gallant said. The CCTV footage, located independently by The Washington Post, provides a fuller picture than the brief account in the public dossier, which says Naami was involved in kidnapping a soldier from Beeri. Israel has also accused Naami of being part of a Hamas brigade in his hometown of Nuseirat. After he was named in confidential Israeli documents last month, The Post found images of Naami online and then used facial recognition software to find a likely match for him in footage from Oct. 7. The Post found other indications pointing to Naami as the individual in the footage. A Nissan Terrano II in the footage appears consistent with the same make and model of car that Naami is pictured with in social media posts, including damaged trim on a rear window. Before Fridays news conference, a security official told The Post that Israeli authorities had identified the man in the footage as Naami. The footage is among the evidence Israel used as the basis for its allegation against Naami, said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information. In the footage from Oct. 7, the SUV drives toward an open gate to Kibbutz Beeri shortly after 9:30 a.m. and stops just inside the entrance, where three men who had been shot and dragged from a car are lying motionless on the ground. Two men step out of the SUV. The driver, the man identified as Naami, is wearing glasses that match photos from his social media profiles. The other man is carrying a rifle. They open the rear door of the vehicle and spread out a blanket inside. They approach one of the people who had been shot, a man on the street next to an overturned cooler. It is not clear if he is alive, but he does not react as the man identified as Naami takes him by the jacket, the other man lifts his legs and they carry him to the trunk and place him inside. A video screen grab shows a man identified as Faisal Ali Musalam Naami (seen in black), whom Israel alleges is a United Nations Relief and Works Agency member seen Oct. 7, 2023, as he and another man carry the limp body of an Israeli man who had been shot at Kibbutz Beeri. The two then stuff the body in the back of a vehicle before driving off. (South First Responders) They then rummage through belongings that are strewn in the street, taking a cellphone and a hat before driving off less than three minutes after they arrived. It is not clear why or where the two men took the Israeli or why they left the other bodies. At The Posts request, two vehicle forensic experts analyzed Naamis social media photos capturing partial views of a white vehicle. They identified the car as a 1993-1995 Nissan Terrano II, and said the vehicle seen in the Oct. 7 footage matched that same color, make and model and was from the same generation. Marcus Mazza, a vehicle engineering expert for Robson Forensic, a firm that provides technical expertise in court cases, said the separated trim also may indicate that these are the same vehicle. On Oct. 16, Naami, five of his children and one of his two wives were killed in a strike on their home in Nuseirat, according to a UNRWA colleague who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media. His name, the name of a woman who appears to be his wife and the names of his children appear on the Gaza Health Ministrys list of those killed in Israeli attacks. The Israel Defense Forces told The Post it is unaware of a strike at the specified area or time. A spokesperson, speaking on the condition of anonymity per the agencys protocol, did not respond when asked if Naami had been targeted. Efforts to reach surviving members of Naamis family were unsuccessful. Naami was a social worker at the U.N. agency, according to the colleague and the Israeli dossier. His personality was calm, he was very cheerful, he was friendly, he was loved by everyone, colleagues, clients and beneficiaries, the colleague told The Post. The colleague said they did not know if Naami was involved in the attack or a member of Hamas. Shown a photo of Naami taken from the Oct. 7 footage, the colleague said they did not know if it was him as his features are not clear. Israeli officials have long complained that the U.N. agency was closely aligned with Hamas, accusations that UNRWA has rejected. The U.N. agency was established in 1949 to aid Palestinians who were expelled or forced from their homes during the founding of Israel. In the decades since, the agency has taken on many functions of a state for stateless Palestinians, such as providing food, health care and schools. Refugee camps in the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria have turned into permanent urban slums. The allegations that aid workers were members of the organization have threatened the existence of the primary conduit for aid to Gazas 2.2 million people whose lives have been upended after nearly four months of war. At least 28,775 people have been killed and 68,552 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since Oct. 7, UNRWAs schools and medical clinics the agency operates have been closed and turned into shelters that now house more than 1 million people. Palestinians in Gaza are almost totally dependent on UNRWA for the necessities of life as famine looms and diseases spread alongside continuous Israeli ground and air assaults. On Friday, Gallant said that in addition to the 12 workers, Israel has intelligence indicating that over 30 UNRWA workers participated in the massacre, including the taking of hostages. He said that 12 percent of UNRWAs 13,000 workers are affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a smaller Islamist group in the Gaza Strip. The agency denies that it has turned a blind eye to Hamas and says that Israeli authorities have long sought to dismantle UNRWA. Last week, the Israeli army uncovered what it said was a subterranean Hamas server complex, dug 65 feet underneath UNRWA headquarters in Gaza. On Tuesday night, the Israeli army released a video of a tunnel beneath Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, that it said was the hideout of Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar. UNRWA packages were among the underground supplies. In response to the allegations last month, UNRWA launched a review and, before investigating the allegations, fired 10 of the accused employees; two others were dead. The United States and other countries have indicated they could restore funding after the release of the review. UNRWA spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said a man matching Naamis name joined the agency as social worker in 2006. But she said she could not comment on the ongoing investigation or verify if he was present in the footage shared by The Post. UNRWA had not [been] presented with any evidence from the Israeli authorities, she said, adding. UNRWA only received from the Israeli government the list of names of alleged staff reportedly involved in the horrible 7/10 attacks. Souad Mekhennet in Washington, Evan Hill in New York and Shira Rubin in Tel Aviv contributed to this report. AeroVironments Switchblade-600 is a 50-pound drone that can fly more than 24 miles. (AeroVironment Inc./TNS) WASHINGTON The Pentagon has sent Congress a classified request to shift $300 million in funds to speed development and purchasing of its first Replicator drones, an effort to field thousands of pilotless aircraft to counter Chinese capabilities by August 2025. This initial request to reprogram funding previously approved for other purposes, which must be approved by all four congressional defense committees, reflects the Defense Departments determination to show unaccustomed agility in developing a new armada of air, sea and sub-surface drones. The unmanned aircraft have become everyday weapons, from the war in Ukraine to the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Contractors whose drones are selected will see millions of dollars in increased sales as the department plans to scale production to meet its ambitious goals with the additional request to reprogram funds. We hope they will act quickly, which will allow us to ramp up and accelerate production on Replicator capabilities, said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon. Asked why the request was classified, he said we are taking a careful approach of what information we reveal and will do so if it makes sense in the context of our operational needs. Aditi Kumar, deputy director of the Pentagons Defense Innovation Unit, which is managing Replicator and working with industry, said this week at a forum that we will be very selective about how we talk about those capabilities publicly. The innovation unit, based in Californias Silicon Valley, is working to tap into the talents of tech companies rather than relying solely on the Defense Departments usual contracting giants. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, who is spearheading the Replicator initiative, said last year that the Defense Department, known for programs that consume billions of dollars and years of planning, wont create a new bureaucracy for Replicator and we will not be asking for new money in fiscal 2024. Thus the request to repurpose dollars approved for fiscal 2023 programs. Among initial candidates that will benefit from a shift of fiscal 2023 funds is the Switchblade 600, according to a U.S. official. The 50-pound model, produced by AeroVironment Inc., a Simi Valley, California-based company, can fly more than 24 miles and loiter 40 minutes before attacking with an anti-armor warhead. The drone operator uses a tablet-based touchscreen fire-control system with the option to pilot the loitering missile manually. The weapon has been been used by Ukraine to destroy Russian targets. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Joe Biden delivers remarks Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (Evan Vucci/AP) WASHINGTON President Joe Biden on Friday blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Alexei Navalny, an imprisoned political foe, and used the moment to push Congress to approve additional funding for Ukraine to aid the country in its war against Russia. Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. Putin is responsible, Biden said in an address from the White House. What has happened to Navalny is more proof of Putins brutality. No one should be fooled, not in Russia, not at home, not anywhere in the world. Navalny, 47, was serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges in a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle at the time of his death. He had been behind bars since he returned from Germany in January 2021, serving time on various charges that he rejected as a politically motivated effort to keep him imprisoned for life. The news of Navalnys death comes as a White House request for $110 billion in supplemental funding, including about $60 billion for Ukraine to keep its troops supplied with enough weapons and munitions to beat back invading Russian forces, remains stalled on Capitol Hill. More U.S. military aid has been delayed for months as Republicans and Democrats spar over the supplemental funding, largely over measures to curb migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. But the Democrat-controlled Senate managed to pass a $95 billion foreign aid package this week that included $60 billion for Ukraine. In the House, where Republicans hold the majority, funding for more aid is at an impasse. We have to provide the funding so Ukraine can keep defending itself, Biden said. History is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. The clock is ticking, and this has to happen. We have to help now. Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny takes part in a march in Moscow in February 2020. Russias prison agency said the imprisoned opposition leader has died. He was 47. The Federal Prison Service said Navalny felt unwell after a walk Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, and lost consciousness. (Pavel Golovkin/AP) A group of eight House lawmakers, led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., on Friday unveiled an alternative bill to the Senates foreign aid legislation. It includes more than $66 billion in defense-only funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with provisions to address the U.S. southern border. The bill designates almost $48 billion for Ukraine aid. As the worlds oldest and strongest democracy, the United States primary responsibility must be to secure its own borders. But we also have an obligation to assist our allies in securing their borders, especially when they come under assault by dictators, terrorists and totalitarians, Fitzpatrick said in a statement. Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan are all freedom-loving democracies, they are our allies, and we must assist them in protecting their borders just as we must protect our own. We can, and must, achieve all of the above. Some Democrats in both chambers expressed frustrations about delays in approving more aid for Ukraine. House members blocking critical aid to Ukraine can revel in another high-five for Putin who just murdered his most vocal and visible critic, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., posted on X, formerly Twitter. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., posted: Putin murders Navalny the same week Donald Trump invites Russia to invade Europe and MAGA [House Speaker] Mike Johnson blocks aid to Ukraine. This isnt a coincidence; its the green light Putin has been given. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said as people mourn the loss of Navalny, it is important for the free world to remain united in the face of Russias continued aggression. For the sake of global security, House Republicans must take up and help pass the Senates bipartisan bill to deliver aid to Ukraine immediately, said Duckworth, a former Army Black Hawk pilot and Iraq War veteran. The U.S. has provided more than $44 billion in aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, which will soon stretch into its third year. The Pentagon announced its last military aid package for Ukraine worth $250 million on Dec. 27. The U.S. has participated in two Ukraine Contact Defense Group meetings in 2024, but it has not been able to contribute any additional aid. A senior defense official Friday said the U.S. estimates at least 315,000 Russian forces have either been killed or wounded in their war against Ukraine. Twenty Russian warships and a Russian tanker have been sunk or damaged, the official added. We do absolutely need this supplemental funding. There is no substitute for it, said the defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Without supplemental funding we will not be able to continue to supply Ukraines air defenses and we will see the results in cities being bombarded. We will see more civilians dying. We will see Ukraine struggling to protect their critical infrastructure and their forward line of troops. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to take to the streets and hold nationwide protests today at 12pm against alleged rigging and "cutting down" of the party's mandate in the February 8 polls. Several political parties have taken to the streets after the unofficial election results poured in following the general elections, whereas, major parties that won the highest number of seats commenced efforts to search for allies and forge alliances to form the next governments in the Centre and provinces. Lamenting the results, which saw its affiliated candidates emerging as the largest group by winning over 90 National Assembly seats, the PTI announced holding countrywide "peaceful protests" against what it termed "record-high rigging" during the recently concluded general elections. "The PTI has called for country-wide protests against the unprecedented, massive, brazen rigging in general elections 2024, where PTIs win of 180 National Assembly seats and a two-thirds majority in the parliament, was cut down to half," the party said in a statement. A day earlier, the party, during a press conference in Islamabad, presented the relevant Form 45s to highlight their discrepancy with Form 47s, alleging that "records of rigging were set" in the electoral process. "The 2024 elections would be remembered in the country's history due to the scale of rigging," PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said, adding, that the candidates who were winning as per Form 45 collected from polling stations in a constituency were later declared runners-up in Form 47 the consolidated result of a constituency. He claimed a huge gap in votes polled for the national and provincial assemblies' seats. However, the PTI is not the only party that has voiced its concerns over the February 8 polls, as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and others have also complained of rigging during the elections. Meanwhile, ahead of the PTI's protests, authorities have issued two threat alerts owing to serious threats of terrorism from specific banned groups. With the protesters being duly warned about the alerts and against unlawful assembly in the federal capital, Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has stressed that nobody would be allowed to assemble or protest at any place in the federal capital at any public place. Speaking to private news outlet on Friday, the police official maintained that it would be incorrect to say that any party has sought permission to stage any protest, adding that the demonstrations wouldnt be allowed to take place by any group or party. Highly placed sources have told the publication that additional troops of Punjab Rangers have been directed to deal with any eventuality in the city. The sources have warned that Police Order 2002 has been imposed in Islamabad and therefore no activity or gathering would be permitted without prior permission from the police or administration. "All [political] parties have been informed of the imposition of Section 144 [in the city]," read the statement issued by the Islamabad police. Warning of stern legal action against those found in violation of the security directives, the police have advised women and people under 18 years of age to refrain from moving towards the city's F-9 park and F-6 areas from 10am to 1pm. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating fully regulated movement of people and goods across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border based on norms of interstate relations and we will continue to take steps to this end. This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, while responding to media queries regarding remarks of Deputy Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. She said any self-serving and fanciful claims regarding the legality and sanctity of the Pak-Afghan border cannot change the facts of geography, history and international law. The Spokesperson said the Afghan side will be well advised to address Pakistans genuine security concerns than try to divert public attention by such unfortunate public pronouncements. Yemens Houthi group has claimed a new missile attack on Western interests amid Israels war on Gaza, this time on a British oil tanker that the United States identified as a Panamanian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil bound for India. Yahya Saree, the groups military spokesperson, said in a televised statement on Saturday that a large number of appropriate naval missiles were used to target the Pollux tanker in the Red Sea in accurate and direct hits. The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to implement and expand their military operations in defence of beloved Yemen and in confirmation of continued practical solidarity with the Palestinian people, he said. Saree did not say how much damage the tanker sustained, or provide further details. Late on Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed an incident at 13:31 GMT about 70 nautical miles (130km) northwest of al-Mukha (Mocha), a port city southwest of Yemens capital, Sanaa. The vessel was attacked by a missile and reports an explosion in close proximity. Military authorities are responding, it said, adding that the crew and vessel were reported to be safe. The US Department of State said on Friday that the Pollux, which it identified as a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker bound for India, was struck on its port side by a missile fired from Yemen. The Houthis have been disrupting trade through the Red Sea since mid-November, promising their attacks will continue until Israels war on Gaza is halted and aid reaches besieged Palestinians. The latest Houthi missile strike comes as British Foreign Minister David Cameron asked China to take action. The UK Foreign Office said in a statement that Cameron asked his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference on Friday to use Beijings influence on Iran to pressure the Houthis over their Red Sea attacks. Houthi assaults have spread to warships and vessels belonging to the US and UK after the Western allies started bombing multiple governorates across Yemen earlier this year. The US has also been separately launching attacks from fighter jets and warships on Yemen to attack Houthi positions, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) calling them self-defence strikes. Its latest announced attack came on Thursday, when the US military claimed strikes on three mobile antiship cruise missiles that it said were being prepared for launch against ships in the Red Sea. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels, it said. Washington is preparing to send thousands more bombs and weapons to Israel even as it has opposed Tel Avivs plans for a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. In this podcast, Motley Fool host Ricky Mulvey and analyst Tim Beyers discuss: Airbnb 's $6 billion share buyback. Lyft 's earnings mistake and business fundamentals. Why Uber and Lyft aren't as close as investors may think. Plus, Motley Fool hosts Dylan Lewis, Deidre Woollard, and Mary Long join Ricky for a Valentine's Day-themed roundtable about finding red and green flags for investments. To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool's free podcasts, check out our podcast center. To get started investing, check out our quick-start guide to investing in stocks. A full transcript follows the video. Should you invest $1,000 in Lyft right now? Before you buy stock in Lyft, 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 Lyft 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 This video was recorded on Feb. 14, 2024. Ricky Mulvey: We all make mistakes, but some cost more than others. You're listening to Motley Fool Money.I'm Ricky Mulvey, joined today in studio by Tim Beyers. Tim, good to literally see you. Tim Beyers: Same here Ricky. We're actually face to face here and I have my coffee. Ricky Mulvey: I can see it. Tim Beyers: I'm caffeinating in real-time. Ricky Mulvey: Hopefully, you'll be ready to go by, let's say, the midpoint of the segment. If we can get there, that'll be good. Let's start with Airbnb earnings. We've got another tech company. It's beating estimates, offering rosy guidance and still Wall Street is not happy with them. On this one I cannot understand why. Story continues Tim Beyers: That makes two of us. This is an excellent business. Let's just hit some of the numbers here. If you take Airbnb at its word, this is a company that's generating close to $4 billion in free cash flow. Even if you take out the stock based compensation, it's still over 2.7 billion. This is astounding. Ricky, let's be clear here, this is not a company that needs to reinvest in huge amounts of cabinets upon cabinets of servers and lots of equipment. This is a very capital light business that does extraordinary cash generation. I don't get it either. The only thing I can surmise here is that the growth just isn't quite up to what Wall Street wants. But really, are we nitpicking here? Ricky Mulvey: I would assume so. Also, I like that you went with servers rather than real estate for a lodging company. There is some strategic progress because I think there's two stories with Airbnb right now. There's the strategic discussion, the capital allocation discussion. Let's start with the strategic discussion though because they're basically listening to customers making the product better. That includes host cancellations declining by more than a third and quarter four of 2023 compared to the same time last year. They added the total price display, which means that 40% of the active listings are now charging no cleaning fee at all because surprisingly, customers of Airbnb don't like seeing a bunch of fees tacked on at the end. They're rolling out the service to more international markets, including Brazil. I think we have some thorns as a part of this, because it's Valentine's Day, we have roses and thorns. But I think Airbnb deserves some flowers for this move from the investors watching it. Tim Beyers: I think there's no question. Look, Airbnb fundamentally is a software company. They have made huge investments in software. They've contributed into the open source software movement. The quality of Airbnb's business is directly correlated with how good the experience is of the Airbnb app. Price transparency is a big deal. If you make an app that is clean that gives you also a clean look at what you're actually going to be paying, that should have an impact. It's clearly having an impact here. Nights and experience is up 13.8% for the full year, that was up to 448.2 million. That's extraordinary. Up 12% in the quarter, that's up to 98.8 million. People are getting more and more comfortable using Airbnb. That just hasn't gone away, Ricky. Ricky Mulvey: I wonder if Airbnb though, will get in its own way. There's a part of the letter that at least raised my eyebrows saying, "We believe that now is the time for us to expand beyond our core business and reinvent Airbnb. While this will be a gradual multi year journey, we're excited to share more about this later in 2024". They're saying they're at an inflection point. This is a business that seems to be doing very well, doing what it's doing. Does it need an inflection point? Does it need to turn around and refocus the business on a bunch of other things? Tim Beyers: Probably not but let's be clear here too. I wouldn't say it's Airbnb getting in its own way. What I would say is that there are things that have been trying to get an Airbnb's way for quite some time now. All regulators throughout all 50 states and international territories. Anything that Airbnb can do to give itself maybe a bit more leeway to serve customers, earn some incremental revenue, and satisfy regulators is probably a good thing because regulators are not going away, Ricky. Ricky Mulvey: Yeah, that's why they have a heavy investing. They seem to be investing heavily in their lobbying arm. Tim Beyers: Yeah, of course. Ricky Mulvey: Free housing or not free housing, but more open housing for people, which makes sense. They had the problems in New York City and I don't think that will be the only other major city where they're going to run into that. Even in Summit County, in Colorado, there's been a larger crackdown on short term rentals for ski vacationers. Last year I remember this is the capital allocation part. I remember you were, to put it lightly a little critical when Airbnb said that it was going to repurchase $2 billion in stock, it's about a year and a half ago. In this release, they're up in the anti Tim, they're going for six billion. Tim Beyers: I normally would be a little frosty about this. I'm not frosty about this. Let me explain why because normally this is not something I'd be looking for particularly with a growth company. The buyback is having an effect and it's having a positive effect for existing shareholders. That's one of the reasons that I'm OK with this idea of buying back so much, but also because the amount of free cash flow that Airbnb generates. Let's just frame it a little bit here. Forget about the stock based compensation for a minute, that is hard to do. But just for a second, you're still talking about a company that's generating cash available for investment let's say that's around $3.8 billion annually. Airbnb roughly has about $8 billion extra of cash available just on its balance sheet today after you exclude all of the debt. They have tons of cash. Here's the thing that makes me OK with this. They still reinvest over 17% of revenue backed into product development. They aren't skimping, Ricky. They are actually building out the product suite here and they're spending richly on doing it. There is that. They have excess cash that they can put to work and still build out the product set. Then in addition to that, the existing buyback from just this past year, which roughly about $2.5 billion, so it's somewhere in there. It's 2.3 to $2.5 billion, you draw down the existing share account by about 2.7%. In other words, if I'm an Airbnb shareholder, my share of the business went up by about 2.7% because of those buybacks. When they have a material effect and you do have the cash to do it without compromising your existing business, I tend to be OK with it. Now, here's the third piece, with the existing free cash flow number, Airbnb today trades in the range. When you do subtract all that stock based compensation of about a 3% free cash flow yield translated, this is trading for like, it's just an average business. This is an average growth business, we'll give it a 3% free cash flow yield. It's not trading expensively. If you're buying back stock when your stock is fairly priced, you got plenty of cash to do it. You aren't skimping on the business and you can deliver a little extra value to shareholders, I tend to be OK with it. I still don't think it's amazing, but I'm OK with it. Ricky Mulvey: When the information changes, our opinions can change. Tim Beyers: Absolutely. Ricky Mulvey: Love to see it. Let's go to this Lyft story because I'm both sad about it. I find it a little hilarious. I can also resonate with it because who among us has never made a typo? Tim Beyers: I have made some.. Ricky Mulvey: I don't want to throw stones at their investor relations department. The story is, Lyft reported last night and shares soared more than 60% in the after hours trading because there was a release that said profit margins were expected to expand by five percentage points. Later on the call, they had to issue a correction. They didn't mean 5% they meant half a percent but the Algo trading has already happened. We can get to the fundamentals in a second. There's probably a zoom call among the Lyft C-suite, the investor relations department. What's happening at that zoom call right now, if you had to guess? Tim Beyers: Lots of anxiety, lots of worry, lots of lawyers involved. The SEC is likely to take a look at this. It's a mistake, I do not expect them to be punished severely here. It's a mistake and like you said, we all make mistakes here but mistakes in today's stock market get reflected in stock prices much faster than they used to. Ricky Mulvey: I think there's some, I guess, longer term judgments not from the mistake itself, but also the reaction to it, especially from the CEO David Richer. He goes on CNBC and we watched the interview. It seems like he was trying to quickly move past the mistake. What is it? What did we learn? Measure it twice. I felt that he didn't really give real answers to finding out what happened. He was, I take responsibility and that we learned you got to measure twice, cut once. It was a little bit of an AI chat bot response to be completely frank. Tim Beyers: I would have preferred if he had said take it right on the chin and say, look, we recognize that this was a market moving mistake. Tim Beyers: And we deeply regret it. So, here are a couple of things we're doing about it so that we never repeat this mistake. I think what was missing here. Ricky not to get too therapeutic for you. This is not a therapy session for David Richer. Ricky Mulvey: We'll have that afterwards. Tim Beyers: We'll have that afterwards. But in this particular case, the missing piece which I have done many times here, Mr. Richer. So I am not blaming you here. But I think what was missing was the reassurance piece which is like, here's what we're doing to make sure this never happens again. That piece being missing, I think was a fairly big miss. Ricky Mulvey: Let's talk about the business itself as well. Because there were some positive aspects to the lift quarter, gross bookings were 17% their adjusted earnings beat market expectations by 2x. Richer also says that the company plans on generating positive free cash flow for the entirety of this year, and this is a margin game. This is also a business that we like to associate closely with Uber. And Uber is doing really well too. So what do you think about the fundamentals of lift quarter? Tim Beyers: I think we have to stop putting these two companies in the same category. Ricky, I know that's probably going to be a hot take for some folks here. These two companies do not belong in the same conversation. They just happen to be in the same industry, but they are nowhere near each other. That comparison needs to stop, and I'll tell you why. It's because the unit economics of Uber are improving and the unit economics of lift are not. They're getting worse. So let me give you a couple of numbers here. So for the year 2023, $6.21 of revenue per ride for a lift. That was down from $6.84 in fiscal 2022. That's worse. It's not great, Ricky. It's not great. If you want to go further, I'll say in terms of bookings, which is how lift tends to measure itself, $19.43 of bookings per ride, that was in 2023. That's down from $20.15 in 2022. So this is a story in terms of lift and how it's going to sort of emerge from here. This is going to be a story about gaining leverage, gaining cost leverage in the business because Uber is in a different place. It is about expanding opportunity, last mile logistics, what can we do with freight? What can we do with delivery? What can we do with ride share? What are the ways that we can capture more of the miles that go into last mile delivery of people, products, freight, all of these things. That is not the lift story right now. The lift story is how do we improve the marginal cost of moving a person from point A to point B? And if you can get it to a profitable place, then all the better. They do project free cash flow for the coming year. I hope that is true because on a unit economic basis, they're going in the wrong direction. Ricky Mulvey: Well, and I think it'll continue to be difficult also worth mentioning the drivers strike. That's not just affecting lift Uber door dash on Valentine's Day. Honestly, good strategic decision on behalf of the drivers, but that will continue to play out with the unit economics story for both of the companies. Tim Buyers, good to see in person. Tim Beyers: Thank you for your time and your insight. Thanks, Ricky Ricky Mulvey: Up next, it's Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day. So my co-hosts, Dylan Lewis, Dija Woollard, Mary Long joined me for a round table on spotting red and green flags for investments and potential partners. Valentine's Day is coming up. Maybe you're going out with someone newer. You're going to be looking for some red flags, some green flags. We're not going to do that a whole lot here, but we will be looking for some red and green flags for your investments in a little host round table, a whip around between the four Motley Fool Money costs. We're going to start with the green flags because we want to be positive and to start with the green flags, we're going to kick it to Dija Woollard. Deidre Woollard: All right. Well, I'm not exactly the dating market these days, but if I were, I would like my companies to be mature. For the most part, I'm in the not big risk section of my life, so I like some steadiness. You know, something like it, like an eco lab or like a Cintas, a company that does the work. Something I can see in every bath from my visit. Why not? I like a decent dividend, dividend increasing over time. If the company can afford it, when that dividend yield gets a little too large and the company can't really afford it, I don't like it that much a little bit of red flag. I'd like to see a little debt if it's smartly used, but I want it to be steady over time. If there's a lumpy maturity dates, that's something I watch. But the major green flag for me is I love a good fan base. I like a loyalty program for a consumer company like an Altar or Chipotle or Starbucks or on the tech side, something like a salesforce, happy customers whether they're consumers or businesses. Major green flag for me. And the more that a company talks about it, the more I like it. So if they're breaking out customer cohorts and customer spend and they're doing it in this presentation where they're breaking it out all and it's easy to understand. I just love that. Ricky Mulvey: I think we got three for the price of one, Dylan lose. You have a difficult one. No, it just means that Dylan has going to have a tough time following up. I'm glad I get to host this segment. Dylan, what you got? Dylan Lewis: Well, I'm going to borrow a bit from some of the things that Dija brought up. I think steadiness and in my case that means strong financial foundation and flexibility. Really a balance sheet that is built to weather storms and puts management teams in a position to take care of their customers, employees and shareholders, all three of those groups. And also invest in opportunities as they pop up and are interesting. And I think just in terms of what it looks like on the balance sheet, cash well in excess of debt. Getting at exactly what Dija was talking about. Discipline on capital allocation, clarity on how they're making decisions, and a margin of safety for investors. I think a great company that maybe doesn't immediately come to mind as a financially steady and incredibly stable business is MercadoLibre. And that's because they are a growth business by most standards. But Meli has had a ton of macro headwinds in the very fragmented markets that they operate in. It has not affected their growth when it comes to their key business metrics. And even though they've had to deal with repricing of growth and an adjustment on their multiple, they've been able to weather that. And they've actually been a company that has hired during a period of mass layoffs in tech. That is all because of the financial position the company's in. And it makes things so much easier for employees, for shareholders, and for fans of the business. Ricky Mulvey: I'm going to throw in a couple. One is high inside ownership, especially for the smaller cap stocks, which is where I like to play. You want to see a leader or a leadership board that is tied to the mast in terms of financial success riding along with you, the shareholder, and also beyond that, with some of the more mature companies, not just the leaders of the company. I love seeing a company that can control its share count and make sure and have employees act as owners owning stock in the company. I think Home Depot is a good example of that. Then I'll also throw in the ability to have a really big green flag of a mote and some obvious risks. If I know the risks, that's good. I everybody's got trauma. I want to know what it is. With that, I'll throw in Charles Schwab, huge mode has some obvious risks that people know about and also Taiwan Semiconductor. We know the political risks. We also know that it can do manufacturing that no other company on the planet can do with that let's go to the red flags. We've had enough positively. Let's go into some things to watch out for red flags. Mary, what you got. Mary Long: To be clear, kindness is a green flag 100% but large goodwill impairment charges are a red flag for me not because acquisitions are bad or all acquisitions are bad, but if you are pulling a teledoc and you're writing off $13.4 billion that makes my ears perk up in a not so good way. Yes. Part of that is because of it makes me question management's capital allocation strategies, but also from a strategic standpoint, if you are so intimidated by or worried about a competitor whether it's a direct competitor or someone more tangential that monetary judgment goes to the wayside. That raises a lot of questions for me about the belief that you have in your business to execute on the strategy at hand. It's a money problem there, but a capital allocation strategy issue, but also something more deeper seated. You're insecure about yourself and no insecurity is tough to get past sometimes. Ricky Mulvey: When money's cheap, it's easy to make big acquisitions. I'm going to highlight, look at what management highlights is what I would say. Sometimes management really likes to bring investors attention to the adjusted EBITDA metric. Always makes me wondering what adjustments they're making and some of these stocks end up doing well. DraftKings would be an example of that. But I like to see real bars. What are the hard metrics that you're looking at that you're trying to step over and with that, we'll kick it to Dylan Lewis. Dylan Lewis: Let's stick with metrics for a second. I think shifting key business metrics is a massive red flag for me and one that is timely with Meta moving away from some of their user level reporting and to more of a platform based approach not breaking things out with Facebook in particular, more of a focus on overall activity and add impressions on the platform. You could tell a similar story with Apple moving away from iPhone volume and average price metrics. That was something they did a long time ago. Now in both of those cases, strong business, it didn't wind up being a big deal but the reason I think it's important is usually when something like that happens, it's because management feels like they can tell a better story with a different metric and in almost every case, no management team is going to stop reporting something that they can brag about. They are always going to look for the thing that helps paint a great picture. When we see those things shift, it's worth asking questions about the business. In my head, it's being across the table from someone who's losing an argument and keeps changing the goal posts. Ricky Mulvey: Speaking of moving the goalposts, Deidre what red flags do you have? Deidre Woollard: Moving things around. I don't enjoy it. Keep your dates, especially when it comes to your reporting deadlines. Unless you have a good reason if there's like an acquisition or something like that, that works but delayed or missed repeated reporting deadlines that's a big red flag for me. I saw that with Latch, they kept moving around the reporting dates. They had a variety of reasons, but it made me not trust the company. The other thing I think with dating and with companies you want to do a little searching around. You want to see what the world says about this company. I look for things like short reports, activist interests, anything that can impact the company materially. I take a little cruise through SEC Edgar and see if there's any filings that look a little weird or something that I don't understand. Just a little background check for the company, None of that can be a strong red flag. In fact, a lot of times sometimes something that it could be a yellow flag could turn back to green. But I just want to know what's out there and if I've got a question, I want to get an answer on it. Ricky Mulvey: If we can find short reports for potential romantic partners, that would be something. There are Facebook groups called are we dating the same guy in this city where people can look and see and sometimes you get some short reports on there. Let's move on to dating because we're coming up on Valentine's Day. We've done the investment stuff and I'm going to let you all choose. You can pick a red or a green flag. Dylan, what do you got? Dylan Lewis: I think mine is mostly just a way to look at whether something is a red or a green flag. That is, I think you should be able to do absolutely nothing with somebody and love it. Dates are great, big nights out are awesome. Those are the IPO days of relationship though 95% of the time you are with someone, you are just having a normal day, whatever that might look like for you. Have awesome times together, go do cool trips, but look for someone that makes the mundane parts of life great. Ricky Mulvey: Boring Dylan. Deidre what's you got? Deidre Woollard: I like to interview people, and certainly that was true when I was dating people. But I have two rules. The first one is, and I use this for friends, CEOs really anybody. I ask people about their first job. What I'm looking for is someone who had a not great first job and probably in their teenage years, something menial, something, customer facing dishwashers or warehouse workers or having to do retail working, fast food, anything like that. I'm looking for someone who it's on the bottom, learned it factors into everything, how they treat people, how they tip, how they think about the world. I'm going to share another one. This one's weird, but I used to date some comic book lovers back in the day, Batman versus Superman. Now, hear me out. In my opinion, you want someone who prefers Batman because Batman, he's got the utility belt, he's got all the things right. He's using tools and resources to get the job done. Superman didn't really have to do anything, he's just superman. He came here from another place. He's just good because he's here versus being on Krypton. I'd like to see the work. It doesn't have to be Batman versus Superman. I would like someone who'd like preferred like an Iron Man to an Aqua Man. It's all about the tools and the work, and the intelligence. Ricky Mulvey: Batman, a lot of trauma not a lot of therapy, that's the problem, Deidre. Deidre Woollard: That is good point. Ricky Mulvey: I'm going to go with something that can be a red or a green flag and it's if you have friends that care about you, if you have a good group of friends. Do all of them seem to go one way or the other? Because when you're dating someone, sometimes you can be in the phase, and maybe your friends see something that you don't, especially if it's a unanimous decision. Also, does your partner treat their friends differently than they treat your friends? Mary Long, what's you got? Mary Long: I promise to be Peter Lynch and throughout. Here it goes. I always want to see how a person acts out in the world. Impressing on a date, especially a first date, is one thing you're on, you're trying to give your best impression. But seeing a person when they're in their natural habitat or when they just how they act, when they think that no one's watching or paying attention tells me so much about who you are, whether it's you're around friends or you're at a restaurant, or you're on a road trip, just watching the world go by. If your baseline always is to be kind and engaged and generous and on even when a lot of other people would be off. That is a big green flag to me. Ricky Mulvey: Happy Valentine's Day to all of you. Thank you for joining me on this host whip around. As always, people on the program may own stocks mentioned, and the Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear. I'm Ricky Mulvey. Thanks for listening, will bee back tomorrow. 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. Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Deidre Woollard has positions in Apple and Meta Platforms. Dylan Lewis has positions in MercadoLibre. Mary Long has positions in Airbnb. Ricky Mulvey has positions in Charles Schwab, Home Depot, Meta Platforms, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Tim Beyers has positions in Apple, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Airbnb, Apple, Charles Schwab, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Home Depot, MercadoLibre, Meta Platforms, Starbucks, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Cintas and recommends the following options: short March 2024 $65 puts on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Delving Into Airbnb's Buyback Plan was originally published by The Motley Fool The 43-year-old exited Portlaoise District Court at noon on Thursday after enjoying a meal from the fast food outlet following an appearance before Judge Andrew Cody FAT Freddie Thompson told waiting media: Im an innocent man before declaring: Supermacs its the best food in Portlaoise, as he was led out of court after appearing on two charges of threatening to kill and a third of assault on the same prison officer. The 43-year-old exited Portlaoise District Court at noon on Thursday after enjoying a meal from the fast food outlet following an appearance before Judge Andrew Cody. Still carrying a Supermacs drinks cup in hand, he turned it so waiting photographers could see the branding, before being led away to a waiting prison van. The Crumlin native, whose address was listed care of the Midlands Prison, is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on indictment for making threats to kill, contrary to section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, and a maximum sentence of five years in prison on indictment in relation to the section 3 assault charge. He is charged that on November 17, 2022 at Portlaoise Prison, he assaulted an assistant chief officer causing him harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. He is charged on the same date at the same location that without lawful excuse, he made to the assistant chief officer (ACO) a threat, intending the officer to believe it would be carried out, that he would kill or cause him serious harm, contrary to Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. And, on May 18, 2022, at the same location, he is charged that he, without lawful excuse, made to the same ACO a threat, intending him to believe it would be carried out, that he would kill or cause him serious harm. Detective Garda Padraic Ryan told Judge Andrew Cody he charged Thompson on Thursday morning. He said when cautioned Thompson made no reply to the charges. Det Garda Ryan said he was handed a true copy of the charge sheet. Thompson told the court he was representing himself in the matter. A remand to March 14 for service of a book of evidence was suggested. Speaking from the dock, Thompson asked: How long is that for? I am looking for a two week remand if possible. Its going back Judge Cody inquired if Thompson would agree to a two week remand to which the accused responded: Yeah. After confirming the book of evidence would be ready by this date, Judge Cody put the case back to February 28 for service. Noting that Thompson was already in custody on a separate matter, he remanded him on bail in the sum of 100. When police searched the home of 58-year-old Dermot Burke, officers found some sort of shrine to the republican movement, a court was told An alleged IRA man accused of issuing threats against drug dealers in Dungiven had a terror shrine in his house, a court has heard. When police searched the home of 58-year-old Dermot Burke, officers found some sort of shrine to the republican movement. This included posters commemorating the Derry Brigade, a personalised poster from Oglaigh na hEireann and a poster declaring drug dealers are not welcome in our community, Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine, was told. Prosecuting counsel Natalie Pinkerton also revealed that Burke has copies of the police photographs relating to previous offences. From the Drum Road in Dungiven, he is one of two men facing three charges arising from what amounts to a pub crawl in the village. Burke and 30-year-old Michael Stephen Conwell, from Lettershendony Avenue in Drumahoe, are accused of belonging or professing to belong to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, possessing a handgun with intent to cause a person to fear unlawful violence would be used against them and with possessing a weapon, namely a metal pole, on the Garvagh Road in Dungiven. St Cancies GAA Club According to the police case, Conwell leads the charge with the firearm in his left hand as masked men visited four pubs and St Cancies GAA club over the course of an hour between 7-8pm on January 19 this year, warning patrons during their 30-second visits: We are New IRA, we are here to clean up the bars, if you dont clean up the bars we are going to do it the bars are full of drugs. Previous courts heard how detectives have obtained CCTV footage and data from a Ford car connected to Conwell which suggests the vehicle drove close to a white Citreon van in the car park of Owenbeg GAA on the Foreglen Road in Dungiven. It was told that the van was used to transport the masked men to each of the pubs, as well as St Candices GAA club. It is the police case that the registration plate of the van had been doctored with black tape but in actuality, the van belongs to Burkes employers and he regularly drives it. Conwell has twice been refused bail by both the Magistrates Court and the High Court, but the hearing on Thursday was the first time that Burke, appearing at court via video-link from jail, had applied to be freed. Ms Pinkerton told District Judge Peter King police were objecting to him being released due to a risk of him committing further offences and a risk he would interfere with the investigation and the administration of justice. Highlighting that Burke has a significant and relevant record of 10 previous convictions, the barrister said that given the background and the nature of the offences, the mindset of individuals who carry out offences such as these would be impervious to change and that can increase the risk of reoffending. She said that among the convictions was an entry for possessing a firearm arising from searches in 2013, but the case was not dealt with until 2018 when Burke was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for three years. Co-accused Stephen Conwell Meanwhile, Ms Pinkerton said police have not yet located the firearm used in the latest incidents or Burkes van, so if he was freed, he could interfere with that potential evidence. Crown counsel further revealed that in addition to CCTV footage and body-worn recorded accounts from some of the witnesses, detectives had now recorded a formal signed statement from a witness who Im not going to identify for obvious reasons. Defence solicitor Ruairi Muldoon conceded that I cannot get away from Burkes previous offences, but on the flip side, it proved that he adhered to every one of his bail conditions when those cases were being processed. He said Burke was held in such high regard in his community that numerous people had come forward to provide character references and offer bail addresses. Two of those people are so sure that Burke will adhere to bail conditions they had offered to lodge 10,000 cash sureties. Emphasising that Burke denies the offences, the solicitor contended that Burke can be managed with bail conditions and that he was unlikely to be able to interfere with the investigation given the nature of the evidence is mainly CCTV and one unidentified witness. DJ King told the court it was clear from police searches at Burkes home that he has interests in keeping drug dealers out of his community, but Im significantly concerned by the fact that he has a balaclava and photographs of pistols on his walls. This is somebody who I think, frankly, presents a clear risk of reoffending given the context of what I am dealing with, said the judge, explaining that risk was his number one reason for refusing bail and he was less concerned about interference. Remanding Burke into custody, he adjourned the case to February 19. Neville Griffin (49) panicked but stopped the car within seconds after the garda fell to the road A taxi driver drove off as a garda held onto his car and attempted to apprehend a fleeing suspect who had got into the passenger seat, a court has heard. Neville Griffin (49) panicked but stopped the car within seconds after the garda fell to the road. Lawyers for Griffin said the offence was reckless, momentary and no serious harm was caused. Griffin of Kippure Park, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangerment at River Road, Dublin 7 on January 3, 2021. He has five previous convictions. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned sentencing until Monday, remanding Griffin on bail over the weekend. A victim impact statement was handed into Judge Nolan but not read in open court. Detective Garda Selina Proudfoot told Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, that on the day gardai were involved in the pursuit of a motor vehicle unconnected to Griffin around Finglas. The car stopped at Scribblestown Road and the three occupants took off running. Gda Proudfoot said the injured garda was pursuing one of the males who scaled a wall onto River Road. The garda followed and he saw the man get into a passing taxi. He caught up with the taxi which had the window open, stating that he was a gardai. The garda grabbed a hold of the passenger with one hand and the taxi door with his other hand. The taxi took off and the garda let go of the man but continued to hold onto the car. The garda believed the driver would stop but when they did not he had to let go and fell onto the road. He heard another car coming behind and rolled onto the grass verge believing he would be run over, but it was garda colleagues in the car coming behind him. The taxi driver, Griffin, stopped a short distance away. He told a garda who caught up with him that he did not know the young male, had panicked on seeing the garda as he did not want to get involved and just wanted to get away. The garda received medical treatment and was sent home with anti-inflammatories. He was out of work for seven weeks, felt pain in his legs and was limping. The court heard the garda was at the time playing Gaelic for his county and had been due to resume training but could not do that. Gda Proudfoot agreed with Cathal McGreal BL, defending, that the distance between picking up the male and dropping him off was short and took less than 28 seconds. She agreed Griffin has been in no trouble since and expressed apologies and remorse on several occasions. In interview Griffin told gardai that he had told the young man to get out when he realised what was happening. He said he had panicked and did not want to get involved. Mr McGreal said his client was a family man who was a rock to those around him. He said in the intervening time since his prior offences in 2011, he had lived a good life and kept out of trouble. He handed in testimonials speaking to Griffins good character. He said Griffin had caused a minor injury to the gardai by a stupid and reckless act that took a moment. He said the harm caused was not serious but the consequences were different to the harm. He said the consequences for the victim had been unintended and his client should not be punished for unintended results. Judge Nolan said if a gardai was holding onto the door and you did not stop, it was foreseeable that if you accelerated, away injuries may ensue. No one knows if they will be serious or minor, he said. Mr McGreal said the injuries had not been serious and the offence was momentary. Judge Nolan said he would give his decision on Monday. Peter Caseys 20k reward over the attack on Ukrainian housing The property was totally gutted in the arson attack The property was totally gutted in the arson attack The property was totally gutted in the arson attack The charred staircase in the house which was targeted for attack The property was totally gutted in the arson attack Former Presidential candidate Peter Casey has slammed the handling of the investigation into an arson attack on a building he was renovating to house Ukrainians saying he has zero confidence in gardai to catch those responsible. In an interview with the Sunday World, Mr Casey also raised the reward he has offered for information leading to the identification and prosecution of those responsible from 10,000 to 20,000. Mr Casey was renovating the building at Lisfannon, Buncrana to house 50 Ukrainians displaced from their home country as a consequence of the war with Russia. Peter Casey He said the building would have been a not-for-profit accommodation centre. However, on the night of May 11 last, the building, which had been the subject of a number of protests, was broken into and set ablaze. Photos of the interior of the building taken in the aftermath of the arson attack show extensive damage, including charred walls, floors, doors and furnishings, large holes in the ceilings and a destroyed staircase. Campaign Mr Caseys property is one of 24 properties linked to the emergency provision of accommodation for immigrants and refugees to have been subjected to arson attack since 2018. Last year alone, 13 such arson attacks have taken place while 10 properties have been targeted in the last three months. In 2024, there have been four arson attacks, including one in Leixlip on Tuesday night. The charred staircase in the house which was targeted for attack Although 10 arrests have occurred in connection with three of the attacks, gardai and the Government have come in for scathing criticism over a failure to prevent further incidents of arson or to prosecute those responsible. This week, in the Dail, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said the country is witnessing a campaign of far-right terrorism in this State. And what has been the response? he asked. Almost nothing. Nobody charged, fiddling while the country burns. Asked about his experience as the owner of one of the properties targeted, Mr Casey told the Sunday World: The guards have been useless. They have been totally unhelpful. I put up a reward of 10,000. The property was totally gutted in the arson attack Explaining the background to his decision to try to house Ukrainians fleeing the war, the former Dragons Den star said: I really believe passionately that Putin needs to be stopped. He wasnt going to stop at Ukraine, he was going to go down to Moldova, free up Transnistria and he was going to control 60 per cent of the worlds wheat supply. I even went over to volunteer and I got as far as Warsaw and they wouldnt let me in because I was over 60. So Im very passionate about Ukraine and I was setting up a centre for Ukrainians and it was going to be non-profit. We were going to take the money from the Government and give half the profits to local charities and the other half to the Ukrainians to allow them fly home when they needed to. And these scumbags fire-bombed it. The property was totally gutted in the arson attack There was a local guy who was organising protests outside it every day and the gardai turned up and the protesters were giving the guards cups of tea. It was the most bizarre situation. I cant begin to tell you how angry I am with the guards doing absolutely nothing about it. Mr Casey said he believes Ireland cannot take in any more Ukrainians because the State has already taken in more than 100,000 people from the war-torn country. We havent got the facilities or the capabilities, he said to support them. We really do need to put a moratorium on bringing in more people until we can support the people who are here. Asked whether any arrests had been made in connection with the attack, or whether anyone had been questioned or charged, Mr Casey replied: Not at all. I even put up a 10,000 reward and you can use this interview to state Im putting it up to 20,000 because I am so determined to find out who did this. The property was totally gutted in the arson attack Asked whether he has any hope that the gardai will catch those responsible, Mr Casey said: Absolutely none! I cant even get the gardai to return phone calls to me. I couldnt get the gardai to hand over the statements given by people to my solicitor for the insurance company. There was a lot of damage done so we are trying to get the insurance so we can get it repaired and functioning as a centre again. Its just been so very disappointing. Its been disgraceful. I have zero confidence in the guards. A senior source this week described the garda investigation into the arson attack at Mr Caseys property as extensive but also extremely challenging. A significant and extensive investigation, co-ordinated out of an incident room at Buncrana Garda station, has taken place, the source said. The investigation remains open. Its true to say a suspect or suspects havent been identified to date. But the investigators are satisfied that the answers to this lie within the locality. We are continuing to appeal to anyone with information on this arson attack to contact Buncrana Garda station, the Garda Confidential Helpline or any member of An Garda Siochana in confidence. The source said the investigation has been hampered by a lack of CCTV and forensic materials. And, while he confirmed electronic communications have been examined, he said it is a challenge in such circumstances to solve a case if investigators meet with a wall of silence in the community. The officer was suspended from the Midlands Prison last October on foot of four complaints lodged against him by separate IPS staff members A PRISON officer, suspended over allegations he engaged in bullying behaviour and made misogynistic comments to female staff, has returned to work pending the outcome of judicial review of his suspension in the High Court. The officer was suspended from the Midlands Prison last October on foot of four complaints lodged against him by separate IPS staff members. Two of the complainants against him are male prison officers while two are female. The complaints from the male members of staff are understood to relate to alleged incidents of shouting and abusive comments. The complaints from the female members of staff relate to similar type incidents. One of the two officers is understood to have claimed the comments made to her were misogynistic in tone. When the Sunday World called to the prison officers address for comment following his suspension, he declined to comment. The officers initiated proceedings in the High Court seeking a judicial review of the process surrounding his suspension on December 13. He is represented in the case by Ferries solicitors. The proceedings name both the Governor of the Midlands Prison and the Irish Prison Service as respondents. Affidavits of evidence were filed in the case on January 22nd and again on February 2nd. Its understood that since his return to work, the officer has been given his own office in a location separate to where the four complainants against him are employed. Following the officers suspension in October, the Irish Prison Service appointed a former Northern Ireland prison governor to investigate the complaints of bullying and misogyny against him. Austin Treacy, a retired Governor Director who worked in the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) for more than 30 years, conducted interviews in December with three staff members who made complaints against the officer. Mr Treacy was assisted in carrying out the investigation by retired NIPS Governor Gary McClean. The decision to draft in the external investigators was made to ensure there could be no questions as to the objectivity of those involved, a source said. Contacted by the Sunday World last week, the Irish Prison Service declined to comment on the case. In a previous statement issued to this newspaper, a spokesperson said: The Irish Prison Service sets high standards in respect of its staff and requires that all staff carry out their duties with integrity, commitment and professionalism at all times. Where a complaint is received about the behaviour of a staff member, this is treated with the utmost seriousness by the Irish Prison Service and investigated in a manner that is fair and protects the rights of all parties involved. Dr Umar Al-Qadri said his attackers had no interest in stealing from him, adding it was a hate crime Detectives were last night preparing to take a formal statement from a senior Muslim cleric over an attack on him in south Dublin. Gardai are investigating the assault of Dr Umar Al-Qadri in Tallaght on Thursday evening. Dr Al-Qadri, an imam shaykh, wrote online that he had been the victim of a deliberate hate crime. He said the attack left him with broken teeth, severe bruising and unable to talk. The chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council said he was attacked by two individuals whom he arranged to meet prior to the incident. Gardai have received a complaint of the assault but are waiting to speak with Dr Al-Qadri further to take a formal statement. One source explained: At this stage, the matter is being investigated as an assault, although the injured party has yet to make a statement. This inquiry may well take on a different element once that statement is made. Posting on X, Dr Al-Qadri wrote: I have experienced a deliberate hate crime attack in Tallaght a few hours ago. I would like to express my gratitude to the kind Irish lady and two Irish gentlemen who assisted me when I collapsed and safely helped me into my car. I am currently receiving medical care at the hospital. Also, thank you to my community members who have come immediately to my support. I was hospitalised last night (Thursday) and underwent a CT scan. Thankfully, there is no brain injury or broken jaw, but the left side of my face is severely swollen and my front teeth are damaged. It appears that this was a planned attack, as I met two Irish individuals who had arranged a meeting in Tallaght. The next thing I remember is feeling disoriented in my car, surrounded by helpful Irish neighbours of the area I was visiting, as the gardai and ambulance arrived. I was injured and had lost consciousness, but my mobile phone was still with me, allowing me to contact my friends who arrived within 15 minutes. They took me to the hospital where I stayed overnight. Alhamdulillah (Arabic for thank God), I am doing alright, considering the circumstances, and it could have been much worse. Thank you for your prayers and well-wishes. Having lived in Ireland for 21 years, this has never happened to me. This incident doesnt change the fact that I deeply appreciate and cherish Ireland and its people. Is brea liom Eire. In an updated social media post, Dr Al-Qadri later added: Unfortunately, Im unable to talk due to the pain in my mouth and face. Eating solid food isnt possible also. I want to reiterate that the attackers did not want to rob me. It was a pre-planned attack intended to cause harm. My mobile phone, car and watch was not taken. In a statement, a garda spokesperson said they are investigating a robbery and assault that occurred in Tallaght, Dublin 24. One man required medical attention following the incident. Keith Riggs was on bail for that 2020 arson attack when he set fire to a Dublin hostel almost two years later, leaving a young woman with life-changing injuries. Emergency services at a fire at a hostel on Little Britain Street in March 2022 that left a young woman with life-changing injuries. Photo: Damien Storan THIS is the moment a serial arsonist set fire to a gardas private car outside a city centre station before calmly walking away from the blaze. Repeat offender Keith Riggs was on bail for that 2020 arson attack when he set fire to a Dublin hostel almost two years later, leaving a young woman with life-changing injuries. He was previously given a jail term of nine-and-a-half years for that attack on the homeless shelter. This week, Riggs (40), of Deanstown Avenue, Finglas, Dublin, avoided serving any more jail time for burning the officers car. He was sentenced for the incident outside Bridewell garda station in August 2020, as well as for making threats to kill. The court heard how after being arrested he told gardai he would burn down the whole station and threatened to set fire to the owner of the apartment where he was staying. CCTV footage showed Riggs walking up to the black saloon car outside the station and pouring an accelerant on it before igniting it. He then walked away. The suspect was later identified and charged and was later granted bail. While that matter was before the courts, he started a fire at the Depaul hostel on Little Britain Street, Dublin 7, on March 26, 2022. Several people were hospitalised, including a 22-year-old woman who was left with catastrophic and life-limiting injuries. Riggs later pleaded guilty to arson and endangerment and was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years. In a victim impact statement, the womans parents told the court her ordeal was a living hell. She cannot breathe without assistance, and was left blind and in horrendous pain. On Thursday, Riggs was jailed for four-and-a-half years for burning the gardas car and making a threat to kill. Judge Elva Duffy said arson is always very serious and ruled the sentence should run concurrently to the term of imprisonment Riggs is serving. A sentencing hearing had heard that after being arrested, Riggs told gardai: Youve caused me enough hassle. I burned one car, I will burn the whole station down. Keith Spencer BL, defending, said his client was someone who was very mentally unwell at the time. He told the court that when arrested, he said: Sorry, I thought I was dreaming. Riggs had 31 previous convictions, including arson, endangerment, public order, obstruction, possession of knives, trespass and threats to damage property. Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Australian United Investment Company Limited (ASX:AUI) is about to go ex-dividend in just 4 days. Typically, the ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date which is the date on which a company determines the shareholders eligible to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important because any transaction on a stock needs to have been settled before the record date in order to be eligible for a dividend. Meaning, you will need to purchase Australian United Investment's shares before the 22nd of February to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 15th of March. The company's next dividend payment will be AU$0.17 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of AU$0.37 per share. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Australian United Investment has a trailing yield of approximately 3.7% on its current stock price of AU$10.13. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Australian United Investment's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to investigate whether Australian United Investment can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow. Check out our latest analysis for Australian United Investment Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. Last year, Australian United Investment paid out 92% of its income as dividends, which is above a level that we're comfortable with, especially if the company needs to reinvest in its business. Generally, the higher a company's payout ratio, the more the dividend is at risk of being reduced. Click here to see how much of its profit Australian United Investment paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies that aren't growing their earnings can still be valuable, but it is even more important to assess the sustainability of the dividend if it looks like the company will struggle to grow. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. With that in mind, we're not enthused to see that Australian United Investment's earnings per share have remained effectively flat over the past five years. Better than seeing them fall off a cliff, for sure, but the best dividend stocks grow their earnings meaningfully over the long run. Story continues Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. In the past 10 years, Australian United Investment has increased its dividend at approximately 2.3% a year on average. The Bottom Line Is Australian United Investment worth buying for its dividend? While we're glad to see that its earnings aren't shrinking, we're not enamored of the fact that it's paying out 92% of last year's earnings. This is not an overtly appealing combination of characteristics, and we're just not that interested in this company's dividend. With that in mind though, if the poor dividend characteristics of Australian United Investment don't faze you, it's worth being mindful of the risks involved with this business. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Australian United Investment you should know about. If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Firefighters also attended a smash on the N3 It has been a busy couple of days for the Dublin Fire Brigade who have been tackling car fires, crashes and bad parking in quick succession. On Wednesday evening the DFB were called to a local park in Tallaght where a car was on fire. An image provided by the service showed smoke billowing from the vehicle in the early morning light. A DFB Spokesperson said: Firefighters from Tallaght fire station were called to two cars on fire in a motor dealership overnight. Breathing apparatus teams were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles. A separate vehicle fire was also extinguished in the early hours of this morning. On the same night, emergency services rushed to the scene of a severe smash on the N3. However, when crews arrived they discovered there were no passengers in the crashed car. Bad smash on the N3 This week Blanchardstown firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the N3. No occupants on arrival and the scene was made safe for recovery. On top of that, the Fire Brigades work was not made easy by being blocked at their station by a clueless driver who blocked their passage. Firefighters found their access was restricted by a badly parked car tonight. Blocked station You never know when help is needed. Think when parking....Have I left room for the emergency services? DFB tweeted. The public were rightfully annoyed with the car owner. Some bad parking "Bull bars to protect tender whilst being able to shunt cars out of the way, wrote one man. Laws that permit you use force. "You should be allowed to winch them out of the way or use a push bar on the front of the appliance to clear the way, wrote another. This decision was taken and was relayed to the media and I just dont think this is the right approach Justice Minister Helen McEntee has refused to say whether she will attend the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference when Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has not been invited by the body. Speaking to the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk this morning, she said: "They have extended an invite to me. Its two months out so I cant say whether I will attend or not. "What I can say is that I am hugely disappointed by the decision that theyve taken to not extend an invite (to Mr Harris) and I really do hope they will consider, she said. Ms McEntee said the lack of an invitation to the commissioner personalises the issue and the only way to resolve it is to engage with not just the person but the office. She said she has full confidence in Mr Harris and the decision by the GRA to not invite him to their conference came out of nowhere, without any prior warning, without any indication that there was an upset here. "This decision was taken and was relayed to the media and I just dont think this is the right approach. If you have concerns or issues, you have to be able to talk to somebody. Justice Minister Helen McEntee Meanwhile, Ms McEntee said gardai are removing people from the State every single day and that anyone entering the country must undergo a series of checks, despite any misconceptions around immigration. Ms McEntee said there are no facts to support a correlation between immigration figures and crime rates. "Every single day, gardai are removing people from the state, theyre removing European citizens, theyre removing people from outside of Europe, they are charging Irish citizens, she said. "So, every day of the week there are people who are committing crimes and some of them are being removed. That is happening already. Anyone entering the country has their passport checked against a system and these checks are no different for those seeking international protection, she said. "When they then apply for asylum, theres a further round of checks. They provide fingerprinting, they have to go through interviews and theyre checking against the systems. Ms McEntee said there is an incorrect perception that people with criminal backgrounds are entering the country and that crime is somehow increasing as a result. "There are simply no facts to back that up. None whatsoever, she said. On the recent cases of arson attacks on buildings that were earmarked or sometimes wrongly believed to have been earmarked as accommodation for those seeking asylum in Ireland, Ms McEntee said the gardai have been painstakingly trawling through evidence, She said arson is an extremely serious offence that has a very high bar for prosecution. "People have been arrested, there have been 12 arrests related to a number of different offences but this is an extremely serious crime and Ive said this many times, people need to realise that there is a penalty of up to life in prison for someone who commits arson, Ms McEntee said, also warning of the sentences faced for vandalism. Ms McEntee was speaking to the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk this morning following the launch of Cuan, a new statutory agency which aims to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. She said recent research has shown that domestic violence is happening at a much younger age and children themselves are being impacted in a way that we never knew before. Ms McEntee said the court system does not currently work for victims and impacts the rates of disclosure and reporting, adding that the problem is not going away and has been worsening in recent years. "Only in the last two months, we have introduced and I have introduced a new law around stalking a non-fatal strangulation, clearly highlighting to victims that if this is happening to you, please come forward, the law is on your side and we will work with you. Ms OMeara was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Leah O'Meara (15) who died following a tragic collision at Rearcross, near Nenagh, on Thursday evening. Source: Facebook Heartfelt tributes have been paid to young teenager Leah OMeara who was killed in a tragic two car collision in Tipperary on Thursday evening. The 15-year-old, from Thurles, was travelling as a passenger in one of the cars, with three other occupants on the R503 at Rearcross, near Nenagh when it collided with another car just after 6.45pm. Ms OMeara was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Her body was transferred to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. The three other occupants of that car a man in his 20s, a woman in her 20s, and a girl in her mid-teens and the woman driver of the second car were transported by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for assessment. Their injuries are considered to be non-life-threatening. Katie OMeara paid tribute to her beautiful sister following the news of her tragic death. I love you so much unconditionally baby girl, she wrote on Facebook. Adding: I still just cant believe this is after happening to me, what am I meant to do now. How can I move forward without you, you where my whole world and more. Cllr Sean Ryan, Cathaoirleach for the Thurles Municipal District told the Irish Independent that the entire community is in shock following the collision, with a huge veil of sadness hanging over the town of Thurles. He offered his sincere condolences to Ms OMearas mother and father Mike and Lisa on the death of their daughter Leah, who he said was a very popular young girl in Thurles. It is understood that the family had just moved into a new house in an estate there and were very happy in their new home with her parents prominently involved in the local residents group. Cllr Ryan said her tragic death is beyond comprehension and is extremely sad. These things are extremely tragic, particularly the loss of a child to any family. There has been a lot of accidents in the area and we lost four young people in Clonmel a few months ago. Now this on top of it. There has been huge sadness in the area, especially when children die, he said, following the death of Ms OMeara, who was a third-year student in Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed in Thurles. He stressed that the entire community is pulling together for Ms OMearas family who they all know very well and are thinking of them at this time. A local priest for Thurles told the Irish Independent that he feels so sad for all the families involved and that prayers were said at 7pm Mass this Friday evening for Ms OMeara. Ms OMearas death bring to 25 the number of people killed on Irish roads so far this year. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, anyone with camera footage (including dashcam) from the area at the time is requested to provide it to Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Aiden Ryan Muir is accused of masturbating in front of members of the public at Fountain Street on Thursday morning. A man waved at onlookers as he allegedly performed a sexual act in a busy part of Belfast city centre, a court heard today. Aiden Ryan Muir is accused of masturbating in front of members of the public at Fountain Street on Thursday morning. The 27-year-old, of no fixed abode, was remanded into custody charged with indecently exposing himself to two females. Belfast Magistrates Court heard police were alerted shortly after 8am that a man was performing a sexual act in the Fountain Street area. Witnesses who drove past him said they initially thought he was urinating. However, as they got closer they noticed that he was masturbating, a PSNI constable disclosed. There were members of the public walking past at the time and he didnt stop when the witnesses approached. The officer added: The witnesses returned around 10 minutes later, he was still masturbating in public and waved to them as they drove past. Muir was arrested and denied the allegations during police interviews. Defence barrister Turlough Madden told the court his client claimed that he had only been urinating in public. Bail was refused, however, due to the risk of re-offending. District Judge Amanda Brady said: Its not just a matter of exposing himself, which is bad enough, but this takes it to another stage. She remanded Muir in custody, to appear again by video-link on February 21. Only for a deck on the 6th floor broke her fall she would not be here with us An Irish beautician working in Australia is lucky to be alive after falling from an 11th floor balcony in Sydney Imelda OBrien is well known from her beauty work at an eyelash extensions shop in the centre of the city near Bondi Junction. Late last month, Imelda fell from her 11th floor balcony and is now badly injured. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the Dubliners expenses and has reached over 9,000. Ms OBrien's friend, Lauren Smyth, set up the charity page. She wrote: "A lot of people know Imelda OBrien from Dublin for doing eyelash extensions in Bondi Junction. Three weeks ago Imelda had a fall off the balcony in her apartment which is on the 11th floor. "She is so lucky to be alive, only for a deck on the 6th floor broke her fall she would not be here with us. She has been in hospital since getting the help she needs and has a great group of friends helping her. She has already undergone surgery on her leg as it is broken in a few places. She has also got broken ribs and a broken tailbone. Also her whole body is just massively bruised and she is in a lot of pain physically and mentally, Lauren wrote. The Irish woman is unable to work due to the extent of her injuries. 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 be have someone that is with her at all times to be able to help care for her. The aim of this GoFundMe is to help fly her mam and her partner over to be able to take her home and get her the help she needs, the cost of flights and somewhere to stay for her family while they get everything sorted for her. "If anyone can help to donate and ease the financial burden in such a hard time for her would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to help Imelda here. The five-part series starring Colin Firth begins filming in Scotland at the end of this month. Jim Sheridan and his daughter Kirsten have written a new drama series on the Lockerbie bombing for Sky TV. The five-part series starring Colin Firth begins filming in Scotland at the end of this month. The award-winning Irish director who made the big screen hits My Left Foot and In The Name of the Father had been working on the screenplay for the past four years. But he was also instrumental in persuading actor Firth to play the role of heartbroken dad Dr Jim Swire who tragically lost his daughter Flora in the 1988 terrorist aeroplane bombing. The series tells the story of his lifelong search along with his wife Jane for truth and justice. The story is based on the original book about Dr Swire, The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father's Search for Justice by Jim Swire and Peter Riddulph and other security and diplomatic sources. Pan Am Flight 103 from New York to Healthrow exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie on December 21, 1988, killing all 259 people on board plus 11 others on the ground when the debris came crashing down. Only one man was ever convicted of planting the bomb, a former Libyan Intelligence Officer, Abdelbaset al-Meghrahi. He was found guilty of 270 counts of murder by three Scottish Judges at a court in the Hague, in Holland after being handed over by Libya. He served his sentence in Scotland but was later released on compassionate grounds after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and returned home to Libya. He died in 2012. Jim Sheridan A second man Abu Agila Mas'ud who is accused of actually making the bomb is due to stand trial in the United States in May,2025. A source said; " Jim Sheridan was always fascinated with the whole Lockerbie story and has been writing the whole drama series on and off for the past four years. His daughter Kristen has also played a big part. " He also met Colin Firth on his travels and persuaded him to play the leading role. " Sky is making the series along with Carnival Films which is part of Universal International Studies. It will also be shown right across America." Jim Sheridan wrote, directed and presented the smash hit Sky documentary Murder at the Cottage based on the Sophie Toscan du Plantier story. He is also currently working on a new sixth episode of the series following the death of the prime suspect in the French woman's killing, Englishman Ian Bailey. It was a case of sink or swim for one dangerous driver on Thursday afternoon, and unfortunately for him he ended up with both. A Police unit in Orewa observed the vehicle allegedly driving in a dangerous manner along Marine Parade at around Thursday 6.50pm. Waitemata North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small, says Police signalled for the vehicle to stop, however it fled at speed. Units quickly abandoned the pursuit while another nearby patrol unit observed the vehicle as it drove onto Orewa Beach. The driver has then got out of the car and run into the water, swimming quite a distance offshore. Senior Sergeant Small says the Police Eagle helicopter kept an eye on the man while two members of the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club deployed with Police onboard. Staff managed to take the male into custody after a 30 minute impasse. This was excellent work from all staff involved, managing to bring what was a dangerous incident to a swift and safe conclusion for everyone. A 36-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court today charged with failing to stop, driving while disqualified and reckless driving. - Holly McKay/NZ Police Mounties can now check local air quality in real time following the addition of 11 extra air sensors to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council monitoring network. The sensors build on the network of 11 existing highly accurate air quality monitors in the Mount Maunganui industrial area, where air pollution is most concentrated. The addition of the new sensors means the council and the community now have a comprehensive network of equipment across both the industrial and residential area checking air quality 24/7, says Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council compliance manager Stephen Mellor. Mount Maunganui is a mix of residential and industrial zoned land, which means weve got residents living close to industrial activities. The new air sensors provide an indication of air quality in real-time, giving those interested an important local insight. Effective air quality management relies on good data to back good decisions. These new sensors are not as robust as the monitors we contract an independent provider to operate in the industrial area, at some cost, but they do provide a real-time indicator of air quality across the Mount residential area and guidance on how to respond to it. Some of the community has been asking for this for a long time and were pleased we were able to find an affordable solution that meets their needs, he says. Summary of air quality readings from air sensor at Sulphur Point. Graph supplied. The air sensors were put to the test recently after smoke from a fire at Matakana Island put a lot of fine dust into the atmosphere, resulting in a number of calls to the Pollution Hotline. It was good to see the systems we have in place working as they should, he says. We received eight calls to the Pollution Hotline regarding this event in one night from as far as Greerton, and the air sensor downwind showed a spike in the data, right before the rain arrived. People can learn about the new air sensors or check the data in real-time by visiting www.boprc.govt.nz/mount-air or scanning the QR code on the sign at the base of any of the sensors. Four champions have been crowned on the morning of the 15th anniversary edition of Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB, with two Kiwis and two Brits sharing the 50km and 21km spoils. In the 50km womens race, Rotorua-raised Caitlin Fielder took out her third Tarawera title, securing victory in 4:01:41. Caitlins lead was never seriously troubled, instead she battled herself throughout the race as she faced cramping issues particularly on some of the uphill sections. I feel pretty good, but pretty happy its over to be honest, says Caitlin. Sometimes you have races where you feel really good most of the time and sometimes its more of a character build and today was one of those. "I didnt feel great from the start but just slogged it out which is good to push through sometimes as well. Its quite hard to tell exactly where you are in terms of other females so you have to pretend its just you and thats really all you can do in races like this, just run your own race and wherever that puts you at the end youve just got to be comfortable with that. It becomes more and more difficult to cross the line first now as the race gets more and more competitive which is great for the sport, but it means a lot whenever you can get the win so Im pretty stoked. British runner Kate Avery finished second, more than eight minutes behind Caitlin, with New Zealand based American Robyn Lesh rounding out the female podium in third, another three minutes behind. Ronnie Sparke GBR claimed his first UTMB World Series win with victory in the 50km race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB. Photo: Graeme Murray. In the mens 50km race, Englishman Ronnie Sparke, making his Tarawera debut, claimed victory in 3:30:48, just less than four minutes ahead of Australias Charlie Hamilton in second, with Japans Yutaro Yokouchi a further four minutes behind in third. Its unbelievable, I came here to win but to actually do it is surreal, says Ronnie. I thought I could do it, but I knew there was some really tough competition, so it was kind of 50:50 coming in. I was just hanging with the pack, giving myself that chance and it worked out so Im absolutely stoked. For more than half of the race, Ronnie, Charlie, Yutaro and Kiwi Michael Voss were running side by side, with Ronnie deciding to kick away from then second-placed Michael around the 30km mark and didnt look back from there. My plan was to sit in the pack, sit behind and take it pretty easy even though the guys were going quick, I was trying to keep my breathing calm, but my legs knew I was going quick, says Ronnie. I was with those guys, there was a group of four of us for about 30km together, so we were just chatting and having a bit of a laugh and it was so much fun. Around the 30km mark I was feeling good so I took the lead and me and Michael Voss then went head-to-head for about 10km. "Then we got to a hill and I could just tell that I was stronger than him at the time, so I decided to push and then I was in the lead the rest of the way. "I got to 5km out and then it was struggle-city all the way back, I was still going below four-minute (per kilometre) pace so I knew if I could cling on to that sort of speed Id get in to win. Ronnies Tarawera 50km victory was his first UTMB World Series win, ticking off a significant goal as his trail running journey continues to go from strength to strength. This win means the world. Ive been running all my life, but I started trail running three or four years ago and then Ive only really been racing for two years and its a been a successful two years, but to actually come out and win and with a clear lead, I feel like Ive proved myself and Im just looking forward now, ready to take it on and see where I can go, says Ronnie. Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB is a qualifying race for the 2025 UTMB World Series Finals at UTMB Mont-Blanc, with the top three male and female elites in the Tarawera 50km having secured direct entry into the OCC (50km) race next year. Kiwi Michael Sutton took the tape in the mens' 21km race at the 2024 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB. Photo: Graeme Murray. In the 21km, the mens race was won by New Zealands Michael Sutton in 1:28:45, with fellow Kiwi Liam Dooley second and British runner Robert Smith third. I feel pretty great, it was a tough race, and I knew Id really have to push all the way to the end with the competition of the guys behind me, says Michael. I went out to the front and no one really came with me, but they were always close so I just had to keep pushing hard and look over my shoulder. Its really special to take the win, Ive done a lot of mountain running and had a lot of nearly races where I thought if Id just done something a little bit different I couldve got there so it was really good to get across the line today and take the win." British runner Beth Garland secured victory in the womens 21km race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB. Photo: Graeme Murray. The womens 21km race was won by Britains Beth Garland in 1:41:20, who is in just her fourth week of living in New Zealand. Beth and her partner racing the 102km signed up for Tarawera last October while still living in the UK, a decision she says she is stoked to have made. I loved it, the atmosphere was great all the way along and the trails were absolutely beautiful. Apart from the last two miles I can say that I enjoyed absolutely every bit of it, such a good event, says Beth. In the first mile we sorted ourselves out and there was a girl just ahead of me and so tried to catch her up, we ran together for a little bit and then went forward and then from that point I knew I was in the lead and then I was just trying to pick the guys off as a bit of motivation. Im definitely coming back, the trails were incredible and especially through the Redwoods, so soft underfoot and felt really comfortable. "Absolutely loved the scenery and obviously its got a lot of heritage so its really nice being aware of that as well running through the forest," says Beth. The 2024 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB will continue throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with runners still out on the trails of Rotorua in all four distances. The first finisher in the 102km race is expected around 3pm NZT, with the first Miler finisher expected close to 7pm NZT. T50 RESULTS WOMEN Caitlin Fielder (NZL) 4:01:41 Kate Avery (GBR) 4:09:58 Robyn Lesh (USA) 4:13:31 Vanja Cnops (BEL) 4:20:59 Demi Caldwell (AUS) 4:24:18 T50 RESULTS MEN Ronnie Sparke (GBR) 3:30:48 Charlie Hamilton (AUS) 3:34:36 Yutaro Yokouchi (JPN) 3:38:19 Michael Voss (NZL) 3:38:41 Jonathan Jackson (NZL) 3:44:45 T21 RESULTS MEN Michael Sutton (NZL) 01:28:45 Liam Dooley (NZL) 01:29:38 Robert Smith (GBR) 1:30:24 Ben Duffus (AUS) 1:30:28 George Rice (JEY) 1:31:20 T21 RESULTS WOMEN Beth Garland (GBR) 1:41:20 Jessica Ronan (AUS) 1:48:31 Rach Peters (USA) 1:50:28 Tracy McCartney (NZL) 1:54:29 Angela Hancock (NZL) 1:55:12 For full results of the 2024 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB visit tarawera.utmb.world With so much attention going toward the artificial intelligence boom, investors might not expect innovation and disruption to happen in the restaurant sector. This is a narrative that Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) is trying to change. The drive-thru coffeehouse chain is on investors' radars, especially those looking for the chance to produce monster portfolio returns. Dutch Bros is expanding rapidly, a significant factor that might be enough for some to view it as a top stock pick right now. However, investors who are bullish must believe one important thing before scooping up shares. From regional to national Dutch Bros prides itself on selling customizable beverages in a fun and lively atmosphere, with a priority on speed and customer service. The concept is catching on. There are currently 831 locations, mainly in the southern and western parts of the U.S. That figure is more than double what it was at the end of 2019. It's no surprise, then, that investors who appreciate a compelling growth story would gravitate toward Dutch Bros. Quickly rising sales could be a key ingredient to produce market-beating returns over the long term. The executive team, now led by CEO Christine Barone, who spent some time in leadership roles at Starbucks, believes there can one day be 4,000 Dutch Bros stores scattered across the country. This includes different layouts, from small drive-thrus to larger layouts. With the possibility of higher revenue comes greater scale. And the result could be expanding profitability, at least better than the third-quarter 2023 operating margin of 9%. Additionally, if Dutch Bros is able to reach its store target one day, it would certainly have a stronger brand presence. International expansion might also be in the cards. A difficult path ahead The growth story sounds interesting, but Dutch Bros faces intense competition in the restaurant industry more broadly, and in the fast-food coffee space specifically. This forces me to question the company's durability. There are scaled rivals that currently have the upper hand. Story continues Take Starbucks. It currently has almost 16,500 stores nationwide, making it nearly 20 times larger than Dutch Bros. Starbucks generated $6.6 billion in revenue just in the U.S. during its latest fiscal quarter (Q1 2024 ended Dec. 31). This means it has already established itself as the clear leader in the industry, with the financial resources to continue innovating its menu, marketing to new customers, and opening new locations. Plus, Starbucks has one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. This supports its competitive position in a crowded industry. By comparison, I'd suspect that many households have still never heard of Dutch Bros. There's also competition from McDonald's, the dominant fast-food chain that has built up expertise in the coffee game, as well as Dunkin' Donuts, to name just two other noteworthy examples. This doesn't include the unlimited number of independent coffee shops that consumers might be inclined to frequent. And it doesn't include the ready-to-drink caffeinated beverages that can be found at grocery and convenience stores. Competition might be something that investors overlook, but I view it as one of the most important factors to consider before buying a stock. In this instance, competitive forces present a monumental risk to Dutch Bros being able to succeed over the long term. In other words, Dutch Bros has its work cut out for it to reach management's objective of 4,000 locations open. So, despite Dutch Bros shares trading 65% below their peak price, at a cheap price-to-sales ratio of under 1.7, I'm not adding the company to my portfolio until I have confidence in its staying power. Should you invest $1,000 in Dutch Bros right now? Before you buy stock in Dutch Bros, 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 Dutch Bros 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 Neil Patel and his clients have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Dutch Bros Is a Top Stock to Buy Right Now, but Only if You Believe This 1 Thing was originally published by The Motley Fool Shes just turned 100 years old, but if that wasnt impressive enough Thelma de Mey thinks shell give 200 a go too! Why not? Born February 16, 1924, in Tolaga Bay, Thelma is celebrating her triple-digit birthday with a smile and a yarn. And at her age, she definitely has a story or two. Ive been around you see, says the centenarian. Its true. After Tolaga Bay, Thelma spent much of her childhood growing up in Frankton, Waikato, and at just 17 years old she became a Link Trainer in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force during WWII. Trained to operate and maintain aircraft, Thelma says: We had to keep them going in perfect orderwe were mechanics. During these days Thelma was based in Wigram and Taieri. We were sent all over New Zealand. You werent allowed to tell anybody the work you did. The 1940s Reflecting on her favourite decade of her 100 years, Thelma picks the 1940s too, or as she calls the war years. Id never met people like I had in the Air ForceI met lovely girls in the Air Force who asked me home to stay. "It was beautiful. They were beautiful. Thelma de Mey became a Link Trainer in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force during WWII at age 17. Photo: Brydie Thompson. It was in 1945 when Thelma married late husband and return pilot, Douglas de Mey. They had four children Annette, Janice, Geoff and late eldest son Ian. Since then Thelma has also gained 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Thelma says her youngest son, who lives locally, often brings her treats to Accadia Manor Care Home where she resides, like make-up and chocolates. Yet, she doesnt have too many sweet treats these days. Ive cut sugar down but sometimes I get a feelingI like a little sugar urge. Dont we all! Thelmas tricks Perhaps sweetness in moderation is the secret to Thelmas longevity? But she has other theories too. Plenty of exercise. "I think its the biking I did and the running over paddocks and farms to get to primary school. Shes also doesnt drink alcohol. I didnt involve myself in a lot of drinkingand I liked helping others. "I was always helping others. Thelma volunteered at Care and Craft in Tauranga, supporting housebound people, and those with disabilities.She was also a Brown Owl in the Brownies. Tu-whit tu-whoo! So what are her most important values from her century of life? Honesty. I think honesty is the main thing, and friendship. Meeting people, and everyday theres somethingI like this home. "Since Ive been here the girls have been lovely. I find them very nice. I really have had some really nice girlfriends in life. Now Thelmas met the mighty milestone of 100, whats next? Ill try to get to 200you never know. "There are Japanese people.Ive been overseas and seen Japanese women that are very old. Shes certainly a go getter! I feel as though Ive got my faculties. Ill just take it a day by day. 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. Dear Annie: Im writing in response to Worried in Louisiana, whose mother-in-law is in poor health and kept pretty isolated from the rest of the family by her sole caretaker, one of her daughters. Im a nurse and if I couldnt see my 96-year-old amputee mother, I would be calling the police immediately for a welfare check. The police can assess the living conditions and initiate extraction if necessary. There is no reason for her to be kept away from her family other than for nefarious purposes. Ive seen some crazy things working as a nurse, and this has red flags flying everywhere. -- Nurse on Alert Dear Nurse: Thank you for this suggestion. Others who felt similarly also recommended involving adult protective services. In the words of another wise reader, If the mother is OK, then no harm was done. But if shes being mistreated or neglected, this might save her life. How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner? is out now! Annie Lanes second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM Oriskany, N.Y. Sheriffs deputies on Friday identified an inmate who died in the Oneida County jail this week. Antwan Cater, 25, of Utica, was found unresponsive Tuesday by correctional officers. Medical staff at the jail began life-saving efforts but he died, sheriffs deputies said. The Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office is conducting an autopsy, deputies said. Cater was booked into the jail Jan. 29 on charges of second-degree criminal contempt, fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny and resisting arrest, said Sheriff Robert Maciol. The sheriffs office, state Commission of Corrections and state Attorney Generals Office are continuing to investigate. Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at falba@syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. -- A bomb threat was made Friday at Syracuse University just days after two false active shooter reports at the school. The threat was determined to be unfounded. Around 4 p.m., the universitys Department of Public Safety received a bomb threat that was quickly determined to be false, according to an email sent to the campus community. All three false reports made this week targeted SUs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Update 4:45 p.m.: A Syracuse school parent was arrested Friday and charged with assault and burglary, police say. Lynzina Sutton, 31, came to Lincoln Middle School Friday morning, avoided security and specifically located a female teacher she was looking for, said Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police Department. Sutton hit the teacher in the face multiple times and then fled from the school grounds, he said. The teacher was taken to Upstate University Hospital with facial injuries. Sutton was later arrested. She was charged with second-degree assault (injury to school official) and third-degree burglary. Original article Syracuse, N.Y. The Syracuse Police Department and city school district are investigating a physical altercation between a staff member and parent. At 7:37 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report that a parent had punched a teacher in the face multiple times at Lincoln Middle School at 1613 James St., according to dispatches from the Onondaga County 911 Center. The teacher did not request an ambulance, according to dispatches. Lt. Matthew Malinowski, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police Department, confirmed that there was a physical altercation between a teacher and parent. Malinowski would not confirm if the teacher was punched in the face. Amanda Hull, director of communication for the school district, would only confirm there was an incident at the school involving a staff member and an individual who was not authorized to enter the instructional areas of the building. Hull would not answer specific questions including if the school went into lockdown, did a parent punch a teacher in the face, how the person got into the instructional area, or if the staff member was hurt. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard reached out to Superintendent Anthony Davis for comment. His office referred all questions to Hull who said Davis would not comment on the incident because it is under police investigation. The city school district in the past, however, has released information involving assaults against teachers: Syracuse girl charged with assault after injuring teacher with pen The district will conduct an independent investigation into the incident, Hull said. The district sent messages to Lincoln school parents and staff that simply said there was an incident between a staff member and someone who wasnt authorized to be in the school that was under investigation. The district sent a similar message to all staff and community members, Hull said. 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. New Yorks Cannabis Control Board issued more than 100 cannabis business licenses on Friday, marking the first time regulators have issued general business licenses for the states troubled legal cannabis program. The 109 licenses the CCB approved included 26 microbusinesses, 25 retail dispensaries, 24 cultivators, 13 provisional retail licenses, 12 processors and nine distributors. Before Friday, the only licensed operators held conditional licenses aside from some medical cannabis Registered Organizations that expanded into adult-use. This only represents the beginning, CCB Chair Tremaine Wright said. After CCB members approved the licenses, OCM Chief Equity Officer Damian Fagon touted the number of licenses that went to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants, especially for microbusiness licenses which many in the industry see as the best opportunities for legacy operators to join the legal market. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox: Two-thirds of all cannabis business licenses issued in New York have gone to social equity applicants, Fagon said although, until Friday, nearly all licenses were issued through conditional programs, which strictly issued licenses to applicants in specific social equity categories. Eighty-five percent of retail licenses issued Friday went to women and minority-owned businesses, and 60% of the microbusinesses went to SEE applicants, Fagon said. Fifteen microbusiness licenses issued Friday went to people who participated in the Cannabis Compliance Training & Mentorship Program 11 of whom were previously legacy operators Fagon said. Citing an industry report, Fagon said cannabis industry ownership rates are estimated to be 16% for women and 18% for minorities nationwide. New York just 3Xd that rate for minority/women-owned retail dispensary licensees in the states inaugural round of adult-use licensing, Fagon said. In addition to the business licenses issued, CCB members on Friday approved the states two first cannabis research licenses, gave initial approval to home grow regulations which will now go through a 60-day public comment period and greenlit amendments to regulatory language. The mood at Fridays CCB meeting was more breezy than many in the recent past, especially as many people who participated in a public comment period which has often included critical to hostile commentary toward regulators defended and celebrated the CCB and the states Office of Cannabis Management. Keep up the hard work, keep up the good work, and keep up the energy, said Charles Robinson, a CAURD licensee. Robinson also took aim at Gov. Kathy Hochul for her recent comments criticizing the OCM, saying the Governor is being pressured by her donor list. Other commenters thanked OCM officials for their work, and made suggestions for how the agency can improve communication with applicants who have questions. But not everyone in New Yorks cannabis industry felt as positive or sanguine as those who attended the meeting. Jayson Tantalo, co-founder of the New York Cannabis Retail Association and retail license applicant said the application process has him wondering if he should stop trying. Tantalo and his wife, Britni, previously applied for a CAURD license for Flower City Dispensary, but didnt receive one. They applied for a general license when the CAURD program was still under a court injunction. Now, Tantalo isnt sure if theyll be able to make it through April without a license. Were on the verge of filing for bankruptcy, Tantalo said. Were in a bad spot right now this is a nightmare. Tantalo said he agrees with Gov. Hochuls assessment of New Yorks legal weed rollout being a disaster, and with statements that shes considering changes in leadership for cannabis regulators. Joe Rossi, the Cannabis Practice Group Leader at Park Strategies, said hes happy for those who received licenses on Friday, but that the opaque nature of the OCMs lottery and queuing system has left many applicants frustrated. They are irate with this lottery, they think its fishy, Rossi said. They think its suspect that some of the first people getting licensed are some of the last to apply its just kind of a hard pill to swallow if you were one of the first people to submit an application. The new House districts approved this week by a bipartisan state commission stood out for how the plan treated one incumbent: Rep. Brandon Williams, the first-term Republican from Central New York Williams was the only one of New Yorks 26 incumbent House members who ended up with a substantial, negative change to the political makeup of a district. Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without any revenue, let alone profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. A loss-making company is yet to prove itself with profit, and eventually the inflow of external capital may dry up. Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it. View our latest analysis for Canadian National Railway How Fast Is Canadian National Railway Growing? The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so you'd expect share price to follow earnings per share (EPS) outcomes eventually. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. It certainly is nice to see that Canadian National Railway has managed to grow EPS by 21% per year over three years. If growth like this continues on into the future, then shareholders will have plenty to smile about. One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. It seems Canadian National Railway is pretty stable, since revenue and EBIT margins are pretty flat year on year. While this doesn't ring alarm bells, it may not meet the expectations of growth-minded investors. In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image. In investing, as in life, the future matters more than the past. So why not check out this free interactive visualization of Canadian National Railway's forecast profits? Story continues Are Canadian National Railway Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? Investors are always searching for a vote of confidence in the companies they hold and insider buying is one of the key indicators for optimism on the market. That's because insider buying often indicates that those closest to the company have confidence that the share price will perform well. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right. Despite CA$2.5m worth of sales, Canadian National Railway insiders have overwhelmingly been buying the stock, spending CA$3.6m on purchases in the last twelve months. An optimistic sign for those with Canadian National Railway in their watchlist. Zooming in, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Independent Director Margaret McKenzie for CA$1.3m worth of shares, at about CA$173 per share. The good news, alongside the insider buying, for Canadian National Railway bulls is that insiders (collectively) have a meaningful investment in the stock. Indeed, they have a considerable amount of wealth invested in it, currently valued at CA$1.8b. Holders should find this level of insider commitment quite encouraging, since it would ensure that the leaders of the company would also experience their success, or failure, with the stock. Does Canadian National Railway Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist? If you believe that share price follows earnings per share you should definitely be delving further into Canadian National Railway's strong EPS growth. Furthermore, company insiders have been adding to their significant stake in the company. These things considered, this is one stock worth watching. We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for Canadian National Railway that you should be aware of before investing here. Keen growth investors love to see insider buying. Thankfully, Canadian National Railway isn't the only one. You can see a a curated list of Canadian companies which have exhibited consistent growth accompanied by recent insider buying. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Etta Collective, which operates the Etta and Aya Pastry eateries in Chicago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in an attempt to restructure the companys finances. Owner David Pisor initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Jan. 18 for the Etta location in Scottsdale, Arizona, one of two currently operating locations of the restaurant, according to court documents. The other is in Bucktown at 1840 W. North Ave. A third location in River North closed in January. The Chicago locations were added to the filing Feb. 1, along with Aya Pastry and Etta Collective. Formerly part of the nearly 10-year-old Maple & Ash restaurant group, Pisor sued his former partner, James Lasky, during an acrimonious split in 2022. A settlement agreement in January 2023 resulted in Pisor getting the Etta and Aya Pastry restaurants, while Lasky kept the successful Maple & Ash steakhouses in Chicago and Scottsdale, which are two of the top-grossing restaurants in the country. Investors are engaged in an ongoing lawsuit against Laskys Maple & Ash management company, alleging misappropriation of restaurant funds, including more than $7 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans received during the pandemic. Pisor and his Etta restaurants are not party to that lawsuit. Since breaking off on their own, the Etta restaurants have struggled financially. In July 2023, Pisor took out a $2.5 million loan at Wintrust Bank, with a principal repayment of $500,000 due in January, and the entire balance to be paid by July 2024. On Jan. 17, Wintrust filed a complaint against Pisor and Etta in Cook County Circuit Court for defaulting on the loan agreement when the $500,000 payment was not received, sweeping the balance due from bank accounts of Etta and Pisor. Etta Scottsdale filed for bankruptcy the next day. Subsequent sweeps by Wintrust have reduced the loan balance to about $1.8 million as of Jan. 31, according to the bankruptcy filing. In addition to the Wintrust debt, Etta Bucktown owes $1.3 million on a 2017 Small Business Administration loan. Story continues A high-rent Etta location in Culver City, California, was permanently shuttered in December, while Etta River North closed Jan. 22. Employees of the River North location were notified of the abrupt closing the same morning. Pisor said in an interview Friday that outstanding employee paychecks were delayed slightly because he had to wait for the court to release the funds. It was delayed by 36 hours, and unfortunately that made for stress on all of us, but we got it taken care of and so everybodys now been paid in full, Pisor said. The decision to close the River North location was based on the general health and popularity of Bucktown. The marketplace has been supporting our restaurants in a really strong way, and our numbers are up from last year at Bucktown if thats any indication that there are a lot of people that want to make sure we make it as well, Pisor said. The entire Etta restaurant group is up for sale as it navigates bankruptcy. On Feb. 2, Chicago-based restaurateur John Leahy made a $600,000 bid for the restaurant assets, setting a ground floor for other investors to step up and buy Etta. Leahy also agreed to make a $140,000 loan, if needed, to cover payroll and other expenses. With Leahys financial backing and court approval, Pisor said he hopes to rebuild and bring a new life back to the River North location at 700 N. Clark St. He also hopes to come out on the other side of the bankruptcy proceeding in a new partnership with Leahy to take the Etta Collective brand forward. Pisor added that ideally Etta Bucktown and Aya Pastry will also continue in their current forms. The three Chicago restaurants employ about 148 full-time and 43 part-time workers, according to the bankruptcy filing. Im doing everything I can to protect the entities that we have now and the amazing people I have on my staff, and its been difficult, Pisor said. Were working hand in hand now with the bank, and our hope is that we can keep all these cool operations going. Omkar Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,737 Thanked: 21,011 Times Driving an EV on the highway | Faster with more charge stops Vs slower with less stops Of course, various factors and conditions will affect this test starting from which car is being used, what is the battery chemistry, what is the motor rating, etc. But lets consider a mid-size EV and consider that all the external factors remain exactly the same. What would be the outcome then? Certain factors to consider - Driving at higher speed (within the limit) and charging more frequently The motor works more and hence, drains the battery more. Higher speed means the air resistance would be higher, hence more energy being utilized. India's public charging infrastructure is still poor & requires jumping through many hoops or ending up with the unexpected Driving at efficient speeds and charging less frequently Motor in the most efficient zone Lesser air resistance So, what do you think is better? Higher speed, more frequent charging or economical speed, less frequent charging? Which scenario would have the better average speed? Looking forward to answers from BHPians and EV owners. With the advent of EVs in the global car market, new sets of parameters are being tested every day. Which is the fastest-accelerating EV? What is the maximum range you can get in a single charge? Single motor or dual motor? Big battery option or a regular battery? And more. Lets talk about the EV range, and specifically the range on the highways. We all know that you will get less range on the highway as compared to driving in the city. EVs don't do high speed very well and there is a drastic drop in range if you're cruising at 110 - 120 km/h Vs 80 - 90 km/h. However, the jury is out on whether it makes more sense for EVs to drive at a little higher speed on highways and charge more frequently OR stick to efficient speeds, make slower progress and charge less.Of course, various factors and conditions will affect this test starting from which car is being used, what is the battery chemistry, what is the motor rating, etc. But lets consider a mid-size EV and consider that all the external factors remain exactly the same. What would be the outcome then? Certain factors to consider -Driving at higher speed (within the limit) and charging more frequently Driving at efficient speeds and charging less frequently So, what do you think is better? Higher speed, more frequent charging or economical speed, less frequent charging? Which scenario would have the better average speed? Looking forward to answers from BHPians and EV owners. jlukose Newbie Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Kottayam Posts: 11 Thanked: 75 Times Re: Honda NX500 to be launched in India soon. Edit: Launched at 5.9 lakhs Recently, I did a comprehensive test ride of the older CB500X and the new Himalayan 450. Here are my observations: Himalayan 450: Pros: - Fantastic suspension; it handles all bad patches and big potholes effortlessly. - Very decent brakes. - Very smooth gear shifts. - Great rider triangle and good ergonomics (my height is 57"). - Superb pillion comfort; there is enough space, and the ergonomics are great. - Very nice-to-read console. - The brilliant RE ecosystem, with service network, parts, and accessories availability. Cons: - Felt the clutch was hard. - Experienced terrible vibrations on footpegs/tank/handlebar at 4.5k rpm in 3rd and 4th gears. Also felt similar vibrations in the 5k rpm range in 5th and 6th gears. In all other rpm ranges and gears, vibrations are present but tolerable. - Regarding the Sherpa 450, the engine is capable, but you need to work the engine to be in the correct rpms/gears to get the power/torque out. Slow-speed maneuvering was difficult, as there is very little power and pull below 3.5k rpm. - Felt a fair amount of heat overall in the ride. Still under tolerable limits only. - 6-month service intervals. CB500X: Pros: - Very decent ergonomics for both rider and pillion, but not as brilliant as the Himalayan 450. - The engine is excellent. It has enough juice to pull from about 2k rpms without any strains. My wife and I were able to climb some hairpins in Kerala in 4th gear at around 2.5k rpm. The engine pulls very relaxed and linearly at low rpms. Superb weight management. Both the Himalayan 450 and CB500X have the same kerb weight, with maybe slight differences. Handling the CB500X was much easier compared to the Himalayan. Whether lifting the vehicle off the side stand or handling it in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the CB500X made it very easy. - Very light clutch, joy to use. - Brakes are good, with more bite than the Himalayan 450. The new NX500 should have even better braking with the dual front discs. - Comfortable suspension. The suspension setup was able to soak up all the bad undulations on the road. Where it fails is when landing in a deep pothole, and this is where the Himalayan 450's long-travel suspension helps. So, the CB500X has very good ride quality for road touring and mild off-roading but may not be the best choice for proper off-road trails or really bad patches of roads. - No heat felt. - Reasonable costs for regular service with 1-year service intervals. Cons: (I am not talking about the motorcycle price here as we all acknowledge the extra we are paying; I will only discuss the mechanical package.) - Lesser pillion comfort compared to the Himalayan 450. The seat is comfortable, but overall it's less roomy and may not have all the luggage-carrying capability as the Himalayan 450. - Very few electronic features for the prices offered (may not be a con, given how sophisticated motorcycles have become). - No default accessories like bash plate, hand guards, crash bars, USB socket, and OEM accessories are going to be costly. - Ownership costs post 5 years of warranty are concerning. Decision-making: My main purpose is road touring with a pillion, and I wanted something with upright ergonomics, minimal vibrations, very tractable, and should be able to accommodate both rider and pillion. As the current 400+ singles did not meet the criteria, I started looking further up and ended up with NX500. I did not want to invest in the higher segment premium ADVs as I always felt the ~50bhp ~50 nm range is good enough for my touring needs in India, nor am I interested in careful handling and weight of the higher segment ADVs. After test riding the CB500X, I found value in the package it offers, though it costs twice as much as the available 400+cc singles. If you want a motorcycle with very decent tractable low-end torque, minimal vibrations, brilliant weight management, possibly decent service experience, high reliability, good enough pillion support, the new NX500 is going to bring you a lot of smiles. That said, it's a CBU unit and might have its own additional costs in the long run. One needs to plan on the logistics and time delays when it comes to spares, accessories, and service. But I believe the bike is a keeper and should hold its value, provided Honda decides to continue investing in the market. Maybe the bikes will come as CKD units later on, and that should help with some good price corrections, or Honda being Honda, maybe they will never drop the price. We need to wait and see ." "I have decided to bite the bullet and booked the Grand Prix Red color. Delivery ETA is by the first week of March.Recently, I did a comprehensive test ride of the older CB500X and the new Himalayan 450. Here are my observations:- Fantastic suspension; it handles all bad patches and big potholes effortlessly.- Very decent brakes.- Very smooth gear shifts.- Great rider triangle and good ergonomics (my height is 57").- Superb pillion comfort; there is enough space, and the ergonomics are great.- Very nice-to-read console.- The brilliant RE ecosystem, with service network, parts, and accessories availability.- Felt the clutch was hard.- Experienced terrible vibrations on footpegs/tank/handlebar at 4.5k rpm in 3rd and 4th gears. Also felt similar vibrations in the 5k rpm range in 5th and 6th gears. In all other rpm ranges and gears, vibrations are present but tolerable.- Regarding the Sherpa 450, the engine is capable, but you need to work the engine to be in the correct rpms/gears to get the power/torque out. Slow-speed maneuvering was difficult, as there is very little power and pull below 3.5k rpm.- Felt a fair amount of heat overall in the ride. Still under tolerable limits only.- 6-month service intervals.- Very decent ergonomics for both rider and pillion, but not as brilliant as the Himalayan 450.- The engine is excellent. It has enough juice to pull from about 2k rpms without any strains. My wife and I were able to climb some hairpins in Kerala in 4th gear at around 2.5k rpm. The engine pulls very relaxed and linearly at low rpms.Superb weight management. Both the Himalayan 450 and CB500X have the same kerb weight, with maybe slight differences. Handling the CB500X was much easier compared to the Himalayan. Whether lifting the vehicle off the side stand or handling it in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the CB500X made it very easy.- Very light clutch, joy to use.- Brakes are good, with more bite than the Himalayan 450. The new NX500 should have even better braking with the dual front discs.- Comfortable suspension. The suspension setup was able to soak up all the bad undulations on the road. Where it fails is when landing in a deep pothole, and this is where the Himalayan 450's long-travel suspension helps. So, the CB500X has very good ride quality for road touring and mild off-roading but may not be the best choice for proper off-road trails or really bad patches of roads.- No heat felt.- Reasonable costs for regular service with 1-year service intervals.(I am not talking about the motorcycle price here as we all acknowledge the extra we are paying; I will only discuss the mechanical package.)- Lesser pillion comfort compared to the Himalayan 450. The seat is comfortable, but overall it's less roomy and may not have all the luggage-carrying capability as the Himalayan 450.- Very few electronic features for the prices offered (may not be a con, given how sophisticated motorcycles have become).- No default accessories like bash plate, hand guards, crash bars, USB socket, and OEM accessories are going to be costly.- Ownership costs post 5 years of warranty are concerning.My main purpose is road touring with a pillion, and I wanted something with upright ergonomics, minimal vibrations, very tractable, and should be able to accommodate both rider and pillion. As the current 400+ singles did not meet the criteria, I started looking further up and ended up with NX500. I did not want to invest in the higher segment premium ADVs as I always felt the ~50bhp ~50 nm range is good enough for my touring needs in India, nor am I interested in careful handling and weight of the higher segment ADVs.After test riding the CB500X, I found value in the package it offers, though it costs twice as much as the available 400+cc singles. If you want a motorcycle with very decent tractable low-end torque, minimal vibrations, brilliant weight management, possibly decent service experience, high reliability, good enough pillion support, the new NX500 is going to bring you a lot of smiles.That said, it's a CBU unit and might have its own additional costs in the long run. One needs to plan on the logistics and time delays when it comes to spares, accessories, and service. But I believe the bike is a keeper and should hold its value, provided Honda decides to continue investing in the market. Maybe the bikes will come as CKD units later on, and that should help with some good price corrections, or Honda being Honda, maybe they will never drop the price. We need to wait and see." In a nutshell: Several of the biggest tech companies signed an accord to fight AI interference in elections. The pledge aims to root out deepfake and generative AI content designed to influence or interfere with citizens' democratic right to vote. This year will be a big year for elections worldwide. An estimated 40 countries and 4 billion people will head to the polls to vote for their leaders and representatives in 2024. However, this is also the year that AI has matured to a dangerous level as election interference is concerned. The technology can now create or manipulate images, audio, or video content realistically enough to convince the average person that what they are seeing or hearing is real. To tackle the problem, 20 major companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, and X, took time at the Munich Security Conference on Friday to sign the "Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections." The agreement is a voluntary pledge that sets out the "actions to advance seven principle goals" that the signatories will seek to uphold, including prevention, detection, and raising public awareness. "The intentional and undisclosed generation and distribution of Deceptive AI Election content can deceive the public in ways that jeopardize the integrity of electoral processes," the collective agreement reads. "For the purpose of this accord, Deceptive AI Election Content consists of convincing AI-generated audio, video, and images that deceptively fake or alter the appearance, voice, or actions of political candidates, election officials, and other key stakeholders in a democratic election, or that provide false information to voters about when, where, and how they can lawfully vote." The treaty also seeks to assuage fears of censorship or curtailing of free expression. The online operators and platform holders promise to be mindful of the context in which information is presented before removing it. Their intent is to safeguard artistic expression, satire, and political expression, not suppress it. The accord is not without limitations. It is a voluntary agreement rather than a proper regulatory framework. So, there are no repercussions for not taking action against harmful and misleading content. The companies have not made clear how they would be held accountable should their platforms be used to spread misinformation. Instead, the agreement offers somewhat broad and fuzzy 'goals' for what the firms seek to achieve. Perhaps the greatest irony of this news is that roughly half of the signatories are developing or assisting in making generative AI tools that bad actors will no doubt use to create precisely the kinds of deceptive content they are proposing to fight. It's analogous to lighting a building on fire only to put out the flames to be the hero. That said, one thing the Accord does commit the companies to is "providing transparency to the public," so there is an avenue, at least in principle, for some level of public scrutiny of the signatories' efforts. Whether that will be in any meaningful form, remains to be seen. Image credit: MSC/Michael Kuhlmann A new feature on Instagram is now under the TestFlight experience, with App Clip now offered by the Meta social media platform and delivers a way to try out the app without having to download it. Introducing Instagram to friends or family without them having the Meta app installed on their devices would allow them to explore a part of it on their iOS devices. However, the App Clip is known for offering a short experience of Instagram only, and all the other apps that have the feature available. Instagram Debuts App Clip on Apple TestFlight Apple's TestFlight platform on iOS now has a new addition from Meta's Instagram, particularly version 319.0.2, which offers a new feature called the App Clip. Through this Apple feature, Instagram may use the App Clip to deliver a preview of the renowned media-focused app and let users get the experience without having it downloaded to their iOS device. Through App Clip, users may access Instagram quickly and easily, and it would not require navigating through various features or parts of the app to get to the point. 9to5Mac reported that Instagram's App Clip experience leverages the Reels to see the mini app experience, but after six short video clips, it would prompt users to download the full app. Read Also: Instagram iPad App: CEO says It is Not Under Development, Will the Optimized App Arrive? What Does App Clip Offer for Developers? Apple said that the App Clip is a "small part of an app that lets you do tasks quickly," and it centers on various features that developers want to highlight and make easily accessible for users. The App Clip may be available to access via links on Safari and Messages, NFC tags found in the physical world to scan, supported locations on the Maps, and scanning QR codes. Meta's Instagram App Meta's Instagram is one of its top platforms available, offering a multimedia experience and a wide social network available to enjoy with its media-centric feed unlike that of Facebook. Last year, massive features were added by Meta for Instagram, especially with the main feed that offers a way to control who can see your posts by adding a close friends list for it. Artificial intelligence was also a massive release for Meta last year, and while the main company centered on its wider rollout of the experience, Instagram got a whole slur of new AI features to expand more on creativity. Some of the AI features on Instagram include the tools for creating memes, the infamous AI stickers, designing new filters, and Reels getting the new media clip hub. Despite all of this, one of the most notable shortcomings of Instagram is its lack of a native iPad experience, with the bigger platform not yet getting an app and is not a priority said its CEO. The latest feature on Instagram now offers App Clip to let people discover the app in case they do not have it yet, leveraging the Reels experience, available on the TestFlight for now. Related Article: Meta, TikTok, YouTube Fuel Youth Mental Health Crisis, Claims New York Lawsuit 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The iPhone may seem impenetrable, but a recent report claimed that the GoldPickaxe is here, and it is a trojan virus that targets accessing biometric data and using it from one's apps and other connected experiences on the device. However, the good thing is, that users may protect themselves and their devices against it, highlighting the importance of vigilance and double-checking sources. Apple's massive focus on security faced massive threats from crafty hackers and criminals, now with a trojan in place for the iPhone. GoldPickaxe Trojan Virus Now on the iPhone Group-IB's security firm shared information behind a new iPhone trojan that made its way to iOS, regarding this to be the "GoldPickaxe" threat. This is similar to the Android trojan from last year which was notorious for stealing data from users, particularly with their biometric information, notoriously known as the GoldDigger virus. GoldPickaxe can infect both the iOS and Android platforms, evolving from its previous version where it could only affect the Google-made operating system. According to the report, if the trojan is installed on the iPhone, it will deploy malware that can steal biometric data from photos, SMS, web activity, and more. It also uses AI tools to help them achieve their goal of hacking their victim's bank accounts. Read Also: Hackers Exploit Sneaky Keylogger Vulnerability on iOS to Spy Through Your Keyboard How to be Safe from iPhone Trojan Virus The GoldPickaxe was recently discovered in Vietnam and Thailand, and it was deployed through the Apple TestFlight beta program where they pose as fake apps waiting for users to download. To be safe from this new iPhone trojan, users have to be careful in downloading and installing apps from the TestFlight platform, verify the developer, avoid installing iPhone MDM profiles from dubious sources, and avoid sharing personal and sensitive information via calls, texts, and more. Apple's Security and Flaws in the iOS While Apple kept viruses away from its devices like the Mac, iPhone, and iPad, it is not entirely safe from the massive threat that hackers are actively looking to crack and enact their nefarious activities on these platforms. Different security updates were released by Apple to help patch the many vulnerabilities exploited by threat actors on various iOS and macOS versions. However, threat actors are getting more clever with how they infect Apple devices, with many now relying on malware via phishing campaigns and similar attacks against users. At one time, there was a "fake" Lockdown Mode created by threat actors to enable the feature, but it would not do much as it is only a facade in running the malware unbeknownst to users. Through zero-days, vulnerabilities, and other exploitive campaigns, threat actors preyed on Apple users and swindled them, leading to massive access to their devices and sensitive information theft. Now, the GoldPickaxe is here for iPhones, similar to Android's infamous trojan last year, found on unverified apps on TestFlight, but could be avoided easily through thorough checking. Related Article: iOS 17.3 Beta iPhone Stolen Device Protection: Should You Use It? Here's How 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. February 18 marks five years since Beijing unveiled its blueprint to turn the Greater Bay Area into a hi-tech powerhouse by 2035. The region of more than 86 million people covers Hong Kong, Macau and nine Guangdong cities. In the third of a four-part series, Enoch Yiu looks at Hong Kong's progress in becoming the de facto wealth management hub for the wealthy, and what needs to done to stay on top. In the five years since Beijing rolled out a blueprint for the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has solidified its position as a wealth management hub for high-net-worth individuals, with the city's credentials likely to be burnished from further enhancements to cross-border banking and investment schemes this month. 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. For Bank of East Asia (BEA), the Greater Bay Area has always been a focus. It has spent 1.4 billion yuan (US$196 million) on an 18-storey tower in Qianhai, its biggest investment in decades. The bank will manage its southern China operations from the newly opened tower, showing its commitment to the region. Hong Kong's biggest family-owned bank is betting its growth prospects on the "growing affluence" of the Greater Bay Area, said Adrian Li Man-kiu, co-CEO of BEA. Of particular importance is the status of Hong Kong - home to the bank for more than a century - as the financial linchpin and global hub for the bay area, he said. "The Hong Kong market offers a broad range of wealth management solutions to help GBA residents achieve their financial goals," he said. Bank of East Asia co-CEO Adrian Li Man-kiu is betting its growth prospects on the "growing affluence" of the Greater Bay Area. Photo: K. Y. alt=Bank of East Asia co-CEO Adrian Li Man-kiu is betting its growth prospects on the "growing affluence" of the Greater Bay Area. Photo: K. Y.> Story continues The Greater Bay Area is Beijing's grand plan to integrate Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland cities in the southern Guangdong province into an economic powerhouse. The combined gross domestic product of the 11 cities in the bay area was nearly US$2 trillion in 2022, 21 per cent higher than the US$1.65 trillion in 2019. Developments like these have enticed high-net-worth individuals from the mainland to use Hong Kong as a base to manage their investments and diversify their portfolio. "I am very impressed by the thoughtful and excellent quality of service provided by financial advisers in Hong Kong," said a businesswoman from Guangzhou who only wanted to be identified by her surname Li and was equally reluctant to furnish details about her investments. She frequently travels between mainland China and Hong Kong to see her two teenage children studying here. "I often seek advice from my relationship manager, who is like a friend, on a wide range of matters. And as Hong Kong offers an extensive array of investment products, my relationship manager selects products based on my preferences and explains them to me." She is among the multitude of wealthy mainland residents from the Greater Bay Area who use Hong Kong as an investment base. At the same time, a few ultra-rich investors are mulling setting up family offices here. The inflow of money from the Greater Bay Area is one of the main reasons for a surge in Hong Kong's wealth management assets, which stood at HK$30.5 trillion (US$3.9 trillion) at the end of 2022 versus HK$23.96 trillion in 2018, before Beijing rolled out the Greater Bay Area development blueprint in February 2019, according to official data. Non-Hong Kong investors accounted for 64 per cent of the funds in 2022. The demand for wealth management, investment and insurance from the 86 million people in the Greater Bay Area is huge. It is their buying power that has driven the growth of Hong Kong's wealth sector over the last five years despite three years of interruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that brought travel to a near standstill between Hong Kong and the mainland from 2020 to 2022. Beijing continues to take steps to support capital flow between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. From February 26, property buyers from Hong Kong or Macau who purchase real estate in the mainland cities of the bay area will be allowed to transfer the entire amount through their banks to settle the deal, bypassing the daily remittance cap of 80,000 yuan (US$11,240) per day. Macau is one of the 11 cities that make up the Greater Bay Area. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Macau is one of the 11 cities that make up the Greater Bay Area. Photo: Shutterstock> Users of the enhanced Wealth Management Connect scheme will be allowed to invest up to 3 million yuan annually - three times the original quota, while the investment choices will be expanded to include Greater China funds. Dubbed the Wealth Management Connect scheme 2.0, the measures "will help Greater Bay Area customers better diversify their investments and manage portfolios, while bringing significantly more new business opportunities to banks", said Alson Ho, head of wealth management at Standard Chartered Hong Kong. The scheme, launched in September 2021, was the first plan tailor-made for the development zone. It allows 24 banks to sell Hong Kong investment products to residents in the bay area's mainland cities through 31 partners. As of December, the scheme had attracted 69,000 investors, who had invested 12.8 billion yuan, according to government data. This represented only 4.3 per cent of the scheme's total quota of 300 billion yuan. Covid-19 travel restrictions, restrictive individual quotas and lack of product choice were the reasons for the lacklustre response to the scheme, according to bankers. The border reopening in January last year helped move things along, with official data showing cross-border remittances related to the Wealth Management Connect scheme rising almost four times year on year to 10.59 billion yuan in 2023. HSBC is provide investors in the Greater Bay Area with a wider range of investment options. Photo: Jelly Tse alt=HSBC is provide investors in the Greater Bay Area with a wider range of investment options. Photo: Jelly Tse> HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), Hang Seng Bank and BEA have been actively preparing for the augmented wealth connect scheme by upgrading systems, services and product offerings. "Banking and wealth-management services demand from the mainland Chinese, particularly those from the GBA, has been continuously growing in recent years," said Maggie Ng, head of wealth and personal banking at HSBC Hong Kong. "Our goal is to provide investors in the GBA with a wider range of investment options that cater to different wealth planning objectives and market conditions." BOCHK has seen cross-border account openings rise fourfold year on year in 2023 and the trend is set to continue after enhancements to the Wealth Management Connect scheme later this month. "Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, can offer a wide range of investment products and services to the Greater Bay Area residents," said Arnold Chow, deputy general manager of the personal digital banking product department at BOCHK. "BOCHK is preparing to widen its product choice for the Wealth Management Connect scheme investors." Standard Chartered is also expanding its wealth products for mainland investors to 140 from about 100, while Hang Seng Bank is increasing its offerings to 220 from 140. Ng, a Hongkonger who frequently travels to the mainland for business and leisure, plans to increase his investments via the wealth connect scheme. "I think the increase in the personal investment quota to 3 million yuan is still insufficient," Ng said, who only wanted to be identified by his surname. "However, I believe it is prudent to take a gradual approach to enhance the Wealth Management Connect scheme. I may consider buying Greater China funds to diversify my portfolio." Apart from the wealth connect scheme, many rich Greater Bay Area residents are keen on setting up family offices in Hong Kong to invest their wealth, handle succession planning and undertake charity work. Chief Executive John Lee is determined to build Hong Kong into a leading family wealth hub. Photo: Yik Yeung-man alt=Chief Executive John Lee is determined to build Hong Kong into a leading family wealth hub. Photo: Yik Yeung-man> Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu set a target in 2022 to bring 200 of the largest family offices to Hong Kong by 2025, to add to the nearly 400 already set up in the city. Tax concessions and the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) introduced by the Hong Kong government have drawn the attention of wealthy families from the Greater Bay Area to invest in or establish family offices in the city, according to Jason Fong, global head of FamilyOfficeHK at InvestHK, a government agency tasked with marketing the city as an international financial centre. The CIES, announced on December 20 and better known as the investment-migration scheme, offers a faster route to residency for individuals who invest at least HK$30 million in the city's stock market or other assets, excluding residential property. The scheme, alongside a tax break introduced in May and other incentives such as the creation of art-storage facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport, is aimed at attracting wealthy families from around the world including those in the Greater Bay Area. "Greater Bay Area families see great value in these incentives as they provide opportunities to optimise their wealth management strategies and enhance their financial position," Fong said. "Hong Kong serves as a gateway to international opportunities, enabling mainland investors to diversify their portfolios and tap into global markets." Travel between Hong Kong and the other Greater Bay Area cities, which takes only one to two hours via high-speed trains, as well as an active capital market and a wide range of investment services, are some of the other reasons rich individuals from the mainland use the city to manage their wealth, he said. The Hong Kong government's tax incentives and other measures since travel restrictions were lifted in January last year have attracted wealthy families, according to Kwan Chi-man, co-founder and group CEO of Raffles Family Office, which has operations in Hong Kong and Singapore. "The intention of wealthy families to invest in Hong Kong has always been there as the city has always been a go-to destination," Kwan said. "The GBA is one of the wealthiest regions in the world. We have been strengthening our teams and have made some very strategic senior hires last year in this region." Investments in various insurance products is also another factor driving Greater Bay Area residents to Hong Kong. Between January and September 2023, sales of policies to mainland Chinese customers surged to HK$46.8 billion, or 32 per cent of the total, compared with HK$1 billion a year earlier when the border was closed because of Covid restrictions, according to data from the Insurance Authority. Total new life insurance sales rose 30.6 per cent in the first nine months of last year to HK$146.5 billion, from HK$112.2 billion a year earlier. This was also 4.8 per cent higher than the HK$139.8 billion recorded in the same period of 2019. "The appeal of [Hong Kong for GBA residents] lies primarily in their trust in Hong Kong's well-established regulatory framework and reputation as a global financial hub," said Patrick Graham, CEO for Hong Kong and Macau at Manulife, the largest pension provider in the city. "Moreover, Hong Kong offers a wide range of insurance products that cater to the diverse needs of mainland GBA residents." HSBC Life, which has wholly owned insurance operations in eight of the 11 cities of the Greater Bay Area, has also seen rising demand for insurance products. Since the end of the pandemic, mainland visitors have been clamouring for products to manage their wealth and health, according to Edward Moncreiffe, CEO for Hong Kong and Macau at HSBC Life. "Our strategy is to meet the onshore and offshore needs of our customers across Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong," Moncreiffe said. Meanwhile, the outlook for Hong Kong looks as bright as ever. Plans are afoot by the central government to set up two insurance after-sales service centres in Nansha and Qianhai to serve customers who have bought policies in Hong Kong, with an official announcement to come at a later date. 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. Amazon, SpaceX, and other corporate giants are mounting a quiet but significant challenge to national labor laws. In a bold move, Amazon has declared the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unconstitutional in a legal filing. (Photo : PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images) This picture, taken on October 22, 2019, shows a new Amazon warehouse, part of mobile robotic fulfillment systems also known as 'Amazon robotics', in Bretigny-sur-Orge, some 30 km south of Paris. Declaring NLRB Unconstitutional As a company known for its frequent violations of federal labor laws and its reputation as a challenging employer, Amazon has recently taken a notable step by joining other corporations in questioning the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Gizmodo reported that the NLRB, established in 1935 amid the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, serves as a crucial government agency responsible for protecting workers' rights and enforcing labor laws across various industries. Given Amazon's track record of disregarding these laws, its opposition to the NLRB's authority is not entirely surprising. In a recent legal filing, Amazon argued that the NLRB, currently investigating the company for multiple labor violations, had infringed upon its rights. Specifically, Amazon contended that its Fifth Amendment right to due process had been violated, suggesting that the agency's investigation constituted a violation of its constitutional protections. Moreover, Amazon raised concerns about the constitutionality of the NLRB's organizational structure, further challenging the agency's authority. Joining Other Companies Amid recent debates, there appears to be ambiguity surrounding the motives behind Amazon's challenge against the NLRB, alongside similar moves by Trader Joe's and Elon Musk's SpaceX. While some perceive this as a mere disapproval of the federal agency's scrutiny of corporate conduct, TechCrunch reported that labor movement insiders express deeper concerns. Seth Goldstein, an attorney representing numerous Amazon employees dismissed for their involvement in unionization efforts, voiced apprehension regarding the broader implications of these challenges. He suggests that if successful, they could undermine the NLRB's ability to enforce labor laws and issue rulings, posing significant threats to workers' rights. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between corporate interests and labor advocates, setting the stage for potential legal battles and discussions regarding workers' protections in the future. NLRB issued a ruling in December, finding Amazon culpable for violating federal labor laws in 2022. The violation pertained to allegations of intimidation and interrogation of workers attempting to unionize at the company's New York warehouse. According to CNBC, Amazon was accused of unlawfully confiscating organizing materials from employees and engaging in surveillance of their unionization efforts within on-site breakrooms. Reuters highlights that this ruling adds to Amazon's extensive history of facing over 250 complaints filed with the NLRB regarding labor law infringements. Also Read: Amazon Reinstates Fired Alabama Union Organizer After Filing Complaint with NLRB Similar to other federal bodies, the composition and direction of the NLRB often reflect the policies of the incumbent president. During President Joe Biden's tenure, the NLRB has demonstrated a favorable disposition toward issues concerning workers' rights. However, with the approaching 2024 election, a shift to a Republican administration could substantially alter this trajectory. Such a change in leadership could potentially create an environment conducive to corporate interests, increasing the likelihood of successful endeavors to challenge established labor laws. Related Article: Amazon Faces Another Accusation of Illegal Anti-Union Behavior 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. France and Germany have rejected a watered-down version of the European Union's (EU) contentious rules regarding app workers in the gig economy. According to AFP, the EU aimed to implement comprehensive rules across the bloc, intending to enhance conditions for app workers by potentially reclassifying some as employees. However, the latest version of the agreement significantly scaled back these efforts by eliminating a formal set of criteria and granting individual states the authority to determine worker classifications. France and Germany Reject the App Worker Law Approval of the agreement required a qualified majority of 15 out of 27 EU nations comprising at least 65 percent of the bloc's population. At a gathering of ambassadors from member states in Brussels, France, and Germany, along with Estonia and Greece, objected to the text, thereby hindering the achievement of the required qualified majority. The opposition was driven by apprehensions voiced by a French diplomat regarding the proposed text's lack of unified rules throughout Europe and its potential to result in legal uncertainties. Belgium, currently holding the rotating EU presidency, recognized the inability to garner the essential majority and suggested the exploration of alternative measures. Despite the setback, EU diplomats suggested that the presidency would persevere, citing support from 23 countries. However, skepticism remains, with time constraints posing a challenge to finding a new compromise and finalizing the legislative process before the upcoming European elections in June. Read Also: Amazon's French Logistics Subsidiary Hit with 32 Million Fine over "Overly Intrusive" Surveillance Practices Subject of Contention AFP reported that the draft rules have been a subject of contention since the European Commission introduced the text in 2021. While member states and the European Parliament initially reached an agreement on the draft in December 2023, a blockade led by France disrupted the deal shortly after that. But last week, EU negotiators returned to the table and reached a new deal. The original text proposed in December said if a staff met two out of five criteria, it would be presumed they were an employee, granting them access to benefits such as sick pay. The objective was to standardize decisions across European courts, which had previously exhibited significant variation. The failure to reach an agreement drew criticism from workers' groups, who argued that millions of precarious platform workers would continue to lack essential rights. Left-wing French MEP Leila Chaibi accused French President Emmanuel Macron of favoring Uber's interests throughout the negotiations. Conversely, the industry welcomed the rejection, asserting that it would avoid further legal uncertainties for ride-hailing drivers in Europe. Move EU, an association representing ride-hailing platforms including Uber and Bolt, called for a discussion pause and urged reassessment following the European elections. According to the EU parliament, approximately 5.5 million individuals could be misclassified as self-employed. The gig economy in Europe currently supports around 28 million workers, a figure anticipated to increase to 43 million by 2025. Related Article: Big Tech Companies Like Meta, Microsoft Are Not Respecting New EU Competition Rules, Rivals Claim 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA has announced its search for candidates ready to join its upcoming simulated one-year Mars surface mission, which aims to gather essential data for the agency's future human exploration endeavors on the Red Planet. CHAPEA Mission of NASA This initiative, called the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), constitutes the second of three planned ground-based missions and is slated to commence in the spring of 2025. The CHAPEA mission entails the participation of a four-person volunteer crew who will reside and conduct operations within a specially designed 1,700-square-foot habitat named the Mars Dune Alpha. Situated at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, this habitat will serve as a simulation of the harsh conditions and challenges encountered during a Mars mission, encompassing factors such as limited resources, equipment malfunctions, communication lags, and various environmental stressors. The crew's responsibilities or tasks range from simulated extravehicular activities and robotic maneuvers to habitat maintenance, physical exercises, and cultivation of crops. Who Are Eligible for the CHAPEA Mission of NASA? In its quest for suitable candidates, NASA is seeking healthy, motivated individuals who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Applicants are required to be non-smokers aged between 30 and 55 years, well-versed in English to ensure effective communication with fellow crew members and mission control, and possess a strong inclination towards adventurous pursuits, coupled with a keen interest in contributing to NASA's preparatory efforts for the inaugural human expedition to Mars. Prospective applicants are required to submit their applications by April 2. The selection process for crew members will adhere to standard NASA criteria applicable to astronaut candidate applicants. Eligibility criteria entail holding a master's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) from an accredited institution, accompanied by a minimum of two years of professional STEM experience or at least one thousand hours of piloting aircraft. Additionally, candidates who have completed two years of doctoral studies in STEM disciplines, obtained a medical degree or undergone training in a test pilot program will be considered. Alternatively, individuals with four years of professional experience, military officer training completion, or a bachelor's degree in a STEM field may also qualify for consideration. According to NASA, compensation will be provided to participants selected for the mission, with further details to be communicated during the candidate screening process. Read Also: NASA Ends Ingenuity Helicopter's Mission on Mars-No More Flights for the Spacecraft From Moon to Mars NASA views the CHAPEA mission as instrumental in garnering invaluable scientific insights to validate systems and formulate solutions for future ventures to Mars. Leveraging the knowledge gained from ongoing simulated missions, NASA aims to enhance its understanding of crew health and performance support mechanisms essential for successful Mars expeditions. The space agency looks to lay the groundwork for sustained scientific exploration on the moon via the Artemis campaign. NASA also hopes to achieve significant milestones such as landing the first woman, first person of color, and inaugural international partner astronaut on the lunar terrain and advance the preparations for future human missions to Mars. Related Article: Weird Yogurt Experiment Could Help Astronauts in Colonizing Mars - How? 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Bloomberg) -- Germany could increase military spending to as much as 3.5% of economic output as it ramps up investment to reverse years of neglect of the armed forces, according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Most Read from Bloomberg A commitment by NATO members to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense can only be the starting point and European nations need more capable armed forces as they expand their engagement around the globe, Pistorius said Saturday during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. As well as sufficient amounts of money, the push will require an increase in manufacturing capacity among defense contractors, he said, adding that securing enough funds will be difficult given Germanys stretched finances. That all has to fit together and then we might reach 3% or maybe even 3.5%, it depends whats happening in the world and in our economy, Pistorius said. Germany came under fire for years from NATO allies for not spending more on its military before Chancellor Olaf Scholz proclaimed a historical turning point following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With the support of the opposition conservatives, Scholzs ruling coalition set up a special fund for defense outlays worth 100 billion ($108 billion). Even though most of that money has already been spent or allocated, Germany only just managed to hit the target this year for the first time. Scholz pledged in a speech earlier Saturday in Munich that Germany will continue to meet the NATO spending commitment in the 2020s, the 2030s and beyond. However, Pistorius acknowledged that once the special fund is exhausted after 2027, it will be a major challenge for Germany to find the cash. Story continues I dont know yet where well find the money but we need it, he said. We can discuss about spending for social issues, for education, for digitalization, for infrastructure and for whatever else, he added. But without security, without freedom in security, without secure freedom, everything else is nothing. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. 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Daihatsu's name announced by the FTC: ``We were waiting, but we will set up a forum for discussions.'' La Unio denounces the second detection of Moroccan strawberries with hepatitis A in nine days Without unnecessary risks: the ruble has risen in price on the Moscow Exchange following the results of the presidential elections in Russia The "wave of rework" after the Spring Festival has driven the rental market in Guangzhou to heat up rapidly In the first two months, the total foreign trade import and export value of Kashgar, Xinjiang increased by 90% year-on-year. The head of the NATO PA, Shcherba, called on the alliance to mentally move on to the time of military threat In light of the confrontation with Israel... where has the Hezbollah-Free Patriotic Movement alliance reached? Messi did not play during his visit to Hong Kong, causing controversy. The organizer issued a 50% refund to the audience. Main threatened in Cote-d'Or: Nicole Belloubet in support of teachers and students still in shock Cdiscount smashes the price of this Bissell upright vacuum cleaner with this huge discount of 270 euros 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 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. Turkish gold mine stripped of licence after landslide Ankara, Feb 17 (AFP) Feb 17, 2024 The Turkish government on Saturday shut down a gold mine where nine workers are still missing after a landslide. Environmental groups and even industry associations have been calling for the controversial mine to be stripped of its operating permit ever since a massive landslide rolled over the open pit Tuesday. The environment ministry Saturday said in a statement it was withdrawing the mine's "environmental permit", without which it cannot operate. According to a preliminary experts' report, the mine's managers didn't take the necessary precautions even though they were aware of cracks in the mine's slag heap. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said earlier Saturday that six managers at the mine had been arrested Friday evening, and two others released with conditions. According to Turkish press reports, a Canadian citizen working for the Anagold company that runs the mine was among the detained. Toronto and Denver-based SSR Mining holds 80 percent of Anagold, with the rest held by Turkish company Lidya. The mine, which employs 667 people, closed for a few months after a 2022 cyanide leak caused by a burst pipe but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting outcries from Turkey's opposition parties. Efforts to find the missing miners have been slowed by the risk of fresh landslides. "Clearing the mass of earth that covers the riverbed is our priority, and we want to avoid the risk of contaminating the water," Bayraktar told a press conference near the site of the accident in the north-east of the country. According to experts, the earth could contain cyanide used to extract gold, which risks polluting the region which is a watershed for the Euphrates River. The minister said water is being tested daily in nine different locations and there is no health risk for the moment. stocknshares / Getty Images/iStockphoto Death nobody wants to talk about it, but its going to happen to all of us eventually. If youve worked hard and been fortunate enough to have amassed valuable assets, it may be a point of pride for you to leave your heirs with an inheritance. But should you tell them about it ahead of time? See: 7 Key Signs Youve Reached Financial Freedom Discover: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work) Here are some things to think about. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Unequal Bequests May Require Explanation If your plan is to leave money to your children, you may simply divide everything equally. In other words, if you have two children, they each get half. But if you decide to divide the money in a different way, it may be helpful to have a conversation about it to avoid hard feelings after your death. Suppose, for example, that you have two children. One is college-educated, with a good job and strong career prospects. The other has special needs, works part time and requires support. You might want to leave a larger portion of your assets to the child who is less able to support themselves. Or, perhaps you have one adult child who is unmarried and has no children. The other child has two children. You may want to leave more assets to the child who has children of their own, to help pay for college in the future. Disclosing Bequests Doesnt Need to Involve Numbers Disclosing your plans to divide your estate doesnt need to include the specific amount of money you currently have or expect to have when you pass away. You can indicate how the estate will be divided up by percentages without going into amounts. If You Disclose, Be Sure to Keep Everyone Up to Date Whether you tell your heirs how much or what portion of your estate they will inherit or simply that they will get something when you die be sure to update them if your situation changes. Telling children they will inherit, and then remarrying and leaving everything to the new spouse is a recipe for disaster. Story continues However you decide to divide your assets, and whether you choose to tell your heirs ahead of time, be sure to leave important papers and contact information in a place where your heirs can find them. This includes the names and phone numbers of your attorney and financial advisor, your will or any trusts and the passwords for your online accounts. This will make it far easier for your heirs to settle your estate. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Is It a Good Idea to Tell Your Heirs About Your Estate Plan? So all-encompassing has been the media and public interest in Taylor Swift this week that it would be easy to imagine everyone is a fan. Clearly, though, that is not the case. There are those who cant stand her haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate and there are those who have barely even heard the name, or have heard it but dont really know what it means, or why it matters. All power to her: Taylor Swift, in her Lover-era costume, at the first concert of her Australian tour at the MCG on Friday night. Credit: Jason South But matter it does. Because regardless of what you think of her music, what Swift has accomplished is truly extraordinary and how she has achieved it is equally so. The Eras tour that has brought her to Australia has become the first concert tour in history to gross more than $US1 billion ($1.5 billion), and is predicted to wrap up with a haul close to $US2.2 billion from its North American dates alone. With an average ticket price of around $195 (including the limited-view seats released last week), and a capacity of 96,000, the three Melbourne shows will have grossed close to $19 million each. A heritage-listed Chinese temple built more than 150 years ago has been damaged by a fire that ripped through the South Melbourne building on Saturday night. A fire that started on the ground floor of the See Yup Temple spread to the first floor, badly damaging the historical buildings interior. Fire damage inside the See Yup Temple in South Melbourne. Credit: Penny Stephens Firefighters attended the Raglan Street building about 9.50pm, after receiving multiple reports of a fire from members of the public. Smoke was billowing from the second floor and roof by the time they arrived, Fire Rescue Victoria said. The Kremlin has been trying to kill Alexei Navalny for several years but there has probably never been a better time to do it than now. Vladimir Putin has laid the groundwork in domestic society. For more than a decade, he has tightened the noose around his charismatic younger foe, with the operation against him mirroring a broader crackdown on Russian society. Alexei Navalny, pictured with his wife Yulia, in Berlins Charite hospital in 2020 recovering from poisoning. Credit: AP via Instagram At first, there was enough life in the Russian opposition to prevent Navalnys elimination. In the summer of 2013, a Russian court in a provincial town jailed him in his first criminal case but it was forced to release him 24 hours later after thousands of people blocked the streets in central Moscow. Even when the Kremlin was emboldened by its popular annexation of Crimea in 2014, Putin did not jail the pesky protest leader it was clear at the time that the Kremlin would suffer more damage from the move than it was worth. There's no greater Social Security decision to make than when you begin collecting retirement benefits. Your choice will impact how much money you make for the rest of your life. Some people prefer to maximize their benefits by waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security. Others opt to start as early as possible and receive their retirement benefits at age 62. But there's a big price to be paid for doing so. Here's how much greater the average Social Security benefit is at age 70 versus 62. Image source: Getty Images. How your Social Security retirement benefits are calculated Let's first take a look at how your Social Security retirement benefits are calculated. The most important information used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is your earnings history. The agency looks at up-to 35 years when you earned the most money. Once SSA has this earnings history, it uses the national average wage-indexing series to index the earnings to reflect the increase in the standard of living that occurred during your career. The end product of this indexing process is your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). Next, SSA uses a relatively complicated formula to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA) based on your AIME. If you retire at your full retirement age (FRA), your monthly benefit will match your PIA. However, if you retire before or after your FRA, your monthly benefit will be adjusted. SSA will reduce your monthly benefit (using your PIA as a base) by five-ninths of 1% for each month before your FRA, up to 36 months. If you begin collecting retirement benefits more than 36 months before your FRA, your benefit will be reduced by five-twelfths of 1%. If you claim Social Security at age 62 and your FRA is 67, your monthly benefit will be reduced by 30%. If you defer collecting Social Security retirement benefits until after your FRA, you'll receive delayed retirement credits. For anyone born in 1943 or later, the credit received amounts to 8% per year through age 70. This means that if your FRA is 67, waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security will boost your monthly benefit by 24%. Story continues Averages for the two extremes The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers at age 62 is $1,274.87, according to SSA's Annual Statistical Supplement for 2023. The average monthly benefit for retired workers at age 70 is $1,963.48. It's not surprising that there's a big gap between the two figures considering the impact of the early-retirement penalty and the delayed-retirement credits. However, there are two important things to note about these averages. First, they were calculated based on data available in December 2022. Social Security recipients have received two cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) since then. Average earnings also likely rose. As a result, today's average monthly benefits for ages 62 and 70 will almost certainly be higher than the averages using SSA's latest numbers. Second, the average monthly benefit for age 70 doesn't include only individuals who waited until age 70 to collect their retirement benefits. For example, anyone who began receiving retirement benefits at age 67 three years before SSA calculated these averages would have been included in the age 70 figure. The actual average for individuals who held off until age 70 to claim Social Security, therefore, will be higher than SSA's average. What the averages don't reflect Because your earnings history could be quite different from the earnings of other Americans, your monthly Social Security benefits could vary quite a bit from the averages. Importantly, the averages also don't reflect other things specific to you. In particular, the averages don't account for other sources of income you might receive. Many Americans have pensions. Others have large amounts in their IRA and 401(k) plans. Some individuals continue to work after they begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits. The bottom line is that many factors must go into the decision of when to claim Social Security retirement benefits. The amount of the benefit itself is just one of them. 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" Here's How Much Greater the Average Social Security Benefit Is at 70 Versus 62 was originally published by The Motley Fool Washington: US President Joe Biden has called for sweeping new safeguards to deal with toxic chemicals being transported across the country, as he finally visited the scene of one of the worst rail chemical disasters in recent history. One year after a train filled with cancer-causing material derailed in East Palestine, Ohio resulting in residents still fearing for their long-term health Biden travelled to the American Midwest town on Friday (Saturday AEDT) to speak to local officials and see how the community is faring. Owner Melissa Smith pours coffee brewed from tap water for US President Joe Biden in an East Palestine cafe. Credit: AP But the visit received a frosty reception from some, who labelled the trip an election-year stunt and questioned why he hadnt come sooner. As the presidents motorcade rolled into the town, signs could be seen saying Go home, sleepy Joe! and F--- Biden, along with less inflammatory banners declaring: We need healthcare and We need aid. 'Here's why this breaks my heart': 16-year-old from Canada is forced to pay 15% of his income to his parents as rent. 'Ramsey Show' hosts respond Paying rent to your parents isnt unusual. However, Matthew from Alberta, Canada, is in the unusual position of having to pay rent while hes just 16 years old living at home. He told the hosts of The Ramsey Show that his parents insist on taking 15% of his income as a rent or tax or whatever you want to call it. Having to part with a significant portion of his income at such a young age doesnt sit right with him. Matthew said he also pays for most of his own expenses, including a lot of his food. Dont miss I'd like to know whether or not you think thats fair, or Im just overreacting and thinking that it isnt? he asked the hosts in the clip posted to YouTube. A taxing situation Like any other 16-year-old, Matthew is in school studying full-time. However, hes also working full-time on what he calls a part-time schedule. That means working 12 to 13 hours a day on three to four days of the week. The money he earns goes toward his own expenses: his car, fuel, insurance, phone bills and a lot of his food. However, his parents have also demanded 15% of his income every month. Both parents agreed to this arrangement but have different reasons for it. Matthews mom sees this as a life lesson. According to her, real life theres rent, theres expenses and whatnot, and this is real life, so this is what were teaching you, he said. Co-host John Delony took issue with this. Im sick of parents saying, Im going to hit you now because the world is going to hit you later, as though thats going to help you later, he said. Story continues As for Matthews dad, he believes he shouldnt be the only person to provide for the family when he has working children, Matthew said. He made you! said Delony, incredulous at the suggestion that a minor should have to pay rent. Youre here because of him. You didnt ask to be here. Thats his job! The legality of this move is unclear. Technically, anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor in Alberta. Under the Children Act 1989, providing a home is also considered a parental responsibility. Legality isnt the only issue. Delony expressed concern about the impact of this arrangement on Matthews relationship with his parents. Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now cash in on prime real estate without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how Financial abuse Co-host George Kamel viewed Matthews situation as financial abuse and the result of bad parenting, assuming there are no other underlying circumstances to explain their behavior. The University of Syracuse describes parental financial abuse as a complex issue where the parent uses money as a weapon to take advantage of a minor. I hope this doesn't ruin your relationship long-term, man, because y'all gonna need each other down the road, said Delony. Here's why this breaks my heart ... the moment you turn 18, you're probably gone and they will have lost the relationship and influence with their son, and I hope that it's not too late for them. Money issues often spark discontent and impact relationships within families. One in four parents with children younger than 18 reported arguing with their kids about money in the last month, according to a 2022 survey conducted by LendingTree. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. It's not every day that a home in the historic district of Halcyon Park in Bloomfield hits the market. But, not only did a home go up for sale in November, it sold for $152,000 more than its original asking price this month. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom Center-Hall Colonial home at 51 Farrandale Avenue is situated on a 5,227-square-foot lot. The home features a wood-burning fireplace in the dining room, a living room with built-in bookshelves and an eat-in kitchen with access to the home's deck, bluestone patio and two detached garages. The three-story property also has a full, unfinished basement with a washer and dryer, and Bilco doors that open to the backyard. Originally listed for $299,000, the home sold for $451,000 on Feb. 15. Photos of the 1911 historic colonial home at 51 Farrandale Avenue in Bloomfield. 51 Farrandale Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 | Zillow Tamima Friedman, team leader of The Tamima Team at Keller Williams NJ Metro Group and the property's listing agent, said the home has many of its original features, such as a stained glass window, fluted Doric columns and brass doorknobs. The home was built in 1911, and Friedman said the seller listed the property with the hopes of finding a buyer who would retain the home's personality. "It's very expensive to take on a property like this, but if you're in it because you love an old house and you're in it for the long haul. This house just has the potential to be a really fantastic and beautiful home in a great location," she said. "Somebody really recognized that this was a gem and I really feel like we found the right buyer. She wants to move in there and roll her sleeves up, and she understands it's going to take her some time. But she's not looking for a quick profit, she's bought it to live in and love it." An early photo of the home at 51 Farrandale Avenue in Bloomfield. Friedman said the home which she described in the listing as "a diamond in the rough" is even more charming when you consider its location. Developed in 1895 by Reverend Cyrus Kemper Capron, Halcyon Park was modeled after Llewellyn Park in West Orange the nation's oldest planned community that was once home to Thomas Edison. Halcyon Park was added to both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Story continues "Houses within Halcyon Park, built between 1905 and 1930, include a number of well-preserved examples of early-twentieth century residential architecture in bungalow, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival, Tudor and Queen Anne styles," reads a report commissioned by NJ Transit at the time in preparation for planning the Newark Light Rail Extension into Bloomfield. The fountain in Halcyon Park in Bloomfield. Just like at the time it was developed, the community today is centered around a large pond and fountain, with winding walking paths, one-way roads and an abundance of greenery. The home on Farrandale Ave is located across from the greenspace that houses the historic fountain. "It's just a beautiful location. Most people don't know about Halcyon Park. I don't think it's something that might automatically come to people's minds when they think of Bloomfield, but it's just this absolute gem of a neighborhood," she said. "It's like you wander in and it's just like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie. It just feels like you're back in Europe narrow, winding streets that all meander around a beautiful fountain and walking paths." She said that in addition to the community's history, the home on Farrandale Avenue is close to public transportation and highways, as well as the shops and restaurants in both Bloomfield and Montclair. Photos of the 1911 historic colonial home at 51 Farrandale Avenue in Bloomfield. Richard Campbell, a sales associate at Westfield Realty Service who represented the home's buyer, said he felt confident in this home because of his experience with historic properties. "I was actually trained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. I took a weekend course years ago in Washington DC. I was also a contractor in a previous life, and I actually used to do historic restorations on homes in Westfield and Millburn," he said. "So, this house really struck me." The home received a total of 32 offers, Friedman said. While there were higher offers than that of the selected buyer, she said that offer was the overall best due to a variety of factors. Photos of the 1911 historic colonial home at 51 Farrandale Avenue in Bloomfield. "(The buyer) made offers on a couple other homes as well, but she went wholeheartedly at this one," Campbell said. "(Friedman) felt the most comfortable that we were going to see the deal through and close." Campbell said the buyer has already began preparing to restore the property, and plans to maintain much of its original character. For example, he said that while the oak and walnut wood flooring throughout the first-floor will likely need to be replaced, the buyer plans to arrange the new flooring in a way that does the style of the home justice. "The house reeks of charm," he said. "And she's going to get it back." Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ real estate: Bloomfield home sells $152K over asking price The 'work-from-home weekend' may be on its way out Deutsche Bank won't let employees work from home on both Fridays and Mondays, Bloomberg reported. The move was made to even out worker attendance across the week. Major banks have been some of the first to call workers back to the office. Major financial institutions are leading the charge to bring workers back to the office. The latest firm to ramp up its office attendance policies is Deutsche Bank, which will now require workers to come in at least three days a week, according to Bloomberg . And they'll have to come in either Monday or Friday. That means workers will have to bid goodbye to their long work-from-home weekend. The policy change is intended to spread our presence more evenly across the week, said Deutsche Bank chief executive Christian Sewing and chief operating officer Rebecca Short in a memo, according to Bloomberg. The firm is taking an even harder line on employees higher up the corporate chain. Deutsche Bank will require managing directors who hold top positions right below the C Suite to come into the office at least four days a week beginning in June, Bloomberg reported. Deutsche Bank isnt the first major firm to force its managing directors to come to the office. JP Morgan called its MDs back five days a week last April and asked them to be visible on the floor. Still, Deutsche Bank seems to be setting a new precedent by calling workers back to the office on Fridays and Mondays. Prominent New York landlord Steven Roth once declared that Fridays in the office were dead forever and Mondays were touch and go. Fridays typically have the lowest office occupancy rates of the week, according to data from Kastle Systems. Deutsche Bank said the new policy will help the firm optimize its office space. Deutsche Bank said in its memo that its current real estate usage is inefficient, according to Bloomberg. The bank remains committed to our hybrid working model, which has been received extremely positively by staff, a Deutsche Bank spokesperson told Bloomberg . Its new guidelines will ensure consistency across the bank and strengthen senior leadership presence in the office, which remains the primary place of work. Deutsche Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider Solar Man of India urges immediate individual action to combat climate change By Kriti Shah In a compelling workshop on Energy and Climate Correction hosted by Bhoj University on Friday, the Solar Man of India, Professor Chetan Singh Solanki delivered a stark message- climate is not changing; it has changed. Professor Solanki is on Energy Swaraj Yatra, in a solar-powered bus, igniting conversations on the imperative of sustainable energy practices and propagating the idea of individual action towards combating climate change across India for a span of 11 years, his journey started in 2020. He emphasised the urgent need for individual responsibility in addressing the critical issue of climate change. During the workshop, Professor Solanki outlined six key points, reshaping the narrative around climate change. Firstly, he asserted that climate change is not a future threat; it is a present reality. Second, carbon emerged as the primary culprit behind climate change, highlighting the critical role of carbon emissions in driving environmental shifts. The speaker challenged the common notion that governments or nations alone are responsible for climate change. Instead, he emphasised a paradigm shift, declaring, Not We, but I am responsible for climate change. The professor urged each individual to recognise their personal role in the larger context of global environmental challenges. He remarked, Environmental degradation and climate change is everyones problem, contributed by everyone, and affecting everyone, therefore everyone needs to be part of the solution. A significant portion of the workshop focused on the alarming carbon footprint associated with energy consumption, particularly in India. Professor Solanki revealed that a staggering 85% of total energy in the country is derived from sources releasing carbon dioxide, which is also imported. The carbon is not only emitted through vehicles or industries but also from the use of fuels used to prepare one time meal at home by an individual. Moreover, he underscored the prolonged impact of this carbon, taking an average of 300 years to be absorbed by the atmosphere. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the professor Solanki pointed out that Earths temperature has already risen by 1.25 degrees Celsius. He warned that without immediate action, this increase could reach 1.5 degrees to 2 degrees Celsius, marking an irreversible tipping point, calling it as Lakshman Rekha. The analogy of Earth having a fever and no Paracetamol to save it resonated strongly, portraying the gravity of the situation. Throughout his address, he provided sobering statistics, including a staggering 52% increase in carbon emissions since the pre-industrial era. Mentioning carbon budget (how much carbon can be released in the atmosphere), he added that the irreversible change will happen in approx next 5 years. One of the key solutions presented by the professor was the AMG approach: Avoid, Minimise, Generate. He stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, minimising usage when possible, and generating energy responsibly. He also emphasised on his existence rule, which is limit your consumption, localise your production, this is the soul of climate change which should be considered by every individual. 4th round Centre-farmers talks tomorrow CHANDIGARH, HARYANA Police on Friday fired tear gas shells to disperse protesting farmers when they moved towards the barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala, a day after talks between Union Ministers and farmer leaders remained inconclusive. The fresh confrontation comes on the fourth day of the farmers Delhi Chalo march, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, to press the Government to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Amid the impasse, the Union Ministers and farmer leaders will meet on February 18 for the fourth round of talks. The two sides met on February 8, 12 and 15 as well but those talks remained inconclusive. The farmers from Punjab began their march to the national capital on Tuesday but were stopped by security personnel at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjabs border with Haryana. The protesters have stayed put at the two border points since then. Besides a legal guarantee of MSP, the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. BJP, Congress leaders stopped from going to Sandeshkhali KOLKATA/NEW DELHI, SENIOR leaders of the BJP and the Congress were stopped by police on Friday from visiting the trouble-torn Sandeshkhali, escalating the political tensions in the State as the leaders accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of fostering a lawless situation and attempting to communalise the issue. Sandeshkhali, a village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, has been witnessing protests over alleged atrocities, including sexual abuse, by some TMC leaders against villagers and has triggered a fierce political blame game with the senior leaders of the Congress, which is part of the anti-BJP Opposition bloc INDIA along with TMC at the national level, joining others to criticise the Mamata Banerjee Government over the issue. A delegation from the BJP, led by Union Ministers Pratima Bhoumik and Annapurna Devi, was stopped by the police at Rampur village on their route to the Sandeshkhali block, evoking a sharp reaction as the ministers accused the TMC of instigating lawlessness. Later, they met West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose over the situation in Sandeshkhali. A Congress team led by State President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was also stopped from visiting Sandeshkhali. After a confrontation with the police, Chowdhury accused Banerjee of politicising and communalising the issue. Police stopped the BJP central team from visiting unrest-hit Sandeshkhali. Police cited prohibitory orders. We said only four of us would go, but we were not permitted, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, the convenor of the team, told reporters. After being stopped at Rampur village, the six-member delegation of the party sat on a dharna. Bhoumik, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, also alleged that police were trying to protect the culprits and criticised their handling of the situation. We are Union Ministers and MPs, and there are certain protocols. The State Police and the administration are not bothered about those protocols. Had police shown similar promptness in arresting Shahjahan Sheikh, the situation would have been different, Annapurna Devi said. The BJPs fact-finding team was prevented from visiting Sandeshkhali under Section 144, leading them to propose sending only two women representatives to the area. However, this request was also denied, she added. Are we criminals that we have been stopped from entering the area, BJP State General Secretary Agnimitra Paul asked. BJP President J P Nadda had constituted a six-member committee of party MPs to investigate the situation in Sandeshkhali. Besides Devi and Bhoumik, the other members are Sunita Duggal, Kavita Patidar, Sangeeta Yadav, and Brij Lal. Questioning the rationale behind denying access to Opposition parties, Bengal Congress chief Chowdhury asked: Why are Opposition parties being prevented from entering Sandeshkhali. What is the State Government trying to hide? Why are they trying to politicise it. His criticism came amidst Banerjees allegations implicating the BJP in inciting unrest in the area. Responding to Banerjees claim that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has a presence in Sandeshkhali, Chowdhury questioned the relevance of the RSS in the ongoing disturbances. What connection does the RSS have with the disturbances in Sandeshkhali? Are Uttam Sardar or Shibu Hazra, Hindus or Muslims, he asked. On the BJP delegation being stopped, the ruling TMC accused the party of trying to vitiate the atmosphere of the state. Police did the right thing by stopping the BJP delegation. It intends to vitiate the atmosphere of the state. When the administration is doing everything to restore peace, the BJP is trying to disturb that for political gains, TMC leader Santanu Sen claimed. He also hit out at Chowdhury and dubbed the Bengal Congress as the B-team of the BJP. A large number of women in Sandeshkhali accused Trinamool Congress strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land-grab and sexually assaulting them under coercion. Shajahan has been absconding after a mob, allegedly affiliated with him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials who had gone to search his premises in connection with a ration scam on January 5. BJP eyes Congress only Lok Sabha seat Chhindwara By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla Enthusiast Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that in Lok Sabha elections, it is going to win 29 out of 29 seats. Importantly, Chhindwara seat. The only seat won by Congress party in last elections rest of the seats (28) clinched by the BJP. BJPs stalwarts from Union Minister Amit Shah to Kailash Vijayvargiya have intensified their tours to the Chhindwara. How challenging the battle of Chhindwara could be in upcoming Lok Sabha election can be understood with the fact that Kamal Nath held the seat for nine consecutive terms. This seat is a stronghold for Kamal Nath since he became an MP in 1980. The senior Congress leader had lost the Chhindwara seat once in a by-election in 1997 to the BJP, however, regained it a year later. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Nakul Nath won this seat. Amid the rumours are going around whether Kamal Nath or his son Nakul Nath may join BJP, the latter (lone MP from Congress in the State) has declared that he is going to contest upcoming elections from the Chhindwara seat in Madhya Pradesh, and not his father. This comes even before the grand old party could make an official announcement regarding the list of candidates for the upcoming general elections. (people are waiting for another declaration- From which party). On Friday, Nakul Nath, accompanied by his father, addressed a function at their home turf ensured that despite being BJP government at the state, development of the region will not be affected. He exhorted workers to be ready to work for upcoming Lok Sabha elections (But question still hovering in peoples mind from which party he will contest elections.) On other side addressing a press conference in State capital, BJP State President V D Sharma replying to query about senior Congress leader Kamal Naths entry in to BJP, he said BJP welcomes all those who have regret to decline invitation of Shri Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. We welcome all those who thinks they can work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Overall, battle for Chhindwara in upcoming General elections going to be tough as around 50 sarpanchs from the said constituency had recently switched to the BJP. Committee headed by Collector to monitor banks functioning Staff Reporter The Co-operation, Marketing, and Textiles Department of Maharashtra Government has appointed a committee headed by District Collector of Nagpur to monitor the functioning of beleaguered Nagpur District Central Co-operative Bank (NDCCB) Ltd. The six-member committee has been constituted to revive the bank, after taking stock of the loan recovery. The committee headed by District Collector of Nagpur, will have District Deputy Registrar (Co-operatives) as Member Secretary. Additional Commissioner and Special Registrar (Co-operatives), Pune; Dinesh Oulkar, retired Additional Commissioner and Special Registrar, Pune; Divisional Joint Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Nagpur; Divisional Manager, Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank Ltd, Nagpur Division, will be the members of the committee. The said committee has been entrusted with the task of taking stock of the functioning and financial position of NDCCB every month, and offer guidance to the board of administration on improving the banks finances. An important mandate of the committee is to review the loan recovery and guide the administration on expediting recovery. Besides, it is expected that the committee will suggest various measures to increase the deposits in the NDCCB. Other matters on which the committee is expected to guide the board of administration include enhancing credibility of the bank among ordinary depositors and institutional depositors in Nagpur district, suggesting measures to cut down on expenditure and increase income and business, updating the CBS and operationalising it, bringing complete transparency in the financial transactions of the bank, taking stock of the target set in the action plan submitted by NDCCB to NABARD, and suggesting measures to the Government to improve the banks functioning. Cong trapped in vicious circle of nepotism: PM JAIPUR, PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Congress, saying that everyone is leaving the party as it is trapped in the vicious circle of nepotism and dynastic politics. He said the Congress sole agenda is to oppose Modi and the party does the opposite of what he does, even if it leads to a loss for the country. The Prime Minister was virtually addressing an event, Viksit Bharat, Viksit Rajasthan, in Jaipur. He also laid the foundation stones of projects worth about Rs 17,000 crore and inaugurated various development works. The Congress has only one agenda -- oppose Modi. They spread such things against Modi which can divide society. This is what happens to a party when it gets trapped in the vicious cycle of dynastic politics. Today, everyone is leaving the Congress and only one family is seen there, Modi said. A big problem with the Congress is that it lacks the farsightedness to frame positive policies. Neither can the Congress foresee the future nor does it have any road map for it, he said. When Modi fulfils his guarantees, some people lose sleep. You are looking at the situation of the Congress, you have recently taught a lesson to the Congress but it does not accept it, he said, referring to the Rajasthan Assembly election results. Modi said the more someone abuses him, the more the Congress embraces him. They do not even take the name of Viksit Bharat because Modi is working for it, they avoid Make in India because Modi promotes it, they do not speak about Vocal for Local because Modi insists on it. When India became the fifth-largest economic power, the whole country was happy but the Congress people were not happy. When Modi says that India will become number three in the world in the next term, the whole country is filled with confidence but the Congress people find disappointment in this too, he said.Whatever Modi says and does, the Prime Minister said, the Congress says and does the opposite, even if it means a huge loss for the country. CPI (Maoist) responds to govts proposal for talks, puts pre-conditions The Hitavada State Bureau BIJAPUR, RAIPUR, In response to the recent proposal for talks with the Naxalites made by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Union Home Minister, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) has issued a statement through its Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, expressing readiness for dialogue under certain conditions. The Naxalites have labelled the proposal for talks as dishonest oppression and deception, demanding specific actions from the government to create a conducive environment for dialogue. These demands include an immediate halt to the killings of tribals in false encounters, confinement of armed forces to barracks, police stations, and camps for a period of six months, cessation of establishing new camps, and the release of political prisoners. Vikalp, Spokesperson of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of Naxalites, emphasised that the government must first fulfil these preconditions before meaningful dialogue can take place. Only then would the Maoist leaders consider direct or mobile virtual talks. The statement highlights the ongoing repression faced by tribal communities in Bastar division, citing recent incidents of alleged false encounter killings and crackdowns on public movements. The Naxalites accused the government of perpetuating fascist repression while simultaneously extending an offer for dialogue, branding it as hypocrisy and an attempt to mislead the public. However despite the reservations, the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee reiterated its commitment to dialogue for the broader interests of oppressed classes and special social sections of the country. However, it stressed on the importance of the government creating a conducive environment for consultation and exchange, urging journalists, civil society, intellectuals, and human rights organisations to pressure the government to address their demands and halt the ongoing Operation Kagar. The modalities, agenda, and issues of the proposed talks, the statement suggests, should be decided separately once the preconditions are met by the government. Outside view in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. This unique home in the foothills of Tucson, Arizona earned itself a 14 out of 10 rating on "Zillow Gone Wild" for its walls made of glass bottles. The abode at 1800 N Camino Altar is listed for $432,500 by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty. She said representing the home has been "a discovery each day and week that passes," in a statement emailed to USA TODAY. According to the listing on Zillow, the home is a "timeless structure, insulated by thousands of glass bottles of various array creating a colorful glow, nestled between stones and full-sized wooden beams at the ceiling." More: Climate and change? Warm weather, cost of living driving Americans on the move, study shows Kitchen in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. Reading alcove in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. Couple built home with no blueprint or design experience Living area in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. Bathroom in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. Greenhalgh said the builders wanted to create a home that wouldn't disrupt the desert landscape and use materials that would last a long time. According to the Arizona Daily Star, Theodore and Meletis Bryson used bottles and mixed mortar to build the unique home in the 1960s, starting with the carport. They slowly continued picking up bottles otherwise discarded to continue with the rest of the structure, though they had no design, measurement or plan to speak of, the Star reported. Bathroom in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. We didnt have any construction experience, the late Theodore Bryson said to a local paper at the time. When we started, we even had to ask how to mix cement. The home, which was listed in January 2024, has three bedrooms, a full bathroom and a half bathroom. The bottles keep the house really comfortable," Bryson told the Star. "Insulation is basically air pockets and what has more air than an empty bottle?" Greenhalgh said the home was sold to Dolores Duccomun in 1986, and her daughter is the current owner today. Outdoor area in a unique home made out of recycled bottles and rocks at 1800 N Camino Altar, Tucson, Arizona, is for sale. It is listed by Holly Greenhalgh of Coldwell Banker Realty for $432,500, and was recently featured on Zillow Gone Wild. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tucson, Arizona house made out of bottles for sale: See photos Customs Deptt prevents illegal export of 82.93 MT of onion worth Rs 49 lakh Business Reporter Based on specific intelligence, the Nagpur Customs Commissionerate on Thursday prevented an attempt of illegal export of 82.93 MT of onion at Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai. The estimated market value of the confiscated onion is approximately Rs 49 lakh. As per the directions of Chief Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur Zone, K C Johny and under the guidance of Commissioner of Customs Sanjay Kumar and Additional Commissioner of Customs Peeyoush Bhati, the officers of Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (SIIB) of Nagpur Customs led by Assistant Commissioner Anjum Tadvi developed a credible intelligence that some exporters were attempting to export onion, which has been banned by the Government. It is important to note that the Union Government has banned the export of onions effective from December 8 to make the essential kitchen staple cheaper for domestic consumers. The department received the information that two exporters had cleared two refrigerated containers each from Nasik, declaring that they were exporting tomatoes to the UAE. On specific intelligence, these containers were kept on hold at Mumbai by the Officers of SIIB Nagpur. On a detailed examination of these four containers, it was found that in the 40 feet container each, the first four or five feet were tomatoes, packed in boxes but the rest of the container was filled with onions in 20 kg sacks and boxes marked as tomatoes. The Customs Department officers seized the material following which a team of Custom officers comprising Manish Pandharpurkar, Shalik Nimje, Saurabh Srivastav, Sudhakar Barapatre, Shubham Panthi and Dushyant Patle conducted several searches at the premises of the exporters and Customs brokers involved in the smuggling racket across Mumbai and Nashik. Examination of the containers in which the material was being smuggled exposed the smuggling of onions under the guise of tomatoes. One of the senior officials on the condition of anonymity said that the Nagpur Customs Commissionerate jurisdiction extends up to Nashik and therefore after receiving specific intelligence, timely action was taken by the Nagpur Zone Customs Department. The officials worked overtime on Sunday and contacted the Nava Shiva Port officials and directed them to unloaded the three containers which were already on the ship for export. Afterwards, the containers were thoroughly examined and found that there were high quality onions in the containers. Since the Government ban on onion exports, the instances of smuggling onions is on the rise using various methods. LESSON FOR ALL TWO major developments on the economic front have set the cat among the pigeons. With Japan and the United Kingdom entering into recession, fears are being raised about an impending global recession. The contraction of the Japanese economy in the last two quarters officially confirmed recession in the Asian nation while for the United Kingdom the road ahead has become all the more bumpy due to falling gross domestic product (GDP). The two countries among the Group of Seven have shown the vulnerability of major economies amid volatile geopolitical situations and the possibility of its effect on other countries still struggling to fight global headwinds that refuse to calm down. The current situation has myriad lessons for other countries, especially growing economies like India, on systematic ironing out of minor irritants which can easily turn into major roadblocks in economic revival. It is also a signal for the policy-makers to prioritise sectors of critical importance that should withstand volatility in the world due to growing confrontations. The examples of Japan and the UK have also pricked the memories of the 2008 recession which accounted for some financial behemoths across the world. The impact of that phase is still ringing in many countries as the latest contraction of big economies has aptly proven. In the case of Japan, often termed as an economic miracle after rising from the ruins of World War II to become the second largest economy after the United States, the biggest factor behind the fall to the fourth-largest economy is the decline in its population, lagging in productivity and no edge in competitiveness. The big difference between the working population and senior citizens has cast its effect on the Japanese economy for the past three decades. The economy has been growing at a moderate rate and further disruptions like the coronavirus pandemic dealt a hammer-blow to the Land of the Rising Sun as its economy nose-dived into the sunset of recession. The United Kingdom, too, is more or less in the same boat after the mishandling of divorce from the European Union. While Brexit caused political upheavals in Britain, there seems to be too many differences in the ranks to trigger an economic revival. Recession now adds another challenge for Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak who had assumed office on the plank of growing the economy. The plans are still caught in political grudges and it is unlikely that the UK finds a way out of the current financial downturn. Both the examples form perfect case-study for India to chart its further course matching its growing stature on the global stage. Indias ambition of becoming a top international power needs solid backing of a robust economy. To be fair to the current dispensation under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, India has done remarkably well to continue its march as a fast-growing economy. It was made possible due to timely intervention and stringent checks on the situation arising out of the aftermath of the pandemic and other global disturbances. Now, India must draw its lessons from Japan and UK and insulate its economy from similar factors that gnawed at their finances over decades. The Japan lesson must prod India to leverage its demographic dividend in the right earnest to keep the wheels moving. India has an abundant labour force to help achieve the domestic growth goals. It can be done only by upskilling the labour and bringing more women into the workforce to realise the dream of becoming a manufacturing hub. Helping the young through skill programmes and the right financial atmosphere for start-ups will be crucial for India to beat the slow poison of lethargic growth. MUMBAI, THE Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on Friday submitted a report on its survey on the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community, the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has urged Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange to end his indefinite hunger strike, stressing that the State Government is positive about giving reservation to the community, it said. The report will enable the Government to introduce a law ensuring reservation for the Maratha community with the backing of necessary data, the CMO said. The massive exercise covered nearly 2.5 crore families. The report was submitted by chairperson of the commission Justice (retd) Sunil Shukre to CM Shinde in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the CMO said. The survey (findings) will be discussed in the State Cabinet meeting, it said, quoting CM Shinde. The Government has also announced a special session on February 20 to discuss the communitys demands for quota in education and Government jobs. Shinde has stressed that Marathas will be given reservation without disturbing the existing quota of other communities. He urged the Government Jarange to end his fast, asserting that the state government is positive about giving reservation to the community. When the Government is fully committed to giving reservation to the Maratha community, there should be no reason to protest, Shinde said. Minister Vijayvargiya discusses issues related to citys devpt with senior officials Staff Reporter State Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya chaired a meeting of senior officials and discussed issues related to citys development at Circuit House, on Friday. During the meeting, he stressed upon the need to focus on ensuring that drain water is not released into river Narmada and urged completion of ongoing works of sewage treatment plant before enforcement of election code of conduct. Vijayvargiya informed that provisions are being made in the budget for urban forests hence encourage promotion of tourism in these areas. He emphasised on importance of every person planting trees. He asked for proper fencing while developing Dumna Nature Park. He also highlighted the need to work towards making the city clean and beautiful. Vijayvargiya asked to ensure cleanliness at such a level to beat Indore. He also asked to accept the challenge in the direction of cleanliness. He suggested that Jabalpur, cultural capital, should work towards the theme of a green city and a clean city. He called for development of a culture of cleanliness among people, imposing penalties where there is dirt and rewarding those who demonstrate excellence in cleanliness in markets or neighborhoods. The State Urban Administration Minister urged public cooperation in making the city clean and tidy. He stated that if traffic signals are to be installed at Deendayal Chowk for better traffic facilitation, the square will need to be made smaller. If signals are not to be installed, the square should be kept larger. Those who attended the meeting were MLA Ajay Vishnoi, Sushil Tiwari, Jagat Bahadur Singh, along with Divisional Commissioner Abhay Verma, IG Anil Kumar Kushwaha, Collector Deepak Saxena, DIG T K Vidhyarthi, SP Aditya Pratap Singh, Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav, CEO of JDA Deepak Vaidya and others. Rs 68 lakh unaccounted cash ACB seizes from education society Secretarys house Special Correspondent AFTER arresting Vijay Shravan Watkar, Secretary, Saint Ignatius Education Society, on corruption charges, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sleuths conducted searches at his house -- Watkar Palace --near Bhosla Ved Shala, Mahal and seized Rs 68 lakh unaccounted cash. Watkar (68), who works as Secretary, Saint Ignatius Education Society which runs St Vincent Upper Primary School, Uday Nagar, Manewada Road, was picked up by bureau officers after registering a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Hudkeshwar Police Station on Thursday following a complaint lodged by a retired clerk of his school. The clerk, who retired from the service in 2018, had approached Watkar to expedite the process for pension and disbursement of post-retirement dues. As nothing was done in this regard, the retired clerk moved the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court in 2019. For filing the pursis in his favour, Watkar allegedly demanded Rs six lakh from him. Fed up of constant harassment by Watkar, the retired clerk lodged a complaint at the ACB office against Watkar last year. The bureau officers verified the complaint and laid traps to catch Watkar red-handed with the bribe amount. As one of his close aides of Watkar allegedly alerted him about the complaint against him, he did not accept the cash from the retired clerk. Subsequently, the bureau officers initiated inquiries against Watkar and decided to book him for demanding Rs six lakh from the complainant. Soon after taking Watkar into custody, a team comprising PI Ashish Choudhary, PI Varsha Mate, ASI Surendra Sirsat and constabulary staff under the supervision of SP (ACB) Rahul Maknikar, Additional Superintendents of Police Sanjay Purandare and Sachin Kadam raided his house and seized Rs 68 lakh cash. Further investigations are on. Suraksha Kavach Of people protecting me from Oppn Morchas: Modi REWARI (Haryana), PRIME Minister Narendra Modi flayed the Congress on Friday over its stand on the Ram temple in Ayodhya and Article 370, and said the Opposition party has opened all its morchas against him ahead of the Lok Sabha polls but the people are acting as his suraksha kavach. Addressing a public gathering after he laid the foundation of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated and laid foundation of several projects in Rewari in Haryana worth Rs 9,770 crore, the Prime Minister said India has touched new heights in the world today and that it has been possible because of peoples blessings. Referring to his visit to the UAE and Qatar this week, he said the respect that India now gets from every corner is not of Modi alone, but of every Indian. He asserted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls, due in April-May. Modi flayed the Congress over its stand on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying those who used to call Lord Ram imaginary and did not want a temple to be constructed are also chanting Jai Siya Ram now. The Congress is trapped in love for one family and in Haryana too the situation is same. The party is going through its worst phase, Modi said. Their leader is not able to handle a start-up, so how can they dream of running the country, he asked. The Congress situation is such that their senior leaders are leaving the party one after another, he said. Those who had talked of joining hands with them are also running away now, he said, referring to the Opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc partners. The situation today is such that the Congress does not even have workers left. Where they are in power, they are unable to handle the Government. In Himachal Pradesh, the party-led Government is facing problem to pay salaries and pensions to people. Thousands throng ghats on Narmada Jayanti Staff Reporter On the occasion of Maa Narmada Prakatotsav, unprecedented enthusiasm and joy was seen in Sanskardhani, on Friday. A flood of faith surged along the banks of the Narmada. Devotees gathered in large numbers at Gaurighat, Tilwaraghat and Bhedaghat since early morning. At Gaurighat, people immersed themselves in worship and rituals, taking a dip in the river with great devotion. During the afternoon and night at Umaghat, thousands gathered to seek the blessings of Maa Narmada during the Mahaaarti. Lakhs of devotes from city and adjoining rural areas thronged Gwarighat and other banks of river Narmada on the auspicious occasion of this mega religious event. To ensure peaceful and hurdle free celebrations of the event, the district administration along with Police and other agencies made extensive arrangements. Police had done barricading at all important routes approaching to the river banks. Likewise, a number of police personnel were deployed at important points to monitor activities and maintain law and order. The Jabalpur Municipal Corporation also made ample arrangements for the ease of citizens. To ensure proper safety of countless devotees who thronged the banks of river Narmada, the district administration had also banned boating for the day. Only security guards, divers and homeguard jawans were allowed to step into the river and monitor river banks through motor boats. People gathered at the river banks to have holy dip, perform special prayers, Narmadashtak, Shivasthak, Maa Narmada Paduka Poojan, Maha Arti etc. People also offered Chunari to the holy Narmada. MAHAARTI AND PRASAD OF 56 BHOG: Narmada Prakatotsav celebration in the city was marked by grandeur. Worship and bhandara were organized at various locations. Religious events commenced on the banks of Narmada from the auspicious Brahma Muhurta and continued late into the night. Numerous ceremonies, including havans, pujas, bhajans and other religious rituals were performed by devotees. Those who come for worship and rituals believe that Mother Narmada fulfills all their desires and therefore, they come every year to perform religious ceremonies on the banks of Narmada. BHANDARA AT VARIOUS PLACES: The mega religious event also witnessed preparations for bhandra in different areas. The arrangements began the previous night at places like Gaurighat, Miloniganj, Super Market, Ranital, Damohnaka, Garha, Ranjhi. CENTRE OF ATTRACTION: idols of Maa Narmada have been installed by devotees at various places. Likewise, the statue of Narmada installed by Maa Reva Narmadotsav Samiti in Dixitpura was the center of attraction as it is built alike the statue of Ramlala in Ayodhya. People thronged in large number to see the idol. ROBUST SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS: Looking to the large crowd during Narmada Prakatotsav celebration, the district administration, police and JMC administration had made robust security arrangements. To control any untoward incidents at the river banks, police officers along with security personnel and volunteers ensured security from morning until night. RESTRICTIONS ON BOAT OPERATIONS: The district administration had completely restricted boat operations at Gaurighat, Jilaharighat, Lamhetaghat, Tilwaraghat, Bhedaghat and Saraswatighat during the religious celebration. Regularly operated boats for the transportation of villagers residing along the Narmada banks were exempted. However, all other boat operations were completely prohibited during the Narmada Jayanti celebration. PROCESSIONS OF MAA NARMADA STATUES: On the occasion of Narmada Prakatotsav, statues of Maa Rewa were installed at various locations in the city. Statues were installed in Kotwali, Rampur square, Gorakhpur, Polipathar, Sadar, Damoh Naka Chowk, Ranital, Ranjhi, Gadh and other areas of the city. These statues will be taken to Gaurighat for immersion in the form of a procession, on Saturday. Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript February 16, 2024 Ingersoll Rand Inc. isnt one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here). Operator: Good morning, and welcome to the Ingersoll Rand Q4 2023 Earnings Call. Please note that this call is being recorded. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] I will now turn the call over to Matthew Fort, Vice President of Investor Relations. You may begin your conference. Matthew Fort: Thank you and welcome to the Ingersoll Rand 2023 fourth quarter earnings call. I'm Matthew Fort, Vice President of Investor Relations. And joining me this morning are Vicente Reynal, Chairman and CEO; and Vik Kini, Chief Financial Officer. We issued our earnings release and presentation yesterday afternoon, and we will reference these during the call, both are available on the Investor Relations section of our website. In addition, a replay of this conference call will be available later today. Before we start, I want to remind everyone that certain statements on this call are forward-looking in nature and are subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in our previous SEC filings, which you should read in conjunction with the information provided on this call. Please review the forward-looking statements on Slide 2 for more details. In addition, in today's remarks, we will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures. You can find a reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our slide presentation and in our earnings release, both of which are available on the Investor Relations section of our website. On today's call, we will review our company and segment financial highlights and provide full year 2024 guidance. For today's Q&A session, we ask that each caller keep to one question and one follow-up to allow time for other participants. At this time, I will turn the call over to Vicente. Story continues Vicente Reynal: Thanks Matthew and good morning to all. I would like to begin by acknowledging and thanking our employees for their hard work in helping us deliver another record year in 2023. We finished the year on a high note with strong fourth quarter and full year results, despite the constantly changing macroeconomic environment. Our 2023 performance reinforces the impact our employee ownership mindset has for Ingersoll Rand. I would also like to welcome our new employees from our recent acquisition of Friulair, whom I had the chance to visit last week in Italy. I was very impressed by the entrepreneurial and technological spirit that has made this company grow at an impressive organic CAGR of 15% over the past three years. Starting on Slide 3, in 2023, we demonstrated again how we continue to outperform against our long-term Investor Day commitments with double-digits growth in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS and free cash flow. As we move to 2024, demand remains solid. And while macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties continue to be at the top of everyone's mind. We remain agile and focus on what we can control. IRX is our competitive differentiator and combined with our ownership model, we remain confident in our ability to execute on our commitments. We recently held our Investor Day this past November, and I'd like to spend a few minutes providing a couple of important highlights that we presented. On Slide 4, we highlighted how we deliver compounding results through our economic growth engine. With the use of IRX, we have created an increasingly durable financial profile underpinned by our employee ownership model. Since 2016, we have transformed the company into a premier growth compounder. We have reduced the cyclicality through divesting our club car and HBS businesses and reinvested approximately $2.3 billion into accreative acquisitions focused on high growth sustainable end markets. Today, our balance sheet is stronger than ever and we enter 2024 well positioned to build upon our progress to date. Moving to the next page, we show how we are uniquely positioned to grow market share within the $55 billion of highly fragmented addressable markets we currently play. The combination of our product portfolio, multi-channel, multi-brand strategy, massive install base and unmatched commercial and operational footprint provides an exceptional foundation for continued market share growth, both organically and inorganically. On Slide 6, we demonstrate how we remain committed to delivering financial performance, while also doing good for the planet and our community. On the left hand side of the page, we have some very exciting news to share. S&P Global recently announced that Ingersoll Rand ranked first in the world within our industry, up for number two in the prior year. Also, Ingersoll Rand was named to the A list for its performance in tackling climate change and commitment to global environment leadership by CDP. CDP annuals environmental disclosure and scoring process is globally recognized as the gold standard for corporate transparency. Finally, as shown on the right hand side of the page, we continue to make progress towards our aggressive 2030 goals, and we're already well on our way to achieve them. On Slide 7, we show the catalyst for the progress, which is a highly engaged employee base combined with an ownership mindset. And as shown on the left hand side of the page, our employee satisfaction is over 600 basis points higher than the industry average. We believe our employee ownership model drives the increased employee engagement and as illustrated on the center of the page, we have created a massive economic opportunity for our employees and their families. That has been life changing for many, as expressed on the quotes from some of them. All of these leads us to the next slide, where you can see that the combination of all these factors, executed through our economic growth engine is evidence that our model provides durable long-term performance. Our portfolio is positioned to capitalize on global mega trends such as sustainability, digitalization and quality of life. We expect to leverage our organic growth enablers to deliver on average mid single-digit organic growth through 2027. And as you can see, we outperformed this commitment again in 2023, delivering 10% year-over-year organic revenue growth. In 2023, we also deliver 6% of in year growth from M&A. The combined organic and inorganic growth of 16% also surpassed our low double-digit growth commitment, and not only did we surpass our growth targets, but we also exceeded our margin expansion initiatives, generating 170 basis points of adjusted EBITDA margin expansion, and again, surpassing our long-term targets for this metric. With IRX, as our competitive differentiator and over 400 impact daily management sessions or IDMS across our company each week, our high performance culture encourages a strong focus on execution. In 2023, we deliver adjusted EPS growth of 25% and a free cash flow margin of 18%. These results prove that we are premier durable growth compounder. On Slide 9, to date, we're on track or ahead of schedule in delivering the 2025 targets set at our previous Investor Day. We have set new aggressive targets for 2027 long-term financial and our results give us confidence in delivering those targets that are on average over the cycle. Turning to Slide 10, M&A continues to be at the forefront of our capital allocation strategy. We invested over $450 million across 13 acquisitions in 2023. These acquisitions have been both market leading products and technologies, while accelerating our addressable market with close adjacencies. As of today, we currently have 10 transactions under LOI. Our M&A funnel remains strong and continues to be over 5x larger than it was at the time of the RMP. We expect an additional 400 to 500 basis points of annualized inorganic revenue to be acquired in 2024. The 10 transactions currently under LOI are similar in size and nature to the Bolton deals we have done over the past few years. However, outside of these 10 LOIs, we still have a couple of deals in the funnel where the purchase price exceeds $1 billion. I will now turn the presentation over to Vik to provide an update on our Q4 and full year 2023 financial performance. Vik Kini : Thanks Vicente. On Slide 11, we finished the year strong in Q4 through a balance of commercial and operational execution fueled by IRX despite the constantly changing macroeconomic environment. Total company organic orders and revenue increased 3% and 4% year-over-year respectively. We remain encouraged by the strength of our backlog, which is up over 8% year-over-year. This provides us with a healthy backlog to execute on entry in 2024 and gives us conviction in delivering our full year 2024 revenue guidance. The company delivered fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $501 million, a 19% year-over-year improvement and adjusted EBITDA margins of 27.5%, 160 basis point year-over-year improvement and a hundred basis point improvements sequentially from Q3. Workers assembling precision and science technology components in a factory. Free cash flow for the quarter was $552 million and for the year we delivered nearly $1.3 billion of free cash flow with an 18% free cash flow margin and 105% conversion to adjusted net income. Total liquidity of $3.6 billion at quarter end was up approximately $400 billion sequentially. Our net leverage continues to improve both year-over-year and sequentially. And 0.6 turns, we are 0.2 turns better than prior year and 0.3 turns better than prior quarter. Turning to Slide 12 for the total company on an FX adjusted basis, Q4 orders and revenue both grew 11%. Total company adjusted EBITDA increased 19% from the prior year. The ITS segment margin increased 260 basis points, while the PST segment margin was flat year-over-year, and corporate costs came in at $47 million for the quarter. Finally, adjusted EPS for the quarter was up 19% to $0.86 per share. The adjusted tax rate for the quarter was 20.7% with the full year adjusted rate finishing slightly above 22%. On Slide 13, total company full year orders grew 8% and revenue increased 17%, both on an FX adjusted basis. Total company adjusted EBITDA increased 25% from the prior year. The ITS segment margin increased 240 basis points, while the PST segment margin increased 130 basis points. Corporate costs finished the year at $173 million, driven by continued investments to support growth in areas like demand generation and IIoT as well as the impact of incentive compensation adjustments. Lastly, adjusted EPS for the year was up 25% to $2.96 per share. Moving on to the next slide. Free cash flow for the quarter was $552 million, including CapEx which totaled $30 million. Total liquidity now stands at $3.6 billion based on approximately $1.6 billion of cash and $2 billion of availability on our revolving credit facility. Leverage for the quarter was 0.6 turns, which was a 0.2 turn improvement year-over-year. And in 2023, we returned $295 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Specifically within the quarter, cash outflows included $130 million in share repurchases, $39 million deployed to M&A and $8 million for our dividend payment. M&A remains our top priority for capital allocation and we continue to expect M&A to be our primary use of cash, as we look ahead. I will now turn the call back to Vicente to discuss our segments. Vicente Reynal: Thanks, Vik. On Slide 15, our Industrial Technologies and Service segment delivered solid year-over-year organic revenue growth of 5%. Adjusted EBITDA increased 26% year-over-year with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30%, up 260 basis points from prior year with an incremental margin of 48%. We also delivered sequential margin expansion of 120 basis points from Q3 to Q4. It is important to note that we have already achieved our 2025 high 20s adjusted EBITDA margin target for ITS, which is a full two years ahead of schedule. We continue to see solid demand for our products with organic orders also up 5%. Moving to the product line highlights. Compressors were up low double-digits in orders and up mid-single-digits in revenue. Industrial vacuum and blower were down low double-digits in orders, but up low double-digits in revenue. The order decline was mainly driven by prudently de-booking an order from an electric truck manufacturer in Europe that had some battery supply issues. However, the prospects are starting to look better for this manufacturer in 2024. Also, it is important to highlight that core product lines continue to show strong momentum on a two year stack, excluding FX and also excluding the recent acquisitions of SPX Air Treatment and Roots blower. On a two year stack, compressor orders were up mid-teens and revenue was up high 20s. Industrial vacuum and blower orders were up low double-digits and revenue was up mid-30s. As a reminder for additional detailed information on product lines and regional splits, we have moved the chart, which was previously included on this page to Slide 21 in the appendix. For our innovation in action section, we're highlighting a new compressor with advanced two stage technology. This product is a great example on how Ingersoll Rand is providing an innovative digitally-enabled sustainable solution with a 17% energy efficiency improvement versus the competition. Turning to Slide 16. Organic revenue in the Precision and Science Technology segment was approximately flat year-over-year. The PST team delivered adjusted EBITDA of $94 million, which was up approximately 2% year-over-year with a margin of 30.1%. Organic orders were down 1.6%, driven by the Life Science businesses. We see organic orders growth stabilizing and we remain positive about the underlying health of the PST business. In fact, PST excluding the life science businesses has seen positive organic orders and revenue growth in 11 out of the last 12 quarters. In addition, short cycle orders in the industrial businesses were up mid-single digits in Q4. Overall, the PST segment remains on track to meet our long-term Investor Day growth commitments. For our PST innovation in action, we're highlighting our ARO piston pump system. This is a perfect example of leveraging both i2V and demand generation to pivot an existing product line into a high growth sustainable end market. Over the past 12 months, we have already taken $7 million in orders with a leading OEM solar panel producer, which has the potential for $1 million in annualized after-market revenue. As we move to Page 17, we're introducing our 2024 guidance. Total company revenue is expected to grow between 5% to 7% with the first half growth of 4% to 6% and the second half growth of 6% to 8%. We anticipate organic growth of 2% to 4%, where price is approximately 2/3 and volume 1/3. FX is expected to contribute approximately 1% of a tailwind for the year, of which the impact will be realized relatively evenly throughout the year. M&A is projected as $160 million, which reflects all completed and closed M&A transactions in 2023, as well as the acquisition Friulair. Corporate costs are planned at $160 million and are expected to be incurred evenly per quarter throughout the year. Total adjusted EBITDA for the company is expected to be in the range of $1.915 billion and $1.975 billion. At the bottom of the table, adjusted EPS is projected to fall within the range of $3.14 and $3.24, which is approximately up 8% at the midpoint. We anticipate adjusted tax rate to be roughly 23%, gross interest expenses to be about $155 million and CapEx to be around 2% of revenue. On the right hand side of the page, we have included a 2024 full year guidance bridge showing the growth associated with both operational activity and the impact associated with corporate cost, interest income and expenses, FX, share count and changes in the adjusted tax rate, and based on the above guidance adjusted EPS growth is expected to be 6% to 9%. As we sit here in mid-February, we would like to provide some commentary on Q1. We expect our normal seasonality to return in 2024 from a revenue perspective, which means that Q1 will be the lowest revenue quarter of the year. In addition, as a reminder, Q1 has a very tough comp as we deliver 20% organic revenue growth in Q1 of 2023. As a result, we anticipate organic revenue growth to be flattish to slightly up for a quarter with continued year-over-year margin expansion. Turning to Slide 18, as we wrap up on today's call, I want to reiterate that Ingersoll Rand is in a solid position. We continue to deliver record results and both our long-term and '24 guidance is reflective of our performance to date and our increasingly durable financial profile. To employees, I want to thank you again for another excellent finish to the year. We deliver strong results by demonstrating our commitment to meeting our financial targets and executing our economic growth engine through the use of IRX. Thank you for your hard work, resiliency and focus actions. These results show the impact you each have as owners of the company. Our balance sheet is as strong as ever, and with our discipline and comprehensive capital allocation strategy, we remain resilient and have the capacity to deploy capital to investments with the highest return as we continue our track record of market, our performance. We remain nimble, continue to monitor the dynamic market conditions and we're prepared for the challenges that may come. And with that, I'll turn the call back to the operator and open it for Q&A. Operator: [Operator Instructions] Your first question comes from Mike Halloran with Baird. Mike Halloran : So let's start with where you ended there on the guidance piece. Certainly appreciate all the context and help and understand the relatively normal seasonality. But maybe you could just talk to what you're embedding from an underlying assumption perspective when it comes to the broader environment, broader end markets. Is this a year where you just see relatively sequential stability? Any specific pockets you're concerned about or where you see opportunities for acceleration? Less of an Ingersoll specific question meaning. I know you have a lot of drivers that you can use to goose growth relative to whatever the end markets are doing. More of just an end market specific in an environment question. See also 17 Fastest growing B2B SaaS Companies and 16 Best Beach Towns to Buy a House/Apartment in USA. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) was upgraded by Desjardins from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, PriceTargets.com reports. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. TheStreet upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Manulife Financial from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the stock from $31.00 to $35.00 in a report on Thursday. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $32.00. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MFC Manulife Financial Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Manulife Financial Shares of NYSE:MFC opened at $24.69 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $44.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.79, a P/E/G ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.07. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $21.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.77. Manulife Financial has a fifty-two week low of $17.07 and a fifty-two week high of $24.89. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 10.1% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 878,359 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,753,000 after buying an additional 80,450 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 7.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 27,503 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $587,000 after buying an additional 2,013 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new stake in shares of Manulife Financial during the first quarter worth $428,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Manulife Financial by 2.3% during the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 43,078 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $920,000 after buying an additional 956 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Manulife Financial by 32.7% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 14,560 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 3,585 shares in the last quarter. 45.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Manulife Financial (Get Free Report) Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Essent Group (NYSE:ESNT Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning. Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on Essent Group from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. UBS Group assumed coverage on Essent Group in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $54.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Barclays assumed coverage on Essent Group in a report on Wednesday, November 15th. They issued an overweight rating and a $60.00 price target on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Essent Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $56.25. Get Essent Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Essent Group Essent Group Stock Performance Shares of ESNT stock opened at $52.35 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $53.21 and its 200-day moving average is $50.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.59 billion, a PE ratio of 8.05, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.06. Essent Group has a 52 week low of $36.53 and a 52 week high of $56.45. Essent Group (NYSE:ESNT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, February 9th. The financial services provider reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $297.30 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $286.18 million. Essent Group had a return on equity of 14.44% and a net margin of 62.75%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 29.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.37 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Essent Group will post 6.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Essent Group Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 13th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. This is a positive change from Essent Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 12th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.14%. Essent Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 17.23%. Insider Buying and Selling at Essent Group In other Essent Group news, SVP Mary Lourdes Gibbons sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.00, for a total value of $275,000.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 247,969 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,638,295. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 2.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Essent Group Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Essent Group by 2.5% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,471,258 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $69,576,000 after purchasing an additional 35,484 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its position in shares of Essent Group by 8.7% during the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 15,820 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $740,000 after purchasing an additional 1,267 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its position in Essent Group by 17.0% in the 3rd quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 20,014 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $946,000 after buying an additional 2,906 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in Essent Group by 112.7% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 70,404 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,295,000 after buying an additional 37,305 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Virginia Retirement Systems ET AL acquired a new stake in Essent Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $10,744,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.77% of the companys stock. Essent Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Essent Group Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. Its mortgage insurance products include primary, pool, and master policy. The company also provides information technology maintenance and development services; customer support-related services; underwriting consulting; and contract underwriting services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Essent Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essent Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank AG lessened its position in Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 63.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 352,938 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 624,783 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG owned approximately 0.17% of Extra Space Storage worth $42,910,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Extra Space Storage by 1,272.7% during the 1st quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 151 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its position in shares of Extra Space Storage by 241.9% in the 3rd quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 212 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp purchased a new position in Extra Space Storage in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 162.5% during the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 231 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the period. Finally, Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage in the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.40% of the companys stock. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Extra Space Storage news, Director Joseph Saffire sold 25,000 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.10, for a total value of $3,852,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 42,344 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,525,210.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 1.55% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on EXR. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Extra Space Storage from $185.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $168.00 to $187.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Extra Space Storage from an underweight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $120.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on shares of Extra Space Storage in a research note on Tuesday. They set a sector underperform rating and a $131.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $149.75. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Extra Space Storage Extra Space Storage Stock Performance NYSE:EXR opened at $141.57 on Friday. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a 12-month low of $101.19 and a 12-month high of $170.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $150.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $132.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.91 billion, a PE ratio of 26.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 0.75. Extra Space Storage Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of September 30, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,651 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.5 million units and approximately 279.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IMTM Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $36.20 and last traded at $36.20, with a volume of 12822 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $35.96. iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $1.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.82 and a beta of 0.78. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $34.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $33.11. Get iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Element Wealth LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 60.9% in the 2nd quarter. Element Wealth LLC now owns 1,118 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 423 shares during the period. Finally, Principal Securities Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth $57,000. About iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF The iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World ex USA Momentum index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries, ex-US. The momentum-selected stocks are weighted by market cap and momentum. IMTM was launched on Jan 13, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Free Report) had its price objective decreased by KeyCorp from $185.00 to $165.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. KeyCorp currently has an overweight rating on the technology companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on WCC. Royal Bank of Canada cut shares of WESCO International from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $202.00 to $173.00 in a research note on Tuesday. StockNews.com upgraded shares of WESCO International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $178.83. Get WESCO International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on WESCO International WESCO International Stock Performance WCC stock opened at $145.69 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 2.48. The stock has a market cap of $7.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 2.11. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $172.51 and a 200 day simple moving average of $157.01. WESCO International has a 52 week low of $121.90 and a 52 week high of $195.43. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The technology company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.86 by ($1.21). The business had revenue of $5.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.59 billion. WESCO International had a net margin of 3.42% and a return on equity of 17.01%. WESCO Internationals revenue was down 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $4.13 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that WESCO International will post 14.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WESCO International Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 11.08%. Insider Buying and Selling at WESCO International In other WESCO International news, EVP Hemant Porwal sold 13,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.12, for a total value of $2,003,560.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,171,396.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other WESCO International news, EVP Hemant Porwal sold 13,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $154.12, for a total value of $2,003,560.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,171,396.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total transaction of $663,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 54,385 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,333,150. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 2.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On WESCO International Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in WCC. KB Financial Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of WESCO International by 76.8% in the 3rd quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC now owns 198 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Park Place Capital Corp acquired a new position in WESCO International during the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. Anchor Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in WESCO International during the 4th quarter worth about $48,000. RFP Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in WESCO International during the 2nd quarter worth about $55,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new position in WESCO International during the 4th quarter worth about $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.15% of the companys stock. About WESCO International (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). Read More Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $90.20. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Bank of America downgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Lloyds Banking Group Institutional Trading of Lloyds Banking Group Lloyds Banking Group Price Performance Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 6.9% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,480,127 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,539,000 after acquiring an additional 95,471 shares in the last quarter. Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Inc. purchased a new stake in Lloyds Banking Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $79,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 120.7% during the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 1,004,469 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,401,000 after acquiring an additional 549,417 shares in the last quarter. Vident Advisory LLC grew its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 12.1% during the 4th quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 155,350 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $371,000 after acquiring an additional 16,741 shares in the last quarter. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC grew its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 153.6% during the 4th quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 2,243,706 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,362,000 after acquiring an additional 1,358,806 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.15% of the companys stock. Shares of LYG opened at $2.14 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $2.24 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.93 billion, a PE ratio of 5.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.30. Lloyds Banking Group has a 1-year low of $1.88 and a 1-year high of $2.56. Lloyds Banking Group Company Profile (Get Free Report Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal and small business customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cantor Fitzgerald restated their overweight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) in a report published on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $140.00 price objective on the stock. NVO has been the topic of a number of other reports. TD Cowen upped their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. UBS Group initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. They set a neutral rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. They set an overweight rating and a $120.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.25. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Up 1.8 % Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend NVO stock opened at $124.00 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $107.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $87.99. Novo Nordisk A/S has a fifty-two week low of $67.66 and a fifty-two week high of $124.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $556.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.41. The firm also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be issued a $0.664 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 22nd. This is a positive change from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.22. This represents a dividend yield of 0.9%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is currently 22.92%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Stone House Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% during the second quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at $29,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. Lee Financial Co bought a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the second quarter valued at $37,000. 6.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (Get 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. Read More 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. Oceanfront homes on both coasts are in jeopardy of tumbling into the sea as erosion sucks the land out from under them. Kid Rock and Conair heiress Babe Rizzuto are among those whose homes in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida, lost land to the Atlantic Ocean. Rizzuto listed her home at 14 Ocean Drive for $22.5 million in November. The daughter of the late billionaire founder of Conair purchased the house for $6.3 million in 2015. Rizzuto's 5,900-square-foot house and pool were not damaged, but part of the backyard, some fencing and palm trees were washed away. "It doesn't help the sales effort, that's for sure," listing agent Andrew Russo of the Russo Group at Illustrated Properties told The Real Deal. Don't Miss: Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100. Passive income investments are one of the most trusted methods for riding out a recession, so it's no surprise that people are turning to this high-yield real estate bond with a 7% APY that compounds daily. Ken Griffin says Miami will take New York's place as the U.S. Financial Capital. Here's how you can invest in the city with as little as $500 before that happens. Kid Rock, whose legal name is Robert Ritchie, bought his home at 11 Ocean Drive for $3.2 million in 2012. He lost his stairway to the beach and part of his back deck to erosion. Across the country in Orange County, California, the cliff beneath three multimillion estates on Scenic Drive in Dana Point is washed out from under them during back-to-back rainstorms. None of the homes have been evacuated or found to be too dangerous to live in. But more wet weather is in the forecast and could further damage the slope, which civil engineer Steve Viani told the Los Angeles Times could "give way at any time." More than $1 trillion worth of property is within 700 feet of a coastline, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Story continues Coastal erosion accounts for about $500 million per year in property loss in the United States, according to the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. The federal government spends an average of $150 million per year on beach nourishment and other shoreline erosion control measures. In the past, protecting the coast meant "hardening" the shoreline with structures like seawalls, groins and levees. But many states have shifted toward nonstructural stabilization techniques such as beach nourishment placing additional sand on a beach to serve as a buffer against erosion. "Sea level rise will cause an increase in coastal erosion, and the human response will be critical," according to the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. "If we choose to build hard structures in an attempt to keep the shoreline position stable, we will lose beach area due to scour. If we let the shoreline migrate naturally, we can expect to see erosion rates increase, especially in regions of the coast that are already dealing with starved sediment budgets and rapid shoreline migration. Increases in storm frequency and intensity in the future will also cause increased coastal erosion." Read Next: Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before he floods it with new tech workers. Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." This high-yield real estate savings bond with a fixed 7% APY makes earnings passive income easier than ever. Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Jeff Bezos gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started. "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Kid Rock's Oceanfront Home Hangs In The Balance As Erosion Threatens Coastal Properties originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR) had its price objective trimmed by Piper Sandler from $85.00 to $84.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the restaurant operators stock. A number of other brokerages have also commented on QSR. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Restaurant Brands International in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $75.00 target price for the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $83.00 to $81.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $75.00 price objective on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Oppenheimer increased their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $83.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Restaurant Brands International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $81.33. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Restaurant Brands International Restaurant Brands International Stock Performance Shares of NYSE QSR opened at $77.17 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $76.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of $71.48. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.47, a PEG ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.92. Restaurant Brands International has a one year low of $59.99 and a one year high of $79.94. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The restaurant operator reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.80 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.52% and a net margin of 16.95%. Restaurant Brands Internationals revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.72 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Restaurant Brands International will post 3.38 EPS for the current year. Restaurant Brands International Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 21st will be issued a $0.58 dividend. This is a boost from Restaurant Brands Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 20th. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.01%. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.54%. Insider Activity at Restaurant Brands International In related news, insider Thomas Benjamin Curtis sold 2,682 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total value of $205,307.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 23,322 shares in the company, valued at $1,785,299.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Restaurant Brands International news, insider Thomas Benjamin Curtis sold 2,682 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total value of $205,307.10. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 23,322 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,785,299.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Chairman J Patrick Doyle sold 40,783 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.97, for a total value of $2,853,586.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 62,503 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,373,334.91. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 74,657 shares of company stock worth $5,430,934 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.25% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Restaurant Brands International Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in QSR. Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Lllp raised its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 13.9% during the second quarter. Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel Lllp now owns 3,409 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $264,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares during the period. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 49.9% during the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 7,571 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $588,000 after purchasing an additional 2,519 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 36.7% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 117,311 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $9,094,000 after purchasing an additional 31,522 shares during the period. Capital International Inc. CA raised its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 16.7% during the second quarter. Capital International Inc. CA now owns 94,162 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $7,299,000 after purchasing an additional 13,450 shares during the period. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International during the second quarter worth about $228,000. About Restaurant Brands International (Get Free Report) Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC lowered its position in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 43,787 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 4,681 shares during the quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $11,921,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Prudential PLC boosted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 13.6% during the 3rd quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 13,005 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $3,540,000 after buying an additional 1,561 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 12.5% during the 3rd quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,883 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $2,691,000 after buying an additional 1,095 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 37,824 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $10,297,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale boosted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 821,316 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $225,294,000 after buying an additional 13,599 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SPC Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. SPC Financial Inc. now owns 19,861 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $5,407,000 after buying an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. 82.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on MSI shares. StockNews.com upgraded Motorola Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. Barclays increased their target price on Motorola Solutions from $333.00 to $352.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Friday, February 9th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Motorola Solutions in a report on Friday, January 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $350.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $328.29. Motorola Solutions Trading Down 1.1 % NYSE MSI opened at $320.49 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.27, a PEG ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $319.01 and a 200 day simple moving average of $300.61. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $255.85 and a 12 month high of $333.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.37. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The communications equipment provider reported $3.90 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.63 by $0.27. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 441.65% and a net margin of 17.12%. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.38 EPS. Motorola Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 11.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Motorola Solutions Company Profile (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. Featured Articles 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. StockNews.com cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Wednesday morning. TAP has been the subject of a number of other reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Molson Coors Beverage from a sell rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $57.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, November 13th. They set a hold rating and a $62.00 price target for the company. Barclays reduced their price target on Molson Coors Beverage from $65.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. TheStreet lowered Molson Coors Beverage from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, November 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a 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 $66.33. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Molson Coors Beverage Molson Coors Beverage Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE TAP opened at $62.15 on Wednesday. Molson Coors Beverage has a one year low of $49.32 and a one year high of $70.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.41 billion, a PE ratio of 14.25, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $62.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.70. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The company reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by $0.07. Molson Coors Beverage had a return on equity of 8.89% and a net margin of 6.83%. The firm had revenue of $2.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.78 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.30 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Molson Coors Beverage Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a $0.44 dividend. This is an increase from Molson Coors Beverages previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.83%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is currently 37.61%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Tracey Joubert sold 2,771 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.37, for a total transaction of $167,285.27. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 60,538 shares in the company, valued at $3,654,679.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Molson Coors Beverage A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 25.9% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 23,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,242,000 after buying an additional 4,792 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 17.1% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 18,462 shares of the companys stock worth $985,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 45.7% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,834 shares of the companys stock worth $205,000 after purchasing an additional 1,203 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 4.5% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,654 shares of the companys stock worth $889,000 after purchasing an additional 720 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 26.3% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 14,411 shares of the companys stock worth $769,000 after purchasing an additional 3,001 shares in the last quarter. 73.95% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. 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. Featured Stories 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. Tellurian Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:TELL Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 116,200,000 shares, a growth of 8.3% from the January 15th total of 107,260,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 37,830,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.1 days. Tellurian Stock Performance NYSEAMERICAN TELL opened at $0.90 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $0.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. The firm has a market cap of $571.36 million, a PE ratio of -4.09 and a beta of 2.24. Tellurian has a 52-week low of $0.36 and a 52-week high of $1.76. Get Tellurian alerts: Insider Transactions at Tellurian In other Tellurian news, Director Jonathan S. Gross bought 120,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $0.67 per share, with a total value of $80,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 460,000 shares in the company, valued at $308,200. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 6.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Tellurian Analysts Set New Price Targets Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wexford Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Tellurian during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Traynor Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Tellurian by 141.3% during the 4th quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 34,158 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 20,000 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Tellurian during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Eqis Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Tellurian during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Tellurian during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 32.62% of the companys stock. Separately, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Tellurian from $2.50 to $1.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on TELL Tellurian Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tellurian Inc engages in the natural gas business worldwide. The company is developing a portfolio of natural gas production, liquefied natural gas (LNG) marketing, and infrastructure assets that includes an approximately 27.6 million tons per annum LNG export facility and an associated pipeline. It owns interests in 27,689 net acres of natural gas assets and 143 producing wells located in the Haynesville Shale trend of northern Louisiana. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tellurian Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tellurian and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its target price lifted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$94.00 to C$95.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages have also commented on TD. Scotiabank lowered Toronto-Dominion Bank from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price target for the stock from C$95.00 to C$86.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$83.00 to C$86.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. CIBC cut their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$86.00 to C$84.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 1st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$92.00 to C$87.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Desjardins cut their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$94.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$90.62. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on TD Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank stock opened at C$80.87 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$144.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.44, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.84. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of C$82.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$82.23. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of C$75.89 and a 12-month high of C$93.05. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The company reported C$1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.92 by C($0.09). The company had revenue of C$13.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$12.53 billion. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 9.65% and a net margin of 21.91%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 7.9324727 earnings per share for the current year. Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were paid a $1.02 dividend. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.05%. This is a positive change from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 9th. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is presently 72.86%. Insider Activity at Toronto-Dominion Bank In related news, Senior Officer Barbara Ann Hooper sold 9,162 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$80.49, for a total value of C$737,449.38. In other Toronto-Dominion Bank news, Senior Officer Anita Odell sold 5,760 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$84.45, for a total transaction of C$486,432.00. Also, Senior Officer Barbara Ann Hooper sold 9,162 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$80.49, for a total value of C$737,449.38. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 57,422 shares of company stock worth $4,719,931. 0.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile (Get 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. Featured Articles 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. Minister of Health Dr. Michael Darville speaks with the media outside of the House of Assembly. Torrell Glinton Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (NYSE:LH) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$12.2b (down 18% from FY 2022). Net income: US$379.2m (down 70% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 3.1% (down from 8.6% in FY 2022). EPS: US$4.35 (down from US$14.04 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings EPS Misses Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 54%. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 3.6% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 6.5% growth forecast for the Healthcare industry in the US. Performance of the American Healthcare industry. The company's shares are down 2.7% from a week ago. Risk Analysis You should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings. 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. Key Insights Air New Zealand's estimated fair value is NZ$0.55 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Air New Zealand's NZ$0.64 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate Analyst price target for AIR is NZ$0.71, which is 30% above our fair value estimate How far off is Air New Zealand Limited (NZSE:AIR) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Air New Zealand The Model We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) -NZ$417.7m -NZ$634.3m -NZ$379.7m -NZ$298.6m NZ$133.9m NZ$196.8m NZ$262.9m NZ$326.8m NZ$384.9m NZ$435.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 46.95% Est @ 33.63% Est @ 24.30% Est @ 17.78% Est @ 13.21% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 9.8% -NZ$380 -NZ$526 -NZ$287 -NZ$205 NZ$83.9 NZ$112 NZ$137 NZ$155 NZ$166 NZ$171 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = -NZ$574m 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 2.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.8%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = NZ$436m (1 + 2.6%) (9.8% 2.6%) = NZ$6.2b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$6.2b ( 1 + 9.8%)10= NZ$2.4b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is NZ$1.8b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of NZ$0.6, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual 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 Air New Zealand 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 9.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.577. 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 Air New Zealand Strength Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for AIR. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the New Zealander market. Next Steps: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Air New Zealand, we've put together three additional elements you should explore: Financial Health: Does AIR 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 AIR'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 New Zealander 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. Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: CA$33.7b (up 120% from FY 2022). Net income: CA$5.46b (down 22% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 16% (down from 46% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses. EPS: CA$2.62 (down from CA$3.68 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Manulife Financial Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 18% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 10% growth forecast for the Insurance industry in Canada. Performance of the Canadian Insurance industry. The company's shares are up 9.5% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Before we wrap up, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Manulife Financial that you should be aware of. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Trinamul Congress will go on an all-out campaign against the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha election to inform people about how it has deprived Bengal after losing the Assembly election in 2021. Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee instructed party leaders through a virtual address, today. Party leaders included MPs, MLAs, districts and block presidents. Subrata Bakshi, state president of the party attended the virtual meeting. Mr Banerjee addressed the leaders from his Camac Street office. Advertisement Mr Banerjee highlighted the brutality of Delhi Police during the TMC MGNREGA protest in Delhi. There is no time to wait, hit the streets against the BJP now. Tell people how our MPs were brutally assaulted, he said. He also launched the 2024 slogan, Zamindari Hatao, Bangla Bachao. On Sandeshkhali, Mr Banerjee lashed out at the BJP and the duo of CPM-Congress. On Chopra, all are silent where 4 kids lost their lives. Those kids hold no value? Our delegation met the Governor and asked him to visit Chopra. He is yet to. When the BJP delegation visited him, he went there within 24 hours. It shows where his priorities are. The meeting dispels the doubt spread by a section of the media that he had reportedly told his inner circle that he would confine himself in his Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency this year before the Lok Sabha election. Mr Banerjee, it was learnt, told his party leaders particularly the block and anchal presidents to go to places like market and tea stalls to tell people about the BJPs deprivation. They should clearly say that after losing the 2021 Assembly election handsomely, BJP has taken recourse to vendetta politics and is not clearing the dues deliberately. They will also focus on the important decisions taken by the chief minister Mamata Banerjee that more than 24 lakh job card holders under MGNREGA scheme whose dues have not been paid by the Centre will be cleared by Miss Banerjee on 1 March. As the number of aggrieved job card holders has gone up, the budgetary provision of Rs 3700 crore kept for the purpose will be increased. There will be a massive campaign on the state governments decision. Mr Banerjee, it was learnt, told party leaders that they should pull up their socks and work to ensure victory of the partys nominees in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. The Lok Sabha poll is an election to teach the BJP a lesson and drive out the zamindars, who have brought down every democratic institution in the country, he said. ` Amid the ongoing crisis post RBI curb on Payments Bank business, Paytm has partnered with Axis Bank for the settlement of merchant payments. The company issued a release stating that One97 Communications has shifted its nodal account to Axis Bank via an escrow account that it has opened with it. The shift of nodal account to Axis Bank will ensure seamless merchant settlements as before, the release from One97 Communications added. Advertisement According to One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, Paytm QR, Soundbox and card machine will continue to operate seamlessly for all their merchant partners. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has confirmed the continued seamless functionality of Paytm QR, Soundbox, and card machines beyond March 15. We are committed to providing seamless service to our merchant partners, with a focus on compliance and regulatory guidelines. We assure our users that the Paytm app, and our pioneering devices like Paytm QR, Soundbox card machine will continue to work as always, Paytm Spokespersons statement read. The shift of the nodal account to Axis Bank (by opening an Escrow Account) will ensure seamless merchant settlements as before. We strive to continue to empower Indians, contributing significantly to the countrys financial inclusion journey, it added. Paytms nodal account is its master account where all the transactions by customers and merchants are settled. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that even if the Bharatiya Janata Party wins the 2024 General Elections, the Aam Aadmi Party will free the country from the saffron party in 2029. Kejriwal was speaking on the Motion of Confidence being discussed in the Delhi Assembly on Saturday, which was moved by him on Friday during the budget session. Delhi CM said that the AAP is the BJPs biggest challenger and the same was the reason as to why the party was under attack. Advertisement He said that the BJP is afraid of AAP and this is the reason they want to break the party. The Motion of Confidence was passed through a voice vote of 54 AAP MLAs, who were present during the session. The AAP chief said that none of their MLAs defected, while two were behind the bars, some unwell and some of the partys legislators were not in the city. The AAP has a total of 62 MLAs in the House. He said that despite having a majority in the house, the government needed to bring the motion of confidence due to attempt by the saffron party to topple the AAP government by trying to poach AAP MLAs. The AAP has become countrys third largest party after the BJP and the Congress, he said, adding the AAP had applied for its registration on November 26, 2012. In a very short span of time the AAP has gained immense popularity and has governments in Delhi and Punjab . The AAP convener also took a dig at those politicians who succumb to pressure and switch sides, stating that honest ones are those who resist despite all pressure and consequences. The Delhi unit of the Congress staged a protest against the BJP government at the Centre over freezing the accounts of the Congress party and its Youth wing, in the city on Saturday. Members of the Congress under the leadership of its Delhi president Arvinder Singh Lovely held the demonstration outside the Income Tax office at ITO. They shouted slogans against the ruling dispensation. Addressing the members of the party, Lovely said: The power-drunk Modi Government is trying to throttle democracy by freezing the accounts of the countrys largest political party like the Indian National Congress, which had made unimaginable sacrifices for the freedom movement. Advertisement Attacking the BJP, the Delhi Congress chief further said: The autocratic governments move to muffle the voice of the Congress party by unleashing Government agencies like the I-T, ED and CBI is highly deplorable. The voice of the Congress cannot be silenced or stifled by such draconian methods. He asserted that the Congress will continue its fight against the autocratic and anti-people policies of the Modi government and added that the freezing of accounts is not only an attack on the financial stability of the Indian National Congress, but also a blatant assault on the democratic values the party holds. Echoing similar sentiments, party leader and former MLA Mukesh Sharma said: The BJP is fearing Congress as a serious threat to its autocratic rule in the coming Lok Sabha elections, as Congress has been championing the causes of the common people, unemployed youth, women, labour and farmers, which is exposing the hollow promises of the Modi Government. He added: The freezing of the Congress accounts was to squeeze its functioning, but Congress will not step back and will forcefully continue its fight against injustice and illegal actions, without fearing the arm-twisting tactics of the Modi government. The Congress on Friday accused the Centre that it had frozen the accounts of the countrys largest Opposition party and the Youth Congress. Later, the party said it can operate its accounts with a lien of the I-T Department. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has advised the Telangana government to dewater another barrage of the controversial Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme after it showed signs of leakage similar to the Medigadda barrage as chief minister A Revanth Reddy accused his predecessor K Chandrasekhar Rao of ignoring the opinion of engineers while constructing the massive project. There was fierce debate in the Assembly between treasury benches and the BRS as the former tabled a White Paper on irrigation accusing the previous government of large-scale irrigation while the latter accused the Congress of handing over key irrigation projects to the Centre against the interest of the state. Tabling the White Paper, state irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy also made a power point presentation to explain the findings of various reports, including those from the Comptroller and Auditor General, Vigilance, and the NDSA, on the Medigadda barrage of KLIS, which showed leakages detected in October last year. Leakage has also started in Annaram Barrage since yesterday. We have urgently called NSDA and they told us to dewater the barrage immediately, he said. NSDA has agreed to depute a team soon to Annaram Barrage to inspect the damages. Advertisement Describing Kaleshwaram as the biggest scam in Independent Indias irrigation sector, the minister said that while the tender for the Medigadda barrage was initially set at Rs 1,800 crore, the state ultimately spent a staggering Rs 4,500 crore on it. The NDSA had cited the design, construction, and lack of maintenance as reasons behind the failure of the Medigadda barrage and since all three barrages, including Annaram and Sundilla, were constructed following the same design, they too were prone to failure. According to the White Paper, new irrigation projects could not be taken up since there were pending bills worth Rs 10,455 crore to contractors for the work completed. However, BRS leader Harish Rao, who was the irrigation minister in the first term of the BRS government, called the White Paper a false paper and accused the ruling party of spreading Goebbels-like propaganda. He even tried to corner the government for handing over key projects on rivers Godavari and Krishna to the Centre. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reminded him that the previous government had constituted a committee of retired engineers to study the projects on river Godavari. Ignoring their advice to set up the barrage at Tummidhatti, KCR went ahead to construct it at Medigadda, Reddy said while tabling the report of retired engineers. There is no clue which God had come in KCRs dreams and given him the advice on Medigadda, ridiculed the chief minister who suggested Harish Rao should confess before the judicial commission who designed the project. The sin belongs to both of them, he said. Earlier in the day, he also wished the former chief minister on his birthday.May God grant KCR good health to play his part in the reconstruction of Telangana as an Opposition leader, he said since the Leader of the Opposition has so far stayed away from the Assembly. Political circles remained abuzz on Saturday amidst speculation that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and his MP son Nakul Nath, both from the Congress, might join the BJP. The father-son duo neither confirmed nor denied the speculation till late Saturday evening. Speaking to some media persons, Kamal Nath said, Why are you all getting so excited? You all are saying this and getting excited. I am not excited, whether this side or that. Advertisement It is not a question of denying, but if there is any such thing, you will be the first ones to know, Kamal Nath, who is the Congress MLA from Chhindwara, told media persons. The rumours gained further spark as Congress could not be seen on Nakul Naths X profile today, as per media reports. Sources added that Kamal Nath and Nakul Nath had suddenly cancelled all their pre-scheduled programmes for Saturday evening in Chhindwara and on Sunday in nearby Tamia. The father-son duo were reported to be leaving for New Delhi in the evening. The speculation about the Naths possibility of joining the BJP has been going on for some time now and they were fuelled after the Congress recently did not give a Rajya Sabha berth to Kamal Nath and instead made Ashok Singh from Gwalior, its official candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh. In a related development, the Congress partys logo could not be seen on the social media profile of Sajjan Singh Verma, a Congress MLA from Sonkatch in Madhya Pradesh, media reports said. Verma is considered to be among the staunchest supporters of Kamal Nath. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the double-engine government to empower farmers, ensuring opportunities for progress in every circumstance. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 55th Regional Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Exhibition-2024 at Raj Bhavan, he said that Uttar Pradesh despite constituting only 11 percent of Indias total cultivable land, contributes over 20 percent to the countrys overall food grain production. The Chief Minister inaugurated the exhibition with Governor Anandi Ben Patel. Expressing gratitude to the Governor for her steadfast commitment to hosting this event annually within the Raj Bhavan courtyard, CM Yogi underscored its significance in fostering agricultural advancement. Advertisement Within UP, though farmers utilize only 10 percent of cultivable land for horticultural endeavors, they contribute a remarkable 24 percent to the total GDP of agriculture, CM Yogi remarked. He stressed the pivotal role of horticultural farming alongside traditional methods in significantly augmenting farmers incomes. In recognition of pioneering efforts, progressive farmers across Uttar Pradesh, championing innovations such as dragon fruit, strawberries, and advanced techniques like polyhouse farming, were felicitated at the ceremony. Subsequently, the Governor and Chief Minister toured the exhibition, which spans three days from February 17 to 19. CM Yogi engaged with department officials and farmers, seeking insights into produce varieties, import-export dynamics, and agricultural trends. Together, they unveiled a commemorative souvenir marking the occasion. CM Yogi lauded the Governors consistent support, highlighting her provision of the Raj Bhavan courtyard for the exhibition, which draws farmers and enthusiasts from across the state. He emphasized aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision to increase farmers incomes manifold and bolster rural economies, thereby combatting malnutrition and enhancing overall well-being through enriched nutrition from horticultural produce. The event witnessed the felicitation of several progressive farmers, including Vishnudatt Pandey from Rae Bareli, Ayush Aggarwal from Pilibhit, and Usha Upadhyay from Saharanpur, among others, by Governor Anandi Ben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With farmers protest entering day five, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarvan Singh Pandher on Saturday said that everyone was now looking forward towards the meeting scheduled on Sunday and hoped for some good news and the ball was in the Centres court. While addressing the press on Saturday, he said that the government must take the decision on MSP and loan waiver of the farmers and other demands. If the government agrees to our demands here itself the issue will be resolved, and for the meeting on Sunday the farmer leaders will go with a positive mind and hope that something will be done and decisions be taken by the government for the farmers and the farm laborers. Advertisement He also said that still we have not stepped back from our program for going towards Delhi, and going to Delhi was only to place our demands before the Centre government. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) on Saturday carried out a tractor march in Haryanas Kurukshetra and some other places in solidarity with the farmers protesting at the Punjab- Haryanas Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The protest entered day five on Saturday, as the farmers in support of the call given by The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha supporters continued to stay put at the Shambhu border at Ambala. Reportedly, more supporters and families of the farmers at Shambhu joined them in solidarity near the Shambhu border. The fourth round of talks between the Centre and the farmer unions are set to take place on Sunday evening. BKU (Charuni) had also called for a meeting of Khaps, farmers and labor unions at the Brahma Sarovar park in Kurukshetra on Sunday. It was on Tuesday that the farmers supporting the above-mentioned unions from Punjab began their march to Delhi, but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri points of Punjabs border with Haryana and since then they have stayed put at the spot. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur had on Friday said that the third round of talks between farmers unions and the centre was meaningful, and both sides have scheduled the next round to take place on Sunday, he had said. Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath arrived in the national capital on Saturday afternoon amid strong speculation that he may join the BJP. Asked if he is joining the BJP, Kamal Nath told mediapersons why are you all getting excited, if there is any such thing, you will be the first to be informed about it. Nath did not make any denial when he was specifically asked about the speculation. There was no question of his being excited in being here or there, he said. The senior Congress leaders remarks came after the rumours which have been doing the rounds that he and his son, Nakul Nath, may soon join the saffron party. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh reacted to speculations over Kamal Nath joining the BJP and said, I spoke to Kamal Nath on Friday, he was in Chhindwara. A person who started his political journey and stood with the Nehru-Gandhi family when Indira Gandhi was sent to jail, do you think he will ever leave Congress and the Gandhi family? Meanwhile, talking to mediapersons in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari said, Kamal Nath has always stood with the ideology of Congress. Indira Gandhi used to consider him as her third son. For the past seven years, he has been working as MP Congress chief, all the party workers have worked hard to make him the CM. Kamal Nath is not like Scindia. Kamal Nath is a Congress leader by ideology. He will never change his party for positionseven such a thought that he will leave, is wrong. Congress MP Nakul Nath removed INC from his social media bio, giving further momentum to the rumours that he is going to join the BJP. Furthermore, Nakul Nath, the lone Congress MP from Madhya Pradesh, who was supposed to continue his meeting with party workers in his family bastion Chhindwara from February 14 to 18, stopped the meeting and left for Delhi along with his father. All these sequences gave rise to the speculation that Kamal Nath, considered close to the Nehru-Gandhi family, is likely to end his decades long association with the grand old party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Community support, passion and persistence. Plus some flour, of course. After years spent operating out of a home kitchen, a uniquely inclusive Naperville-based bakery where adults of all abilities are readily given a rolling pin Moose & Me Baking Company has finally found the right recipe to move into a place of their own. Coming off a soft launch in late October, the business is settling into its new bricks-and-mortar location at 3075 Book Road, a far cry from the business humble beginnings in which orders were filled at owner Megan Elders house. The transition, Elder says, has been a learning curve. But a good one, she assured. It was really strange at first, Elder said. Weve been learning a lot, and were still learning. (But) everybodys just been so nice and so excited and so supportive of us. From inspiration to construction, community has been the throughline in the making of Moose & Me, Elder says. From the first dash of an idea sowed 10 or so years ago now the intentions been simple: create a safe space for adults with disabilities to work, come into their own and take advantage of bakings universal ability to connect. Thats the magic of it, Elder said, that interaction and that time together. Elder knows the feeling well. Its what she modeled Moose & Me after. Before her storefront and before her business early days based at home, there was just Elder and her daughter, Mila, in their kitchen. Mila has Down syndrome and, since she was little, shes had an affinity for baking, Elder said. It became a pastime for the both of them by the time Mila turned 2. She really enjoyed that, Elder said. It was something that was able to keep her attention for a while. And of course, she loved tasting all the things. At the time, Elder was running a ministry for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities that she started with her husband. The ministry helped her better understand Napervilles special needs community, she said, but it also showed her how programming falters as people get the older. Story continues Elder, whos from Naperville, said shes been, to some extent, involved with the special needs community for as long as she can remember. Whether it was volunteering for the Special Olympics or doing special buddies in high school its just always been a part of my life, she said. As she grew up, Elder didnt know how or if that involvement would persist. But then she and her husband started their ministry after they got married. And they adopted Mila. Eventually, both inspired Moose & Me. The COVID-19 pandemic was the final impetus. Stuck inside the house, the Elders thought why not recruit a few folks who had come up through their ministry and give their baking venture a real go. Moose & Me operated out of Elders home for three years. Orders were all custom, booked in advance. Elder knew early on that she wanted a storefront. From home, she and her employees craved the moments customers would swing by and pick up their cakes and treats. They wanted that interaction that sense of community all the time. So Elder got to searching for a more permanent professional address. The real estate market, though, had other plans. We just didnt know how hard (it) was, Elder said. We tried several properties. There were a ton of things that fell through. In the meantime, Elder fundraised. Through a pair of campaigns, the community funneled more than $100,000 into Elders storefront dream. Then in May of last year, the spot at Book Road came into the picture. It needed a lot of work, but Elder didnt mind. It was a take-it-as-it-is kind of situation, Elder said. We were kind of like, it didnt need to be perfect. But again, the community stepped up. As Moose & Mes renovation got underway, a few local companies volunteered their time and services to help us create something that we didnt even think was possible, Elder said. We were going to do the bare minimum to this space, she admitted. Cue Elk Grove Village-based Commercial Stainless Services, which redid the stainless steel, and Infinity Painters in Naperville, which did the bakerys flooring and paint. Sean Liszka with Infinity Painters said, It was awesome to even play a small role, to help them out in any way. Liszka volunteered to help after coming across Moose & Me through social media. The bakery struck a personal chord. His girlfriend is a special education teacher in Chicago and his cousin has autism, Liszka said. He reached out to Moose & Me to see if he could do anything. It made all the difference, Elder said. These people that volunteered their time and services, she said, just showed how much they cared about this population of people. They wanted them to have an environment that is nice, a place where they can feel at home, they can feel safe and they feel loved. (These companies) created that for them. The product is better than Elder couldve imagined. Pinks and blues line the front of house, which boasts plenty of seating. Behind the cash register, each of Moose & Mes now seven employees have their own picture posted high for everyone to see. And underneath counters, the bakerys tagline Wonderfully Made Treats by Wonderfully Made People is written out, bordered with sprinkles. No longer just a pre-order operation, the new and improved Moose & Me has a do-it-yourself cookie bar and a baking team thats constantly experimenting and playing around with new recipes, Elder said. Employee Nicholas Thibault, whos been with Moose & Me for five months, said he stays behind the scenes mostly but is enjoying making all these treats. Its been good, he said. (Ive) got lots of jobs and a lot of people to work with. I havent been in a position like this for a while. Head baker Joannah Hanel is going on a year with Moose & Me and said the transition from Elders home to Book Road has been a crazy process but awesome. Here, we get to have fun, she said. We get to have a lot of fun. So thats the biggest thing. Everybody whos here wants to be here. Nothing is about the paycheck. Moose & Me Baking Company is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Elder said shes hoping to expand hours and her staff once the bakery grows into its new home. tkenny@chicagotribune.com The Kerala Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Saturday suo moto registered a case and ordered an investigation on the complaint that Paul, 52, who died in a wild elephant attack at Kuruva in Wayanad on Friday, did not receive timely treatment. State Human Rights Commission acting chairperson and judicial member of the commission K Baijunath has directed Wayand District Collector and Mananthavady Government Medical College Principal to conduct an enquiry on the complaint that Paul didnt get timely and proper medical treatment. Pauls daughter has alleged that her father didnt get proper treatment at Mananthavady Government Medical College Hospital and that there was delay in taking him to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Advertisement Paul, an employee of the Kuruva Tourism Project, was wounded when a herd of elephants attacked him on Friday morning. Those present in the vicinity rushed to the spot and took Paul to Wayanad Government Medical College Hospital, Mananthavady. He was shifted to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in an ambulance within two hours but he succumbed to injuries in the afternoon. According to doctors at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, Paul was brought to the hospital two hours after the accident, which was a massive time loss in such cases. Though the Forest Minister directed the District Administration to arrange an air ambulance to shift Paul to the Kozhikode MCH, authorities decided to use the road option as the air ambulance from Coimbatore took more time than expected. Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George said that the doctors had been instructed to provide all the possible medical treatment to Paul and doctors who attended him have orally informed that all the possible medical aid had been given to him. The government has sought a report on this. After getting the report, further action would be taken, the Health Minister said. The Wayanad District Collector on Saturday issued prohibitory orders in the district for two days in light of the escalating tension. A protest staged by an all-party action council at Pulpally in Wayanad district Saturday morning turned violent after peoples representatives and officials representing the government failed to give the protesters a written assurance. The protesters had raised a slew of demands, including providing an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased. While protesters agitated with Pauls mortal remains at one corner of Pulpally, another group protested with the remains of a cow killed by a wild animal. Pauls body was taken home only after the intervention of some priests and leaders of political parties. Meanwhile, the state government sanctioned an amount of Rs 10 lakh as emergency aid to Pauls family after his relatives refused to conduct his funeral rites until a solution was found. As the consecutive wild elephant attacks and fatalities happening in the Wyand district caught the national attention, local MP and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will join the people of Wayanad. He left for Wayanad from Varanasi at 5 pm on Saturday. Rahul will resume his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj on Sunday afternoon. Rahul had drawn flak for his absence in the constituency when people are in a crisis situation. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday decided to have a high-level ministerial meeting in Wayanad on February 20 to finalise real-time and proactive measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the district, which has an estimated 36.5 per cent forest cover. Back-to-back deaths in wild elephant attacks including that of Paul have forced the beleaguered people of Wayanad to come out against authorities, seeking security for their lives. Three people have lost their lives in wild elephant attacks in Wayanad in just two months. The Congress-led UDF has observed a hartal on Saturday, seeking a permanent solution to the ongoing loss of lives due to wild elephant attacks. The CPI-M-led LDF and the BJP also observed a hartal on Saturday in Wayanad district. While the LDF has called for hartal urging proactive interventions from state and union governments to resolve the wild animal menace. The BJP has called for hartal, seeking a comprehensive relief for the human-wildlife conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the BJP winning 370 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls will be a tribute from the party to its founding ideologue Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, adding that Kamal Ka Phool will be the partys candidate in the general elections. Addressing a meeting of the BJPs national office-bearers at the beginning of the partys two-day National Convention at Bharat Mandapam here, Modi said the partys poll campaign for the general elections will be centred around themes of development and the welfare of the poor. BJP National President J P Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders Advertisement attended the first day of the BJP National Convention. The saffron partys national convention is being held to formulate a strategy to secure over 370 seats for the party in the Lok Sabha elections. BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde told mediapersons that while guiding the party workers, PM Modi said the BJP will get 370 and NDA 400 (seats) in the Lok Sabha polls, where the 370 will not just be a number, but a tribute from us to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Our campaign will be centred around development, and the welfare of the poor and putting the nation at a place of pride in the world; we need to take these things to the people. Tawde said the Prime Minister told the party workers that during the Lok Sabha polls, the opposition will raise unnecessary issues, but we (BJP members and workers) will go to the people with issues of development work and poor welfare work and in this election the party will receive public blessings. PM Modi, in his address to the party cadre, stressed that BJPs candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will not be a face but will be Kamal Ka Phool (the partys symbol). He exhorted all party workers to work hard for 100 days to ensure a thumping win for the BJP in the ensuing general elections, Tawde said. Considering that 161 seats that the party lost in the last general elections, despite key party leaders camping there under the Lok Sabha Pravas Scheme, the leaders have this time personally visited about 430 seats ahead of the general elections, Nadda expressed confidence that the party will come out winners in all these seats this time. The national convention decided that party workers will meet beneficiaries of the central and state schemes run by the BJP. The party will launch a nationwide campaign on 25 February, with an eye on the Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi said the workers should work at the booth for 100 days straight and strive to win 370 more votes at every booth than last time. He said the first-time voters should be made aware of the difference between the India before 2014 and the one after. The Prime Minister said women are not just voters for the BJP but are mothers and sisters who would shower their electoral blessings on the party in the general elections in support and acknowledgment of the work done by the NDA government for them. Tawde said the BJP-led central government has been working to drive the country forward on multiple fronts over the last 10 years, adding that while Prime Minister Modi has been holding a public office over the last 23 years (as Gujarat CM and at the Centre thereafter), there has not been a single allegation of corruption against him. We will convey the success we have achieved without a single taint of corruption or blame and by pushing a development-driven agenda, Tawde said. Modi said the Opposition would engage in more negative politics as the Lok Sabha polls come near and raise more emotional issues to influence voters but the focus of the partys campaign will remain on the work done for the welfare of the poor, Tawde informed. In the coming time, self-help groups and NGO contact campaigns will be run on a large scale by party workers. Through these campaigns, information about the development work of the Modi government will be made available to large sections of the society, the BJP National General Secretary further said. He said Karyakartas of the BJP have successfully helped in making each and every welfare policy of the government make an impact on the ground. Over 7.5 lakh villages have been covered under the Gaon Chalo Abhiyan of the BJP. Notably, the Karyakartas of the BJP reached around 8.5 lakh booths also during this Abhiyan, Tawde said. The Karnataka High Court has upheld the legality of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) inquiry into the dealings of Exalogic Solutions, the firm owned by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan (Veena T). In a major setback to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan (Veena T), the Karnataka High Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by her, seeking to quash the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe into the financial dealings of her firm, Exalogic Solutions. Justice M Nagaprasanna, who pronounced the verdict on the petition on Friday, said that a copy of the order would be released on February 17. Advertisement While dismissing the petition challenging the SFIO investigation into the company belonging to Veena Vijayan, the Karnataka High Court observed that it cannot shackle the hands of the central government. Section 210 does speak of a report, the report can be either interim or final, but it need not be the final report only. During an investigation under Section 210, if the Inspectors, out of serendipity come across information that would prima facie touch upon skullduggery and thereon necessity emerges to assign the investigation to a multi-disciplinary body like the SFIO, created under the Act, this court cannot put shackles on the hands of the central government, for such assignment. If it had been entrusted to any other agency outside the Act, it would have been a circumstance altogether different. It is entrusted to the SFIO which is created under the Act, i.e., in terms of Section 211 with elaborate functions under Section 212, the single bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna observed. The court said that the powers of SFIO are statutorily determined from sub-section (3) to sub-section (17) of Section 212 and for the conduct of investigation there is a procedure in place which need not require elaboration at this juncture. If the Union of India has thought it fit to entrust the investigation to the SFIO, owing to certain factors which have emerged during the conduct of the investigation under Section 210, and in public interest, this court in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India would not by a stroke of pen, annul such opinion of the Union of India, unless it is contrary to the statute or the action is demonstrably arbitrary. Neither of the two is present in the case at hand, as the projection of the two, by the learned senior counsel for the petitioner is sans acceptance. Therefore, there is no warrant to interfere at this stage, the court said. As the SFIO, which is probing the financial dealings of Exalogic Solutions, the firm owned by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan, as well as Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), began its probe with a lightning speed, the Exalogic Solutions on February 8 approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to stay the SFIO investigation against it. The firms petition also sought that the inquiry order dated January 31 of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs be quashed. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs had on 31 January issued an order handing over the probe into the affairs of Exalogic Solutions, as well as Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation to SFIO. A six-member team has been authorised to probe the matter, with Deputy Director M Arun Prasad as the investigating officer. The Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITISB) has found that Rs 1.72 crore was given to Veena Vijayans firm Exalogic Solutions by the CMRL without rendering any service. The state or powerful institu- tions or people within the state using the law to target individuals and social media to undermine, destabilise and delegit- imise individuals, organisations and institutions they think are working against the interest of the state, the country or their own, and using brute power to suppress dissent or alterna- tive points of view with impunity, has become much more common in recent decades and across a wide vari- ety of settings. This is witnessed not just in countries where institutions of democracy and law are weaker; it has been happening in more advanced countries too. In particular, the US has thrown up plenty of examples over the last decade or so. It is true, though, that these instances are more frequent, blatant and egregious in countries with strug- gling democracies and justice sys- tems. Of course, these activities undermine democracy and the rule of law and justice even more. Advertisement We have seen these activities recently, and carried out quite openly, in Pakistan. A journalist went miss- ing for three to four months. Every- one knew he had been abducted but no one can name the agencies who took him away. The courts could not get him out, and police refused to find him. When he got back, there was no inquiry about where he had been, who had taken him and what all they did to him. His physical con- dition clearly told us that he had not been kept in comfortable circum- stances, yet, no law-enforcement or judicial institution tried to step into the space. On the larger issue of missing persons, everyone knows they are not missing and state agencies have even acknowledged as much in the case of some. There has been a judicial com- mission on missing persons for a long time, and cases have been in courts for years. The relatives of the missing have been protesting on the streets and on social media for years. Yet, there has been no progress. Every now and then, a judge of a higher court makes a statement but nothing comes out of it. It is all a badly acted drama. Nobody believes that institu- tions have any intention or power to check the impunity of the state agen- cies, but the drama continues. Fami- lies continue to be devastated at the hands of the state. Recently, we have also seen the more blatant use of legal instruments and the law to target individuals. Peo- ple are arrested on the basis of trumped-up charges and FIRs so that they stay in police custody or judicial remand for weeks while they try to get bail or the fake cases quashed. But even if they succeed in getting bail in one case or if the case is thrown out by the courts, the law enforcers have them arrested under a different FIR. Sometimes, there are multiple FIRs of the same incident in different juris- dictions, allowing the police custody of the person and the ability to move them around. If the state does not want you to be free and to move about freely or express your mind, it has plenty of ways even within the law (though not in accordance with its spirit) to ensure you no longer have the freedom or ability to enjoy the freedom of move- ment and expression guaranteed to every citizen in almost every consti- tution or structure of governance. Then there is the role of social media, which has made it easier for the government to be able to produce and disseminate information and/ or propaganda. State machinery can question, undermine and/ or destroy the reputation of an individual or institution by producing, reproducing and disseminating information or propaganda easily. A person or an individual institu- tion, even large institutions, are not able to counter the kind of firepower that a state can muster in the creation and dissemination of propaganda. We have seen many examples of this of late. This can be dangerous. Social media has not only been used for hate-mongering, it has also been used for inciting hate, even violence, against individuals and institutions. Again, we have seen many examples of this. These things are not happening in Pakistan alone. India, over recent years, gives plenty of examples of this sort of egregious state behaviour. Maria Ressa, a journalist with 40-odd years of experience in the Philippines and the region, and the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2021, has documented it for the Philippines in her book How to Stand Up to a Dicta- tor (2022). She was at the receiving end of this treatment by the state in the Philippines. She has a dozen or so cases against her, has been arrested numerous times, her news organisa- tion has borne the brunt of the repres- sion, and all of this for trying to be a good journalist and report truthfully against the state. The social media campaign against her and her organisation has also made her a target, to the point where she wears a bullet-proof vest when going out in public and has had to increase security around herself and her organisation multiple times. The legal fees alone of fighting the battle with the state almost bankrupt- ed her organisation. But this is not the only example. There are plenty of other documented cases from many countries. What is harder to see is a way for- ward. How does democracy and the rule of law and institutions of justice survive this new reality? Is the descent into fascism inevitable? One hopes not. The people have to think of new ways of organising to be able to counter the states new tactics. Com- munities have to think through how interactions among its members can be structured to ensure this abuse of the law does not happen if the state still makes it difficult, they have to ensure that individuals and institu- tions have support from others in the community. It will take time to figure this one out. But a keen awareness of the new reality is the first step. It is a horrific irony that Israel has been accused of committing the worlds most heinous crime ~ geno- cide, a crime that is so deeply intertwined with its history and identity. Israel was founded in 1948 as a Jewish state in the aftermath of the systematic state-spon- sored genocidal killing of six million Jews in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany. The concept of genocide was coined in 1944 by a Polish lawyer of Jewish descent, Rap- hael Lemkin to describe the hor- ror of the Nazis systematic ex- termination of Jews by combin- ing two words, genos, which means race, nation, or tribe in ancient Greek, and cide, meaning to kill in Latin. Advertisement He initiated a global move- ment to outlaw genocide, which finally culminated in the adop- tion of a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide on 9 December 1948, by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which recognised it as an inter- national crime. The Genocide Convention defines genocide as any of the acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or reli- gious group, as such. The acts include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group, delib- erately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruc- tion in whole or in part, impos- ing measures intended to pre- vent births within the group, and/or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. The crime of genocide has two elements: intention and execution, both of which have to be proven when accusations are made. One has to prove that the perpetrator not only committed the actions, but they committed the forbidden acts with a very specific intention of destroying the group, in whole or in part. The accusations of carrying out or inciting genocide against Palestinians by Israel during the on-going Israeli-Palestinian con- flict that began on 7 October 2023, have come from different quarters ~ scholars, human righ- ts organisations, and states. Raz Segal, an Israeli historian and director of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies programme at Stockton University, described the Israeli counter-offensive against Hamas in Gaza as a textbook case of genocide. Similar sentiments have been echoed by Craig Mokhiber, former director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who resigned from his job in October last year in protest over the organisa- tions inability to stop the geno- cide of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He described Is- raels Gaza onslau- ght as the most clear-cut case of genocide that he had seen in his career. Amid inter- national criticism of Israel for its continued bombing of Gaza, South Africa moved the Interna- tional Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 29 last year, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in its mili- tary campaign in Gaza and fail- ing to hold senior Israeli officials and others accountable for their direct and public incitement to genocide. And more recently, on January 31, a United States (U.S.) federal court in California ruled that Israels military cam- paign in Gaza plausibly am- ounts to genocide. The lawsuit was filed seek- ing an order directing the Presi- dent and other U.S. officials to exert their influence over Israel to stop its bombing, to lift the siege in Gaza, and to stop pro- viding or facilitating the sales of weapons and arms to Israel. Though the court dismissed the case due to lack of jurisdic- tion, Judge Jeffrey White still implored the White House to examine the results of their unflagging support of the mili- tary siege against the Palestini- ans in Gaza. In its 84-page application to the ICJ, South Africa accused Israel of committing genocidal acts, include killing Palestinians, causing serious mental and bod- ily harm, and deliberately inflict- ing conditions meant to bring about their physical destruction as a group, as evident in the mass levels of deaths and des- truction and the total siege of basic necessities ~ like water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. Since these acts alone cann- ot constitute geno- cide unless com- mitted with a spe- cific intent to des- troy Palestinians, in whole or in part, South Africa cited the incendiary sta- tements and de- humanising rhe- toric of Israeli offi- cials calling for the total destruction, and erasure of Gaza, the need to finish them all. In a provision- al order delivered on January 26, the ICJ ruled that at least some of Israels actions in Gaza amount to genocide. Though the ICJ failed to order an immediate cease-fire as sought by South Africa, it cate- gorically ruled that Israel must take all possible measures to prevent genocide against Pales- tinians in Gaza. Though it will take years for the ICJ to render a decision on the merits, it ordered six provi- sional measures, including to limit the death and destruction caused by its military campaign, to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to genocide, and to take immediate and ef- fective steps to ensure that hu- manitarian assistance is provid- ed to civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Most crucially, the court also ordered Israel to preserve evidence of genocide and to submit a report to the ICJ with- in a month, of all measures undertaken in compliance with its order. In theory, the ICJs genocide rulings are legally binding, but the court has no mechanism to enforce its judg- ments. In situations of non- compliance, the only recourse left is to approach the Security Council, the UNs highest deci- sion-making body, with a request to take special measures to enforce the ICJs judgment. Israel, however, has man- aged to avoid international obligations because of the unconditional backing of the U.S. and its European allies, who have vetoed almost all UN Secu- rity Council resolutions critical of Israel, providing it the im- punity to commit grave and egregious violations of interna- tional law without fear of any repercussions. It would be naive to expect Israel to abide by the ICJ ruling this time; instead, it has contin- ued its military offensive in Gaza unabashedly in the same man- ner and on the same scale as it had been doing before the court ruling. A Geneva-based independent organization, Euro-Med Human Rights Moni- tor, reported on February 11 that the Israeli army has maintained its rate of killing civilians, depriving them of their most basic human rights, besieging them, and starving them in defi- ance of the ruling of the worlds highest court. The ICJs ruling against Israel may not have any practi- cal consequences, but it has cer- tainly immense symbolic value in the decades-long struggle of those who wanted to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international legal norms appli- cable during armed conflicts, as the conditions in Gaza are wors- ening day by day. The decision may undoubt- edly contribute to building in- ternational public opinion aga- inst Israel, as the ICJ has record- ed in its ruling that the military operation conducted by Israel after 7 October 2023, has result- ed, inter alia, in tens of thou- sands of deaths and injuries and the massive destruction of homes, schools, medical facili- ties, and other vital infrastruc- ture, as well as the forcible dis- placement of the vast majority of the population. The ICJs ruling is also a signal for Israel that the interna- tional community may not remain silent over its continued defiance of international law and its criminal conduct in Gaza. The writer is a professor and teaches international law at Aligarh Muslim University and heads its Strategic and Security Studies Programme. The Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to the political class by scrapping the controversial Electoral Bonds system. This move marks a pivotal moment in our democracy, signalling a victory for trans- parency and accountability in political funding. The Ele- ctoral Bonds system, introduced in 2017, allowed indivi- duals and companies to make unlimited and anonym- ous donations to political parties. While proponents arg- ued that it provided a confidential channel for donors to contribute without fear of retribution, critics rightfully pointed out that it hindered the publics right to know who was financing political parties. The lack of transpar- ency undermined the very foundation of democracy, where accountability to the electorate should be pa- ramount. The Supreme Courts decision to declare the Electoral Bonds system unconstitutional is a reaffirma- tion of the principles of democracy. By striking down a system that allowed for unchecked influence and poten- tial corruption, the court has upheld the integrity of our electoral process. It has sent a clear message that no po- litical party should be above scrutiny and that transpa- rency in political funding is non-negotiable. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been the largest beneficiary of the Electoral Bonds system, will undoubt- edly feel the impact of this ruling. However, it is essential to recognise that this decision transcends party lines, and there is little cause for Opposition parties ~ them- selves beneficiaries of the scheme if to a lesser extent ~ to exult. The decision is about safeguarding the demo- cratic ideals upon which our nation was founded, and every party has played a part in undermining these. The reinstatement of corporate donation limits by the Supreme Court is a step in the right direction. It ack- nowledges the inherent risks associated with allowing corporations to wield disproportionate influence in the political sphere. By placing restrictions on corporate contributions, the court has sought to level the playing field and prevent undue influence over policy-making. Furthermore, the courts directive to the State Bank of India to disclose the identity details of bond buyers and information about bonds redeemed by each political party is a crucial step towards greater transparency. It will enable the public to hold political parties account- able for their sources of funding and ensure that there is no room for clandestine dealings in our electoral pro- cess. While the BJP has stated its commitment to conti- nuous reforms on electoral funding, it is imperative that all political parties embrace this ruling and work towards strengthening our democratic institutions. The onus is on our leaders to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. The Supre- me Courts decision to scrap Electoral Bonds is a victory for democracy. It reaffirms the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability in political funding and sends a strong message that the interests of the electo- rate must always come first. As citizens, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding our democratic values and hold- ing our leaders accountable for their actions. Advertisement The Consulate General of India in New York said that they have learned about a fire incident in a residential building in Jersey City and added that Indian students and professionals residing there are safe. Indias Consulate is in constant touch with Indian students and providing them with all the assistance, including accommodations and other important documents. The statement of the Consulate General of India in New York comes after more than a dozen people, mostly students were displaced from their homes following a fire that started in the basement of a Jersey City multi-family building and spread to the first and second floors and then the roof on Thursday. Advertisement In a post on social media platform X, Consulate General of India in New York stated, @IndiainNewYork learnt of the unfortunate fire incident in a residential building in Jersey City. Indian students and professionals residing there are safe and no one was hurt. We have been in constant touch with the students and are extending all assistance including with accommodation and important documents, etc. According to City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, Jersey City firefighters who were responding to the incident found that the fire had already spread to the first and second floors. The fire has caused damage to the roof of a neighbouring building. The American Red Cross has provided aid to 14 residents, who suffered severe fire and overhaul damage to the entire structure. There were no reported injuries to residents or firefighters. 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%. Netlist, Inc. (PNK:NLST) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript February 13, 2024 Netlist, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $-0.05, expectations were $-0.07. NLST isn't one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here). Operator: Good day, and welcome to the Netlist Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions] Please note, today's event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mike Smargiassi of The Plunkett Group. Please go ahead. Mike Smargiassi: Thank you, Rocco, and good day, everyone. Welcome to Netlist's Fourth Quarter 2023 Conference Call. Leading today's call will be Chuck Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Netlist; and Gail Sasaki, Chief Financial Officer. As a reminder, you can access the earnings release and a replay of today's call on the Investors section of the Netlist's website at netlist.com. Before we start the call, I would note that today's presentation of Netlist's results and the answers to questions may include forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. The actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements because of the number of risks and uncertainties that are expressed in the call, annual and current SEC filings and the cautionary statements contained in today's press release. Netlist assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements. I will now turn the call over to Chuck. Chuck Hong: Thanks, Mike, and hello, everyone. We saw a promising uptick in the fourth quarter as product revenue improved to $33 million, an increase of 100% on a sequential basis and a 54% increase over Q4 2020. The memory market continues to rebound, and Netlist is benefiting from the improved demand environment. Pricing has strengthened for DRAM and NAND products, including SSDs, with price increases of more than 100% since the fall of 2023 for some products. These market dynamics are continuing into this year, and we expect to see further gains in product revenue throughout 2024. Fueling this growth is the normalization of customer inventory and the industry's transitions to advanced technologies, which is driving a new server demand cycle. Story continues A technician soldering a semiconductor chip, emphasizing the power of the company's products. This includes volume production of DDR5 memory-based platforms and the need for high bandwidth memory, or HBM, to power the explosive rise in AI applications. These trends are fundamentally transforming the memory landscape, setting the stage for a new cycle of growth and presenting Netlist with major opportunities from both a product and IP standpoint. As you know, Netlist has been at the forefront of the industry, developing next-generation memory technology and backing its innovations with a strong patent portfolio. This approach is complemented by the strategic supply agreement with SK hynix, which enables us to meet growing customer demand. Together, these product and licensing strategies put Netlist in a strong position to continue to benefit from the memory market turnaround. On the legal front, Netlist made significant progress from 2023 on its efforts to defend and fairly license its intellectual property including the Eastern District of Texas Jury award of $303 million in the case against Samsung, favorable rulings from German courts in cases against Samsung, and some mixed results at the PTAB. 2024 is set to be another active year with what we expect will be multiple patent infringement jury trials. The case in the Eastern District of Texas before Chief Judge Gilstrap addresses Micron's infringement through the sale of its DDR5 DIMMs and HBM components, some of the same patents and product types that were an issue in our successful April EDTX trial against Samsung. Heading into this trial, we received a favorable claim construction order that provides a strong foundation for Netlist's ability to prove infringement and validity against Micron. See also 25 Most Valuable Tech Companies Outside The US and Top 20 Companies With the Most Cash Reserves. To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here. ORESTE P. DARCONTE is a former publisher of The Sun Chronicle. Reach him at opd999@gmail.com . In the world of entrepreneurship, where experience and wisdom often come with age, Aryan Aswani stands out as a prodigy challenging norms at the age of 15. Born on October 20, 2008, Aryan is currently navigating the 9th Grade at Mahindra International School while simultaneously making waves in the business world. His remarkable journey, marked by early accomplishments and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, culminated in the creation of Project Arya, a revolutionary initiative discussed at the ET Global Business Summit held in Delhi. At the tender age of 12, Aryan embarked on a journey into the complexities of finance, undertaking the Financial Literacy Course by Harvard and Stanford. His insatiable curiosity led him to unravel the intricacies of taxes and the stock market, setting the stage for his future endeavors. By the age of 13, Aryan dived into the entrepreneurial realm with an Edudot program, envisioning innovative events tailored for like-minded teenagers. In 2023, Aryan's journey took a significant turn as he participated in the Junior MBA Program by Clever Harvey. This program became a pivotal point, exposing him to diverse facets of business, including advertising and finance. Collaborations with industry giants like Dominos, Puma, and Kelloggs showcased Aryan's ability to navigate the corporate landscape even at such a young age. Aryan's versatility is evident in his numerous partnerships with Clever Harvey, Multiply Ventures, E-Cell IIT Roorkee, and ThinkStartup's Young CEO Program. As the Creative Director of Arya Associates, Aryan's leadership and problem-solving skills have positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the business world. His latest venture, Project Arya, addresses the shortcomings of the traditional system of public notices in India. The existing system faces challenges such as geographical limitations, lack of visibility, accessibility issues, overwhelming publication volumes, and a disconnect between the sender and the reader. Project Arya aims to revolutionize this system by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for all public notice-related needs. The vision of Project Arya is ambitious yet practical. By creating a centralized hub for publishing, reviewing, and disputing public notices, Aryan aims to streamline the process and enhance accessibility for all users. The project is poised to transform the landscape of public notices, making information more readily available and bridging the gap between senders and recipients. During the ET Global Business Summit held in Delhi, where esteemed dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Piyush Goyal, Nitin Gadkari, and Manohal Lal Khattar, were present, Aryan Aswani spoke passionately about Project Arya. He emphasized the need for innovation in addressing the challenges of the existing system and showcased how Project Arya is set to make a significant impact. In his own words, Aryan Aswani stated at the summit, "Project Arya is not just a venture; it's a commitment to overcoming challenges and transforming the way information is disseminated. Our aim is to create a seamless experience for users and redefine the landscape of public notices in India." Aryan's extraordinary journey through the dynamic landscape of business and entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration for aspiring young minds. Project Arya, with Aryan at the helm, stands as a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and leadership, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on the business world. Bollywood fans were shocked by the passing of actor Suhani Bhatnagar, who played young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan-starrer wresting drama "Dangal." The young star was only 19. The Faridabad resident became a people's favourite after appearing in the 2016 biographical drama about a wrestler who mentors his two daughters to success. Manwhile, Suhani Bhatnagar's parents reportedly spoke to the media on Saturday. Despite the difficult circumstances, they spoke about their daughter's demise due to a very rare disease called dermatomyositis. Here is what we know so far following the media interaction of the late actor's family. 1. Suhani Bhatnagar was bedridden for the last 2 months. She breathed her last on February 16 evening, Friday and mortal remains were cremated on Saturday, her family confirmed to media. 2. Suhani's father reportedly said swellings started appearing on her hand a couple of months ago. Soon, it spread to the other hand and then her entire body. Despite consulting several doctors, none could identify the disease. Last Tuesday, Suhani was admitted to AIIMS when her condition deteriorated further. 3. When tests were carried out, the AIIMS team learnt that Suhani was suffering from the very rare 'Dermatomyositis' disease. 4. "The only treatment for this disease is steroids. After which he was given steroids, due to which the autoimmune system of his body was affected and the immunity became weak," AajTak quoted him as saying. 5. Suhani's father elaborated that the doctors said it takes a lot of time to recover from dermatomyositis. However, a weakened immunity resulted in Suhani getting infected in the hospital. Her lungs got filled with water (fluid accumulation) causing breathing difficulties, AajTak reported Suhani's father as saying. The Telangana police on Friday confirmed that the reports of 20 stray dogs found shot dead in Mahabubnagar district to be true. The details of the perpetrators behind the act remain unknown, they added. According to Mahabubnagar police, the mass killing of stray dogs happened in Ponnakal village of the district on Thursday night. Apart from the 20 killed, five other canines were found with bullet injuries, they said. The cops were alerted about the incident by locals on Friday morning although many villagers had heard gunshots in the late hours. Later, the locals found multiple dead dogs with bullet injuries while many others struggled around with bloodied bodies. An investigation is underway to identify the culprits, news agency PTI quoted a police source as saying. Meanwhile, some media reports stated the heinous act was committed by masked men armed with country-made guns. As many as four men were involved in the shooting, Superintendent of Mahabubnagar police K Narasimha was quoted as saying by The Hindu. A case under section 429 (killing or maiming animals) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, besides Arms Act, has been registered at Addakal Police Station based on a complaint by a panchayat official. From what we can see, insiders were net buyers in First Hawaiian, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:FHB ) during the past 12 months. That is, insiders acquired the stock in greater numbers than they sold it. 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. View our latest analysis for First Hawaiian The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At First Hawaiian The Chairman of the Board Robert Harrison made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$508k worth of shares at a price of US$21.61 each. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of US$21.63. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. While we always like to see insider buying, it's less meaningful if the purchases were made at much lower prices, as the opportunity they saw may have passed. The good news for First Hawaiian share holders is that an insider was buying at near the current price. Robert Harrison was the only individual insider to buy during the last year. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. First Hawaiian Insiders Are Selling The Stock The last three months saw significant insider selling at First Hawaiian. In total, Vice Chairman of Digital Banking & Marketing Group and COO Christopher Dods sold US$89k worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any purchases whatsoever. This may suggest that some insiders think that the shares are not cheap. Story continues Insider Ownership Of First Hawaiian Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 0.5% of First Hawaiian shares, worth about US$14m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At First Hawaiian Tell Us? An insider sold stock recently, but they haven't been buying. On the other hand, the insider transactions over the last year are encouraging. It's good to see insiders are shareholders. So we're not overly bothered by recent selling. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with First Hawaiian (including 1 which is concerning). 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. Amid rumours of senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath switching to BJP, his son Nakul Nath has dropped 'Congress' from his bio on social media. With the recent move, speculations have intensified that his son is likely to jump the ship as well. Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday and while talking to the media said "not to get excited". "If there woulbe be any such thing, I would inform you first," said Nath on being asked about the rumours of joining BJP. Reportedly, Kamal Nath is set to meet the BJP leadership in Delhi. #WATCH | On being asked if he is joining the BJP, former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath says "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that..." pic.twitter.com/REDoRcaWuH ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Over the last few days, Nath had been on a tour of his bastion Chhindwara, from where he had been an MP for nine terms. His son had also won the seat in the 2019 polls. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former CM Digvijaya Singh rubbished the rumours. "A person who started his political journey and stood with the Nehru-Gandhi family when Indira Gandhi was sent to jail by the Janata Party, do you think such a person will ever leave Congress and the Gandhi family?" said Singh. Several leaders, including Jabalpur Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, former MLA Dinesh, close to Kamal Nath had joined BJP recently. BJP state president V.D. Sharma on Friday said that the party's doors are open for other senior Congress leaders who are upset with the decision of boycotting the Ram Mandir consecration event. "Ram is in Bharats mind and Ram resides in its heart. He was insulted by the Congress. If these leaders have pain in their heart, then they should be given an opportunity. And the name you are taking (Nath), if in his heart he has such pain, then I think he is welcome," said Sharma. Meanwhile, the Congress party had called Kamal Nath "Indira Gandhi's third son". "For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been working with the party for the last 7 years as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief," Congress leader Jitu Patwari was quoted by The Hindustan Times. Patwari also added that the news about Nath leaving Congress was speculated and baseless. "Can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress?," he added. The BJP's catchy slogan ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is centred on the removal of Article 370 in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his partymen that the BJP aims to win 370 seats in upcoming polls and cross the 400-mark alongside its NDA allies. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP marshalled over 11,500 party workers for a two-day national convention in Delhi. The attendees included all office-bearers, elected MPs, MLAs, corporators and state-level workers. Speaking during the office bearers's meeting at Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam, PM Modi said the aim of the party should be to win 370 seats. The booth-level workers should aim to get 370 more votes per booth. "The 370 is not just a number but a tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee who campaigned for the removal of Article 370," Modi said. In another pragmatic message that will help the party tide over any internal dissensions during the ticket distribution, Modi declared the party's lotus symbol as the candidate. He asked all the workers to be proactive for the next 100 days during which they should reach out to the beneficiaries of central government schemes. Apart from beneficiaries, the BJP would target first-time voters and women. The BJP coined a new acronym to show its focus: GYAN, which stands for 'Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, Nari Shakti.' "Women are not just voters for us. We will work to get blessings from them as our government has worked for it," BJP general secretary Vinod Tawade said quoting Modi. The Prime Minister in his speech added that there has not even a single allegation of corruption in the last 10 years. It has been the same during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister as well, he said. "Cadre should take this message to the people." The BJP will also focus on its pro-poor programmes and the rising graph of India globally. During the two-day convention, the party will pass three political resolutions including one on the Ram Temple -- marking a nearly four-decade journey since the party passed a resolution on temple construction in its national executive in Palampur. The venue was decorated with images of government schemes, Ram Temple cutouts and selfie points. The party has also put up an exhibition showcasing the achievements of the Modi government. BJP chief JP Nadda also spoke during the convention. He said the party has undergone a long arduous journey. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi the party has witnessed many achievements, he said. Nadda said India will rise to newer heights including becoming the third-largest economy during the Modi government's third tenure. Nadda gave figures for the BJP's expansion across the country. He countered the contention that the BJP had a limited presence in the South. He said Congress had 28 MPs while the BJP had 29. In a fresh twist, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition seeking to declare the Pakistan elections null and void on Monday, according to reports. The filing of the petition comes on the heels of Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Liaquat Ali Chatta resigningafter holding a press conferencefrom his position to protest rigging in his division. "We converted the losers into winners with 50,000 votes margin," he has been quoted in media reports and has surrendered himself before the police. We wronged the country...I should be executed in Rawalpindi's Kachehri Chowk he has been quoted in a video. In what was a rather dramatic declaration, he claimed that he even tried to take his own life and that his officers were crying for what they were asked to do. This confession of course has been rejected by the government. Both the petitionwhich will be heard by a three-member bench on Mondayas well as the allegations by the officer comes at a time when there are wide-spread protests by the former Prime Minister Imran Khan over the rigging of the elections. "The PTI has called for country-wide protests against the unprecedented, massive, brazen rigging in general elections 2024, where PTI's win of 180 National Assembly seats and a two-thirds majority in the parliament, was cut down to half," the party said in a statement. While PTI-backed independents have bagged 93 seats in the Assembly, it is the PML-N with 75 seats and the PPP 54 that are trying to form the government. Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is slated to come back as PM and Asif Ali Zardari as president. However, Khans party is determined to go quietly in the night and has raised questions of the credibility of the elections. Khan has urged America to question the transparency of the processa move that has been criticised by the PML-N as an attempt against Pakistans sovereignty. The next few days will promise to be interesting in Pakistan. Whatever the results, however, the acrimony between the PTI and the governmentif it is formedand the establishment is only likely to grow. And unless there is a way for dialogue, there are turbulent times ahead for the country. Amid state of confusion in forming Pakistan's government, a senior Pakistani bureaucrat on Saturday alleged that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice were involved in poll rigging in the recent elections. After taking the "responsibility for all this wrongdoing", former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha resigned from his post. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been protesting nationwide against alleged rigging and stealing its mandate in the February 8 elections. Speaking to reporters, Chattha said the candidates who were losing the elections were made to win. "I am taking the responsibility for all this wrongdoing and telling you that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice are also completely involved in this," Chattha was quoted by The Dawn. He also added that he should be punished for the injustice he had done towards the country. He also urged the officials involved in the rigging to be punished. The former bureaucrat said there was pressure on him to the extent that he contemplated suicide but then resolved to present matters before the public. Meanwhile the Pakistan Election Commission has rejected the allegations of poll-rigging. "The Election Commission of Pakistan strongly rejects the allegations levelled by the Commissioner Rawalpindi on the chief election commissioner or the election commission and no official of the election commission never issued any instructions regarding changing the election results to the Commissioner Rawalpindi...Neither is the commissioner of any division ever appointed as a DRO, RO or presiding officer, nor do they ever play a direct role in the conduct of elections," read a press statement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). However, the commission said it would investigate the matter. Earlier, Punjab caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir has also rejected the claims of manipulation of election results made by Chattha. He also said that Chattha was retiring on March 13 and he was trying to kick start his political career. Independent candidates- backed by the PTI had won 93 of the 265 assembly seats. While, former PM Nawaz Sharifs PML-N won 75 seats and PPP came third with 54 seats. US President Joe Biden joined other western leaders in slamming Russia over the death of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. A former lawyer, Navalny, 47, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the Polar Wolf Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 30-year sentence, authorities said. The Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District said in a statement that Navalny lost consciousness almost immediately the walk and died shortly afterwards, and added that resuscitation attempts failed. Speaking at the White House, Biden said that no matter the cause, he holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny's death. He said the US had not confirmed Navalny's death in the Russian prison, but that he had no reason to doubt it either. "We don't know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did," Biden said at the White House. "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story, but make no mistake. Make no mistake; Putin is responsible for Navalny's death." Biden added that the Kremlin critic's death should spur the Congress to approve funds for Ukraine to thwart Moscow's invasion. "I hope to God it helps push US lawmakers to send more aid to Ukraine," he said. The House is yet to take up a Senate-passed bill that would send funds and armaments to Ukraine, whose troops, according to US officials, are running out of resources on the battlefield. Meanwhile, at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris for the signing of a France-Ukraine bilateral agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron said Navalny's death shows Russia's weakness and its fear of all opponents. Kremlin critic's wife points finger at Putin The wife of Alexei Navalny led calls for Putin to be held accountable for Navalny's death. Speaking at the three-day annual conference in Munich, attended by politicians, military officers and diplomats, Yulia Navalnaya said, "I thought for a long time if I should come out here or immediately fly to my children," after a standing ovation as she came on stage. "But then I thought what Alexei would do in my place. And I'm sure he would be here, he would be on this stage." She said she did not know whether to believe Russian authorities. "But if this is true, I want Putin, his entire entourage, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family, to my husband." The Kremlin said Putin had been informed of Navalny's death, but the Russian president is yet to say anything in public about his opponent's passing away. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the reaction of western leaders to the death was unacceptable and "absolutely rabid". Kolkata, Feb 17 (PTI) Power Grid Corporation (POWERGRID) expects "no impact" from proposed changes in Operation & Maintenance (O&M) charges norms by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), a top company official said. The official said the company was in discussion with the regulator. Draft regulations suggest altering the prior 75:25 (sub-station vs transmission line) O&M cost distribution to 65:35 ratio, increasing transmission line charges while decreasing substation charges. Chairman and Managing Director Ravindra Kumar Tyagi claimed "net impact is almost zero," with overall O&M charges maintained. "They have added one more element, 'reactor'. Earlier, we were not incurring any O&M charges for reactors. Now, reactor charges have been added per MVAR (Mega Volt-Ampere Reactive), similar to transformer charges per MVA capacity, such as Rs 20 lakh or so per MVA. Therefore, those charges have been added. The net impact is negligible almost zero, we are going to receive the same O&M charges as before", he told investors in an analyst call. Speaking regarding Return on Equity (ROE), proposed norms suggest existing assets at 15.5 per cent and setting 15 per cent for new projects after April 1, 2024, he said discussions were on with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and power grid was optimistic that final norms won't adversely affect the company's revenue or profitability. The company was aiming to cross capex of Rs 10,000 crore in the current fiscal. "Our capex in Q3, on a consolidated basis is Rs 3,444 crore, and for nine months it is Rs 7,690 crore. We are hopeful that this capex will be almost Rs 10,000 crore plus," he said. Power Grid's consolidated income during the December 2023 quarter was Rs 11,820 crore. During the quarter, net profit rose 10 per cent YoY to Rs 4,028 crore. Sonipat, 17 February, 2023: The University of Leeds (UK) and O. P. Jindal Global University (JGU) hosted a joint conference titled Reimagining Priorities in Global Public Health recently. The opening day of the conference was inaugurated by Ms. Christina Scott, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Delhi and Dr Himangi Bhardwaj, UK Senior Health Advisor to Foreign Commonwealth Development Office of the UK government. They provided an overview of collaborations and project between the UK and India focusing on health, with special reference to antimicrobial resistance, digital heal health system strengthening and climate change. Leya Furtado, representing the Lancet Citizens Commission on Reimagining Indias Public Health System, outlined the challenges to global health post-pandemic, and reviewed the work streams and research areas of the Lancet Commission and the reforms to be proposed in its final report. The event was being hosted by the Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development (JSPH), JGUs recently established interdisciplinary school offering a Masters in Public Health, in collaboration with three faculties of the University of Leeds, namely the Faculty of Medicine and Health, the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Culture and the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, described this conference as an extraordinary opportunity both to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions in the UK and India for enhanced research and innovation but also to address the urgent need to move forward on the commitments of India and other governments to meet the global challenges in public health. We are ready to build on this collaboration with the University of Leeds as an exemplary institutional partnership to develop skills and knowledge, seeking solutions to critical global challenges through high quality research, teaching, and learning. Following the inauguration, Prof Sanjoy Bhattacharya, Head of School of History, University of Leeds spoke about the historical lessons from infectious disease control for the response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The conference then explored new approaches to equitable access to health, including a presentation on pandemic preparedness and religious practices by Prof. Emma Tomalin, Director of the Center for Religion and Public Life at Leeds. Professor Indranil Mukhopadhyay from the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy examined what he called fragmented health financing and a broken health system, noting high out-of-pocket expenditures and the low level of public health expenditure in India, compared, for example, with China. Prof. Dibyadyuti Roy, Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies, Media Studies, and Digital Humanities, at Leeds discussed pathways, possibilities, and perils of digital (health) humanities from a historical perspective an. Prof. Sonia Kumar, Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Professor of Medical Education at Leeds, spoke online about the challenges to the healthcare workforce, including the fact that 90% of healthcare delivery is primary care and that a similar percentage of health outcomes are the result of the social determinants of health. The second day of the Conference took place on the JGU campus in Sonipat, Haryana, and brought together scholars, experts and students from the two institutions for an exchange of research in strategic areas of interdisciplinary research in public health. The session began with a presentation on climate change by Prof. Papiya Mazumdar from the School of Politics and International Studies at Leeds. She explored the interface between climate change, environment, and population health outcomes, drawing attention to ecosyndemic frameworks and models, as well as the need for ontological plurality to address the society-nature dynamics compounding health risks. Drawing on his case study of Char areas of Assam, India, Dr Abdul Kalam Azad, of the Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development, examined the mental health impact of climate change on women living in the area and the insights from his transdisciplinary research project. Prof. Stuart Flint from the School of Psychology at Leeds introduced the subconscious factors that influence behaviours through the example of the pervasiveness, impact and implications of weight stigma. Dr Sambuddha Chaudhuri of the Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development made a presentation on the opportunities and challenges of AI in Public Health. Dr Tatjana Kochetkova, Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School and co-founder of a new research cluster on Bioethics, Biotechnology and Justice, explored the controversies surrounding numerous technological developments that affect the human condition, whether it is new approaches to end of life, genetic modification, cyborgs, and numerous other experimental and available technologies that affect human will, autonomy, openness, playfulness, creativity and other traits that some feel are threatened by technologies aimed at human enhancement but that contain serious risks. The final session of the conference focused on moving from theory to practice with a presentation by Dr Rebecca King, Associate Professor, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, who shared her research on community engagement to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh and Nepal. Drawing on the proposed publication in process based on a conference JGU organized in mid-2023 on From Marginalization to Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities for Indias Adivasi and Scheduled Tribes, Prof. Stephen Marks and Prof. Sneha Krishnan, Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development, and Prof. Kriti Sharma, Jindal Global Law School, provided an overview of the health needs of Indigenous Peoples globally and the specific issues facing Scheduled Tribes, Adivasis and tribal peoples in India, including original research being conducted in tribal areas and the value of hearing voices from the affected populations in the publication and in public policy relating to health issues affecting this population. Prof. Mahua Das, of the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, spoke on prevention and care of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in urban poor settings. Dr Piruthivi Sukumar, ProDean International, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds stated that the University of Leeds is excited to co-organise this pioneering event with our strategic institutional partner Jindal Global University to bring multidisciplinary expertise in Global Health on to a single platform to share and discuss the vision for attaining better and equitable health for the world. Leeds is proud to be at the forefront of realising the 2030 roadmap of building deeper bilateral relationship set out by our leaderships. He welcomed these three days of interesting, enriching, and enlightening discussions and debates that we are sure will shape multiple facets of future health systems and delivery not just for UK and India, but for the whole world. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with O.P. Jindal Global University and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) Days after West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu slammed the National School of Drama (NSD) over a script of a play "in praise of" Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Jan Bharat Rang event, the theatre school on Friday said it was only a reference script and that groups are free to create their own productions. Jan Bharat Rang is an initiative by the drama school to bring together 2,000 short performances to mark the closing of the ongoing Bharat Rang Mahotsav. "The BJP government at the Centre, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, has sent a short play in praise of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to all the theatre groups in West Bengal, asking it to be performed everywhere," Basu wrote on X on Tuesday. He also claimed that a failure to comply with the instructions "will result in the withdrawal of generous grants and subsidies from the Centre". Responding to Basu's claims, NSD registrar Pradeep K Mohanty said the institute never mandated theatre groups to follow the script as it was only for reference. "Theatre is a creative field and the reference script was sent so that the groups can create even better scripts. A script was forwarded to the groups. However, the groups are free to develop the script on the basis of the themes prescribed by the NSD for the betterment of the production," Mohanty told PTI. He added that the different performing art groups will still have to present their theatrical, dance and music performances at the event around the themes of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", "Panch Pran" and "Viksit Bharat". At a press conference on Thursday, NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy said participation in the event is voluntary and the organisation has not forced anyone to be a part of it. "People of different ideologies are participating in this event voluntarily. We are not forcing anyone to be a part of it. It is up to a group to decide if it wants to be a part of the event. Our aim is to create a new world record for the country and the NSD is just acting as a medium to take 'Rangmanch' to the world. It is unfortunate that things are being misconstrued to tarnish the image of the NSD," Tripathy said. He added that the participant groups are required to prepare a production in their respective fields of performing arts of a duration of 15-20 minutes. On the concluding day of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the groups will perform at a venue convenient to them at their respective locations. New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) Suhani Bhatnagar, who played young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan-starrer wresting drama "Dangal", has died at the age of 19. "She died at AIIMS yesterday. She was 19," a close relative of the actor told PTI, confirming her death. He did not elaborate on what led to the young actor's death but media reports suggested she suffered medical complications after a leg fracture and was later admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. "She was admitted on February 7 and passed away on February 16," a source at the hospital said. The Faridabad-born actor became a prominent face after appearing in the 2016 biographical drama about a wrestler who mentors his two daughters to success. Zaira Wasim played young Geeta while Bhatnagar portrayed the role of Babita. The grown-up versions of the characters were played by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra. Aamir Khan played the role of their father, Mahavir Phogat. In a social media post, Khan's production house mourned Bhatnagar's death. "We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, 'Dangal' would have been incomplete without Suhani. "Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace," Aamir Khan Productions said in the post on X. The film's director Nitesh Tiwari also mourned the death. "Suhani's passing away is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking. She was such a happy soul, so full of life. My deepest condolences to her family," he said in a statement. Suhani had taken a break from acting to complete her studies. Washington, Feb 17 (PTI) Senior American diplomat Richard Verma will embark on a six-day official visit to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives next week to strengthen the US' bilateral ties with the key Indo-Pacific partners and reaffirm its enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region. Verma, the US' Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, the second senior post in the State Department, will travel to the three countries from February 18-23. Shortly following the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, his trip will reaffirm the United States enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region, a media release said on Friday. The visit will strengthen the United States cooperation with each of these key Indo-Pacific partners. In New Delhi, Verma will meet with senior government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance the US-Indian global strategic partnership on a full range of issues, including economic development, security, and technology, said the official statement. Under the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched on February 11, 2022, the United States Department of Commerce has worked collaboratively with allies and partners to build an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. The US, India and several other world powers have been discussing the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea. From India, Verma will travel to Male to meet with senior officials and advance shared priorities in increasing economic cooperation and promoting maritime security. He will also tour the planned office space for a new US Embassy in Male, which will help further increase people-to-people ties between the United States and Maldives. Verma will conclude his trip in Colombo. His meetings with senior officials will support US-Sri Lankan defence and maritime security cooperation. He will visit the Port of Colombo's West Container Terminal, where the United States is supporting Sri Lanka's ongoing economic recovery through USD 553 million in financing to transform Colombo into a regional shipping hub. Finally, he will meet with civil society leaders to hear their perspective on democratic governance in Sri Lanka and with government officials to voice US support for the protection of free speech and open discourse, a statement said. (Bloomberg) -- Reddit Inc. has signed a contract allowing a company to train its artificial intelligence models on the social media platforms content, according to people familiar with the matter, as it nears the potential launch of its long-awaited initial public offering. Most Read from Bloomberg The San Francisco-based firm told prospective investors in its IPO that it had signed the deal, worth about $60 million on an annualized basis, earlier this year, the people said. Reddits agreement with an unnamed large AI company could be a model for future contracts of a similar nature, one of the people said. Reddit had more than $800 million in revenue last year, about a 20% increase over its 2022 figure, people familiar with the matter have said. The ability to profit from the AI wave sweeping the corporate world could help Reddit tap into investors enthusiasm for the technology, and boost its IPO. The company has been advised to consider a valuation of at least $5 billion in an IPO, which could launch as soon as next month, Bloomberg News has reported. Read More: Reddit Revenue Up 20% Before IPO Even as Profit Remains Elusive Deliberations around the IPO are ongoing and details of both the listing and the AI deal could change, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information isnt public. A representative for Reddit declined to comment. AI companies hungry for data to train their programs on have been striking data licensing deals with content providers eager for new sources of revenue. OpenAI agreed a contract in December with German media giant company Axel Springer SE for AI training worth tens of millions of dollars, according to a Bloomberg News report. Story continues The startup behind the ChatGPT text generation tool is also in talks with publishers including CNN, Fox Corp. and Time to license their work, Bloomberg News has reported, to feed its AI chatbots data to make their results more accurate, relevant and up to date. About 16 banks, led by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., are working on the IPO. JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. are also among the banks on the deal. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Islamabad, Feb 17 (AP) Afghan women feel scared or unsafe leaving their home alone because of Taliban decrees and enforcement campaigns on clothing and male guardians, according to a report from the UN mission in Afghanistan. The report was issued days before a UN-convened meeting in the Qatari capital Doha, where member states and special envoys to Afghanistan are expected to discuss engagement with the Taliban. The Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed after taking power in 2021. They are also restricting women's access to work, travel and health care if they are unmarried or don't have a male guardian, and arresting those who don't comply with the Taliban's interpretation of hijab, or Islamic headscarf. The UN mission's report, published Friday, said the decrees are being enforced through arrest, harassment and intimidation. Women said they increasingly fear going to public spaces owing to the threat arrest and the long-lasting stigma and shame associated with being taken into police custody. Over half of the women interviewed for the report felt unsafe leaving the house without a male guardian, or mahram. Risks to their security and their anxiety levels worsened whenever a new decree was announced specifically targeting them, the report said. Women who went out with a mahram felt safer, but noted the stress from depending on another person to accompany them. Some said their male guardians chided them for wasting time if they wanted to visit certain shops or stray from a route limited to performing basic necessary tasks. This undercut chances to enjoy even micro-moments of stimulation or leisure outside the home, said the report. Some women said that male relatives were also afraid and reluctant to leave the home with female relatives, as this would expose them to Taliban harassment. Nobody from the Vice and Virtue Ministry, which is the Taliban's morality police and enforces decrees, was immediately available for comment about the UN report. Heather Barr, from Human Rights Watch, told the Associated Press that Afghan women's fear of leaving home unaccompanied was damning and devastating" but not surprising. It seemed to be a specific goal of the Taliban to frighten women and girls out of leaving their homes, Barr said. This begs the question of what on earth this discussion is in Doha, with the UN hosting special envoys," she said. "We need to be asking why the focus of this meeting and every meeting isn't about this crisis that is unprecedented for women around the world. The UN envoy for Afghanistan last year warned the Taliban that international recognition as the country's legitimate government will remain nearly impossible unless they lift the restrictions on women. (AP) SCY SCY Islamabad, Feb 17 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday imposed prohibitory orders here in Pakistan's capital as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party began nationwide protests against alleged rigging and stealing of its mandate in the recent elections. Criticising the outcome of the polls, which saw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party-backed independent candidates emerging as the largest group by winning over 90 National Assembly seats, the PTI announced holding countrywide "peaceful protests" against what it termed "record-high rigging". The protests began with a march in Wana in South Waziristan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The party has decided to sit in the Opposition in Parliament. "The PTI has called for country-wide protests against the unprecedented, massive, brazen rigging in general elections 2024, where PTIs win of 180 National Assembly seats and a two-thirds majority in the parliament, was cut down to half," the party said in a statement. "The 2024 elections would be remembered in the country's history due to the scale of rigging," PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said. The Islamabad police have said that section 144 is in force in the city and the security is on high alert, as the PTI is set to begin its countrywide protests, the Dawn newspaper reported. Without directly referring to protests, it said that there could be increased traffic near the F9 park and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the nearby routes. The police said that special forces of the Counter Terrorism Department had been deployed on patrol to deal with any emergency. Patrolling has been increased across the district while checking has been tightened at checkpoints, it added. Khan's PTI is not the only party that has voiced its concerns over the February 8 polls, as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and others have also complained of rigging during the elections. Ahead of the PTI's protests, authorities have issued two threat alerts owing to serious threats of terrorism from specific banned groups, reported The News. With the protesters being duly warned about the alerts and against unlawful assembly in the federal capital, Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has stressed that nobody would be allowed to assemble or protest at any place in the federal capital at any public place. The report said that additional troops of Punjab Rangers have been directed to deal with any eventuality in the city. Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. However, PTI's two main rivals appear on course to form a coalition government after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance on Tuesday. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Meanwhile, according to Geo News, differences have emerged between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)s lawyers and political leadership as the latter wants to hold talks with other parties for a political settlement, whereas the former desires otherwise. Islamabad/Lahore, Feb 17 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday imposed prohibitory orders here in Pakistan's capital as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party began nationwide protests against alleged rigging and stealing of its mandate in the recent elections. Criticising the outcome of the polls, which saw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party-backed independent candidates emerging as the largest group by winning over 90 National Assembly seats, the PTI announced holding countrywide "peaceful protests" against what it termed "record-high rigging". The protests began with a march in Wana in South Waziristan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The party has decided to sit in the Opposition in Parliament. "The PTI has called for country-wide protests against the unprecedented, massive, brazen rigging in general elections 2024, where PTIs win of 180 National Assembly seats and a two-thirds majority in the parliament, was cut down to half," the party said in a statement. "The 2024 elections would be remembered in the country's history due to the scale of rigging," PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan said. The Islamabad police have said that section 144 is in force in the city and the security is on high alert, as the PTI is set to begin its countrywide protests, the Dawn newspaper reported. Without directly referring to protests, it said that there could be increased traffic near the F9 park and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the nearby routes. The police said that special forces of the Counter Terrorism Department had been deployed on patrol to deal with any emergency. Patrolling has been increased across the district while checking has been tightened at checkpoints, it added. The police in Islamabad dug up a ditch near the Lahore Press Club to stop the PTI protest. A heavy contingent of police was deployed there to thwart the PTI protest. Meanwhile, Punjab Police clamped down on PTI leaders and workers in Lahore who were protesting against "massive rigging" in the elections. Police arrested Imran Khan's lawyer Salman Akram Raja and scores of PTI women who gathered on Jail Road on the call of the jailed premier to protest against the massive rigging in the elections that deprived the PTI of at least over 90 National Assembly seats. A heavy contingent of police gathered outside the PTI office on Jail Road and baton-charged the party workers protesting against the rigging. TV footage showed the police manhandling the PTI women workers and bundling them into police vans. Known lawyer and Khan's counsel Salman Akram Raja was also arrested. Khan's PTI is not the only party that has voiced its concerns over the February 8 polls, as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), and others have also complained of rigging during the elections. Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has stressed that nobody would be allowed to assemble or protest at any place in the federal capital at any public place. The report said that additional troops of Punjab Rangers have been directed to deal with any eventuality in the city. Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. However, PTI's two main rivals appear on course to form a coalition government after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance on Tuesday. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Meanwhile, according to Geo News, differences have emerged between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)s lawyers and political leadership as the latter wants to hold talks with other parties for a political settlement, whereas the former desires otherwise. Islamabad, Feb 17 (PTI) A senior Pakistani bureaucrat has stirred a hornet's nest by alleging widespread rigging aided by the judiciary and top election body in last weeks poll against jailed former prime minister Imran Khans party. As Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha resigned from his post, taking the responsibility for all this wrongdoing, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa termed his allegations as baseless. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) strongly rejected it and Khans rival party, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) called it a case of political allegiance dictating the bureaucrats claims. Khan, however, claimed that the incriminating confession served as a stark revelation of the countrywide systematic manipulation of election results where PTIs significant leads were deceitfully tampered into losses. More than eight days after voting took place for the general elections, there is still no clarity on which party would form the government at the Centre. Independent candidates a majority of them backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats and the party, which has been alleging rigging right from the polling day, has embarked on a nationwide protest against stealing of its mandate. PTI's two main rivals, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance earlier this week. Chattha told reporters that the candidates who were losing the elections were made to win. I am taking the responsibility for all this wrongdoing and telling you that the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Justice are also completely involved in this, Dawn.com quoted him as saying. The bureaucrat said there was pressure on him to the extent that he contemplated suicide but then resolved to present matters before the public and said, It is my request to the entire bureaucracy to not do anything wrong for all these politicians. He was arrested soon after. CJP Isa said hurling baseless allegations without any truth or evidence to back them up does not hold any weightage. Someone can blame me for theft or murder tomorrow. If hurling allegations is your right, give me evidence along with it too, he said but at the same time hinted that he may not initiate contempt proceedings over the allegations. I am against contempt myself. Its not about me but the institution. The ECP, in a press statement, strongly rejected the allegations and said, no official of the election commission ever issued any instructions regarding changing the election results to Commissioner, Rawalpindi. Neither is the commissioner of any division ever appointed as a District Returning Officer, Returning Officer or Presiding Officer nor do they ever play a direct role in the conduct of elections, the ECP said and added, the matter would, however, be investigated. Imran Khan applauded the incriminating confession by the Commissioner of Rawalpindi, which he said confirmed robbing PTI of at least 13 National Assembly seats in Rawalpindi Division alone. His statement serves as a stark revelation of the countrywide systematic manipulation of election results where PTIs significant leads were deceitfully tampered into losses, said a post on Khans official X handle. He also called for a "fair investigation and meaningful trial of all those involved in this brazen mandate theft. Khans rival Nawaz Sharif's PML-N party drew attention to the political allegiance dictating Chatthas claims and said he was a cousin of a PTI-backed candidate, Ahmed Chattha, from one of the seats. Geo News quoted PML-Ns Punjab president Rana Sanaullah Khan, who alleged that his friend Chattha has had mental health issues for quite some time. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan, in a statement, said the involvement of the state bureaucracy in rigging in Pakistan is beginning to be exposed. Referring to Chatthas resignation, the statement said, This is not a mere resignation or admission of guilt, it is a charge sheet of incompetence and negligence on the part of all govt institutions, including the Election Commission of Pakistan. Now the nation of Pakistan is looking towards the Supreme Court of Pakistan for justice. If Rawalpindi has been rigged so much, think how widely rigged the general elections must have been in the entire country, it added. Rawalpindi is one of the elite bastions in Punjab province and is also home to the countrys powerful military establishment. Addid Ababa, Feb 17 (AP) Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday condemned Israel's offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end. Moussa Faki, the chair of the African Union Commission, said Israel's offensive was the most flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and accused Israel of having exterminated Gaza's inhabitants. Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit. Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind, Faki said to applause from delegates. We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine. Azali Assoumani, president of the Comoros and the outgoing chairperson of the African Union, praised the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice while condemning the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine under our nose. The international community cannot close its eyes to the atrocities that are committed, that have not only created chaos in Palestine but also have disastrous consequences in the rest of the world, Assoumani said. A quarter of Gaza's residents are starving because of the war, which began with Hamas' assault into Israel on Oct. 7, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Israel strongly denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants. It says Hamas' tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. During last year's AU summit, an Israeli delegate was unceremoniously removed from the plenary hall amid a row over the country's observer status at the continental body. Concern over conflicts and the resurgence of coups across the African continent also underscored the opening of this year's summit. Faki cited tensions over Senegal's postponed election and violence in eastern Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, and Libya. He called for a revival of the spirit of African solidarity and Pan-Africanism to overcome the many challenges facing the continent of 1.3 billion people. (AP) RUP RUP Washington, Feb 16 (AP) President Joe Biden said on Friday that the apparent death of Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny brings new urgency to the need for Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine to stave off Moscow's invasion. Speaking at the White House, Biden said that no matter the cause, he holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for Navalny's death. He added, I hope to God it helps push US lawmakers to send more aid to Ukraine. Biden said that history is watching lawmakers in the House, which hasn't moved to take up a Senate-passed bill that would send funds and armaments to Ukraine, whose troops US officials say are running out of critical munitions on the battlefield. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten, Biden said. And the clock is ticking. This has to happen. We have to help now. Biden said the US had not confirmed Navalny's death in a Russian prison above the Arctic Circle, but that he had no reason to doubt it either. The president sharply criticized House Republicans for letting the chamber enter a two-week recess without moving on the Ukraine funding. What are they thinking my God, Biden said. This is bizarre and it's just reinforcing all of the concern I won't say panic but real concern about the United States being a responsible ally. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this week said the House won't be rushed to pass the aid, but on Friday he said Putin was a vicious dictator and the world knows he is likely directly responsible for the sudden death of his most prominent political opponent. "We must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition, Johnson, R-La., said in a statement. As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States, and our partners, must be using every means available to cut off Putin's ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states. Lawmakers who have pushed for the Ukraine aid blamed the Republicans who have sided with former President Donald Trump as he has urged its defeat. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, said, Shame on the pro-Putin MAGA extremists who continue to block bipartisan national security legislation in the House, referencing Trump's Make American Great Again slogan. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, one of 22 Republicans who voted for the Senate-passed Ukraine aid package, said that Navalny laid down his life fighting for a country he loved and that Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy, Tillis posted on X, formerly Twitter. Nor will history be kind to America's leaders who stay silent because they fear backlash from online pundits. Biden, eyeing a likely general election rematch against Trump this November, said American presidents from Harry Truman on are rolling over in their graves hearing Trump's comments suggesting that the US might not defend its NATO allies who fail to meet their defense spending targets if attacked. As long as I'm president, America stands by its sacred commitment to our allies," Biden said.(AP) RUP RUP Islamabad, Feb 17 (PTI) Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's party has decided to sit in the Opposition in Parliament while launching a countrywide protest against alleged rigging in the elections after its efforts to form the next government failed. The major political parties in Pakistan have stepped up efforts to form a federal government after the February 8 elections delivered a split verdict. While Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed independent candidates dominated the election results, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) claimed to have enough numbers to form the government as some independents joined the Nawaz Sharif-led party post-polls. PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif announced on Friday that following the instructions of PTI founder Khan, the party has decided to sit in the Opposition both at the Centre and in the key province of Punjab. The decision came a day after the party had named Umar Ayub Khan as its candidate for the prime minister and Aslam Iqbal as chief minister for Punjab. Talking to the media on Friday night after visiting the Qaumi Watan Party in Islamabad, Saif said that the party decided to sit in the Opposition in the Centre and Punjab under the instructions of party founder Khan. We decided to sit in Opposition despite the reality that if we received seats according to our votes and the results were not changed then maybe today we might have been in the Centre with 180 seats. We have the evidence that our candidates won, he said. The party, which also issued a white paper against alleged rigging on Friday, has decided to kick off its demonstrations from Saturday. A PTI source said that the partys incarcerated founder has tasked former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser with engaging political parties to muster support for the protest drive. A PTI delegation led by Qaisar met the leader of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) on Friday, while a meeting with Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Partys Mehmood Khan Achakzai is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Qaiser-led delegation also met Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Mian Muhammad Aslam and discussed the post-election scenario. The delegation sought JIs support for joint protests against the alleged rigging. It was not clear if the party would participate in the election of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister after the decision to join the opposition ranks. Khan's party claimed that at least 85 seats won by it in Parliament were snatched in the "biggest voter fraud" in the country's history and announced plans to hold "peaceful" nationwide protests on Saturday against alleged rigging. PTIs core committee met on Friday and finalised the plans for the nationwide protest campaign on the call of the partys founder Khan. The meeting urged the whole nation to come out of their houses against the massive rigging. The meeting also sought the resignation of the chief election commissioner. Independent candidates - a majority backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - won 93 of the 265 National Assembly seats that were contested in the February 8 election. However, PTI's two main rivals appear on course to form a coalition government after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP) formed a post-poll alliance on Tuesday. The PML-N won 75 seats while the PPP came third with 54 seats. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has also agreed to support them with their 17 seats. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. Khan declared on Friday will not seek political vengeance upon returning to power. "We will not take any political revenge, but we will take the country and the nation forward for the sake of the development of the country and the nation," he stated, as conveyed by PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan following a 30-minute long meeting with Imran Khan at Rawalpindis Adiala Jail. PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan and other leaders including Sher Afzal Marwat, Rehana Dar, Shoaib Shaheen and Salman Akram Raja, who challenged their election results before various forums, addressed a press conference here. Hasan said that 2024 would be remembered due to the biggest voter fraud in Pakistans history against the party and its candidates. According to our estimates, out of 177 [National Assembly] seats which were supposed to be ours, only 92 have been given to us. And 85 seats have been taken away from us fraudulently, he said. He said that the party was taking constitutional and legal steps to counter the rigging and get its right. We have verified data about 46 seats and it is being compiled for 39 seats, he said. Hasan also highlighted the discrepancies between Form 45 and Form 47, which respectively deal with counting in each polling station in a constituency and the overall count of all polling stations. Hasan claimed there was a huge difference in the numbers of votes polled for National Assembly and provincial assembly seats. He said that the number of rejected votes, in certain cases, exceeded the margin of victory. Separately, Hasan affirmed the party's readiness for dialogue with the establishment, emphasising that the purpose of contacting political parties is not to form an electoral alliance but to bring all political forces together on a unified platform. Speaking on the Express Tribune newspaper, Hasan highlighted that PTI's founder has consistently advocated for engaging with all political parties. He emphasised that if political parties engage in positive politics, there is no harm in holding meetings and fostering collaboration. "The purpose of contacting political parties is not at all an electoral alliance; our aim is that all political parties come together on one platform," stated Hasan during the programme. Thane, Feb 17 (PTI) Thane police on Saturday said the double murder of a senior citizen couple in early January has been solved with the arrest of two persons. Shamsher Bahadur Ranbaj Singh (68), a security guard, and his wife Meena Singh (65) were found murdered in their flat in Manpada area under Chitalsar police station limits on January 4. The bodies had strangulation marks and some valuables were missing from their flat. "We have arrested security guard Nissar Ahmed Kutubdin Shaikh (27) and Rohit Suresh Uttekar (26), who is a ward boy in Kalwa civic hospital. After a probe of nearly a month, we got a lead about Shaikh. We found he used to frequently visit Uttekar's home," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Amarsingh Jadhav. The two have confessed to killing the couple and robbing their mobile phone and gold jewellery, the DCP said. Shaikh and Uttekar have been remanded in police custody till February 20. Ranchi, Feb 17 (PTI) A strong resentment is brewing among a section of Congress legislators in Jharkhand over the induction of four party MLAs as ministers in the Champai Soren-led JMM government. As many as 12 MLAs of the grand-old party have threatened to boycott the upcoming assembly session from February 23 and head to Jaipur if the ministers are not replaced by new faces. The JMM-led alliance in the state has 47 MLAs (JMM-29, Congress-17 and one RJD) in the 81-member assembly. Unhappy over Congress' decision to give ministerial berths to Alamgir Alam, Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta and Badal Patralekh again, the legislators went into a huddle at Ranchi Circuit House just before the swearing-in ceremony on Friday with plans of boycotting it. However, persuaded by Jharkhand Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir and PCC chief Rajesh Thakur, the MLAs reached Raj Bhavan to attend the ceremony. "We want replacement of all the four...We the 12 MLAs are together right now barring the four ministers and Pradeep Yadav. We are waiting for the leadership to take a decision on our demand to change the four ministers. "We want a minister from each division to cover all the five divisions in the state. We also want implementation of the one person, one post rule made by Rahul Gandhi," MLA Kumar Jaimangal, alias Anup Singh, told PTI. The Bermo legislator said if they fail to hear anything from the party's state and central leaderships soon, they will be forced to fly to the Rajasthan capital and boycott the budget session of Jharkhand Assembly. "The Congress has 17 MLAs and the JMM (29). The JMM has already taken the chief minister and the speaker's posts. They have six ministerial berths and we want the remaining one. We are not compromising on that. In case Alamgir Alam is retained, he should quit the post of the Congress Legislature Party leader," Jaimangal demanded. He said the group of 12 MLAs have already handed over a signed letter to the party chief on the matter. Senior Congress leader and Mahagama MLA Dipika Pandey Singh told PTI, "We want the party to change the ministers and give opportunity to new faces. Instead of adding more women faces, they have retained one woman minister...How do you justify that." Bebi Devi, excise minister in the previous Hemant Soren government, was given women and child development and social welfare portfolios. Devi had contested the Dumri bypoll in 2023 after the death of her husband Jagannath Mahto. Joba Manjhi, a senior JMM MLA from Manoharpur, who was the women, child development and social security minister in the Hemant Soren government, has been dropped. Mandar Congress MLA Shilpi Neha Tirkey, too, voiced her discontent. "During the past four years, we had lots of disapproval and disappointments on the quota given to us...Since there was a sudden opportunity and a new cabinet was being formed under Champai Soren ji, everyone was hopeful that there will be a reshuffle. "Initially, the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled on February 8. When it was postponed, we were assured that a reshuffle will happen. But it was very disappointing when we saw there was no change and those who were openly praising BJP were retained," she told PTI. She said, "Why were new faces not given opportunity... that's why the whole revolt ...We wanted to boycott the swearing-in ceremony, but our state in-charge promised that there will be a good discussion in Delhi about it....It is not about two or four MLAs...It is 12 legislators who are voicing it out together." "You appoint anyone...You appoint community-wise, area-wise...We just want fresh faces...We want such faces who can fulfill people's aspirations. These ministers have not delivered in the past four years, what is the guarantee that they will deliver now," she added. The Congress leadership has assured to discuss the issue, she said adding, "We have made it very clear to KC Venugopal that we want discussion with senior leaders." Most of the Congress MLAs objected to the name of Banna Gupta, who had courted controversy recently after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey posted a video purportedly showing him engaging in an "obscene" phone conversation with a woman. Gupta termed the video "fake and edited". Congress state chief Rajesh Thakur told PTI that the issues flagged by the 12 Congress legislators are being looked into. "They have expressed their feelings to me and I shall bring this to the notice of the party central leadership. The decision by the central leadership will be accepted by all. We are hopeful of resolving it very soon," he added. In the 11-member Champai Soren cabinet, there are only two new faces - Basant Soren, JMM supremo Shibu Sorens youngest son, and JMM's Chaibasa MLA Deepak Birua. While eight were sworn-in on Friday, the CM and two others- Alamgir Alam of Congress and Satyanand Bhokta of RJD - took oath on February 2. Basant is the younger brother of former chief minister Hemant Soren, who is in judicial custody in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. On Friday, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Baidyanath Ram, who was allegedly dropped from the list of ministers at the eleventh hour, said he would not tolerate "this insult and contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming assembly polls if required. "Everything was finalised and my name featured in the ministers list. But, at the last moment, my name was dropped. It is an insult. I will not tolerate it," Ram had asserted, alleging, "Under pressure from the central leadership of Congress, my name was removed." Ram also claimed that Chief Minister Champai Soren assured him that he would resolve the matter within two days. According to sources, the CM is likely to go to Delhi later in the day. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) executive president Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED on January 31, shortly after he resigned as the chief minister. The BJP has 26 legislators and the AJSU Party has three. The NCP and CPI (ML) have one lawmaker each, apart from two Independents. There is also a nominated member. Kohima, Feb 16 (PTI) A large number of government employees in Nagaland took to the streets on Friday, demanding scrapping of the new pension scheme and restoration of the earlier system. State government employees recruited after 2010, the year the new pension scheme was implemented, converged at the civil secretariat junction here under the aegis of the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees Forum (NNPSGSEF). NNPSGSEF president Moanungsang said the peaceful dharna was held to stand in solidarity with the national strike organised by the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF). He said the forum had submitted a representation to the state government in September 2023, but there has been no response. NNPSGSEF said the old pension scheme provided social security to employees with guaranteed life-time reasonable pension. However, the new scheme does not provide social security and guarantees lower pension per month to long-surviving pensioners, it claimed. A carved mountain goat looks down at the lower level in REI Co-op's flagship store in Seattle. The outdoors gear retailer is closing its Santa Monica store at the end of February. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press) REI will close up shop in Santa Monica at the end of the month, marking the second move out of a busy downtown area this month for the outdoor retail giant. REI Co-op's location in the heart of Portland closed earlier this month. In both cases, the company has either already opened, or soon plans to open, stores in more suburban areas nearby one location in Marina del Rey, which opened over the summer, and another in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland, which is slated to open this spring. The closure of the Santa Monica outlet, which opened in 2006, marks the latest blow for one of the coastal citys key shopping districts, which has lately begun to build back some momentum after struggling to regain its footing in recent years. The bustling tourist destination, which took a big hit during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, has drawn criticism from some locals about public safety and homelessness, as well as counter-criticism that those complaints are overblown. A Times review in late 2022 found that police calls for service in the city declined sharply in 2020 relative to the six years previous and that they had stayed relatively flat. Read more: Can pickleball cure what's ailing Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade? Representatives for REI didnt immediately respond to questions about why the store is leaving the Santa Monica location, which officially closes at 6 p.m. on Feb. 29, or about the January closure of a store in Fremont, Calif. The company previously put out a statement about leaving Portland, saying that the store had in the last year experienced its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite actions to provide extra security. Although REI said in the statement that it didnt intend to return to downtown Portland in the near term, the retailer pointed shoppers to three locations in nearby suburbs. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Imphal, Feb 17 (PTI) A BSF jawan was injured in a gun attack in Manipur's Kakching district on Saturday, an official said. Injured head constable Som Dutt, 45, is from Himachal Pradesh, the official said. Dutt suffered injuries on his left shoulder when he was hit by a bullet at Sugnu village. He was admitted to a private hospital, he said. "There have been consistent attacks by armed men for the last three days at Sugnu. On Friday night, they fired from the hill slopes using medium machine guns," the official added. On Wednesday, armed men attacked Sugnu village, triggering a gunfight with village volunteers stationed in the area. Last May, Sugnu witnessed severe violence, resulting in the burning of numerous houses and the loss of more than five lives, which compelled hundreds of villagers to seek refuge in relief camps. New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will pay a two-day state visit to India from February 21 with an aim to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. It would be the first visit to India by a head of state of Greece to India after a gap of 15 years. India-Greece relations were elevated to 'strategic partnership' during Modi's visit to Greece in August last year. Mitsotakis will be the chief guest and keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, announcing his visit. The Greek prime minister will be accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation. "Prime Minister Mitsotakis's visit is expected to further strengthen and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece," the MEA said. Mitsotakis will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions and Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary," the MEA said in a statement. It said India-Greece relations are based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of security and defence, shipping, maritime and marked by convergence on regional and global issues. The two countries have also been cooperating closely in various multilateral forums. New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) A class 11 student was stabbed to death by three teenagers for allegedly harassing one of them in south Delhi's Neb Sarai area, police said on Saturday. The three juveniles, including a class 10 student, have been apprehended in connection with the incident. Two knives used in the commission of the crime have also been recovered, they said. Rohan was found injured on Thursday in Neb Sarai. There were multiple stab wounds on his body. He was taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where he died during treatment, a police official said. CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crime spot was collected and the attackers were subsequently identified and apprehended on Friday, he said. During interrogation, one of the accused told police that he and Rohan studied in the same school, a police officer said. "Rohan used to harass him at school. So, the accused decided to take revenge along with his two friends," he said. The three called Rohan from his house and attacked him with knives, the officer said. Kota (Rajasthan) Feb 17 (PTI) A court here on Saturday sent a man to 20 years in jail for abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl around three years ago. Despite the girl turning hostile during the trial, the 25-year-old man was convicted by the POCSO court based on the forensic report and the FIR filed on the complaint of the girl's mother, Public Prosecutor Dhirendra Chaudhary said. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the convict. The girl's mother on April 2, 2021, lodged a missing report at the Deoli Manjhi police station and suspected Ravi Prakash of having abducted her daughter, Chaudhary said. Police rescued the girl 12 days later, lodged a case of abduction and rape against Prakash under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and arrested him, he added. According to the police, Prakash took the girl to several places in and outside Kota, stayed in hotels and raped her. Amaravati, Feb 17 (PTI) The Crime Investigation Department of Andhra Pradesh Police on Friday filed the chargesheet in the Rs 114-crore AP Fibernet Scam case in the Vijayawada ACB Court, naming TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu as the main accused person. Besides Naidu, the CID named V Hari Krishna Prasad, managing director, Net India, Hyderabad and K Sambasiva Rao, IRTS officer, as the other accused persons, the CID said in a statement. Naidu, the then chief minister, was holding the portfolio of the energy, infrastructure and investment department. He personally recommended getting the fiber net project executed, said the CID in the statement on the alleged tender manipulation case which occurred during the erstwhile TDP government between 2014 and 2019. It said the tender process was manipulated to allot work order of the Phase 1 of the AP Fibernet Project of Rs 330 crore to a favoured company. According to the CID, several alleged irregularities took place from allotting of tender to completion of the total project, resulting in a huge loss to the exchequer. As per the CID chargesheet, Naidu had approved the estimate of the Fibernet project without considering the fact that no market survey was done for the prices of the items or the standards to be followed. Further, the CID noted that the former CM allegedly pressurised senior government officials to include Hari Krishna Prasad in various tender evaluation committees, revoke the blacklisting of Terasoftware Pvt Ltd and ultimately award the tender to the same company, among other irregularities. Moreover, the CID highlighted that the accused persons allegedly channelised the misappropriated funds through a web of companies allegedly belonging to their associates using fake invoices. The accused persons were booked under IPC Sections 166, 167, 418, 465, 468, 471, 409 and 506 read with 120 B and others. Westerly, RI (02891) Today Rain showers this morning with some sunshine during the afternoon hours. High near 50F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Vauxhall is offering a year's free EV charging credit at Tesco stores for buyers of its new electric vehicles. The carmaker says its supermarket partnership using PodPoint chargers will provide drivers with access to charge points across 619 stores. Free: Vauxhall says its supermarket partnership - using PodPoint chargers - will provide drivers with access to charge points across 619 Tesco stores It comes as part of Vauxhall's innovative 'Electric Streets of Britain' (electricstreets.co.uk) initiative. This is designed to increase accessible charging to support the 40 per cent of UK households without a driveway as the slow roll-out of charging points is seen as a brake on sales. It also coincides with Vauxhall and other carmakers introducing new discounts and finance deals for private buyers on sluggish-selling EVs. Vauxhall noted: 'With 22 million visitors per month and over 1 million charging sessions, Tesco stores are found within a 10-minute drive for over 70 per cent of the UK population, allowing greater ease and convenience for EV drivers across the country.' Vauxhall managing director James Taylor said: 'As electric vehicle sales continue to grow, access to practical charging continues to be a hot topic to ensure the UK can continue along its electrification journey, whether at home, on-street or at a required destination.' Tesco supermarket forecourts have with a mix of 7kW, 22kW, 50kW and 75kW charging stations. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price target hoisted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$64.00 to C$65.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock. Several other brokerages have also commented on CM. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$66.00 to C$63.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 1st. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$57.00 to C$62.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$58.00 to C$56.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 23rd. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$65.00 to C$67.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Desjardins raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$62.93. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: View Our Latest Report on CM Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Trading Up 0.6 % Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock opened at C$61.93 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$61.87 and a 200-day moving average of C$56.30. The firm has a market cap of C$57.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.00, a P/E/G ratio of 31.58 and a beta of 1.09. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 1-year low of C$47.44 and a 1-year high of C$64.43. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last posted its 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 firm had revenue of C$5.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations 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%. Research analysts forecast that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.6411379 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 28th were given a dividend of $0.90 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 27th. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.81%. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.87. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.77%. Insider Activity at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce In related news, Senior Officer Christina Charlotte Kramer sold 15,446 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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. About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (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. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Delta Air Lines from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Delta Air Lines has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $55.54. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Price Performance Shares of NYSE:DAL opened at $40.12 on Wednesday. Delta Air Lines has a fifty-two week low of $30.60 and a fifty-two week high of $49.81. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $40.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $38.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of $25.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.42. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The transportation company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.17 by $0.11. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 46.35%. The firm had revenue of $14.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.55 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.48 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Delta Air Lines will post 6.57 earnings per share for the current year. Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Investors of record on Monday, February 26th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 23rd. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio is 5.59%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Delta Air Lines news, CEO Edward H. Bastian sold 71,840 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.20, for a total value of $2,816,128.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 428,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,807,705.60. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.89% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DAL. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 399.7% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 19,665,620 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $934,904,000 after purchasing an additional 15,729,876 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Delta Air Lines during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $60,640,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 30.9% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 6,660,845 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $316,616,000 after acquiring an additional 1,572,919 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 145.2% during the 4th quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 2,618,627 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $105,347,000 after acquiring an additional 1,550,770 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi boosted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 79.5% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 3,396,524 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $129,679,000 after acquiring an additional 1,504,544 shares during the last quarter. 71.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Delta Air Lines (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. What financial metrics can indicate to us that a company is maturing or even in decline? Typically, we'll see the trend of both return on capital employed (ROCE) declining and this usually coincides with a decreasing amount of capital employed. Trends like this ultimately mean the business is reducing its investments and also earning less on what it has invested. In light of that, from a first glance at China Kangda Food (SGX:P74), we've spotted some signs that it could be struggling, so let's investigate. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for China Kangda Food: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.005 = CN3.1m (CN1.5b - CN889m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023). So, China Kangda Food has an ROCE of 0.5%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Food industry average of 8.6%. See our latest analysis for China Kangda Food roce While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you're interested in investigating China Kangda Food's past further, check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow. What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us We are a bit worried about the trend of returns on capital at China Kangda Food. To be more specific, the ROCE was 1.9% five years ago, but since then it has dropped noticeably. Meanwhile, capital employed in the business has stayed roughly the flat over the period. This combination can be indicative of a mature business that still has areas to deploy capital, but the returns received aren't as high due potentially to new competition or smaller margins. So because these trends aren't typically conducive to creating a multi-bagger, we wouldn't hold our breath on China Kangda Food becoming one if things continue as they have. Story continues On a separate but related note, it's important to know that China Kangda Food has a current liabilities to total assets ratio of 59%, which we'd consider pretty high. This effectively means that suppliers (or short-term creditors) are funding a large portion of the business, so just be aware that this can introduce some elements of risk. Ideally we'd like to see this reduce as that would mean fewer obligations bearing risks. The Bottom Line On China Kangda Food's ROCE In the end, the trend of lower returns on the same amount of capital isn't typically an indication that we're looking at a growth stock. Unsurprisingly then, the stock has dived 77% over the last five years, so investors are recognizing these changes and don't like the company's prospects. With underlying trends that aren't great in these areas, we'd consider looking elsewhere. One more thing: We've identified 3 warning signs with China Kangda Food (at least 2 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding these would certainly be useful. While China Kangda Food isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. 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. Shares of European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:ERE.UN Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seven analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$3.30. Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Raymond James cut European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from C$2.75 to C$2.85 in a research report on Monday, January 8th. CIBC dropped their target price on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.75 to C$3.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Cormark lowered their price target on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$4.15 to C$4.00 in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.50 to C$3.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lowered their price target for the stock from C$4.00 to C$3.50 in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Get European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: View Our Latest Report on European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Down 1.3 % European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust stock opened at C$2.36 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 266.13, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 0.28. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$2.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$2.43. European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust has a fifty-two week low of C$2.12 and a fifty-two week high of C$3.72. The company has a market capitalization of C$215.07 million, a P/E ratio of -2.95 and a beta of 1.21. (Get Free Report European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust ERES is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. ERESs REIT units are listed on the TSX under the symbol ERE.UN. ERES is Canadas only European-focused multi-residential REIT, with a current initial focus on investing in high-quality multi-residential real estate properties in the Netherlands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for European Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Wednesday morning. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on KRG. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on Kite Realty Group Trust from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $26.00. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Kite Realty Group Trust Kite Realty Group Trust Stock Down 1.7 % Kite Realty Group Trust Dividend Announcement Shares of NYSE:KRG opened at $21.48 on Wednesday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a fifty-two week low of $18.77 and a fifty-two week high of $24.26. The firms 50 day moving average price is $22.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The stock has a market cap of $4.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 97.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.30. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 5th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 4th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.66%. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 454.57%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO John A. Kite sold 60,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.91, for a total value of $1,314,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 104,121 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,281,291.11. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 32.3% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 116,703 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,657,000 after acquiring an additional 28,495 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 14.5% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 67,735 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,542,000 after purchasing an additional 8,554 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in Kite Realty Group Trust by 18.9% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,700 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $153,000 after purchasing an additional 1,067 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new position in Kite Realty Group Trust in the first quarter valued at $448,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 16.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 26,095 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $601,000 after buying an additional 3,760 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.22% of the companys stock. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Company's primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HSBC cut shares of Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Wednesday, MarketBeat reports. The brokerage currently has $22.00 price target on the stock. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on PLTR. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an underperform rating and issued a $5.00 price target on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Wedbush raised their price objective on Palantir Technologies from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Mizuho raised their price objective on Palantir Technologies from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Citigroup raised Palantir Technologies from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $10.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised Palantir Technologies from an underperform rating to a hold rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $13.00 to $22.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $16.71. Get Palantir Technologies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Palantir Technologies Palantir Technologies Stock Down 3.7 % Insiders Place Their Bets PLTR stock opened at $24.46 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $18.32 and its 200-day moving average is $17.32. The company has a market cap of $53.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 271.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.23 and a beta of 2.66. Palantir Technologies has a twelve month low of $7.19 and a twelve month high of $25.52. In other Palantir Technologies news, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.10, for a total transaction of $125,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 181,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,563,933. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.10, for a total value of $125,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 181,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,563,933. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Shyam Sankar sold 29,168 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.00, for a total value of $729,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 752,786 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,819,650. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 1,245,045 shares of company stock worth $25,635,461. Corporate insiders own 13.96% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Palantir Technologies Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PLTR. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Palantir Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $206,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 18.6% in the 1st quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 14,579 shares of the companys stock valued at $200,000 after purchasing an additional 2,286 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Palantir Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,475,000. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 38.3% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 226,834 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,114,000 after purchasing an additional 62,814 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 71.9% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,153,018 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,832,000 after purchasing an additional 482,171 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 34.21% of the companys stock. 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 Stories 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. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Free Report) had its target price trimmed by Robert W. Baird from $203.00 to $170.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the technology companys stock. Several other brokerages have also commented on WCC. StockNews.com raised shares of WESCO International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. KeyCorp lowered their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $185.00 to $165.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on WESCO International from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered WESCO International from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $202.00 to $173.00 in a report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $178.83. Get WESCO International alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WCC WESCO International Price Performance Shares of WCC stock opened at $145.69 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 2.11. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $172.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $157.01. WESCO International has a one year low of $121.90 and a one year high of $195.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 2.48 and a quick ratio of 1.39. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The technology company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.86 by ($1.21). WESCO International had a net margin of 3.42% and a return on equity of 17.01%. The business had revenue of $5.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.59 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.13 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that WESCO International will post 14.77 EPS for the current year. WESCO International Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.375 per share. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. WESCO Internationals payout ratio is 11.08%. Insider Buying and Selling In other WESCO International news, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $663,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,333,150. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other WESCO International news, EVP Hemant Porwal sold 13,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $154.12, for a total transaction of $2,003,560.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,171,396.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Nelson John Squires III sold 3,490 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $663,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,385 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,333,150. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On WESCO International Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Lyrical Asset Management LP grew its position in WESCO International by 2,583.9% in the 4th quarter. Lyrical Asset Management LP now owns 765,124 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $133,040,000 after acquiring an additional 736,616 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in WESCO International by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 657,472 shares of the technology companys stock worth $117,727,000 after buying an additional 41,589 shares during the period. River Road Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in WESCO International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $79,404,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in WESCO International by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 417,250 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $60,009,000 after buying an additional 4,187 shares during the period. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of WESCO International by 0.8% in the second quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 191,090 shares of the technology companys stock worth $34,217,000 after acquiring an additional 1,510 shares in the last quarter. 99.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About WESCO International (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc provides business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), Communications & Security Solutions (CSS), and Utility and Broadband Solutions (UBS). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,770,000 shares, a growth of 8.4% from the January 15th total of 4,400,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,250,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.8 days. Insider Buying and Selling at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, EVP Madeleine Thorp Alsbrook sold 4,854 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.55, for a total value of $580,295.70. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,359,917. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Madeleine Thorp Alsbrook sold 4,854 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.55, for a total transaction of $580,295.70. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 19,740 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,359,917. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Kristina Fukuzaki-Carlson sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.03, for a total value of $292,575.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 30,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,519,092.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 17,354 shares of company stock worth $2,053,571 in the last 90 days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 58,322 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,619,000 after acquiring an additional 3,023 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 83.0% in the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 5,513 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $626,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares during the last quarter. Forsta AP Fonden increased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter. Forsta AP Fonden now owns 34,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,881,000 after acquiring an additional 3,100 shares during the last quarter. CENTRAL TRUST Co bought a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Boston Partners bought a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $1,195,000. 86.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance Shares of ARE opened at $119.28 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $124.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $113.42. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 52-week low of $90.73 and a 52-week high of $162.04. The firm has a market cap of $20.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 220.89, a PEG ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The real estate investment trust reported ($0.54) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by ($2.83). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 3.59% and a return on equity of 0.46%. The business had revenue of $757.22 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $740.16 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.14 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a $1.27 dividend. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.26%. This is an increase from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is 940.76%. Analysts Set New Price Targets ARE has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $140.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. They set a buy rating and a $140.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com raised Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Mizuho boosted their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $145.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alexandria Real Estate Equities presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $137.13. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:PBT Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, February 16th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a dividend of 0.045 per share by the oil and gas producer on Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $0.54 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. This is a boost from Permian Basin Royalty Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.03. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has increased its dividend by an average of 36.7% annually over the last three years. Get Permian Basin Royalty Trust alerts: Permian Basin Royalty Trust Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of PBT opened at $13.63 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $635.29 million, a PE ratio of 21.98 and a beta of 0.64. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has a 12 month low of $13.11 and a 12 month high of $27.77. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $14.38 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.23. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, TheStreet downgraded Permian Basin Royalty Trust from a b rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. Get Our Latest Research Report on Permian Basin Royalty Trust Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PBT. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 1,052.3% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 41,496 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $210,000 after purchasing an additional 37,895 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 108.4% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 52,536 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $657,000 after purchasing an additional 27,329 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $148,000. Sowell Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,934,000. Finally, PEAK6 Investments LLC acquired a new position in Permian Basin Royalty Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $143,000. 28.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Permian Basin Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Permian Basin Royalty Trust, an express trust, holds overriding royalty interests in various oil and gas properties in the United States. The company owns a 75% net overriding royalty interest in the Waddell Ranch properties comprising Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian), and Waddell fields located in Crane County, Texas. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 44,335 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $8,914,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. owned 0.05% of Laboratory Co. of America as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its position in Laboratory Co. of America by 1.7% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,843 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $686,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 7,834 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,845,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. SP Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 14,901 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,596,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Essex Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 1.9% during the second quarter. Essex Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,669 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $644,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Guardian Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 1.0% in the first quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 5,379 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.37% of the companys stock. Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Laboratory Co. of America news, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 237 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.45, for a total value of $53,668.65. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,729,398.65. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Laboratory Co. of America news, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 259 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $222.06, for a total transaction of $57,513.54. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,637 shares in the company, valued at $1,695,872.22. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 237 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.45, for a total value of $53,668.65. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,729,398.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock. Laboratory Co. of America Stock Performance LH opened at $216.64 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $18.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.39 and a beta of 1.04. The companys fifty day moving average price is $224.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $213.52. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 1-year low of $174.20 and a 1-year high of $234.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The medical research company reported $3.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.29 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $3.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.02 billion. Laboratory Co. of America had a return on equity of 13.99% and a net margin of 3.24%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $4.14 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 14.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Laboratory Co. of America Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 27th will be issued a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 26th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.33%. Laboratory Co. of Americas payout ratio is currently 61.67%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LH has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. TheStreet downgraded shares of Laboratory Co. of America from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Thursday. Evercore ISI initiated coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a research note on Friday, February 9th. They issued an in-line rating and a $240.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $259.00 to $261.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Mizuho cut their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $257.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Laboratory Co. of America in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $222.00 price objective on the stock. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $241.86. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Laboratory Co. of America About Laboratory Co. of America (Free Report) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 60,299 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,839,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Toyota Motor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Toyota Motor by 150.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 150 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Toyota Motor by 1,563.6% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 183 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Toyota Motor by 105.6% during the 3rd quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC now owns 185 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. Finally, Venturi Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Toyota Motor by 101.9% in the 3rd quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 214 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.33% of the companys stock. Get Toyota Motor alerts: Toyota Motor Stock Performance NYSE:TM opened at $227.36 on Friday. Toyota Motor Co. has a 1-year low of $132.35 and a 1-year high of $232.56. The firms fifty day moving average price is $196.71 and its 200 day moving average price is $184.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The firm has a market cap of $308.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.65. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on TM. Nomura cut shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 19th. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Toyota Motor Toyota Motor Profile (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. Read More 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. Nordea Investment Management AB cut its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report) by 9.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,051,289 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 437,829 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB owned 0.11% of Wells Fargo & Company worth $166,751,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth $2,049,693,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 129,312.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 26,287,479 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,085,410,000 after purchasing an additional 26,267,166 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 69.1% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 61,833,769 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,638,987,000 after purchasing an additional 25,268,032 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1,478.6% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 8,390,611 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $406,609,000 after purchasing an additional 7,859,100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter worth $345,861,000. 72.47% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Barclays lifted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Raymond James lifted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $51.00 to $50.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $51.43. Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance Shares of WFC traded down $0.13 on Friday, reaching $51.91. The stock had a trading volume of 24,359,733 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,672,132. The firm has a market capitalization of $188.52 billion, a PE ratio of 10.77, a PEG ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $49.01 and a 200 day moving average of $44.40. Wells Fargo & Company has a twelve month low of $35.25 and a twelve month high of $52.45. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.30). The firm had revenue of $20.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.30 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.40% and a net margin of 16.60%. The businesss revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.67 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 EPS for the current year. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 2nd 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 2.70%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 1st. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 29.05%. About Wells Fargo & Company (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its stake in The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,460,256 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 108,998 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB owned 0.82% of The Hartford Financial Services Group worth $176,154,000 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 HIG. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 19.6% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 513,351 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $36,402,000 after purchasing an additional 84,001 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter worth about $3,862,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter worth about $12,700,000. Rafferty Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 102,619 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $7,277,000 after purchasing an additional 3,054 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kestra Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group by 19.5% during the 3rd quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 21,252 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,507,000 after purchasing an additional 3,461 shares during the last quarter. 90.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at The Hartford Financial Services Group In related news, SVP Allison G. Niderno sold 1,332 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.74, for a total transaction of $119,533.68. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 630 shares of the companys stock, valued at $56,536.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Christopher Swift sold 94,807 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.65, for a total transaction of $8,215,026.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 170,180 shares in the company, valued at $14,746,097. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Allison G. Niderno sold 1,332 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.74, for a total transaction of $119,533.68. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 630 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,536.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 339,050 shares of company stock valued at $28,069,037. Corporate insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock. The Hartford Financial Services Group Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE HIG traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $93.06. 1,201,565 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,939,847. The company has a market cap of $27.99 billion, a PE ratio of 11.65, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.87. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $64.25 and a 12 month high of $93.69. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $84.27 and a 200-day moving average of $77.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The insurance provider reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.44 by $0.62. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a net margin of 10.21% and a return on equity of 19.82%. The business had revenue of $6.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.84 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.31 earnings per share. The Hartford Financial Services Groups revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 9.99 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have issued reports on HIG. Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $77.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $94.00 to $91.00 in a report on Monday, January 8th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $97.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $100.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Hartford Financial Services Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $90.60. Get Our Latest Report on The Hartford Financial Services Group The Hartford Financial Services Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in Science Applications International Co. (NYSE:SAIC Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 14,968 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,580,000. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its stake in Science Applications International by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 14,738 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,303,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its stake in Science Applications International by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 4,118 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $463,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Lincoln National Corp grew its stake in Science Applications International by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 6,619 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $745,000 after acquiring an additional 102 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP boosted its stake in shares of Science Applications International by 100.0% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 218 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp boosted its stake in shares of Science Applications International by 0.6% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 20,979 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,360,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.31% of the companys stock. Get Science Applications International alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently issued reports on SAIC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Science Applications International from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the company from $130.00 to $142.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Science Applications International from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Science Applications International from $116.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Science Applications International from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $125.33. Science Applications International Stock Up 0.8 % NYSE:SAIC traded up $1.04 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $135.32. 264,981 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 245,059. The business has a 50-day moving average of $127.67 and a two-hundred day moving average of $118.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.05 billion, a PE ratio of 14.33 and a beta of 0.71. Science Applications International Co. has a 12-month low of $95.43 and a 12-month high of $136.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.13. Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, December 4th. The information technology services provider reported $2.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.58. The business had revenue of $1.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.79 billion. Science Applications International had a net margin of 6.67% and a return on equity of 26.14%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.90 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Science Applications International Co. will post 7.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Science Applications International Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 12th were issued a dividend of $0.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 11th. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.09%. Science Applications Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 15.66%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Robert S. Genter sold 7,024 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total transaction of $878,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 48,204 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,025,500. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Robert S. Genter sold 7,024 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total transaction of $878,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 48,204 shares in the company, valued at $6,025,500. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Donna S. Morea sold 1,209 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.11, for a total transaction of $151,257.99. Following the sale, the director now owns 31,834 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,982,751.74. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 12,233 shares of company stock valued at $1,539,058 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Science Applications International Profile (Free Report) Science Applications International Corporation provides technical, engineering, and enterprise information technology (IT) services primarily in the United States. The company's offerings include engineering; technology integration; IT modernization; maintenance of ground and maritime systems; logistics; training and simulation; operation and program support services; and end-to-end services, such as design, development, integration, deployment, management and operations, sustainment, and security of its customers' IT infrastructure, as well as cloud migration, managed services, infrastructure modernization, and enterprise IT-as-a-service solutions; and data management platform solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Science Applications International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Science Applications International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. boosted its holdings in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 89.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 10,657 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,019 shares during the period. Phoenix Holdings Ltd.s holdings in Novartis were worth $1,096,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. WCG Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Novartis by 12.7% in the third quarter. WCG Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 33,823 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,481,000 after buying an additional 3,807 shares during the period. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC increased its stake in Novartis by 2.3% in the third quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 18,398 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,874,000 after purchasing an additional 413 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. increased its stake in Novartis by 6.3% in the third quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 17,283 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,760,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030 shares in the last quarter. FCA Corp TX increased its stake in Novartis by 3.3% in the third quarter. FCA Corp TX now owns 23,276 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,371,000 after purchasing an additional 750 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ruggaard & Associates LLC increased its stake in Novartis by 2.0% in the third quarter. Ruggaard & Associates LLC now owns 7,562 shares of the companys stock valued at $770,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. 7.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novartis alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets NVS has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Novartis in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Novartis in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $114.00 target price for the company. Finally, HSBC downgraded shares of Novartis from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Novartis Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of NVS stock opened at $100.19 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $212.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.95, a P/E/G ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.56. Novartis AG has a 12-month low of $79.98 and a 12-month high of $108.78. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $103.04 and a 200-day moving average of $100.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Novartis (NYSE:NVS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The company reported $1.53 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $11.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.69 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 29.83% and a return on equity of 29.90%. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.51 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Novartis AG will post 7.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Novartis Company Profile (Free Report) Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. It offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. acquired a new stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 6,616 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $280,000. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Empirical Finance LLC raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 21,586 shares of the companys stock valued at $987,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the period. Corrigan Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Altria Group by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. Corrigan Financial Inc. now owns 5,294 shares of the companys stock worth $240,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares during the last quarter. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. increased its holdings in Altria Group by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. Jackson Grant Investment Advisers Inc. now owns 3,711 shares of the companys stock worth $168,000 after purchasing an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,055 shares of the companys stock worth $229,000 after purchasing an additional 239 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clear Creek Financial Management LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC now owns 5,825 shares of the companys stock worth $246,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares during the last quarter. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Price Performance NYSE:MO opened at $40.18 on Friday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $48.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.66. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $40.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.87. Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by $0.01. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 243.71% and a net margin of 33.21%. The company had revenue of $5.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.06 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.18 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.08 EPS for the current fiscal year. Altria Group announced that its board has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, February 1st that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 1.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Altria Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st were given 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 9.76%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.78%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MO shares. StockNews.com downgraded Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group reiterated a sell rating and issued a $36.10 price target on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $47.22. Get Our Latest Research Report on Altria Group Altria Group Company 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. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 175,144 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,215,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Fairfield Bush & CO. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 26,141 shares of the companys stock worth $2,456,000 after buying an additional 281 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 35.6% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,939 shares of the companys stock worth $463,000 after purchasing an additional 1,296 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 24.7% during the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 3,065 shares of the companys stock worth $288,000 after purchasing an additional 608 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 54.9% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 525 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 14.7% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 8,987 shares of the companys stock worth $844,000 after purchasing an additional 1,154 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes PM has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group lowered shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and cut their target price for the stock from $105.00 to $86.50 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Redburn Atlantic initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective 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, Societe Generale upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $87.50 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $105.40. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of Philip Morris International 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 transaction, the insider now directly owns 198,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders. Philip Morris International Stock Performance PM stock opened at $89.65 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $139.17 billion, a PE ratio of 17.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.63. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $87.23 and a one year high of $102.00. The companys 50 day moving average price is $92.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.20. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $9.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.99 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 116.29% and a net margin of 8.53%. The companys revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.39 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.4 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 21st were paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.80%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 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. Featured Articles 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. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC trimmed its position in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,347 shares of the companys stock after selling 202 shares during the quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland were worth $554,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Kestra Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 33.7% in the third quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 48,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,630,000 after purchasing an additional 12,133 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 217,091 shares of the companys stock worth $16,373,000 after buying an additional 3,846 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its stake in Archer-Daniels-Midland by 77.0% during the 3rd quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 6,008 shares of the companys stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 2,614 shares in the last quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC acquired a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland during the third quarter valued at approximately $6,618,000. Finally, Cornerstone Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,652,000. 77.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on ADM. Stephens reduced their target price on shares of 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. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a 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. TheStreet lowered Archer-Daniels-Midland from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and thirteen have issued a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $67.08. Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance Shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock opened at $53.64 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.69. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a one year low of $50.72 and a one year high of $87.30. The company has a market cap of $28.61 billion, a PE ratio of 7.47 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $64.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $72.52. Archer-Daniels-Midland Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.73%. This is an increase from Archer-Daniels-Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 7th. Archer-Daniels-Midlands payout ratio is 27.86%. Archer-Daniels-Midland Profile (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. Further Reading 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. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE:KRP Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 28,800 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $461,000. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lifted its holdings in Kimbell Royalty Partners by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 16,303 shares of the energy companys stock worth $261,000 after buying an additional 628 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Kimbell Royalty Partners by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 32,090 shares of the energy companys stock worth $489,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Apollon Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Kimbell Royalty Partners by 6.2% during the 2nd quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 12,368 shares of the energy companys stock worth $182,000 after buying an additional 724 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in Kimbell Royalty Partners by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 16,419 shares of the energy companys stock worth $242,000 after buying an additional 821 shares during the period. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its holdings in Kimbell Royalty Partners by 40.0% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,500 shares of the energy companys stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 36.70% of the companys stock. Get Kimbell Royalty Partners alerts: Kimbell Royalty Partners Stock Up 0.9 % Kimbell Royalty Partners stock traded up $0.14 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $15.71. The stock had a trading volume of 319,962 shares, compared to its average volume of 350,525. Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP has a 12 month low of $13.85 and a 12 month high of $17.11. The company has a market capitalization of $1.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.48 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $15.00 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.36. The company has a current ratio of 6.95, a quick ratio of 6.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. KeyCorp lowered their price objective on Kimbell Royalty Partners from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Raymond James lowered their price objective on Kimbell Royalty Partners from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on Kimbell Royalty Partners from $22.00 to $21.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 27th. Bank of America assumed coverage on Kimbell Royalty Partners in a research report on Monday, October 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $19.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Truist Financial assumed coverage on Kimbell Royalty Partners in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $22.00 price objective for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kimbell Royalty Partners presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $20.33. Read Our Latest Research Report on Kimbell Royalty Partners Insider Activity at Kimbell Royalty Partners In related news, insider Blayne Rhynsburger sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.29, for a total value of $45,870.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 50,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $767,420.39. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director T Scott Martin acquired 11,019 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $15.27 per share, with a total value of $168,260.13. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 59,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $912,092.37. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Blayne Rhynsburger sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.29, for a total value of $45,870.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 50,191 shares of the companys stock, valued at $767,420.39. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 5.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Kimbell Royalty Partners Profile (Free Report) Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP, together with its subsidiaries, engages in acquiring and owning mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties in the United States. The company serves as the general partner of the company. Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE:KRP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kimbell Royalty Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kimbell Royalty Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthsource Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 9.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 6,247 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 562 shares during the period. Wealthsource Partners LLCs holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $510,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc increased its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 77.3% in the third quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 328 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. RVW Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley in the third quarter worth $27,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Morgan Stanley by 810.8% in the third quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 337 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, West Branch Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.09% of the companys stock. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on MS. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 4th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $80.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $85.00 price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and set a $87.00 price objective (down from $94.00) on shares of Morgan Stanley in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Morgan Stanley from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Thirteen 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.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $94.56. Morgan Stanley Trading Up 1.0 % Morgan Stanley stock opened at $86.50 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.76. Morgan Stanley has a 1 year low of $69.42 and a 1 year high of $100.02. The firms 50-day moving average is $88.78 and its 200-day moving average is $83.77. The company has a market cap of $141.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.73, a PEG ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 1.44. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.06. Morgan Stanley had a net margin of 9.49% and a return on equity of 10.33%. The business had revenue of $12.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.31 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Morgan Stanley will post 6.36 earnings per share for the current year. Morgan Stanley Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 31st were issued a $0.85 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.93%. Morgan Stanleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 65.76%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Morgan Stanley news, Chairman James P. Gorman sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.30, for a total transaction of $8,730,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 350,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,555,000. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Morgan Stanley news, Chairman James P. Gorman sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.30, for a total transaction of $8,730,000.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 350,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,555,000. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Chairman James P. Gorman sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.93, for a total transaction of $4,396,500.00. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 400,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $35,172,000. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 208,155 shares of company stock valued at $18,149,314 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. About Morgan Stanley (Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its holdings in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC Free Report) by 7.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 996,963 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 70,443 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB owned about 0.20% of Marsh & McLennan Companies worth $191,566,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of MMC. Ignite Planners LLC boosted its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 4.3% in the third quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 1,267 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $243,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 40.5% in the second quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 184 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp raised its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 0.8% in the second quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 6,703 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,261,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 4.7% in the second quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,188 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $223,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PDS Planning Inc raised its stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies by 2.6% in the third quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 2,210 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $421,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.64% of the companys stock. Get Marsh & McLennan Companies alerts: Marsh & McLennan Companies Price Performance NYSE MMC traded down $0.69 during trading on Friday, hitting $200.30. 1,253,099 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,986,331. The company has a market capitalization of $98.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.59 and a beta of 0.90. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $193.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $193.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $151.86 and a 12-month high of $202.81. Marsh & McLennan Companies Dividend Announcement Marsh & McLennan Companies ( NYSE:MMC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $1.68 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $5.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.54 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a return on equity of 33.72% and a net margin of 16.52%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.47 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. will post 8.56 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 25th were issued a $0.71 dividend. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.42%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, January 24th. Marsh & McLennan Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.72%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently weighed in on MMC. StockNews.com cut Marsh & McLennan Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Citigroup upped their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $201.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $186.00 to $185.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Marsh & McLennan Companies from a buy rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $215.00 to $185.00 in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on Marsh & McLennan Companies in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. They set a market perform rating and a $189.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $202.71. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Marsh & McLennan Companies About Marsh & McLennan Companies (Free Report) Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc, a professional services company, provides advice and solutions to clients in the areas of risk, strategy, and people worldwide. It operates through Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting segments. The Risk and Insurance Services segment offers risk management services, such as risk advice, risk transfer, and risk control and mitigation solutions, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking, strategic advisory services, and analytics solutions, and insurance program management services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors decreased its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report) by 34.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 5,212 shares of the consumer goods makers stock after selling 2,695 shares during the quarter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $288,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC bought a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 253.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 533 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 382 shares during the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC raised its position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 448.2% in the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 603 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 493 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. increased its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 491.2% in the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 603 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 501 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 4th quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. HSBC raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. BNP Paribas cut Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 12th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $60.00 to $76.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $73.38. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Trading Down 0.9 % NYSE:BUD traded down $0.58 on Friday, reaching $62.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,425,060 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,954,694. The firm has a market cap of $108.12 billion, a PE ratio of 19.95, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.15. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $63.64 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $59.39. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1-year low of $51.66 and a 1-year high of $67.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.64. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile (Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BUD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. (CVE:YFI Get Free Report) was down 22.2% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04. Approximately 455,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 237% from the average daily volume of 134,862 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.05. Edgewater Wireless Systems Stock Up 14.3 % The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$0.04. The firm has a market capitalization of C$8.30 million, a PE ratio of -4.00 and a beta of 1.83. About Edgewater Wireless Systems (Get Free Report) Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc develops and commercializes technologies and intellectual property for the wireless communications market in North America. The company provides IP Licensing, Wi-Fi spectrum slicing solutions, dual channel Wi-Fi; wireless access points and associated peripheral equipment and support services; and PowerZoning, a channel power control product for multi-channel single radio Wi-Fi networks. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Edgewater Wireless Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edgewater Wireless Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Bloomberg) -- Graphcore Ltd., a UK microchip maker, is considering a sale to foreign buyers after failing to successfully cash in on the boom in artificial intelligence, the Telegraph newspaper reported, citing industry sources it didnt identify. Most Read from Bloomberg Bristol-based Graphcore has been in talks with major technology companies as it seeks funding to cover growing losses, the newspaper said. Some large investors in the closely-held company have already marked up the value of their stakes in anticipation of a deal of more than $500 million, the Telegraph said. Graphcore has been developing microchips for AI software and said last year that it needed new funding after sales fell 46% and losses mounted, the Telegraph said. Any sale to overseas investors would have to be reviewed by national security officials, the paper said. Graphcore had no comment, Iain Mackenzie, the companys head of communications, said in an email. Read more: Nvidia Rival Graphcore Pulls Out of China, Citing Export Rules (Updates fifth paragraph to say company declined to comment.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Blair William & Co. IL trimmed its stake in American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report) by 4.3% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 11,210 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 500 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. ILs holdings in American Water Works were worth $1,388,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of American Water Works during the 3rd quarter worth $100,000. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of American Water Works by 20.9% in the 3rd quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 258,068 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,957,000 after purchasing an additional 44,646 shares in the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lifted its position in shares of American Water Works by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 104,031 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $12,882,000 after purchasing an additional 1,351 shares during the period. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of American Water Works during the third quarter valued at approximately $229,000. Finally, Choreo LLC increased its holdings in American Water Works by 14.0% during the third quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 1,732 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $214,000 after buying an additional 213 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.99% of the companys stock. Get American Water Works alerts: American Water Works Stock Down 1.2 % Shares of AWK stock opened at $122.82 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $128.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $129.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.97. American Water Works Company, Inc. has a 1-year low of $114.25 and a 1-year high of $153.43. The company has a market cap of $23.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 0.65. American Water Works Announces Dividend American Water Works ( NYSE:AWK Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The utilities provider reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.04. American Water Works had a net margin of 22.30% and a return on equity of 9.72%. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.02 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.81 EPS. American Water Workss revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that American Water Works Company, Inc. will post 5.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 8th will be given a dividend of $0.7075 per share. This represents a $2.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 7th. American Water Workss dividend payout ratio is presently 57.87%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have weighed in on AWK shares. Mizuho increased their target price on American Water Works from $134.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Evercore ISI downgraded shares of American Water Works from an outperform rating to an in-line rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $160.00 to $135.00 in a report on Friday. Get Our Latest Report on American Water Works About American Water Works (Free Report) American Water Works Company, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services to approximately 1,700 communities in 14 states serving approximately 3.5 million active customers. The company serves residential customers; commercial customers, including food and beverage providers, commercial property developers and proprietors, and energy suppliers; fire service and private fire customers; industrial customers, such as large-scale manufacturers, mining, and production operations; public authorities comprising government buildings and other public sector facilities, such as schools and universities; and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Water Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Water Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 33,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,337,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Centene by 84,741.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 225,379,868 shares of the companys stock worth $18,483,403,000 after purchasing an additional 225,114,221 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Centene by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 23,778,835 shares of the companys stock worth $1,603,882,000 after purchasing an additional 423,324 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Centene by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,010,680 shares of the companys stock worth $673,251,000 after purchasing an additional 134,892 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its position in shares of Centene by 17.1% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 9,566,260 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,764,000 after buying an additional 1,395,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Centene during the 4th quarter valued at about $713,235,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.92% of the companys stock. Get Centene alerts: Centene Stock Up 0.6 % Centene stock traded up $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $78.74. The company had a trading volume of 2,259,779 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,003,461. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.36. The firms fifty day moving average is $75.78 and its 200-day moving average is $71.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 1.12. Centene Co. has a fifty-two week low of $60.83 and a fifty-two week high of $79.83. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Centene ( NYSE:CNC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $39.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $36.16 billion. Centene had a net margin of 1.75% and a return on equity of 14.26%. Centenes revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.86 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Centene Co. will post 6.73 earnings per share for the current year. A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CNC. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Centene from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their target price on shares of Centene from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Centene from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $82.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Centene from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.57. Get Our Latest Analysis on Centene Insider Activity In other news, Director Lori Jean Robinson sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.41, for a total transaction of $774,100.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 11,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $886,731.55. 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 Lori Jean Robinson sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.41, for a total value of $774,100.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $886,731.55. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, President Kenneth J. Fasola sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.07, for a total transaction of $900,840.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now owns 235,365 shares in the company, valued at $17,668,850.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.33% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Centene (Free Report) Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families in the United States. It operates in two segments, Managed Care and Specialty Services. The Managed Care segment offers health plan coverage to individuals through government subsidized programs, including Medicaid, the State children's health insurance program, long-term services and support, foster care, and medicare-medicaid plans, which cover dually eligible individuals, as well as aged, blind, or disabled programs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 11.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 115,639 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 11,909 shares during the period. Rafferty Asset Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $10,706,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PM. Cornerstone Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 12,807.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Advisors LLC now owns 26,485,964 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,449,000 after purchasing an additional 26,280,764 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 100,700.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,640,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,582,939,000 after buying an additional 15,624,628 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted 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 valued at $11,342,014,000 after buying an additional 4,368,323 shares during the period. Boston Partners boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 1,225.5% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,568,402 shares of the companys stock valued at $348,046,000 after buying an additional 3,299,188 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 1,034.0% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,203,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $292,808,000 after buying an additional 2,921,136 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have weighed in on PM. UBS Group cut shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and dropped their price target for the company from $105.00 to $86.50 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Redburn Atlantic began 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. Societe Generale raised 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, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $105.40. Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of Philip Morris International stock opened at $89.65 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $87.23 and a 1 year high of $102.00. The firm has a market cap of $139.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.86, a PEG ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a 50-day moving average of $92.90 and a 200 day moving average of $93.20. 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 for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.44 by ($0.08). The firm had revenue of $9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.99 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 8.53% and a negative return on equity of 116.29%. The companys revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.39 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.4 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 21st were issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 103.59%. Insider Activity In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the firms 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. 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. Recommended Stories 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. Rafferty Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL Free Report) by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 211,475 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,193 shares during the period. Rafferty Asset Management LLC owned approximately 0.19% of Western Alliance Bancorporation worth $9,722,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of WAL. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 400.7% during the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 696 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 557 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation during the 1st quarter worth approximately $64,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. State of Wyoming lifted its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 54.7% during the 2nd quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 783 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 277 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 436.9% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 800 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $66,000 after acquiring an additional 651 shares during the last quarter. 72.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Western Alliance Bancorporation alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have commented on WAL. StockNews.com downgraded Western Alliance Bancorporation from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation in a report on Friday, October 20th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $60.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 15th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an equal weight rating and set a $72.00 price objective (up from $62.00) on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.56. Insider Activity at Western Alliance Bancorporation In other Western Alliance Bancorporation news, Director Robert P. Latta sold 5,370 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.07, for a total transaction of $301,095.90. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,996 shares of the companys stock, valued at $167,985.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.51% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Western Alliance Bancorporation Stock Performance Shares of WAL opened at $60.85 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $6.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.30 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.00. Western Alliance Bancorporation has a one year low of $7.46 and a one year high of $76.90. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $63.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.12. Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 26th. The financial services provider reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.93 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $705.97 million. Western Alliance Bancorporation had a net margin of 16.74% and a return on equity of 16.65%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.67 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Western Alliance Bancorporation will post 7.94 EPS for the current year. Western Alliance Bancorporation Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 16th will be issued a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. Western Alliance Bancorporations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.63%. Western Alliance Bancorporation Profile (Free Report) Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as fixed-rate and fixed maturity certificates of deposit accounts; demand deposits; and treasury management and residential mortgage products and services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealthsource Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD Free Report) by 13.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 16,419 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 1,957 shares during the quarter. Wealthsource Partners LLCs holdings in Enterprise Products Partners were worth $449,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EPD. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Enterprise Products Partners during the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in Enterprise Products Partners by 2.6% during the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 6,571,535 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $169,611,000 after purchasing an additional 169,059 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Enterprise Products Partners by 4.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 25,050,292 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $646,548,000 after purchasing an additional 1,114,690 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its holdings in Enterprise Products Partners by 3.2% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 89,367 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,307,000 after purchasing an additional 2,804 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in Enterprise Products Partners by 76.5% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 888,439 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $22,931,000 after purchasing an additional 385,008 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.54% of the companys stock. Get Enterprise Products Partners alerts: Enterprise Products Partners Stock Performance Shares of EPD stock opened at $27.26 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $26.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The firm has a market cap of $59.19 billion, a PE ratio of 10.82 and a beta of 1.02. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. has a 12 month low of $24.66 and a 12 month high of $27.95. Enterprise Products Partners Increases Dividend Enterprise Products Partners ( NYSE:EPD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The oil and gas producer reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.04. Enterprise Products Partners had a net margin of 11.12% and a return on equity of 19.77%. The firm had revenue of $14.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.43 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.65 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Enterprise Products Partners L.P. will post 2.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were given a dividend of $0.515 per share. This is a positive change from Enterprise Products Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.06 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. Enterprise Products Partnerss dividend payout ratio is 81.75%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EPD has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Enterprise Products Partners from $32.00 to $31.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Truist Financial reduced their price target on shares of Enterprise Products Partners from $33.00 to $31.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Enterprise Products Partners from $35.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price target on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a report on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Enterprise Products Partners from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $32.15. Read Our Latest Stock Report on EPD About Enterprise Products Partners (Free Report) Enterprise Products Partners L.P. provides midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil, petrochemicals, and refined products. The company operates through four segments: NGL Pipelines & Services, Crude Oil Pipelines & Services, Natural Gas Pipelines & Services, and Petrochemical & Refined Products Services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EPD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Enterprise Products Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enterprise Products Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of Xerox Holdings Co. (NYSE:XRX Free Report) by 8.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 324,683 shares of the information technology services providers stock after buying an additional 25,347 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. owned about 0.26% of Xerox worth $5,094,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Xerox by 65.2% during the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,281,942 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $20,114,000 after buying an additional 506,117 shares during the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd grew its holdings in Xerox by 25.8% during the 3rd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 27,175 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $426,000 after buying an additional 5,575 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Xerox during the 3rd quarter valued at $553,000. Rafferty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Xerox during the 3rd quarter valued at $699,000. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale acquired a new stake in Xerox during the 3rd quarter valued at $518,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get Xerox alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on XRX. StockNews.com raised Xerox from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Xerox from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Xerox from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th. Xerox Trading Down 1.6 % XRX stock traded down $0.31 during trading on Friday, reaching $18.59. 997,470 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,263,047. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $17.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $15.78. Xerox Holdings Co. has a 52-week low of $12.06 and a 52-week high of $19.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.28 billion, a PE ratio of -92.95 and a beta of 1.59. Xerox (NYSE:XRX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The information technology services provider reported $0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.52 by ($0.09). Xerox had a net margin of 0.01% and a return on equity of 9.41%. The firm had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.79 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.89 EPS. Xeroxs revenue was down 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Xerox Holdings Co. will post 2.06 earnings per share for the current year. Xerox Profile (Free Report) Xerox Holdings Corporation, a workplace technology company, designs, develops, and sells document management systems and solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and internationally. It offers workplace solutions, including desktop monochrome, and color and multifunction printers; digital printing presses and light production devices, and solutions; and digital services that leverage workflow automation, personalization and communication software, content management solutions, and digitization services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Xerox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xerox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. grew its holdings in shares of DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Free Report) by 8.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 226,498 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 17,682 shares during the period. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in DXC Technology were worth $4,718,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of DXC Technology during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of DXC Technology by 656.6% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,150 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 998 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of DXC Technology by 163.0% in the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,315 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 815 shares in the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of DXC Technology in the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of DXC Technology in the 2nd quarter worth $41,000. 88.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get DXC Technology alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut DXC Technology from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and cut their target price for the stock from $27.00 to $24.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on DXC Technology from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Citigroup lowered DXC Technology from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their price target for the company from $24.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $24.00 price target on shares of DXC Technology in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $23.33. DXC Technology Price Performance NYSE DXC traded down $0.45 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $21.72. The company had a trading volume of 4,491,094 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,947,135. DXC Technology has a 52 week low of $18.61 and a 52 week high of $29.09. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $22.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.37, a PEG ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 1.87. DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.10. DXC Technology had a positive return on equity of 19.00% and a negative net margin of 3.35%. The business had revenue of $3.40 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.36 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.95 EPS. The firms revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that DXC Technology will post 3.03 earnings per share for the current year. About DXC Technology (Free Report) DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DXC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for DXC Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DXC Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lowered its stake in TimkenSteel Co. (NYSE:TMST Free Report) by 14.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 34,640 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 6,062 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. owned approximately 0.08% of TimkenSteel worth $752,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of TMST. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of TimkenSteel by 18.4% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,741 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 581 shares during the period. Pathstone Family Office LLC boosted its stake in shares of TimkenSteel by 1.5% in the third quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 38,568 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $578,000 after buying an additional 584 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its stake in shares of TimkenSteel by 6.2% in the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 12,316 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $266,000 after buying an additional 722 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its stake in shares of TimkenSteel by 0.4% in the first quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 220,556 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,045,000 after buying an additional 875 shares during the period. Finally, Swiss National Bank boosted its stake in shares of TimkenSteel by 1.0% in the third quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 86,900 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,887,000 after buying an additional 900 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.28% of the companys stock. Get TimkenSteel alerts: TimkenSteel Stock Performance Shares of TMST stock traded down $0.37 during trading on Friday, hitting $20.60. The company had a trading volume of 226,670 shares, compared to its average volume of 192,046. The firm has a market capitalization of $888.89 million, a P/E ratio of 30.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 1.51. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $21.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.15. TimkenSteel Co. has a one year low of $15.59 and a one year high of $24.30. Insider Activity at TimkenSteel TimkenSteel Company Profile In related news, EVP Kevin A. Raketich sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.63, for a total value of $41,260.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 87,066 shares in the company, valued at $1,796,171.58. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . In other news, EVP Kevin A. Raketich sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.63, for a total transaction of $41,260.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 87,066 shares in the company, valued at $1,796,171.58. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, EVP Kevin A. Raketich sold 4,164 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.86, for a total transaction of $91,025.04. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 82,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,812,237.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 86,940 shares of company stock worth $1,871,028. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. (Free Report) TimkenSteel Corporation engages in manufacture and sale of alloy steel, and carbon and micro-alloy steel products in the United States and internationally. It offers carbon, micro-alloy, and alloy steel ingots, bars, tubes, and billets. Its products are used in gears; hubs; axles; crankshafts and connecting rods; oil country drill pipes; bits and collars; bearing races and rolling elements; bushings; fuel injectors; wind energy shafts; anti-friction bearings; and other applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TimkenSteel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TimkenSteel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lessened its position in shares of Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report) by 14.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 14,720 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,576 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in Unum Group were worth $724,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of UNM. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. increased its position in Unum Group by 4.0% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 61,304 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,932,000 after acquiring an additional 2,370 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its position in Unum Group by 33.2% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 15,247 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $480,000 after buying an additional 3,799 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. purchased a new stake in Unum Group in the first quarter worth about $348,000. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in Unum Group by 61.5% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 76,618 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,422,000 after buying an additional 29,166 shares in the last quarter. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. purchased a new stake in Unum Group in the first quarter worth about $227,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.37% of the companys stock. Get Unum Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Unum Group from $54.00 to $53.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Unum Group from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Unum Group from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. StockNews.com raised Unum Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Unum Group from $59.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $55.44. Unum Group Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of Unum Group stock traded up $0.03 on Friday, reaching $48.73. The company had a trading volume of 1,402,642 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,512,861. The firm has a market cap of $9.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.51, a P/E/G ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.27 and a quick ratio of 0.29. The firms 50-day moving average price is $46.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.91. Unum Group has a 1 year low of $36.27 and a 1 year high of $52.15. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $1.79 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by ($0.07). Unum Group had a return on equity of 16.03% and a net margin of 10.36%. The company had revenue of $3.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.14 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.43 EPS. Unum Groups revenue for the quarter was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Unum Group will post 8.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Unum Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 26th were paid a dividend of $0.365 per share. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.00%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 25th. Unum Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 22.50%. Unum Group declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Tuesday, October 31st that authorizes the company to repurchase $500.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to repurchase up to 5.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Puneet Bhasin sold 8,188 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.39, for a total transaction of $347,089.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 54,318 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,302,540.02. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.94% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Unum Group Profile (Free Report) Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block and Corporate segments. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Unum Group (NYSE:UNM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Unum Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unum Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. reduced its holdings in M/I Homes, Inc. (NYSE:MHO Free Report) by 14.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,947 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 1,211 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in M/I Homes were worth $584,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Strs Ohio lifted its holdings in M/I Homes by 200.0% during the 3rd quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 300 shares of the construction companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in M/I Homes by 1,979.2% during the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 499 shares of the construction companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 475 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP lifted its holdings in M/I Homes by 120.9% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 815 shares of the construction companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 446 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in M/I Homes during the 1st quarter worth $43,000. Finally, Vision Capital Corp acquired a new position in M/I Homes during the 2nd quarter worth $157,000. 94.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get M/I Homes alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on MHO. StockNews.com downgraded M/I Homes from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. Wedbush cut shares of M/I Homes from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $116.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Monday, December 18th. M/I Homes Trading Down 4.2 % Shares of M/I Homes stock traded down $5.28 on Friday, hitting $119.38. 194,864 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 311,835. The firms 50-day moving average price is $128.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $105.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 2.15. M/I Homes, Inc. has a one year low of $54.55 and a one year high of $140.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 6.30 and a quick ratio of 1.55. M/I Homes Profile (Free Report) M/I Homes, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a builder of single-family homes in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The company operates through Northern Homebuilding, Southern Homebuilding, and Financial Services segments. It also designs, constructs, markets, and sells single-family homes and attached townhomes to first-time, millennial, move-up, empty-nester, and luxury buyers under the M/I Homes brand name. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MHO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for M/I Homes, Inc. (NYSE:MHO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for M/I Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M/I Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Bloomberg) -- This weeks $26 billion combination of two Texas oil companies is the latest in a series of deals thats ushering in the era of Big Shale. Wall Street, which eyed the sector with skepticism for most of the last decade, appears to be all in. Most Read from Bloomberg Diamondback Energy Inc.s takeover of Endeavor Energy Resources LP announced on Feb. 12 topped off a year of roughly $250 billion in US oil and natural gas deals that consolidated a fractured collection of private wildcatters into larger corporations. Diamondback boldly touted itself as the must-own stock in Americas richest oil field, and in a stark reversal of the knee-jerk punishment typically meted out to suitors in corporate acquisitions, the stock jumped 11% in a matter of hours. It was perhaps the surest sign of investor approval. By the end of the week, the shale explorer touched a record high and swelled its market valuation by $5 billion, even though the transaction wont close for several months. On a broader scale, the consolidation wave is healing the hangover from years of overspending by shale drillers who pursued output growth at the expense of investor returns. While it was small upstarts who pioneered the shale revolution, Wall Street demands for scale, efficiency and cash returns mean the new era is turning into one of survival of the biggest. It has become a big-company game, said Mark Viviano, a managing partner at Kimmeridge Energy Management Co., which has been hammering the shale-sector to consolidate for half a decade. Now you have an arms race for operational scale and investor relevancy. The evolution of the shale industry comes at a time when energy makes up just 3.8% of the S&P 500 Index despite Americas status as the worlds premier oil producer, pumping 45% more crude than Saudi Arabia. To put the transition in perspective, the cohort of publicly traded shale explorers shrank by about 40% over the past six years to roughly 50 today, according to Warwick Investment Group LLC. Story continues Its kind of like Pac-Man right now: consolidate or get eaten, said Kate Richard, chief executive officer at Warwick, which has invested in thousands of shale wells. Were probably going back to the 70s, where there were seven to 10 major players in the US. Once the Endeavor deal is complete, Diamondback will double its market value to around $60 billion, making it a contender with EOG Resources Inc. for the title of biggest pure-play shale stock. It put us in a new weight class, which is a good thing in this business, Kaes Vant Hof, Diamondbacks 37-year-old chief financial officer, said during an interview. The perception is that bigger means more durability through oils boom-and-bust cycles, as well as lower capital costs and a deeper portfolio of drilling prospects. In the wake of the deal announcement, Diamondback is trading at 9.9 times earnings, overtaking EOG, which has pledged to sit out the current buying spree. Diamondback will jump to around 150th in the S&P 500 by market value, from 275th today, putting it on the radar of large investors in search of more exposure to the Permian Basin, the prolific oil field straddling the Texas-New Mexico border. For Diamondback, a bigger balance sheet means easier access to capital and more ability to sustain payouts to investors through oil price shocks. In addition, a broader geographic footprint in the Permian region means more potential drilling sites to choose from an prioritize. It also means more clout negotiating terms with the service companies that provide everything from rigs to drill bits to fracking crews and pipes. Big buyers are likely to spearhead a fresh wave of efficiency gains driven by technological advancements in both production and cost management, said Teresa Thomas, US energy leader at Deloitte LLP. One phenomenon that often flies under the radar is that takeovers of this sort tend to presage a slowdown in oil-production growth. A spate of follow-on deals could help support global crude prices and take some of the pressure off the OPEC+ alliance that has been restraining output in a bid to buoy the market. Endeavor was one of the Permians fastest-growing operators, increasing production 30% since 2022. But after merging with Diamondback, that growth will slow to less than 2%, with the cash that would have gone to leasing drilling rigs and related costs freed up for dividends and buybacks. The new era also represents a changing of the executive guard. Autry Stephens, Endeavors octogenarian founder, will become Americas richest oilman once the deal closes. His exit leaves a lasting legacy. Hes one of the last original wildcatters, funding things out of your own back pocket and taking risk, said Sam Sledge, CEO of Midland, Texas-based ProPetro Holding Corp. Were playing a different game now. Stephens decision to retain 40% equity in Diamondback and Warren Buffetts implicit backing of Occidental Petroleum Corp.s recent purchase of CrownRock LP is a key reason why investors found comfort in the deals, according to Andy Rapp, co-founder of Petrie Partners, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. At some social or emotional level that validation has driven the market embracing these transactions, he said. (Updates with comments from Petrie Partners co-founder in final paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC cut its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 164,513 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,831 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF makes up approximately 3.0% of Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 7th largest holding. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $11,907,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of Montreal Can raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock valued at $646,000 after purchasing an additional 594 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,417,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares in the last quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,618,000 after acquiring an additional 57,434 shares in the last quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% during the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,887,000 after acquiring an additional 18,853 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after acquiring an additional 719 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of USMV stock traded down $0.19 on Friday, hitting $80.46. 3,033,482 shares of the stock traded hands. The company has a market capitalization of $30.86 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $47.44 and a 1-year high of $55.45. The companys fifty day moving average is $78.86 and its 200 day moving average is $75.77. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol 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 Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alcosta Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 0.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,377 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 13 shares during the period. Chipotle Mexican Grill comprises 3.6% of Alcosta Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 12th largest holding. Alcosta Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $4,354,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. WINTON GROUP Ltd boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 333.0% in the 3rd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 1,009 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,848,000 after buying an additional 776 shares during the period. Balentine LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 236 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $432,000 after buying an additional 6 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 773 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,416,000 after buying an additional 5 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 69.8% in the 3rd quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC now owns 270 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $495,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 449,942 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $824,217,000 after purchasing an additional 24,991 shares during the period. 91.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Insider Transactions at Chipotle Mexican Grill In other news, Director Albert S. Baldocchi sold 750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,608.51, for a total value of $1,956,382.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 37,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $97,221,776.21. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Director Albert S. Baldocchi sold 750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,608.51, for a total value of $1,956,382.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 37,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $97,221,776.21. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Roger E. Theodoredis sold 898 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,622.25, for a total transaction of $2,354,780.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,529 shares in the company, valued at $4,009,420.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 5,837 shares of company stock valued at $14,012,071. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CMG has been the subject of several research reports. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,700.00 to $2,920.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,650.00 to $2,900.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,930.00 to $2,226.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,284.00 to $2,500.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,100.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,469.88. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 0.7 % CMG traded down $19.57 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $2,598.43. 138,362 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 271,394. The company has a market capitalization of $71.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.57, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1,470.05 and a 52-week high of $2,725.83. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $2,364.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2,101.93. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.73 by $0.63. The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.45% and a return on equity of 44.41%. The companys revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $8.29 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.1 earnings per share for the current year. About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. The company offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Read More 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. Cambria Investment Management L.P. lessened its position in shares of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME Free Report) by 14.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 2,597 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 441 shares during the quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P.s holdings in EMCOR Group were worth $546,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in EMCOR Group by 2.2% during the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 2,413 shares of the construction companys stock worth $446,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in EMCOR Group by 1.4% during the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,286 shares of the construction companys stock worth $792,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC raised its stake in EMCOR Group by 4.6% during the second quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 1,350 shares of the construction companys stock worth $249,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the period. Meritage Portfolio Management raised its stake in EMCOR Group by 1.3% during the third quarter. Meritage Portfolio Management now owns 4,897 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,030,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. Finally, Caprock Group LLC raised its stake in EMCOR Group by 3.8% during the third quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 1,892 shares of the construction companys stock worth $398,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.57% of the companys stock. Get EMCOR Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, KeyCorp assumed coverage on shares of EMCOR Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They set a sector weight rating on the stock. EMCOR Group Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of EMCOR Group stock traded up $0.58 on Friday, reaching $252.92. The company had a trading volume of 256,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 299,013. The firms 50 day moving average price is $223.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $216.58. The firm has a market cap of $11.90 billion, a PE ratio of 22.05 and a beta of 1.02. EMCOR Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $145.77 and a 52-week high of $255.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.26. EMCOR Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 16th were paid a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 12th. EMCOR Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 6.28%. EMCOR Group Company Profile (Free Report) EMCOR Group, Inc provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It offers design, integration, installation, start-up, operation, and maintenance services related to electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation systems; energy solutions; premises electrical and lighting systems; process instrumentation in the refining, chemical processing, and food processing industries; low-voltage systems, such as fire alarm, security, and process control systems; voice and data communications systems; roadway and transit lighting, signaling, and fiber optic lines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and geothermal solutions; clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection and suppression systems; plumbing, process, and high-purity piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; crane and rigging services; millwright services; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EME? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EMCOR Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EMCOR Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC trimmed its stake in shares of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report) by 2.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,488 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 241 shares during the quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Schlumberger were worth $611,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in Schlumberger by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 106,818,561 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,246,928,000 after buying an additional 1,129,628 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Schlumberger by 1.0% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 83,794,992 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,136,112,000 after purchasing an additional 861,439 shares during the period. Capital World Investors grew its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 85.7% in the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 43,080,354 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,116,107,000 after purchasing an additional 19,885,771 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Schlumberger by 2.5% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 25,983,683 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,272,434,000 after purchasing an additional 635,716 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in Schlumberger by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 19,772,924 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $971,246,000 after purchasing an additional 819,858 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.43% of the companys stock. Get Schlumberger alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on SLB. Raymond James raised their price objective on Schlumberger from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $66.00 target price on shares of Schlumberger in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Schlumberger from $77.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Schlumberger from $63.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Schlumberger from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $70.67. Insider Activity In other Schlumberger news, insider Gavin Rennick sold 6,675 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.88, for a total value of $352,974.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 39,958 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,112,979.04. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $336,625.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 163,515 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,806,917.90. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Gavin Rennick sold 6,675 shares of Schlumberger stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.88, for a total value of $352,974.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 39,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,979.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 135,116 shares of company stock worth $6,923,671 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Schlumberger Stock Performance SLB opened at $48.57 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The company has a market cap of $69.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.63, a PEG ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.61. The companys fifty day moving average price is $50.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $54.65. Schlumberger Limited has a 1-year low of $42.73 and a 1-year high of $62.12. Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 19th. The oil and gas company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $8.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.96 billion. Schlumberger had a return on equity of 21.97% and a net margin of 12.68%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.71 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Schlumberger Limited will post 3.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Schlumberger Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 6th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.06%. Schlumbergers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 34.25%. About Schlumberger (Free Report) Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schlumberger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schlumberger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP cut its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 4.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 586,617 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 26,669 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $38,060,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of OXY. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 8.6% in the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 156,279 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $10,139,000 after purchasing an additional 12,349 shares during the last quarter. J.P. Morgan Private Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the third quarter worth about $29,665,000. Calamos Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the third quarter worth about $5,758,000. Kentucky Retirement Systems bought a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the third quarter worth about $3,391,000. Finally, Mitchell Capital Management Co. increased its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 100.2% in the third quarter. Mitchell Capital Management Co. now owns 123,287 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $7,999,000 after purchasing an additional 61,705 shares during the last quarter. 77.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Insider Activity at Occidental Petroleum In other Occidental Petroleum news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased 1,743,124 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 21st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $60.26 per share, with a total value of $105,040,652.24. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 243,715,804 shares in the company, valued at $14,686,314,349.04. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders have bought a total of 8,720,708 shares of company stock valued at $505,766,000 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance Shares of OXY stock opened at $60.52 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $58.36 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.18. The company has a market cap of $53.22 billion, a PE ratio of 15.48 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a 12-month low of $55.12 and a 12-month high of $67.67. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.74. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 20.63% and a net margin of 16.24%. The firm had revenue of $7.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.61 EPS. The firms revenue was down 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Co. will post 4.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Occidental Petroleum Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Friday, March 8th will be given a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.45%. This is an increase from Occidental Petroleums previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio is presently 18.41%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $80.00 to $77.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Mizuho lowered Occidental Petroleum from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $63.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $78.00 to $73.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $70.06. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on OXY About Occidental Petroleum (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC grew its stake in ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:ASX Free Report) by 10.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 120,809 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 11,277 shares during the quarter. Balentine LLCs holdings in ASE Technology were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of ASX. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of ASE Technology by 40.0% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 812,168 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $5,759,000 after acquiring an additional 232,125 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its stake in shares of ASE Technology by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 342,533 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,429,000 after acquiring an additional 52,183 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in shares of ASE Technology by 15.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 134,904 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $957,000 after purchasing an additional 17,887 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in shares of ASE Technology by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 350,472 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,485,000 after purchasing an additional 30,757 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in shares of ASE Technology by 14.6% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 14,713 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $107,000 after purchasing an additional 1,869 shares during the period. 7.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get ASE Technology alerts: ASE Technology Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of ASX traded down $0.02 on Friday, hitting $9.61. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,044,779 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,005,679. ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $6.70 and a fifty-two week high of $9.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firms fifty day moving average price is $9.15 and its 200-day moving average price is $8.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.45 and a beta of 1.24. Analysts Set New Price Targets ASE Technology ( NYSE:ASX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The semiconductor company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. ASE Technology had a return on equity of 10.31% and a net margin of 5.44%. The firm had revenue of $5.05 billion during the quarter. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.23 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. will post 0.67 EPS for the current year. Separately, StockNews.com upgraded ASE Technology from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Check Out Our Latest Report on ASX About ASE Technology (Free Report) ASE Technology Holding Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides semiconductors packaging and testing, and electronic manufacturing services in the United States, Taiwan, Asia, Europe, and internationally. It develops, constructs, sells, leases, and manages real estate properties; produces substrates; offers information software, equipment leasing, investment advisory, and warehousing management services; processes and sells computer and communication peripherals, electronic components, telecommunications equipment, and motherboards; and imports and exports goods and technology. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ASX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:ASX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ASE Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASE Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lcnb Corp trimmed its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 8.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,099 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 108 shares during the period. Lcnb Corps holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $292,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of IWF. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P grew its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 34.1% during the 1st quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 26,203 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $7,275,000 after purchasing an additional 6,665 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the 1st quarter worth $42,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 11.6% in the 1st quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 6,211 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,724,000 after acquiring an additional 644 shares during the period. West Michigan Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 7,595 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,109,000 after acquiring an additional 272 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the 1st quarter worth $33,422,000. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSEARCA IWF traded down $2.05 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $325.62. The company had a trading volume of 1,135,565 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,624,629. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $221.56 and a twelve month high of $330.56. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $309.45 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $287.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $83.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. About iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Ltd. cut its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,435,141 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 365,867 shares during the quarter. Invesco Ltd. owned about 1.47% of Digital Realty Trust worth $536,741,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. FMR LLC increased its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 4.8% during the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 8,647,509 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,046,522,000 after buying an additional 394,682 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 22.8% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 360,228 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,595,000 after buying an additional 66,797 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the third quarter worth $1,016,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the third quarter worth $409,000. Finally, Korea Investment CORP increased its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 98.5% during the third quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 197,771 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $23,934,000 after buying an additional 98,159 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. HSBC began coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a reduce rating and a $112.00 price objective for the company. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, December 6th. They issued a sector weight rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Scotiabank cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $157.00 price target for the company. in a report on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $131.53. Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 8.3 % Shares of DLR traded down $12.39 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $136.22. 6,572,651 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,055,640. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $138.12 and a 200 day simple moving average of $130.56. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $86.33 and a 52 week high of $149.07. The company has a market cap of $41.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.87, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.54. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were given a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.58%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 14th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is 164.31%. About Digital Realty Trust (Free Report) Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC cut its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 3.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,740 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 177 shares during the period. Balentine LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,534,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in GS. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 19,822,469 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $6,393,539,000 after acquiring an additional 76,641 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 40.0% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,936,351 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,038,425,000 after acquiring an additional 1,696,350 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,193,033 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,674,961,000 after acquiring an additional 148,425 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,764,509 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,396,236,000 after acquiring an additional 52,016 shares during the period. Finally, Greenhaven Associates Inc. increased its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter. Greenhaven Associates Inc. now owns 2,333,937 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $755,192,000 after acquiring an additional 58,371 shares during the period. 69.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on GS shares. UBS Group upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $382.00 to $440.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $440.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $333.00 to $449.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $437.00 to $493.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $398.00 to $421.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $409.93. The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance Shares of GS traded down $0.98 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $384.44. 2,376,824 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,494,996. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $289.36 and a 1-year high of $396.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 1.14. The company has a 50 day moving average of $381.05 and a 200-day moving average of $345.77. The stock has a market cap of $125.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.43. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 16th. The investment management company reported $5.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.62 by $1.86. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 7.85% and a return on equity of 7.82%. The firm had revenue of $11.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.32 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 32.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 29th will be given a dividend of $2.75 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $11.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.86%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.20%. Insider Buying and Selling In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, CAO Sheara J. Fredman sold 4,300 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $380.15, for a total value of $1,634,645.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 11,463 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,357,659.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Ericka T. Leslie sold 1,376 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $335.15, for a total value of $461,166.40. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 10,471 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,509,355.65. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Sheara J. Fredman sold 4,300 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $380.15, for a total transaction of $1,634,645.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 11,463 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,357,659.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 16,110 shares of company stock worth $5,990,991 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 69.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 270 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $495,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of CMG. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. IMA Wealth Inc. grew its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 185.7% during the 1st quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 20 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 240.0% in the second quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 17 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the third quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.19% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The stock was 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 of the companys stock, valued at $51,358,964.07. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill 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 sale, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,358,964.07. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Albert S. Baldocchi sold 750 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,608.51, for a total transaction of $1,956,382.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 37,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $97,221,776.21. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 5,837 shares of company stock valued at $14,012,071 in the last ninety days. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CMG traded down $19.57 during trading on Friday, hitting $2,598.43. 138,362 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 271,394. The firms 50 day moving average price is $2,364.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $2,101.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.57, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $1,470.05 and a 12-month high of $2,725.83. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.73 by $0.63. The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.41% and a net margin of 12.45%. The businesss revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $8.29 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.1 EPS for the current year. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,600.00 to $2,800.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Raymond James boosted their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,450.00 to $2,550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,246.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Stephens raised 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 report on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, KeyCorp raised their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,250.00 to $2,750.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $2,469.88. Read Our Latest Stock Report on CMG About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. The company offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Further Reading 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. Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has suggested that Labour plans to modernise the non-dom tax status - Stefan Rousseau/PA Labours plans for a 2bn tax raid on non-doms are already putting off wealthy foreigners from coming to Britain, international lawyers have warned. Tax lawyers working with billionaires and multi-millionaires have already noticed a substantial drop in interest from overseas clients in coming to the UK, according to Withers. Labour has long warned that it plans to change the scheme, which allows foreigners to live in the UK without paying tax on their overseas income for up to 15 years. The party, which is 20 points ahead in the polls, initially said it would abolish the non-dom tax status. However, shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds earlier this week suggested Labour would instead modernise it and make it less generous. Ceri Vokes, a private client and tax partner at Withers, said: I have probably 60-70pc fewer clients looking to move to the UK than I would normally have at this time of year. It is a substantial drop in the number of people coming to the UK. Clients who had considered coming to the UK are now looking to destinations like Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Switzerland, Italy and Dubai also tend to be top contenders, she said. Italy has a simpler system than the UK where wealthy foreign nationals can pay a flat fee of 100,000 (86,000) a year on their foreign source of income. Concerns over changes to the scheme are a daily conversation with clients, according to Ms Vokes. She said: There is not a huge amount that we can say in terms of what the new regime might look like. But it is uppermost in clients minds when they are looking for a location to base themselves in and are thinking about whether to stay or leave the UK. Some 68,800 taxpayers were classed as non-doms in 2022, according to figures from HM Revenue and Customs figures. Many of those benefitting from the tax status work in financial services and private equity, according to Ms Vokes. Labour is also considering raising taxes on profits that private equity bosses make on successful deals from 28pc to 45pc. Story continues Ms Vokes said: I have lots of clients in the private equity industry who are making plans to leave the UK. Italy is one of the attractive jurisdictions that theyre considering basing themselves in. It definitely is for that category a double whammy. Labour has claimed that changes to the non-dom tax scheme would bring in 2bn for the Treasury. 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. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 95,718 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $10,741,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Prologis by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 92,924,760 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $11,395,363,000 after buying an additional 1,783,742 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Prologis by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,762,836 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,294,586,000 after buying an additional 299,124 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of Prologis by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,519,324 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,853,633,000 after buying an additional 1,034,211 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of Prologis by 48.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 14,577,827 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,643,359,000 after buying an additional 4,729,040 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Prologis by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 12,847,534 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,575,482,000 after buying an additional 131,090 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.90% of the companys stock. Get Prologis alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Prologis news, Director James B. Connor sold 103,331 shares of Prologis stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.20, for a total transaction of $13,763,689.20. Following the transaction, the director now owns 21,419 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,853,010.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently commented on PLD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Prologis from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $123.00 to $148.00 in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $130.00 price target on shares of Prologis in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $120.00 price target on shares of Prologis in a report on Monday, November 27th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Prologis from $133.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Raymond James raised their price target on Prologis from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $141.73. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Prologis Prologis Stock Up 0.2 % NYSE PLD traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $133.39. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,421,275 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,418,569. Prologis, Inc. has a 52 week low of $96.64 and a 52 week high of $137.52. The company has a market capitalization of $123.37 billion, a PE ratio of 40.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $130.50 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $120.00. Prologis (NYSE:PLD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.26 by ($0.58). Prologis had a net margin of 38.13% and a return on equity of 5.29%. The business had revenue of $1.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.85 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.24 EPS. Prologiss revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Prologis Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 18th were given a dividend of $0.87 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 15th. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.61%. Prologiss dividend payout ratio is currently 105.78%. Prologis Profile (Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At December 31, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors trimmed its stake in shares of RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX Free Report) by 76.3% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 9,908 shares of the companys stock after selling 31,979 shares during the period. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors holdings in RTX were worth $713,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in RTX. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC bought a new stake in RTX in the third quarter valued at $28,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in RTX during the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new position in RTX in the 3rd quarter worth about $35,000. VitalStone Financial LLC increased its stake in shares of RTX by 136.5% in the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 369 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the period. Finally, Milestone Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of RTX during the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.06% of the companys stock. Get RTX alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 35,456 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.19, for a total transaction of $3,233,232.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,741 shares of the companys stock, valued at $614,711.79. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Neil G. Mitchill, Jr. sold 1,545 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $142,696.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 49,894 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,608,209.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 35,456 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.19, for a total transaction of $3,233,232.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,741 shares in the company, valued at approximately $614,711.79. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 37,680 shares of company stock worth $3,438,681 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.11% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. DZ Bank lowered RTX from a hold rating to a sell rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $79.00 to $68.00 in a report on Friday, October 27th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of RTX from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of RTX from a hold rating to a sell rating and decreased their target price for the company from $79.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $94.00 price target (up from $88.00) on shares of RTX in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of RTX from $75.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $91.71. Get Our Latest Stock Report on RTX RTX Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of RTX stock traded down $0.78 during trading on Friday, hitting $91.01. The stock had a trading volume of 4,949,835 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,259,092. RTX Co. has a 1 year low of $68.56 and a 1 year high of $104.91. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $86.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of $82.22. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The company has a market capitalization of $120.75 billion, a PE ratio of 40.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.89. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $19.93 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.74 billion. RTX had a net margin of 4.64% and a return on equity of 10.34%. The companys revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.27 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that RTX Co. will post 5.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. RTX Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.59%. RTXs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 105.36%. RTX Company Profile (Free Report) RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. It operates through four segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for aircraft manufacturers and airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation; and for defense and commercial space operations. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balentine LLC lessened its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED Free Report) by 7.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 11,202 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 948 shares during the period. Balentine LLCs holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $958,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Consolidated Edison by 1.7% during the third quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC now owns 18,989 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,624,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison during the third quarter worth about $876,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison during the third quarter worth about $28,156,000. Korea Investment CORP grew its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 73.6% during the third quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 228,833 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $19,572,000 after purchasing an additional 97,042 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rafferty Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Consolidated Edison by 11.0% during the third quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 35,147 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,006,000 after purchasing an additional 3,490 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.53% of the companys stock. Get Consolidated Edison alerts: Consolidated Edison Stock Performance ED traded down $0.90 on Friday, reaching $87.32. 2,949,343 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,940,632. The companys 50-day moving average price is $90.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $89.73. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $80.46 and a fifty-two week high of $100.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.14 billion, a PE ratio of 12.16, a PEG ratio of 8.34 and a beta of 0.37. Consolidated Edison Increases Dividend Consolidated Edison ( NYSE:ED Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $3.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.70 billion. Consolidated Edison had a return on equity of 8.44% and a net margin of 17.19%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 14.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.81 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.83 per share. This is a positive change from Consolidated Edisons previous quarterly dividend of $0.81. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. Consolidated Edisons payout ratio is 46.24%. Analyst Ratings Changes ED has been the subject of several research analyst reports. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH started coverage on Consolidated Edison in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $92.50 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Consolidated Edison from $94.00 to $93.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Consolidated Edison from $84.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $71.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on Consolidated Edison from $99.00 to $94.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $88.90. Read Our Latest Report on Consolidated Edison Consolidated Edison Company Profile (Free Report) Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.6 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Consolidated Edison Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Consolidated Edison and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm purchased 25,785 shares of the asset managers stock, valued at approximately $16,670,000. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. QRG Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in BlackRock during the third quarter valued at approximately $5,474,000. Systematic Alpha Investments LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock during the third quarter valued at approximately $149,000. Kestra Advisory Services LLC raised its position in BlackRock by 21.4% during the third quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 14,279 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $9,231,000 after acquiring an additional 2,515 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in shares of BlackRock by 1.4% in the third quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 98,114 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $63,430,000 after buying an additional 1,342 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lord Abbett & CO. LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock by 144.5% in the third quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 86,300 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $55,792,000 after buying an additional 51,000 shares in the last quarter. 77.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BlackRock alerts: BlackRock Stock Performance NYSE BLK opened at $794.00 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $792.71 and its two-hundred day moving average is $717.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $118.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a current ratio of 3.72. BlackRock, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $596.18 and a fifty-two week high of $819.00. BlackRock Increases Dividend 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, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $0.82. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.85% and a net margin of 30.81%. The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $8.93 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 earnings per share for the current year. The firm 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 represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.57%. This is an increase from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. BlackRocks payout ratio is currently 54.78%. Insider Buying and Selling at BlackRock In related news, Director Stephen Cohen sold 950 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $805.55, for a total value of $765,272.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,437 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,574,225.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, Director Stephen Cohen sold 950 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $805.55, for a total value of $765,272.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,437 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,574,225.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 3,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were 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 owns 8,628 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,849,424.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 33,474 shares of company stock worth $17,275,900 over the last quarter. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report 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 research report on Friday, December 15th. BNP Paribas upgraded BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Finally, TD Cowen raised BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73. Check Out Our Latest Report on BlackRock 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. Read More 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. QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 62,286 shares of the payment services companys stock, valued at approximately $9,292,000. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Tyler Stone Wealth Management bought a new stake in American Express during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. boosted its stake in shares of American Express by 2,142.9% in the 3rd quarter. BOK Financial Private Wealth Inc. now owns 314 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Shipley& Co Ltd bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at $49,000. 83.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get American Express alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of American Express from $186.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Oppenheimer increased their target price on shares of American Express from $208.00 to $219.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Piper Sandler Companies raised shares of American Express to a neutral rating and set a $151.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of American Express from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $212.00 to $222.00 in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of American Express in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. They set a market perform rating and a $158.00 target price on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, American Express has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $189.00. Insider Activity at American Express In other American Express news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,149,991.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Monique Herena sold 11,242 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.41, for a total value of $2,342,945.22. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 13,874 shares in the company, valued at $2,891,480.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 125,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 193,055 shares of company stock valued at $40,064,664 over the last three months. 0.12% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. American Express Price Performance AXP stock opened at $212.52 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $191.27 and a 200-day moving average of $169.12. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. American Express has a 12 month low of $140.91 and a 12 month high of $214.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $153.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.23. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 26th. The payment services company reported $2.62 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by ($0.02). American Express had a net margin of 13.84% and a return on equity of 30.99%. The firm had revenue of $15.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.07 earnings per share. American Expresss revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that American Express will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 9th. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th were paid a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 4th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is currently 21.41%. American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AXP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP raised its stake in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 372,490 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 4,708 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $40,981,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ICE. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new position in Intercontinental Exchange in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the third quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Halpern Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 545.6% during the third quarter. Halpern Financial Inc. now owns 368 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 311 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange during the third quarter valued at approximately $48,000. 87.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Intercontinental Exchange Trading Up 0.2 % Intercontinental Exchange stock opened at $137.12 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. The firm has a market cap of $78.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.01. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a 1 year low of $94.16 and a 1 year high of $138.34. The firms 50 day moving average price is $127.37 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $117.54. Intercontinental Exchange Increases Dividend Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $2.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.20 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 23.91% and a return on equity of 12.91%. The companys revenue was up 24.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.25 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This is an increase from Intercontinental Exchanges previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.31%. Intercontinental Exchanges payout ratio is presently 40.00%. Insider Buying and Selling at Intercontinental Exchange In other Intercontinental Exchange news, SVP Douglas Foley sold 1,600 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Friday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.46, for a total transaction of $183,136.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 16,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,923,156.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Intercontinental Exchange news, SVP Douglas Foley sold 1,600 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Friday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $114.46, for a total transaction of $183,136.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 16,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,923,156.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CAO James W. Namkung sold 1,171 shares of Intercontinental Exchange stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $140,520.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 18,677 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,241,240. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 121,846 shares of company stock worth $15,550,365. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ICE has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James lifted their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 5th. Rosenblatt Securities boosted their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $154.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $142.00 to $151.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 9th. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $135.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $146.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Intercontinental Exchange currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $144.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Intercontinental Exchange About Intercontinental Exchange (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. To live in this Tudor castle in Omahas Dundee neighborhood will take a princely sum both to purchase and reconstruct. The price tag is $785,000, and it will require a significant investment to finish the interior of the 6,000-square-foot duplex, which has been taken down to the studs. Take it to the shell and start from scratch, is what David Chan, owner of Mint Omaha, has done to the 16 homes he owns in the Dundee area. He leaves the shell intact, renovates the inside and then rents the houses to professionals expecting all the modern conveniences. The shell of the residence at 5203-05 Chicago St. has attracted many viewers since it went on the market in early February. The building is one of five castle duplexes built in the neighborhood in the 1930s by architect Birger J. Kvenild, who immigrated to the United States from Norway and designed many homes in the area. It is a blank canvas for builders, said Realtor Michael Shekhtman, who has listed the property with Rusty Johnson of the Insight Group for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Ambassador Real Estate. Chans approach can bring up sore feelings, he said, with some of the more conservation-minded people living in Dundee, famous for its older homes filled with historic charm. But its been a very successful business plan for Chan, who arrived here from Hong Kong nearly 14 years ago after tossing a dart at a map. Omaha was the closest city. Warren Buffett is here. How bad can it be? he remembers thinking at the time and telling himself to give the city six months. I guess Ive been renewing that commitment for the past 14 years. The feedback from the professionals who rent his homes the price for some reaches $3,500 a month, and none are empty is that they want modern finishes with a contemporary feel. We are not shy about revamping the layout for a specific need or want some of our clients are looking for, he said. Chan had actually planned to live in this duplex himself until his banker suggested he needed some time to retrench after the frenetic pace of the past decade. Unless I can give it 100% effort, I dont want to renovate if I cant commit to that, Chan said. I need a little break. The house had been a rental for years. When Chan bought what he calls the castle in 2022, college students were living there. He planned a large main suite on the third floor, three bedrooms on the second and an open kitchen off the living area for the main floor. After taking it down to the studs, he replaced many of the windows, although he kept the leaded glass versions on the back of the house. Chan said he doesnt blink if the houses he purchases require a six-figure investment in mechanical improvements things like windows, insulation, water heaters and HVAC. Shekhtman said thats one of the bonuses in starting new. There is no outdated electrical, deteriorating sewer lines or lead water pipes hiding behind the vintage finishes. David comes in and strips everything down, makes everything modern and finishes them to his taste, Shekhtman said. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It could be refinished with a classic look that was intended for this place in 1937. Chan said he wishes he didnt have to sell it, but hes gratified by all the interest. Although it would cost even more, he said the wall down the center could be removed to make a massive single-family dwelling that would include a four-car garage. Shekhtman said it also has a million-dollar view, with many of the other homes on the block approaching that price point. It is in such a beautiful location and surrounded by other beautiful homes, he said. Hopefully, well find the right buyer who will turn it into something memorable for a long time. Photos: A blank canvas, a new start and other "castles" A new Dodge County prosecuting attorney focused on juvenile issues and a desire for more accountability for students missing classes by officials at the Fremont Public Schools district has led to a renewed effort to hold parents accountable for their chronically absent children. The new effort has also led to charges being filed against Fremont residents, at least five of whom have been charged with suspicion of compulsory education violation, a Class III misdemeanor. Potential punishments for parents found guilty of the charge include up to three months in county jail, a $500 fine, or some combination of both penalties. During the Monday, Feb. 12, meeting of the FPS Board of Education, board members were told about the aggressive approach by the new juvenile-focused prosecutor in the Dodge County Attorneys Office James McCave. Both Johnson Crossing Academic Center Principal Brent Harrill and district Executive Director of Secondary Operations Scott Jensen addressed attendance issues and truancy efforts with the board. Harrill told the board during his monthly report on the schools goals and achievements that JCAC had seen a drop in chronically absent students this year, going from the 23% in 2022-2023 school year to 20% this academic year. We did a lot of work bumping up efforts, a lot of work getting out to houses, Harrill said. Officials worked with parents of students who miss more than 10 days of school in one academic year. That (reduction) is a huge accomplishment for our teachers and our staff, Harrill added. It is a lot of work chasing down students and parents. Under Nebraska state guidelines, any student under the age of 18 who misses 18 full days of school or more in one academic year is considered chronically absent, and the students parents could face a Class III misdemeanor charge of compulsory education violation. Students are allowed to miss classes for various reasons, such as medical or health issues and vacations. But, unexcused absences are counted toward the absentee data. According to data presented to the Tribune last spring, during the 2022-23 school year, there were 622 absences from instruction by students across all 11 district campuses. The highest number of absences was at Fremont High School, with 299, while the fewest absences was at Grant Elementary School, with only eight absences. The number one reason for absences was medical reasons, with 151 missed days due to medical reasons. The most medical absences were at Fremont High School, with 38. Students at JCAC had 29 medical absences. Student refusal to attend school was the second highest reason, with 150 instances of a pupil refusing to come to school. That reason was only cited for four campuses in the district: Fremont High School, Fremont Middle School, Johnson Crossing Academic Center and the Fremont Learning Center. As he did in 2023, Harrill again told the board that he and his staff identify students who have missed five days of classes, 10 days of classes and 15 days or more of classes. Then the school staff and administrators begin outreach efforts, ranging from telephones calls, emails and mailing letters to in-person home visits seeking to resolve attendance issues. Harrill explained that when school officials tried to schedule meetings with parents of chronically absent students, none of them showed up to the meetings. McCave had taken a new approach, sending stern letters to the parents, which Harill said resulted in a rise in parent meeting attendance from 0% percent to 95%. After questions about chronically absent students from board members Todd Hansen and Terry Sorenson, who both inquired about why students miss so many days of school and if the statistics on absenteeism are being tracked, Jensen explained that McCaves hiring had led to a more aggressive approach to dealing with the parents of chronically absent parents. FPS Superintendent Mark Shepard said in an email to the Tribune on Friday that the district and local law enforcement officials are working to improve attendance as part of the Dodge County Truancy Task Force, which he said meets quarterly. The meetings include representatives from the Dodge County school districts, County Attorneys Office and members of various support agencies in the county, Shepard said. Jensens reference to the County Attorneys Office taking a more aggressive approach to dealing with truancy issues was a reference to the County Attorneys office being very intentional in getting parents involved in the problem-solving process. No school districts officials in Dodge County are involved in the filing of possible charges against parents. McCave was hired and started work on Oct. 23, 2023, according to County Attorney Office. His title is deputy county attorney; however, an administrative assistant at the office said his work is heavily focused on juvenile issues. Telephone calls and messages made to McCaves mobile and office phones went unanswered. Three parents were charged in Dodge County Court on Feb. 14 and two parents were charged on Feb. 15. One parents 15-year-old child was accused of missing 37 days of school from Aug. 14, 2023, through Jan. 19. Another parents 16-year-old child was accused of missing 24 days of classes from Aug. 14, 2023, through Nov. 3, 2023. A 14-year-olds parent was charged in a third case after the student was alleged to miss 25 days of classes from Aug. 14, 2023, through Nov. 27, 2023. Another 15-year-old students parent was charged after the student allegedly missed 37 days of school from Aug. 14, 2023, through Jan. 19, 2024. The parent of a 16-year-old student was charged after the child allegedly missed 24 days of classes from Aug. 14, 2023, through Nov. 2, 2023. Each of the five parents was ordered to appear in Dodge County Court for arraignment in March. Shepard said one of his main goals as district superintendent is to ensure students attend classes as they are required to under state law, which he said the task force does good work on. At each meeting, the team reviews their activities and how they correlate with achieving the identified priorities for the youth in Dodge County. Each meeting we discuss any updates with youth-related events, programs and services, Shepard said. We have conversations including current communication barriers, ways to improve collaboration and education of services, any changes, and/or developments for each member representative organization, Shepard said. As far as any petitions or charges being filed, you would need to contact the County Attorneys Office or the court system this is not something the schools in Dodge County are involved in. The family of the young girl who was critically injured in a stabbing attack in Dublin city centre last November has said she has been released from intensive care once again. The attack happened outside Colaiste Mhuire school on Parnell Square on November 23, 2023, and saw three children and one adult carer injured as a result. One of the children, a girl aged five, remains in a critical condition but has since been released from ICU according to her family. They said that they are almost over this bump in the road in their latest update on a verified GoFundMe page, which has now raised nearly 85k. Our little angel is a fighter and we are sure she will come out victorious. We wouldnt be here had it not been for everyone on that day who gave her the fighting chance. We are forever grateful and we are also grateful to everyone who has been dedicating their energy, day in and day out, to her and us. A man in his 50's, Riad Bouchaker, has been charged in relation to the multiple stabbings. Stormont First Minister Michelle ONeill has said she wants to attend events that are important to the unionist community, stating that political leaders in Northern Ireland need to step outside of our traditional comfort zones. Ms ONeill told of her pride at attending an event this week on The Shankill Road in Belfast alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The Sinn Fein politician became the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland when the Stormont powersharing institutions were restored almost two weeks ago. During an appearance on RTEs The Late, Late Show, Ms ONeill said she had been getting on well with the DUPs Ms Little-Pengelly, stating they had had a positive first two weeks in office. She said: Were both tasked with leadership, given that responsibility to lead and were determined to do that together. We want to work together, we have come from two very different political backgrounds, two different lived experiences, two different outlooks for where we think we should be in the future, in particular in relation to constitutional change. But thats alright, isnt it? Its fine to have that different viewpoint but also working towards day-to-day things like public services, health, education, childcare and this week was a great opportunity for us because we both prioritised childcare. We went into a childcare setting in north Belfast, and we also went into a childcare setting on the Shankill Road. I believe thats the first time that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister have ever stood on the Shankill Road side by side visiting a project. I was pleased that we were able to do that, but I dont think Emma or I looked at the children in north Belfast or the children on the Shankill and thought for a second that they were different, they are children and everything that were doing is about building that better future for them. So I just thought that that was a fabulous thing for us to do. Ms ONeill said she had an open mind about accepting any invitations to attend events from the unionist community as First Minister. She said: I would gladly receive invitations to anything that anyone wants to send me one for. I just think its important that we all step outside of our traditional comfort zones and find ways to reach others out there. Im a Republican, Im very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and what I want to achieve, but I also think that if were going to lead and be political leaders in todays society, 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, then we all have to be focused on the future. I do think things that are very important symbolically, in particular for those from the British tradition, for example, myself attending the Queens funeral, or King Charless coronation, thats really really important if Im going to represent everybody in society and I believe that I can fairly represent everybody in society. And I want to demonstrate that not just by saying that, but by doing things that actually really mean something to people. Ms ONeill was also asked if she would attend IRA commemorations during her time as First Minister. She said: We have a very tragic past, a very difficult past where so much hurt and injury has been caused, many injustices out there. I think we have to respect that everybody has a right to remember their dead and we should just be respectful of that and create that space for each other.Clearly, I am First Minister for everybody now. I will be very true to that pledge that Ive made. So any invitations that I would take up but always be very mindful of the office that I hold because I want to represent everybody fairly. And that includes Republicans because I think thats important to say also, I want to represent the community that I come from and the background that I come from, but I can also do that and also represent everybody else there in society. This week beloved politico and veteran housing activist Jason Kander shared the most important policy arguments in the aftermath of the deadly mass shooting following the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. Most of us know that Mr. Kander is an Afghanistan veteran, a former Missouri Secretary of State and also a former KCMO mayoral candidate who dropped of the race and shared his PTSD struggle with the nation. We note this only to frame this post . . . Everybody loves Jason Kander whilst TKC is mostly derided as a basement troglodyte who sometimes makes people laugh by way of inappropriate jokes whilst shelling out more free news than anybody in the metro. Now, the crux of Jason Kander's argument was a call-to-action against The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act or PLCAA. Here's the basics of our respectful push back . . . Mr. Kander looks to dismiss any defense of the 2nd Amendment by advocating tort reform focused on consumer advocacy. His TikTok that we blogged earned hundreds of thousands of views and claimed that gun reform law was akin to class-action lawsuits against tobacco, tires or irresponsible trucking companies. Here's our problem with that argument: Cigarettes, bad tires and commercial trucking are not constitutional rights whereas the Supreme Court has interpreted/decreed/ruled/whatever that the 2nd Amendment gives every law-abiding American adult the right to own firearms. Brief aside . . . He also claims that the gun industry is the only biz that has broad immunity. That's also incorrect. For now, thanks to Section 230 of the Telecommunications Act, the social media world also enjoys some immunity from legal claims against their sites regarding nasty comments. There are legit arguments against that legislation but we merely mention it because legal immunity is not some rare, abstract concept but part of the American legal code. But more importantly . . . Jason Kander's arguments against PLCAA are aimed at "greedy corporations" who make guns but, if successful, the end result of his campaign would CERTAINLY impact 2nd Amendment rights, create a legal hellscape and infringe on the ability of law-abiding Americans to obtain a gun because all of the gun manufacturers would be sued out of business. Mr. Kander maintains that he doesn't have a problem with the 2nd Amendment but OBVIOUSLY he is targeting the American legal framework which serves to protect gun rights. We're posting this counterpoint that won't get much acknowledgment only because the response to Mr. Kander has been only adoring praise or hateful mischaracterization of his advocacy. Consider . . . It's easier to name-call and claim Jason Kander is a "gun grabber" or even worse online insults. In fact, Jason Kander's advocacy provides a valuable service . . . He is showing us exactly how progressive leaders and the Biden Administration have planned to attack gun rights through seemingly reasonable legal arguments delivered to an emotionally distressed electorate. The responsibility of gun owners is to examine this unpopular & controversial proposal and unpack it so that Jason Kander's well-deserved standing as beloved local veteran and all-around-nice-guy doesn't obscure the very real policy agenda he is putting forward. Again, to conclude, we think this is the crux of his policy argument and we'll post it, a noteworthy policy perspective to the contrary and then a link to his recent column . . . "The gun lobby is fond of saying we dont need any more gun laws. Fine, then lets have one fewer. Repeal PLCCA and allow communities across this country to once again hold gun makers to the same standard as literally every other company selling a product. If we do that, theyll have no choice but to reform themselves. Theyll finally roll out smart gun technology, for a start and given the fact that the majority of gun crime is committed with stolen guns, thatd be a heckuva start." Again, for people who want to learn more and debate this argument logically rather than with emotive please for drastic legal action, here's the other side of the story from a libertarian perceptive: "PLCAAs purpose was to curb efforts by guncontrol advocates to circumvent state legislatures and attack Second Amendment rights through a neverending series of lawsuits against manufacturers and retailers of firearms to hold them financially responsible for crimes committed using the weapons they make and sell. Although the dubious legal theories behind these lawsuits only rarely resulted in verdicts against manufacturers and retailers, the mounting costs of the lawsuits began to run gun makers and sellers out of business. Litigationinduced bankruptcy, it turned out, was an effective way of restricting Americans ability to exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Congress passed PLCAA to end that abuse of the judicial system, providing firearm manufacturers and retailers with immunity against legal claims resulting from the criminal use of their products. "PLCAA is a commonsense law. Product liability suits are usually focused on actual manufacturing defects." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . More serious charges confront a local dude who caught in the midst of a deadly, historic disaster. Some of the deets . . . "Documents in the case say he was not a suspected shooter. He was a felon who picked up a gun on the ground in the fray, he told police. " Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Criminal charges filed in Chiefs rally shooting against man who reportedly picked up a gun dropped by someone fighting Because of the man's previous felony charge, he is not allowed to possess a firearm. Charges filed against third person at Chiefs rally not involved in fatal shooting Charges have been filed against a third person at the Chiefs rally following a deadly shooting, however, he was not part of the original incident. Developing . . . In this exchange, here at TKC . . . We give Gracie the benefit of the doubt. Her comment seemingly hopes to uplift and portrays the juxtaposition betwixt glorious victory vs. tragedy with a glimmer of hope beyond this modern era filled with violence . . . Check-it: The most beautiful, perfect day of love, laughter, & celebration at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade turned upside down in an instant, she wrote via X on Wednesday, sharing a handful of photos from the days events. Im still processing todays tragedy. I love this city and Im angry at what took place and heartbroken for the victims, their families, & the KC community. The 25-year-old continued: This world is broken and thank God it is not our home. Im thankful for the hope of Heaven. Life is precious and each day is a gift. Im grateful for a Savior whose sacrifice on the cross gives us the assurance of a perfect eternity in Heavenwith no death, no fear, no grief, and no pain. If you dont have thatI promise you, you want it when youre facing that moment. However . . . Her beautiful sentiments didn't provide comfort to everyone . . . "Critics say the pics of her reveling in the parade while she mourned the tragedy crossed the line . . . Critics were quite to slam Hunt for posting boastful photos with her words. I feel like the selfies at the end of your statement are a weird flex but ok, one user criticized. Nice words. Maybe skip the posting of the silly selfies and PR photos on this one? another user wrote." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Chiefs Heiress Gracie Hunt Reacts After Super Bowl Parade Shooting Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, shared a message after the Super Bowl parade shooting on Wednesday, February 14 Kansas City Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt ripped for posing with Lombardi Trophy in tribute to Super Bowl parade shooting victims Kansas City Chiefs fans are ripping team heiress Gracie Hunt after her tribute to the victims of Wednesday's deadly Super Bowl parade shooting included photos of herself with the Lombardi Trophy. Gracie Hunt, Daughter Of Chiefs Owner, Prompts Outrage With Parade Shooting Post The former Miss USA contestant was accused of being insensitive. Developing . . . Right now we share tribute, hope & respect to 20-year-old actress, presenter, model & inventor Rachel as we check pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Celebrate Cowtown Commitment Shop Local KC leader says she won't live in fear after parade shooting marks third encounter with gun violence "I will not let this stop us from attending or participating in large events," said Katie Mabry van Dieren. "This could happen anywhere due to Missouri's extremely lax gun laws. It could happen in my neighborhood, at my shops, anywhere." In fact, it already has. More Signs Of Endurance New Kansas City Chiefs T-shirt on sale benefits #KCStrong emergency response fund The Kansas City Chiefs have created a new T-shirt to benefit the #KCStrong emergency response fund. Blogger Work Documented Flatland Now Official Home for CityScene KC Archive Kansas City PBS' nonprofit newsroom, Flatland, is now the official home of CityScene KC's archival content. Visit flatlandkc.org/cityscenekc. Careful Driving Out There Driver seriously injured after snowy conditions lead to 3-vehicle crash One man was seriously injured after snowy conditions led to a 3-vehicle collision west of Atchison, Kan. End Of Local History Also Blast brings down section of triple-arch Buck O'Neil Bridge as major demolition begins See the beginning of the end for this iconic bridge that has helped millions of motorists cross the Missouri River for more than half a century. Rachel Walks With Puppers Glam dogs rule NYFW runway at Anthony Rubio's Canine Couture show: 'Humans are the accessories' Canine models wagged their tails down the runway for Anthony Rubio's Fall/Winter 2024 Canine Couture women's wear collection at The Angel Orensanz Foundation in the Lower East Side in a show where "humans are the accessories." Prez Argues Deterrence Joe Biden speaks out on nuclear bomb threat to US Joe Biden addressed Russia's nuclear threat during a press conference about the death of Vladimir Putin-critic Alexei Navalny. MAGA Suffers New Legal FAIL Trump legal news brief: Trump ordered to pay $355 million, barred from running New York businesses for fraudulently inflating net worth The crushing penalty - which may top $400 million once interest is factored in - could cost Trump all of his available cash. Veep Casts Blame Harris says Russia to blame for Navalny's death "Whatever story they tell, let us be clear, Russia is responsible," she said in a speech to attendees at the Munich Security Conference. Russian Dissent Silenced Jailed Russian opposition leader Navalny is dead -prison service Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead, the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence said on Friday. Useful Idiots Abound GOP Lawmaker Hits Tucker Carlson With Wicked Label For Russian Grocery Store Love Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina wasn't having it with the former Fox News host's stop on his Moscow trip. Showdown Awaits On The Hill GOP House Chairman: Johnson has no way out of Ukraine floor vote The GOP chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee was bullish on Friday on the chamber delivering U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, despite the "brainwashing" of some within his caucus who oppose foreign spending because of the crisis at the southern border. Rep. ID Questions Emerge Proposed questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for the Census Bureau's biggest survey The U.S. Census Bureau plans to test questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for its most comprehensive survey of American life. Latest Crisis Explained Leak of Russian Threat Part of a Bid to Kill US Surveillance Reform, Sources Say A surprise disclosure of a national security threat by the House Intelligence chair was part of an effort to block legislation that aimed to limit cops and spies from buying Americans' private data. Romance Finance Accusation Witness Told Feds She Was Paid for Sex Parties With Matt Gaetz The Ethics Committee is investigating Gaetz-and has text messages between the congressman and a woman who claims she had sex with Gaetz at parties she was paid to attend. Old School Workout Advice What Having Sex After Menopause Is Really Like Menopause can cause painful sex and a lower libido, but that's not the case for everyone. Here, five people share how their sex life changed after menopause. Hype Inside The Loop Cont'd DTC Annual Luncheon Keynote Speaker: City Planner and Author Jeff Speck - Downtown Council of Kansas City The Downtown Council is pleased to announce city planner and best-selling author Jeff Speck will be the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Flexing On JoCo Four Inane Questions with Stretchology's Corey Reiling Courtesy photo If you're about as limber as a tree stump, you're not alone, says Corey Reiling. Last year, the Kansas City native opened Stretchology in Shawnee to help people as they overcome their fitness or mobility issues. The certified flexologist says he's passionate about helping people reach their goals. East Side Crafts Excellence Vine Street Brewing drafts 'Afrodisiac' Ale: A tribute to love, Black culture - Startland News A cross-Kansas City collaboration - with Andre's Chocolates and The Black Pantry - crafted specifically for the month of February could become a staple at Vine Street Brewing if customers fall in love with the blend as much as its brewers hope. Advanced Beer Pong Stays Winning Chicken N Pickle serves a no-tech, backyard vibe; Here's why it's paying off with Texas, national expansion "We don't have computers on the property. You don't order from an iPad," said Kelli Alldredge. "We really are very intentional about creating a space where people come in and detach from technology and I think it's something the world's craving, whether we know it or not. Weekend Forecast Shared WEATHER BLOG: Winter is back with revenge, but just for a short time, Nick Bender says Get ready for it to feel and look like February today. Dua Lipa - Training Season is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Or maybe this is a tacit admission that she's not actually as "centrist" as promised and/or she isn't having much luck finding compromise. In fairness, here's her argument . . . Kelly aired her frustrations while delivering the Landon Lecture at Kansas State University a prominent lecture series that has hosted presidents, U.S. Supreme Court justices and foreign leaders. While Kelly made no grand new announcements in the speech, the address underscored an emerging theme of her governorship. Polarization is crushing our ability to get things done for Kansans, Kelly said, citing her decade-long fight to expand Medicaid. Kansas is one of 10 states that havent expanded who is eligible for health coverage under the program. Kelly argued a toxic political discourse was blocking meaningful conversation and compromise within the Legislature on a slew of issues including child care, education, and tax reform. Republicans are preparing to vote to override Kellys veto on a tax package that includes some of her priorities alongside a flat income tax she opposes. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly warns polarization is 'crushing' the ability to govern the state Gov. Laura Kelly, who has been in politics for nearly 20 years, voiced concerns about political polarization while delivering the Landon Lecture at Kansas State University. Of course we expect more debate on this topic as campaign 2024 moves along. However . . . A caveat so that our denizens of the discourse don't get too "overzealous" in their advocacy. Don't expect much to change. Because, after all, this is an election year. Here's a quote that notes as much and more info on upcoming ballot issues: House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said in a news conference Thursday laws alone dont solve the problem of gun violence. We will work on the unfolding events in Kansas City, but I believe Kansas City already has an ordinance ... in the books that shouldve prevented what happened. Laws alone dont solve the problem, Plocher, a Republican running for lieutenant governor, told reporters Thursday. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Missouri GOP leaders dismiss calls for tougher gun laws after KC shooting "We will work on the unfolding events in Kansas City, but I believe Kansas City already has an ordinance ... in the books that should've prevented what happened." Missouri voters could strengthen state's gun laws through November ballot A deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade and rally Wednesday once again thrust the conversation about the state's gun policies into sharp, national focus. Developing . . . Breakfast and lunch menus for the week of Feb. 19-23 Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools Monday: Barbecue rib sandwich, tri tater, vegetable, fruit and milk. Tuesday: Chicken tenders, breadstick, vegetable, fruit and milk. Wednesday: Macaroni and cheese, smokies, breadstick, vegetable, fruit and milk. Thursday: Crispitos with cheese sauce, tots, fruit and milk. Friday: Cheese quesadilla, churro, vegetable, fruit and milk. Fremont Public Schools Monday: No school. Tuesday: Hamburger on a bun, green beans, potato chips, baked beans, fruit juice and milk. Wednesday: Pizza sticks with sauce, Gripz, mixed vegetables, baby carrots, mixed fruit and milk. Thursday: Hot dog on a bun, broccoli, au gratin potatoes, applesauce cup and milk. Friday: Cheese pizza, mixed vegetables, oven fries, apple and milk. Cedar Bluffs Public Schools Monday: Blueberry muffin, toast, fruit, juice and milk; beef stick, cheesy potatoes, carrots, roll, salad bar, fruit and milk. Tuesday: Egg bites, biscuit, fruit, juice and milk; chicken and waffles, asparagus, salad bar, fruit and milk. Wednesday: Cinnamon roll, fruit, juice and milk; pepperoni pizza, green bean casserole, salad bar, fruit and milk. Thursday: Breakfast pizza, toast, fruit, juice and milk; chicken noodle soup, corn bread, salad bar, fruit and milk. Friday: Mini pancakes, fruit, juice and milk; macaroni and cheese, uncrustable, peas, salad bar, fruit and milk. Logan View Public Schools Monday: Banana bread; mandarin chicken and fried rice. Preschool Mandarin chicken, fried rice and fruit. Tuesday: Breakfast pizza; lasagna rollups. Preschool Lasagna rollups, salad and fruit. Wednesday: Eggs and toast; chicken sandwich and hash brown. Preschool Chicken sandwich, hash brown and fruit. Thursday: Oatmeal rounds; corn dogs. Preschool Corn dogs, vegetables and fruit. Friday: Doughnuts; popcorn shrimp. Mead Public Schools Monday: Mini bagels; hot dog or chili dog, baked beans, tater tots and grapes. Tuesday: Muffin; crispito with cheese, peas, mango and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Wednesday: Scrambled eggs; pulled pork sandwich, tri potato, orange slices and graham crackers. Thursday: Breakfast pizza; General Tsos or popcorn chicken, vegetable, fried rice, pineapple and egg roll. Friday: French toast; macaroni and cheese, corn, peaches and dinner roll. North Bend Central Schools Monday: No school. Tuesday: Chefs choice; barbecued pulled pork and baked beans. Wednesday: Combo bar and toast; chefs choice soup. Thursday: Power bites; meatball subs and chips. Friday: Doughnut holes; fish sticks or chicken strips, tri tater and broccoli. Oakland-Craig Public Schools Monday: Cheese omelet, tri taters, toast, cereal bar, fruit, juice and milk; teriyaki chicken, rice, vegetables, pineapple and milk. Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage, Pop Tart, fruit, juice and milk; corn dog on a stick, green beans, french fries, fruit and milk. Wednesday: Sausage gravy and biscuits, cereal, fruit, juice and milk; taco in a bag, refried beans, rice, cinnamon twist and milk. Thursday: Dutch waffles, blueberries sauce, cereal bar, fruit, juice and milk; macaroni and cheese bar, meats, vegetables, fruit and milk. Friday: Doughnuts, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk; pizza, peas, tri taters, fruit and milk. Scribner-Snyder Public Schools Monday: Biscuits and gravy; Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and mixed fruit. Tuesday: Pop Tarts; barbecue pork sandwich, chips, baked beans and pears. Wednesday: No school. Thursday: Bagels with cream cheese; chili, cinnamon rolls, fruit cup and apricots. Friday: Cereal and toast; french toast, hash brown patty, yogurt and peaches. Once again Hollywood stars share insight and target blame over a politically incorrect moniker which garnered glory and then sustained tragedy this week. Here's the word . . . The Killers of the Flower Moon star, who is the first-ever Native American to be nominated in the Best Actress category at the Oscars, explained on Varietys Awards Circuit podcast that both the Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers should be held accountable for their team names, but Gladstone especially has an issue with the Chiefs controversial Tomahawk chop. Honestly, you could hold both teams accountable, Gladstone, 37, said in the episode released Thursday. The 49ers are based on the California Gold Rush, which was an incredibly brutal time for California Indians. And then the Chiefs. There are many ways that you could interpret the name chief. Its not the name that bothers me. Its hearing that damn Tomahawk chop. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . A somewhat hopeful follow-up note brings up an uncomfortable question that the entire city and nation must answer: SHOULD KANSAS CITY PARENTS NOW AVOID LARGE PUBLIC GATHERINGS?!?! Here's a hopeful note and more info on increasing challenges confronting families . . . "All 12 of the patients Children's Mercy took in from the Chiefs parade shooting have gone home . . . One shooting victim is still recovering at Saint Lukes Hospital, and was in stable condition as of Friday afternoon; four walked in with minor injuries and were treated and released. University Health has one shooting victim in critical condition and two more wounded by gunshots who are in stable condition. Nine patients were treated and released." Accordingly & regarding our post title: "Parents who are just regular people living each day have to decide what we wish to do about it. Parades, rallies, schools, movies it seems like almost nothing is safe," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news conference after Wednesday's shooting, adding that he almost brought his young son to the event. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . All children injured in the Chiefs parade shooting discharged, 4 others still in hospital All 12 of the patients Children's Mercy took in from the Chiefs parade shooting have gone home. There are still three shooting victims in stable condition and one in critical condition hospitalized in Kansas City. 'We have great news to share': Children's Mercy announces all victims discharged As the Kansas City area pulls together to support the victims of Wednesday's mass shooting outside Union Station, one area hospital has good news. Related . . . In the wake of the Chiefs parade mass shooting, some parents hesitate to bring kids to big events About half those injured in the Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting were children. With such incidents continuing to happen, some parents now think twice about bringing kids to big, crowded events. Developing . . . You know that China is a country with a long history and beautiful natural scenes, and it provides travelers with special experiences. Among these, Getu River National Park in Guizhou Province is a remarkable place, perfect for those who love adventure and nature. This scenic area is known for its large limestone cliffs and clear karst formations, creating a landscape so special it feels like entering a different place. As you prepare for your trip, look forward to the various activities available at Getu River National Park. For those interested in learning about local cultures, the park is a great place to visit. If you travel often, or this is your first visit to China, Getu River National Park is a destination you should consider. In this guide, you will explore everything about China's famous national park and what you can expect from this beautiful place. The Landscape and Natural Beauty When you visit Getu River National Park in China, you are greeted by a landscape that is both striking and peaceful. The park features large limestone cliffs and clear karst formations, showcasing a unique geological history. This natural beauty is a highlight of China's diverse and impressive natural scenes. Best Time to Visit Choosing the right time for your visit is important for enjoying Getu River National Park. The ideal months are between March and November. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the park's scenery is at its best, providing the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Related Article: Ever heard of Rainbow Mountains in China? See the Spectacular Colors of Nature's Masterpiece Activities to Do Getu River National Park offers a range of activities: Hiking and Exploring The park has several hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. These trails lead through green forests, past remarkable karst formations, and offer stunning views. A key highlight is Dachuandong Cave, known for its swallows and extraordinary natural features. Rock Climbing The park is a great place for rock climbing, with routes for both beginners and experienced climbers. Climbing these natural structures offers an exciting perspective of the park's beauty. Bamboo Rafting For a calm experience, try bamboo rafting on the Getu River. This activity lets you enjoy the peace of the water and the grandeur of the cliffs from a different view. Cultural Experiences The park is also home to the local Miao community. Visiting their villages allows you to learn about their history and lifestyle. Engage in traditional Miao activities and understand their customs. Accommodation and Dining Near Getu River National Park, you can find various places to stay, from guesthouses to hotels. These offer views of the natural landscape, keeping you close to nature. Local restaurants serve Chinese cuisine, often using fresh ingredients from the area. Safety and Conservation Safety is important in Getu River National Park. The park authorities ensure trails and climbing routes are safe. Always follow their guidelines and respect the natural environment. The park has conservation efforts in place, and visitors are asked to help by reducing their environmental impact. Read Also: Guizhou Province: The 'Switzerland Of China' Has One Historical Snake Road That Travelers Must See A recent Delta Air Lines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Feb. 13 faced a disturbing incident. Passengers were shocked when maggots fell from an overhead compartment. This happened due to a suitcase filled with rotting fish opening in the cabin. The plane, flying for about an hour, had to turn back. Maggots on Delta Air Lines Flight Cause Turnaround and Distress The flight, operated by Delta Air Lines, was carrying travelers for a long journey. Unfortunately, a passenger's suitcase containing decaying fish caused a major problem. Maggots from the suitcase fell onto passengers sitting below. This disturbing event led to the flight's return to Amsterdam. After landing, everyone had to leave the plane. The suitcase with the fish was taken to be destroyed. Delta Air Lines also made sure the plane was thoroughly cleaned. According to The Independent, passengers, understandably upset, shared their experiences online. One passenger, named Kelce, posted on Twitter about the ordeal. Kelce mentioned that Delta Air Lines staff detained the suitcase's owner while others left the plane. Delta Air Lines offered compensation to the travelers for the inconvenience. This included 8,000 air miles, a hotel stay, and a $30 meal voucher for those who had to wait overnight. Some passengers also discussed their experiences on Reddit. They described the unsettling sight of maggots and the measures taken by the flight crew. Related Article: Disabled Man Sues Delta Air Lines For Making Him Crawl Onto Flight Delta Air Lines addressed the incident, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the improperly packed suitcase. They assured that the affected aircraft was taken out of service for a thorough cleaning. This incident is among the unusual situations that Delta Air Lines has recently faced. Forced to Go-Around Due to Japan Airlines Error in San Diego A recent incident at San Diego International Airport involved two major airlines, Delta Air Lines and Japan Airlines, causing a safety concern. On Feb. 6, a Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 mistakenly taxied too far while heading for a flight to Tokyo. This error led to a Delta Air Lines Airbus A220-300 having to change its landing plan urgently. The Delta Air Lines aircraft, flying in from Seattle, was close to landing when the incident happened, Simple Flying reported. Air traffic control audio revealed that the Japan Airlines plane did not stop where it was supposed to. This mistake made the Delta Air Lines plane, which was only 750 feet above the ground, go up to 5,175 feet and fly around the airport before it could land safely. Japan's transportation ministry officials visited Japan Airlines' headquarters to review their safety practices after this event. This visit followed another serious incident involving a Japan Airlines Airbus A350-900 in Tokyo, which resulted in a tragic accident with five fatalities. The Delta Air Lines flight managed to land safely, 11 minutes ahead of schedule, despite the disruption. This incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to airport safety protocols to prevent dangerous situations. Read Also: Drunk Man Arrested After Punching Delta Flight Attendant On His Way to His Honeymoon In a recent incident in Vietnam, Winner International Travel Company is being fined for breaking travel service regulations. This action comes after 292 Taiwanese tourists were left stranded on Phu Quoc Island. Vietnam Travel Company Fined for Stranding Tourists Winner International Travel Company had initially agreed to a contract with We Love Tour, a Taiwanese travel company, starting Sep. 12 of the previous year. They received a deposit of 700,000 TWD (US$22,317) on Jan. 18. However, a disagreement over pricing led the Vietnamese company to terminate their services on Jan. 31, without receiving a clear response from their Taiwanese counterpart. Despite halting their services, they retained the deposit. According to VNExpress International, the situation worsened when the Taiwanese tourists arrived at Phu Quoc International Airport on Feb. 9, only to find no transportation or hotel arrangements. The Vietnamese company then demanded an additional $720 per person for the services. This unexpected fee was agreed to by only 90 of the tourists. The Kien Giang's Department of Tourism in Vietnam has accused Winner International Travel Company of violating service regulations by both retaining the deposit and charging extra fees after unilaterally ending the contract. Bui Quoc Thai, director of the tourism department, stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the responsibilities of both companies involved in this incident. The affected tourists were finally able to return home on special flights on Feb. 14. The exact amount of the fine imposed on Winner International Travel Company has yet to be disclosed. This incident has negatively impacted the reputation of both Phu Quoc and Vietnam's tourism industry. Related Article: Why Vietnam is Considered the Safest Country to Visit in 2024 Vietnam's Da Lat Sees Tourist Boom During Tet Holiday Da Lat, a popular resort city in Vietnam's Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, experienced a significant rise in tourist numbers during the Lunar New Year, or Tet holiday. From Feb. 8-12, which marks the first five days of Tet, the city welcomed about 153,000 visitors. This number is 22.4% higher than last year. The increase highlights Da Lat's growing popularity as a vacation spot during one of Vietnam's most celebrated festivals. The city saw a mix of both international and local visitors. According to Travel and Tour, around 10,800 international tourists visited Da Lat, an 8% increase from last year, while the number of Vietnamese tourists was about 142,200, up by 20.16%. The Tet holiday, which continued until Feb. 14, was expected to bring even more tourists. Da Lat's hotels, especially those with three to five stars, were projected to have an occupancy rate between 90 to 95%. Other lodging facilities expected rates of 75 to 85%, indicating a busy time for the city's hospitality industry. Da Lat is known for its unique geography and culture. Located on the Lam Vien Plateau, 1,500 meters above sea level, it covers 394 square kilometers and has a population of about 260,000 people from different ethnic groups. The city is famous for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage, including the UNESCO-recognized gong culture. Additionally, Da Lat's connection to Vietnamese music and its aim to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in music further enhance its appeal. Read Also: ASEAN Workshop Enhances Green Tourism with Digital Skills Training in Vietnam Saturday HomeStore open, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart-to-heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Steak and shrimp will be served from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Rustic Gold will play from 8 p.m. to midnight in the ballroom. Everyone is welcome. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Mead Fire Department Wild Game Feed, 6 p.m., Mead Fire Department, 220 E. Fourth St. Freewill donations will be collected. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5. Prizes include a rifle, shotgun and Yeti cooler. Alcohol will be sold; no outside drinks are allowed. Spiritual 12-Step Recovery Program, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous The Lie is Dead meeting, 8 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Logan Valley Shooting Club Fundraising Breakfast, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Uehling Auditorium. All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, and biscuits and gravy will be served for a freewill donation. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity meeting, 10:30 a.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Monday TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free. For more information, call 531-281-9288. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Lightkeepers Womens Group, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. VFW Auxiliary Post 854 meeting, 1 p.m., Godfathers, Fremont. Auxiliary members should arrive early if they plan on eating. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Planning Commission meeting, 5 p.m., Fremont Municipal Buildings second floor, 400 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854 meal and meeting, 6 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club. Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road. Keene Memorial Library Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Keene Memorial Library, 1030 N. Broad St., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public. Fresh Hope Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Those people are our people too. The words of UNC Senator David Nakhid, following the deadly Study aims to understand cognitive decline in older dogs Greg Pietsch Gregory Pietsch visits with his dog, Utqi. A University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher has launched a study of cognitive decline in older Alaska dogs. Canine cognitive disorder, or CCD, presents similarly to Alzheimer's disease in humans, with symptoms including disorientation, failure to recognize family members, inability to retain control over basic bodily functions, and changes in personality. Dr. Greg Pietsch, a veterinarian and assistant professor in the UAF Department of Veterinary Medicine in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, is the principal investigator for the project. Ive too often seen the impact of cognitive decline on the lives of dogs as they age and the subsequent impact on the humans who love them, Pietsch said. Currently our ability to diagnose and offer treatment for these patients is limited. Learning to better identify CCD is an important first step towards the testing of effective treatment options. The cognitive disorder may affect a larger percentage of older dogs than previously thought, affecting their quality of life and lifespan. Early signs of decline often go unrecognized by the owner or veterinarian. The projects goal is to determine the current status of Interior dogs. This will aid in evaluating how the disease progresses with time and the effectiveness of future treatments. As part of the project, researchers will recruit older dogs in the Interior to participate in the study. They will work with local veterinarians to recruit dogs more than 8 years old and look for symptoms of decline. They will use tools similar to those used to assess Alzheimers disease in humans, notably cognitive scoring, blood markers, brain volume measurements and estimates of the loss of sense of smell. In both CCD and Alzheimers disease, the hippocampus of the brain shrinks as the disease progresses. We can use MRI to measure the hippocampus and compare those results with the other tools defining CCD progression, Pietsch said. The UAF Institute of Arctic Biologys Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism and the Department of Veterinary Medicine will collaborate to provide the MRI services needed to conduct the study. Interior Alaska is a place where canines are loved as companion animals, but they are also important for transportation as sled dogs and used in many sport and recreation activities, said center director Kelly Drew, who is providing facilities for the work. This research will provide much-needed insight as to how to keep these dogs healthy for longer periods by studying what might cause cognitive decline. Neuronascent Inc. has awarded Pietsch a $10,000 grant to research the disorders progression in the community. Neuronascent is a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel therapies for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. As in humans with Alzheimers disease, CCD can have a terrible toll on older dogs, said Judith Kelleher-Andersson, Neuronascent's founder and CEO. In order to therapeutically treat CCD, we must first understand the rate of the disease in the working and companion dog community, and the best way to assess disease progression and potential therapeutic benefit. We hope this grant will begin to answer those questions. The grant will be announced during the veterinarians of Interior Alaska meeting at Pikes Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. The meeting is hosted by the Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism. For more information: Gregory Pietsch, gpietsch@alaska.edu, 907-474-1838 134-24 The United States will transfer funds obtained from a Russian smuggling ring to Estonia for the benefit of Ukraine. The relevant international agreement between the United States and Estonia was signed in Munich on the sidelines of the security conference, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. The document was signed by U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Justice Tonis Saar. Global efforts to counter Russian aggression require global partnership, and this agreement is an example of such a partnership, stated Monaco. Under the agreement, the United States will donate nearly half a million dollars to Estonia to support the KleptoCapture Taskforce. Estonia will then donate the funds to Ukraine. This action is the first of its kind and is the result of the work of the KleptoCapture task force, which enforces sanctions and export restrictions imposed in response to Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine. The agreement will help the people in Ukraine who continue to bravely resist the Russian aggressor, said Monaco. She noted that this group confiscated money from an illegal network that was trying to illegally export high-precision equipment from the United States to Russia that could be used in the development of dangerous weapons and nuclear weapons. The network was exposed, and 6 people, including a Latvian citizen, were charged with violating export control rules and money laundering. The US Deputy Attorney General assured that the KleptoCapture platform, which was established in March 2022 to track down the proceeds of those who illegally support the Russian war machine by circumventing sanctions, will continue to seize funds and transfer them to Ukraine. In the absence of appropriate congressional action, the Office of the Attorney General will act on the basis of its existing authority to support Ukraine. Oligarchs' wealth, illegal transactions, etc. "worth hundreds of millions of dollars" are now under investigation, Monaco said. She explained that the funds will now be transferred through Estonia, because in this case, a direct transfer is not possible. The funds will be used in a special fund to quickly restore the destroyed power grid in Ukraine. For his part, Tonis Saar expressed hope that this agreement would encourage other countries to seize Russian assets in favor of Ukraine. He noted that sanctions are only effective when fully implemented. The Estonian representative acknowledged the difficulty in tracing those who circumvent sanctions and bringing them to justice. The ceremony was also attended by Assistant U.S. Attorney General for National Security Matthew Olsen and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. As reported, the international security conference is currently being held in Munich, Germany. Leading world politicians, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of the public and scientific community are discussing the most pressing global issues of our time. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the two leaders spoke in English. At the beginning of the meeting, President Zelensky wished peace to the people of Azerbaijan and emphasized the good ties between the countries. Ilham Aliyev noted that his team is in constant contact with the Ukrainian side to discuss bilateral relations, and Azerbaijan values its partnership with Ukraine. Azerbaijan supports the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and understands the situation due to its own experience with occupation and violation of territorial integrity. The President of Azerbaijan wished peace to the people of Ukraine. Accosting to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, energy, humanitarian and other areas. Zelensky noted Azerbaijan's assistance in ensuring the reliable functioning of Ukraine's energy system. He also thanked Aliyev for the implementation of projects to rebuild the town of Irpin in the Kyiv region and expressed hope for Azerbaijan's further contribution to Ukraine's economic recovery. The leaders discussed possible joint economic projects, particularly in the energy sector. Specifically, they discussed the possible use of Ukrainian gas storage facilities. The interlocutors coordinated future joint efforts. Zelensky informed Ilham Aliyev about the preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. As Ukrinform reported, in January 2024, Ukraine received another batch of aid from its Azerbaijani partners, including 25 tonnes of energy equipment for restoration work. Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office In Munich, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed discussed the creation of an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Zelensky thanked the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, particularly within the UN, and emphasized the importance of Bangladesh's support for Ukrainian initiatives. He told the Prime Minister about Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, the situation on the battlefield and the Ukrainian vision of a just peace based on the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The President invited the People's Republic of Bangladesh to join the implementation of the Formula and take part in the inaugural Global Peace Summit. Read also: Zelensky meets with CEO of Alphabet and Google Separately, Zelensky informed his interlocutor about Ukraine's efforts to create an alternative "grain corridor" in the Black Sea and prevent Russia's attempts to undermine peaceful navigation in the Black Sea region. The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh also discussed the prospects of establishing cooperation in trade and economic sphere, in particular, the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products to this country. As Ukrinform reported, Presidents of Ukraine and Azerbaijan Volodymyr Zelensky and Ilham Aliyev held talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is convinced that Putin has only two options ahead: to be in the dock in The Hague or to be killed by one of his accomplices. The Ukrainian leader said this in his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrinform reports. "One may have different attitudes towards international institutions, but the International Criminal Courts warrant for Putins arrest for kidnapping and forced deportation of children from Ukraine clearly demonstrates where Putins so-called career should end. He has only two options ahead to be in the dock in The Hague, or to be killed by one of his accomplices," Zelensky said. He added that Putin's years of self-isolation and his impunity had led to his complete degradation. "He now openly justifies Hitler, absolving him of responsibility for World War II. He has made the genocide of our people just an ordinary part of his policy," Zelensky said. In addition, Zelensky said, Putin kills whoever he wants, be it an opposition leader or anyone else who seems as a target exactly to him. According to Zelensky, after the murder of Alexei Navalny, it is absurd to perceive Putin as a supposedly legitimate head of the Russian state. "He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence. Coming to his so-called 'inauguration,' shaking his hand, considering him an equal means to disdain the very nature of political power," Zelensky said. On February 16, Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service announced that opposition Russian politician Alexei Navalny had died in a penal colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. Earlier in Germany, Zelensky said that Navalny had been "likely killed by Putin, like thousands of other tortured people." Photo: Oleksiy Chernyshov / Facebook Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met in Munich with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to discuss possible dates for the signing of a bilateral security agreement. That's according to a statement posted on the website of the head of state, Ukrinform reports. "As part of his participation in the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. [] The parties coordinated the final steps in the preparation of a bilateral security agreement based on the G7 Vilnius Declaration and discussed possible dates for signing," the statement said. Zelensky thanked Denmark for its constant leadership in assisting Ukraine and highly appreciated the 14 packages of defense support provided by Denmark. The two paid special attention to further defense support for Ukraine, bilateral cooperation and cooperation with other countries to provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons. They also discussed the involvement of Denmark and Danish companies in the joint production of drones. Zelensky thanked Frederiksen for her assistance in promoting the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Both leaders discussed preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of broad representation of countries. Ukraine has already signed security cooperation agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine A man and a woman have been identified as suspects in the homicides of two young children in Pueblo. The investigation began when police discovered the remains of a young girl inside a metal container in a storage facility on West Sixth Street in Pueblo on Jan. 20. The remains, which had been encased in concrete inside the container, were later identified through DNA testing as Yesenia Dominguez. The girl and another child, Jesus Dominguez Jr., had been missing since 2018, though police say no missing person report was filed. The girl was 3 at the time of her disappearance, and the boy was 5. Pueblo police identified Corena Rose Minjarez, 36, and Jesus Dominguez, 35, as persons of interest in the case. In a interview before the identification, police say they were told that the children were in Arizona, but that the lead went nowhere. The remains of Dominguez Jr. were found in what police say was a vehicle belonging to Minjarez at a Pueblo scrap yard on Feb. 6. The boy's remains were found in a suitcase in the car, according to PPD. Police executed a warrant for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse for Minjarez and Dominguez on Feb. 15. Minjarez was arrested and is held at the Pueblo County Detention Center on a $2 million bond. Police said Saturday that Dominguez has been taken into custody. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Pueblo police dispatch at 719-553-2502 or Detective Nicholas Lile at 719-601-7751. An anonymous report can be made with Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP (719-542-7867). The University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus awoke to an emergency alert on Friday, after reports of shots fired in a school dorm led to the discovery of two people dead of apparent gunshots. Officials have not yet identified the two dead individuals or mentioned a suspect, however Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson Ira Cronin said it is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no active threat in the community. The CSPD posted on the social media site X Friday evening that the incident "does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides." Friday morning was foggy and chilly, just four days after a student had suddenly died of a medical emergency at the campus recreation center, when campus police received reports of shots fired in the Alpine Village student dorms shortly before 6 a.m. A spokesperson with UCCS confirmed that the shooting occurred in Crestone House, an apartment building for upperclassmen and international students within the Alpine Village housing complex on the north side of campus. Cronin said campus police gained access to the dorm at roughly 6:05 a.m. and discovered two people deceased, each with at least one gunshot wound. Sgt. Ward with the city's Stetson Hills police division said the department received a call to assist from UCCS at 6:11 a.m. By 6:21 a.m. the entire campus was placed on lockdown. Campus community members received the following instructions, "Lockdown! Lock interior doors. Turn out the lights. Move away from sight. Do not open the door. Maintain silence. Evade/Defend." Fifty minutes later, a second alert message: "Lockdown UPDATE NO active shooter, please continue to shelter in place on campus until further notice. Campus closed today." Only those in Alpine Village were asked to stay where they were, while officers investigated the scene, and by 9:37 a.m., they too were allowed to leave. A sudden stream of students could be seen leaving the Alpine Village dorms after the all-clear was given. Samuel and Evan, two freshman roommates living in the Alpine Village who didn't want their last names used, said they didn't "hear anything" at the time of the shooting and discovered the news through an alert on their cellphones as they were waking up. "It was really jarring, especially because we had just woken up," Evan said. "I obviously know that shootings do happen, but you never think it's going to happen here (UCCS). It feels like such a disconnected reality," Samuel said. Just before 10:30 a.m., CSPD's Metro Crime Lab had arrived on the scene. According to Cronin, UCCS requested investigative assistance from the department, and CSPD's homicide unit has assumed lead in the investigation. Featured Local Savings Cronin confirmed both deaths are being investigated as a homicide. "We are working this case diligently, and we are looking at every possibility. We will release more information when we can, and when it is helpful to the investigation," Cronin said. At an afternoon press conference city, county and police officials gave an update. District Attorney Michael Allen said that police would be "careful what they share" and that families were in the process of being notified. UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet thanked the campus for heeding the morning shelter-in-place warning and highlighted counselling services. "I can only imagine to our students and our staff how frightening that must have been and I thank you," she said. It was already a tragic week for UCCS, as Mia Brown, a senior in the nursing program, died suddenly of a medical emergency at the campus recreation center. UCCS freshman Luke Ming said he is feeling the emotional weight of the three deaths on campus this week. "It's very sad and there's a lot of grief. I do think a sense of community is important at a time like this, especially on such a small campus," Ming said. The campus will remain closed with all events and activities canceled for the weekend, according to the university's social media. Monday, Feb. 19, is set to be a "Day of Healing" with classes cancelled and community events for students and staff to gather. Contact the Writer: 719-636-0362 Editor's Note: Police have not mentioned the identity of a suspect in this shooting, or of any ongoing search for a suspect. A previous version of this story incorrectly conflated information from an unrelated incident involving Colorado Springs police taking a suspect into custody. In a clash between personal freedoms and technology-driven public safety, the guys controlling Elbert County's purse strings won. In May to the dismay of the Elbert County Sheriff's Office its own panel of county commissioners became what is likely the first governmental entity in Colorado to challenge the reach of cutting-edge surveillance technology avowed by law enforcement as a powerful crimefighting tool. In December, the Elbert County Commissioners voted, 3-0, against renewing the contract for the regions nine Flock Safety brand license plate readers because constant surveillance of passing vehicles is too much "Big Brother" for their comfort. This is a place where people ought to be able to live freely and enjoy their properties and their lifestyle without being concerned about whos watching them, Commissioner Chair Chris Richardson said of constituents in this traditionally conservative county. It was Richardson who gave the license plate readers (LPRs) a green light a year ago. At the time, he said he was under the impression that he had authorized police dashboard cameras. But this version of LPRs, operated by a private Atlanta company called Flock Safety, is actually a high-speed camera on 24/7 watch atop poles on handpicked county roads and busy intersections. Two of these contraptions are placed on nondescript poles at each entrance of a loop, which winds around Elbert countys biggest attraction a shopping center anchored by a Walmart. A few residents interviewed by The Denver Gazette were not aware that the cameras existed and, thus, did not know they were being tracked. We have a right to know about them, but I'd like to keep them," said Elbert County resident Robin Hauger, who was eating a McDonald's lunch, parked right across from the loop entrance. She had never noticed the contraption placed across the street, although she had driven past it dozens of times. In fact, it took months after the cameras were erected in Elbert County before concerned constituents brought the LPRs to the county commissioners attention. Thats when Richardson and the rest of the panel started looking into the good versus the bad about them. Courts have ruled there is no citizens' right-to-privacy on public streets. Police state or police tool? At a Dec. 13, 2023 weekly commissioners' meeting, Elizabeth resident Maggie Witherbee described Flock LPRs as a threat of an advancing police state. In the same room was Elbert County Sheriff Tim Norton, who pleaded with the panel to keep the countys nine automated sentinels rolling. You all know that its a widespread county," he said. "You all know that we dont have that many deputies who can respond in that timely of a manner. On any given night, there are only two patrol officers and one sergeant available to patrol Elbert Countys 1,841 square miles. Sometimes, that number dwindles to one deputy and one sergeant, according to Elbert County Undersheriff Dave Fisher. He said the department currently employs 42 sworn officers, down seven from where it should be. Fisher advised Flock Safety that its contract is not being renewed. All nine of Elbert Countys cameras will be removed this May. Last June, a Flock camera alerted on a black Hyundai Accent careening 90-100 miles per hour on Kiowa-Bennett Road and County Road 194 in the middle of the afternoon. Elbert County Sheriffs learned that the vehicle, which had Iowa plates, had been stolen out of Denver. After a dangerous chase, the driver, Brittany Griffin, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree motor vehicle theft, felony vehicle alluding and reckless driving. Before the cameras, law enforcement caught suspects the old-school way relying on eyewitness descriptions. But rural areas with miles of wide, open roads present opportunities for joy rides and easy getaways. We are going to miss more people driving stolen cars in the county who otherwise would have been caught, said Elbert County Chief District Attorney Eva Wilson. The loss of the cameras will "tie our hands even more," Sheriff Norton told The Gazette. Each Flock LPR costs $2,500 for a year of service. But its not the cost of the technology that gives him pause, said Elbert County Commissioner Dallas Schroeder. "I'm uncomfortable with the fact that Flock takes a digital footprint of your car, highlighting distinguishing characteristics like bumper stickers." Schroeder's own vehicle does not sport a bumper sticker, and he uses camera-free back roads when he visits Walmart. During last Decembers meeting, Schroeder compared the acceptance of law enforcements latest tracking device technology to Nazi Germany's pursuit of Jewish citizens in pre-World War II Germany. In a book titled IBM and the Holocaust," author Edwin Black pointed to documents that show IBM leased punch card machines to the Nazis who controlled census and registration used to track Jewish people starting in 1933. "The danger is that the data could be used to single out groups of people by race, religion, or political affiliation," Schroeder told The Gazette. Unlikely bedfellows Schroeder, a staunch Republican, chuckled that he rarely agrees with the American Civil Liberties Union. But he admitted the ACLU's negative stance on the widespread use of Flock cameras is an exception. In a February 2023 article, the ACLU accused Flock Safety of creating a mass surveillance system supported by a heavily connected network that allows federal and local law enforcement to access the comings and goings of vehicles in even the smallest of towns and described the companys growing web of cameras as having Orwellian scope. In the article, the ACLU urged citizens to put a halt to the trend by contacting elected officials to oppose the tool full stop." In our country, the government should not be tracking us unless it has individualized suspicion that were engaged in wrongdoing, the group said. That is music to Schroeders ears. Featured Local Savings This is not a conservative or a liberal issue," he said. "Freedom is more important than public safety. Any freedom-loving American should have concerns with this. Flock in Colorado Half of Elbert Countys 28,000 residents commute to the Denver metro area. In Denver, the police department and mayor recently announced that it will do exactly the opposite of what Elbert County is doing. This Spring, Denver will give a substantial nod to Flock technology by installing 109 of the license plate readers in high-crime areas, such as downtown and East Colfax. Currently, Colorado's capital city with the states worst auto theft problem has only two of them. We are not going to be shy about where the cameras are located, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said as he and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston rolled out their plan to fight Denvers crime problem to a room full of television cameras. Johnston said that Denvers high levels of car theft happens because of a drop in police staff, a broader pattern of rising crime and the fact that certain car models are easier to steal. His own car was stolen in November. He is encouraging citizens to register their cars with the Denver Police through a program called DenverTrak. We want to make sure that theres not one sneaky route to get out of Denver that every thief knows they can use without being detected, Johnston said. We want to make sure we can find them wherever they go. By capturing the image of license plate numbers on passing vehicles, the system alerts law enforcement to stolen cars, to criminals on the run in their own vehicles, and even keys in Amber Alerts and on missing elderly who may suffer from dementia in their automobiles and confused about how to get home. Colorado's legal protections In 2022, the Colorado lawmakers passed a statute that requires all passive surveillance to be destroyed after three years of the date when the license plate is read. The law defines passive surveillance as the use by a government entity of a digital video camera, video tape camera, closed circuit television camera, film camera, photo radar recorder, or other image recording device positioned to capture moving or still pictures or images of human activity on a routine basis or for security or other purposes. Still, most jurisdictions remove unused data sooner than that, according to Cale Gould of the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. "Most agencies only store the license plates of law-abiding citizens for 30 days and then they delete them," he said. Gould admitted, though, that LPR misreads can happen due to an obscured license plate or sun glare. Suspects can also remove license plates of stolen vehicles before they drive, but an unidentified car warrants probable cause for a search. In an email, Flock Safety spokesperson Connor Metz told The Denver Gazette that its LPRs contain no facial recognition capabilities and that the system does not connect with vehicle registration databases. "Our LPR system is fully auditable. Each search requires a search reason which, along with the search itself, is recorded and saved. This search history is available for audit to law enforcement leadership, City Council, or other officials depending on an agencys policy," Metz said. "Per our terms of service, Flock does not own any of the data or images recorded by our devices; customers own 100% of their data. This means that Flock can never sell or share the data with private third parties." Metz also stated that Flock's cameras are impossible to access remotely because they "do not have public-facing IP addresses." Flock Safety started business just six years ago and already operates in at least 4,000 American communities, according to its website. At least 60 of those are in Colorado, according to Metz. For Richardson, Schroeder, and the ACLU, the fact that a private company operates such a vast network is a deal-breaker. Flock believers Douglas County is sold on Flock. It has 34 cameras and is in the process of adding 13 more this spring. There are roughly another 30 privately owned cameras within Douglas County, including in subdivisions, such as Castle Pines. Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly attributes the areas 27% decrease in auto theft last year in part to license identification by Flock cameras, according to spokesperson Cocha Heyden. The Castle Rock Police Department has its own Strategic Response Center, where Officer Adrian Mendez monitored an array of computer screens which are connected to the force's fleet of Flock cameras. These LPRs take photos of every vehicle's license plate, which translates to a heavy amount of data. But only cars suspected to be associated with criminal activity are flagged for follow-up, and Mendez admitted that not all of the hits are positively associated with criminal activity. Castle Rock Police are considered a leader in Colorado with Flock technology. In 2021, Castle Rock police moved to stationary license plate readers as an innovative way to fight all types of crimes. When it came to auto theft, it appeared to have an immediate effect, as the force saw reductions over the next two years. Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley said that the departments 32 readers constitute just one part of the law enforcement equation. It takes a combination of "people, innovation and community, he said, adding that a piece of technology is great to have, but it wont work without people who are well-trained to implement it and community support. According to the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, Castle Rock saw a 25% decrease in auto thefts in 2021, followed by a 15% decrease in 2022 for a total of a 40% reduction in car theft since the Flock cameras were installed. Still, Colorado ACLU staff attorney Laura Moraff warns against singling out specific cases to prove that the Flock system works. The question isnt whether there are any instances of using automatic license plate readers that seem innocuous on their own," Moraff said. "The question is whether were okay with law enforcement using these invasive systems that capture massive amounts of information about innocent people even when theres no reason to think theyve done anything wrong. We shouldnt allow that kind of suspicion-less surveillance in Colorado. Shot from behind On Santa Fe Trail in southern Elbert County stands a single Flock license plate reader with a shotgun-shell hole in its back side likely targeted by a citizen for not minding its own business. Undersheriff Dave Fisher said that Camera #7 has been shot up three times and replaced thrice, but it did not capture an image of the shooter because these license plate readers only take pictures from the front. If there were, there might be a charge of criminal mischief for the mystery suspect. With so little evidence to go on, Schroeder who owns a shotgun and hunts conducted a behavioral profile. "Whomever did the shooting doesn't like the cameras," said Schroeder. "I can assure you, it wasn't me." In a significant departure from precedent, the House education committee has taken the unprecedented step of issuing subpoenas to three Harvard University officials. This marks the first time in its 157-year history that the committee has resorted to such measures, underscoring the gravity of the situation and signaling a potentially seismic shift in the relationship between Congress and higher education institutions. The subpoenas were prompted by the committee's ongoing investigation into allegations of antisemitism at Harvard University. Against the backdrop of a notable uptick in antisemitic incidents on college campuses nationwide, Representative Virginia Foxx, chair of the education committee, has asserted the need for heightened oversight, particularly concerning elite universities like Harvard. This development has drawn scrutiny from experts in the field, who warn of the potential erosion of institutional autonomy and academic freedom in the face of increased congressional scrutiny. READ ALSO: House Education Committee Deems Harvard's Response to Antisemitism Probe "Woefully Inadequate" Jon Fansmith, senior vice president for government relations and national engagement at the American Council on Education, has expressed skepticism regarding the rationale behind the subpoenas. He questions whether the severity of the allegations warrants such drastic action and cautions against the precedent it may set for future engagements between Congress and higher education institutions. Moreover, he underscores the broader implications of the committee's actions, suggesting that Harvard's response-or lack thereof-could set a precedent for how other colleges and universities navigate similar challenges in the future. Harvard's Response: Cooperation Amidst Dispute In response to the subpoenas, Harvard University officials have pushed back, characterizing the committee's demands as unwarranted and defending the institution's efforts to comply with previous requests for information. While Harvard has already provided thousands of pages of documents to the committee, concerns persist regarding the completeness and adequacy of the university's response. Despite assertions of cooperation, tensions between Harvard and the committee remain palpable. Committee leaders have criticized Harvard for what they perceive as a lack of transparency and cooperation, citing concerns over redacted documents and the perceived insufficiency of the university's disclosure. The subpoena, which demands additional documentation related to antisemitic incidents, disciplinary actions, and governance meeting minutes, has set a deadline for compliance by March 4. Representative Foxx has emphasized the committee's commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring a safe learning environment on college campuses. She has issued a stern warning against any delay or defiance of the investigation, signaling Congress's unwavering resolve to address hate speech and discrimination within the realm of higher education. Broader Implications and Future Outlook Outside the purview of the House education committee, subpoenas of institutions are exceedingly rare-a fact that underscores the gravity of the current situation. Jane Oates, a senior policy adviser at WorkingNation, has expressed concern over what she perceives as an overreach of congressional authority into the affairs of college campuses. She advocates for a comprehensive national strategy to address antisemitism and promote inclusivity in higher education, cautioning against the potential unintended consequences of heavy-handed congressional intervention. Brendan Cantwell, a professor at Michigan State University, has highlighted the broader message conveyed by the committee's actions. He suggests that colleges and universities may now face heightened scrutiny and punitive measures for perceived missteps, signaling a paradigm shift in the dynamics of higher education oversight. As colleges grapple with the implications of increased congressional scrutiny, the outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of higher education governance in the United States. RELATED ARTICLE: How Harvard President Claudine Gay's Resignation Exposes DEI in US Higher Education Kwang-Wu Kim's departure from his role as president and CEO of Columbia College Chicago marks a critical juncture for the institution as it grapples with internal strife and financial challenges. The historic seven-week strike by contingent faculty members, a culmination of long-standing grievances, has left a lasting impact on the college's stability and reputation. The fallout from the strike, combined with the broader economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened the urgency for Columbia College Chicago to address both its internal dynamics and financial sustainability. The recent strike, concluded just two months ago, was a visible manifestation of discontent among faculty members regarding issues such as working conditions and compensation. The financial toll of the strike, estimated at $13 million, has brought the college's fiscal health into sharp focus. In this context, Kwang-Wu Kim's decision to step down signifies an acknowledgment of the need for fresh leadership to navigate these complex challenges effectively. READ ALSO: Inside the Longest Faculty Strike in Columbia College's History Financial Strain and Enrollment Declines Columbia College Chicago faces a multifaceted financial predicament, amplified by a decline in student enrollment in recent years. According to the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the college's enrollment has seen a gradual decrease, slipping from nearly 7,000 in fall 2019 to its current enrollment of around 6,700 students. This downward trend is part of a more extended decline, with federal data indicating that the college enrolled over 10,000 students in fall 2013, a threshold it has struggled to reach since. The financial strain resulting from decreased enrollments has been further exacerbated by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted traditional higher education models. The need to adapt to changing dynamics in student preferences, educational delivery methods, and financial pressures has become a paramount concern for the college's leadership. Anticipating Organizational Changes As Columbia College Chicago prepares for a transition in leadership, stakeholders are keenly anticipating the details of the organizational restructuring plan set to be unveiled by Kim in his draft report on February 28. This plan is expected to encompass a comprehensive review of the college's administrative functions, academic programs, and resource allocation. The overarching goal is to identify efficiencies and streamline operations while safeguarding the quality of education and the student experience. The restructuring process presents an opportunity for the college to redefine its strategic priorities, reallocate resources judiciously, and foster a more resilient and adaptable organizational culture. By engaging in a transparent and inclusive dialogue with stakeholders, the administration can garner support for these changes and ensure that the diverse perspectives of the college community are considered in the decision-making process. Charting a Path Forward with Stakeholder Engagement Amidst the challenges and uncertainties, Columbia College Chicago must prioritize open communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other key stakeholders. Creating a shared vision for the college's future requires active engagement and participation from the entire community. The forthcoming draft report and subsequent discussions will serve as critical forums for stakeholders to express their concerns, aspirations, and recommendations. Maintaining a commitment to the college's core mission and values will be paramount in guiding the restructuring efforts. Columbia College Chicago's legacy of fostering creativity, innovation, and diversity must remain at the forefront of decision-making processes. By embracing the collective expertise and passion of its community, the college can forge a path forward that aligns with its founding principles while adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education. In navigating this transformative journey, strong leadership, strategic vision, and a dedication to excellence will be essential. Columbia College Chicago has an opportunity to emerge from this period of transition stronger and more resilient, poised to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving higher education landscape. RELATED ARTICLE: Cal State Faculty Strike Ends Abruptly, Leaving Controversy in the Wake of Tentative Agreement Land-grant universities, pivotal in shaping America's educational landscape, are facing unprecedented challenges that could redefine the nation's workforce, educational policies, and political dynamics. Originating in 1862 to provide equal access to higher education with a focus on practical skills, these institutions have evolved into top-tier research centers. However, budget pressures and shifting economic demands now force these universities to reconsider their priorities, leading to crucial decisions that will impact generations to come. READ ALSO: Campuses Committed to Saving the Environment: 14 Colleges Leading the Charge in Conservation and Sustainability The Land-Grant Legacy The legacy of land-grant universities, rooted in the federal government's donation of land to states, aimed to educate working-class citizens in farming and mechanical skills. Over time, these institutions adapted to the changing economy, becoming crucial players in higher education. Today, they stand as comprehensive research institutions, rivaling Ivy League schools and playing a vital role in shaping diverse fields of study. The Budgetary Conundrum Despite their historical significance, land-grant universities like the University of Connecticut (UConn) are grappling with budget crises that have been years in the making. UConn, a flagship state university, faces declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and the burden of extensive capital improvements. The National Education Association reports a significant decrease in state funding per student since 2008, exacerbating the financial strain. As a response to a $70 million budget deficit, UConn is contemplating a 15 percent cut across all departments, reflecting the widespread challenges faced by land-grant institutions. Strategic Errors and Economic Transitions While some budgetary woes stem from strategic errors, others reflect the broader economic transition. Land-grant universities are caught in a paradox: adapting to a new tech-driven economy while still facing skepticism about their value, especially with the growing politicization of certain academic departments. As the demand for a more educated and adaptable workforce rises, universities must reassess their offerings to align with the needs of the evolving job market. Divergent Approaches: WVU vs. UConn The response to budget challenges varies, with West Virginia University (WVU) taking a targeted approach. WVU's strategy involves predominantly cutting humanities departments, reflecting a red-state inclination to defund disciplines perceived as politically skewed. On the other hand, UConn contemplates across-the-board cuts, showcasing the challenges faced by blue states under budget pressure. The STEM vs. Humanities Dilemma This divergence points to a potential future where students in red states may receive a more focused STEM education but lack access to a robust humanities curriculum. In contrast, students in blue states may have broader access to various fields but potentially compromise on the quality of STEM education. The ultimate choice between a vocational, tech-heavy approach and a well-rounded education hinges on uncertainties surrounding the future evolution of technology. Adapting to an Uncertain Future As land-grant universities grapple with these challenges, their decisions will shape the educational landscape for years to come. The critical-thinking and communication skills traditionally associated with humanities programs could prove invaluable in an AI-driven economy if these departments return to their roots. Alternatively, a continued drift towards overtly political and less rigorous curricula may leave students in red-state schools better positioned for success. The future of land-grant universities is at a crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between budget constraints, political pressures, and the evolving demands of the job market. As these institutions adapt to an uncertain future, the choices made will not only impact the quality of education but also contribute to the broader socio-economic and political landscape of the United States. RELATED ARTICLE: UC and 'President Lincoln' celebrate dawning of public universities (@ChaudhryMAli88) US-based Acting Chief of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF-Yaseen Malik) and renowned representative of the Kashmiri Diaspora community, Raja Muzaffar, has called upon the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Advisory Committee to prioritize the fast-deteriorating human rights situation in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir state MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2024) US-based Acting Chief of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF-Yaseen Malik) and renowned representative of the Kashmiri Diaspora community, Raja Muzaffar, has called upon the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Advisory Committee to prioritize the fast-deteriorating human rights situation in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir state. In an appeal lodged on Saturday, the appellant acting Chairman of the JKLF, Yasin Malik, Raja Muzaffar, said that the appeal recognizes the significant work undertaken by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in shedding light on the challenges faced by the local population, according to a message reaching and released to the media here on Saturday. Highlighting the groundbreaking report released by the Office of the UN High Commission for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) on June 14, 2018, which focused on human rights in Kashmir, Muzaffar emphasized the need for urgent attention and action. As Kashmiri residents, they eagerly await the results of the ongoing investigation initiated by OHCHR. The appeal respectfully urges the UNHCR Advisory Committee to prioritize a visit to both parts of Kashmir, allowing them to gather firsthand information, engage with local stakeholders, and witness the challenges faced by the affected population. Furthermore, the UNHCR Advisory Committee is requested to acknowledge the OHCHR's findings, support their mandate, collaborate with them, and include their recommendations in discussions. By acknowledging the OHCHR's reports and supporting their work, the UNHCR can play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the Kashmiri people. The appeal emphasizes the importance of the upcoming UNHCR Advisory Committee meeting in addressing the challenges faced by the affected population and calls for effective measures to be taken. Raja Muzaffar concludes the appeal by expressing gratitude for the attention given to this matter and emphasizing the vital role of the UNHCR Advisory Committee in ensuring the protection and well-being of the Kashmiri people. APP/ahr/378 Addis Ababa, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2024) African leaders opened a two-day summit on Saturday as the continent wrestles with coups, conflicts, political crises and regional tensions. Ahead of the gathering in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, African Union Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat voiced alarm at the violence gripping many nations, both in Africa and other parts of the world. Sudan was in "flames", Faki said, while also highlighting the militant threat in Somalia, "eternal tensions" in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the "terrorist danger" in the Sahel, and constant instability in Libya. "The resurgence of military coups, pre- and post-electoral violence, humanitarian crises linked to war and/or the effects of climate change are all very serious sources of concern for us," he told African foreign ministers on Wednesday. A mini-summit aimed at finding ways to relaunch the peace process for the DRC -- including the Congolese leader and his Rwandan rival -- opened Friday on the sidelines of the main AU meetings and was due to continue on Saturday. But the 55-member bloc has long been criticised for being ineffectual and taking little decisive action in the face of numerous conflicts and power grabs. "I doubt that there will be any strong decisions," said Nina Wilen, director of the Africa programme at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations think tank in Brussels. The pan-African body has so far had "very little influence on countries that have suffered recent coups", she said, adding that member states did not want to set precedents that could clash with their own interests. Among those attending from outside the region was Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was not present, with spokeswoman Stephanie Tremblay telling AFP he had plane problems and was not able to fly to Addis Ababa. The foreign ministers of China and Britain said Saturday they wanted to deepen cooperation after they met on the sidelines of the Munich security conference, despite London raising "disagreements" over human rights Beijing, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2024) The foreign ministers of China and Britain said Saturday they wanted to deepen cooperation after they met on the sidelines of the Munich security conference, despite London raising "disagreements" over human rights. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told UK counterpart David Cameron at Friday's meeting that they should "strengthen exchanges and cooperation", state media in Beijing said on Saturday. London, meanwhile, later said the pair had "agreed that the UK and China should continue engagement across a range of areas. "This includes trade links; building on our existing cultural ties and links between our peoples; and working together to tackle climate change," it added in a statement. China and the UK have traded barbs in recent months over accusations of human rights abuses and espionage. The Chinese foreign ministry said last month it had sentenced a British national to jail for spying and has previously blasted the UK's support for pro-democracy protesters from Hong Kong. During Friday's meeting, Cameron "unambiguously set out the UK's position across a number of areas of disagreement, including on human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong", said the UK Foreign Office. He raised the case of UK parliamentarians sanctioned by China and repeated his call for the release of British national Jimmy Lai. Cameron also urged China to "use its influence on Iran to pressure the Huthis over their actions in the Red Sea." Wang told Cameron that the two countries should "enhance strategic communication and play their due roles in promoting security and maintaining peace", state news agency Xinhua said in a readout on Saturday. Wang warned that the world faced challenges including "resurfacing Cold War mentality, rampant protectionism, and sluggish economic recovery", according to Xinhua. He called for the two nations to "strengthen exchanges and cooperation... and bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound and steady development". Wang was set to make a speech on Saturday at the annual security gathering in Munich, which brings together top diplomatic and military officials from around the world. He also met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, holding what the Chinese foreign ministry called "candid, substantive, and constructive discussions". Days before a U.N.-sponsored conference on Afghanistan, it remains unclear whether the Taliban will attend what analysts describe as an opportunity for a "constructive dialogue" between the country's de facto rulers and the international community. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host the two-day gathering opening Sunday in Doha, where member states and special envoys to Afghanistan are expected to discuss engagement with the Taliban. Tadamichi Yamamoto, former U.N. special representative to Afghanistan and head of its Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, called Sunday's meeting the U.N. chief's second Afghan-focused summit in Doha "a great opportunity." Taliban representatives, who were not invited to the first meeting in May 2023, have been invited to Sunday's meeting. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, however, said Wednesday that the Taliban would participate only if they were received as official representatives of Afghanistan. "If the IEA [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] conditions are not taken into consideration, nonparticipation would be preferred," said Muttaqi. Neither the U.N. nor any other country officially recognizes the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, although China has accepted the credentials of their envoy in Beijing. Significance of invitation Yamamoto told VOA that he hoped the Taliban would attend the meeting, as it could provide a venue for a "constructive dialogue." "It is important for the Taliban to realize that the invitation to attend the conference itself is an acknowledgment of the importance that the international community attaches to the dialogue with the Taliban," he said. The Taliban had criticized the first meeting May 2023, saying it would be "ineffective" without their participation. Ramazan Bashardost, a former member of Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of the former Afghan parliament, told VOA he found it "interesting" that the Taliban had now put conditions on their participation. "The Taliban may be afraid that their political and armed opposition might also participate in the conference, which will be a significant blow to the Taliban," he said, adding that the Taliban typically stress their total control of Afghanistan with "no opposition" to their rule. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, said it would be critical to hear from Afghan women in the Doha meeting. "There will be a meeting between the envoys and civil society groups, which will, of course, include Afghan women," Dujarric said in the daily press briefing on Thursday. After seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed repressive measures on women, banning them from obtaining secondary and university education, traveling long distances without close male relatives, working with government and nongovernment organizations and going to gyms or parks. Special envoy The conference will also discuss the appointment of a U.N. envoy. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution in December requesting that the secretary-general appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan "provided with robust expertise on human rights and gender, for coordination of the world community's engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan." The Taliban oppose the appointment of a U.N. envoy to the country. Barnett Rubin, a former U.S. diplomat and expert on Afghanistan, told VOA that the Taliban do not see a need for a new U.N. envoy as they do not believe that "such a dialogue is necessary or desirable." "So, they believe that the reason for the envoy is to encourage a political dialogue that will be the formation of more inclusive government," said Rubin. After seizing power, the Taliban formed an all-male and Taliban-only caretaker government. Rubin said the Taliban "want to maintain a monopoly on power; that is why they rejected U.N. envoy." No recognition The international community has called on the Taliban to form an inclusive government as one of the conditions for recognition. Rubin said the Taliban have already built relations with neighboring states without formal recognition, adding that the Taliban feel no reason for "any concessions" to the international community. In addition to forming an inclusive government, the international community has also called on the Taliban to respect human rights, particularly women's rights, and fulfill their counterterrorism commitments. But the Taliban have not fulfilled any of their commitments, said Ryan Crocker, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. He told VOA that the international community should "make it clear that the Taliban does not deserve recognition or any form of legitimacy because they are behaving like an illegitimate regime, which they are." Crocker added that there is "no justification" for any country to recognize the Taliban's government. "I think it's very important that this conference in Doha reemphasizes that," he said. Waheed Faizi of VOA's Afghan Service contributed to this report, which originated in VOA's Dari Service. President Joe Biden on Friday surveyed the federal cleanup in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after an explosive fire from a derailed train carrying hazardous chemicals, and saw up close the lingering hostility from victims still angry that he waited so long to visit. The White House has said Biden was waiting for the right moment to visit. The mayor invited him. Addressing residents, Biden said he wanted them to understand "that we're not going home, no matter what, until this job is done, and it's not done yet," speaking of the federal government. He did not explain why it took more than a year for him to visit, nor did he address the community's collective hurt. He praised what he said were "Herculean efforts" by the federal, state and local governments to clean up after the derailment and fire and, announced federal grants from the National Institutes of Health to study the short- and long-term effects of what happened and blamed the derailment on greed by the railroad company, Norfolk Southern. The derailment didn't have to happen, Biden said. "While there are acts of God, this was an act of greed that was 100% preventable," Biden said after local officials briefed him on the cleanup and took him to the site of the derailment. "Let me say it again, an act of greed that was 100% preventable." Connor Spielmaker, a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern, responded without addressing Biden's claims of corporate greed. Spielmaker said the company promised to fix things in East Palestine and "we're keeping our promises." The National Transportation Safety Board said last spring in its preliminary report that the derailment was likely caused by an overheating bearing on one of the railcars. In his remarks, Biden also stressed that the federal government is holding Norfolk Southern accountable. He called on Congress to pass legislation sponsored by Ohio's two U.S. senators that would require stronger protective measures for trains carrying hazardous material. He also asked Congress to make sure that no one will have to pay federal taxes on any compensation they receive from Norfolk Southern. Signs of the community's still-hurt feelings were evident. Some people shouted profanity as Biden's motorcade whisked him into town from an earlier stop in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania, where he greeted local officials and first responders. Others held derogatory signs, including one that named the president's late son, Beau, who died of brain cancer. Biden arrived at the derailment site and saw what resembled a construction site. Rigs, trucks, generators and covered metal tanks resembling above-ground swimming pools dotted the landscape. Local officials, including the mayor, briefed the president. Mayor Trent Conaway, who does not support Biden, addressed the president, saying: "Your long-awaited visit to our village today allows us to focus on the things we agree with. Acknowledging this disaster should never have happened. Address the long-term health concerns and the economic growth of the village, and ensure this never happens again to another community." As Biden visited, between 50 and 75 people held a counter-rally in support of former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump won nearly 72% of the vote in Ohio's Columbiana County, which includes East Palestine. He visited soon after the derailment. Mike Young, the rally's coordinator, described the grass-roots event as "anti-Biden." He said he delivered water to the community after the disaster and said the president should have been an immediate presence on the ground. "The sentiment from residents has been: Where were you a year ago?" Young said. "Too little, too late. And now Biden shows up at election time." Misti Allison, who lives with her family about a mile away from the derailment site, said she was really glad that Biden kept his promise to visit, especially one year in. The family evacuated the night after the accident and returned a week later. She said she worries about their exposure to the chemicals. "Nobody asked for this to happen and we need to know that the federal government has our backs," Allison said. The Environmental Protection Agency engaged in an intense cleanup and says the community's air, water and soil are now safe. The agency removed more than 176,000 tons of hazardous waste. More than 49 million gallons of water, rainfall and snowmelt were removed or treated. The federal agency is also collecting 2,500 samples to ensure that the cleanup has succeeded. Norfolk Southern said it has spent more than $1.1 billion in its response to the derailment. Since the fire began on February 3, 2023, and caused hazardous chemicals to mix, the company says it has invested $103.2 million in the community, including $21 million distributed to residents. The small team of state public health workers slalomed between auto parts strewn across a Rio de Janeiro junkyard, looking for standing water where mosquitoes might have laid their eggs. They were part of nationwide efforts to curtail a surge in Brazil of the mosquito-borne illness of dengue fever during the country's key tourist season, which runs through the end of February. Paulo Cesar Gomes, a 56-year-old entomologist, found some mosquito larvae swimming in shallow rainwater inside a car bumper. "We call this type of location a strategic point" because of the high turnover in items converging from all over, he said. "It's difficult not to have mosquitoes here." Earlier in the month, just days before Rio kicked off its world-famous Carnival festivities, the city joined several states and the country's capital in declaring a public health epidemic over this year's greater-than-normal number of cases of dengue. "We had more cases in January than any other January," Ethel Maciel, head of health surveillance at Brazil's Health Ministry, said in an interview with The Associated Press. So far this year, Brazil has recorded 512,000 cases nationwide, including both confirmed and likely cases nearly four times more than those registered in the same period a year ago. There have been 425 deaths under investigation for dengue so far this year, with 75 confirmed, as compared with just over 1,000 for all of 2023. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Frequent rains and high temperatures, which accelerate the hatching of mosquito eggs and the development of larvae, make the famously hot city of Rio especially susceptible to outbreaks. Many who are infected never develop symptoms, but dengue can cause high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and a rash, according to the World Health Organization. While most get better after a week or so, some develop a severe form that requires hospitalization and can be fatal. Health workers like Gomes, equipped with masks and plastic gloves, meticulously combed the junkyard on a hot morning, gently kicking and shaking piled up auto parts looking for any trace of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that can spread dengue. Whenever he saw standing water Gomes grabbed a hand pipette out of his bag and looked for larvae, which he collected in a white plastic container. Captured mosquitos and larvae are kept alive and brought to a city laboratory to be tested for dengue. At locations with positive tests, health agents spray the walls with a product that kills mosquitoes and then monitor the location for weeks. Maciel, from the Health Ministry, said the first warning about a possible epidemic came in September. Brazil's leading research institute, the state-funded Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, or Fiocruz, came up with several scenarios indicating that Brazil could have as many as 4.2 million cases this year, up from 1.6 million in 2023. Maciel said the surge is due to excessive heat and intense rain, both possible effects of climate change or El Nino, a natural, temporary and occasional warming of part of the Pacific that shifts weather patterns across the globe. Maciel also cited the circulation of four dengue virus serotypes at the same time, one of which authorities had not seen in 15 years. In Rio, more than 80% of mosquito breeding sites are located in residential properties, health officials say. So, efforts to combat dengue must start in homes, and raising awareness is key, said Mario Sergio Ribeiro, a health surveillance official for Rio de Janeiro state. State officials launched a "10 minutes that save lives" initiative to encourage residents to inspect their homes, offices and places of worship for any standing water. Health workers and volunteers went door to door, pacing up and down the narrow streets of Rio's Tabajara working-class neighborhood, or favela, to spread the word. They distributed leaflets and climbed on rooftops, looking for containers with rainwater. One elderly woman, Vilza da Costa, told the AP she believes she contracted the disease. "It started with a fever, then my body was itching all over, weakness, and a lot of pain. I was in a very bad way," she said. "There are a lot of mosquitoes here." During Carnival, which ended Wednesday, health employees welcomed visitors with free repellent. A van with a giant crossed off mosquito and the words "Against Dengue Everyday" opened and closed the parades several nights, for millions of TV viewers to see. Maciel said the effect of Carnival will not be known for another week. Even though dengue is not transmissible from person to person, increased tourism can boost the spread of the disease to locations that had not been affected. It's not clear if the cases have reached a peak and now "are going to start going down, or if the worst-case scenario is indeed happening," Maciel said. Each year as spring approaches, wildflowers erupt across Israel, a splash of color before the punishing Middle Eastern summer. Nowhere is the show more dramatic than in southern Israel, near Gaza, where brilliant red anemones burst forth with such intensity that rolling hills seem to be covered in red carpets. Along the Gaza border, the flowers, which look like poppies, have been crowned with their own festival, Darom Adom, or Scarlet South. It's been a major economic engine and source of local pride for nearly two decades, bringing hundreds of thousands to a little-visited and conflict-scarred part of Israel. This year, even as explosions ring out and tanks churn across the fields as the war in Gaza drags into its fifth month, the flowers have burst forth with intensity. But the festival has been canceled, another war casualty. For festival organizer Vered Libstein, everything is different. Libstein lived in Kfar Azza, a kibbutz on the Gaza border hit hard by the October 7 Hamas attack that started the war. She lost her husband, Ofir Libstein, her 19-year-old son, Nitzan, her mother, Bilha Epstein, and her nephew, Netta Epstein. Ofir Libstein was on the kibbutz's local security team and one of the first confirmed deaths on October 7. It took 12 days to find Nitzan's body. Seeing the dramatic red blooms return after so much loss pierces her heart, Libstein said as she walked through a field. "On one side it's hard, but on the other side it just proves to us that life is stronger than everything, and it renews itself, and we'll need to find the strength to renew ourselves as well," she said. Hamas killed some 1,200 people and kidnapped around 250 during the October 7 attack. Israel responded by launching one of the deadliest and most destructive air-and-ground offensives in recent history. Over 28,500 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women, children and young teens, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. Libstein founded the Darom Adom festival with her husband 19 years ago, around the time when Palestinian militants started launching frequent rockets into Israel from Gaza. The flowers were a way to build pride and attract visitors. The blooms are a symbol of resilience for Palestinians as well as Israelis. Palestinian artwork features the red flowers, whose black-and-white center and green leaves are the colors of the Palestinian flag. In 2013, an Israeli conservation group ran a popular vote that named the red anemone Israel's national flower. The Darom Adom Festival started as a volunteer hotline helping hikers find the most concentrated blooms. It quickly grew, spawning its own tourism company and becoming one of Israel's largest nature events, Libstein said. It usually features a packed schedule of concerts, organized hikes, bike rides, races, kids' events, foodie markets, art galleries and farm visits. Events are spread over four weeks in January and February, when the blooms are at their peak. In recent years, Darom Adom has drawn over 400,000 visitors and accounted for more than 80% of local tourism income for the year, according to the financial paper Globes. Anemones grow across Israel, in whites, purples and pinks, but in the south they only bloom in bright scarlet. The festival name is also a nod to the "red alert" sirens that warn of incoming rockets. Although the festival was canceled this year, some local businesses and artisans have organized pop-up markets. Israelis can order anemone bulbs to grow at home, though some are still making the trek south. "It's really beautiful, to see this blooming, because when we came here everything was totally burned," said Moshe Federman, who spent three months as a reserve soldier at the nearby site of the music festival where 364 people were killed. While charred remains of trees still dot the landscape, riots of red flowers peak out from between the slender trunks of new eucalyptus saplings. A few weeks ago, relatives of those killed at the music festival planted trees on the Jewish holiday honoring trees. Nearby, a memorial at the music festival site has photos of the victims arranged on stands in a semi-circle around a stage, as if they were dancing together. It's become a pilgrimage site for visitors to grapple with the aftermath of the bloodiest day in Israel's history. Federman said it was strange to be back as a civilian with his wife, seeing the newly planted trees and wildflowers. He paused next to a tree in honor of a victim he knew. "It's growing anew. I guess that's part of life," he said. As Anat Katz, a New Yorker visiting her daughter who lives in Tel Aviv, walked around the memorial, she said the flowers were beautiful, but their red blooms felt too bright, reminding her of blood and death. "The flower is pulling at our strings both ways, the beauty and the conflict of it," she said. "We see them popping up everywhere we go, so that feels a little hopeful in a place that feels like a real hit in the stomach," Katz added. "There's something that feels cyclical, how they're alive right now, how they're blooming at a time when it doesn't feel like there's a lot of blossoming." Today, Libstein visits the south sporadically. She lives with much of the Kfar Azza community in a hotel north of Tel Aviv. She is helping oversee their move into mobile homes on a kibbutz about 20 kilometers east of Kfar Azza, while their houses, many of which were badly damaged, are rebuilt. It's strange to be among the flowers she and her husband helped turn into a symbol of the region, without him and away from the home she loves during the most beautiful time of year. The yellow dandelions blooming among the anemones remind her of the 134 hostages believed still held in Gaza, she said. Yellow ribbons have emerged as a symbol of the protests demanding their release. Libstein said even though nature is marking the passage of time, it's impossible to move on while members of her community are still held captive. "It's a symbol to us about the importance of blooming again, but it will take a long time," she said. The slow-simmering cross-border conflict between Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group and Israeli forces escalated this week, reviving fears that the daily clashes could expand into an all-out war. A rocket fired from Lebanon struck the northern Israeli town of Safed on Wednesday, killing a 20-year-old female soldier and wounding at least eight people. Israel responded with airstrikes that killed at least 10 people in southern Lebanon: a Syrian woman, her two children, four members of another family and three Hezbollah fighters. At least nine people were wounded. The cross-border violence was triggered by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which in turn was set off by the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, a Hezbollah ally. Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for Wednesday's strike. But it has vowed to continue its attacks until there is a cease-fire in Gaza. Amid fears of a further escalation, here's a look at the arsenals of the two sides: What are Hezbollah's military capabilities? Hezbollah is the Arab world's most significant paramilitary force, with a robust internal structure as well as a sizable arsenal. Backed by Iran, its fighters have gained experience during Syria's 13-year conflict in which they helped tip the balance of power in favor of government forces. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had boasted that the group has 100,000 fighters, though other estimates put its troop strength at less than half that. Israel wants Hezbollah to withdraw its elite Radwan Force from the border so tens of thousands Israelis displaced from northern towns and villages can return home. Hezbollah holds a vast arsenal of mostly small, portable and unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. The U.S. and Israel estimate Hezbollah and other militant groups in Lebanon have 150,000 missiles and rockets. Hezbollah also has been working on precision-guided missiles. Hezbollah has previously launched drones into Israel and in 2006 hit an Israeli warship with a surface-to-sea missile. Its forces also have assault rifles, heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, roadside bombs and other weaponry. During the current conflict, Hezbollah has frequently used Russian-made portable anti-tank Kornet missiles. More rarely, it has launched Burkan rockets that, according to Nasrallah, can carry a warhead that weighs between 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). In recent weeks, Hezbollah has introduced new weapons, including a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and a warhead weighing 50 kilograms (110 pounds). What are Israel's military capabilities? Israel's military has long been supported by the United States, with $3.3 billion in annual funding, plus $500 million toward missile defense technology. Israel is one of the best-armed nations in the wider Middle East. Its air force includes the advanced American F-35 fighter jet; missile defense batteries, including the American-made Patriot; the Iron Dome rocket-defense system; and a pair of missile-defense systems developed with the U.S., the Arrow and David's Sling. Israel has armored personnel carriers and tanks, and a fleet of drones and other technology available to support any street-to-street battles. Israel has 170,000 troops typically on active duty and has called up 360,000 reservists for the war three-fourths of its estimated capacity, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British think tank. With the war now in its fifth month, many of those reservists have returned home. Israel has also long maintained an undeclared nuclear weapons program. How serious is the latest escalation? While most analysts believe there is little appetite for a full-blown war by either Hezbollah or Israel, there are fears that a miscalculation by either side could trigger a major escalation. The U.S., France and other countries have dispatched diplomats in recent weeks to try to tamp down tensions on the border. Speaking on Tuesday, Nasrallah responded to threats by Israeli officials to launch an offensive if his group did not pull its forces back from the border. "If you expand [the conflict], we will expand," he said. Wednesday's exchange of strikes, some of which hit relatively far from the border area, is a clear indication of the risks that the violence could spill out of control. The two sides fought a 34-day war in 2006 that ended in a draw. Conservationists in Kenya are celebrating as rhinos were returned to a grassy plateau that hasn't seen them in decades. The successful move of 21 eastern black rhinos to a new home will give them space to breed and could help increase the population of the critically endangered animals. It was Kenya's biggest rhino relocation ever. The rhinos were taken from three parks that are becoming overcrowded to the private Loisaba Conservancy, where herds were wiped out by poaching decades ago. "It's been decades since rhinos roamed here, almost 50 years ago," said Loisaba security manager Daniel Ole Yiankere. "Their numbers were severely impacted by poaching. Now, our focus is on rejuvenating this landscape and allowing rhinos to breed, aiming to restore their population to its former splendor." Moving rhinos safely is a serious challenge. The 18-day exercise involved tracking the rhinos using a helicopter and then shooting them with tranquilizer darts. Then the animals which weigh about a ton each have to be loaded into the back of a truck for the move. Disaster nearly struck early in the relocation effort, when a tranquilized rhino stumbled into a creek. Veterinarians and rangers held the rhino's head above water with a rope to stop it from drowning while a tranquilizer reversal drug took effect, and the rhino was released. Some of the rhinos were transferred from Nairobi National Park and made a 300-kilometer trip. Others came from two parks closer to Loisaba. Rhinos are generally solitary animals and are at their happiest in large territories. As numbers in the three parks where the rhinos were moved from have increased, wildlife officials decided to relocate some in the hope that they will be happier and more likely to breed. David Ndere, an expert on rhinos at the Kenya Wildlife Service, said their reproduction rates decrease when there are too many in a territory. "By removing some animals, we expect that the rhino population in those areas will rise up," Ndere said. "And then we reintroduce that founder population of at least 20 animals into new areas." Loisaba Conservancy said it has dedicated around 25,000 hectares to the new arrivals, which are a mix of males and females. Kenya has had relative success in reviving its black rhino population, which dipped from around 20,000 in the 1970s to below 300 in the mid-1980s because of poaching, according to conservationists, raising fears that the animals might be wiped out completely in the country. Kenya now has around 1,000 black rhinos, the third biggest population behind South Africa and Namibia. There are just over 6,400 wild black rhinos left in the world, all of them in Africa, according to the Save the Rhino organization. Tom Silvester, the CEO of Loisaba Conservancy, said Kenya's plan is to get its black rhino numbers to 2,000 over the next decade. "Once we have 2,000 individuals, we will have established a population that will give us hope that we have brought them back from extinction," he said. Kenyan authorities say they have relocated more than 150 rhinos in the last decade. An attempt to move 11 rhinos in 2018 ended in disaster when all of the animals died shortly after moving. Ten of the rhinos died from stress, dehydration and starvation intensified by salt poisoning as they struggled to adjust to saltier water in their new home, investigations found. The other one was attacked by a lion. Since then, new guidelines have been created for the capture and moving of rhinos in Kenya. Silvester said tests have been conducted on the water quality at Loisaba. Kenya is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet. Researchers said last month they hope they might be able to save that subspecies after creating an embryo in a lab from an egg and sperm previously collected from white rhinos and transferring it into a surrogate female black rhino. The pregnancy was discovered in a postmortem after the surrogate died of an infection following a flood. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, once a fierce critic of China, has emerged as the likely winner of Indonesias presidential election. His presumed victory, analysts say, is unlikely to lead to any major shifts in the Southeast Asian nations relations with Beijing. However, concerns about work safety and environmental pollution linked to Chinese investments, as well as Beijings claims in the South China Sea, could test the stability of the relationship. While President Joko Widodo was in office, China became Indonesias largest trading partner, tapping into its rich resources. Jokowi, as he is often called, has urged China to bring even more capital to Indonesia, which has become a key participant in its Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing has invested billions supporting major infrastructure construction in Indonesia, including the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway, which opened in October, and Cirata, Southeast Asias largest floating solar power project, which went completely online last year. "I don't think there will be a dramatic change in relations with China, Faisal Nurdin Idris, a lecturer at the department of international relations at UIN Jakarta, told VOA Mandarin Service. Jokowi has built a strong relationship economically with China. During his previous run for president in 2019, Prabowo tried to turn Jokowis warm relations with China against him, seizing on public anger against Beijing with suggestions that Chinese workers were stealing local jobs. But in more recent speeches, Prabowo has expressed a desire to have good relations with the U.S. and China at the same time. Speaking at a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta in November, he noted that Washington played a historic role in pressuring the Netherlands to recognize Indonesian sovereignty in the 1940s and praised Chinas economic accomplishments. Despite their benefits to development, Chinas investments in Indonesia have also come with controversy. Teuku Rezasyah, associate professor in international relations at Padjadjaran University, said Indonesia has previously reported several accidents at Chinese-owned factories and environmental pollution incidents that have raised dissatisfaction among locals. He said this is a problem that Prabowo must carefully consider before taking office. Otherwise, even if the government welcomes Chinese investment with open arms, it may cause local environmental and social problems, and improper handling could trigger anti-China sentiment. "Some Chinese investment came too quickly to Indonesia. Often, it was a political decision, Teuku said. Demonstrations came in Morowali because the people found that the investment would not benefit them. At the end of last year, an explosion occurred at one of the Chinese-financed nickel processing plants in Indonesias Morowali Industrial Park and killed 21 people. The incident became the third fatal event at a Chinese-owned nickel smelter in Central Sulawesi that year, and hundreds of Indonesian workers protested at the factory. Police this week named two Chinese citizens as suspects. Prabowo is aware of the problems at some investment projects, and he has from now until he is sworn in in late October to come up with solutions, Teuku said. In addition to Chinese investment, how Prabowo will handle the sovereignty issues between Indonesia and China in the future will also be key to watch. Like several of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Indonesia disputes Chinas claim to most of the South China Sea, including part of Indonesias internationally recognized exclusive economic zone. However, the dispute has not involved confrontations such as those between the Philippines or Vietnam and China. Yohanes Sulaiman, associate professor in international relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Cimahi, Indonesia, said that if Beijing continues its military expansion in the South China Sea, Prabowo may respond aggressively. "His response will depend on what China does, he said. If China is using water guns and water cannons like it did in the Philippines, you can expect an equally forceful response from Indonesia, unlike Joko Widodo. If there are too many controversies, then you can expect, above all, that we are kind of escalating." Faisal Nurdin Idris believes that Prabowo may first discuss South China Sea issues with other ASEAN countries that also have sovereignty disputes with China in hopes that the countries can take a united stand against Beijing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that there is no point continuing the Gaza truce talks calling Hamas' demands "delusional," and adding that a diplomatic deal could only be reached through direct negotiations without any preconditions. Speaking with reporters, Netanyahu said he had sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo, as requested by U.S. President Joe Biden, but stated the talks are at an impasse. Hamas released a statement Saturday, saying chief Ismail Haniyeh has blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a cease-fire deal in Gaza. Hamas will not accept anything less than a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a "lifting of the unjust siege," Haniyeh said, as well as a release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed caution on the progress of the negotiations. "The pattern in the last few days is not really very promising, but as I always repeat, we will always remain optimistic and will always remain pushing," he said at the Munich Security Conference. Sheik Mohammed, who is also foreign minister, said the two main sticking points are the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the number of Palestinians who would be released in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. "I believe in this agreement we are talking at a bigger scale, and we still see some difficulties on the humanitarian part of these negotiations," he said. Talks involving officials from Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the United States so far have not yielded a deal for a pause in the fighting. Khan Younis hospital arrests The Israeli military said Saturday that its forces have arrested more than 100 people suspected of "terrorist activity," during a raid at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest functioning hospital in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces said that's where they found weapons and "medications with the names of Israeli hostages," and they killed gunmen near the hospital. The Israeli army said its troops entered the hospital after receiving what it said was "credible intelligence" that hostages abducted in the October 7 terror attack had been held there and that the bodies of some may still be inside the medical facility. The IDF has denied allegations that its soldiers targeted the hospital's generators and insisted it made every effort to keep the hospital supplied with power, including bringing an alternative generator. Tarik Jasarevic, a World Health Organization spokesperson, decried the Israeli operation Friday, saying, "Patients, health workers and civilians who are seeking refuge in hospitals deserve safety and not a burial in those places of healing." Doctors Without Borders also said its medics had been forced to flee and leave patients behind, with one employee unaccounted for and another detained by Israeli forces. Israel posted a video online allegedly showing a U.N. relief worker loading the limp body of a shot Israeli man into the back of an SUV and driving away from a southern Israeli village during Hamas' October 7 cross-border attack. A man appearing in the video is purportedly identified as Faisal Ali Mussalem Al Naami, a social worker in the Gaza Strip with the United Nations Relief Works Agency, or UNRWA. The video also was reported by The Washington Post. UNRWA denies wrongdoing, describing its role as relief only. Jonathan Fowler, an UNRWA spokesperson, said in response to the video: "It is not possible for UNRWA to verify the footage or photographs and ascertain who the person is. We were not presented with any evidence from the Israeli authorities." Israel says some UNRWA staff took part in abductions and killings during the October 7 rampage that sparked the Gaza war, prompting a number of countries to halt funds for the Palestinian aid agency. Airstrikes, Humanitarian aid New airstrikes in central Gaza on Saturday killed more than 40 people, including children, and wounded at least 50, according to Associated Press journalists and hospital officials. David Satterfield, the Biden administration's special Middle East envoy for humanitarian issues, said delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza has been disrupted because of Israeli strikes and increasing lawlessness at entry points for the urgently needed aid. Satterfield said Israeli officials have not presented "specific evidence of diversion or theft" of U.N. assistance but noted the militants have their own interests in using "other channels of assistance ... to shape where and to whom assistance goes." In Rafah, bad weather has compounded the dire living conditions for more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population sheltering in the southern Gaza city. An estimated 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza's population, have crammed into Rafah, most of them displaced by fighting elsewhere in the territory. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps. Gaza's Health Ministry says nearly 29,000 people most of them women and children have died since Israel declared war on Hamas, following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel in which approximately 250 people were taken hostage and 1,200 were killed. Since then, 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Angolan President Joao Lourenco hosted a mini-summit in Addis Ababa on Friday in a bid to revive peace efforts for the violence-wracked eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting, on the eve of a two-day AU summit in the Ethiopian capital, follows an escalation of fighting in the region in recent days. Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to quell the conflict between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army in the mineral-rich east of the vast central African nation. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi was among those taking part in Friday's closed-door meeting, his office said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "This mini-summit discussed, among other things, the return to a constructive and reconciliatory dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda, the immediate cessation of hostilities, the immediate withdrawal of the M23 from occupied areas and the launch of a process to contain this movement," the presidency said. Kinshasa, along with the United Nations and Western countries, accuses DR Congo's much smaller neighbor Rwanda of backing the rebels, a charge Kigali denies. In his address to the meeting Tshisekedi charged that Kigali was perpetuating insecurity in the region and looting the region's mineral riches, the presidency said, adding that the talks would continue on Saturday. Angolan state news agency Angop has said earlier that the mini-summit would "discuss the relaunch of the peace process" in the eastern DRC. It said Lourenco was expected to be joined by the leaders of Burundi, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan and Tanzania. But it was not confirmed which leaders attended the talks, which began shortly after Tshisekedi's arrival in Addis Ababa according to an AU source. Militias have plagued the eastern DRC for decades, many of them a legacy of regional wars fought in the 1990s and the early 2000s. The mostly Tutsi M23 has seized vast swathes of North Kivu province since emerging from dormancy in late 2021. The U.N. Security Council said on Monday it was concerned by the escalating violence in the eastern region. The latest flare-up has forced thousands of civilians to flee the town of Sake on the way to Goma, the capital of North Kivu. According to a U.N. document seen by AFP on Monday, the Rwandan army is using sophisticated weapons such as surface-to-air missiles to support M23. U.N. forces have been in the DRC for nearly 25 years but have been accused of failing to protect civilians from armed groups. Alexey Navalny's spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony, saying he was "murdered," but it was unclear where his body was as his family and friends searched for answers. Navalny's death at age 47 has deprived the Russian opposition of its most well-known and inspiring politician less than a month before an election that will give Russian President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. Although neither the imprisoned anti-corruption crusader nor other Kremlin critics were in position to challenge Putin for the presidency, the loss of Navalny was a blow to Russians who had pinned their future hopes on Putin's seemingly indefatigable foe. It also prompted questions about what killed him. A note handed to Navalny's mother stated that he died at 2:17 p.m. Friday, according to Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh. Prison officials told his mother when she arrived at the penal colony Saturday that her son had perished from "sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. A prison colony employee said the body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a post-mortem investigation, Yarmysh said. When Navalny's mother and one of the late politician's lawyers visited the morgue in Salekhard, it was closed, Navalny's team wrote on its Telegram channel. But the lawyer called the morgue and was told the body was not there, his team said. Another of Navalny's lawyers went to Salekhard's Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Navalny's death had not yet been established and that new investigations were being done with the results to be released next week, Yarmysh said. Russia's Investigative Committee informed Navalny's team that the body would not be handed over to his relatives until those investigations were complete, she said. "It's obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body," Yarmysh wrote on X, adding that his team demanded that Navalny's body "be handed over to his family immediately." Watch related video by VOA News: Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and fell unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,900 kilometers (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but Navalny couldn't be revived, the service said, adding that the cause of death is still "being established." Maria Pevchikh, head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation's board, said the opposition leader would "live on forever in millions of hearts." "Navalny was murdered. We still don't know how we'll keep on living, but together, we'll think of something," she wrote on X. Hundreds detained since Navalny's death Meanwhile, arrests continued Saturday as Russians came to lay flowers in Navalny's honor at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges. OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia, said Saturday that more than 359 people had been detained since Navalny's death. His team said it would pay the fines of anyone arrested while paying tribute to the late opposition leader. Memorial items laid Friday were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted "shame" as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St. Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny. Police photograph mourners In other cities across the country, police cordoned off some of the memorials and officers were taking pictures of those who came and writing down their personal data in a clear intimidation attempt. "After the murder of Alexey Navalny, it's absurd to perceive Putin as the supposedly legitimate head of the Russian state," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany Saturday. "He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence." U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Saturday that Britain "will be taking action" against the Russians responsible for Navalny's death. Speaking to broadcasters in Munich, Cameron said "there should be consequences" for "appalling human rights outrages like this." He said Britain would "look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take." Cameron did not say whether the response would consist of financial sanctions or other measures. U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that Washington doesn't know exactly what happened, "but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did." The Kremlin bristled Friday at the outpouring of anger from world leaders. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, called the statements issued before medics have released the cause of Navalny's death "unacceptable" and "outrageous." In prison since 2021 Navalny had been jailed since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was later convicted three times, saying each case was politically motivated, and received a sentence of 19 years for extremism. After the last verdict, Navalny said he understood he was "serving a life sentence, which is measured by the length of my life or the length of life of this regime." Nigel Gould-Davies, a former British ambassador to Belarus and senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, said the loss of Navalny shows that "the sentence in Russia now for opposition is not merely imprisonment, but death." Hours after Navalny's death was reported, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, made a dramatic appearance at the Munich conference. She said she was unsure if she could believe the news from official Russian sources, "but if this is true, I want Putin and everyone around Putin, Putin's friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family and to my husband." Presidents Day is a U.S. holiday observed on the third Monday of February to commemorate the birthdays of U.S. Presidents George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12). This year, it will be observed on February 19. The holiday celebrates the contributions of the two presidents, who led the country during two of the most tumultuous times in history the American Revolution and the Civil War. Many also celebrate the achievements of U.S. presidents in general. Most government offices and many nonessential businesses close on the holiday. While the day is colloquially known as Presidents Day, it is known officially as Washington's Birthday, despite an attempt to change the name in Congress. Some argue that the holiday should be dedicated solely to celebrating the achievements of Washington, rather than U.S. presidents generally. There are public ceremonies and traditions throughout the country to mark the holiday. Here's what you need to know about the past and present of Presidents Day in the United States. History of Presidents Day The holiday originated with the celebration of Washington's birthday. Although many celebrated his birthday while he was alive, national celebrations continued after he died. In 1879, his birthday became a federal holiday, but only in Washington, D.C. The holiday covered all federal employees in 1885. The day was commemorated on Washington's actual birthday until 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved several federal holidays, such as Presidents Day, to a Monday. The bill went into effect in 1971. The bill was aimed at giving U.S. employees more three-day weekends throughout the year, but some opposed the change, arguing that the holiday should be held on Washington's actual birthday. While the bill was being debated in Congress, some tried to change the name of the holiday to Presidents Day to celebrate the achievements of Abraham Lincoln as well, whose birthday is in February. The name change did not pass in Congress, but the holiday became commonly known as Presidents Day from that point forward. The name was also further solidified by companies aiming to hold special sales for the holiday. Presidents Day traditions According to the White House Historical Association, presidents throughout U.S. history have celebrated the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln in various ways. For example, President Andrew Jackson celebrated Washington's birthday in 1837 with a 635-kilogram (1,400-pound) wheel of cheese he shared with guests. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover addressed the nation via a radio address to commemorate the birthday of Lincoln, and President Lyndon B. Johnson held a Lincoln Day luncheon at the White House in 1965. In 2015, President Barack Obama commemorated the day by revamping the White House web pages about each U.S. president to facilitate learning about their history. For the public, Presidents Day celebrations occur throughout the country. Some notable traditions are the Presidents Day parade in Old Town, in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washingtons estate, Mount Vernon. This year, the parade will follow the theme of "George Washington: Alexandria's Oldest Living Legend." In addition to parades, many go to national monuments to presidents such as Washington and Lincoln. On Presidents Day, Mount Vernon will be have free tours of the mansion. Many companies also hold holiday sales on Presidents Day, particularly on furniture and appliances. Hundreds of protesters, many of them Russian emigres, gathered in cities across Europe and beyond on Friday to express their outrage over the death of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny. Often gathering outside Russian embassies, they chanted slogans critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom they blamed for the activist's death, holding up signs calling him a "killer" and demanding accountability. Putin's most formidable domestic opponent, Navalny fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a three-decade sentence, prison authorities said. In Berlin, a crowd of 500 to 600 people, according to police estimates, gathered on the city's Unter den Linden boulevard, chanting in a mixture of Russian, German and English. Some chanted "Putin to The Hague," referring to the international criminal court investigating possible war crimes committed in Ukraine. Police used barriers to close off the road between the Russian embassy and the crowd. "Alexey Navalny is the leader of the Russian opposition, and we always kept hope in his name," said a Russian man draped in a blue and white anti-war flag, giving his name only as Ilia. In Lithuania, formerly run from Moscow but now a member of NATO and the European Union and home to a sizable community of emigres, protesters placed flowers and candles by a portrait of Navalny. "He was always with us, so it is all surreal," said Lyusya Shtein, 26, a Pussy Riot activist who has lived in Vilnius since leaving Russia in 2022. "None of us yet understand what happened." In Russia itself, prosecutors warned Russians against participating in any mass protest in Moscow. Police watched as some Russians came to lay roses and carnations at a monument to victims of Soviet repression in the shadow of the former KGB headquarters. Rights group OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, said that more than 100 people had been detained at rallies in memory of Navalny. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Groups also gathered in Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Sofia, Geneva and The Hague, among others. More than 100 protesters stood outside Russia's London embassy, holding placards that called Putin a war criminal, while in Lisbon hundreds held a silent vigil. Pavel Elizarov, a 28-year-old Russian living in Portugal, said Navalny had been "a symbol of freedom and hope." Near the Russian embassy in Paris, where around 100 protesters gathered, Natalia Morozov said Navalny had also been a symbol of hope for her. "It's hard for me to express my emotions, because I'm really shaken," said Morozov. "Now we no longer have hope for the beautiful Russia of the future." Navalny's death, if confirmed, leaves the scattered groups that oppose Putin without a figurehead and no obvious candidate to marshal any discontent over his demise into mass protests. Navalny's wife, Yulia, was in Munich on Friday, where a vigil also took place. She told the Munich Security Conference she could not be sure her husband was dead because "Putin and his government ... lie incessantly" but said that if confirmed, she wanted them to know "they will bear responsibility." On the other side of the Atlantic, at a vigil outside the Russian consulate in New York City, Violetta Soboleva said she had volunteered for Navalny's presidential campaign in 2017. "I really believed that he's the one and he can lead Russia to a better future," said Soboleva, a Russian studying for her doctorate in New York. "And now we've lost this future forever." Somalia has condemned what it calls "a provocative attempt by the Ethiopian government," claiming that Ethiopian security forces tried to block Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from accessing the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, a government statement said Saturday. "The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly condemns the provocative attempt by the Ethiopian government to obstruct the delegation of the Somali President from attending the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa," said the statement released by the Somali National News Agency SONNA. "This action breaches all diplomatic and international protocols and, most critically, the established traditions of the African Union. This behavior adds to the growing list of erratic actions by the Ethiopian government in recent times," said the statement. Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, and Mohamud leading a delegation from the Somalia government went there to attend the AU summit at a time when both countries already are at odds over a controversial maritime pact between Ethiopia and Somaliland. "Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government have an obligation to treat all African leaders equally," the Somali government statement said. "Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia; however, if its government fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters," the statement added. Mogadishu described the incident as "outrageous conduct" and called for a full investigation by the pan-African body. "While we denounce Ethiopia's unwarranted action, we also call upon the AU to urgently conduct a credible and independent investigation to this outrageous conduct in line with the protocols of the union," the statement said. "This morning when I prepared myself to come and attend the closed session of the summit, the Ethiopian security blocked my way," Mohamud told reporters, after later gaining entry to the venue for the meeting. He said he had tried again with another head of state, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, but they were also blocked from the AU headquarters, a claim challenged by Ethiopia. "A soldier with a gun stood in front of us and denied us access to this facility," he said. Agence France-Presse has reported that Ethiopia insisted Mohamud was warmly welcomed and said the Somali delegation was blocked when its security detail tried to enter a venue with weapons. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, told AFP that Ethiopia had "warmly welcomed" Mohamud and accorded him the full honors of visiting heads of state and governments to the summit. She said the Somali delegation had declined the security offered by Ethiopia and tried to enter a venue with their weapons. "As host country, the government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all heads of state and government while in the country," Seyoum said. "The Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC [African Union Commission] premises with weapons, which was blocked off by AUC security." Somalia has accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity over the January 1 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that declared independence in 1991 in a move not recognized by the international community. Under the maritime deal, Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of its coast for 50 years to Ethiopia, which wants to set up a naval base and a commercial port on the coast. In return, Somaliland a former British protectorate has said Ethiopia would give it formal recognition, assertions not confirmed by Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa and one of the largest landlocked nations in the world, was cut off from the coast after Eritrea seceded and declared independence in 1993 following a three-decade-long war. Addis Ababa had maintained access to a port in Eritrea until the two countries went to war in 1998-2000, and since then, Ethiopia has sent most of its sea trade through Djibouti. While Somaliland is largely stable, Somalia has witnessed decades of civil war and a bloody Islamist insurgency by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group. The Afghan Taliban have decided not to participate in a U.N.-sponsored conference on Afghanistan in Qatars capital Doha. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host a two-day gathering beginning Sunday in Doha, where member states and special envoys to Afghanistan will discuss engagement with the Taliban. In a statement issued Saturday evening on social media platform X, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a delegation would attend only if the Taliban were accepted as the single official representative of Afghanistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified to the U.N. that if the Islamic Emirate is to participate as the sole official representative of Afghanistan ... then participation would be beneficial. Else, ineffectual participation by the Emirate due to non-progress in this area was deemed unbeneficial, the ministry said. The Taliban use the term Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, or IEA, for their administration. The United Nations has invited Afghan civil society members, as well as groups opposed to the Taliban, to meet with special envoys for Afghanistan. There will be a meeting with the Taliban, but there will also be a meeting of envoys with civil society, including women's groups, because it's important that the voices of Afghan women be heard very loud and clear, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general said in the daily press briefing Friday. His remarks came prior to the Talibans refusal to attend. Expressing opposition to the inclusion of non-Taliban voices, the foreign ministry said it was possible to achieve progress in talks if the U.N. takes stock of current realities, rebuffs influence and pressure of a few parties. The statement released just hours before the conference begins put an end to days of confusion about whether the de facto rulers of Afghanistan would attend. Earlier, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqis office had quoted him telling the Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov that de facto rulers had shared our views on the possible participation. If there is an opportunity for high-level meaningful consultations between IEA and [the] 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. Doha conference The conference in Doha is the second U.N.-led international dialogue on Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021 after the end of a 20-year war with the U.S. and its allies. While the Taliban were not invited to the first global assembly in May 2023, the U.N. was seeking the groups presence this time. 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 earlier this week. Along with discussing how the international community should engage with the Taliban and addressing the plight of Afghan women and girls who are barred from studying and working the conference is expected to discuss the appointment of a special U.N. envoy for Afghanistan. The Taliban oppose such an appointment. Recognition issue Despite controlling Afghanistan for more than two years, the Taliban have failed in their bid for official recognition. The U.N. has refused to grant the group Afghanistans seat at the world body. While many countries have embassies in Kabul and foreign officials engage regularly with Taliban representatives, only China has accepted an Afghan ambassador and sent its envoy to Kabul. However, Beijing insists it has not officially recognized the Taliban government. The international community demands that to be recognized, the Taliban must form an inclusive government and lift the ban on womens education and work. The Taliban foreign ministry statement issued Saturday rejected efforts to push the group to soften its stance. If repetition of failed 20-year experimentation is discarded, and a realistic and pragmatic approach is adopted over unilateral impositions, accusations and pressurization, then progress can also be made in bilateral relations with other parties. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this story. The United States carried out a cyberattack earlier this month against two Iranian military ships as part of its multipronged response to the killing of three U.S. soldiers by Iran-backed proxies, VOA has confirmed. A U.S. official, who spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity because of operational sensitivities, said the MV Behshad was one of the targeted ships. The Iranian military ship was collecting intelligence on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. A source with knowledge of the cyberattack said an Iranian frigate was also targeted. The U.S. official said the cyberattack on the MV Behshad was to inhibit its ability to share targeting information with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been firing missiles into international shipping lanes. Earlier this month, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned of potential "unseen" retaliatory efforts "to send a very clear message that when American forces are attacked, when Americans are killed, we will respond, and we will respond forcefully." Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder declined to comment to VOA about the attack, which an official said occurred more than a week ago. NBC News first reported the attack on the Iranian spy ship on Thursday but did not report the cyberattack on the Iranian frigate. U.S. officials do not typically disclose covert operations, including cyberattacks. In addition to the cyberattacks, the U.S. this month struck Iranian-backed proxies in seven locations across Syria and Iraq on February 2. A day later, U.S. and allied forces struck dozens of Houthi targets at 13 locations in militant-controlled areas of Yemen. A U.S. drone strike on February 7 in Baghdad killed a Kataib Hezbollah commander who the U.S. said was "responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region." There has not been an attack on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria or Jordan since February 4, according to the Pentagon. U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan were attacked by Iran-backed militants more than 160 times since mid-October, shortly after Hamas' assault on Israel. Most of the attacks caused few to no injuries or damages, but an attack in late January at the Tower 22 base in Jordan killed three American service members and wounded dozens of others. Iranian-backed Houthi militants, however, have continued with their series of attacks targeting international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. According to a U.S. defense official, the Houthis have attacked or threatened commercial vessels 48 times since mid-November. The U.S. has carried out self-defense strikes against Houthi drones and missiles that have been fired into international shipping lanes or that were poised to conduct attacks. The U.S. and its partners also carried out attacks in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen last month, which they said took out key weapons used in the Houthis' targeting of international ships. A senior U.S. defense official Friday revealed staggering Russian losses from Moscow's brutal war in Ukraine, citing 315,000 Russians killed or wounded, at least 20 Russian navy vessels sunk, and up to $211 billion in direct financial costs to supply and sustain its military operations. Russia has also lost an estimated $10 billion in postponed or canceled arms sales, along with another $1.3 trillion in previously anticipated economic growth through 2026, according to the U.S. official. The casualty numbers mirror a declassified U.S. intelligence assessment that was first shared with Congress in December. Ukraine's military on Wednesday said it had used high-tech naval drones to sink a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea. Russian authorities did not immediately comment. The attack served as another example of Ukraine being able to protect its coastline and enable grain shipments and other shipments like iron ore to keep the Ukraine economy running and sustain its military operations, the official said. But while Ukrainian forces have seen successes against the Russian navy, Russian ground forces have continued to make gains in the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Reports from the ground said Ukrainian forces have struggled with ammunition shortages and could be forced to pull back. We do see that Ukrainians are running short on critical supplies, particularly ammunition, and we see this as something that could be the harbinger of what is to come if we do not get this supplemental funding, the senior defense official said. The official said without resupply abilities from the United States, other critical locations along Ukraine's forward line of troops could also run low on supplies, along with the air defense interceptors needed to protect major population centers. The U.S. has not sent a new round of aid to Ukraine since late December, when funding ran out. The Senate passed a new bill that includes more than $60 billion for Ukraine that appears to have bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, but the legislation faces opposition from House Republican leaders who currently control the House's agenda. NATO allies account for 99% of military aid to Kyiv and have stepped up their support in recent weeks, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. They will continue to do that, Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, said this week. But the United States has provided a significant share of that, and that hole cannot be fully filled by other allies and partners. And we need to stare that truth square in the face. According to NATO, the United States has provided Ukraine with around $75 billion in military, financial and humanitarian aid since Russia's invasion, while other NATO allies and partners have provided more than $100 billion. Despite a lack of additional funding from Congress, the production and delivery of some munitions and equipment to Ukraine remains ongoing in accordance with the terms of previously awarded contracts under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI, Pentagon spokesperson Jeff Jurgensen told VOA. This includes artillery rounds, missiles for multiple launch rocket systems, air defense and other capabilities. Unlike the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the Department of Defense to immediately deliver equipment and weapons to Ukraine from its own stocks, USAI allows the United States to procure more long-term capability needs from industry. At this point, both PDA funding for immediate stockpile withdrawals and USAI funding for future contracts have run dry. The U.S. is currently producing about 28,000 155 mm rounds per month but is on a glide slope to ramp up production to 70,000-80,000 per month by the end of 2024, Jurgensen added. USAI funding is currently being used for the production of 155 mm rounds. But, he said, the Defense Department will be unable to achieve its further objective of producing 100,000 155 mm rounds per month without additional funding. Operating on continuing resolutions because of Congress' failure to pass new funding bills, he added, is likely to further limit the department's ability to increase capacity for critical missile capabilities. VOA's Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Yemens Iran-back Houthi rebels claimed responsibility Saturday for an attack Friday on an oil tanker in the Red Sea. In a statement Saturday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said Yemeni naval forces fired missiles at what he called a British oil tanker, the Pollux, adding that the strikes were accurate and direct. The U.S. Central Command assessed Friday that at least three missiles were launched toward the India-bound, Panamanian-flagged M/T Pollux, which was transporting crude oil. The extent of the damage is unclear, but the M/T Pollux is continuing its journey south under its own power. CENTCOM said the vessel was Denmark-owned and Panamanian-registered. Two U.S. strikes Friday evening, CENTCOM successfully conducted two strikes against one mobile anti-ship cruise missile and one mobile unmanned surface vessel in Yemen. CENTCOM identified the mobile missile and surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. U.S. accuses Iran of aiding Houthis A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department accused Iran of aiding the Houthis in destabilizing the region. Iran has been deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This is consistent with Iran's long-term material support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilizing actions in the region," the spokesperson said Friday. "Houthi forces have employed various Iranian-origin missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles against military and civilian targets throughout the region, the spokesperson said. U.S. reinstates sanctions on Houthis The United States reinstated sanctions on the Houthi rebels Friday, following their continued attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, endangering maritime security. The State Department spokesperson noted that on January 17, Washington announced its intention to relist the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, or SDGT, after 30 days, giving the Iran-backed rebels the opportunity to scale down their attacks and to minimize de-risking across the industry. Houthi leaders have declared that the group will persist in its attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians as long as Israel continues what the group termed as crimes against them. The Houthis were first designated as a terror group three years ago and subsequently delisted due to humanitarian concerns. The relisting follows repeated demands from the U.S. and other countries for the Houthis to stop firing on commercial shipping. Those demands have been ignored, and attacks have continued, despite a series of airstrikes by the U.S. and Britain aimed at taking out radar systems and launch sites used in the attacks. U.S. officials said they have made concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of this designation on the Yemeni people. Washington has actively engaged the shipping industry, financial institutions, banks and humanitarian aid organizations to ensure comprehensive understanding of the broad exemptions associated with this designation. In the waning hours of former U.S. President Donald Trumps administration in January 2021, the Houthis were designated as both an SDGT and a foreign terrorist organization, or FTO. In February 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and as specially designated global terrorists. This action was taken as the Biden administration aimed to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the long-running civil war between the internationally recognized government of Yemen, based in the southern port city of Aden, and the Houthis, whose capital is Sanaa. Additionally, the delisting aimed to make it easier to deliver food and humanitarian aid to the people of Yemen. The two designations carry distinct penalties. Being named as a specially designated global terrorist empowers the U.S. Treasury Department to disrupt terrorists' access to funds within the United States and across the international financial system. On the other hand, designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department prohibits anyone from providing the group with "material support," including fighting for the group, or providing financial assistance or training. Members of foreign terrorist organizations who are not U.S. citizens are typically banned from entering the United States, except where there is a rare and high-level decision otherwise. The Houthis have not been re-listed as an FTO at this time. U.S. defense officials said the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels and naval vessels since mid-November, affecting citizens, cargo and vessels from more than 50 countries. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is attending the Munich Security Conference, where she is reassuring U.S. allies the United States can still be depended on. "It is in the fundamental interest of the American people for the United States to fulfill our long-standing role of global leadership," she said Friday in Munich. At the top of her short address Friday, Harris announced the news of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, calling it "a further sign of [Russian President Vladimir] Putins brutality." Harris trip to the annual security meeting comes while there is some doubt about Americas leadership role in the world as the United States faces an election and one candidate, former President Donald Trump, has indicated that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who were delinquent in their NATO fees. The trip also occurs as some U.S. Republican lawmakers are holding up funds designated to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia and when the U.S. is remaining steadfast in its support of Israel in its fight against Hamas. Harris is to meet separately Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the conference Friday that the current global order is not working, and millions of ordinary people are paying "a terrible price." "Today we see countries doing whatever they like, with no accountability," Guterres told the gathering. He said if countries fulfilled their obligations under the U.N. Charter, "every person on Earth would live in peace and dignity." "The problem is that many governments are ignoring these commitments," he said. On the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Guterres said nothing can justify Hamas terror attacks on October 7, but neither does it justify Israels military response and the "collective punishment" of the Palestinian people. "The situation in Gaza is an appalling indictment of the deadlock in global relations," Guterres said. "The level of death and destruction is shocking in itself. The war is also spilling over borders across the region and affecting global trade." The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says nearly 29,000 Palestinians have been killed, since Israel launched its military offensive following the killing of 1,200 people inside Israel in the October 7 attacks. Gutteres reiterated international concerns that Israel is planning a full-scale ground incursion in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, which is sheltering fleeing Palestinians and is the center of the humanitarian aid operation. "An all-out offensive on the city would be devastating for the 1.5 million Palestinian civilians who are already on the edge of survival," he warned. February 24 will mark two years since Russias invasion of Ukraine. The war has forced 6 million Ukrainians to flee to other countries, while 14.6 million people inside the country need humanitarian assistance. "Two years in, the cost in human lives and suffering is appalling, and the impact on the global economy has been particularly devastating for developing countries," Guterres said. The war triggered a surge in food and fuel prices that hit poorer countries that had not yet economically recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We desperately need a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, for Russia and for the world," Guterres said, "a peace in line with the U.N. Charter and international law, which establishes the obligation to respect the territorial integrity of sovereign states." Elsewhere, he urged regional and global powers to pressure those involved in conflicts across Africa, the Middle East and Asia to negotiate peace. Beyond current conflicts, he said the international community needs to strengthen the global peace and security architecture to better deal with current threats and challenges. "Those who drafted the U.N. Charter did not conceive of the climate crisis, artificial intelligence or cyber weapons," he said. Guterres also pressed for reform of the global financial architecture, saying it is badly out of date, dysfunctional and unfair, and has failed the poorest countries. "They will owe more in debt service this year than their public spending on health, education and infrastructure combined," he said of struggling countries, adding there is still no effective debt relief mechanism. "All this is a development emergency with deep implications for global security." He urged scaled up-climate action, repeating calls for the gradual phaseout of fossil fuels. Guterres plans to hold a "Summit of the Future" in September on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings, which will aim to chart a path forward on some of these issues. During a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the U.S. Congress would make a "wise decision" in approving a delayed large aid package for Ukraine. "We discussed the current front-line situation. I am grateful to have President Biden's full support," Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I also believe that the U.S. Congress will make a wise decision." Zelenskyy is in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference. Zelenskyy warned allies Saturday that low ammunition supplies could give Russia breathing room to regroup against Ukraine, highlighting the need for artillery and long-range weapons after his military chief announced he was withdrawing troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka. During his address at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of security and foreign policy officials, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is back on the defensive against Russia in the nearly 2-year-old war, due to an "artificial deficit" of arms for Ukraine. "We're just waiting for weapons that we're short of," he said, pointing to a lack of long-range armaments. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," Zelenskyy said. "We can get our land back, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield." After a meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Ukrainian president and Harris held a joint news conference in Munich. "It is in the strategic interest of the United States to continue our support," said Harris. Zelenskyy echoed Harris's comments that the aid package for Ukraine stuck in Congress "is vital" to Ukraine's war effort, and he stressed that Kyiv is counting on the U.S. to remain a "strategic partner." Also at the conference, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the delay in approval of the Ukraine aid package by the U.S. Congress has a direct impact on Ukraine's defense. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," he said. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, whose country directly borders Russia, said, "If America isolates itself, it eventually is going to cost you more," warning that if "aggression pays off somewhere, it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere, jeopardizing global security." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country is Ukraine's second-biggest military supplier after the U.S., renewed his call for other European countries to step up with more deliveries, and pointed to America's military aid since the war began. Avdiivka seized Putin congratulated Russian troops and their commander Saturday on the capture of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. "The head of state congratulated Russian soldiers on this success, an important victory," the Kremlin website said. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu presented the Russian president with a report on the capture of the city. He told the Kremlin that Russian forces were working to clear final pockets of resistance at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, officials said in a statement. This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to reveal This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing - Click to reveal A woman mourns the victims of a missile strike in the town of Panteleimonovka in a Russian-controlled part of Donetsk region, Feb. 17, 2024. Videos on social media Saturday appeared to show soldiers raising the Russian flag over one of the plant's buildings. Reacting to the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the southeastern city of Avdiivka, Zelenskyy said that the retreat ordered by Ukrainian commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi was "a correct decision" emphasizing the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers' lives. He also suggested that Russia has achieved little, however, adding that it has been attacking Avdiivka "with all the power that they had" since October and lost thousands of soldiers. "That's what Russia has achieved. It's a depletion of their army." Syrskyi, Ukraine's commander-in-chief, posted Friday on Facebook that the troops were moved "to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of service personnel." Capturing the eastern city is seen as key to Moscow's aim of securing full control of the two provinces that make up the industrial Donbas region and could hand Putin, who recently underlined its significance, a battlefield victory as he seeks reelection next month. During a White House press briefing Friday, Biden stressed the significance of continuing U.S. military support for Ukraine against Russia and noted that though a bipartisan Senate voted in favor of funding Ukraine's war against Russia, the House of Representatives has not yet done so. "History is watching the House of Representatives. That failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten," he said. "The clock is ticking. And this has to happen. We have to help now. You know, we have to realize what we're dealing with," Biden added. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. U.S. President Joe Biden reacted to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny Friday, directly blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin and using the death to scold the U.S. House of Representatives for holding up funding for Ukraine. Russian prison officials say Navalny, a fierce foe of the Russian president, died in the Russian Arctic labor camp where he was imprisoned. The official statement has not been independently confirmed. Russian media quoted officials of the Federal Prison Service saying medical staff had been called but were unable to resuscitate the 47-year-old Navalny. In a statement in the Oval Office at the White House, Biden praised Navalny for his courage in continually standing up to Putin, even after he was poisoned, treated overseas and then imprisoned when he returned to Russia. He could have lived safely in exile ..., following an assassination attempt in 2020, Biden said. Instead, he returned to Russia knowing he'd likely be imprisoned, or even killed if he continued his work. But he did it anyway. Because he believed so deeply in his country. Biden said Russian officials will tell their own story, but said, Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. He said Navalnys death is a reminder of the stakes of this moment and once again appealed to the U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the bipartisan aid package approved this week by the U.S Senate. Biden said history is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten, Biden said. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement Friday that Putin was "a vicious dictator" and that if Navalny's death was confirmed, "this action is emblematic of Putin's global pattern of silencing critics and eliminating opponents out of fear of dissent." He called for opposition against Russia but did not specifically address military aid to Ukraine. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told VOA's Russian Service on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that Navalny's death was "a horrible tragedy, and his imprisonment was also a horrible tragedy." Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and lost consciousness. It said his cause of death was "being established." Konstantin Boikov, a psychiatrist and human rights activist, told VOA's Russia Service that Navalny appeared to be healthy before his death. "We are looking at a young man, slender, who doesn't have a history of heart conditions," he said. Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism. He was moved from his former prison in the Vladimir region of central Russia to a maximum-security penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region, about 1,900 kilometers northeast of Moscow, above the Arctic Circle. In a post on the social media platform X shortly after the announcement, Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, and his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, wrote they had no confirmation of his death. The post said Navalnys lawyer was on his way to Kharp and promised a report as soon as they received information. Navalny's wife, Yulia, told the Munich Security Conference on Friday that if the news of Navalny's death was true, "I want Putin, his entire entourage, Putin's friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family, to my husband." She said she considered canceling her appearance at the conference, "but then I thought what Alexey would do in my place. And I'm sure he would be here." Navalny had been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Since then, he received three prison sentences, all of which he rejected as politically motivated. Natan Sharansky, a Soviet dissident Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Navalny has been a strong voice for freedom and democracy for many years. He said NATO and NATO allies have long called for his release. Stoltenberg said all the facts must be established and Russia has serious questions to answer. During a joint news conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was typically blunt when reacting to the reports of Navalnys death. Obviously he was killed by Putin, Zelenskyy said. Like thousands of others who have been tortured, tortured because of this one creature. Putin doesn't care who dies. Zelenskyy said Putin must lose everything and be held accountable for his actions. Scholz said Navalny "has probably now paid for this courage with his life." In Britain, the government said it was summoning the Russian Embassy to make clear that it held Russian officials "fully responsible" for Navalny's death. Sergey Lagodinsky, a German lawyer and politician of the Alliance 90/The Greens party, argued that "the international community hasn't done all it could have to save Navalny's life." Speaking to VOA's Russian Service, he said, "I think we all knew that it was very likely, the end of this torture [of Navalny] would be quite sad." VOA's Russian Service contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. and later Israeli politician, told VOA's Russian Service, "Navalny has probably done more than anyone else in the world to expose the methods the [Russian] regime uses to deal with dissidents." Sharansky said he experienced torture when he was imprisoned in Russia during the 1970s and 1980s but that the authorities were not trying to kill him. "They wanted to fight me! But back then the international opinion was still somewhat important to them. Today Putin has nothing to lose, so he can afford to kill off his opponents," he said. Praise for Navalnys bravery poured in from Western leaders and others who have opposed Putins leadership. The opposition leaders health has deteriorated recently, and the cause of death remains unknown, but many world leaders said they held Russian authorities ultimately responsible for his death. HARARE, ZIMBABWE Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga threatened a gay and lesbian group Thursday for offering university scholarships to underprivileged students. Chiwenga, who is serving as acting president while President Emmerson Mnangagwa is out of the country, said in a statement that the LGBTQ community is alien, anti-life, un-African and un-Christian. He condemned an advocacy group, the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, for offering the scholarships and urged young Zimbabweans to snub the offers. He accused the group of making an insidious attempt to advance foreign interests by enticing Zimbabwes less-privileged youths into the LGBTQ communitys activities. The government sees such scholarship offers as a direct challenge on its authority and thus will not hesitate to take appropriate measures to enforce national laws and to protect and defend national values, Chiwenga said. There was no immediate word from Mnangagwa, who is in Dubai, on whether he agreed with his deputys statement or whether it was authorized. Zimbabwean officials did not respond to VOAs request for comment. Chesterfield Samba, director of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, said Friday that his organizations board was still digesting the vice presidents statement. Some Zimbabweans had strong reactions on both sides to the vice presidents statement. Oliver Mutambara, 36, said, I would like to thank the acting president for the clear message that we are not going to accept those scholarships. We should remember that we are a multireligious community, we have the Christian community, which is the largest chunk. And from our principles, we do not condone such practices. He continued, We are going to seek permission very soon from our government to act upon those people or bring down their banners and act accordingly to them. Lloyd Damba, spokesman for Zimbabwes opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, did not entirely disagree with the vice presidents statement. As a Christian nation, the Christian community believes that man can only marry a woman and, based on that, I think he is correct in this sense," Damba said. Also, he said, "I think [Chiwenga] is basing his communique [on] the laws of the land do not permit such things. Treasure Basopo, 28, expressed a different view, arguing that the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe has been a legal organization in the country since 1990. He criticized Chiwenga, a former army general before he became a vice president in 2017 after the military coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe. He is a man of misplaced priorities, excitable character," Basopo said. "General Chiwenga must first give reference to section 78 of the constitution, which talks of people of same sex being banned from getting into a marriage. But the constitution is silent about the conduct and activities of these people before marriage. Speaking to VOA, Sally Ncube, a representative for rights group Equality Now in southern Africa, called on the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other such institutions, as well as the Southern African Development Community, to ensure Harare protects the rights of everyone in the country. The statement in tone is contrary to Zimbabwes commitment and obligations under international law to uphold the rights of all, including its LBGTQ citizens," Ncube said. "The government must not only refrain from making discriminatory statements, but actively work toward creating an environment that respects and protects diverse identities within its nation. Igbo independence is back in Nigeria. It was the trigger for the "Nigerian Civil War", also known as the Biafra genocide or the Biafran War (1967-70). Except this time, the separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insists that the Igbos are a lost tribe of Israel. Nnamdi Kanu is the owner of Radio Biafra. He was proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). A former real estate agent in London, he has dual Nigerien-British nationality. In 2015, he spoke at the World Igbo Congress (WIC) in Los Angeles. He calls for an armed uprising against Nigeria. Upon his return, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and later released on bail. In 2018, he fled to Israel [1]. He was arrested again, probably in Kenya, in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria. His trial on terrorism charges is still ongoing. Since 2021, he has employed the US lobbying firm Mercury LLC. This allowed him to meet former director of the CIA Mike Pompeo. Jet-black Corp is tasked with promoting the narrative of Israels lost tribe and garnering support among evangelical Christians and Washington. In his absence, Nigerian-Finnish athlete Simon Ekpa was proclaimed prime minister of the unrecognized government of Biafra. The latter is linked to the Unification Church (known as the "Moon sect") which awarded him the title of "Ambassador for Peace" in 2023. During the Nigerian civil war, Biafra was supported by France. Jacques Foccart, head of President Charles De Gaulles secret services, wanted to prevent the creation of the Nigerian state, which he considered too powerful compared to its French-speaking neighbors. Simultaneously, Israel, South Africa and Rhodesia have been involved in this war, also on the side of Biafra. According to documents revealed by the State of Israel Archives, in 2023 the Hebrew state has supported its companies present in Nigeria since independence. In doing so, it sided with the Biafran separatists. At the request of Felix Houphouet-Boigny, President of Cote dIvoire, Israel supplied Tanzanian arms to the Biafrans and financed their representation in Paris [2]. The whole operation was devised by the revisionist Zionist ambassador Ram Nirgad, who later distinguished himself with the Argentine dictatorship of General Jorge Rafael Videla. Photo: Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Getty Images Bassem Youssef and James Gunn have cleared up any Superman: Legacy casting beef rumors. Earlier this week, Youssef told Salon that he speculated he was not offered the role of dictator Rumaan Harjavti due to his comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict with Piers Morgan in October. However, on Friday, Gunn clarified what had actually happened by reposting an IGN article stating that the decision to remove Harjavti from the script was made before his Piers Morgan interview. Gunn wrote on Threads, This is accurate. The Superman director followed up with another post, writing, There isnt one word against another. [Bassem] and I talked and were good. I understand how he thought things might be (which he was clear about in his interview), and I told him the whole story. On Saturday morning, Youssef responded, clearing the air of the fiasco further. He explains on Instagram that he was originally hopeful of landing a role in the film because he submitted his audition, and an hour later, Gunn asked him for a Zoom call to talk about the role further. Fast forward to after the Piers Morgan interview, he gets word from Warner Brothers that the character has been rewritten out of the script. You can see that from my point of view, the timing was bad, he says. A lot of people have lost roles due to their political stance. After this weeks interview came out, Gunn called Youssef to explain that he had never formally offered the role because they hadnt gone through camera tests. He then told Gunn what it felt like from his end and Gunn agreed. What does it take to produce this image? We spoke to the Academys special events wrangler to find out. Photo: Richard Harbaugh/A.M.P.A.S. The Oscars class photo is a tradition unlike any other. Every year (quarantine seasons excepted), the Academy invites everyone whos nominated for an Oscar to a fancy lunch. Most of them show up. Some are dressed to the nines, others cant be bothered. Then at the end of it, they all take a big class picture, where the grandest of stars rub elbows with humble sound mixers. Each edition brings fascinating juxtapositions and delightful stolen moments. A guy sneezed in this years! How much behind-the-scenes wrangling does it take to produce the class photo? To find out, I spoke to MJ Partlow, who produces the Academys special events. I love this day so much, she says. Its so celebratory of the film industry and the work and the global talent. Its a big deal. Is there a governing philosophy of how the Oscar class photo is arranged, like tallest to shortest? Or is it just, like, herd everybody and throw them all against the wall? When you asked about tallest to shortest, I thought, I wish it was that simple. What happens is, our seating department, they seat the room. Then we pick a table to start and we call them up table by table. The Hilton has three tiers, so you pick where youre going to start and then follow the flow of the room. You feel the energy in the room, when the nominees know when their turn is next. Theyre just waiting for it, like, Oh my God, they just got called. Were next. Whats the philosophy of the seating chart? We have our governors, they host each table. [The governors are the Academys version of a corporate board. There are 55 of them; most represent a specific branch.] This years luncheon was highly coveted and attended: I believe theres 209 nominees this year, and I believe we had 189 nominees come. The nominees from the same movie are not seated together. The thing I love about the photo is how you have short film directors and A-listers, and theyre all jumbled up next to each other. Everybody is together. Thats truly what we want it to feel like for the day in its entirety. Because everyone is Oscar nominated. Thats so big in their career. They worked their whole lives for that. When do you have that opportunity to experience it with everyone else? Oscar Sunday, theres so much pressure that day. But the nominee luncheon, they kind of buzz around the room and enjoy themselves. When it comes to the photo, I see it from the back of the room. When you move people around and you see them interact with each other, they turn to the next person and go, Im the nominee for this, and what about you? It becomes this great moment for all of them. You could be nominated once or you could be nominated seven times, but it should feel different every year. What are you doing while the photo is being set up? Im in the back of the room and Im looking at the photo unfold, everyone getting into place. What I love to do is just make sure Ive got everyone covered. You want to be able to see everyones face, see their smile, even if someones tall or if someones short. I remember the year Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck was nominated. Hes like six-feet-nine, and hes way in the back. When you have someone like Kobe Bryant [who was nominated for, and later won, Best Animated Short at the 2018 ceremony] who was six-six where is he going to go? We actually had him in a chair in the front. Sometimes, if you put them on a riser, they could look way taller than everyone else, too. How long does it generally take between getting the first people up on the risers and taking the photo? There was a time when we did it in about 45 minutes. It took a while. But weve got it down to 30 minutes. Were pretty good now. Were comfortable, we understand it, and we have stage managers who help from every direction. We dont ever want to rush the moment, either. What changes did you make to get it down to 30 minutes from 45? A few things. We used to have this graduation riser. Weve been at the Beverly Hilton for about 33 years, and weve had the riser for quite a long time. Its custom, but its a graduation riser, right? And there was a time when you could see the Hilton carpet, right there next to the Oscar. It didnt look right. See: old fashioned risers and carpet. Photo: Courtesy of AMPAS Finally, we decided this year to do a full-on set. It is gorgeous, and its all white. Its modernized, if you will, and it is the set piece in the room. So when youre a nominee, after youve done the carpet and youve smiled for the press, you walk in and youre like, Oh my God, theres the photo. I remember the 2020 one was all white, too. Yeah. The 2020 one was at the Dolby Ballroom and it was all white and it was long. Ive been wanting to do it since then in the Beverly Hilton, but we couldnt figure it out. But this year, we shrank it and then brought it forward. Its quite beautiful. What is it like to order around people especially directors who are used to being the ones giving instructions? Thank goodness we have stage managers, and we have our governor, DeVon Franklin, who calls the names. I tell you, they want to be directed that day. For once theyre not taking control. Theyre giving in and saying, You know what? This is my day. Im going to go with this and just going to do what they want me to do. How many shots does the photographer usually take? I dont know exactly. DeVons up there, and he tells them to look up, and then everyone in the room is taking shots. Its that picture you never can get when youre with your full family. People blink, right? Partlow later followed up over email: In speaking with our head photographer, the answer is eight to ten clean shots as soon as the host counts down with all the nominees. Do people ever lobby you, like, Dont use the one where I was blinking? Actually, believe it or not, everyone is so gracious and theyre just so happy to be there. Do you have any favorite memories from this year or in years past, specific moments that stand out as really special? Every year has its tone. I mean, I love the Kobe year. That was a great year, but thats a hard one to talk about. I would say this year, probably. Were pretty proud of our new riser, because we think about the accessibility, making sure that everyone feels included and welcome in the photo, and I think that was a little different with the traditional one we had. The riser and the set itself morphed into this beautiful photo. Hollywood Dispatch I was not able to attend this years Nominee Luncheon, due to the fact that I live 2,800 miles away. But my colleague Chris Lee was there mixing and mingling with the nominees. After chatting with Partlow, I hit up Chris over Slack to get his impressions of the event. Heres a lightly edited transcript of our conversation. What was the vibe like in the room? One of the more telling things I thought was when they brought each nominee up to the risers for the class photo. Each person was announced one name at a time, which worked as a kind of de facto popularity contest. Everyone got applause; everyone was polite in that regard. But when Paul Giamatti was announced, he got a big surge of extra applause. Same for Lily Gladstone. Like, Colman Domingo didnt get that. Bradley Cooper certainly didnt! Who was the most popular? Some people worked the room and some people remained aloof or just got there late. Emma Stone seemed to be hobnobbing more than most A-listers. I saw her over here in a huddle with America Ferrara (she seemed horrified by something America told her), then over there onstage exchanging jokes with Yorgos Lanthimos. Also, Snoop from Anatomy of a Fall was there. Excuse me, [Neon CEO] Tom Quinn corrected me: The dogs name is actually Messi. I was more starstruck by him. Did anything exciting happen that wasnt caught on-camera? I had a funny interaction with Wim Wenders. He put his hands on my back, and I turned around and he said, Oh, I thought you were my friend. (Only at that point did I realize it was Wim Wenders, because I looked at his name card.) Suddenly it became clear to me he thought I was Koji Yakusho, star of Perfect Days. Is your hair as long and flowing as his? You know it is! [Note: Its true, I do.] Finally, did you get to eat the food, and was it good? Yes. It was terrible! Vegan risotto, with weird giant mushrooms that resembled scallops. Brussels sprouts and baby carrots topped by a drift of spinach (raw). Everyone around me was like, this sucks. A publicist friend chastised me for choosing the vegan option, but every journalist was given the vegan option. Looking Ahead to the BAFTAs Over the past five years, BAFTAs tastes have diverged from its American counterparts, especially in Best Film, where it has twice gone for the arty directorial achievement over middlebrow crowd-pleasers (Roma over Green Book and Power of the Dog over CODA) and twice eschewed buzzy genre efforts in favor of World War I movies (1917 over Parasite and All Quiet on the Western Front over Everything Everywhere All at Once). But it happens all over the ballot. Last year, the BAFTA acting winners were Austin Butler, Cate Blanchett, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon. None of them repeated the feat at the Oscars. Which goes to show, if something on Sunday makes you say, Blimey, guv!, that doesnt necessarily mean you should throw out everything you think you know about the Oscars race. The Brits just do things differently. Sometimes, its better (like when they pour the milk in first while serving tea) and sometimes its worse (like when they eat cake with their hands). Nevertheless, here are three things to watch out for: 1. Will Oppenheimer sweep? Besides an early scene where our hero tries to poison his Cambridge tutor, Oppenheimer is mostly an American story. Still, there are enough British and Irish among the cast and crew that Oppenheimer should enjoy a hometown advantage this weekend. Since its already the far-and-away front-runner, we should prepare for a major haul. Picture, Director, and Supporting Actor feel like givens, and Oppenheimer should challenge in Actor, Adapted Screenplay, and a bunch of craft categories, too. Could it go 13-for-13? The biggest test will be in Supporting Actress, where Team Oppenheimer must cross their fingers and hope voters finally hand Emily Blunt a trophy at the fourth time of asking. 2. Whos winning Original Screenplay? The Oscars Original Screenplay category feels like a three-horse race between Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers, and Past Lives. Since the WGA pushed its awards until after the Oscars, BAFTA is our only big writing precursor this year. Thankfully, the Brits nominated all three of them, so Sundays result will ideally bring some clarity to the race. Except theres one potential wrinkle: Barbie is also nominated in Original Screenplay at the BAFTAs. If the pastel-hued comedy which filmed in the U.K. does triumph, well be back to having no idea whos in the lead for the Oscar. 3. Can Sandra Huller surprise in Best Actress? The Hull Hive has pinpointed Best Actress as a place for a possible BAFTA surprise. Because Lily Gladstone wasnt nominated, and the Brits seemed to like Anatomy of a Fall quite a bit, the German actress figures to be the strongest challenger to Emma Stone. A Teutonic surprise would make for a nice treat in a season thats in need of all the unpredictability it can get. (However, Im skeptical that Huller would be able to ride a BAFTA win all the way to the Oscars stage. Stone and Gladstone are just too strong, and while Huller gives a great performance in Anatomy of a Fall, she doesnt transform, play a real person, or get grievously ill.) Correction: The article previously stated there are 64 governors of the Academys corporate board. There are 55. Photo: @Queenzzielocthevoice/TikTok Teresa Smith, known on TikTok as @Queenzziel0cthevoice, died, her daughter, Yolundria Rooks, revealed in a GoFundMe post for their family. It is with a heavy heart to announce that my mother The Icon, The Diva, Miss Teresa Smith also known as Queezielocthevoice has suddenly passed away, she writes. Rooks told TMZ the 48-year-old had been privately battling ovarian cancer that spread to her lungs. Smith died at her home in Stockton, California, on February 14, surrounded by her family and friends, the outlet reports. Smith gained online fame in August 2023 when her playful and eccentric TikTok duets of pop songs began going viral. Her various renditions of Billie Eilishs What Was I Made For? received tens of millions of views, and Eilish herself sang Smiths version of her song while performing that same month. Billie Eilish [is] one of the worlds greatest artists, Smith said when she spoke with Vulture back in August 2023. I feel wonderful. Smith grew up in Macon, Georgia, and had been singing since she was young. Smith previously told Vulture she was trained by her mother and would perform with her brother as a child when her family hosted church services in their home. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Smith went on to release her own R&B music on Spotify, a collection of singles such as Self-esteem. I love the duet because singing is something that I am good at, she said. I love to hit high notes. Im a powerhouse. Her creative interpretations of the songs she chose to duet inspired users to sing their own covers and remix her videos into one giant performance. Her most recent video, posted on February 10, has been flooded with over 4,500 comments from her followers. Thank you for making me laugh daily, one wrote. Rest in peace angel. Rest in peace beautiful! another commented. So glad you dont have to miss your son anymore. Rooks is now fundraising to return her mothers body to Georgia so she can be buried with her son, Josiah Smith, who Rooks says passed away at 15 years old. Any additional funds raised will help keep the family on its feet during this transition. I, as the eldest child will now be taking on full responsibility of all my younger siblings, Rooks wrote in the description, so anything that is donated beyond the funeral cost and expenses will be invested in them, their needs, and their future. At the time of writing, Rooks had raised $7,898 of her $42,000 goal, much of it from TikTok followers who shared their love of Smiths videos alongside their donations. Ill miss seeing your TikToks on my FYP, one message reads. You brought me a lot of joy last year while I was going through tough times. For Smith, the feeling was very much mutual. I love TikTok for believing in me, she told Vulture. I love when people sing and keep a smile on their face. It really makes me feel like Im a blessing to somebodys life. The two of us, my husband and I, took our breakfast toast, melon and coffee out to the porch on a Sunday morning, with late summer hanging on by its teeth. It was early, so the neighbors ACs were still off and nobody was out yet. Its so quiet, my husband said. Traffic over on Charles Street in Baltimore was a quiet hum; the lady across the street from us, sounding like a Marine commander trying to be polite, called to her kids, Are we doing this? Or not?; the late-summers heat bugs were sawing up and down; the goldfinches asked each other questions and answered with more questions; and a catbird was squalling at the sparrows in its wholly owned lilac bush. Its so noisy, my husband said. Mainly it was the hummingbirds. They make little cherk noises, they roar around, they vroom. They hover in the light, their wings backlit and translucent, like tiny angels. Wed hung a hummingbird feeder on the porch across from the goldfinch feeder. Goldfinches fly to and from a feeder in looping catenaries. Hummingbirds dont fly in; they apparently have warp drive: They simply appear out of thin air, feed and disappear. Sometimes one changes places on the feeder by lifting straight up, backing up, moving sideways, landing, feeding again, lifting straight up again and then plinking right out of space-time. Theyre just so enchanting. Advertisement The National Zoo says hummingbirds wings beat 70 times a second; their hearts beat 1,200 times a minute. Which must be why I think they have warp drive: Theyre living so much faster than I am; theyre living on amped-up time. Theyre not only fast, theyre also durable; they migrate south for 18 to 20 hours straight. They manage this live-fast, go-hard style by going occasionally into a kind of short hibernation called torpor: I suspect Ive seen this on a hummingbird cam at the University of Arizona, because sometimes one conked out so thoroughly I thought the camera had frozen. When they are awake, hummingbirds can go 30 mph; the males, says the National Zoo, go more than 45 mph during courtship dives. This is the first step into the dark side. Think about it: The male is heading straight for Earth or a stunned female at 45 mph and pulls up at the last second. No female would mate with someone like that. But the females do because mating turns out to be no big deal: Hummingbirds dont pair-bond, the males dont stick around and the National Zoo says that any help the female might get with food and child care does not outweigh the burden of having a male around competing for food. Share this article Share This is the next step into the dark side. Sparrows and goldfinches share. Sparrows roam in small gangs, land in the same patch of grass and hop around looking for bugs and comparing notes. Goldfinches wont share feeders with sparrows, but they will with other goldfinches in a pinch, they will even accept goldfinches of the same sex. Hummingbirds share feeders with no one. Out on our porch, a hummingbird is feeding; another comes in; the first one chases it, staying on its tail like a jet fighter, straight up into the sky; neither one comes back. Hummingbirds, I swear, would rather go hungry than share feeders. The National Zoo explains that hummingbirds compete so fiercely for nectar because flowers take a while to restock and nectar is scarce. Advertisement Either the zoo is being kind or its wrong about Baltimore hummingbirds. Our neighborhood is dense with hummingbird feeders, five within rock-throwing distance, boundless bounty. A hummingbird is like the neighborhood cat that kills things its not hungry, it just likes killing. A hummingbird isnt going to go hungry; it just cant stand knowing another hummingbird exists. Goldfinches and sparrows talk quietly among themselves; hummingbirds talk only to tell each other to get the hell out of here and do it now. The other day Erik Vance, a science writer in Mexico City, wrote a wise and balanced blog post about a similarly uncivil bird, the booby: It opens the door for something a little like redemption. Our selfishness, our greed for the best resources, this is a part of who we are. And by acknowledging that, by casting it into the light, it means that our worst natures dont have to define us. We have the choice to be something better. But Vance is talking about sibling rivalry, which everyone knows is, at bottom, realistic and understandable behavior. And Im talking about knee-jerk, misanthropic ill will, no possible redemption whatever. My world would look kinder if I got the hummingbirds off the porch. The only problem is, theyre so beautiful, so beautiful. Sometimes one materializes right where were sitting and hangs in the air like a thought, watching us and wondering whether were good to eat. Linda Wenhold was blown away by the Patriot Academys classes, which tap into a growing fear among some evangelical Christians that their faith and its rightful place at the center of American culture and government were under siege. Zero! Boring! Almost as boring as being asked, every time you decline a drink: why? If theres one person more boring than a drinker, its the drinker who asks why youre not drinking. Actually, theres someone even more boring: the non-drinker answering that question. I cant say Im pregnant, nor that Ive fallen off a planter box once too often. I have no excuses, other than heart and brain health. By that stage of the explanation, the previously inquisitive drinker has drifted away for a refill. Loading Febfast and lent (and Dry July) are not about proper alcoholism, which is a disease and cannot be cured by merely stopping for a month to raise sponsorship or brownie points in the hereafter. Nor does serious alcoholism spawn a social movement which, inadvertently, I have joined. The hashtag #SoberCurious is one of the most-searched on social media: 240 million searches in 2022 steepling to 608.2 million in 2023. #SoberTok (whatever that is) had 1.4 billion views on TikTok (whatever that is) last year. Locally, the Australian of the Year nominee Chris Raine founded the Hello Sunday Morning organisation in 2010 to challenge young drinkers to go sober. In its 14 years, it has picked up 127,000 registered members. Youth really is wasted on the young. Transitioning from mild drinking to no drinking is, today, a thing. But if its just a step from riding the tailgate of the wagon to jumping aboard if youre saying hello to Sunday morning when you never fully said goodbye what does this thing mean? Has non-drinking improved my life? Do I sleep better, have I lost weight, am I mentally sharper, is my skin clearer, am I less angry, anxious and tired? Have I stopped making a fool of myself, near planter boxes or elsewhere? Let others be the judge, but alas, the cautious social drinker becoming a social non-drinker is eliminating non-existent symptoms of a disease they never had. And it is undeniably dull. Theres only so much mineral water and so much Heaps Normal you can drink before your life becomes an endless treadmill between table and toilet with few laughs in between. There are only so many fruit juices you can get for $24, under the list called Our Killer Mocktails, before you lose as much self-respect as a drinker. I never craved a drink when I did drink, but sometimes I do now. Not-drinking (I cant even bring myself to call it sobriety; to be sober, you must first have been drunk, or a drunk) does seem boring when you begin to yawn and check your watch at 9pm and the main course hasnt even arrived. Loading Is sacrifice the point? Febfast and lent stipulate giving up something you enjoy. I never really enjoyed alcohol; I never had the knack for it. I quite like not-drinking, so maybe I should sacrifice my precious sobriety and spend February drunk. Doesnt seem quite the point. Speaking of fake, I could join the currently fashionable ranks of the sober who fill the gap with cannabinoids, ketamine, and micro-doses of psilocybin all of which sound interesting to me but I havent been invited to that party yet. Im not sure if my cardiologist or neurologist, who set this accursed ball rolling, would approve. Given all these absences of improvement, why would you stop drinking in the first place? The neurologist convinced me that it might not seem like much now, but giving up drinking would be a significant investment in my future. Her advice ended up with an MRI, an EEG and a CT that showed a mild form of epilepsy caused, probably, by multiple head knocks in childhood. That, together with two open-heart surgeries, seemed a good reason to do something to pay it forward, health-wise, into later life. Loading Like all long-term investments, however, it requires superhuman patience and promises to pay off with a slightly unpleasant reward in smugness. When Im 75 and all my friends are dependent on sleeping pills and getting treatment for colorectal cancer, I can sit back and say, See? Alcohol! When a man my age falls off a planter box, I can say, from an upright position, Id only have the medication to blame. Each scenario is a meagre payoff. Each sounds like virtue signalling. Each sounds a bit like extremism, which after all is only another form of intoxicant. The last time I saw the neurologist, at a social function, she was tossing back a couple of champagnes. Doctor, heal thyself! I said. No, thats another lie. In reality, I was pleased to see that she lives by moderation and commonsense rather than zero-tolerance. Zero-tolerance, wrote Martin Amis (a serious drinker who died last year at 73 from oesophageal cancer), means zero thought. An absolutist response to every issue is the last thing society needs, especially today. Light drinking switching to non-drinking or preventative sobriety might be a thing right now, but I suspect its not the thing it thinks it is. As every authentic drinker knows and as many non-drinkers are blind to its the extremist temperament that kills long before the physical diseases take hold. The inner battle is only partly about health; its real weight is in drawing the line between extremism and moderation. The response to extremism that gives us a future is not more extremism. A teenager died while travelling to Melbourne for a Taylor Swift concert when the car she was a passenger in collided with a truck in regional New South Wales. Mieka Pokarier, 16, was travelling from the Gold Coast with her mother and 10-year-old sister when their vehicle collided with a semi-trailer about 30 kilometres north-east of Dubbo on Thursday. Mieka Pokarier (left), pictured here with her friend Cheyenne Craig, died while driving to Melbourne for a Taylor Swift concert. The teenagers younger sister was critically injured in the crash and was flown to hospital in Sydney for treatment. The girls mother and the truck driver both suffered minor injuries and were treated at a Dubbo hospital. I found [him] to be a person with a wealth of information regarding a number of serious crimes [that] included murder, conspiracy to murder, armed robberies and a plan to use explosives against the Richmond Police Station, said Anderson. Jones provided information on six armed robberies that had been carried out by a team of gunmen known as the Flemington Crew, responsible for a series of raids on banks. He provided information that could only be known by an insider, including where they swapped cars, cut holes in cyclone fences, jobs where shots were fired at police, and where guards were injured. Graeme Jensen, in black, Victor Peirce, in suit jacket, and Jed Houghton, right. Credit: The Age Jones said the gang was run by a team of four. Police would later find Jones was accurate, and the crew was led by Victor Peirce, Graeme Jensen, Peter McEvoy and Jedd Houghton. The second-tier soldiers included Victors half-brother Trevor Pettingill, Anthony Farrell and car thief Gary Abdallah. But there was another gang pulling jobs led by NSW prison escapee Russell Cox that included Mark Moran, later gunned down in Melbournes underworld war, and the little-known Santo Mercuri. While Anderson was convinced Jones could help crack multiple crimes and destroy a prodigious armed-robbery gang, he was being thwarted from above. He discussed the case with a colleague. We believed a taskforce should be set up to investigate the matter further. Three days later after his first visit, Anderson returned to prison with a senior officer, and despite inside details provided by the informer from handwritten notes, the senior officer was not impressed by [Jones] and he believed a lot of what [he] had to say could be jail talk. At that meeting, Jones identified future targets, including the State Bank in Preston and a raid on the Armaguard van at the Coles store at Barkly Square, Brunswick. Three weeks later, three armed robbers pulled the Barkly Square job that began the chain of events resulting in Walsh Street. On July 11, nine months after Jones first offered to inform on the gang, a member of the armed-robbery squad went to Beechworth Prison to interview him. It was too late. It was the day of Barkly Square. A source inside Armaguard had already for 10 per cent of the takings provided information on six robberies worth $500,000. This time the details were exaggerated. It was supposed to be worth $200,000 and easy pickings. Instead, the July 11 job netted only $33,000 and went horribly wrong when security guard Dominik Hefti refused to give up the cash tin. During the struggle Hefti, 31, was fatally shot in the chest and leg but managed to return fire, shooting one of the robbers through the hand. The injured gunman ran to the car park where he dragged a woman from her Nissan Pulsar and drove off leaving a trail of blood. The other two escaped in their own getaway car. The armed robbery squad concluded (wrongly) that Jensen was the gang member who killed Hefti, and on October 11 they attempted to arrest him at Narre Warren. Three cars with eight detectives attempted a box intercept at the local shopping strip, but it failed, and when Jensen attempted to drive away he was shot dead. Police had already killed two associates of the Flemington Crew Mark Militano in January 1987, and Frank Valastro five months later. The crew had discussed a two for one revenge plot, where they would kill two members of the armed-robbery squad. The front page after the Walsh St killings. Credit: The Age But after Jensens death, they decided on a random attack on police. They stole a Holden Commodore and planted it in the middle of a quiet South Yarra road Walsh Street knowing residents would call the police. When the night shift Prahran van heard the call, Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre volunteered to attend the scene, where they were ambushed and shot dead. It was 13 hours after Jensen was shot by police. It would be years later that police using groundbreaking DNA technology would establish that Heftis killer was Mercuri, a sausage-maker turned gunman. It was Coxs group, not the Flemington Crew. Police received credible information that a professional hitman planned to kill Anderson. The SOG began preparing to raid the hitmans Euroa property and Victor Peirce in Richmond. The date was set for August 25. On August 23, Anderson was told the raids would not go ahead because a senior officer would not authorise the SOG for the Euroa property or Peirces address in Richmond. Peirce was the driving force behind Walsh Street. If he is in custody, it doesnt happen. With more insight, perhaps they would have used the SOG for the Jensen arrest, which almost certainly would have avoided the fatal shooting. Nearly five years after the Hefti murder, when police went to arrest the dangerous Mercuri, the same senior officers stubbornly refused to authorise the use of the SOG, until assistant commissioner Frank Green intervened saying, Thats what they are there for. Mercuri was arrested without incident. Two months after Walsh Street, Anderson wrote a report about the failure to efficiently use Jones, saying he believed it could have thwarted Walsh Street, as the main offenders would have already been in custody. I have felt very sad at this great loss and wonder if this tragedy may have been prevented by more effective and expedient handling of this inquiry. I felt that from the onset of this inquiry there was a lack of direction. A taskforce would have been efficient and had the support of all officers, who would have allowed the SOG to be used when required. All the offenders would have been arrested (before Walsh Street). Two Walsh Street suspects, Jedd Houghton and Gary Abdallah, were shot dead by police in separate incidents. Victor Peirce, Peter McEvoy, Trevor Pettingill and Anthony Farrell were charged and acquitted of the Walsh Street murders. Wendy Peirce, Victors wife, later told me they were the offenders. Victor George Peirce in 1991. It [Walsh Street] was spur of the moment, we were on the run. Victor was the organiser. He just said, They deserved their whack. It could have been me. At the scene itself, It was more Jedd and Macca (McEvoy) than the others. Jedd was the trigger man, he had the shotgun. McEvoy has always maintained his innocence. One Walsh Street weapon was a Japanese KTG shotgun, the same gun used by Houghton in a Flemington Crew armed robbery. The weapon was recovered buried and wrapped in plastic near the Melbourne Zoo. The then-joint head of the Walsh Street taskforce, John Noonan, said the revelations in the Anderson report was further evidence of incompetence and just more proof that there needs to be an inquest. Alexei Navalny was Russias most prominent opposition figure, an anti-corruption investigator whose exposes targeted President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle. His detention and subsequent imprisonment in 2021 upon his voluntary return from Germany, where he was recuperating from a nerve-agent attack he blamed on the Kremlin, sparked the biggest unauthorised protests Putin has ever faced. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny heads to attend a meeting in Russias Central Election commission in Moscow, Russia in December 2017. Credit: AP In March 2022, he was convicted in a new case that would have brought his total time in prison to about 12 years. The US and European Union demanded the release of Navalny, who reportedly died in prison at age 47. What happened to Navalny? Navalny fell sick during a walk at the remote maximum-security prison camp in the Arctic where he was last held, and medical staff were unable to revive him, the prison authorities said on February 16. In December, friends and lawyers for Navalny, whod been previously held in a prison outside Moscow, raised alarm on social media that they had lost contact with him. He later emerged in the Arctic camp, ending nearly three weeks in which his whereabouts were unknown. Western leaders decried Navalnys death, with many placing responsibility squarely on the Kremlin. Several councillors in the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District want the upcoming Local Elections to be poster-free. Fine Gael Cllr Tom Connolly, who put forward the motion, said councillors adopted a similar motion in Claremorris at the last elections in 2019 and it was a huge success. He said election posters are "unsightly" and there is also the danger they will be blown down in a storm. Councillor Patsy OBrien said election posters were erected in Claremorris on the day of the 2019 Local Elections. However, he added that he had "no problem" with the proposal. If we do a deal on it and we agree to it then we should do it, he added. Cllr Michael Burke said if a deal was agreed he would honour it. He had not been a sitting councillor when the last agreement was struck. It is wonderful when you are a sitting councillor for a long time and you can play ducks and drakes all you want but I was not here so I did not give or break any commitment, he added. Cllr Burke also said councillors should not tell any new candidate what to do. Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Murray said the motion is not binding and he believed that there isn't the same election atmosphere when posters there are no posters. It is like having an All-Ireland or a county final with no flags up, he added. The sister of a teenage girl who died in a two-car collision in Co Tipperary has paid tribute to her, saying she was her "best friend". The teenager, named locally as 15-year-old Leah OMeara, died when the car in which she was a passenger crashed into another car at around 6.45pm on Thursday on the R503 at Rearcross near Nenagh. Leah was pronounced dead at the scene, while three other people travelling in the car, a man and woman in their 20s and a second teenager, were taken to Limerick University Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Leah's older sibling, Katie O'Meara, paid tribute to her "beautiful sister" on social media. "I love you so much unconditionally baby girl," she said. "I still just cant believe this is after happening to me what am I meant to do now, how can I move forward without you." Katie described Leah as her "whole world and more". The young womans death brings the number of fatalities on Irish roads so far this year to 25. The news of the crash has led to an outpouring of grief online. Gardai have appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. By Rebecca Black, PA The Taoiseach has taken issue with an assertion Ireland is reliant on the UKs armed forces for the protection of its seas and under sea cables. Leo Varadkar was speaking at the Munich Security Council 2024 during a side panel event on neutrality. Ireland has defence forces, including a navy, but has retained a long-standing position of being militarily neutral. Mr Varadkar was challenged that Ireland was in reality reliant on the UKs armed forces in the protection of the seas and the protection of undersea cables. The LE Samuel Beckett. Photo: Irish Defence Forces/PA. He responded: In relation to protecting our seas, we have our own navy, its not as strong as it needs to be, and weve entered into agreements with Pesco and Natos Partnership for Peace which particularly relate to the cables that are around the island which are important to us, and also important to our neighbours. Im not aware of any particular UK intervention thats helped us in that regard. Mr Varadkar was further challenged that it falls to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in practice. The Taoiseach responded: When has that actually occurred? When has there been an action or operation by the air force or the navy that has helped us? It was put to him that everyone knows that in the case of a threat to those installations, that is the source of security which would be reverted to, just as is the case quite often in the instance of maritime safety, safety of people in difficulty and so on and indeed the feeding of the 26 counties during the Second World War was guaranteed by the Royal Navy covering the convoys. I dont think what Im saying is in any way controversial. Mr Varadkar responded saying: Youre saying in a hypothetical scenario this intervention by the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force may occur, to the best of my knowledge it has never occurred, and youre suggesting that the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force would intervene in our territorial waters without our permission? It was put to him that the UK would likely intervene if there was a Russian incursion which also threatened the security of the UK. Mr Varadkar responded: Thats exactly the point, they would be doing it to protect themselves, not us. The Taoiseach also queried an assertion around the size of the Russian embassy in Ireland being connected with the proximity to UK territory in Northern Ireland. Mr Varadkar said there are 15 diplomats and 15 other staff at the Russian Embassy in Dublin, which he described as big for a small country like Ireland but far from huge. READING, Pa. - Court records indicate that next month's trial won't go on as planned for an Albany Township woman who's charged with killing her two children. 69 News has learned an appeal has been filed with the state supreme court on behalf of Lisa Snyder. Her trial was originally set for March. Last year, a judge quickly rejected her plea of guilty to two counts of third-degree murder by reason of insanity. Snyder is charged in the deaths of two of her children, eight-year-old Conner and four-year-old Brinley. Both were found hanging in the basement of their Albany Township home in 2019. HAMBURG, Pa. - Hamburg Public Library received a significant grant to help make improvements at the facility. The library will receive a $750,000 Keystone Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Commonwealth Libraries. State officials say Keystone grants help public libraries improve their operations, install equipment and upgrade security systems. Hamburg Public Library is one of the oldest learning centers in our area, said Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill.) People across northern Berks and southern Schuylkill counties use the library, not just for its extensive book collection, but also its access to public computers, WiFi, faxing, photocopying, reference services and even family-friendly programming. Its an asset to our community, and a deserving recipient of this funding, said Barton. Hamburg Public Library was established in 1903 through a $10,000 donation from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. LOWER MAKEFIELD TWP., Pa. - The Bucks County District Attorneys office and the Lower Makefield Township police department are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old female. Police were dispatched at 2:28 p.m. Friday for a report of a burglary in the 2500 block of Waterford Road. Officers were informed that the incident was domestic-related. Police say when they arrived, they observed a male tackle a female to the ground and repeatedly stab her. While running away from police, the male then repeatedly stabbed himself in the neck. Police attempted life-saving measures on the woman, and she was transported to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The 23-year-old male suspect was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive. Police say there is no further threat to the community. Clearstead Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 1.4% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 50,223 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 683 shares during the quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $2,052,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Main Street Research LLC increased its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Main Street Research LLC now owns 19,615 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $837,000 after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Founders Financial Securities LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.8% in the second quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 31,571 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,347,000 after acquiring an additional 240 shares during the last quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank grew its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank now owns 5,625 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $232,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. Zullo Investment Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 3.7% during the 3rd quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 7,064 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $289,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TRUE Private Wealth Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. TRUE Private Wealth Advisors now owns 25,737 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,052,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 72.47% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on WFC. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $54.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a $51.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Robert W. Baird reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $55.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Wells Fargo & Company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $51.43. Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance NYSE:WFC traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $51.91. 24,359,733 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,672,132. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.88. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $49.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $44.40. Wells Fargo & Company has a fifty-two week low of $35.25 and a fifty-two week high of $52.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $188.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.18. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.30). Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.60% and a return on equity of 12.40%. The business had revenue of $20.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.67 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 2nd will be paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.70%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.05%. Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale lifted its stake in TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD Free Report) by 16.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 116,438 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,438 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale owned 0.37% of TopBuild worth $28,846,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in TopBuild by 2.6% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 75,512 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $13,697,000 after purchasing an additional 1,891 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. raised its stake in TopBuild by 26.1% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 1,598 shares of the construction companys stock worth $290,000 after buying an additional 331 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can raised its stake in TopBuild by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 4,993 shares of the construction companys stock worth $998,000 after buying an additional 184 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in TopBuild by 10.5% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 12,067 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,189,000 after acquiring an additional 1,151 shares during the period. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its holdings in shares of TopBuild by 9.1% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 18,097 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,375,000 after acquiring an additional 1,503 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.58% of the companys stock. Get TopBuild alerts: TopBuild Price Performance NYSE:BLD opened at $387.09 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $370.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $305.57. TopBuild Corp. has a 52 week low of $184.50 and a 52 week high of $403.34. The firm has a market cap of $12.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.50. Insider Buying and Selling Analyst Ratings Changes In related news, CEO Robert M. Buck sold 4,500 shares of TopBuild stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $296.02, for a total value of $1,332,090.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 69,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,523,066.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, CEO Robert M. Buck sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $374.60, for a total transaction of $936,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 66,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,034,518. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Robert M. Buck sold 4,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $296.02, for a total transaction of $1,332,090.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 69,330 shares in the company, valued at $20,523,066.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 8,000 shares of company stock worth $2,643,240. Company insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. BLD has been the topic of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised TopBuild from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $312.00 to $387.00 in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Loop Capital upgraded TopBuild from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 8th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TopBuild from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of TopBuild from $369.00 to $419.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised shares of TopBuild from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $308.00 to $368.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, TopBuild presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $341.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TopBuild TopBuild Profile (Free Report) TopBuild Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation and distribution of insulation and other building material products to the construction industry. The company operates in two segments, Installation and Specialty Distribution. It provides insulation products and accessories, glass and windows, rain gutters, afterpaint products, fireproofing products, garage doors, fireplaces, closet shelving, roofing materials, and other products; and insulation installation services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:BLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TopBuild Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TopBuild and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,167 shares of the companys stock after selling 46 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 1.0% of Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $3,850,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of LLY. Thompson Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Retirement Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 159.1% in the 2nd quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 57 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Family CFO Inc acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 3rd quarter valued at $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 78,573 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $648.07, for a total value of $50,920,804.11. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 99,333,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $64,375,262,246.70. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 3.2 % NYSE:LLY traded up $24.28 on Friday, reaching $782.06. The stock had a trading volume of 5,009,368 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,524,873. The company has a market cap of $742.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 134.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 0.32. 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 firms fifty day moving average is $636.56 and its two-hundred day moving average is $590.56. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $309.20 and a 12-month high of $794.47. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $9.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.95 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 15.36% and a return on equity of 50.78%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.09 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.66%. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 89.66%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have issued reports on LLY shares. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $805.00 to $950.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $680.00 to $810.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They issued a hold rating and a $535.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $825.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $655.50. Get Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company 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. Further Reading 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. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. lowered its position in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,430 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 172 shares during the period. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C.s holdings in Southern were worth $351,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bollard Group LLC increased its holdings in Southern by 1.0% during the second quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 431,500 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $30,313,000 after buying an additional 4,082 shares during the last quarter. Cullinan Associates Inc. increased its stake in shares of Southern by 200.9% in the third quarter. Cullinan Associates Inc. now owns 76,227 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,933,000 after purchasing an additional 50,897 shares in the last quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Southern by 2.4% in the second quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLC now owns 24,377 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,712,000 after purchasing an additional 582 shares in the last quarter. Aspen Grove Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Southern by 63.1% in the second quarter. Aspen Grove Capital LLC now owns 4,965 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $349,000 after purchasing an additional 1,921 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gratus Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Southern by 3.9% in the second quarter. Gratus Capital LLC now owns 6,186 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $435,000 after purchasing an additional 233 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.85% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Southern Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of Southern stock opened at $66.48 on Friday. The Southern Company has a 1 year low of $61.56 and a 1 year high of $75.80. The firm has a market cap of $72.50 billion, a PE ratio of 18.31, a PEG ratio of 4.16 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $69.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $68.77. Southern Dividend Announcement Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 15th. The utilities provider reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $6.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.90 billion. Southern had a net margin of 15.79% and a return on equity of 11.43%. Southerns revenue for the quarter was down 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.26 earnings per share. Analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 4.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 16th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.21%. Southerns payout ratio is 77.14%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Southern from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Mizuho cut their price objective on shares of Southern from $76.00 to $73.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 21st. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Southern from $68.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of Southern from $75.00 to $72.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.46. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Southern Insider Transactions at Southern In other news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 899 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total value of $60,286.94. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,502 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,508,984.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Christopher Cummiskey sold 899 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total value of $60,286.94. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,502 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,508,984.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,099 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.96, for a total transaction of $706,526.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 28,691 shares in the company, valued at $2,007,222.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 25,998 shares of company stock worth $1,817,613. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Southern (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fmr LLC boosted its stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (BATS:GOVT Free Report) by 8.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 85,547,733 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,707,884 shares during the period. Fmr LLC owned about 8.00% of iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF worth $1,885,472,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $53,727,000. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. increased its stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Phoenix Holdings Ltd. now owns 357,921 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,883,000 after buying an additional 1,455 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,683,000. WCG Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. WCG Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 158,934 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,503,000 after buying an additional 877 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kestra Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF by 10.6% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 512,515 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,296,000 after buying an additional 49,223 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Stock Down 0.3 % Shares of GOVT stock traded down $0.07 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $22.55. 5,169,111 shares of the company were exchanged. The companys 50-day moving average price is $22.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.43. iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Profile The iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury Core Bond index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of fixed-rate nonconvertible U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining maturity of one year or more. GOVT was launched on Feb 14, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC cut its position in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 3.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,498 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 209 shares during the quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in General Electric were worth $608,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of General Electric by 122,242.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,438,063 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $878,644,000 after acquiring an additional 13,427,079 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of General Electric during the 4th quarter valued at about $635,274,000. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of General Electric by 17.3% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 48,490,012 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $4,639,533,000 after acquiring an additional 7,157,356 shares during the last quarter. Egerton Capital UK LLP acquired a new position in shares of General Electric during the 2nd quarter valued at about $418,951,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of General Electric by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 70,480,887 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $7,742,325,000 after acquiring an additional 2,974,946 shares during the last quarter. 74.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get General Electric alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently commented on GE. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on General Electric from $124.00 to $136.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on General Electric from $144.00 to $148.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup raised their target price on General Electric from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on General Electric from $150.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, TheStreet raised General Electric from a c+ rating to a b+ rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.00. Insider Activity In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total value of $3,195,107.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 56,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,153,863.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 13,601 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.55, for a total value of $1,843,615.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 48,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,552,351.45. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 22,055 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $144.87, for a total value of $3,195,107.85. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 56,284 shares in the company, valued at $8,153,863.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. General Electric Price Performance GE traded up $0.79 during trading on Friday, hitting $149.16. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,876,932 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,850,526. The firms 50 day moving average price is $130.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $119.44. 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 12 month low of $81.65 and a 12 month high of $150.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $162.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.25. 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, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $19.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.27 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 10.88% and a net margin of 13.95%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.24 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that General Electric will post 4.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. General Electric Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Stockholders 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 dividend yield of 0.21%. General Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3.82%. 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. Featured Stories 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. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Wednesday. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Kite Realty Group Trust from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from $23.00 to $21.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Kite Realty Group Trust currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $26.00. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Kite Realty Group Trust Kite Realty Group Trust Price Performance Kite Realty Group Trust Dividend Announcement NYSE KRG opened at $21.48 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $22.13 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $21.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 97.64, a P/E/G ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 12-month low of $18.77 and a 12-month high of $24.26. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 5th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.66%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 4th. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 454.57%. Insider Transactions at Kite Realty Group Trust In related news, CEO John A. Kite sold 60,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.91, for a total value of $1,314,600.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 104,121 shares in the company, valued at $2,281,291.11. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in Kite Realty Group Trust by 32.3% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 116,703 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,657,000 after purchasing an additional 28,495 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 14.5% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 67,735 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,542,000 after buying an additional 8,554 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 18.9% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,700 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $153,000 after buying an additional 1,067 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. acquired a new stake in Kite Realty Group Trust during the first quarter valued at $448,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust by 16.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 26,095 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $601,000 after buying an additional 3,760 shares in the last quarter. 97.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Kite Realty Group Trust (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Company's primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 69.8% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 270 shares of the restaurant operators stock after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $495,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of CMG. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 79.5% during the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 948 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,500,000 after buying an additional 420 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 15.5% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 171 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $271,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.3% in the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,032 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $4,796,000 after buying an additional 205 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 777 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,229,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 38.9% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 218 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $345,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. 91.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:CMG traded down $19.57 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $2,598.43. The company had a trading volume of 138,362 shares, compared to its average volume of 271,394. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 52-week low of $1,470.05 and a 52-week high of $2,725.83. The companys 50 day moving average price is $2,364.86 and its 200 day moving average price is $2,101.93. The stock has a market cap of $71.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. Analysts Set New Price Targets Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.73 by $0.63. The company had revenue of $2.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 12.45% and a return on equity of 44.41%. Chipotle Mexican Grills quarterly revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $8.29 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research analysts recently issued reports on CMG shares. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,100.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $2,400.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Stephens upped their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,800.00 to $3,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. KeyCorp raised their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,250.00 to $2,750.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, BTIG Research increased their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,650.00 to $2,750.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,469.88. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CMG Insider Activity In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,199.81, for a total transaction of $2,404,392.33. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $51,358,964.07. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, Director Albert S. Baldocchi sold 750 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,608.51, for a total transaction of $1,956,382.50. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 37,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $97,221,776.21. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of the companys 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 completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $51,358,964.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 5,837 shares of company stock valued at $14,012,071 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. The company offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Recommended 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. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC trimmed its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 27.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,229 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 4,181 shares during the quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $652,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of BMY. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 92,570,288 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $5,919,870,000 after purchasing an additional 858,922 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 69,296,006 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $4,431,517,000 after acquiring an additional 7,878,833 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 39,034,341 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,489,314,000 after acquiring an additional 225,065 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,873,696,000. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 114,228.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 21,469,785 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,544,751,000 after acquiring an additional 21,451,006 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.98% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II bought 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 35,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Bristol-Myers Squibb news, Director Theodore R. Samuels II bought 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were bought at an average price of $49.81 per share, for a total transaction of $423,385.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 35,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,768,255. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Christopher S. Boerner purchased 3,071 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $48.86 per share, for a total transaction of $150,049.06. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 79,384 shares in the company, valued at $3,878,702.24. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have purchased 13,571 shares of company stock worth $672,994 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Redburn Atlantic cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the company from $77.00 to $54.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. William Blair cut shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Daiwa Capital Markets cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $68.00 to $54.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Bank of America cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $68.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have given a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $61.17. Read Our Latest Report on BMY Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb stock traded up $0.42 on Friday, hitting $49.86. The stock had a trading volume of 13,176,540 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,052,176. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 52-week low of $47.58 and a 52-week high of $71.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. The stock has a market cap of $100.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.38. The companys 50 day moving average price is $50.44 and its 200 day moving average price is $54.34. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $11.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.19 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.95% and a net margin of 17.83%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.82 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 6.52 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Thursday, December 7th that allows the company to buyback $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the biopharmaceutical company to buy up to 2.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Bristol-Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 1st. Investors of record on Friday, January 5th were given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.81%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 4th. This is a boost from Bristol-Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is 62.18%. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Vanguard Value ETF (NYSEARCA:VTV Free Report) by 49.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,865 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,818 shares during the quarter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Vanguard Value ETF were worth $809,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Value ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in Vanguard Value ETF by 521.9% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Concord Wealth Partners lifted its position in Vanguard Value ETF by 106.5% during the third quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 223 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Value ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Compass Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Value ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $36,000. Get Vanguard Value ETF alerts: Vanguard Value ETF Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of Vanguard Value ETF stock traded down $0.37 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $153.62. The stock had a trading volume of 2,154,792 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,661,405. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $150.04 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $143.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $107.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.30 and a beta of 0.89. Vanguard Value ETF has a 1 year low of $130.89 and a 1 year high of $154.40. Vanguard Value ETF Profile Vanguard Value ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded share class of Vanguard Value Index Fund, which employs a passive management or indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the MSCI US Prime Market Value Index (the Index). The Index is a diversified index of value stocks of predominantly large United States companies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC reduced its holdings in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 30.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,792 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 792 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $676,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Hodges Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Deere & Company by 4.0% during the second quarter. Hodges Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,895 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,225,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares during the period. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 53,191 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $21,552,000 after acquiring an additional 3,776 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 5.6% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 135,091 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $54,775,000 after acquiring an additional 7,182 shares during the period. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 14,002 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,284,000 after acquiring an additional 900 shares during the period. Finally, Gratus Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Gratus Capital LLC now owns 2,982 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,208,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares during the period. 66.27% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on DE shares. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Deere & Company in a research note on Monday, January 8th. They issued an overweight rating and a $430.00 price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $425.00 to $401.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $435.00 to $425.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $380.00 to $385.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 4th. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $438.00 to $396.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 24th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $432.74. Deere & Company Stock Down 1.1 % NYSE DE traded down $3.98 on Friday, hitting $360.68. 2,274,348 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,612,083. The company has a quick ratio of 1.70, a current ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81. Deere & Company has a fifty-two week low of $345.55 and a fifty-two week high of $450.00. The company has a market cap of $101.08 billion, a PE ratio of 10.50, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $388.24 and a 200-day moving average price of $389.34. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 15th. The industrial products company reported $6.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.19 by $1.04. The business had revenue of $10.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.30 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 16.38% and a return on equity of 44.60%. The companys revenue was down 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $6.55 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Deere & Company will post 28.59 EPS for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.63%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. This is an increase from Deere & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Deere & Companys payout ratio is currently 17.12%. About Deere & Company (Free Report) Deere & Company engages in the manufacture and distribution of various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides large and medium tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters and loaders, harvesting front-end equipment, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 3.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,597 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 102 shares during the quarter. Meridian Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $387,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Blume Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in American Express by 3.1% during the second quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,112 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $368,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 1.2% in the first quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 5,566 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,041,000 after buying an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Strategy Asset Managers LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 3.7% in the second quarter. Strategy Asset Managers LLC now owns 1,818 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $317,000 after buying an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Cozad Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of American Express by 4.1% in the third quarter. Cozad Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,713 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $256,000 after buying an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of American Express by 1.7% in the third quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 4,044 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $603,000 after buying an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. 83.08% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get American Express alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at American Express In other American Express news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the sale, the insider now owns 125,646 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Vice Chairman Jeffrey C. Campbell sold 21,008 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.33, for a total transaction of $3,536,276.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 125,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,149,991.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Stephen J. Squeri sold 69,356 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $213.02, for a total value of $14,774,215.12. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 122,158 shares in the company, valued at $26,022,097.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 193,055 shares of company stock valued at $40,064,664 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on AXP shares. Robert W. Baird lowered American Express from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $190.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Monday, January 8th. TD Cowen initiated coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. They issued a market perform rating and a $158.00 target price for the company. Barclays raised their price objective on American Express from $216.00 to $220.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on American Express in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They set a buy rating and a $235.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on American Express from $220.00 to $226.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $189.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AXP American Express Stock Performance Shares of NYSE AXP traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $212.56. The company had a trading volume of 2,831,527 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,973,167. The stock has a market cap of $153.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.96, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.23. American Express has a 12 month low of $140.91 and a 12 month high of $214.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 1.63 and a quick ratio of 1.60. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $191.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $169.12. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The payment services company reported $2.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.64 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $15.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 30.99% and a net margin of 13.84%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.07 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that American Express will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year. American Express Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 5th were paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 4th. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 21.41%. About American Express (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 89,934 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $11,236,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. LCM Capital Management Inc increased its position in Yum! Brands by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 7,486 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,037,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Yum! Brands by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 22,079 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,828,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares during the period. Buckingham Strategic Wealth LLC increased its position in Yum! Brands by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Buckingham Strategic Wealth LLC now owns 9,927 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,375,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares during the period. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its position in Yum! Brands by 3.5% in the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 2,607 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $344,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares during the period. Finally, Cozad Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Yum! Brands by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Cozad Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,439 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $305,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the period. 80.17% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Yum! Brands Trading Down 0.6 % NYSE YUM opened at $134.55 on Friday. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 1-year low of $115.53 and a 1-year high of $143.24. The company has a market capitalization of $37.72 billion, a PE ratio of 24.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.09. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $130.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $127.59. Yum! Brands Increases Dividend Yum! Brands ( NYSE:YUM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The restaurant operator reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by ($0.13). The company had revenue of $2.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.11 billion. Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 17.76% and a net margin of 22.57%. The companys revenue was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.31 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 21st will be given a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.99%. This is an increase from Yum! Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 20th. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio is presently 43.29%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Yum! Brands news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,792 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.17, for a total transaction of $493,604.64. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,461,995.25. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,792 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.17, for a total value of $493,604.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,461,995.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,756 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.21, for a total value of $485,312.76. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares in the company, valued at $7,406,963.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 17,467 shares of company stock valued at $2,264,717 over the last three months. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently commented on YUM. Oppenheimer upgraded Yum! Brands from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $154.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Citigroup lifted their price target on Yum! Brands from $164.00 to $166.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a hold rating and set a $135.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Barclays lowered their price target on Yum! Brands from $146.00 to $144.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, Redburn Atlantic reiterated a neutral rating and set a $115.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Nine 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.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $144.75. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on YUM Yum! Brands 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. Recommended Stories 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. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR) had its price target hoisted by BMO Capital Markets from $85.00 to $90.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has an outperform rating on the restaurant operators stock. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Barclays decreased their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. They set a buy rating and a $75.00 price objective for the company. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $89.00 to $87.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. CIBC lowered their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $88.00 to $87.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $72.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.33. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on QSR Restaurant Brands International Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:QSR opened at $77.17 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $24.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.47, a PEG ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.15. Restaurant Brands International has a one year low of $59.99 and a one year high of $79.94. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $76.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $71.48. Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The restaurant operator reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.80 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.52% and a net margin of 16.95%. The companys revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.72 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International will post 3.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Restaurant Brands International Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 21st will be issued a $0.58 dividend. This is a positive change from Restaurant Brands Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 20th. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.01%. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio is 61.54%. Insider Activity In other news, insider Duncan Fulton sold 1,218 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.23, for a total value of $89,194.14. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 14,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,049,385.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, insider Duncan Fulton sold 1,218 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.23, for a total transaction of $89,194.14. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,049,385.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Matthew Dunnigan sold 1,462 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.68, for a total value of $107,720.16. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,652 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,068,919.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 74,657 shares of company stock worth $5,430,934 over the last 90 days. 1.25% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of QSR. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Restaurant Brands International during the second quarter valued at $400,702,000. Capital Research Global Investors increased its position in Restaurant Brands International by 19.8% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 24,012,659 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,876,109,000 after purchasing an additional 3,971,774 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the 4th quarter worth about $243,551,000. Holocene Advisors LP increased its position in Restaurant Brands International by 1,905.4% in the 2nd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 2,294,258 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $177,851,000 after purchasing an additional 2,179,856 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its position in Restaurant Brands International by 222.1% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 1,957,325 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $126,580,000 after purchasing an additional 1,349,590 shares during the last quarter. About Restaurant Brands International (Get Free Report) Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC lowered its position in shares of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report) by 12.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 11,868 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,732 shares during the period. Laidlaw Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Schlumberger were worth $692,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of SLB. BluePath Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. MCF Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Schlumberger by 1,355.9% during the 3rd quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 495 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 461 shares during the period. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.43% of the companys stock. Get Schlumberger alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Howard Guild sold 22,853 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.66, for a total transaction of $1,180,585.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 22,181 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,145,870.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CAO Howard Guild sold 22,853 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.66, for a total value of $1,180,585.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 22,181 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,145,870.46. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 6,250 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.86, for a total value of $336,625.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 163,515 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,806,917.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 135,116 shares of company stock worth $6,923,671 in the last three months. 0.23% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently issued reports on SLB shares. Raymond James boosted their target price on Schlumberger from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $77.00 price target on shares of Schlumberger in a research report on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $66.00 price target on shares of Schlumberger in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Schlumberger from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on Schlumberger from $77.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Schlumberger presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $70.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SLB Schlumberger Stock Down 0.0 % Shares of SLB traded down $0.01 during trading on Friday, reaching $48.57. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,365,352 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,537,725. The company has a fifty day moving average of $50.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $54.65. Schlumberger Limited has a twelve month low of $42.73 and a twelve month high of $62.12. The company has a market cap of $69.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.63, a P/E/G ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 19th. The oil and gas company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.02. Schlumberger had a return on equity of 21.97% and a net margin of 12.68%. The business had revenue of $8.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Schlumberger Limited will post 3.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Schlumberger Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 6th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.06%. Schlumbergers payout ratio is currently 34.25%. Schlumberger Profile (Free Report) Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schlumberger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schlumberger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale decreased its position in TELUS Co. (NYSE:TU Free Report) (TSE:T) by 15.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,863,702 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after selling 347,598 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrales holdings in TELUS were worth $30,386,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of TU. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in TELUS by 6.8% during the second quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 64,912,751 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $1,263,077,000 after acquiring an additional 4,127,554 shares during the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in TELUS by 4.6% during the second quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 30,864,424 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $600,622,000 after acquiring an additional 1,364,319 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its position in TELUS by 1.7% during the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 21,540,649 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $352,841,000 after acquiring an additional 368,650 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in TELUS by 4.7% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,682,698 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $390,898,000 after acquiring an additional 888,266 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in TELUS by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 15,132,068 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $294,133,000 after purchasing an additional 999,705 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 49.48% of the companys stock. Get TELUS alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on TU shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TELUS from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of TELUS from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of TELUS from $27.00 to $26.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 12th. TELUS Price Performance TELUS stock opened at $17.75 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $25.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.67 and a beta of 0.75. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $17.89 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 0.67. TELUS Co. has a 1 year low of $15.47 and a 1 year high of $21.34. TELUS (NYSE:TU Get Free Report) (TSE:T) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 9th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $5.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.24 billion. TELUS had a net margin of 4.18% and a return on equity of 7.81%. TELUSs quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.17 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that TELUS Co. will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. TELUS Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 11th will be paid a $0.2793 dividend. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 8th. This is a boost from TELUSs previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. TELUSs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 258.14%. About TELUS (Free Report) TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TELUS Co. (NYSE:TU Free Report) (TSE:T). Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report) in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 33,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,337,000. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Centene by 1.5% during the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 406,993 shares of the companys stock worth $28,034,000 after purchasing an additional 6,164 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in Centene in the third quarter valued at approximately $5,552,000. QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Centene during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,074,000. Korea Investment CORP raised its holdings in shares of Centene by 48.0% during the third quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 559,633 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,548,000 after acquiring an additional 181,451 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rafferty Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Centene by 6.3% in the third quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 56,501 shares of the companys stock worth $3,892,000 after purchasing an additional 3,358 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.92% of the companys stock. Get Centene alerts: Centene Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CNC traded up $0.44 during trading on Friday, hitting $78.74. The company had a trading volume of 2,259,779 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,003,461. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $75.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $71.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.11. Centene Co. has a 12 month low of $60.83 and a 12 month high of $79.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.36. Analyst Ratings Changes Centene ( NYSE:CNC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.02. Centene had a return on equity of 14.26% and a net margin of 1.75%. The company had revenue of $39.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $36.16 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.86 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Centene Co. will post 6.73 earnings per share for the current year. Several brokerages recently weighed in on CNC. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price target on Centene from $82.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Wells Fargo & Company raised Centene from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $82.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Truist Financial increased their target price on Centene from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Centene from $72.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $83.57. Get Our Latest Stock Report on CNC Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, President Kenneth J. Fasola sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.07, for a total transaction of $900,840.00. Following the transaction, the president now owns 235,365 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,668,850.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Lori Jean Robinson sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.41, for a total transaction of $774,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 11,455 shares in the company, valued at approximately $886,731.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, President Kenneth J. Fasola sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.07, for a total value of $900,840.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president now owns 235,365 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,668,850.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. About Centene (Free Report) Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise that provides programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families in the United States. It operates in two segments, Managed Care and Specialty Services. The Managed Care segment offers health plan coverage to individuals through government subsidized programs, including Medicaid, the State children's health insurance program, long-term services and support, foster care, and medicare-medicaid plans, which cover dually eligible individuals, as well as aged, blind, or disabled programs. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centene Co. (NYSE:CNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Centene Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centene and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Weather Alert ...Elevated Fire Danger Today and Tuesday... ...Hard Freeze Expected Tonight... The combination of very dry air and northwest winds gusting up to 20 mph will create an elevated risk of uncontrolled fire spread this afternoon. Relative humidity values will fall to 20 to 35%, with the lowest humidity levels over the Ozark Foothills of southeast Missouri. A more substantial fire danger is expected Tuesday, as southwest winds increase significantly, with gusts of 25 to 40 mph forecast Tuesday afternoon. Relative humidity values Tuesday afternoon will fall to 25 to 35%. If you are planning outdoor burning today and Tuesday, use extra caution and have fire suppression equipment ready. Tonight, very cold and dry surface high pressure will allow temperatures to drop into the middle and upper 20s throughout the region. Although the growing season has not officially started, tender vegetation could be impacted by these cold temperatures. Please take necessary actions to protect any tender vegetation tonight. New-look hospitality and tourism programme to breathe life into crisis-hit industry A new-look tourism qualification will help breathe life into the sector and train the next generation of hospitality workers. Delivered by Coleg Cambria, the FdA in Tourism and Hospitality Management has been revamped to meet the demands of the industry post-Covid. Learners can study for two years at the colleges Yale site in Wrexham before completing a third top-up year on the BA (Hons) International Tourism Management degree or a related course at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Programme Lead Angharad Jarvis said a wide range of careers are out there for graduates, and more opportunities than ever before in a variety of roles, from restaurant managers and bar staff to leisure park attendants, travel consultants, event organisers and more. The course is designed to promote and instil the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in tourism and hospitality, and I think many people are unaware of how many different options there are, said Angharad. Of course, there are positions in traditional roles, but also marketing, IT, social media, management and a multitude of roles at venues across Wales and beyond. The sector has faced challenges but is one of the most important in the UK especially here in North Wales and the North West and it is an exciting and rewarding arena to be a part of. Angharad revealed the programme team has forged links with employers across the region including the Chester Racecourse, The Lemon Tree hotel and restaurant in Wrexham, and Pale Hall in Bala and work placements will be a key factor, as will the colleges popular Ial Restaurant in the 20m Hafod building at Yale. The link with LJMU will also be critical in supporting learners to the next level and preparing them for the world of work. Modules include Welsh Tourism, Food and Beverage Management in Hospitality, Introduction to International Tourism, Event Planning, Employability Skills, Responsible Tourism and Sustainability, and Academic Skills and Digital Literacy. Students are able to start their higher education journey at Cambria and develop the skills, knowledge and understanding for Level 4 and Level 5, said Angharad. They are then able to fit straight in with LJMU learners at their campus and continue their Level 6 studies to complete a BA in their chosen area, which could be anything from Event Management to International Tourism. She added: We have a holistic approach to the delivery, which is helping our learners to achieve their goals, and on top of that they can complete extra studies such as the Wrexham Ambassador Awards Bronze and Silver, as well as supporting local charities. We start with the end goal, which is a future in tourism and hospitality its an exciting time to be joining us and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort later this year. [email protected] The Canadian political establishment united this week to smear protests against the ongoing imperialist-backed Israeli genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza as antisemitic after a demonstration passed by Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto Monday night. Dec. 2 pro-Palestine rally in Toronto [Photo: WSWS/WSWS] As many as 3,000 people had gathered outside the Israeli consulate to protest the onslaught against Gaza, which has already officially killed 28,000 people, and over 35,000 if one includes the more than 7,000 people declared missing. Tens of thousands more have been wounded. The emergency protest was sponsored by the Palestinian Youth Movement Toronto, Toronto 4 Palestine, and Jews Say No To Genocide to demand the Canadian government back a ceasefire and protest Israels imminent attack on the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million displaced Gazans are currently crammed together in makeshift tents. As with other anti-war protests in the city over the last four months, demonstrators marched through downtown without incident. They passed by the Ontario Legislative Building at Queens Park and down University Avenue before ending at the Eaton Centre near Toronto City Hall. Along this route the peaceful protest passed by Mount Sinai Hospital as well as Toronto General Hospital. Mount Sinaiestablished in 1924 by Jewish immigrantswas not the target of the protest. However, a person in a black Spiderman costume held up a Palestinian flag on scaffolding outside the building to encourage marchers as they passed. The same person with the flag climbed a light pole elsewhere along the route and was also seen on top of the Eaton Centre. Flagged by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Canada, a Zionist advocacy group led by former Liberal MP Michael Levitt, the image of a person holding the Palestinian flag outside Mount Sinai Hospital sparked an outpouring of exaggerated outrage from politicians on their official Twitter/X accounts. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denounced the protest as reprehensible and a display of antisemitism. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is best known for her efforts to cover up her grandfathers background as a Ukrainian Nazi collaborator, professed shock at the purported act of antisemitism. The phrase those who live in glass houses should not throw stones comes to mind. In September last year, Trudeau and Freeland, along with the entire Canadian Parliament, rose to applaud Ukrainian Nazi Waffen-SS war criminal Yaroslav Hunka. Moreover, the Liberal government has developed intimate working relations in Ukraine with genuine anti-Semites, like the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, which has received high-level training from the Canadian military. Not to be outdone, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also defamed the protesters, declaring without providing a shred of evidence that the hospital was targeted because of its ties to the Jewish community in Toronto. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the protest was unacceptable, and as an expression of hate and antisemitism has no place in our city. And in an especially fanciful flight from reality, Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie stated that protesters were infiltrating the hospital and intimidating Jewish patients and doctors. The far-right leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre retweeted a statement from his deputy Melissa Lantsman in which she called the protest a mob which had targeted the hospital because of its Jewish background. When asked about the incident at a press conference, Ontario Tory Premier Doug Ford called the protest absolutely terrible and took a law-and-order tack, recalling that the Trudeau government had made it a federal offense to intimidate healthcare workers or obstruct access to a healthcare facility. Following this geyser of slander, the Toronto Police Service told CBC News that it is investigating the incident outside Mount Sinai and will increase patrols outside the hospital and along University Avenue. The three groups that organized Mondays protest quickly issued a statement refuting the slanderous denunciations. The protest, it noted, marched from the Israeli Consulate for four hours, and concluded at Yonge-Dundas Square, passing many buildings and monuments across the city, with some attendees climbing structures and scaffolding to raise the Palestinian flag at various points along the way: none of which were targeted. We condemn the Canadian politicians incorrectly portraying the protest as targeting the hospital. Significantly, but not surprisingly, none of these politicians, beginning with Trudeau, has issued an apology or in anyway tried to walk back their poisonous remarks. Taken as a whole, the universal condemnation of the protesters by the political establishment is chilling. The parliamentary parties are making clear that no opposition to Canadian imperialisms complicity in genocide will be tolerated. Anyone who dares to question Ottawas involvement of wars of aggression abroad, which goes hand-in-hand with savage attacks on workers wages and conditions at home, will be demonized by every level of government and the states institutions, and be confronted with the full force of the law. This is an international trend, as shown by the widespread banning of pro-Palestine protests in Germany, the witch-hunting of student activists and faculty members at US universities as antisemites, and the savage repression meted out by the Macron government in France to protests against his pension reform, which was explicitly linked to the need to dramatically hike the military budget. The minority Liberal Trudeau government, which is propped up by the NDP, has fully backed the Gaza genocide since it was launched in October, repeatedly rejecting popular calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. In January, Trudeau summarily dismissed South Africas genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and quickly followed the United States in cutting off funding to UNRWA, the main humanitarian aid organization in Gaza. In this context, the joint letter released Wednesday by Trudeau and the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand calling for a ceasefire amid the imminent attack on Rafah is entirely hypocritical. No doubt aimed at saving face after months in which thousands have been killed and the entire population displaced from their homes, the statement also provides cover for Canadas closest ally, American imperialism, as it gives Israel the green light to press ahead with its onslaught on Rafah. The Prime Ministers are concerned above all that the push by Israel to finally displace the Palestinians from Gaza will produce an outpouring of anger in the working class in their countries and around the world. The support of the Canadian government and political establishment for the genocide in Gaza has been accompanied by an assault on democratic rights at home. The political attack on Mondays protest is only the latest in a string of anti-democratic actions aimed at silencing dissent and suppressing anti-war opposition. The tone was set early on when the NDP threw Sarah Jama, a member of the Ontario parliament, out of the partys Ontario legislative caucus after she made a statement describing Israel as an apartheid state and declaring her solidarity with the Palestinians. The NDPs actions gave the hard-right Ford government a free hand to impose an unprecedented ban on Jama speaking in the legislature until she repudiated her October 10 statement. Regular protests by a pro-Palestinian group on the Avenue Road overpass over Highway 401 in Toronto were banned by Toronto Police in early January on the pretext that they were distracting drivers and posed a risk to public safety. Three people were arrested last month for violating the ban. Meanwhile, eleven anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian activists in Toronto continue to be pursued on mischief charges in relation to a protest in November last year against billionaire Indigo Books CEO Heather Reisman. The protest, which targeted Reisman over her charitys support for lone soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, has been depicted in the mainstream media as part of a purported surge of antisemitism in Canada. Last month, a 41-year-old man was charged with public incitement of hatred after he allegedly flew the flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine during a protest in Toronto. And in November Wesam Khaled was arrested by police in Calgary, Alberta, after chanting From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Khaled was charged with causing a disturbance, an addition of hate motivation to the charge was subsequently stayed. Pen Canada recently reported that three writers were disinvited from an event last month at the Supreme Court of Canada over pro-Palestinian remarks they made on social media. El Jones, former Halifax Poet Laureate and Pen Canada board member, DeRico Symonds, director of justice strategy with the Africans Nova Scotian Justice Institute, and Benazir Tom Erdimi, an Ottawa-based student and founder of The People of Tomorrow, were disinvited because, as the Toronto Star reported, their anti-war statements made law clerks feel unsafe and harmed in their mental health. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Monday, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged governments to finalize negotiations on the WHOs Pandemic Agreement to ensure its adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly to be held in May. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization(WHO), attends the Global Conference on Traditional Medicine as part of the G20's Health Ministers' meeting in Gandhinagar, India, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. [AP Photo/Ajit Solanki] Efforts on the WHO Pandemic Agreement began in December 2021 at the second-ever special session of the World Health Assembly, which is the governing body of the WHO. At that time, coinciding with the rapid global spread of the Omicron variant, the WHOs designation of the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health emergency was still in effect. The special session convened for the lone agenda item of: Consideration of the benefits of developing a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response with a view towards the establishment of an intergovernmental process to draft and negotiate such a convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response, taking into account the report of the Working Group on Strengthening WHO Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies. The United Kingdoms mission in Geneva, Switzerland, tweeted at the time: The #Omicron variant shows yet again why we need a common understanding of how we prepare for and respond to pandemics, so were all playing by the same rules. The development of the agreement has slowly proceeded since that time, with a Proposal for Negotiating Text released at the end of October 2023. Per that text, the overall objective of the agreement is to strengthen the worlds capabilities to prevent and prepare for future pandemics. It aims to ensure that all nations are conducting surveillance of potential spillover events, and have access to the requisite resources, such as medicines, vaccines and hospital capacity, to respond to infectious disease threats. It specifically cites as motivation for the agreement the worlds uneven preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic and inequalities among nation states in access to resources. However, since the release of the proposal in October, negotiations have stalled over several issues. Ghebreyesus remarks at the World Governments Summit were intended to prod the negotiating teams towards resolution of the issues. Similarly, a letter from 50 prominent scientific, political and social figures urges politicians worldwide to help ensure the successful adoption of the agreement. The letter states: In summary, we call on leaders today to step up now and empower your negotiators to make the decisions which would ensure an ambitious and legally-binding pandemic accord. It is your responsibility to collaborate globally to make the world safer and more stable. A new pandemic threat is inevitable. A new pandemic is not if we act now. Implementation of an effective accord is vital to make COVID-19 the last pandemic of such devastation. Do not miss this history-making opportunity. Ghebreyesus remarks at the World Governments Summit, however, were entirely hypocritical. While urging the world to prepare for the next pandemic, he repeatedly spoke of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the past tense, stating, Today I stand before you, in the aftermath of COVID-19, and If [a new pandemic] struck tomorrow, we would face many of the same problems we faced with COVID-19. He also stated, As the generation that lived through COVID-19, we have a collective responsibility to protect future generations from the suffering we endured. These were the most explicit formulations to date by any WHO official falsely presenting the COVID-19 pandemic as over. They contradict very recent statements from the WHOs COVID-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove, who stated on January 12, What is critical to know right now is that the public health risk from COVID remains high globally. On February 6, Van Kerkhove told Scientific American, The virus is rampant. Were still in a pandemic. The United States is presently in its second-highest COVID-19 surge ever, surpassed only to the initial Omicron wave. COVID-19 is spreading unchecked in Europe, with levels in Germany reaching heights not seen since the summer of 2022. The WHO and Ghebreyesus are entirely culpable for this situation, having prematurely declared an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on May 5, 2023. This action, as the World Socialist Web Site noted at the time, had no basis in science and represented a complete and total abrogation of all modern public health policy, which has centered on preventing and stopping outbreaks of deadly pathogens and fighting for the elimination and eradication of communicable diseases. Earlier, the WHO only belatedly recognized the science behind the airborne transmission of COVID-19, thus profoundly miseducating the global population on the basic mechanism through which the virus spreads. Ghebreyesus also contradicted himself by describing the agreement as a legally-binding pact and at the same time noting the agreement actually affirms national sovereignty. As with all United Nations endeavors, the pandemic agreement has no enforcement mechanism on those nations who fail to meet their obligations. It is reminiscent of other toothless UN initiatives that lack accountability mechanisms. In fact, Ghebreyesus gave his speech in the same city where the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) took place last November, a fact he noted in his remarks. As the WSWS commented on that conference, Everything about this years COP28 summit expresses the total indifference of capitalist governments to the accelerating climate catastrophe. The conference is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates, a country which generates a third of its gross domestic product from fossil fuel sales. It has nominated as president of the summit Sultan al-Jaber, the CEO of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Under these conditions, the summit has been described as a trade show for the fossil fuel industry. Other UN resolutions and rulings have proven similarly incapable of restraining nation states, including the recent resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the International Court of Justices ruling insisting that Israel treat the Gaza strip and the West Bank according to international law. Israel has continued to act with impunity, and the imperialist powers continue to provide it the means to carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing. In his remarks, Ghebreyesus blamed the litany of lies and conspiracy theories about the agreement for the failure of negotiations to make progress, but in doing so he missed the mark. The true culpability resides with the capitalist system and its central contradiction between a globalized economy divided into rival nation states. This is the true origin of nationalist opposition to global cooperation as undermining national sovereignty, a key critique of the pandemic agreement. Indeed, one of the key sticking points in the negotiations relates to its provisions on intellectual property. The agreement currently entails time bound waivers of intellectual property rights to enable countries around the world to manufacture vaccines and other products needed to combat pandemics in their territories. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the pharmaceutical monopolies refuse to share mRNA vaccine technology with developing nations, a considerable factor in the abysmal vaccination rates seen in lower-income countries. The proposed text for negotiation rightly calls out this behavior as inhibiting the control of the spread of infectious diseases and addresses it by including commitments to intellectual property waivers. However, these provisions have been ardently opposed by the pharmaceutical companies. The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) wasted no time in condemning these provisions, calling them bad and damaging and saying they would have a chilling effect on the innovation pipeline for medical countermeasures. National governments beholden to these corporations also weighed in against the intellectual property provisions of the agreement, with German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach telling the World Health Summit: For countries like Germany and most European countries, it is clear that such an agreement will not fly if there is a major limitation on intellectual property rights,.. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) during a press conference on 14 January 2022 (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) This stringent opposition to the pandemic agreement exists despite the fact that the provisions on waivers are rendered toothless by the qualifying language to the extent necessary. There is nothing in the text that states who will determine what is necessary nor how. It stands as an escape clause, and yet the capitalist system nevertheless inveighs against any form of intellectual property waiver. Ghebreyesus remarks, the stagnation of the negotiations on the pandemic agreement, and the corporate interests causing that stagnation all serve as a stinging indictment of the failures of the capitalist system to meet global challenges. The resistance of the IFPMA and the German government exemplify the subordination of public health to private profit. Of course, the entire history of the capitalist systems response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic calls out in stark terms its massive failures and crimes. Corporations dictated prices, forced the inequitable distribution of supplies including medicines and vaccines, influenced public health policy against scientifically-based measures, demanded the ending of zero-COVID policies in China and other nations, and induced governments to return spending on public health systems to pre-pandemic levels or lower. The end result has been the needless deaths of nearly 30 million people and the debilitation of hundreds of millions more throughout the world. These travesties have been accompanied and compounded by a dramatic increase in social inequality. Oxfam recently released a new report documenting this phenomenon, noting that 5 billion people have become poorer since 2020 while the worlds five richest men have doubled their wealth at a staggering rate of $14 million per hour. Billionaires collectively have gained $3.3 trillion of wealth in the same time period. The richest one percent of individuals globally now control 43 percent of the worlds wealth. Capitalisms response to the pandemic both in terms of death and illness and this massive rise in social inequality, as documented extensively by the World Socialist Web Site, is a great social crime. Turning to the institutions of capitalism and demanding that they change course is an exercise in folly. They have proven impervious as they stoke the fires of World War III and enable a deadly virus to tear through vulnerable populations ad infinitum. The international working class must assimilate the lessons of the pandemic, above all the inability of capitalism to organize on a global scale to address the current pandemic and prevent future ones. Indeed, these immense global tasks fall to the working class itself, which must reorganize the world economy on its own terms to prioritize social needs, including public health, over corporate profits. This can only be achieved through an international socialist program, with the goal of ending capitalism and its contradictions and building a new society that protects and promotes health, resolves climate change, and ensures social equality. The past few weeks have seen writers opposing the attempts of PEN (Poets, Essayists and Novelists) Americas to maintain neutrality on the genocide in Gaza and its refusal to take a stand against Israels massive crimes against the Palestinian people. PEN America is the leading writers advocacy organization in the United States and purports to defend freedom of speech. The organization is currently headed by Suzanne Nossel, a former US government official and supporter of Zionism. Suzanne Nossel (PEN American Center) Last week over 600 writers issued an open letter to PEN America to protest its stance. The letter said in part: We demand PEN find the same zeal and passion that they have for banned books in the US to speak out about actual human beings in Palestine. As PEN America advances its campaigns against book banning and freedom of speech on campuses throughout the United States, the Zionist occupation forces have damaged or destroyed 372 educational facilities, including every single university and the Gaza Municipal Library, which served as a cultural center and library for children. The letter goes on to point out that the Israeli murder campaign has targeted artists, poets, and writers. They murdered poet Heba Abu Nada and kidnapped poet and writer Mosab Abu Toha. Murdering writers and bombing libraries is the ultimate book ban. Destroying universities is the ultimate repression of campus free speech. Besides that, PEN America has not extended its campaign to talk about censorship of Palestinian writers in the United States. All these struggles are crucial to this time. But when PEN only speaks out about banned books here while our tax dollars fund a genocide, it deepens its complicity. The signatories demand PEN wake up from its own silent, tepid, neither-here-nor-there, self-congratulatory middle of the road and take an actual stand against an actual genocide. The bare minimum. Signatories included fiction writer and essayist Angela Flournoy, award-winning author of the novel, The Turner House (2016); Maaza Mengiste, Ethiopian-American author of The Shadow King (2019), which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize; poets Fady Joudah, Rachel McKibbens and Sarah Aziza, and novelists Jesmyn Ward and Tea Obreht. On January 18, Flournoy and O. Henry Prize winner Kathleen Alcott, author of the short story collection Emergency (2023), cancelled their participation in PENs New Year, New Books event in Los Angeles, scheduled for January 25. They took the action after learning that PEN would be co-sponsoring an event on January 31 with actress Mayim Bialik, a vocal Zionist, who, as Flournoy remarked, has spent the past 100 days sharing dehumanizing anti-Palestinian propaganda and rallying her five million followers to the cause of the Israeli military. In a letter to PEN America, Alcott wrote, If I squint [at PEN Americas twitter feed] I can find perhaps two mentions of the word Palestine, one in reference to an op-ed in Newsweek which encourages a truly impotent and ahistorical neutrality Meanwhile, Amy Poehlers book being banned in Florida is something PEN bangs the drum about. Fighting censorship is elemental to flourishing media and publishing industries, but it only matters if the voices protected prominently and repeatedly include those with hands at their throat. At the Bialik event itself in Los Angeles, members of Writers against the War in Gaza who protested, including Palestinian-American writer Randa Jarrar, were physically removed by security. PEN Americas response to criticism has been to create a web page of its statements on The Israel-Hamas War using the bourgeois medias terms to cover up the essential genocidal character of the Israeli actions. In all of PEN Americas material there is an attempt to equivocate and circumvent the mass murder by the Zionist state. It seeks to claim the mantle of defender of free speech while protesting, for example, the cancellation of the show at Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University of Palestinian artist Samia Halaby. But it refuses anywhere to call a genocide a genocide. In its most recent statement, the organization draws an equal sign between the Palestinian raid on October 7 and the ongoing reign of terror and death in Gaza: The premeditated October 7 attacks on Israel targeted an open air music festival, as well as Israeli writers and artists who were murdered or taken hostage. We are devastated by and mourn these grave and ongoing losses. The rest of the statement is ludicrous and repeats the lies of the capitalist media and the US State Department. We hope that the multi-national negotiations now underway will lead to a mutually agreed upon ceasefire, ending deadly airstrikes, and that a resolution can be reached that will save lives in the region, preserve rich and varied cultures, and pave the way toward a lasting peace that enables freedom and creativity for all. This is meaningless and hypocritical blather that no one in PEN America believes, least of all the person who wrote it. Even the image on PENs webpage is a social lie: it shows two groups of protesters, one pro-Israeli and one pro-Palestinian, of about the same size facing off on opposite sides of a New York street. As anyone with eyes in his head knows, the pro-Zionist protests have been dwarfed by the size of the anti-genocide protests in New York City and elsewhere. The opposition by honest writers to PEN America is entirely legitimate. PEN is exposing itself, not for the first time, as a pro-imperialist organization that stands in the way of the defense of culture and artistic freedom. As the World Socialist Web Site has noted: PEN America, in fact, has been little more than the cultural arm of anti-Russian chauvinism in the US. It has held several functions in support of the war in Ukraine such as its Voices of Ukraine: Readings in Support of Ukraine, held in Manhattan last year. PEN Americas Twitter feed is filled with comments such as, Russian forces in #Ukraine have looted tens of thousands of pieces, including avant-garde oil paintings and Scythian gold. Experts say it is the biggest art heist since the Nazis in World War II, intended to strip Ukraine of its cultural heritage. The tweet compares the Putin regimes actions to the vandalism in the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria by ISIS in 2016 (though not the looting of the Iraq Museum under the auspices of the US military in 2003) and the bombing of Guernica in 1937 by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War. In December [2022], [Executive Director of PEN America Center Suzanne] Nossel and other PEN America representatives traveled to Ukraine, where they met with Tetyana Teren, the Executive Director of PEN Ukraine. Teren is the former head of the government-run Ukrainian Book Institute, which calls, along with PEN Ukraine, Lviv International Book Forum, and the Book Arsenal in Kiev, for a total international ban on Russian literature. Add to this the despicable role that PEN America played at its own World Voices Festival of International Literature in New York City in May when it capitulated to Ukrainian nationalist writers who objected to the very presence of Russian writers at the festivalby canceling the event in which the Russian writers were participating. It is also worth noting, to give a sense of the selfishness and social backwardness of the layer that runs PEN, that Nossel was one of those upper middle-class parents in Manhattan who protested in 2021 and demanded the opening of New York City schools at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov, File) The death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison on Friday has been immediately integrated into a massive anti-Russia propaganda campaign by the Biden administration and its NATO allies, along with their associated media outlets. Without an autopsy, let alone a fact-grounded analysis of the circumstances of Navalnys death, the unified position from the NATO powers is: Putin killed Navalny. US President Joe Biden declared on Friday that there is no doubt that the death of Navalny is a consequence of something Putin and his thugs did. Secretary of State Antony Blinken proclaimed that it underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built. Russia is responsible for this. French President Emmanuel Macron, greeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris to sign a military alliance and offering him hundreds of millions of euros in aid, denounced Russia. Macron stressed his anger and indignation at Navalnys death. At the opening of the Munich Security Conference Friday, Navalnys wife, Yulia Navalnaya, was invited to speak after the news broke. She was given a standing ovation from the assembled politicians and military officers from the NATO countries as she declared that, if news of Navalnys death were true, I want Putin, his entire entourage, Putins friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family, to my husband. Amidst this propaganda offensive, it is first necessary to stress that there is no precise knowledge as to how Navalny died. Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny lost consciousness after a walk, and efforts to revive him were not successful. Navalny, according to these reports, may have died of a blood clot. This would not absolve the Russian government of culpability. Navalny died in a Russian prison, and the Putin regime was responsible for his well-being and safety. This, however, does not warrant the claim, in the absence of evidence, that Navalny was murdered. Therefore, it is necessary to reject the claim that is being made of his death by the imperialist governments. One element of the propaganda campaign is the glorification of the deceased. Alexei Navalny was a champion of democracy, declared the Washington Post editorial board. The greatest advocate for Russian democracy is dead, ran an opinion piece in the British Telegraph. The Atlantic Council, which is closely connected to the US State Department, proclaimed that Navalnys martyrdom will magnify [his] moral leadership immeasurably. Navalny, however, was not a representative of a democratic faction of the Russian political system. He entered politics on the far right, joining the free market Yabloko party and its Union of Right Forces in 2000. In 2007, he co-founded the National Russian Liberation Movement, an anti-immigrant chauvinist outfit. In 2021, Amnesty International temporarily stripped Navalny of the designation it had given him as a prisoner of conscience, for advocating racial killings of people from Central Asia and the Caucasus, whom he once referred to as cockroaches. Only after he entered into opposition to Putin did Navalny decide, for political reasons to find another more politically palatable basis, to choose the all-purpose banner of anti-corruption. In the context of the bitter conflicts within the Russian oligarchy, Navalny represented a faction of Russias capitalist oligarchy that wants closer relations with the United States. Even in prison, Navalny still exerted sufficient support within the oligarchy to allow him to have regular access to social media. If Navalny was murdered, there are many possible suspects, including some agency of the Russian state, acting with or without Putins knowledge. In recent months, the Kremlin has attacked many opposition figures, even if they had no short-term prospects in next months presidential elections. It has arrested Pabloite journalist Boris Kagarlitsky and Stalinist candidate Sergei Udaltsov, and barred the pro-NATO liberal Boris Nadezhdin from running. However, one would have to ask: Why would Putin take action against Navalny now? The Russian president has been working to ingratiate himself with a faction of the political establishment in the United States. His recent interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was devoted largely to pleading for a negotiated settlement over the war in Ukraine. In the aftermath of the interview, Putin went out of his way to praise Biden, saying he would prefer his election to that of Trump. If it were foul play, there are others who could be responsible, including factional opponents of Putin who see Navalnys death as helpful for their own cause. All of this, however, is entirely speculative. More important is how it is being used by the US and NATO powers, above all, the Biden administration, to intensify the campaign for an escalation of the war against Russia. The immediate demand from the Biden administration, the Democrats and sections of the Republican Party is for the passage by Congress of a bill containing tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself has seized on Navalnys death to call for more military assistance, amidst an intensifying crisis of the far-right government, which has been bled white by the imperialist-backed war against Russia. Here, what is most striking is the staggering hypocrisy of the imperialist powers. Biden and his NATO allies furiously denounce the Putin regimes treatment of Navalny, while subjecting Julian Assange, a genuine champion of human rights, to the most brutal and life-threatening conditions. Assange has been kept in Belmarsh Prison, in southeastern London, under conditions that the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture described as ill treatment, arbitrary detention and what could amount to psychological torture. He was the subject of assassination plots orchestrated by the CIA. He has been systematically denied medical care and the ability to communicate, even with his lawyers. And next week he has a hearing that could decide his final appeal against extradition to the United States. And what of the many prisoners still rotting in Guantanamo Bay, after decades of brutal detention and torture? Biden cannot contain himself over the death of Navalny, and yet he is overseeing, arming, financially supporting and continuing to defend mass murder carried out by Israel. Those praising Navalnys memory are political criminals whose invocations of morality deserve nothing but contempt. They are indignant at the alleged murder of Navalny, while arming the Israeli armed forces for the genocidal campaign against defenseless men, women and children huddled in hospitals, bombed-out homes and tent cities across Gaza. The only purpose of the propaganda campaign over Navalnys death is to justify the further escalation of war against Russia. Amid the escalating conflict throughout the Middle East fuelled by its genocide in Gaza, Israel carried out a major act of sabotage inside Iran this week, calculated to further inflame tensions and goad Tehran into responding. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Israel conducted covert attacks that ruptured two gas pipelines in the provinces of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari and Fars, disrupting supplies to homes, offices and factories in the middle of winter. March 16, 2019 file photo, shows natural gas refineries at the South Pars gas field on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf, in Asaluyeh, Iran [AP Photo/Vahid Salemi] Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji told state TV that the aim was to cut gas to major provinces in the country, but except for the number of villages that were near the gas transmission lines, no province suffered a cut. His comments were contradicted, according to the New York Times, by the comments of local governors and officials from Irans national gas company, who had described widespread outages of service in five provinces, forcing the closure of government buildings. While Israel has not commented, yesterdays New York Times article, based on two Western officials and an Iranian military strategist, declared that Israel was responsible for the sabotage. They noted that the gas pipeline attacks by Israel required deep knowledge of Irans infrastructure and careful coordination, especially since two pipelines were hit in multiple locations at the same time. Previously, Arab separatists in southwestern Iran have claimed responsibility for attacks against oil pipelines. However, strikes on oil and gas infrastructure elsewhere in the country have been rare, and not on this scale. Citing the Iranian military strategist, the New York Times wrote that the Iranian government believed Israel was behind the attack because of the complexity and scope of the operation. And it almost certainly required the help of collaborators inside Iran to figure out where and how to strike. The two affected pipelines, each of about 1,200 kilometres, provide gas to major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan and, in the north, Astara. Together, they supply about 15 percent of Irans daily gas production. The level of impact was very high because these are two significant pipelines going south to north, Homayoun Falakshahi, a senior energy analyst at Kpler, told the newspaper. We have never seen anything like this in scale and scope. The Israeli sabotage is a deliberate provocation aimed at adding further fuel to a war led by Israel and the US that is rapidly expanding throughout the Middle East. As the Zionist regime has carried out its genocidal onslaught in Gaza, backed to the hilt by Washington, the US and Israel have exploited the military action by militia sympathetic to Palestinians to wage wider attacks throughout the region. The Biden administrations chief target is Iran, which US imperialism regards as the main obstacle to its hegemony in the Middle East. The US and Britain are already carrying out air and missile strikes against Houthi militia in Yemen that have sought to disrupt supplies for Israel passing through the Red Sea. In response to an attack on a US military base in Jordan that killed three American soldiers, the White House vowed revenge on Iranian-backed militia. In early February, US forces already carried out strikes on 85 targets in seven locations in Iraq and Syria against Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. Likewise, Israel has conducted multiple attacks in Lebanon and Syria against Hamas and Hezbollahboth aligned with Iranas well as killing two senior IRGC commanders in Syria. Already waging a bloody assault in Gaza and the West Bank, the Israeli military is preparing for a full-scale onslaught on Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon. Iran has repeatedly declared that it does not want war with the US and Israel, and has denied any direct involvement in the military actions of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Nevertheless, the Biden administration and its Israeli ally continue to ramp up their provocations against Iran, aimed at inciting a response that could be used as a casus belli for all-out war. Washington may not have been directly involved in Wednesdays attack on Irans gas pipelines but certainly would have given it the green light. American forces may well have provided assistance with logistics and intelligence. An attack on the vital civilian infrastructure of any country is an act of war. Moreover, both the US and Israel have repeatedly carried out covert operations in the past against Irandirected against its nuclear facilities. During the Obama administration, unnamed White House officials gave detailed accounts of, and bragged about, its cyber-attacks on Irans uranium enrichment plant at Natanz. The US infected the plants high-speed centrifuges with the Stuxnet worm, causing them to spin out of control and self-destruct. In tandem with the US, Israel carried out a murderous campaign against top Iranian nuclear scientists. In 2021, the New York Times provided details of the assassination the previous year of Irans top nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh by a remote-controlled drone in an operation jointly organised by Israel and the United States. From 2007 up to that point, the article pointed out, Israel had killed five nuclear scientists, wounded another and assassinated the Iranian general in charge of missile development. The US has not limited its attacks to covert operations. In 2020, the Trump administration authorised an attack at Baghdads international airport that killed Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and seven others in a blatant act of war. While President Joe Biden may have tactical differences with Donald Trump over foreign policy, he is no less ruthless in pursuing the interests of US imperialist interests. Already at war with Russia in Ukraine and widening the conflict against Iran in the Middle East, the US is accelerating its military build-up and provocations against China, which it regards as the existential obstacle to its global hegemony. Bidens unqualified backing for Israels genocide gives the lie to his claims to not want a wider war in the Middle East. The White House has refused to rule out direct attacks on Iran, supposedly in retaliation for the three American deaths. Indeed, the New York Times reported this week that the US had carried out a cyberattack in early February on an Iranian military vessel it claimed was supplying information to Houthi fighters about ship movements in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attacks on Iranian gas pipelines on Wednesday are one more indication of the speed with which the US and Israel are plunging the entire region into war. The WSWS spoke to Gabriel Shipton last week, ahead of British court hearings on February 20 and 21 for the extradition of his brother Julian Assange to the US. Gabriel Shipton [Photo] As Shipton explains, Assange is perilously close to being dispatched to his American persecutors, who are seeking up to 175-years imprisonment for exposing war crimes and diplomatic conspiracies. Shipton has been heavily involved in the fight for Assanges freedom, including by producing a feature documentary Ithaka detailing the case. The WSWS interviewed him on Tuesday. The next day, the Australian parliament passed a motion on Assange. While posturing in support of Assange, the parliamentary motion was exceedingly vague. It did not call for Assanges freedom, for the US to end the prosecution or obligate the Labor government to do anything to defend its persecuted citizen. WSWS: Could you outline what the British court hearings next week will decide and their significance? Gabriel Shipton: The hearings on February 20 and 21 are Julians final effort in the UK courts. He submitted an appeal application in writing which was rejected in the courts, by a single judge. The way that was rejected meant Julian could then submit a cut-down appeal application before two different judges. Those judges will then decide whether to give leave for Julian to appeal and on what points of law they will give leave or not. They could also reject the application entirely. So he has already had this application rejected once, and this is the last possible chance in the UK courts to get this appeal up and have an actual appeal hearing. If this is rejected, the courts will turn around and order his extradition. We know from in the past that the UK government has done everything it can to prepare to extradite Julian, there have been airplanes on the tarmac and things like that, ready to whisk him away to the Eastern District of Virginia in the United States. He does have one other option, which is the European Court of Human Rights. He would apply for an emergency stay of the extradition. But there is no guarantee that would be given or accepted by the United Kingdom. As we know in the past, the UK has bent all their laws and twisted them around to suit themselves, and not work in Julians favor, because its these courts that are really dealing out the persecution to Julian. They are the courts that have kept him in a maximum-security prison for the last five years, not serving a sentence, but solely at the behest of the US. These courts are entirely complicit in Julians persecution and in sending that message to journalists, to publishers and anyone who wants to tell the truth, that if you you reveal national defence information of the US, you will end up in jail and it could be forever. WSWS: Its clearly a very urgent situation, with an increasingly imminent prospect of extradition. The United Nations Rapporteur on Torture issued a statement, opposing extradition, as have numbers of civil liberties and rights organisations. Can you comment on those? GS: Its encouraging to see the new UN Rapporteur on Torture come out with a fairly strong statement at this critical time. The previous Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer wrote what I think is the defining book on the treatment and persecution of Julian Assange over the past thirteen years, its called The Trial of Julian Assange. So it is very encouraging to see the new Rapporteur, who is an Australian actually, come out with a statement. Nils Melzer [Photo: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe] It really puts into perspective, I believe, the efforts of the Australian government. The UN is calling this out as a violation of Julians basic human rights, calling on the UK not to extradite Julian, whereas the Australian government cant even manage to do that, cant even ask directly for Julian to be released from one of their closest allies, the UK, along with the US. So its courageous of the UN Rapporteur, but it also puts into focus the lack of effort and courage from the government of the country that Julian is a citizen of. WSWS: Can you speak about the implications for Assange of the sentence handed down last week to Joshua Schulte? Accused of leaking Vault 7 documents published by WikiLeaks, showing vast CIA spying on a global scale, Schulte has been held in barbaric conditions and now sentenced to 40 years behind bars. GS: What has been written about this sentencing is the all-of-life, no-parole parts that have been brought in from the Patriot Act. The use of that in the Schulte case shows that prosecutors are pushing for these sort of measures in national security cases. They tried to do it in the Chelsea Manning case, to bring in those Patriot Act type measures. We expect that, having been brought up in the Schulte case, to factor into Julians case, that they request all-of-life, non-parole periods during the sentencing of Julian. He could end up being in prison for the rest of his life if he is extradited to the US. This flies in the face of statements made by people like Caroline Kennedy, US ambassador to Australia, and people in the Labor Party such as Julian Hill, who are throwing options that Julian should take some mythical deal when its quite obvious that the prosecutors in the US are quite eager to use everything in their power to punish people for telling the truth. WSWS: Assanges poor health was the basis for an initial Magistrates Court ruling that he could not be extradited, which has since been overturned. What is Julians health like and what are the implications for it of the ongoing extradition attempt? GS: That was two years ago that the court found Julian was too unwell to be extradited. The expert testimony that was heard in that court, it hasnt gotten any better for Julian. Hes been in a maximum-security prison for those years. His situation and his health is in decline and its declined further since that Magistrates decision. That needs to be taken into consideration by the courts. I dont expect them to, but I do expect the Australian government to stand up for one of its citizens who is having his human rights abuses, as the UN says. If the Australian government isnt willing to do that, then whats the point. WSWS: Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said before enough is enough and the matter needs to be brought to a close, referencing Assanges case. He claimed to be making representations to the US along those lines. But it appears that even that posturing has largely dried up. Is that right? GS: Albanese visited the US and met with Biden in October and said that he had brought it up. But hes never said that he has directly asked the Biden administration or the president to release Julian, which is what we have been pushing for, a direct request from the government to release Julian. It has gone eerily quiet from the government as we approach this next hearing date. President Joe Biden listens as Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] We would like to see a lot more from them, and we are always raising, just do what you would do for Australian citizens and journalists in Iran, or China, or Vietnam. What you have done for them, do that for Julian. All we are expecting is fair treatment. But I think its obvious in Julians case that because the government is dealing with the US and the UK, its a different kettle of fish for them. When it comes to our relationship with these two so-called partners, it becomes clear that its not a partnership at all, we are seen as servants. WSWS: The Labor government, though, is also carrying out a crackdown on whistleblowing domestically, including by greenlighting the prosecution of David McBride, who exposed war crimes in Afghanistan. Do you see a connection between that and its refusal to defend Assange? GS: Perhaps. You have these institutions of state that have been involved in previous governments that were openly hostile to Julian. The politicians may have changed, but the institutions of state remain the same and their attitude to Julian has always been that they felt threatened by truth and by people exposing what theyre up to behind closed-doors. That has continued in these other prosecutions as well. WSWS: In an article published by the Nation last month, journalist Charles Glass recounted a recent meeting with Assange in Belmarsh Prison. Julian had reportedly said he was concerned WikiLeaks was no longer in a position to expose war as it once was. His prosecution had acted as a deterrent for whistleblowers, and the organisation had been hit with financial and other sanctions. Obviously the extradition attempt is an act of retribution, but could you speak about that point Assange made, now that we have war in Ukraine, genocide in Gaza and the danger of world war. GS: I certainly think thats the case. You just have to look back to when this really ramped-up against Julian, these foreign war projects were escalating and they needed Julian off the scene. When he started to really be pursued was back in 2017-2018, they needed to take his voice away, which they managed to do in 2019, dragging him out of the embassy and putting him in prison, which led the way to 2020 and where we are today with these seemingly endless conflicts, in the Middle East and in Ukraine. I dont think these projects would have been possible, in the same way, if WikiLeaks was on the scene and if Julian had his voice. WSWS: One aspect of the situation is we have seen the horrific war crimes in Gaza, but they have produced mass opposition all over the world, indicating a broader anti-war sentiment. We think thats relevant to the Assange case, because we think the fight for his freedom depends on a mass anti-war movement of workers and young people. Could you comment? GS: I think its certainly necessary. I dont think Julian can be released without it. WikiLeaks work and Julians work has incredible affinity with the anti-war movement globally. That is definitely one pillar that will be part of Julians freedom and really taking that movement into parliaments around the world and into the Congress, to be taken up by decision makers. I think there is a pathway there for those anti-war movements to really be effective in making headway with the political capital that they have so much of at the moment. I also think that leaking and whistleblowing is integral to Julians freedom as well. We saw recently these whistleblowers within the Ecuadorian Embassy who came out with all this material, records and emails from the security company that was supposed to be guarding Julian but was really in league with the CIA in spying on him, plots to kidnap him and even to murder him. These sort of leaks will play a big role in exposing the corruption and the use of these institutions in the persecution of Julian in a way that people dont really understand, but need these original documents and source material in a way that cant be refuted. WSWS: Obviously Julian is a public figure, a journalist and a political prisoner, but hes also a husband, brother, son and the father of two young children. Can you speak about the impact of his persecution on the family? Julian Assange and Stella Moris in the Ecuadorian embassy [Photo: WikiLeaks] GS: Were all focussed on fighting for Julian. Not just campaigning for his freedom, but John [his father] and Stella [his wife], focused on keeping him going in the prison and being his lifeline to the outside world, his emotional lifeline. To me, a lot of the campaigning work, whether it is successful or not, it keeps Julian alive, it keeps him hopeful that people out there are fighting for him, that not all is lost. He does have millions of people supporting him, press institutions, world leaders as well as people on the streets. To me, as Julians family member, bringing that news to Julian is almost as important as the actions themselves, because it keeps him going, it keeps him alive. Ive heard from many political prisoners around the world and they all say thats what sustained them while they were behind bars, knowing that there were people out there fighting for them. In terms of the toll, we are all united in fighting for Julian. It has an impact. I have to spend time away from my young family when I am advocating for Julian abroad, just as Julian does. So it has a big flow-on effect. They are victims of Julians persecution as well. Julians suffering is unequaled, but others are being impacted in ways that will last long into the future. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has ostensibly been jailed since returning to Thailand last year, is to be granted parole this weekend. After a 15-year, self-imposed exile abroad, he has served only six months of what had originally been an eight-year sentence on trumped-up charges. This is part of an unstable truce between Thaksins Pheu Thai party and the military that twice ousted it in coups in 2006 and 2014. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arrive Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 22, 2023 [AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit] The 74-year-old Thaksin is among 930 who have been granted early release by a parole committee. The justice minister in the Pheu Thai-led government, Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, confirmed Thaksins upcoming parole on Tuesday after weeks of speculation. He pointed to Thaksins advanced age and declining health. Immediately after returning to Thailand, Thaksin began serving his eight-year prison term, to which he had been sentenced in absentia. This took place on August 22, not coincidentally the same day the new Pheu Thai governmenta coalition including military-backed partieswas formed. However, he has been held in the comfort of the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, reportedly being treated for hypertension, narrowed blood vessels, and hepatitis B. On September 1, Thaksin was granted a royal pardon that reduced his sentence to one year. He has therefore served half of his prison term, another requirement for parole. The government of current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is at pains to claim that Thaksin, who is also a billionaire and former police lieutenant colonel, is being treated like an average person. Srettha stated on Tuesday, 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. However, he added significantly, Everything went according to the law I believe that Thaksin can give good advice to his daughter to serve the country. Thaksins daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is the current head of Pheu Thai. Whatever the governments claims, Thaksin is not a normal citizen. Nor is he preparing for a quiet retirement while occasionally giving fatherly advice to the leader of Thailands ruling party. He is in reality the de facto head of Pheu Thai, having exercised his influence from behind the scenes while living abroad. The party was founded as Thai Rak Thai by Thaksin in 1998. Furthermore, Thaksin served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, garnering popularity among poor and rural sections of Thailand through programs like state-funded healthcare and other hand-outs to villages. He represents sections of the bourgeoisie sidelined by the traditional sections of the ruling elite grouped around the military, monarchy, and state bureaucracy. Fearing that his government cut across their interests, the military ousted Thaksin in a 2006 coup, which opened up years of political instability including another coup in 2014 that removed Thaksins sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from power. Following this, the military rewrote the constitution and installed coup leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister. He remained in office until last year. Thaksins return was clearly part of a carefully prepared deal between Pheu Thai and the military establishment following last Mays general election. In that contest, the Move Forward Party (MFP) unexpectedly came in first. The MFP appealed to young people and progressive layers declaring it would carry out democratic reforms of the Thai state following large-scale protests against Prayuts government in 2020 and 2021. Despite the limited nature of these pledges, they proved a step too far and the military-appointed Senate blocked the MFP from taking power. Instead, Pheu Thai formed a coalition government that included two military-aligned partiesthe Palang Pracharath Party and the United Thai Nation Partyallowing the military to keep hold of key levers of power. Nine officials in Sretthas 34-member cabinet also served in Prayuts cabinet. That the military did not simply scrap the election results, as it did in 2019, is a sign of the nervousness the ruling establishment feels over declining economic conditions and the potential for mass unrest in the working class. Last year, household debt grew to 16.2 trillion baht ($US448.3 billion), or 90.9 percent of Thailands GDP. That figure is expected to grow to 91.4 percent by the end of 2024, according to TMBThanachart Bank. The finance ministry also reported in January that the economy grew by only 1.8 percent last year, compared to 2.6 percent in 2022. The ministry has already revised predicted growth for 2024 down to 2.8 percent from 3.2 percent. In this context, Thaksins return to Thailand and his quick release brings bitter political enemies together as the ruling class confronts the growing opposition. The government will impose the burden of the economic crisis on the working class and the poor and will be ruthless in crushing strikes and protests. In office, Thaksin was notorious for his suppression of media critics and waged a bloody war on drugs involving thousands of extrajudicial killings by police. Thaksin will no doubt use his influence to try to bolster the tattered image of Pheu Thai, which for years postured as a progressive and democratic alternative to the military. Leading party members repeatedly claimed ahead of the May election they would not form a coalition government with the military-aligned parties. When Pheu Thai reneged on this pledge, it generated widespread disgust among young people and workers, who voted for the party believing its promises. The opposition MFP is playing a role as well with limited criticisms, including asserting that Thaksin has been receiving special treatment. This is simply stating the obvious. MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon on Thursday advised Thaksin not to take on too public a role immediately after his release to avoid the impression that there were two prime ministersan acknowledgment of his influence. However, the MFP is consciously avoiding any discussion of the issues that led to Thaksins return and the economic crisis facing Thailands workers and poor. Instead, it is playing the role of loyal opposition to promote the fraud that democratic reforms can still take place through parliament. This includes promoting a limited bill to grant amnesty to protesters charged over the nearly 20 years of unrest that began when Thaksin was ousted from power. All of this is to obscure the fact that no section of the bourgeoisie has any progressive solution to the current crisis of capitalism. The Socialist Equality Party is holding a series of public meetings to answer the burning question: How to stop the genocide in Gaza. These meetings will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle. All meeting details are at the end of this article. Reserve your seat today! Millions of workers and young people internationally are deeply shocked and appalled at the ongoing genocide in Gaza. For more than four months, protesters have voiced their anger at the Israeli regimes slaughter of the Palestinian people and the active support for it by all imperialist governments, including the Australian Labor government of Anthony Albanese. However, the response to these anti-war protests, the largest and most sustained since the Vietnam War, has been to intensify the bombardment. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been murdered, the majority of which are women and children, 60,000 injured and well over 2 million displaced. It is undeniable that this constitutes imperialist mass murder. This week, the overcrowded city of Rafah was subjected to massive aerial strikes that killed more than 100 people. It took place with the approval and active support of US President Joe Biden. Washington has armed and funded the Israeli assault, which could not last another week without American and allied assistance. Australian intelligence tracking in Pine Gap plays an active role in the targeting of bombing sites in addition to the governments political and diplomatic role in whitewashing and legitimising Israeli war crimes. The so-called left Albanese Labor government has spearheaded a campaign labelling any opponents of the Gaza genocide as antisemitic. It falsely equates the military state of Israel with all Jewish people. This lie has been used to viciously witch-hunt opponents of the onslaught. The Gaza genocide is not an isolated development. It is the most barbaric expression of imperialist militarism and is another front in the first stages of a third global conflagration. This includes the US-led plans to extend the Middle Eastern war targeting particularly Iran, Washingtons proxy conflict against Russia in Ukraine, and advanced preparations against its main targetChina. The recklessness and seeming madness of such a perspective can lead only to nuclear war. In the fight against the Gaza genocide, the issues of political program have come to the fore. Two perspectives are evident. The Greens and various fake-left tendencies insist that the task is to appeal to the Labor government to alter course and end its support for the genocide. This means covering up the imperialist character of the government and its commitment to militarism. It means burying the fact that the genocide is a crime of capitalism while peddling the fraud that protests alone will bring politicians to their senses. The lesson of the last four months reveals the contrary. The support of capitalist governments for this barbarism is not an error of judgement but a policy. That all these governments have adopted a program of genocide must be a warning to the working class and youth globally. If genocide is what is required to save capitalism, then that is what they choose. Their attitude to the Palestinians is not different to their attitude to the populations at home. The alternative is that advanced by the Socialist Equality Party. The fight against genocide is a fight against capitalismthe system that creates this disaster. It can only be halted by uniting workers all over the world in an international anti-war movement aimed at establishing a global socialist society based on peace and social equality. Such a perspective is both possible and necessary. The mass global opposition to the imperialist attack on Gaza and the reemergence of working-class struggle internationally demonstrates this. But the decisive issue is building a revolutionary leadership in the working class to take forward this struggle. At the meetings, leading members of the SEP and the IYSSE will discuss this perspective and present the partys socialist and internationalist program. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion. Register today! Meeting Details: Sydney Wednesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. AEDT Belmore Senior Citizens Centre, 38-40 Redman Pde, Belmore NSW Reserve your seat here. If you cant attend in person the meeting will also be livestreamed via Zoom. Melbourne Saturday, March 9, 3:00 p.m. AEDT Multi Purpose Room 1, Kathleen Syme Library, 251 Faraday St, Carlton, VIC Reserve your seat here. Brisbane Sunday, March 10, 1:00 p.m. AEST Kurilpa Hall Community Centre 174 Boundary St, West End, QLD Reserve your seat here. Newcastle Friday, March 8, 7:00 p.m. AEDT Joy Cummings Centre 63 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW Reserve your seat here. In early February, Malaysias federal royal pardons board halved the original 12-year prison sentence for former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, who was convicted of corruption. In addition, the fines imposed on Najib were reduced to one quarter of their original amount, from RM210 million to RM50 million ($US10.6 million). The royal pardons board, comprised of the outgoing Malaysian king, the federal attorney general and four other ministers, gave no reason for its decision. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, centre waves as he arrives at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. [AP Photo/Vincent Thian ] The partial pardon of Najib follows around six months of bitter political infighting within Malaysias ruling elitea continuation of the deep instability gripping Malaysian politics. Najib was tried on corruption charges relating to the plundering of public funds from the Malaysian state investment fund, 1MDB. It was alleged that $US4.5 billion had been stolen from 1MDB, with approximately $700 million flowing into Najibs personal bank accounts. In September 2020, 1MDBs outstanding debts were estimated to be $7.8 billion, payable by the Malaysian government. Najib was eventually convicted on seven charges related to laundering RM42 million from SRC International, a subsidiary of 1MDB. The conviction was appealed but upheld in August 2022, at which point Najib commenced serving his sentence, as well as launching a bid for a royal pardon. With his sentence halved, Najib could now walk free by August 2028. Cynthia Gabriel, founder of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, stated on X/Twitter: A travesty of justice. Nothing less. So far, leader of the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, Hamzah Zainudin, has said nothing. In April 2023, however, Hamzah stated that he supported a royal pardon for Najib. Najib was leader of the right-wing United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). UMNO led alliances that ruled Malaysia from formal independence in 1957 through to May 2018. This was achieved through a combination of gerrymandering, autocratic methods of rule, domination of the media and state apparatus and the promotion of ethnic Malay chauvinism at the expense of the countrys ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. Najib was prime minister between 2009 and 2018. The shock collapse of UMNO in 2018 was due to anger stemming primarily from the 1MDB corruption scandal and stark levels of social inequality. The decision to halve Najibs sentence further destabilises the already unstable political situation in Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who leads the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition government, denied any involvement in the halving of Najibs sentence. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he unconvincingly declared: Its beyond the Prime Minister or the government. I respect the decision of the then-king. Anwars coalition, however, is highly unstable, with significant differences between component parties. It is dependent on UMNO, a member of the ruling coalition, to maintain a convincing majority in the lower house of parliament. Anwar was installed as prime minister in November 2022 with the backing of powerful sections of the Malaysian ruling class, effectively tasked with undertaking austerity measures and pro-market restructuring. Malaysians face rising prices, partly due to shortages stemming from the Ukraine war and a rapid fall in the ringgit. To partially alleviate cost of living increases, various subsidies were introduced during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Anwar government, however, has embarked on a program to remove subsidies and broaden taxes. This is to increase government revenue to pay off mounting debt. For example, chicken price subsidies were removed in October with prices rising by as much as 17 percent in November. Chicken is a staple protein in Malaysia. The Pakatan Harapan coalition suffered significant losses in six state elections held on August 12, 2023, going from 144 to 99 out of 245 seats. The swing against the ruling coalition derived from widespread hostility over its failure to provide the economic relief promised during the campaign for 2022 federal election. As well, the opposition PN coalition ran a right-wing Malay chauvinist campaign, claiming that the Anwar government was eroding so-called Malay privileges. In online commentary published on August 17, former UMNO health minister Khairy Jamaluddin speculated on the way forward for the ruling coalition. He noted that Anwar could stick to the current path and head into the next general elections [due by late 2027] by working with UMNO and even consider recommending a Royal Pardon for former Prime Minister Najib Razak who retains considerable support within the party. Alternatively, he could effect a parting of ways with UMNO and adopt other options. Khairy, the son-in-law of former Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was a UMNO youth leader and a contender for party leadership until his expulsion by UMNO in January 2023. It appears that Anwar and Pakatan Harapan, at present at least, are following the first of the two options canvassed by Khairy by seeking to retain the services of UMNO in order to shore up support among ethnic Malays. On September 4, 47 corruption charges against co-deputy prime minister and leader of UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were dropped. This was at the request of the attorney general, citing the need to investigate the case in depth. In January 2022, however, the court noted that sufficient evidence had been presented by the prosecution for the case to proceed. Within one week of the charges being dropped, an independent member of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, 30-year-old Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, withdrew his support in favour of the opposition, claiming concerns over corruption. As a result of Syed Saddiqs switching of allegiance to the opposition, Pakatan Harapans parliamentary seat count dropped to 147 out of 222 in the lower house. This was made up of 81 seats for those component parties closest to Anwar, 30 seats for the UMNO-led coalition, 29 seats for the East Malaysian parties and seven seats for various independents. Crucially, this was one seat short of the two-thirds majority necessary for passing constitutional changes. Two months later, a case filed in 2021 concluded on November 9 with Syed Saddiq receiving a sentence of seven years in prison, a fine of RM10 million ($US2.1 million) and a flogging, a first for a politician. This was for embezzling $200,000. The sentence has not been carried out pending appeal. Significantly, no pardon has been forthcoming for him. On the same day, four opposition MPs were revealed to have switched allegiance to the government, exploiting a loophole in the Anti-Hopping law designed to thwart such practices. This law was championed by Pakatan Harapan in order to address the fact that the government changed hands three times between 2020 and 2022 due to the defection of MPs. The law came into effect on October 5, 2022. Since then, two more MPs have switched their allegiance, one on November 28 and one on January 24, taking the governments lower house vote count to 153 seats. Anwar has denied any involvement. The switching has circumvented the Anti-Hopping law due to the fact that the MPs in question have not left their party and, instead, have stated that they will simply vote with the government. As an independent, Syed Saddiq is not covered by the law. All six switchers have openly stated that their decision was prompted by a desire for greater federal funding for their constituencies, after having been starved of funding at the state and local level. On January 24, the last MP to switch, Zulkafperi Hanapi, said that after a year without any [funding] allocation, I think this is one of the best decisions that most of the people of [the constituency of] Tanjong Karang want. They are struggling and squeezed by the high cost of living now and many need help so this is the best way for me to be able to function. Crucially, corruption charges and investigations have commenced against powerful sections of Malaysias ruling elite opposed to Anwar. On January 29, 2024, corruption charges were laid against Daim Zainuddin for failing to declare 71 assets such as several luxury cars, companies, properties and land. Previously, on December 21, 2023, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized Ilham Tower, located in central Kuala Lumpur, as part of a criminal investigation against Daim and his family, who are listed as owners of the building. The 60-storey building was completed in 2015 and is estimated to have cost $580 million. Daim is an 85-year-old businessman who served as finance minister from 1984 to 1991 and from 1999 to 2001 under long-serving UMNO Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed. Daim and his family were named in both the Pandora Papers and Panama Papers leaks, which contained revelations about high-profile politicians and businessmen, particularly their financial interests in various tax havens. In addition, Mahathirs two sons are also under investigation by MACC, again stemming from the same leaks. James Chin, Asian Studies professor at the University of Tasmania, stated, its a smart move to go after Mahathir and Daim Put yourself in Anwars shoes: the people that give you the most trouble are obviously Mahathir and Daim, people with money, so you go after them. With clear animus directed toward Anwar and his collaborators, Daims wife, Naimah Abdul Khalid, warned, power is brief and there is always a reckoning for those who abuse it. Commenting on the partial pardon for Najib, Francis E. Hutchinson, coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Program at the Singapore-based ISEAS, stated, as long as it is neither a full pardon nor a full sentence, both camps can draw some comfort from the fact that it could be worse. While paying lip service to democracy and the fight against corruption, the reality is that all factions of the ruling class exploit corruption charges as the means for bringing down their opponents. None of them represent the interests of working people. Sri Lanka and the Maldives, two small island nations in the Indian Ocean straddling strategic East-West shipping routes, have become focal points in the rapidly intensifying geopolitical tensions between the US and India on one side and China on the other. Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe (second from right) with Sri Lankan military and police heads in Colombo, February 2023. [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena] On February 3, the INS Karanj, an Indian navy submarine, docked in Colombo, Sri Lankas main port, for a two-day visit. It was greeted with a ceremonial reception by the Sri Lankan navy. Commander Arunabh, the submarines commanding officer, paid a visit to Rear Admiral Saman Perera, the commander of the Sri Lankan Navys Western Naval Area. This response was in sharp contrast to the Sri Lankan governments treatment of a recent request by the Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 3 to visit the country. In January, the Wickremesinghe government announced a 12-month ban on all visits by research ships, a ban clearly aimed at stopping the Chinese ship, its visit having been publicly opposed by India. China says that its ship is involved hydrographic surveys and planning underwater paths for its submarines. New Delhi claims it could be monitoring missiles or satellites test-fired from surrounding locations, as well as keeping an eye on military installations in neighbouring countries. Abhijit Singh, Head of Maritime Policy Initiative at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, told Voice of America on January 29: Our suspicion is that this vessel, although it is an oceanographic research vessel, is gathering information that could be used by China to expand its undersea military operations and improve its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, as it studies the Indian Ocean environment, the seabed, temperature profile, eddies, currents, etc. That means China will have an edge militarily in the Indian Ocean in times to come. In any case, the Chinese ship did not have to wait long before it was welcomed elsewhere. In a clear slap in the face to India, the Maldives government announced its clearance for the Chinese ship to dock there. The decision followed an announcement by the recently elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu that India must withdraw all its troops from the country by March 15. India traditionally regards Maldives as part of its strategic backyard and has a small military presence there. Muizzu, who is known to be pro-China, had just returned from a state visit to Beijing. His announcement underscores a strategic shift away from India. The Indian submarines Colombo visit indicates how New Delhi is aggressively working to establish its geo-political dominance in the Indian Ocean region. On February 5, Indias Decan Herald declared that the submarines visit to Colombo was aimed at highlighting Indias role as the primary security provider in the Indian Ocean region and sending a message to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), which has recently increased its activities in the maritime neighborhood of India. The Hindu Times echoed this, commenting on the same day that it marks a diplomatic win for India amid a tiff over Chinas maritime movement in the Indian Ocean Region. INS Karanj is a 2,000-ton conventional-propulsion submarine but capable of undertaking a range of roles, such as surface vessel combat, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations and intelligence gathering. So-called courtesy calls to Sri Lanka by Indian navy submarines and ships have become routine. INS Vagir, another submarine, visited Colombo in June last year to commemorate the International Day of Yoga. India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been transformed into a frontline state in the US military-strategic offensive against China. Last August, the Modi government announced that it is working with the high command of Indias armed forces to identify what support it will provide to the US if and when Washington goes to war with Beijing. While New Delhi views countries in South Asia as its traditional sphere of influence, its geo-political aims are not limited to the region. In the revised and reformulated version of the 2015 Indian Maritime Doctrine, New Delhis status in the Indian Ocean Region was updated. Although New Delhi has declined to join the US-led task force attacking Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, it currently deploys two frontline warships in the Gulf of Aden and at least ten warships in the northern and western Arabian Seas, accompanied by a surveillance plane. This is its largest deployment in the region. Indias naval visits to Sri Lanka are part of its efforts to bring Colombo firmly into its economic, political, and military embrace. India is now Sri Lankas largest investor, economic partner and source of new tourists. New Delhi has agreed to build a pipeline from southern India to Sri Lanka, a solar power project, liquefied natural gas infrastructure, and a high-capacity power grid link. Trincomalee, the strategically important harbour in eastern Sri Lanka, will be developed as an industrial hub and port with logistical facilities with a similar development at Kankesanthurai in the North. India also supported Sri Lankas efforts to secure a $US3 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and granted a $US4 billion long-term loan during the island nations unprecedented and ongoing economic crisis. Plans are also underway to sign an Economic and Technical Co-operation Agreement between Sri Lanka and India next March to reduce trade barriers for goods and services. To further enhance transport links, a passenger ferry service between Indias Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai in Jaffna is also expected to commence at the end of this month, reinitiating a sea link between the two countries after a 40-year gap. Indian tourism to Sri Lanka is already substantial. In a transparent attempt to undercut Indian tourism to the Maldives, essential to its tourism-driven economy, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar urged Indians to visit Sri Lanka on their next vacation. India is also reaching out to opposition parties in Sri Lanka, such as Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its National Peoples Power (NPP) parliamentary front, to ensure that whoever comes to power in the next elections will remain aligned with New Delhis geo-political interests. Early this month, the Modi government invited a JVP/NPP delegation headed by its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on an official five-day visit. Just a few days after banning the Chinese ship visit, the Sri Lankan government announced that it would send ships to support Washingtons Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea against Houthi militia in Yemen. In response to Indian and US-led efforts to undercut Chinese influence and bring Sri Lanka into their orbit, Beijing has moved to strengthen its strategic relations with the Maldives. When President Mohamed Muizzu visited China, he was given a lavish red-carpet welcome. A previous agreement for construction of an Ocean Observatory on Majunudhoo in the Maldives to be jointly operated by Chinas State Oceanic Administration and the Maldives Ministry of Environment and Energy was signed during the tenure of the former Maldivian president, Abdulla Yameen. The project, however, was set aside following his defeat in September 2018. India is now concerned that the deal will be revived under Muizzu. Though Beijing insists the observatorys primary purpose would be ocean observation and research, New Delhi claims it will grant Beijing access to a critical region in the Indian Ocean for both commercial shipping and strategic purposes. Tensions are now rising as the deadline for Indian troop withdrawal draws close. On January 25, the Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar told CNN-News 18 that the Indian government had not given the order for its defense personnel to leave Maldives in response to Males request. We await instructions, whatever is the decision, Kumar said. India and the US are determined to counter Chinese influence in Male. When Sri Lanka drew closer to China under President Mahinda Rajapakses government, New Delhi backed Washingtons regime-change operation in the 2015 presidential elections and supported the installation of the Sirisena-Wickremasinghe administration. New Delhi and Washington will conduct a similar regime change operation against the new Muizzu government if they deem it necessary. Dear colleagues, We call on all of you to take action against the increasing transport of weapons by Deutsche Bahn and other railway companies. Rail Action Committee appeal to halt weapons transports We are noticing a sharp increase in the transport of goods for military purposes. The clientsthe German government and the arms companiesare trying to conceal the transport of weapons and military goods by failing to declare or falsely declaring the cargo on trains and wagons. But among us railway workers, these are open secretswe will not be taken for fools. The increase in such transports is the result of the insane pro-war policy of the coalition government of the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Liberal Democrats (FDP). So far, they have spent 28 billion supporting the war in Ukraine, in which hundreds of thousands of mainly young men on both sides are falling victim. In the largest NATO manoeuvres since the Cold War, Steadfast Defender, 90,000 soldiers from 32 countries are currently gaming a war against Russia. At the same time, the government is supporting Israels genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. It is suppressing protests against this and backing the radical right-wing Netanyahu regime politically and militarily. Arms exports from Germany to Israel have increased more than tenfold from around 30 million to over 300 million within a very short space of time. In addition, Germany supplies weapons and ammunition to Israel free of charge. The German ruling class is continuing its imperialist traditions and is once again seeking a leading role in the expanding war for the redivision of the world. In the meantime, they are discussing increasing the next special fund for the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) to 300 billion and even the procurement of German nuclear weapons is no longer a taboo. This madness must be stopped. As railway workers, we do not want to be accomplices to the genocide in Gaza and the cold-blooded slaughter of young soldiers in Ukraine. We want to prevent a third world war! But to do so, we must organise ourselves independently. The rail unionsEVG and GDLfully support this war and the support for genocide in Gaza by the German government. Only last week, the IG Metall, Germanys largest industrial union, presented a joint position paper with the SPD and the arms industry, the Federal Association of the German Security and Defence Industry (BDSV), on the remilitarisation of Germany. During contract bargaining in the summer, the EVG imposed a massive loss of real wages on us workers in order to collect the money needed for the horrendous armaments programme. Now the GDL is planning to do the same in the current bargaining round. They are working very closely with the government to finance the insane pro-war policy on our backs. As before the First and Second World Wars, the trade unions are completely subordinated to the capitalist state. The forerunner of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), the General German Trade Union Confederation (ADGB), even called on workers to march under the swastika flag on May 1, 1933. This was the only way the Nazis could use the Deutsche Reichsbahn (railways) as a fourth weapon for their crimes. It is estimated that more than three million Jews from all over Europe were transported to the extermination camps on Deutsche Reichsbahn trains, ultimately in cattle wagons. Hitlers Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) conduct of the wars of aggression would not have been possible without the Reichsbahn. The preparations for the attack on the Soviet Union are considered the largest railway march in history. The railway workers who resisted were persecuted and murdered. This included 154 railwaymen who were sentenced to death and executed for their resistance, 135 who died in concentration camps or penitentiaries, and 1,438 who were sentenced to concentration camps or prison. This must not happen again. But this requires the mobilisation of workers independently of the trade unions. We can only defend our wages and stop the war madness if we set up independent rank-and-file action committees. While the vast majority of workers oppose the massive spending on armaments and genocide in Gaza, these crimes are supported by the trade unions. The trade union bureaucrats have reacted with hostility to the call to refuse to build or transport weapons for Israel which Palestinian trade unions addressed to trade unions around the world on October 16, 2023. Only a few, such as an alliance of Belgian airport unions and a union of dockworkers in the port of Barcelona, refused at short notice to handle or load weapons for Israel. These courageous actions must be expanded and coordinated internationally. We know that with our call against war and genocide, and consequently for a stop to the production and transport of war equipment, weapons and ammunition, we are speaking for the majority of our colleagues and for the majority of working people as a whole. We therefore appeal to all employees of Deutsche Bahn and other railway companies, to our colleagues in the airports and seaports: Stop the military transports! We call on the workers in the armaments factories: Stop the production of weapons and ammunition! The claim that they are used for defence is a vile lie. Weapons and ammunition produced in Germany kill people, soldiers and civilians alike. The mass murder of women and children in Gaza is not self-defence. The senseless slaughter on the Ukrainian-Russian front does not serve the defence of Ukraine, but the defeat and division of Russia. A changed situation requires changed forms of organisation. The trade unions are in favour of wage cuts and job losses. They support war and genocide. The greater the crisis, the closer the trade unions move towards the ruling class. In a world of transnational corporations and a global war development, due to their national roots and orientation, the union bureaucracies are the main obstacle to the unification of workers across all national borders. What is needed is a form of organisation that declares war on the joint front of the government, corporations and trade unions, which opposes capitalism and the nation state and unites workers from all sectors worldwide and coordinates their struggles. This is what we at the Rail Action Committee stand for as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Get in touch with us: Document or note down the military transports that you come across in your work. We want to make the extent of the militarisation of society known! Join the Rail Action Committee and build it up as the organisation that consistently represents the interests of the workers and not those of the government and the capitalists! Build up the Action Committee as an organisation that aims to unite workers internationally against war and genocide! Get in touch either by Whatsapp message to the following number: +491633378340 or via the following form! Israeli helicopter flies over Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. [AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman] Israel continues to prepare for a ground offensive in Rafah on the Gaza border with Egypt and a war with Lebanon to Israels north. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant described the southern Gazan city, currently the location for one million displaced and starving Palestinians, as a significant Hamas stronghold and threatened that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was thoroughly planning future operations. We cant just leave Hamas there, said Foreign Minister Israel Katz at the Munich Security Conference, The state of Israel will have to deal with Rafah. Airstrikes are already killing hundreds of men, women and children in the refugee city. With the majority of Gazas population already crowded into less than 20 percent of its territory and every other major urban centre eviscerated, Palestinians have no way of acting on Israels evacuation order. Israeli plans have been revealed for a series of tent cities in an even smaller corner of the enclaves south west, pressed against the sea. Egypt is also making plans to prevent a mass flight of thousands of desperate people across the border into its Sinai desert. While reinforcing the border fence, a gated area with 23ft walls is being constructed and multiple new agencies report sources telling them an eight-mile square camp is planned. This criminal work is part of a conspiracy against the Palestinian people, with Israel seeking to reassure Egypt that the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of human beings will, one way or another, be strictly controlled. It was to this end that Katz told reporters in Munich that Israel had no intention of forcibly deporting Palestinians out of Gaza and that the country would coordinate with Egypt to ensure its intereststhat is, internal security concernsare not harmed. The fascist government of Israel has in any event repeatedly made clear that it prefers to see the Palestinians thrown into the Sinai desert and out of the Occupied Territories it intends to annexe permanently. If they cannot be forced to leave then those that do not will be killed in their tens of thousands. Katzs suggestions that evacuated Palestinians could go to Khan Younis underscores these murderous intentions. The city is home to the Nasser hospital, the largest still operational in Gaza, from which horrific scenes have been broadcast in the last two days. Videos show patients rushed through rubble and dust-strewn corridors on stretchers, with live fire ringing out just metres away. The hospital has been besieged for days and was raided by Israeli soldiers Thursday morning. Besides patients, hundreds of displaced people are sheltering in the compound. We stand helpless, said Dr. Nahed Abu Taima, director of Nasser Medical Complex, unable to provide any form of medical assistance to the patients inside the hospital or the victims flooding into the hospital every single minute. Staff had been forced to transfer all the patients and the wounded to the hospitals old building, he told Al Jazeera, adding that Israeli forces were rounding up patients and civilians taking shelter in the hospital. Electric power was cut off from the entire medical complex. Many patients in ICUs and those on oxygen supply and also those on dialysis are left fighting for their lives since 3am [02:00 GMT]. Hani Mahmoud, reporting for the broadcaster, explained, There is no electricity, oxygen, food or heating in the hospital. We are looking at another health facility being pushed out of service by Israeli forces. It is a continuation of the psychological warfare emphasizing to Palestinians there is no safe place across the Gaza Strip. By Friday evening, five people had been reported killed due to a lack of oxygen supply caused by the power outage. Doctors Without Borders wrote, After the bombing yesterday morning, our cadres reported an atmosphere of chaos, with an unknown number of dead and wounded. The fate of one of our colleagues remains unknown since the attack. One of Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders team was arrested at a military checkpoint as its staff was forced to flee the hospital. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reports that 12 of its members from the Amal Hospital in Khan Younis are also detained, after being arrested a week ago. PRCS staff described a caesarean birth carried out at the Amal on Friday with insufficient blood units, the absence of an available anaesthesia technician (who was arrested), and the lack of a neonatologist. Conditions further north are worse. ActionAid reported Friday that the 300,000 living there are almost completely cut off from humanitarian assistance. People who were so desperate that they were resorting to grinding up animal feed to use as flour are now finding that even this poor substitute is completely running out, said advocacy and communications coordinator at ActionAid Palestine Riham Jafari. She continued, As grim as the picture is, things will get substantially worse if Israel proceeds with its plans for a full military operation in Rafah, which is the main centre of aid distribution for the entire strip. Aid operations will grind to a complete halt, denying a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people. The consequences are unimaginable. Governments around the world must do everything in their power to prevent a further onslaught in Rafah and push for a permanent and immediate ceasefire. Far from reining in its soldiers, the Israeli government is widening its offensive, stepping up its aggression against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed at least 10 civilians in southern Lebanon, including five children, in the deadliest day for non-combatants since exchanges began between the two sides on October 8. Lebanon has submitted a complaint to the UN Security Council. Its Foreign Ministry condemned Israels deliberate and direct bombing of civilians safe in their homes as a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. On Friday, the IDF carried out major exercises in northern Israel, involving the 146th and 210th Divisions, alongside reservists. The Golani Brigade has also begun the procedure for increasing readiness on the northern border. Chief of the Northern Command Major General Ori Gordin held meetings with Israeli Air Force officials. Speaking at Munich, Katz insisted, The world must pressure Iran and Hezbollah to withdraw from south Lebanon. With casualties set to soar, particularly in Rafah, Israels imperialist backers have begun to put more emphasis into cynical calls for care and restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside the King of Jordan on Friday, warned that a ground invasion of Rafah could only lead to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in this conflict. He added his caution to those already uttered by Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Biden commented the same day, Ive had extensive conversations with the prime minister of Israel over the last several days, one hour each. And I made the case, that I feel very strongly about, that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the hostages out. In the meantime, I anticipate, Im hoping, that the Israelis will not make any massive land invasion [of Rafah] in the meantime. The concern of these blood-soaked criminals is not for the Palestinians, but for the popular response the massacre in Rafah will provoke in the Middle East and the imperialist centres. Theirs is primarily an attempt to shield themselves from too open collusion with the planned slaughter and to make it easier for allied Arab states to do the same. Israels genocide in Gaza is the spearhead of a regional war with the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran all in the crosshairs, behind which the US hopes to mobilise its Arab allies. The imperialist powers would likely prefer Israel not to unduly enflame the opposition movement before they have the necessary military, geopolitical and repressive preparation fully in place. But this is purely a tactical consideration. Not one is considering doing anything to stop Israel from acting as it pleases. Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz gave his governments reply: There will not be a ceasefire of even one day until the hostages are returned. The fighting will continue until our goals are achieved. It can continue even in the month of Ramadan. Either the hostages will be returned, or we will extend the fighting to Rafah. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is targeting AI-generated "disruptors" such as "deepfakes" as her office prepares for this year's elections. Big improvements are coming to the downtown Phoenix jazz scene. The Nash Jazz Club and Jazz in Arizona have announced a $2.5 million expansion of the club's facilities, including the creation of a 3,200-square-foot John Dawson Center for Jazz Education at The Nash, with construction beginning in May. The expansion was funded in part by a $1 million gift from the John Dawson Foundation, the largest one-time gift the nonprofit has ever received. In addition to the education center, the $2.5 million project will include extensive renovations to the Nash Jazz Club at 110 N. Roosevelt St., including a new stage and green room; more relaxed seating, including banquettes, booths and bar seating; a full bar; and enhanced food offerings and restroom facilities. All of these things together, we hope, will allow us to really flourish as the cultural hub for jazz here in the Southwest, says Naquana Borrero, the Nashs director of development and communications. We want to make sure that we're keeping up with the times. We don't want to be irrelevant. We want to be progressive. We're making this gumbo, right? And we're just adding our ingredients. John Dawson Foundation's 'transformational gift to the Nash' John Dawson The Dawson Education Center will be just north of the Nash, across the parking lot at 1014 N. Second St., creating a comprehensive complex for jazz performance and musician training on Roosevelt Row in the heart of downtown Phoenix. We are thrilled to be making this transformational gift to The Nash, allowing them to expand their thriving jazz education program, Dave Lunt, president of the John Dawson Foundation, says. Mr. Dawson was a lifelong supporter of jazz music, featuring it prominently for more than four decades at his Scottsdale Plaza Resort and Remington's, as well as directly supporting Jazz in AZ. We look forward to his legacy being carried on through the John Dawson Center for Jazz Education at the Nash. All education programming will move into the center once it opens. The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, a longtime supporter of the Nash, is supporting the project with a $100,000 gift toward the education center and a challenge grant that will match donations toward the remodel of the jazz club up to $100,000. What to expect at the John Dawson Center for Jazz Education The John Dawson Center for Jazz Education will have 1,800 square feet of rehearsal space. This includes a 900-square-foot hall to accommodate groups such as big band ensembles, as well as two 450-square-foot spaces for combo and ensemble instruction and rehearsal. The center will expand the organizations educational programming capacity by 50%. Student performances will continue to be held in the Nash Jazz Club. It really is transformative for us to be able to respond to the growing education program that we have, Borrero says. We've tripled the size of our program in the last couple years, since getting our director of education, Dr. Clark Gibson. The Nash started a summer camp for jazz on the campus of the Arizona School for the Arts in 2023. Last year, it had about 80-83 kids, Borrero says. This year, we anticipate about 150 kids. So there's really a need in the Valley for additional jazz education. And this will be our way to really meet that need. How the $1 million gift to the Nash came about The Nash in downtown Phoenix This expansion is part of a strategic plan that started with the Nash participating in the ATLAS program offered by the Piper Trust. Designed to increase the operational capacity and organizational resilience of select Maricopa County nonprofits, the program allowed the Nash to hire Borrero and Gibson in 2022. Once Clark and I were on staff full time, we've had a lot of brainstorming about expansion and what we can do with the new capacity that the organization had, Borrero says. We knew that if the programming expanded, we would always need additional facilities. Among the options they considered was relocating the Nash. But then, the building just across the parking lot became an option. The Nash and the Dawson Foundation had already been discussing ways for the foundation to invest more deeply in the Nash. So when the time came that we had a potential place that we could move, they were ready to go ahead and support that, Borrero says. It just was really one of those great things where opportunity and preparation met at the right intersection for us to be able to do it. What a separate education center will mean for the Nash Right now, the Nash has one rehearsal room and seven ensembles that rehearse there year-round. That means student ensembles are frequently using the main room of the Nash as a rehearsal room on weeknights. That really is a hindrance to us, as far as being able to bring in additional revenue, because we could be having more shows, we could be facilitating local artists, we could be doing all sorts of things that help us to be a cultural hub for jazz in the Valley, Borrero says. But we have rehearsals there for the kids. So, for us, it was really about making sure that we can grow with the need without having that interfere with our ability to bring additional jazz performances, because that is a significant part of our mission, and also for earned revenue. In the new building, multiple groups can rehearse at the same while the main building is hosting concerts. The expansion also makes additional recording space available for students. We have a lot of students who are moving through high school, wanting to pursue music in higher education, and they've got to record auditions, Borrero says. This gives us the space to be able to do that and to also be really innovative about some new programming so that we can fuse the worlds of music and technology. "Any high-level performing artist right now has to have a certain level of technical mastery in order to get their music out. So we want to make sure our kids are well versed in that as well. And this allows us to do that. Why jazz education is so important for young students Music education is a key part of the Nashs mission statement. The last statistic I saw was that about 40 to 43% of schools in Arizona have a full-time music program for the kids, Borrero says. So, first and foremost, it's important to us because there are so many kids who aren't getting music education at all, let alone jazz. But in particular, jazz is important because it's the first American art form when it comes to music. And when kids learn jazz, she says, theyre not just learning jazz. What they learn in jazz collaboration, improvisation these are transferable skills for students that they can apply in a lot of different places in their life, Borrero says. We always say in jazz, it's great because you're gonna learn how to lead, you're gonna learn how to follow, you're gonna learn that everybody gets a chance to shine, you're gonna learn to work together. And we think that that's a necessary set of skills for students today. See the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra at Bash for the Nash The project will officially be unveiled at the annual Bash for the Nash on Saturday, Feb. 24. It will feature the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra at the Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Commemorating the centennial of Sarah Vaughan, the orchestra will be joined by guest vocalist Carmen Bradford, who was discovered by Count Basie and has performed with the orchestra since 1983. The event includes a VIP preconcert experience, with hors doeuvres, a hosted bar, auction and talk with Bradford, Basie orchestra director Scotty Barnhart and Nash namesake and renowned jazz drummer Lewis Nash. VIP tickets cost $250. Concert-only tickets begin at $59. Student rates are available. Funds raised from Bash for the Nash will support the Nash education programs. The Nash opened in 2012 as a venue to bring the community together to enjoy and learn about the amazing music that uniquely reflects the American experience, Joel Goldenthal, executive director of the Nash, says. The renovation of the Nash performance space, in tandem with the opening of the John Dawson Center for Jazz Education, will make our nonprofit venue more inviting to our multigenerational audiences and become a beacon for asserting jazz in the cultural landscape of our city. The Bash for the Nash with Legendary Count Basie Orchestra When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Where: Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Admission: $59 and up. Details: 602-795-0464, ticketmaster.com. Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix jazz club The Nash gets $1M gift for big expansion A trio of professional gamers sued video game developer Activision Friday for its unlawful 100% monopoly on Call of Duty leagues and tournaments, a competitive gaming space they said was a lucrative and once-vibrant market. Filed in the central district of California, western division court on Friday by plaintiffs Hector Rodriguez, Seth Abner and Hecz LLC, the lawsuit accuses Activision of practicing myriad anticompetitive actions. Activision has used that unlawful monopoly power to prevent would-be competitors from entering the market, as well as to coerce the markets other participants in particular, professional Call of Duty players and team owners to acquiesce to extortionate financial terms, the lawsuit states. Absent its unlawful monopoly, Activision could never have obtained those terms, which enrich Activision at the team owners and players expense without any pro-competitive justification. The suit further claims that prospective team owners and players who were unwilling or unable to acquiesce to those terms were effectively frozen out of the market (i.e., were forced to forego participating in the relevant market altogether), while other prospective team owners and players (including Rodriguez and Abner) were forced to incur additional (and foreseeable) economic burdens in order to satisfy Activisions anticompetitive terms. Activision responded to the lawsuit Friday, calling it meritless litigation. We will strongly defend against these claims, which have no basis in fact or in law, a spokesperson said in a statement to TheWrap. We are disappointed that these members of the esports community would bring this suit which is disruptive to team owners, players, fans and partners who have invested so much time and energy into the Call of Duty leagues success. Rodriguez and Abner demanded that Activision pay them tens of millions of dollars to avoid this meritless litigation, and when their demands were not met, they filed, the statement continued. Among the lawsuits claims is that Activision dramatically impair[ed] Rodriguezs ability to monetize the OpTic brand and that he was coerced into giving the billionaire investors a substantial share of ownership in his company OpTic IP, LLC (Optic Gaming). According to Activision, Rodriguez sold his CDL league OpTic Texas (formerly called the Dallas Empire) two years prior to the formation of the League he now claims devalued it. The plaintiffs have requested a jury trial. The post Activision Sued for $100 Million by Pro Gamers Citing Unlawful Monopoly on Call of Duty Leagues, Tournaments appeared first on TheWrap. Yawn told local outlet 'First Coast News' that she and her fiancee used "every penny we had" on the reported $1.6 million home NBC/Bravo Captain Sandy Yawn of 'Below Deck Mediterranean' Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck Mediterranean alleges that her Florida home has been left unfinished and that developers went MIA with all of our money. The Bravo star, 58, claimed to local Florida outlet First Coast News that after she bought a home in Nocatee, Florida with fiancee Leah Shafer a sale previously reported to be $1.6 million the builders disappeared. "We dipped into our bank account and used every penny we had, and this is our finished product," Yawn said. The home, located in St. Johns County, appeared to be unfinished on a video captured by First Coast News. The Jacksonville Daily Record, which previously reported news of the sale in January, noted that Pineapple Corporation of Jacksonville Inc. sold the home to Yawn. "We want justice and would like our money back along with the other victims," Yawn said in a statement to PEOPLE, Pineapple Corporation did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment on Thursday and Friday. Related: 'Below Deck' 's Captain Sandy Yawn Has 'No Shame' About Former Addiction: 'I Should Have Been Dead 10 Times Over' Yawn told First Coast News that she had to hire additional workers to finish her home, which she said may cost her an additional $800,000. Pineapple Corporation is in communication with all parties involved to find an amiable solution," the company's president Spencer Calvert told the outlet. "We do not disclose details of private negotiations." According to First Coast News, the company is not on Nocatees current list of developers and other residents have claimed that they haven't seen the developers on site in a year. Per local news outlet News 4 Jax, St. Johns County officials believe that Pineapple Corporation is no longer in business. County officials did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request on Friday to confirm the status of the business. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. First Coast News/ YouTube Captain Sandy Yawn stands in front of her Florida home, which she claimed has been left unfinished by developers Shafer said that she and Yawn "worked really, really hard to pay for this house in cash." "And it's gone. Like, its gone, Shafer told First Coast News. And so now were having to basically pay for this house twice." Other neighbors expressed their grievances to the outlet, including Demetri Fishkin who claimed he has to spend an extra $500,000 to finish a home he was supposed to move into 18 months ago. Another resident said she put her "life savings" into a home in the neighborhood. "For the Pineapple Corporation to just walk away and leave it not just unfinished, but it's a mess," said neighbor Lisa Sparks. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Andreas Dresens favorite Berlinale memory, as youd expect, involves Currywurst. I was on the jury one year, And it was clear I was the local guy among all these big names, he recalls. Now the festival had a vegan menu already then, and at the awards dinner, we had great food but they were quite small portions and [jury president] Wong Kar Wai turns to me and says Andreas, cant we get some real food? So I took them all, Susanne Bier, Shirin Neshat, Tim Robbins, everyone in tuxes and evening gowns, to [legendary Berlin snack bar] Curry 36 for a Currywurst. Even Tim Robbins, who actually is vegetarian, tucked in. I personally saw him gobble up three Currywursts. It was the most Berlin moment ever. More from The Hollywood Reporter Dresen has had a few. The 60-year-old director has been a regular at Germanys top film festival since 1991 when his student film So schnell es geht nach Istanbul premiered in the fests Forum section. There he met Wolfgang Pfeiffer, who produced his feature debut, Silent Country. His follow-up, Night Shapes, was in the Berlin competition in 1999 and won the Silver Bear for best actor for star Michael Gwisdek. Since then, hes had four more films in competition including this years Golden Bear contender From Hilde, With Love as well as screening documentaries in Panorama and serving on multiple juries. A pre-Currywurst photo of the international jury of the 2013 Berlinale. The Berlinales a bit like my second living room, says Dresen. I really know the festival inside out, from every possible perspective. Currywurst with Tim and Wong aside, an absolute Berlinale highlight for Dresen came in 2002 when Grill Point won the Grand Jury prize. The low-budget dramedy about two couples living in a small city on the Polish border was completely improvised. It was a very special story because Grill Point was ridiculously low-budget, almost an experimental movie, says Dresen. We didnt expect it to come out at all, let alone go to the Berlinale. Then we got into competition and the premiere was one of the most impressive Ive ever seen. It was on Tuesday afternoon, I think, and the room literally exploded. At the awards ceremony, when we won, I brought the entire team on stage all the actors and the entire crew and we were 12 people total. Dresen, who never uses the a film by credit in his movies I hate that formulation because a film is made by a team, he says made an exception with Grill Point, listing everyones name, from leads to grips, involved in the picture. Andreas Dresen with the entire cast and crew of 2002 Berlin Silver Bear winner Grill Point The German directors work often oscillates between semi-improvised, near-documentary-style dramas, like Grill Point, Cloud 9, and Stopped on Track the later both Cannes premieres, winning the jury prize and best film, respectively, in Un Certain Regard in 2008 and 2011 and more tightly-scripted fare from his regular collaborations, the late Wolfgang Kohlhaase (who penned Summer in Berlin, Whiskey With Vodka and 2015 Berlinale competition entry As We Were Dreaming) and Laila Stieler, screenwriter on 2005 crime thriller Willenbrock, 2018 period drama Gundermann about Gerhard Gundermann, East Germanys answer to Bob Dylan, and Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush, which won the Berlinale Silver Bear in 2022 for star Meltem Kaptan as the titular Turkish housewife who takes on the U.S. government to free her son from his illegal imprisonment in Guantanamo Bay. Alexander Scheer and Meltem Kaptan in Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush. Stieler also wrote the screenplay for Dresens latest, From Hilde, With Love, which features Babylon Berlin star Liv Lisa Fries in the real-life tale of Hilde Coppi, a left-wing resistance fighter who was executed by the Nazis in 1943. But Dresen is quick to note that his scripted films also involve a lot of improvisation for the big scene with Hilde on death row when she dictates her farewell letter, I gave Liv Lisa Fries complete freedom in how she wanted to do it, we shot the scene all day, and each take was 10-12 minutes long, her doing different things every time, he notes. Even his near-documentary movies have carefully staged moments. In Grill Point, theres a recurring joke where downtrodden protagonist Uwe (Axel Prahl) keeps stumbling across a group of buskers, who appear to multiply with each encounter. (The buskers, played by German folk ensemble 17 Hippies, actually outnumbered the films entire crew.) Born and raised in Eastern Germany, and a filmmaker who has always made his working-class and left-wing alliances a point of pride, Dresen is most often compared to British social realist legend Ken Loach. While there are similarities Im a total fan of Loach, how he tells stories of so-called ordinary people with such humor and heart, while remaining political, he says branding Dresen the German Ken Loach would be unfair and reductive. Loach has yet to make an explicitly erotic dramedy about a senior citizen experiencing the 30-year-itch (as Dresen did with Cloud 9) or a kids film based on a German fairytale (Dresen 2017s The Legend of Timm Thaler or The Boy Who Sold His Laughter). I always want to try something different, something I havent done before, says Dresen. After the success of Grill Point, everyone wanted Grill Point 2, the same sort of thing, but I hate repeating myself. So my next film was a documentary about a German politician (2003s Vote for Henryk!) then a crime thriller (2005s Willenbrock). He will be following up From Hilde, With Love, a powerful, if often harrowing story of love and resistance from the darkest period of German history, with Auguste, the Christmas Goose, a remake of an East German holiday classic from 1988. After Hilde, it felt right to do a nice family film again, he admits. The directors versatility has made him hard to pigeonhole, much less market, as an arthouse brand along the lines of Loach or Aki Kaurismaki (another of Dresdens favorites). His films vary widely in mood and style from the gritty kitchen-sink realism of Grill Point and Stopped on Track, the story of a man dying of brain cancer to period films Hilde and Gundermann the latter examines how the German Democratic Republics secret police service, the Stasi, infiltrated every aspect of its citizens lives, even the most intimate to the Erin Brockovich-esque docu-drama of Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush. (from left): actor Alexander Scheer, director Andreas Dresen and actress Meltem Kaptan at the photo call for Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush at the 2022 Berlinale The history of East Germany often plays a central role in Dresdens movies, but he avoids both the Ostalgie (East Nostalgia) of films like Wolfgang Beckers Goodbye Lenin, which paints East Germany as a kooky place with funny cars and odd objects, he noted, in an interview with Senses of Cinema in 2009, or the Hollywood fairy tale of sinister Stasi agents in black coats as seen in Florian Henckel von Donnersmarcks The Lives of Others. Im not saying these are bad films but for me, they have relatively little to do with the GDR or GDR history most Stasi agents had families; they lived perfectly normal, ordinary lives, having BBQs on the weekends with friends in their dachas, and on Monday they went back to the office and denounced people. (Both Becker and von Donnersmarck are Wessies, German for people from West Germany). From Hilde, With Love is also a very inside look at Eastern German history. Though barely known in the West, Hilde Coppi was an iconic figure in East Germany, one of the absolute superheroes of the Communist resistance, branded the Red Chapel by the Nazi Gestapo. Together with her husband Hans and a small group of mostly socialist and communist-leaning activists, they tried to counter Nazi propaganda with anti-fascist flyers, clandestine protests, and pirate radio broadcasts, including transmitting messages, from Radio Moscow, of German war prisoners to their families back home. (Hitlers propaganda claimed the Soviets took no prisoners, but shot every soldier on sight.) They were put on such a pedestal in the East, made to seem so brave, so incredibly strong, which I think had a very political intention behind it, says Dresen. Because when you have people so great, so superhuman, you cant ever imagine yourself rising to their level, to be that brave. You cant imagine yourself fighting the system the way they did. But what I found interesting about the real Hilde Coppi, is that she wasnt a superhero. Shed never even have claimed to be a resistance fighter. She was just someone who followed her heart and did what she thought was right. From Hilde, With Love The story of From Hilde, With Love is thus a more ordinary, and more moving and powerful tale of human decency. Dresen cross-cuts the depiction of Hildes arrest, imprisonment she gave birth to her son while in a Gestapo jail and eventual beheading by the Nazis, with Hilde and Hans relationship, the first summer they met and fell in love. And had sex! Dresen chuckles. I dont know if youve ever noticed watching films about resistance fighters, but apparently, they never had sex. I guess between all that pamphleting and being heroic and fighting Fascism and all, they just didnt have time. By balancing the light of Hilde Coppis life with the darkness of its end, Dresen finds hope and humanity in the midst of the horror. There are no monsters here even Hildes Nazi guards treat her kindly and complain about the injustice of her trial only flawed ordinary people, some braver than others. There are some pure assholes in the world, but I rarely put them in my movies, says Dresen. I try to find the good in everyone. In other words: theres no one Andreas Dresen wouldnt share a Currywurst with. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Bill Maher tore into Republican talking points that President Joe Biden is the cause of every single thing going wrong in America. On HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday, the host quipped to laughs, Now would I choose Joe Biden as my partner in the Squid Games? No. But facts are facts, Maher continued. For months, weve been treated to a steady stream of very good economic news. Unemployment is low. The stock market is high. Were investing billions in a green energy economy. Only minutes after it was too late. Everyone who wants a job can find one, he added, except Nikki Haley. Maher bemoaned the predictable hyperbole leading up to the 2024 election. Is it really healthy to blame every problem in your life on Joe Biden? the comedian said. I cant find a job in this historically low unemployment economy. Thanks a lot, Joe Biden. The price of milk in France has gone up, I blame Biden. My wife hasnt had sex with me for monthsdamn you, Joe Biden! Maher pointed out that a record number of American voters now identify as independents, which he attributed to mindless partisanship which isnt just making it harder to get things done, its boring. He didnt spare left-leaning news outlets. For a while liberal media was full of headlines and quotes about how not only was Ron DeSantis just as bad as Trump, he would be worse. More dangerous than Trump, whos Hitler. OK, Donald Trump is not Adolf Hitler, just a big fan. Does everything have to go to DEFCON 1 right away? Cant you just not like DeSantis but concede hes not Trump? I think if he lost an election, hed concede. He served in the military, he didnt weasel his way out of it. He works with the other team when theres a disaster. And when he does, he even signals his support for the gay community, Maher said, as the screen flashed to the white rain boots the Florida governor wore during Hurricane Ian relief efforts. This is going to be a long grueling and mostly pointless campaign since everyone already knows which of the two elderly candidates they prefer to barely tolerate, Maher continued. The one who cant walk upstairs, or the one who cant walk down ramps. Thats where we are, Maher said before signing off. Can we please not make it even more tedious than it already is? I dont want to hear any more about how somehow Joe Biden has the energy to completely destroy America, even though he cant open a package of nuts with his teeth. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The Casting Society (CSA) today announced that Niecy Nash-Betts and comedian Alex Edelman will host the dual Los Angeles and New York ceremonies, respectively. of the 39th Artios Awards, on March 7. The L.A. ceremony will be held at the Beverly Hilton, while the New York event is at the Edison Ballroom. A third Artios ceremony will take place at the White City House (Soho House) in London, also on March 7. Nash-Betts won an Emmy in January for her performance in the limited series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. More from GoldDerby We are honored and excited to have Niecy as our esteemed host in Los Angeles, said CSA President Destiny Lilly. Her dynamic presence, charm and boundless energy promise to infuse the evening with laughter and heart. Niecy has consistently been a huge advocate for the work we do as casting professionals, so its a privilege to celebrate the most important night of the year for us with her. Im also thrilled that Alex Edelman will bring his timely and innovative comedic voice as the host of our New York event. SEEOppenheimer, Maestro, Rustin, Barbie, The Holdovers top Casting Society Artios Awards film nominees Edelman is a comic, actor and writer who had his Broadway debut with Just for Us last year. He was recently seen at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles after sold-out runs in Washington D.C., Boston, Melbourne, Edinburgh and London. The three-pronged Artios events honors casting professionals in more than 20 different categories covering film, television and theatre. Additionally, special honorees are selected for their contributions to the casting craft. Nominees and winners are voted on by members of the Casting Society. PREDICT the 2024 Oscar winners through March 10 Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why? SIGN UP for Gold Derbys free newsletter with latest predictions Best of GoldDerby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Buoyed by the Oscar nomination of Chiles very own Maite Alberdi for her poignant doc, The Eternal Memory, Chiles documentary sector could not be more vibrant. Debuting at the Berlinales Forum sidebar is Oasis, the latest feature doc from the Mapa Filmico de un Pais (MAFI) collective and the hybrid LGBTIQ+ themed short film Towards the Sun, Far from the Center. Directed by Luciana Merino and Pascal Viveros and produced by Javiera Pineda, it vies for the best short film and the Teddy awards. More from Variety Both have their world premieres on Monday, Feb. 19. Competing for the best documentary feature prize, Oasis is helmed by Tamara Uribe and Felipe Morgado and produced by Alba Gaviraghi and Diego Pino. It chronicles the turbulent times that led Chile to attempt a re-write of the Pinochet-era Constitution. We are pleased about this invitation and to be able to show our film. With it, we want to contribute images and reflection to this political and social process that has been historic for our country and unprecedented for the world, from a collective point of view, said Uribe. Towards the Sun, Far from the Center is a symphony of a city that is wondering and trying to discover the sentimental architecture of Santiago, said Merino. I like to think of the short film as a vanishing point that allows us to imagine new possibilities and landscapes for the place we inhabit, added Viveros. Today, the documentary serves as a great ambassador for Chilean cinema, led this year by The Eternal Memory and Malqueridas, the latter receiving three awards at the Venice Film Festivals Critics Week, said Paula Ossandon, director of Chiledoc, which aims to foster and promote Chilean documentaries worldwide. Our documentary sector has consolidated its artistic and technical quality and, above all, its ability to attract global audiences with the themes it addresses, she pointed out. On Sunday, Feb. 18, Chiledoc will be hosting a cocktail event where Ossandon will kick off with a talk on Chiles state funding for film and television in a bid to further enhance and promote co-productions with the country. Towards the Sun, Far from the Center Among the large Chilean delegation attending Berlinale is Carola Fuentes of La Ventana Cine, a renowned documentary production company (Chicago Boys, Breaking the Brick) and television content producer (Que comes?, #Por que en mi jardin). We closed 2023 with four international co-productions, and that has us very excited. We are convinced that even though Chile can be considered a small market in terms of audience, it is an enormous source of stories waiting to be told and shared with the rest of the world, and that fills us with passion, said Fuentes, adding: EFM is one of the most important markets on the circuit. For us, its an opportunity to meet in person with our co-producers the German company Taglicht Media and connect with other potential allies or producers with whom we can start new projects together. Alberdi competed for the best documentary feature Oscar in 2021 with her charming The Mole Agent but lost out to My Octopus Teacher from Netflix. Given its rousing reception since its premiere and grand jury prize win at Sundance, The Eternal Memory has a good shot at bringing home the gold this time around. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Amber Smith lived through something more horrific than most could even imagine. After being violently raped, strangled, and beaten, she was left for dead in a Fort Collins park in August 2013 by an unknown attacker, according to Dateline: Unforgettable. The attackers DNA was found on her body and on the red duct tape he used to bind her head, arms, and feet but police couldnt link it to a suspect. In the months that would follow, a terrified Amber was afraid to go out of her home and was suspicious of every man who looked a little too long. Then, two years after the attack, in an attempt to reclaim her life, she moved in with a group of friends, who offered her a safe place to land as she healed. But she never could have imagined her rapist was among her new roommates. Sometimes good guys and bad guys are hard to tell apart, Dateline Correspondent Keith Morrison said of the terrifying case. For more from Dateline: Package Bomb Explodes At California Day Spa, Killing Beloved Esthetician and Injuring Two Clients Mom of Three Dies from Gunshot Wound After Hosting New Years Eve Party, but Was It Suicide or Murder? Navy Petty Officer and Devoted Mom Found Shot To Death in Her Van What happened to Amber Smith? In August 2013, Smith was a 20-year-old single mom, working to make ends meet at a local 7-11 in the bustling college town of Fort Collins, Colorado. On the night of the attack, Smith was enjoying a night off with her friend, Aric Vanagunas. The two shared some drinks at Rossborough Park, but after consuming too much, Amber fell asleep at a picnic table at the park. When she regained consciousness, she was bound with duct tape and a man was on top of her. I remember waking up on my stomach on the floor, and my hands and my feet were bound with duct tape and my mouth was bound with duct tape, but my eyes were not, she said. I knew I was in danger, so I started to scream through the tape as loud as I could and I was trying to break free from the tape. Amber couldnt see the mans face and remembers him bashing her in the jaw, before placing a rope around her neck and strangling her until she lost consciousness. In her final moments before passing out, Smith remembers thinking of her 3-year-old son, Gabriel. I cant leave my son behind. Thats my baby, thats my world, like I gotta be strong, I gotta pull through this for him, she said. I cant die, that was not an option. The next thing she remembers, she woke up, naked, bound, and bleeding at another park, Cottonwood Glen Park, on the edge of town around 4 a.m. People who heard her agonized screams for help, called 911. Rookie cop Dane Stratton was the first to arrive at the scene and followed the harrowing screams to a service road at the park, where he found Smith fighting for her life. Its a horror story on the best day, he said of the disturbing scene. It was beyond anything I would imagine. She had been strangled and left here for dead. Amber Smith's Injuries Smith was rushed to the hospital, where doctors tried to stabilize her injuries. Detective Siobhan Seymour remembered seeing her in the emergency room. She had suffered from a broken jaw, a brain bleed. One of her eyes was almost swollen shut. She had these ligature marks on her neck, where you could tell she had been strangled, Seymour said. She had a hard time speaking because her jaw hurt so badly. Who was suspected in the brutal attack? Although Smiths memory of the attack was hazy, Seymour knew one of the first people she needed to talk to was the friend Smith had been hanging out with at the park. She tracked down Vanagunas at his church. He told Seymour that after she fell asleep, he was unable to wake her up and left her. After a few minutes of driving around, he started to worry and returned to check on her. I came back and she she just seemed fine. So, I thought that it would be ok if like like I left her there, he told Seymour. I didnt feel too good about it. A mugshot of Stefan Moon Stefan Moon Photo: Colorado Department of Corrections Vanagunas also offered to provide his DNA. Due to the violent nature of the attack, investigators believed the assailant may have struck before and were hopeful theyd find a match in CODIS, the national database of those whove been arrested or convicted of a felony. Yet, they were discouraged to discover the DNA found at the scene did not match Vanagunas or anyone in the CODIS database. I just felt sick. I felt like how could this be? Seymour said. We dont have a suspect, like how do we not have a suspect? Who is this guy? Where is he? Amber Smith crosses paths with her attacker Without an arrest, Smith was terrified her rapist could still be somewhere on the streets. She slipped into a depression and blamed herself for the brutal attack. Ive always felt responsible or like it was my fault, she told Morrison through tears. If I wouldnt have been intoxicated or at that park that night then none of this would have happened, you know. She was afraid to leave her house, but in 2015, a friend she met through her boyfriend offered her a safe place she could stay as she healed. One of the other roommates at the house, Stefan Sam Moon became a good friend and was always there for her anytime she needed to talk about the attack. Stefan was real, real supportive, she said of her quiet, considerate friend. He said, Im so sorry, and you know, would you like a hug and you should never have to go through that." Who attacked Amber Smith? By 2017, Smith had moved into her own small apartment with her son and was putting the pieces of her life back together. Shed come to make peace with the idea that she may never know who attacked her that brutal night four years ago. But investigators were just about to get the break theyd been waiting for. After a man was arrested for stealing a bike and lying to a pawnbroker about the items origins, a felony in the state of Colorado, his DNA was taken and placed in the system. Surprisingly, it was a match to the 2013 rape. Seymour was elated, but she could never have imagined the man was someone Smith knew. She rushed over to Smiths apartment to tell her about the match. I was overjoyed, I was like yes, this was a start of a new beginning, Smith said. But she was stunned when Seymour showed her the suspects picture and she realized it was Moon, the same man who had once comforted her after the attack. I said what, like I no, no, I was like there is a mistake, she said. This is not real, this is not right, this is not accurate. My whole world was flipped upside down. Smith believed she first met Moon in 2015, but she had no idea they had really crossed paths two years earlier. Shocked, she agreed to call Moon in a recorded phone call and confront him with the DNA match. "Yeah, so, the, um, the police contacted me and said, um, your DNA matched up, she said in the call. What?...Oh my God, Amber. Um, IIIii dont know what to say, Moon stumbled. I did not hurt you. Moon later told Smith and police that while he had sex with Smith that night, he never hurt her and claimed he found her at the park after she posted an ad on Craigs list offering free sex, in one last horrifying attempt to disparage her name. The DNA evidence at the scene, however, discredited his story. His DNA was not only found inside Ambers body, but it was on the duct tape, her neck and other places he touched her that night. After subpoenaing records from Craigs List, investigators could also find no evidence of a post like the one he had described. Where is Stefan Moon now? Moon was arrested and charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and other related charges. His case finally went to trial in 2019. There was a tremendous amount of pressure to get it right, Seymour said of taking the stand. It was almost as if I was fighting for a sister to be able to find that sense of closure so that she could move forward with her life. Shock ripped through the courtroom when Moon was acquitted on the attempted murder charge against him, but he was found guilty of kidnapping, sexual assault, and the other charges against him. He received a maximum sentence of 128 years behind bars and is incarcerated at a Colorado prison. Today, Smith is determined to use her experience to help others. I feel more at peace now, I feel like I can finally move on with my life, she said. It doesnt define me anymore, Im not a victim. Former President Donald Trump has broken his silence to decry N.Y. judge Arthur Engoron's verdict. After several weeks of going to trial, Trump was ordered by Judge Engoron to pay the hefty sum of $355 million in his fraud case. He was also barred from ever doing business in New York for the next three years. Taking to social media to air his grievances, Trump slammed the verdict as "ELECTION INTERFERENCE!" Donald Trump Laments Verdict In Fraud Case MEGA It is safe to say that former U.S. president Trump is not happy with the results of his fraud case, which was brought against him by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Speaking on the verdict, Trump said, "A crooked New York State just ruled that I have to pay a fine of $355 million for having built a perfect company. Great cash, great buildings, great everything." Trump then blasted AG Letitia James as corrupt, claiming that she campaigned on the fact that "I will get Trump, I will get Trump." The business mogul then described the verdict as something that has never been seen in the United States of America. "This is Russia, this is China, this is the same game. It all comes out of the DOJ; it all comes out of Biden. It is a witch hunt against his political opponent, the likes of which our country has never seen before. You see it in third-world countries, banana republics, but you don't see it here." View this post on Instagram A post shared by President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) He then proceeded to state that he planned to appeal the verdict and used the opportunity to campaign against President Joe Biden, claiming that he would have never been hit with lawsuits if he weren't running for president. Over on his app Truth Social, Trump echoed the same sentiments, writing: "A Crooked New York State Judge, working with a totally Corrupt Attorney General who ran on the basis of 'I will get Trump,' before knowing anything about me or my company, has just fined me $355 Million based on nothing other than having built a GREAT COMPANY. ELECTION INTERFERENCE. WITCH HUNT." Fox News Eric Trump echoed several of his fathers grievances after the pair found out Friday that they, along with Donald Trump Jr., have to pay a $364 million finebefore interestfor committing bank fraud, and insisted that his familys real estate business is actually amazing. About an hour after the former president emerged from Mar-a-Lago to criticize the city and state of New York, smear the states attorney general, and falsely claim that there was no fraud taking place in the Trump Organization, his son hit many of the same notes on Fox News. The best thing I ever did was get out of New York. New York is a hopeless place at this point. Its so sad, Trump complained to Jeanine Pirro, guest host of The Ingraham Angle, adding that the Trump Organization is an amazing company. Not only were Eric Trump and his brother ordered Friday to each pay $4 millionnot including interestbut they were also stripped of their roles as executive vice presidents. Also, the siblings cant even run any other New York business for two years. Earlier, Donald Trump likewise knocked the city he had long called home before declaring Palm Beach, Florida his primary residence in 2019. I paid approximately $300 million in taxes as the migrants come in and they take over New York, he griped. Well appeal. Well be successful, I think, because frankly if were not successful, New York state is gone. People are moving out of New York state, and because of this, theyre going to move out at a much faster rate. On Fox, whose hard news anchors earlier agreed with some of the indicted former presidents talking points about the case, Eric Trump then claimed the trial was just another attempt by Democrats to harm his father politically. Trumps No Victims Fraud Defense Is an Insult to Taxpayers They are doing everything they possibly canno different than impeachment one, impeachment two, the Russia hoax, the spying on his campaign, the going after Kavanaugh, he said. The scene at Mar-a-Lago hadnt been much different. This is Russia, this is China, this is the same game. It all comes out of the DOJ. It all comes out of Biden, Trump said, even though the civil fraud case was not brought by the Department of Justice. Eric Trump also argued that his indicted fathers myriad legal troubles only exist because hes running for office again. They would not be doing this if Donald Trump wasnt the frontrunner for president, beating Joe Biden in every single poll, absolutely blowing Nikki Haley out of the water, Trump told Pirro, despite national polls from a few weeks ago showing otherwise. Thats why theyre attacking him. Theyre attacking him civilly and criminally. They are doing everything they possibly can. In Florida, Trump likewise had said the law used against him in the trial was applied because Im running for president. After citing favorable polls, he declared: If I werent running, none of this would have ever happened. None of these lawsuits would have ever happened. I would have had a nice life. While Trump manages his cash crunch just weeks after being hit with an $83 million defamation verdict, his attention will also be on his first criminal trial next monthalso in New Yorkfor allegedly falsifying business records to help his 2016 presidential campaign. That trial is set to begin March 25, nearly a year after he was indicted on 34 felony counts. 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. Jordan North has spoken out following his abrupt departure from BBC Radio 1's drivetime show, in a message thanking his listeners and former colleagues. Writing on social media on Saturday, North also mentioned his "partner in crime" Vick Hope, adding: "I'll miss being on air with you every day." On Friday, Radio 1 announced that Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing would replace North on the drivetime show. North did not give the reasons for his departure or where he would be going. However, the Sun reports that he is joining the Capital FM Breakfast team, citing insiders. BBC News has contacted North's management, and Global, which owns Capital FM, for comment. North had worked at Radio 1 for 10 years and is a much-loved presenter. In his statement, North, 34, wrote: "I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly." North also thanked his "amazing fellow presenters", singling out names including Greg James, Scott Mills, Clara Amfo and Hope. He added: "Most importantly, the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words and messages have been so lovely." Hope said she was "absolutely gutted" over the departure of her "incredibly special friend". "I've loved being on this journey with you for a little bit, and will always support and cheer for you as you embark on the next chapter," she posted on Instagram. Jamie Laing will replace North on Radio 1's Going Home show next month North has presented the drivetime show with Hope since 2021, having previously presented weekend shows like Greatest Hits on Sundays. He also co-hosts the popular Help I Sexted My Boss podcast with William Hanson. In 2020, he took part in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, finishing second. Laing will host the Going Home show between 15:30-17:45 Monday to Thursdays alongside Hope. He will take over from 4 March, having previously presented on the station during Mollie King's maternity leave, describing it as "an absolute dream". NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has been married to Samantha Busch since 2010 Jason Lowrie/Utopia Select/Shutterstock Samantha Busch and Kyle Busch at the World Premiere of the Kyle Busch Documentary 'ROWDY' on June 23, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse. Professional race car driver Kyle Busch and his wife lifestyle blogger, author and IVF advocate Samantha Busch have stuck together through lifes ups and downs. Samantha was born in St. John, Indiana, on June 1, 1986. Years later, in 2007, Samantha, who was a psychology student at Purdue University and a promotional model, was sent to a racing event where Kyle, then an up-and-coming racer, was participating. She started dating the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2008, and they later wed on Dec. 31, 2010. Kyle and Samantha have two children together: Brexton Locke, born May 18, 2015, and Lennix Key, born May 10, 2022. Before Lennix was born via surrogate, Samantha had a miscarriage after IVF, which led to struggles in her marriage that she and Kyle worked to overcome. She spoke with PEOPLE throughout her infertility journey on the path to having her second child, including how her husband had been there for her. Kyle has always been my rock, Samantha said. So many people only know the aggressive and strong-willed side of him that he shows when he is on the track. But the Kyle that I know is so different from that. Every time I feel like Im falling apart, he picks me back up again. So who is Kyle Buschs wife? Heres everything to know about Samantha Busch and her relationship with the race car driver. She met Kyle when she was working as a promotional model in 2007 Doc Waldrop/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media/Getty Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch after the Shelby 427 Sprint Cup Series race on March 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. When Samantha was sent to her first race by the promotional model agency she worked for while in college, she had no idea that she would meet the love of her life. In a 2023 Instagram post, Samantha shared the story of how she met Kyle. How did Kyle and I meet is one of the most asked questions I get - so heres the story! 16 years ago (this Indy weekend) the promo model agency I worked for sent me down to Indianapolis to work for Chevy getting people hyped up for the races. I was going into my senior year of college at Purdue at the time, a sorority girl and no big surprise not the sportiest of types. So I can honestly say it was my first time at a race track! Samantha wrote. Samantha continued sharing that a woman asked if she wanted a ride after finishing work and she couldnt turn down being in an air-conditioned car after spending all day in the blazing heat. It turned out that Kyle had gotten the woman to ask Samantha if she wanted a ride, but his future-wife didn't have a clue who he was. Samantha invited him to hang out, and Kyle who she referred to as Mr. Shy in the post had someone ask for her number as she eventually figured out who he was. They talked on the phone for a few months and dated before she finished her bachelors degree in psychology from Purdue University in 2008. She married Kyle on New Years Eve 2010 Samantha Busch Instagram Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch. Kyle and Samantha got married in an extravagant wedding at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on Dec. 31, 2010. The wedding was turned into a one-hour TV special on the Style Network called Fast and the Fabulous: A NASCAR Wedding. It was the most amazing feeling walking out of the church as the new Mr. and Mrs. Busch. All of our friends and family were outside clapping and it was just such a great feeling, Samantha said in the special. I feel like its been months of planning ... everything to the last detail and seeing it all come together ... its that unique, different feel. She is an entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Samantha Busch Instagram Samantha Busch. Samanthas resume includes many ventures both on her own and with her husband. She is perhaps most well-known as a lifestyle blogger on her website, where she covers everything from recipes and fitness to fashion tips. She also runs the Samantha Busch Shop, where she curates racing-inspired clothing. She and Kyle used to own Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) a professional racing team with the NASCAR Truck Series record for most wins before selling it to Spire Motorsports in September 2023. According to her website, Samantha Busch is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, lifestyle blogger, IVF advocate, philanthropist and [former] co-owner of a professional race team. As a successful 'boss babe,' Samantha is driven to empower women of all ages and backgrounds to live their best lives with confidence and poise. She has two kids with Kyle Samantha Busch Instagram Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch with their kids Brexton and Lennix. Samantha gave birth to her and Kyles first child, son Brexton, on May 18, 2015. In an October 2023 Instagram post, Kyle and Samantha shared a joint post congratulating him on one of his races, highlighting how he is taking after his father. Congrats Brexton we are so proud of you! For being so young you put in so much effort watching film, testing, asking questions, siming and its paid off! We love to watch you accomplish your dreams! #proudparents, the couple wrote on Instagram. On May 22, 2022, the couple welcomed their daughter Lennix via surrogate. The couple previously went through a journey with infertility, including an unsuccessful pregnancy attempt via embryo transfer and a miscarriage. Were beyond overjoyed that God has blessed us with our beautiful girl. Our tiny little peanut has a head full of crazy hair and a big brother waiting at home who cant wait to meet her!!! the couple shared on Instagram at the time announcing Lennix's birth. Thank you everyone who has followed our journey and prayed along side of us. Our hearts are bursting with happiness, the caption concluded. She is an IVF advocate and started an IVF Grant Program with Kyle Samantha Busch Instagram Samantha Busch. Samantha has been open about her struggles with infertility and how it led to a miscarriage and issues in her marriage. She is an outspoken IVF advocate and has helped others by launching the Bundle of Joy Fund with Kyle to help couples with the costs associated with IVF treatment, which she spoke to PEOPLE about in 2020. Seeing the families we have helped with their babies has helped us to make sense of our own difficult journey to conceive, Samantha said. It was worth all the pain, shots, the months of trying and roller coaster of emotions because it gave us the unique perspective of what these couples face and a strong desire to want to help others. Samantha also wrote the book Fighting Infertility: Finding My Inner Warrior Through Trying to Conceive, IVF and Miscarriage. Kyle posted on Instagram about how proud he was of his wife for sharing their hardships. This has been a tough journey for us which is close to a decade in the making. Weve been through a lot, but also have learned so much and fought so hard to get to the point where we are today. I love you, and I am so proud of your strength and everything you have accomplished from being an amazing mother to Brexton, and helping other couples complete their families with the @bundleofjoyfund, Kyle wrote on Instagram. She was one of the stars of the reality show Racing Wives Jared C. Tilton/Getty Kyle Busch, Samantha Busch, and their son Brexton Busch prior to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on May 27, 2022 in Concord, North Carolina. CMT announced exclusively to PEOPLE in October 2018 that they would premiere the show Racing Wives. The show ran for one season in 2019, with Samantha as one of the main stars, as well as Ashley Busch her sister-in-law at the time and now ex-wife of Kyles brother Kurt Busch. The show gave insight into the personal lives of the wives of racing legends Kyle and Kurt, who were both named by NASCAR as two of the 75 greatest drivers of all time. Taking place in Lake Norman, North Carolina the city Kyle and Samantha live in the show shared moments in the couple's relationship, including their IVF journey and helping others with the Bundle of Joy Fund. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Donald Trump's supporters are trying to raise money to help the former president offset the $355 million fine after being found guilty in the New York civil fraud trial. A GoFundMe page was started on the billionaire mogul's behalf shortly after the court imposed the fine on him for fraudulently inflating the value of his assets in financial documents. It has since garnered the ire of social media users, with many saying Trump is already a billionaire and doesn't need the funds. Over $63,000 Was Raised Within 21 Hours Of Its Creation MEGA Months after the New York Attorney General's office filed a suit against Donald Trump for fraudulently inflating his assets in financial documents, the billionaire mogul has been found guilty by the court. The verdict came on Friday, with the judge in charge of the case, Justice Engoron, ordering that Trump and his companies pay a massive $354,868,768 fine, as recommended by Attorney General Letitia James. While Trump has expressed his intention to appeal the decision, his supporters have taken matters into their own hands by donating to a GoFundMe to offset the fine. The page, entitled "Stand with Trump; Fund the $335M Unjust Judgment," had raised over $63,000 from more than 1700 donors within 21 hours of its creation. Some of the donations ranged in smaller values between $5 and $100, while some individuals went the extra mile by donating above $1000. The Ex-President's Supporter Says GoFundMe Is 'More Than A Legal Fund' MEGA The GoFundMe page was launched by Elena Cardone, the wife of real estate investor Grant Cardone. As part of the donation call to action, Elena stated that the fund's main purpose is to show loyalty to Trump and, by extension, other MAGA supporters. "This is more than a legal fund; it's a clarion call to all patriots to rally in defense of a man who has never hesitated to stand in defense of us," she penned. She added, "It's about showing that when one of us is targeted for championing the values that make America great, he does not stand alone. We stand with him, shoulder to shoulder, ready to support, defend, and fight back against a system that threatens to undermine the very foundations of our republic." My wife @elenacardone started a $354,000,000 GoFundMe account to fund the UNJUST judgement against @realDonaldTrump @DonaldJTrumpJr @EricTrump and Trump Organization. Give something & DEMONSTRATE that the people of America are standing together against unjust rulings like this Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone) February 16, 2024 Meanwhile, Elena's husband took to X, formerly Twitter, to slam the "unjust" judgment and ask people to donate to the fund. "Give something & DEMONSTRATE that the people of America are standing together against unjust rulings like this where a bias [sic] judges & corrupt legal system is out of control," he wrote. He added, "Any amount is welcomed & 100% of funds will be forwarded to Trump Org for his defense of this ridiculous judgment. If this ruling stands, everything you own is at risk." Social Media Users Slam Donald Trump's GoFundMe MEGA On social media, several users slammed the fundraising gesture, saying that it violated the rules of GoFundMe. "I am pretty sure @gofundme has a few rules about raising funds to pay criminal fines. What say you @gofundme," said one user. "This is a clear violation of @gofundme TOS. I give it 24 hours, and they'll suspend it," another individual remarked. Several other users noted that the Trump family is made up of billionaires who should be the ones raising the funds. An individual remarked, "His daughter and son-in-law have 2 billion. Let them bail him out." Another person said, "What balls. He's a billionaire with a freaking private 747 jet. He can liquidate some assets. Stop trying to make people living paycheck to paycheck to pay his bills." One more user wrote, "Since Trump said Mar-a-lago is worth $1.5 billion, he should sell that, pay off the fines, and pocket the difference. It's a clown move to GoFundMe for a guy who claims he's a billionaire." Donald Trump's Stormy Daniels Trial Begins Next Month MEGA Donald Trump is scheduled to return to court next month for allegedly paying hush money to two women, Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, during his 2016 presidential campaign. The trial, dubbed the Stormy Daniels trial, aims to determine if Trump can be on the ballot for the upcoming election later this year. Prosecutors have already argued that Trump falsified records to conceal payments, which they believe is an act of withholding truthful information from voters, thereby violating the electoral laws. However, it is understood that Trump won't be denying that he concealed payments. Instead, he would argue that the reason was to hide the affairs from his wife, Melania Trump, and not as a preventive move to avoid knowledge of the affairs being used by his then-opponents to malign him. When Morrissey first showed his bandmate Mike Joyce the image hed chosen to grace the front cover of their highly anticipated 1984 debut album, The Smiths drummer found it too close to the knuckle. It was a tender shot of actor and gay idol Joe Dallesandro alongside a lusty co-star, taken from Andy Warhols 1968 film Flesh. I think Dallesandro and the other guy are both New York hustlers and I think he might have been w***ing him off or something along those lines, Joyce, now 60, recalls over Zoom. I was pretty freaked out. I thought I cant wait for my mum and dad to see that and the local priest. Morrissey had been remiss in not informing Joyce that the image would be cropped for the album cover to include just Dallesandros now-iconic bare torso, cutting out the images less Woolworths-friendly elements. Regardless these were the sort of cultural shocks Joyce had signed up for when he joined Manchesters most transgressive and artistically minded band of the age. I didnt say, What? You cant do that, oh my god! he laughs. It was cool. Despite its instantly recognisable album art, The Smiths self-titled debut opened more ears than eyes when it was released 40 years ago next week. Fans of the keytar-and-flappy-trouser age were fascinated by its unusually whimsical and poetic opening with Reel Around the Fountain; its bursts of punk falsetto and ferocious ennui on Miserable Lie, Hand in Glove and What Difference Does It Make?; its intricate guitar tapestries and minutely crafted images of kitchen sink drama (that rented room in Whalley Range, that sore-lipped kiss beneath the iron bridge). And, between its maudlin musings on broken friendships, lost love and loneliness, lurked themes darker than Lou Reeds Berlin dared plumb: prostitution, sexual disgust, the Moors murders. The Smiths emerged from a rich seam of early Eighties alternative acts finding melody in the murk, from the post-punk abrasions of Wire, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure through to the austere alt-pop of Echo & the Bunnymen and REM broadcasting their hazy college rock from the ghost dimension. But something in the union of Johnny Marrs weightless guitar lines, Andy Rourkes elaborate bass, Joyces often breathless beats, and the relatability of Morrisseys arch and literate lyricism fostered a sound and aesthetic that would inspire and define an indie rock explosion. For the rest of the decade, and some way beyond, angst-wracked young men and women (although mostly men) draped their growing pains and romantic failings over jangling guitars in a nationwide confessional ardour. To declare oneself indie back then was to pronounce a well-read discernment, melancholy demeanour, and depth of emotion, which Level 42 and TPau fans could hardly comprehend and, frankly, were probably happier without. It was a movement encapsulated by the NMEs legendary C86 cassette compilation, which in turn evolved into shoegaze, indie pop and the early howlings of Britpop. Not a bad legacy for a record that The Smiths themselves were disappointed with. As with many debut rock albums, the songs for The Smiths had been honed to a laser-point live by the time they came to record them in the summer of 1983. We wanted to try and capture the essence of that live set, says Joyce. Each track had been given its own life because we played them live. We were coming off the back of quite a lot of gigs and the tracks were gig hot. The band were understandably pumped with self-belief. It was just two years since Marr had turned up at Morrisseys front door in Stretford having met him at a Patti Smith gig four years earlier to invite him to form a band. And just one year since Marr had pinned Rough Trades Geoff Travis against his office wall and insisted he listen to a demo of Hand in Glove, which Travis then released as the bands debut single. In that time, theyd built a fervent fanbase thanks to sessions for the BBC, an enthusiastic music press, and the spectacle of their live shows which exploded all traditional rocknroll machismo and bravado: Morrissey clad in thick-rimmed NHS specs, oversized shirts, and a hearing aid. He was a socially awkward misfit flaunting his outward flaws as symbols of his inner ones: an icon for the fragile and lost. For the cover of The Smiths debut album, Morrissey selected a tender shot of actor and gay idol Joe Dallesandro alongside a lusty co-star, taken from Andy Warhols 1968 film Flesh (Warhol/Kobal/Shutterstock) The buzz building around the band meant the pressure was on. There was this sweet spot, back then when charts mattered, that the majors rested having had a good Christmas, and indies felt like they could get noticed early in the new year, says Richard Cook, then production manager at Rough Trade. There was an incredible momentum around the band at the time and increasing amounts of media attention. So, the aim from [them] properly signing with This Charming Man was to hit the start of 84. To this end, The Smiths were dispatched to Elephant Studios in Wapping with The Teardrop Explodes Troy Tate as producer in an almost Saharan late summer. It was absolutely sweltering, Joyce recalls of those basement sessions; it was hard to keep their instruments from melting out of tune. We were in a Renault Master van with a sliding door at the side and each night when we finished recording and we were driving back, we had that open because it was sultry, it was oppressive. With Morrissey and Marr sharing the helm alongside Tate, the tracks went down easy. In terms of arrangement, in terms of sound, [Tate] wasnt really a hands-on producer, Joyce explains. The songs sounded great as they were there were no obvious howlers in there where you thought, Thats much too long or This isnt right. Also, when youre faced with somebody thats as good as Johnny, if you come in and start saying, That sound just doesnt work, maybe it would sound better with this kind of guitar sound, youve got to be right. The Smiths from left to right: Mike Joyce, Andy Rourke, Morrissey and Johnny Marr in 1986 (Andre Csillag/Shutterstock) Listen back to bootlegs of those 14 tracks, a collection that has since become known as the Troy Tate sessions, and a sense of unfinished demo leaps out. Joyces drumming sometimes over-dominates, Morrisseys vocals possibly just incomplete guide tracks are often buried. The whole thing has the thin feel of suburban garage. When Tates recordings were handed to Roxy Music producer John Porter to remix, Porter found them unsalvageable and offered to re-record the album himself. Morrissey agreed, and his Musketeer bandmates fell into line. I could hear myself that the mixes sounded underproduced and were not the finished article that we needed as our introduction to the world, Marr wrote in his autobiography. Joyce, though, has a soft spot for the albums gestational version. I sway in and out with this because sometimes Ive been not sure and sometimes, I think in hindsight its a better recording, he says. But everybody has to be happy I just think there was a slight frustration from us all that it didnt sound absolutely mind-blowing, because we thought it did live, in terms of what we were playing. So surely it should sound better when you go to the studio and record it. Johnny Marr was around, and I think the drummer might have been around, but it was mostly Johnny, who was a nice guy, and Morrissey kinda brewing away in the corner Paul Carrack, formerly of Squeeze and later Mike + The Mechanics The iron, however, was heating up by the minute. This Charming Man was scheduled for a single release in the autumn and time wasnt The Smiths ally. Sessions were swiftly scheduled at West Londons Matrix studios in September this time with Porter. John Porter [was] a very different animal, says Joyce. More forthright in his views of what he wanted to hear and how he thought his expertise could be used in terms of changing elements of what we had. I felt that we were more, not bossy towards Troy, but that we were more in control of what we were trying to do. I felt with John that was relinquished to a certain extent. He cites Porter simplifying the drum part on What Difference Does it Make? as an example so as not to overcomplicate an already busy arrangement. John very clever, very smart idea said to me, Look, if you put it down straight I guarantee it will be a hit. And how about when you play live, you can play it with that more skipping beat? he recalls. I went with that because I felt like whats the point of having a producer if they just come in and say it sounds fine? [The finished song] sounds great, it sounds okay, but I do prefer the [Tate] version of that track. The Smiths perform on The Tube (ITV/Shutterstock) An unexpected presence on the album is Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze and later Mike + The Mechanics) who played Hammond organ during overdub sessions at Eden Studios. Living locally to the studio, hed often be called in to play odds and sods on tracks recorded there. I think I ended up playing on three or four tracks, he says. Johnny Marr was around, and I think the drummer might have been around, but it was mostly Johnny, who was a nice guy, and Morrissey kinda brewing away in the corner. Carrack isnt sure Moz particularly approved of the Hammond part. I think his comment was that it sounded a bit like [Wurlitzer legend] Reginald Dixon on acid. I tried to take the comment as a compliment [although] Im not sure if it was meant as one. Porter was proven right about What Difference Does it Make?. In October, This Charming Man was released to gasping critical acclaim for its Manc-meets-Motown dynamic and Wilde-worthy lyrics, in which Morrissey is rescued from a remote bicycle accident by a flirty charmer in a leather-clad motor. It would come to represent the quintessential early Smiths song and become a formative, inspirational indie pop classic. The second I heard This Charming Man, everything made sense, Noel Gallagher said in 2007. Yet that single only reached No 25 on the charts. It was the following January when The Smiths scored their first Top 20 hit with Porters version of What Difference Nonetheless, The Smiths still werent completely satisfied with the finished record. It was great just to have an album of those songs that we loved, says Joyce, [but] Im just not a big fan of some of those sounds that are on there. It sounds like The Smiths tamed rather than a kind of aggressive, direct power. It was as though that had been taken away and it was more of a studio album. Heaven knows, The Smiths put Northern misery and humour at the heart of their songs (Rex Features) The bands dissatisfaction with The Smiths was a key driver in the 1984 release of a compilation of early BBC sessions titled Hatful of Hollow, now regarded as one of the greatest albums of its era. Here, the swift recording process had better captured the punkish urgency of their music, and deserved prominence was afforded to B-sides that would come to rank amongst their finest achievements: the yearning Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want and the wonderfully crepuscular How Soon is Now?. Its very old-school, Joyce says of the radio session recording. Get in there, record them, overdub, mix, see ya, next! And I think that had more of a live feel, whereas the sounds that were used on the first album, it just sounds a bit more sanitised. The Smiths werent the only ones to find issues with their debut. Tabloids ran spurious stories about Reel Around the Fountain and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle having supposedly paedophilic undertones, an allegation that the band firmly denied. And the subject matter of Suffer Little Children an unflinching, mournful lament for the victims of Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in the early Sixties saw the album withdrawn by Boots and Woolworths after the grandfather of one of the children named in the song heard it on a pub jukebox and complained that The Smith were commercialising atrocities. Morrissey met with him and other victims family members; he went on to establish a friendship with Lesley Ann Downeys mother, Anne West, once his honourable intentions were made clear. Its a pretty damn dark recording of an incredibly harrowing incident Mike Joyce on Suffer Little Children When it was written, it was to make people aware that the shocking nature of what happened wouldnt be forgotten, Joyce says. Its a pretty damn dark recording of an incredibly harrowing incident. Is popular music a vehicle to do that? Some people thought maybe not, but as far as I was concerned if its not in there, then where should it be? Should it always be, She met me, she left me, she dont love me and Im sad? That The Smiths dared to broach such devastating themes, and with sympathy rather than fascination, was part of what made the album so affecting. It teased at the corners of taboos and glanced wistfully into the depths of despair. Thus, a multitude of sensitive, shunned and misunderstood outsiders rarely so proudly represented in music before flocked to it for catharsis, emancipation, empathy and belonging. The record shot to No 2, and a new era of indie guitar music was born. It made guitars prominent again, certainly in the core labels of the independent scene, says Cook. Mute, Factory and 4AD, they didnt really have guitar bands. And it stimulated outsiders to think, Lets give it a go, and I think that was refreshing. Morrisey and Johnny Marr pictured in London, 1982 (Getty) That being said, Joyce prefers The Smiths 1987 swansong Strangeways, Here We Come to their debut. And I think Im right in saying that its Johnny, Morrissey and Andys [favourite] too, he says. But people say the first albums majestic, one of the best albums theyve ever heard. Its like talking about days of the week. Thursdays brilliant or Fridays miles better What about Monday though? For Joyce, the true impact and legacy of The Smiths lies in the fact that its the bands initial emergence as a complete package. Morrisseys enthralling lyrical content and stage persona, swinging gladioli around to This Charming Man on Top of the Pops is the indie generations very own Starman moment. The cool yet studious image. And the frighteningly good musicianship of Marr and Rourke. We were kids, Joyce says, still amazed at the bands immaculate aesthetic 40 years on. With The Smiths everything was covered. There wasnt anything else that youd want for in a band. What difference did it make? A world. The Oscar winner, who stars in the new action thriller 'Land of Bad', only found out years later how severe his injury had been Riccardo Ghilardi/Contour by Getty Images Russell Crowe 2022 Rome, Italy Russell Crowe has always been game to do a lot of his own stunts. But there was one "small mishap" on the set of his 2010 Robin Hood that later became a much bigger deal. "I jumped off a castle portcullis onto rock-hard uneven ground," the Oscar winner, 59, tells PEOPLE for One Last Thing in this week's issue. "We should have prepped the ground and buried a pad but we were in a rush to get the shot done in the fading light." Crowe, who is currently starring in the new action thriller Land of Bad, didn't realize the precarious situation until he was about to jump. "With hundreds of extras around, arrows flying and burn pots setting the castle on fire, there was no pulling out," he recalls. "As I jumped, I remember thinking, 'This is going to hurt.' " Related: Anthony Anderson Jokes He's 'Not as Young as I Used to Be' After Movie Stunt 'Gone Wrong' Sent Him to ER Pool Insabato Rovaris/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Russell Crowe Aiming to land on the balls of his feet to help with the impact, the actor felt his heels hit the uneven ground first. "It was like an electric shock bursting up through my body," he says. "We were shooting a big movie, so you just struggle through, but the last month of that job was very tricky. There was a number of weeks where even walking was a challenge." Crowe "never discussed the injury with production, never took a day off because of it, I just kept going to work," he adds. Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock Russell Crowe in "Robin Hood" (2010) A decade later, Crowe began having what he calls "very strange pains" in his lower legs so he went to a doctor for an MRI and X-rays. "I thought it was nothing serious," he says. "After working through a long New York winter, my body was just missing exercise and sunshine." The star was shocked when the doctor looked at the X-rays and asked him, "When did you break your legs?" "Apparently he could see the remnants of fractures in both shin bones," says Crowe. "To jog my memory he said, 'Would have been maybe 10 years ago?'" Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Crowe immediately remembered jumping off the portcullis on the Robin Hood set. "Apparently I finished that movie with two broken legs," he adds. "All for art. No cast, no splints, no painkillers, just kept going to work and over time they healed themselves." Looking back, the actor realized after the shoot wrapped in 2009, he took a year off and didn't work until signing on for 2013's Man of Steel. "In retrospect I obviously knew something was wrong," he says. "To be the Kryptonian father of Superman was six months of incredibly intense physical training. Between the time off and that training, things fixed themselves." Land of Bad in now in theaters. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Sylvester Stallone with his wife and three daughters. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Sophia and Sistine Stallone spoke to the New York Post about their father, Sylvester. They said Sylvester hired Navy SEALS to train them before they moved to New York City. "Sophia and I got our asses whooped by these guys," Sistine said. Sylvester Stallone made his daughters undergo military-style training before they moved to New York City. Sylvester's eldest daughters, Sophia and Sistine, shared details about the grueling experience with the New York Post. The pair told the outlet their father felt uneasy about allowing them to move to the Big Apple, so he insisted they get self-defense training. Sistine, Sylvester, and Sophia Stallone in October 2019. Leon Bennett/Getty Images "Sophia and I got our asses whooped by these guys. They were the real deal," Sistine, 25, said. "And I'm not surprised my dad put us through something like this because our entire life we grew up with him doing these sort of military-esque, self-defense trainings." Part of their training involved chasing and catching a chicken, which Sistine called "deceivingly hard." "I went in there a little cocky, no pun intended," she said. "I got beat by the chicken." During their conversation, Sophia recalled that their father has always been regimented and instilled that practice in their morning routine as children. "It was a rigorous routine," Sophia, 27, said. "Every day at 6 a.m., he would make us eat eggs with ketchup. For some reason, that combination to bulk up." "But then it was a lot of sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, clean and jerks," Sophia continued. Sistine, Sophia, and Scarlet Stallone in July 2021. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images Sistine and Sophia said they've now lived in New York City for a year, but Sylvester still worries. "I don't think he'll ever be less nervous," Sistine said. "He's like a classic, overprotective dad. Three daughters at an age where, you know, we're kind of all over the place and we're out and about." The sisters' training and other hijinks will appear in season two of "The Family Stallone," which premieres on February 21 on Paramount+. Sylvester has five children, including Sage who died in 2012 and Seargeoh with the actor Sasha Czack. He later welcomed his daughters Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet with the former model Jennifer Flavin. In May 2023, his three daughters spoke about Sylvester going "full Rambo" when they brought boys home. Rambo is Sylvester's famous gun-toting character who appeared in the eponymous movie franchise. Read the original article on Business Insider The Zone of Interest producer Ewa Puszczynska has teamed up with Frances Elzevir Films and Irelands Copper Alley Prods. on Safe and Silent, backed by Arte France. I decided to join the project because of the quality of the script. It made me excited and so was Arte when they decided to come on board, says Denis Carot, who will co-produce alongside Ulysse Payet and Copper Alleys Lara Hickey. More from Variety I had a very good experience collaborating with Polish partners on [Jean-Pierre Bacri starrer] Back in Business, which we shot in Poland back in 2016. There are many talented and experienced producers and Ewa is certainly one of the best among them. Her impressive filmography speaks for itself, adds Carot. While The Zone of Interest scored five Oscar nominations this year, Puszczynska experienced Oscar glory with Pawe Pawlikowskis foreign-language film winner Ida (2015) and nominee Cold War (2019). Now, she wants to focus on emerging female filmmakers. I have been advocating for finding new ways allowing women to make their debuts. It was time to turn those words into action, she says. She is also developing Ulrike Tony Vahls Crux and Marta Prus Night Butterflies. Safe and Silent, directed by rookie Justyna Tafel, will be lensed by Kate McCullough, winner of the European Film Award for The Quiet Girl. In the film, one of Polands leading actors, Agnieszka Grochowska, will play a recently divorced woman, Kinga, who wants to create a refuge for her children and choses a gated community full of surveillance cameras as a place to live. Over the course of the story, we are getting to know this family and we learn what happens when people dont trust each other. Its a miniaturized image of modern society, says Puszczynska. The rapid development of technology has resulted in significant social changes. The surveillance society erects walls and fences, closes gates and constantly monitors our space. Anyone who doesnt belong in our bubble, anyone whos from the outside is perceived as a stranger or an enemy, someone suspicious and inferior. Tafel was inspired by personal experiences and by observing social changes in the world after 9/11, she says. My own experiences made me fascinated by what goes on in the head of a caring, loving mother who only wants whats best for her children. The first time Kinga uses the easily accessible surveillance tools available at her new home, she does it by chance. They bring her solace. But the tools that were supposed to give her a sense of security only intensify her fear. Kinga slides deeper and deeper into addiction to observation and control, but she always knows too little. I also know that the obsession with control is most destructive to the person who does the controlling, she says. I understand why people, especially parents, when faced with this dilemma safety or freedom will panic and choose the former. We cannot see the price we are paying. This film is a product of my fascination with an enigmatic feeling that is trust. Once lost, it can never be regained, but its an essential ingredient of perhaps the most valuable of all feelings: love, the director says. Technology will influence the look of the film, says Tafel, mentioning Blow-Up, The Conversation and Hidden. Sound or rather the lack of it will also play an important part. The disturbing silence in my film, accompanying the lonely viewing of surveillance materials, is a reminder that without direct human contact, we never have access to the full picture of the world, she says. Its important that viewers feel Kingas anxiety and experience the same relief. That is precisely why I enrich psychological drama with elements of a thriller. Looking at someone through a surveillance camera automatically profiles them as an outsider and, consequently, as a threat. Characters and objects will appear and disappear, creating the feeling there is always something lurking around the corner. This film will find its audience, says Puszczynska. Its becoming more and more difficult to live in a society of suspicion and false information. Im no longer so naive as to think that movies can change the world. But I believe they can stir the imagination and the desire to talk. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On the same day Alexey Navalny was declared dead in a Russian prison, Vladimir Putin was able to rack up another victory of sorts as Ukraine's military announced it has retreated from the key city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, ceding it to Russia after months of ferocious fighting that cost tens of thousands of Russian casualties. Avdiivka is the first notable Ukrainian city to fall to Russia since Bakhmut nearly a year ago. It was a small city with 32,000 inhabitants that has been on the frontline since 2014. Russia has now reduced it to a few skeletal ruins. It is also the first Ukrainian city to fall since the U.S. became deadlocked in sending more military aid. Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Saturday that Russian forces have taken complete control of Avdiivka. Shoigu told the Kremlin that Russian forces were now working to clear the final pockets of resistance at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant. Videos on social media Saturday seen by ABC News' Ukraine team appeared to show soldiers raising the Russian flag over one of the plant's buildings. PHOTO: Russia Continues Long-Running Assault On Avdiivka Area (Libkos/Getty Images) Ukrainian forces had held off a huge Russian offensive there since October but as severe ammunition shortages have bitten amid the reduction in Western aid, Russia was able to restore a huge advantage in artillery and airstrikes, allowing it to grind through the defenses and effectively level the city. In the past two weeks, Russia had managed to finally make significant advances in the north and south, closing in on the encirclement of Avdiivka. Ukrainian troops had no choice but to withdraw or risk being surrounded meaning the withdrawal should prevent the loss of more troops and equipment. In many ways it was extraordinary Ukraine had held Avdiivka since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion -- partly the result of how heavily fortified it was -- but it now underlines how the initiative is now in Russia's hands. MORE: Ukraine says it sank another Russian warship in Black Sea Most military analysts do not believe Avdiivka's fall will have an immediate major impact on Ukraine's overall position because it will be difficult for Russia to advance further from it, just as it has been from Bakhmut. Ukraine is focusing on regrouping their remaining troops, replenishing supplies and arranging units in new strategic positions, according to Commander of the Tavria direction Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi. Meanwhile, a U.S. official briefed last week said that Ukraine may face "catastrophic" shortages of ammunition by March if Congress doesn't authorize more aid to the embattled country. Russia has suffered enormous losses to reach this point, however, with losses estimated upward of as many as 20,000 killed and injured since October and over 1,000 armored vehicles since the beginning of its offensive against Avdiivka in October 2023. 1st Ukrainian city falls since the US became deadlocked in sending more military aid originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Three months before the alleged Maine mass shooter would open fire at a bar and a bowling alley, killing 18 people and injuring 13 more, Robert Card told police in New York he was "capable" of doing "something," as they coaxed him to go for psychological treatment and evaluation, police body camera shows. New York State troopers were called by members of Card's Army Reserve unit out of concern for his mental decline in July, as ABC News previously reported, after an incident the night prior with some of his fellow Reservists. Card was taken that day to an Army hospital at West Point before being transferred for further treatment at a civilian facility. He was released after 14 days. The body camera, obtained by ABC affiliate WMTW, shows the moments before Card was taken in for treatment. "Our concern is he is going to hurt himself or someone else," one Reservist told New York State troopers in July, standing in the parking lot outside the facility they were staying at near West Point, before Card would go for what would be two weeks of psychiatric evaluation and treatment. PHOTO: Police officers close the road as they patrol around the street during inspection after a gunman's multiple shootings in Maine, Oct. 26, 2023. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images) Though Card hadn't explicitly threatened self-harm or harm to others, "He said he was going to 'take care of it,'" one Reservist told the troopers, another chiming in that he was being "combative" toward the other men. Card had "never been like this," the reservists said multiple times and they weren't sure whether the behavior and hearing voices had been triggered by his new hearing aids, or something else. The night prior, Card had wheeled on his longtime colleague while on a beer run and "he clenches his fist and comes at me... I'm like, 'Woah' and just kind of backed up... was trying to fight me... I was like, this is crazy... he's like hearing voices, it's like paranoia... it's weird," one reservist said. Card had lost so much weight in recent months that "his face is sagging, he took his shirt off at the pool and he's like all skin and bones. I couldn't believe how much weight he's lost." "I've known him for a decade," the reservist said. "I've been in this unit for ten years, he's never been like that..." Card was hearing voices that he had a "small d*ck" and that he was a pedophile, as ABC News has reported to the point where he took a picture of his genitals and "showed the people at work," the reservists told the troopers, adding, "His boss was like, 'yo man, you can't do that.'" MORE: Army said Maine shooter should not have gun, requested welfare check "On its face, it's obviously weird behavior but the more concerning part is that he was never like this," another reservist said. "And he's a gun nut too, he has a lot of guns," one reservist said. "He spent 14 grand on a scope too so he's like ... I don't know, I don't know what he's capable of, I'm not insinuating anything but I'm just saying he does have a ton of guns." Three months later, Card would allegedly open fire at a bar and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, in back-to-back shootings that rocked the city and ricocheted across the nation. PHOTO: Police presence at Schemengees Bar where a mass shooting occurred yesterday in Lewiston, Maine, Oct. 26, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) The body camera footage from July shows troopers knocking on Card's door, which he answers shirtless after some delay, his head shaved and wearing shorts with "Army" printed in yellow on one leg. Card wordlessly leaned an arm with a bicep tattoo against the door frame as troopers said they wanted to speak with him, asking that he put a shirt on. Card, with a slight eye roll, let them in. He pulled on a black shirt with "Army" across the chest, and sat on an unmade bed. A picture of the Statue of Liberty hung on the concrete wall above his head. Card said he understood the reason the police were called, because he "flipped out on someone" who "messed around with me and they're cowards and ran away... I didn't do anything wrong, I haven't been physical with anyone." According to the footage, Card said people have been "saying sh*t" behind his back as ABC News previously reported, he thought people had been saying he's a "pedophile," and that when he confronts people, "they pretend like I'm hearing stuff," and that "it's happening everywhere." "The staff here was concerned about you to the point that they have command directed you to talk with a counselor, okay?" One trooper asks, to which Card answered, "Alright." When asked if he's willing to go for evaluation, Card shrugged, and said, "I have to if it's command directed, obviously. But, is it going to help anything? No..." adding, he would "rather have people stop talking and stop looking at me, I'm a f**ing private person." "I can absolutely understand that," one trooper responded. Attempting to remind Card that his fellow Reservists were, until recently, his friends, Card responded "I don't have any real good friends, obviously." "I hope you understand that they're concerned enough about your welfare that they called us," one trooper said. Card responded riled up, "Oh, because they're scared ... 'cause I'm going to, friggin, do something. Because I am capable!" he said while rubbing his hands together. "What do you mean by that?" The trooper asks. "Huh?" Card responds, the trooper asking again "What do you mean by that?" Card answered, "Nothing." The newly released footage comes just as the independent commission investigating what led up to the Oct. 25, 2023 mass shooting is kicking into high gear. MORE: Maine shooting timeline: How the mass shootings in Lewiston unfolded This week, the commission has officially been granted subpoena power for its probe, which will allow the commission to compel documents and witness testimony from individuals and entities who would otherwise opt not to cooperate. Importantly, this power will include seeking compliance in any state, federal or military court or tribunal relevant here, given the investigation involves not only Maine authorities but also New York, New Hampshire and the US military, whose inspector general has launched a separate investigation into the Army's role into what led up to the shootings. The commission told ABC News they have received a response from the Army that they will allow some of their personnel to testify. That response comes after months where the commission has said there have been attempts to work with the Army, but as of late January, they had run into some "issues" with the Army, their executive director told lawmakers in lobbying for subpoena power. "Commission members have always said that they hope and expect people will cooperate with this independent investigation and having the power to subpoena should only be necessary in circumstances where the investigation could be delayed or impeded without it," a spokesperson for the commission told ABC News, adding they're "pleased that the Army has agreed to make individuals available" so that it "can continue its important work gathering the facts and evidence it feels it needs to help provide answers for victims, their families, and the people of Maine." The Army has been invited to testify before the commission on March 7. Who will participate and how much cooperation they will offer remains to be seen. Alleged Maine gunman told police he was 'capable' of doing 'something' 3 months before shooting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Tasty as a beer, with a punch that tells you it's something a little stronger. That's right: It's a beer bomb shot. If you've never had the honor of participating in this drinking tradition, today is your day. Beer bomb shots have been around and enjoyed for ages. They have gained popularity worldwide for their unique flavors, endless possibilities, and shared sentiment (let's party) that can cross cultural barriers. Some hold a rich cultural significance and others are just history in the making. But every beer bomb shot proves the theory that simple, cocktails that feature only two ingredients don't have to be boring. And in many cases, they're far from it. From the traditional yorsh in Russia to the iconic Jagerbomb in the United States, let's take a trip around the globe and look at each country's rendition of the iconic beer bomb shot, or more delicately put, beer-and-a-shot drinks. Read more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients Worldwide: The Boilermaker whiskey and beer - Bhofack2/Getty Images Starting off with a fan favorite and international delight; the Boilermaker. Also known as the Club Sandwich in many parts of the Midwest, this classic combo of a whisky shot and a beer is a chameleon, with many different names depending on the region it's enjoyed in. The boilermaker is a no-fuss cocktail enjoyed by many, often served in bars, pubs, and izakayas as a quick and satisfying drink. Your grandpa probably drinks this. The name "Boilermaker" is said to have come from the sound the drink made when the shot was dropped into a beer. Others speculate that the name came from the folks who invented it: blue-collar workers during the 19th century who worked on steam locomotives. They'd walk out of their long shift at the factory and right on into the bar. Combining a beer and a shot was a simple yet potent way to ease the pain and burden they felt after a long day. Sound familiar? Japan: Sake Bomb sake bomb drink - Bhofack2/Getty Images "Ichi...ni...san...sake bomb!" The sake bomb is a fun and interactive drink made by dropping a shot of sake sitting on top of a pair of chopsticks into a glass of beer. You might recognize it most from watching some college frat boys pounding on the table chanting "Ichi...ni...san...sake bomb!" until a sake shot falls off the chopsticks laid on the glass and plops down into the beer below. The origins of the sake bomb are unclear, but some say it got its roots in American military culture during the post-World War II occupation of Japan as a fun way for soldiers to enjoy the local Japanese sake with their favorite beer. Today, it has become a staple in Japanese izakayas (or pubs) and restaurants in America. It's often enjoyed during celebrations and social gatherings, with a shout of "Kanpai!" accompanying each toast. While any beer can be used in a sake bomb, it's often paired with light lagers or pilsners to complement the smoothness of the sake. For the true experience, enjoy the sake bomb with a Japanese beer like Kirin Ichiban. You must enjoy the drink right away, as when it is left to sit, the beer will overpower the subtle flavors of the sake and you'll be left drinking a watered-down sacrilegious mess. Scandinavia: Aquavit And Beer Chaser bottle of aquavit - Bloomberg/Getty Images In Scandinavia, particularly Denmark and Sweden, enjoying aquavit with a meal is a beloved tradition. Aquavit is a flavored Scandinavian spirit typically infused with caraway, dill, or coriander. It holds the title of the National Drink of Scandinavia and it's often enjoyed during festive occasions like Midsummer or Christmas. It's traditionally served alongside hearty Scandinavian dishes such as pickled herring and meatballs. The spirit is used to help aid in digestion after these heavy meals. What's better? Aquavit is super easy to make at home. However, in recent years, the youth of Scandinavia have discovered an inventive, and more quick and effective way to enjoy this national treasure. Instead of food in between each sip, the aquavit is paired with beer as a refreshing and aromatic chaser. The beer chaser, usually a light lager or pilsner, traditional to Scandinavia, helps to cleanse the palate between sips of aquavit, enhancing the overall drinking experience. The beer and aquavit seamlessly counter the flavors of each other without explanation -- almost as if they were made for each other. In Sweden, this combination is known as "snaps och ol," with snaps referring to aquavit and ol meaning beer. Though it's a new trend, we surely enjoy it and think this new generation of Scandinavian Aquavit connoisseurs are truly onto something great. Korea: Poktanju soju shot glass - journey601/Shutterstock They say the strongest bonds are forged over shared laughter and spilled drinks. Poktanju is the Korean drinking ritual that epitomizes this sentiment. This local fave involves dropping a shot of any liquor into a glass filled with beer, creating a fizzy explosion of flavor and a story to tell. Poktanju was thought up by the younger generations in Korea as an affordable way to have a night of fun. In Korean culture, making new friends often involves having a few (or a few too many) drinks together. But for many young Koreans, fancy cocktails and pricey spirits were simply out of reach. This is where Poktanju comes in, offering a tasty, affordable drink that doesn't break the bank. For the authentic Korean experience, try the poktanju with soju. This clear distilled spirit, crafted from rice or grains, holds a special place in Korean hearts and glasses. It's one of Korea's most popular beverages, and it's insanely affordable for a liquor. Whether you want to make new friends or maybe just impress the ones you already have, buy a bottle of soju, tell your friends it's BYOB, and celebrate friendship with a poktanju. Philadelphia: The Citywide Special cans of PBR - Drew Angerer/Getty Images If you pay the $5 toll to cross the Ben Franklin Bridge, you can walk into a pub, slap $4 on the bar and ask for "The Citywide Special." This Philly favorite was created at Bob and Barbara's lounge and consists of a shot of Jim Beam bourbon and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Originally named "the special," other bars around town soon caught onto the trend and started calling it the "Citywide Special." It's become a staple in the city's bar scene, and these days you'd be hard-pressed to find any place in Philly that doesn't know about this tradition. The Citywide Special has become a symbol of Philadelphia's culture and reflects its love for simple drinks that pack a punch. If you're ordering the Citywide Special, you're not looking for anything fancy, just a good time and a couple of drinks that capture the American spirit. Whether you're young or old, rich or poor, a Philly local or just passing through, The Citywide Special is up for grabs as long as you have $4, a good attitude, and some time to kill. Russia: Yorsh beer in sauna - yurakrasil/Shutterstock Tired of the whisky cocktails? Hop off that trend and onto a Moscow tradition. Toast "zda-ro-vye!" as you down a large beer with a heavy pour of -- you guessed it -- vodka. Originating in Russia, yorsh is a bold cocktail made by mixing beer with (a lot of) vodka. It's a popular choice among Russians and is often enjoyed when out celebrating with friends or on special occasions, which in Russia, is an everyday occurrence. Unlike other beer bomb shots like the citywide special and the low fife, this combination opts for neutral-tasting vodka instead of whisky. This allows you to enjoy a more spirit-forward version of the beer without changing its flavor profile. The traditional way to drink yorsh is out with friends. You pour in the vodka, toast to good fortune and good friends, and down your yorsh all in one go. Enjoy a yorsh in the sauna for a truly Russian experience. UK: Snakebite snakebite cocktail glass - Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock What do Pop-Tarts, Gatorade, and the Snakebite have in common? They're all banned in the U.K. Well, sort of. This dangerous drink isn't illegal per se, however, it's been banned in many pubs across the U.K. because of its ability to get you completely sizzled, off-your-trolley drunk. In other words, this drink gets you hammered. And fast. It's like the English version of the Four Loko. So, you may not have much luck trying to order this drink out at the pub, but not to worry, we'll tell you how to make it. It's easy. Take half part lager and half part cider. The combo creates a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet drink. It's a favorite among university students and is often enjoyed in pubs or during casual get-togethers. Because of their low ABV, lagers tend to lend themselves to being easy-drinking. It just so happens that cider is also a sweet, delicious drink that goes down easy. The combination of the two creates a unique flavor profile that's both refreshing and (a little too) easy to drink. In true pub fashion, serve this up in a big mug and drink your friends right under the table. Not sure which cider to use? Use these hard cider brands, ranked as your cheat sheet. France: Skittles Bomb melted skittles line - Nicholas J Klein/Shutterstock Can Red Bull be a substitute for beer? Sure, why not? For as refined as France seems to be, they've come up with a fun one here for sure. The Skittles bomb, known by its proper French name Retreau (pronounced retro), is a combination of Red Bull and a shot of orange-flavored Cointreau. The flavor bears a scary resemblance to orange Skittles -- and with the sugar and caffeine from the Red Bull, this drink will have you feeling like a 10-year-old again. Sticky Skittles fingers and all. The Skittles bomb is often served in shot glasses or small tumblers, with the orange liqueur carefully layered on top of the Red Bull to create a striking visual effect. It's a drink that's meant to be enjoyed with friends and is often accompanied by lively music, dancing, and reliving your childhood. So, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to add some nostalgia to your night out, indulge in a Skittles bomb and experience the less-refined, but always classy part of French culture. A ta sante. California: Corona Sunrise Corona bottles with lime - Dallas Events Inc/Shutterstock They say that living is easy in the summertime. And whoever "they" are must be right, because when June 1st rolls around, this easy-drinking summertime cocktail enters the bar scene. A Corona Sunrise combines a classic cocktail and your favorite beach beer. It's similar to the classic Tequila Sunrise which is a cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. But here's the twist: instead of orange juice as the main component, the drink is made in Snoop Dogg's favorite beer: a Corona Extra. It's a refreshing change-up that can be enjoyed anywhere from the beach to your backyard. The Corona Sunrise is best enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere and with good company. Here's why it works: Corona is a relatively light beer and slightly bitter, with an ABV of only 4.5%, which is what makes it everyone's favorite beachside beer. The tequila adds a sharpness to the light beer and the orange juice and grenadine sweeten the whole thing up. Making it is just as easy as drinking it alone. All you have to do is take a big sip of a Corona, pour in your ingredients, and enjoy. Preferably on a beach. Ireland: Dublin Stout And Cream Irish stout glass - Kanawa_studio/Getty Images The Dublin stout and cream, also known as the Dublin Drop, is an Irish fan favorite. Here's how to make it. Pour Irish cream into the bottom of a shot glass. Then, carefully layer Jameson on top. Get your Guinness ready, drop in your shot, and drink as fast as you possibly can. Don't let your drink sit unless you want to end up with curdled cream in your beer. Here's why it works: A stout is thought to be a creamier beer because of the smaller bubbles created by the use of nitrogen. The Irish cream is a natural pairing for the beer, and when paired with an Irish whisky like Jameson, the sweetness is toned down ever so slightly when the bite of whiskey kicks in. This drink is rich and indulgent which makes it perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Enjoy after a meal as a dessert cocktail or cozied up by the fireplace on a cold winter night. Whether you're from Ireland, passing through, or just want a little taste of the drinking culture without planning a trip, give the Dublin stout and cream a go. Italy: Spaghett Spaghett cocktail glass - Bhofack2/Getty Images Here's an Italian staple, the Spaghett. The Spaghett consists of a blend of beer, Aperol, and lemon juice. We consider it Italian because of the use of Aperol, an Italian bitter aperitif with a vibrant red tint and a strong citrus flavor. Its refreshing and zesty flavor profile makes it a popular choice during hot summer days. And its simplicity makes it easy for anyone to impress a crowd. You don't even need a glass. Here's how you make it. To make the Spaghett, grab a bottle of Miller High Life, take a big ol' swig, and pour in Aperol and a squeeze of lemon juice. This combo puts a no-fuss spin on the classic Aperol Spritz, another Italian drink made with Aperol and Prosecco. The Spaghett can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite Italian dishes like this Zesty Pasta Al Limone. So, whether you're lounging on a sunny terrace or dining al fresco with friends, cool off with a refreshing Spaghett and toast to la dolce vita. US: Jagerbomb jager bomb glass - Ciphotos/Getty Images Similar to the Skittles Bomb, this next drink also swaps beer for an energy drink. The Jagerbomb, a staple in American bars and clubs, features a shot of Jagermeister dropped into an energy drink, usually a Red Bull. It gained popularity in the early 2000s -- alongside MySpace and Razor scooters -- and has since become synonymous with energetic nightlife and party culture. The Jagerbomb started as a German drink, with a shot of Jagermeister dropped into a beer, but the U.S. hipsters caught on and put their spin on the beverage. How trendy. Nobody's entirely sure where the Jagerbomb truly originated. Some say it was the brainchild of the Jagermeister marketing team, trying to reach the younger crowds with a spin on the traditional German digestif. However, around the late '90s, two bars near Lake Tahoe started serving up a drink called "The Red Bull Blaster" which was a combo of, you guessed it, Red Bull and Jagermeister. So are they the inventors? Was it the marketers? The hipsters? We guess we'll never know. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Image Source So youve been doing some revenge bedtime procrastination and it shows. We can't fix your sleep deprivation but the best caffeine eye cream can do something about those under eye bags and dark circles. Caffeine works to reduce puffiness by clamping down on blood vessels, helping to reduce swelling, Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, tells Glamour. In other words, the best caffeine eye cream really can work magic. You can see results fairly quickly, even within an half an hour, Aya Ahram, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York, tells Glamour. Over timeabout four to six weeksconsistent use of caffeine eye cream can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles (which is why caffeine is often found in the best eye creams for dark circles), adds Navin S. Arora, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, founder of Borealis Dermatology in New York, and clinical assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Ahead, these are the caffeine eye creams dermatologists have tested and say really work. Plus, as a health and beauty editor with over a decade of experience (and as a mom who knows a thing or two about tired eyes), I'm sharing my reviews as well. The best caffeine eye creams, at a glance Your common questions, answered: What to look for in an eye cream The benefits of caffeine eye cream When's the best time to use eye cream Can caffeine eye creams be used with retinol? The sale for groups of at least 3 travelers is running until Feb. 19. Courtesy of Brightline High-speed rail company Brightline is making it easier for groups to plan a south Florida escape this Presidents Day holiday weekend with a sale that has one-way tickets as low as $39. The sale offers groups of at least three travelers or more half-off Smart tickets to or from Orlando, the company shared with Travel + Leisure. The sale, which must be booked by Feb. 19, is valid on travel between Feb. 20 and March 31. Grab two travel buddies and explore Florida, Brightline wrote as part of the promotion. Whether youre traveling to Orlando as a family or planning a getaway to South Florida for your friends, the train is the most comfortable and convenient way to get there. To take advantage, the booking must include Orlando as either the origin or destination city. The rail company first launched in 2018 with service between West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, but has since expanded, adding service to Aventura and Boca Raton. The company also opened its new route between Miami and Orlando late last year. The ride between the two cities takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Travelers can choose between Smart or Premium fares, the latter which includes added perks like a dedicated lounge at the departure station, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages. All Brightline trains come with complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. Brightline also offers several multi-use passes like the All-Station Shared Pass, which comes with access to each of Brightlines stations, including Orlando; and the SoFlo Solo Pass, which includes access to south Florida stations. Beyond Florida, the company is starting work in southern California to create a rail corridor connecting the state with Las Vegas. The project, called Brightline West, will eventually connect Sin City with the Los Angeles area over 218-miles complete with speeds up to 200 mph. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. In 1947, when the 24-year-old Saul Leiter first saw Henri Cartier-Bressons prints at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, photographers were content to be regarded as photographers. Todays aspirational ideal is artist or artist using a camera. But if Leiter is a consummate artist that is because his talents were uniquely served by and entirely dependent on the camera in his hand. Its tempting and plenty of people have been tempted to describe this pioneer of early colour photography as painterly. The upcoming exhibition Saul Leiter: An Unfinished World at the M K Gallery in Milton Keynes the largest show of the photographer in the UK to date includes some of Leiters actual paintings. These minor works are the equivalent of Cartier-Bressons drawings: of interest only because they were made by a great photographer. Painting its history and Leiters hopes of adding to that history is just background to his signature achievement. Leiters achievement is complicated for several reasons. From the 1950s to the 1980s, he enjoyed some success as a fashion photographer, contributing to publications such as Harpers Bazaar, Vogue and Elle. But it was the unpaid, personal work to which he devoted himself and by which he set most store. Much of this work was in colour. Until the 1970s, the photography world seemed to share Robert Franks grouchy insistence that, Black and white are the colours of photography. Everything changed in 1976 with the exhibition of William Eggleston at MoMA the first solo show of colour photography at the museum. A few American photographers had been using colour before then Helen Levitt most notably but it was Eggleston who, in the words of the curator John Szarkowski, really learnt to see in colour. Leiter, though, had taught himself to see a different kind of colour, decades earlier. While working in black and white elliptical and lyrical street scenes, portraits of friends, nudes he was also, from 1948 onwards, becoming quietly articulate in his own language of colour harmony. This work attracted little attention, even after photography embraced the brave new world of post-Egglestonian colour. Harlem, 1960 - The Saul Leiter Foundation So, this Pittsburgh-born son of a Talmudic scholar, who left a calling as a rabbi to come to New York in 1946 intending to become a painter, who photographed in colour when serious photography existed only in black and white, continued going quietly about his un-businesslike business, usually within walking distance of his apartment in the East Village. The tip of the wondrous iceberg resulting from his long patience was barely glimpsed until 1992, when, appropriately and ironically, the then 68-year-old was included in a book devoted to the so-called New York School. Being seen in the context of this larger group, which included photographers such as Richard Avedon and Diane Arbus, made it clear that Leiters style was entirely his own. Unnoticed for 40 years, a Leiter picture became instantly recognisable after the publication of the book Saul Leiter: Early Color, by Steidl, in 2006. This extended delay which Leiter seems to have regarded without frustration or bitterness proved fruitful in several ways. It meant, for starters, that there were many kinds of time in his pictures. They are records of the time when they were taken, but even this truism is not straightforward, since he had a fondness for using out-of-date film; the consequent deterioration was imbued with a desaturated radiance. Pull c. 1960 - The Saul Leiter Foundation Although the places he photographed still existed by the time the pictures saw the light of day, the functions and storefronts had changed, the people in the streets were gone, their clothes fallen out of fashion. So the photographs had a kind of nostalgic immediacy, a contemporaneity that was also retrospective. Pictures, many of them taken by a young man who was now in his 80s, were simultaneously old and new, revealing a way of seeing that was both ahead of its time and backward-looking. The documentary quality that is there in any photograph was always faint in Leiters work, but after half a century, it had been reduced still further (no news value whatsoever) and intensified, in the way that happens to any kind of relic. At an exact moment often difficult to establish a bit of the world looked like this, even as Leiter nudged what he saw to the gentle brink of abstraction. This is brought out by Leiters 1957 shot Through Boards, used on the cover of Early Color and on view at the M K Gallery: Rothkos red-and-black eternity with, in the centre, a band of time-specific information in the form of a street, cars, stores and people. Resolved contradictions are at the heart of Leiters magic. The colours run, slowly, as if not quite fixed. His exteriors are often seen from inside through steamed-up windows such as Pull, taken around 1960 or are mirrored by rain-smeared windows. The frantic streets become unhurried, contemplative, framed and thereby internalised by a consistently shaping consciousness. This gives his images a subtle psychological depth, while another harmonious contradiction the frequent use of a telephoto lens flattened the pictorial surface. The concept is interesting, writes John Ashbery in his 1977 poem Wet Casements: to see, as though reflected In streaming windowpanes, the look of others through Their own eyes. A digest of their correct impressions of Their self-analytical attitudes overlaid by your Ghostly transparent face. Untitled, undated - The Saul Leiter Foundation It seems inappropriate to mention a very English poet in the same breath as Ashbery, but Philip Larkins line snow fell, undated could serve as a caption for Leiters many photos of streets in which snow the white of black and white in colour! buries or blurs the identifying features of time and place. In Footprints (c 1950), snow causes the emergent red of an umbrella to blossom as if from a spring that lies both in the future and within vague drifts of memory. These blizzards add to the pictures felt silence: muted colours doubling the romantic intimacy, the cosiness of the outside observed from within. So the scenes also contain our reactions to them or going back to those expanded notions of time our reflections on them. The mere act of looking at the pictures places us within them. Leiter had a wry sense of how adroitly hed avoided success and in some ways the neglect may have been a heavily disguised blessing. Would he have been able to keep working in the way he did if hed been recognised, adequately noticed? Not simply because, on the street, instead of being able to wander the neighbourhood discreetly, very quietly, the observer would have been observed by people who spotted the great Leiter at work; more insidiously, hed have become conscious of doing the Leiter thing. If hed kept showing the same stuff year after year, work that now draws plaudits could have incurred the displeasure of critics eager for change, development, of which, as far as we can see, there is mercifully little. Unlike his peers, Leiter had no shaping legacy. The world did not configure itself around or in reaction to his work; we did not start seeing real-world Leiters everywhere until recently. Through Boards, 1957 - Saul Leiter Foundation / Courtesy Florence and Damien Bachelot Collection Still more time has passed since he was discovered more snow has fallen, much of it dated and the way we view Leiters photographs, what we see in them, is changing. Most of the work seems more poignantly beautiful than ever but not all. The nudes have suffered, less because we are obliged to view suspiciously images of women stretched out on beds in suspenders and stockings than because these women are smoking. Ugh! There is an irony to Leiters fleeting snapshots, which draw us back to the language of paint to the late-19th-century intimiste French painter Edouard Vuillard, whom Leiter cited as an influence. As a contemporary once remarked of Vuillard, the element of fantasy in his work obliged him to keep to these little panels; it would be impossible for him to go further If he had to work on a big scale hed have to be more exact and what would become of him then? Acclaim came so late to Leiter that the question has only arisen posthumously. Since his death in 2013, at the age of 89, various attempts have been made to ensure his name is writ large and larger. The danger of bigging him up like this bigger prints, larger-format books is that it is at odds with his essential aesthetic and identity. And, of course, he has become a belated influence. Todd Hayness film Carol (2015) was so steeped in Leiters palette and visual vocabulary, it seemed, at times, like a moving retrospective. Lately, this most local of photographers has, as it were, gone global. The history of photography, meanwhile, has had to be reconfigured around him, to do him justice. But his name, like Vuillards, has still to be written small if it is not to obscure itself. Geoff Dyers books on photography, The Ongoing Moment and See/Saw, are published by Canongate; Saul Leiter: An Unfinished World is at the M K Gallery, Milton Keynes (mkgallery.org), from today to June 2 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. Dave and Jenny Marrs have the magic touch when it comes to home renovations, and, thanks to their series Fixer to Fabulous, they share their talents with fans on HGTV. If you've ever dreamed of having Dave and Jenny renovate your home, you've likely wondered who pays for the renovations on Fixer to Fabulous. According to the show's official casting application, there are several rules to follow. The house must be within 30 miles of Bentonville, Arkansas, and not in Fayetteville due to permit restrictions. The application states that a renovation fund of at least $120,000 is required, and the applicants have to prove how it will be financed (cash, a loan, etc.). Also, they have to be willing to move out of their homes for the seven- to nine-week renovation period, which is an added expense. Courtesy of HGTV The same goes for the furniture. Jenny uses existing pieces when possible, but she supplements her design with additional products. Jenny told PureWow, "If theres a piece of their furniture that we can use, we do. But otherwise, I work with a local firm and pretty much figure out what I would do for the client. And then the homeowners have the option to buy it at a discounted rate." These policies are commonplace for HGTV home renovation shows. According to the network, "Homeowners have to come up with the money for the projects. While HGTV doesnt front the bill...the network does, at times, contribute construction funds to help enhance and speed up projects for television." The benefit of being on the show is getting able to work with skilled builders and designers like Dave and Jenny. While the Marrs family is based in Arkansas, they're soon taking their talents overseas! Fixer to Fabulous: Italiano premieres on March 12. You Might Also Like BY NOW YOU will be well aware of the jokes about Sony's sort-of-Spider-Man-spinoff Madame Web. They started as soon as the first trailer for the movie dropped, with the clunky, expository line of dialogue "He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died" launching so many memes that it ended up getting cut from the movie upon its release. The Dakota Johnson vehicle is by no means a great movie, and it might not even be a very good superhero movie, suffering from the fact that it comes 20 years into the boom of that particular genre, and Marvel fatigue has well and truly set in. But I'm here to say it is actually a perfect execution of a very different kind of film: the airplane movie. Or, as it may have been dubbed in decades past, a B-movie: a film you can enjoy almost as much for its flaws and inexplicable creative decisions as for what it gets right. And I believe that is due, in no small part, to screenwriting duo Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, who penned the script for Madame Web alongside Claire Parker and director S.J. Clarkson. Far from being an anomaly in their shared body of work, Madame Web is very much of a piece with Sazam and Sharpless' other output: middling genre fare that seeks not to expand or buck conventions, but rather to deliver trope after trope, revelling in cliche where other writers might shy away. In other words, the kind of movie you'll get a kick out of when you're slightly drunk and/or sleepy at 20,000 feet. This saga begins 10 years ago, with their first movie, Dracula Untold. Conceived as an origin story for Bram Stoker's infamous vampire (played here by a buff and brooding Luke Evans), this was originally intended to be the first installment in Universal's "Dark Universe," which would weave together reimaginings of several classic monsters from their catalogue. That film's poor performance led to Universal downplaying its connection to their shared universe plans, and later said that the reboot of The Mummy would launch the new franchise. That film's critical panning led to the Dark Universe being abandoned entirely. Jasin Boland - Universal Sazama and Sharpless' next studio project was 2015's The Last Witch Hunter, another story that wove together fantasy, horror and action elements. Just like Dracula Untold, it had seemingly franchise-launching potential: Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel as a leading man, and Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie at a time when that was the biggest show on the planet. A sequel is reportedly still in the works, but nothing new has been announced since 2020. That was swiftly followed by 2016's Gods of Egypt, a Stargate ripoff which cast white actors in an epic fantasy inspired by Ancient Egypt and has since been all-but-forgotten, and 2017's Power Rangers, another aborted attempt to relaunch a franchise. Then, in 2018, came Netflix's Lost in Space reboot, where Sazama and Sharpless worked as writers and executive producers. This may well be the outlier here in that it delivered three seasons of compelling, emotionally resonant sci-fi (not to mention a delightfully weird Parker Posey performance), and might actually be deservingly called "good." After Lost in Space ended in 2021, Sazama and Sharpless returned to movies, and delivered what was arguably the movie of 2022. No, I'm not talking about Top Gun: Maverick, or Everything Everywhere All at Once. I'm talking, of course, about Morbius. In many ways the vampiric sire of Madame Web, Morbius gave us Jared Leto at his most extra, a kill scene set unironically to Jessie Ware's 'The Kill,' a weirdly horny Matt Smith vampire villain, and of course, countless memes. Sony even got duped into releasing the movie in theaters a second time, all because viewers were having such a good time with how wildly, wonderfully stupid the whole thing was. But theaters is not where these kinds of cultural artefacts belong. They are the province of long-haul flights, or hungover Sunday afternoons. Nicole Kidman might walk into that AMC wanting to feel, but when I strap myself into my seat and order a gin and tonic, I want to turn off my higher brain function and let the most bizarre, lurid storytelling choices possible wash over me. And I know I'm not alone in that. So. Are Sazama and Sharpless serial franchise killers, or misunderstood B-movie geniuses? I'll let you decide. You Might Also Like Makers Mark may have ended its Wood Finishing Series stateside, but apparently this series of special stave-finished bourbons lives on in the form of the City Series. The latest release is a new global travel retail exclusive whiskey that is only available in Singapore. Makers Mark, which is owned by parent company Beam Suntory, is known for its core lineup of wheated bourbon (using wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye). Last summer the distillery launched the fantastic Cellar Aged, its oldest whiskey to date. And over the past few years, different releases in its Wood Finishing Series have come out, each finished with a variety of oak staves that are cooked to different levels to impart unique flavors into the whiskey. When I visited the distillery last summer, the team said that the Wood Finishing Series was over, at least in its current form, although it could return in another incarnation. More from Robb Report This new whiskey is the fourth in the Wood Finishing City Series, following New York and Sydney releases in 2022 and Frankfurt in 2023. All of the whiskeys are available exclusively at global travel retail locations in limited numbers. The Singapore edition was created in collaboration with chef Willin Low and Jigger and Pony bar director Aki Eguchi, who presumably were involved to some degree with selecting the combination of staves used to finish the whiskey and capture a little bit of Singapore in a bottle. Crafted with a blend of flavors reminiscent of the lush tropical paradise, aromatic notes of pineapple and mango create a delightful burst of exotic fruitiness, said Eguchi in a statement. To add depth and complexity, weve carefully balanced these tropical elements with a subtle touch of warming spices, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, making each a journey through a harmonious fusion of flavors that celebrate the spirit of Singapore. The whiskey was bottled at 54.9 percent ABV. Makers Mark Wood Finishing City Series Singapore Edition is limited to just 720 bottles (SRP $95), and will be available at Lotte Duty Free at Singapores Changi Airport in terminal four. There is an activation going on for the new whiskey through February 29 that includes a tasting bar and a free tote bag with every purchase. And according to Makers Mark, there will be another City Series release later this year, but no details as of yet which metropolis it will focus on. 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. There has been speculation among fans that Meghan Markle might be using Ozempic to lose weight. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and it is unclear if the Duchess of Sussex, 42, has actually even shed a significant amount of pounds. Weight loss drugs like semaglutide have become a common topic of discussion in relation to celebrity weight loss stories. Markles name has repeatedly been mentioned on social media platforms, with users speculating that she may have used Ozempic to achieve a slimmer appearance. In recent months, rumors have circulated about the Suits alums weight loss, which have further fueled these speculations. Her latest public appearances at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025s One Year to Go celebrations and red carpet film premiere of Bob Marley: One Love have only served to intensify the discussion. Fans Continue To Claim That Meghan Markle Is 'Taking Ozempic' After Her Latest Outings To the surprise of fans and onlookers last month, Markle and her husband Prince Harry made an unexpected and stylish appearance on the red carpet in Kingston, Jamaica. The couple dressed to the nines for the film premiere of Bob Marley: One Love. Markle graced the event in an elegant black silk taffeta maxi skirt and a matching tank top, combining the two to create the look of a ballgown. Harry, 39, looked dapper in a dark navy suit with an unbuttoned white shirt underneath. Soon after Markle stepped out for the gathering, several users on X (formerly Twitter), noted that she looked thinner. "Here you go, unfiltered Meghan Markle," one wrote along with an image of Markle at the premiere, adding: "Here you all go, no Photoshop, filter, just pure Ozempic." Another added: "You can see her injection sites on each side of the cupids bow. Fillers to smooth out some of Ozempic face." Just a few weeks later, in celebration of the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their way to Canada. At the Winter Training Camp this week, Markle met with athletes from various nations who will be participating in the competition exclusively for service personnel and veterans. She sported a chic cream puffer coat and kept warm with an all-white get-up beneath it. After this appearance, one user on X wrote: "Ozempic face without all the photoshopping" as another added, along with a recent photo of her: "Ozempic face Meghan Markle." Last summer, insiders claimed that Markle's rumored weight loss was due to stress rather than Ozempic. "When Meghan is stressed, she barely eats. Friends say shes dropped at least 15 pounds," one source reportedly told Life & Style at the time. They added: "She doesnt have an appetite when shes juggling a lot." In June of last year, Spotify ended its association with Markle and her husband, while a senior executive subsequently referred to them as "grifters." Unfortunately, her podcast was also terminated after only one season. "Meghans anxiety kicks in when shes not in control," the source told Life & Style. According to the informant, following the termination of their profitable agreement with the streaming platform, the duo displayed great enthusiasm in seeking fresh methods to cement their status as accomplished figures in the realm of Hollywood. The insider went on: "It seems that the pressure of making her mark in Hollywood is finally getting to Meghan." "Trying to reestablish herself, constant money problems, Harry traveling and leaving her home alone a lot it all adds up," they continued, suggesting that her being stressed might have been why she sparked weight loss and Ozempic rumors. "Shes stressed, and friends are afraid she could be spiraling," they added at the time. Ever since announcing her engagement to Prince Harry, the world's eyes have been fixed on Meghan Markle and her style. We'll be following the Meghan Markle Effect with our column, "Meghan Markle Wore a Thing." Meghan Markle is continuing her week of chic Canada-ready coats while she's in town for the Invictus Games One Year To Go Winter Training Camp in Vancouver with her husband, Prince Harry. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage As she cheered on Harry and other attendees (like Michael Buble's curling attempts) from the sidelines, Markle wore black knee-high leather riding boots from Co and black La Ligne skinny jeans underneath a very stylish cape coat from luxury outerwear brand Sentaler. The camel color theme continued with The Duchess of Sussex's long-sleeve top by Bleusalt a brand she frequently turns to for solid basics. The former actor completed the look with Anine Bing gold linked earrings and a pair of Max Mara suede gloves another repeated favorite of Markle's. See some of our favorite looks from the Duchess of Sussex in the gallery below: A white embellished shift dress by Valentino at the 2021 Global Citizen Live event. Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images Photo: John Lamparski/Getty Images View the 73 images of this gallery on the original article Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way does this affect our editorial decision-making. Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter. The classic shepherd's pie is comfort food royalty. There's something about the savory combination of meat, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes that ticks all the right boxes. Although the origin of shepherd's pie has been traced to Scotland, this practical and easy-to-make meal is beloved worldwide. Other regions have developed unique versions of shepherd's pie, including pastel de papa, a favorite recipe in South American countries like Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Pastel de papa is more of a casserole than a pie, and the ingredients, cooking method, and overall look of the dish vary depending on where it's being served. If you know the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie (although the terms are often used interchangeably), it's easy to see that, based on its filling, pastel de papa falls under the cottage pie category. Beneath the top layer of mashed potatoes is a mixture of beef seasoned with onions and tomatoes. However, this dish doesn't have the same familiar veggies as shepherd's pie. Instead, pastel de papa often contains a mixture of hard-boiled eggs, raisins, and olives. While this might seem like an unusual flavor medley, the starchy potatoes topped with cheese balance out each bite. Read more: US Foods You Surprisingly Can't Find In Canada The Origin Of Pastel De Papa Is Disputed close-up of pastel de papa slice - JC Through The Lens/Shutterstock The exact origins of pastel de papa are unknown, but there is speculation that the idea came from Scottish settlers in South America. Argentina has a large Scottish population that has been around since the 19th century. The Scots likely brought their recipes for dishes like shepherd's pie along with them. After a few centuries, these dishes transformed into various regional specialties. Known for producing high-quality beef, Argentina lays claim to pastel de papa as its own culinary invention, but to the west, Chile also takes credit. Often eaten at family gatherings like potlucks and traditional celebrations throughout the year, pastel de papa is a meal worth sharing. In Hispanic households, it's sometimes viewed as a harbinger of good luck, and every home has its own special recipe. One of the dish's greatest strengths is its versatility, which means there's always room for some tasty experimentation. How Pastel De Papa Is Made In Different Regions Peruvian pastel de papa dish - Hann Leon Stock/Shutterstock In a typical Argentinian pastel de papa, the bottom and top layers are made of buttery mashed potatoes (sometimes fried), and the inside is lined with a mixture of beef and special ingredients. The beef is cooked with onions, spices, and tomatoes before chopped hard-boiled eggs, raisins, and olives are added to the pan. However, not all recipes will incorporate the same ingredients. Some swap out the raisins and olives for veggies such as carrots or celery that align more with shepherd's pie. Others might mix shreds of cooked chicken breast or chorizo with the beef. This comfort food can even be wrapped up and served as empanadas, with the savory filling tucked inside a pastry pocket. Chilean pastel de papa is similar but sometimes calls for one of the country's favorite staples Panquehue cheese. One of Chile's most popular cheeses, this mild, semi-soft delicacy is produced in the Andes Mountains and will often have red pepper flakes blended in for a spicy kick. While Argentina's and Chile's pastel de papa variations are the two most common types eaten in South America, Peru's version distinctly differs in presentation and ingredients. Instead of being filled with different meats and veggies, it simply stacks layers of pink or yellow potatoes. Also, only eggs, milk, oregano, and Serrano cheese are added to create a straightforward potato pie. Read the original article on Mashed. Paul Giamatti is making plenty of headlines this awards season, thanks to his unforgettable performance in The Holdovers. The critically acclaimed comedy-drama has already earned Giamatti a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for Best Actor, and for both occasions, the actor made sure to give a special shout-out to his girlfriend. During his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, he said, I want to say, I love my beautiful girlfriend, Clara Wong. Why you bother with me, I don't know why. As it turns out, the happy couple have been together for a few years. But we're curious to know: How did their relationship begin? And do they share any children? Keep reading for details on Paul Giamatti's girlfriend, Clara Wong. 1. Who Is Paul Giamatti's Girlfriend? Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Giamatti's girlfriend, Clara Wong, is an actress. You may recognize her from shows like Louie, Goliath, What We Do in the Shadows and Billions. Per IMDB, she was born in Skokie, Illinois, and she will play the role of Kristen in an upcoming comedy series, Good Enough. 2. How Did the Couple Meet? Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for The Denali Foundation Giamatti and Wong haven't revealed how they met, but we know they started working together on Showtimes Billions in 2016. In the series, Giamatti plays a U.S. Attorney named Chuck Rhoades Jr. and Wong plays Troy, Chuck's dominatrix. The pair likely started dating around that time, because in October 2019, the actors were spotted together at the unveiling of the Paul Giamatti Fundraiser for the Denali Foundation at the Yale Club in New York. Plus, in 2021, Wong posted a birthday tribute to Giamatti on Instagram and wrote, "Happy birthday to this firecracker!! #bang #explosive #gunpowder #smoo #gemini #thebest." 3. When Did They Make Their Red Carpet Debut? Monica Schipper/WireImage Wong and Giamatti made their red carpet debut as a couple in January 2024, when they attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Wong dazzled in a sparkling armless gown, while Giamatti donned a black suit and pink tie. Just a few days later, they walked the Golden Globes red carpet. They went viral when they were spotted eating at a fast food joint, In-N-Out, after the ceremony. Actor Michael Warburton shared a photo of the couple, with Giamatti's award casually sitting on the table next to him. He tweeted, Paul Giamatti keeping it real post his Golden Globes win last night, at the Westwood In-N-Out in L.A. Later in January, the couple stepped out once again for the National Board of Review 2024 Awards Gala. So, it looks like Giamatti's girlfriend will definitely make an appearance at the Oscars. 4. Are They Instagram Official? Wong is pretty active on social media, and judging by her feed, she and Giamatti have been dating for quite a while. Her earliest post of the actor dates back to August 2020, and it features a very shadowy close-up of Giamatti sitting indoors. Since then, the actress has shared multiple snaps of her boyfriend on IG, including a sweet birthday tribute in June 2022. She wrote, "Happy Birthday to YOU! May it be filled with all the treats you can eat, all the books you can read, and all the Unsolved Mysteries podcast episodes you can listen to!" In 2023, she followed suit with another b-day post that read, "Happy birthday to this sweet soul!" 5. Do Giamatti and Wong Have Children? Theo Wargo/Getty Images As of now, the couple do not share any children. Neither have opened up about potentially starting a family, presumably because they prefer to focus on their careers. 6. Was Giamatti Previously Married? Michael Loccisano/Getty Images The John Adams star was previously married to Elizabeth Cohen. They tied the knot in 1997 and welcomed a son named Samuel. However, after several years of marriage, the couple got divorced at an unknown date. While talking about his family in 2011, Giamatti told The Guardian, "My wife is Jewish. And I'm fine with my son being raised as a Jew. He's learning Hebrew and is really into it." Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Meet Robert Downey Jr.'s Wife, Susan Downey Ramadan is less than a month away. Before the holiday commences, we have put together a refresher to help you understand what Ramadan is, why it is celebrated and more. What is Ramadan? Aisha (left) and Tayyaba Farooq (right) celebrate the end of Ramadan on April 21, 2023 at the Delaware Field House. Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. During the monthlong holiday, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran (the holy book of Islam) when Allah, through the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Quran to a caravan trader named "Muhammad," according to Almanac. Ramadan is also a time for fasting from drinking or eating during sunlight hours to draw closer to God and cultivate self-control, gratitude, and compassion for the less fortunate, according to ING. When is Ramadan in 2024? Delaware Muslims filled the Bob Carpenter Center and the Delaware Field House at the University of Delaware on Friday April 21, 2023 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Although Ramadan is always the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the exact dates of the holiday change each year because they are based on the sighting of the first crescent moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on the last night of the eighth month, Shaban. Some choose to observe Ramadan by following pre-determined dates based on astronomical calculations, reports Almanac. In 2024, Ramadan starts at sundown on Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. The last evening of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), which is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, according to the Pluralism Project. Eid al-Fitr does not begin until the new moon is seen, which means it starts at different times around the world. Some Muslims choose to celebrate when the new moon appears over Mecca. During Eid al-Fitr, the monthlong fast for Ramadan officially ends and is celebrated with a feast. How is Ramadan celebrated? A Muslim devotee offers special morning prayers to start the Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Kashmiri Mosque in Kathmandu on April 22, 2023. Ramadan is a period of spiritual rejuvenation, focusing heavily on devotion. During the month, Muslims perform special prayers and spend extra time reading the Quran, along with fasting. The fast is from pre-dawn to sunset each day, lasting between 11 and 16 hours for 29 to 30 days, depending on the time of year. Muslims fast from food and drink; abstain from sex, if married; and refrain from negative acts such as lying, gossiping, arguing or backbiting, according to ING. The goal of fasting is to gain greater God-consciousness, known in Arabic as taqwa, signifying a state of constant awareness of God. This awareness allows a person to gain self-restraint, discipline and a greater incentive to avoid wrong and do good. Delaware Muslims filled the Bob Carpenter Center and the Delaware Field House at the University of Delaware on Friday April 21, 2023 to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. All post-pubescent Muslims are obligated to fast except those with exemptions, including someone who is pregnant or nursing, children, sick individuals and elderly people. Sick people can make up the fast when they feel better and can instead feed a poor person for every day of fasting that they miss. Children around age 7 can perform limited or symbolic fasts, such as fasting for half a day or on weekends. Due to fasting, the holiday is a highly social time and often sees the community inviting one another over for breakfast and meeting up for prayers at the mosque. Sehri, or suhri, is the pre-dawn meal families eat together every morning, followed by a morning prayer. At night, Muslims break their fast with a meal known as iftar, which is traditionally started by eating dates like the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Iftar is often shared with a poor family, according to Almanac. Muslims pray during the last Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid mosque in the old quarters of New Delhi on April 21, 2023. A special part of Ramadan is the Night of Power, known as Lailat al-Qadr, that is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan but is widely observed on the 27th night. It is seen as the most blessed night in Ramadan because it is said to be the night the Quran was first revealed, according to Britannica. Mosques are open all night on the Night of Power as Muslims hold vigils in contemplation, prayer and Quranic recitation. Once Eid al-Fitr arrives, the last day of Ramadan, Muslims enjoy great feasts and celebrate with the community. Ramadan traditions Sudanese men gather for iftar, fast-breaking meal, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in a park in Khartoum in 2023. It is customary for Muslims to attempt to read the entire Quran during Ramadan and have it recited during special nightly prayers, according to ING. During the nightly meal, mosques are known to host community dinners to foster relationships and offer a break from cooking to those fixing up iftar at home. Afterward, special Ramadan prayers called "Taraweeh" are held and 1/30 of the Quran is recited to ensure the full text is read by the end of the holiday. With charity being an element of the holiday, mosques often hold fundraisers or food drives during Ramadan, and even invite community members from other faiths inside to enjoy iftar. During Eid al-Fitr, it is a tradition for children to receive money, gifts or new clothes from loved ones. The first day of the celebration begins with a special prayer and sermon in the morning, followed by a celebration with the community filled with food and games. Families also visit the graves of relatives, according to Britannica. How to greet someone during Ramadan Muslim devotees offer last Friday prayers of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on April 21, 2023. There are many ways to greet someone during Ramadan or express you well wishes for the holiday. Ramadan Mubarak means blessed Ramadan and can be said to those observing the holiday, according to Almanac. Similarly, Eid Mubarak means blessed holiday, and can be used to greet someone on during Eid al-Fitr, according to ING. Other ways to greet someone during Ramadan, according to Parade, include: Sending wishes for a peaceful Ramadan. Wishing you a happy Ramadan. May Ramadan bring you prosperity and joy. Sending love to you and your family this Ramadan. May all your prayers be answered this Ramadan and always. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. Lenten season details: Wondering when Lent starts in 2024 or how it's observed? We've got answers and more. Fat Tuesday arrives soon: What is Mardi Gras? Find that out, plus when to celebrate, why it's a holiday and more Holiday crossover: What is Ash Wednesday? Why Christians will be wearing ashes on Valentine's Day this year. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is Ramadan in 2024? Plus, why it's celebrated, holiday traditions President Joe Biden is like the Steve Buscemi meme in "30 Rock," undercover as a teen dressed in a backward cap and band t-shirt, with a skateboard over his shoulder desperately pleading with Gen Z: "How do you do, fellow kids?" Or at least that's what his new presence on TikTok and embracing of Dark Brandon memes feels like. In a lukewarm attempt to go head-to-head with conservatives and Donald Trump as 2024 election campaigning gears up the President is trying to own the GOP by pulling a move from the internet trolling playbook. Namely, the President is embracing a meme the right created to secretly and openly insult him in 2021 after the right began using the phrase "Let's Go Brandon." Which just allowed them to codeswitch and say "F**k Joe Biden" without really saying it. The meme called "Dark Brandon" is a menacing photo of the president with glowing red eyes, similar to "The Boys" villain Homelander's malevolent glare. It has been embraced by Biden and even now is a part of his 2024 campaign website. The President used the meme in an X post after the Chief's Super Bowl win to address right-wing Taylor Swift conspiracies with the mocking caption, "Just like we drew it up." Viewed 220 million times, the post was met with fury from X users and praise from some Reddit users. Unfortunately for the social media team running Biden's account, the meme was posted at the same time Israeli forces attacked Rafah in southern Gaza, a region that Palestinians were told was a safe zone by Israel. Just like we drew it up. pic.twitter.com/9NBvc5nVZE Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 12, 2024 This incident led to people accusing the president of insensitivity, ignoring the perilous humanitarian crisis in Gaza and funding the killing of more than 28,000 Palestinians. As a result, many young online users are unconvinced by Biden's social media campaigning, and in fact view his ironic online humor to be alienating. One post by someone in their 20s, which was viewed five million times, said, "This is what the President of the United States is tweeting while over 1 million men, women and children are being slaughtered with weapons he has provided and paid for." this is what the president of the united states is tweeting while over 1 million men, women and children are being slaughtered with weapons he has provided and paid for. https://t.co/Y278Per7ZT jay (@kendallhosseini) February 12, 2024 Another said, "White House staffer: (as US bombs dismember kids in Rafah) 'if the Chiefs win dont forget to send out the Dark Brandon meme abt Taylor & Travis.'" White House staffer: (as US bombs dismember kids in Rafah) if the Chiefs win dont forget to send out the Dark Brandon meme abt Taylor & Travis https://t.co/DrfV8gwPrE Christopher Mathias (@letsgomathias) February 12, 2024 One account posted, "I dont think its particularly helpful for a president running for reelection to tweet memes that only his blindly liberal supporters will think are 'epic' while validating the conspiratorial anger of the far-right, and leaving those who want him to stop funding genocide lost." I dont think its particularly helpful for a president running for reelection to tweet memes that only his blindly liberal supporters will think are epic while validating the conspiratorial anger of the far-right, and leaving those who want him to stop funding genocide lost sreekar (@sreekyshooter) February 12, 2024 Reporter Talia Jane even went so far as to equate Biden's actions as aligned with conservatives, posting on X, "As Israel concludes its suspiciously-timed attack on Rafah, signed off by Biden, Bidens social team takes to Twitter to directly nod to the conspiratorial far-right with a meme that was injected into the mainstream by neo-Nazis and white nationalists." As Israel concludes its suspiciously-timed attack on Rafah, signed off by Biden, Bidens social team takes to twitter to directly nod to the conspiratorial far-right with a meme that was injected into the mainstream by neo-Nazis and white nationalists. Cool cool cool cool cool https://t.co/Y0CaGdyfNB Talia Jane (@taliaotg) February 12, 2024 During the 2020 election, young Democratic voters were a large key voting block that campaigned and voted for Biden to secure his contested win against Trump. However, things have changed since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the unprecedented, full-scale Israeli military assault on Gaza, which has resulted in the displacement of two million Palestinians, according the Human Rights Watch. A New York Times poll in December showed that only 3% of voters from the ages 18-29 strongly supported the Presidents handling of the Israel-Gaza war with more than three-quarters of these voters strongly disapproving. Another poll from the University of MarylandIpsos reported that from October to November, the number of young Democrats who viewed Biden as "too pro-Israel" increased from 21% to 42%. Despite or perhaps because of those worrying numbers of disenchanted young voters, Biden's team decided opening a shiny, new TikTok account would be the right move to lure in the youth vote. However, conservatives have noted that the app's algorithm shares inflammatory videos against Israel and appears to lean pro-Palestine. It's a platform that is dominated by young people of its 150 million American users, a reporting states that 80% are between the ages 16-34 and young people tend to be more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. On Biden's new TikTok account @bidenhq, the Dark Brandon meme is used for the profile picture. In one video post that attempts to be funny, the President walks by reporters who ask him, "What are you giving up for Lent?" to which he responds cheekily, "You guys!" The caption reads, "Dark Brandon jumps out." Despite the innocuous content, the video's top comments are people asking, "What about Rafah?" This isn't the only video with such responses. If you scroll through the comments of each of the TikToks, there are hundreds of watermelon emojis, a resistance symbol for the pro-Palestine cause, and numerous pro-Palestine comments. Another popular TikTok account called Meet Cute NYC, which stops couples in the street and asks them how they met, also gets into the Biden on TikTok action. In the video post, Meet Cute stops the President and first lady Jill Biden at the White House and asks them to share their love story. Not distracted by this feel-good fuzzy content, people have bombarded the comments section with mentions of viral Palestinian journalists, Bisan Owda and Motaz Azaiza, who have documented the war daily on TikTok. "Hoping Bisan and Motaz will be able to tell us when they met their loved ones," reads one post. We can't know for sure if this social media strategy will ultimately result in young voters showing up to the polls on Nov. 5. But one thing is clear, his social media usage hasn't been a resounding success. Instead, it's been met with people ignoring his messaging whether it's calculated trolling or straightforward election campaigning and refocusing back on what really matters to them: Palestine. These issue-based voters who helped Biden secure his 2020 win have seemingly become disillusioned by the American government due to the Congressional-backed bills sending money and weapons to Israel and the lack of collective humanitarian action by Western countries. It seems they do not need any more disingenuous pandering in their chronically online internet worlds. So for the love of God, put down the Dark Brandon memes. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce celebrated the Chiefs' Super Bowl win in Las Vegas. At the afterparty, Travis serenaded Taylor when "You Belong With Me" came on. In a TikTok, Taylor said it was "the most romantic thing ever." What did Taylor Swift think when Travis Kelce serenaded her when You Belong With Me came on at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl after-party? She was very, very smitten by the whole thing and even spoke about it at the party, which took place at Resorts World Las Vegas Zouk Nightclub. The Chainsmokers Andrew Taggart, who was DJing, and his girlfriend, Mari Fonseca, talked with Taylor and Travis about the moment. The conversation was filmed, and Fonseca shared footage on her TikTok. Regarding Travis grand gesture, Taylor said, That was the most romantic thing ever. Travis said to Taggart, You played it, and I was literally coming out of the bathroom. Im like, Yes! It was perfect timing. Taylor continued, saying, And we met in the middle, and I was like, what is happening in my life right now? Travis kissed Taylor's cheek as she went on to praise Taggarts DJing. Heres footage of that You Belong With Me moment that The Chainsmokers shared to their TikTok: Zouk Nightclub Taylor is now in Australia, where she will be performing shows on her Eras tour for the next two weeks. Before the Super Bowl, Travis hinted he might join her. But Travis did not arrive with Taylor in Melbourne before her first show, as he attended the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Missouri. The event took a tragic, horrific turn when a shooting occurred at a rally following the parade. One person was killed, and at least 21 others were injured. Three people have been taken into custody, per officials. Travis shared a statement to X, formerly known as Twitter, in the hours after. He wrote, I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me. I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me. Travis Kelce (@tkelce) February 15, 2024 You Might Also Like The pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits in the world, and in the region where it first originated, the ruby red ripper remains a big deal. Pomegranate shrubs are historically indigenous to the Middle East, particularly Iran, northern India, Turkey, and Armenia, and today they span from the West Mediterranean to East China. But, in Azerbaijan, the pomegranate totes the high honor of being the country's national symbol. Due to its ideal natural climate, Azerbaijan hosts the perfect agricultural setting for growing more than 60 different varieties of pomegranates (aka nar). In 2022 alone, Azerbaijan produced 187,000 tons of pomegranates, only 15% of which were exported abroad. Common local varieties include Goychay, Veles, Gyuleysha, and Shandi. To foodies in Azerbaijan, the pomegranate is known as the "king of fruit," a regal moniker earned for the crown-like plume of sepals that sprout from the fruit's top center. In local cuisine, it's used in both sweet and savory applications, made into jams, sauces, sorbet, dumplings, salads, and stews. Narnumru is a regional dish made from serving a fried egg over a bed of pomegranate seeds and sauteed onions. The tangy seeds (arils) are often added to richer meat-centric dishes to balance the heaviness of the entree. In nargovurma, chunks of meat are stewed with chestnuts, onions, and pomegranate, and served over bread or rice. The juice is also sipped, the seeds are added to tea, and many rural foodies in Azerbaijan ferment their pomegranates into magenta-hued wine. Read more: 13 Simple Tricks To Pick The Best Fresh Fruit Every Time Symbolically, The Pomegranate Holds A Lot More Than Just Seeds Person holding a basket of pomegranates at a local street market - Fadel Dawod/Getty Images Aside from entrees, the pomegranate's more luxurious uses are not to be overlooked. Narsharab is a molasses-esque syrup that's commonly used to dress fried fish. Nardancha is a sweet pomegranate jam unique to the Goychay region -- which is also home to the country's annual Pomegranate Festival, Nar Bayrami. The festival occurs around late October, in the middle of the pomegranate's growing season, which lasts from September to February. Nar Bayrami began in 2006 and has since exploded into a two-day celebration that draws tens of thousands of locals and out-of-town visitors alike for events like the "largest pomegranate contest" and a beauty competition for the title of "pomegranate girl." In Azerbaijani culture, the pomegranate is a widely known symbol of love, passion, fertility, wealth, abundance, and unity. Before it became socially acceptable in the country to profess your love for another person through speech, proto-sweethearts used to give each other pomegranates to reveal their true feelings. Today, the fruit continues to serve a significant role on holidays and events like New Year's and weddings as a symbol of prosperity. Inspiring Generations Of Artists - And Feeding Them, Too Ripe pomegranates growing on a shrub - Mgstudyo/Getty Images In many ways, the pomegranate is a cultural icon that inspires local artists and writers and has played an important role in shaping Azerbaijan's national identity. The fruit has emerged as something of a muse to Azerbaijani artists. There's a pomegranate tree in the fresco of the 18th-century Sheki Khan Palace, which was commissioned by the third Khan of Sheki, Muhammad Husayn Khan Mushtaq, who held the palace as his dominion's capital. Khalil Gibran -- the poet-pioneer of the Romantic Arabic literary movement of the early 1900s who was born in nearby Lebanon -- famously penned the poem "The Pomegranate," a personified fable-meets-ode celebrating the fruit as a sacred and animated vessel for divinity and realized self-actualization. Prominent poets Mehmed bin Suleyman Fuzuli and Nizami Ganjavi have also immortalized the king of fruit in verse. Pomegranates have been used in Azerbaijani crafts, visual art, storytelling, myths, textile-dying, and jewelry-making for centuries. To try a taste of this ruby-rich history for yourself, the seeds would make a flavorful, sophisticated snack at your next wine-tasting party. (You can use the pomegranate's peel, too!) Read the original article on Tasting Table. One woman is opening up about her companys bereavement package and what that says about the work culture in corporate America. A TikToker under the username @later_kates took to the platform to share what her employers response was to her informing them that her brother had died. In her video, she is seen staring at her computer monitor in tears as text across the screen reads, Work: Sorry your brother died. Take all the time you need, we have a generous bereavement package of 3 days. Soon after posting her TikTok went on to receive over four million views with many people leaving comments about how bad they felt for her and what their own company policy is. Corporate America is not forgiving. Its inhumane, one comment read. Another commenter agreed, writing, Take all the time you need while having a time requirement. Im so sorry, sending you love. Had a family member pass and I got written up for performance issues because I couldnt stop crying at my desk. Its unbelievable how they treat us. Im so sorry, a third comment read. Some dived into their own experience with bereavement leaves, and most of them were just as short as Kates. One week (3 days paid) to get over the death of mom when I was just 24. Horrid, one story in the comments read. Another story from the comments read, After returning from my 3 day bereavement, my work sent me to meet a new client. At the hospital my mom died at. I immediately put in my two weeks. 5 days paid bereavement when I lost my son. Used up all my PTO, but coworkers donated their PTO for me so I had enough for 1 month. Used FMLA as well, a third story read. This isnt the first time someone has taken to the social media platform to discuss a work struggle. Another TikToker recently shared a story of how an employee reacted to their annual leave being cancelled at the last minute. Michael Sanz is known for his videos on stories that his viewers submit to him about their work environment, whether that be poor pay or, in this case, where a boss decided to cancel an employees leave. According to the text messages shown in the clip, someone had resigned and more help was needed until another hire could be sorted. The boss let the employee know that their leave, meant to happen next week, would be pushed back a few months and also told human resources the news. In between reading the messages, Sanz intervened with his own opinions as he explained how unfair he felt it was to cancel the period of leave without any type of conversation. The employee responded with frustration that HR was given the news before them. The leave was for their brothers wedding which was put in the system seven months in advance. I can help out more until I leave, but I cant change my leave dates, the employees message ended. Their boss then offered to reduce the leave period to only fly in and fly out for the wedding and then take three days over the weekend instead of the three weeks. The employee once again clarified that they would not be changing their trip at all and suggested maybe hiring a temporary hire or two while they are on their leave. Mate, cant stress enough, your leave is cancelled, we just cant do it. Im sorry, the last message from the boss read. This appeared to be the last straw for the employee who responded that they werent sure if theyd be coming back to work at all anymore. They decided to start their leave immediately after sending the message to think about whether they want to stay at the company and would be forwarding all of their bosss messages to HR. State Rep. Sharon Steckman, the eight-term Democrat from Mason City who made "putting people over politics" a center of her campaigns and her service in the Legislature, will not seek reelection in November. She made the announcement Saturday morning during her public forum at the Mason City Public Library, saying it was "definitely not an easy decision." "It is time for me to step aside and allow someone in North Iowa to step up; someone without a hidden agenda just a desire to move this great state forward for ALL Iowans," Steckman said in a Facebook post after her announcement. Steckman, 77, serves District 59, which includes the eastern portion of Cerro Gordo County, including Mason City. She began serving in the Iowa House in 2009. But with Republicans in control of the House since 2011 and all three branches of state government since 2017, she has in recent years mostly served as a vocal opponent of what she sees as the GOP's worst ideas. In a column Saturday in the Globe Gazette decrying her frustration with the current legislative session she stated, "The bad news is that a large number of the bills propose to do damage to institutions and groups of Iowans, including children." Earlier this month, voting "no" on House Study Bill 649 which would define man and woman in state law and is seen as an attack on the rights of transgender Iowans, Steckman leveled withering criticism at her Republican colleagues and Gov. Kim Reynolds. I cant see any other purpose than discrimination, Steckman said. I am appalled that the governor would put forth such a discriminatory bill targeting 0.29% of our Iowa population. It is a sad day for Iowa. Were going backward. Steckman had a long career as a teacher in the Mason City Community School District before winning a seat in the Legislature. Her husband, former Mason City postmaster Alan Steckman, has often told a story that originally it was him who was mulling a run for the Statehouse. But after attending a parade with his wife where they were constantly greeted by calls of "Mrs. Steckman! Mrs. Steckman!" he suggested maybe she would be the more successful candidate. She has spent much of her energy in the 90th General Assembly in what she characterizes as a fight to defend public education. Last year it was a losing battle, as the governor and the Republican majority Legislature passed a law creating education saving accounts that give $7,635 per child of taxpayer money to students of private schools, a move Steckman said will ultimately strip funds from public education. This session she is involved in a fight over the future of Iowa's Area Education Agencies. Bills moving through both houses concern the governor's proposed overhaul of the agencies, which provide special education support, media services and other services to school districts around the state. The proposal has met significant opposition from parents, administrators and House Republicans. "No one seems to know where (the governor) got her information from in this proposal. None of the AEAs were contacted, teachers were not contacted, none of the people that really know what's going on were asked. It really is odd that no one heard about it, and then there it was. You do not write a 123 page bill in one day," Steckman said of the bill last month. She voted against advancing the bill out of the House education subcommittee, but a revised version remains alive after Friday's legislative funnel deadline. "Seventeen years ago, at 60 I retired from teaching and began my career as your state representative. It has been an incredible 17 years, from the time I knocked on the first door to having opportunities I never would have had, all thanks to the wonderful people that elected me and put their faith in me," Steckman said in the Facebook post. Looks like the free money party is over for many Florida households. The popular My Safe Florida Home program is expected to resume taking applications on July 1, but many homeowners might find it more difficult to secure grants of up to $10,000 for such improvements as hardening windows and doors and replacing roofs to improve water and uplift resistance. Following a year of awarding nearly $400 million on a first-come, first-serve basis, this years version of the program will only allow low- and moderate-income households to apply for 60 days after July 1 if bills seeking $100 million in new funds are enacted before the legislative session ends next month. Thats OK with Florida residents who say low- and moderate-income residents need help the most. Related Articles This would also help ensure that in the event of the more and more destructive storms, their fortified home should end up less damaged, said Barbara Zaretsky, a Sunrise resident who sought information about the program last year. So many people live paycheck to paycheck and if they dont have the resources to repair their homes, they can end up homeless, which would cause grave hardship. The $100 million budget is enough for 10,000 applicants to be approved for the maximum $10,000 grant. According to the bills, the program would accept applications: From low-income owners of qualifying homes who are at least 60 years old for the first 15 days. From all low-income owners of qualifying homes for the next 15 days. From moderate-income owners of qualifying homes who are at least 60 for the next 15 days. From all moderate-income owners of qualifying homes for the next 15 days. After 60 days, from all owners of qualifying homes. A qualifying home is defined as a homesteaded property with a building permit for initial construction made before Jan. 1, 2008. Except for low-income applicants, the insured value of the home cannot exceed $700,000. Unlike moderate- and higher-income applicants who must spend $1 for every $2 they get from the state (up to $10,000), low-income applicants will not have to provide any matching dollars. But figuring out who qualifies under the low- and moderate-income definitions used by the program could be confusing. As explained in the legislative bills, low-income households refer to those that earn 80% of the median income level for the state, metropolitan statistical area, or county whichever is higher where the house is located. Moderate-income households qualify if they earn up to 120% of the median income level where the house is located. Low or moderate income? Its complicated Devin Galetta, spokesman for the Florida Department of Financial Services, said the program plans to use a database developed by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for rental assistance and other programs to confirm whether households are low- or median- income. But that database does not rely upon straightforward calculations. For example, HUD determined that a four-member households median income in the 2023 budget year is $88,500 in both Broward County and the Fort Lauderdale metro area. But its low-income limit for a four-member household is not 80% of $88,500, which would be $70,800. It is $76,800, because the calculation includes other cost-adjustment factors. If the My Safe Florida Home program uses the latter figure, that would mean more households would qualify. The bills that would authorize this years funding defines moderate income households as earning 120% of the median adjusted gross income of the state, metropolitan area, or county, whichever is higher. In Broward County, a family of four would not be allowed to make more than $106,200 if the $88,500 median is multiplied by 120%. But HUDs figure, which again uses other cost-adjustment factors for federal program eligibility, sets the limit at $115,200. Also, qualifying household incomes will vary from county to county. The states four-person median income is $85,500. Its $74,700 in Miami-Dade County and $98,300 in Palm Beach County. For counties in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area, its $85,700. The figure is below $60,000 in 11 rural counties. With so many figures to check, low- and moderate-income homeowners will likely need help determining whether they qualify to apply during the first 60 days after the program resumes taking applications. Galetta says homeowners will have to provide their household size and adjusted gross income from Line 22 of their Form 1040 IRS tax statement. Program officials, using the HUD data, will take it from there, he said. Sen. Jim Boyd, the bills Senate sponsor, said by text message that hes confident the Department of Financial Services will figure it out. I believe the program administrators are equipped to make the income qualifier determinations, he said. Low-income participation rates low so far Technically, Florida statutes governing the program have always required the program to prioritize low-income applicants. But among the first 23,822 grants approved by the program during 2023, just 2,429 were low income even though participation cost nothing, according to a 2023 annual report released by the department. Asked how the idea came about to prioritize low- and moderate-income applicants this year, Boyd said, We wanted to make sure all our Florida friends and neighbors could take advantage of this program, especially those that might not have the (financial) resources to do this on their own. So far the reauthorization bills have been approved unanimously by five of the six Senate and House committees. If approved by the full chambers, a merged version would be forwarded to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The first round of funding, in May 2022, authorized $115 million for grants. Another $100 million was added during last springs legislative session, followed by $176.2 million authorized during last Novembers special legislative session. The final outlay addressed 17,617 homeowners who had submitted grants and were awaiting approval. The program stopped accepting new grant applications in September as officials waited to see if more funding would be made available. Initially, applicants with approved grant applications were given a year to get their improvements completed, pay their contractor, secure their revised insurance rate, and apply to the state for reimbursement. But the program has reimbursed only 56% of applicants who were approved for grants back in January 2023, Galetta said. That prompted the program to begin offering six-month extensions, he said. We understand that with impact windows for example, many of the windows are on back order, and it is taking several weeks to get the windows delivered, Galetta said. The program is working to not penalize a homeowner for something beyond their control. Most say program helped insurance costs decline Lawmakers tout the program as a way for Florida homeowners beleaguered by multiple property insurance cost hikes in recent years to save money by qualifying for insurance discounts required under state law for homeowners who harden their homes. Of the first 4,785 homeowners who completed their improvements and received reimbursements, 2,375 saved an average $969 on their insurance premium, the annual report said. An additional 1,184 saw no decrease but avoided an increase they would have been charged if they had not made the improvements, according to the report. And 718 did see an increase but at a lower rate than homeowners who did not participate, the report said. Program officials also boast that the program provides free hurricane-mitigation inspections that enable participants to learn how ready they are even if they dont apply for a grant. Through Friday, 98,343 inspections have been completed and 29,921 grants have been approved, according to data provided by the department. Broward County tops the lists of inspections completed 15,954, and grants approved 6,016. Next in both categories were Palm Beach and Pinellas counties. Low-income applicants will need help Another change this year that could help boost participation by low- and moderate-income residents: The program will no longer require applicants to choose from a list of participating contractors. Going forward, applicants may select any properly licensed contractor as long as they include the contractors name and state license number on their grant applications. Nothing in state law prohibits enterprising contractors from soliciting qualifying homeowners and helping them with the application process, Boyd confirmed. Providing resources to help low-income homeowners apply will be important if the state is serious about boosting their participation levels, said Terry Heagy, a Cocoa Beach homeowner who was among the earliest applicants in December 2022. Heagy said a friend who qualified for low-income assistance last year ultimately received no benefits in part because she struggled with the process, with internet access and in communicating with the program. He added, Too often those low-income individuals have fewer resources to support their needs. What seems logical and efficient to a college graduate with years of computer training and experience navigating a bureaucracy is overwhelming to an 80-year-old homeowner on fixed income with limited or no access to internet. Check for details about the programs next phase at mysafeflhome.com. Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com. Between 200,000 and 250,000 people were expected to take part in the protest - JEFF GILBERT Police arrested 11 people as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched near the Israeli embassy on Saturday, amid claims many activists were brandishing anti-Semitic banners. Scotland Yard said one arrest had been made on suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation in relation to a placard, with further arrests made during an incident at Hyde Park Corner. A man was reportedly arrested for inciting racial hatred after being seen in the crowd with an anti-Semitic placard. When officers went in to make the arrest they were assaulted, leading to more arrests for assaulting an emergency worker. Two other people were held for refusing to remove face coverings when required to do so by officers under Section 60AA of the Public Order Act. A banner at the Pro-Palestine March in London on 17 February Officers also made a further arrest at the march in connection with an anti-Semitic placard, bringing the total held to 11 by 4pm. As the demonstration made its way to the embassy in Kensington, police in Neasden, north west London, stopped a pro-Palestinian car convoy over fears it was heading to areas with a large Jewish community. Scotland Yard said: In previous years, similar convoys have driven through areas with significant Jewish communities causing fear for residents. Specialist traffic officers, with the support of the police helicopter, are now monitoring the convoy to ensure there is no repeat of that today. Many of the estimated 200,000 marchers held placards proclaiming From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, which is widely seen as a call for the destruction of the state of Israel. A banner at the Pro-Palestine March in London on 17 February Others brandished banners accusing Israel of genocide. There were also claims that some of the marchers held placards with symbols showing support for Hamas gunmen, such as one appearing to show a V on a red background in imitation of the terror groups red triangle symbol. Another placard, held up by a young woman, read: I thought Hitler was dead, next to the star of David, in what some considered an anti-Semitic reference to the Holocaust. At one stage a small of protesters attacked a man holding a sign describing Hamas as a terrorist organisation. One threw clods of earth at the solitary counter-protester, who was standing behind a railing. Thousands of people took to the streets to voice their anger at the ongoing Gaza conflict - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP In an anti-Semitic trope about Jews controlling the media one man held a homemade placard reading: Wake up our media TV, Radio and Government are controlled by Zionists. Zionist are ruthless, brutal, heartless. Other placards compared the government of Israel to Hitlers Nazi regime. Several marchers also chanted their support for Houthi rebels in Yemen firing missiles at freight ships in the Red Sea. The Met police said: Officers in the operations room are also monitoring the images being shared on social media and details are being passed to officers on the ground as required. Met Police officers have been 'briefed to be on the lookout for offensive placards and banners' - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP Among the speakers on the march was Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, who said: Hang on to your anger, hang on to your enragement, hang on to your horror and use it, use it in the pursuit of justice. Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, also spoke, telling the crowd: Weve got to carry on. This is the 14th national demonstration and theres going to be as many more as it takes until there is a ceasefire, until there is justice for the Palestinian people. Were witnessing something globally horrific in real time on our televisions. The Met Police had earlier intervened to prevent the march to the Israeli embassy starting until after a religious service at a synagogue along the route had concluded, although hundreds of pro-Palestine activists gathered nearby before the demonstration set off. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAS) described the choice of route past the synagogue as deliberately intimidating. The CAS said: In previous weeks, the marches have included people supporting Hamas and openly flaunting their anti-Jewish racism, and congregants leaving synagogue had to walk through them. Protesters were kept more than 100 metres away from the embassy grounds and faced arrest if they moved any closer. A static rally was held near the embassy on Oct 9. At least 28,663 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its military operation in response to the Oct 7 attacks, when militants killed some 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), said: The images this week from Israels bombardment of Rafah, of children with limbs torn apart, should be seared on the conscience of the world. 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 Gadsden City Council recently took a tangible step toward Mayor Craig Ford's goal of relocating U.S. Highway 411 (Albert Rains Boulevard) to create a pedestrian green space along the Coosa River. The council gave Ford an authorization to a enter into a special work agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for regulatory administrative oversight of the project at a cost of $50,000. Heath Williamson, the city's director of engineering, called it a milestone moment as he presented the measure to the council at its Jan. 30 work session. Traffic travels down Albert Rains Boulevard among cones and barrels staged for the closure of the roads inGadsden, Ala. on Tuesday June 10, 2014. Gadsden Times Photo by Eric T. Wright He said as a feasibility study on the relocation progresses and the city prepares to enter a consulting agreement on the project, this will allow it to begin design work as well as use ALDOT's procurement policies. The agreement also will allow ALDOT to review the project, so the money from the city will serve much like an escrow account, Williamson said, to reimburse state personnel for their time since this is not like a Gadsden-Etowah County Metropolitan Planning Organization, ALDOT or Federal Highway Administration project where funding is already in place. This goes in line with the vision we've had since we came into office of relocating 411, Ford said. Heath and I have been working with the Federal Highway Administration and everything has been moving forward quite nicely. We're excited about this, the mayor said. We think this will be legendary once it's done, but it's moving in the right direction. Also, the council: Approved the application for, and hopefully acceptance of, an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant to develop a downtown Gadsden greenway, defined as an outdoor space that connects people and places. The objective is to make downtown more conducive to walkers and bike riders, with the ultimate goal of connecting the Black Creek Trail System to downtown as well as the Jim Martin Wildlife Park. The grant would be a minimum of $300,000 and a maximum of $15 million, and would require a 50-50 match from the city. Approved a $146,500 expenditure, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget, for a 17-by-10-foot one-sided mobile LED trailer. City officials say it will serve as a mobile communications platform that can help convey information if there's a disaster, or publicize various events. Approved licensing agreements with Ira Phillips for electric vehicle charging stations that will be located at The Venue at Coosa Landing and the Hardin Center. Authorized the use of discretionary funds to offset expenses for the Gadsden Middle School Scholars Bowl team, which will be competing in the state tournament and the national tournament in Chicago later this month. Authorized the sale of the old Alabama City fire station property at 2702 W. Meighan Blvd. to Ready Investments LLC for $80,000. The historical marker at the site must remain in place, and the old fire truck housed there will be moved to a different site. Ford and council member Dixie Minatra, whose district includes Alabama City, discussed a situation that happened over the previous weekend when someone connected with the buyer had attempted to move into the building before the sale had actually closed, cutting the locks off, according to the mayor, and had told the Theatre of Gadsden (whose base is the adjacent Ritz Theatre) to immediately move items it had stored there. We worked it out to make sure Theatre of Gadsden has ample time to move their items out, Ford said, and we'll get Public Works to help them if necessary. We're also in talks with (ToG) about the building across from them, to try to work out something to accommodate them. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Agreement with ALDOT a step toward relocation of U.S. Highway 411 An Alaska woman hoping to cash in after a man offered her $9 million in an online murder-for-hire plot has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for orchestrating the fatal shooting of her friend, state officials said. Denali Dakota Skye Brehmer previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2019 contract killing of Cynthia Hoffman, prosecutors said in a news release this week. Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson sentenced Brehmer, 24, on Wednesday following a two-day sentencing hearing, prosecutors said. Hoffman, 19, was fatally shot at Thunderbird Falls in Chugiak, an unincorporated community about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage. "(Brehmer) conspired with numerous other individuals in and outside of Alaska, including juveniles, forever altering everybodys life," Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKay told the judge before he sentenced Brehmer. "She may not have pulled the trigger, but this never would have happened it if it werent for Denali Brehmer." The victim had a learning disability and had known Brehmer since high school, according to information from Hoffman's family, The Anchorage Daily News reported. Bound on the banks of a river Left to Right: Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKay Jr., defense Attorney Emily Cooper, and 23-year-old Denali Brehmer (in yellow), who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of her 19-year-old friend. Evidence presented at Brehmer's sentencing showed that Hoffman was killed while tied up on the banks of the Eklutna River, prosecutors say. Before Hoffman's death, Brehmer, then 18, and a 16-year-old male friend drove Hoffman to the falls, where authorities say the boy shot Hoffman, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY on Friday. The shooting took place after the duo duct taped her ankles, wrist and mouth, and took photos and video of her. At some point before being shot, the pair removed the tape from Hoffman's hands and mouth, and she told them she was going to call the police because they 'kidnapped and sexually assaulted her," an Anchorage Police Department detective wrote in the affidavit. At that point, the detective wrote, the boy pulled out a 9 mm handgun and shot Hoffman "in the back of the head." An attorney for the boy, Kayden McIntosh, did not return USA TODAY's messages for comment on Friday. The now-20-year-old has pleaded not guilty and remained jailed Friday awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge, Alaska Department of Corrections records showed. Death by nitrogen gas: This state could be next to use the execution method if bill passes Soliciting murder In January, Darin Schilmiller of New Salisbury, Indiana, was sentenced to 99 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to soliciting Brehmer to have Hoffman killed, court records show. Schilmiller met Brehmer on social media app Snapchat, with him lying to her about being a millionaire from Kansas, according to a sworn affidavit signed by Schilmiller. In the affidavit, Schilmiller admits to catfishing Brehmer. Catfishing is a term for a person who pretends to be someone else online. A catfish uses fake photos, and sometimes a false persona, to find friends, romantic partners, or victims on the internet. The Indiana man, now 24, admitted he offered Brehmer $9 million to kill someone. Brehmer and McIntosh, along with their friends Caleb Leyland, and two unnamed juveniles, then got together and picked a location to kill Hoffman, he wrote in his affidavit. Schilmiller said that after the killing, Brehmer sent him photos and videos of Hoffman bound while still alive, and then a photo of her after her body was pushed into a creek, the affidavit says. Leyland, who was 15 when Hoffman was killed, was also arrested and pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in November in connection to the case. Court papers show he provided his SUV to Brehmer and McIntosh to use the day of the killing. He is set to be sentenced June 10. The two other teens were prosecuted in juvenile court for their involvement in the case, the district attorney's office spokesperson confirmed, but said they could not elaborate on their involvement. Thunderbird Falls in Chugiak, an unincorporated community about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage, Alaska Why do people catfish? What are the signs of it? Here's what you should know Judge calls video 'one of the most difficult' he's seen Judge Peterson watched a video of the victim's last moments, calling it "one of the most difficult pieces of evidence Ive had to watch in this position," prosecutors said. He said Brehmer showed no remorse after the killing, they added in the news release. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denali Brehmer gets 99 years in friend's catfished murder-for-hire KYIV Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a decades-long quest to restore his country to what he views as its rightful place in world affairs, and he is willing to crush anyone who stands in his way. Putins regime has ruthlessly consolidated power through murder and oppression, while using unfettered militancy abroad to expand the Kremlins reach. Until recently, the West has largely accommodated Putin, deluding itself that engagement and dialogue would temper his remorseless thirst for control and appetite for conquest. Western inaction, infirmity, and addiction to cheap Russian oil and gas have allowed the dictator to prevail despite a series of wars, assassinations, terror attacks, and a deadly conflict in Ukraine that has killed hundreds of thousands. The latest high-profile victim of Putins bloody repression of political opposition is Alexei Navalny, 47, a nationalist politician and anti-corruption campaigner who led a series of protests against Putin ahead of the 2012 election in Russia. Putin kills any potential political threat to his rule and to a possible democratic future for Russia, says Oleg Mihailik, a human rights lawyer in Ukraine. Before the 2022 invasion, the lawyer regularly worked with opposition figures and dissidents fleeing from Russia, Belarus, and other lands under Kremlin domination. Now, he primarily focuses on humanitarian aid in liberated territories. On Friday, the Russian prison service announced that Navalny had been found dead in his cell in a high-security prison above the Arctic Circle in Western Siberia, where he was serving the latest in a series of sentences, after being tried on charges that human rights groups describe as a sham. Navalny is survived by his wife Yulia and two children. Yulia Navalnaya said Friday, I want Putin and his entire circle [to] know that theyll bear responsibility for what they did with our country and my family and my husband. A spokesperson for the family said they would issue no additional comment while Navalnys lawyer travels to Siberia to investigate. Russian authorities say the cause of death was a blood clot, but this has not been independently verified. Lets make no mistake, Putin assassinated Navalny. He did so because Navalny was brave enough to stand up to Putin. He did so because Navalny offered the Russian people an alternative to kleptocracy and repression. This is a tragic day for Navalnys family but also for Russia, wrote Bill Browder, a financier-turned-activist responsible for the passage of landmark anti-Putin legislation in the U.S. Called the Magnitsky Act, it individually sanctioned members of Putins inner circle for their involvement in the 2009 arrest, torture, and murder of Sergei Magnitsky, a tax advisor who worked with Browder in exposing high-level corruption. Navalny also ran afoul of the authorities over his anti-corruption efforts. He first came to national prominence in 2008, when as an activist investor in multiple oil and gas companies, he led a crusade against bribery and corruption by trying to force companies to publicly disclose their financial records. By 2011, he had established a non-profit called the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). In the months leading up to Russias March 2012 election in which Putin was set to win an unprecedented third term by flagrantly exploiting a constitutional loophole Navalny became a key figure in mass protests in Moscow against the return of the former KGB officer. There was cause for fear among those who joined the protesters. Over the course of his 24-year career at the highest levels of Russian leadership, Putin has ruthlessly eliminated critics and opponents of his regime. As one might expect from a former KGB agent who served as a liaison with East Germanys Stasi secret police in the 1980s, very few of the misfortunes that have befallen his enemies can be tied to Putin directly. Like Navalny, most of those who oppose Putin have died suddenly under murky circumstances. When Yeltsin appointed Putin prime minister in 1999, it was in the hopes of finding a silovik or strongman from within the security state who could keep the resurgent communist party at bay while strengthening Russias nascent liberal democracy and market reforms. Russia in the late 90s was beset by economic chaos, corruption, and security crises. Chechen militants were clashing with Russian forces in border areas, and had backed a separatist movement in Dagestan. Hardliners within the security services wanted to reassert control over the region, despite Yeltsins continued promises that there would be no new war in Chechnya; the first, ending in 1996, had been a disaster. In August 1999, only a month after Putin became prime minister, Russia was rocked by a series of bombings targeting apartment blocks in Moscow, Dagestan, and Rostov that killed hundreds and wounded thousands. Three bombs were also discovered and defused before detonation. Within weeks of the first bombing of an apartment building, the previously obscure bureaucrat Putin had become the plain-speaking commander-in-chief in a War on Terrorism, promising to wipe out Russias enemies in televised meetings with military commanders in the field. His popularity soared. By December, Putin became acting president, taking over as Yeltsins hand-picked successor. In May 2000, when Russia held its first post-Yeltsin presidential election, acting-President Putin won easily. It was arguably the first peaceful transition of power in Russian history. But skeptics immediately began asking questions about whether Chechen terrorists were actually behind the apartment bombings. Some suspected that the Russian security services had carried out false-flag attacks to bolster the candidacy of their chosen man: Putin. Such a line of thinking was not without merit. On Sept. 23, 2000, residents of an apartment building in Ryazan, in central Russia, had reported suspicious men carrying sacks into the basement of their building. When police arrived, they discovered what appeared to be 300 pounds of explosives with a detonator and timer attached. The device was defused by the local bomb squad, the head of which said the substance in the sacks had tested positive as RDX, a military-grade explosive. Local officials praised the residents and police for their vigilance in preventing a tragedy. Descriptions of the suspects and their car were made public, and two men were quickly arrested. But there was a problem. The suspects produced IDs showing that they were members of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, the primary successor agency to the KGB. After local authorities made phone calls to Moscow to verify that the men worked for the FSB, the suspects were released. Later that night, Putin unleashed a devastating air campaign against Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. The next day, FSB director Nikolai Patrushev brushed aside the incident in Ryazan as a training exercise that had never posed a risk to the public. The FSB said that the sacks had contained sugar, not explosives. The wave of apartment building bombings attributed to Chechen terrorists stopped in the immediate aftermath of the Ryazan incident, but the questions started. In the early years of Putins presidency, Russian news media was still freewheeling and inquisitive. Investigative journalists immediately began to find flaws in the governments story. Official inquiries soon followed. Like the media, in the early 2000s, the State Duma Russias lower legislative house created in 1994 had not yet been brought to heel under Putins hand. Legislators and opposition parties remained chaotic-but-energetic participants in state governance. Fears that the FSB was murdering Russian citizens in staged bombings prompted former Soviet dissident-turned-legislator Sergei Kovalev to form a public commission of inquiry in 2002. It was now, with the Kovalev Commission, that Putins public opponents began to die. On April 17, 2003, Sergei Yushenkov, the commissions vice chairman, was shot to death outside of his apartment in Moscow. Four men were arrested, and based on the testimony of one of the suspects, the mastermind was found guilty. He maintained his innocence and tried to kill himself, before being transferred to Moscows notorious Lefortovo Prison. However, FSB Lt. Col. Alexander Litvinenko soon went public with assertions that Yushenkov was killed because of his investigation into the apartment bombings. Litvinenko would later defect to the U.K. after publicly calling out corruption and links between organized crime, security officials, and the powerful oligarchs who rule Russias economy; he died on Nov. 23, 2006 slain with polonium-laced tea, in the first-known case of assassination by radiation poisoning. The list of Putin critics who have been murdered, died suddenly, or have nearly died is long: Lawmaker Yuri Shchekochikhin, felled by a mystery illness on July 3, 2003 only days before he was set to travel to the U.S. and meet with FBI officials to report on corruption in the FSB; investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, shot by contract killers on Oct. 7, 2006; lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova, shot to death outside a press conference on Jan. 19, 2009; Natalia Estemirova, a human rights activist kidnapped and murdered in Chechnya on July 15, 2009; whistleblower Alexander Perepilichny, whose sudden death while jogging in London on Nov. 10, 2012 has been called into question; oligarch Boris Berezovsky, dead of a mysterious suicide on March 23, 2013; physicist Boris Nemtsov, shot to death in Moscow on Feb. 27, 2015; former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who barely survived being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok on March 4, 2018; Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died in a plane crash on Aug. 23, 2023, after mutinying against the Kremlin over its handling of the war in Ukraine. There are dozens more lower-profile victims. Navalny can now be added to the list. In many ways, he was one of the more critical threats Putin has faced during his rule. The 2011 protests that sealed Navalnys status as a viable opposition figure in Russia were particularly galling to Putin, who viewed them as a continuation of the United States policy to undermine his rule. Our people do not want the situation in Russia to develop like it was in Kyrgyzstan or not so long ago in Ukraine, Putin said at the time, referring to political protests that had resulted in Moscow-aligned politicians losing power. To Putin, the protests were another attempt at a color revolution, part of a broader campaign of regime change pursued by Washington in Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere. Navalny was arrested multiple times during the protests from 2012 onwards, often facing trial on drummed-up charges of financial misconduct. But he continued his political activism, organizing rallies, creating a political party, participating in elections, and producing documentaries critical of Putin and his cronies kleptocracy. Despite numerous attacks even twice being doused with a bright green antiseptic dye and extensive bureaucratic interference aimed at keeping him out of politics, Navalny persisted. His ACF was branded a foreign agent and banned in Russia in 2019; he even survived an assassination attempt by poison on Aug. 20, 2020. After being evacuated to Berlin for treatment and recovery, in January 2021 Navalny made the fateful decision to return to Russia to carry on the fight against Putin. His plane was diverted and he was arrested upon landing. Navalny spent the rest of his life in prison. He was a very brave man to return back to a totalitarian country, knowing he had no chance to survive there, and having every chance to become a powerful Russian opposition leader from abroad, human rights lawyer Mihailik says and he would know. In 2019 Mihailik was shot in the chest by a sniper, in an assassination attempt he believes was tied to his own anti-corruption activism. Mihailik survived, but the perpetrators were never caught. Outside of Russia, public outrage at Navalnys death has been swift. Putin tried and failed to murder Navalny quickly and secretly with poison, and now he has murdered him slowly and publicly in prison. He was killed for exposing Putin and his mafia as the crooks and thieves they are. My thoughts are with the brave mans wife and children, wrote Garry Kasparov, the former chess master turned anti-Putin critic. With the death of Navalny, there are few prominent figures who have the gravitas and influence to rally significant public opposition to Putin: The closest may be the businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky once Russias richest man who has lived in exile since 2013 and has been called the Kremlins leading critic-in-exile. But Khodorkovsky is not in Russia. While Navalnys courage and tenacity in returning home and risking a martyrs fate are undeniable, it is an open question whether his death will have a lasting effect on Putins regime. This creates a significant political problem for the regime they will have to deal with Navalnys legacy, observed Tatiana Stanovaya, founder of the Russian politics-focused R.Politik and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. I have no doubt that very soon well witness a significant wave of anti-Navalny repressions, raids after indignations in social networks, criminal cases, and arrests. Putins rule has now endured through five U.S. presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden and each administration found ways to appease, placate, or ignore Putin as he expanded his power internationally. Sanctions and strong words have done little to prevent him from achieving his goals. Despite Bidens 2021 promise that Putin would face devastating consequences if anything happened to Navalny, it isnt clear that the U.S. has any more mechanisms to use as leverage against the Kremlin than it has already employed after the invasion of Ukraine. For almost a quarter of a century, Putin has been responsible for the assassination of dissidents and political opponents at home and abroad; the systematic and deliberate targeting of civilians, aid workers, and journalists in several war zones; the brutal suppression of independence movements inside Russia; and the illegal annexation of territory in neighboring countries. Although the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes last year, and he has been branded an international pariah, the man who rules Russia may never be held to account for his atrocities including his complicity in silencing Alexei Navalny. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Abukar Hasan shakes hands with University of Utah President Taylor Randall before a panel discussion on the value of higher education, moderated by Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Natalie Gochnour, during a Newsmaker Breakfast at the Thomas S. Monson Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Findings of a new report on the value of higher education in Utah confirmed what presidents of Utahs public colleges and universities frequently evangelize. Higher education translates into higher lifetime earnings and better health outcomes; societal benefits such as higher rates of voter participation and voluntarism; and economic boons such as job creation, workforce development and innovation. The economic data make clear that Utahns who secure higher education degrees earn more income, secure greater employment opportunities, achieve greater upward mobility, participate less in public assistance programs and garner a variety of other positive individual and societal benefits, the new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute policy brief states. It continues, Utahs degree-granting institutions also train Utahs workforce, generate significant economic contributions as major employers in the communities they serve and create new discoveries that improve life quality. What Ive always loved about higher education is it has this remarkable transformational power in individuals, said University of Utah President Taylor Randall, during a recent Newsmaker Breakfast hosted by the U.s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. It frankly starts with ideas. It starts with ideas in the minds in the hands of the next generation. You give them ideas and you give them confidence, and suddenly the trade-offs in society arent seen as trade-offs. Suddenly we see hope for the future and that is for me fundamentally what motivates me in terms of higher education, he said. Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell speaks during a panel discussion on the value of higher education, moderated by Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Natalie Gochnour, during a Newsmaker Breakfast at the Thomas S. Monson Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The Gardner Institute estimates Utah higher educations direct contributions to the states economy total $10.5 billion of a total $22.1 billion in total output. Moreover, public higher education contributes $11.3 billion in GDP to the states economy. Utahs R1 research universities, the U. and USU, generate 82.6% of this economic impact. According to the Gardner Institute policy brief, Utahs public higher education system supported an estimated 130,000 jobs in 2023, making it one of the largest employers in the state. Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell said along with universities being significant economic drivers, USU has the trust of the communities it serves, not only as a major employer but for educating the workforce for local companies. Also, genuinely creating individuals who have ideas that start up or create new endeavors ... is so much more important in a rural area than it is in an urban area. It is absolutely critical that we keep doing that, Cantwell said. Darin Brush, president of Davis Technical College, said Utahs eight public technical colleges exist in this really fascinating nexus between workforce development and economic development. That is each one of our missions. So we all teach skills that are in demand, skills that are emerging. We only teach regionally important programs. Not only are technical colleges making meaningful contributions to the states economy, they are building students skills and self confidence. That translates into high retention and completion rates. A student sees their success and theyre hungry to have more success. That travels with them through completion of the program and into the workplace, he said. Some take the next step and enroll in a degree-granting college or university. Last year some 300 Davis Tech alumni have gone on to earn degrees at Weber State University. My suspicion is that a lot of those students wouldnt have had the confidence to go to Weber State had they first got into Davis Tech, Brush said. Related Even as the benefits of higher education are well documented, Utahs public colleges and universities are navigating a national narrative that questions the value of a college education, challenges the effectiveness of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives and takes issue with what students are taught. Earlier in its ongoing general session, the Utah Legislature passed HB261, which diluted DEI programs in public schools and colleges. The law requires student support services to be open to all students. It prohibits any program, office or initiative that has DEI in its name or asserts that meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist. Davis Technical College President Darin Brush and Weber State University President Brad Mortensen chat before participating in a panel discussion on the value of higher education, moderated by Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Natalie Gochnour, during a Newsmaker Breakfast at the Thomas S. Monson Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Utahs public colleges and universities are working to implement the new law, which goes into effect on July 1. Weber State University President Brad Mortensen said the university, which was founded 135 years ago as a Stake Academy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has long strived to be open to men and women and people of all nationalities, all religious denominations, and to be affordable so everyone, so even the poorest in the land can attend. Related In 1933, Weber Stake Academy was transferred to the state, becoming a public college Weber College and later, a public university. So two owners, six names later, were still charged with doing that even with the changes that the Legislature is talking about, he said. As a public university funded by appropriations from the Utah Legislature, we abide by the laws that they pass. But we will also always figure out a way to make sure that that same creed that was developed at Weber State 135 years ago is still open so that we can serve all of our students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, background, first-generation status, income status, any of that, Mortensen said. University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Utah State University President Elizabeth Cantwell, Weber State University President Brad Mortensen and Davis Technical College President Darin Brush participate in a panel discussion on the value of higher education, moderated by Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director Natalie Gochnour, during a Newsmaker Breakfast at the Thomas S. Monson Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Now that former President Donald Trump has been socked with a combined $536.8 million in losses from two massive courtroom defeats, the question is: Will his opponents ever see a dime of the money? The Republican presidential front-runner and his business trust on Friday were ordered to pay $453.5 million in penalties and interest after a New York judge ruled Trump had spent years fraudulently inflating the value of real estate holdings, including his own Trump Tower penthouse and his private club in Florida. And last month a federal jury in Manhattan ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case stemming from Carroll's allegation that he sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s. Trump won't 'go gently' Trump says both cases were political hit jobs aimed at stalling his steamroller campaign for the GOP nomination, and he's vowed to appeal. "Donald Trump is going to fight this to the end and is going to try and delay and delay until the last possible moment," said George Arzt, a veteran New York political consultant. "There is no chance that he is going to go gently." Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday, Feb. 16, after New York Judge Arthur Engoron hit him with $453.5 million in penalties and interest over years of real estate fraud. But that won't stop New York Attorney General Letitia James, who sued Trump for real estate fraud, or Carroll and her lawyers from trying to seize their awards up front, experts say. Defendants in Trump's position quickly become vulnerable to collection actions even during an appeal unless they can secure what's called an appeal bond or place a cash deposit with the court that, with interest, typically exceeds the amount of the judgment.In the real estate fraud case, that means Trump would have to produce hundreds of millions of dollars up front in cash or property unless someone agrees to give him an appeal bond for less to guarantee James' ability to collect later if his promised appeal fails. Related: In Trump E. Jean Carroll verdict, former president ordered to pay $83 million 'Taking his assets' Judge Arthur Engoron, sit on the bench inside New York Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in New York. Authorities on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, have responded to a bomb threat at the home of Engoron, who is overseeing Donald Trump's New York civil fraud trial. They found no bomb and and the trial's closing arguments are to proceed normally. If Trump pursues an appeal without getting a bond or placing a deposit with the courts, Carroll and James would normally be allowed to go after the money right away. That "would mean liquidating bank accounts, taking his assets, not just in New York, but any place in the United States," Mitchell Epner, a former federal prosecutor who has practiced law in New York for about three decades, told USA TODAY. "It's a really bad outcome, which is why most people and most companies, if they take an appeal, try to figure out a way to put up the undertaking, to stay the judgment, during the course of the appeal," Epner said. But even getting a bond or depositing the cash can be no easy feat when facing the kind of legal judgments Trump is up against. More: Donald Trump hit with $453.5 million penalty in New York real estate fraud lawsuit Will Donald Trump face a cash crunch? While the state of Trump's finances remains somewhat opaque, third-party estimates peg the real estate and reality TV titan's net worth at well above the hefty New York judgments. The Bloomberg Billionaire's Index estimated his fortune at $3.1 billion last year, while Forbes reported it at $2.6 billion. That surplus might suggest Trump can comfortably pay. But his actual financial comfort level likely has more to do with how much cash he has on hand. And very few companies even well-capitalized ones have several hundreds of millions of dollars simply lying around, according to Epner. "If you are a business, you want to have your assets at work, in real estate, in operating companies, in things that are going to be paying you more than the amount of interest you can get by putting it into a bank," Epner said. Which means Trump will probably feel the pinch, even if he is a billionaire several times over. "A nine-figure number, coming on top of the $83.3 million number in the E. Jean Carroll case, is going to put a very severe cashflow crunch on Donald Trump," Epner said. More: 'You just can't control yourself': Judge threatens to kick Trump out of E. Jean Carroll defamation trial Finding cash or a bond Trump claimed in a 2023 deposition during the civil fraud case that he had "fairly substantially over $400 million in cash." The claim hasn't been independently verified but, if true, his current legal predicaments could mean he has to part with a very large share of that sum. Assuming Trump is a multibillionaire, Ohio-based bonds adviser Mark Levinson said he expected Trump would be able to get an appeal bond, but he noted the process could be unpleasant. A bonding company is likely to require Trump to put up collateral that matches the size of the judgment or provide an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank a type of bank guarantee to ensure the company can recoup the money, Levinson said. "Even for someone that's three or four times over a billionaire," the $83.3 million Carroll judgment alone is a lot of money to part with, Levinson said. Friday's $453.5 million fraud judgment could require multiple surety companies that provide appeal bonds to team up and pool their efforts, he said. "That's going to be pretty difficult for anybody to get that bond," Levinson said. The judgment against Trump in the New York civil fraud case came from a state court, in which the losing party generally has to either get an appeal bond or deposit 100% of the judgment, plus interest, in order to escape collection. E. Jean Carroll leaves Federal court, Friday, Jan 26, 2024, in New York. A jury has awarded an additional $83.3 million to Carroll, who says former President Donald Trump damaged her reputation by calling her a liar after she accused him of sexual assault. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) ORG XMIT: NYYI116 100%, plus interest Carroll's $83.3 million win against Trump came from a New York federal court that has discretion over what kind of deposit or bond to require from Trump in order to block Carroll from collecting during his appeal. That court typically also requires 100% of the judgment, plus interest. After Trump lost an earlier case against Carroll to the tune of $5 million, he left a deposit exceeding that amount with the court while he pursued an ongoing appeal. In both cases, it's possible for a court to block the winning parties from swiftly going after the money. But if that doesn't happen and Trump can't find the cash, he could be hounded by Carroll and the state attorney general's office. The New York judgment included more than $453.5 million, with interest, in "joint and several liability" against Trump and certain entities. "Joint and several liability is warranted when the misconduct of the company and its top controlling officers are indistinguishable," Judge Arthur Engoron wrote in his decision on Friday. That means James, the New York attorney general, can go after either Trump or the companies themselves for the full liability they share. Related: Fani Willis hearing focuses on romantic relationship in team leading Donald Trump election fraud case 'We're going to get the money' Carroll lawyer Roberta Kaplan has already pledged to go after the full verdict in the $83.3 million defamation case. "Even if he doesn't have the cash on hand, he has plenty of assets, and he may have to sell his assets to pay us, but we're going to get the money," Kaplan said on "CBS Mornings." It remains to be seen if a bonding company would even want to help Trump, Epner said. He noted Trump's casinos had multiple bankruptcies going back decades and that, in the case of the $5 million Carroll judgment, Trump put up the money and interest himself. Levinson also said that Trump's imperfect history with creditors could give a bonding company pause. If there are fears Trump might file for bankruptcy, the company could insist on collateral worth 100% of the bond, or even demand an irrevocable letter of credit from an acceptable bank since that kind of guarantee unlike collateral in the form of property or cash can't be clawed back during the bankruptcy process. "If he can't get an appeals bond, then he has to put up an undertaking in the court itself, and that ordinarily is cash," Epner said. Related: Did Donald Trump rape E. Jean Carroll? Here's what a jury and judge said. 'Trump would avoid bankruptcy at all cost' Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, a former mayor of New York, declared bankruptcy after a jury ordered him to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of ballot fraud. Filing for bankruptcy is still an option. That's what former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani did in the wake of a $148 million court loss in a separate defamation suit brought by two Georgia election workers. Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic pause on efforts to collect from the debtor. But filing for bankruptcy would have major downsides. "I think Trump would avoid bankruptcy at all cost because if he were to file, the bankruptcy court allows super broad discovery into his financial affairs, with the help of subpoena power, and I think he would not want that," said Albert Togut, a lawyer with 45 years of experience in bankruptcy law. "In the same manner that Trump didn't want to disclose his taxes when he was running for president or when he was president, I can't imagine that he would ever want a trustee with federal court powers to be looking into his affairs," Togut told USA TODAY. Related: Rudy Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers he defamed Bad politics in pleading poverty Trump's political calculus might also weigh against the bankruptcy option. "It would seem to me to run entirely contrary to his thesis for political power for him to say, 'I am no longer a super rich real estate mogul; I'm now somebody who's in bankruptcy,'" Epner said. Further complicating a potential Trump bankruptcy, the relief a person gets in those proceedings is also only available to an honest debtor, Togut said. "If you have someone who engaged in all kinds of shenanigans, particularly if it was illegal, they will not be granted a discharge in bankruptcy, and all the debts will survive," he said. Epner also noted that bankruptcy requires a debtor to be honest at the risk of criminal punishment. Reality TV couple Teresa and Giuseppe Giudice of "Real Housewives of New Jersey," for instance, both served prison time after being convicted of bankruptcy fraud. More: Bombshell witness? A look at the man who may know all the secrets in the Fani Willis Trump drama This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump faces half a billion in legal penalties. Will he pay? A court decision issued Friday dealt a blow to the lawsuit Jerry Lawler filed against Hardeman County in the wake of the 2018 jailhouse hanging death of Lawler's son, Brian Christopher Lawler. According to the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, the Hardeman County officers cited in Lawler's wrongful death lawsuit, which was filed in 2019, deserve "qualified immunity" from liability because it was not proved in court that the deputies "subjectively believed that there was a strong likelihood the inmate would commit suicide." "Jerry has been through a lot, and he's very disappointed," said lawyer Jeffrey Rosenblum, representing Lawler. "But it's not over. Jerry has faith in the system, and there are other options for us to pursue." Jerry Lawler attends the funeral of his son Brian Christopher Lawler on Aug, 3, 2018, at Hope Church in Cordova. Lawler's lawyers could ask the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of the decision, or ask for an en banc session from the Sixth Circuit, which would seek to have the appeal heard by more than the three judges who issued Friday's ruling. Rosenblum said he did not believe a court should "condone the callous conduct" of the Hardeman County officials. Friday's decision was a reversal of an earlier ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, which had determined that Lawler's lawsuit could proceed to trial because "a reasonable jury could find that (the officers) 'recklessly disregarded' the strong risk that (Lawler's son) would commit suicide." However, Friday's ruling reversed the District Court's ruling, in part because the "reckless" standard cited in that court's decision was not in effect when the Lawler lawsuit was filed. Wrote Judge Eric E. Murphy: "The doctrine of qualified immunity insulates public officials from liability... unless the caselaw existing at the time of their actions clearly established that they violated the Constitution. There often will not be much difference between the then-existing law and the current law. As this case shows, however, this distinction can sometimes matter." A professional wrestler like his father, Brian Christopher Lawler, who wrestled under the name Brian Christopher, was found hanging in a Hardeman County jail cell on July 29, 2018. He was transported to the Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, where he died according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Funeral services for Brian Christopher Lawler were held Aug. 3, 2018, at Hope Church in Cordova. The younger Lawler, 46, had been arrested July 7 on charges of DUI, evading arrest and driving on a revoked license. He did not post bail, so he remained in jail. Lawler's $3 million lawsuit against Hardeman County, Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen and others charged that "numerous failures of the county and its employees... resulted in the wrongful death of his son." Doolen did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening. According to the initial lawsuit, the defendants failed to provide Brian with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues during his time at the jail and altogether failed to provide him with appropriate care after he was assaulted by another inmate on July 28, 2018. Although officials labeled the death a suicide, Lawler in numerous interviews has expressed doubt that his son killed himself. The Circuit Court, however, did not address this issue, and refers to the death as a "suicide" throughout its ruling. Chronicling the death, the Circuit Court decision states that Brian Christopher Lawler "had used the shoestrings from his New Balance gym shoes to fashion a makeshift noose. He had gotten up on the bench and tied the shoestrings to a large bolt protruding an inch or so out of the top of the cells front wall to the left of the cell door. Lawler had then wrapped the shoestrings around his neck." Quoting officers, the Court wrote that at one point during his incarceration Brian Christopher Lawler "ranted and raved" for more than six hours, and exhibited other behaviors that indicated "a 'drastic change' in his mood." But the Court concluded: "We need not (and do not) decide whether the Officers violated todays legal rules because Lawlers father has not shown that they violated the rules in place when Lawler committed suicide. Qualified immunity thus insulates the Officers from this damages suit." This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Court rules against Jerry Lawler's lawsuit related to son's death The Ukrainian government is one of the prime targets of Russian hackers - boonchai wedmakawand/Moment RF Cyber terrorists are weaponising artificial intelligence to create new computer viruses capable of disrupting networks within seconds, The Sunday Telegraph has learned. The only protection against a new generation of cyber attacks being launched by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea will be a form of collective defence, where anonymised data is shared between Western governments and private companies, the head of one cyber security company has warned. Linda Zecher, head of cyber security firm IronNet, said that hackers recruited by states hostile to the West were launching sophisticated attacks every day with the intention of stealing and disrupting networks. The Ukrainian government is one of the prime targets of Russian hackers, while the Gulf State of Bahrain is targeted daily by Iranian cyber gangs. British companies were attacked every 39 seconds in 2023, mostly by Russian and Chinese hackers, in an offensive which cost the UK economy an estimated 27 billion that year alone. Ms Zecher said that just as security companies were using AI to help protect their clients, state-sponsored cyber terrorists were using the new technology to attack them. Linda Zecher said cyber terrorists hostile to the West are attacking every day - Boston Globe She added that the best protection against the attacks was a form of collective defence where organisations share information on the type of attack and what the hackers are attempting to steal or disrupt. IronNet has contracts with British companies and the US navy, and is due to begin working with the Ukrainian government to help protect the country against relentless Kremlin-orchestrated cyberattacks. The company has developed a novel approach to security by anonymously sharing data between its companies when they are attacked. The information is then quickly shared across all of IronNets clients, which can prepare for the incoming threat. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph and National Security News, Ms Zecher, said: Cyberattacks can shut down whole infrastructures. Bad actors, such as Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, can now get into networks. It is no longer the case that bad actors are going into individual computers and stealing someones data. These days, your simple computer is connected to your office and your home electronics so a small-scale attack can shut down your computer and your home. On a larger scale, a sophisticated attack can disrupt an entire organisation. IronNet, founded by one of the USs top spies, General Keith Alexander, a former head of the National Security Agency, places sensors in the computer networks with companies they work with. The sensors allow their teams of analysts to work out what is being targeted and by whom. We know where attacks are coming from Ms Zecher added: We know where these attacks are coming from we can pinpoint the exact location. So the best way to protect against these bad actors is through collective defence, which is like a form of insurance against cyberattacks. Collective defence allows you to say if this is happening to entity A, either a government department or private institution, then entity B can share that information and protect against that attack. It is a community that collects information from hostile states. The larger the community, the better the defence, which is what IronNet is building. We know that if bad actors hit one utility, they are going to hit others, and if they target one bank then they are going to attack multiple banks. Within governments, the targets can be senior officials or government infrastructure. By sharing that information, you are far better able to protect yourself. Up to 2,200 cyber attacks are taking place every day a figure which equates to around one every 39 seconds. Defence companies, government departments and banks are high profile targets for Russia and China. Ukraine is bombarded by cyber attacks every day and while most fail, some succeed. In January, Ukraine disclosed that three government organisations had been hit by a large-scale cyberattack. Kyiv said the countrys state-run energy company Naftogaz had been attacked and the Ukrainian national postal service Ukrposhta also reported a significant technical failure in its IT systems. In 2023, MI5 warned that Chinese cyber attacks had reached an epic scale. Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, said: We have seen a sustained campaign on a pretty epic scale. If youre working today at the cutting edge of technology then geopolitics is interested in you, even if youre not interested in geopolitics. Despite this, only per cent of British businesses have a formal cybersecurity incident management plan in place, indicating that many businesses are not adequately prepared for the threat of cyber crime. 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. President Vladimir Putins spokesman informed Russians this week that the special military operation that Putin launched in Ukraine in February 2022 was set to go on much longer because it is now a war against the collective West. Thats right: a war. It was remarkable to hear that word from Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Journalists were explicitly banned from using it as the invasion began and thousands of Russians have been detained, fined and imprisoned for telling the truth about a war which has now been raging for almost two years. Moscow deputy Aleksey Gorinov was sentenced to seven years in prison for saying war, Sergey Davidis, head of the Political Prisoners Support group, told The Daily Beast. He said over 20,000 Russians have now been detained and punished for protesting against the war. That includes 131 Russians who have been sentenced to long prison terms in punishment for peaceful or for more radical anti-war actions, he said. I dont think punishments against the war will now be milder after the Kremlin openly says war. Putin will be next to declare it. Alexei Navalny Sacrificed Himself to Show Russia That Putin Is a Monster The rhetorical escalation came in the same week that Alexei Navalny, Putins biggest domestic challenger, died in a Russian penal colony in mysterious circumstances. Weeks before the presidential election, the autocrat is flexing his muscles. Alexei Navalny appears via a video link from his prison colony during his appeal against the nine-year prison sentence he was handed in March, in Moscow, May 17, 2022. Kirill Kudryavtsev/Getty Its not every Wednesday that Moscow says it is at war with Washington. By collective West the Kremlin traditionally means 31 NATO countries and the 28 nations of the European Union. This is a war when the countries of the collective West, led by the United States are directly involved in the conflict, Peskov said. Russias leading journalists, analysts and human rights defenders both outside and inside the country are frantically debating the thought-process behind declaring this to be a war now. The Kremlin is deeply disappointed in Washington being unwilling to negotiate a deal for Ukraine without Ukraines participation. Nobody wants to sit down with Putin for the dream negotiations; Yalta-2, Insiders editor-in-chief Timur Olevsky told The Daily Beast that Putin was obsessed with the idea of revisiting the height of Soviet influence at the 1945, post WWII peace talks. Somebody flicked him on the nose, it looks like, so the Kremlin finally marks the failure of all their efforts to negotiate with the West. The Kremlins big declaration of war took place on the day when Ukrainian intelligence said they had destroyed a large and expensive Russian landing ship. By the resources spent on the war Russia has caught up with what the West has been spending on aid for Ukraine, Olevsky said, adding that the poorest regions suffer most within the faltering Russian economy, which is smaller than that of California. Russians have been increasingly growing impoverished, according to analyses published Novye Izvestia this week, the average monthly income has fallen to parity with figures from 2013. Even before Putin invaded Ukraine, more than 16 million Russians lived on less than $200 a month. Any professional reporter, if they were in Tucker Carlsons position earlier this month, would have asked Putin: With all of Russias natural resources, why is your population so poor? Can you really afford this war? In 2021, Putin claimed poverty and problems in the healthcare system were the main enemies of Russia. But instead of solving them, the Kremlin has been reportedly spending one third of its income on the war in Ukraine. Nobody in power seems to care about the aftermath but they struggle to explain to the population how come the army has been stuck in the battle for Avdiivka for two years, so they now create a bigger conflict, claim that pretty much the entire world is their enemy, a well-known Russia observer Ilya Barabanov told The Daily Beast. The Kremlins claim that Russia is now at war with the West has sent Russian morale plunging even lower. Natalia Strelkova, 54, a corporate lawyer from Nizhny Novgorod, told The Daily Beast that the declaration had left her utterly depressed. The demand for psychological help is already like a tsunami in Russia, especially among citizens with alcohol dependency, which has increased by 85 percent this year, Moscows Kommersant newspaper reported this week. That is a real indicator of the atmosphere Putin has created. People no longer believe his claims that everything is going according to the plan. The population is stressed. The paranoia epidemic will grow even worse now that Navalny has been killed off and the Kremlin has officially declared that Russia is at war with the United States, a country with an economy more than five times its size. When all her friends were running away from Russia at the beginning of the war, Strelkova felt as if her world is falling apart, the best people are leaving us in this mess. But she stayed to take care of her elderly mother who could barely walk. Residents walk past a propaganda poster advertising service for the Russian army, installed on the side of a building Aug. 13, 2023 in Uglovka, Russia. Contributor/Getty Every time we hit the bottom harder and fall through it and now we are at war with the entire world, it seems. What else could be worse? Next will be nuclear, nobody doubts. What depresses me most is the helpless situation we have: the majority will still vote for Putin simply because they feel lost without him, despite tiny salaries, awful medical service, men dying on the front, despite the growing feeling of instability. Intel Warns Putin Is Prepping for a Military Clash with NATO Analyzing data and Russian social media, a researcher at the USC Center on Communication Leadership and Policy told The Daily Beast that there were huge signs of social stress. Our research shows that Russians are feeling increasing anxiety, Vasily Gatov said. After the news of mobilization last year, the amount of vodka purchased by Russians increased by four times. Pavel Kanygin, an investigative journalist at Novaya Gazeta, offered his theory that the declaration of war had a lot to do with the Russian army contracts: They are trying to keep those who have already signed the contracts in order not to conduct a new mobilization. Activist take part in an unsanctioned protest at Arbat Street Sept. 21, 2022 in Moscow, Russia. Contributor/Getty Vasily Polonsky, an analyst in Moscow, thought it was more about domestic politics. He said it was an attempt to explain why it still goes on, because of the upcoming elections. Russia will hold the presidential election next month, on March 15. There are three candidates besides Putin, who all support the war in Ukraine, so Russians who do not support the invasion have no candidate to back. Putin picked up the theme of fighting the collective West on Fridayalthough he did not use the word war. He harked back to the Soviet-era leader Leonid Brezhnev and condemned the neocolonialism of the West. Its aggressive manifestations are visible today in the attempts of the collective West to maintain its dominance and domination by any means, to economically subjugate other countries, deprive them of sovereignty, and impose alien values and cultural traditions. Such a policy has become a barrier to the development of all humanity. While Russias missiles continue to rain down on Ukraine and his forces launch attack after attack on the Ukrainian defensive lines, it is worth remembering how ludicrous it sounds to hear Putin attacking the aggression of the West. We have lost the ability to live like humans because of Putins aggression. We cannot go to school, they bomb us every single day, Artur, 15, told The Daily Beast. The Kherson schoolboy lost an arm in Russias bombing of his town in November 2022. Two years later, the Kremlin is looking to escalate tensions, not seek peace. There is no sign that the bombs will stop. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The good news is that many Iowans have been paying close attention to legislation that has been proposed during this session of the Iowa legislature. The bad news is that a large number of the bills propose to do damage to institutions and groups of Iowans, including children. I have been heartened by the overwhelming numbers of emails, phone calls and in-person lobbying by which citizens have made their protests against much of this legislation known. Thank you! Last week my party brought forward several bills that would work to the benefit of many Iowans by lowering their costs and raising their wages. Currently, 231,000 Iowans make less than $15 an hour. The minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2007, much lower than surrounding states. Proposed legislation would raise the minimum wage to $15 over three years. 500,000 Iowans received no benefit from recent income tax changes; we are proposing expanding the two day tax-free holiday to two full weeks, putting more money in the pockets of Iowa families, enabling them to purchase necessities like school supplies, clothing and work uniforms. We proposed reducing the waiting list so that Iowans with disabilities do not spend an average of five years waiting for necessary services. Many are forced to go without care or are sent to an expensive care facility. We have a childcare worker shortage. Those who would do that work cant afford to because childcare for their own kids is cost prohibitive. We proposed the state partner with providers to make childcare affordable for those essential workers. Making college affordable. The state currently supports the Regent universities with fewer resources than in the year 2000. Last week ended on a positive note with the State Government committee passing HF 2183 which would allow insurance to cover all cancers for firefighters (who filled the room), police and anyone in the protected classes in IPERS; also a bill to establish a pilot project to help the disabled have an easier time votingboth of them are pieces of legislation I was proud to vote for! Putting people over politics! Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands, wants Europe's politicians to stop complaining about Donald Trump and prepare themselves to work with him - Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto Europe needs to stop whining about Donald Trump as it has no control over who Americans elect and must work with whoever wins the race, the Dutch prime minister has said. Mr Rutte, who is said to be positioning himself for the role of Natos next secretary-general, said the EU had to work with whoever is on the dance floor, referring to the US election. We have to do this because we want to do this, because it is in our interest. This is crucial. And all that whining and moaning about Trump, I hear that constantly over the last couple of days, lets stop doing that, he said during a discussion at a security conference in Munich. There could also be no doubt that Vladimir Putin would test Nato if he were to win in Ukraine, Mr Rutte told conference delegates. And he said he was cautiously optimistic that the US Congress would eventually pass a crucial bill to supply arms to Ukraine. Mr Trumps former Russia adviser told The Telegraph that the Republican presidential hopeful regards Nato as a protection racket for European security, warning that EU leaders did not pay enough attention to that mindset when he was in power. Dr Fiona Hill, a Durham-born British-American who served as Mr Trumps Russia adviser from 2017 to 2019, said: Basically what Trump is doing is devaluing and debasing Nato... he believes Europeans rip off the United States. He believes the fact that the EU is a competitor economically, and then asks for defence, is at the root of that rip off. He always has looked at US military defence of Europe as something of a protection racket, hes talked all the way along [about how] Europeans should pay and if they dont pay for their own defence they should pay directly for US defence. Her remarks came as European leaders anxiously discussed what could become of Nato if Mr Trump wins the next US elections. His claim last week that he would encourage Putin to attack Nato countries that fail to meet spending commitments have left many concerned that the US cannot be relied on as a security guarantor. He has since doubled down on his Nato views, telling supporters at a rally that if theyre not going to pay, were not going to protect. While Mr Trump has often complained about Nato spending, Dr Hill said: What is new is the timing because weve now got the war in Ukraine... hes saying this against a very different backdrop from 2017. In Germany, senior figures in Olaf Scholzs SPD party, and the countrys finance minister, have raised the idea of the EU setting up its own nuclear deterrent in the event of a Trump presidency. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, raised a similar proposal in 2020 without gaining much support from other leaders at the time. However, growing concerns that Nato leaders in Europe may not be able to rely on the US nuclear umbrella if Mr Trump retakes power have pushed the issue back to the fore. In an address to the Munich security conference on Saturday, Jens Stoltenberg, Natos secretary-general, said that such discussions were not helpful as they would only undermine Nato in a time when we really need credible deterrence. Earlier on Saturday, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, told the conference that he would invite Mr Trump to visit the front line if he were re-elected as the next US leader. If Mr Trump will come, Im ready to go with him to the front line, he said.I think if were in dialogue how to finish the war, we have to demonstrate to people who are decision makers what does it mean the real war, not in Instagram. Real war. Mr Zelensky also addressed the failure of the US Congress to pass a new spending package on Ukraine before breaking up for a two-week recess. Please remember everyone that dictators do not go on vacation, he 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. Dr. George Jaskiw is the vice president of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio and Professor of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University. To what end Senator Vance? You declared your animus towards Ukraines security shortly after Russias full-scale invasion. Differences of opinion are natural, but your position and tone are arguably ill-conceived. Let us ignore moral imperatives and consider purely self-interest. You contend that by aiding Ukraine we degrade our ability to confront China. Most analysts, however, consider robust support of Ukraine, as the strongest check on Chinas revanchist impulses. Were Ukraine to fall, increased demands to secure Europe would limit our ability to defend Taiwan. You dismiss as preposterous Putins capacity or intentions to expand his war, even as a growing number of military experts at home and in Europe, warn about the likelihood of further Russian aggression. Russia has only been escalating its belligerent rhetoric towards NATO. With 30% of his petrodollar-fueled economy committed to war, Putin can restore his prewar military capacity within 2-10 years. Warning from Estonian intelligence: Putin plans to double Russia's troops along NATO border, Estonian intelligence warns Strategic considerations demand that we prepare for and prevent catastrophic events of moderate probability. Mr. Putins predicates his conquest of Ukraine on termination of Western support, a termination that you advocate for. There's been no blank check A local resident reacts outside a building damaged as a result of missile attack in Kyiv on February 7, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At least three people were killed in a "massive" wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine early on February 7, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. You rail against blank checks to Ukraine, arguing that they fuel corruption, even though the funds, are subject to close scrutiny. No one is writing blank checks. No one is flying to Kyiv with satchels of dollars. Ninety percent of our military aid to Ukraine is spent in the United States, $700 million in Ohio. As to value, in return for 6% of our military budget Ukrainians have shed their blood to degrade 90% of Russias pre-invasion forces. You recently claimed, There are people who would cut Social Security, throw our grandparents into poverty. Why, so one of Zelenskys ministers can buy a bigger yacht? Kiss my ass. Really Senator? Tell me who wants to immiserate our grandparents. I too will advocate against them. Russian allegations that Zelensky, his family or ministers are buying yachts and other luxuries are easily debunked. Why spread crude disinformation? Why insult a partner being attacked by a proven liar? Dr. George Jaskiw You call President Volodymyr Zelensky a beggar. Why insult the head of state of a NATO partner and our military ally in Iraq and Afghanistan? You are incensed that no one else poses tough questions," such as why Zelensky resists requests to negotiate and why he throws priests in prisons. The first is based on a falsehood, the second is a paradigm of disinformation. Ukraines leaders, know Russias poor record in honoring agreements. Putin has declared his continuing commitment to conquering Ukraine not to negotiations. His war plans reflect that. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate promotes Russias holy war; an inordinate number of its clergy have been criminally indicted for materially supporting Russias invasion. They have been detained for treason, not for religious ministry. False claim| Putin told Carlson that Biden is a 'facade' for 'those in real power' Good politicians provide context, educate, weigh arguments and seek consensus. Demagogues traduce, purvey falsehoods and seek to inflame and divide. Senator, after graduating summa cum laude with a degree in political science and philosophy, you served as a combat correspondent with the United States Marines in Iraq. You graduated from Yale Law School and were a successful financier. You possess high intelligence, and a capacity for strategic thinking. You appreciate the power of language, and you can certainly distinguish truth from sophistry. Why are those skills so misdirected in your strident, spiteful and dangerous position on Ukraine? To what end senator? Dr. George Jaskiw is the vice president of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio and Professor of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Zelensky is no beggar. J.D. Vance attacks put us all in danger Yoav Gallant shared what he said was evidence that more UNRWA workers were involved than previously claimed - AFP Israel has identified dozens more UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) workers who it claims took part in the October 7 Hamas attacks, the countrys defence minister told The Telegraph. Speaking at a briefing for journalists in Tel Aviv, Yoav Gallant also said more than 1,400 workers from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees were members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The figure amounts to around 12 per cent of the agencys workforce. Several countries, including the UK, suspended their financial aid to UNRWA after Israel provided the agency with evidence showing that a dozen of its members were involved in the Hamas massacre. Mr Gallant shared what he said was evidence that more UNRWA workers were involved than previously claimed. In addition to these 12 workers, we have significant indications, based on intelligence, that over 30 UNRWA workers participated in the massacre, facilitated the taking of hostages, looted and stole from Israeli communities, and more, he said. Out of 13,000 UNRWA workers, 12 per cent are affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). One thousand four hundred and sixty eight workers are known to be active in Hamas and PIJ. One hundred and eighty five UNRWA workers are active in the military branches of Hamas and 51 are active in the PIJ military branch, he added. Mr Gallant also revealed the alleged identities and pictures of the first 12 UNRWA workers Israel accused of being involved in the attacks. The Telegraph was unable to independently verify the identities of the workers shared in the briefing. UNRWA is conducting an internal investigation into the claims and has suspended nine of its workers following the allegations. Yoav Gallant said Israel is thoroughly planning military operations in the city of Rafah - ARIEL HERMONI/SHUTTERSTOCK Mr Gallant said he had instructed the defence establishment to begin transferring responsibilities related to the delivery of aid, to additional organisations. UNRWA, he said, has lost legitimacy and can no longer function as a UN body. The IDF last week uncovered an 18-metre deep, 700-metre long Hamas tunnel under UNRWAs headquarters in Gaza, which, it is claimed, served as a Hamas intelligence data centre. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWAs chief, later denied any knowledge about the Hamas tunnels under his HQ. Hamas uses UNRWA institutions including hospitals and schools in order to store weapons, launchers, command centres, build tunnel shafts and tunnels. Nuchba forces [Hamas special forces] hide in UNRWA facilities. Hamas and PIJ launch missiles from UNRWA schools, Mr Gallant said. Mr Gallant also took questions on the future of Gaza, insisting that Israel had no intention of resettling the enclave. The guiding principle for the day after Hamas neither Israel nor Hamas will be in control of Gaza. Israel is not going to control Gaza, he said. Thorough planning Mr Gallant said that Israel was thoroughly planning military operations in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where some 1.3 million Palestinians are currently sheltering. There were 24 regional battalions in Gaza we have dismantled 18 of them. Now, Rafah is the next Hamas centre of gravity, he said. Israel has been warned by its allies, including France, US and Germany, about its plan to begin a military operation in Rafah. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, on Friday said an Israeli offensive in Rafah could only lead to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in this conflict. Amid concerns that Palestinians will be forced to flee across the border to the Sinai desert, Mr Gallant said that Israel had no intention of evacuating Palestinian civilians to Egypt. We respect and value our peace agreement with Egypt, which is a cornerstone of stability in the region as well as an important partner, he 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. Semafor Signals Insights from The Guardian, The Associated Press, and The Washington Post The News Israeli forces said Thursday that they had raided Nasser Hospital the largest functioning hospital remaining in Gaza arresting more than 20 people based on intelligence indicating terrorist activity by Hamas in the hospital. Israel said it was also looking for hostage remains in the hospital, but hasnt yet uncovered any. The Palestinian militant group Hamas denied having any presence in the hospital, and Gazas Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least five patients died after Israel cut electricity during the raid, cutting off oxygen flows and other critical medical functions. Gazas health authority said Israel forced out dozens of staff, patients, and others who were sheltering in the hospital, and Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian NGO, said Israel shelled the hospital despite telling medical staff and patients that they did not need to evacuate. An Israeli military spokesperson said the operation was conducted to allow the hospital to continue treating patients, adding that there was no obligation for anyone to evacuate. But one man who had been sheltering in the hospital told Reuters that some people who attempted to leave on Wednesday were shot at. This morning they said there was a safe passage, so we left, but it wasnt safe, he said. They approached us with a bulldozer and a tank, they insulted us and left us for four hours under the sun. The U.N. Human Rights Office said the raid on Nasser Hospital appears to be part of a pattern of attacks by Israeli forces striking essential life-saving civilian infrastructure in Gaza, especially hospitals. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Attacking hospitals could be a war crime Sources: Reuters, The Guardian Israel and Hamas have each accused the other of weaponizing civilian hospitals, which are protected under international humanitarian law. Israel has raided several since the war began, claiming that the militant group uses them as headquarters, in an abuse of their protection under international law. Hamas has insisted that they were medical centers and has accused the Israeli military of using the allegation as an excuse to target Gazas vulnerable population. It is forbidden to turn recognized civilian hospitals into a conflict zone, Mathilde Philip-Gay, an expert on international humanitarian law, told The Guardian in November after Israels troops stormed Gazas Al-Shifa hospital complex. Equally, using civilian populations, the sick or the injured as human shields, it is a war crime, as is fighting from inside a hospital, Philip-Gay added. Israels claims of Hamas bases in hospitals remain inconclusive Sources: The Associated Press, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times Israel justified raiding Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, by claiming that there was a sprawling Hamas command center under it, but several media outlets have since suggested that the IDFs proof is inconclusive or elusive at best, based on footage and photos. The Associated Press reported last November that there was no conclusive proof of an elaborate Hamas headquarters below Al-Shifa, CNNs independent analysis of an IDF video concluded that it did not establish without a doubt that there is a command center under Al-Shifa, and a Washington Post investigation in December also reported that the Israeli governments evidence fell short of proving it was used as a Hamas command post. However, declassified U.S. intelligence in January showed that Washington believes that Hamas and another Palestinian group used Al-Shifa to command forces and hold some hostages, The New York Times reported, while an investigation by the paper this month said evidence suggested Hamas used the hospital for cover, stored weapons inside it and maintained a hardened tunnel beneath the complex. Sourdough Ridge is one of many trails at Mount Rainier. You dont have to step foot on Mount Rainier to see that its special. The 14,410-foot-tall, snow-capped mountain inspires even from miles away, but nothing compares to experiencing it up close. Mount Rainier National Park offers some of the most beautiful scenery and amazing recreational experiences certainly, in my opinion, in this part of the country and amongst the entire national park system, said park ranger Terry Wildly. Heres what travelers should know about visiting Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, especially as reservation requirements begin this summer. From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each national park What's so special about Mount Rainier? The sun rises over Summerland at Mount Rainier National Park Mount Rainier is an active volcano. With 28 major glaciers, its also the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. and the tallest peak in the Cascade Range, according to the park. Its also a beloved landmark for many people around Seattle and beyond. There's a saying in the local area: Is the mountain out? And what that means is can you see Mount Rainier from where youre at? explained Wildly. They don't even have to be in the park to have a connection to it. When did Rainier last erupt? Mount Rainier has not produced a significant eruption in the past 500 years, according to the United States Geological Survey. With all the sensors the National Park Service and USGS have in place, Wildly said visitors dont need to worry about eruptions because warning signs would come days, weeks or even months in advance. Visitors should, however, watch out for lahars, which are mudflows or debris flows. Those can happen just like that, she said, snapping her fingers. If visitors are out and about, they're hiking, anytime they're around water or drainage and they kind of feel any kind of vibration or rumbling, if they hear anything that's really loud, if they have any sense that a lahar is happening, they need to get ready to go up. They need to climb in elevation wherever they are as quickly as they can. Does Mount Rainier require reservations? Mount Rainier is known for its wildflowers. This summer, for the first time, Mount Rainier will require timed entry reservations for two of its most popular areas: Paradise Corridor from May 24 through Sept. 2 Sunrise Corridor between July 3 and Sept. 2 The timed entry system reservation system is not to limit visitation but to spread it out more equitably throughout the day, Wildly said. She said 70% of the parks annual visitation occurs in the summer, which not only impacts visitors experiences but the park itself. In the past, she said visitors have waited up to three hours just to enter the park and when crowds have gotten too thick, people have gone off trail and damaged meadows that can take decades to recover. Reservations will only be needed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. during those summer periods. They will cost $2 per vehicle and be available on recreation.gov. The first batch of reservations dropped Feb. 21. Additional reservations will become available a night in advance of visits. Visitors must also pay a park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle or $15 per person enter on foot or bike. What are the best months to visit Mount Rainier National Park? Rich autumn reds and golds blanket Paradise at Mount Rainier. Visitors who want to see Mount Rainiers famous wildflowers need to visit in the summer, around July or August, but Wildly says September and October are among her favorite times of year there. The shrubs, berry bushes and other plants around Paradise, they turn this beautiful red color, she said. And you tend to still have a period of stable weather before the snow comes. It tends to be less crowded, and you have a little bit more solitude. The closest airport is Seattle Tacoma international Airport, which is about 2 hours away by car. Portland International Airport is just under 2.5 hours away. Can you drive up Mount Rainier? The highest point reachable by car is Sunrise, which is 6,400 up. Wildly warns road conditions can change quickly, and traveling between elevations can be like traveling between seasons. From Nov. 1 through May 1, visitors must carry tire chains in their cars. You don't have to have them on, but you just have to have them with you and be ready to deploy them, she said, noting that the park is under snow for nearly eight months of the year. Clouds encircle Mount Rainier at sunset. How long does it take to walk up Mount Rainier? Theres no walking to the 14,410-foot top of Mount Rainier. The mountain itself is a true technical climb meaning overnights and climbing, not hiking, Wildly said. Theres a very small percentage of very skilled, hardy individuals that can do it up and back in the day, but that is not common at all. I would say the vast majority of climbers are going to be in that two to four range if youre talking about a summit climb. Climbers must also pay a $68 annual climbing fee in advance. Most park visitors hike along Mount Rainier and dont climb up it. Who are the Native people of Mount Rainier? This is a homeland of many Indigenous people, Wildly said. That connection is strong and still there. The parks website says the Cowlitz, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Yakama, and Coast Salish people have been connected to the land since time immemorial. We do continue to work with our tribal partners to try to ensure that their voice is heard, Wildly said. Grays lovage blooms around Mowich Lake and other parts of Mount Rainier National Park. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mount Rainier National Park: Reservations, wildflowers, when to visit A New York judges Feb. 16 order that former President Donald Trump and his company must pay $355 million in penalties for fraudulently overvaluing real estate assets reminded many observers of Mar-a-Lago's prominent role in the civil fraud case. On the same day of Justice Arthur Engorons ruling, Trump said at his private Mar-a-Lago Club that he would appeal. Engorons order also barred the former president and The Trump Organization from conducting business in New York for three years, in addition to other penalties. "In order to borrow more and at lower rates, defendants submitted blatantly false financial data to the accountants, resulting in fraudulent financial statements," Engoron wrote in his ruling. Trumps sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were ordered to pay $4 million each and prohibited from doing business in New York for two years. Engeron had already ruled that Trump, The Trump Organization and other defendants misled banks and insurance companies through documents that consistently overvalued Trump properties, including his private Mar-a-Lago Club, where he and former first lady Melania Trump live in Palm Beach. Here are a few issues involving Mar-a-Lagos value that have been highlighted by the case. Mar-a-Lago's value was disputed The rear of the Mar-a-Lago Club faces the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach. In early December, powerhouse Palm Beach real estate broker Lawrence Moens of Lawrence A. Moens Associates testified in New York that in 2021, former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club and its 17.5 ocean-to-lake acres would have been worth slightly more than $1 billion in uber-wealthy Palm Beachs real estate market. Moens estimates of Mar-a-Lagos value between 2011 and 2021 appeared to reflect the steady price escalation that has become a signature feature of Palm Beach real estate. In a pre-trial deposition, Moens said he would have valued Mar-a-Lago at $655 million in 2011. The propertys value would have soared to $1.04 billion in 2021, according to Moens deposition. That figure contrasted sharply with the value Engoron assigned to Mar-a-Lago based on the Palm Beach County property appraisers valuations going back more than a decade, from $18 million in 2011 to $27.6 million in 2021. Why were Palm Beach Countys valuations so low for Mar-a-Lago? The Atlantic Ocean rises behind Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach The county property appraisers assessments, which are used to compute annual property taxes, took into account long-standing deed restrictions that prevent Mar-a-Lago from being used for any purpose other than a private club. The assessments were based on Mar-a-Lago's annual net operating income as a club, not on its resale value as a home or on its reconstruction cost. How does Palm Beach Countys evaluate the value of Mar-a-Lago? A bicyclist rides along South Ocean Boulevard in front of the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. The county appraisers staff uses a standard income approach in determining Mar-a-Lago's value, with the value based on the club's net annual operating income. The club provides the appraiser with its income figures, and by law that information is kept confidential. The same method is used for determining the taxable value of some other social clubs in the county. What did New York Attorney General Letitia James say about Mar-a-Lagos value? Attorney General Letitia James sits in court during the former President Donald Trump's civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court on Nov. 2, 2023 in New York City. The lawsuit brought by James said that between 2011 and 2021, The Trump Organization assigned to Mar-a-Lago a value high that topped out at $739 million. Those values, according to a statement issued by James, were based on the false premise that (Mar-a-Lago) was unrestricted property and could be developed and sold for residential use, even though Mr. Trump himself signed deeds donating his residential development rights, sharply restricting changes to the property, and limiting the permissible use of the property to a social club. What about selling Mar-a-Lago? A Secret Service agent stands guard at the front entrance to former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach in March 2023. During the court proceedings, Miami-based real estate attorney John Shubin testified on behalf of Trump, telling the court that Mar-a-Lago could be sold as a home, notwithstanding decades-old legal documents in which Donald Trump said he intended to forswear its use as anything but a club. Shubin testified that there is absolutely no prohibition on the use of Mar-a-Lago as a single-family residence. He noted that the property is simultaneously a club and the former president's residence. Shubin also pointed to a 1993 agreement between Donald Trump and the town that said Mar-a-Lago would revert to private residential use if the club were abandoned. The former president bought Mar-a-Lago to use as his personal vacation home in 1985, restored it and opened it as a private club about a decade later. The estate was built in the late 1920s by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was married at the time to stockbroker E.F. Hutton. Would Mar-a-Lago ever hit the market? Then-President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron walk the red carpet to the ballroom for a New Year's Eva Gala at Mar-a-Lago on Dec. 31, 2017. Not according to a statement released last summer by Eric Trump. In August 2023, the real estate website Zillow erroneously stated that Mar-a-Lago had been sold for $422 million. A Zillow spokeswoman blamed the error on incorrect information supplied to the website. As news of the supposed sale circulated, Eric Trump issued this statement: Mar-a-Lago has not been sold nor will it ever be. This rumor is asinine. * Previous reporting by Jennifer Peltz of The Associated Press contributed to this report. * Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Trump's civil fraud case put Mar-a-Lago's value front and center Feb. 16 (UPI) -- A Minnesota man has been charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to documents unsealed Friday. The Justice Department alleges that Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, joined and trained with ISIS in Somalia and that he encouraged others to join. "As alleged in the complaint, Abdi, moved from Minnesota to Somalia in 2015," the Justice Department said in a press release Friday. "Once there, he joined a group of ISIS fighters at an ISIS training camp in the Puntland region of Somalia." Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Abdi carried weapons and encouraged others to attack the United States while he was training with ISIS fighters. "Abdi allegedly carried an AK-47, threatened to attack civilians in New York City, and encouraged others to carry out such attacks," Williams said. The Justice Department says that, during his time with the militants, Abdi uploaded pro-ISIS rap music with lyrics threatening to attack the United States. One of Abdi's uploads contained the lyrics, "Fly through America on our way to shoot New York up. They trying to shut this thing. We ain't going. We going to come blow New York up," according to the Justice Department. Raised in a Baptist family in Detroit, Sister Letitia Muhammad searched for answers about religion and her life's purpose, encouraged by her parents to explore different avenues of faith. After graduating from Cass Tech High in Detroit, she attended Clark University in Atlanta, where she heard Minister Louis Farrakhan speak in the 1990s for the first time. His message resonated with her and 30 years ago, she became Muslim and joined the Nation of Islam, a religious group founded in Detroit in 1930. "All of the questions that I ever had about religion growing up reading the Bible, any of the discrepancies, those questions were always answered through studying the teachings of the most honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan," Muhammad, of Oak Park, said of the two longtime leaders of the Nation of Islam. "So every question that I could think of about the reality of God, the work of Jesus, the true children of Israel, those who are chosen to carry the work of God and to create a beautiful place on Earth, that was all found in the teachings of the Nation of Islam. ... One of the things that we're taught is: Just have faith. But Islam gave me knowledge, wisdom and understanding to go with that faith." Members of the audience listen to Minister Louis Farrakhan speak at the Nation of Islam Saviours' Day Convention at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Feb. 19, 2017. Muhammad and others with the Nation of Islam in Michigan are busy this month preparing for the group's annual gathering known as Saviours' Day, a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Master Fard Muhammad, who is said to have founded the group on July 4, 1930, after arriving in Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood. Local leaders with the Nation said more than 20,000 are expected to flock to downtown Detroit for the convention that runs from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, culminating with an address by Farrakhan, 90, on Feb. 25 at Huntington Place. About 14,000 attended his speech in February 2020 when the Nation last held its Saviours' Day holiday in Detroit. The Nation of Islam, which is headquartered in Chicago, also plans to holds its annual gathering in Detroit next year, in February 2025. This will be the fifth time the Nation of Islam has held its annual Saviours' Day gathering over the past decade in Detroit, an 80% Black city with theological and historical significance for a religious group that emphasizes Black self-reliance. The convention was held in downtown Detroit in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2020, attracting thousands each year and packing hotels. "It will definitely be a help to the economy in the Detroit area," as hosts make guests aware of local restaurants and businesses to patronize, said student minister Troy Muhammad, who leads the Detroit chapter of the Nation. "We've done this numerous times. It's a great shot in the arm of the city." Farrakhan's address sets the agenda for the Nation of Islam over the next year, offering guidance and a worldview its members follow. Over the past decade, Farrakhan has encouraged members of the Nation to invest in Detroit, buy property and help the city. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan arrived to address thousands of members of the Nation of Islam during Saviors' Day Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Cobo/TCF center in Detroit, Mich. I want Detroit to know were back to stay," Farrakhan said in 2014 in Detroit. "This is a great city. The Nation's first mosque, also called a temple, was in Detroit, and is still referred today as Mosque No. 1. It was on Linwood Street for decades before moving into another location on Wyoming Avenue. In 2019, congregants moved again to a new location on Evergreen Road near Seven Mile Road that was a former synagogue, Congregation Beth Moses. In Detroit, the group has support from several Christian pastors who attend Farrakhan's speeches and work with the group at times. Troy Muhammad said the Nation has good relations with Detroit's municipal government and mayor's office. The Nation of Islam's beliefs differ from some orthodox Muslims, but it offers Black Americans a worldview that puts them at the center of history, saying they have the potential to play a role in the world's future by acting as moral guides for America, which Farrakhan warns will not survive unless it repents and changes its ways. The group believes Black people have to one day create their own nation, but their activities often focus more on helping improve urban areas through rehabilitating prisoners, fighting crime and improving blocks in struggling areas. Student minister Troy Muhammad sits in front of a large photo of Elijah Muhammad in his office at Muhammad's Mosque No. 1 in Detroit on Monday, Feb. 18, 2014. Muhammad is the host minister for the upcoming national convention of the Nation of Islam that will be held in Detroit called Saviours' Day. The Nation of Islam is reaching out to metro Detroit's sizable Arab American communities, as it has before, said Troy Muhammad. The last time Farrakhan delivered a speech at an Arab American mosque in Michigan was in October 2002 at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge in Dearborn, when he warned the U.S. not to invade Iraq. With the current war in Gaza and other Middle Eastern conflicts, Farrakhan is expected to again critique U.S. foreign policy. The title of his planned talk in Detroit is "What Does Allah, The Great Mahdi And The Great Messiah Have To Say About The War In The Middle East?" "I think it's a very valuable and important subject to be addressed, especially in this area," Troy Muhammad said. He said Muslims in Dearborn are in pain now because of all the deaths in Gaza. "Over the last few weeks, I've seen so many cry" in the Arab American community over the deaths in Gaza, he said. Minister Louis Farrakhan addressed thousands of members of the Nation of Islam during Saviours' Day on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 at the what was then the TCF Center in Detroit. The title of Farrakhan's upcoming speech appears to make reference to Fard Muhammad, whom Nation members believe was God in person and also "the Great Mahdi of the Muslims and the Messiah of the Christians, who appeared in North America on July 4, 1930, and declared that the 400 years of bondage Blacks served in America had ended," the Nation's website states. "Allah came to Black Bottom Detroit," Troy Muhammad said Sunday at the Nation of Islam's mosque in Chicago, referring to Fard Muhammad. Fard preached in Detroit and Hamtramck, which many decades later, became Black-majority and Muslim-majority cites, respectively. At the time he arrived, the Black population of Detroit was growing, tripling in size the previous decades, but was still small, making up less than 8% of the city. In Detroit, he met and taught Elijah Poole, later renamed Elijah Muhammad; like other Black people in Detroit, Poole had fled persecution in the South for a better life, but struggled in Michigan. Fard's message that Black people belonged to a great history and people resonated. The Nation of Islam says Fard was originally from Mecca, though some historians say he probably had roots in what was then British-controlled India. The group's headquarters moved to Chicago a few years after its founding in Detroit. Thousands of Nation of Islam members attended a speech of Minister Louis Farrakhan during Saviours' Day on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 at what was then the TCF Center in Detroit. In addition to Farrakhan's address, there will be several workshops on male-female relations, farming, producing your own food, prison ministry along with a chess tournament, children's area, and an annual drill competition, Troy Muhammad said. "It's a family fun weekend that everybody can participate in," he said. "And we want the entire community to come on out because we want to make it open to everybody." One of the plenaries at the convention will be about a Nation of Islam lawsuit filed last year against the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, accusing the groups of falsely labeling the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan of antisemitism. The Nation of Islam has often been criticized by the ADL for being antisemitic, claims that Farrakhan has denied. The ADL says Farrakhan is "one of the most prominent antisemites in America," while Farrakhan said in 2020 in Detroit that "this is not the work of hate. This is a demonstration of the awesome power of love." With Farrakhan now 90, there has been talk about who will succeed him once he dies or steps down. In 2007, he spoke at Ford Field in Detroit on Saviours' Day in what was billed as perhaps his final address because he was battling the effects of cancer. He still delivers long speeches, but mostly sits down now when speaking and needs assistance when walking. The Nation has not spoken publicly about who will later replace him. In addition to metro Detroit, the Nation also has active members in the Flint area and west Michigan, where the mayor of Benton Harbor, Marcus Muhammad, is a member. Thousands of Nation of Islam members attended a speech of Minister Louis Farrakhan during Saviours' Day on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 at what was then the TCF Center in Detroit. Sister Muhammad said Saviours' Day can be an opportunity to bring people together. "Religion tends to divide people, especially at this time that we're in. We're seeing great division and war all around the world," she said. "But God is always one and doing the right thing, doesn't have a religion. So we're looking to unite with our people who want to do the right thing and who love God. It doesn't matter what political affiliation, what religious affiliation, educational background or social background, none of that matters. We really just want to find a way to come together and rise as a people and make this world better for all of us. So everyone is welcome. It doesn't matter, Asian, Indian, White, Black, it does not matter. Everyone is welcome to Saviours' Day." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo. To attend and purchase tickets for Saviours' Day and Farrakhan's address, go to https://noi.org/sd2024/. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nation of Islam to hold annual holiday in Detroit for two years Police officers detain participants of a civil memorial service to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny near the memorial to political prisoners in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday. Navalny's backers issued a confirmation of his death at Russian penal colony earlier in the day. Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A spokesperson for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Saturday confirmed his death at a Russian penal colony, declaring he was "murdered" as police arrested hundreds of his supporters across the country. Kira Yarmysh said in a post on the social media platform X that the activist's mother was officially notified by authorities her son's death occurred at 2:17 p.m. Friday, local time, at a penal colony near Salekhard, a city above the Arctic Circle located more than 1,900 miles northeast of Moscow. "An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard," Yarmysh wrote. "It was picked up by investigators from the [Investigative Committee of Russia]. Now they are conducting 'investigations' with him. "We demand that Alexey Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately," she declared. She later wrote that Navalny's mother and lawyer went to the morgue in Salekhard where they were told the body was being kept but when they arrived were informed the facility was closed and his body was not there. People gather at Dam Square in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on Saturday to hold a vigil for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny's team confirmed he had died in detention in Russia at the age of 47. Photo by Remko de Waal/EPA-EFE Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X that Navalny's mother and lawyer were being given conflicting information by various officials over his cause of death and that police are refusing to release his body. Navalny's family was subsequently told an investigation had been completed and nothing criminal had been found, Yarmysh said. "They literally lie every time, driving us around in circles and covering their tracks," she wrote. Russia's Federal Prison Service said that Navalny, 47, died after reportedly not feeling well after a walk and losing consciousness. He was serving 30 years on extremism and fraud charges. "The facility's medical workers immediately arrived at the scene and an emergency medical team was called in," the service said. "All necessary resuscitation measures have been carried out but they did not yield positive results. Emergency medics confirmed the death of the convict." Reports of Navalny's death brought condemnations from around the world. including from U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, European Council President Charles Michel, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne and many others, all of whom blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for his political opponent's death. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Navalny's death only further cemented Putin's legacy as "one of the bloodiest dictators in European history." During a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday, he promised Ukraine would work alongside "everyone in the world who can bring him to justice. I urge every leader in the world not to remain silent and not to stand aside. The murderer must be punished," he said. On Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky predicted Putin "has only two options ahead -- to be in the dock in The Hague [as a war criminal], or to be killed by one of his accomplices." The death of Navalny, he asserted, renders it impossible to view the Russian president as a legitimate head of state as he seeks a fifth term in elections set for March 15-17. "He is a thug who maintains power through corruption and violence," Zelensky said, asserting that any world leader who attends his "so-called 'inauguration'" and shakes his hand will be showing disdain for "the very nature of political power." Protests & vigils after the murder of Alexei Navalny. Ongoing thread. pic.twitter.com/0TnjWjCjWB OVD-Info English (@ovdinfo_en) February 16, 2024 Meanwhile, independent sources reported Russian officials have launched a crackdown against Navalny's supporters reacting to his death. Social media videos posted overnight Saturday showed authorities in Russian cities officials removing flowers and other makeshift tributes to Navalny, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. Monitoring group OVD-Info reported a total of 273 arrests were made in major cities across the country by Saturday afternoon, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan and elsewhere. Police in the St. Petersburg region detained orthodox priest Grigory Makhnov-Vaitenko for planning to perform a memorial service in honor of Navalny, the group claimed. Anas Sarwar has called for an "immediate" ceasefire while Sir Keir wants a "sustainable" end to fighting The Scottish Labour Party's conference has passed a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Scottish leader Anas Sarwar has been calling for the ceasefire for months - which differs from Sir Keir Starmer who says he wants a "sustainable" end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The UK leader has faced pressure to explicitly back an immediate ceasefire. Labour's two Scottish Labour MPs are also under pressure to back a new vote being held at Westminster next week. The SNP is urging Mr Sarwar to whip Michael Shanks and Ian Murray to side with them in a new motion. Both MPs had abstained in a Commons vote in November calling for an immediate ceasefire. Sir Keir has called for a sustainable ceasefire after previously backing a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he told the BBC he wanted "to get to a ceasefire" but stopped short of calling for an "immediate" end to war. Sir Keir said the fighting "has to stop" but said: "The question is how do we get there?" He added: "That needs to create the space for hostages to be released, for desperately needed humanitarian aid to get in in much greater need than it is at the moment. "But equally important, if not more important, to use that stopping of the fighting to create the space for the political dialogue - that is the only way out of this in the long run towards a two-state solution" Scottish leader Anas Sarwar addressed the conference on Friday The Gaza conflict was debated during the second day of the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow. The ceasefire motion was passed unopposed by delegates. It urges an end to rocket fire into and out of Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas, the restoration of essential supplies and a pathway to peace. However, it also condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 and noted Israel's right to protect its citizens. Neil Bibby, the Scottish Labour's constitution spokesman, urged delegates to support the vote. 'End to terror' He said: "It is simply heart-breaking that countless children in Gaza are currently dying, and there are heartbroken parents in Israel too. "That is why we have a moral obligation to be unequivocal. "There must be an end to the fighting now and a sustainable ceasefire. An end to the terror and end to the violence." Scottish leader Anas Sarwar has said that he and Sir Keir "ultimately have the same position" on ending the Israel-Gaza war. Mr Sarwar previously told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "I don't think there's as much distance in this as people now believe. "Keir Starmer has said he wants the fighting to stop right now and for that to be a sustainable ceasefire. I think we ultimately have the same position." The Scottish Labour motion follows a double by-election win for the party in England this week - despite a recent antisemitism row over parliamentary candidates. Labour overturned Conservative majorities of 11,220 in Kingswood and 18,540 in Wellingborough, where the 28.5% swing was the second biggest from the Tories to Labour in any post-war by-election. Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday. TODAY, FEB. 17 CMBA WOMEN'S HISTORY BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM: The CMBA Women's Ministry Black history program will be held at Cherrystone Center, 5551 Tom Fork Road, Ringgold at 3 p.m. The Theme is "African Americans and the Arts." A ticket donation of $10 is required. SUNDAY, FEB. 18 BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM: Pastor Chris Pritchett of Mountain Grove Missionary Church will be guest at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Blairs, at 3 p.m. to observe Oak Grove's Black History Program. SUNDAY, FEB. 25 GUESTS: Rev. Maurice Ferrell and the Vance Street Baptist Church family of Danville are invited guests of Mountain Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Feb. 25th at 2:30 p.m. with service is to mark the conclusion of Mountain Grove's Black History Month celebration BLACK HISTORY MUSICAL PROGRAM: The Eula P. Johnson Bible Class of Loyal Baptist Church (old Bibleway Church) will present a Black history musical program a 3 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 2 FOOD PANTRY: The Union Hall Baptist Church Food and Clothing Ministry, 6861 Strawberry Road, across from the church, will be open March 2 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with food and clothing of all types. For questions, call 434-724-4354 or 434-250-8964. ONGOING GRIEFSHARE SESSIONS: GriefShare sessions meet on Mondays beginning Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through April 8 at Bibleway Cathedral. Facilitators are assistant pastor Larry Campbell and elder Katherine Harvell. All are welcome to attend. The cost is $20 for workbook. SHOCKOE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 857 Java Road, Java, hosts a monthly Wellness Walking Ministry from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., meeting every fourth Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. The Health and Wellness Ministry will meet at 9 a.m. before each walking session. For information, contact Kathy B. Ramsey at 434-251-0379 or atbjrk@gmail.com. Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and live on Facebook at www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville. Mount Vernon United Methodist Church offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Free books available anytime from a Little Free Library located on a post next to the driveway. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for hour of power on the first and third Sundays. North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m. Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook. Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, hosts in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school. Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch. Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish. Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory. Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836. Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960. By Jason Hovet (Reuters) -Slovak President Zuzana Caputova on Friday sought to block legislation scrapping a special prosecution branch dedicated to high-level crime and lowering punishments for financial crimes by sending them to the Constitutional Court for review. Slovakia's parliament approved the laws introducing the changes last week amid public protests as well as concerns, including from the European Union's executive, over the bills being pushed through in a fast-tracked procedure. Caputova told a televised news conference that rather than veto the laws, she would sign them and send them to the court, where she was also seeking their suspension. This would give the court more time for review than under a veto, and she said the court was the best place to decide on the plans amid a conflict between Prime Minister Robert Fico's government and opponents of the overhaul like herself. "Therefore the necessary prerequisite for my submission to the Constitutional Court is that I had to sign the amendment even if I do not agree with it, and that is why I am contesting it at court," Caputova said. "It is the only way to allow the effects of the amendment not to be triggered even for a single day." The changes would lower sentences, for example for misuse of EU funds, for corruption, tax fraud, theft, or manipulation of public tenders. Sentences for many crimes would be changed to suspended sentences or home detention, and time limits on how long crimes, including violent ones, can be prosecuted for would be shortened. Fico's government argues its aim is to modernise the criminal code and address what it calls excesses at the Special Prosecutor's Office and its bias against the now-ruling SMER-SSD party. Fico vowed to continue to push for the legislative changes to come into force, saying Caputova's latest steps have made her a puppet for the opposition. "We will do everything so that the dark times of 2020 to 2023 are never repeated in Slovakia," he said in a Facebook video. The opposition and other critics say the changes will protect Fico's political and business allies from investigations. Following a 2020 election victory by anti-graft parties, which put Fico's party into the opposition, the Special Prosecutor's Office opened more than 100 cases against business leaders, members of the judiciary and the police. Fico, who returned to power for a fourth time after his party won a September election, himself faced police charges which were later dropped. Slovakia's biggest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, welcomed the president's referral to the court, saying it was best placed to assess such vast changes to the criminal code. The European Commission called on Bratislava not to fast-track the changes after they were introduced in early December, and has raised concerns over some of their aspects. (Reporting by Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Alison Williams, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Tomasz Janowski and Hugh Lawson) Former President Donald Trump returned to the Wolverine State on Saturday with both the Republican presidential race and this crucial 2024 battleground altered considerably since his last visit some five months ago. Then, Trump swooped in for a rally centered on the auto industrys striking workforce while avoiding his rivals for the GOP nomination, who were gathered in California for the second primary debate. A 2020 election deniers tumultuous reign atop the Michigan Republican Party had only recently begun. And many were still guessing how Trumps mounting legal troubles would play out during a presidential race. Since then, the strike has ended and the top union representing Michigan autoworkers, United Auto Workers, has endorsed President Joe Biden. All but one of the Republicans on the California debate stage former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have dropped out. And the Michigan GOP changed leadership this week amid a dramatic power struggle. Trump on Saturday addressed his supporters for the first time since a pair of rulings in separate New York cases involving the former president thrust into the spotlight the legal peril he faces on multiple fronts the latest demonstration of how Trump is navigating a busy court schedule and his campaign calendar. A New York state judge ruled Thursday that a trial to determine whether Trump falsified business documents to conceal hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels will begin on March 25. Twenty-four hours later, another judge ordered Trump and his companies to pay nearly $355 million for fraudulently inflating his financial statements for a decade. Our court system is a mess. Whats happening in our country, they have to straighten it out. All you see is bitterness and revenge and hatred. Judge (Arthur) Engoron just find me $355 million for doing everything right, Trump said Saturday at a campaign rally here, a day after calling Ergorons ruling a Complete and Total SHAM. Meanwhile, the fate of a Georgia election subversion case against Trump and 14 of his allies has been rocked by dramatic testimony this week related to the romantic relationship of two top prosecutors in a hearing to address allegations of self-dealing. These people, theyre not looking for justice. They only care about how to stop crooked Joe Bidens political opponent thats me. And how to inflict as much pain as possible, Trump said in Waterford Township, referring to the Georgia case and his federal election interference case. These were the dynamics swirling around Trumps rally in Waterford Township, a Republican-leaning community in the outer Detroit suburbs where he twice won about 53% of the vote. Just as he did in many parts of the state, though, Biden improved on Hillary Clintons 2016 performance in Waterford en route to winning the state by nearly 3 points. A Fox News survey of registered Michigan voters released this week found no clear leader in a two-way contest between Trump (47%) and Biden (45%). Trumps Michigan visit followed an appearance earlier Saturday at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, where he launched a new sneaker line. The rally also took place 10 days prior to the states Republican primary, which is the final February contest before the GOP nominating fight expands to more than two dozen states in March. Trump is not expected to return to the state before the primary, a source familiar with his plans told CNN. Haley, intensely focused on engineering a strong performance ahead of her home states February 24 primary, has yet to make an appearance in Michigan, where Trump is the heavy favorite. State party turmoil Ahead of his visit, Trump and his allies sought to put an end to turmoil within the Michigan Republican Party, which has faced a reckoning over its readiness for the 2024 election. The state party ousted its chair, Kristina Karamo, last month in the face of internal strife and lackluster fundraising. Karamo, an unsuccessful 2022 candidate for secretary of state who spread baseless claims about fraud in the 2020 election, had served as party chair for less than a year. She claimed the vote to oust her was illegitimate and attempted to retain control. On Wednesday, a panel within the Republican National Committee ratified Pete Hoekstra, a former congressman and US ambassador to the Netherlands under Trump, as the Michigan GOPs new chairman. Trump had endorsed Hoekstra in a January 26 social media post. The turmoil has threatened organizational efforts just as Michigan is expected to play a leading role in the 2024 election. In addition to a heated battle for the White House, Republicans have an opportunity to flip the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and there are a handful of competitive House races as well. I dont think theres a path to the presidency that doesnt include winning Michigan. Its ground zero, Jason Cabel Roe, a longtime Republican strategist and former head of the Michigan GOP, said before the rally. There are so many opportunities here. Unfortunately, its also ground zero for the dysfunction of the Republican Party. Trumps campaign agrees with the sentiment and plans to build out a robust campaign operation in the state in the coming months, two senior advisers told CNN. If we win Michigan, we win the whole ballgame. We win everything, Trump told his supporters Saturday. A play for the union vote Intraparty turbulence is not the only challenge Trump must overcome in Michigan. His efforts to win over union households a key constituency in the state have received mixed reception. Trump on Saturday stoked fears about migrants crossing the US-Mexico border and argued that such an influx would negatively affect union workers. The biggest threat to your unions is millions of people coming across the border, because youre not going to have your jobs anymore, the former president said. He also claimed that organized criminal squads of illegal alien gang members were breaking into Michigan homes after dark and plundering them, saying that Biden allowed this to happen. We will call it from now on Biden migrant crime. Lets call it Bigrant, he said. During his September visit to the state when he appeared at a nonunion factory amid the autoworker strike Trump courted blue-collar workers by promising to reverse Biden-era policies that encouraged the auto industrys move toward electric vehicles, insisting it would threaten American jobs. He also made a play for Big Labors support, telling his crowd, Do me a favor, just get your union guys, your leaders, to endorse me. And Ill take care of the rest. Last month, the United Auto Workers endorsed Biden, who became the first president to join a picket line when he appeared with striking workers in Michigan the day before Trumps visit. Trump, who has encouraged union workers not to pay their dues, responded by calling UAW President Shawn Fain a weapon of mass destruction for autoworkers. Get rid of this dope & vote for DJT, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform at the time, referring to himself by his initials. Fain in response said he doesnt care what Donald Trump says about me. I care about facts, Fain said. And the facts are very clear for the large majority of Americans: The working-class people have been left behind by Trumps billionaire class, the billionaire buddies, and the economy only works for the wealthy. Last month, Trump met with Teamsters union leaders and members in Washington, DC. The roundtable discussion at the Teamsters headquarters touched off some dissent inside the union, with one executive board member denouncing Trump as a known union buster, scab, and insurrectionist. But Trumps campaign believes it can drive a wedge between Biden and organized labor. It has made appealing to union members a key part of its strategy to win over working-class voters, especially in battleground Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania all three of which broke for Biden in the 2020 election after backing Trump four years earlier. Trumps share of the vote of union households fell from 48% in 2016 to 37% in 2020, according to CNN exit polls. The recent Fox News survey from Michigan found Biden leading Trump 53% to 41% among union households. Regaining that support could prove key to turning Michigan red again in 2024. Attacking Fain on the heels of a major labor victory for Michigan autoworkers, however, may run counter to those efforts, Cabel Roe said. Theres still real opportunities for Trump and Republicans with UAW households, but I dont think you can ignore that Fain was successful in extracting concessions from the Big Three (automakers) and his pugilistic style won him some fans, he said. And you have to give him credit for the victory. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The US Navy has been battling anti-ship ballistic missiles first used in combat only recently. Business Insider recently visited a destroyer that has shot down some of the Houthis' missiles. Navy commanders say that American forces are gaining valuable intelligence from these engagements. US Navy warships off the coast of Yemen have been battling Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles, a dangerous weapon that no military has ever faced in combat until recently. These weapons could be significant threats in future conflicts, especially with China in the Western Pacific. But Navy commanders have said that American forces are learning from their recent battles in the Middle East and gaining valuable intelligence from these engagements. "First time a ballistic missile has been shot, either at a warship or at maritime traffic that's next to a warship," a carrier strike group commander told Business Insider during a visit to the Red Sea this week. "And that has yielded us a lot of information." The Houthis began to employ anti-ship ballistic missiles alongside anti-ship cruise missiles and one-way attack drones toward the end of last year, marking the first time "in history" that these weapons have been used, as US President Joe Biden said. The use of these missiles complicates the threat environment. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have fired dozens of anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen toward international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, sometimes even striking commercial vessels. The Marshall Islands-flagged, Bermuda-owned M/V Marlin Luanda after it was hit with an anti-ship ballistic missile in the Gulf of Aden last month. Screengrab/US Central Command These repeated provocations have drawn in the Navy and prompted it to respond. Over the past two months, US warships operating in the region have shot down a handful of anti-ship ballistic missiles most recently in early February. The US has also conducted preemptive strikes targeting these missiles in Yemen before they were launched. BI recently traveled to the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in the Red Sea that has been on the front lines of these efforts and has shot down several Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles. The ship's commanding officer, Cmdr. Brian Sanchez, hailed his sailors as "resilient" and said they have months of training under their belts to prepare for these engagements. "Now that we're out here, this is what we've trained to do," he said in an interview with BI. "We might be seeing it for the first time, but it's nothing new, because we've had those repetitions of training." The USS Gravely's vertical-launching system, where missiles are fired from to intercept Houthi threats. Jake Epstein/Business Insider Sanchez said that his warship sends collected data back to the US, where weapons-systems performance is analyzed for any technical and tactical improvements or adjustments. He credited his sailors for being able to respond to these engagements in the way they were trained. "They've been doing a very good job reacting the way we expect them to react and then getting right back to business and making sure the ship continues to stay ready for another engagement," Sanchez said of his sailors. The Gravely is part of the Navy's Carrier Strike Group 2, which consists of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, four destroyers, and a cruiser. The carrier strike group's commander, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, said he's already received feedback from some of the data that has been sent back to the US, including that ship weapons systems are performing "exactly as intended." "We do have some new capabilities that were fielded over the last couple of years, and it's paid huge dividends when it comes to basically defeating this ballistic missile threat," he told BI during a visit to the USS Eisenhower this week. The combat-information center, where missiles are launched from, aboard the USS Gravely. Jake Epstein/Business Insider Houthi rebels boast a rather sizable arsenal of anti-ship ballistic missiles, some of which are Iranian, while others just contain parts from Tehran, according to an analysis the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank published in early January. US Central Command, or CENTCOM, called attention to the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles but has not specifically identified which missiles have been used in any of the attacks. Long before the Houthis began attacking international shipping lanes with anti-ship ballistic missiles, these weapons had emerged as a growing concern for the US military as it looked across the Pacific to China given the country's growing arsenal of anti-ship ballistic missiles and rising tensions. Were Washington and Beijing to go to war at some point in the future, the maritime domain would likely be a key battleground, making anti-ship ballistic-missile capabilities and defenses designed to defeat them important considerations. A missile is fired from the USS Carney, another destroyer that's been at the forefront of the US response to the Houthis. Screengrab via US Navy Experts have said Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles don't quite stack up against China's arsenal, which is much more sophisticated, particularly in terms of guidance technology, and is increasingly expanding. Beijing has invested heavily in the development of its Rocket Force and has even built mock-ups of American naval vessels, which are thought to be used for target practice. China also has a wide range of sensors including radars and satellites that it can use to direct its missiles. But while there may be a difference between the threat environments and capabilities in the Middle East and the Western Pacific, any anti-ship ballistic missile could cause catastrophic damage, and current and former military officers agree that the Navy is gaining extremely valuable experience and a degree of reassurance through its regular engagements with the Houthis. "Not that we like getting shot at," Miguez said. "But it was a great opportunity to prove that the systems that we did purchase, and we fielded, and we trained to, actually work when asked." Read the original article on Business Insider After nearly two years without any major snowfall, New Yorkers for the second time in a week woke up to a wintry-white scene on Saturday. The precipitation began overnight Friday, coating Central Park with more than 2 inches of snow by 7 a.m., the National Weather Service said. It continued into Saturday morning, with a few flurries still falling into the early afternoon. The bands of snow from there pushed away from the city and further east, along the south shore of Long Island, where residents faced threats of snow squalls early Saturday evening. According to the NWS, snow squalls are quick intense bursts of snow accompanied by strong gusty winds. While squalls are short-lived, they come on quick, meaning that conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Ahead of the weekend snowfall, the NWS issued a winter weather advisory for all of New England, New Jersey, South Westchester, and Long Island an well as New York City. It urged residents to use caution while driving and to keep an eye out for slippery sidewalks before the notice expired around 10 a.m. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who heeded the Travel Advisory and kept our city safe, and to the crews who worked tirelessly through the night and this morning, the NYC Emergency Management said in a post to X. Temperatures hovered in the low-to-mid 30s throughout the day on Saturday, before plummeting overnight and freezing over the snow-slicked sidewalks. Temperatures with wind chills in the upper teens were forecast for Sunday morning, but things are slated to warm up slightly as the week progresses. Snow from Tuesdays noreaster didnt even have a chance to fully melt before the latest round of winter weather. The storm earlier in the week, which came after a weekend of balmy, spring-like weather, hit the Big Apple with nearly four inches of snow. The snowfall in the city on Saturday was part of a bigger storm sweeping across the East Coast, which tracked a bit more south than the one that struck earlier in the week. The fast-moving weather event dumped a ton of snow on Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, where a winter storm warning was issued late Friday through Saturday morning, according to the NWS. In parts of Maryland and West Virginia, up to 10 inches of snow were in the forecast, with snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour at times, the agency said. In Philadelphia, residents could see as much as six inches of snow, while D.C. was slated to get between two and five inches. Parts of New Jersey were walloped by winter weather, with as much as a foot of snow blanketing central parts of the Garden State. The NWS warned of snow-covered roads and visibility as low as 1/2 to 1 mile, emphasizing the conditions could be dangerous for those traveling. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Saturday that an "artificial deficit" of weapons gives Russia breathing space, hours after his top military official announced a withdrawal from Avdiivka due to heavy Russian fire. Speaking on the second day of the annual Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy emphasised that limited ammunition supplies and personnel shortages are hindering the country's defensive stance against Russia as the war approaches its second anniversary. Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat, he said. We can get our land back, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield." He highlighted the need for artillery and long-range weapons, warning that an "artificial deficit" of weapons - which refers to a situation where there is a deliberate or intentional shortage of weapons - gives Russia breathing space. His warning came hours after Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said he had made the decision to withdraw troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen." Zelenskyy described the decision as "correct", emphasising the importance of safeguarding soldiers' lives. He indicated that Russia's actions in attacking Avdiivka have yielded minimal gains. With all the power that they had since October and lost thousands of soldiers that's what Russia has achieved. It's a depletion of their army. We're just waiting for weapons that we're short of, he further highlighted the deficiency in long-range weapons. That's why our weapon today is our soldiers, our people. 'We have to outsmart Russia' Also at the conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU's executive would unveil a defence industrial strategy proposal within three weeks and that a defence innovation office in Ukraine would also be established. The proposal aims to boost defence spending overall and implement joint procurement measures, with a focus on enhancing the interoperability of EU systems. In addition, a European defence industry with good jobs is to be promoted. "We have to outsmart Russia. And you see that Ukraine, where rightfully every life counts, they are getting very smart now, for example, to take our legacy weapon systems and upgrade them with artificial intelligence, to be more precise, to be more targeted," she told the gathering. "So it's very fascinating to see also the development of the production of drones. And this is the reason why we will integrate now Ukraine in our defence programmes," she said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose nation stands as Ukraine's second-largest military provider following the US, reiterated his plea for increased contributions from other European nations. He also underscored the significance of America's military assistance since the onset of the conflict as a US package of some $60 billion (55.6 billion) for Kyiv is being held up by political disagreements among American lawmakers. What we know today as Botox was lightning in a bottle until it became a docile servant of humankind thanks to Alan Scott who launched his career in medicine with the words, I wanted to ask questions and find some answers. But the convoluted story of Botox starts earlier in southern Germany in the late 1700s. Botox is produced from living matter, meaning it is a biologic which is a naturally occurring substance. Evidence reveals it has existed from the beginning of time as a toxin secreted by the ubiquitous bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Death by poisoning with this toxin was causing epidemics resulting in death in local European populations at a time when their transplanted counterparts were overseas establishing the path for what would become the United States of America. This deadly disease present in Germany was linked to a food. Only those who consumed it were affected while those who did not were spared. The food was blood sausage, and the fatal disease became known as sausage poisoning. A polymath district health officer acting like a sleuth in 1817 during a recurring epidemic found a fatty substance that was the only common feature in these sausages and selected this substance for study. In his lab he fed it to tiny creatures and all succumbed. When it was inserted in the muscle of a larger specimen, the muscle was weakened but the subjects survived. More curious than cautious, Justinus Kerner then put a drop of fatty poison on his tongue. It caused a tight feeling and dryness of his mouth. This led the intrepid healer to predict the fatty substance could find a use someday as a medicine. How right he was. But it took 150 years and Alan Scott to prove it. The remainder of the century sausage poisoning recurred sporadically in Europe with the only change being a new name. Substituting the Latin word for sausage, botulis, the disease was now called botulism poisoning. Then in 1895, studying the cause of death of three musicians performing at a funeral that they did not realize would in a way be their own, a biochemist in Belgium named Van Ermengem made a discovery. He identified an otherwise ordinary bacteria that produced a deadly toxin that was later confirmed as the deadliest toxin known. It was death dealing in doses of billionths of a gram. Can Botox Ease Teeth Grinding? By the time of World War II, the second such conflict in a generation, concerns about the use of this toxin as a weapon spurred research in an unlikely place. This was in Camp Detrick Maryland in a hastily constructed tar paper shack called The Black Maria. It was named after the structure Thomas Edison built for his experiments making movies. The work in this new make-shift facility was conducted by conscript scientists mostly in their twenties. Acting with urgency in a time of great peril, they isolated the deadly toxin molecule for the first time, created a vaccine ready for use on D-Day and determined the toxin would not be weaponized because it was not suitable for delivery. But the story of the toxin did not end at this time. For the purposes here, it was only the beginning. One of the researchers, an old man of 33, assumed the role of custodian for the culture of bacteria producing the botulinum toxin. Maintaining this culture was legitimate based on a broad interpretation that the toxin was useful in medicine and therefore exempt from a presidential order for the destruction of biological weapons of war. Dr. Ed Schantz, a lieutenant in the army and later civilian employee at Camp Detrick, remained custodian of the culture for more than 40 years at the newly named Fort Detrick and later the University of Wisconsin Madison. During this time, he provided suitable portions of the toxin to more than 100 researchers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In 1972, one of these researchers requesting the toxin was Alan Scott. Alan Scott The Daily Beast/The Barkan Society Alan Scott was an ophthalmologist who had started his practice a decade earlier in 1961 after completing training at University of California Berkeley, Stanford, and the University of San Francisco. The launch of Scotts practice was anything but ordinary. His plan was to work mornings in a laboratory and in the afternoon in a traditional office setting seeing patients. The laboratory he worked in, eventually named Smith-Kettlewell, was established by his mentor Arthur Jampolsky. Alans research goal was to find out everything he could about how the extraocular muscles moved the eyes and maintained proper alignment enabling the two eyes to see as one, only better. Scotts work in the laboratory with animals, eventually advancing to primates, finally dealt with human subjects. These included consenting inmates at a large correctional institution. This experience proved beneficial for the subjects who received free surgery to correct strabismus. At its conclusion, this experience led Scott to call it one of the most satisfying and productive projects of his research effort to date. The aim of Scotts initial study of eye muscles was to eventually arrive at a method to modify their action, achieving normal alignment in a strabismic (misaligned) eye without the need for incisional surgery. His next challenge was to find a suitable substance for weakening a muscle by a predictable amount, producing lasting results, and without harming the patient. An array of agents from alcohol to snake venom proved unsatisfactory. This led him to consider Dr. Schantzs botulinum toxin, which researcher Daniel Drachman at Johns Hopkins employed to weaken a muscle without causing other damage, even when injected in an embryo. Now armed with his own supply of Botulinum toxin type A, Scott prepared it for injection by diluting, stabilizing it with human albumin, and freeze drying it. Then he conducted assays determining the dose that would be effective but not lethal in a 20-gram white mouse. With this information in hand, he injected a minute dose of the toxin into the eye muscle of a monkey, and it worked! The weakened muscle changed eye alignment, producing a lasting result. It was the first time something like this had been accomplished, but it also resulted in unexpected dire financial consequences for the project. In a 1973 report, Scott described the results of these injections. This was good news for science but there were consequences that would surface later. This disclosure made it impossible to patent the process. The idea was in the public domain and unprotected. This made little if any difference to Scott, but for the institutions he would work with, this meant a potential loss of revenue. Lacking a patent, the maintenance of the culture did remain a trade secret and these can be formidable, think of Coca-Cola. By 1978, and now working with the California Pacific Medical Center, Alan Scott was ready for the next step, an unprecedented move. He would inject the worlds deadliest toxin into a human for the first time. This was momentous and required extreme caution including doing the injection in an operating room, monitoring by emergency personnel, and a stay in the intensive care unit post injection. It went without a hitch, but the minuscule dose required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) overseers had no effect. The good news was it caused no harm. According to cautious requirements of the FDA, the dose was increased incrementally in subsequent injections until the desired effect was achieved. Now with safety, effectiveness, and proper dosage established the most unlikely part of Scotts endeavor began. At the beginning of the 1980s, Alan Scott would continue working alone as he led a small team in a monumental challenge. He would conduct the demanding process of obtaining FDA approval for a new drug for use in humans. This is carried out in three phases that together determine safety, effectiveness, and other behaviors such as drug interaction and more. The first phase includes tens of patients, the second can include more than a hundred, and the third in the thousands. To accomplish this Scott first worked in-house with his own team. In phases two and three, when the number of subjects reached the hundreds and thousands, he enlisted the aid of hundreds of volunteer doctors to participate. Because he was working with a biologic, naturally occurring, substance Scott was required by the FDA to have the product produced by a licensed manufacturer. He accomplished this using a firm whose only product was sterile water. In the process, Scott traveled from San Francisco to Albuquerque and assisted with the first two phases of dilution. He was now a de facto but unintended drug manufacturer following rules. There She Is, Miss Botox With an ever-increasing staff to manage data and supply, tens of thousands of botulinum toxin vials containing one hundred mouse units (usual doses for a patient were injections between 2.5 and 5 mouse units with a total dose between 25 and 50 units), Scott needed more money. In the beginning, he used his own funds and traded sweat equity for laboratory space, but now he needed cash. In a unique move, he gave the hundreds of doctors participating in the trial the opportunity to donate $40 per vial. Most responded, sending $2.5 million. For a safety net, Scott mortgaged his own home in case more was needed. But this was not the solution. Scott had accomplished what he set out to do and tried to sell his company, now called Oculinum. It sounded like a drug name and combined Occu (eye) linum (alignment). He called on more than a half dozen companies, but none wanted to buy the drug. Why? There were two reasons: the market for treating strabismus was small, and the drug had no patent protection. Undaunted, Scott persisted and received FDA approval for Oculinum in December 1989 for use in humans 12 and over for treating strabismus, and blepharospasm. After establishing a licensing agreement with Allergan Pharmaceutical in 1990, Scott sold Oculinum to the company a year later for $9 million, little more than recouping his expenses and gaining little for his work of 30 years. It is noteworthy that at the time the cost of the effort to obtain FDA approval for a new drug was in the range of $500 million, or 100 times more than Scott spent. Since purchasing Oculinum and re-naming it Botox, Allergan and the companys successors have sold tens of billions of dollars of the drug, making Botox the leader in the market for this class of drug. In contrast, the stakeholders in the Gatorade trust have received royalties in the range of $1 billion in 30 years. After this sale, Scott had no further dealings with Allergan and continued his efforts to create more uses for the drug, now called Botox, for treating strabismus. He also treated overacting muscles around the face, neck, and extremities, but his focus was on eye muscles. Scott knew the toxin could smooth wrinkles but said, I wasnt interested. He shared what he knew with other doctors, and nobody made better use of this knowledge than ophthalmologist Dr. Jean Carruthers of Vancouver BC, who with her dermatologist husband, Alastair, launched the cosmetic/aesthetic use of Botox. Alan Scott sums up his life with Botox like this: I guess I had all the fun and Allergan made all the money, and I was OK in the lab, pretty good in the clinic, but I was a lousy businessman. The Daily Beast/Indiana University Press Eugene M. Helveston, MD, is the author of Death to Beauty: The Transformative History of Botox. 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. (Reuters) -Microsoft-backed OpenAI has completed a deal that values the artificial intelligence company at $80 billion or more, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the deal. The company would sell existing shares in a so-called tender offer led by venture firm Thrive Capital, the report said. Under the deal, employees will be able to cash out their shares of the company rather than a traditional funding round which would raise money for the business, the report added. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. It agreed to a similar deal early last year. The venture-capital firms Thrive Capital, Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz and K2 Global agreed to buy OpenAI shares in a tender offer, valuing the company at around $29 billion, the report said. The launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022 has kicked off buzz around AI, prompting companies to explore ways to harness the power of the technology. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also been reportedly in talks to raise funds for a chip venture as he looks to boost the world's chip building capacity to drive new AI-related tools. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) Area groups are putting on their walking shoes and teaming up to raise money for House of Hope homeless shelter in downtown Danville. House of Hope is holding its Second Annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk along the Riverwalk Trail at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. So far, about 100 participants, including roughly 25 teams, have signed up to take part in the event, said House of Hope Executive Director Jude Swanson. Teams include mostly families, businesses, churches and other groups. There will be two walking-distance options for participants 5 kilometers (or 3.2 miles) or 2 kilometers (or about 1.25 miles), Swanson said. Money raised will pay for operations at the homeless shelter, he said. It helps to keep the lights on and the doors open, Swanson said. Once participants are registered and signed up, they go to friends, family and co-workers and ask them to donate to their team, he said. The walk is being held in conjunction with 40 other such events across the United States, he said. The first walk was held last year following the shelters expansion, Swanson said. That expansion ... that significantly increased our costs to keep the shelter running, he said. We just wanted to get more of the community involved. The revamp grew the shelter from 16 beds in its basement to 44 beds, some of which are now in the shelters added upper floor. Last years walk included about 140 participants and Swanson expects to reach that number again this time. We are on target to have about the same, if not a few more walkers this year, he said. 2023s event exceeded House of Hopes $20,000 goal, reaching $28,000, he said. This years target is $30,000. Chasta White, a member of the shelters board of directors, said she invited city government departments to participate in the event including social services and the fire and police departments. They all have teams signed up for the walk, she said. They all play a major role in combating homelessness, said White, who is also a housing and development planning specialist with the city of Danville. She said she wanted everyone to take part in the walk through what is expected to be cold weather and get a perspective on what homeless people endure. With homelessness increasing in the region, Swanson said the number of guests at the shelter has surged in the past few years. The shelter served 170 people in 2021 and 240 in 2022. But the latter number skyrocketed by roughly 60% to 390 individuals in 2023, he said. That figure only highlighted the necessity for the shelters expansion, Swanson pointed out. It illustrates that need, for sure, he said. The majority of the people are coming from the city of Danville and the immediate surrounding area. Walkers will meet at Ballad Brewing at the start of the event. The walk will begin at the brewery and continue to the Riverwalk Trail via the pedestrian bridge at Carrington Pavilion. Snacks and refreshments will be offered along the way, White said. Participants will end up back at Ballad after the walk. Those interested in registering can go to cnoy.com/danville. Andrea Boyd is the mother of a 36-year-old with schizophrenia who has been in crisis several times. Her son now has a mental health advance directive, a legal document that allows him to make decisions for those times he's in crisis and incapable of consenting to treatment. Andrea says it improves behavioral health care for disabled patients and prevents people on the streets from being abandoned. It gives them a voice in their care. (Karen Ducey / The Seattle Times) GREENSBORO City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba called Police Chief John Thompson to notify him after an alleged assault occurred at his home over the Christmas holidays, according to a news release from the department. That admission was in response to a public information request made by the News & Record late Friday afternoon. At no time did Mr. Jaiyeoba or anyone from the city managers office ask that GPD deviate from its normal investigative procedures, according to the news release. In its release, police also said that an incident report was entered into the departments online digital database the day after the alleged event Dec. 29 and that access was restricted to the public and among department employees due to sensitive information within it. When asked how many times the department had restricted public access to other police reports in the past, a public information officer declined to provide a response. According to audio in a 911 call from Dec. 29 obtained by the News & Record, a caller asked police if they could escort her and her sister back home to retrieve their belongings. The caller also asked if a police report had been filed from the night before. Prior to Fridays admission by police, media outlets such as the News & Record were under the assumption that only a paper copy of that report existed. In its public records request, the News & Record wanted the department to produce a directive specifically restricting the publics access to the report. But the department produced no such directive. Also, that report still cant be found within the departments online database. When asked for a link to the online police report, a public information officer for the department did not provide one and instead said that a copy of the paper report would be provided to anyone who requests it. Since the domestic incident happened, the fallout has called into question the departments handling of the situation and whether a cover up was involved as Amiel Rossabi, an attorney for the police union, has claimed. Rossabi who is representing five officers involved in the incident and has requested the body-camera footage from that night said that he was not surprised by the departments admission. Is that what would happen for every other citizen? Rossabi asked. I would contend that it is absolutely not. The city manager gets a free pass because he can call Chief (Thompson). But no other Greensboro citizen has that ability. According to the statement released by police on Friday, when Jaiyeoba contacted Thompson, the chief asked if someone had contacted 911, then spoke with the first responding officer on the scene and instructed them to deescalate the situation, document all interviews and informed them that the watch commander the highest-ranking officer on duty at that time would be arriving. After responding officers typed copies of their investigative notes to provide to a senior investigator for follow-up interviews, the investigator spent the ensuing days reviewing body-camera footage and interviewing Jaiyeoba and his family. Police say that evidence and statements about a shoulder injury Jaiyeoba may have sustained did not support probable cause to make an arrest. In a statement released after the City Council had watched the body-worn camera footage, members said they also believe that Jaiyeoba didnt receive preferential treatment. 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band concert YORK On Saturday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. a free concert will be presented at the York City Auditorium (612 North Nebraska Ave.). Special guest, the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band, will be wearing Union infantry uniforms while playing musical arrangements from the Civil War on authentic Civil War-era instruments. This performance will also include a narration sharing Civil War stories. This 15-member musical ensemble, based out of Omaha, represents the original 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry Regiment from 1861-1862 and has performed at several events and festivals, keeping alive the wonderful heritage of Civil War music and brass bands. Several members in the group hold graduate degrees in music. This event is sponsored by the Anna Bemis Palmer Museum (520 North Grant Ave.). If youre interested in war history, make sure to check out their America at War exhibit. It will be available for viewing until Feb. 29. Junk & Disorderly Show SEWARD The 8th annual Junk & Disorderly Vintage Handcrafted Upcycled Show will be held on Saturday, Feb 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Seward County Fairgrounds. This event will be located in two buildings this year AG Pavilion and Harvest Hall. Food will be served by A-1 Southern Cooking of Utica and adult beverages are served by Red Path Gallery of Seward. No admission fee. Winter Song: Fire & Ice HENDERSON Heartland will hold their Winter Song: Fire & Ice event on Saturday, Feb. 17. Performances will include solos, small ensembles and mixed chorus all accompanied by The House Band along with professional lighting and sound. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the concerts beginning at 7 p.m. Table seating is $15 per person and tables seat 8 people. General admission is $7 per person for seating in the bleachers. Tickets will be available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6237579. Spaghetti Dinner in Exeter EXETER The William Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary will have their Annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser and bake sale on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Exeter Legion. Everyone is welcome. Free will offering for meal and cash bar for wine and bake sale items. Questions may be directed to Marsha at 402.366.9417 or Pat at 402.366.1728 from Unit #218. Greenwood Cemetery Spring Clean-Up YORK Spring clean-up of winter decorations will begin March 1st by the Greenwood Cemetery staff. If you have a tattered American flag, please do not dispose of them in the cemetery waste baskets. Drop flags off at the cemetery garage to be disposed of properly. As a reminder, solar light decorations are prohibited in the cemetery. Lattes with Leaders YORK The York Young Professionals will hold Lattes with Leaders on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 7 8 a.m. at Wendys in York. Come sit and enjoy breakfast with Derek Dauel, owner of Billies Grilled Cheese. We will hear about his journey to starting a business withing the community and then open for discussion. Breakfast at the expense of the member. No RSVP required. York Eagles Club Ca$h Ba$h YORK York Eagles Club 3990 presents their Ca$h Ba$h! Dont miss your chance to win $100 every 10 minutes for two hours! The last drawing is $700! If youre a lucky winner your ticket will be put back in and you could win multiple times! You do not need to be present to win, or a member (But we would love to have you as one!) Tickets are on sale now! Only 300 tickets will be sold! Drawing will be held on April 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy one free meal per ticket purchaser (only one name on a ticket) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Proceeds will be split between York Special Olympics and Hope Crisis Center. Direct Questions to Celeste 402-366-8138 or Christi 402-710-1313. In addition to the monetary donation, we will be placing tubs at the entrances of the club to collect items to be donated to help the Hope Crisis Center assist victims. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, exerting a profound impact on both individual health and public well-being. The habit of smoking tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, exposes individuals to a myriad of health risks, ranging from respiratory ailments to life-threatening diseases. The inhalation of tobacco smoke introduces a complex mix of chemicals into the body, triggering inflammation, damaging tissues, and increasing the risk of developing various cancers. According Dr Ishu Gupta, Chief Oncologist, Cancel Cancer Hospital, Delhi, "Tobacco use has long been recognized as a significant health hazard, contributing to a range of lethal diseases. In India, the statistics on oral cancer are particularly alarming. Recent data highlights the country's substantial burden of oral cancer cases, with a high prevalence directly linked to tobacco use. The urgent need for preventive measures is evident, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns, tobacco cessation programs, and support systems to educate individuals about the dangers of tobacco use and assist those looking to quit." Link Between Tobacco Consumption And Cancer The correlation between tobacco consumption and the emergence of oral cancer serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with this habit. "Nicotine, a key component of tobacco, plays a central role in the development of cancerous cells in the oral cavity. This highly addictive substance, found in cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco products, not only traps individuals in the habit but also contributes to the onset of cancer," highlights Dr Ishu Gupta. How Tobacco Consumption Causes Oral Cancer The chemicals released during the combustion of tobacco expose the delicate tissues in the mouth to harmful substances, triggering chronic inflammation and cellular damage. Tobacco smoke is laden with a dangerous mix of carcinogens, including formaldehyde, benzene, and acrolein, which can lead to the formation of precancerous lesions like leukoplakia and erythroplakia. If left untreated, these lesions can progress to full-blown mouth cancer. Smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, pose an equal threat to oral health. Direct contact with the gums, lips, and inner cheeks exposes these areas to concentrated doses of harmful chemicals, leading to continuous irritation and abrasion. This can result in the development of malignant tumors, particularly in areas where the tobacco is in constant contact. Recognizing the insidious yet devastating nature of tobacco-related oral health risks empowers us to make informed decisions, protecting our well-being and that of future generations. Public education, cessation programs, and support networks are vital tools in combating this preventable epidemic. New Delhi: From the aspiring journalist in Pinnochip to the delinquent turned Doctor in Doctors or the young girl caught in a passionate romance in Heirs, Park Shin Hye has been part of some very popular K-dramas. As she turns a year older on February 18 let us revisit 5 of her popular dramas Heirs Lonely, rich boy Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) lives away from home in Southern California as per his domineering older brother Wons wishes. Tan is aware that it is a life in exile, since his brother wants him out of the way, staking his claim to the inheritance. He runs into Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye) who is in the States to find her sister. The two return home to Seoul, and Kim Tan discovers that Eun Sang is the daughter of his household help. A love story blossoms despite their class differences, but in comes Choi Young Do (Kim Woo Bin) Kim Tans rival, who falls in love with Eun Sang. Where To Watch: Netflix Doctor Slump Park Shin Hye reunites with Heirs co-star Park Hyung Sik in this romantic comedy about two former rivals who reunite and unexpectedly become each others support during the darkest period of their lives. Park Hyun Sik is Yeo Jung Woo, a star plastic surgeon whose thriving career suddenly falls into danger due to a strange medical accident, while Park Shin Hye is Nam Ha Neul, a workaholic anesthesiologist suffering from burnout syndrome. Where To Watch: Netflix Pinnochio Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye), the daughter of a prime-time news reporter and presenter, wants to be a broadcast journalist. But Ha suffers from Pinocchio syndrome, a condition which triggers hiccups whenever she is to lie. Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk) haunted by his past, also wants to get into broadcasting to unearth the truth after misreporting destroyed his family. Ha and Dal Po, pursue their ambition in broadcasting as adults. As they unearth conspiracies in the newsroom, they end up questioning the very ideologies they grew up with. Where To Watch: Viki Doctors Yoo Hye Jung (Park Shin Hye) has never had it easy and is a volatile person who gets into trouble. The only person who takes any interest in her well-being is her high school teacher Hong Ji Hong (Kim Rae Won). Years later when she is a neurosurgeon at a hospital, Hye Jungs prickly personality keeps her aloof until she once again meets her mentor Ji Hong, who is now a senior doctor at the hospital. As he once again helps her to overcome her many issues, we see Hye Jung evolve and come into her own as a person. Where To Watch: Viki Youre Beautiful Starring Jang Geun Suk is Hwang Tae Kyung and Park Shin Hye as Mi Nam is a fun gender bender with Park Shin Hye playing, both the male and female characters. Go, Mi Nam joins Tae Kyungs rock group in replacement of her twin brother, but as the other group members slowly catch on that Mi Nam is a girl, they start to develop strong feelings for her. Go Mi Nyeo must replace her brother, who has been unable to be active with the group and gets thrown into the K-pop world, trying to figure out the ins and outs of fitting in so that people do not find out her secret. Where To Watch: Viki The Election Commission of India may announce the Lok Sabha poll dates in the coming weeks and all eyes are on opposition parties. People are desperate to see whether the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc will manage to put up a fight against the mighty BJP or it will continue to disintegrate. Mamata Banerjee has withdrawn from the coalition and Nitish Kumar has already joined the NDA. Amid all this, Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has entered Uttar Pradesh after traversing through Bihar. In Bihar, he was joined by former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and in UP, Akhilesh Yadav is likely to join him during the yatra. These three young leaders still command a decent percentage of the vote share but it would be interesting to see whether this proves enough to contain the Modi Magic aided by Ram Temple fervour and 'tadka' of social welfare policies. In Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav joined Rahul Gandhi's campaign, shared the stage with him, and assured him of support, signalling a strong alliance in Bihar. This is good news for the Congress as friendship seems intact in Bihar. Another development is Rahul Gandhi's entry into Uttar Pradesh politics, starting from Chandauli. He is expected to visit Varanasi and then proceed to Amethi, Rae Bareli, and Kanpur. While Uttar Pradesh has 80 Parliamentary seats, Bihar has 40 seats. Last time, Narendra Modi-led NDA had won 101 out of the 120 seats. That time, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party had joined hands with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and they went on to win 15 seats. However, Mayawati is unlikely to ally with the SP this time and this makes the contest even more interesting. Akhilesh has already announced some candidates, but internal tensions are apparent, as seen in the split of three RJD MLAs and internal strife in Akhilesh's party over the Rajya Sabha elections. 2019 Election Outcome In Bihar, UP 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP, 40 in Bihar BSP-SP coalition in Uttar Pradesh secured 38% of the votes Together, they won a total of 15 seats BJP alone secured nearly 50% of the votes in UP NDA had a significant victory in Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats NDA won 62 out of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh RJD did not open its account in Bihar's 40 seats. With Tejashwi wooing voters with job promises and delivery when he was in power, Akhilesh alleging governance mismanagement by the BJP and Rahul Gandhi leading his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra through the state, the contest is getting more interesting in these two states. New Delhi: A section of Congress legislators in Jharkhand expressed their strong dissatisfaction over the inclusion of four party MLAs as ministers in the JMM government led by Champai Soren and flew to Delhi on Saturday evening. We are on our way to Delhi. The rest will join us tomorrowWe will discuss the matter with the Congress leadership thereWe demand that all the four be replacedWe are 12 MLAs in total except the four ministers and MLA Pradeep Yadav, Congress legislator Kumar Jaimangal, also known as Anup Singh, told PTI. The legislators are unhappy with the Congress decision to reappoint Alamgir Alam, Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta and Badal Patralekh as ministers and gathered at a hotel in Ranchi, where JMMs new minister Basant Soren, the youngest son of party chief Shibu Soren, tried to convince them to reconsider their decision. #WATCH | Ranchi: On Jharkhand cabinet expansion, Congress MLA Anup Singh says, "We are 12 people in total. We have shared our concern with our PCC president through a letter... Our demand is the same as before... Attending the oath ceremony does not mean that we have forgotten pic.twitter.com/YLlXmqpTwB February 17, 2024 Congress MLA Dipika Pandey Singh said that they had conveyed their views before the cabinet expansion took place. We wanted new faces to be given a chance if the government was being formed anew and the cabinet was being reshuffled, Singh told ANI. Congress MLA Anup Singh said that the MLAs had informed the Pradesh Congress Committee president about their grievance and their demand remained unchanged. We are 12 in number. We have written a letter to our PCC president expressing our concern. Our demand is as it was before, Anup Singh said. Going to the oath ceremony does not mean that we have given up on our demands. We are only trying to make our party aware of our concerns, he added. Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur, who met the party MLAs after the oath-taking ceremony, said that the party would discuss the issue. They had shared their feelings even before the oath-taking ceremony. They were unhappy, they went to the swearing-in ceremony at our request. We know their feelings. We will discuss it, Thakur said. Meanwhile, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lambasted the JMM-led alliance in the state for not having a Scheduled Caste member in the new cabinet. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren on Friday assigned portfolios to ministers, keeping the departments like home and personnel for himself. CM Soren retained the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha, Department of Home, Department of Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance. JMM leaders Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, Basant Soren - JMM leader and brother of former CM Hemant Soren, Hafizul Hasan, Bebi Devi, Deepak Birua, Congress Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta and Badal Patralekh were sworn in as ministers during the swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on Friday. Earlier on February 2, Champai Soren took oath as chief minister of the state and on February 5, the coalition government passed the floor test with a 47:29 majority. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha with 29 seats, and its ally Congress with 17 were confident of easily winning the trust vote. New Delhi: The opening day of the BJP's national convention saw a flurry of speeches highlighting the party's achievements and setting the stage for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJPs National Convention kicked off in Delhi on Saturday with a clear message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the party workers: work hard for 100 days and secure a landslide victory for the NDA in the Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Modi also invoked the legacy of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, one of the founding fathers of the BJP, and said that the party should aim for 370 seats as a homage to the saffron leader. Prime Minister Modi also praised the women of the country and said that they are not just voters for the BJP but mothers and sisters who will bless the party in the elections for the welfare measures taken by the NDA government for them. CMs Meeting On Sunday The Chief Ministers Council meeting of the BJP-ruled states will take place tomorrow at 3:30 pm in Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda will be present at the meeting. The agenda of the meeting will include the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections and the review of the ongoing schemes of the Central and State Governments. Condemnation Of Violence In West Bengal The BJPs national convention also passed a political resolution on Saturday, denouncing the brutal attacks on the Opposition protesters by the ruling party in West Bengals Sandeshkhali. The resolution said that the incidents in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district have brought shame to humanity. Development Achievements Of BJP The BJPs National President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also spoke at the convention and highlighted the development works done by the party since 2014. They also slammed the opposition parties for their negative politics and lack of vision. Leaders Take Dig at Opposition BJP President JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath spoke at length about development initiatives since 2014. Nadda took a subtle jab at opposition parties for not attending the Ram temple inauguration, showcasing it as a BJP triumph. Rajnath Singh defended the government's record on farmer welfare, citing increased MSP and financial assistance schemes. Sitharaman touted India's economic stability and growth, positioning it as a global leader. BJPs Electoral Success And farmers protest Nadda also boasted about the BJPs electoral success in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the party won a full majority and an even bigger majority respectively. He said that the partys leaders have transformed the convention into a mega convention with their hard work and efforts. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his solidarity with the protesting farmers and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi considers them as his family members. UP CM Yogi Adityanath also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and said that India has been waiting for this day for centuries. He said that Lord Ram has been restored to his grand temple in Ayodhya after 5 centuries. Yogi Celebrates Ram Temple, Focus on Elections Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the construction of the Ram temple as a historic moment, fulfilling the desires of generations. He credited PM Modi's leadership for achieving this dream. The convention served as a platform to showcase the party's achievements and garner support for the upcoming elections. The convention took place while farmer protests remained ongoing near Delhi borders. Despite attempts at dialogue, no breakthrough has been achieved. . Amid the ongoing farmers protest, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) led by Rakesh Tikait is holding a Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar of Uttar Pradesh. The congregation is claimed to be an effort to address the atrocities and demand justice amid the ongoing Delhi Chalo march by different farmer unions. During the Mahapanchayat, the farmers will also discussed the ways forward for the ongoing agitation. According to a Facebook post by Tikait, the Mahapanchayat, decided upon by the national working committee, focuses on discussing the current situation, particularly the challenges faced by farmers. Senior officials from BKU chapters in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Haryana participated in the event. This development coincides with discussions held by senior Union ministers, including Arjun Munda and other senior Modi government ministers to find a possible solution to the deadlock. As the protest by farmers continues for the fifth day, the flare-up indicates more clashes with security forces. Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, embarked on the 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13 to seek a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, and 'justice' for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, among other demands. Amidst the ongoing farmers' protest in Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Friday said that efforts to find a solution continue and the next round of talks with farmers will take place on Sunday. The third round of talks with the central government ended on Thursday, amid the standoff between the protestors and security personnel on the Punjab-Haryana border. The farmers' protest that started to demand MSP for all crops has taken a violent turn in many places including the Shambhu border of Punjab and Haryana. While the farmers are planning to storm Delhi amid heavy deployment of police forces, recent videos have shown that their protest is again being hijacked by miscreants and anti-national elements just like the 2021 protest. In a recent video, a Nihang Sikh was seen waving his sword to security forces and patting his thigh in a provoking manner. Another was seen roaming around with a bow and arrow. Also, a poster of Bhindranwale was spotted on a truck participating in the farmers' protest. Even today, stones were pelted at security forces by miscreants during the farmers' protest. The tension between the protesting farmers and security forces persisted on the fourth day of the protest. Security personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells to scatter demonstrators who were attempting to dismantle barricades at the Shambhu border near Ambala. CCTV footage released by the Haryana Police has implicated protesters in provocative actions. The footage appears to depict demonstrators encouraging a woman to approach the barricades, further escalating the already tense standoff. The security forces deployed at the Shambhu Border continued to resist the agitating farmers attempting to enter the national capital as the protests entered the fifth day on Saturday. Hundreds of farmers and some journalists have been injured as the protestors clashed with the police many a time trying to break the multi-layer barricades. The protesting farmers have been camping at the border points since the start of the March on Tuesday, February 13. A third round of talks with the central government ended in a stalemate on Thursday, amid the standoff between the protestors and security personnel on the Punjab-Haryana border. The 'Delhi Chalo' march call has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to press the BJP-led Centre to accept their demands. New Delhi: A tragic accident at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district claimed the lives of 10 people, including four women, and injured three others on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin sent two state ministers to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in the blast and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The Chief Minister said that the blast occurred suddenly in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai. He instructed State Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to reach the site immediately and coordinate the relief efforts, according to an official statement. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Drone visuals from Virudhunagar, where 10 people lost their lives in an explosion incident at a firecracker manufacturing unit. pic.twitter.com/EAQ4uHw7TC ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) posted on X: I am deeply saddened by the news of a mishap at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. I hope the injured recover quickly. The PMNRF will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. The Chief Minister also expressed his grief over the incident and offered his condolences and sympathies to the affected families. He announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each for the kin of the dead and Rs one lakh each for the seriously injured. The accident happened around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the firecracker factory. Nine people died on the spot and three were taken to Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment, Virudhunagar district Collector V P Jayaseelan said. He said that a preliminary enquiry revealed that there was overcrowding in the chemical mixing room and the blast could have been caused by mishandling of the chemical. He said that the factory owner had a valid licence. When asked about the cause of the blast, the Collector said it could have been a human error. We have ordered a detailed enquiry by a team of officials from different departments. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today again lashed out at the BJP alleging that the saffron party tried to poach Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in the state. Speaking in the assembly during the self-brought trust vote, CM Arvind Kejriwal said that the party has no proof to substantiate the allegation as no one carries a tape recorder all the time. "Our MLAs told us that they (BJP) tried to poach seven of our legislators. These MLAs today said in the House that they were approached (by the BJP). Like Rajesh Gupta said, they (BJP) want us to show proof. How can we show a proof? A person doesn't carry a tape recorder all the time. They feel that the party (AAP) will collapse once Arvind Kejriwal is arrested. They can arrest Kejriwal but how will they arrest Kejriwal's thinking?" said Kejriwal while speaking during during no-confidence motion in the Assembly. BJP 2024 2029 BJP - CM @ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/oI95IBw9Hv AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 17, 2024 Delhi CM Kejriwal also said that while the BJP claims to be 'Ram bhakt', they stopped medicines of poor people at our hospitals showing that they are opposed to Ram. "If the BJP is afraid about its future, then it is only because of the AAP. That's why they want to break the AAP. If the BJP doesn't lose the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, then the AAP will surely make the country free of the BJP by 2029. The AAP was formed just 12 years ago. There are nearly 1,350 parties in the country. The AAP had applied for its registration on November 26, 2012, it has now become the third largest party in the country after the BJP and Congress," said Kejriwal. While Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government won the no-confidence motion as expected, the party leaders including the CM used the opportunity to slam the BJP throughout the debate. New Delhi: The Election Commission will comply with the Supreme Courts directives on the electoral bonds scheme, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Kumar told reporters that the commission always strives for transparency in information and participation. The commission stated in its affidavit to the apex court that it supports transparency and it will act as per the SCs orders when they are issued, Kumar said. When asked about a case pending in the SC on holding elections without EVMs, the chief election commissioner said, We will wait for the decisionif needed, we will make changes according to the courts direction. The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a historic verdict, scrapping the electoral bonds scheme, saying it infringes on the right to information and the freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution. #WATCH | On the Supreme Court's verdict on the electoral bonds, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says, " Whatever is the order (of Supreme Court). We were also a party in this case...our stand in the Supreme Court was that we are in favour of transparency...we will take pic.twitter.com/NHqvokRTrX ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 It gave a unanimous verdict on a series of petitions challenging the legal validity of the central governments electoral bonds scheme, which enabled anonymous funding to political parties. The SC ordered banks to halt further issuance of electoral bonds and the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide details of electoral bonds bought since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission. New Delhi: The political circles in Madhya Pradesh are abuzz with rumours of former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath joining the BJP, along with his son and MP Nakul Nath. The father-son duo reached Delhi on Saturday, fuelling speculations that they might switch sides on February 19, the same day when Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Nyay yatra will enter the state. However, Kamal Nath did not confirm or deny the rumours, and instead asked the media not to get excited. It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that, he said. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari came out in strong defence of Kamal Nath, calling him the third son of Indira Gandhi. He said that Kamal Nath had a long and loyal association with the Congress, and had worked as the state party chief for seven years. #WATCH | On being asked if he is joining BJP, former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath says "Why are you all getting excited? It is not about denying. I will inform you all if there is something like that..." pic.twitter.com/GK9uNIQVAL ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 "I still remember when Scindia toppled the Congress govt in MP, all the Congress workers stood with Kamal Nath's leadership and ideology. The reports of him leaving are baseless. Can you imagine Indira Gandhi's third son leaving Congress? Can't think about something like that even in dreams," Patwari said while talking to reporters. #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari says, " For the first time when Kamal Nath fought elections, then Indira Gandhi said that Kamal Nath is her third son...in the 45 years of political journey of Kamal Nath, in both our good times and bad times, he has been pic.twitter.com/eo10i5NXaq ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 Another Congress leader, Digvijaya Singh, also ruled out the possibility of Kamal Nath joining the BJP. He said that he had spoken to him last night and he was in Chhindwara. He said that Kamal Nath was a person who had started his political career with the Nehru-Gandhi family, and he could not expect him to leave the Congress. New Delhi: As income tax season approaches, we need to understand the concept of taxation. Among the essential aspects of personal taxation are Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Income Tax Return (ITR). These are crucial components impacting individuals' financial obligations to the government. Learning about these concepts can help taxpayers understand what they need to do and make sure they follow the rules correctly. (Also Read: Paytm Partners With Axis Bank For Merchant Payments Settlement; Read Details) Income Tax Income Tax is a direct tax levied by the government on individuals' income from diverse sources such as salaries, business profits, capital gains, and other revenue streams. (Also Read: Meta Introduces 30% Extra Fee Service For Boosting FB & Insta Posts In Us) Taxpayers are responsible for computing and paying income tax according to prevailing tax slabs and regulations established by the government. Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) operates as a withholding tax mechanism where a portion of the payment is deducted by the payer and remitted to the government on behalf of the payee. It applies to various transactions including salaries, interest, rent, and consultancy fees, ensuring a continuous flow of revenue for the government and reducing tax evasion opportunities. ITR vs TDS Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is mandatory for individuals whose annual income exceeds a specific level. Under the old tax regime, individuals with income surpassing Rs 2.5 Lakhs are required to file an ITR, while under the new regime, the threshold is Rs 3 Lakhs. Senior citizens aged between 60 and 80 years have a limit of Rs 3 Lakhs, whereas those aged 80 and above have a limit of Rs 5 Lakhs. Application Of TDS TDS is applicable in various scenarios where income is earned, including salary payments, investment earnings, rent, and winnings from contests, lotteries, gambling, and similar activities. Additionally, TDS is imposed on commissions, payments to contractors, brokerage, professional service fees, and income from the National Savings Scheme and other sources. Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. New Delhi: X Corp, led by Elon Musk, enforced a ban on 2,31,215 accounts in India from December 26 to January 25. Primarily, these bans were due to the promotion of child sexual exploitation and sharing non-consensual nudity. Under Musk's leadership, the micro-blogging platform underwent significant changes, including the removal of 1,945 accounts in India for promoting terrorism on its platform. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Price Drop In India: You Can Get Rs 3,000 Instant Discount On Flipkart) Altogether, X Corporation banned a total of 2,33,160 accounts during the reporting period in India. According to its monthly report, which aligns with the new IT Rules of 2021, X Corporation stated that it received 2,525 complaints from Indian users within the same timeframe via its grievance redressal mechanisms. (Also Read: Meta Introduces 30% Extra Fee Service For Boosting FB & Insta Posts In Us) In addition, X processed 40 grievances which were appealing account suspensions. "We overturned 9 of these account suspensions after reviewing the specifics of the situation. The remaining reported accounts remain suspended," said the company. "We received 19 requests related to general questions about accounts during this reporting period," it added. Most complaints from India were about ban evasion (967), followed by abuse/harassment (684), sensitive adult content (363), and hateful conduct (313). Between November 26 and December 25, X banned 2,27,600 accounts in India. The micro-blogging platform also took down 2,032 accounts for promoting terrorism on its platform in the country. Meanwhile, a new report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has said that X is providing premium, paid services to accounts for two leaders of a US-designated terrorist group and several other organisations sanctioned by the government. The report identified over a dozen X accounts for US-sanctioned entities that had a blue checkmark, which requires the purchase of a premium subscription. (With IANS Inputs) Most Christians dont believe what Jesus has said: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. For centuries, Christians believed their eternal inheritance would involve a future renewal of the earth (and all of creation), forever set free from corruption and death (Matt. 25:34). Resurrected, physical human bodies reanimated by the Holy Spirit will become suitable for eternal life with Jesus on a newly perfected earth, as God himself comes to dwell with us (Rev. 21: 1-5). Jesus calls this the renewal of all things (Matt. 19:28). Peter, in his sermon in Acts Chapter 3, refers to it as the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets (Acts 3:21). This was the belief and teaching of the early church. But if you ask most of todays Christians to describe their eternal outlook, usually it entails some version of being in Heaven forever with Jesus, often as a disembodied spirit (soul). This outlook is widespread though it is never stated in scripture. Jesus never said souls will inherit eternal life in Heaven. The idea of immortal souls or spirits actually comes from Greek philosophy, not the Bible. If you believe you are destined for eternity in Heaven, I challenge you to find even one passage in the Bible that clearly states either: 1) Christians will live in Heaven forever; or, 2) that Heaven is the final home of the righteous. The exact wording doesnt matter. Just see if you can find any scripture conveying those ideas. Ask your preacher, pastor or priest to see if they can do it. If you adhere to guidelines 1 and 2 above, you will find nothing! A doctrine as important as eternal salvation should have a substantial basis in scripture. There is. It just doesnt point to Heaven. Some people might say, Yeah, well what about those mansions in Heaven, from John 14:2? First, that verse doesnt meet the criteria in 1 and 2 above. There is no specific mention of Christians living in Heaven forever, or that it will be their final home. All of that must be inferred because it isnt stated. Additionally, only the King James translation says it that way, in what certainly has to be one of the worst biblical mistranslations of all time. Other (better) translations say rooms, or dwelling places, or something like that, because the Greek word, monai, actually conveys the idea of impermanence, or temporary. Motel rooms or guest quarters would be a far better interpretation than mansions. Ancient Gnostic Greek philosophers viewed the physical world as not being our home and considered human spirits trapped here in corrupt bodies of flesh yearning to escape. Pagan Gnostics longed for the human soul to depart its earthly body for an immaterial, transcendent world, or as Christians have come to think of it Heaven. During the Age of Enlightenment, aspects of Greek philosophy became so integrated into Christianity that most people dont realize it today. Wendell Berry, one of todays novelists and poet philosophers, points out that, Nothing could be more absurd than to despise the (corporeal) body and yet yearn for its resurrection. Christians should rightly wonder why God would resurrect our physical bodies if only our souls are subsequently destined to fly away to an eternal Heavenly existence. Your biblical beliefs should make sense. God created this beautiful world in all of its intricacy and majesty. After placing humans in it, he pronounced all of it very good; a singular declaration by God in the entirety of scripture. Indeed, all of creation has been adversely affected and corrupted by human disobedience and sin. But Christ and the apostles didnt forecast escape from the earth God created for humanity. Instead, scripture anticipates renewal and perfection of this presently fallen world. Despite what you may hear from the end-of-times, religious, industrial complex, the Bible actually teaches that God isnt planning to abandon his beloved creation. Scripture predicts redemption of the entire created order, humans along with everything else. And God wont restrict his saving work merely to preserving humanitys immaterial souls (God saves wholes, not just souls). Gods magnificent creation is destined for very good reclamation! Since ancient times, Gods prophets have predicted the universal restoration of creation rather than its destruction. This outlook is a Christian faith bedrock. God is going to renew his creation, remove every sin-corrupted aspect of it, and then fill it with everlasting new purpose, joy and delight. No Labels, a centrist and relatively obscure third-party organization, has reached the threshold of support to qualify as a minor political party in Montana, the Secretary of State's office said Friday. The late statement from a spokesperson for Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen said the online candidate filing form and in-person candidate filing have been updated to allow candidates to file for office under the No Labels Montana Party. Montana's candidate filing closes March 11, although it doesn't appear that No Labels is looking to run candidates locally. For months, the group's efforts have been known as an effort to put a third-party candidate on the presidential ballot in all 50 states. Indeed, the group's organizational statement in records held by the Commissioner of Political Practices states No Labels seeks to "qualify a minor party committee to place a presidential and vice presidential nominee on the general election ballot." A call to David Bell, who is listed as No Labels Montana's treasurer, was not answered late Friday. Between July and Sept. 30, No Labels has paid $243,000 to the Texas-based Advanced Micro Targeting for signature gathering efforts. The Montana organization for No Labels received $243,075 from its national organization that reporting period, and spent the same amount. The group has reported no further contributions or expenditures since Sept. 30. Mainstream parties have grown aggressive in their efforts to tamp down No Labels as its campaign to reach the ballot in all 50 states has ratcheted up. The Associated Press reported last month that groups aligned with Democrats, afraid of a centrist candidate siphoning votes away from President Joe Biden, filed campaign finance complaints against No Labels as part of an effort to ramp up legal and public scrutiny before the group has even announced its candidate for the White House. In Montana, the group needed signatures that equaled 5% or more of the total votes cast for the successful candidate for governor in 2020, or 5,000 electors, whatever is less. Those signatures must come from registered voters in at least one-third of the legislative districts. The number of signatures No Labels gathered in Montana was not immediately clear Friday. During one of the school budget meetings going on throughout Montana last week, I found myself thinking of the butterfly effect you know, the notion that a butterfly flapping its wings in Suzuka can start a rustle that culminates in a typhoon off Sitka. As citizen after citizen rose to express concern about what cuts in the arts would do to the community and its children, I remembered all the kids Id known over decades of teaching who were rescued by art, music or drama classes. That butterflys wings fluttered and those kids found a home, an identity, a raison detre that sustained them until they could fly on their own. Of course, that flapping can go south too. Next year Montana students will be required to earn a half-credit in financial literacy to graduate from high school. Nothing breaks up a high school kids scheduling options like a required semester course. That full-year elective in choir or wood-working or automotive repair, that raison detre, will be sacrificed for lessons youve either already learned or only will when you actually have finances to be literate in. Schools must also require a half-credit in civics as part of the two (too few!) social studies credits needed for graduation. That means trimming world history or American history from a full year to a semester (good luck with that!) OR adding an additional half-credit to local graduation requirements, once again knocking kids out of electives they love in order to learn something you really only learn when you want something from your government something like better graduation requirements. So many wings a-flap. Four years ago, COVID drove kids out of schools and enrollments havent recovered. Flap: School budgets, enrollment-driven, now flounder. COVID-relief funding that buoyed up budgets is ending. Flap: Communities like Billings now face cutting dozens of positions to stop being broke. Communities like Missoula must consider making temporary, COVID-funded behavioral interventionists permanent while rendering their well-established core curriculum in the arts ill-managed. Decades of inadequate funding for facilities maintenance has left communities like Helena with $8.3 million to address $90 million in maintenance needs. Flap: Neighborhood schools on the chopping block. On and on it goes: flap, flip, flop. Yet in the midst of these budget crises, the 2023 legislative supermajority gave yet more butterflies wings! Dollar-for-dollar tax credits to the tune of $10 million for donors to private school scholarship funds and to public school innovation! Over $5 million to foster innovation in public charter schools! Another untold sum to throw into the darkness for virtually unsupervised, unaccountable community (aka, my community, not yours) charter schools. Legislators only job in education is to fund it adequately and equitably. Until theyve done that and the agonizing conversations at school board meetings across Montana prove they havent they should cryopreserve those butterflies as larvae. Instead, out-of-state funders of in-state think tanks syphon taxes that should go to funding public schools into privatized enterprises the public has virtually no say in. Public schools chase funding for innovative programs like dumpster-divers in a famine while their basic programs wither and die. And though the enemy is without, the fighting occurs within. Icing on the cake for public school haters. If legislators truly want to innovate, heres a novel idea: Do your job! Adequately fund a basic system of free quality public education a system that values not just the three Rs but the arts, both creative and industrial. Remember, the butterfly effect is a component of chaos theory. And the fiscal chaos Montanas public schools are facing is far from theoretical. FEB. 19-23 WINTER REVIVALEmmanuel Baptist Church of Abingdon will be holding a winter revival with guest preacher Evangelist Bobby Barnes. Services will be held 7 p.m. nightly, Feb. 19-23, with special singing by the Agee family. The church is located at 19383 Lee Highway in Abingdon, Virginia. For more information, contact Pastor Kevin Rogerson at (276) 628-7835. FEB. 21 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. FEB. 28 2024 MISSIONS CONFERENCEWestminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, will host Mark Bates, senior director for U.S. operations with Mission to the World (MTW), as keynote speaker during the churchs annual Missions Conference, Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 3. The Wednesday session on Feb. 28 begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with dinner followed by missionary reports. On Friday, March 1, a pizza dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by reports and a panel discussion from campus ministers. Visitors and members are asked to sign up for Wednesday and Friday evening dinners with an email message to rhorvath@wpcjc.org. For the Wednesday evening dinner, the cost is $8 for those age 11 and older, $5 for children 10 and younger, with a maximum per family of $25 there is no charge for the Friday meal. The Saturday morning session on March 11 begins at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and informal talks, including a sharing/prayer time with missionaries. On Sunday, a combined Sunday School session with speaker Bates and missionaries begins at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, for all youth and adult classes. Two worship services will be held in the sanctuary, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Childcare for children up to four years of age will be provided at all events. The Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. will be streamed on Westminster Presbyterians YouTube live channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9850/streams). For more information, visit https://www.wpcjc.org or call (423) 283-4643. AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. FEB. 29 2024 MISSIONS CONFERENCEWestminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, will host Mark Bates, senior director for U.S. operations with Mission to the World (MTW), as keynote speaker during the churchs annual Missions Conference, Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 3. The Wednesday session on Feb. 28 begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with dinner followed by missionary reports. On Friday, March 1, a pizza dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by reports and a panel discussion from campus ministers. Visitors and members are asked to sign up for Wednesday and Friday evening dinners with an email message to rhorvath@wpcjc.org. For the Wednesday evening dinner, the cost is $8 for those age 11 and older, $5 for children 10 and younger, with a maximum per family of $25 there is no charge for the Friday meal. The Saturday morning session on March 11 begins at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and informal talks, including a sharing/prayer time with missionaries. On Sunday, a combined Sunday School session with speaker Bates and missionaries begins at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, for all youth and adult classes. Two worship services will be held in the sanctuary, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Childcare for children up to four years of age will be provided at all events. The Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. will be streamed on Westminster Presbyterians YouTube live channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9850/streams). For more information, visit https://www.wpcjc.org or call (423) 283-4643. MARCH 1 2024 MISSIONS CONFERENCEWestminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, will host Mark Bates, senior director for U.S. operations with Mission to the World (MTW), as keynote speaker during the churchs annual Missions Conference, Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 3. The Wednesday session on Feb. 28 begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with dinner followed by missionary reports. On Friday, March 1, a pizza dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by reports and a panel discussion from campus ministers. Visitors and members are asked to sign up for Wednesday and Friday evening dinners with an email message to rhorvath@wpcjc.org. For the Wednesday evening dinner, the cost is $8 for those age 11 and older, $5 for children 10 and younger, with a maximum per family of $25 there is no charge for the Friday meal. The Saturday morning session on March 11 begins at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and informal talks, including a sharing/prayer time with missionaries. On Sunday, a combined Sunday School session with speaker Bates and missionaries begins at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, for all youth and adult classes. Two worship services will be held in the sanctuary, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Childcare for children up to four years of age will be provided at all events. The Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. will be streamed on Westminster Presbyterians YouTube live channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9850/streams). For more information, visit https://www.wpcjc.org or call (423) 283-4643. MARCH 2 2024 MISSIONS CONFERENCEWestminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, will host Mark Bates, senior director for U.S. operations with Mission to the World (MTW), as keynote speaker during the churchs annual Missions Conference, Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 3. The Wednesday session on Feb. 28 begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with dinner followed by missionary reports. On Friday, March 1, a pizza dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by reports and a panel discussion from campus ministers. Visitors and members are asked to sign up for Wednesday and Friday evening dinners with an email message to rhorvath@wpcjc.org. For the Wednesday evening dinner, the cost is $8 for those age 11 and older, $5 for children 10 and younger, with a maximum per family of $25 there is no charge for the Friday meal. The Saturday morning session on March 11 begins at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and informal talks, including a sharing/prayer time with missionaries. On Sunday, a combined Sunday School session with speaker Bates and missionaries begins at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, for all youth and adult classes. Two worship services will be held in the sanctuary, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Childcare for children up to four years of age will be provided at all events. The Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. will be streamed on Westminster Presbyterians YouTube live channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9850/streams). For more information, visit https://www.wpcjc.org or call (423) 283-4643. MARCH 3 2024 MISSIONS CONFERENCEWestminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, will host Mark Bates, senior director for U.S. operations with Mission to the World (MTW), as keynote speaker during the churchs annual Missions Conference, Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 3. The Wednesday session on Feb. 28 begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with dinner followed by missionary reports. On Friday, March 1, a pizza dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by reports and a panel discussion from campus ministers. Visitors and members are asked to sign up for Wednesday and Friday evening dinners with an email message to rhorvath@wpcjc.org. For the Wednesday evening dinner, the cost is $8 for those age 11 and older, $5 for children 10 and younger, with a maximum per family of $25 there is no charge for the Friday meal. The Saturday morning session on March 11 begins at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments and informal talks, including a sharing/prayer time with missionaries. On Sunday, a combined Sunday School session with speaker Bates and missionaries begins at 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, for all youth and adult classes. Two worship services will be held in the sanctuary, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Childcare for children up to four years of age will be provided at all events. The Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. will be streamed on Westminster Presbyterians YouTube live channel (https://www.youtube.com/@westminsterpresbyterianchu9850/streams). For more information, visit https://www.wpcjc.org or call (423) 283-4643. MARCH 6 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MARCH 12 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. MARCH 13 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MARCH 20 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MARCH 27 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. APRIL 3 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. APRIL 9 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. APRIL 10 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. APRIL 17 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. APRIL 24 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MAY 1 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MAY 8 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MAY 14 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. MAY 15 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MAY 22 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. MAY 29 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JUNE 5 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JUNE 11 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. JUNE 12 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JUNE 19 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JUNE 26 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JULY 3 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JULY 9 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. JULY 10 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JULY 17 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JULY 24 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. JULY 31 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. AUG. 7 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. AUG. 13 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. AUG. 14 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. AUG. 21 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. AUG. 28 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. SEPT. 4 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. SEPT. 10 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. SEPT. 11 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. SEPT. 18 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. SEPT. 25 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. OCT. 2 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. OCT. 8 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. OCT. 9 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. OCT. 16 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. OCT. 23 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. OCT. 30 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 6 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 12 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. NOV. 13 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 20 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 27 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 4 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 10 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. NOV. 13 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 20 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. NOV. 27 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 4 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 10 SUICIDE SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP OF THE TRI-CITIESNavigating the Ocean of Grief after the Suicide Death of a Loved One, facilitated by Barbara Sims, Ph.D., who lost her son, Christopher Michael Price, to suicide on January 5, 2018. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Summit Leadership offices, 3515 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN, 6-7 p.m. To get on the contact list for meeting notices or for additional information about this support group, contact Barb Sims at barb@bsims.net. DEC. 11 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 18 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. DEC. 25 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. 2025 JAN. 1 AL-ANONA support group for friends and family of alcoholics and addicts meeting at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the basement of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Elk Creek, Virginia. For more information, call 276-655-4941. Just up the long rise in Arlington National Cemetery is the grave of President John Kennedy. The place is filled with both grief and promise. For who can forget, liked or not, the energy the administration brought to the country. Just past the Eternal Flame, on a well-marked path, is the single white cross of Robert Kennedy on the edge of a small plaza. Opposite his grave are parts of two of his most eloquent speeches etched in granite. I can hear those words still from his speech in South Africa in 1966 and his remarks in Indianapolis on the night Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed. The words help the rest of us see one mans learning and vision through the course of his own humanity. His words challenge us and offer hope. In his Day of Affirmation speech in South Africa, Kennedy spoke about the importance of history and the necessity of individual action in the world. In a country which then espoused racial separation, he addressed the importance of individual freedoms. He warned his audience about obstacles to inaction. There are many inspirational lines in his speech, but the one most mentioned and memorialized at his gravesite reads, It is from numberless diverse acts of courage such as these that human history is thus shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. He goes on to quote the ancient Pericles who argued great societies come from the glories purchased from valiant men who understand their duty. Kennedy says such is the source of greatness and progress over time. There is definitely something to those truths spoken so many years ago. Effective societies stem from good men and women performing their various and wide-ranged duties. The father loves his wife and his children. People perform work. Each individual attempts to understand and carry out their responsibilities as citizens. People dedicate themselves to participating in their communities in larger ways. They think about doing good, and thus, contributing to the life of the whole. And in the process, each individual learns their duties, including the ones that are capable of participating more fully in and the ones they can follow and support. Living in a republic means each person has a role to play at the table. Most immediately, Kennedy was addressing the racial system of apartheid in Dutch South Africa, but he can also speak to us. We have things to do and acts of courage to complete. I know a gentleman who has a sticky note on his desk with Did you do good today? written on it. The daily challenge for him is to complete his duty by accomplishing some acts of goodness. In this way, he is fighting against the subtle belief in futility which Kennedy addresses in his speech. It is easy to not believe one can make a difference, and life at times is a battle against such feelings. It is healthy to remember a quote by Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl, who writes, Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated; thus, everyones task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it. One part of both addressing and completing duty is to for each of us to find our concrete assignments. Kennedys ripple of hope language matches Frankls ideal. Each of us has something to do in our limited time on earth. Our examples are powerful things. So are our words and actions. Here are some healthy questions to ask: Did you create a ripple of hope today? Did you make your day about completing duty? Did you represent citizenship today? Did you attempt to do good? Most times, we answer these questions in the affirmative. It is also true, sometimes, through the course of the day, we do not know everything we need to do to help others along. Yet, we can offer them our best. Robert Kennedys life is an example of an individual who moved from selfishness to a larger understanding of the world around him. After his brothers death, he grew both in his toughness and compassion. He was by no means a perfect person, but he became more intentional in his thinking and actions as he grew. Such should be encouragement for us in our time as we continue to find our own courage. DECATUR The galvanized steel water pipes extending from the meter of Karl Ziemers 100-year-old home to the citys water main were replaced last October. And the improvement was obvious the moment water from the new connection started flowing through the spigot. I've got so much pressure now it actually whistles, Ziemer, a retired Decatur water department employee, told Herald & Review. It would never do that before. And I'm like, 'oh my, I can't believe this.' But the benefits of replacing these antiquated pipes extend beyond the immediately noticeable quality-of-life upgrade that comes with the more intense flow from a shower head or faucet. Ziemer and his wife also no longer have to worry about the potential health concerns associated with owning a home connected to a lead service line. Lead is a naturally-occurring metal found throughout the Earth. It was used in a number of products over the years such as gasoline, paint and plumbing pipes. But it can have harmful health effects in high doses, particularly among children and pregnant women. As such, the U.S. government has gradually phased out the elements use, banning it's use in new plumbing systems in 1986. Like in most of the older homes in Decatur, Ziemers service line itself was not made of lead material. But it was long connected at the curb box which separates the public and private sides of a water line via a pliable lead gooseneck. Since lead particles can attach to the surface of galvanized pipes, any downstream from one of these goosenecks or any other pipe containing lead will eventually need to be replaced. Last January, the Decatur City Council unanimously adopted a major policy change hoping to expedite this process, agreeing to cover 50% of the costs up to $3,000 for all residential lead water line replacement work. For commercial property owners, its up to $5,000. It is one of many such cost-share programs that have sprouted up across Illinois and around the country as an incentive from local governments to water customers to replace their lead lines. It is meant to ease a burden often placed on those who can afford it the least. Private lead service line replacement in Decatur can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, according to city officials. Most of the lines still in existence are connected to older homes concentrated in the urban core neighborhoods with the lowest property values and highest levels of poverty. So far, Ziemer is among 29 Decatur homeowners who have benefited from the program. Another 10 are in the pipeline. And more are interested. I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own, Ziemer said. So by the city paying for half of it, now I can afford this. And so my wife and I made the decision to go ahead and we decided to get a loan from our bank. We went ahead and replaced the water service. A drop in the bucket The program represents a proverbial drop in the bucket when considering the nearly 7,000 lead service lines that need to be replaced within Decatur city limits by 2047 to comply with a law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2021 or even sooner under new regulations proposed by the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency. But it is still more than some other communities have done. So in many respects, I would argue that despite the burden of this unfunded mandate pushed on local governments by state and federal governments, by coming at this early and gradually, I think we're exceeding the intent of the mandate, said city manager Scot Wrighton. Still, many water customers could be left with lead pipes absent additional help. And where exactly that help may come from remains unclear. According to a state report, the total cost of lead service line replacement statewide ranges from $5.8 billion to $10 billion, or between $232 million and $400 million annually. In Decatur, city officials estimate the total cost of replacing all the city's pipes could be up to $69 million over 20 years. The city earmarked $643,000 in the 2024 budget for the lead service line replacement program and projects to spend more than $4.4 million annually in each year for the rest of the decade. Initial plans were to start replacing hundreds of lines in 2027 as required under state law. But that timeline has recently been expedited. The U.S. EPA last November proposed long-awaited new drinking water regulations that include a 10-year deadline for most water systems to eliminate lead lines. This would push things forward at least a decade. As a result, the Decatur City Council earlier this month voted to authorize Wrighton to sign loan documents that would fund a five-year lead service line replacement project that would swap out nearly 2,000 lines, or about a quarter of those total in need of replacement. The idea being that if the city can start its replacement program in 2025, it could be eligible for state and federal loans to help offset the cost on the city. "We intend as much as possible to use state revolving loan funds," said Public Works Director Matt Newell. "And the state is also currently offering loan forgiveness for a portion of those loans. We feel that it's important for us to get into the queue for receiving those loans." Whats in the pipeline In some ways, the citys cost-share is just a small way to get ahead of what is already in the pipeline. In 2021, Illinois lawmakers passed and Pritzker signed the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, making Illinois the third state in the country to require the full replacement of lead service lines after Michigan and New Jersey. Under the law, municipalities and other owners of community water supplies are required to develop and maintain a complete inventory of lead service lines and eventually implement a comprehensive plan to replace those lines. The first inventories were submitted in April 2022 and updated earlier this year. An initial replacement plan must be filed with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency by next April with a final one due in 2027. There were more than 667,000 lead service lines reported across the state as of the inventory taken this spring. But the actual number is believed to be much higher perhaps as much as 1.49 million when taking into account the large number of pipes with an unknown material composition. The amount can vary significantly by city. Decatur's water department reports 6,883 lead service lines in need of replacement. Of these, 4,341 need to be replaced from the water main to the meter or both the public and private sides. An estimated 2,519 pipes need to be replaced from the curb box to the water meter, which is the customers side of the water line. Another 27 pipes need to be replaced from the curb box to the water main tap the public side of the line in cases where customers have already replaced the pipes on their end. Bloomington Water Director Ed Andrews said the city has a total of 32,091 service lines which include 5,866 lead service lines, 3,211 unknown or not suspected lead service lines and 5,722 unknown or suspected lead service lines. Normal Water Director John Burkhart said the town has only seven lead service lines that are both within the towns and private property lines and 40 other lead services lines that are within private property lines. But even after taking inventory, many places are still not 100% certain of the true scope of the problem. So much so, the Decatur council last month approved a $307,825 "daylighting" project that will excavate down to 627 water service lines some chosen at random and others where the pipe material is unknown to get a better accounting of the accuracy of the city's count. "We found that our inventory is not incredibly accurate we're finding about 50% accurate on the city side and about 75% accurate on the private side," Newell said. "So it's imperative that we get our inventory better updated. Water is safe, officials say Regardless, city officials insist that Decaturs drinking water is safe and the numbers back up their assertion. According to test results obtained by Herald & Review, lead was detected in just two of 30 homes tested in 2017. Of that, the maximum level detected was just 5.9 parts per billion. In 2020, lead was detected in seven out of 33 homes with the maximum amount being 7.5 parts per billion. The once-every-three-year tests are mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Action levels are triggered for lead of 15 parts per billion found in more than 10% of customer taps tested. Even then, exceeding the action level alone is not a violation of the EPAs lead and copper rule. It simply requires the water supplier to educate their customers about lead and suggest actions they can take to reduce their exposure to lead. How many are taking part in the cost share? Since Decaturs cost-share was implemented in January 2023, the city has paid out more than $54,000 to 29 water customers. And ten more are currently pending, according to city water services manager Randy Miller. All the customers who have taken advantage of the program so far reside in the urban core, the older section of the city where water lines were generally installed before 1940. When the program was approved, city staff said that all affected water customers would receive notice of their eligibility for the program. This was a point reiterated by council members who were concerned that many residents simply would not get the message. My biggest concern is how we're going to make sure that information gets to the individuals in that area, especially since... most of the individuals who are having the issue are in the urban core, which predominantly are minorities or individuals who are impoverished, said then-Councilwoman Dana Ray. So I want to make sure that we do our due diligence besides just the handout that goes out sometimes in the bill because most people might not read that. Despite that explicit request, the citys outreach has been limited in scope. Though it was passed in an open meeting and information is available on the city website, city staff confirmed that they have only proactively reached out to homeowners with known issues with their water service. Part of this is out of necessity: theres only a limited amount budgeted for the program. State and federal resources will likely be needed, not to mention the ramp-up time allowed under law. Wrighton insisted that the city has no secrets to keep from the public at all about this. The reality is that very few people just wake up in the morning and say, 'Gee, I think I'll replace my lead service line,' Wrighton said. It happens because there's a problem with it. It's broken or there's a leak or they did some excavation and somebody hit it. I mean, any number of reasons it's been exposed. And so that's really where these requests come up. But I certainly expect that we're going to very, very rapidly reach the point where depending on the level of funding that we have... that we'll be more public about it, Wrighton added. So we're not trying to keep it a secret by any means. Councilman David Horn, in an interview with Herald & Review, urged a much stronger advertising campaign for the cost share program. That direct notification will be a more effective approach to addressing this issue than having the city council meeting or perhaps announcing in a press release that this program was available, he said. The city has also been doing lead service line replacements as theyve done street maintenance projects. So our posture right now is that when we're in an area replacing a street, making major street upgrades, doing water sewer work while we've got it all dug up anyway, let's just replace these private water services... that have lead in them, Wrighton said. And then in areas that we're not just doing that on our own, then we're using this reimbursement program, he said. And, of course, especially targeting people who might have a tougher time paying for it on their own. Since 2021, the city has replaced 27 lead service lines from the main to the curb box and 22 lines on the private side, according to the water department. Funding remains a challenge While so far very targeted in scope, Decaturs cost share is more than many other communities are doing. As Illinois municipalities prepare for the mandated replacement of lead service lines, there are many signaling to their customers that absent significantly more state and federal funding, they will not receive help on the cost for replacing their portion of the lead service line. In most cases, the water service provider will replace the entire line with the customer being charged for their portion of the project. If they can afford it, that is. State law prohibits most partial lead service line replacements as it can actually increase the levels of lead in a water system. However, an exception is made if a property owner denies access to their portion of the line. Under this scenario, the public side of the service line will be replaced while the water customer will have to sign a waiver indicating that they will not grant access for private side replacement. Instead, they will be given a point-of-use filter meant to reduce lead levels in water until the remaining pipes are replaced. Decatur is not the only city looking to get ahead of lead service line replacement. In Chicago, where the majority of the states lead service lines are believed to be, the city waives up to $5,000 in permitting fees for customer-initiated replacements. The city also offers an income-based program for those under 80% of an areas median income. The program is limited by the funding available any given year. The Chicago suburbs of Mt. Prospect and Palatine are offering to reimburse two-thirds of private side replacement up to $10,000. In Lombard, its 75% of up to $5,000. Some are more generous: Wheaton, for instance, is planning to replace all 1,100 lead service lines within city limits at no cost to property owners. Some are less generous. In Joliet, there is no cost share, but the city offers payment plans to help customers pay their share of the cost. Some programs have proven popular. Glencoe, for example, approved a cost-share of 50% up to $10,000 one month after Decatur approved its program. The program, budgeted for $250,000, per the Chicago Tribune, was exhausted of funds by October with the city confirming that any outstanding reimbursement requests will be deferred for payment until 2024. Decatur officials have also acknowledged that the program would be limited any given year based on funding levels and the ability of contractors to keep up with demand. As of now, that burden would largely fall onto local governments. Absent securing additional federal and state funding, community water supplies will be solely responsible for financing lead service line replacement, and this will likely create operational deficiencies and prolong much needed lead service line replacement, wrote the Lead Service Line Replacement Advisory Board in a June report. In Bloomington, Andrews said the replacement of lead service lines will be addressed after the city council approved an increased water rate in November 2023. Bloomington residents using the most common size of residential water pipe would, on average, see their monthly water bill increase from about $17 to around $40 in the 2027 fiscal year. That's assuming they use 300 cubic feet, or just under 3,000 gallons, of water each month. The goal is to raise $400 million for various projects to ensure compliance with new state and federal mandates about water quality, including about $100 million earmarked for lead pipe replacement. We have developed a plan to target that and we went ahead and erred on th side of caution to adopt a more aggressive 10 year replacement plan than what some of the other timelines were earlier on, Andrews said. In Normal, the town council approved a $50,000 Lead Service Line Replacement program, funded through the Water Department Capital Investment Budget, in 2021 to replace all remaining lead service lines. Burkhart said that through the program Normal will front the cost to replace any lead lines on the property owner's side at the time of replacement. Property owners would then enter a repayment program at zero percent interest. The biggest challenge weve seen so far is just getting people on board with replacing lead lines, Burkhart said. Theres a cost associated to it and the town is sensitive to that but thats why weve offered this zero interest loan program to help fit peoples budgets easier. Federal sources could come from the $15 billion set aside directly for lead service line replacement in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which can be used for replacing service lines among other projects. The advisory board suggested other possible revenue streams such as a per-1,000 gallon charge on water bills or a water bottle tax. At the local level, funding could come from water rate increases, property and sales tax increases or additional fees. Whether a cost share is in place or not, there is currently not enough funding to ensure that lead pipes get taken care of. If the cost of the replacement is split with the property owner, in addition to rate increases or revenue generation strategies in which the (community water source) only plans to partially fund the replacement of the service line, there will be instances where funding is insufficient and acts as a disincentive for (lead service line replacement), likely leading to an increase in waivers rather than replaced lines, the advisory board also found. Burkhart said there is also a bit of misconception from the public for why the town is wanting these lines replaced. Someone who has lived in the community for 30 years and never has had an issue with their service line may not feel inclined to replace their lines and sign a waiver but that could lead to a bigger problem for water utilities to deal with when those lead service lines are still out in the system, Burkhart said. People should work with the local water utility services and just get it replaced, Burkhart said. It makes life easier for the water utility, which is selfish on my part, but from a health standpoint, its the best option that a homeowner has. If not for Decaturs cost share, Ziemer could have been one of those asking for a waiver. The $3,400 cost for replacement was a little out of my range, he said. Though $1,700 is no small number, he said the reduced cost made the project possible. When I first heard of this program, I was like, 'Where do I sign up?' So they told me all the things and I'm like, 'Okay, it looks like I'm going to do this.' And so, I did it, he said. The contractor came October 13, dug up the front yard of his corner lot, pulled out the old galvanized pipe, replaced it with a new copper pipe and then reconnected his water service. Matuesz Janik of The Pantagraph contributed to this report. SPRINGFIELD After suddenly pleading guilty as his federal corruption trial was wrapping up this week, former state Sen. Sam McCann wont be released to await sentencing, U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless ruled Friday. McCann has been held at Macon County Jail since last Friday, when Lawless ordered him detained for disobeying her direct orders after being discharged from a sudden hospitalization. Hes showed up to court every day since in a wheelchair, sporting a black and gray striped jail uniform and orange sandals. That hospital stay delayed McCanns bench trial for more than a week before it finally kicked off Tuesday. It abruptly ended on Thursday when McCanns attorney announced the former senator had a change of heart and wanted to plea. During the plea process, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Bass estimated McCann had stolen in excess of $550,000 in campaign funds for personal use. In a brief hearing Friday morning, Bass opposed McCanns motion to be released while awaiting his June sentencing date. Bass pointed out McCanns active participation in trial, including taking notes and conferring with his attorney, was in stark contrast to his claims on Monday that he wasnt coherent enough to go ahead with trial. Additionally, Bass said, hed been made aware of a video posted to McCanns long-dormant social media pages on Tuesday night. In the 13-minute video, which Bass alleged was filmed as McCann drove to court last Friday morning before his arrest, McCann claims FBI agents squeezed him for incriminating information on others and said the government was coming after him with an ungodly pack of lies. But McCanns attorney, Jason Vincent, said McCann had no knowledge of the video. It certainly does appear to be him speaking into the camera, but my client does not recall making that particular video, he said. Lawless watched the video during the hearing, occasionally glancing at the defense table, chin rested on her hand as McCann made a series of accusations, including claiming the government garnished his wages to the point that he literally could not feed my family. In one part of the video, McCann claims the FBI wanted him to testify that hed joined an unholy alliance with former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to rig an election. As punishment for not providing dirt on Madigan, McCann accused the feds of continuing to dig and dig and dig until they found something to charge him with. Madigan faces his own unrelated federal corruption charges in the Northern District of Illinois with a trial scheduled for later this year. McCann said in the video his case is proof the U.S. has become a deep state, Orwellian society, the darkness of which we will not come out of for thousands of years if we do not do something to take it back now. After the video played, Bass told Lawless that during case discovery a couple of years ago, McCann had received recordings of federal agents meeting with McCann beyond the three hours of tapes played during trial this week. I can tell you, your honor, the name Madigan doesnt appear anywhere in those recordings, Bass said. After being shown a Macon County Jail photo of the clothes McCann was wearing in court prior to his arrest last Friday which matched the blue button-down and red tie McCann was wearing in the video Lawless was convinced that McCann had made the video while driving to court that day. And, she said, the fact that he was coherently talking while driving didnt match with McCanns later claim that he didnt even remember making the roughly one-hour drive to Springfield last Friday. It appears as though he was sitting there telling me another story, Lawless said. Everybody gets pinched, but you did it right; you told 'em nothin' and they got nothin' Jimmy Conway told a youthful Henry Hill in the classic gangster movie Goodfellas after the mob-connected teenager was arrested for selling stolen cigarettes, clammed up to the police and was then released by a corrupt judge. You learned the two greatest things in life, Conway told Hill. Never rat on your friends, and always keep your mouth shut. Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigans people (and they werent alone in this, by the way) took that vow to heart. Its sometimes difficult to explain to Statehouse newbies how often the people in charge back then loved cosplaying as mafiosi. And there are more newbies than you might expect. Lobbyist and unofficial Statehouse historian John Amdor keeps track of stuff like this, so I asked him to run the numbers. Amdor found that a 55% majority of House Democrats - 43 of the 78 have taken office since June 6, 2018, the day Madigans longtime chief of staff Tim Mapes was forced to resign after being accused of harassment. To some of us, including journalists like me who are still covering politics today, the Statehouse #MeToo cataclysm of 2018 still feels recent. But most current House Democrats had nothing to do with any of it. They only know of Mapes' autocratic reign and dramatic fall through the news coverage they've seen and the stories they've heard from colleagues. Hes just not relevant to their lives. Currently, 33% of House Democrats (26) never even served under House Speaker Madigan, who left office in early 2021. If trends hold, it won't be all that long before a majority of House Democrats never served with him. Anyway, its clear from reading wiretap transcripts that those folks delighted in pretending to be part of some secret society. And that all caught up to Tim Mapes last week. Speaker Madigans former chief of staff had been busted cold for lying during his grand jury testimony. The feds were fishing for information about Madigan, but Mapes wouldnt even admit to knowing about totally legal activities. Mapes had to have figured at the time that federal prosecutors knew he was lying (as literally everyone understands, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney rarely ask questions that they dont already know the answers to), but he did it anyway. And he was convicted. Before pronouncing his sentence on Mapes, U.S. District Judge John Kness called out the defendant for his almost cartoonish adherence to the Law of Omerta, the ancient mafia vow to never, as Judge Kness put it, rat on your friends. That behavior had no place in a federal grand jury room, Kness told Mapes. And you will pay the price for it. No lawyer, no matter how connected, could possibly spring Mapes from this trap. The price Mapes paid was 30 months in federal prison. Thirty months for lying in response to innocuous grand jury questions that werent even about illegal acts while he had complete immunity from prosecution. Thirty months away from his family plus who knows how many hundreds of thousands of dollars in crushing legal fees and lost income. For what? There are probably only two explanations: 1) Mapes stupidly and stubbornly stuck to the This is the life we chose script on principle; or 2) Mapes knew of other illegal activities that the feds might have been interested in, so he took the fall on the little stuff to avoid exposing his former boss and others to even greater legal peril. Either way, the result is the same. Personal carnage. Henry Hill was met by all his gangster buddies as he walked out of the courtroom that day, and they wildly applauded him for being a stand-up guy. Mapes friends may throw him a similar party when he is finally let loose. Cold comfort. In the end, Henry Hill realized his silence was no longer worth the pain it was causing and he flipped. Mapes never got there. Lets not ever go back to those days, please. Thanks. Q: What is going on with the power grid off Polo Road in the Foxhall community in Winston-Salem? On the evenings of Feb. 12 and 13 between 9 and 10, multiple loud explosions happened which resulted in outages. The wind did not seem to be a factor at those times. P.W. Answer: A tree was responsible for the problems, according to Jimmy Flythe, director Central Region for Government and Community Relations at Duke Energy NC. "A tree fell on power lines and broke a pole around 9:30 p.m. on Feb 12th causing an outage for about 430 customers. Initially only a portion of customers affected, but crews had to interrupt service to the larger area in order to safely make repairs. "I do see another outage for one customer (maybe your reader) on the 13th in the same area. A transformer failed around 9 p.m. We dont know what caused it to fail. "Typically, the loud boom customers hear when an outage occurs is a fuse blowing that isolates the damaged facilities." Q: How many of the primary candidates for the NC Congressional District 6 actually reside in the 6th district? I realize theres no requirement that a candidate live in the congressional district they are vying to represent, but just wondering about this race. A.H. Answer: There are six candidates for the Sixth District U.S. House race. They are Bo Hines, Addison McDowell, Jay Wagner, Mark Walker, Christian Castelli, and Mary Ann Contogiannis. Based on the addresses the candidates gave the N.C. State Board of Elections, three live in the district and three live outside the district. Hines has a Salisbury address and is the 8th District. McDowell has a Raleigh address and is the 3rd District, and Castelli has a Southern Pines address and is in the 9th District. Wagner has a High Point address, Walker has a Summerfield address, and Contagiannis has a Greensboro address. As you pointed out, you do not have to live in a particular district to run for Congress from that district. You just have to be a resident of North Carolina. Here's what the history of the House of Representatives (history.house.gov) said: "The Constitution requires that members of the House be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and live in the state they represent (though not necessarily the same district)." In Britain, members of the House of Commons had to live in the shire or borough they represented. "The founders used that example to motivate the requirement that members of the House live in the state they represent. This would increase the likelihood that they would be familiar with the people's interests there, but there was no mention during the debates about living in the same district. As the population grew, the district system became necessary so that the state could organize congressional representatives. The citizenship requirement was added by the founders to attempt "to strike a balance between preventing foreign interference in domestic politics and keeping the House of Representatives close to the people. The founders also did not want to discourage immigration to the new country by shutting off the government to new arrivals," the website said. A Winston-Salem teenager, who was killed by gunfire Thursday night, shot himself in his hand in March 2023 at Forsyth Technical Community College, leading to a lockdown of the campus. Officers found Shannon Howard James Pitts, 19, of Sink Street suffering from multiple gunshots shortly after 8 p.m. in the 1000 block of Goldfloss Street, police said. Pitts died at the scene. Officers also found Zyair Sebastian Mcnairy, 18, who lives on Forest Glade Road, suffering from a gunshot wound at the scene, police said. Mcnairy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injury, which is considered as non-life threatening, police said. Last year, Pitts participated with about 600 other high school students at a career event at Forsyth Tech on March 30, 2023. Pitts, then 18, was a student at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy when he allegedly carried a concealed gun on a school bus from the school to Forsyth Tech. About 10 a.m. on that day, a college police officer reported shots fired in a second-floor restroom in the Strickland Center. Authorities found Pitts near the restroom with a gunshot wound to his left hand. The campus then went into lockdown for three hours until police determined that there was no threat of a mass shooting at Forsyth Tech. Pitts was charged with two counts of possessing a gun on educational property and two counts of carrying a concealed gun, court records show. He was scheduled to appear March 11 in Forsyth Superior Court. An arrest warrant accused Pitts of possessing a 9 mm PMF handgun, which is known as ghost gun because it has no series numbers. PMF stands for privately-made firearm, and they are usually made from kits purchased online. Detectives are investigating Thursdays night shooting. Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904. Services Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will observe the first Sunday of Lent with services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Pastor Tyler Tankersley will begin a new sermon series called Again & Again: A Lenten Refrain. Sundays sermon is Again & Again God Meets Us, from Mark 1:9-15. The 10:45 service will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Information about All Together Ardmore classes and other upcoming events is available in the churchs website. For more information, go to www.ardmorebaptist.org. Mount Carmel Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, will have adult Sunday school at 8:45 a.m.; children and youth church at 9:30 a.m. and a worship service 10 a.m. Sundays. Family dinner church will be at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays. The Rev. Mary Miller is the pastor. For more information, call 336-788-4183. Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St., Winston-Salem, will have an in-person service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is held in-person and is streamed online via Facebook and YouTube and is a blended service featuring jazz and blues musicians as well as hymns, spirituals and elements of social gospel. The 8:45 a.m. service is a quiet, contemplative space including prayer, scripture, preaching and communion. Masks are optional in the building for services with some exceptions. For more information, go to www.greenstreetumc.org. New Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 2946 Ivy Ave., Winston-Salem, invites you to join Pastor Willie Davidson and the New Unity Church Family each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. for in-person worship service. Masks are available. Trinity Methodist Church, 3819 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Doug Miller is the lead pastor ordained in the Global Methodist Church. During worship there will be special music, busy bags for children, and prayers for the community and our congregation. There are two Sunday school classes for adults. One is at 9 a.m. and the other is at 11 a.m. You are invited to the Connection Cafe which consists of light refreshments and coffee at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-0150. First Baptist Church East, 700 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. Pastor A. Ray Campbell, the interim pastor, will deliver the message. The service is available on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, go to fbcwinston.org. Parkway United Church of Christ, 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem, will have a Lenten worship series, Work that Reconnects. It will focus on the rituals related to the spiritual journey throughout Lent during the 11 a.m. worship service through March 24. The services will incorporate short rituals for gratitude, feeling the pain of the world, decolonizing our awareness, seeing with the eyes of ancestors, and sending forth during the series. For more information, go to www.parkwayunited.org, or call 336-723-1395. Lewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have contemporary worship at 9 a.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. and traditional worship is in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. For more information, go to lewisvilleumc.org. Unity Moravian Church, 8300 Concord Church Road, Lewisville, will have adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 11 Sunday. The service at 11 is in-person and livestreamed. A nursery is provided. Childrens church is offered during the worship service. For more information, go to www.unitymoravianchurch.org or call 336-945-3801. Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, offers two Sunday services: 9 a.m. modern worship in the Alspaugh Worship Center, and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary. Both services are available online at http://youtube.com/MountTaborUMCVideoStreaming and the Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Facebook page. For more information, visit www.mttaborumc.org or call 336-765-5561. Winston-Salem Friends Meeting, Quaker church, meets at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem. Sunday morning live services begin with Unprogrammed (silent) Worship at 9:15, First-Day (Sunday) school for adults at 9:30, and Meeting for Worship at 10:30. Cheryl Bridges will bring the message Sunday. We are a community of seekers who meet together to worship God. We seek to express our faith through action, focusing on peace and social justice. We seek to find the Light of God in ourselves and in others. We seek to treat all persons with equality and integrity. For more information, email mary.simmons51@icloud.com. New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will have worship at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday and Sunday school at 10:45. New Philadelphia seeks to be an open and caring Christian congregation in the Moravian tradition, worshipping God and honoring the scripture, while encouraging one another to live, love, and serve like Jesus as we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. For more information, go to www.newphilly.org or linktr.ee/npmc Ardmore United Methodist Church, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, has a traditional service at 10 a.m. and a contemporary service at 11:15 each Sunday. The Rev. Kelly Carpenter is the pastor. Services are streamed on YouTube. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ArdmoreUnitedMethodistChurch/ or call the office at 336-723-3695. Lewisville Baptist Church, 125 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, invites all to celebrate Jesus Christ at 10 a.m. Sundays. Services are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. There will be midweek activities for all ages at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, go to lewisvillebaptist.com. Kingswood Church, 6840 University Parkway, Rural Hall, welcomes all to their Sunday services. Sunday school for all ages begins at 10 a.m. The traditional worship service begins at 11 and is led by the Rev. Mark Muckler. Weekly worship services, and other ministry related events, are also available online on the Kingswood Facebook page. For more information, call the church at 336-969-5437. Olivet Moravian Church, 2205 Olivet Church Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and an inside worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The worship service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call the church office at 336-924-8063. Salem Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) meets in the parsonage of Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 271 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem. The unprogrammed meeting for worship starts at 10 a.m. each Sunday. For more information, email clerk@salemcreekfriends.org. Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, invites you for worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Sunday school classes begin at 9:15 and 9:30. The service is also available on the website and the Facebook page. For more information, go to www.burkheadumc.org or call 336-765-6590, ext. 3. Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church receives a drive-thru food offering for Sunnyside Ministry each Sunday. Drop off non-perishable donations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Primary needs are canned vegetables, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal, dry/powdered milk and bread. For more information, call 336-788-9321. Union United Methodist Church, 8935 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have a Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. For those who cannot worship in person, the service is livestreamed and archived at Facebook.com/UnionUMCLewisvilleNC. Live and archived services may also be viewed on the churchs website, unionumclewisville.org. Clemmons First Baptist Church, 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, Sunday school will be at 9:15 a.m. There will be an in-person worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The focus will be on the WMU. Craig Clayton, of the Salem Pregnancy Center, will be the guest speaker. The service will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call 336-766-6486 or go to cfbctoday.org. First Waughtown Baptist Church, 838 Moravia St., Winston-Salem, doors will open at 8 a.m. for Sunday school at 8:15 a.m. This weeks lesson is Faith in the Times of Trouble (Scriptural Reference Daniel 6:10-11, 14-16, 19-23, 26-27, and Psalm 34:7; Key verse Daniel 6:22). The worship service begins at 9:45 with devotion and announcements. The Rev. Dennis Bishop is the senior pastor. In celebration of Black History Month, everyone is invited to wear African attire. Masks are optional. Services are posted on YouTube, www.youtube.com (First Waughtown); Facebook, www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/; and the First Waughtown website, www.firstwaughtown.org. Services posted online are a one-week delay. Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, will have in-person and livestream worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Bible discussion via Zoom and in-person will be held after the service using the adult programing link on the churchs website. Unity Church of Winston-Salem, 108 Hewes St., Winston-Salem, will have a service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1905 N. Jackson Ave., Winston-Salem, there will be Sunday school Bible study at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 11 a.m. Sunday. COVID guidelines are followed, and masks are worn. Paul W. Hart is the pastor. Pfafftown Christian Church, 3323 Transou Road, Pfafftown, invites everyone to worship in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Rodney Stilwell is the pastor, and the Rev. Timothy Shoaf is the minister of Music and Programs. Other events and ministries are listed online at www.pfafftownchristian.org. For more information, call 336-692-5214 or the church office at 336-924-9925. New Friendship Baptist Church, 4258 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. A morning worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call the church office at 336-788-3112. Shiloh Lutheran Church, 703 Lewisville-Vienna Road, Lewisville, adult Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. and the morning worship service is at 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Jason P. Chesnut is the pastor. For more information, go to www.shilohlutherannc.com or call 336-945-5255. Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, will have a service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The service will be in-person and livestreamed on YouTube at youtube.com/ClemmonsPresbyterianChurch. For more information, go to www.clemmonspresbyterian.org or call 336-766-4631. First Baptist Church of Stanleyville, 851 Ziglar Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday services at 8:45, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, a prayer and worship service is at 6:30 p.m. and Children in Action and Mission Friends are at 7 p.m. For more information, go to www.stanleyvillebaptist.com. Rural Hall Christian Church, 280 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, Rural Hall, will hold the following in-person services on Sundays: The BLEND at 10 a.m. with Christian classes for all ages and congregational worship at 11 a.m. Youth ministries will continue at 6 p.m. Sundays, unless otherwise announced. For more information, go to RuralHall-church.org and the churchs social media pages. Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, will have a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The service is in-person and livestreamed. For more information, call 336-766-3178 or go to www.shallowfordpresbyterian.org. Forsyth Park Baptist Church, 1600 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, has Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and a traditional worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Bible study is at 11 a.m. Thursday. The service can also be seen on the churchs Facebook page and a video of the service is available at https://forsythparkbaptistchurch.com. Bill Horton is the pastor. New Hope Church, 5125 Shattalon Drive, Winston-Salem, a Global Methodist Community, has a worship service at 11 a.m. Sundays. The minister is J.F. Howard. All are welcome to attend. Sunday school is at 9:45. Childrens church is available during the worship service. For more information, call the church office at 336-924-2975. Central Tabernacle Church, 715 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem, invites you to worship Sunday. Refreshments will be served during hospitality time at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school begins at 10. Morning worship is at 11. Pastor Sandra Bovender will have the message focusing on the February theme: Showing our Love Month. Junior church will be provided for the youth during morning worship. Wednesday Bob Bennett will lead the congregation in Bible study of the book of John. Bethel Methodist Church, 2170 Bethel Church Lane, Winston-Salem, will have Bible study at 10 a.m. Sunday, coffee and fellowship at 10:30 and worship at 11 led by the Rev. Mike Gates. The Zoom log-in is 646-876-9923. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-8016. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4055 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, will have a service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Kayla Parker will present Love is Like.... The Forum will be at 9 a.m. Karen Arthur, representing the newly formed pagan group, will discuss their programs and activities. For more information, go to www.uufws.org. St. Philips Moravian Church, 911 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, is worshipping regularly in the brick church in Old Salem at 11 a.m. Sundays. All are welcome for traditional Moravian worship in the historically African American church. Union Cross Baptist Church, 4350 High Point Rd, Kernersville, will have Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and a worship service, led by the Rev. Adam Woods at 11 a.m. Sunday. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have services at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be Bible study at 4 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, go to BFBCnow.org or call 336-462-4844. Hopewell Moravian Church, 701 Hopewell Church Road, Winston-Salem, has adult only Sunday school at 9:30 and worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The 10:30 service is livestreamed. Childrens church is available. For more information, go to www.HopewellMoravianNC.org. Faith and Family Baptist Church, 105 Nathan Ave., Winston-Salem, schedule of services: Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. and the midweek service is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church livestreams all services at www.facebook.com/faithandfamilybaptist. A Facebook account is not required to access the video, scroll down for the livestream. Archive services are available there if you are unable to watch live. For more information, contact Pastor Robert Hutchens at 336-782-3747. Liberty Baptist Church, 1548 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to join them for services. They offer Facebook live for all services on the Facebook page of Gary Styers. For their schedule of services and more information, go to www.libertybaptistnc.org. Rural Hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad St., Rural Hall, has in-person Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays, followed by worship service at 11 with the Rev. Andrew Craver. Worship services are also available via online streaming at https://www.youtube.com/user/RHMoravian. For more information, go to www.rhmc.org. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship with Pastor Emily Schlaman Larsen at 11 a.m. Sunday. The nursery is open. Weekly sermons are available on YouTube for people who prefer to join worship remotely. Search for: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Winston Salem NC. For more information, go to www.standrewsnc.org. First Christian Church, 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will have an in-person worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Childrens worship and youth worship are available. A noon-day prayer service will be held at noon Wednesday. Worship services are also available by online streaming at www.wearefcc.church. For more information, go to www.wearefcc.church or call the church at 336-722-2714. St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston-Salem, will livestream its 11 a.m. worship service Sunday at www.facebook.com/stpaulumcws/live. Facebook does not require an account for access to the page. Additional information regarding prayer services and Bible study may be found on the churchs website www.stpaulumcws.org or by calling the church at 336-723-4531. Fundraisers Bethel Methodist Church, 2170 Bethel Church Lane, Winston-Salem, will have yard sale featuring childrens church furniture from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24. The Mens Fellowship will have a pine needle sale from 8 a.m. to noon March 9. The cost is $5.50 a bale, $6.50 if delivered. A crew will deliver and spread the pine needles with a prepaid order and a minimum of 30 bales. To order email bethelmethodistchurch2130@gmail.com or call the church office, 336-765-8016. Unity Church of Winston-Salem, 108 Hewes St., Winston-Salem, is raising money for its HVAC system. Continual Love Offerings can be made at unityofws.org. Lent activities Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, will offer a service of Taize Prayer for the time of Lent at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The service will include the sung prayers of the Community of Taize, scripture readings, and a period of silence. An introduction to the sung prayers of Taize will begin at 7:25 p.m. The outdoor Shallowford Labyrinth (weather permitting) and indoor Stations of the Cross will be open for meditation prior to the service. For more information, go to www.shallowfordpresbyterian.org or call 336-766-3178. Peace Haven Baptist Church, 3384 York Road, Winston-Salem, will have Lenten Labyrinth Walks at 3 p.m. Feb. 18, March 3, 17, and 24. There will be self-directed walks through the fourteen stations of the cross on the grounds of the church. Featuring the artwork of Linda Roberts. It is open throughout the day until Easter Sunday, March 31. There will also be self-directed Labyrinth Walks on the church grounds. It is open daily throughout the year. For more information, call 336-765-7731. Shiloh Lutheran Church, 703 Lewisville-Vienna Road, Lewisville, Wednesday Lenten Services are at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Light refreshments are at 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Jason P. Chesnut is the pastor. For more information, go to www.shilohlutherannc.com or call 336-945-5255. Special activities Mount Carmel Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, is offering GriefShare at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. It is a 13-week grief recovery support group. The program began Jan. 10, but you may join anytime. For more information, call 336-788-4183. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have Friend Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday with special music from Mona Jo and Friends. There will be a potluck meal in the fellowship hall following the service. The Singspiration will be at 4 p.m. Feb. 25. The guests will be The Joyful Sounds. For more information, go to BFBCnow.org or call 336-462-4844. New Hope AME Zion Church, 7000 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will celebrate its 141st church anniversary Feb. 25. The Theme is, Rise Up. The morning service will be at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dairl L. Scott, Sr., pastor of New Hope, will be the speaker. The afternoon service will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Verlon O. Anderson of Center Grove AME Zion Church being the speaker along with his congregation. Forest Edge Cearcall, a community of the Wild Church Network, will have a backyard foraging workshop from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 2 at Parkway United Church of Christ, 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem. It will be led by Judith Steelman. A donation of $35 for each participant is suggested. For more information, call 336-723-1395. St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston-Salem, will have online GriefShare, a support group for people experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one. The fourth edition of the in-person and online Saturday sessions will begin March 2 and last for 13 weeks. The interactive sessions feature biblical teaching on grief and the grieving process. For more information or to register, call St. Paul UMC at 336-723-4531. Information for the Religion Calendar should be emailed to news@wsjournal.com by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before you want it to run. It can be mailed to Religion Calendar, Winston-Salem Journal, 418 N. Marshall St., #100, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Update: Jonathan King was arrested in Little Rock, Arkansas, by the Little Rock Police Department and is being held at the Pulaski County jail, according to a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services news release. A 47-year-old inmate is missing from the Community Corrections Center in Lincoln, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Jonathan King was sentenced to 30 to 40 years on two counts of robbery out of Douglas County and began serving his sentence in January 2009. He has a parole hearing set for November 2024 and a tentative release date in September 2028, according to the news release. King's electronic monitor was found near 84th and O streets after he left his job. Inmates at the low-level custody facility where King had been housed are allowed to work off site and attend school and religious services in the community without direct supervision. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact local authorities or the Nebraska State Patrol. Top Journal Star photos for February 2024 Authenticity is a word that Rogelio Arias doesnt use lightly. Arias, who owns and manages Super Taco Restaurant, is proud of his heritage, his restaurant and his presentation of the look and taste of Mexican dishes. When Arias opened Super Taco in early 2006, he admits that his experience in the restaurant business was minimal. But he lauds the assistance he had from two of his nephews in getting the restaurant started. Arias was a quick learner, and Super Taco was successful, which resulted in an expansion in 2008. Another expansion is scheduled for completion in March. From Morelos, Mexico, Arias said that Super Tacos recipes are from his family, and he is proud of their authenticity. If you eat at Super Taco, the food you taste will be the same as if you had gone to Mexico and eaten in a Mexican restaurant, he said. According to Arias, ingredients used in the recipes are prepared in-house and made from scratch. We do not use pre-cooked items. The restaurant likes to serve tacos its own way the Mexican way no ground beef. Arias said that he would explain to customers that true Mexican tacos use beef prepared like that in carne asada, not ground beef. Nevertheless, he would honor a customers request for ground beef. He also said that the restaurant has introduced Mexican dishes that hadnt been sold in Lincoln before Super Taco, like tortas and other dishes. He added that the restaurant adds two or three new dishes every year, but does not remove any offerings. The Super Taco menu is impressive with an array of choices. Under the Platters section are l2 selections ranging from Fajitas (one, two or three meats beef, chicken, shrimp with rice, beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole, $15.75-$17.75); to Bistec Ranchero (beef steak, onion, tomato, jalapeno and house salsa with rice, beans and corn, $17.25); and Molcajete Rey (skirt steak, grilled chicken, jumbo shrimp, nopales, sausage, house dressing, rice, beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole, $27.25). A dozen entree options are also offered, costing $2.25 for Tacos (cilantro and onion) or $3.50 for taco with a choice of 15 meats; Burrito ($8.25); or Chile Relleno ($13.25). There are 13 choices under Specialties including Quesadilla (Cancun shrimp, guacamole and sour cream, $10.75) and Tacos de Birria (five tacos with onion and cilantro, $14.99). Tortas are $7.85 with choice of meat, or $8.85 for your choice of 11 Specialty tortas, including Hawaiana, Azteca, Chorihuevo and Supreme. The Seafood section has 11 choices including Shrimp Cocktail ($14.99), Fried Tilapia ($15.75), and Shrimp and Octopus Cocktail ($19.95). The restaurant also serves beer (domestic and imported), margaritas and mixed drinks. Super Tacos customer demographic is varied with Hispanic and Anglo customers relatively even, according to Arias. But there are also a good number of other ethnicities from Chinese to Japanese and East Indian. We have a lot of regulars, he added. Some come two or three times a week, others once a week and others once every two weeks or monthly. Once a customer comes and tastes our food and likes it, they will come back again and they will be a regular. If you present authentic Mexican food, in a clean and friendly atmosphere with good service, people will come back to your business. When asked about how the Super Taco name was chosen, Arias responded, At first people just thought we were another fast food place. But after they tried us once, they knew we were the real thing. Restaurants use a lot of different words and tactics to get people to identify them and make an impression, he continued. But what do they really mean? Super is a strong word, and it is easy to remember. SUPER [snapping his fingers] Taco! Here are some of Lincoln's hidden gem restaurants, according to Reddit Daffodil Mediterranean Cuisine and Catering Lila Mae's Southern Kitchen and Lounge Heoya Afghan Village Cuisine Norm's on 48th El Potro Mexican Restaurant L's Kitchen Vung Tau Pho Grill Fattoush Restaurant Rolling Wok Blessing Thai Restaurant Super Taco Tandoor Indian Restaurant Biji's Best Panda Garden Imagine attending a fundraising event in a city where youre just getting settled. Imagine being refugees in that country and being recognized with a standing ovation. Imagine knowing you're helping raise thousands of dollars to help other refugee families like yours. That's the experience that Mohamad Abdul Jawad and his family had on Saturday, Feb. 10, as they shared their story with members of Rotary 14 during the clubs annual Rise.Shine.Give event. The Nebraska Innovation Campus banquet facility was packed as club members, their families and friends gathered to support the Rotary 14 Foundation. Half of the $60,000 raised will be given to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, one of the primary refugee resettlement organizations in Nebraska. The Jawad family originally escaped from a war in Syria, then spent several years in a refugee camp in Jordan before coming to Lincoln just six months ago. The Lutheran Family Services staff has helped the Jawads find a place to live, learn how to move around town on StarTran, get jobs and enroll in school. While theyve also been immersed in English language classes, it was still a challenge for them to grasp all that was happening at the Rotary event. You can view a video about the family and Lutheran Family Services at https://youtu.be/hwZWUc82qjc?si=5xbqcKRVEX7Bgzu1. It truly was a wonderful group effort, said Katie King, who co-chaired the event with Michelle Maas Zlomke. It was so special to have the Abdul Jawad family there and see the impact that Lutheran Family Services is making as well. The event planning team included Lisa Lee, Hunter Traynor, Danni Starck and Mike Wortman. Rise.Shine.Give was initiated several years ago, when club members realized that the challenge of organizing and hosting a fundraising auction had become a daunting task. Mark Stephens, club president in 2016-17, challenged Erin Dobesh and Brett Ebert to put together a brunch event. In the years since, it has become the major fundraising event for the clubs Foundation. We are just shy of $3 million in our Foundation, noted Foundation president Dr. Mike Wortman. But whats even more significant is that in the just over 25 years since our Foundation got its start, weve given away more than $2 million to local, regional and even international projects. The Foundation has established a goal to have a principal of $5 million by 2025. During the brunch, attendees had an opportunity to bid on auction items that ranged from a two-hour live music serenade by Ingrid Griffin and her father John Gessert (a club member and vice president at Union Bank and Trust, the events Exclusive sponsor) to a custom crossword puzzle by Dr. Fred Ohles, retired president of Nebraska Wesleyan University and a contributor to the Lincoln Journal Star. Hundreds of members, their friends and co-workers also had an opportunity to win a relaxing weekend at one of two sites when they purchased raffle tickets. The winning ticket was drawn by Abdul Jawad at the end of the morning event. The brunch event started in the shadow of many years of successful but time-consuming auctions. The clubs very first auction and many thereafter were coordinated by Tony Messineo, who passed away Feb. 1. During this years event, Messineo was remembered as an exemplary club member, a generous community member and a successful restaurateur. As the Rise.Shine.Give event has expanded over the years, funds have been raised in a number of ways. Corporations and individuals can purchase tables as Exclusive sponsors, Premier sponsors, VIP sponsors and Event sponsors. Dozens of items are gathered for the silent online auction, hundreds of raffle tickets are sold, and during the morning, attendees are challenged to donate. After expenses for the event are paid, noted King, we expect the total raised during the event to be $60,000. In the past, the Rotary 14 Foundation has given significant support to Habitat for Humanity, Everett Elementary School, the Gathering Place and the South of Downtown Revitalization Project, among several other worthwhile programs in Lincoln. Each year, the club president coordinates a review of potential recipients. Im impressed with all that Lutheran Family Services does, said club President Jess Kinser. Not only do they help resettle refugees, but they have behavioral health, childrens services and family services. The 131-year-old organization has offices in Lincoln, Fremont, Grand Island, Lexington and Omaha. To learn more about Rotary 14 and its foundation, see https://rotary14foundation.org/. Rotary 14 is nearly 115 years old and is one of the largest Rotary clubs in the world. While the club may be old, its membership is considered among the youngest and most diverse in the world. Members come from local business, government, education and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the support of local individuals and organizations through donations, the clubs Foundation participates in a number of international initiatives as well. Tuesday meetings are full of fellowship and always informative, featuring speakers from across the community and state. MONDAYAl-Anon: 8 p.m., Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3350 Lathrop Ave. Retired Nurses Association: Meets first Monday of every month. For more information, call Marge Orth, secretary, 262-884-0742. WEDNESDAYCaledonia Senior Card Club: Sheepshead, for ages 55 and older, noon to 3 p.m., Franksville Memorial Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Franksville. For more information, call 414-856-9550. Kiwanis Club of West of Racine: 7:30 a.m., in-person at Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave. Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to serving the children of the world. To attend a meeting, contact Shirley Meyer, membership chair, at 262-260-8101 or email aquashirl4@yahoo.com. FRIDAYRacine Founders Rotary Club: 7 a.m., Racine Country Club, 2401 Northwestern Ave. DAILY/OTHERSCaledonia Historical Society Meeting: 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Franksville Park, 9614 Northwestern Ave. The meeting is open to the public. There will be no meetings December through March. https://caledoniahistoricalsociety.org. Overeaters Anonymous: 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., a free fellowship group for all eating disorders using the 12 steps and 12 traditions. For more information call 262-652-5635. Racine Duplicate Bridge Club: Each week two ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games are played in Racine at 12:15 p.m. Monday and Friday at The Lanes, 6501 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant. People must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination to play. Call Henry Kensler, club manager, at 262-652-6173 for reservations. Recent winners are: Feb. 2 (299): Marge Brown and Joann Zupfer, first place; Katie Patzke and Wayne Hejny, second place; Peggy Crane and Daniele Langer, third place. Feb. 2 (Open): George Urquhart and Janet Urquhart, first place; Paul Dorsey and Lee Petzold, second place; Ellen Easley and Henry Kensler, third place. Feb. 5: George Urquhart and Janet Urquhart, first place; Lee Petzold and Richard Arneson, second place; Daniele Langer and Mark Langer, third place. Feb. 9: Donald Urquhart and Paul Schroeder, first place; Mary Matthews and Henry Kensler, second place; Lee Petzold and Marilyn Wescott, third place. Lighthouse Quilters Guild: Open to quilters of all skill levels, 7 p.m., on the last Monday of each month at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St. For more information, lighthousequiltersguild.com. VFW Post 10301: VFW Post 10301 meets at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Fifth Street Yacht Club, 761 Marquette St. Racine Catholic Womans Club: The Racine Catholic Womans Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Infusinos Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapids Drive. The speaker will be Fr. Juan Manuel Camacho, pastor of the Family of Four Parishes (Sts. Edward, Patrick, Richard and Sacred Heart) of the Catholic Community in Central Racine. For information, call 262-758-6187 or 262-632-8960. Ladies New Heart Luncheon: The Ladies New Heart Luncheon will meet at noon Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St., Kenosha. Rebecca Landmark will discuss In the Palm of His Hand. The luncheons committee consists of Christ-centered, Bible believing women. The cost is $14 and no child care is provided. For reservations, call Nancy at 262-914-1821 or Kathy at 262-653-0503. Racine Welcome Club: Drop in coffee 9-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Dish, 1229 N. Ohio St. The group is open to women interested in making new friends, learning about community resources, and being involved in philanthropic and social activities. Call 262-994-0957 for more information. Annual Turkey Dinner: Union Grove Chapter 71, Eastern Star, will hold its annual Turkey Dinner from 11-1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Union Grove Masonic Center, 1021 11th Ave. The menu includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salads, rolls, homemade dessert and beverage. The cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children under 12. Proceeds benefit music scholarships for the Union Grove Elementary School. For more information or to reserve tickets call 262-878-1837. Racine Art Guild: The Racine Art Guild will meet from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Wustum Museum 2519 Northwestern Ave. The meeting will include critiques by Dan Simoneau. Members are invited to bring one piece to be critiqued. Whats Going On is a fundraiser listing published on Saturdays in Community. Events held on a regular basis are not used. Announcements must be sent to community@journaltimes.com and arrive by noon Tuesday before the desired Saturday publication date. Add your event to the online calendar at journaltimes.com/events. Select the Community/Fundraisers category. Wreaths Across America bingo event UNION GROVE Wreaths Across America Union Grove is hosting a bingo event at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20, at TinCAN Roadhouse, 20715 Durand Ave., to raise funds for wreaths for veterans graves at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove. Half of the proceeds will be used to purchase wreaths for the 2024 Christmas season. The cost is $10 for five games with a progressive game following for $5. American Legion spaghetti dinner UNION GROVE The annual all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and raffle fundraiser hosted by American Legion Bixby-Hansen Post 171, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 171, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 171 and GoBaGs social group is scheduled for 3-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at 1027 New St. Tickets are $15 at the door and include dinner and one door prize entry. Carry-outs will be available and you need not be present to win. Proceeds will benefit local veterans. Ongoing Caledonia Conservancy Cookie Collection Recipe Book: The Caledonia Conservancy is selling a recipe book featuring recipes of cookies usually served at the annual holiday party. The book contains more than 115 cookie recipes, family-favorites submitted by Caledonia Conservancy supporters, and even includes a few recipes for four-legged friends (horses, dogs, goats and donkeys). The cost is $15. Go to caledoniaconservancy.org/product-page/cookie-recipe-book. Aurora offers classes BURLINGTON Aurora Health Care is offering the following programs: Free Blood Pressure Clinic 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday. To make an appointment, call 262-767-8000. Childbirth and Beyond Get ready for a new addition through free, ongoing classes, including Preparing for Labor and Birth, Bringing Baby Home, Breastfeeding Basics and Infant CPR & Safety. Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/ALMCchildbirth. Movement and Music This free class for people with Parkinsons disease incorporates stretches, strength training, posture, balance and walking drills, as well as vocal exercises. Manage Parkinsons symptoms and improve quality of daily life while having fun. Modifications will be provided to ensure a safe and effective setting for all participants. Caregivers are also welcome. Register at mail@wiparkinson.org or 414-312-6990. Stroke Support Group This group provides emotional support through opportunities to interact with others who have experienced a stroke. Informational programs also will be provided about stroke/brain attack. The group welcomes individuals newly diagnosed, those with a history of stroke and caregivers. Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/ALMCstroke. Memory Cafe Memory Cafe is a comfortable, free social gathering that allows people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect and build new support networks at the Aurora Wellness Center, Classroom C. For information, or first-time attendees, contact Chad at 262-212-3596 or csutkay@touchinghearts.com. Walk with a Doc Get out, get active and enjoy good conversation on the third Saturday of the month at Burlington High School, 400 McCanna Parkway. Learn about a current health topic, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a walk at your own pace and distance with a medical provider. The program is free, and no registration is required. Meet at the front entrance vestibule by the flagpole. Art Therapy Open Studio Open Studio is an art group designed to aid in self-expression relaxation, and personal growth. Open Studio is open to current and past cancer patients, companions and caretakers. Each session is facilitated by a credentialed art therapist and will include a featured project. All supplies provided. Learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/AMCBarttherapy. For more information about Aurora Health Care programs, www.aurorahealthcare.org/classes-events/ or call 800-499-5736. Spectrum offers classes RACINE Spectrum School of the Arts and Community Gallery, located in the East Building of the DeKoven Center, 2000 Wisconsin Ave., is offering winter fine arts classes for adults and high school students. All classes are small (between four and 10 students per class) and are highly instructional according to the individuals needs, goals and abilities. All levels of experience are welcome. Drawing and/or Painting: 9 a.m. to noon, flexible scheduling Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays through March 13. Individualized instruction for all levels. Instructor: Denise Zingg. Five classes: $150; 10 classes: $250. Ceramics: 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays through March 23. Learn how to work clay with creative hand-building or throwing pots on the wheel. Includes 25 pounds of clay, use of equipment, firings and glazes, plus extra studio time. Instructor: Mark Hyde. $200. Intro to Black and White Film and Darkroom Photography: 6:309 p.m. Wednesdays from Feb. 21 through March 20. Learn all about the fundamentals of photography in this classic medium and create stunning black and white prints in the darkroom. Two rolls of film, chemicals and extra darkroom time included. Camera rentals available. Five weeks: $175. Customized classes and workshops are provided for three or more adults, children or family combination. Private art and music lessons for adults and children also are available. Half-hour lessons are $30, or $1 per minute. Traditional darkrooms, a matting and framing room, and ceramics studios are available for individual work. The cost is $65 each per month or $180 for a three-month pass. (Ceramics studios include firings; darkrooms include chemicals.) Call 262-634-4345 to register. Space is limited to 10 students. Material lists are available at www.spectrumschoolandgallery.org. Nonprofit organizations can submit class/workshop press releases to to community@journaltimes.com. RACINE One of the three brothers accused in the death of James Hamilton in 2021 pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment Wednesday morning. Christopher Martinez, 25, of Waukegan, Illinois, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon as a party to a crime and attempted robbery with use of force as a party to a crime. He is being held on a $1 million cash bond. His brothers, Jonathan Martinez of Gurnee, Illinois, and Moises Gonzalez of Racine, also are facing charges. Jonathan Martinez, 28, is charged with felony murder as a party to a crime and armed robbery with use of force as a party to a crime. Gonzalez, 30, is charged with armed robbery as a party to a crime and possession with intent to distribute greater than or equal to 200 grams of THC. Jonathan Martinez originally was charged with first-degree intentional homicide as a party to a crime, but the charge was amended to felony murder Nov. 20. On Feb. 1, Christopher Martinez waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Allegations About 10:04 p.m. Oct. 4, 2021, officers from the Racine Police Department responded to a report of a possible home invasion at a residence in the 1000 block of Monroe Avenue. After entering the residence, officers reportedly found Hamilton dead with multiple gunshot wounds. According to the criminal complaint, officers found a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver, which three rounds had been fired from, in a safe in a bedroom closet. An AR-15 style rifle, several types of controlled substances and $125,041 in cash also reportedly were found during the investigation. Video from a neighbors home security camera showed a red truck with unique add-on features parked four houses away from the residence on the day of the shooting, according to the complaint. Video also allegedly showed two people get out of the truck and walk toward the back door of the residence. The two allegedly are seen running back to the truck and leaving the area three minutes later. Investigators were able to determine that the truck was purchased by the wife or girlfriend of Jonathan Martinez, according to the complaint. Cell phone data also placed Christopher and Jonathan Martinez near the home at the time of Hamiltons death, the complaint alleged. Gonzalez allegedly told investigators that Christopher Martinez said he was going to rob Hamilton and offered to give Gonzalez $10,000 after the robbery was completed. The complaint said Gonzalez told investigators that he picked up Hamiltons roommate on the day of the alleged armed robbery so he would not be in the house. Gonzalez allegedly told Hamilton to be alert and watch for himself and arm himself because he had a bad feeling. Investigators said Gonzalez later allegedly changed his story and said it was a coincidence that he and Hamiltons roommate were going to Illinois that day, and that he only made those statements to Hamilton because he had a bad feeling that Christopher Martinez would commit the robbery soon. Gonzalez also reportedly told investigators that Christopher Martinez said Hamilton shot first, so he shot back. Jonathan Martinez is scheduled to go to trial in May. A trial date has not been set for Gonzalez. Christopher Martinez is scheduled to appear in court again March 14 for a status conference. RACINE A few years ago, Jonathan Bouwma received a drone as a Christmas gift. He always thought the flying vehicles were cool, and Bouwma flew the drone, mainly in his backyard. A couple years after revealing the present, Bouwma and two Horlick High School classmates recently received their drone pilot licenses. Having a drone license allows the students to remotely operate drones for actions like surveying land and taking videos and photos. Drone is the overarching term for a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems. The first semester of this school year, Horlick students in an aviation class read and reviewed a textbook to prepare for the drone license exam, which was done on a computer and lasted a little over an hour. This is the third year Horlick students in the aviation pathway have taken the test. One student received a drone license the first year, two did last year and three did this year: Bouwma, Natalie Shawhan and Chris Palkowski. Shawhan does not own a drone but has flown drones. She plans to study nuclear engineering in college and said the chance to earn her drone license was a great opportunity. It just seemed like something that was really interesting to me, Shawhan said. Theres a lot of jobs for people who have their drone license. Indeed, drones can be helpful in a variety of fields, including media, construction, real estate, firefighting and law enforcement. The students see different aspects of drone technology and how it works in their society, and how they could fit it into whatever they want to do, said James Bucholtz, Horlick aviation teacher. Bouwma plans to pursue a firefighting career like his grandfather, the former chief of the South Shore Fire Department. Bucholtz hopes the schools drone offerings can expand, but he said the main challenge is funding, since drones are expensive. Bucholtz said Horlick students have assisted the school maintenance crew by flying drones above the buildings roof to investigate an issue, such as taking photos of a chimney that needed to be inspected. Students enjoyed flying drones to help with a building inspection and see an aerial view of the area near Horlick, 2119 Rapids Drive. It was cool to see a birds-eye view of the community around us, Bouwma said. For the three high schoolers, earning their drone licenses could help them and the community down the road. Close Students Juan Soto, left, and Andrew Clemons talk with an attendee during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Soto and Clemons are two of 35 students in the engineering and manufacturing pathway that offered its first class last year at Horlick. Student Andrew Clemons talk with an attendee during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Clemons is in the Horlick engineering and manufacturing pathway and appreciates the chance to merge technical skills with creativity. Alex DeBaker, Racine Unified executive director of academies and transformation, talks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Horlick, Case and Park high schools all use SME curriculum that is implemented over three years in their engineering and manufacturing pathways. Horlick Principal Tangella King speaks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. King said the school aims to provide tools for students to use in their next life phases, and the SME materials are great ways to do so. Teacher Jeffrey Trinka talks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Horlick, Case and Park high schools all use SME curriculum that is implemented over three years in their engineering and manufacturing pathways, the classes Trinka teaches. Students talked about materials in classrooms like a 3D printer during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Six photos of a Horlick HS manufacturing pathway event Students Juan Soto, left, and Andrew Clemons talk with an attendee during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Soto and Clemons are two of 35 students in the engineering and manufacturing pathway that offered its first class last year at Horlick. Student Andrew Clemons talk with an attendee during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Clemons is in the Horlick engineering and manufacturing pathway and appreciates the chance to merge technical skills with creativity. Alex DeBaker, Racine Unified executive director of academies and transformation, talks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Horlick, Case and Park high schools all use SME curriculum that is implemented over three years in their engineering and manufacturing pathways. Horlick Principal Tangella King speaks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. King said the school aims to provide tools for students to use in their next life phases, and the SME materials are great ways to do so. Teacher Jeffrey Trinka talks during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. Horlick, Case and Park high schools all use SME curriculum that is implemented over three years in their engineering and manufacturing pathways, the classes Trinka teaches. Students talked about materials in classrooms like a 3D printer during an SME Education Foundation event Tuesday at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive. The tradition of arms for Black Americans has always been different. "Black codes" were implemented in many states, which were designed to keep Blacks from exercising their right to keep and bear arms. In Florida, for example, whites could enter Black-owned homes and search for weapons without a warrant. In Louisiana, Blacks could be stopped and searched for weapons at any time. If they refused to comply, they could be shot. Over the years, even prominent Black leaders were denied their Second Amendment rights. In 1956, The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., was famously denied a concealed carry permit by the Sheriff's Office in Montgomery, Alabama even after his home was fire-bombed. Sheriff's officials found King "unsuitable," for a carry permit. While King was famous for espousing non-violent political action, he was also a gun owner who believed in self-defense. One of King's contemporaries, Malcom X, was a strong Second Amendment supporter. "The Constitution of the United States of America clearly affirms the right of every American citizen to bear arms. And as Americans, we will not give up a single right guaranteed under the Constitution," he said. ..... 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 It recently was announced that Nebraskas tourism slogan was going to be retired. This slogan was, Nebraska, honestly, its not for everyone. It played into the reality we live in. I have joked with friends that we have garage sale weather because all of the good weather was already purchased. We get hot summers, cold winters, and the occasional tornado. Nothing that you would even want to buy on clearance. There has also been a trend of younger families and college graduates leaving the state in search of employment or opportunities. We have experienced the decline of our communities slowly, and we are losing the opportunity to change it. There is a metaphor of a frog and boiling water. If placed in boiling water, the frog will leave immediately because it understands the danger. If the water is slowly turned to a boil, the frog will adapt to the change of heat until it is impossible to escape. While we are not in boiling water yet, our communities are facing challenges that will only get worse. By living in the reality of Its not for everyone, we became complacent and adjusted to the decline of our towns until they became empty and lifeless. That does not have to be our story. We can be a place for everyone, rather than those who have survived the hardships of the times and land. We can support our local communities, not just with our finances, but our time as well. Forming groups around hobbies and interests, organizing community action, participating in local events, attending town meetings, and other actions are the lifeblood of communities. I believe that people do not just crave advancement in opportunity: people want to be in a community that lives, not just exists. For this life to exist, we must be willing to take the risks of participation and connection. Not everything will work, but we know that the trajectory we are in will boil up many of our communities. While we may have gotten used to communities shrinking and towns declining, we do not have to accept that as our future. So what would it look like? I believe that will take different shapes in different towns. Maybe it would look like people getting together to make an after school homework club to help students with assignments. Perhaps it is a card game group that plays at local restaurants, the fire hall, or city hall. It could even be a group of people committed to going to local government meetings to be more informed of what happens in town. These all sound great, but they will not happen unless we choose to make them so. Lets jump to new possibilities, for the water is already getting hot. SELMA, Ala. Jamie Vaughn tightly crossed her arms as she slowly crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Wearing a T-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, the University of Nebraska at Kearney sophomore carefully moved across icy patches on the bridges narrow walkway. It was mid-January, and she expected Southern weather to be mild, but unseasonable weather hit the region the day before Vaughns visit, bringing a skiff of snow and high temperatures in the lower 30s. As she looked across the murky water of the Alabama River to the left and vehicles passing along U.S. Highway 80 to the right, Vaughn thought about how foot soldiers from the Civil Rights Movement must have felt nearly 60 years ago as they marched across the bridge, named after a Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader. Vaughn imagined the chaos that ensued on March 7, 1965, now known as Bloody Sunday, when about 600 people, demanding voting rights for Black Americans, set out to walk 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. But unlike the quiet and undisturbed walk last month, the civil rights marchers were met at the end of the 250-foot bridge with violence. They were teargassed, chased and beaten by state and local law enforcement officers on horseback and foot. I tried to put myself in those peoples shoes, like, What is this for? It changes everything. Its not just a bridge, Vaughn said. Finally, on March 21, 1965, on their third attempt, several thousand civil rights marchers successfully left on foot from Selma and arrived at the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery four days later. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on Aug. 6. One of the marchers fighting for his rights was 17-year-old youth leader and foot soldier Charles Mauldin. Now in his 70s, Mauldin joined the UNK group and invited Vaughn to walk next to him as they crossed the bridge on this cold January day. Fifteen other UNK political science students, their professor and pre-law adviser Chuck Rowling and University of Nebraska College of Law Associate Dean Anthony Schutz followed two-by-two behind them. I cant stop thinking about that bridge and that moment. You dont get that opportunity anywhere else, Vaughn, a Gretna native, said. The experience in Selma was part of a new experiential learning opportunity within the Kearney Law Opportunities Program that took students to Georgia and Alabama during the January intersession. It was part of a new course The Politics and Law of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement developed by Rowling, who had been on four similar trips to the Southern states and spent 10 years developing the class. Rowling created the curriculum to teach students about this part of American history and to help them become more educated and well-rounded citizens as they prepare for careers in law. So much of the struggle for civil rights is related to legal action, court cases and changing laws, he said. If you want to make change and youre a lawyer, youre doing so within the context of the law. It doesnt matter if its civil rights or anything else, understanding those dynamics and that process is crucial to all that you do as a lawyer. Students read about and discussed these topics before visiting places where the movement began. Between Jan. 12-16, they met with eight activists, scholars and lawyers and explored Atlanta, Georgia, and communities in Alabama Tuskegee, Anniston, Montgomery, Birmingham and Selma. Ella Ferguson, a sophomore from Springfield, said learning about the Civil Rights Movement in the South, rather than a textbook alone, made the history more real to her. It really brings to life the events that happened because were right there where they occurred, and we really can picture the violence that occurred against the activists, she said. Firsthand experiences The students and faculty started their tour in Atlanta. In the morning, they hiked Stone Mountain, onto which a Confederate memorial depicting Jefferson Davis and Civil War generals is etched. When they reached the top, they had a vast view of Atlanta. They walked through the rain along Auburn Avenue, a street that was once a center of African American success. They saw the tomb where Martin Luther King Jr. and wife Coretta Scott King are buried and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King co-pastored with his father. They also met with Hank Stewart, the 2016 4th Congressional District of Georgia poet laureate, and finished the day looking at exhibits at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. One exhibit particularly affected Vaughn. She learned that Alabama was the last state to overturn its ban on interracial marriage in 2000. Her mother, who is white, and her dad, who is Black, married in Missouri in 1999. Had miscegenation laws been in place locally at that time, she said she wouldnt be here today. I never thought about that before, so it changed the course of the trip for me mentally, Vaughn said. The following day, the students took a bus to Alabama. On the way to a short stop in Anniston, they reflected on the Freedom Riders, who fought for desegregation of interstate travel. Outside Anniston on May 14, 1961, one bus was firebombed and fleeing passengers were beaten by a white mob. Inside the jail The UNK group then traveled to Tuskegee to tour historical sites before meeting with civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette Jr. and his wife Kate. As the group ate gumbo in the basement of Lafayettes church, he shared stories from his past and signed copies of his memoir, In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma. Lafayette ended the evening with songs he and other Freedom Riders sang in a Jackson, Mississippi, jail. We were on the third floor of the city jail, so we could see the highway and we could tell when the buses were coming, Lafayette told the UNK group. We made up a song. It goes like this, Buses are a comin, oh yes... The Riders continued with different versions of the song. Next, he sang, Better get you ready, oh yes... They added lyrics as jailers threatened to take their mattresses and toothbrushes. You can take our mattress, oh yes... Lafayette sang. You can take our toothbrush, oh yes... Finally, Lafayette belted, We will keep our freedom, oh yes. The evening with the Lafayettes was a highlight for UNK senior Braden Peterworth. That guy has seen it all. Hes just a hero who influenced the United States in ways other individuals Ive met couldnt even dream of, the Sutton native said. The path of slaves The next day in Montgomery, the students and faculty walked from the Alabama Riverfront down Commerce Street to Court Square, the same path Black slaves were led to be sold. The UNK group then turned the corner and walked up Dexter Avenue to the State Capitol, following the route marchers from Selma took in 1965. Before reaching the Capitol steps, they stopped outside Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where King had once preached. As Terry Anne Scott, director of The Institute for Common Power, spoke to them about the history of the city via Zoom, vocal music poured out the church doors during its Sunday service. David Domke, Common Power associate director for organizational support, finished the discussion via video from the Capitol steps. As he spoke, students peered at the towering Confederate Memorial Monument in front of them. Also in Montgomery, students visited the Legacy Museum, which tells the history of racial injustice, from slavery to the Jim Crow era to todays mass incarceration. In Rowlings opinion, the museum provides the most comprehensive view of the subject. For me, that and the Holocaust Museum are the most powerful museums Ive ever visited in the United States, he said. In Kings footsteps The following day Martin Luther King Jr. Day community leader and filmmaker T. Marie King led a tour of Birminghams civil rights historic district. The district includes the A.G. Gaston Motel, where King and other African Americans stayed during visits to the city, as well as Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church, the center of the 1963 Childrens Crusade that influenced the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the final day, students crossed that infamous bridge in Selma and toured other historical sites with JoAnne Bland, who was 11 when she marched on Bloody Sunday and later to Montgomery. The students ended their day in Montgomery, talking over dinner with a young Alabama ACLU lawyer, Laurel Hattix. To talk to someone who is not much older than these students who are on this trip and is actively working on these issues in Alabama and beyond was a really powerful experience, Rowling said. She spoke the language of these students in ways that I cant. The journey continues In Rowlings eyes, this experience was impactful for students on many levels. He intends to continue providing this opportunity for KLOP students every other year. It was a jam-packed trip. To me, thats the only way to do something like this. It was less pleasure and more experience, and we explored some tough topics and issues, Rowling said. Students reflections all spoke to one central theme, which was what made this trip so amazing: the people we met. Some of the students expressed interest in activism. Vaughn and four of her peers have applied to a summer online learning program, Action Academy, facilitated by Seattle-based Common Power. The experience also affirmed Vaughns desire to eventually go into public service law. I think about the Legacy Museum and about how it showed the disproportionate number of persons of color in prison versus white people. Thats what I want to work toward and fix a little more, she said. You can do this kind of work anywhere, Rowling noted. Everywhere you go, there are issues related to civil rights, he said. I think, at minimum, many of these students have thought about, How can I address problems related to marginalized communities in rural Nebraska? Peterworth will graduate this spring and plans to start law school in the fall. Hes interested in the University of Nebraska College of Laws new Innocence Clinic, which allows law students to represent people who may have been wrongfully convicted of a crime. Hes also thinking about the difference he can make as a lawyer and leader in rural Nebraska. One of my favorite quotes from the poet Hank Stewart, whom we met at the beginning of our trip, is, Its our time, its our day, and if we dont make a change, its our fault, Peterworth said. The new Emerald Lane market co-op opened Feb. 9 at 211 S. Kingston St. in downtown Caledonia, Minn., with eight vendors and room for a few more. Its in a building owned by Kristina Hauser, who is a Reiki master and also owns Studio M at 219 S. Kingston St., in another part of the same building. Studio M is a yoga, Reiki, wellness and Pilates studio that opened in 2022. Emerald Lane could be called a mini mall, Hauser said. A few of its vendors participated in last years City of Caledonia Holiday Pop Up Shop program, she said. I basically piggybacked off that idea and sought to create a more permanent spot for them to be able to get showcased without having to invest in a big brick-and-mortar storefront, by opening the new market co-op, Hauser said. The eight vendors are One Eleven Collections, Just Slow It Down, The Ma and Pa Shop, Small Town Stitchworks, Meraki Arts and Design, Jim Reed Photography, Tumbling Treasures Boutique and Lash & Lace Boutique. The merchandise sold at Emerald Lane includes such things as plants, comic books, wine charms, bath and body products, crocheted items such as baskets and home decor, paintings, photographic prints, sublimated and lasered gift items such as tumblers and cutting boards, and apparel. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Hauser plans to hold a grand opening celebration, probably this spring. For more information, visit Emerald Lanes Facebook page. Ashli Buchholtz opened her Vivace Photography studio on Jan. 24 in its new location, the former Audiolust Records store at 127 S. Sixth St. in downtown La Crosse. I have hobbied in photography for about nine years and officially opened my business in September of 2021, said Buchholtz, whose business previously was at 205 Fifth Ave. S. I do every genre of photography that you can think of, including special requests, but I specialize in couple, senior and boudoir portraits, she said. I will be doing an adults-only open house on March 1 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. essentially to let people check out how the space looks now. Since I do mostly boudoir and empowerment portraits in studio, I am doing the open house as adults-only. Buchholtz added, I am an all-inclusive photographer and do boudoir portraits to empower people to feel confident in their own skin, regardless of their body shape and identifying factors. For more information, call 608-406-9502 or visit www.vivacephotographyllc.com or Facebook. The Audiolust Records store where Vivace Photography is now closed Dec. 23, said Jeff Buchholtz, who is Ashlis father-in-law. We both have full-time jobs elsewhere, Jeff Buchholtz said, explaining why he and his wife closed their record store. And Ashli needed the space for her photography studio. Its not as though we closed because business was bad. And Id just like to get back into the collecting of vinyl records rather than selling them. Audiolust Records began in November 2019 at 719 State St. and moved to 127 S. Sixth St. in September 2021. Shoe Carnival Inc. said Tuesday that it has acquired family-owned Rogan Shoes Inc., which has 28 footwear stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, for $45 million. Rogan Shoes has a store in the Crossing Meadows Shopping Center in Onalaska. Shoe Carnival, which is headquartered in Evansville, Ind., operates stores in 36 states and Puerto Rico under its Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station banners. Rogans, which has been headquartered in Racine, Wis., is one of the nations largest independent shoe retailers. A Shoe Carnival spokesman told me Thursday that Rogans will continue to be at least part of the name that appears on the Rogans stores because it is so well-established. Shoe Carnival said the acquisition advances its strategy to be the nations leading family footwear retailer. With the acquisition of the 28 Rogans stores, Shoe Carnivals store count increases to an all-time high of 429, keeping it on track to achieve its target to operate more than 500 stores in 2028. La Crosse region business openings, developments Steve Cahalan reports on local business developments every Saturday. Conservationists in Kenya are celebrating the return of many rhinoceroses to an area where they have not been for many years. The successful move of 21 eastern black rhinos to a new home will give them space to reproduce and could help increase the population of the highly endangered animals. The effort was Kenyas biggest-ever move of rhinos. The rhinos were taken from three parks that are becoming overpopulated to the private Loisaba Conservancy, a place where poachers killed all the rhinos many years ago. Moving the rhinos required 18 days. Conservationists followed the rhinos using a helicopter. They then shot them with special guns that inject tranquilizer into the animals, which weigh hundreds of kilograms. The rhinos then have to be loaded into the back of a truck. Disaster nearly struck early in the move. A tranquilized rhino fell into a small river. Officials involved with the move held the rhinos head above water with a rope to prevent it from drowning while a drug to undo the tranquilizer took effect. The animal was then released. Some of the rhinos were taken from Nairobi National Park. They had to travel 300-kilometers. Others came from two parks closer to Loisaba. Rhinos usually stay by themselves and require large territories. As numbers in three parks have increased, wildlife officials decided to move some of the animals to Loisaba. They hope the rhinos will be happier and more likely to reproduce. David Ndere is an expert on rhinos at the Kenya Wildlife Service. He said rhino reproduction rates decrease when they are crowded in a territory. By removing some animals, we expect that the rhino population in those areas will rise up, Ndere said. And then we reintroduce that founder population of at least 20 animals into new areas. Loisaba Conservancy said it has put aside around 25,000 hectares for the new arrivals, which are a mix of males and females. Kenya has had some success in bringing back black rhinos. The population fell from around 20,000 in the 1970s to below 300 in the 1980s because of poaching, conservationists say. The loss increased fears that the animals might disappear from the country. Kenya now has around 1,000 black rhinos, the third biggest population after South Africa and Namibia. There are just over 6,400 wild black rhinos left in the world, all of them are in Africa, the organization Save the Rhino International said. Tom Silvester is the chief executive officer of Loisaba Conservancy. He said Kenyas plan is to get its black rhino numbers to 2,000 over the next 10 years. Once we have 2,000 individuals, we will have established a population that will give us hope that we have brought them back from extinction, he said. Kenyan officials say they have moved more than 150 rhinos in the last 10 years. But not all moves have succeeded. One attempt to move 11 rhinos in 2018 ended with all of the animals dying. An investigation found 10 of the rhinos died from stress, a lack of water and food that was made worse by salt poisoning. The animals could not get used to the salty water in their new home. Another animal was attacked by a lion. Since then, new guidelines have been created for the capture and moving of rhinos in Kenya. Silvester said officials tested the water quality at Loisaba. I'm Gregory Stachel. Tom Odula and Desmond Tiro reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story conservation n. the activity of aiming to protect animals, plants, and natural resources park n. a large area of public land kept in its natural state to protect plants and animals tranquilize v. to use a drug to cause (a person or animal) to become very relaxed and calm extinction n. when a specific kind of living thing dies out and disappears from the Earth stress n. a state of tension that, in animals, is connected with conditions that they do not normally face And now Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. The third Monday of February is known as Presidents Day in the United States. So, for todays Words and Their Stories, we look at some of the famous and not-so-famous presidential words and their stories in history. From Teddy Roosevelts lunatic fringe to Joe Bidens malarkey , the words and phrases said by U.S. presidents are often as unique as the American experience. We're really creating our own institutions through language, said Paul Dickson. He is the writer of Words from the White House: Words and Phrases Coined or Popularized by Americas Presidents. If you coin a word or phrase you create it. Thomas Jefferson, Americas 3rd president, is said to have created more than a hundred words. One of the words is authentication the act of proving or showing something to be true. Another word from Jefferson is Anglomania . It means to have extreme affection for all things English. The ending -mania means to be crazy about something. Abraham Lincoln, the countrys 16th president, is known for making powerful speeches during the Civil War. One of his best-known phrases, " A house divided against itself cannot stand, is drawn from the Bible. Historians note that Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president, was the first president to use media to connect with the public. And he added several memorable words and phrases to American English. Creating slang Dickson says, Teddy Roosevelt creates this huge body of slang. The words include pack rat , loose cannon , lunatic fringe , and bully pulpit among many others. A pack rat is someone who collects things that they do not need. A loose cannon describes a dangerous and uncontrollable person. Lunatic fringe describes people whose opinions are extreme and different from many others. And a bully pulpit is an important position, such as the presidency, that provides a chance to instruct, lead, or inspire others. Creating slogans In addition to slang, some presidents created slogans. A slogan is a short phrase used in advertising or political campaigns to get attention. America First came from Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, in 1915, and not Donald Trump, the 45th. The 29th president, Warren Harding, gets credit for coming up with the term Founding Fathers . This describes the creators of the U.S. Constitution. Before Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, no political campaigner had ever called himself a law-and-order candidate. This means they support police efforts and enforcement of laws. The 33rd president, Harry Truman, came up with the phrase do-nothing Congress . He is also famous for the saying, If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen . Sometimes presidents changed names to better describe their purpose. Dickson says, It was Franklin D. Roosevelt who changed the name of the Report to Congress to the State of the Union . Critics & criticisms However, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president, brought criticism when he said, Well, it's pretty iffy as to where the Supreme Court stands on this. Iffy is another way of saying something is uncertain or unknown. His critics felt that the American president should use proper English. In 1961, Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th president, was praised for using the term military-industrial complex to warn against the powerful alliance of the military, government, and private corporations. But then he was criticized for using the word finalize in a speech. By adding -ize, he turned the word final into a verb. Major papers at the time wrote that it was not proper English and called the word meaningless. Dickson says necessity is the reason presidents continue to create new words. There was a solid majority from Richard Nixon, the 37th president. And Barack Obama, the 44th president, used shovel-ready to describe public work projects that were ready to start immediately. When Joe Biden, the 46th president, ran for the White House in 2019, his campaign slogan was no malarkey . Malarkey is believed to be an expression often used by Irish Americans to describe insincere or meaningless talk. And that, my friends, is no malarkey. I hope you enjoyed this special presidential Words and Their Stories. Until next time Im Anna Matteo. Dora Mekouar wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story unique adj. being the only one of its kind slang n. the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field slogan n. an attention-getting word or phrase used to publicize something (as a campaign or product) proper adj. following the established traditions of refined society and good taste We want to hear from you. Do you have a similar expression in your language? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here. Several top U.S. universities say they will require standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT from applicants again. Some of them went test-optional during the pandemic. The schools include Dartmouth College, Georgetown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dartmouth College, in New Hampshire, said students from other countries will need to submit results from those tests or an equivalent standardized national exam. Allen Koh is the founder of Cardinal Education, a company that helps students with college preparation, including applications. He said Dartmouths announcement only made official what had been de facto true. He noted that between 80 and 90 percent of students admitted to top universities sent test scores, even when they were not required. Koh said students who attend international schools that use the A-level tests from Great Britain may not need to take the SAT or ACT since those tests are so well known. The tests from India may be useful, too. However, students coming from other countries should take the ACT or SAT. Andrew Taylor is a vice president at the nonprofit organization that runs the ACT. He said the tests are important for international students because they permit American schools to compare students, even if they come from different educational systems. In an email message to VOA, a representative from the College Board, which runs the SAT, said the test plays an important role in helping international students be seen by colleges and universities. Test scores can confirm a students grades or even demonstrate their strengths beyond what their high school grades may show. So if you are an international student planning to apply to college in the U.S., what should you know about the tests? SAT or ACT? The SAT has two parts reading and math. Students can earn a top score of 800 for each part, making 1600 a perfect score. The SAT is an adaptive test, which means the questions will change based on a students answer to the previous question. As a result, the SAT takes less time for most students than the ACT. The ACT is the same for every student who takes the test on the same day. The ACT has four parts math, science, English and reading. The top ACT score is 36. Both tests are now available to be taken with a computer at international testing centers. For the most part, Koh advises international students to take the ACT because it is much easier to get a perfect ACT score than a perfect SAT score. Based on how the final ACT score is calculated, Koh said, there are more ways to get to the perfect score of 36. For English learners, Koh has this advice: So I'd say if your English is really strong, all around, ACT could be great for foreigners, but I think for the average foreigner where English might be a little bit of a liability and math might be a little bit stronger, then the SAT may be a better test. Taylor of the ACT added that the ACT has a science section, so for students who may not be strong in science, the SAT could be a better choice. Both Koh and Taylor say students should take practice tests from both the ACT and SAT to decide which may be better for them. You can find more information online, such as testing dates and locations of test centers at the SAT and ACT websites. When to take the test? Koh and Taylor suggest that international students take the tests at least one year before finishing high school. If there is room for improvement, Koh said, students can practice and take it again six months later. Taylor reminded students that most schools will consider a super score which is the best score from each test category. So there is no doubt that students do better if they take more than one test. So if they're in a position to be able to take more than one test, we would always recommend that and give yourself the time to do some additional learning between tests so you know, think about where you struggle, think about where you can be ready, and go from there. Arkar Chen of Myanmar took the SAT in 2016, one year after he finished high school. He studied for the test but was still surprised at how difficult the reading part was. I'll say that 80 percent of the time, I have no idea what it's asking, but the thing with SAT is that when you practice enough, you kind of see a pattern and you kind of know what answer the test maker are looking for. In addition, Chen said students need to solve math problems quickly because each question has a limited time. Theres no way you could do well without a lot of practice, he said. Chen said the concept of critical thinking was the biggest difference between American tests such as the SAT and the tests he saw growing up in Myanmar. The SAT, he said, tests a lot on your critical thinking skills, so I think thats why it can feel hard. Test is part of the toolbox Taylor of ACT says the test is part of the toolbox for colleges to decide about a students ability to do well in school. More and more, Taylor said, higher ed is worried about graduation, not just about admission. So we need to give not only the higher education institution as much data as we can about the student. We also need to give the student as much data as we can about themselves. Koh observes that standardized tests favor a well-rounded student. So students who spend a lot of time studying math and engineering would be smart to spend time on reading and discussing books in English before taking the test. The parents of many international students are surprised to learn, as Koh said, Asian STEM-focused students are penalized the heaviest by American admissions officers, for being very strong in math but weak on reading. Im Gena Bennett. And Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Quiz - What International Students Should Know about SAT and ACT Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________ Words in This Story standardized test n. tests taken by large numbers of students that are meant to measure their general knowledge and compare it to other students applicant n. a person who is submitting applications for entry into a school or college equivalent adj. something that is different in small details but is more or less equal to something else de facto adj. something that is understood to be true but not written grade n. the score or letter given to show a students ability in a subject or study area demonstrate v. to show score n. a number or result of a game or test liability n. something that is lower quality or not as good as something else recommend v. to tell someone about something or give advice pattern n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done graduation n. the event that ends someones time in a university study program institution n. an organization such as a school, university or health center that has been in place for a long time stem-focused adj. students who center their education on science, technology, engineering and math penalize v. to be punished in some way or disadvantaged We want to hear from you. Are you an international student who has taken the SAT or ACT? What advice would you give someone about the tests? At Wednesdays Dawson County Board meeting, commissioners approved an agreement with the city of Lexington to repave East Walnut Street. On the agenda was the authorization of the East Walnut Street Agreement for Professional Services, a motion made by Commissioner Rod Reynolds and seconded by Commissioner Bill Stewart. The project was described as a crucial step in addressing road conditions, particularly those deemed to be in really bad shape, according to Stewart. The agreement pertains to sections of East Walnut Street south of Highway 30. This collaborative effort between the county and the city of Lexington operates on a proportional split of 55/45, with the city paying 55%. Only one person spoke during the citizens comment section of the meeting, John Hladik, representing Tallgrass, a local infrastructure company with a 12-year presence in Nebraska and 100 employees statewide. Hladiks remarks shed light on Tallgrasss contributions to the local economy, including approximately $10 million in business conducted with Nebraska-based vendors and suppliers. Several questions were asked about the company, and Hladik encouraged people in the audience to ask him questions if something came up after the meeting. The commissioners also approved official receipts, including disbursements to the county clerk, register of deeds, clerk of district court and surveyor, totaling $43,819.74. Furthermore, the treasurers receipts were scrutinized and subsequently approved, amounting to $2,982,119.33. Total claims presented at the meeting were reviewed and ultimately approved, totaling $617,768.75. LOS ANGELES While Ramon Rodriguez may play the title role in Will Trent, he knows theres a scene stealer nipping at his heels. Belle, a Chihuahua who plays Wills dog Betty, has a wardrobe of sweaters and, in the second season, gets a canine costar. Betty really represents something that Will has always longed for, Rodriguez says. Its a connection, some sort of sense of family. Its very unexpected for him and whenever we see him (with Betty), its just a beautiful color that he gets to express. In the first season, Trent realizes the dog has been abandoned and, even though hes not keen on pets, cant leave him. A product of the foster care system, Trent sees the parallels and can lean into another part of his life. Thus far, there hasnt been an assignment that Belle hasnt mastered. Well put it in the script and the trainers will come back to us and say, Hey, could you modify and maybe do this? Executive Producer Daniel Thomsen says. Belle rehearses before we come in so that (shes) ready to go. Shes a pro. As long as we can keep flying her in private, I think its all good, Rodriguez says with a smile. Thats how she rolls. Based on Karin Slaughters bestselling book series, Will Trent shows how the mans past plays into his work as a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Dyslexic, he has specific quirks (and a no-nonsense approach) that enable him to see what others dont. Relationships the human kind are often difficult. This season, we get to start peeling back who he is, Rodriguez says. What does that mean? How does it impact him? I think were all really mindful of not ever portraying any stereotypes that are misconceptions or perpetuating anything thats not at least relative to the character specifically. Repeatedly, Betty helps Trent relate to others and bring out their soft sides as well. For Angie Polaski, Trents on-again, off-again lover, shes Angies therapist at times, Rodriguez says. And she didnt see that coming either, says Erika Christensen, who plays Angie. She was like, Get this dog away from me. And now, she cant help it. Shes learning about herself. In the second season, Will discovers more about his past, thanks to the information the deputy director shared at the end of the first. Hes a guy who is strongly identified with GBI and Atlanta and all the different places that he grew up, for better or worse, Thomsen says. Whats interesting is getting that information so late in life, when you already felt like you had a fixed definition of who you were. There are going to be stories this year about him reaching out and trying to meet people from his family and how thats going to take on different directions. At home, Trent will always have Betty for comfort. Hes such a softie with this dog versus everyone else, Rodriguez says. He can have all his quirks, yet I always found he has a huge, huge heart. Sometimes, I think in just life, you can share and be vulnerable in a way with a stranger than you can with your partner. Betty really represents something that Will has always longed for. And what about Belle, who was a rescue dog just like her character how is she as a co-star? We lucked out, Rodriguez says. She amazing. She really is. Will Trent returns for its second season Feb. 20 on ABC. A Dane County judge on Friday vacated the attempted homicide conviction of a Wisconsin Dells woman, finding that a jury reached its guilty verdict in December using evidence it should not have been allowed to see. Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds ordered a new trial for Cynthia M. Dominguez, 26, who had been found guilty by a jury of attempted first-degree intentional homicide of an unborn child for her alleged role in an attack, with another woman, on a pregnant woman in 2022 in the parking lot of a South Side apartment complex. Reynolds said evidence from text and social media messages between a friend of Dominguez, Brittany L. Holsten, and the victim, Isabelle Hoppmann, should not have been admitted at Dominguezs trial because the messages were hearsay out-of-court statements offered as proof that are generally not admissible, with certain exceptions. But there are no exceptions under state law that would have made those messages admissible, Reynolds said. Reynolds said it appeared obvious that the jury relied on the messages to reach its verdict because it requested that the messages be sent back to the jury deliberation room within minutes of leaving the courtroom. She said admitting the messages into evidence was an obvious and substantial error that requires a new trial. In sum, all of Holstens statements should have been excluded, Reynolds said. Assistant District Attorneys Michelle Viste and Annie Jay immediately asked Reynolds to stay her ruling while they seek an appeal. During the two-day trial, the lawyers for Dominguez, state assistant public defenders Erin Nagy and Laura Breun, did not object to the admission of Holstens messages. But Reynolds said that after the trial, after she had ordered a judgment of conviction for Dominguez, she began to have misgivings about the admission of the text messages and asked lawyers for both sides to submit written arguments for and against the admission of the messages and to say what Reynolds should do if she decided they were inadmissible. Adding to the confusion, Holsten, 28, of Madison, who was alleged to have been the principal perpetrator with Dominguez along to assist, was found not guilty during a trial before a different judge and jury during the week after Dominguezs trial. In her ruling, stated aloud in court Friday, Reynolds said that other than one text message from Dominguez, there was little evidence presented during Dominguezs trial that tied Dominguez to the Nov. 30, 2022, attack outside Hoppmanns apartment on Kent Lane. Reynolds said that as a judge, she can take notice on her own of what is called plain error, which is generally uncommon, but this error is so fundamental that I feel I need to take action, she said. She disagreed with the assertions of prosecutors that the messages were admissible because they were the statement of a coconspirator, and because Holsten was unavailable to testify. Dominguez did not testify. Reynolds said Viste and Jay did not go through the necessary steps for a witness to be declared unavailable, Reynolds said, such as calling Holsten to the stand where she would, presumably, assert her Fifth Amendment right not to testify and incriminate herself. A fire early Friday morning did up to $1.5 million damage at a Dane County plastics firm, the Dane County Sheriffs Office reported. Emergency responders were sent to the fire about 2:30 a.m. Friday at Vico Plastics, 411 Haugen Road in the town of Albion, Lt. Don Dudley said in a statement. The inside of the main building at the Vico Plastics property was fully engulfed, with black smoke pouring out, when deputies and fire crews arrived, Dudley said. The building and its contents are estimated to be worth around $1.5 million, Dudley said. No injuries were reported. The Madison Area Fire Investigation Team was requested to conduct the investigation into the cause of the blaze, Dudley said. Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Ethics, Morality, and Water: Diverse Perspectives on the Standing Rock Movement Join CSI Anthropologist Denyee Matthews to explore the ethical and moral dimensions of the Standing Rock protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This conversation will bring together multiple perspectives on environmental justice, the sacredness of water, and the rights of indigenous peoples, encouraging participants to reflect on their values and the impact of collective action. By examining the complexities of Standing Rocks resistance, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how to navigate the challenges of advocating for the Earth and its communities with integrity and compassion. This service will include the teaching and collective performance of a Grandmothers Water Song. Our service Sunday will be in person only at our location 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls. There will be no ZOOM service. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. Unitarian Universalists believe in the dignity of every person regardless of race, creed (or none at all), immigrant status or sexual orientation. Everyone is welcome; NO EXCEPTIONS. We believe in justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. We are handicapped accessible. Please park at the rear of the building or on the street. Childcare is available. Join us Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls. For more information, call 208-320-9658 or email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension The Episcopal Church of the Ascension invites you to a service of Holy Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. this Sunday, Feb. 18. All are welcome at Ascensions services of worship, including children. Ascension Churchs Sunday service is also available at 9 a.m. online at Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls. The building is handicapped accessible and located at 371 Eastland Dr. N., Twin Falls. More information about Ascension can be found at www.episcopaltwinfalls.org or 208-733-1248. Join us as we enter into this season of preparation for Easter. Every Wednesday in Lent, starting Feb. 21, we will gather for Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m. and soup supper at 6:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. our Lenten program led by Fr. Shawn will focus on the book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. In February, Ascension will welcome donations of non-perishable food for the Neighbors in Need food pantry. Our monthly delivery of food items to Bridge Academy food pantry in the Twin Falls School District is greatly appreciated. We are focusing on foods which are easy and familiar for school age kids to prepare examples: Tuna or chicken, canned Soup with meat, such as chicken noodle or beef vegetable Chili, with meat Spaghetti sauce and pasta Vegetables, canned Fruit, canned Peanut butter Boxed macaroni and cheese Boxed oatmeal packets Cold cereal (Cheerios/Corn flakes) First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls 209 Fifth Ave. N. Pastor: Don Hammond Worship Time: 10 a.m. Adult Bible Study: 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome! Community Outreach: Sandwich Saturday Free bag lunch at 10:30 a.m. every other Saturday (Feb. 17) outside the church. Blessing Box always available. Food for the needy, take some food or be a blessing to someone else and leave some. Blessing box is located outside the church entrance. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Eighteen neglected horses that were seized by law enforcement officials in December in Twin Falls County have a brighter future. Horse & Halo, a horse rescue in Nampa, will take the horses and after first concentrating on their health, will eventually begin to assess their suitability for adoption, a press release from the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office says. The initial plan announced by the sheriffs office last week was to have the horses sold at auction on Saturday, Feb. 17, but the department likes the new plan much better. This is the very best outcome for these horses, Twin Falls Sheriffs Lt. Daron Brown said. Their neglect and starvation is over and their future is looking great. The horses, along with 26 dogs, were seized from Wade Gridley after officials, including an inspector from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, said they werent properly being cared for. The horses were being cared for at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds at a cost of $90 per day. A court order allowed their forfeiture after Gridley was unable to come up with $18,000 to take care of them for the next six months as he recuperated and dealt with legal problems, as he faces 20 counts of allowing an animal to go without care. Most of the dogs are also being held on county property and are being evaluated by People for PetsTwin Falls Animal Shelter staff members to determine which ones are adoptable. Those that arent will likely be euthanized. All of the horses that will be available for adoption at a later time will receive basic training, said Mandie Stuhan, director of Horse & Halo. If a horse does not meet the criteria for adoption, even as a companion animal, they will remain with the horse rescue as a sanctuary animal and have lifetime care. Twenty horses were initially seized by the sheriffs office but one was euthanized, and a young foal died shortly thereafter, the sheriffs office said. In a resolution unveiled Thursday, lawmakers are threatening a lawsuit opposing the University of Idahos proposed University of Phoenix purchase. The bipartisan resolution, in the works for weeks, comes as the U of I and Phoenix hope to close the controversial $685 million deal. It also sets up a high-stakes political showdown pitting lawmakers against Gov. Brad Little and the State Board of Education, who support the Phoenix purchase. One of the bills two co-sponsors did not pass judgment on the merits of the Phoenix purchase but he decried the State Boards series of closed-door meetings that left lawmakers in the dark. Process matters to me, said Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, during a brief hearing unveiling the motion. We were not dealt into this process at all. This seems to me like this was a purchase by ambush, said Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, who is co-sponsoring the bill. The House State Affairs Committee voted unanimously to introduce the resolution. That sets the stage for a full public hearing in committee. The resolution Thursday urges the State Board to reconsider its May 18 vote endorsing the purchase, and reconsider any affiliation linking the U of I and Phoenix unless and until the Legislature enacts a law authorizing such actions. The threat of a lawsuit comes at the end of the three-page resolution. House Speaker Mike Moyle and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder would be assigned to work on the Legislatures behalf, with authority that includes the initiation of appropriate legal action. The U of I has said Phoenixs national operations would provide millions of dollars of new annual revenues, and the U of I has also touted the chance to leverage Phoenixs online education platforms. The U of I has minimized the risks of the purchase, saying any losses would be limited to about $10 million a year. The U of I has acknowledged, but also has downplayed, the pitfalls of acquiring a for-profit partner with a checkered history. U of I officials began to quietly pursue a Phoenix purchase more than a year ago. But lawmakers and most Idahoans knew nothing about the proposal until May 17, when the State Board scheduled its first and only public meeting to discuss the idea. Since then, some lawmakers have openly questioned the merits of the purchase, while complaining that they were cut out of the process. The budget-writing Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held an unusual oversight hearing in June, grilling U of I and State Board leaders about the proposal. Loan repayment program seeks to retain Idahos rural nurses Fifty Idaho nurses were awarded $5,000 each in nursing education debt loan repayment for a total of $250,000. This comes from the Idaho Legislatures enactment of the Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Program in 2023 to help rural communities attract and retain nurses. In its first year the program saw interest from nearly 150 nurses and received 76 complete applications. The programs review board reviewed all eligible applications and met Jan. 11 to make award determinations. Nurses are a critical component of the healthcare workforce, said Gina Pannell, bureau chief of the Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care, which oversees the program. This first-of-its kind nursing loan repayment program will benefit rural Idaho communities that rely on nurses as part of their healthcare team. More information about this years 50 recipients is available at the DHW website at: https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=28769&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS Also: The city of Twin Falls is seeking Professional Services Qualification Statements to select a qualified professional to develop the Rock Creek Watershed Restoration Master Plan. Qualification Statements will be received by the city of Twin Falls until 3 p.m. Feb. 22. The RFQ criteria and procedures can be obtained from the city of Twin Falls Engineering office, located on the second floor at 203 Main Ave. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from www.tfid.org, or requested by emailing jcaton@tfid.org . The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Foundation announced a new fund established by the Western Whitewater Association (WWA) to support students pursuing education in aquaculture. This initiative underscores WWAs mission to foster interest in safe whitewater jetboating, encourage family recreation, and promote shared access to rivers for all recreational water users. For more information about the Western Whitewater Association and its initiatives, visit Westernwhitewater.org. To learn more about aquaculture programs at the College of Southern Idaho, visit www.csi.edu/programs/aquaculture. To learn more about donation opportunities visit foundation.csi.edu or contact foundation@csi.edu . University of Idaho will celebrate the grand opening of the 9,600-square-foot Idaho Center for Plant and Soil Health at the Parma Research and Extension Center, Feb. 20.The state-of-the-art building replaces dilapidated facilities, and contains laboratory space for research in nematology, pomology, plant pathology, microbiology and hops quality. Construction of the $12.1 million facility was made possible through a $3 million in donations from agricultural stakeholders, in addition to investment from the university and the state of Idaho. TIMES-NEWS Angelica Martinez twice took off her glasses and wiped her eyes as a judge asked her Thursday whether she understood her rights and the penalties she faces for two counts of murder. The 40-year-old Twin Falls woman, charged with aiding and abetting the Dec. 1 shooting deaths of two men at a Kimberly Road business, began to get emotional at her video arraignment. Although she was charged with the crime in December, she was indicted on Tuesday. Martinez is being held without bond in connection to the murders of Tint Shop V owner Jesse Ortiz and Jaime Bravo Rodriguez. Court records said she drove two men to and from the business the night of Dec. 1, and although she is not suspected of pulling the trigger, she could still face the death penalty, Judge Calvin Campbell told her. According to court records, she told police she didnt know the mens names and drove with them to Mexico and parted ways. Martinez, upon being taken into custody in Phoenix on Dec. 6 after returning from the country, first denied any involvement in the crimes, court records say, but later told police she was drinking with the two men, known by the nicknames El Guero and El Diablo, earlier that night at her home on Ramage Street, when arguments erupted between the two and the murder victims while talking on the telephone, records say. Court records didnt reveal what the argument was about. Because of it being a possible capital case, Campbell said she would be assigned an additional attorney to assist a public defender. Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs said on Friday he has not decided whether to pursue the death penalty. Twin Falls tint shop murder suspect goes before judge Woman said she and two other suspects drove to Mexico, records say. Martinezs next court date is a Feb. 26 arraignment in District Court. She also faces two felony drug charges after court records say police found controlled substances in her house when they searched it after obtaining a warrant. Martinezs preliminary hearing on that charge is set for Feb. 29. Dorothy Moon stated in her January 26 column, As Republicans, we believe that the family is more important than the state. We believe that parents know best how to educate their children and have an inalienable right to impart their values to the next generation. The recent guilty verdict in the trial of the Michigan mother who ignored her sons cries for help before he shot four of his classmates makes me question her statement. We all know children who are victims of inept parenting at best and abuse at worst. MAGA doctrine often references the thoughts of the John Birch Societys crusade against communism. Part of the evil that we saw at that time was state-supported childcare and nationalistic youth groups. Vladimir Putin was, no doubt, a product of that system. To American social thinking at that time, the idea of a government having control of children seemed extreme. Then, women entered the workforce. Their children were put into daycare. Our social norms took over, and there is now an extensive market for daycare and more individualized private schooling. Unlike the state-supported system in communist countries, it has become a system that benefits those who can afford it. Increasingly, the combination of lower worker wageswhy pay someone enough to support a family alone when there are now two wage earners in the familyand a market for more expensive schooling has created a social divide. MAGAs answer is state-supported private education and daycare through vouchers or tax credits. When added to the partys preference for judgmental Christianity and Christian Nationalism, they want taxpayers to pay for indoctrinating their children with their values. There is also the ability to access an exclusive school experience. It might well be termed Constitutional Socialism. It is legal but taxpayer-supported. The government will be paying for indoctrination. The irony of MAGA rhetoric is that they accuse non-believers of things like communism, socialism, and fascism while proposing a similar autocratic form of government. They accuse the state of interfering with the rights of parents, although they have no problem supporting any intervention with the rights of drivers, homeowners, thieves, and non-traditional families. Throughout recorded history, humans have formed families of choice. They have been called clans and tribes. They have lived in monasteries, castles, and aboard ships sailing the seas. At times, blood ties are abandoned for families of choice. Gang members are often individuals whose families have not supported and kept them safe. Families are complicated but the smallest, most intimate of our social units. Healthy and supportive families are the foundation of a just and peaceful society. Governments are established to protect and nurture good families. Psychology and now neurobiology have shed light on the positive and negative influences a family has on any individual. The state is vested in preventing families from producing children who grow into public problems. It protects family members from violence within the family. Our country must aspire to have the most thoroughly educated population in the world. We must become educated, not indoctrinated. Every committed educator I know works to increase their own education and pass it on to others. Critical thinking and imagination are crucial to our countrys maintaining a positive influence in the world. Every generation builds on the knowledge of the past. Adults who are not life-long learners soon fall behind the young, as every grandparent of a digital native knows. Families pass on the value of education and the joy of learning new things. The state must assist them. All families operate within a system of values. These values are moral, ethical, and social. We are guaranteed the right to define them independently when they do not injure others. However, most of us were aghast to see the text sent to the school shooter by his mother that said, Dont get caught. While we know that too much wrongdoing goes unnoticed, advancing the notion that it is a virtue not to get caught is a terrible idea. Didnt we wish that the state had intervened before anyone was shot? We all have influences our family and friends cant control, and parents can insulate us from using them to make bad decisions by encouraging critical thinking. A just society only steps in when values have led to negative consequences even if it is often too late. Its Lincoln Day season all across the state of Idaho. Washington, Gem, and Idaho counties have already held their annual dinners while the rest of the counties will follow over the next two months. The Lincoln Day Dinner is a wonderful Idaho tradition where you can meet your neighbors, lawmakers, and candidates while supporting your local Republican Party. We are not a top down organization, rather we serve the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of voters throughout the state who believe in faith, family, and freedom. The Precinct Committeemen and volunteers you meet at your local Lincoln Day Dinner are the grassroots of the GOP. Lincoln Days honor the legacy of our 16th president, a man who faced the greatest crisis in our nations history. Abraham Lincoln was not a career politician, nor was he considered one of the great men of the age prior to his election. He was born in a simple log cabin and grew up in poverty, teaching himself grammar, history, and the law. His time in Congress was short, and his race for the Senate a failure. Yet it was this man who was chosen by the Republican Party to lead in 1860, with our nation teetering on a knifes edge. The election of 1860 was not easy. Lincoln did not even appear on the ballot in the southern states. Yet he won a majority of electoral votes against three different Democrats and immediately inherited a broken nation. You know the rest of the story. Through sheer grit and determination, along with a wisdom that came not from high society but from time-honored tradition and the timeless books he was always reading, Abraham Lincoln preserved the union and ended slavery, which the first Republican platform called a relic of barbarism. The Republican Party formed in the 1850s because the existing parties had no answers to questions of slavery and secession. Our first platform declared the partys support for the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While todays platform deals with new social problems, those principles remain the same, and the Idaho Republican Party is proud to fight for them every day. I hope to see you all this Saturday in Coeur dAlene as we celebrate those principles at the Kootenai County Lincoln Day Dinner, always one of the premier events in our state. The following week will be Canyon County, who has partnered with Ada County for their dinner at the Idaho Center in Nampa, as well as Owyhee Countys Lincoln Day Lunch, and the following day Elmore, Twin Falls and Jerome Counties are hosting their Lincoln Day. You can find the list of events on our website. No matter where you live, there is a Republican Party near you, and you are more than welcome to join them this spring to help build a stronger party that will continue the fight for faith, family, and freedom. For democracy to work, elected leaders must have the freedom to act in the best interest of their constituents. This bedrock principle is now being severely undermined by Idahos House GOP leadership. Were seeing historic levels of strong-arming around votes behind closed doors and harsh punishment for dissent. With the Idaho House looking more like the dysfunctional U.S. House of Representatives, there are harmful repercussions for Idahoans. At the heart of the conflict is our Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. The committees recent departure from our decades-old budget-setting process consolidates power in the hands of a few people. The committee co-chairs are ramming through skeletal budgets they constructed without study and input from other committee members. Skeletal budgets leave out critical investments like raises earned by educators through Idahos teacher career ladder, the LAUNCH scholarships propelling young Idahoans to in-demand careers, and certain transportation funds. While the co-chairs claim they will go back and plug budget holes, services are now at risk. The first House vote on a skeletal budget was a test case. The bill passed 38-31 (with all 11 Democrats opposed), showing many Republicans objected to the new budget-setting scheme. Thats when the hammer came down. The next day saw an unprecedented vote on the House Floor in support of Speaker Moyle. The motion to retain the speaker received unanimous yes votes because no one was willing to fall into the trap of expressing disloyalty publicly. The Legislative Services Office couldnt find any other instances of such a motion in state history. Immediately after, in a private caucus, House Republicans ousted the first female majority leader because she was among those opposing the new budgeting scheme. Research turned up only one other instance of a leadership change in the middle of a session, which occurred when a Senate leader was battling cancer. By making a historic example of the majority leader, the speaker sent a chilling message about the consequences of dissent. Skeletal budgets for different agencies are now zooming across the House Floor. Almost all pass on party-line votes, signaling Republicans are under immense pressure to toe the line. This budget scheme has given Speaker Moyle the singular power to block second-round funding bills that plug budget holes. It wont matter what the Legislature as a whole wants because he can prevent votes from even taking place. And the speaker is on the record opposing LAUNCH scholarships, Medicaid services, and other crucial investments that make life better for Idahoans. The stakes are high, and the need for a government that faithfully represents the people is more crucial than ever. Idaho Democrats will continue to vote our conscience and defend a strong, transparent democracy. - Advertisement - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Taiwanese fugitive wanted by authorities in Taipei for corrupt practices he allegedly committed when he was an officer in the Taiwanese army. In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco identified the captured fugitive as Li Chen Yu, 36, who was arrested in Bgy. Banilad, Cebu City by joint operatives from the BIs fugitive search unit (FSU) and the police criminal investigation and detection group (CIDG). Tansingco said the arresting officers were armed with a warrant of deportation that he signed pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI Board of Commissioners issued against Li in December 2021. Aside from issuing a deportation order, the board also ordered his inclusion in our blacklist and banned him from re-entering the country for being an undesirable alien, the BI chief added. According to the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila, the fugitive is subject of an arrest warrant by the Taoyuan district prosecutors office in Taiwan due to charges that he violated his countrys anti-corruption law and criminal code. - Advertisement - Li allegedly committed the offense when he served as a captain in the military dependent service division of the Taiwans 6th Army Command wherein among his duties was to receive lease inquiries and applications from members of the public. However, he reportedly abused his position and committed fraud by forging lease contracts of lands reserved for dependents of military servicemen. Li also allegedly pocketed proceeds that he illegally obtained from rental payments and deposits from lease applicants which amounted to more than 4 million Taiwanese dollars, or nearly US$128,000. A check of Lis travel records showed that he last arrived in the country on March 8, 2020, thus he is already an overstaying alien. He is also undocumented due to the revocation of his passport by the Taiwanese government. The Taiwanese was later committed to the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City where he will remain until he is deported. - Advertisement - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, known for his dedication to the less fortunate, received Frances highest honor, the Legion of Honor, in a Rome ceremony. According to a post on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Ambassador Florence Mangin presented the Officer rank, praising Tagles unwavering concern for the poor throughout his career, citing his social projects and advocacy. Its his journey, his commitments, his soulful qualities that France recognizes, Mangin stated. She highlighted Tagles initiatives supporting victims of violence, addiction, natural disasters, and migrants. His closeness to the humblest and to youth shines, she added. Even in Rome, he remembers his homeland and its suffering people. Philippine Ambassador Myla Grace Macahilig, Father Gregory Ramon Gaston, and Filipino priests from various orders witnessed the ceremony. - Advertisement - Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to society. - Advertisement - MUNICHUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over Beijings backing for Russias war against Ukraine on Friday in talkswith Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi, who called for Washington to lift sanctions on Chinese entities. Blinken and Wangs meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference follows an extremely fraught period between the two giants over issues including Taiwan, trade and human rights. Washington and Beijing have also been at odds over Chinas detente with Russia as Moscow wages war in Ukraine. But tensions have eased markedly over the past year as Washington pursued dialogue with Beijing. Blinken underlined the importance of continuing to implement the progress made at a November summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. - Advertisement - He also raised the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, the spokesman added. Wang echoed Blinkens sentiments about the Biden-Xi summit, saying both sides needed to work to promote a sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations, according to a readout from Chinas foreign ministry. The ministry said the two held candid, substantive and constructive discussions, with Wang calling on the United States to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals. Wang also urged the US to stop unwarranted harassment and interrogation of Chinese citizens and to promote activities that enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, the ministry said. On Russia, Blinken raised US concerns that Moscow was developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon an issue he also brought up at a separate meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Washington publicly addressed the space-based weapon on Thursday, with Moscow denying the assertions as malicious and unfounded. At meetings with Wang and Jaishankar, Blinken emphasized that the pursuit of this capability should be a matter of concern, said the US official, adding he planned to raise the issue at Munich Security Conference meetings. While Beijing still resents US measures such as the banning of exports of advanced semiconductors, relations between the two giants have stabilized somewhat since Biden met Xi in San Francisco in November. Making good on a commitment made during the summit, a US delegation held an inaugural meeting in February in China on the flow of fentanyl, the powerful painkiller behind an addiction epidemic in the United States. US officials believe China wants to focus on economic headwinds at home and that it acted with relative moderation during last months elections in Taiwan. - Advertisement - PH accuses Chinese boats of dangerous actions Chinese fishers have been using cyanide in Bajo de Masinloc to intentionally destroy the traditional fishing grounds of Filipinos, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chief information officer Nazario Briguera said. Briguera said parts of the resource-rich area has been destroyed. The Philippines also accused Chinese coast guard ships of dangerous maneuvers after they repeatedly blocked a Filipino vessel delivering supplies to fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, on Thursday and Friday. Bajo de Masinloc has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. Since then, Beijing has deployed patrol boats that Manila said harass Philippine vessels and prevent Filipino fishermen from reaching a lagoon where fish are more plentiful. In the latest incidents, a Chinese navy ship, China Coast Guard vessels and other Chinese boats shadowed the BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot that was bringing food and fuel to Filipino fishermen, allowing them to spend more time at sea and pursue a larger catch. - Advertisement - The Datu Tamblot and the China Coast Guard vessels issued repeated radio challenges to each other, with each side accusing the other of encroaching into their territorial waters. On four occasions, Chinese coast guard vessels briefly blocked the Datu Tamblot by crossing its bow and stopping in its path as it neared the shoal. Its not permitted for any vessel to cross the bow of another vessel because it is very dangerous, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said. Tarriela, who is the coast guards spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said such actions could cause a collision. Despite the Chinese actions, the Datu Tamblot was able to get within a few kilometers of the shoal and deliver 21,000 liters (5,550 gallons) of diesel and other provisions to 19 Filipino fishing boats, Tarriela said. President Marcos has ordered the PCG and BFAR to maintain the countrys presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), in particular in Bajo de Masinloc, amid Chinas continued presence in Philippine waters, Tarriela said. It is now the guidance of our President to have a rational deployment between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to maintain our presence in Bajo de Masinloc, he said. Our objective here is to protect the Filipino fishermen. To make sure that Filipino fisherfolk can continue fishing at the Bajo de Masinloc. Our objective is not to provoke anybody, not to escalate the tension in Bajo de Masinloc, Tarriela added. Briguera also expressed confidence the rotational deployment in Bajo de Masinloc will improve fisheries output in the West Philippine Sea. We are confident that if there is really the presence of the government and the fisherfolk are observing that they are being supported, their morale will be boosted. We are seeing that the production in the West Philippine Sea will improve, he said. Scarborough Shoal is 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of the Philippines main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan. China claims almost the entire sea and has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis. The incidents came after tense standoffs between China and the Philippines around disputed reefs in the South China Sea last year that saw collisions between vessels from the two countries and Chinese ships blasting water cannons at Philippine boats. With AFP - Advertisement - IN A strategic partnership seen to shape the future of sustainable mobility, Dragonpay, the pioneer in alternative payments in the Philippines, has teamed up with Gogoro Philippines, a trailblazer in revolutionizing electric vehicles. Dragonpay serves as the official payments partner of Gogoro, reinforcing their commitment to streamlining transactions and facilitating the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions. Gogoro Philippines, a joint venture of Globes 917Ventures Inc., Ayala Corporation and Gogoro Taiwan, aims to address commuter challenges, provide a clean transport option, and deliver a superior riding experience for Filipinos. At Gogoro Philippines, our mission is to empower cities with sustainable mobility solutions that are open and accessible. We believe that embracing eco-friendly choices in transportation is a crucial step towards shaping a more sustainable future for the Philippines, said Bernie Llamzon, President and CEO of Gogoro Philippines. Gogoros Smartscooters harness the power of Gogoros ingenious battery-swapping platform. This innovation allows users to effortlessly swap drained batteries for newly charged ones within seconds, marking a milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. While traditional forms of transport still dominate in the Philippines, the electric vehicle industry is gaining traction. The governments proactive stance is exemplified by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) enacted in 2022, which sets the stage for EV growth leading to a reduction on fossil fuels reliance and offset rising fuel prices. - Advertisement - Robertson Chiang, Founder and CEO of Dragonpay, stated, This collaboration not only signifies a pivotal step in advancing electric vehicle technology but also emphasizes Dragonpays commitment to providing convenience for users through online payments enabling the crucial shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options. This partnership not only positions Dragonpay as a reliable partner in payments but also highlights Gogoro Philippines commitment to sustainable transportation. It represents a stride towards a future where convenient, sustainable mobility is not just a vision but a reality. Using a Gogoro Smartscooter has been made convenient for customers. Simply visit any Gogoro GoStation, and pay for energy plans through the Gogoro App using GCash or Credit Card, all powered by Dragonpay. Get ready for a world-class payment experience coupled with world class EVs when you ride your first Gogoro. MCPS production Martinsville City Public Schools' Performing Arts Academy will perform Disney's "The Little Mermaid Jr." on March 1-3. In this show, adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, tells the tale of Ariel and her aquatic friends and is an enchanting look at the sacrifices people make for love and acceptance. Ariel longs to venture out of her ocean home, leave he fins behind and explore the world above on land. To do this, she defies her father, King Triton, and makes a deal with an evil sea witch, Ursula. Along the way she convinces Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. The cast includes: Kamori Dillard as Ariel, Max Rorrer as Prince Eric, Monica Watkins as Ursula, Jyshir Plunkett as Sebastian, Tristen Williams as King Triton, Bridgett Brent as Flounder, Ava Grant as Scuttle, Gavin Luther as Grimsby, KeAndrius Beal as Flotsam, Samson Ray as Jetsam, Kiara Womack as Carlotta and Caesar Draper and Pilot and Chef Louis. The Mersisters include: Zion Perkins, Jordan Foster, Mallori Lowe, Zoey Hannans, Hazel Moore and Jacey Pamintuan. The ensemble members will be: Aubree Carter, Hailey Coleman, Archer Deatherage, Christopher DeJesus, Heaven Dillard, Mi'Kayla Eccles, Jaidence Hairston, Roderick Hairston, Zoe Jones, J'Amira Lockett, Skyla Martin, Sariyah Millner, Christian Millner, Jayona Moore, Taylor Moore, Jesmari Morales, Mariah Mose, Zaylee Myers-Wells, Leonna Penn, Symphony Phillips, Jeremiah Porter, Josiah Porter, King Ray, Lily Rorrer, De'Coyia Smith, Emery Taylor, Paris Turner and Arianna Ybarra. Show dates are: March 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. and March 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $12 starting March 1 at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets visit https://our.show/mcpstlmj. Preschool galleries On the morning of Feb. 8, local preschoolers and trusted adults gathered in the Piedmont Arts galleries for a performance. Surrounded by the quilts of Gees Bend, Carlisle Schools youth theatre group, Zip Zap Zop, performed a selection of songs and scenes designed to teach young children about Valentines Day, Groundhogs Day and Dr. Seuss. Children got up and danced with the performers and participated verbally in other educational activities and stories. Preschool in the Galleries is a series of programs for pre-K students designed to foster a love of the performing and visual arts at a young age. Performances are free of charge to students and schools and frequently feature performers from area schools and organizations. Events get scheduled regularly with more information available on PiedmontArts.org. E-mail Education Coordinator Christiana Jarrett at CJarrett@PiedmontArts.org to sign up for future dates. Piedmont Arts is a nonprofit art museum in Martinsville, Virginia that inspires and engages the diverse Martinsville-Henry County community and surrounding areas through visual arts, performing arts and arts education. Piedmont Arts is a statewide partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Piedmont Arts programming is partially supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Piedmont Arts is located at 215 Starling Ave., Martinsville. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Broadband funding Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, announced Wednesday that the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded $700,000 to Patrick County for the West Piedmont Planning District Commission Universal Broadband Project. Plans for the project include the installation of 101 miles of fiber, which will provide service to 3,424 locations around Patrick County, a release from Griffith's office stated. "The $700,000 awarded by ARC today will assist in the expansion of broadband services to unserved and underserved areas of Patrick County," said Griffith. "Once completed, this project will provide access to 3,424 homes and businesses in Patrick County, greatly improving the quality of life of residents in this increasingly digital age." According to ARC, this project will result in 3,312 new residential connections, 102 new business connections, and 10 new community anchor connections. Total project funding is $7,544,000 when combining ARC, state, local and private sources. Rezoning request approved The Henry County Planning Commission, on Wednesday, approved a request by Christy L. Harbour to rezone property from Suburban Residential to Neighborhood Commercial. Harbour applied to have approximately three acres at 74 Seminole Drive in the Reed Creek District rezoned in order to relocate her existing business providing wellness-based spa services. The recommendation by the commission for approval now goes before the Henry County Board of Supervisors for consideration. The GLAS Trust Co. LLC has filed suit seeking to recover $226.2 million from Martinsville-based Carter Bank & Trust. The lawsuit, filed Monday with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, claims the money is from legally improper transfers made to Carter Bank from Bluestone Resources Inc., Bluestone Coal Sales Corp., Blackstone Energy, Ltd. and related Bluestone entities. GLAS claims the Bluestone operations satisfied debts to Carter Bank for which the companies were not legally liable and paid with financing from Greensill Capital. GLAS names itself as the note trustee for the source of the financing through notes purchased by investors. The action relates to the ongoing efforts by Carter Bank to collect debts from West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, his family and family businesses, including the Bluestone entities. The lawsuit makes clear that while GLAS believes the Bluestone entities are entitled to pay debt they may owe Carter Bank, the transfer of money to settle personal debt by the Justice family is improper. The suit states that Justice, his wife Cathy, and his son James Justice III own a network of more than 100 companies that range from coal mining to hospitality to agriculture. GLAS alleges the Bluestone entities transferred money they did not owe on three occasions. The company claims on Sept. 28, 2018, Bluestone paid $8.6 million above what it owed Carter Bank and on Dec. 13, 2018, there was a transfer of approximately $179 million to Carter Bank to settle several other Justice entities. Finally, GLAS claims sometime between the first and last payment, another $38.6 million was paid by Bluestone to the Justices, who, in turn, paid Carter Bank to satisfy secured loans. As a result, the insolvent Bluestone entities received nothing of value in exchange for the transfers and sank deeper into insolvency, the suit claims. GLAS claims that Carter Bank knew it was receiving money from companies that were not obligated to pay back the loans, but still accepted the money. It ignored these red flags and forced the Justices to make these unlawful transfers anyway, the lawsuit alleges. That was a great result for Carter Bank, but a bad (and unlawful) result for the actual creditors of the Bluestone Entities, such as the Noteholders on whose behalf GLAS, as Note Trustee, brings this complaint. GLAS accuses Carter Bank of fraudulent conveyance of funds under state law. As a result, Bluestone quit making payments to Greensill in March, 2021, forcing Greensill into bankruptcy, and the noteholders stopped receiving payments due on their notes. Currently, GLAS maintains at least $700 million is due it by Bluestone. A complaint seeking an injunction on behalf of the Justices Greenbrier Sporting Club in White Sulphur Springs was filed Feb. 7 in Greenbrier County Circuit Court attempting to halt Carter Banks plans to auction off land and recover more than $300 million on defaulted business loans by the Justice family. The complaint asks the court to delay the auction until it hears claims by the Justice family against Carter Bank. A federal lawsuit filed by the Justice companies in November against Carter Bank is still pending. The Justice family claims that Carter Bank blocked or sabotaged the attempts by the family to seek financing with other lenders. Banks have an obligation to their shareholders and the financial system to collect in full all amounts that are due and owing to them, the bank stated in a filing in January with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. A published legal notice in the Feb. 6 edition of the Charleston Gazette-Mail by Carter Bank has set March 5 as the date when land at Greenbrier will be auctioned outside the courthouse of Greenbrier County in Lewisburg. Justice, the two-term Republican governor of West Virginia, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Joe Manchin, on Feb. 7 described the latest developments with Carter Bank beyond belief terrible. Participants in the Parliamentary Conference on South-South Cooperation held in Rabat Feb.15-16 expressed hailed King Mohammed VIs initiative to enhance access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel nations. The participants, representing national parliaments and parliamentary unions from Arab, African, and Latin American nations, commended the international initiative of King Mohammed VI aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean. We commend and welcome the international initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI aimed at promoting access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, and emphasize the urgent need to address substantial infrastructure and investment in the Atlantic region of Africa, said the Speakers and members of the Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and Arab world (ASSECAA), and representatives of Regional and Continental Parliamentary Unions in Africa, the Arab World and Latin American in the Final Declaration adopted by the conference. They lauded in the Final Declaration the pioneering role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in launching and supporting all development and solidarity initiatives aimed at sustaining South-South cooperation. The Atlantic Initiative, which aims to establish a robust institutional framework bringing together the 23 countries of the continent bordering the Atlantic Ocean, will position Moroccos Atlantic coast as a pivotal hub for bolstering logistical connectivity among the countries of the South by both maritime and air routes, they stressed. Enhanced logistical connections are poised to facilitate the exchange of goods, optimize investment flows in Southern countries, and bring production chains closer to sources of wealth and raw materials, particularly within the Afro-Arab-Latin American geo-economic space, which hosts a variety of resources and raw materials. Furthermore, the parliamentarians called for drawing inspiration from such initiatives to bolster South-South coordination, cooperation, and solidarity among African, Arab, Latin American, and Caribbean nations. This collaboration would extend to various domains including sovereignty, energy, food and health security, economic exchanges, sustainable development, as well as developing institutional channels for ongoing coordination and dialogue. The participants also emphasized the critical need to address significant infrastructural deficits and investments in the African Atlantic region. African parliamentarians attending the conference commended Moroccos leading role in promoting and strengthening South-South cooperation and highlighted the Sovereigns commitment and unconditional support for the integration and development of both the continent and the countries of the South. They stressed the importance of South-South cooperation in meeting the challenges facing these countries, including poverty, food insecurity, climate change and armed conflict. Attending Arab MPs on their part underscored Moroccos continuous endeavors to strengthen the climate of understanding and dialogue between brotherly and friendly countries in order to realize the aspirations of peoples for further security, stability and prosperity. The Kingdom also endeavors to establish the best strategic partnerships to help accelerate economic development, they said. The conference was held under the theme The Role of National Parliaments and Regional and Continental Parliamentary Unions in Africa, the Arab World, and Latin America in Promoting Strategic Partnerships and Achieving Integration and Common Development. It brought together over 260 participants from 40 countries, including 30 Speakers of national parliaments and regional and continental parliamentary unions from Africa, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Caribbean. People look at an Infiniti's Vision Qe all-electric concept car during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People look at a RAM electric truck during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People view professional charging equipment during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) A boy looks at a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric car during the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) People visit the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 2024. The annual 2024 Canadian International AutoShow kicked off here on Friday to showcase the latest innovations, trends and advancements in the automotive world with the participation of 45 automotive brands. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) I write this from Hana, Maui, Hawaii, as I approach the end of my third stint serving as winter kahu (pastor) at a small United Church of Christ church called Wananalua. This is a very small membership church which cannot afford a full-time residential pastor, so we have come up with a quarterly rotating kahu hui (pastoral team) who return yearly so we get to know the folks here and they us. Hana is in far eastern Maui, opposite on the island from the immensely tragic fires of Lahaina last August. And tragic it was and shocking to the people of Maui. The rebuilding goes forward but residual fears about how vulnerable our land is in this time of climate change is palatable over here. Hawaii is the most isolated heavily populated archipelago in the world and people who live on the islands seem to have a particular reverence for the land that holds and nourishes them. Hawaiians have a wonderful ethic called "Aloha Aina," which means love of the land, and they seem to hold that ethic naturally and strongly. Hawaii was unpopulated by humans until Micronesians, sometime around 1,300 years ago, landed here in outrigger canoes and established what we now call Hawaiian culture. The first European influence was the British Captain Cook in the late 17th century, followed then by the whaling industry and then the missionaries who established Wananalua and other churches throughout the islands of Hawaii. Like Indigenous cultures all around the world, the new outsiders soon became the "overseers" of what was already here. Hawaiian culture is always endangered by the overwhelming influence of land exploitation, outside economic control and even things like tourism. And yet, in the midst of such a fragile time and in such a fragile place, I am heartened and so informed by the power of these Hawaiian folk. Aloha is not just a greeting. It is a spirit. The culture is expansive particularly in a remote place like Hana and all about living in balance with the land and each other. Wananalua is a Hawaiian church, meaning it is a historic church (founded in 1838!) and its heritage honors Hawaiian tradition and culture and its worship services are partially led in the beautiful Hawaiian language along with hymns from a Hawaiian language hymnal. It has been a great opportunity to serve here and learn of Hawaiian culture in a remote small town where the majority of folks are Native. The church here was built in 1842 and stands tall and majestic amid the swaying palms. I am humbled in knowing that the oldest standing building in all of Montana is Fort Connah, the log cabin north of St. Ignatius, built four years after Wananalua in 1846! These folk have a way of holding on to what is precious to them. When what we hold as precious is threatened with events like what happened in Lahaina and like all the aina with climate change and other ecological issues, I know I have much to learn from this place. And I give mahalo (thanks). Aloha, Peter Shober The Fort Peck Indian Reservation received a shipment of 116 Yellowstone bison during the week of Feb. 5. The transfer included 108 males, four females and four calves and brings the total number of the park's bison provided to the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes to 414. The wild bison are captured and corralled in the Gardiner Basin, just north of Yellowstone National Park. There they must pass a series of quarantine protocols to ensure they are brucellosis-free, a disease that can cause pregnant animals to abort. The bison in the latest shipment were under quarantine at an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) facility. After passing their last round of quarantine at the reservation, the bison are available to other tribes. So far, 26 tribes in 12 states have taken part in the program through the InterTribal Buffalo Council. The Bison Conservation Transfer Program was created in 2018. In 2023 the Park Service opened an expanded quarantine facility able to hold 200 animals. Live transfers of bison are one of the ways to control the park's population. In the past, the Park Service has also captured and shipped animals to slaughter, with the meat provided to participating tribes. Hunting is also allowed outside the park in Montana. Last winter, heavy snow and cold weather prompted an estimated 4,100 bison to migrate toward the Gardiner Basin. Almost 1,200 bison were killed, the majority by hunters from five tribes exercising treaty rights. Another 282 were placed in quarantine and 88 were shipped to slaughter. Following the large reduction and spring births, the park's bison population was estimated at around 4,800 animals last fall. With a milder winter, less snow and fewer bison, not as many have migrated out of the park this winter. Tribes control their own hunts with some continuing into spring. Montana's public bison hunt ends on Feb. 15. As of Feb. 14, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks had tallied only 15 bison killed by state hunters, two bulls in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and 13 (three females and 10 males) killed near West Yellowstone. The Park Service released a draft environmental impact state on its Bison Management Plan for review last year. More than 2,700 comments were submitted. The agency plans to have a final environmental impact statement available by June. The state of Montana has threatened a lawsuit over the plan as well as reconsidering the bison tolerance zones outside the park. Headframe fundraiser to support nonprofits In honor of their Leap Year birthday, Headframe Spirits at 21 S. Montana St., will be fundraising for three local nonprofits throughout February. Every dollar donated is matched by Headframe and a local partner, turning $1 into $3. Headframe employees have chosen Butte Spay/Neuter Task Force (matched up to $500 by Water & Environmental Technologies), Hungry Hill Art Center (matched up to $500 by Citizens Alliance Bank), and the World Museum of Mining (match up to 100% by the Butte Chamber of Commerce). Stop by to donate at 21 S. Montana St., or go to the Headframe website. A tally of donations will be made at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 29, at Headframe. For the past 12 years, Headframe has donated over $368,000 to local organizations and charities. Butte Animal Shelter lists January stats These January statistics are from the Butte Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Ave. The information is provided by the shelter. DOGS Turned in by owners: 0 Picked up and turned in by residents: 2 Picked up by animal control officer: 27 Adopted: 6 Reclaimed by owners: 18 Sent to foster/transfer: 4 fostered Died/euthanized: 1 euthanized CATS Turned in by owners: 6 Picked up and turned in by residents: 8 Picked up by animal control officer: 13 Adopted: 15 Reclaimed by owners: 3 Sent to foster/transfer: 3 fostered; 5 transferred Died/euthanized: 5 euthanized CPRs monthly meeting set for Tuesday Butte Citizens for Preservation & Revitalization will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Butte CPR office at 27 W. Park St. The public is also welcome to attend. Car seat clinic set for Wednesday The monthly childrens car seat clinic is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Uptown Fire Station, Montana and Galena streets. Car seats will be checked for correct installation, making sure the seat matches your childs weight and age, recall information and more. For details, call Taylor Pesanti of the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department at 406-497-5078. Area governments are inviting the public to an open presentation next week on the results of the Muscatine County Housing Market Analysis. On Wednesday, February 21 at 6 p.m. at the Merrill Hotel, the public is invited to attend an open presentation being held by the Muscatine City Council, Muscatine County Board of Supervisors and the Muscatine Board of Education. In August 2023, it was announced that Muscatine County and the cities of Muscatine, Wilton and West Liberty had partnered with Atlas Community Studios, an Iowa-based strategic planning and economic development firm, to perform a housing market analysis on the county and individual communities. I had a great time doing this project with all of the community, and we received a lot of good feedback too, so Im very happy with the participation that we got from the public side and from local officials and employers. Im excited to present what we found and what were going to recommend, Megan Tebbe, Atlas Project Coordinator said. The need for more quality and affordable housing is present throughout the county, City Communications Manager Kevin Jenison said. This is one of the driving factors if we want to see our county grow and keep people here instead of seeing them commute from another location to work in Muscatine," he said. "We want to provide our workers with adequate housing. According to Atlas, the housing market analysis was formed using existing plans and studies, community input and local, regional and national data. In addition to providing the community and its communities with a better understanding of their unique housing challenges, the report will also present possible options and opportunities for development and rehabilitation within each community. Tabbe said some of the results found during the study were similar to what Atlas has already been seeing at a national level in terms of there being a lack of housing units for both homeowners and renters. It kind of varied depending on which community but overall the county is just lacking in units for pretty much all income ranges," she said. Tabbe went on to say she felt it was important for the public to hear the results from the analysis and the recommendations, emphasizing that these will be pertinent to the county as well as specific community needs. It also will provide residents with additional awareness. She also noted that the report will have some high-level demographic information within it that may not be as well-known and as such may help combat some misconception some people may have. Even if you may already know the general sense that housing is very difficult for everyone right now, I also think its important for people to come and hear the recommendations because what were going to be recommending is not just strategies for the cities to implement, its definitely a very collaborative and holistic view that will involve bringing in employers and partnering as communities to help tackle these issues, Tabbe said. Following the conclusion of the project in February, Jenison explained both county and city officials will likely continue reviewing the study as they work up a game plan to address the issues that have been brought to light through the analysis project. Though he was unable to give specific details, he also said that officials will likely continue to involve the public and the input of residents in their plans. The city, county and school district are all already involved in this, and whatever plan they and the other communities of Wilton and West Liberty come up with, its going to be a team effort and part of that team is our citizens, so I imagine there will be ways for citizens to be involved, Jenison said. WASHINGTON 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 Associations 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. Now, one of the top children's hospitals in the country, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens 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. Unless governments do something more meaningful, more significant than they have done to date, its inevitable that itll get worse, Callow said. Callow believes the government should ban cyberattack victims such as hospitals, local governments and schools from paying ransoms. Theres so much money being paid into the ransomware system now theres no way the problem is going to simply go away on itself, he said. The dramatic increase in these online raids has prompted the nations 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 information to 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 doesnt have a precise dollar amount its seeking. Its important to note that this has to come with resources," Palm said. "We cant 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 hospitals 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, Luries surgeons operated on Jason Castillos 7-month-old daughter mostly by hand, without some of the high-tech devices usually used. His daughters 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. Shes 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, its not simply a matter of flicking a switch and everything comes back on." Business email compromise attacks are on the rise. Here's how to avoid getting duped. Business email compromise attacks are on the rise. Here's how to avoid getting duped. BEC complaints grew by 13% in recent years BEC attacks open the door for more than just malware How to avoid becoming the victim of a social engineering attack like BEC Recovering from a BEC attack A client of mine asked me to design the inside of his new garage extra tall to stack his collection of antique cars. When I designed Ken Behrings home for 10 cars, we looked into mechanically stacked auto lifts in his garage to save space. The past owner of the Seattle Seahawks loved cars enough to create the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, with 90 of the worlds most unique and expensive cars. There was just too little evidence of success for placing $500,000 cars on top of one another. We scratched that idea quickly. However, stacked car systems have come a long way and make a lot of sense for homeowners, but may not be the best idea commercially for office buildings and hotels. For a homeowner, this is perfect for storing that boat only taken out once a year on the Fourth. Eleven to 12 clearance is required and up to 15 for SUVs with 9 width between post supports. Dont forget the 12 required for the overhead garage door. The cost varies considerably depending upon the existing foundation and the vehicles or boats to be supported. Assuming one has the space for a lift in their existing garage or in a new garage, figure $15,000 to $20,000. This is not a toy. Any homeowner planning on installing and operating such a unit must be thoroughly trained and should be certified in order to maintain and operate such equipment. There are multiple safety regulations, and, like taxes, the rules change every year. It is recommended that a homeowner inspect constantly for excess dirt and grease, rust, scratches, burrs, cracks, and bent or damaged components, and check electrical connections and power cords and most important, check the emergency stop. Some companies require the homeowner to take a class which makes a lot of sense. After all, you don't want that old car waiting for restoration or boat to collapse on your new Mercedes. For commercial uses it could be a game changer. Parking facilities area could be reduced up to 30% for two-car stackers, and 50% for three-car stackers, driving lanes are still required. Any commercial facility such as office, retail or hospitality will clearly require knowledgeable valet attendants to receive a car, park in a slot, leave the car keys, raise the vehicle and allow another car to park below. Retrieving the vehicle will take just as long. Stack parking is a great idea for utilizing space in commercial areas as land prices soar. But the processing and construction of the facilities is not cheap, figuring close to $80,000 a unit, plus all the training for attendants. Of course, a big question is what to do in a power failure and if the system has the ability to remove cars manually. Some units do have hand cranks but that only ups the price. Interestingly, I had conversations with one manufacturer who noted the state of Californias march to all electric will require various levels of EV charging to be available in all parking facilities. Handicapped parking gets even more complicated. It would appear that every parking space would have to have its own universal charging station, or if providing only a plug, owners would have to bring their own cable for charging. I looked into the option of stacked parking for apartments, and I could not find any companies that have successfully installed a system in California. Since these systems require an attendant operating them, for our typical suburban apartment complex of less than 50 units per acre, it does not appear practical except in high density urban areas. So, multifamily apartments are not candidates for stacked parking. I looked into hospitality stacked parking systems in California and because hotels are already heavy labor users there are a few examples of functioning stacked parking in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and LA, but the cost and training requirements generally do not work for suburban or even high tourist destinations. Its easier to have remote parking with valets running back and forth. Another option for high density parking is the rotary elevator structures that work like a Ferris wheel. They can hold up to 16 units and revolve to open and receive an automobile. Interestingly this kind of system has been around since 1920 in Europe. Its popularity is based on 16 car spaces in a two-car footprint. They are mechanically simple, relatively easy to install and operate. Highly adaptable to existing outdoor parking lots, they should be valet operated for safety. So, lets consider where mechanically stacked parking works: Apartments? No. Offices and retail? A qualified maybe. Hospitality? A highly qualified maybe. Single family homes? Yes. It all depends on who is operating and taking responsibility for the performance. After all, nobody wants to be the pioneer with the arrows in his back. Holding a penny on his back, with the click of a small lever, the biblical Jonah throws his offering into the open mouth of the cast iron whale, which then swallows the coin with a satisfying clink. This is my favorite mechanical bank, said Charles Hall of Napa. Thats saying a lot, because Hall owns hundreds of the antique cast iron banks. Hes collected the vintage mechanical banks, and hundreds of other old toys, for more than 30 years. When he ran out of room at home to display his treasures, Hall came up with a clever solution: he opened his own vintage toy museum. Named the Napa Toy Museum, it officially opened on Feb. 2 at 964 Pearl St. in the former Bookmine space. I just wanted to share my collection with the world, said Hall. And I felt like Napa needed something different something to look at instead of just to drink or eat. The museum features only part of Halls total collection, which totals more than 750 items. As of the opening, he estimated that more than 500 vintage toys are on display in 19 brand new glass cabinets. The toys date from the 1890s to the 1960s. Hall, 73, is funding the museum personally. The semi-retired entrepreneur has owned a number of laundromats and other enterprises. He modestly says that "through hard work and good fortune I've done well. He estimates it will cost about $150,000 a year to run the museum, which signed a five-year, market-rate lease in the Lazarus building. Admission runs from $4 to $8 and kids under age 8 are free. He purposely kept that fee low so that more people can visit, and as often as they like, said Hall. Napa biz buzz: Napa Toy Museum to open in downtown Napa The Napa Toy Museum plans to open in December on Pearl Street in downtown Napa. The new museum will feature toys from the late 1800s to around 1960. The museum displays a wide range of toys, but also other interesting objects of the past, he said. That includes the cast iron banks, but also toy cars, animals, houses, ships, cartoon characters, sewing machines, weapons, rockets, motorcycles, bicycles and science kits. One standout is an elaborate wooden Noahs Ark (with 300 pieces) from the 1890s. Hall also displays patent models and salesman samples both of which are miniature versions of life-sized items such a washing machines, farm equipment and other appliances. Each case has a different theme such as cast iron banks, penny toys, wind-up toys, girls toys, space toys, science toys, toys made in Germany and even chocolate molds. The museum does not shy away from some toys' controversial history. One section displays racist examples of African, Asian and Native American people that were produced into the 1900s. Charles Hall acknowledged that some of them are "violently racist," but said they were looking for historical accuracy. And Maggie Hall noted the racist toys are intentionally kept separate from the rest of the collection. "We don't support this," she said. "But this is history. If we just whitewash things and don't look at history, and see that, yes, this does exist, then that's not going to help us in solving this problem." Framed vintage game boards with colorful graphics and images decorate the space between cabinets. Asked what he loves about vintage toys, Hall said I like the search for them as much as I like the toys. Its the excitement of the hunt. He also likes to see how the toys work. With mechanical banks, I just like the variations of mechanical banks, there are so many different ideas and ways they decided to make a bank and make it interesting. And the mechanisms; some of them are just fascinating. Halls spouse, Maggie Hall, is the other half of this venture. Maggie Hall said that she was somewhat surprised when her husband told her he wanted to open a museum. I was flabbergasted, she admitted. That seems like it would be a lot of work, she remembered telling him. Really for some time, I attempted to talk him out of it but I was unsuccessful, said Maggie Hall. So I joined the endeavor. It wasnt all smooth sailing. Charles Hall said he originally hoped to open the museum in December. But that launch had to be delayed due to an unfortunate accident. While installing the alarm system at the museum, Hall fell off of a ladder and fractured some ribs and his hip. To his wifes chagrin, Hall drove himself home and downplayed the fall. That is, until she took a good look at him and announced, We are going to the hospital. Both said theyre happy the museum is now open for business. I'm really amazed, at how it all turned out, said Maggie Hall. Even she was surprised at some of the items they unboxed for display. Im very excited, said Charles Hall. I'm glad that that the hard part is over. Now Im interested to see if community, if the tourists, like it or dont, he said. Napa Toy Museum 964 Pearl St., Napa Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: charles@napatoymuseum.com Do you remember putting these Hall of Fame Toys on your Christmas list? 1950: Radio Flyer 1953: Tinkertoy 1955: Slinky 1965: Barbie 1966: Etch-A-Sketch 1967: Easy-Bake Oven 1968: Tonka Trucks 1969: Big Wheel 1971: LEGO 1970: Hot Wheels 1972: Viewmaster 1974: G.I. Joe 1974: Silly Putty 1981: Star Wars Action Figures 1982: Rubik's Cube 1983: Atari 2600 1983: Dungeons and Dragons 1989: Little People 1955: Mr. Potato Head 1990: Game Boy A trial that has Napa County suing Hoopes Family Vineyard winery will see the next big steps take place largely behind-the-scenes. Both sides questioned witnesses in front of Napa County Superior Court Judge Mark Boessenecker over 11 days. On Wednesday, they finished. The two sides will file written closing arguments. Then Boessenecker will rule on the countys case against Hoopes. All of this could take several months. Then a second phase of the trial involving a Hoopes countersuit against the county could begin, this one before a jury. At this point, the only scheduled hearing is for Feb. 21. The Hoopes' side wants the court to strike portions of the county's allegations. A major part of the case is Napa Countys claim that Hoopes winery holds illegal wine tastings. County attorneys said the winery was established by a previous owner in 1984 under a small winery exemption, which forbids public tours, wine tastings and social events of a public nature. To hold tastings and events, Hoopes must seek a use permit, said attorney Arthur Hartinger on behalf of the county. The county then looks at such issues as traffic and water and wastewater systems. County attorneys suggested during the trial that Hoopes winery doesn't want to seek a use permit because it doesn't want to face the potential expenses. You have to go apply and get a use permit, just like anyone else, Hartinger said during the trial. The Hoopes side said the winery doesn't host tastings, but rather engages in legal retail sales of wine that the customers can drink onsite. Those visiting have a two-bottle minimum purchase. We dont do tastings in the conventional sense, said Lindsay Hoopes of the winery while in the witness stand. Also, Hoopes attorneys didnt concede that all types of tastings are banned by the small winery exemption. They drew a distinction between public tastings by drop-in visitors and private, by-appointment-only tastings. The witness who spent the most time in the stand several hours over several days was Lindsay Hoopes. She was called both by the plaintiffs and the defense. As part of the trial, Napa County alleged that Lindsay Hoopes and the business entity that operates Hoopes winery are alter egos. If Boessenecker agrees and Hoopes loses the case, Lindsay Hoopes could have to pay damages. County attorneys in making their alter ego case asserted that the winery owes Lindsay Hoopes $5.2 million for money she provided to it, but is under no legal obligation to repay. Napa County also alleged Hoopes winery illegally sells items from a store and has various other code violations, such as chicken coops without a flood plain permit. A Hoopes filing said at issue is whether Napa County can render a lawful business valueless through arbitrary, vague and unintelligible rules, leaving no room for compliance. The Hoopes side on Feb. 21 will ask Boessenecker to strike portions of the county's case against the winery. For example, the county alleged Hoopes winery makes its wine offsite. If so, that makes the Yountville-area operation a wine shop/liquor store, a use that is illegal in the county's agricultural preserve, according to a county filing. The Hoopes side said the county didn't bring forward a witness during the trial to back that claim. The county side points to a deposition with the Hoopes' winemaker. PHOTOS: Ash Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Church in Napa Guwahati: The twoweek 69th & 70th batches capacity building programme (CBP) for the civil servants of Bangladesh organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) concluded on Saturday. A total of 84 Officers serving as Deputy Secretaries and Up-Zilla Nirbahi Officers attended the programme held at Mussoorie and New Delhi. With the successful conclusion of the 69th and 70th Capacity Building Programs, NCGG has achieved the milestone of conducting capacity-building programmes for 2,500 civil servants from Bangladesh. A total number of 2,557 Bangladesh Civil Servants have been imparted capacity-building programs at NCGG. The Capacity Building Programs for Bangladesh Civil Servants are being conducted under the ITEC program of the Ministry of External Affairs which is implemented through MOUs signed by NCGG with the Government of Bangladesh. Following the completion of the first phase of CBP for 1,500 civil servants, NCGG signed an MoU with the Government of Bangladesh to enhance the capacity of an additional 1,800 civil servants by 2025. NCGG has to date provided training to 940 officers of Bangladesh. The Capacity Building Program focused on the key role of Sub-Divisional Officers in Land Administration, and improving justice delivery to ensure revenue administration is conducted efficiently. The Program also focused on the role of Deputy Secretaries in the Central Secretariat and emphasised on digitalization of the central secretariat through the adoption of e-Office. The young civil servants of Bangladesh were encouraged to adopt technology to bring citizens and government closer, pursue digital transformation of institutions and digital empowerment of citizens. Among the topics covered are the changing paradigm of governance, disaster management, leadership and communication, Digital India, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Swamitva scheme, efficient public service delivery, Housing to all scheme, digital governance in health care, Mudra Yojana among others. Bangladesh Civil Servants also undertook exposure visits to District Collectorate Bulandshahar, to augment their overall learning journey. In the valedictory session, the Bangladesh Civil Servants interacted with V.Srinivas, Secretary DARPG and Director General NCGG. The entire capacity-building programme was supervised by Dr. A. P. Singh, Course Coordinator, Dr.Mukesh Bhandari, Associate course Coordinator, Sanjay Dutt Pant, Programme Assistant and the capacity-building team of NCGG. In partnership with MEA, NCGG has imparted training to civil servants of 17 countries viz. Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eretria and Cambodia. Guwahati: Assam Act East Policy Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Friday (February 16) attended the inaugural session of the Act East through Northeast 2.0-The Round Table Conference on Inter Country Economic Corridor through North East of India for Inclusive Growth in Assams Guwahati. Building on the momentum of the previous successful conclave in 2022, the second phase of the roundtable conference, organised by the Assam Act East Policy Affairs Department, aims to explore the fresh opportunities presented by the Act East Policy for the northeast region. It also seeks to develop a strategic framework for enhancing economic and cultural connections with Southeast Asian countries, with a focus on bolstering bilateral relations with neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan. The roundtable conference serves as a platform for the government officials, experts, practitioners and business leaders to explore the potential opportunities arising from the evolving connectivity among Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Assam. In his keynote address, Minister Patowary said that the Act East Policy, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reinvigorated Indias engagement with its eastern neighbours, while the countrys relationships with Bangladesh and Bhutan have seen a new era of cooperation in areas of trade, transit and water resources management. Assam and the northeast are witnessing rapid development in road infrastructure, regional airways connectivity, railways, waterways and shipping and internet connectivity. The Central government led by Prime Minister Modi has taken the region to high growth trajectory with the implementation of the Act East Policy and northeast is acting as Indias bridge with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Southeast Asia (SE) countries. The Assam government is deeply committed to harnessing these natural endowments and transforming the state into an economic hub. Our policies are focused on creating a business-friendly environment, facilitating ease of doing business and developing world-class infrastructure to attract domestic and international investors. Sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, and tourism and information technology are ripe for investment, bolstered by a young, skilled workforce and supportive government policies, Minister Patowary said. Minister Patowary also highlighted how Assam and the northeast have been able to reap significant economic benefits due to closer ties with the Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal (BBN) and SE countries. The use of Chittagong and Mongla ports in Bangladesh will further strengthen waterways connectivity in the northeast and mutually benefit both countries. Bangladesh can take the opportunities of potential sectors of Assam like ethanol, methanol, plastic and hydrocarbon to improve trade and business, Minister Patowary added. The roundtable conference also featured a series of sessions, including special addresses by speakers including Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati Ruhul Amin and Secretary of Assam Act East Policy Affairs Department Manvendra Pratap Singh. Other notable speakers included Ambassador of India to Kingdom of Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) CSR Ram and General Manager (GM), Construction of Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway) Satish Kumar Pandey, among others. The event also marked the release of a pivotal report titled Inter Country Economic Corridor through North East of India for Inclusive Growth: Potential and Prospects, providing a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development in the region through development of economic corridors in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal which passes through Assam. During the daylong conference, various connectivity initiatives like a 58-kilometre rail link between Gelephu in Bhutan and Kokrajhar in Assam, riverine linkages with Bangladesh, various road and railway projects connecting the neighbouring countries were highlighted. Detailed discussions were held on ways to use the evolving connectivity with neighbouring countries to create an economic corridor. WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- One firefighter was killed and several others were hospitalized in an explosion in Sterling, U.S. Virginia, local media reported. Nine of the injured were firefighters and two were civilians. Firefighters responded to a gas leak at a home on Silver Ridge Drive at around 7:30 p.m. local time (0030 GMT Saturday) and an explosion took place about 30 minutes later, fire officials said. 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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 RFE/RL: Armenia ready to find solutions, including in most problematic areas of Tavush Province, government says Videos of Armenia PM Pashinyan's meetings in Tavush Province to be publicized later, spokesperson says (PHOTOS) Kim Kardashian jokes about Kate Middleton, but not everyone likes it Netflix's new mini-series Supersex becomes target of criticism on social media Young man throws stone at Armenia government building window Armenia premier meets with Kirants village residents of Tavush Province (PHOTOS) RFE/RL: Putin loses in Armenias Yerevan, wins in Gyumri in Russia presidential election High-tech minister on removing Russia TV channels from multiplex: Armenia's dignity is at core of decisions Photos taken by Armenian satellite are used by various departments of Armenia: Minister Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia Apple has already started production of new generation AirPods When will they go on sale? 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) Kim, Kourtney, Khloe Kardashian congratulate brother Rob on birthday: The best brother in the world It works for 744 hours without recharging and costs $96: Blackview introduced Oscal Modern 8 smartphone Armenia boxers win 4 medals in Serbia Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback! Celine Dion does not give up, continues to fight rare disease Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians 165 cases of measles recorded in Armenia so far in 2024 Barely dressed Bianca Censori goes for walk with her mother EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization SpaceX is building network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence 7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say Armenia to submit application for EU membership? Turkey Super Lig: Fenerbahce footballers, Trabzonspor fans clash La Liga: Barca beat Atletico Ligue 1: PSG win 6-2, Mbappe scores hat-trick Serie A: Inter, with Mkhitaryan, play draw with Napoli Archaeologists discover where legendary British warship that disappeared in 17th century sank Large number of Russians came from Georgia to Armenia to vote in presidential election, envoy says Stoltenberg: NATO hopes to have stable peace between Azerbaijan, Armenia "Girona" lost to "Getafe" and 10 points behind Real Madrid (video) "Tottenham" suffered a defeat (video) FA Cup: Manchester City reach the semi-finals (video) Belgorod attacked by two rockets during the day: there are dead and injured Media: Elon Musk's company is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence Premier League: Ten most expensive clubs Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages "Real" was stronger than "Osasuna", Vinicius' double (video) MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians Bayern's willful victory (video) New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday FA Cup Coventry's sensational win (video) Mobile app that helps prevent diabetic ulcers is developed "Pyunik" defeated BKMA and became the first (video) "Urartu" defeated "Alashkert" (video) India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June Specialised MRI can predict who will develop treatment-resistant schizophrenia - study Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other's sovereignty Iran calls for formation of international coalition against Israel Biden told Aliyev of US commitment to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan Khachanov and Agassi meet in Glendale (photo) Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia America's Cup. Levon Aronian advances to the final Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue How Armenian Vardavar became topic for Disney? Kathleen Sarnelli Kapukchyan on Mickey Mouse Funhouse's recent episode, her inspirations Zakharova: There is a historical answer to Armenia's doubts about sincerity of Russia's intentions Zakharova: Moscow discusses with Armenia dragging Yerevan into anti-Russian course Zakharova: Armenia's withdrawal from CSTO should be based on real needs of the country, not on "flirting" with West An American man has a tapeworm in his brain Arsen Zakharyan's first goal for Real Sociedad (video) Ronaldo's goal brings victory for Al Nasr (video) Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia NASA completes tests of 3 lunar probes that will be sent to Moon together with Nova-C module James Webb discovers the first pair of merging galaxies, a phenomenon that should not have happened at the time Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia Armenia deputy FM: There has been considerable regress regarding visa facilitation with EU Deputy FM: As landlocked country, Armenia recognizes vital importance of inclusive connectivity, open borders FM: Armenia made every effort to prevent de-Armenianization in Karabakh Painter Frida Kahlos personal notes used in new documentary about her Brain Communications journal: Improving sleep quality reduces migraine frequency, research shows What should you pay attention to when buying a smartphone? FM to reporters: You will be the first to know when Armenia intends to apply for EU membership Champions League: Quarterfinal pairs are known Ararat Mirzoyan: All Armenia authorities have negotiated on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Google mocks iPhone for not having Circle to Search feature Jessica Biel prefers to tell sons the truth about periods FM: Deepening of Armenia's relations with the West, EU not directed against Russia Mirzoyan: Unprecedented number of senior French officials visited Armenia in 2023 Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia, Azerbaijan are close to mutual understanding on recognition of 1991 borders Armenia made very active efforts to have minimal mutually acceptable wording with CSTO partners, FM assures FM: Georgia ready to contribute to process of establishing peace in South Caucasus Armenia FM: Events have occurred that have made it impossible to do certain things Cartier presents carbine watches studded with diamonds Armenia FM: Ultimate goal not materialized yet in relations with Turkey 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 Kylie Jenner wears stunning red dress 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 Khloe Kardashian goes too far with filters in new photo Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is capable of winning, but it does not depend on it alone, and the situation in Avdiivka confirms this. "Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in an artificial deficit of weapons, in particular, a deficit of artillery and long-range defeat means allows the way to adapt to the intensity of hostilities. This weakening of democracy undermines our overall capability. The longer this Russian aggression continues, the greater the changes it provokes. People may have to live in a world where localized wars will not remain localized. Any outbreak of war will carry the risks of turning into a global catastrophe," he said, reports Unian. Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi decided to withdraw units from Avdeevka. Zelensky also noted that Europe is now on the threshold of the time when the question of the application of Article 5 of the NATO Charter will not be a question for Washington, but will be a question for European capitals. The Ukrainian president said that Putin has only two possible endings - "a tribunal in The Hague or being killed by one of those who are now killing for him." He added that 2024 is critical and "if we don't act now, Putin could make the next years catastrophic for the global community." KAMPALA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The police in Uganda were searching for the bodies of five people feared dead after a canoe capsized on Lake Victoria on Friday. A police statement obtained by Xinhua on Saturday said the canoe was traveling from one island to another in the central Ugandan district of Buvuma. The police linked the accident to overloading. "Despite warnings about overloading, Mr. Kabenge (the canoe operator) purportedly dismissed concerns, asserting his expertise in boat operation," the police said. "Later, upon departure and while navigating the lake, distress calls were heard from the occupants, signaling danger," the police added. Local rescue teams, mainly made up of fishermen, only retrieved the wreckage of the ill-fated boat and the carcasses of cattle which were also on the boat. "The overloaded nature of the boat has been noted as a cause of this tragic incident. Efforts are underway by marine officers from Kiyindi to recover the bodies and any other items lost during the accident," the police said. "We caution the public, especially boat operators, to always avoid overloading as this often results in such fatal incidents. Passengers must also avoid boarding vessels that are already overloaded with other items," the police added. Boat accidents on the East African country's lakes happen frequently due to overloading and bad weather. 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The controversial billionaire, twice elected prime minister and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse-of-power charges upon his return to Thailand in August, but within days had his sentence cut to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Speaking to reporters on Saturday before boarding a flight, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Thaksin's release would be "on the 18th" and handled "according to the rule of law". The exact details of Thaksin's release are not clear, but he may be subject to monitoring -- possibly with an ankle tag -- and restrictions on his right to travel. It comes after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said earlier this week that Thaksin, 74, would be among 930 prisoners granted early release. "He is in the group where they are in a critical condition or aged over 70. He will be released after six months automatically," the minister said. Thai media have reported he could be released very early in the morning, but Srettha said he did not know any details. A small group of supporters gathered outside Thaksin's Bangkok home Saturday in anticipation of his release, local media reported. Thaksin's homecoming coincided with his Pheu Thai party returning to government in alliance with pro-military parties, leading many to conclude that an agreement had been struck to cut his jail time. The rumours grew stronger when he was transferred to a police hospital within hours of being sentenced because of his poor health, and it is not clear that he has spent any time in a prison cell. Local media reported Thaksin had been suffering from chest tightness and high blood pressure when he was admitted to hospital, and his family has said he underwent two operations in the following months. His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the current head of Pheu Thai, welcomed the news earlier this week, saying it was "time for him to live the rest of his life happily". She shared a video on Instagram Saturday of his grandchildren preparing a welcome-home banner. The former telecoms tycoon is one of the most influential but divisive figures in modern Thai history. Loved by millions of rural Thais for his populist policies in the early 2000s, Thaksin is reviled by the country's royalist and pro-military establishment. Much of Thai politics over the past two decades has been coloured by the tussle for power between the establishment and Thaksin and his allies. When he landed home in Bangkok, his supporters gave him a hero's welcome, and his first public act was to prostrate himself in homage before a portrait of the king at the airport. Police laid lese-majeste charges against him last week over comments he made in South Korea almost a decade ago, though it is not clear whether prosecutors will take the case to court. Thaksin denies the charge and has written to the attorney general asking for fair treatment. (AFP) Hamas chief insists on Gaza ceasefire Qatar-based Ismail Haniyeh's demands include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday reiterated the group's demand for a complete ceasefire in Gaza, a day after US President Joe Biden called for a "temporary truce" to secure the release of hostages. High-level negotiations to pause the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza were held this week in Cairo but their outcome is still unclear. In a statement issued on Saturday, Qatar-based Haniyeh reiterated the group's several demands, including an end to fighting in Gaza. "The resistance will not agree to anything less than a ceasefire, withdrawing of the occupying army from the Strip, lifting the oppressive blockade, and providing safe shelter for the displaced people," he said. Haniyeh insisted that those displaced from the north be returned to their areas in the territory. He also called for the release of Hamas prisoners sentenced to long jail terms in Israel. On Friday Biden called for a temporary truce in Gaza to get hostages out of the Palestinian territory under a potential deal swapping them for prisoners held in Israel. "I feel very strongly about it that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out, to get the hostages out," Biden said from the White House. He added that he had held "extensive" conversations with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this and negotiations were "underway." Netanyahu had previously rejected what he labelled Hamas's "bizarre demands." Earlier this week CIA director William Burns joined talks in Cairo with David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service. These talks were mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Israeli families of hostages held in Gaza have stepped up pressure on Netanyahu to arrive at a deal for securing the release of captives. During the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, some 250 hostages were taken to the Gaza Strip, of which roughly 130 are still being held there, according to Israeli officials. Thirty of them are believed to be dead, while more than 100 had been freed during a one-week truce that ended on December 1. Three hostages were mistakenly killed by Israeli soldiers in December, while some have been rescued in military operations. The October 7 attack itself resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on Israeli figures. In Israel's relentless military offensive since then in Gaza, at least 28,858 people have been killed, most of them women and children, according to the territory's health ministry. (AFP) India and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for digital transformation. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Information Technologies and Communications of Colombia. India has developed some of the finest digital public goods infrastructure, which could change lives the world over. India has taken the path of building public digital infrastructure for serving citizens and UPI, and Jan Dhan, Aadhar, CoWin and ONDC are some of the examples. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar exchanged the MoU with Mauricio Lizcano, Minister of Information Technologies and Communications of Colombia. The MoU intends to promote digital transformation (viz INDIA STACK) through capacity-building programs, the exchange of best practices, the exchange of public officials and experts, the development of pilot or demo solutions and the facilitation of private sector contacts to mutually benefit the digital ecosystems of both countries. Both sides discussed the importance of Digital Public Infrastructures. These infrastructures constitute a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable. They can be built on open standards to deliver and provide equitable access to public and private services. India Stack Solutions are DPIs developed and implemented by India at population scale to provide access and delivery of public services. India is keen on partnering with Colombia by building upon development partnership on digital transformation leading to a smooth adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure in Colombia. (ANI) US Consul General Christopher W Hodges and CUSAT Registrar Prof Dr V Meera signed the agreement, in the presence of CUSAT Vice Chancellor Dr PG Sankaran, on the sidelines of a visit by the US Education Trade Delegation of 18 US universities to CUSAT. It will empower the next generation of Indian and American changemakers through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The American Spaces program is a flexible partnership model the US runs globally. The new American Corner at CUSAT will eventually join a network of more than 600 American Spaces spread across India, Asia, and around the globe. (ANI) SRV Media Panaji (Goa) [India], February 17: RE/MAX India had successfully concluded the grand "RE/MAX PRARAMBH" event, held in Goa from 9th to 11th February, drawing over 200 participants from more than 4 continents. This significant gathering underscored the brand's vast influence and signaled a fresh era in the Indian real estate franchise industry. Keynotes from Jan Repa (RE/MAX LLC, USA), Pedro Viriato (RE/MAX Brazil), Ishaque Ahmed Siddiqui (RE/MAX Saudi Arabia), Anchal Saxena Chairman (RE/MAX India) and Aditya Agarwal CEO & Co-owner (RE/MAX India) enriched the event with global insights. Support from title sponsor Stylework and co-sponsor Yugen Infra further elevated the experience. The event kicked off on 9th February with a warm-up party that fostered networking among guests, sponsors, and the RE/MAX India team, setting a high note for the days to follow. The grand event on 10th February featured a lamp-lighting ceremony by Aditya Agarwal, Jan Repa, and Pedro Viriato. Followed by inspiring talks from global RE/MAX leaders, emphasizing the brand's values, success stories, and the unique RE/MAX advantages offered to its partners. Talking to the Press Aditya (CEO & Co-owner, RE/MAX India) said - "It feels great to meet the RE/MAX India network. The event is going great and I want to thank everyone who came to attend Prarambh for creating amazing memories and sharing knowledge." To connect with Aditya Agarwal visit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-agarwal-remax/ Anchal Saxena also highlighted the goals while talking to the media - RE/MAX India is the future market leader for real estate sales networks in India. As the company's Chairman, I foresee robust growth over the next 5 years and we will achieve our target of having more than 1,000 active BOs and more than 10,000 active agents in these 5 years. India has the numbers and we will strive to achieve our target number of more than 1,00,000 agents within 10 years. No one sells more real estate than RE/MAX. Jan Repa highlighted RE/MAX's brand value and its appeal for real estate entrepreneurs, covering its history, unique benefits for partners, global networking, and transformative experiences. While talking to the Press Jan Repa said - The event and the experience of sharing the knowledge and communicating with everyone was amazing. I want to thank everyone who was part of this event. It was lovely meeting the RE/MAX partners from India. The future of RE/MAX is bright in India. The presence of Stylework's Sparsh Khandelwal and Mukul Ronak Das brought an additional layer of enthusiasm, highlighting the synergy between co-working spaces and real estate ventures. Their session outlined how Stylework's platform and collaboration with RE/MAX India could unlock new business avenues and enhance client satisfaction within the commercial real estate landscape. While talking to the Press Sparsh Shared - Witnessing the dynamic collaboration at Prarambh 2024 was exhilarating. Connecting with RE/MAX's global network and India's leading real estate professionals has opened doors to exciting possibilities of commercial real estate for both Stylework and RE/MAX India." Following the Stylework session and a tea break, Pedro Viriato from RE/MAX Brazil delivered a vibrant session that was thoroughly enjoyed. He discussed his personal experiences with RE/MAX, highlighting his COVID-19 recovery and contributions to the brand in Brazil. He drew parallels between the Brazilian and Indian markets, inspiring the RE/MAX India team with his success. While talking to the press Pedro shared that - This is my first time in India and I want to thank Anchal and Aditya for inviting me. The experience I have had in India and Prarambh is amazing. I loved connecting with people here and sharing knowledge. The biggest thing I observed is that the market in India is a lot similar to what we have in Brazil. So the future in India is bright, and I hope to see you all soon. Following Pedro's engaging session, Yugen Infra, co-sponsor of RE/MAX Prarambh, took the spotlight with Ajai Raj Singh Chauhan presenting their latest project in North Goa. He detailed the project's potential for investors and benefits for RE/MAX Partners, including the roadmap, floor plans, and the investment appeal of North Goa. Ajai's informative session concluded with a Q&A, offering valuable insights to participants. While talking to the Press Pankaj Khatreja ( Yugen Infra) said that - Prarambh is a revolution that is going to bring new milestones in the Indian Real Estate Market. The collaboration of Yugen Infra & RE/MAX partners are already making a buzz in the Goan market, attracting investment from all across India as well as from NRIs across the globe. There was great energy in the event and Aditya is building an amazing community of real estate experts, business partners, marketers, and technology experts. The RE/MAX INDIA segment featured Nishant Tomar, the Chief Marketing Officer. He shared insights on marketing strategies from his college days to his current role, emphasizing the importance of marketing psychology, audience targeting, geography, culture, and language in ad creation. Nishant highlighted how RE/MAX INDIA's marketing outperforms typical agency efforts through research and comparison, critiquing common agency mistakes in real estate marketing. He showcased his achievements with compelling statistics and advised crafting more effective ads, illustrating with examples. Nishant's leadership goal is to foster a team environment conducive to experimentation, research, and growth. The event concluded with an impactful presentation by Aditya Agarwal (CEO & Co-owner, RE/MAX India), who began with a Mahabharata analogy to underscore the value of branding and, specifically RE/MAX's significance. He highlighted RE/MAX's global impact and its benefits for Indian real estate entrepreneurs, shared upcoming events across India, and outlined RE/MAX India's future strategies for partner advantages. But the highlight of RE/MAX Prarambh was the vision of Aditya Agarwal for 2026. His vision boosted the room with great enthusiasm and infused a fresh sense of optimism and readiness in our partners to embark on a new phase of RE/MAX in India. Aditya said to the media that The sense of community that RE/MAX Prarambh has created will be remembered forever. I want to thank my RE/MAX partners, and speakers, who came to this event and made it more exciting. A big shoutout to our sponsors StyleWork and Yugen Infra for their support in making Prarambh a great success. Lastly, I want to give a special thanks to the RE/MAX India team, who worked day and night to make it a successful event. Following the conclusion of the sessions, the partners participated in a pinning ceremony, receiving RE/MAX pins and certificates, marking the launch as a tremendous success. The three-day event wrapped up on the 11th with a farewell party for all partners, who departed on a joyful note, united by the promise of embarking on a new journey together. To learn more about RE/MAX INDIA visit - www.remax.in (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) AMMAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Minister of Interior Mazin Farrayeh announced on Saturday the formation of a joint communication group with Iraq, Syria and Lebanon to step up cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. The group, comprising liaison officers from the four countries, will track information and monitor drug shipments, Jordan's state-run Al Mamlaka TV quoted Farrayeh as saying during a joint press conference that was attended by his Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese counterparts. During the press conference, the Jordanian minister highlighted that the communication group will focus on the exchange of expertise, training, the building of capabilities, and monitoring information, including overseeing deliveries to track shipments from their origin to their final destination. On Saturday morning, interior ministers from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan convened in Amman, the capital of Jordan, to address the issue of drug trafficking and its prevention. Jordan has recently faced armed confrontations with drug smugglers who have increased their attempts to traffick drugs and weapons into the kingdom. PNN Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], February 17: The Sleep Company, Asia's first and only provider of patented SmartGRID technology for peaceful sleeping and sitting solutions, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its latest store in Vadodara, marking its 5th establishment in Gujarat. This expansion follows the brand's strategic plan to establish a robust nationwide presence, with Vadodara being a significant addition to its growing retail network. With the addition of this store, The Sleep Company now operates 70 stores across the nation, reinforcing its commitment to achieving the milestone of 100+ stores by the year's end. The presence of renowned Architect & Interior Designer, Birju Dixit at the store inauguration further highlights the brand's dedication to delivering top-quality sleep and sitting solutions. Vadodara, being the third-largest city in Gujarat, it plays a pivotal role in the state's economic and cultural landscape. The city's preference for quality sleep solutions is evident through the demand witnessed on The Sleep Company's website and existing stores. The new store in Vadodara reinforces The Sleep Company's commitment to providing customers across India with a seamless omnichannel experience. Visitors to the Vadodara store can explore the brand's extensive product range, including SmartGRIDmattresses, pillows, sleep accessories, adjustable recliner beds and office chairs. The immersive SmartGRID experience allows customers to personally witness the ergonomic design and superior comfort that sets The Sleep Company apart in the industry. "Vadodara is among the fastest growing retail markets in the country and our new store opening will further strengthen the brand's foothold in Gujarat, adding to the success of our existing stores in the state. This expansion is not just about physical stores; it represents our dedication to enhancing the sleeping and sitting experience of individuals across the country. As we continue our journey towards 100+ stores by the end of 2024, we intend to make a positive impact on the sleep quality and overall wellness of each individual. "said Priyanka Salot, Co-founder of The Sleep Company. "As an interior designer deeply committed to enhancing the comfort and functionality of living spaces, I recognize the importance of providing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of homeowners. Across the country, individuals are seeking ways to elevate their home environment, ensuring they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to relaxation and well-being. The Sleep Company's impressive SmartGRID technology represents a significant breakthrough in addressing these demands. With the opening of their new store in Vadodara, I am eager to witness the positive impact this advanced technology will have on the people of the city. I commend The Sleep Company for their commitment to innovation and their dedication to enhancing the comfort and functionality of residential spaces. I am confident that their presence in Vadodara will inspire homeowners to embrace a new standard of comfort and design excellence in their homes." said Ar. BirjuDikshit - renowned Architect & Interior Designer - MSU Graduate & IIID Vadodara Regional Chapter Immediate Past Chair. Having achieved a noteworthy record of 70 successful store openings in the past 18 months, The Sleep Company continues to strengthen its pioneering position within the comfort tech industry. Hailed as one of the youngest D2C brands to become the fastest growing omnichannel brand in the country, their unwavering focus on customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind their remarkable growth trajectory. For more information, please visit The Sleep Company's website- https://thesleepcompany.in/ You can find the new store at Shop No 102, Tulip Complex, Ambedkar Circle, Vadodara, Gujarat 390007. The Sleep Company is Asia's first and only provider of SmartGRID technology, revolutionising sleep and sitting solutions. As one of India's fastest-growing brands, it is reshaping both the direct-to-consumer (D2C) and omnichannel landscapes while driving innovation in the mattress industry. Founded by the visionary couple Priyanka and Harshil Salot, The Sleep Company began as a pursuit of scientifically supported mattresses and has evolved into a brand dedicated to enhancing consumers' sleeping and sitting experiences. The company offers premium products resulting from meticulous research that stands light years ahead of competitors, with technology rooted in cutting-edge developments in material science and sleep science. Initially adopting a purely D2C model, The Sleep Company has since transitioned into an omnichannel powerhouse. In June 2022, the company marked its foray into offline retail with the launch of its first store in Bangalore, setting ambitious goals to open over 100+ stores by end of 2024. By enhancing discoverability and streamlining supply chains, The Sleep Company consistently delivers a distinctive value proposition with accessible premium products. After securing Rs 13.4 crore in pre-Series A, and Rs 177 crore in a Series B round led by Premji Invest and Fireside Ventures, the Company has now secured Rs 184 crore in Series C Funding. (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) India PR Distribution Rishikesh (Uttrakhand) [India], February 17: Gyan Yog Breath, a leading name in yoga education, shares valuable insights into their 300 hour yoga teacher training in India. Designed for aspiring yoga instructors seeking to deepen their practice and refine their teaching skills, this immersive course offers a transformative journey into the world of therapeutic yoga and ancient wisdom. With yoga gaining popularity worldwide for its various health benefits and holistic approach to wellness, the demand for qualified yoga teachers continues to rise. Recognizing this need, Gyan Yog Breath has established a very unique and Yoga Alliance certified 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India. This training is suitable for yoga teachers and practitioners who have previously completed a foundational 200 yoga Yoga Teacher Training in India. "Our vision is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to become proficient and knowledgeable yoga instructors," says Anki Mourya, one of the lead teachers at Gyan Yog Breath. "Our 300 hour teacher training in India is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic aspect of yoga asana and pranayama. We want to make sure that our graduates are well-equipped to lead inspiring and impactful yoga classes that cater for various groups of people and common diseases like Hypertension and Diabetes." The 300 hour yoga teacher training curriculum covers a wide range of topics including: 1. Advanced study of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) 2. Therapeutic Approach to Asana and Pranayama 3. In-depth exploration of yoga philosophy, including the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Pradipika and Bhagavad Gita 4. Anatomy and physiology relevant to yoga practice and teaching 5. Refining teaching skills through hands-on practice, props and modifications 6. Ethics and professionalism in yoga instruction 7. Meditation, Yoga Nidra and Deep Relaxation Techniques 8. Kriyas, Shatkarma and Detoxification 9. Ayurevda, Appliad Ayurveda and Marma Therapy 10. Teaching Methodology and Teaching Practicum Another key part that sets Gyan Yog Breath's 300 hour yoga teacher training in India apart from others is its immersive approach, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the yogic lifestyle. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Rishikesh, India, students will have the opportunity to deepen their practice amidst serene natural beauty, away from the distractions of everyday life. The Gyan Yog Breath Ashram is located directly at the National Park, Ganges River and Himalayas. Through daily meditation, self-reflection, and community support, students develop a deeper connection to themselves and the practice of yoga, preparing them to become skillful and compassionate teachers. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a 300 hour Yoga Alliance certification, recognized globally as a mark of excellence in yoga education. This certification opens doors to teaching opportunities worldwide. Gyan Yog Breath's 300 hour teacher training in India offers a life-changing experience that will empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves and most skillful yoga teachers. To learn more about Gyan Yog Breath and their 300-hour yoga teacher training in India, visit https://gyanyogbreath.com/300-hours-yoga-teacher-training/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 17: Uberising healthcare services in India, Va Thala web and mobile app from Muniah Technologies, a healthtech startup, is creating a new stream of revenue for licensed doctors, physiotherapists and nurses by connecting them with patients who seek on-demand house visits for non-critical illnesses. Doctors can publish their available time and fix their own fee. Unveiled by Padma Bhushan Awardee Dr T. Ramasami, former Science and Technology Secretary to the Government of India, recently. This hyperlocal healthcare delivery app accepts registration, which is entirely free, also from licensed veterinary doctors and yoga teachers. It charges no fee from patients as well. Currently, its revenue model is based on advertisements. Va Thala app is upending the hospital-centric model of healthcare delivery as it helps patients, especially the elderly and those having chronic diseases, to avail delivery of healthcare services at home from qualified healthcare professionals within 5-10 k.m. radius. The app brings a whole host of benefits for the patients: they can avoid unnecessary commuting to hospitals that invariably accompany long waiting hours, and eliminate the risks from hospital-acquired infections. Besides, the patients would spend less on healthcare, as they pay directly to doctors without involving intermediaries such as hospitals or human resource agencies. In his comments, Naveed Ahmed, CEO, Va Thala, said, "Our's is a unique uber-like platform for the healthcare industry. It represents the best of the latest GPS and AI technology that unlock value for healthcare professionals as well as patients who are living nearby. With our platform, doctors can build their online profile to showcase their experiences, qualifications, and services, and receive and accept patient appointment requests at a mutually convenient time. Instead of working regular shift hours at hospitals, they could do house calls to see patients whenever it works best for both of them. Importantly, they get to set their own consulting fees and earn more than just their regular salary. In a nutshell, with Va Thala, doctors can freelance and monetise their work hours or spare time." On the benefits for the patients, Ahmed pointed out that the patients can search for licensed doctors by location, specialty, gender, language, availability and reviews from other patients, and instantly schedule in-home visits or even clinic visits for any non-critical or non-emergency health issues such as fever and dressings for diabetic foot ulcers. They can also manage their medical history, prescriptions, lab reports online and share the information with the doctors instantly. Va Thala is available for download on iOS and Android and can be accessed via www.VaThala.com. Medical professionals who are registered with the Medical Council of India can sign up for its services through mobile or web app free of cost. Download on Apple: apps.apple.com/in/app/va-thala-serviceman/id6473727565 A mobile and web application, Va Thala is developed by a health startup Muniah Technologies. App is created with the mission of making quality healthcare more accessible to all. It is an easy-to-use app that matches patients with available doctors in their local area for in-home visits based on the patient's needs and preferences. The platform allows people to get professional medical care at home easily and safely without having to go to a doctor's place or hospital for non-critical health issues. The app is providing medical professionals new opportunities to find better use of their expertise and maximise their productivity, all while working flexible hours. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) HT Syndication Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 17: The British Deputy High Commission hosted a splendid showcase reception with His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia Harjinder Kang in Mumbai last evening, at the Jio World Convention Centre, marking a momentous celebration of the vibrant trade and investment ties between the UK and India. The event, titled Alive With Opportunity (AWO) Showcase, highlighted the depth of collaboration between the two nations across various business sectors. The evening was hosted by esteemed dignitaries, including Harjinder Kang, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia, alongside Chief guests, Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies MP and the Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli. Their presence underscored the commitment of both nations to nurturing and expanding bilateral relations. The Alive With Opportunity Showcase featured an impressive lineup of British brands, including Haleon, Jamie Oliver Pizzeria, Reliance Brands Limited, Pret A Manger, Truefitt & Hill, Ruark Audio, Penderyn Whiskey, Bicester Village, Truefitt & Hill, and Soho House. Attendees were treated to a specially curated menu of delicious food and drinks, highlighting the rich gastronomical exchange between the UK and India. Reflecting on the significance of the AWO event, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Harjinder Kang, said: "It is an honour to represent the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai to celebrate the incredible business links between the UK and India. Our countries are achieving great things in commercial partnerships that span multiple sectors; total trade is worth over 38 billion a year between the UK and India and this figure is growing. I want to use this platform to reiterate that we are here to help more Indian companies invest in the UK and to support more British companies to access new markets right here in India. Our dynamic and forward looking trading relationship is truly Alive with Opportunity." The event served as a testament to the "living bridge" that connects people from all walks of life in both countries, fostering long-lasting connections. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with prominent personalities from the UK. Among the distinguished guests were high net-worth Indian business leaders, members of Indian industry bodies, UK university alumni, media representatives, and more, reflecting the diverse and influential audience that the AWO Showcase attracted. Annexure of brands showcasing at UK India AWO Event: 1. Truefitt & Hill - Oldest Barbershop founded in the UK, present in 30 locations across 15 cities in India. 2. Ruark Audio - Family owned British audio brand, Ruark Audio, founded in 1985. 3. Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL) - RBL, a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, launched in 2007, builds global luxury brands. 4. Bicester Village - Global Shopping Destination with 150+ top luxury brands at exceptional prices. 5. Jamie Oliver's - A foreign food joint with quality, sustainable ingredients for great food anytime, anywhere. 6. Soho House - This Exclusive Club was founded by Nick Jones in 1995 with its global expansion and first House in Mumbai. 7. Penderyn Distillery - It is the home of the award-winning single malt Welsh Whisky, with three distilleries across Wales 8. Haleon Group - The global leader in consumer health, delivering better everyday health. AWO: * Alive with Opportunity (AWO), a campaign designed to build on the UK and India's strong relationship, and boost trade and investment, was launched last year by United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, during her G20 visit to India. * The UK's Department for Business and Trade launched Alive with Opportunity, a 1.5 million marketing campaign designed to build on the UK and India's strong and enduring relationship, boost trade and investment, and promote the two nations' powerful cultural links. For more information, visit: - gov. uk The Alive with Opportunity Showcase stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the UK and India to fostering collaboration, innovation, and economic prosperity. As the event concluded, participants were left inspired by the myriad opportunities that lie ahead for further strengthening partnership between these two dynamic nations. (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) A two-day national workshop convened under the Centre's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) concluded successfully here on Friday. According to a press release by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which organised the workshop, held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, gathered approximately 150 delegates from across the country to deliberate on emerging trends and opportunities in urban livelihoods, with a particular emphasis on enhancing resilience and empowerment for women in urban India. The event saw the participation of State Mission Directors of the State Urban Livelihoods Mission, senior officials from MoHUA and the Jharkhand state government, senior officials from UNDP India, leading sector experts, and representatives from research institutions, start-ups, philanthropies, and donor organizations. Multiple panel discussions were held during the workshop, focusing on enabling strategies to foster women-led urban livelihoods and exploring emerging sectors and types of enterprises in climate, services, retail, and manufacturing. Additionally, the discussions encompassed themes such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) and the role of philanthropies in addressing urban poverty through innovative financial investments. The workshop served as a platform for states to share best practices concerning women-led urban livelihoods and economic enhancement, facilitating peer learning and the replication of successful models by other states. During the event, Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary, MoHUA, introduced the concept of urban care models aimed at providing care infrastructure and services for the urban poor. He said, "Urban planning goes hand in hand with care planning. We need a holistic approach to tackling the problem of urban poverty. Care philosophy must be integrated into city design, fostering infrastructure that supports women, children, and the elderly, and ensures a safe city for all. Building a conducive environment for women at home and the workplace will also improve the participation of women in the labour force." Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative of UNDP India, highlighted the significance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities. She said, "As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities, recognizes the unique challenges cities face and emphasizes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development. National and State, Urban Livelihood Missions, are critical to advancing this goal by ensuring access to basic services, affordable housing, and improved living conditions for all urban residents, especially the marginalized and women. UNDP looks forward to working with DAY-NULM to address urban poverty through livelihood promotion strategies and tailored solutions for communities". The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability among urban poor households by providing them with gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. (ANI) Actor Anil Kapoor's 'The Night Manager' has completed one year of its release on February 17. To mark the first anniversary, Anil Kapoor took to Instagram and penned down a lengthy note on Saturday. The post stated, "Dear Fans, Team, and Admirers of 'The Night Manager,' As we mark the one-year anniversary of our cherished show, "The Night Manager," my heart brims with gratitude and emotion. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and its success resonates deeply within me." https://www.instagram.com/p/C3bxbq3PGWM/?hl=en&img_index=1 "The outpouring of love and unwavering support from each of you has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Your passion has propelled 'The Night Manager' beyond mere OTT; it has become a milestone in my career, a testament to the power of storytelling." He concluded, "To the remarkable team behind the scenes, your tireless dedication and pursuit of excellence have been the cornerstone of our success. Together, we've crafted something truly special, something that will endure in the hearts of viewers for years to come. Here's to 'The Night Manager'! Thank you for the love!" He shared pictures with his co-stars, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala and director Sandeep Modi from the sets of the movie. The post also included Anil's solo pictures from the series. 'The Night Manager' is a 1993 novel by British author John Le Carre, who passed away in December 2020. The series is an official Hindi adaptation of John le Carre's novel 'The Night Manager', produced by The Ink Factory and Banijay Asia. The story revolves around the night manager of a luxury hotel, a former soldier, who is recruited by a government espionage organisation, to infiltrate the inner circle of an arms dealer. Helmed by Sandeep Modi, the series stars Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Saswata Chatterjee, and Ravi Behl in lead roles and is available on Disney+ Hotstar. Meanwhile, Anil is currently basking in the success of Siddharth Anand's aerial action thriller film 'Fighter'. The film also stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in the lead roles. 'Fighter' was released in theatres on January 25. (ANI) Actor Emily Blunt have all the praises for her 'Oppenheimer' co-star Cillian Murphy and she told Murphy, "There is a reverence that you are so deserving of," according to People. During a group interview, Blunt stated that Cillian Murphy's reserved nature doesn't make him any less "captivating". "And you are, like, the quietest conductor of this whole thing," says the actress, who also starred with Murphy, 47, in 2021's A Quiet Place Part II. "You don't mean to be -- it's not in your nature to want to lead -- but I think that there's something just captivating about you, whether you like it or not, that people are spellbound by." "And it is. As much as you like to say, 'This is all of [director] Chris Nolan,' why people are so captivated by this film, but it's you," Blunt adds. In the same conversation, the duo's costar Robert Downey Jr. praised Murphy's "leadership," adding, "You are meant and born to be at the front of big cinematic experiences." He continued by making fun of the response they got during a Q&A, "I come in, I get your typical, 'It's Tony Stark, but now he's bald.' Cillian comes in, people start standing up. Chris comes in, everyone's on their feet." Murphy is nominated at the upcoming Academy Awards for the first time, in the Best Actor category, for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer. Meanwhile, Blunt is up for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as his wife Kitty Oppenheimer, and Downey Jr, 58, is in the running for Best Supporting Actor as Atomic Energy Commission chairman Lewis Strauss. The A-list ensemble of Nolan's epic agrees that the film's lead, Irish actor Murphy, delivers a performance of a lifetime as the American physicist who oversaw the United States' drive to develop an atomic bomb during WWII. However, they agree that his deep blue eyes might be distracting while acting opposite him. "It's a real problem when you're doing scene work with Cillian," Matt Damon told People last summer, in a group interview alongside Blunt and Murphy. "Sometimes you find yourself just swimming in his eyes." "It's like that 'Ocean Eyes' song by Billie Eilish. We just hum it all day," Blunt joked. "They're not even that blue!" Murphy exclaimed in response to his costars' comments. 'Oppenheimer' is now streaming on Peacock. The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held Sunday, March 10, inside the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, and will air live on ABC. (ANI) Oscar-nominated actor America Ferrera still gets star-struck by some actors. During her appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, the 'Barbie' star revealed that she has been meeting people this awards season whom she can't help but admire, like Martin Scorsese and Tom Hanks, whom she acknowledged she aspired to be as a child, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ferrera also recalled meeting Leonardo DiCaprio in 2007, noting to the late-night host that being star-struck sometimes sneaks up on her. "More often than not, it's someone you had a childhood connection to," she said of being surprised when she meets someone. "So it's always very embarrassing. ... I watched 'Titanic' in the movie theatres seven times. 13, 14 [years old], prime time to be in love with Leonardo DiCaprio, right?" She explained that when she first went to the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2007 for Ugly Betty, which made her feel like she belonged, she wasn't expecting to be turned off by someone, but then the Titanic star himself arrived. "I said hello to him, and I promptly departed him and went around the corner and just started weeping," Ferrera told Meyers. "My husband, then-boyfriend, was with me, and he was like, 'I am so embarrassed right now. This is so... like, stop crying.' And I was like, 'But it's Leonardo.'" Earlier in the late-night visit, Ferrera discussed working with her husband, Ryan Piers Williams, on Barbie. He portrayed her on-screen husband. The Dumb Money actress explained that his casting came about after she told writer-director Greta Gerwig that her favourite part of the script was where it said something like "white husband at home learning Spanish" because her husband was in the room next door doing the same thing. "And [Gerwig was] like, 'Oh, my God, does he want to play your husband?' And I was like, 'I don't know,'" Ferrera said. Then months and months later, she meant it. And then there he is, reported The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrasekhar strained guns at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan after her company Exalogic approached the Karnataka High Court to prevent the SFIO investigation on Friday. The Karnataka High Court dismissed the Kerala chief minister's daughter Veena Vijayan's plea against the SFIO probe in connection with the monthly wage case. "The Karnataka High Court today responded to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's company - Exalogic - who had approached the Court to prevent the SFIO investigation. As I have repeatedly said before, there is absolutely no difference now between the CPI(M) Government and the Congress in Kerala...The knowledge and technology from Congress have been transferred to the CPI(M), and it seems that is their partner in the INDI Alliance," Chandrasekhar told ANI. He further said that he is glad that the Court has intervened and allowed the investigation to continue. Meanwhile, Union Minister V Muraleedharan said that the corrupt can't raise the boggy harassment of the central agencies and escape. "This brings out the fact that those people who are corrupt, are looting the public exchequer. They try to raise the boggy of harassment of the central agencies when this corruption is caught. So this is a clear case of such an incident. The chief minister's daughter takes a bribe of Rs 1.75 crores. She is unable to produce any documents for what purpose this money was taken and approaches the court asking the court to put a break on the investigation that is happening. The court says the investigation can go on. So this brings out the fact that the corrupt can't raise the boggy of harassment of the central agencies and escape. So this harassment theory has fallen flat," Muraleedharan said. "They should apologize to the people of Kerala for raising such false allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government," he added. Earlier on February 6, SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office) officials started the probe into the alleged payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd (CMRL) to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter. The allegation is that Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena's company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd collected money from CMRL without providing any services. SFIO officials have been inspecting the corporate office of CMRL in Aluva, Ernakulam. According to sources, the officials reportedly checked the documents related to the alleged pay-offs made by the company to Veena and Exalogic Solutions. The SFIO had formed an investigation team after the Centre ordered for a probe. Earlier, Minister of State V Muraleedharan claimed that the Kerala Chief Minister's daughter's company was not able to produce any evidence for Exalogic Solutions providing service to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). The Kerala CM rejected allegations against his daughter Veena and her firm Exalogic Solutions of allegedly receiving "illegal payment" from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and said these were legal business deals. (ANI) In a press statement, the CPRO of Assam police said, "Based on an input, a raid was conducted at Lalmati area under Basistha police station jurisdiction by STF, Assam on Friday evening and apprehended two drug peddlers." "The STF team recovered 29 vials containing suspected Heroin weighing about 54.5 grams, cash worth Rs 780 in possession," the CPRO of Assam police said. The arrested drug peddlers were identified as Bhaskar Bora (24 years old) and Rajib Dey (19 years old). The necessary formalities have been completed, said the police. Further details are awaited. (ANI) WINDHOEK, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism issued a warning on World Pangolin Day, exposing the extent of illegal trafficking and poaching activities targeting pangolins. Pangolins continue to be illegally captured and are the most trafficked mammals since 2014, causing their population to steeply decline and putting them at risk of extinction, said Teofilus Nghitila, executive director of the ministry. Recent seizures include 18 pangolin skins, 12 live animals and 146 scales in 2023 alone, leading to a surge in criminal cases, according to the ministry. Thirty-eight suspects were arrested in connection with 23 registered incidents, surpassing the combined poaching cases of elephants and rhinos during the same period in the country. Nghitila noted that these cases are predominantly from the northern regions, with Kavango West having the most cases registered. World Pangolin Day is observed on Feb. 17 this year, providing an opportunity for people worldwide to join together in raising awareness about these unique mammals and their plight. "We should use this day to mobilize each other as Namibians and reject illicit activities related to pangolin poaching," he said. Pangolins are legally protected in Namibia, and stringent penalties await those caught trafficking or possessing these animals. Offenders could face up to 25 years in prison and hefty fines, with recent cases resulting in severe sentences. In a statement today, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey expressed confidence in the potential impact of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on the political scenario. The state Congress leader emphasized the overwhelming support received by the public of Uttar Pradesh on the first day of Bharat Jodo Yatra in the region. ''This yatra will begin in Varanasi. Rahul Gandhi and all leaders will visit Baba Vishwanath in Kashi and offer prayers. Discussions will be held with the skilled artisans of Varanasi. Apart from being PM Modi's constituency, Varanasi is also a pilgrimage site and also a city mentioned in ancient scriptures. It's natural that the people here are enthusiastically joining Rahul ji on this yatra. They have witnessed a flood of people yesterday. People are excited to support Rahul Gandhi's promise of five-point justice. Along with that, they are enthusiastic to participate in this yatra to save democracy. The way the constitution is being weakened and its values undermined, a common person understanding what is happening today, politically, will have severe consequences globally. So, many people are joining this yatra in large numbers. We are happy that in these 8 days of the yatra, Rahul ji is not only receiving support from the regions he is visiting in Uttar Pradesh but also a lot of hope and expectation are pinned on Rahul ji's leadership and the Congress party," Avinash Pandey said. Responding to Prime Minister Modi's recent comments on the Congress, Pandey addressed the party's resilience amid challenges during the election season. He cited alleged intimidations, including raids and the freezing of accounts. ''The way Congress is being attacked from all sides during the election season is evident. Initially, there were raids, including ED and income tax raids, conducted at the homes of all leaders. They are being intimidated, and people are being prevented from joining the Yatra. Despite that, the response you are witnessing is right in front of you. Yesterday, the accounts of the All India Congress Committee and the All India Youth Congress were frozen. Being the oldest and most national party, Congress undergoes transparent annual audits, yet these actions were taken yesterday to spread misinformation and demoralize Congress leaders. It might be the first time that a ruling party has seized the accounts of another national and oldest party without any evidence. Today, people are self-reflecting on these events," Avinash Pandey said. He further added, "To address this denial and bring about a positive change in politics, Rahul Ji's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra aims not only for success but also for a transformation in the country's politics." Earlier, Congress general secretary Ajay Maken alleged that the party's accounts have been frozen by the Income Tax department and called it the "freeze of democracy". In a press conference held at the AICC headquarters in Delhi, Maken said, "I have very disturbing news to share with all of you. The accounts of the Congress party have been frozen and also those of the Youth Congress have been frozen." The Congress leader questioned the motive behind the alleged freeze of party accounts ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Also on Thursday, Yatra reached Bihar's Aurangabad, where Gandhi came out in praise of the Supreme Court over its verdict striking down electoral bonds, promising to conduct a financial survey across the country if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The Nyay Yatra arrived in Bihar days after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was at the forefront of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties formed to take on the BJP at the Centre, dumped the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) and joined hands again with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also join the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi as it enters Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening. She will join her brother in Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh after the yatra enters the state from Bihar. The East-West Manipur-Mumbai Yatra traverses 6,700 km through 15 states and aims to highlight the message of "nyay" (justice) while meeting common people on the way. (ANI) BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Friday attacked the Mamata-led TMC government in West Bengal after women in Sandeshkhali have been accusing fugitive TMC strongman Sheikh Shah Jahan and his henchmen of sexual abuse and other excesses and said that there is 'Jungle-raj' in West Bengal. "There is no government in West Bengal. Whatever Mamata Banerjee says is correct. BJP workers are being assaulted. We will go to the court against this. The people will give a reply to this in the Lok Sabha elections. There is 'Jungle-raj' in West Bengal," said BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain. Earlier, a six-member BJP delegation constituted by BJP national president JP Nadda was stopped by the state police from visiting Sandeshkhali. The BJP has since mounted an all out attack against the West Bengal CM. Party leader Amit Malviya said that the Chief Minister must allow the police to arrest TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh who allegedly is behind the violence against women. "More women come out and speak, against sexual exploitation by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, who CM Mamata Banerjee defended on the floor of the Assembly. Can it get worse than this? A woman CM allowing her leaders to use rape as a tool to subjugate and rule. If she has any shame, she should allow WB Police to arrest Shahjahan immediately. He won't be able to evade law for long, anyway. You are as much a criminal, if you defend one" Amit Malviya said in a post on X. Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Friday urged the Mamata Banerjee government to take 'strict action against the culprits. "The ongoing tension and violence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal due to the recent incident of harassment of women etc.. is a matter of great concern," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister posted on X. "The state government should be impartial in this matter and take strict legal action against the culprits so that such incidents do not recur," she added. Faced with opposition fury over the events in Sandeshkhali, CM Mamata Banerjee made it clear on Thursday that she has never condoned 'injustice'. Claiming a BJP-RSS hand in the violence, Mamata said she "needs to acquire full knowledge of the events" before deciding on the future course of action. Accusing the RSS of inciting violence in the area, the CM said, "The RSS has a base in the area. There were riots here 7-8 years ago. The area is vulnerable to riots. We managed to enforce law and order during Saraswati Puja. They (BJP-RSS) had planned to foment trouble." (ANI) Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday alleged that the move to freeze the bank accounts of Congress and Youth Congress was the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "politics of revenge". "The Supreme Court has said in clear language, Modi government suits, loots and lies. This is electoral bond loot and because of that they also closed our account and then the Prime Minister said that the Congress is insulting me," the Congress leader said while speaking to ANI in Varanasi. "This is a thing of wonder because if there is one person in our country who is engaged in insulting his opponents every day, it is him. The Prime Minister does not know anything except the politics of vengeance, the politics of harassment, the politics of threats. They are like your accounts have been seized, how will you proceed now," Jairam Ramesh said. He further accused the BJP of 'double standards' referring to the recent inclusion of leaders who have left Congress. "See, the Prime Minister had given a slogan to the country, Congress-free India, and now what is the reality? To whom are the Congress-linked BJP giving tickets? Who are they including in their party? now, it's 'Congress Yukt BJP'," Jairam Ramesh said. "Those who remain in Congress are accused of family feud and when they join BJP, they become very noble people. This is a double apology, isn't it, this is a double standard, the Prime Minister's trademark is to insult and defame," he said. Further, speaking on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which reached Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, the Congress leader said, "Today is the 35th day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Rahul Gandhi will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and then he'll hold a road show and will address a public rally." "He'll then meet weavers and Gandhian institutions which are under attack in this Modi govt. He'll meet BHU students as well. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will remain in Uttar Pradesh for eight days," he added. Responding to reports on Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi contesting from Rae Bareli, Jairam Ramesh said that it will be decided by the Central Election Committee. "CEC will decide, Sonia ji has written a letter to the citizens and voters of Rae Bareli, and we hope that some influential candidate will stand for Rae Bareli, this is the decision of the CEC, they will decide at the right time, I can't tell you about it now. I can't say anything right now, Sonia ji, she has come to Rajya Sabha, it is a matter of great happiness for us, Rajya Sabha members," he said. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader N Ramchander Rao has demanded the state government to immediately hand over the Kaleshwaram project investigation to the CBI. Speaking to ANI on Friday, the BJP leader stated, "The Kaleshwaram project has been constructed with more cost than actually required. From time to time, both in the council and in the assembly, the BJP has maintained that the Kaleshwaram project is an ATM for the BRS government." Rao emphasised that, following the CAG report, the matter should now be given to the CBI for investigation. "Now, after the CAG's report, that there has been a wasteful expenditure purposefully to make quick money, I think that the matter should now be given to the CBI for investigation. ... We demand that the Congress government in Telangana hand over the Kaleshwaram issue investigation to the CBI immediately," he said. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that was tabled in the state Assembly on Thursday stated that the muti-purpose Lift Irrigation Project on the Godavari River in Telangana's Kaleshwaram of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana, is "economically unviable." The cost of the project is now likely to exceed Rs 1.4 lakh crore (Rs 1,47,427.41 crore) as against the cost of (Rs 81,911.01 crore) projected to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the CAG report stated. The absence of a comprehensive plan duly spelling out the sources of funds for a project of this scale, will have a long term impact on the finances of the State, is an indication of improper planning, the CAG report stated. The CAG report stated that out of the total expenditure of Rs 86,788.06 crore incurred on the project (March 2022), an expenditure of Rs 55,807.86 crore (i.e., 64.3 per cent) was met from the off-budget borrowings (OBBs) raised by KIPCL. KIPCL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up by the BRS government to handle finances related to Kaleshwaram. The Government of Telangana has not accorded administrative approval of the project as a whole and instead it has issued separate approvals i.e. as many as 73 administrative approvals aggregating to Rs 1,10,248.48 crore; there are no orders from the Government about the funding pattern for the project. The possibility of undue benefit of at least Rs 2,684.73 crore to contractors for supply and commissioning of pumps, motors etc., cannot be ruled out, the CAG report stated Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Tuesday had inspecting the damaged pillars of the Laxmi Medigadda Barrage and addressed media persons. He alleged that cracks in the pillars of Medigadda barrage are visible and accused KCR of trying to cover up his government's mistakes. He also accused KCR for terming the damage to the piers as a small issue. Reddy alleged that KCR was scared of being exposed and tried to divert public attention by holding a public meeting at Nalgonda. KCR on February 13 had addressed a public meeting in which he lashed out at the Revanth Reddy Congress government for failing to protect the interests of the state in river water sharing. Meanwhile, addressing reporters at Medigadda, Revanth Reddy said that BJP MLAs had not visited Madigadda. "How many more years will the BJP and BRS make an alliance in the dark?" the Telangana CM said. "We want BJP to visit Madigadda. BJP should make their stand clear. Will you try to save the KCR corruption or will question KCR and support the state government in the corruption done on Kaleshwaram, we demand your stand," Reddy had said.The Chief Minister said that Congress wanted a probe by a sitting judge. BJP leader, Muralidhar Rao, on Wednesday demanded the state government immediately constitute a committee or write a letter to the CBI to get an investigation done into the Kaleshwaram project. While talking to ANI, the BJP leader said, "Congress government under the leadership of Revanth Reddy and another side opposition leader, KCR, both are indulging in creating a false impression, and they are undertaking misinformation campaign both sides." "The government is expected to investigate the malpractices, corruption and other fraudulent tactics used in the Kaleshwaram project, find the responsible people and culprits, and ultimately punish them," said Muralidhar Rao. The Kaleshwaram project suffered heavy damage due to massive floods in 2022. According to reports, one of the piers within the Kaleshwaram barrage at Medigadda was damaged. Leaders from both the state and central Congress have consistently alleged that KCR and his family used the Kaleshwaram project as an 'ATM' to siphon off Rs 1 lakh crore rupees. Ahead of the November 30 Assembly elections in the State last year, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had launched the party's 'Kaleshwaram ATM' campaign in Hyderabad. He accused then Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekar Rao of "looting" the people of the State adding that KCR and his family are using the Kaleshwaram Project as their "personal ATM". According to an official statement, the project aims to produce a total of 240 TMC (195 from Medigadda Barrage, 20 from Sripada Yellampalli project and 25 from groundwater), of which 169 have been allocated for irrigation, 30 for Hyderabad municipal water, 16 for miscellaneous industrial uses, and 10 for drinking water in nearby villages, with the remainder being estimated evaporation loss. (ANI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pressed on the strength of working together while addressing the party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Saturday. He asserted that the true devotion towards the country lies in bringing the country together. He also claimed that members of BJP and RSS also came to the Yatra adding that he never saw hatred during the entire Yatra. "During the entire 'yatra' I never saw hatred. Even BJP and RSS people came in the yatra, and as soon as they came to us, they would speak to us nicely. This country strengthens only when we work together. Bringing the country together is the true devotion to the country," Rahul Gandhi said. Apna Dal ( K ) leader and MLA Pallavi Patel joined Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Pallavi Patel had defeated UP Deputy CM Keshav P Maurya in 2022 assembly elections. While speaking to a man who claimed he was unemployed Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of unemployment "How a young man and his family are wandering here and there with empty hands and broken dreams even after spending lakhs of rupees in education. This is youth injustice and we are raising our voice against this" he said. During 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', Rahul Gandhi stopped in front of 'Sarva Seva Sangh' of Varanasi and spoke to the people. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which entered the 35th day on Saturday resumed from Golegadda in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow at Varanasi. Party supporters and people in huge numbers were seen cheering and walking alongside his motorcade. Earlier in the day, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that Rahul Gandhi will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi later in the day. "He'll then meet weavers and Gandhian institutions which are under attack in this Modi govt. He'll meet BHU students as well. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will remain in Uttar Pradesh for eight days," he said. The East-West Manipur-Mumbai Yatra traverses 6,700 km through 15 states and aims to highlight the message of "nyay" (justice) while meeting common people on the way. (ANI) BJP national president JP Nadda welcomed the Prime Minister on his arrival. PM Modi then visited an exhibition held at the Bharat Mandapam. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singhand other senior leaders arrived earlier on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam to attend the convention. A meeting of the party's national office-bearers will be held, followed by the hoisting of the party flag by National President Jagat Prakash Nadda to inaugurate the national convention. Later, JP Nadda and PM Modi will address the party members at the convention. As per party sources, two proposals are likely to be presented during the meeting. The first proposal will focus on political issues, particularly emphasising Modi's vision of a developed India, while the second proposal is likely to be a gratitude note towards the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The convention will witness the participation of various dignitaries, including ministers from the central cabinet, national and state-level party officials, members of the national council, current and former MPs, MLAs, members of legislative councils, former state presidents, coordinators of the Lok Sabha clusters, mayors, chairpersons of municipal corporations and municipalities, district panchayat presidents, district presidents, district coordinators, state coordinators of various fronts, media, and social media and IT cell coordinators. (ANI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to organise a special programme for school children called the "Young Scientist Programme" "YUva VIgyani KAryakram" (YUVIKA). The key objective of this initiative is to impart basic knowledge on space science, space technology and Space Applications to younger students in emerging trends in space science and technology. ISRO said it has chalked out this programme to "Catch them young". Youngsters can be involved and excel in space science and technology if they get an opportunity because they are the future building blocks of the nation. The YUVIKA programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based research and aligned careers. The Young Scientist Programme - YUVIKA was conceived to impart basic knowledge on Space Science, Space Technology and space applications to younger students with a preference to rural areas of the country. The programme is thus aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the school-going students. The programme envisages two weeks of class room training, practical demonstration of experiments, hands-on CANSAT, a Robotic kit, Model rocketry interactions with ISRO scientists and field visits. The programme was conducted successfully in 2019, 2022 and 2023 with the participation of 111, 153 and 337 students, respectively, representing every State and Union Territory. The course will cover classroom lectures, hands-on activities like robotics challenges, DIY assembly of rockets/satellites, sky gazing, etc., technical facility visits, and interaction with space scientists. How to register for YUVIKA-2024? The registration process for YUVIKA-2024 will be held from February 20 to March 20, 2024. Step-1: Register in ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa Platform: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/registration Step-2: Verify your email as received after successful registration in above website. Please click on the verification link sent to your registered email ID. Step-3: Participate in SpaceQuiz. Read Quiz guidelines carefully before appearing for the quiz. Step-4: Fill in your personal profile and education details. Step-5: Students need to take a photocopy of the certificates and attest the same by the Principal/Head of School signing the certificate for verification. The verified certificate needs to be scanned and uploaded to the website. The photocopy of attested certificates and certificate for verification need to be uploaded to the website. Step-6: Generate your certificate for verification by your Principal/Head of School/ Parent/ Guardian (Any mismatch observed in the attached certificate(s) by the student and the certificate for verification submitted by the student will be liable for cancellation of the student's candidature.). Step-7: Scan and upload your document and submit the application. Who can apply for YUVIKA - 2024? Students studying in Class 9 as of January 1, 2024, within India are eligible to apply. Applicants are advised to carefully review all the details entered in the application form, uploaded documents and certificates before submitting the application form. Applications, once submitted, cannot be edited or modified later. For more information, applicant students can visit the website of ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika . (ANI) The Indian Coast Guard has persistently aimed at the indigenisation of spares for foreign-origin equipment installed onboard ICG ships in partnership with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). Over the past year, extensive discussions regarding propulsion systems have unfolded.On February 14, 2024, Jonas Tegstrom, the CEO of Marine Jet Power (MJP) Sweden, visited the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi to reaffirm his company's commitment to enhancing indigenous content in waterjet systems. With over 100 Waterjet systems currently deployed in the ICG fleet, the agreement between MJP Sweden and MJP India is poised to significantly boost Indigenous Content (IC) and facilitate the skill development of the local workforce. During the visit, he announced a "Trademark License for Manufacturing & Transfer of Technology Agreement for Marine Waterjets" between MJP Sweden and MJP India.The CEO and MD of MJP India outlined plans for phased manufacturing of waterjets in India under the technological collaboration with MJP Sweden, aimed at progressively building the capacity and capability for complete waterjet production domestically. Furthermore, the firm aims to achieve up to 53 per cent local manufacturing and sourcing of spares & components by 2026. (ANI) Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan claimed on Saturday that all the protests that have been organised by student wing of the ruling CPI (M) against him are joint ventures of the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned organisation by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "All these protests that are being organised against me are not by SFI alone. That is a joint venture of SFI and PFI. I have gotten the report that twelve people have been arrested. Twelve people were arrested and five were. They said there were another five, although there were many more. Out of these twelve people who have been arrested, seven are known PFI volunteers. So this is not just SFI what the government is doing. They are telling the members of a banned organisation that if you join these protests, you do something nasty and then we will protect you. This is an SFI and PFI joint venture. Seven of them belong to the PFI." said Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. "This government is not only sheltering the PFI members of a banned organisation to create a law-and-order problem in Kerala. And I have already said that they are doing these things to provoke me to take some abstract action. But I am not going to oblige them," Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan alleged. The Students Federation of India (SFI) staged a black flag protest against Kerala Governor Khan on Thursday. SFI, a student wing of the ruling CPI (M), has been staging protests against the governor alleging that he has been pushing "BJP-RSS nominees" into various universities in Kerala, using his authority as the chancellor of universities in the state. Earlier, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Friday alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is asking the Students Federation of India (SFI) to organise the black flag protest against him. The Kerala Governor said that on the one hand, the Chief Minister is asking the SFI to organise the protest, while on the other hand, "he puts the police there" to ensure that they do not come near the Governor. "On one hand, the Chief Minister is asking the SFI to organise this protest. But he knows that if they touch me, what will be the consequences? He knows it. Therefore, he puts the police there to ensure that they do not come near me. On one hand, he is asking them to organise the protest. On the other hand, as the Home Minister of Kerala, he is asking the police to ensure they do not come near me," he said. "The Chief Minister wants to save his job by ensuring that they do not come near my car, but he wants to sacrifice everybody else. He wants to exploit everybody. By now CM Vijayan should realise that I'll not be frightened, but the way he is distressing the policemen and exploiting the youngsters, it makes me feel sad," the Governor told the reporters. Earlier, the Kerala Governor, also staged a protest on the wayside at Nilamel in Kollam, alleging police inaction after Student Federation of India (SFI) workers waved black flags at his motorcade. The Governor, who was on his way to attend a function, stepped out of his car and rushed towards the protestors, loudly chastising the activists. He also expressed his ire at policemen for not arresting the SFI workers who showed black flags and staged a protest against him. Later SFI workers were arrested and remanded. (ANI) According to locals, the incident took place at Ponnakal village, Addakal mandal of Mahabubnagar, late on Friday night. After the incident came to light, a group of animal activists approached the police and lodged a complaint. They alleged that some masked men arrived in a car after midnight and opened fire on the strays. They claimed that around 20 stray dogs were shot dead, and several others were injured. "According to locals, a few masked men arrived in a car after midnight and opened fire on the dogs," Adulapuram Goutham, an animal activist, said. "We have lodged a complaint with the police officials regarding this incident," the activist said. The police said that they have received a complaint and that a probe has been initiated. More details are awaited. (ANI) ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Experts and policymakers attending a high-level education-themed meeting on Friday called for transforming education systems in Africa for the betterment of the African continent, on the sidelines of the ongoing African Union (AU) Summit. The summit, scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is 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." Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat said the required changes as part of transforming the education systems in Africa should include ensuring better access to quality education, availability of adequately trained teachers, and streamlining education systems with the needs of the job market. The AU commission chief called on African policymakers and all concerned actors to join hands to "open ways for the future of Africans endowed with capacities required to transform our continent." Noting that there is a deficit of 17 million teachers in Africa, Faki said "we cannot realize the Africa that we want without really taking up this challenge. We need to have well-trained teachers." "The African Union is committed and will provide the necessary leadership in order to coordinate our collective efforts to educate Africa and prepare the continent for the 21st century," he affirmed. The high-level gathering, which brought together African leaders, executives from UN agencies, and representatives of other concerned bodies, aimed to amplify the visibility of the AU's theme of the year at the highest echelons of governance. It is also expected to encourage partners to recommit their support to the AU and its member countries in the successful rollout of the education roadmap. Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Claver Gatete, echoed Faki's sentiment, noting that high-quality education and lifelong learning are the catalysts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063. "We know that our education systems require urgent reforms if we are to get to the Africa we want. In this 21st century, it is not okay that one in five children of school age do not attend school," the UNECA chief said. "We need education programs that improve affordability, access, quality institutional credibility, and deliver employable skills and entrepreneurship attributes," he said. Gatete underscored the importance of science, technology and innovation, as well as initiatives that promote technical and vocational education and training. He said the education system in Africa needs to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Africa (STEM). "Indeed, the benefits that Africa can realize by getting our education system right are undeniable. But we cannot do this if only 2 percent of African universities are ranked in the top 500 globally in STEM fields. We will not succeed if women remain under-represented," he said. Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, on her part, said that higher political commitment to education and greater investment backing are important impetus to transform the education system in Africa. "We must absolutely increase financing for education, training, and research. To truly transform education, we need to rethink our educational models and approaches," she said. She said efforts to transform the education system need to be carefully crafted toward addressing the persistent challenges that are widely visible in education systems across Africa. "The challenges are stark. While we have the largest share of youth in the world, one out of every five children is out of primary school, almost 6 in 10 adolescents are out of secondary school, and the proportion of young people who are not in employment, education, or training in Sub-Saharan Africa has worsened." According to the AU, the theme of the year recognizes the need to intensify continental efforts aimed at bridging the gaps toward the attainment of Africa's education-related objectives as outlined in the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063. The theme of the year seeks to galvanize AU member states toward fulfilling the Continental Education Strategy for Africa, education-related targets of AU's 50-year continental development Agenda 2063, as well as the SDGs. "This initiative is particularly crucial as Africa faces the most significant challenges globally, with the lowest educational attainment levels," the AU said. It said the focus on education as the theme of the year underscores a strategic moment for in-depth discussions on enhancing access to quality education across Africa, advocating for increased investments, and the formulation of effective policies. Amid the ongoing two-day national convention at Bharat Mandapam, on Saturday, various leaders from the party have arrived reflecting an atmosphere of confidence and enthusiasm on the highly anticipated event. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressing optimism, stated, "It is natural, India is excelling and under the leadership of PM Modi, India will always move forward." Chaudhary also commented on recent political developments during the 'Bharat jodo nanya yatra' in Bihar. "Two robbers were roaming in Bihar yesterday. Rahul Gandhi, the one who looted the country and Tejashwi Yadav, the one who looted Bihar were seen together," Samrat Chaudhary said. Party MP Rama Devi shared her excitement about the convention, stating the atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm. "At the BJP's national convention, the atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm, and people from all states are excited to participate in this grand event. The heart of every Indian is full; it feels like heaven, a spectacle never witnessed before. We hope for its continuation," MP Rama Devi said. She further commented on the recent Bharat Jodo Yatra, which took place in Bihar. "Rahul Gandhi is not on any Nyay Yatra; he's merely flaunting his t-shirt. Both Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will fade away. No one will bother to ask him. Understand that it's over," MP Rama Devi said. Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Rivaba Jadeja, expressed confidence in winning all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat with a margin exceeding 5 lakh votes, citing Prime Minister Modi as a role model. "We are witnessing a highly enthusiastic and energetic environment. This is my first experience, and it will be a crucial and enlightening session for young public representatives. Speaking specifically about Gujarat, our Prime Minister Modi Ji has always been seen as a role model for the state. This time, we are confident of winning all 26 Lok Sabha seats with a margin exceeding 5 lakh votes. And, without a doubt, Modi Ji's slogan for this time, 'Is bar 400 ke paar,' will surely come true," Rivaba Jadeja said. BJP leader and MoS Health Bharati Pravin Pawar highlighted the government's emphasis on women's security saying, " In the last 10 years, under the leadership of PM Modi, emphasis has been on women's security. The Central government is watching the situation in West Bengal." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on Saturday to attend a two-day national convention of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here. BJP national president JP Nadda welcomed the Prime Minister on his arrival. PM Modi then visited an exhibition held at the Bharat Mandapam. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders arrived earlier on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam to attend the convention. A meeting of the party's national office-bearers will be held, followed by the hoisting of the party flag by National President Jagat Prakash Nadda to inaugurate the national convention. Later, JP Nadda and PM Modi will address the party members at the convention. As per party sources, two proposals are likely to be presented during the meeting. The first proposal will focus on political issues, particularly emphasising Modi's vision of a developed India, while the second proposal is likely to be a gratitude note towards the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. (ANI) An Entrepreneur Orientation Programme was organized today at Amity university Noida Campus to encourage the youth of the University and familiarise them with the Prime Minister's National Vision of Contribution to a Developed India by 2047. The event focused on providing insights into the developments in Uttar Pradesh, a state playing a crucial role in India's progress, according to a press release. Distinguished speakers included senior administrative officers, including Chairman of Board of Revenue of Uttar Pradesh, IAS Sanjeev Mittal, IAS Kumar Prashant, District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, IAS Manish Kumar Verma shared valuable information with the students. Founder Chairman of Amity Education Group, Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University, Haryana, Dr Aseem Chauhan, Trustee Ritnand Balved Education Foundation, Anand Chauhan, Trustee Ajit Chauhan and Amol Chauhan were also present on the occasion. IAS Sanjeev Mittal, made a presentation to the students regarding the developments of Uttar Pradesh and stated that the maximum benefit of the investment work is being done in Uttar Pradesh and the ground breaking ceremony 4.0 being held in Lucknow on February 19 will lead to employment generation for the youth. Through Ground Breaking Ceremony 4.0, a total of 14,537 projects will be launched in the state and more than 34 lakh employment opportunities will be generated. He said that strong law and order, policies made for various sectors, better transport connectivity, road arrangements, power supply , etc. are attracting industrialists from all over the world for investment. Mittal said that Uttar Pradesh is one of the major states of India whose cultural heritage invites the largest number of tourists to India. With 6 operational and 7 incoming expressways, 16 airports including 9 operational and 7 under construction, the largest rail network, the Rapid Rail Transport System reflects our centralization on strong connectivity infrastructure. He highlighted the various initiatives of the Government such as Online Nivesh Mitra, Nivesh Sarathi and Online Incentive Management System launched for entrepreneurs, the schemes launched for the youth under UP Skill Development Mission, modern courses launched for youth empowerment in multi-disciplinary education , under Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy , 25 Regional Development Policies and various Manufacturing and Services Sector Development Policies. He emphasized that the Prime Minister's National Vision envisions Uttar Pradesh actively contributing to a developed India by the year 2047. He urged students to reflect on their role in nation-building and consider how they can actively participate and collaborate in achieving this vision. Addressing the gathering, IAS Kumar Prashant, Director, Social Welfare said that earlier all the policies were integrated policies, after that some areas were selected whereas now there are investment opportunities which have the potential of employment generation have been identified and area-based policies are prepared so that more investments can be attracted. He appraised the students about the startup policies for them and the grants offered by the UP Government to help build startups. He also said additional benefits are being provided to the startups initiated by the women entrepreneurs and transgenders. Grants are also given for patent filings and encouraged students to take advantage of these scheme as much as possible. Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate, IAS Manish Kumar Verma said that till some time ago Uttar Pradesh was known as Bimaru State but today we can proudly say that we are from Uttar Pradesh. Seven years ago, our state used to be at number 8 in India's GDP but today it is at number 02. In the last 7 years, more than 10 thousand startups have started, out of which 8 are unicorns. Today we have become the food capital in the agriculture sector, we produce so much that the entire country runs on it. "Investments are being made in Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Madhyanchal and Paschimchal areas which will be our cooperation as a state, as an institution and individually in a developed India. Lot of work is also being done in the field of education, Defense Corridor and Bundelkhand Development Authority are being constructed. Gautam Budh Nagar is making huge investments during the ground breaking ceremony," he said. He opined that the entire state has faith in the youth and called upon students to realize their potential. Today the government, administration is working with a positive ideology and mindset, and asked students to come up with new ideas, which will be supported by the Government, he said. Addressing the guests, Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder Chairman of Amity Education Group said, "Amity encourages students to start their own ventures and contribute to a developed India, self-reliant India. Through Youth power it is possible to build a developed India and Amity Pariwar is supporting the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India. Today Uttar Pradesh is establishing new dimensions of development and we are proud that we are a part of Uttar Pradesh which is standing at the forefront in fulfilling the objective of developed India under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath. We are at a time when India is becoming Vishwaguru and such programs give us a new enthusiasm to work." Speaking about Amity Innovation Incubator, Dr Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University, Haryana, said that "we provide all possible help to the students to start their own venture or startup. Amity Innovation Incubator today has hundreds of incubator companies operating and is the number one Incubator of the State." Thousands of students, faculty members, and academicians participated in the program. In the Q&A session, students expressed appreciation for the government's efforts and discussed the key takeaways from the program. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and actively participating in government initiatives. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda on Saturday urged party workers to strive hard in the Lok Sabha polls to take the party beyond the 370-seat mark and expressed confidence that the Modi government will return to power scoring a hat-trick and creating a record. Addressing the party's National Convention here, Nadda spoke of the BJP's commitment to construction of grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the rituals at the Pran Pratishtha event on January 22 in Ayodhya. Talking of BJP victories in assembly polls, Nadda said that there is an evident atmosphere of enthusiasm in the party rank and file but said there is a need to work hard to achieve the party's winning goals for the Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year. "We all here are happy and full of enthusiasm but with this we have to stay alert and work with full force to cross 370 (seats) and more than 400 for NDA. We have to cross 370 and for that, we have to work with full strength at every booth. Workers of BJP work very hard, I have full faith in you that you will fully immerse yourself, and BJP, under the leadership of Modiji, will score a hat-trick in the third term and will move forward by breaking record," Nadda said. PM Modi, in his speeches, has talked about the BJP having a target of winning over 370 seats on its own and over 400 seats with its NDA allies in Lok Sabha polls. The BJP-led government had scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and party leaders have talked about it in their speeches. The BJP got an absolute majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and returned to power with a bigger maority in 2019. Nadda said PM Modi's leadership is transforming India in an unparalleled way. "In every front, be it health, infrastructure, education or employment, PM Modi's leadership is fulfilling the dreams of every Indian. PM Modi's leadership is truly transforming India in an unparalleled way. Today, over 80 crore beneficiaries are getting free food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. Also, the last ten years under the Modi government have pulled around 25 crore people out of poverty, and given these people new wings to fly," Nadda said. "Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 4 crore people who earlier had temporary residences have now been reaping the benefits of permanent homes. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a scheme that has been annually providing financial aid to 55 crore people, while making arrangements for them to also be able to tackle serious diseases. If this has been made possible, it is because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I would also like to bring to your knowledge that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has become the world's largest health coverage programme," he added. He talked about steps taken towards women's empowerment by the Modi government. "More than 12 crore "izzat ghar" (toilets in rural households) have been built under the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. We are not unaware of the fact that our mothers and sisters used to have issues regarding defecation. They used to set out every day in public areas. Today, the Modi government has not only empowered them but also provided them with a sense of dignity by providing over 12 crore rural toilets in their households," Nadda said. "Our mothers and sisters used to go out into the forests to bring wood and then they used to work with smoke and cinders to burn the wood and prepare food. We have seen those days too but now, under the Ujala Yojana, our sisters and mothers have been empowered by receiving gas connections. Under the Saubhagya Yojana, over 2 crore homes have been electrified and under the Jal Jeevan mission, over 11 crore homes have been receiving water services with the focus on the mission of 'Har ghar jal har ghar nal," said Nadda. The party's national president also highlighted Lal Krishna Advani's contribution to the BJP. "Lal Krishna Advani made an important contribution to building a huge party by spending his entire life. Apart from this, the wisdom with which he lived a long political and public life is an example for all of us. We also remember the service he provided to the country as the Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India. I thank the Prime Minister for awarding 'Bharat Ratna' to such a senior leader," said Nadda. The BJP chief said India's stature has risen in the international arena in the Modi government. "A tale of successful G20 Presidency, a history of making 2023 the 'International Year of Millets', a journey from Mangalyaan to Chandrayaan-3, each such stellar achievement became a reality during the last ten years only. Bharat, under PM Modi Ji's leadership, is shining bright not only on the earth but also in the sky," he said. He talked about the party's success in recent assembly polls including the party raising its vote share in Telangana. The BJP is holding a two-day convention here as part of preparations for Lok Sabha polls. (ANI) Expressing concern that the development and commerce in Coastal Karnataka had taken a beating over the years, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday hoped that the people would vote for a change in the upcoming general elections. Speaking to reporters at Sahyadri College premises, he said, "There is unemployment in the region and the youth are migrating to Bengaluru, Mumbai and the Middle East for employment. I am confident that people will vote for change this time to make their lives better. Anything is possible in politics." "Societal peace is being disturbed in the region for political gains. There are good educational institutions in this part of the State but youth are caught in the web of religion. The BJP is stirring up emotional issues rather than talking about development. We are focusing on development in this region. In yesterday's budget, we announced new policies for coastal Karnataka and the fishermen community. We will do whatever it takes to generate employment in the region." "The banks of the region are being merged with the banks of North India. The people of this region need to think about these things too." AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, AICC Chief Minister, General Secretary, and ministers will participate in the Congress party workers' convention, he said. When asked about the BJP's statement that it would stage a protest if the case against the BJP MLA is not withdrawn in the Gerosa school controversy, he said, "Law will take its course. The police are doing their work and we will not interfere in their work." Replying to a query on grants to Muslims, he said, "How much have we given them? Rs 3,000 crore in the 3.71 crore budget for the development of schools and other things, is that too much? BJP is politicising this." Replying to a question on JDS and BJP fielding Dr Manjunath against DK Suresh in Bengaluru Rural parliamentary constituency, he said, "I too had contested against Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy. My brother had contested against Kumaraswamy's wife and won by 1.35 lakh votes. Let them field anyone, we have our voters." "Suresh is not an MP who pitches his tent in Delhi, he is rooted in his constituency. He has earned a reputation among workers as a good worker. The voters will take care of any opposition to Suresh. Chakravarthy Ashoka had contested against me, but people decided. We welcome Kumaraswamy to contest from Bengaluru Rural." Asked about the selection of candidates for Lok Sabha, he said, "There have been 3-4 rounds of discussions and another survey is in progress. The list will be finalised post that." (ANI) A New York judge on Friday ordered former US President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization to pay a fine of nearly USD 355 million in a civil fraud case. According to the 90-page judgement, Trump has been barred from acting as a company director in New York state for three years. His sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, have also asked to pay a fine of USD 4 million each. They have been barred from serving as directors for two years. Donald Trump and his two adult sons had already been found liable for massively increasing the value of their properties by hundreds of millions of dollars in a trial that ended in January. However, Trump and his sons have denied any wrongdoing. Former US President Donald Trump has called the case a "fraud on me" and a "political witch hunt." Judge Arthur Engoron's decision came just weeks after closing arguments in the case following a months-long trial in 2023. The attorney general's office had requested the judge to ask Donald Trump to pay USD 370 million, which is USD 16 million less than ordered by the judge. Former Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg was ordered to pay USD 1 million. Weisselberg was also blocked from New York business for three years, according to the order. Furthermore, Weisselberg and former controller Jeffrey McConney were banned for life from serving "in the financial control function" of any New York corporation or business entity. The judge said the independent monitor he installed to oversee Trump's business would continue functioning for three years, apart from the installation of an "Independent Director of Compliance." However, the judge reversed the decision ahead of the trial that ordered the cancellation of the defendants' business certificates. Although the judge stated that the order could be renewed. In a statement to The Hill, Trump's lawyer Alina Habba termed the ruling a "manifest injustice" and the culmination of a "multi-year, politically fueled witch hunt that was designed to 'take down Donald Trump.'" The trial of the case lasted for more than two months, with testimony -- sometimes tempestuous from 40 witnesses, including the former US President himself, top Trump Organization executives and Trump's adult children, according to The Hill report. Trump's financial standing could face a major blow following the USD 354.8 million judgement, and another USD 83.3 million judgement against him for defaming writer E Jean Carroll after he denied her accusation that he sexually assaulted her decades earlier. (ANI) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday announced that it will sit in opposition in the Centre and Punjab as the political parties make efforts to finalise the process of government formation in Pakistan and provinces after the general elections held on February 8, Pakistan-based The News International reported. The decision has been taken as per the directives issued by PTI founder Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), PTI leader Muhammad Ali Saif said that the party had decided to sit on the opposition benches in the National Assembly and Punjab Assembly. "Many politicians face the allegations that they have power lust but we have decided to sit in the opposition in the Centre and Punjab, despite the fact that if we had got the seats according to the votes we received, we would have been forming the government in the Centre," he said, according to The News International report. Saif further said that the Form-45s were evidence that the PTI-backed candidates had secured win. However, the results were changed in the Form-47s. He said that the party was getting in touch with the political parties as per the orders given by Imran Khan and added that a delegation led by Asad Qaiser visited the QWP secretariat. Calling the elections held on February 8 "rigged," Saif said that the polls have created political unrest in Pakistan. He said that the political parties and those "who had the right" and who had received the votes of the people have made complaints about the polls. He said, "People's votes were tampered with." Saif said that some people would celebrate that they have got to form the government. However, he added that this celebration would be short-lived, according to The News International report. "If we see this in the long term, this is a huge problem for the nation, the country and the parliamentary democracy in Pakistan because the coming generations have to bear the brunt of such incidents," Saif said while referring to the alleged rigging in elections. He said that PTI wants "harmony and an environment of reconciliation" in Pakistan. Revealing details regarding the meeting with QWP, Saif said that the PTI requested the party leaders to join it on the agenda to protest the alleged poll rigging. At this, QWP leader Sikandar Sherpao told PTI that they would announce their course of action after sharing PTI's proposal with the party's committee. Polls in Pakistan were held on February 8 amid allegations of rigging in election results, The News International reported. While the PTI-backed independent candidates secured more seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has claimed to have enough numbers to form the government as some independents joined the PML-N post-polls. The PTI has alleged that the elections were "not free and fair" and plans to stage countrywide peaceful protests against the alleged rigging. Earlier, the PTI-backed independent candidates held a joint press conference and said that the elections held on February 8 had created new records of rigging. They disapproved of the poll results, saying that the 2024 elections would be remembered in Pakistan's history due to the scale of rigging. (ANI) Reacting to the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, French President Emmanuel Macron said that free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death in today's Russia, CNN reported. He paid tribute to the memory of Navalny and his dedication and courage. In a post on X, Macron stated, "In today's Russia, free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death. Anger and indignation. I pay tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny, his dedication, his courage. My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones, and to the Russian people." Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died, the Russian prison service said on Friday, CNN reported. The Russian prison service on Friday announced that Navalny "felt unwell after a walk" and "almost immediately" lost consciousness. It said it was investigating his "sudden death," CNN reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed regarding the reports of the death of Navalny, CNN reported citing state-run media Ria Novosti reports. He stressed that it is for doctors to find the cause of Navalny's death. Speaking to reporters, Peskov said, "As far as we're aware, in accordance with all the rules, the prison service is carrying out checks and clarifications." Asked about reports that the death involved a blood clot, he said, "I don't know. Doctors must find it out." Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, urged the international community to fight against Putin's "horrific" regime after her husband's death on Friday. Addressing the delegates at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Navalnaya said she does not have confirmation about her husband's death--only the reports via state media. "I thought about it quite a while. I thought, 'Should I stand here before you, or should I go back to my children?' And then I thought: 'What would Alexey have done in my place?' And I'm sure he would have been standing here on this stage," she said. She said, "I would like to call upon all the international community - all the people in the world. We should come together, and we should fight against this evil. We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today. This regime, and Vladimir Putin, should be personally held responsible for all the atrocities they have committed in our country." Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said his lawyer was travelling to the remote prison colony north of the Arctic Circle. However, Yarmysh later said that there was "almost no hope" that Navalny was alive, Al Jazeera reported. On the occasion of New Year in January, Navalny sent out a message on social media stating that he does not feel lonely and is in a "great" mood, but he still misses spending time with his family and friends in person. In a New Year's Eve message posted on social media by his team, Navalny was quoted as saying that this will be the third time "I have taken the traditional family New Year's Eve photo with Photoshop." "I am trying to keep up with the times, and this time I asked an artificial intelligence to draw me. I hope it turned out something fantastic - I will not see the picture myself until the letter with it arrives on Yamal," Navalny had said, according to CNN. At that time, he was serving his term at the Russian Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region's IK-3 prison colony. Navalny has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Moscow after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Before his arrest, Navalny campaigned against corruption and organised major anti-Kremlin protests. He has since received three prison terms and spent months in isolation in Penal Colony Number 6 for alleged minor infractions. A court extended Navalny's sentence to 19 years on "extremism" charges and ruled that he be moved to a more secure, harsher prison. Notably, Navalny had, time and again rejected all charges against him as politically motivated. (ANI) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande, during his four-day visit to the US, visited the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), the forefront military innovation unit of the US Army in San Francisco. During his visit to the DIU, he interacted with Doug Beck, the Director of DIU and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense. The Defence Innovation Unit, DIU, is the only U.S. Department of Defence organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military to help it solve critical problems and build a force for the future. Moreover, the COAS also visited the California National Guard. Posting on social media X, the Indian Army stated, "General Manoj Pande #COAS visited the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the forefront military innovation unit of @USArmy, in #SanFrancisco and interacted with Mr Doug Beck, Director of DIU and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense. The #COAS also visited the California National Guard @CalGuard." The Army chief's visit highlighted the shared values and interests that underpin the partnership between India and the US. It further aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and development in defence and security domains. "The visit by #COAS epitomises shared values & interests that underpin the partnership between India and the United States, aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation & development in defence & security domains," the post added. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1758675275234312444?s=20 Earlier on Friday, COAS General Manoj Pande visited Headquarters of 1 Corps of the US Army, where he received briefings on the Stryker Unit, Multi-Domain Task Force, and the Special Forces Group, aiming to explore opportunities for more significant training engagements. During the four-day official visit to the US (February 13-16), the Army Chief engaged in discussions with General Randy George, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and fostering global peace and security efforts. The Army Chief commenced his visit by reviewing the US Army Guard of Honour. He then participated in a solemn ceremony, paying respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The Army Chief also visited the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir and interacted with the Vice President of the National Defense University at Fort McNair. Additionally, General Pande held discussions with the Charge d'Affaires of the Indian Embassy in the United States, where they deliberated on important ongoing and prospective initiatives. This visit marks another milestone in the Indo-US defence relationship, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance military collaboration, exchange strategic perspectives on global threat perceptions, and working together toward future force development and modernisation. (ANI) Following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the United Kingdom (UK) government has summoned the Russian Embassy to clearly state that they hold the Russian authorities "fully responsible for his death." "The UK government has summoned the Russian Embassy to make clear that we hold the Russian authorities fully responsible," it said in a statement on Friday. A spokesperson of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) expressed support to the family, friends, colleagues, and supporters of Navalny, adding that he has dedicated his life to exposing the corruption of the Russian system. "Alexei Navalny dedicated his life to exposing the corruption of the Russian system, calling for free and open politics, and holding the Kremlin to account," he said. "We stand today with his family, friends, colleagues, and supporters. Our thoughts go out to them," the spokesperson added. He further noted that the Russian authorities saw Navalny as a threat, imprisoned him on fabricated charges, poisoned him with a banned nerve agent, and further sent him to an Arctic penal colony. "The Russian authorities saw Mr Navalny as a threat. Many Russian citizens felt he gave them a voice. In recent years, the authorities imprisoned him on fabricated charges, poisoned him with a banned nerve agent, and sent him to an Arctic penal colony," the spokesperson said. The FCDO spokesperson further emphasised that no one should doubt the "brutal nature of the Russian system" and that his death should be investigated fully and transparently. Praising the Putin critic Navalny, the spokesperson said, "Mr Navalny was a man of great courage and iron will. Even from his prison cell, he continued to speak up for the rights of the Russian people." He further stressed that Navalny's dedication to human rights and exposing corruption was an inspiration to millions. "The ideals for which he stood and died will live forever," the spokesperson added. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in prison, Al Jazeera reported on Friday, citing state media. The death of the jailed Russian opposition leader, 47, has been reported by state media which further cited the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region where he had been serving his sentence. Al Jazeera cited a statement put out by state media quoting the prison service of the Yamalo-Nenets region which said that Navalny "felt bad" after a walk and lost consciousness "almost immediately." Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, urged the international community to fight against Putin's "horrific" regime after her husband's death on Friday. Before his arrest, Navalny campaigned against corruption and organised major anti-Kremlin protests. He has since received three prison terms and spent months in isolation in Penal Colony Number 6 for alleged minor infractions. A court extended Navalny's sentence to 19 years on "extremism" charges and ruled that he be moved to a more secure, harsher prison. Notably, Navalny had, time and again, rejected all charges against him as politically motivated. Moreover, world leaders are reacting and criticising the death of Putin critic Navalny. French President Emmanuel Macron said that free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death in today's Russia, CNN reported. He paid tribute to the memory of Navalny and his dedication and courage. In a post on X, Macron stated, "In today's Russia, free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death. Anger and indignation. I pay tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny, his dedication, and his courage. My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones, and to the Russian people." US President Joe Biden said that he is "outraged" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death. Meanwhile, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen condoled the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his people. (ANI) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held "candid and constructive" discussion during their meeting at the Munich Security Conference on Friday. According to US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the discussion on the sidelines of the summit touched on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship. While having a "candid and constructive discussion" with Wang in Munich, Blinken raised concern over China supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the State Department's top spokesman said. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and on the Korean Peninsula and affirmed that their respective senior officials should meet to follow up on these discussions. Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea, Miller said. Friday's meeting between Blinken and Wang was the first in-person meeting of senior officials of the two countries since Taiwan's presidential election in mid-January, which was won by Lai Ching-te of the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, Kyodo News reported. Meanwhile, according to Xinhua, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a "sound, steady and sustainable development of China-US ties." During the meeting, the two sides had "candid, substantive, and constructive discussions," it said. "The two sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation and actively explore the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other," Wang said according to Xinhua. The United States should view the country's development "objectively and rationally"and abide by the one-China principle if it "genuinely hopes for stability across the Taiwan Strait." Wang said that the pursuit of turning "de-risking" into "de-sinicization," building "small yard, high fence" and "decoupling from China" will eventually backfire on the United States itself, as per the Xinhua report. The Chinese foreign minister also called on Washington to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals. At the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Blinken also raised concerns over China's "support for Russia's war against Ukraine, including support to the Russian defence industrial base," Miller said according to a White House readout. The US Secretary reiterated that the United States will continue to stand up for its interests and values and those of its allies, Miller said. This is the first meeting between Blinken and Wang since October last year and after the talks held last month. US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan and the Chinese Foreign Minister had held extensive talks in Bangkok last month with the two courites agreeing to "maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship as directed by the leaders." Bilateral relations between the two countries had come under strain after US military fighter jets shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean off the Eastern Seaboard of the United States in February 2023. (ANI) SINGAPORE, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese passenger jet C919 arrived at Changi Airport Saturday after a non-stop flight of nearly six hours to attend Singapore Airshow 2024, according to China Eastern Airlines Singapore Branch. The jetliner will perform flight demonstrations at the airshow, which will last from Feb. 20 to Feb. 25, said the airshow organizer. Five aircraft developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd., including C919, will meet the public at the airshow, which marks their first "group appearance" overseas, said China Eastern Airlines Singapore Branch. Following the Pakistan general elections, widespread protests have been held in Balochistan, Sindh and other parts of the country against alleged rigging in the 2024 general elections. Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha and Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry of the Sindh High Court (SHC) would hear petitions for the Karachi Division. Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro will be heading an election tribunal for the Sukkur and Shaheed Benazirabad divisions while Justice Amjad Ali Sahito will hold hearings in the Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad divisions, according to ARY News. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammad Saleem Jessar has been appointed to the election tribunal for the Larkana division of Sindh province. Similarly, Justice Abdullah Baloch, Justice Rozi Khan Barrech, and Justice Muhammad Aamir Nawaz Rana of the Balochistan High Court would hear elections-related pleas in the province. The Pakistan electoral body made these appointments on the recommendations of Chief Justices of the Balochistan and Sindh High Courts, as reported by ARY News. Reportedly, the tribunals would address the petitions about 'irregularities' and 'rigging accusations' in the elections and subsequent bye-elections. Following the February 8 general elections, political parties, including the National Party, PPP, JUI, BAP, BNP-Mengal, PkMAP, and PkNAP, staged protest demonstrations engulfing major thoroughfares and district returning offices, demanding recounts and challenging the declared outcomes in Balochistan. Meanwhile, four political parties, including the BNP-M, PkMAP, and the Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), announced joint protest demonstrations against the alleged election rigging in the province. Furthermore, these political parties also established a joint protest camp to mount pressure on the Election Commission of Pakistan to reconsider its results about their constituencies, according to The Express Tribune. Additionally, various political parties including the Awami National Party, JUI and some candidates blocked the main highways linking Balochistan with Karachi, Sindh, Punjab and other parts of the country. (ANI) The death of human rights activist Hidayat Lohar under questionable circumstances is garnering international condemnation across social media platforms. Several human rights organisations and prominent figures who raise their voices against the suppression of the people of Pakistan, are sharing their sympathies over the demise. Human Rights organisations Sindhi Association of North America (SANA), in a press release shared on social media platform 'X' stated that "The Sindhi Association of North America condemns the brutal assassination of longtime activist and schoolteacher Hidyat Lohar in Naseerabad, Sindh." https://twitter.com/sindh_sana/status/1758579416958140531?s=20 The statement further states that " SANA President @maqhalepota Maqbool Halepota, General Secretary @MushRajpar Mushtaq Rajpar and Information Secretary Iftikhar Memon in a statement expressed condolences with family of slain activist, demanding justice for the family, in particular slain leaders both daughters Sassui and Sorath Lohar, who ran a long campaign for freedom of their father when he was abducted by the state agencies. SANA statement also noted that Mr. Lohar never had a criminal or terrorist record, he faced no court cases, he was an unarmed peaceful activist and a schoolteacher, he did not have to be killed for his political ideas and movement for justice. The Sindhi human rights organisation has demanded the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) to take notice of the violence and suppression inflicted on the people of Sindh in Pakistan. Further, the statement shared by SANA also stated that hailing from a lower working class, Lohar was a head teacher at a local school in his hometown of Naseerabad, in the morning hours on Friday, February 16, 2024, he was gunned down by an unknown gunmen while on his way to duty in school. Additionally, the President of the Baloch American Congress, Tara Chand, also stated his sentiments in a social media post. Taking the matter to social media platform 'X' Chand tagged several national and international human rights organisations and stated, "The killing of Hidayat Lohar is a clear example of the impunity enjoyed by the secret agencies of the Pakistan Army. We must hold them accountable for their crimes against human rights defenders." https://twitter.com/drtchand/status/1758492171030630586?s=20 A video shared in the same social media post by Chand, clearly shows the family of Hidayat Lohar bitterly crying and weeping alongside, what seems to be the dead body of the human rights activist. (ANI) Amid the frenetic power play and uncertainty around the formation of the new government in Pakistan, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, said the politics of grabbing power has always been harmful to the country and its people. Abassi made the remarks while speaking to media persons after attending the hearing of the PSO unlawful recruiting case before an accountability court here. He said anyone who comes to power under the current conditions will be incapable of resolving national challenges. "Our peculiar election has also confused Google, which has been tired of issuing results," he said. "It has an easy way-out that the one, who has been the winner in Form 45, is the winner of election, but here form 47 has won and form 45 has lost," ARY News quoted Abbasi as saying further. "I earlier said that the election will bring chaos, which has proved, thankfully I didn't participate in this practice," the former PM added. "Everyone is vying for power promising to lead the situation to betterment, one who will make more compromises will become the prime minister," he said. Bracing reporters earlier, Abbasi said he was satisfied with his decision not to contest the general elections, adding, however, that it does not mean he has left politics. He warned that any attempt to "manipulate their mandate will result in unsustainable chaos". "The heat of the electoral process has passed; it is time to allow the country to heal," the former PM said, in a word of caution to the country's power brokers amid the flurry of talks and parleys towards forming a new dispensation at the Centre. The remarks by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi underscored the need for collective action and cooperation among political leaders to steer Pakistan through its current challenges, according to the report. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), founded by now-deposed and jailed PM Imran Khan, alleged mass rigging in the general elections. (ANI) India on Saturday sent the second humanitarian aid to Zambia amid the ongoing cholera outbreak in the country. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the aid, weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes, comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and other things. "India sends Humanitarian Assistance to Zambia in wake of the cholera outbreak. The aid weighing approx 3.5 tons comprises water purification supplies, chlorine tablets and ORS sachets. Was handed over today by our High Commissioner to the Government of Zambia," EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X. India sent the first consignment of humanitarian aid on February 6 via a commercial cargo aircraft to Zambia following the cholera outbreak in the country, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The aid weighing approximately 3.5 tonnes comprised water purification supplies, chlorine tablets, and hydration in the form of ORS sachets, the MEA said. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has said it will provide Euro one million in support to Zambia in response to the ongoing cholera epidemic, which is putting around 3.5 million people at risk. The emergency funding will support humanitarian partners UNICEF and the WHO in their efforts to address immediate and critical needs related to health, water, hygiene, and sanitation, as per the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). As of January 31, 2024, the cumulative number of cholera cases in the country stood at 16,526 with 613 deaths. There is a high fatality rate of close to 4 per cent, with most of the cases and deaths reported in Lusaka Province. As the rainy season in the country is expected to continue until May, further floods due to heavy rains in Lusaka's urban and peri-urban areas could re-ignite the spread of cholera cases. Cholera, a bacterial disease, is usually spread through contaminated water. The disease causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. (ANI) The EAM, and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Joao Cravinho, shared views on recent global developments as they met. In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleasure to meet FM of Portugal @JoaoCravinho, this time in Munich." "Shared views on recent global developments," he added. During his meeting with Foreign Minister of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, the EAM discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in different domains. "A deep discussion on the Ukraine conflict with FM @sikorskiradek of Poland today on MSC 2024 sidelines. Also exchanged views on our bilateral cooperation in different domains," he wrote in a post on X. In his meeting with the Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, the EAM lauded the advancement in bilateral ties between India and Belgium. "Good to meet FM of Belgium @hadjalahbib this morning in Munich. Glad to work with the Belgian Presidency of the EU, as well as in advancing our bilateral ties," the EAM wrote. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024 got underway on February 16 in the German capital and will conclude on February 18, Sunday. The MSC 2024 offers a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world's most pressing security challenges. Six decades after its foundation by Ewald von Kleist, the MSC has assembled senior decision-makers and thought leaders from around the world for discussions on the most pressing international security concerns in February 2024, according to the conference's official statement. Earlier today, Jaishankar also called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference 2024, congratulating the Awami League on the fresh mandate in the recent national elections. Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, Jaishankar said it was an honour calling on Prime Minister Hasina and taking the opportunity to commend the progress made in fostering 'India-Bangladesh Maitri'. "Congratulated her on the renewed mandate and appreciated her guidance for taking India Bangladesh Maitri forward. #MSC2024," Jaishankar posted from his X handle. (ANI) Atlanta police are investigating a deadly shooting in Atlanta on Friday night. Officers were called to a home in a residential area of Grant Street SE just before 8:30 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] They say one person was shot and killed. The victim has not been identified. Grant Street is located near Atlantas Chosewood Park and is less than a mile down the street from the U.S. Federal Penitentiary. TRENDING STORIES: Details on what led up to the shooting have not been released. Police have not commented on possible suspects. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Two motorcyclists were airlifted from a deep drainage after a head-on crash in a remote-area south of Taft, according to Kern County Fire Department. On Feb. 10, KCFD were dispatched to reports of a head-on crash involving two motorcycles in a remote area near 25 Hill Road. Fire officials arrived at the off-road location via fire engines, but had to use 44 patrol vehicles to meet the 911 caller who then led them to the crash site. The crash happened in a deep drainage, rescue teams hiked down to reach the patients and began to treat their injuries. CHP holding DUI checkpoint in Bakersfield Feb. 16 Photos provided courtesy of Kern County Fire Department. Photos provided courtesy of Kern County Fire Department. Photos provided courtesy of Kern County Fire Department. Later, KCFD launched helicopter 408 to hoist both patients out of the drainage and were transported to Taft airport, where they were moved into waiting ambulances, according to officials. One rider suffered serious injuries and was transported via medvac helicopter, Calstar 7. The second patient was transported by ground ambulance to an area hospital. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) Two Maryland men were indicted and charged for their alleged role in burglarizing a gun store in Springfield last year, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Virginia. Cedric Minger, 21, and Victor Jones, 22, have been charged with the burglary of a federal firearms licensee, conspiracy to steal firearms from federal firearms licensees and interstate transportation of stolen firearms and stolen vehicles. Arlington police: Maryland woman arrested for stolen car, more during parking violation On April 29, 2023, the men, along with two others, allegedly broke into Dominion Defense after driving from D.C. to Springfield in a stolen Acura ILX, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. After struggling to get through the interior door, Minger allegedly shimmied through an opening at the top and proceeded to steal over 50 guns including pistols, rifles, short-barreled rifles and silencers. Police arrested the two men and were able to recover 15 of the 53 stolen guns, according to the West Springfield Police. Special Police Officer shot boy fleeing from robbery in DC with girl; both arrested later The indictment charges Minger and Jones with the conspiracy to target two Maryland gun stores in the same month. The men allegedly attempted to burglarize Engage Armament in Rockville, Md. on April 30, 2023. Additionally, Minger and at least two others allegedly attempted to burglarize Top Gun Firearms in Fallston on May 10. The men face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy and up to 10 years for each additional count listed in the indictment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Three suspects were arrested in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting stores across Southern California. The trio are accused of committing at least 10 robberies across Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to the Burbank Police Department. The suspects were identified as: Ronnie Tucker, 22, from Long Beach Antonio Bland, 34, from Lancaster Abigail Luckey, 48, from Los Angeles On Feb. 2, a man armed with a handgun entered a 7-Eleven store located at 3523 W. Burbank Blvd. and forced the store clerk to empty the cash register, police said. The suspect also stole the clerks wallet before fleeing the scene. On Feb. 8, two suspects entered a 7-Eleven located at 2000 N. Hollywood Way. Armed with a handgun, the suspects forced the clerk to open both cash registers and to hand over his wallet also. They emptied the registers before running out of the store, police said. Investigators were able to identify the getaway car used in the robberies and, with the help of a police helicopter, located the vehicle on Feb. 13. 17 charged in massive drug trafficking bust in Southern California While conducting surveillance on the car, the suspects drove to the Downey area where they attempted to rob a doughnut shop before fleeing the scene. The vehicle was followed by police and eventually pulled over in West L.A. During the arrest, all three suspects were wearing the same distinct clothing and were in possession of the same handgun used in the prior robberies, authorities said. Police later discovered the trio was likely responsible for at least eight other armed robberies across L.A. and O.C. Bland and Tucker were arrested on five counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Luckey was arrested on one count of attempted robbery. The Burbank Police Department is grateful for the collaborative effort with multiple law enforcement agencies, to include LAPD, Glendale PD, Tustin PD, Torrance PD, and Downey PD who assisted with this investigation, authorities said. Many hours of follow-up investigation and surveillance resulted in the safe apprehension of the suspects. Anyone with additional information can call Burbank police at 818-238-3000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A man left hurt and screaming on a Richland hill was just one of three victims seriously injured in a trio of dramatic Tri-Cities 2023 crashes with drivers now facing charges. Benton County prosecutors recently filed vehicular assault charges against three people in crashes that happened between August and December 2023. In each, the alleged drivers left behind victims that with long-term serious injuries. In August, the Subaru WRX that Lizbeth Garcia, 20, was driving skidded more than 400 feet on Bob Olson Parkway, leaving a passenger permanently paralyzed. In October, a BMW tumbled end over end down a hill from Queensgate Drive, throwing a man into the hill with nearly all of his ribs broken, a busted ankle and fractured leg. The driver, Kristen N. Parks, 29, allegedly walked away. Then in December, a pickup rolled at Plymouth Road near Tyrell Road throwing two men out and leaving a trail of full and empty alcohol bottles and drugs. The driver, Juan David I. Orozco, 21, appeared intoxicated when police questioned him, according to court documents. None of the suspected drivers are in jail. Summons were issued for them to appear in court to be charged. Parks and Garcia are each facing an aggravating factor of leaving their victims with excessive injuries. Bob Olson Crash Garcia was allegedly behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX on Aug. 15, while racing along Bob Olson Parkway about 12:49 a.m. According to one of her passengers, the car reached 127 mph at one point. Garcia was allegedly racing another car and going about 98 mph when she lost control of the car, court documents said. A passerby spotted the wreck and called 911. When officers arrived, they found the car flipped and on its hood after sliding more than 400 feet, according to court documents. There were four people near the vehicle, including one woman who was later found to have two fractured vertebrae and serious damage to her spinal cord. She is paralyzed from her chest to her toes and cant move her arms between her elbows and fingers. Queensgate Wreck Park was allegedly driving a BMW at 80 mph in a 25 mph zone of Queensgate Drive in Richland early Oct. 20, when she lost control, according to court documents. The car went off the side of the road, and flipped end over end 125 feet down a hill. Along the way, her passenger was thrown from the car. Park allegedly walked away from the crash leaving her passenger behind. He had a broken ankle, several broken ribs, broken vertebrae and broken leg. A witness called 911 after hearing someone yelling for help. He was taken to Kadlec for treatment. He told investigators that he had just met Parks that night while bowling and they had been heading to Badger Hill or something, according to court documents. Police followed a trail of blood from Parks car to one of her friends home. They learned that she showed up there about 2:30 a.m. and knocked on his door. He allowed her to get cleaned up, and after hearing that she had been in a crash, he tried convincing her to call police or medics. She refused. After several attempts, he said that she needed to leave if she wasnt going to call police. Police caught up with her about 7:30 p.m. after Parks went to the freestanding Kadlec Emergency Room on 19th Avenue. While she didnt provide a statement about the crash, she did ask how the man who was thrown from her car was doing. Plymouth Crash Juan David I. Orozco was allegedly driving drunk about 9 a.m. on Dec. 29, 2023 when he lost control of a pickup on Plymouth Road near Tyrell Road in rural southern Benton County. The passerby who found the wreck told officers that it appeared to have rolled and threw two men from the truck. They remained nearby. When Benton County deputies arrived they found two men who were both seriously hurt near the pickup. And along the path of the crash, officers found a trail of opened and unopened bottles of beer, tequila and vodka. There was also clear bag with a white powdery substance and another with a large amount of marijuana inside. While medical staff were checking on Orozco, deputies noticed that he was swaying side to side and had watery droopy eyes, both signs that he was intoxicated, according to court documents. Police did get a search warrant for his blood, so it could be tested. The results of the test werent listed in court documents. Orozco told medics that he was driving the truck when it crashed. The passenger told investigators on the day after the crash that they had been with some girls in Kennewick the night before the crash and headed south about 7 a.m. He also said that told officers that he would need four more surgeries and nearly lost his right leg because of the crash. NASA representatives joined in on the unveiling ceremony of "Ohioans in Space," a tribute painting honoring the state-born national heroes and legendary astronauts Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Jim Lovell, Judy Resnik, and Gene Kranz, which was held last Jan. 24 in the Statehouse in Columbus. Ohio's 'Mt. Rushmore of Astronauts' Measuring a considerable 9-foot-high by 12-foot-long, the large-scale oil painting was made by Ohio-born portraitist Bill Hinsch and was commissioned by the Capitol Square Foundation (CSF). Such a tribute was the first to be instated at the Statehouse in over seven decades, succeeding a portrait of the Wright Brothers, who were also Ohioan natives. Of the piece, CSF Chairman Charles Moses was quoted by Collect Space saying: "The first thing was to determine who is going to be in this painting, and after many conversations, it was pretty easy." "We have the 'Mount Rushmore' of astronauts in Ohio," he added confidently. Alongside NASA officials, family members of Armstrong, Lovell, and Resnik were also present during the painting's debut. Trevor Brown, dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, acted as a stand-in for the Project Mercury astronaut's children. Glenn and Armstrong passed away in recent years, 2016 and 2012, respectively. On the other hand, Resnik died during a 1986 mission aboard the "Challenger" space shuttle. Lovell, whose video played during a formal dinner that preceded the ceremony, expressed her excitement about the inspiration, encouragement, and education that the painting will bestow upon would-be visitors of the Statehouse. She added that the piece itself was an embodiment of the "importance of the past and future of the aerospace industry." Hinsch, whose other artworks are displayed in the National Museum of the US Air Force and the Pentagon, also spoke of the painting and the opportunity it brought him during the ceremony, saying: "I'm just a boy from Hicksville, Ohio, so it's a little nerve-wracking for me to get up here." According to him, he spent around "seven days a week" in the span of seven months to work on the piece, which is something he is really "proud" of, adding, "It was a supreme honor to do this painting." Read Also: 'Red Vineyard at Arles': Van Gogh's Sole Painting He Sold Unveiled in Moscow 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 4 displaced after Clinton structure fire An early-Saturday structure fire in Clinton remains under investigation, according to a news release. The fire started shortly after 1 a.m. in the upper apartment on the 700 block of 9th Avenue South. Clinton Fire Department responded with two ladder trucks, one engine, three ambulances, and command. Residents standing in the front yard confirmed all residents of the home were accounted for and out of the structure. Crews attempted to make an interior offensive attack and had to back out because of rapidly deteriorating conditions inside the structure. After crews were out and accounted for, a defensive attack was initiated and resumed throughout the rest of the incident. Fire crews remained on the scene for hours afterward. The Salvation Army emergency assistance program was contacted and assisted with temporary placement and clothing for the four residents who were displaced, including two adults and two children. The residence was valued at $50,000 and is a total loss. The Clinton Fire Department was assisted by the Camanche Fire Department, Clinton Police Department, Alliant Energy for gas and electrical, Iowa American Water, and The Salvation Army. The cause of the fire is under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. CHICAGO A 5-year-old boy who fell ill in a city-run migrant shelter in December died of sepsis and a bacterial infection, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, died Dec. 17 of sepsis and streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterial infection that can cause strep throat, pathologists at the medical examiners office concluded in a report issued late this week. Coronavirus, adenovirus and rhinovirus infections were listed as secondary causes of death. Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday expressed condolences to Jean Carlos family in a statement that also defended the care given to migrants in shelters, saying residents are offered comprehensive medical examinations and care. The City of Chicago coordinates medical screenings for all shelter residents, weekly on-site provider support, on-site vaccination events for COVID, varicella, and flu, and partnerships with a network of community health centers for other healthcare needs, the statement said. Jean Carlos had been sick for a couple of days prior to his death, his parents told police. The family had been outside begging for money earlier that day, but came home after the 5-year-old had vomited. At the shelter, his lips turned purple, his parents told police. The boys family members told police that staff had said the discoloration was probably because of the cold. But after the boy complained that his stomach hurt and his eyes rolled to the back of his head, staff began performing chest compressions on him and called for an ambulance. The boy was pronounced dead at Comer Childrens Hospital. According to the city, the Martinez Rivero family arrived in Chicago on Nov. 30, and had been staying at the warehouse at 2241 S. Halsted St. since they arrived. At the time of the boys death, the warehouse housed several thousand migrants. The city is housing 12,637 migrants in 26 shelters as of Saturday morning. Since June 2023, more than 35,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, have arrived in Chicago. Sue Taylor is still glowing about a dream that became a reality as she celebrates the fourth anniversary of Farmacy Berkeley, the first and only Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary in Berkeley, California. The former Catholic school principal never imagined shed be working in the cannabis industry. After a close friend of hers lost their battle with cancer, she learned about the health benefits the plant offers, ABC 7 reported. This enlightenment caused a shift in her perspective on cannabis since elements of it are beneficial to senior citizens. I feel some kind of way in my heart that I didnt serve as well because my mindset wasnt on cannabis. Because I was secretly afraid of it because of the reefer madness that was instilled in me as I was growing up, Taylor told ABC 7. To help inform more elders about the positive impact marijuana can have on their lives, Taylor gathered support from her peers and family, who all invested money to help her reach her goal of opening a dispensary. In addition to the funds she received from her village, she used all the money in her retirement savings account. Despite the entrepreneur having financial support, it was still an uphill battle for Taylor and her team. During this time, she says she was denied buildings, loans and more due to racially charged reasons. After eight years of advocating and overcoming obstacles, they finally received a permit. It took us eight years. Before we could get that permit, Taylor said. No, no, it was eight years of activist work, like trying to get a building, trying to get in, trying to fit in, being African Americans and get the door slammed in my face in, in our face, and not wanting to rent buildings to us and all that we went through all those kinds of challenges. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farmacy, California (@farmacy.ca) According to Leaflys Jobs Report 2021, although African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, they only have a 1.2% to 1.7% stake of ownership in the cannabis industry. In addition, the history between Black Americans and marijuana laws has always been biased as these regulations were used by officials to criminalize Black and brown community members, who were arrested at higher rates compared to their white counterparts per an ACLU report, according to ABC 7. We had to make sure Is were dotted and our Ts were crossed because we didnt want to get incarcerated, Taylor said. Since Taylor successfully established a customer base at Farmacy Berkeley, she has evolved her business by creating a CBD line named Mama Sue, her nickname, for senior citizens in need of pain relief. She eventually plans to open a wellness center to further her efforts in helping elders within the California community. You keep recreating yourself, she said. If you want to live a boring life, keep doing the same thing all your life. Boring. Through her shop, Taylor hopes to continue changing the narrative that people her age have been told about marijuana for decades to help them feel as good as she does. Furthermore, shes happy to be a beacon of hope in her city for people of color who are interested in entering the cannabis industry. It was quite an honor. To be that representative of because so many African Americans is people of color who were incarcerated for cannabis from the get right from the beginning, she said. And so to have an African American family open up, a dispensary, such as it gave us a lot of pride. Out of the pregnancy-associated deaths that occurred in the past four years, 89% were preventable, Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) said at the state Capitol Friday afternoon. Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus spoke to highlight a new campaign aimed at addressing maternal mortality in the state, citing what they call worrying statistics among Georgias mothers. As part of the push to lower the rate of maternal deaths and deaths of children, members of the caucus pushed to expand Medicaid across the state in a bid to provide resources in what they called healthcare deserts. Democratic caucus chair Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) took a different tack as related to the statistics in Georgia. We find this state to be reprehensible when it comes to maternal mortality. Georgia indeed is a dangerous place to have a child. We are depending on whose chart youre looking at, the records, we are the last or the next to next to last, in maternal mortality and we need to be able to do better, Mitchell said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Mitchell added that the issue is one where expanding Medicaid would be a solution, noting that it would be a big help in rural communities where healthcare is less available. According to the speakers at the event in the Capitol, rural health and the disparity between mothers of color and white mothers was particularly important and in need of a solution. I have been standing with my colleagues for many weeks since we started this session bringing attention consistently to the maternal mortality crisis in Georgia. This is a problem that does have solutions, one thing we can do right off the top of the bat, and people get tired of hearing us say it because its said so often, but we need to fully expand Medicaid in this state. The facts are there. National statistics prove that mothers and babies do better in states where Medicaid is fully expanded. It is time to get it done. We call on our partners across the aisle to do that. Not only are the maternal mortality statistics appalling, but the inequity within these numbers is staggering. Not only are white mothers at risk, but Black and brown mothers are three times as likely to suffer maternal mortality than white women, Rep. Karen Lupton said. Another representative, Dexter Sharper (D-Valdosta), who has been a paramedic for more than 30 years, said it was important for healthcare workers to understand the disparity so that more care is provided for Black mothers, who statistically suffer more often from maternal mortality. TRENDING STORIES: Rep. Ruwa Romman (D-Duluth) added that in addition to the data showing that 89% of the maternal mortality events in Georgia were preventable, the gap in overage and medical care is widened due to half of Georgias counties lacking an OBGYN, or obstetrician-gynecologists, the doctors who provide treatment and care for pregnant mothers. That is a direct result of underfunding of our healthcare system and the continuous attempt to try every possible bad solution except the one that has been proven and tested time and time and time again in more than 40 other states which is that we should be expanding Medicaid to ensure that these clinics, these hospitals, can remain open in the areas that need it most, Romman said, joining her colleagues in promoting an expansion of Medicaid in the state of Georgia. You heard from my colleague that 89% of these deaths are preventable. All of those people that have lost a loved one, whether its a mother or a wife or a daughter or a sister, they should have never lost that person, Romman added. No one should have to face the loss of a loved one, especially if we can do something about it. The maternal mortality statistics were important to more than just state lawmakers. U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock, one of Georgias two senators in Washington, released a statement on Thursday that maternal mortality and infant mortality rates were on the rise and urged lawmakers across both chambers at the state level and federally to act, in addition to an appeal to state officials. As a dad myself, I know that the transition into the life-changing and important role of fatherhood can be a powerful lever for change, wrote Senator Reverend Warnock to the Georgia Department of Public Health. PRAMS for Dads collects vital data about the experiences of new fathers directly from fathers, with a long-term goal of eliminating systemic barriers to healthy families. This proven approach enhances the overall health and quality of life of fathers, mothers, and babies in Georgia. Warnock said that expanding Medicaid would help provide affordable healthcare to more than 640,000 Georgians in need. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Fran Itkoff, a 90-year-old woman from California, has volunteered for a multiple sclerosis charity for over 60 years. Last month, however, she was abruptly fired. Why? According to Mrs Itkoff, its because she didnt understand what gender pronouns were. One day, she claims, a colleague at the National MS Society told her to add her pronouns to her emails but she had no idea what the colleague was on about. When the colleague explained that she should add a signature reading she/her in order to be inclusive, Mrs Itkoff said she still didnt understand. Shortly afterwards, she received an email, informing her that her services were no longer required. Since this story came to light, the charity has been facing a furious backlash. In response, it has issued a statement saying Mrs Itkoff was asked to step away from her role because of statements that were viewed as not aligning with our policy of inclusion [...]. As an organisation, we are in a continued conversation about assuring [sic] that our diversity, equity and inclusion policies evolve in service of our mission. How lovely to hear. To help that conversation along, heres a little idea for the charity to consider. If you want to be inclusive, dont exclude 90-year-old women for the crime of failing to subscribe to the latest progressive ideological trends, especially when those trends have no clear relevance to the mission (helping people with multiple sclerosis) you exist to pursue. Because, if you do exclude 90-year-old women or, for that matter, anyone else on this basis, people might think youre actually not very inclusive after all. In fact, they might think youre a pack of stuck-up bullies. Just a thought. Whats wrong with being a white saviour? Sir Bob Geldof is even angrier than normal. Just for One Day, a musical telling the story of Live Aid, recently opened in London. And, in a disparaging review, a critic from The Guardian described it as the apex of the white saviour complex. The use of this term white saviour, Sir Bob feels, is highly objectionable. Its the greatest load of b------- ever, he fumed in an interview on Thursday. Are the only people allowed to react to an African famine black? Well, that does seem to be what the term white saviour implies. In which case, its a puzzling sort of criticism. Most people in Britain, I would imagine, think it was actually quite admirable that Bob Geldof and many other Western musicians took it upon themselves to raise millions of pounds to help save the lives of starving children in a land thousands of miles away. If the starving children felt patronised by these efforts, I dont recall them saying so. And I dont think I saw any footage of Ethiopians waving placards that read WE DONT WANT YOUR CHARITY or YOU KNOW WHERE YOU CAN STICK YOUR FREE FOOD, GELDOF. I wonder what The Guardian would have said if, when the Ethiopian famine began, Sir Bob had said: Sorry, Im not raising a single penny for these starving children because theyre black. And no other white people should raise money for them, either. We should only help our fellow whites. Thats why Im organising the biggest rock concert ever, to raise millions of pounds exclusively for white causes. It will be called White Aid. Would The Guardians writers have applauded him for this noble rejection of white saviourism? I suppose well never know. A sexy photo shoot? What a radical idea Over the centuries, countless words in the English language have changed meaning many of them in surprising ways. Silly, for example, used to mean lucky. Nice, meanwhile, used to mean foolish. And bully, believe it or not, used to mean sweetheart. Perhaps the most fascinating example of all, though, is subversive. Once upon a time, subversive meant rebellious, radical, determined to overthrow the established order. In 2024, by contrast, it means rigidly conformist. At least, thats the only conclusion I can draw from the breathlessly gushing cover feature on Kristen Stewart, the former star of the Twilight films, in the latest issue of Rolling Stone. Throughout the feature, the magazines interviewer is keen to impress upon us just how subversive the actress is. By now, were told, its pretty well-established that subversive is Stewarts thing. In the opinion of both interviewer and interviewee, this subversiveness is perfectly illustrated by the photo shoot she did to adorn the magazines cover. Ms Stewart, explains the interviewer, wants the cover image to send a clear message which is that shes flipping the gender script. Having seen the image in question, I find this a somewhat surprising claim. Because, as far as I can make out, it appears to be a photo of a slim, attractive, scantily clad young actress revealing her cleavage, flat midriff and naked thighs while putting a hand down her pants on the cover of a magazine that is read overwhelmingly by heterosexual middle-aged men. Which Im fairly sure has been the gender script ever since mens magazines were invented. If Ms Stewart wanted to flip the gender script, I would have suggested wearing, say, a big, baggy jumper. Underneath an even bigger coat. Or at the very least, a pair of trousers. 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. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) unveiled plans Friday to build a National Guard base camp near the Rio Grande that could house up to 1,800 troops in Eagle Pass, Texas. We are building a new Texas Military Department base camp that allows the Texas National Guard to increase and to improve operations in this area, Abbott said Friday during a press conference in the border city. This will increase the ability for a larger number of Texas Military Department soldiers in Eagle Pass to operate more effectively and efficiently, he added. Before now, the Texas National Guard had been scattered across this entire region in cramped quarters, away from fellow soldiers, and sometimes traveling long distances to do their job. This base camp is going to dramatically improve conditions for our soldiers. According to Fridays press release, the Texas Military Department acquired 80 acres of land in Eagle Pass to construct a Forward Operating Base housing 1,800 soldiers, with the ability to accommodate an additional 500, who are deployed to respond to the open border chaos created by the Biden Administration. The construction process will include the addition of 300 beds every 30 days, with the first phase expected to be completed by April, said Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the head of the Texas Military Department, The Associated Press reported. It will also include three command posts, weapons storage rooms and a helicopter pad, per the AP. The announcement comes amid a recent standoff between the Biden administration and Abbott over handling of the southern border and migrant crisis. The Texas National Guard appeared to disregard a recent Supreme Court decision allowing federal border agents to remove razor wire along the river between the U.S. and Mexico, and continued building the barriers. Texas would not be able to respond to President Bidens border crisis without the brave men and women of the Texas National Guard, and it is essential to build this base camp for them, Abbott said. Abbotts announcement also comes after the failure of a bipartisan border deal in Congress a week ago, which former President Trump, whom the governor endorsed for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in November, strongly opposed. Only a fool, or a Radical Left Democrat, would vote for this horrendous Border Bill, which only gives Shutdown Authority after 5000 Encounters a day, when we already have the right to CLOSE THE BORDER NOW, which must be done, Trump wrote on Truth Social quickly after the bills release. This Bill is a great gift to the Democrats, and a Death Wish for The Republican Party, the former president added. It takes the HORRIBLE JOB the Democrats have done on Immigration and the Border, absolves them, and puts it all squarely on the shoulders of Republicans. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A 29-year-old woman charged with drugged driving in a crash on Valentines Day was removed from court Friday due to her behavior, according to a court official. Court Commissioner Sally Ackerknecht said Joanna Bojorquez-Higuera had earlier been in court but was taken back to jail. Her arraignment was postponed to Tuesday. Man gets 21 years in Oak Street homicide Joanna Bojorquez-Higuera is charged with driving under the influence of a drug causing injury, resisting arrest, reckless driving and driving on a license that was suspended or revoked for DUI. Shes being held on $110,000. The crash happened just after 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of California and Chester avenues. One person was hospitalized with moderate injuries, police said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on his country's allies to ramp up support in the fight against the Russian invasion, in remarks to the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Zelensky was in southern Germany on the second day of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of top political and defence officials to debate international security policy. "If we don't act now, Putin will succeed in turning the next few years into a catastrophe," the Ukrainian president told the conference. Zelensky's comments came after the address of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called on EU partners to follow Berlin's example and ramp up aid for Ukraine, saying it is in member states' own security interest to do so. For the current year, Germany has almost doubled its military aid to more than 7 billion ($7.5 billion), with commitments for the coming years totalling 6 billion, the German leader said. He very much hoped "that similar decisions would be taken in all EU capitals," Scholz said. "We Europeans must take much greater care of our own security - now and in the future," Scholz said. At the same time, he emphasized that German support for Kiev is "broad and extensive, but above all it is long-term." His comments come after he signed a long-term security pact with Ukraine on Friday and pledged additional weapons worth around 1.1 billion for its defence against Russia, in a clear show of support from Berlin as Kiev prepares for a third year of war with Russia. Later on Friday, France followed suit and signed a similar security agreement with Ukraine. Zelensky on Saturday thanked Scholz for the new security pact, warning that the longer the war in Ukraine continued, the higher the risk of it spreading as well as further damaging the internationl order. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on his country's allies to ramp up support in the fight against the Russian invasion, saying his country's fighters are only limited by their weapons. Ukraine has already dispelled numerous myths in nearly two years of bloody fighting since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion, Zelensky said in a speech on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat and that we are capable of restoring the rules. And with this, we leave absolutely nothing of the key Russian myth, that Ukraine supposedly cannot win this war," Zelensky said. "We can get our land back and Putin can lose. This has already happened more than once on the battlefield." Ukraine's efforts are only limited by an "artificial deficit of weapons" - particularly long-range missiles and artillery - imposed on the country by its allies and supporters, Zelensky said. Zelensky was in southern Germany on the second day of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of top political and defence officials to debate international security policy. "If we don't act now, Putin will succeed in turning the next few years into a catastrophe," the Ukrainian president told the conference. Zelensky's comments came after the address by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called on EU partners to follow Berlin's example and ramp up aid for Ukraine, saying it is in member states' own security interest to do so. For the current year, Germany has almost doubled its military aid to more than 7 billion ($7.5 billion), with commitments for the coming years totalling 6 billion, the German leader said. He very much hoped "that similar decisions would be taken in all EU capitals," Scholz said. Zelensky expressed his thanks for new security agreements signed with Germany and France on Friday, which contain promises of long-term support and further arms deliveries but do not commit French or German troops to defend Ukraine. However, Zelensky also warned urgently of the consequences of the war: the longer it lasts, the greater the risk of it spreading and further damaging the international order. "If we don't act now, Putin will manage to make the next few years catastrophic for other nations as well," Zelensky said, warning that a victorious Russia could destroy Ukraine and then threaten the Baltic states and Poland. Zelensky's comments on the range of weapons appeared to be at least partially a reference to Scholz's refusal so far to provide German-made Taurus cruise missiles, despite repeated pleas from Ukraine. Ukraine has been seeking the advanced missiles to strike targets well behind the front line, but Scholz has expressed concerns that the weapons could escalate the conflict by hitting targets within Russia itself. Scholz also addressed NATO allies in his speech, speaking out against any questioning of the alliance's mutual security pledges. "Let me also make it clear: any relativization of NATO's guarantee of mutual assistance will only benefit those who - like Putin - want to weaken us," Scholz said on Saturday. He was clearly reacting to statements made by former US president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had made it clear during an election campaign appearance that he would not grant Washington's support to allies with low defence spending in the event of a Russian attack. Trump, who is running against current US President Joe Biden, has also expressed scepticism about continued US support for Ukraine and encouraged fellow Republicans to block a further aid package. Zelensky repeatedly thanked the US and other allies for their support on Saturday, and extended a personal invitation for Trump to visit Ukraine, along with any other US lawmaker. "If Mr Trump, if he will come, I am ready even to go with him to the front line," Zelensky said. "We have to demonstrate people who are decision makers, what does it mean? The real war - not in Instagram, real war." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg more pointedly urged US Republican politicians to approve the military aid for Ukraine requested by Biden. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. "So it's not for me to give advice on how to pass legislation to the US Congress. But what I can say is the vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine." Stoltenberg acknowledged that the US has provided extensive support for Ukraine, but warned that the recent halt to further US military aid "has a direct impact on the front line in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. Stoltenberg was speaking on a panel at the conference alongside Republican US Senator Pete Ricketts and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Kallas warned that time was working for Putin. The US Senate recently passed a Ukrainian aid package after lengthy delays, but it remains unclear whether it can pass the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives. Right-wing Republicans, encouraged by Trump, are opposed to further aid. Ricketts expressed his conviction that his party would eventually pass Ukraine aid, but he defended the delays as part of an effort to force Biden to take a tougher stance on immigration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on his country's allies to ramp up support in the fight against the Russian invasion, saying his country's fighters are only limited by their weapons. Ukraine has already dispelled numerous myths in nearly two years of bloody fighting since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion, Zelensky said in a speech on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. "Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat and that we are capable of restoring the rules. And with this, we leave absolutely nothing of the key Russian myth, that Ukraine supposedly cannot win this war," Zelensky said. "We can get our land back and Putin can lose. This has already happened more than once on the battlefield." Zelensky was in southern Germany on the second day of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of top political and defence officials to debate international security policy. Zelensky also warned urgently of the consequences of the war: the longer it lasts, the greater the risk of it spreading and further damaging the international order. "If we don't act now, Putin will manage to make the next few years catastrophic for other nations as well," Zelensky said, warning that a victorious Russia could destroy Ukraine and then threaten the Baltic states and Poland. Ukraine's efforts are only limited by an "artificial deficit of weapons" - particularly long-range missiles and artillery - imposed on the country by its allies and supporters, Zelensky said. Zelensky's comments came after the address by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called on EU partners to follow Berlin's example and ramp up aid for Ukraine, saying it is in member states' own security interest to do so. For the current year, Germany has almost doubled its military aid to more than 7 billion ($7.5 billion), with commitments for the coming years totalling 6 billion, the German leader said. He very much hoped "that similar decisions would be taken in all EU capitals," Scholz said. Zelensky expressed his thanks for new security agreements signed with Germany and France on Friday, which contain promises of long-term support and further arms deliveries but do not commit French or German troops to defend Ukraine. Zelensky's comments on the range of weapons appeared to be at least partially a reference to Scholz's refusal so far to provide German-made Taurus cruise missiles, despite repeated pleas from Ukraine. Ukraine has been seeking the advanced missiles to strike targets well behind the front line, but Scholz has expressed concerns that the weapons could escalate the conflict by hitting targets within Russia itself. Scholz also addressed NATO allies in his speech, speaking out against any questioning of the alliance's mutual security pledges. "Let me also make it clear: any relativization of NATO's guarantee of mutual assistance will only benefit those who - like Putin - want to weaken us," Scholz said on Saturday. He was clearly reacting to statements made by former US president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had made it clear during an election campaign appearance that he would not grant Washington's support to allies with low defence spending in the event of a Russian attack. Trump, who is running against current US President Joe Biden, has also expressed scepticism about continued US support for Ukraine and encouraged fellow Republicans to block a further aid package. Zelensky repeatedly thanked the US and other allies for their support on Saturday, and extended a personal invitation for Trump to visit Ukraine, along with any other US lawmaker. "If Mr Trump, if he will come, I am ready even to go with him to the front line," Zelensky said. "We have to demonstrate people who are decision makers, what does it mean? The real war - not in Instagram, real war." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg more pointedly urged US Republican politicians to approve the military aid for Ukraine requested by Biden. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. "So it's not for me to give advice on how to pass legislation to the US Congress. But what I can say is the vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine." Stoltenberg acknowledged that the US has provided extensive support for Ukraine, but warned that the recent halt to further US military aid "has a direct impact on the front line in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, meanwhile, once again called for a negotiated diplomatic end to the conflict in his speech at the conference. He once again avoided condemning Russia's invasion and referred to the war as the "Ukraine crisis." He said China's goal is to facilitate a settlement that would address both Russia and Ukraine's "reasonable security concerns." "China has never given up on promoting peace or slackened its efforts to facilitate talks," Wang said. China, a Russian ally, has strenuously avoided taking a direct public position on the war. Russian officials were not invited to take part in the Munich Security Conference, a major annual gathering of world leaders and foreign policy experts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Felix Horhager/dpa A demonstration initiated by 17 members of the Writers Against the War on Gaza against an art exhibition at New York's Jewish Museum was held last Feb. 12 in light of what the group calls "imperial propaganda." The exhibition showcased Israeli artist Zoya Cherkassky's artworks with themes surrounding the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, which self-named "anti-Zionist Jews" alleged was the New York institution's attempt to "manufacture consent for genocide." WAWOG's Interruption of Zoya Cherkassky's Art Show In an Instagram video posted by the WAWOG group itself, the protesters can be heard saying in unison: "As cultural workers, as anti-Zionist Jews of conscience, as New York City residents, we implore you to confront the reality." Further in the video, a scene of struggle is seen as security guards toil to remove the demonstrators away from the venue during their repeating chants, which received a vitriolic response from the audience that was present at the show. Some individuals at the event can even be heard shouting "antisemite" at the WAWOG activists in the footage, with others getting more physical by snatching and tearing flyers that the protestors were holding. Said flyers depict a caricature of an artist in the middle of "illustrating" a missile head. The cartoon itself was dubbed "The Zionist Artist at Work." Behind the illustration, a written statement from the group denouncing the institution's decisions can be read, further alleging the Jewish Museum's role in perpetuating "Zionist tropes and Israel Occupation Forces propaganda upon which the current genocide of Palestinians hinges." Cherkassky's exhibition itself started allowing public visitations last December and is planned to run until the second or third week of March. It features a dozen works on paper from the artist's "October 7 2023" series, all of which depict the results of Hamas' attack on Gaza. Read Also: Beach Sculpture Exposes Sewage Pollution Crisis, Say Campaigners 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [Source] The Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA), an advocacy group fighting for balanced portrayals of Asian Americans in the media, is demanding an apology and rectifying action from Shane Gillis prior to his hosting of "Saturday Night Live" ("SNL") on Feb. 24. Driving the news: In 2019, videos surfaced of Gillis using an anti-Asian slur f*cking ch*nks and making derogatory remarks about Asian people during an appearance on "Matt and Shanes Secret Podcast" in the previous year. "Damn, Chinatowns f*cking nuts. Its crazy," Gillis said in part in the video. "It is full f*cking China, dude. Its f*cking Chi-nee down there." Gillis also used the n-word, homophobic slurs and antisemitic language in his comedy routines. The backlash from the videos led to his dismissal from SNL. Trending on NextShark: Woman laid off from LinkedIn lands job at Google after sending this video In a statement at the time, Gillis defended his remarks as taking risks and pushing "boundaries." Im a comedian who pushes boundaries. I sometimes miss. If you go through my 10 years of comedy, most of it bad, youre going to find a lot of bad misses. Im happy to apologize to anyone whos actually offended by anything Ive said. My intention is never to hurt anyone but I am trying to be the best comedian I can be and sometimes that requires risks. Call for action: According to MANAA, Gillis needs to make a sincere apology for his past remarks and acknowledge the harm they caused. The group also wants him to take action to demonstrate genuine understanding and respect for the Asian American community. Trending on NextShark: Watch: Hearts melt as senior Singapore couple reunite with daughter, grandkids for Lunar New Year In the week and a half since Gillis hosting gig was announced, he has yet to adequately apologize for the Asian slurs that prevented him from becoming a cast member in 2019, MANAA Founding President Guy Aoki said, as per The Rafu Shimpo. "Has he changed since then? How? Many in the Asian American and gay communities he slandered remember and are insulted that SNL and NBC believe he can host the show without rectifying outstanding matters first. MANAA went on to stress their disappointment in "SNL" and NBC for allowing Gillis to "sneak in through the back door." "Is Gillis even that big a star to deserve a hosting slot on SNL in the first place? He mayve had a Netflix special. But hes certainly no household name like Michelle Yeoh, who became the first Asian woman ever to win the Best actress Oscar last year. How about Ken Jeong, Ali Wong, Randall Park, Steven Yeun, Ke Huy Quan or John Cho? It wasnt until the fall of 2019 (ironically, the same time Gillis was to debut) that the show hired an Asian American cast member in Bowen Yang." Trending on NextShark: More Asian Americans own homes now than ever before More backlash: Gillis' upcoming hosting at "SNL" has sparked outrage among other Asian American organizations. The Asian American Federation and The Asian American Foundation previously denounced his past behavior and demanded a "genuine" apology. This could involve donating to anti-hate organizations or participating in cultural experiences. Shane getting tapped to host is bad timing, considering the Asian community has been devastated by a wave of hate that started during the COVID-19 pandemic," Jo-Ann Yoo, the executive director of The Asian American Federation told TMZ. "People in the community dont need to be reminded of the type of rhetoric that caused that trend. Asian Americans are not the punchline of a joke," The Asian American Foundation CEO Norman Chen stated. "While these jokes may result in cheap laughs, they also result in real-world, deadly consequences for Asian Americans. Trending on NextShark: Naomi Osaka up more than 400 spots in WTA rankings after Qatar Open Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! In 2018, when former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt first pitched the concept of a gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium, then-mayor Eric Garcetti said he was absolutely confident that this will happen. Karen Bass replaced Garcetti as mayor 14 months ago, and she had said nothing about the gondola project. Until Saturday, that is. The mayor and four allies on the Metro board issued a list of 31 conditions they want to impose in order to proceed with the project, including a plan for a regional bus program that could compete with the gondola for riders and a restriction on future development of the Dodger Stadium parking lots, which could drag the Dodgers themselves into the approval process. Read more: A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Bass and her allies, including county supervisor Hilda Solis, account for five votes on the Metro board. They would need two of the other eight votes to impose the conditions, which are expected to be discussed at a board meeting Thursday. Nathan Click, spokesman for Zero Emissions Transit (ZET), said gondola project officials are reviewing the list of conditions. ZET is the nonprofit established to oversee the project. The list addresses several major issues raised by project opponents, including: the lack of guarantees that taxpayers would not be liable for what is proposed as a privately funded project; allegedly insufficient consideration of alternatives to improve access to Dodger Stadium; and concerns that a gondola to the Dodger Stadium parking lots inevitably would lead to development of those lots, co-owned by McCourt. Project proponents say bonds, sponsorships and naming rights could pay for the gondola, with costs estimated at up to $500 million for construction and up to $10 million per year for operation. Bass and her allies want ZET to set aside a pool of money to ensure there are sufficient funds available to dismantle or operate the project if necessary. Bass also wants ZET to pay for whatever buses Metro might need to run to Dodger Stadium during the 2028 Olympic Games if the gondola is not up and running at that time. The gondola is projected to open in time for the Games. Former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who is trying to get a gondola built to ferry fans from Union Station to Dodger Stadium. (Claude Paris / Associated Press) The conditions also include the addition of multiple, regionwide park-and-ride locations consistent with the model provided by the Park & Ride Hollywood Bowl shuttle program. A program that takes riders directly to Dodger Stadium, without a stop at Union Station to catch the gondola, would be a competitor for the gondola. A program that takes riders to Union Station, alleviating the need to drive there and find parking before catching the gondola, might be an alternative. While proponents have pitched the gondola as strictly a transit project and said any future development of the Dodger Stadium parking lots would require city approval, Bass wants a binding commitment that at least 25% of any development would be dedicated to affordable housing. Read more: Inside a Shohei Ohtani batting practice, the biggest spectacle of Dodgers spring training McCourt could not on his own agree to such a commitment. He and the Dodgers share ownership of the parking lots. Team president Stan Kasten did not return a message asking whether anyone had discussed this proposed commitment with the Dodgers. In a state starved for housing, Californias other major league teams have included homes within projects surrounding their ballparks. Although proposals in Anaheim and Oakland collapsed, ballparks in San Diego and San Francisco now include adjacent housing. In San Francisco, the Giants agreed that their Mission Rock neighborhood would include about 1,200 residences, with 40% reserved for affordable housing. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE - Afghan women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 23, 2023. Afghan women feel scared or unsafe leaving their home alone because of Taliban decrees and enforcement campaigns on clothing and male guardians, according to a report from the U.N. mission in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File) ISLAMABAD (AP) Afghan women feel scared or unsafe leaving their homes alone because of Taliban decrees and enforcement campaigns on clothing and male guardians, according to a report from the U.N. mission in Afghanistan. The report, issued Friday, comes days before a U.N-convened meeting in the Qatari capital is set to start, with member states and special envoys to Afghanistan due to discuss engagement with the Taliban and the country's crises, including the human rights situation. The Taliban which took over Afghanistan in 2021 during the final weeks of U.S. and NATO withdrawal from the country have barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed despite initial promises of a more moderate rule. They are also restricting womens access to work, travel and health care if they are unmarried or dont have a male guardian, and arresting those who dont comply with the Talibans interpretation of hijab, or Islamic headscarf. The U.N. missions report, published Friday, said the decrees are being enforced through arrest, harassment and intimidation. Women said they increasingly fear going to public spaces owing to the threat of arrest and the long-lasting stigma and shame associated with being taken into police custody. Over half of the women interviewed for the report felt unsafe leaving the house without a male guardian, or mahram. Risks to their security and their anxiety levels worsened whenever a new decree was announced specifically targeting them, the report said. Women who went out with a mahram felt safer but noted the stress from depending on another person to accompany them. Some said their male guardians chided them for wasting time if they wanted to visit certain shops or stray from a route limited to performing basic necessary tasks. This undercut chances to enjoy even micro-moments of stimulation or leisure outside the home, said the report. Some women said that male relatives were also afraid and reluctant to leave the home with female relatives, as this would expose them to Taliban harassment. A spokesman from the Vice and Virtue Ministry, the Taliban's morality police that enforces such decrees, said it was nonsense and untrue that women are scared to go to the shops. There is no problem for those sisters (women) who have observed hijab, said Abdul Ghafar Farooq. As women are naturally weaker than men, then Shariah (Islamic law) has called mahrams essential when traveling with them for the sake of their dignity and respect. He said harassing women was against the law. Heather Barr, from Human Rights Watch, told the Associated Press that Afghan womens fear of leaving home unaccompanied was damning and devastating" but not surprising. It seemed to be a specific goal of the Taliban to frighten women and girls out of leaving their homes, Barr said. This begs the question of what on earth this discussion is in Doha, with the U.N. hosting special envoys," she said. "We need to be asking why the focus of this meeting and every meeting isnt about this crisis that is unprecedented for women around the world. The Taliban are not attending the Doha meeting, their chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a voice note to the AP on Saturday night. A Foreign Ministry statement said participation would only be beneficial if the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the Taliban call their administration, are the sole and official representative for the country at the talks. The U.N. envoy for Afghanistan last year warned the Taliban that international recognition as the countrys legitimate government will remain nearly impossible unless they lift the restrictions on women. Nuclear Option It's no secret that keeping an AI data center running requires an immense amount of power. To meet those skyrocketing energy demands, experts are now looking for alternative sources, the BBC reports including small nuclear reactors that could power individual data centers. "Our industry has to find another source of power," Digital Realty CTO Chris Sharp told the broadcaster. Small and Modular For years, scientists have been developing small modular reactors (SMR), which are scaled-down power plants that can provide power in situ and thereby dramatically reduce companies' dependence on the grid. Despite an entire burgeoning industry dedicated to their realization, there still aren't any commercial ones in operation anywhere in the world, as the BBC notes. It's an intriguing idea that has inspired some of the biggest players in the AI field to invest in the idea. Job listings last year suggested Microsoft was looking to roll out its own plan for SMRs, with the goal of eventually using them to power its AI data centers. Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has invested in a nuclear startup called Oklo, which is working on self-regulating SMRs. (Altman has also suggested that AI is so power hungry that it'll require a breakthrough energy source.) "Data centres are power hungry things, but with AI we're moving into a new level of power requirements," director at the Centre for Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London Michael Bluck told the BBC. But it'll likely be a while before companies start producing SMRs at scale to meet those requirements. "There are about 50 SMR designs out there," Bluck added. "The challenge is to build them in repeatable units, factory style, standardizing production lines." One big hurdle to still overcome is regulation. After all, nuclear energy comes with some obvious risks. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been "engaged in varying degrees of pre-application activities with several SMR designers over the past several years," per its official website. In 2020, the commission approved the first SMR design, developed by an Oregon-based startup called NuScale Power. However, despite clear momentum behind the idea, it's unclear if SMRs will end up being the answer to our rapidly rising energy needs. Companies are desperately looking for ways to scale up operations now and not years from now. More on SMRs: Microsoft Needs So Much Power to Train AI That It's Considering Small Nuclear Reactors Ukraines Air Force units destroyed three Russian aircraft on the eastern front on the morning of 17 February. Source: Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force Details: It is noted that two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter were shot down. Quote from Oleshchuk: "Nothing will stop us! Thank you, soldiers!" Support UP or become our patron! Tech Crunch Picture yourself in this scenario: your grandmother dies in another part of the country, so you get on an airline website where a friendly chatbot convinces you to buy an airplane ticket now at full price to get to the funeral and apply for a refund later for the discounted bereavement fare. But when you attempt to do what the bot suggested and apply for the refund after the funeral, the airline tells you the AI was wrong and the discounted bereavement fare doesn't apply to completed trips like yours, leaving you on the hook for hundreds of dollars you didn't anticipate. We kid you not, that's exactly what happened to a Canadian man named Jake Moffatt, when his grandmother died in November 2022 in Toronto, the CBC reports. Moffatt had to travel from British Columbia for the funeral. Adding insult to injury, Air Canada, the airline in question, claimed during a small claims court hearing on the matter that the company "cannot be held liable for the information provided by the chatbot." This week, government officials issued an order to Air Canada to pay Moffatt a total of $812.02 for the difference between full and bereavement fare. In other words, the government basically rejected its claim that "the chatbot is a separate legal entity that is responsible for its own actions." Bot Fair Companies are rushing to deploy chatbots to customer interactions, even if they're not ready for prime time. The Air Canada chatbot is a particularly egregious example. But what's especially troubling is the liability issue concerning chatbot AI tech, which is still developing. When a company tries to distance itself from the actions of a chatbot or AI, this may set a bad example for other businesses to follow but also raises the thorny subject of liability: who's liable, the company that deploys the AI, the company that developed the AI tool, or the customer? Hopefully, like in the case of Air Canada, common sense will prevail and ordinary folks won't be left holding the bag. More on chatbots: Chinese Women Say AI Boyfriends Are "Better Than a Real Man" Musicians from the English National Opera (ENO), who announced last January that they would initiate a strike action against the company at the beginning of this month, have called off said plans after reaching an agreement with the ENO, as per The Guardian. ENO's Favorable Agreement With Musicians' Union The negotiations were held between the Musicians' Union, which represented the staff, and the ENO organization, wherein the latter agreed to revise its plans to axe around 19 orchestra regulars and make them work part-time for six months within the year. Changes to this plan, which was the catalyst for the union's strike action, will see the employees getting rehired as originally proposed. However, this time, the musicians will be given seven months of "sure" employment alongside redundancy payment and "improvements" to the contract. The musicians' demonstration, which was the first strike the MU has planned for in just about the last four and a half decades, and set to start this February, is now canceled due to the favorable agreement. In addition, the performing arts union Equity - which also represents the ENO employees - said last Jan. 29 that a temporary settlement with the orchestra was en route, though, it has yet to reach finality. This current "deal" between the MU and the ENO is some rarely seen positive news for the company, as it has been under fire for months on end. This streak started when it was removed from the national portfolio of the Arts Council England in 2023, which resulted in the loss of its 12.8m annual grant. In addition to this, the orchestra was asked by the council to relocate its operations outside of London if it is looking to qualify for prospective grants in the future. That said, this deliberation from the Arts Council England received vitriolic responses from the critics, calling it "cultural vandalism," which eventually pushed the council to give the ENO more leeway in terms of time and funding for its move to its new home in Greater Manchester. Jo Laverty, the National Organiser for Orchestras under the MU, was quoted in the union's press release saying: "Our members remain deeply disappointed that they have lost so much work and income when many of the other ENO staff have stayed full time." "It is our intention to work on building up our members' work with ENO so they can return to full contracts," he added."An ideal long-term situation would see ENO making opera full time in both London and Manchester." Read Also: WAWOG Protesters Impede Exhibition on 'Hamas Attack' at the Jewish Museum in New York, Calling It 'Propaganda' 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mother of Alexei Navalny arrives at the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in Salekhard Mother of Alexei Navalny arrives at the regional department of Russia's Investigative Committee in Salekhard KHARP, Russia (Reuters) -Alexei Navalny's mother was told on Saturday that Russia's most prominent opposition leader had been struck down by "sudden death syndrome" and that his body would not be handed over to the family until an investigation was completed, his team said. Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the "Polar Wolf" penal colony in Kharp, about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow, where he was serving a three-decade sentence, the prison service said. Western leaders led by U.S. President Joe Biden paid tribute to Navalny's courage and, without citing evidence, accused President Vladimir Putin of being responsible for the death. Britain said there would be consequences for Russia. The Kremlin said the West's reaction was unacceptable and "absolutely rabid". Putin has yet to comment on Navalny's death. Navalny's 69-year-old mother, Lyudmila, braved Arctic temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday to visit the penal colony where her son perished. She was given an official death notice stating the time of death as 2:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) on Feb. 16, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, told Reuters. "When Alexei's lawyer and mother arrived at the colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Ivan Zhdanov, who directs Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said on social media platform X. "Sudden death syndrome" is a vague term for different cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. It was also unclear where Navalny's body was, his team said. His mother had been told that the body had been taken to Salekhard, the town near the prison complex but when she arrived at the morgue it was closed. NAVALNY'S BODY When contacted by Navalny's lawyer, the morgue said it did not have Navalny's body, Yarmysh said. Later, they were told by officials that the body would not be handed over until the investigation was complete, though earlier they had been told that the investigation had discovered no traces of criminality. "Right now we don't have access to the body and we don't know for sure where it is, and we demand that the Russian authorities immediately give Alexei's body to his family," Yarmysh said in an interview. An employee at the only morgue in Salekhard told Reuters that Navalny's body had not arrived. The death of Navalny, a former lawyer, robs the disparate Russian opposition of its most charismatic and courageous leader as Putin prepares for an election that will keep the former KGB spy in power until at least 2030. Navalny's supporters - including in the West - had cast Navalny as a Russian version of South Africa's Nelson Mandela, who would one day walk free to lead the country. Some Russians, though, dismissed such a view as a classic case of wishful thinking, and pointed to an opinion poll showing that most Russians disapproved of him and that Putin was vastly more popular. Russian authorities viewed Navalny and his supporters as extremists with links to the CIA intelligence agency, which they say is seeking to destabilise Russia. Navalny always dismissed accusations he was a CIA asset. DESPAIR AND APATHY Some Russians laid flowers in Moscow and other Russian cities to honour Navalny, though overnight hundreds of flowers and candles were removed in black bags. In central Moscow, several dozen roses and carnations remained in the softening snow on Saturday at the monument to the victims of Soviet repression, which sits in the shadow of the former KGB headquarters on Lubyanka Square. Vladimir Nikitin, 36, was alone laying a carnation at the Solovetsky Stone, which hails from the islands with the same name in the White Sea where one of the first "Gulag" forced labour camps was founded in 1923 by the Bolsheviks. "Navalny's death is terrible: hopes have been smashed," Nikitin said. "Navalny was a very serious man, a brave man and now he is no longer with us. He spoke the truth - and that was very dangerous because some people didn't like the truth." At the "Wall of Sorrow" memorial on the avenue named after Soviet physicist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, some Russians laid flowers beside pictures of Navalny. One message read: "We will not forget, nor shall we forgive." The OVD-Info protest-monitoring group said more than 270 people had been arrested across Russia at meetings and memorials to Navalny since his death was announced. Opponents of Putin said that Navalny's death illustrated just how dangerous Putin's Russia had become 32 years after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union ushered in hopes of a better future. "Alexei didn't die - he was murdered," Navalny's spokeswoman, Yarmysh, said. His vision, she said, would live on. "We lost our leader, but we didn't lose our ideas and our beliefs." (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Reporting by Reuters reporters in Russia; Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Gleb Stolyarov, Felix Light and Fillip Lebedev in Tbilisi; Alexander Marrow and Lucy Papachristou in London; Editing by Frances Kerry and Sharon Singleton) Alexei Navalny, seen here in Moscow in 2020, had long been an outspoken critic of President Putin's regime Alexei Navalny's mother has been unable to recover his body after his death in an Arctic jail, a close aide to the dead Russian opposition leader says. Kira Yarmysch said his mother, Lyudmila, was told his body would only be handed over once a post-mortem examination had been completed. Mr Navalny's team believes the anti-corruption campaigner was murdered on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. A rights group said 300 Russians had been arrested for laying tributes. Western governments say the blame lies with Russian authorities for the 47-year-old's sudden death, while foreign ministers from the G7 group of rich countries called on Russia to "urgently clarify" the circumstances surrounding it. Mr Putin has not publicly commented since the Russian prison service announced on Friday that Mr Navalny had been taken ill and died at the remote IK-3 prison in the Arctic Circle. In the immediate aftermath, the Kremlin said it was aware and the president had been informed. Russia's Foreign Ministry said it rejected "biased and unrealistic" assessments over his cause of death made during a meeting with British officials on Saturday. Mr Navalny was one of the most prominent faces of Russian opposition to Mr Putin's regime and was serving a three-decade sentence for politically-motivated charges at the "Polar Wolf" penal colony in Kharp, about 1,200 miles (1,900 km) north of Moscow. His mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, was reportedly told by the prison service he died on Friday after collapsing and falling unconscious during a walk, his team said. She visited the colony on Saturday and was given an official notice stating the time of death as 14:17 local time (09:17 GMT), Ms Yarmysch said. Another Navalny ally, Ivan Zhdanov, said the activist's mother was told he died of "sudden death syndrome" - a generic, vague term for a condition which causes sudden death from cardiac arrest with no apparent cause. His team said that Ms Navalnaya was told his body had been taken to the town of Salekhard, near the prison complex, but when she arrived the morgue was closed. Prison officials reportedly told her an initial post-mortem examination was inconclusive and a second would have to be carried out. Mr Navalny's allies claim his body is purposely being withheld by the Russian authorities so they can "cover traces", and call for the body to be returned to his family "immediately". Tributes to Mr Navalny have poured in from across the globe Meanwhile, more than 300 people have been arrested following vigils and gatherings across Russia, according to independent Russian human rights monitoring group OVD-Info. OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, said arrests had taken place in 32 cities, with the largest numbers in the capital Moscow and St Petersburg. On Saturday, police in Moscow detained about 15 people who had laid flowers and lit candles at the foot of the "Wall of Grief" monument to the victims of repression during the Soviet-era. Protests are also being held near Russian embassies in many countries. G7 foreign ministers meeting at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to the Russian activist. British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the UK would be "taking action". "When appalling human rights outrages like this take place, what we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual measures and actions we can take," said Cameron, who added that he would not share in advance what measures the UK intended. Also in Munich was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described Mr Putin as a "thug" and said it was "absurd" to perceive him as the "legitimate head of a Russian state". Mr Navalny had been an outspoken critic of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began two years ago next week. Alexei Navalny: More coverage Alexei Navalny died only a few weeks before the presidential election in March - KONSTANTIN ZAVRAZHIN/GETTY IMAGES Alexei Navalnys power was that he understood the criminal, murderous nature of Vladimir Putins regime. And he also understood the Russian public their concerns, lives, and preoccupations in a way that many liberals who dominated the anti-Putin opposition seemed to struggle with. That is what made him uniquely dangerous for the Kremlin. Navalny was one of a handful of brave, self-sacrificing activists jailed for challenging Putins regime. In particular, Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, two other vocal political critics of the regime, who remain in jail for condemning the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and refusing the opportunity to flee into exile. Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition activist, is currently serving a 25-year sentence for treason after speaking against the invasion - DMITRY SEREBRYAKOV/AP They are alive, for now. But they must be acutely aware that they too could suffer Navalnys fate. In the Kremlins eyes, Navalny had something that set him apart from many of his liberal peers. He had a knack of marrying political grievances and the material concerns of ordinary Russians in a way many other opposition leaders did not. Navalnys investigations into the embarrassing specifics of Kremlin corruption, with salacious details about the palaces, yachts and property empires accumulated by everyone from Putin downwards, struck a chord and gained him a greater profile than most other opposition leaders. Ilya Yashin is serving an eight and a half year sentence for 'discrediting' the Russian army after denouncing the war - KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP He attracted a ferociously loyal and dedicated following, sometimes to the irritation of others in the fractious galaxy of anti-Kremlin activists. Navalnys style could make even natural sympathisers uncomfortable. His appearances in the 2000s at the Russian March, an annual gathering of ultra-nationalists in Moscow, and early anti-immigration rhetoric, made liberals suspicious and was often used by the Kremlin and its allies to smear him as a dangerous populist. Navalny had credibility and an instinctive understanding of the Russian people - KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP In 2011, he raised eyebrows when he told a massive anti-Putin demonstration that they were numerous enough to take the Kremlin if they wanted to. For many in the cautious, middle-class crowd, conditioned to fear the bloodshed and excesses of revolution, that kind of rhetoric was alarming. But these were the comments of an ambitious politician who could sense the public mood and had a hard-headed understanding of where votes lie. During the 2000s in Russia, immigration was an enormous issue. Most Russian voters are indeed instinctively conservative. So Navalny had credibility, and an instinctive understanding of the Russian public. He was also undeniably almost unbelievably courageous. After surviving a Kremlin assassination attempt in 2020, he insisted on returning to Russia, even though it meant imprisonment at the hands of the very people who had just tried to murder him. Put all that together, and you had a lightning rod in waiting: charismatic, brave, uncompromised by the current regimes crimes but also unlike many opposition leaders who understandably fled to the West difficult to smear as unpatriotic. Confined to an Arctic punishment cell, he posed no immediate threat but one day, the Russian public would tire of Putins insane war, the unending tide of coffins from the front, and the burdens and privations of the war economy. The inevitable flurry of local protests about bread prices or conscription notices need not make a revolution but add a rallying point, for example, a jailed leader with Navalnys profile, credibility, and political acumen, and you have the ingredients of the Kremlins worst nightmare. It is probably not a coincidence that he died a few weeks before the March presidential election where Putin will rubber-stamp another six years in office. His death will strike fear and hopelessness into the minority who hate the Kremlin and its mad war. More importantly for the Kremlin, it buys a few more years in which even disillusioned Russians will have little choice but to shrug and say: If not Putin, who? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny pays his last respects to Lyudmila Alexeyeva, a Soviet-era dissident who became a symbol of resistance in modern-day Russia as a leading rights activist, in Moscow on December 11, 2018 Blink, and you might have missed it. In its 45-minute Friday night news bulletin, Russian TV devoted 28 seconds to the news about Alexei Navalny. His death was announced almost in passing. Just 28 seconds for the man who'd become Russia's most prominent opposition figure and the country's most famous prisoner. Alexei Navalny had, in fact, been many things: lawyer, blogger, anti-corruption campaigner, political activist - and always a thorn in the side of the Kremlin. Not all Russians had supported him. But, for a decade he was the only opposition figure in Russia capable of bringing large numbers of protesters on to the streets - across the country - to rail against the government, slam corruption and demand free and fair elections. Which is why the Kremlin saw him as a threat. Navalny had charisma and strength of character, as well as a sense of humour and the ability to inspire - rare for a Russian politician. He also understood the power of the internet for getting across his message. He and his team produced and uploaded highly-polished documentaries that shone a light on alleged corruption at the highest levels of power in Russia. "What we're seeing now," he told me in 2017, "is that the internet is the number one concern for the current regime - and its number one enemy, too." At the time the authorities had clearly wanted to avoid turning Navalny into a political martyr. He had run-ins with the police, but initially the punishments were smaller scale. In March 2017 I remember being crammed into a Moscow courtroom where he was being prosecuted for resisting arrest at a street protest. "Millions of people back the battle against corruption," he told me from the dock. "That shows the Kremlin is categorically wrong to claim it enjoys enormous support." He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 days behind bars. Compare that to the 19-year prison sentence he received last year on extremism charges, widely viewed to have been politically motivated. There were physical attacks, too. In 2017 his eyesight was damaged when he was splashed with a green antiseptic dye. Three years later in Siberia he was poisoned with a nerve agent and airlifted to Germany for life-saving treatment. He survived and accused the Kremlin of trying to murder him. And yet the following year - despite concerns for his safety - he returned to Russia. Why did he go back? Navalny's return to Russia after the Novichok poisoning was heavily reported, with observers astonished he wanted to go back Perhaps the "inner politician" was telling him that to effect political change at home he had to be in Russia. But almost immediately he ended up in prison. Now Alexei Navalny is dead. The Russian authorities claim that he lost consciousness after a walk inside a penal colony and that medical teams tried, but failed, to resuscitate him. His supporters are convinced it was a political assassination. Will there be political consequences? These were already dark times for the Russian opposition. The country's main opposition leaders are either in exile or in prison. With Navalny's death, dark times have just got even darker. It's likely to demoralise the Kremlin's opponents even more. Western leaders are insisting that President Vladimir Putin be held accountable and demanding serious consequences for the Kremlin. Right now, it's hard to see what those could be. More sanctions? After its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia is already the most sanctioned country in the world, and the International Criminal Court has already issued an arrest warrant for President Putin in relation to the war. But for Alexei Navalny's supporters, pondering the political consequences of his death is not their priority right now. They're in mourning. By Moscow's "Wall of Grief" - a memorial to the victims of Stalin-era political repression - I watch Russians laying roses and carnations, and lighting candles in memory of the opposition leader. Police are out in force, hurrying people along. In a country where dissent has pretty much been silenced, for many here just laying flowers is an act of courage. There is a palpable sense of disbelief. "I saw the news on my phone," Mikhail tells me. "My first reaction was, 'It's just a joke. It can't be real.' But then the news came more and more and more. And I was crying for one hour." The British Broadcasting Corporation "I was with my friends [when I found out]," says Alina. "I was broken. I really thought that it couldn't happen. Never." "We never thought it could happen": it's a phrase I have heard so often from Russians in recent times. Later the riot police try to clear the square in front of the memorial. "Move along. No-one is allowed to gather here," says an officer. "We have the right to be here," shouts a woman. "We want to stand here and we will. This street isn't yours. It belongs to everyone." The police don't think so. They start pushing people away and making arrests. There are cries of "Disgrace! Shame!" from people on the square. But I'll tell you what struck me most when I talked to people who'd come to lay flowers. Some of them told me that, despite a sense of shock, they still hoped for a better future, a different Russia. And they were clinging on to that hope - like a single shaft of light in the darkness. Alexei Navalny: More coverage QUINCY The cost of replacing a burned Quincy fire truck left Algansee Township officials questioning whether they can afford to stay in the Quincy Fire Association. Fifteen months after Quincy Engine 32 suffered an electrical fire, Michigan Municipal Liability settled the insurance claim for $668,600, Quincy Village Manager Brittany Butler informed the fire board Thursday night. Algansee Township Trustee Rod Bassage and Supervisor Russ Jennings at Thursday's Quincy Fire Association board meeting question whether the township can remain a member. After the wiring harness burned on Engine 32, MML insurance sent the truck to R&R Fire Apparatus in Northville for repairs rather than pay the loss. The repair cost was $22,000. Quincy Fire refused to accept the repaired truck without an independent third-party evaluation of the repair. As the fire association considered legal steps, Butler contacted MML management, who agreed to make payment for the total loss. The check will come when a new truck is purchased. Fire Chief Mike Sherman wants a $1.2 million new truck, leaving a $447,350 difference for the three members to pay. Quincy Township and the village of Quincy would use $231,374 from its joint fire millage fund. Algansee needs to pay $147,625 but does not have a millage. Sherman wants to purchase another Pierce truck from Halt Fire of Wixom, giving the association a $155,567 credit if paid upfront. A 50% down payment earns $117,853 credit. The early payments reduce the total cost of the truck. The amount is the interest on the payment over the four years before the company can deliver the new truck. Algansee Supervisor Russ Jennings said his township need fire protection but cannot afford the cost after voters in 2017 rejected a 0.5 mill, 10-year levy. In the same election, Quincy village and township voters approved 1.25 mills for 10 years. Trustee Rod Bassage said Algansee approved $86,000, an increase of $10,000, for its share of the new general budget. "We need to figure something out because we're paying a lot of money we don't have," he said. Looking at other options Algansee approached the Fremont, Indiana Fire Department about providing service to the southern half of Algansee township. The cost was not set. Fremont already serves California Township fire and EMS calls for $10,000 annually. Jennings said Algansee would consider contracting with Quincy for service north of Campbell Road, the middle of Algansee Township. In March 2019, former Quincy Fire Association member Butler Township gave the one-year notice to withdraw. Quincy now contracts to serve the southern half of Butler for $30,000 a year. Related story Butler Township leaving fire association Butler contracts with Litchfield and Tekonsha for services in the northern two-quarters of the township. Bassage also asked to reconsider the current by-laws, which does not give withdrawing members any share of the association firehouse, trucks, and equipment assets if they leave. Butler said members needed to consider the payments like insurance, which provides protection only if there is a loss. Next steps for association members Bassage objected to the no-bid purchase of the new truck. Sherman told the board the department wants to stay with Pierce for new trucks, so firefighters are familiar with truck operations and uniform maintenance. Pierce was the only bidder when the department purchased its last truck. Quincy Fire Chief Mike Sherman. Fire board members will take the purchase proposals back to their boards in March. The fire board will hold a special March meeting to consider the next steps. Related story Quincy buys used fire truck to replace burned engine The department will continue to operate a used truck until the decision on the new truck purchase is made. The department purchased a $69,000 used fire truck using a $24,000 payment from MML for a 12-week truck rental during the repair. The department spent $45,000 from its capital fund. Subscribe Follow this story. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter. The chief said the company that sold the used truck estimated the truck could be resold in another two to three years for $25,000. -- Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Algansee township Qunicy Fire consider $1.2 million fire truck purchase A large fire broke out overnight at an industrial enterprise in the city of Izhevsk in Russia's Udmurt Republic, the regional emergency service said on Feb. 17. Russian media previously reported that a shopping mall located at this address had been turned into a drone factory. A fire at the facility occurred at night and spread to an area of over 3,500 square meters, the Udmurt Republic emergency service said on Telegram. Firefighters reportedly managed to put out the fire in the morning, and there were no casualties. The Russian authorities claimed that the enterprise was involved in the production of detergents and disinfectants. The emergency service did not specify why the fire had occurred. According to the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), citing a local media outlet, a shopping mall located at the address was handed over to the Izhevsk Unmanned Systems Research and Production company in September 2023. The company planned to assemble Granat-4 drones in the building, the local outlet Udmurtia Against Corruption wrote. The Kyiv Independent is unable to verify any of the claims above. Fires and explosions at Russian military-industrial facilities have become a more frequent occurrence since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, sometimes reportedly caused by Ukrainian attacks or acts of sabotage. Kyiv doesn't normally comment on such incidents on Russian soil. An explosion occurred in an industrial area of Biysk in Russia's Altai region, possibly at a military plant that produces ammunition, among other things, a local media outlet reported on Feb. 15, citing residents. Read also: Alexei Navalnys life and death as main opponent to Putin regime Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The political dust-up between two members of Nashville's musical community and the Tennessee House of Representatives continued to simmer on social media Saturday morning. Allison Russell thanked Paramore's Hayley Williams for a Friday morning statement she offered to The Tennessean decrying a Republican lawmaker who blocked a resolution honoring the Russell's Grammy win while allowing a similar resolution honoring Paramore to go forward. "To be clear I'm not calling the TN GOP out they do that themselves I am calling the growing #rainbowcoalition #loverising circle of Tennesseans who care about our shared equal humanity & destiny," began Russell's lengthy social media statement posted around 6 a.m. CT. "I've never made art for awards or accolades though it is a gift when they come. This is not about whether or not I receive a ceremonial paper certificate of honour from the TN Legislature. It's about changing a pattern of behaviour & "lawmaking" (legislative terrorism) that enshrines bigotry & division, that disenfranchises, demonizes & endangers whole communities of Tennesseans whether it be for the colour of our skin, who we love, our gender identity, our reproductive systems, how we dress, where we were born, our income bracket, which books we read or write, how we choose to worship or not, or if we want to go to school without being shot." Russell and Williams' statements follow a moment on Monday afternoon when Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, brought two resolutions to honor Paramore and Russell, who recently won golden gramophones at the 66th Grammy Awards. House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, objected to the Russell resolution, a procedural move that kicked Jones' resolution off the night's consent calendar and back to committee. The resolution honoring Paramore passed without objection. Allison Russell is hugged by Justin Jones, D-Nashville, as she accepts the Spirit of Americana Award during the Americana Music Association Awards and Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Faison did not explain his objection. However, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, said Thursday that members often object to items on the consent calendar when they have "additional questions." "It's not a 'no,' it's just a 'not yet,'" Lamberth said. Russell's growth as an agent of progressive change "Allison Russell is a Tennesseean, and she's someone who's been a bold voice for a more inclusive, just state," Jones said Thursday. "There were two resolutions on the consent calendar that night, one for Paramore and one for Allison Russell. Both have been vocal voices for justice, but only the Black queer woman was bumped off." "For those that don't know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scenes. You might have seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the great Joni Mitchell. Oh, she is also Black. She's a brilliant Black woman," Williams said in her statement to The Tennessean. "The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind." "I'm grateful for progressive ( & moderate) legislators like @brotherjones_ @votegloriaj (our next Senator!) @justinjpearson aka the #tn3 & my district 51 Rep @aftynbehn for continuing to advocate for ALL Tennesseans," continued Russell on Saturday morning. Feb 4, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Allison Russell at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY "I'm grateful for active allies & towering artists like @yelyahwilliams of @paramore showing up & standing up for Equality & Inclusion. Hayley was instrumental in the success of our first #loverising benefit concert last March. Congrats to #paramore on making rock herstory with their first @recordingacademy #grammys wins! The outpouring of love & support & early primary voting over the last few days has been supremely encouraging & hopeful that a change is gonna come in TN!" Russell then adds that she's noted a "beautiful karmic irony" developing as nearly a year of "difficult but generative" work she's been doing worldwide has allowed her to create a self-defined community of change agents desiring to promote progressive-minded change in Tennessee and beyond. This has included artists like herself and Americana Music Association award-winner Margo Price participating in protests against the House's April 6, 2023 expulsion of Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis. The pair were expelled for breaking House decorum rules to lead a brief gun reform protest from the chamber floor after the mass shooting at The Covenant School. An effort to expel Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, failed by one vote. What power we hold in our handsWe are a #belovedcommunity every time we choose to be. I believe what Alice Walker wrote: "We are the ones we have been waiting for." Russell was among many musicians who later lobbied Gov. Bill Lee and General Assembly leaders for potential gun safety laws. Allison Russell performs during the Americana Music Association Awards and Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The resolution controversy illustrates tensions show no sign of breaking between House Republicans and Jones. "Every day my Republican colleagues wake up, and it's April 6, they have not moved on from April 6. They are so fixated and obsessed, it's actually unhealthy," Jones said. "We see them prioritizing retaliatory bills, as opposed to addressing the reason why we protested in the first place, which is common sense gun laws." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Allison Russell thanks Hayley Williams for decrying TN GOP for recent resolution denial Amazon, a company that employs more than 1.54 million people, has claimed that the National Labor Relations Board Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency responsible for protecting the rights of workers, is unconstitutional. Amazon made the claim in a legal document filed on Thursday as part of a case in which prosecutors from the Board have accused the e-commerce giant of discrimination against workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island who had voted to unionize, according to The New York Times. Amazon is not the first company to challenge the Boards constitutionality. Last month, Elon Musks SpaceX sued the NLRB after the agency accused the company of unlawfully firing eight employees and called the agency unconstitutional in the lawsuit. Weeks later, grocery chain Trader Joes, which the NLRB accused of union-busting, said that the NLRBs structure and organization was unconstitutional, Bloomberg reported. And in separate lawsuits, two Starbucks baristas have independently challenged the agencys structure as they sought to dissolve their unions. Amazons claim is similar to the existing claims filed by SpaceX and Trader Joes. In the lawsuit, the companys lawyers argued that the structure of the N.L.R.B. violates the separation of powers by impeding the executive power provided for in Article II of the United States Constitution. In addition, Amazon claimed that the NLRBs hearings can seek legal remedies beyond whats allowed without a trial by jury. Seth Goldstein, a lawyer who represents unions in the Amazon and Trader Joes cases told Reuters that these challenges to the NLRB increase the chances of the issue reaching the Supreme Court. And they might cause employers to stop bargaining with unions in hope that courts will finally strip the federal agency of its powers, Goldstein said. Amazon has a contentious history with the NLRB, which said the company broke federal labor laws last year. Lloyd Watson has had people from all over the world messaging me after hooking the pike at a Somerset lake - Bristol Water An angler has landed a potentially record-breaking fish after catching a 47lb 5oz pike. Lloyd Watson has been inundated with messages from around the world after hooking the giant pike at Chew Valley Lake, near Bristol. The artificial lake in Somerset is run by Bristol Water, which described the fish as a once in a lifetime capture. Subject to confirmation by the British Record Fish Committee, Mr Watsons giant pike is set to beat the previous British record of 46lb 13oz, set by Roy Lewis at Welsh reservoir Llandegfedd in 1992. Mr Watson, who was visiting Chew from Manchester, caught the pike during his first trip to the lake on Feb 13. Once weighed and photographed, the fish was carefully released back into the water in line with angling welfare rules. Total disbelief Mr Watson, who has been pike angling for over 30 years, said he was in total disbelief when he realised the size. He said: I still cant get over whats actually happened. Ive got people from all over the world messaging me, wanting interviews. I feel like this cant happen to me. Im going to wake up. Mr Watson said he caught the pike using a whole smelt as bait. He also used chopped herring as groundbait to lure the freshwater predators. This is the best day of my life Ten minutes later he hooked a fish that initially felt modest. And with his travelling companion Nick Skirrow also playing a pike on his own line, Mr Watson had to grab the net himself. At first it felt like a small pike that was weeded up, he told Angling Times. It was only when it got close in that it suddenly woke up and started taking line and I started to think hang on a minute! When I got it into the net, we both looked at it and couldnt believe the size. It was absolutely ridiculous. This is the best day of my life. Chew Valley is Bristol Waters largest reservoir, and monster fish weighing 30lb and 40lb have also been caught there in recent months. The lake is also an important site for wildlife and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Theatre of dreams for fishing Mr Watson described it as a pike fishing mecca. He added: Its the theatre of dreams for pike fishing. It has made so many dreams come true for lifelong pike anglers. Its just a smile factory, a special place, he told the Bristol Post. Luke Cox, Bristol Waters fisheries and recreations manager, said: We would like to congratulate Lloyd on this superb achievement, and its great from our point of view that fish welfare was top priority with plenty of anglers and staff on hand to help weigh this once-in-a-lifetime capture. Chew has been in terrific form of late. Its shallow nature and abundance of food, Im sure, is a huge factor in why the pike that live here grow to such colossal sizes. We take great pride in managing the fishing activities and careful planning is undertaken to conserve the pike population. The pike is a member of the Esocidae family of fish, which can be traced back as far as the Mesozoic era, between 66 million and 252 million years ago. As an apex predator, the adult pike is a carnivore that lies in wait for prey to come by so it can seize them with its sharp teeth. Pike feed on insects, small fish, frogs, waterfowl and even small mammals. The northern pike is a cannibalistic fish that will also feed on juvenile members of its own species. 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. (L-R) Anne Kerr, President Florida Southern College, shares a moment with Tom Reuschling, Past President of FSC, on the campus in Lakeland, Fl. May 28, 2004. Longtime Florida Southern College President Anne B. Kerr plans to retire this year. Kerr, 69, made the announcement Friday at the college's board of trustees meeting, board chairman Robert L. Fryer said in a news release posted to the college's website. It has been an honor and great blessing to serve as president of what I consider to be the finest small college in the nation," Kerr said in the news release. "I am deeply grateful for the unflagging support of the Florida Southern College Board of Trustees, the untiring commitment to excellence of an exceptional faculty, and the dedication and tireless work of the staff in fulfilling the Colleges mission to provide a learning community that enables students to realize their dreams and make a consequential impact on society." Kerr took over as the 17th president of the private, liberal arts college on June 1, 2004, taking over for Tom Reuschling, who served as president for 10 years. According to a 2004 story in The Ledger, Kerr was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Christine and Edward Broughton. She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Mercer University in Macon, where she developed her interest in education. "Education was a business," she told The Ledger, "but it made a huge difference." FSC president Anne Kerr speaks during the 123rd Commencement Convocation at Florida Southern College in Lakeland on May 3, 2008. She received a master's in counseling and doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University. She later worked as an educational analyst for the state, then as an assistant dean at the University of Central Florida. She joined Rollins College in 1983 as assistant dean for its Crummer School of Business and advanced to the college's vice president of institutional advancement. She took a job as the vice president of advancement at the University of Richmond in Virginia two years before taking the president position at Florida Southern. Kerr met her husband, Roy Kerr, in 1981 in Orlando. The couple have one son, Edward B. Kerr, an attorney residing in Lakeland, according to the FSC release. During Kerr's tenure at FSC, the college has added 22 new buildings, expanded 20 others and restored many of the famed Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, according to the release. The campus holds the largest single-site collection of Wright's work. Anne Kerr speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Adams Athletic Performance Center at Florida Southern College, which replaced the historic bandshell. The college created the The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise in 2011, a doctor of physical therapy degree program in 2019 and the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing in 2021. In 2010, the Florida Southern started The Roberts Academy, the only transitional school in Florida for second- through eighth-grade students with dyslexia. In 2017, Florida Southern became affiliated with the Polk Museum of Art. 'Something that speaks to them': The building of a world-class art museum in Lakeland Florida Southern's student enrollment is more than 3,300, according to the release. "I want Florida Southern College to be recognized as one of the nation's small, preeminent colleges," Kerr told The Ledger in 2004. The college has frequently been ranked among the top private, small colleges in the region. Last year, the school was named one of the top 10 Best Regional Universities in the South. It was the 13th year that FSC has received the designation. According to the school's news release, Fryer will lead the search committee for the next president. He said the search process will begin this month. Kerr will continue as president until her successor starts. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Longtime Florida Southern president Anne Kerr plans to retire LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) The Junior League of Lynchburg is once again partnering with the Red Cross, hosting their Annual Blood Drive on Saturday, Feb. 17. Each year, the Junior League of Lynchburg supports the Red Cross in its efforts to help save the lives of those in need of life-saving treatments. The Junior League of Lynchburg hopes to exceed their blood donation per person and per pint from the previous year. Local agencies taking new steps to combat first responder shortage The blood drive on Saturday will be at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Langhorne Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in participating can sign up online at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. For more information on this event, visit the Junior League of Lynchburgs website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Demonstrators hold a portrait of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny beside placards reading 'Killers' and 'Russia without Putin' during a rally in front of the Russian embassy in Warsaw on February 16, 2024, following the announcement that the Kremlin's most prominent critic had died in an Arctic prison The death of Russias leading opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, 47, in a penal colony in the Arctic Circle, has appalled many. Serving a 19-year sentence for extremism, following a trial widely believed to have been politically motivated, he was the foremost critic of Vladimir Putin and a fierce campaigner for democracy in the country. World leaders were quick to hold the dictator accountable. US President Joe Biden said Russia is responsible for Navalnys death, describing it as a proof of Putins brutality. In Britain, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed Navalnys incredible courage describing his death as a huge tragedy for the Russian people. Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky himself a victim of several assassination attempts by the Russian leader said that Navalnys death showed why Putin must be held accountable for his actions. Nalvany joins a long list of Kremlin critics silenced by the regime, including Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006, apparently poisoned by agents of the Russian intelligence services. More recently, a clampdown in Russia before the Presidential election in March has seen numerous opponents of the regime imprisoned. Only days away from the two-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Navalnys death should serve as an important reminder of the reality of Putins leadership, and focus minds in Western capitals as they decide on the next round of essential military aid for Kyiv. Some may whisper that now is the time for negotiations. But could such a brutal regime ever be trusted? 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. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the Munich Security Conference, the US State Department reported on Feb. 16. They had a direct and productive discussion on various bilateral, regional, and global issues. Blinken raised concerns about China's backing of Russia's actions in Ukraine, including support for the Russian military-industrial base. He also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Officials also addressed the situations in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula and agreed that senior officials from both countries would continue discussions. Read also: Chinese delegation declines to meet with Zelenskyy at Davos report Wang Yi and Blinken agreed on the significance of maintaining open communication channels between the two nations, including high-level consultations and meetings in the upcoming months. Blinken underscored the importance of building on the progress made at the San-Francisco Summit, particularly regarding anti-drug cooperation and defense communications. The Secretary of State reaffirmed the US commitment to defending its interests, values, and those of its allies and partners. In 2022, China suspended communication between the US and Chinese militaries after a visit by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Channels were restored after President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in San Francisco. Read also: China supplied rifles and body armor to Russia in 2022, Politico reports During the meeting, Xi Jinping urged the US to fulfill its pledge not to support Taiwan's independence and reiterated China's stance on Taiwan. Regarding China's assistance to Russia in the conflict with Ukraine: The Pentagon reported, citing Russian customs data, that Russia had purchased dual-use and minor military items from China, including small arms, spare parts, navigation equipment, and protective gear. The Telegraph investigation revealed significant military supplies from China to Russian companies since the beginning of the conflict. These include supplies for missile launchers, armored vehicles, and strategic bombers. Read also: No evidence of Chinas military backing for Russia in Ukraine White House China may also provide raw materials to Russia through third-party countries. China has increased its supply of high-precision machine tools to Russia tenfold and is massively exporting computer numerical control (CNC) devices, which are vital for Moscow's military industry, the Financial Times reported on Jan. 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 DEARBORN, Mich. Mohammad Enayah was asleep when his pinging cell phone alerted him to the message from Gaza. It was 2 a.m. I hate to tell you this news, his cousin wrote. Thirty-seven members of his extended family had been killed in an Israeli air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp. Enayah read the first name on the list of victims, his fathers cousin. He scrolled further, then put the phone aside. He couldnt read on. It would take a week before he would finally make it through the list of those who had died. Mohammad Enayah poses in his West Bloomfield, Michigan home. Enayah is a supporter of the Abandon Biden campaign and had multiple members of his family killed by the Israeli strikes in Gaza in the fall of 2023. Enayah would eventually learn that 52 other members of his family in Gaza had been killed by the Israelis, 48 of them in a different strike on another refugee camp. Aunts and uncles, gone. Cousins, gone. Nephews and grandnephews, gone. In total, 89 members of his family, gone. Three generations were wiped out, Enayah said, fighting back tears. The staggering death toll 28,000 Palestinians killed so far and devastation Israel is inflicting on Gaza in its war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas are a source of deep personal pain and grief for Enayah and thousands of other Arab Americans in southeastern Michigan and the reason so many of them are vowing to see that President Joe Biden is defeated in November. Arab Americans have bristled at Bidens unbridled support for Israel since the war began. From the moment that Hamas staged a surprise cross-border attack that killed 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7 and touched off the latest conflict, Biden has overtly expressed solidarity with Israel and provided some of the weapons Israel has used in its offensive against Hamas. Attendees chant "Ceasefire Now" during a community rally to boycott President Biden's visit at Fordson High School in Dearborn on Jan. 31, 2024. Though he has described the Palestinian lives lost as a tragedy and last week condemned Israels response as over the top, he has further infuriated Arab Americans by resisting their demands that he call for an immediate cease-fire and by raising doubts about the Palestinian death toll. Amer Zahr, a Palestinian American and attorney in Dearborn, found Bidens over the top comment especially insulting. Five dead kids is over the top maybe 20, maybe even 100, he said. But 12,000 kids is a genocide funded by the United States, led by him. Many of Michigans Arab Americans, some of whom still have family and friends living in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, are vowing not only to vote against Biden in the states Democratic primary on Feb. 27 and the general election in November they are actively campaigning against him. Michigans Abandon Biden movement, part of a larger national campaign, is hosting meetings with third-party candidates such as Jill Stein and Cornel West. A separate initiative, which organizers are calling Listen to Michigan, is urging Michigan Democrats to vote uncommitted in the primary to send a message to Biden that his actions in Israel are unacceptable. Mohammad Enayah poses in his West Bloomfield, Michigan home. Enayah is a supporter of the Abandon Biden campaign and had multiple members of his family killed by the Israeli strikes in Gaza in the fall of 2023. Arab Americans are a key voting bloc in Michigan, a swing state that Biden won by just 154,000 votes against Donald Trump in 2020. The White House and Bidens campaign recognize the state's significance and are scrambling for ways to reassure the community in the face of an increasing backlash. The tension is so high that Arab American leaders even refused an opportunity to meet with Biden's campaign manager in January. Biden has lost the people, said Abbas Alawieh, a Dearborn activist who is involved in the Listen to Michigan movement. People feel not a vague sense of betrayal. People feel a deep sense of betrayal, a bone-deep sense of betrayal. A Biden campaign adviser said Bidens team understands the hurt and anger felt by Arab Americans and expects the uncommitted movement to have a decent showing in the Feb. 27 primary. The campaign is working to be more responsive to Arab American concerns, the adviser said, but still feels optimistic about its chances in Michigan this fall because the state has a broad coalition of supporters, including union workers and Black voters, who will play a significant role in the election. A war with no walls: Inside the devastating impact of Israel-Hamas war around the globe An Arab American enclave in the shadow of downtown Detroit Specialty stores and shops that cater to Dearborns Arab American community line a four-lane commercial strip that runs through the city. All along Warren Avenue, there are halal meat markets and pastry shops, Middle Eastern bookstores and pharmacies, hookah bars and Shawarma restaurants. Signs outside most of the stores are written in Arabic. At the New Yasmeen Bakery, women wearing traditional hijabs, or Muslim head coverings, shopped one day last week for delicacies such as stuffed grape leaves, chocolate cookies topped with crushed pistachios and rounds of fluffy, freshly baked pita. On the other side of town, a bearded young man stood on a busy street corner outside a shopping center and waved a large green-, white- and black-striped Palestinian flag. Do you support Palestine? he yelled at a passerby. Michigan has roughly 310,000 residents with Middle Eastern or North African ancestry, according to 2020 census data. How many of those are registered voters is unclear. But Arab Americans can account for as much as 5% of the vote in Michigan, depending on turnout. Arab American advocates have been trying to push that percentage even higher by encouraging those who are eligible to register to vote. The debate over whether the Arab American vote in Michigan can swing this years election has focused heavily on Wayne County cities like Dearborn. Just nine miles west of downtown Detroit, in the shadow of the citys towering skyscrapers, Dearborn has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States. Fifty-five percent of its residents are Middle Eastern or North African. A cease-fire in Palestine protest unfolds near the parking lot of The Henry Hotel, as government officials with the Biden administration plan to meet with community leaders in Dearborn on Feb. 8, 2024. Arab Americans were well aware of Bidens long history of supporting Israel, but they voted for him in 2020 over Trump, whose anti-Muslim rhetoric and orders imposing a travel ban from predominantly Muslim countries left many feeling like Biden was their only choice, said Hani Bawardi, an associate professor of history and Arab American studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He was the lesser of two evils, Bawardi said. But, it was not an enthusiastic vote for Joe Biden. Whatever enthusiasm there was for Biden vanished amid his response to the war in Gaza. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat who represents the area and is the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress, has been an outspoken critic of the administration's response. Other Arab Americans who have been working for years to establish ties to the Democratic Party power structure are now questioning their commitment not only to Biden but to the party itself because of the gravity of the war in Gaza, Bawardi said. That will override any other concern at the moment, he said, and Biden seems to know that. Farah Khan, of Northville, leads a chant "Ceasefire Now" during a community rally to boycott President Biden's visit at Fordson High School in Dearborn on Jan. 31, 2024. Last week, Biden dispatched a team of his senior advisers to Dearborn for a series of private meetings with politicians, community advocates and faith leaders for discussions about the war in Gaza. Bidens campaign had offered to sit down with community leaders earlier, but Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and others refused, saying Biden should be sending policymakers, not campaign officials. When the White House officials finally arrived, they were met with protesters chanting cease-fire now and stop the genocide. Participants in those meetings said the Biden officials conceded there had been mistakes and missteps in the response to the war in Gaza and apologized for how the administration has talked publicly about Palestinians during the deadly conflict. But admitting mistakes and offering apologizes is not enough, said Alawieh, the Dearborn activist who attended one of the meetings. Its time for him to take action, and hes failing to do so, Alawieh said. And thats going to have political consequences. Humanitarian crisis: Gaza's dwindling water, electricity supply could turn hospitals into 'morgues' Refusing to vote for 'the lesser of two evils' Khalid Turaani, the Michigan co-chair of the Abandon Biden campaign, inside his West Bloomfield home on Feb. 8, 2024. The key to Khalid Turaanis old family homeplace in British-ruled Palestine rests atop a framed photo of his mom and dad. Other family mementos, including the badge and number his father used as a young police officer, hang on the living-room wall of his home in West Bloomfield, about a half hour northwest of Detroit. Next to them is a 1946 British-archives map of the region of Palestine. Here is the village where my father was born, where my parents got married, where my oldest brother was born as well, Turaani said, pointing out a speck on the map. It is right on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Turaani was born in a refugee camp in Syria and lived the first 16 years of his life there after his father was exiled at age 23. His parents took the key to the old homeplace with them when they were forced to leave. Its a Palestinian tradition, he said, a symbol of their will to return. Turaani came to the United States as a college student and eventually settled in Michigan. He backed Bernie Sanders for president in 2020 but supported Biden after Sanders dropped out of the race. Now, hes working to make sure Biden doesnt get a second term. Turaani, a business consultant, is one of the founders of the Abandon Biden movement. A registered Democrat, he had a Biden-Harris sign on his front lawn four years ago. But I put aside any kind of party affiliation when it comes to the wanton killing of people and genocide, he said. Is there anything Biden can do to persuade Turaani to vote for him in November? If he could unbreak the hearts of the 20,000 Palestinian women who lost their children or if he could bring back those lives that he actively supported their killing, then maybe Joe Biden could have redeemed himself 27,000 Palestinians ago, he said. To me, its like a serial killer who says if you just forgive me, Ill stop killing, but if you dont, Ill keep killing. Its like, no, you need to stop killing, period. Imran Salha, the imam of the Islamic Center of Detroit, inside the mosque on Feb. 9, 2024. Imran Salha, who was born and raised in New Jersey but whose family hails from a village in the West Bank, said he voted for Biden in 2020 not because I thought he was a beacon of morality. I voted for him because he wasnt Trump. Given everything that has happened since, Salha said he cant in good conscience vote for Biden again. If I were to sign that ballot with President Joe Bidens name, the ink that I would use to sign that ballot would be through the blood of innocent Palestinians who were murdered in this recent onslaught, Salha said just a few minutes after the 6 p.m. prayer service at the Islamic Center of Detroit, where he serves as the imam. Salha, who stressed that he was speaking as a private citizen and not in his capacity with the Islamic Center, said he recognizes that his refusal to vote for Biden could put Trump back in the White House. But, he said, there needs to be a red line where I could show the people in power that I will not allow you to take me for granted. Faten Saab, a stay-at-home mom who was one of the protesters outside the hotel where Bidens advisers met with local leaders, said she still hasnt decided who she will vote for in November, but it wont be Joe Biden. She might vote for a third-party candidate or sit out the election altogether, but were not going to choose the lesser of two evils, she said. Her sister, Nadia Saab, a registered nurse from Dearborn, said she has lost faith in Republicans and Democrats. Its just quite insulting that we have a president who can aid and abet in the killing of 30,000 people and then still expect to get our vote, she said. Both sisters refuse to accept the argument that voting for someone other than Biden could hand the presidency to Trump. It would be Joe Biden handing the presidency to Donald Trump, Faten Saab said. A push for peace: Biden says US is working on new hostage deal that would pause fighting in Gaza for 6 weeks Voting for Trump and honoring the dead Enayah wipes away the tears that fill his eyes when he remembers family members killed in Gaza. In the next room, the TV flashes with the latest headlines from the Middle East. Television got Enayah and his wife through the first few months of the Trump administration. They were so devastated by Trumps election in 2020 that they couldnt bear to watch the news, so they would instead tune into the late-night shows and laugh as comedians poked fun at the new president. Thats how we survived, he said. Mohammad Enayah poses in his West Bloomfield, Michigan home. Enayah is a supporter of the Abandon Biden campaign and had multiple members of his family killed by the Israeli strikes in Gaza in the fall of 2023. Now, he relies on the news to get him through the day. He turns the TV on first thing each morning and leaves it on until he goes to bed at night. Enayah, an automotive design manager born in Kuwait to a Gaza refugee, considers himself a liberal and has supported progressive causes for years. These days, though, he keeps an Abandon Biden poster in his car so that whenever theres another protest, hes ready. He voted for Biden in the last presidential election. But if his choice is between Biden and Trump in November, hes voting for Trump. Trump all the way, he said, quickly adding, I am going to be an advocate for Trump with everybody I know." Enayah recognizes how that might sound to most people, given Trumps anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies. But he feels like he has no choice. Voting for Biden would be dishonoring all those who have died. Contributing: Niraj Warikoo of the Detroit Free Press Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @mcollinsNEWS. 'Self-silencing': For Palestinians, talking about Hamas comes with hazards This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden's support for Israel may cost him Arab American vote in 2024 This week: Belt That Song With Your Chest, And? I didnt expect anyone to find a way to make a new Ariana Grande bop that samples Madonnas Vogue, with a music video that references Paula Abdul, any gayer and/or appeal directly to me. But a remix arrived Friday of yes, and? that features Mariah Carey belting lyrics like say that shit with your chest alongside Grande. If these two ever perform the track live together, I might have a minor cardiac episode. (Im exaggerating. But I will be very excited.) Mariah Carey sings alongside other powerhouse vocalists is my favorite genre of pop culture. The original VH1 Divas Live concert is a religious work in this house, and its worshiped as such. And while the jaw-dropping finale riff-off with Carey, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, and Carole King is rightfully iconic, the true vocal highlight is Careys duet of Chain of Fools with Franklin. Naturally, Careys Oscar-winning duet with Whitney Houston, When You Believe from The Prince of Egypt, has been brutalized by yours truly countless times, as I squawk and warble it throughout the apartment. Ive also spent a shameful number of nights chasing down YouTube bootlegs of the pair singing it on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a performance that is as awkward as it is glorious. Tumblr This also isnt the first time Carey and Grande have collaborated. Grande and Jennifer Hudson joined Carey for a rendition of her holiday hit Oh Santa in 2021, a Holy Trinity of vocals that should have catapulted that track to the top of holiday charts each year alongside All I Want for Christmas Is You. Theres one more Carey collaboration that Im clamoring for after watching this years Grammy Awards. The lovefest between Miley Cyrus and Careytwo M.C.swas so nice to watch, when Carey presented Cyrus with her first Grammy Award. Carey joining a remix of Flowers sounds so right to me. Defying Gravityand My Cynicism I still cant believe the Wicked movie is happening. Universal Pictures announced the film in 2016, with a release date of Dec. 19, 2020. By the time it hits theaters this Thanksgiving, four years will have passed since then. The lifetimes that have been lived in those four years! The pandemic! The Donald Trump indictments! Eight Taylor Swift albums! All my gray hairs! Even as casting started to happen for the filmAriana Grande will play Galinda/Glinda, Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, and Jonathan Bailey will play Fiyeroit seemed like those announcements were more fantasy than reality. Even when videos from the set leaked, confirming that Wicked really was filming, it still seemed like a tease, especially once production was shut down again during the Hollywood strikes. Screenshot from Twitter/X The first trailer for the film premiered during the Super Bowl. Im still in denial. Yes, there was Grande in her pink Glinda dress. Erivo certainly was green. Bailey, in his one frame of the trailer, was so dreamy-looking, I audibly sighed. The clip even concludes with Erivos final Defying Gravity riff. All signs, then, point to this being a real thing, that is really coming out. I have visions of showing up for the first press screening and the projector not working in the theater or something. Eight years of skepticism takes a toll on a person! The Real Housewives of Prison It has somehow been a full year since Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah went to prison. Time has become completely intangible to me, so I have no idea if that sounds outrageous or absolutely right. Nonetheless, Shah commemorated (?) the occasion with an exclusive People essay, as one is, I guess, wont to do when theyre a celebrity who has spent a year in prison. Theres some interesting stuff in her piece, which could be viewed as inspiring self-reflection or cynical PR, depending on the reader. You can read itand see the first official photo taken of Shah since incarceration, while participating in a Barbie-themed hair pageant (?!?!)here. Here We Go Again! Gay marriage was legalized in Greece this week, and a resounding number of the people I follow on social media had the same, urgent thought: Mamma Mia 3. Its time. With gay marriage being legalized in Greece, now is the perfect time to make a very needed Mamma Mia 3: Mykonos pic.twitter.com/JOMvEKLZDz ik (@neekster) February 16, 2024 What to see this week: Young Sheldon: The show, now in its final season, is so much better than it gets credit for. (Thurs. on CBS) Ghosts: This remains one of the most delightful comedies on TV. (Thurs. on CBS) Land of Bad: Russell Crowe stars in the bro-iest bro-fest that ever brod. (Now in the theaters) What to skip this week: One Love: The Bob Marley biopic is such a mess. (Now in theaters) Madame Web: And speaking of movies that are a huge mess (Now in theaters) Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.) argued that the leader of the Republican National Committee (RNC) should pledge not to pay former President Trumps legal fees, as concerns rise over how the former president will fund his mounting bills. No one should be leader of RNC unless they pledge not to use its limited resources to pay legal fees and judgements of Donald Trump, Hutchinson, who suspended his White House bid against Trump last month, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Hutchinsons comments come after a New York judge ordered Trump to pay more than $355 million for conspiring to alter his net worth and the value of of his assets to receive tax and insurance benefits. He is also facing an $83.3 million fine for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll after he repeatedly denied he sexually abused her even after being found liable. Recent federal election filings found that Trumps fundraising committees spent nearly $30 million on the GOP front-runners legal fees during the second half of 2023. Many Republicans have raised concerns that Trump would try to use the RNC to fund his expansive web of legal fees, particularly after he endorsed Michael Whatley the head of the North Carolina GOP and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, to head the committee. Their worry follows an interview this week where Lara Trump said if shes appointed as co-chair, she would spend every single penny of the RNCs money to help reelect her father-in-law. The former presidents fortune, which he rode to fame, could take a massive hit after the two recent verdicts. With his combined penalties he owes over $500 million and could lose 16 to 19 percent or more of his estimated net worth if he is worth the $2.6 to $3.1 billion that estimators say he is. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, the only remaining challenger to Trump in the GOP contest, also voiced her anxiety. In an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Haley said, after Trumps endorsement to the RNC, he would continue to try to use the RNC as his legal defense fund. She doesnt want to see the RNC become his piggy bank since the organization is already practically broke. I dont want the RNC to become his piggy bank for his personal court cases, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General released a report reviewing and auditing all of the federal prisons in the United States. Among the 10 federal institutions, the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta was reported to have had the highest number of deaths from 2014 to 2021, according to officials. Among the 68 deaths reviewed from that time period, 17 were in Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The report says there were significant issues with security camera functionality at the Atlanta USP, having both more inmate deaths and more camera issues than any other Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in the United States. Our analysis found that, of the BOP institutions that experienced inmate deaths, USP Atlanta had the greatest number of camera issues, accounting for over 10% (7 of 64) of the camera issues we associated with inmate deaths, the DOJ reported. The department report added that During a separate 2023 OIG review of the BOPs systemic operational challenges, we found that camera issues posed serious operational security risks to institutions, including USP Atlanta. TRENDING STORIES: Additionally, the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary was cited as having a series of recommendations to place defibrillators closer to housing units or even inside them, saying that staff who were overseeing secure housing units needed refresher training on how to use the devices. An earlier report from BOP in May 2023 said that operational issues became so serious at U.S. Penitentiary (USP) Atlanta...that in 2021, the Federal Bureau of Prisons significantly limited operations at the facility. USDOJ then had their inspector general assess how critical issues at institutions are identified, communicated to staff, and corrected. Similar issues were identified at the Metropolitan Correction Center in New York. At the outset of our limited-scope review, then BOP Executive Staff told us they had been largely aware of the long-standing operational issues at USP Atlanta and MCC New York and expressed confidence in the BOPs existing mechanisms to communicate information about operational issues, the report from 2023 reads. The OIG also reported that the audit ratings for the USP Atlanta facility did not accurately reflect the conditions inside the prison, saying that the specific audit ratings at USP Atlanta were in stark contrast to actual conditions there. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a Friday email newsletter that he doesnt support a proposed power generation plan due to its continued reliance on a certain power plant, which he claims generates 75% of the citys greenhouse gas emissions. 2022: Fayette County coal plant draws concerns from environmentalists The Fayette Power Plant, which has been in operation since 1979, is operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. According to Watson, the city needs to focus on getting us out of the Fayette Power Plant. Theres nothing we can do nothing that I can do as mayor thats more profound or effective in combating climate change than getting us out of that plant. I want us to shut down our portion of the plant by no later than January of 2029, Watson said. The citys proposed 2030 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan for Austin Energy would not change how the city uses the coal-fired power plant. According to Watson, the plant also generates 25% of Austins overall emissions and is a huge consumer of our limited water supply. Greg Casar, AOC propose connecting ERCOT to other power grids While the City Council first committed to shutting down Austins portion of Fayette in 2014, and subsequent councils have reinforced that commitment again and again, it hasnt happened, Watson said. The community and Council priority is to get out of the coal business, and Austin Energy needs to examine the next iteration of the generation plan through that prism. An Austin Energy spokesperson told KXAN that it appreciates the mayors leadership on exiting the Fayette Power Project and that it is exploring options. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Press Release February 16, 2024 Bong Go backs push for improved health facilities in tourist hotspots Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, has expressed his support for establishing and strengthening health facilities in popular tourist destinations nationwide. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri prompted the proposal during the Senate session on Tuesday, February 13, who plans to file a bill addressing the issue. Zubiri's concerns were raised during a meeting with members of the Consular Corps, who highlighted lack of health facilities in areas like Coron, Palawan. "How can we invite tourists to enjoy the dive spots and beautiful beaches here and promote it as a center for diving... when we do not have facilities when accidents happen?" Zubiri questioned during the Senate session. He suggested a bill under which provincial hospitals might be renationalized into regional hospitals overseen by the Department of Health (DOH). Zubiri believes these hospitals should be outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities to serve both domestic and international tourists and local residents. Senator Sonny Angara mentioned existing efforts toward providing a health clinic for minor injuries in Siargao, noting its increasing popularity with visitors. However, Senate President Zubiri emphasized, "Actually, the problem was not on the facility ... not the building ... but on the lack of equipment on the facility and the doctors. Kase apparently, these are provincial hospitals." Senator Loren Legarda voiced her support for a collaborative approach: "I would like to associate with that measure... it's about time that it has a whole Senate approach ... We take note of the need for tourism ... [but] what about the locals? They live there 365 days a year ... So, it would address not just two, but all needs." Meanwhile, Go underscored the pressing need to establish hospitals and comprehensive health facilities within these regions, ensuring both tourists and local residents receive the highest healthcare services the community would need. He then highlighted the substantial progress in this direction, particularly in Siargao, where the Siargao Island Medical Center has seen remarkable improvements. "After championing the passage of Republic Act No. 11500 in the Senate, we've witnessed the Siargao Island Medical Center's transformation, with an increase in bed capacity and upgraded professional healthcare services," Go stated who sponsored the bill last Congress. Moreover, Go remarked that funding has been secured for more than 700 Super Health Centers to be established nationwide in two to three years. This was a collective effort among DOH, local governments and fellow lawmakers. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the country's healthcare sector, especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program. "To make the Philippines a top tourist destination, we must not overlook the essential healthcare needs of our visitors and locals alike. Establishing health facilities in these areas is necessary and a priority," stated Go. Go then underscored the intrinsic link between tourism and socio-economic growth in the country, highlighting the significance of the tourism sector as outlined in the Tourism Act of 2009. "Bilang member ng Senate Committee on Tourism, suportado natin ito. More tourists means more income for the local people. Sa turismo, may hanapbuhay, may trabaho," Go stated. "Pero para umusbong ang turismo at kabuhayan sa komunidad, dapat natin pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng bawat isa upang maging produktibo at ligtas ang ating mga kababayan. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino," he added. A 5-year-old boy who died in December while living in a migrant shelter in Chicago was killed by sepsis due to an infection, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed. Photo courtesy of Cook County Medical Examiner's Office Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A 5-year-old boy who died in December while living in a migrant shelter in Chicago was killed by sepsis due to an infection contracted while at the facility, officials have confirmed. The sepsis stemmed from an infection of streptococcus pyogenes, the bacteria that can lead to strep throat and other life-threatening infections, the Cook County Medical Examiner said in a report distributed to media outlets on Friday. Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero died on Dec. 17, 2023, after going into medical distress at the migrant shelter in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Paramedics rushed him to Comer Children's Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to the infection. His death sparked criticism of health conditions within the city's migrant shelter system. Public health officials warned last year the shelters were witnessing a surge of chickenpox and strep throat cases among children, with hundreds of instances reported. The shelter is home to some 2,500 migrants, about half of which are children. The office of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday issued condolences to the family of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, a 5-year-old migrant boy whose death was blamed on infection contracted in a city-run shelter. Photo courtesy of Chicago Mayor's Office At the time of his death, however, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office said "the child does not appear to have died from an infectious disease." The boy was also stricken with adenovirus, rhinovirus and COVID-19, which all contributed to his death, according to the autopsy report. The boy, his mother, father and 2-year-old brother emigrated from Venezuela, arriving in Chicago just days earlier and eventually moving into the shelter on South Halsted Street in the city. "The City of Chicago again expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero," the mayor's office said in a statement issued Saturday. "This is a tragic loss, and we appreciate the work of community partners supporting the Martinez Rivero family during this difficult time." In the newest statement, Johnson's office pushed back against concerns about conditions in the city's shelters. The city "coordinates medical screenings for all shelter residents, weekly on-site provider support, on-site vaccination events for COVID, varicella, and flu, and partnerships with a network of community health centers for other healthcare needs. All shelter residents are offered comprehensive medical examinations and care," the mayor's office said in the statement. Chicago's administration "has prioritized the health and well-being of asylum seekers throughout the New Arrivals Mission in partnership with community healthcare providers and Cook County Health, and the Chicago Department of Public Health will continue to monitor and respond to all reportable cases of infectious disease across the City's temporary shelter system," the statement read. The withdrawal from Avdiivka was the correct decision to safeguard the lives of Ukrainian defenders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17. The decision is correct to withdraw to other (defense) lines, he said. This does not mean that people moved kilometers away and Russia seized something. It didnt seize anything, we have to understand that. During the two years of the war, Russia tried to do something in the east. What is something? They just destroyed some small villages and towns. But the most important thing they destroyed was our lives. The Russians have been attacking Avdiivka since October. Thousands of their soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands. This is what Russia has achieved, said the president. Read also: Delayed withdrawal from Avdiivka is not Syrskys fault, states political expert The exhaustion of their army is a task that our military is constantly fulfilling. Saving the lives of our military is also, in my opinion, the right decision, Zelenskyy said, noting that Ukraine expects to receive the missing weapons, including long-range weapons, and is therefore counting on the support of its partners. Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from Avdiivka, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on the night of Feb. 17. Based on the operational situation that has developed around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and to preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I have made the decision to withdraw our units from the city and transition to defense on more advantageous positions. The Battle for Avdiivka: What is known Russian forces intensified their offensive on Avdiivka in October 2023, simultaneously with massive strikes on the city. On Feb. 8, Dmytro Lykhoviy, a representative of the Tavria operational-strategic grouping of troops, stated that fighting continues in Avdiivka within the city limits. On Feb. 14, the Donetsk Regional State Administration announced that the road to Avdiivka is completely under fire. According to Lykhovyi, if Russia cuts off the main logistical artery to Avdiivka, there are alternative routes. Read also: Ukraine risks losing more ground beyond Avdiivka due to ammunition shortage Pentagon The next day, fighters from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade confirmed that they were urgently redeployed to the area of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, to reinforce Ukrainian troops. Oleksandr Borodin, the press officer of the 3rd OSAB, says that the ratio of forces in the Avdiivka area as of Feb. 15 is one to seven. Russia has concentrated mechanized linear brigades and specialists from the GRU in this area. On the night of Feb. 16, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of the Tavria operational-strategic grouping of troops, stated that maneuvers are being conducted in Avdiivka and the situation is complex but controlled. On the same day, he announced that Ukrainian troops withdrew from the Zenit position on the southeastern outskirts of Avdiivka. 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 Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of Feb. 11, supported by your subscriptions. Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com: Newport boutique owner Sydney Gordon made a dramatic exit from Season 28 of "The Bachelor." On the fourth episode of Season 28 of "The Bachelor," Newport's Sydney Gordon found herself on a romantic European date a tour of Malta's Blue Grotto caves with this season's Bachelor, Joey Graziadei, capped by a romantic dinner. The only problem: It wasn't a one-on-one date but a two-on-one date with one of the other women, Canadian Maria Georgas, with whom Gordon had been in a multiple-episode feud. Graziadei said he asked for the triple date to get some clarity on the fight between the two women, but in the end, Georgas got the rose and Gordon was sent home to face what she described as a torrent of online abuse from "The Bachelor" fanbase. Read on for a recap of Gordon's four stormy episodes and what she posted afterward on Instagram. Television: In Malta, Newport's Sydney Gordon's dramatic time on 'The Bachelor' comes to an end The Rhode Island Department of Transportation posted this photo on its website after it shut down the Washington Bridge on Dec. 11, 2023. At the time, DOT Director Peter Alviti said the bridge was at risk due to broken "pins" and swaying that "could be the cause of a potentially catastrophic failure." The photo, taken Dec. 8, shows a broken tie-rod on Pier 7 of the bridge. State transportation officials spotlighted the importance of broken tie-down rods when they closed the Washington Bridge's westbound lanes on Route 195 on Dec. 11, citing the potential for a catastrophe. More than two months later, it still isn't clear how long the rods had been broken. Appearing at an oversight hearing on Monday, Peter Alviti Jr., director of the state Department of Transportation, told state lawmakers that various "forensic" analyses can answer such "look-back" questions. One tempting line of inquiry: specks of bright blue paint, visible in a DOT photograph of one of the broken tie-down rods, which may help pinpoint when the break occurred. Local news: Broken bridge parts and specks of blue paint. How long was bridge at risk before closure? A coyote that attacked two people in Rhode Island last week has tested positive for rabies. Coyotes, like the one in this file photograph walking along a lawn in Newport, are a relatively common sight in Rhode Island. A coyote thought to be responsible for two attacks on humans last week has tested positive for rabies, the state has confirmed. The coyote is believed to have bitten a man walking his dog on Peeptoad Road in Scituate on Thursday and then attacked a hiker in Johnston on Friday. The hiker, a Johnston man bitten in the leg, pinned the coyote down by its neck, killing it by cutting off its air supply, police said. The carcass was taken for testing, and the state Department of Health confirmed the rabies diagnosis. Find out what state officials are advising for anyone who might have came into contact with the coyote, either directly or through a pet. Public health: Coyote that attacked two people in RI last week had rabies. State urges caution. Those planning on a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day had to change plans if they wanted to imbibe at several Providence restaurants. As of Monday night, a handful of establishments still had active cease-and-desist orders barring them from serving alcohol as they failed to meet requirements for a renewed liquor license. According to Mayor Brett Smiley's spokesman, Josh Estrella, liquor licenses expire on Dec. 1 each year, and applications for renewals are due well beforehand, on Oct. 1. But it's not enough to just apply. The city's Board of Licenses then has to review the applications. Read the full story to see which restaurants are currently not able to serve alcohol. Dining: Wine and dine? Not so fast these restaurants were stopped from serving alcohol, for now The White Horse Tavern, built in 1673, in Newport, is still in business and claims it's the oldest restaurant in America. Rhode Island has a lot of history. Roger Williams, famously banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for his advocacy of religious tolerance and the separation of church and state, purchased land from the Narragansett tribe in 1636 to start a new settlement. Connecticut was founded the same year, making the pair the fifth and sixth of the original 13 Colonies. Getting such an early start comes with a lot of historic buildings, including the oldest restaurant in the country. Check out our list of five of the oldest places in Rhode Island. History: Feeling old? 5 of the oldest places in Rhode Island you can still see today To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Journal top stories: 'Bachelor' drama; bridge hearing Back-to-back winter storms are headed for Northern California this weekend bringing heavy rainfall, mountain snow, and possible thunderstorms and flooding. The good news is meteorologists say gloomy weather wont produce conditions as extreme as the Feb. 4 storm that killed three people and cut power to thousands. The bad news is the looming conditions may be harsh enough to keep you indoors and away from Tahoe during Presidents Day weekend. The National Weather Service predicts heavy mountain snow the weekend of Feb. 17 into early next week. A winter weather advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday for parts of the Sierra Nevada, including the greater Lake Tahoe area. A winter storm warning goes into effect shortly after, from 4 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Wednesday for the same areas. The National Weather Service also issued a flood watch, in effect from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday morning, for various portions of Northern California including the Sacramento Valley, the Delta, Northern San Joaquin Valley and the foothills. Heres what to expect. First storm to hit Northern California The first storm, which will pass over the region between Saturday and Sunday, will drop moderate rainfall across the Valley and foothills and snow in the mountains. Today will be a quiet weather day with more active weather expected over the weekend and through mid next week. Here's a breakdown of the anticipated weather impacts with these two storms. #CAwx Forecast: https://t.co/WjKBsJmSfA Roads: https://t.co/6jnhwJwK5a pic.twitter.com/U46vVdhIKt NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 16, 2024 Meteorologist Dakari Anderson with the weather service said the first storm isnt expected to produce extreme conditions. Storm No. 2 to hit Northern California The second storm will be more aggressive. According to the weather service, the second system will kick off late Sunday evening through at least Wednesday. Elevations above 5,500 feet are forecast at 1 to 2 feet of snow starting Sunday through Wednesday; above 7,000 feet is forecast at 3 to 4 feet. The brunt of the storm will occur on Monday, with the heaviest amounts of rain and snow expected across the area. Anderson said an additional 1.5 to 2 inches of rain could fall across the Sacramento region. Another 2 to 3 inches are expected in the foothills, including portions of Redding. The lowest amounts up to 1.5 inches are forecast for the northern San Joaquin Valley. Wind gusts are forecast to whip between 20 and 30 mph on Saturday throughout the Valley, with speeds increasing on Monday. Anderson said gusts as high as 55 mph are expected across the mountains. How much snow has fallen at Tahoe ski resorts? The UC Berkeley Snow Lab, located at Donner Pass, received another 13 inches of snow during the last storm from Wednesday into Thursday morning. We are now at 85% of median snowfall and 83% of median snow water equivalent to date, the laboratory posted Thursday on x, formally known as Twitter. We have received 13" (33 cm) of #snow in the last 24 hours, which brings our storm total to 14.2" (36 cm) so far. We are expecting snow showers today. We are now at 85% of median snowfall and 83% of median snow water equivalent to date. More on the way!#CAwx #CAwater pic.twitter.com/wfoaKvRUyt UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) February 15, 2024 Heres how much snow has fallen in Tahoe so far this season across ski resorts, as of Friday, according to their websites: What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. A baggage handler at a London airport is in critical condition after being dragged by a conveyor belt, report says A baggage handler was hospitalized after being caught in a conveyor belt, The Sun reported. The incident occurred at London's Heathrow Airport, the report said. The handler's scarf got snagged in the conveyor belt and she was dragged along. A baggage handler at London's Heathrow Airport is in critical condition after an incident involving a conveyor belt, the British newspaper The Sun reported. It occurred when her scarf got snagged in the conveyor belt and she was dragged along as she unloaded luggage from a flight operated by Scottish airline Loganair, the report said. Passengers had already disembarked from the aircraft while the flight crew was unaware of the situation below, it added. The woman, who was working for airport services company Menzies, was attended to by paramedics and then taken to hospital. A Menzies spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Business Insider that one of its employees was in hospital receiving treatment following an incident at Heathrow. "Our thoughts are with our employee and their family. We cannot provide any further detail at this stage," the company added. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told BI that paramedics responded to a call at 5.49 p.m. on Wednesday, 14 February, about an incident at Heathrow's Terminal 2. "We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic and members of our hazardous area response team (HART)," the spokesperson said. "Our first medics arrived on scene in four minutes. "We treated a patient at the scene and took them to a major trauma centre as a priority," they added. "It was the stuff of nightmares," an unnamed source told The Sun. "No one was on hand to help out. It's a miracle she wasn't killed." On its website, Menzies says it works on 11,000 aircraft a week and that its ground teams "take immense pride in delivering quality through best practice working processes" and "an exceptional approach to safety." Business Insider has contacted Heathrow for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider NEW YORK Five migrant men allegedly involved in the Jan. 27 Times Square attack on two police officers were ordered held on bail at their arraignments Friday on charges brought by a Manhattan grand jury. Ah, my God, suspect Kelvin Serita Arocha, 19, sighed in Spanish, tilting his head toward the ceiling as another suspect, Yorman Reveron, 24, was led away in handcuffs from the hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court. All five are Rikers Island-bound: Arocha was held on $15,000 cash bail, Reveron had his bail set at $100,000, and Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, is held on a $50,000 bail. A fourth suspect, Yohenry Brito, 24, had his previous $15,000 bail reset ahead of a hearing next week to determine the source of his bail funds. Those four suspects all face varying assault charges. A fifth suspect, Wilson Juarez, 21, had his bail set to $1 and was charged only with a count of tampering with physical evidence. Bail of $1 is sometimes imposed on suspects who might be detained on other serious matters, such as under federal immigration laws. Two more suspects in the incident were arraigned on the same grand jury indictment earlier this week. The seven defendants indicted have now appeared in court, and because of our thorough investigation we can present our case and hold them fully accountable for their actions, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. Our investigation into the incident with the NYPD remains ongoing and we are working with our law enforcement partners to apprehend the remaining individuals involved. The Jan. 27 alleged assault on the officers set off a wave of national media attention and anti-migrant outcry, even as new body cam footage from the incident emerged that appeared to contradict the NYPDs initial account that migrants had antagonized first. But developments since the night of the attack the bodycam footage, false rumors that some of the suspects had fled out of state and a change in approach from the DAs office have complicated and brought up questions about the case. Several of the mens attorneys noted the DAs office initially did not ask for bail for most of the suspects in earlier court hearings. The DAs offices stance on bail in the case has changed. At Fridays hearing, Assistant District Attorney Neil Greenwell asked Supreme Court Judge Ruth Pickholz for up to $100,000 cash bail against some of the suspects. Reveron, wearing a suit jacket, has received numerous death threats, according to his lawyer, to the point where his family, who are also in New York City, were afraid to come to court. There were also some reports that Mr. Reveron had fled on the bus, his lawyer said. Mr. Reveron has been in contact with me every day. He video-called me to show me that he was in New York City. Mark Macron, attorney for one of the migrants, brought up in court that after his client, Gomez-Izquiel, was first arrested, he was allowed to walk free. On Friday, prosecutors asked for bail to be set to $100,000. The change in circumstances has not been that great Macron said. Theyre responding to pressure. Bragg faced sharp criticism after deciding not to request bail for most of the men arrested in the attack. Brito, whose interaction with the NYPD officers ignited the brawl, was also brought back into custody. Previously, a judge had set a bail of $15,000. Brio was freed after his bail was reportedly paid by a Brooklyn church group. A hearing is set for next week to determine the source of Brios bail funds. I think this was a situation where the people were surprised that the bail was posted, Mark Jankowitz, Britos lawyer, said, referring to the DAs office. Jankowitz added that prosecutors hadnt asked for a hearing before Brito was allowed out of detention. Brito was accompanied in court by immigration advocates. Jankowitz said that he was staying at the home of one of the advocates. Juarez and Arocha were taken into ICE custody. Juarez was in ICE custody because he mistakenly missed a court date in Texas after relocating to New York, said his lawyer, Adrienne Edward. Juarezs legal status in the U.S. is unclear, Edward said. Since this incident has taken place, his image has been splashed all over the news, said Edward. She added: Mr. Juarez was never involved in any physical altercation and unfortunately the same picture continues to get published. Juarez was charged with evidence tampering because he allegedly swapped jackets with others involved in the assault. He is not charged with participating in the attack itself. According to Edward, Juarez came to the U.S. to work and send money home to support his mother and 2-year-old child. Arochas lawyer, Michael Hurwitz, asked the judge to set bail to $1 so that the migrant could be placed into Department of Corrections custody, instead of remaining in ICE custody. Hurwitz said that if Arocha is placed in ICE custody, he could be deported before the criminal case is resolved. The judge instead set Arochas bail at $15,000. I think its undisputed that physical contact in this case was initiated by a police officer. Thats clear on this video, Hurwitz said. Two other suspects were arraigned before Fridays hearing. Yarwuin Madris was arraigned on the indictment on Wednesday, and Ulises Bohorquez was arraigned on Thursday. They were not named in the original indictment. The DA in the case shouldve requested bail earlier in the proceeding, Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry told reporters afterward. The judge should have kept them behind bars but yet, they were let back on the street to cause havoc. Baltimore mayoral candidate Sheila Dixon condemned the low number of citations issued by the Baltimore Police Department under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Scott, saying during a news conference Friday that heads would roll if she was mayor. Dixons comments came in response to a meeting of the Baltimore City Councils Public Safety and Government Operations Committee on Wednesday where the Baltimore States Attorneys Office said only 37 citations written by Baltimore Police have made it to a citation docket since its July launch. The docket is an initiative of States Attorney Ivan Bates, who called for law enforcement to issue criminal citations to people for low-level offenses, such as loitering, drinking in public and drug possession. Those who receive citations are required to report to a special docket, hosted once monthly in three of the citys four District Court locations, where prosecutors are supposed to offer community service in lieu of prosecution. The program marks a departure from Bates predecessor, Marilyn Mosby, who discontinued the prosecutions of low-level offenses. Patricia Deros with the states attorneys office said Wednesday that Baltimore Police internally rejected 68 citations issued between July and December because they werent written sufficiently, meaning roughly half the citations issued by city police did not make it to the citation docket. Dixon, a Democrat who campaigned for Bates, said the low use of the citation docket shows the Scott administration has no concern for quality-of-life crimes. She pledged to become a true partner to the states attorney if elected and estimated that at least 15-20 citations should be written weekly by the department. Everywhere I go in the entire city, every community, every neighborhood, its about the quality-of life-crimes that are happening in our neighborhoods and communities, Dixon said. Dixon, who served as the citys mayor from 2007 to 2010 before being forced from office by a scandal, is running to reclaim her seat. Scott, the citys mayor since 2020, is seeking reelection. They will face Democrats Thiru Vignarajah, Robert Wallace and several lesser-known candidates in the May 14 primary. The City Council also learned Wednesday that Baltimore Police had not responded to an offer from the states attorneys office to train police on the issuance of citations. Deputy Commissioner Monique Brown said it had been an educational process and noted that the department hadnt written citations for a long time. Deputy Commissioner Kevin Jones added that the agency had put out electronic training on citations, created placards with best practices for frequently used citation offenses and was sending notice to officers and their supervisors when citations are rejected. Brown said the citations are a tool for officers, but verbal warnings prior to citations can sometimes resolve the issues taking place, she said. The Central District issued more than 757 warnings in downtown and Fells Point in 2023, Brown said. Data on other districts wasnt immediately available. Dixon said Friday she doesnt believe the warnings have been effective, citing several instances in which she has seen people loitering in the city. The police department needs to step up, they need to get trained property to understand what it takes and then get out there and start providing citations, Dixon said. Dixon stopped short, however, of explaining which heads would roll if she were to be elected. She said she would not discuss personnel changes and would not say whether she would cut ties with Commissioner Richard Worley, who was appointed by Scott last year. Scotts campaign manager Nick Machado called Dixons concerns about the citation docket feigned. Sheila Dixon again confirmed she wants to take Baltimore City back to the failed broken crime policies of the past, including zero-tolerance policing which terrorized Black communities, Machado said. Shortly after taking office in 2007, Dixon appointed a police commissioner from within the department who emphasized targeted arrests of violent shooters, a shift from the zero-tolerance policies of her predecessor Martin OMalley. Mayor Scott has achieved what Sheila Dixon never could, Machado said. Hes proven that we can have record reductions in violence time without terrorizing Black communities through mass arrests. Jacquelyn Frith, whose great uncle Jack was killed in the Suez Maru massacre, handed letters into Downing Street and the Japanese Embassy - EDDIE MULHOLLAND/EDDIR MULHOLLAND The families of hundreds of Allied prisoners of war massacred by the Japanese have urged Rishi Sunak to apologise for the British Governments past failures to prosecute those responsible. Relatives of those machine-gunned by their Japanese captors when the Suez Maru transport ship was torpedoed by the US Navy have written a letter to Mr Sunak, urging the British Government not to forget those who gave so much for our freedom. Britains postwar government secretly decided not to press ahead with war crime prosecutions against Japanese commanders who had ordered the Suez Maru massacre, and others like them, during the Second World War. The letter to the Prime Minister was hand-delivered by Jacqueline Frith - a researcher and author whose great uncle Jack was among those killed - along with a petition. It stated: Our families have waited 80 years for the British Government to acknowledge that the decision not to prosecute in the case of the Suez Maru massacre of our loved ones was not taken in good faith but rather was an act of political cowardice, second to the cold-blooded murder of defenceless prisoners of war in the sea, in 1943. For decades, the decision not to prosecute was concealed, as were all the facts of the Suez Maru case from our families. The POW transport ship Suez Maru was sunk by the USS Bonefish in November 1943 with the loss of 414 British POWs. The ship took an hour to sink and about 250 survivors were shot in the water by the Japanese Following her visit to Downing Street last week, Ms Frith lobbied the Japanese Embassy for its own government to also issue an apology to those machine-gunned to death in the waters of the Pacific. Ms Frith was met outside the embassy by an official who appeared profoundly moved when she explained why she was there. She told The Telegraph: He looked me in the eye and said I am so sorry. It was a moment I cannot overstate in its meaningfulness to me. I had the feeling at the Japanese Embassy that they were more sympathetic and more willing to apologise than the British Government, which is staggering. Ms Frith suspects the British Government is reluctant to apologise to the Suez Maru families for fear of offending the Japanese government and jeopardising future trade deals. She said: It is not a reach to conclude that Suez Maru families have been ignored, and in some cases labelled as vexatious by the Foreign Office, because there is a political fear of damage to relations with Japan. Ms Frith said the Suez Maru families have not yet received a response from either Mr Sunak or the Japanese Embassy. The Suez Maru was transporting 550 British, Dutch, Irish and New Zealand PoWs from a prison camp on the Indonesian island of Ambo, where they had already endured months of hellish conditions in the blazing heat to build an airstrip for the planned Japanese invasion of Australia. As the Suez Maru which failed to carry any red cross markings identifying it as a PoW transport ship made its way to Java on the morning of November 29, 1943, it was intercepted by the American submarine USS Bonefish. The submarine fired four torpedoes, one hitting amidships, splitting the vessel and another striking the stern, killing most of the 300 PoWs packed beneath decks. Jack Frith, great uncle of Jacqueline Frith who handed letters into Downing Street, was one of those who perished in the Suez Maru massacre. He had been a gunner in the Royal Artillery - EDDIE MULHOLLAND The Suez Maru sank in less than twenty minutes, with hundreds of other PoWs managing to jump into the sea, scrambling onto makeshift life rafts. Once in the water they were picked off by Japanese troops who had survived the submarine attack and been rescued by one of their own minesweepers. Testimony emerged later from Yoshio Kashiki, an Imperial Japanese Army soldier, who, sitting on the deck of the minesweeper W12, had overheard two of his officers discussing what to do with the estimated 250 Allied prisoners in the water. In letters written to war crimes investigators in Tokyo in 1949, Kashiki recounted how he had heard Lt Masaji Iketani who had been in charge of the PoWs welfare tell the W12s Captain, Osamu Kawano, that there was a standing order to kill prisoners if the enemy torpedoed their transport. But after the Japanese surrender the British Government decided not to bring those accused of the Suez Maru killings to trial. This followed a recommendation by the Allied occupying powers Far Eastern Commission not to prosecute war crimes beyond a certain point. Documents show that in October 1949 Emanuel Shinwell, British Secretary of State for War, called the Suez Maru case a particular bad one, but added that for all we know there may be others [cases] as bad, and if we do not drop this or any other bad case I cannot see how we shall ever put an end to these trials. It was also felt that a trial would hinder the reconstruction of Japan along democratic, pro-Western lines, as well as being a drain on Britains depleted economy. 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. (Bloomberg) -- At a new housing development in northwest Berlin, the first apartments were ready for tenants in August and a short time later an investor from abroad was ready to collect the rent checks. Most Read from Bloomberg Click here for a German version. Subscribe to our German newsletter. Located near the Siemensstadt industrial district, Halske Sonnengarten a project with 1,000 units from one-room studios to family-sized flats was snapped up by Dallas-based CBRE Group Inc. in November as part of a 357 million ($382 million) deal. The property package, which included two other sites, is a sign of how Berlins housing market is attracting buyers and defying the drag of higher financing costs. While prices across Germany are slumping, a steady influx of residents to the capital and lagging home construction have combined to intensify a shortage. That creates the prospect of higher rents, and deep-pocketed investors are eager to take advantage. After a dip following rate hikes, Berlins housing prices rose for four consecutive months, according to data from online real estate broker Immowelt. The capital was the only big German city where home costs grew by more than 1% in the last quarter of 2023 in contrast to declines of 2.6% in Frankfurt and 0.5% in Munich. International investors are looking very closely at Berlin, said Andreas Polter, who leads real estate manager JLLs residential investment team in the city. On top of prospects of further rent hikes, he said the lure is that its relatively cheap for a European capital and has a large rental market only 15% of Berliners live in their own home. Berlins rebound is in line with other major cities squeezed by a lack of supply. Stockholm was a focal point of Europes housing crisis, but the Swedish capital has seen eight straight months of year-on-year increases, according to data in the Bloomberg City Tracker. Seven of the eleven markets monitored by Bloomberg are showing gains, according to monthly data compiled from a range of providers. Some are asking rates and indicative levels, while others are official figures on transactions. Athens, Madrid and Lisbon are the strongest, while Paris and Vienna are slumping. Click here to subscribe to City Tracker stories. Berlin prices are down on a year-on-year basis and edged lower month-on-month in January, a traditionally slow period. Housing has become a tense topic in Germany and across many advanced economies as the lack of affordable accommodation fuels frustration. Chancellor Olaf Scholzs ruling coalition has failed to deliver on a promise of building 400,000 homes year, and all three parties have fallen behind the far-right Alternative for Germany in the polls. The housing completion numbers are deeply concerning, said Aygul Ozkan, managing director of the German Property Federation. By 2025, there could be a shortfall of 750,000 apartments. Berlin is at the epicenter of Germanys housing dilemmas. Considered poor, but sexy two decades ago when the citys debt prompted a selloff of social housing, a booming tech industry and sluggish building has long ended that era. Read More: Berlins Barren Housing Market Is Putting Its Tech Boom at Risk Finding affordable living space is the biggest hurdle newcomers now have, said Niklas Almerood, head of relocation firm IRC Relocation. There are simply more people moving to Berlin than there are apartments available. Political frustration is high across the city, but especially tense in trendy, former working-class neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, where many locals have been squeezed out. In 2021, a referendum passed calling on authorities to expropriate large landlords to replenish public housing stock. The grassroots movement was in part a reaction to a failed effort to freeze rents in 2020. While the legislation was struck down in court, it had the fallout of further dampening supply for tenants. With fewer options available, expectations are that rents will continue to climb, and so more tenants are looking to escape the upward spiral, according to real estate broker Savills. Even solvent households find it increasingly difficult to find suitable rental apartments, said Matti Schenk, Savills Germanys associate director of research, adding that the shift is helping fuel Berlins reversal in home prices. In 2022, Berlins population increased by more than 80,000 people as thousands of Ukrainians fled Russias invasion, adding to the steady numbers of students and tech workers. During the same year, the city only built slightly more than 17,000 new apartments. Overall, home construction has failed to keep pace with population growth almost every year over the past decade. Higher financing costs could also open up opportunities for large investors to grab rental properties like Halske Sonnengarten. The development was sold by a unit of Vonovia SE, Germanys largest landlord. Many real estate companies piled on debt during the cheap-money era and now have to sell properties to refinance. Newbuilds are by far more attractive. Prices for older buildings, which often have tenants on cheaper contracts and risk massive renovation costs, were still falling Germany-wide in January, according to a survey by real estate financing platform Europace. In the same period, new projects recorded a slight uptick, widening the gap between the segments. Embattled Adler Group SA also sold a portfolio of new facilities in Berlin late last year and a recent court ruling over its 6 billion restructuring plan could accelerate disposal plans. The city is likely to remain high on investor wish lists, according to JLLs Polter. Despite all expropriation debates and interventions in the rental market, from an international investors perspective, Berlin is still top class, he said. This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Over two-thirds of Idahos 15 best public high schools are in the Treasure Valley, according to school-ranking site Niche. After analyzing data and reviews of the states 243 public high schools, Niche graded each school for its academics, diversity and teachers. The 2023 report ranked Renaissance High School in Meridian as the best public high school in the state three more Ada County schools made up the top four public high schools in the Gem State. Renaissance High School, in the West Ada School District, has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 and earned an overall grade of A+ in the Niche ranking. Renaissance earned an A+ rating for teachers, an A+ in academics and a B+ in diversity. According to state test scores, 82% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading, Niche reports. Niche grades and analyzes schools and neighborhoods throughout the U.S. using data from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census and FBI, plus more than 100 million reviews and survey responses from students, parents and residents to rank schools in every county and city in the country. We get deep, too, asking questions about everything from college prep to cafeteria food, Niche states on its website. Though quality data is a priority, at Niche, we know that a school is more than a collection of stats. Niche also looks at each schools academics and culture. Academic Grade: Based on state assessment proficiency and survey responses on academics from students and parents. Teacher Grade: Based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state test results and survey responses on teachers from students and parents. District Grade: Based on rigorous academic and student life data analysis and millions of reviews from students and parents. Culture & Diversity Grade: Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses from students and parents on school culture and diversity. Parent/Student Surveys Grade: Niche survey responses scored on a 1-5 scale regarding the overall experience of students and parents from the school. Top public high schools in Ada County Here are the top 15 public high schools in Ada County, according to Niche. Liberty Charter School (5th), Victory Charter School (9th) and Gem Prep Nampa (12th) all ranked within the top 15 schools in Idaho, but are not listed below because they are in Canyon County. 1 - Renaissance High School West Ada School District 682 students, student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 Overall grade: A+ Academics: A+ Diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ 2 - Meridian Medical Arts Charter School West Ada School District 192 students, student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 Overall grade: A+ Academics: A Diversity: B+ Teachers: A+ 3 - Boise High School Boise School District 1,509 students, student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 Overall grade: A Academics: A Diversity: B Teachers: A 4 - Meridian Technical Charter High School West Ada School District 196 students, student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 Overall grade: A Academics: A Diversity: B- Teachers: A+ 5 - Timberline High School Boise School District 1,417 students, student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 Overall grade: A Academics: A Diversity: B Teachers: A- 6 - Sage International School Boise Independent 1,078 students, student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 Overall grade: A Academics: A- Diversity: A- Teachers: A+ 7 - North Star Public Charter School Meridian Joint School District 962 students, student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 Overall grade: A- Academics: A- Diversity: B- Teachers: A 8 - Compass Public Charter School Compass Public Charter School Local Education Authority 1,224 students, student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 Overall grade: A- Academics: A- Diversity: B Teachers: A 9 - Centennial High School West Ada School District 1,946 students, student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 Overall grade: A- Academics: B+ Diversity: B+ Teachers: A 10 - Mountain View High School West Ada School District 2,368 students, student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B Diversity: B Teachers: A 11 - Capital High School Boise School District 1,192 students, student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B Diversity: A- Teachers: B+ 12 - Rocky Mountain High School West Ada School District 1,978 students, student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B+ Diversity: B- Teachers: A- 13 - Borah High School Boise School District 1,287 students, student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B Diversity: A- Teachers: A- 14 - Eagle High School West Ada School District 1,771 students, student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B+ Diversity: C+ Teachers: A 15 - Idaho Fine Arts Academy West Ada School District 213 students, student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 Overall grade: B+ Academics: B Diversity: B- Teachers: A Parenthood means making many decisions for your child every day. Some are more difficult than others, and some have more impact on a childs life than others. But no single day as a parent is void of decision-making. Arguably, one of the most important decisions youll make for your child regards their education. What schools will they go to, what district do you want them in? The school ranking and information site Niche aims to ease this process by offering parents and students searchable data on their education options. For the last decade, this has included an annual ranking of schools, determining the best school in specific locations and categories. Top five best schools in Tri-Cities According to the Niche ranking, the best school in the Tri-Cities area is Hanford High School in the Richland School District, which was also ranked the 23rd-best public high school in the entire state of Washington. Like the rest of the top five schools, Hanford High received an A overall grade. Next in line is Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School in Pasco. The only Catholic high school option in the area, the school ranked 34th-best private high school in the state. Third place went to Leona Libby Middle School in the Richland School District, which was ranked the 35th best public middle school in Washington. In fourth place is White Bluffs Elementary School, and fifth place went to Orchard Elementary School, both in the Richland School District. Best schools in Tri-Cities, ranked Not every school received a ranking. Some were left without grades due to lack of available data. Of the remaining 75 graded schools, three received an A-: Amon Creek Elementary School in the Kennewick School District ranked sixth Wiley Elementary School in the Richland School District Lewis and Clark Elementary School in the Richland School District The schools that placed ninth-place or lower received a B+ (in order of ranking): 9. Cottonwood Elementary School - Kennewick School District 10. Richland High School - Richland School District 11. Jason Lee Elementary School - Richland School District 12. Ridge View Elementary School - Kennewick School District 13. Enterprise Middle School - Richland School District 14. Badger Mountain Elementary School - Richland School District 15. Sagecrest Elementary School - Kennewick School District 16. Southridge High School - Kennewick School District 17. Marcus Whitman Elementary School - Richland School District 11 schools received a B: 18. Desert Hills Middle School - Kennewick School District 19. Ruth Livingston Elementary School - Pasco School District 20. Jefferson Elementary School - Richland School District 21. Kamiakin High School - Kennewick School District 22. Kennewick High School - Kennewick School District 23. Lincoln Elementary School - Kennewick School District 24. Sacajawea Elementary School - Richland School District 25. Edwin Markham Elementary School - Pasco School District 26. Tapteal Elementary School - Richland School District 27. Prosser High School - Prosser School District 28. Carmichael Middle School - Richland School District Another 11 schools received B- grades: 29. Sunset View Elementary School - Kennewick School District 30. Horse Heaven Hills Elementary School - Kennewick School District 31. Chief Joseph Middle School - Richland School District 32. Chinook Middle School - Kennewick School District 33. Vista Elementary School - Kennewick School District 34. Cascade Elementary School - Kennewick School District 35. Chiawana High School - Pasco School District 36. Canyon View Elementary School - Kennewick School District 37. Hawthorne Elementary School - Kennewick School District 38. Phoenix High School - Kennewick School District 39. McLoughlin Middle School - Pasco School District 10 schools received a C+: 40. River View High School - Finley School District 41. Washington Elementary School - Kennewick School District 42. Southgate Elementary School - Kennewick School District 43. Kiona-Benton City High School - Kiona-Benton City School District 44. Westgate Elementary School - Kennewick School District 45. Liberty Christian School of the Tri-Cities - Private school in Richland 46. Fuerza Elementary School - Kennewick School District 47. Maya Angelou Elementary School - Pasco School District 48. Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary School - Pasco School District 49. James McGee Elementary School - Pasco School District C grades went to eleven schools: 50. Three Rivers HomeLink - Richland School District 51. Park Middle School - Kennewick School District 52. Barbara McClintock STEM Elementary School - Pasco School District 53. Prosser Heights Elementary School - Prosser School District 54. Eastgate Elementary School - Kennewick School District 55. Edison Elementary School - Kennewick School District 56. Mark Twain Elementary School - Pasco School District 57. Kennewick Mid- Columbia Parent Partnership - Kennewick School District 58. Highlands Middle School - Kennewick School District 59. Pasco Senior High School - Pasco School District 60. Whitstran Elementary School - Prosser School District The most popular grade was a C-, given to 19 schools: 61. Housel Middle School - Prosser School District 62. Amistad Elementary School - Kennewick School District 63. Kiona-Benton City Primary School - Kiona-Benton City School District 64. Virgie Robinson Elementary School - Pasco School District 65. Robert Frost Elementary School - Pasco School District 66. Marie Curie STEM Elementary School - Pasco School District 67. Finley Middle School - Finley School District 68. Emerson Elementary School - Finley School District 69. Kiona-Benton City Intermediate School - Kiona-Benton City School District 70. Stevens Middle School - Pasco School District 71. Longfellow Elementary School - Pasco School District 72. Ellen Ochoa Middle School - Pasco School District 73. Finley Elementary School - Finley School District 74. Whittier Elementary School - Pasco School District 75. Kiona-Benton City Middle School - Kiona-Benton City School District 76. Rowena Chess Elementary School - Pasco School District 77. Rivers Edge High School - Richland School District 78. Captain Gray STEM Elementary School - Pasco School District 79. New Horizons High School - Pasco School District Only one school received a lower grade. Legacy High School in Kennewick School District received a D-. How Niche grades are calculated Niche uses a myriad of datasets to determine each ranking, depending on the type of school, mixing quantifiable data with parent and student reviews. Certain aspects of data are worth more than others. A full breakdown of methodology is available here. We get deep, too, asking questions about everything from college prep to cafeteria food, Niche said on its website. Though quality data is a priority, at Niche, we know that a school is more than a collection of stats. In general, the factors included make up the following categories: Academic Grade: Based on state assessment proficiency and survey responses on academics from students and parents. Teacher Grade: Based on teacher salary, teacher absenteeism, state test results and survey responses on teachers from students and parents. District Grade: Based on rigorous academic and student life data analysis and millions of reviews from students and parents. Culture & Diversity Grade: Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses from students and parents on school culture and diversity. Parent/Student Surveys Grade: Niche survey responses scored on a 1-5 scale regarding the overall experience of students and parents from the school. So, with that in mind, how did Tri-Cities schools stack up? WASHINGTON He drank the water. President Joe Biden saw firsthand on Friday the cleanup efforts in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailment released hazardous chemicals into the soil, water and air. Biden praised what he called the Herculean cleanup and announced grants from the National Institutes of Health to study the short- and long-term effects of the containment released by the derailment. Were not going home, not matter what, until this job is done, he said. And its not done yet. During a brief stop at a candle company, Biden demonstrated his confidence in the cleanup efforts by sipping a glass of tap water and drinking coffee that had been brewed with tap water. President Joe Biden drinks a glass of water during a stop at a candle shop called 1820 Candle Co. in East Palestine, Ohio. The Environmental Protection Agency said ahead of Bidens visit that it had confidence in the safety of the air, water and soil. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that Biden had no concerns about drinking the water. The accident occurred Feb. 3, 2023, when a train that included five cars carrying vinyl chloride derailed, later igniting large flames and plumes of smoke into the air when the railroad vented and burned the chloride to prevent a larger explosion. The wreck forced people out of their homes, and residents continue to worry about the long-term health and economic effects of the derailment. Biden has faced relentless criticism from Republicans for not visiting East Palestine for the past year. They've accused him of ignoring a blue-collar town that former President Donald Trump carried by 40 percentage points in the 2020 election. Trump, the frontrunner to secure the 2024 presidential nomination, visited East Palestine weeks after the accident. A day later, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg traveled to East Palestine. More: Ohio train derailment fact check: What's true and what's false? On Friday, Biden received a briefing from local officials on the cleanup efforts and said the derailment could have been avoided. While there are acts of God, this was an act of greed that was 100% preventable, he said. Let me say it again: An act of greed that was 100% preventable. In the aftermath of the accident, several labor unions and others had said private ownership of major railways often leads to over-emphasis on exorbitant profits and lack of regard for people and towns along the railroad lines. Cleanup crews have done in a year what would typically take many years, Biden said. And were going to keep going. Biden stressed that the federal government is holding Norfolk Southern accountable. He called on Congress to pass legislation sponsored by Ohios two U.S. senators that would require stronger protective measures for trains carrying hazardous material. Norfolk Southern said it has spent more than $1.1 billion in its response to the derailment. Since the fire began, the company says it has invested $103.2 million in the community, including $21 million distributed to residents. Contributing: Joey Garrison and The Associated Press Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @mcollinsNEWS. More: A year after Ohio train derailment, families may have nowhere safe to go US President Joe Biden receives an operational briefing from officials on the continuing response and recovery efforts at the site of a train derailment which spilled hazardous chemicals a year ago in East Palestine, Ohio on February 16, 2024. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: East Palestine, Ohio: Biden drinks water, praises 'Herculean' cleanup More than a year after a fiery train derailment left a toxic mess in East Palestine, Ohio, President Joe Biden on Friday arrived for his first visit to the area, armed with a raft of new research grants to study ongoing health impacts from the disaster. The grants will go to six research universities for studying the short- and long-term effects of the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment, which released highly toxic vinyl chloride that was burned off to avoid an explosion. Though nobody was seriously injured in the derailment, residents say it spilled chemicals that fouled the water and released toxins into the air, causing health problems that persist to this day. One of the grant recipients is Case Western Reserve University, about an hour and a half away from East Palestine. Youll have a top researcher with you as long as you need, Biden said. Many in the area worry that Norfolk Southern's assistance programs will soon halt, and they have called on the federal government to pick up any slack. Residents have also chafed at how long it took Biden to visit the area, especially considering how quickly other politicians including Donald Trump responded to the area. Biden also reiterated his support for a rail safety bill, introduced by Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown and Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, that is languishing in the Senate. This legislation would raise the cap on penalties for railroad accidents, improve equipment that detects problems with trains, strengthen inspections and implement a minimum crew size, among a host of other provisions. We have obligations to one another, and theres nothing beyond our capacity when we do it together, he said. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden blamed US lawmakers failure to approve emergency aid to Ukraine for the fall of Avdiivka, which handed Russia a significant battlefield victory after months of fighting for control of the city. Most Read from Bloomberg Biden said he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday to let him know Im confident were going to get that money, while warning that more Ukrainian cities might fall if Congress doesnt approve the funding. Theres so much on the line, Biden told reporters near his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The idea that now were running out of ammunition to walk away, I find it absurd. I find it unethical. So Im going to fight to get them the ammunition they need. Attempts to unlock emergency foreign aid to US allies have been stuck in a partisan deadlock in Congress for months, leaving Biden and Zelenskiy to make increasingly urgent appeals for Congress to move forward as Ukrainian supplies run low. Ukraine was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after its soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russias first notable gains in months, the White House said in a statement after Bidens call to Zelenskiy. The US Senate this week approved $95 billion in assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay, but the legislation still faces formidable obstacles in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Biden emphasized the need for Congress to urgently pass the national security supplemental funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces, according to the call readout. Representative Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican who heads the Houses intelligence committee, said theres certainly sufficient support in both houses to pass the aid package, which has drawn the most opposition on his partys right flank. Opposition activist Alexey Navalnys death in a Russian prison camp means that we should even be that more strong in funding Ukraine and passing this in the House and Senate, to honor his legacy, Turner said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press for broadcast Sunday. Turner caused a stir this week by warning of the threat of a Russian anti-satellite weapon, which the White House later described as posing no current threat. He brushed off accusations including by the Kremlin that his purpose was to drum up support for Ukraine aid, telling NBC that this is about Russia and the administration taking action. Artificial Shortage Ukraines military said earlier Saturday its withdrawing from Avdiivka, the same day that Zelenskiy addressed an annual conference of military and foreign-policy leaders in Munich. He told the meeting that Ukraine was withdrawing to save lives. Zelenskiy renewed appeals for allies to arm Ukraine, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is reaping the advantage. Keeping Ukraine in an artificial deficit of artillery and long-range weapons allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he told the Munich Security Conference, where he met Saturday with US Vice President Kamala Harris. Ukraine is struggling with dwindling military supplies as Russian forces press their offensive at a time of uncertainty about US aid. Zelenskiy changed his military leadership last week as Russias full-scale invasion heads toward a third year. Avdiivka, an industrial satellite city located just north of Donetsk a regional capital under de-facto Kremlin control since 2014 has been battered by bombardment and heavy fighting since spring 2022. Losing the city, once home to 30,000 people, adds to problems for Ukraines political and military leadership, which is also struggling with a lack of soldiers and war fatigue. The Kremlin made Avdiivka a priority in a year when neither side is expected to make major strategic gains on the battlefield, according to Western officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Large swaths of territory last changed hands in Ukraine more than a year ago, when Kyivs troops liberated part of the Kherson region. Highlighting the importance of the campaign to Moscows war effort, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Putin late Saturday to report that the army had captured Avdiivka, the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin congratulated the military with a telegram later, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state-run RIA Novosti. European officials, who recently approved a more than $50 billion aid package for Ukraine, have been increasingly concerned by the delays in Washington. --With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska. (Updates with Shoigu-Putin meeting in 18th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Washington President Biden visited East Palestine, Ohio, on Friday, just over a year after a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in the small village near the Pennsylvania state line, and he vowed to hold the railway company Norfolk Southern accountable. "There are acts of God," Mr. Biden said. "This was an act of greed that was 100% preventable." Mr. Biden received a briefing from local officials on the recovery efforts and continued response in the aftermath of the derailment and hazardous chemical fire involving a 9,300-foot train with about 150 cars in February 2023. The derailment sparked serious health and environmental concerns for residents, who have expressed frustration over the federal government's response to the crisis. "I want to continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable, make sure they make your community whole, now and in the future. And what they do not make whole, what they cannot make whole, what isn't made [whole], the government will make whole. We have an obligation," Mr. Biden said. President Joe Biden receives an operational briefing from officials on the continuing response and recovery efforts at the site of a train derailment which spilled hazardous chemicals a year ago in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 16, 2024. / Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images East Palestine residents' health concerns Among the hazardous materials aboard the Norfolk Southern train was vinyl chloride, a substance used to make a variety of plastic products. Crews worked to vent and burn off rail cars carrying the vinyl chloride, which has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers and neurological symptoms, to prevent an explosion. And although hundreds of residents were evacuated during the vent and burn, some of the residents who had evacuated returned and then started getting symptoms, such as rashes and respiratory problems. A year later, some say they're still suffering health issues. The president announced six National Institutes of Health grants would fund the study of the short- and long-term impacts of the disaster. Criticism for delayed visit Mr. Biden's visit, which came at the invitation of Mayor Trent Conaway, comes after he received criticism for not having visited East Palestine until now. Although the administration has noted that officials were on the ground within hours of the derailment, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg likewise drew ire from Republicans for not visiting until nearly three weeks after the crash. In his remarks after meeting with local leaders, Mr. Biden said there's still a lot of work to do in East Palestine, "but we're going to stay until the very end." But the visit still spurred criticism for coming a year after the derailment occurred. "Well, obviously we wish he would have came a little bit sooner, but, hey, he's here now and we can use all the help we can get right now. And we did put in for state of emergency and it hasn't passed yet and I don't really know all the details of that, but like I said, any help we can get, we would really appreciate," local resident Christina Dilworth told CBS Pittsburgh station KDKA-TV. Former President Donald Trump, who visited the village weeks after the derailment, called it an "insult" for Mr. Biden to visit East Palestine a year after the incident. "It was such a great honor to be with the people of East Palestine immediately after the tragic event took place," Trump said in a social media post on Wednesday, adding that "Biden should have gone there a long time ago." During the president's visit, Mr. Biden said he was briefed on the "herculean efforts" of the last year, and pushed back on criticism that his visit to East Palestine comes too late a year after the derailment occurred. "My administration was on the ground within hours working closely with the governor, the mayor, the senators and House members, community leaders, to make sure you have everything you need," Mr. Biden said. "My administration ordered Norfolk Southern to clean up the mess it created and ensure it was done right." Derailment became a political flashpoint The derailment became a political flashpoint in the days and months following the crash, as Republicans bashed the White House for its response. But the administration has repeatedly made clear that Mr. Biden has been working in coordination with local officials since the incident. "I've spoken with every official in Ohio, Democrat and Republican, on a continuing basis, as in Pennsylvania," Mr. Biden told reporters in March, when he said he would "be out there at some point." Addressing rail safety The president also called on Congress to take action on rail safety during his visit. A bipartisan rail safety bill that arose in the aftermath of the derailment has been long-delayed in the Senate, where it's unclear if enough Republican support exists for the measure to clear a filibuster. "When trains are carrying hazardous waste, storage tank cars we argued about this for years they should be stronger, they should be able to survive crashes without exploding," Mr. Biden said. He said brakes should "meet higher safety standards" and there should be more staffing on trains. There were 312 hazardous materials incidents on the nation's rails in 2023, down from 368 in 2022, 636 a decade ago in 2013 and 1,057 in 2000, according to a CBS News analysis of Department of Transportation data. The cost of such incidents was $63.6 million in 2023, compared with $23.9 million in 2022, $22.6 million a decade ago in 2013 and $26.5 million in 2000. / Credit: CBS News Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, tells CBS News the agency has made hundreds of recommendations that can be taken to improve rail safety, but that rail companies and Congress have yet to move on. "We're going to issue safety recommendations that I hope are implemented immediately, whether it's through a congressional action, regulatory action, or operator action," Homendy said. "But then there's rail safety generally. We have issued many rail safety recommendations that could be implemented today, that Congress could take action on, and I hope they do. For example, we have 190 open rail safety recommendations that we've issued with no action on it right now." CBS News' Roxana Saberi, John Kelly and Nick Devlin contributed to this report. Judge in Trump's New York civil fraud case expected to issue long-awaited ruling Crawfish shortage impacts Louisiana's economy Arrest in Hunter Biden case could derail Republican impeachment plans The push to allow California universities and colleges to employ undocumented students without legal work permits is moving forward with the support of some California lawmakers. Assemblyman David Alvarez, D-San Diego, introduced historic legislation this week that would direct the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges systems to employ these students who often struggle to secure paid, on-campus jobs, internships and research opportunities. Theyre unable to use their talents to work, so this bill is just focused on giving those young people that opportunity, Alvarez said in an interview with The Sacramento Bee. La Abeja, a newsletter written for and by California Latinos Sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter centered around Latino issues in California. California is home to the largest population of undocumented college students, with about 83,000 people, according to data from the American Communities Survey. Alvarezs legislation, Assembly Bill 2586, comes one month after the UC Board of Regents backed away from a commitment to find a pathway to hire undocumented students who arent covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Recent court rulings have blocked new DACA applications, which provide work permits and protection from deportation to eligible youths who were brought to the United States as children. Last year, UC regents stated their intention to consider employing these students anyway after prominent immigration legal scholars within the UC and Ivy League argued it was possible under federal immigration law. But the regents then scrapped the plan, citing significant risks to students, staff and the UC system. If passed, the bill would require the CSU and California community college system to employ students but the UC regents would still need to pass a resolution before moving forward with any action. That is because of a greater autonomy within the UC compared to other systems, Alvarez said. He does expect the UC regents to pass a resolution if the bill becomes law. The UC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Were responding to a need that is very real, Alvarez said. They just want to get to work and we cant wait for them to be allowed to do so. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A bill before Utah lawmakers would turn the states five metro townships all of which are located in Salt Lake County into cities, thereby giving them taxing authority. House Bill 35, titled Metro Township Modifications, unanimously passed the House earlier in the session, and this week it got a favorable recommendation in the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee. Weekend closures set for Bangerter Highway in Taylorsville Essentially what HB35 does is removes metro townships as a type of municipality and converts the existing townships into cities and towns, said Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R-South Jordan) on the House floor. The states five metro townships are Kearns, Magna, Copperton, Emigration Canyon, and White City. They came under this unique form of government in 2015, chiefly as a means to stop other cities from annexing areas along their borders. A screenshot of Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R-South Jordan) speaking on the House floor on Jan. 30, 2024. While metro townships act like a city in most ways, there are two major exceptions. The first is that they do not elect their mayor at large. Instead, city council members elect the mayor. The second difference is that these townships dont have taxing authority, and are thus unable to impose a property tax. As an alternative, special service districts come in and provide services like water and trash pickup. All the metro townships and Salt Lake County are in support of HB35, Teuscher said, noting that Kearns is actually quite large, with a population of 37,000. I think it would actually be the 18th largest city in the state, he said on the House floor. They deserve the designation to really stand on their own. Kearns Mayor Kelly Bush said she supports the bill, emphasizing that it wont be much more than a name change. She noted that getting taxing authority wont mean a tax increase for residents. Whatever the taxing authority is, its not about imposing a further tax burden on our taxpayers, she told ABC4 on Friday. Thats not what this is about. Instead, she said if Kearns becomes a city it would use its new powers to find ways to pay for services without increasing the tax burden and perhaps saving taxpayers money. The bottom line is not bringing on a bigger burden, she said. Rep. Ashlee Matthews is a Democrat who represents the Kearns area. She spoke in support of the bill on the House floor. As a representative of one of the communities that would be impacted by this, I will tell you this has been a long time coming, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Author Michael Thurmond speaks during an interview with Associated Press about his new book, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Stone Mountain, Ga. A new book by Thurmond entitled James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia focuses on Georgia's white founding fathers failed attempt to ban slavery after starting Britain's 13th American colony in 1733. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) Michael Thurmond thought he was reading familiar history at the burial place of Georgia's colonial founder. Then a single sentence on a marble plaque extolling the accomplishments of James Edward Oglethorpe left him stunned speechless. Within a lengthy tribute to the Englishman who died in 1785, the inscription read: "He was the friend of the Oppressed Negro. Oglethorpe led the expedition that established Georgia as the last of Britain's 13 American colonies in February 1733. Thurmond, a history aficionado and the only Black member of a Georgia delegation visiting the founder's tomb outside London, knew Oglethorpe had tried unsuccessfully to keep slaves out of the colony. Historians widely agreed he was concerned for the safety and self-sufficiency of white settlers rather than the suffering of enslaved Africans. Could Georgia's white founding father possibly have been an ally to Black people in an era when the British Empire was forcing thousands into bondage? It was stunning, Thurmond recalled. Initially, I was consumed by disbelief. I didnt believe it was true. Thurmond would grapple with questions raised by that visit for the next 27 years, compelled to take a closer look at Oglethorpe. Now he has written a provocatively titled book: James Oglethorpe, Father Of Georgia A Founders Journey From Slave Trader to Abolitionist. Published this month by the University of Georgia Press, Thurmond's book makes a case that Oglethorpe evolved to revile slavery and, unlike most white Europeans of his time, saw the humanity in enslaved Africans. And while Oglethorpe's efforts to prohibit slavery in Georgia ultimately failed, Thurmond argues he left a lasting and largely uncredited legacy by influencing early English abolitionists. He is shining a spotlight on the part of Oglethorpes life that most people have kind of thought was just periphery, said Stan Deaton, senior historian for the Georgia Historical Society. "I think hes thought deeply about this. And lets be honest, there have not been many African-Americans who have written about colonial Georgia and particularly about Oglethorpe. Though this is Thurmond's third book about Georgia history, he's no academic. The son of a sharecropper and great-grandson of a Georgia slave, Thurmond became an attorney and has served for decades in state and local government. His 1998 election as state labor commissioner made Thurmond the first Black candidate to win statewide office in Georgia without first being appointed. He is now the elected CEO of DeKalb County, which includes portions of Atlanta. His book traces Oglethorpe's origins as a wealthy Englishman who held a seat in Parliament and served as deputy governor of the slave-trading Royal African Company before departing for America. Thurmond argues that seeing the cruelty of slavery firsthand changed Oglethorpe, who returned to England and shared his views with activists who would become Britain's first abolitionists. What I tried to do is to follow the arc of his life, his evolution and development, and to weigh all of his achievements, failures and shortcomings, Thurmond said. Once you do that, you find that he had a uniquely important life. He helped breathe life into the movement that ultimately destroyed slavery. In its early years, Georgia stood alone as Britains only American colony in which slavery was illegal. The ban came as the population of enslaved Africans in colonial America was nearing 150,000. Black captives were being sold in New York and Boston, and they already outnumbered white settlers in South Carolina. Historians have widely agreed Oglethorpe and his fellow Georgia trustees didnt ban slavery because it was cruel to Black people. They saw slaves as a security risk with Georgia on the doorstep of Spanish Florida, which sought to free and enlist escaped slaves to help fight the British. They also feared slave labor would instill laziness among Georgias settlers, who were expected to tend their own modest farms. It didnt last. The slave ban was widely ignored when Oglethorpe left Georgia for good in 1743, and its enforcement dwindled in his absence. By the time American colonists declared independence in 1776, slavery had been legal in Georgia for 25 years. When the Civil War began nearly a century later, Georgias enslaved population topped 462,000, more than any U.S. state except Virginia. At best, you could say Oglethorpe was naive, said Gerald Horne, a professor of history and African-American studies at the University of Houston and author of the book The Counter-Revolution of 1776. Almost inevitably, like kudzu in the summer, slavery started spreading in Georgia. Like other historians, Horne is highly skeptical of Oglethorpe being a forefather of the abolitionist movement. He says the Georgia colony ultimately protected slavery in its sister colonies by serving as a "white equivalent of the Berlin Wall between South Carolina and Spanish Florida. Oglethorpe used slave labor to help build homes, streets and public squares in Savannah, the colony's first city. Escaped slaves captured in Oglethorpes Georgia were returned to slaveholders. Some colonists angered by the slave ban made unproven accusations that Oglethorpe had a South Carolina plantation worked by slaves. Thurmond's book openly embraces such evidence that Oglethorpe's history with slavery was at times contradictory and unflattering. That makes his case for Oglethorpe's evolution even stronger, said James F. Brooks, a University of Georgia history professor who wrote the books foreward. He has engaged with the historiography in a way that is clearly the equivalent of a professional historian, Brooks said. This is good stuff. Hes read everything and thought about it. I dont see any weakness in it. Thurmond's evidence includes a letter Oglethorpe wrote in 1739 that argues opening Georgia to slavery would occasion the misery of thousands in Africa." Thurmond describes how Oglethorpe assisted to two formerly enslaved Black men Ayuba Suleiman Diallo and Olaudah Equiano whose travels to England helped stir anti-slavery sentiments among white Europeans. Oglethorpe befriended white activists who became key figures in England's abolitionist movement. In a 1776 letter to Granville Sharp, an attorney who fought to help former slaves retain their freedom, Oglethorpe proclaimed "Africa had produced a race of heroes in its kings and military leaders. He also spent time with the author Hannah More, whose writings called for the abolition of slavery. In 1787, two years after Oglethorpe's death, Sharp and More were among the founders of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Thurmond argues Oglethorpe deserves credit as an inspiration to the budding movement. He founded slave-free Georgia in 1733 and, 100 years later, England abolishes slavery, followed by the U.S. in 1865, Thurmond said. He was a man far beyond his time. BURKE COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) A Burke County Public Schools 5th grader has been named the Distinguished Elementary Gifted Student for the state of Georgia. Friday morning, she was surprised with the news in the presence of school staff, classmates, friends, and family. Gifted Education instructor Marie Murray, Gifted STEM Teacher Kathryn Story, and Principal Dr. James Epps were present Friday to break the news to Blakeney Elementary 5th grader Annie Hickman that shed been selected for the honor. The award recognizes a student who demonstrates many good qualities including a desire to help others. For several years, she has been working to try and bring a dog park to Waynesboro, including giving a public presentation in front of the Burke County Board of Commissioners during a board meeting in April 2023 when she was just a 4th grader. Gifted Education instructor Marie Murray told NewsChannel 6, I think this award is so meaningful for Annie and its going to give her the opportunity to reach a larger audience and let them know of her message, her desire to build a dog park in Waynesboro and just the fact that this is a statewide award really is going to give her tremendous publicity and spur her on to greater things. Hickman will be recognized at the Georgia Association for Gifted Children conference in Columbus, Georgia, in March, and she will receive a $500 scholarship. Staff at Blakeney Elementary School where she attends surprised her with the news during a school assembly Friday morning shortly after school started. In addition to this being a tremendous personal accomplishment for young Annie Hickman, a spokesperson for Burke County School District said it is a first for Burke County, as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. By Humeyra Pamuk MUNICH (Reuters) -There is "an extraordinary opportunity" in the coming months for Israel to normalise ties with its Arab neighbors, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday, while also emphasizing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state. The top U.S. diplomat said there were genuine efforts led by Arab countries to revitalize the Palestinian Authority so it can be more effective in representing the Palestinians. "Virtually every Arab country now genuinely wants to integrate Israel into the region to normalize relations...to provide security commitments and assurances so that Israel can feel more safe," Blinken said during a panel discussion at the annual Munich Security Conference. "And there's also, I think the imperative, that's more urgent than ever, to proceed to a Palestinian state that also ensures the security of Israel," he added. The Biden administration has been working to secure a mega-deal that will see ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel normalize. The Kingdom and other Arab countries are seeking the creation of a Palestinian state as part of the deal. Washington is also working to achieve a deal to secure the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7 when the group crossed the border into Israel and mounted one of the deadliest attacks on the country in decades. While in Munich, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discussed efforts to reach a hostage deal and achieve a pause in the conflict to allow more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, a State Department spokesman said in a statement. The hostage deal and the humanitarian pause are seen as instrumental in helping advance conversations on a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which had been frozen in the immediate aftermath of the attack but have resumed in recent months. Talks on the structure of Gaza when the war ends, and how the Palestinian Authority - which exercises limited self-rule in some areas of the occupied West Bank - needs to be reformed to potentially rule the densely populated enclave and identifying a pathway for a Palestinian state are all variables in the same equation, according to U.S. officials. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Jason Lange in Washington; Editing by Jan Harvey and Diane Craft) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state is the way out of continued violence between Israelis and Palestinians. "I think there's an extraordinary opportunity before Israel in the months ahead to actually once and for all end that cycle," Blinken said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically rejected calls for an independent Palestine, including in recent remarks following a call with US President Joe Biden. But Blinken said that Israel has the opportunity make major diplomatic advances by making progress toward a two-state solution, as "virtually every Arab country now genuinely wants to integrate Israel into the region to normalize relations." It is "more urgent than ever to proceed to a Palestinian state, one that also ensures the security of Israel and makes the necessary commitments to do so," Blinken said. Doing so could result in an integrated region where Iran is isolated and "Israel is secure in ways that it's never been before," Blinken said. A Texas woman was shot multiple times by Harris County sheriffs deputies while in her friends home earlier this month. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump likened it to the events that led to the death of Breonna Taylor in 2020. His client, 28-year-old Eboni Pouncy, was reportedly hit five times in the early hours of Feb. 3 and is now using a walker during her recovery process. Two of the bullets struck her in the chest area. Breathing too hard, laughing. Everything hurts, Pouncy told KTRK. Im not able to be as attentive with my baby. Shes only 1. So thats probably the hardest part. Body camera footage shows the moment deputies opened fire on Eboni Pouncy. (HCSOTexas/Youtube/Screenshot) Pouncy and her friend, Laronda Berry, arrived at Berrys home at the Woodforest apartment complex when they realized she had misplaced her keys, according to the reports. The duo were able to get inside by busting the window. A neighbor believed they were intruders and immediately reported it to deputies, who were already on the scene dealing with a separate issue. When the deputies got to the apartment, they knocked at the door, which prompted Pouncy to walk toward it with her registered handgun. During her interview with KTRK, Pouncy claimed that she didnt hear the deputies announce themselves and took out her weapon as a safety measure. We got into the house. We were watching TV. There was a knock at the door at that time, and I got up, and I grabbed my gun, and I went to go greet who was ever at the door, she explained. Because the window was broken, and I believed I was taking safety precaution at that time of night, and so I was just trying to do the right thing. Body camera footage posted by the Harris County Sheriffs Office shows two deputies approaching and knocking on the door: Sheriffs office, one of them said. While waiting for a response, the deputies moved away from the front of the door and stood where they could see inside the apartment through the window. Someones coming, the deputy said. Seconds later, both of the deputies opened fire. They then walked back down the stairs and called for backup. An investigation into this incident is ongoing by the Sheriffs Office Homicide Unit. The Harris County District Attorneys Office is conducting an independent investigation, which is standard when a deputy uses potentially deadly force, the sheriffs office said in their video statement. According to KTRK, the deputies involved were placed on leave. Pouncy is calling for more consequences because she doesnt think the deputies followed protocol. I joined #EboniPouncy for an interview with @ABC to discuss the unjustifiable shooting of Eboni, who was mistaken as an intruder by Texas deputies. This tragedy is all too reminiscent of the shooting that led to #BreonnaTaylors death, & it should have NEVER happened at all! pic.twitter.com/hlBDB4ZoZ3 Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) February 16, 2024 It is concerningly clear by the video and Ebonis injuries that deputies were not justified in shooting her five times, Crump said. We demand that the deputies involved be immediately held accountable for the terrible injuries that Eboni suffered due to their impulsive actions. Body Camera Footage Shows Moment Harris County Deputies Open Fire at Woman Inside Houston Apartment, Mistaking Her for Burglar John Bolton, former national security adviser, pushed back on the Biden administrations rhetoric about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and said blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin just encourages Russia. The Russian Federal Prison Service said Friday that Navalny, who was jailed for extremism in the countrys highest security prison, was dead. In remarks from the White House, President Biden blamed Putin for Navalnys death. What happened to him is more proof of Putins brutality, Biden said. Navalnys death is a tragic event demonstrating Putins strength, not his weakness, Bolton argued during a Friday interview on NewsNations On Balance with Leland Vittert. The news of Navalnys death comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine nears its two-year anniversary. Bolton argued sanctions the U.S. and Europe have put on Russia have not stopped the Russian economy as intended. He added that while the Russians have suffered casualties in the war, the country does not worry about it because it doesnt have the same calculus on the value of human life as we do. But this is just the way the Russians fight, Bolton said. So, if Bidens rhetoric just continues at this level, it encourages Russia. Its part of the proof that they can commit this kind of murder and get away with it. Bolton continued, arguing that he thinks Biden is a weak president because the administration has reiterated that it is afraid of a wider war, both with Russia and the growing conflict in the Middle East. As Biden also weighs his decisions against his reelection efforts, Bolton argued neither Biden nor Trump, the likely nominees for each party, are acceptable as president, based on their national security and foreign policy decisions. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - A group of Ohio democratic leaders greet President Truman when his train stopped briefly at Crestline, Ohio, June 4, 1948. Standing with Truman is Former Gov. Frank J. Lausche, right, and Albert A. Horstman, former democratic chairman. (AP Photo, File) CRESTLINE, Ohio (AP) From its earliest days as a village, Crestline was synonymous with trains. A railroad station inspired this northern Ohio town, railroad workers populated it and the passengers who flocked here helped it grow. So it seems only fitting that a politicians stop in Crestline would go on to popularize the word whistle-stop. The tale of underdog 1948 presidential candidate Harry S. Truman's decision to capitalize on the remark of an opponent Ohio's own Mr. Republican, U.S. Sen. Robert Taft to own the term, and win the election, is just one of dozens of colorful anecdotes in Edward Segal's new book, Whistle-Stop Politics: Campaign Trains and the Reporters Who Covered Them. Segal, a former press secretary and aide to both Democratic and Republican candidates, explains that whistle-stop was a railroad term at the time to describe small towns without regularly scheduled train service. The conductor would signal the engineer that passengers needed to disembark, and the engineer "would respond with two toots of the whistle, he writes. By 1948, though, the term had become shorthand for describing a community that was viewed as backward or undesirable. So when Taft accused Truman not long after his special train had stopped in Crestline of going around the country on this campaign train tour blackguarding (attacking) Congress at every whistle-stop, Truman embraced the opportunity. The Democratic National Committee asked voters, Was it nice of the Senator to call you a whistle-stop? Seventy-three percent of respondents said they didn't approve. Truman began using the term himself, Segal writes, and it soon lost its pejorative meaning. Altogether, Segal has cataloged at least 180 campaign train trips throughout U.S. history from William Henry Harrison to Joe Biden, with dozens of presidents, vice presidents, first ladies, representatives, senators and governors in between. He continues to update the record on this uniquely American invention on the book's website: www.whistlestoppolitics.com. The project was inspired by Segal's personal experience organizing a whistle-stop campaign tour for Republican U.S. Rep. Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma, for whom he was serving as press secretary in 1984. He wanted press coverage, and I said, Congressman, how are we going to generate press coverage for you? He said, I dont know. Thats your problem to figure out, Segal said in an interview. Segal, a self-described recovering political science major, thought immediately of Trumans famous underdog campaign of 1948. And it turns out there was a set of workable train tracks in the congressmans district, he said. The letters and interviews used to inform the book date back to that time. They include: George McGovern, Adlai Stevenson III, Jody Powell, other candidates and candidates' relatives and a host of journalists. Other details are drawn from books, news accounts, and historical documents, photographs and political cartoons. Segal describes in some detail how campaigns organized these traveling circuses. Routes had to be determined, trains located and secured, and then they had to be outfitted for the candidate oftentimes a sitting president VIPs, security and railroad personnel, and the press. Technology was always state-of-the-art, from the early days of telegraphs to telephones and beyond, he writes. The book also revisits whistle-stop speeches and the crowds that gathered to hear the likes of Robert Kennedy, Richard Nixon, George Bush or Barack Obama. It recounts, too, tales of hecklers, pranksters and protesters and describes the ordeal of the traveling press. The stories are at times humorous, at times harrowing as when one reporter nearly got left behind by President Theodore Roosevelt's campaign train in 1904 when he got off during a short stop to buy stationery. As the train pulled out, and the reporter ran at top speed, puffing and huffing to hop aboard. It was Roosevelt himself who pulled him up. Sometimes campaign trains were used in creative ways, too, as when comedian Gracie Allen pretended to run for president in 1940, as the nation was recovering from the Great Depression. Gracie ran as a candidate of the Surprise Party, Segal wrote. The origin of the party's name was as much a joke as the rest of the campaign. She explained that her mother was a Democrat, her father was a Republican, and that she had been born a Surprise. Grabbing commercial attention has also been a motivator for some whistle-stop parodies. In 1972, Winnie the Pooh launched a bid for the White House from Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A., then went on a two-week whistle-stop tour with his trusted advisers, Tigger and Eeyore. Back in Crestline, Mayor Linda Horning Pitt is buoyed by the fresh attention on her town. Crestline once all about the railroad, she said has suffered since Amtrak pulled out in the 1990s, but its new train-themed logo and renovated historical museum with a railroad theme are holding space for the future. On Thursday, All Aboard Ohio is coming to town to update residents on efforts to secure funding from the Federal Railroad Administration and state of Ohio for new passenger rail service across the state. Pitt has been rallying folks to show up and promote Crestline as one of the stops. I see it helping everybody, she said. The name of the event? The Whistle Stop Tour. ___ This corrects to remove the wrong name of a reporter who was helped onto the train by Theodore Roosevelt. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Friday, Feb. 16 was a day of remembrance for fallen Las Cruces Police officer Jonah Hernandez, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a trespassing call at the 300 block of South Valley Drive in Las Cruces this past Sunday. Friday morning, students at Americas High School in El Paso gathered to honor Hernandez. Hernandez attended the school from 2004-07. A candlelight vigil was also held Friday night in Las Cruces. The schools Student Council put together a wall of honor for students to write messages for Hernandezs family. Americas sophomore and Student Council member Dariadna Alvarez explained why they chose to make the wallpaper tribute. It was just a good chance for us to have a moment of silence and to respect him as a hero in our community, Alvarez said. (Hernandez was) someone that protected us and that once they passed away in the line of duty, we could reciprocate those feelings and respect them and just protect them and their family as well. Alvarez said that with Hernandez being a former Trailblazer, it brought the school together, and she added that Hernandez always be a Trailblazer. Photos by Santiago Reyes/KTSM Our KTSM team was also present at the candlelight vigil in honor of Hernandez at the Albert Johnson Park at 896 N. Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces Friday evening. Santiago Reyes/KTSM Hundreds gathered at the park to remember Hernandez and his service and sacrifice. Hernandezs closest friends, partners and family took the podium to pay tribute and tell stories and offer insights. Ever since he was a kid, he told me that he always wanted to be a police officer and serve as an example to his two kids, and Jonah did accomplish that goal. You became a police officer and a better father, said LCPD officer and Hernandez best friend, Carlos Hernandez. I know hes looking over us right now with a big smile on his face, and I know he did not regret anything. LCPD Officer Carlos Hernandez Jonah Hernandezs sister-in-law Marlene Lopez spoke for his family. I witnessed all the love he had for all of his family. He was an amazing person and he had so much love to give. I know there was more love that he had to give, Lopez said. With a heavy heart and accompanied by their child, Hernandezs wife Yesenia Lopez delivered a few words. He had a heart of gold and Im sure everyone knows that, she said. Officer Jonah Hernandez Wife and Son Moved by the large community presence, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story thanked his fellow Las Crucens. Thank you for all your love and support. We have received thousands of phone calls, emails and texts offering your condolences, offering your support, he said with a broken voice. Story helped Hernandezs family light the first candles, which were followed by the large crowd lighting more. As the evening grew dark, the golden lights of hundreds of candles covered the Albert Johnson Park, as the community bid farewell to Hernandez. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The December death of a Venezuelan boy who had stayed at a Chicago migrant shelter was a result of sepsis from a bacterial infection that causes strep throat, an autopsy report showed. Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero, 5, died from sepsis after a complication of streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Strep, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. The report also listed COVID-19, adenovirus and rhinovirus as contributing factors to his death. The boy and his family were living in a migrant shelter converted from a warehouse in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood when he had a medical emergency on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 17, the city has said. Shelter staff called 911 and began administering first aid, including chest compressions, to the child as they waited for emergency responders. Firefighters and paramedics transported Martinez Rivero to Comer Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Sepsis happens when the body overreacts to an existing infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis when left untreated. People with weakened immune systems, as well as people 65 and older and young children, are at greater risk for sepsis. Migrant child death: 8-year-old who died in Border Patrol custody had fever of 104.9; internal review finds failures "The City of Chicago again expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Jean Carlos Martinez Rivero," a city statement released Saturday said. "This is a tragic loss, and we appreciate the work of community partners supporting the Martinez Rivero family during this difficult time." His death prompted concerns about conditions for migrants in crowded shelters in Chicago and other cities that have seen thousands of asylum seekers arrive, many on buses sent from Republican states such as Texas. In Chicago, some migrants have been forced to wait outside of police stations and airports as they await shelter. "The report confirming Jean Carlos Martinezs cause of death underscores the urgent need for more resources and improved conditions for the newly arrived migrants," U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, a Chicago Democrat whose district includes the shelter, said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. "I will continue pushing the Biden administration to provide more funding for cities like Chicago, to ensure that we can provide the care these families need. A row of asylum-seeking migrants camp outside the Chicago Police Department's District 1 headquarters in this undated file photo. Chicago will soon be home to a new intake center for asylum-seekers. Signs and symptoms for sepsis include high heart rate; fever or shivering; extreme pain or discomfort; confusion or disorientation; and shortness of breath. Group A Strep is a bacteria commonly found in the respiratory tract and skin, and bacteria are very contagious through droplets and direct contact, the CDC said. It can cause mild illness such as strep throat. In rare cases, it can also cause sepsis, as was the case with Martinez Rivero. There is no vaccine. Asylum seekers: Biden's visit, speech at UN overshadowed by a crisis just across the street in NYC Snow falls as migrants continue to be housed by the city in "warming" buses in the 800 block of South Des Plaines Street during a winter storm Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Chicago. Chicago city officials said the boy's family arrived in Chicago on Nov. 30. That day, the family was placed in the shelter, located in the shadow of the Dan Ryan Expressway in an industrial area of Pilsen, a historic Latino immigrant neighborhood southwest of Chicago's loop. A GoFundMe helping Martinez Rivero's parents and his 2-year-old brother said the family, which is seeking asylum in the U.S., recently found housing. The younger son is set to be placed in day care. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boy who stayed at Chicago migrant shelter died of sepsis, autopsy says The boy had been visiting London with his parents on holiday and suffered severe injuries from the 100ft fall - YUI MOK/PA A boy who was thrown from the 10th floor of the Tate Modern in a random attack nearly five years ago is now learning to swim. The unnamed French child was six when teenager Jonty Bravery threw him from the viewing platform at the gallery in August 2019. The boy had been visiting London with his parents on holiday and suffered severe injuries from the 100ft fall, including a brain bleed, spine fractures and broken limbs. He spent a month in hospital in the UK before being discharged to France. An update from his family on a fundraising page says the boy is enjoying school, making progress with his walking and balance, and has started taking swimming lessons. The fundraising page was set up to help support his recovery following the attack and continues to receive donations. So far it has raised more than 374,000 and has posted a series of updates on the boys condition over the past five years. In the latest update, the boys parents, who have also not been named, described their son as courageous and praised the help of his classmates. They wrote: We finally managed to find a swimming instructor who, despite the complexity of the task, agreed to give swimming lessons to our little boy. The aim is to enable him to gain autonomy in the water, despite his limitations. Our son is thus rediscovering old sensations and is very happy with the progress he is able to make, he managed to touch the bottom of the small pool bath with one hand, like before. They added the boy had also been to Paris for check-ups with surgeons and no longer needed an operation on his left arm as his mobility had improved, but said he would still need surgery for other issues. The family added that they have also adopted a dog who brings life and joy to our home. Bravery, who was 17 and living in supported accommodation at the time of the attack, had been allowed out unsupervised. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was jailed in 2020 for at least 15 years. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Its not a new phenomenon, young people screaming righteous virtue while fomenting noxious beliefs that are anything but virtuous. In the 1930s, student enthusiasm for Nazism in German universities was essential fuel for the National Socialist movement. In Marburg, the local Nazi student organisation was obsessed with fighting Judaism and Jewish finance capital, while, as historians have shown, radical Folkism was a major trend among Germanys students and graduates in the years leading up to Hitlers reich. A few decades later, the 1968 student protests in Germany would bequeath the Red Army Faction, aka the BaaderMeinhof Gang of anti-fascist terrorists who, in the name of the anti-imperialist struggle, committed murder and bombings. Other militant Left-wing groups, such as the Tuparamos in West Berlin, displayed an explicit hatred of Israel and Jews. We are seeing echoes of a similar pattern in Britain now. The last few months point to a real risk of gross, potentially violent, anti-Semitism, becoming normalised on streets, campuses and beyond. The young across the West now stand out as the most anti-Israel cohort. According to polling by YouGov in America last October, just days after Hamass pogroms, more people aged 18-29 sympathised with the Palestinians than the Israelis, while over 65s supported the Israelis by a margin of 65 to 6 per cent. It wasnt the only whopper. In Decembers Harvard/Harris poll, 67 per cent of young Americans responded in the affirmative to the statement, albeit one that polling experts have condemned for its lack of clarity, that Jews as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors. Meanwhile, according to December polling data, a third of 18- to 24-year-olds in the UK (alongside a sobering 30 per cent of all adults) agreed with the statement Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews an important part of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism. This is all happening while that very generation yell their iron-fisted progressivism, which they insist is moral virtue at every turn. They preach intersectionality, a philosophy which allows them to itemise oppressions and which, for some, has become a tool with which to vilify Jews. Increasingly, these problematic attitudes are part of a ready-made package of beliefs. For the young are also environmentally obsessed, so they chuck paint at artistic masterpieces and block roads and ambulances rushing to hospital. They struggle to get on the housing ladder so they hate neoliberalism, occupy public buildings and streets and protest against capital. And boy do they deplore racism, which is why they vandalise statues of dead white men and industrialists, tear down others, insist that material they dislike should be banned from university reading lists and demand that buildings be renamed. Their virtuous struggle requires fighting a sprawling enemy: imperialism, climate change, racism, transphobia, Islamophobia, capitalism, Americanism. Yet since October 7, the anti-Israel element of this package has become, and remained, the centrepiece. As we have seen at our own universities in recent months, Jews associated with Israel risk being cancelled or de-platformed, and some have been left to feel physically threatened. A Jewish chaplain at Leeds University was forced into hiding on police advice after it was discovered he had been an Israel Defence Force reservist. Pro-Palestinian protesters at Birmingham University were seen holding a Zionists off our campus banner and allegedly chanted death to Zionists. A Jewish student at Brunel University told the Jewish Chronicle that a Palestinian woman told her: Im an extremist, Im proud of it, I dont think your people should be alive. This nasty generational trend is the result of two obvious things. One is the tendency for young people to swing Left. The second is more particular to our times: the failure of Holocaust education, as woke intimidation and official cowardice make teaching about the unique horror of the genocide of Jews in Europe less and less politically appealing. The idea among some appears to be that too much Holocaust education risks block out learning about the suffering of other groups especially those who endured slavery in the Americas. This is misguided. But it is the fear of offending other communities within schools that is most concerning. It must never be considered detrimental to community relations to teach about the suffering of Jews. Yet as far back as 2007, it was reported in The Guardian that schools had begun to avoid Holocaust education because they are concerned about causing offence to Muslim pupils or challenging charged versions of history which children have been taught at home, citing a research conducted for the then government. To highlight just one shocking example, a history department in a northern city had avoided selecting the Holocaust as a GCSE topic for fear of confronting anti-Semitic sentiment and Holocaust denial. Since the present pogrom begun on October 7th, the poisonous fruits of this educational and moral madness have become impossible to ignore and Jews the West over are paying the terrifying price. 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. NEW YORK A teen accused of killing an innocent bystander in a wild spray of bullets on a Bronx subway platform was ordered held without bail at his criminal court arraignment Friday. Langel Jones, 16, is charged as an adult with murder, assault, reckless endangerment and other charges. Jones is accused of trading gunfire with other youths at the Mount Eden station on the No. 4 line on Monday night. One of the bullets the teen fired struck 35-year-old Mexican immigrant Obed Beltran-Sanchez in the chest, prosecutors say. The accused teen looked stunned as he sat in the Bronx courtroom, turning his head to look at his family. He turned his gaze back to the judge and did not look back again. I understand you have a job to do, but this is my family, Jones mother told a New York Daily News reporter. Hes only 16 years old, she said. Beltran-Sanchez died St. Barnabas Hospital. Five other people were wounded in the back-and-forth gunfire. Jones 14-year-old rival is also in custody in connection with the shootout, and cops are looking for a third shooter, said Christine Scaccia with the Bronx DAs office. The teen charged in Beltran-Sanchezs murder was seen along with another individual firing weapons at a third individual who fires back, Scaccia said. Beltran-Sanchez planned to return to his home in Mexico next year. He is survived by his wife, two children ages 12 and 7, and his parents, said Mexican news outlet La Silla Rota. The suspect is scheduled to be back in court on Feb. 20. _____ BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Buffalo Public Schools is joining a class action lawsuit against social media companies to try and recover some of the money theyre spending on what they say is a mental health crisis among young people. School districts and cities across the country have already joined this lawsuit and now Buffalo Schools are doing so as well. The district says it has had to hire more counselors and train staff to address mental health issues among students and is seeking damages. A bipartisan group of attorneys general across the country, including New York State Attorney General Letitia James, have already filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, claiming the company intentionally designed features on Instagram and Facebook to be addictive to teens and young children. On Wednesday night, the Buffalo Board of Education passed a resolution to join the lawsuit. News 4 spoke to Buffalo School Board Member Larry Scott about the action the district is taking. I personally and other board members have personally advocated for an increase of mental health professionals, Scott said, as well as community-based organizations and professionals to work with our students in our schools and outside our schools in our communities because of the growing social, emotional mental health needs that theyre experiencing. This federal lawsuit is being heard in the state of California and also names TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. The lawsuit also claims that Meta collects data on children under 13 without parental consent. State prosecutors are seeking reforms within social media companies, as well as penalties and restitution. Meta has responded to the class action lawsuit by saying the company wants to give teens a safe, positive experience online and has introduced more than 30 tools to support teens. Latest Local News Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. A bus carrying Broward County students from a field trip to Orlandos Sea World attraction caught fire as the group traveled home, video shows. A school official told the Miami Herald the children are safe. Yes, the bus did catch fire. Due to the bus drivers quick actions, all students and staff evacuated safely, Broward County Public Schools spokesman John Sullivan told the Miami Herald in a text early Saturday morning. The fire happened around 8:30 p.m. Friday, after the bus had pulled over to the side of the road, near the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce rest stop on Floridas Turnpike, the school districts spokeswoman, Cathleen Brennan, told the Herald in an email Saturday. Aboard the charter bus: 47 students and four chaperones from Seminole Middle School in Plantation and the driver. All students and staff had been safely evacuated from the bus before the fire started, Brennan said. We are proud of the quick response to this situation by all the chaperones, including the school resource officer and assistant principal, as well as the charter bus driver. We ran over like something The district could not say what led to the fire and referred questions regarding the cause and condition of the bus to the charter bus company that was hired for this trip, Hollywood-based My South Bus Tours. My South Bus Tours did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The chaperones safely escorted the students to the nearby Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce rest stop and everyone waited inside that facility until a replacement charter bus arrived, Brennan said. A video shows children in the foreground, with the bus in the distance burning on the side of the road, as the students made their way to the rest stop. The orange flames from the bus and the oncoming headlights from traffic piercing the night sky can be seen in the video. The students speak one over the other, excitedly with a sense of wonder and speculation as children tend to do. Yo, bro! We ran over like something. A rock! Post to Tik-Tok! Parents were first notified that their childrens field trip had hit a snag around 9:50 p.m., about an hour after the fire, according to logs of robocalls and emails sent from the school. I apologize for the late message but am reaching out specifically to families that have a student on the Sea World Trip, the first message read. At this time, the students and staff are all safe and waiting at the [Port] St. Lucie rest stop for a new bus. Three buses were carrying Seminole Middle students and chaperones. While two continued on their way to Broward, the disabled third had its occupants waiting for about an hour and 20 minutes for a replacement bus. By 11:30 p.m., parents were told the last group of students were on their way home and would arrive after midnight. The school websites calendar indicated the outing was scheduled to end at 10:30 p.m. Principal Emily Gonzalez sent a final message at 10 a.m. Saturday praising the chaperones and students for their quick actions. I wanted to take a moment to thank our students, staff and parents/guardians for their quick action during this situation, she said in the message. I am proud of everyones actions that kept all of our Seminole students and staff safe and thank all of our families for their support. Brennan did not specify whether Broward County Public Schools might plan future field trips differently concerning transportation after Fridays incident. She praised Seminoles leadership, the district, the chaperones and staff, as well as the students for the way they handled the incident. Since Ann Schaefer moved into her new home in Little River in mid-December, establishing her residency has been a nightmare. The North Carolina transplant first noticed issues when she realized she had stopped receiving mail, despite putting in a forwarding request with the United States Postal Service. She also has not been able to register to vote or update her credit card addresses. Schaefer discovered that she does not have a legal deliverable address and her home was not in the 911 system. The issue is not entirely fixed, but Schaefer got her first piece of mail on Feb. 2. Schaefer lives in the newly-developed Heather Glen community, adding that she and her husband were one of the first people to move into the area. It is one of many new housing developments in Horry County. With the large number of people continuing to move into the county, such new construction is also growing. And although there is a process to making sure new addresses are placed in the system properly, sometimes problems arise, officials said. Horry County Zoning and Planning can assign an address after a developer or construction company pulls a building permit, said Horry County spokesperson Mikayla Moskov. A house number is created based on a range number system and the side of the street the structure is located. Planning and Zoning keeps in mind future growth when assigning numbers, Moskov said. Once an address is created, it will be sent out to USPS, Santee Cooper and other service providers, she said. What about Myrtle Beach? The process works similarly in Myrtle Beach. One difference is before applying for a building permit, developers need to have addresses picked out and approved by the city, said the citys Senior Planner Kelly Mezzapelle. This means before a house or apartment is built, the plot of land has an address. In order to get an address, the developer will work with the city to determine the street name of a subdivision or apartment. Once approved, it will go to GIS department, which creates the address numbers, Mezzapelle said. After an address is designated, the GIS department sends the new addresses to about 60 contacts, including the U.S. Postal Service and Santee Cooper. The department also sends the information to Horry County, which then sends it to the state. The city does not add addresses to online maps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, said GIS technician Kelly Maynard. He believes the websites access the information while its being sent along to different government levels. How to fix your address Schaefer opened a case with the USPS to address the issue. The couple were going to the Little River post office regularly to pick up their mail since it could not be delivered. The post office blamed the builder for not processing the address correctly, the builder blamed the post office, Schaefer said. Schaefer was told that this is not a rare instance. Most issues most often arise with condos or apartment buildings, officials said. Problems can arise with online maps, such as an address being listed incorrectly or not being listed at all. If that happens, a homeowner can go to google.com/maps, click on the sidebar on the top left and then click Add a missing place. This will allow you to put in your address and its location. This is a feature open to anyone anywhere in the world. If you have problems with your new address, contact the Horry County Planning and Zoning department or the Myrtle Beach GIS department, which can help. Taiwanese influencers after they were arrested for streaming video of a fake kidnapping (AFP PHOTO/Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration) A Taiwanese influencer who faked his abduction on social media has been sent to jail by Cambodian authorities for two years. Chen Neng-chuan, 31, who creates videos about paranormal activities on social media, was arrested with his friend, Lu Tsu-hsien after the duo staged a forced abduction and escape on his Instagram live feed. The influencer told his followers he was going to explore the dark corner in Cambodia, famous for notorious gangs kidnapping foreigners. On live stream, the influencer who goes by the name GoodNight Chicken appeared to have been beaten up. Later, Chens wife also posted on social media that her husband had gone missing. (AFP PHOTO/Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration) He subsequently resurfaced in a video, looking injured with part of his head shaved, where he claimed to have been kidnapped and narrated a story of his dramatic escape. However, his story raised suspicion from online watchers. Another influencer Liu Yu pointed out that Chens location didnt match his claims. Using the footage Chen had posted, Liu said he appeared to have circled an area instead of running away as he claimed. He also raised doubts about why his captors would take thousands of US dollars he alleged they did, yet permitted him to retain his live streaming equipment. Taiwanese police said Chens family did not file a police report, while the ministry of foreign affairs said it did not receive any request for help, according to The Straits Times. Soon after the video caught the attention, the duo was arrested from their hotel rooms. #HistorieStreamerskie Tajwanski streamer zosta aresztowany w Kambodzy po sfingowaniu wasnego porwania podczas transmisji na zywo. Chen Neng-chuan twierdzi, ze ucieka przed porwaniem, prezentujac sfabrykowane podarte ubranie i obrazenia. Zosta zatrzymany przez kambodzanska pic.twitter.com/F8rn8toWZv Linde (@00Linde) February 14, 2024 The Cambodian police presented them to the media in a briefing along with the props they used to film the sequence. On Friday, the provincial court found them guilty on charges of incitement to cause chaos to social security. The provincial government said the men produced videos with fake content that affects the honour, order, and security of the province. They were both handed two-year sentences and ordered to pay a combined fine of around $2,000 (1,590). He was 81 years old. His body was ailing but his mental acuity was sharp and his remarks to the convention were compelling. His physical infirmities required another to read his statement in support of what we hail today as a miracle. The labored proceedings in the old Pennsylvania State House had come to a climactic moment of decision. Who better than the Sage of Philadelphia to bring it all into sharp focus for the assembled delegates to consider, and for us to ponder today. Here is what was said: I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government. Cameron Brown Upon exiting the building, Franklin was asked, ... what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Without hesitation, Franklin quipped, A republic, if you can keep it. And that response remains the great challenge of the American people today. George Washington presided over the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention. Unlike Franklin he said little, but one can imagine his mind was deeply affected by the determination of the delegates to uniquely fashion a government worthy of the sacrifice of the brave souls he led in battle just a few short years before. This would be evident in the wording of his first inaugural address: ... the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. Our Founders wisely entrusted our national government to the people, not to a ruling party or ruling class or ruling executive, but the people. Borrowing from Daniel Webster, Lincoln put a fine point on it as a government of, by and for the people. For emphasis, he used the word people three times in his famous address, and government only once. The oath of office for the president and legislature is to defend the Constitution established by the people. It is not to obstruct the will of the people, but to protect, support and defend that which the people have advanced as the ruling law of the land in order to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. From Franklin to Washington to President Lincoln, the underlying assent is to do no harm, to be a blessing not a bane, yet the great imperative of our day resounds with Franklins challenge. And that imperative is to save the sovereignty of our nation by ensuring the integrity of our borders. Civil life rests on civil law and civil order, yet we have chaos on our southern border that transgresses the rules of order and right President Washington claimed are ordained by heaven. A generation ago, Longfellows poem, Paul Reveres Ride, was often required to be memorized by school children as was the Gettysburg Address. Has the echo of Lexington Green so dimmed in our hearing that we have become inured to the sacrifice and gift of our liberty, and most importantly, our stewardship of that liberty that President Washington said is entrusted to all? Heaven forbid! For, borne on the night-wind of the past, through all our history, to the last, in the hour of darkness and peril and need, the people will waken and listen to hear the hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, and the midnight message of Paul Revere. Cameron S. Brown is president of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute and a former Michigan State Senator. Follow him at HistoryFrontiers.blog. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Cameron Brown: Franklins challenge Welcome to Capitol Notebook, a new weekly round-up on the happenings in the statehouse. The legislature convened their 14-week agenda on Monday, setting forth a less ambitious agenda than their last, and introducing a number of appropriations, healthcare and public safety legislation. Here's the top things to know: A whopping 444 bills were introduced on Monday. Some notable introductions include a bill that would ban semi-automatic weapons and establish a buy-back program, and a bill that would legalize medically assisted suicide, among others. St. Cloud representatives Berrie Perryman (R-14A) and Dan Wolgamott (D-14B) introduced a number of bills. Two of those bills, introduced by both representatives, are to appropriate funding for local centers including the CentraCare Health System University of Minnesota Medical School Campus and St. David's Center for Child and Family Development in Stearns County. Friday, over 400 Black entrepreneurs registered to meet with legislators, gathering in the Capitol to network and speak with their representatives about their needs. The business owners came from across the state and were led by award-winning journalist and businesswoman Sheletta Brundidge. New DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy of St. Paul started her first session as chamber leader. The two-term senator took the job after former majority leader Senator Kari Dziedzic stepped down due to health concerns. What are you interested in hearing more about from Capitol Hill? Reach out to Sam Woodward by email at swoodward@gannett.com and let her know. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota legislature is back: here's what happened in week one Stone Oak is heading to the not-so-distant past with new retro-inspired bar Billie Jean open for food, drinks and dancing. The bar and grill held a soft opening Feb. 10, unveiling a colorful dance floor and a full bar, plus tables to dig into the signature menu item, the Billie Jean Brisket Bacon Burger. Neon-splashed art covering the walls transport guests back to scenes from classic 1980s movies like "Back to the Future" and "Ghostbusters." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Arcade favorites like Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga are up and running, with one big difference from their heyday you can play for free, so no more using your lunch money. A DJ will play every night at the bar, including Karaoke Tuesdays and weekend dance parties. The bar is the newest concept from retired veteran Israel Villarreal and his wife Gloria, who also own 80s Bar in San Benito and 80s Brewery in McAllen. The couple have big plans for the spot, including a 10-foot-high screen that's being built in the bar's patio next week. Billie Jean is open 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Changes to Florida State Fair rules helps prevent bad behavior, according to HCSO TAMPA, Fla. - Rules implemented last year require kids and teens to be with an adult 21 or older if they want to attend "Family Day" at the fair. Kids and teenagers used to be able to go into the Florida State Fair by themselves or with friends before 6 p.m. for what used to be called "student night," but the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office switched the name and required adult supervision to cut down on bad behavior. READ: Sarasota man becomes Florida State Fair favorite serving Amish donuts and pretzels Sheriff Chad Chronister says more needed to be done following the death of Andrew Joseph, who was 14 years old when he was killed on student day in 2014. Pictured: Andrew Joseph Joseph was one of 99 teenagers who got kicked out of the fair after commotion broke out. He was hit and killed by a car on I-4 while trying to cross the roadway in front of the fair. HCSO formed a community action team made up of school leaders, faith group leaders, and school resource officers just to name a few. "What weve learned is children are better behaved when they see individuals they recognize. The school resource deputies, theyre going to be better behaved, people from the church that they go to," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. Sheriff Chad Chronister says its working. Two years ago, during student night, deputies kicked out 137 kids and arrested eight. READ: Sarasota man becomes Florida State Fair favorite serving Amish donuts and pretzels Last year during family night, 56 kids were kicked out of the fair for bad behavior and two were arrested. HCSO announced that on Friday over 58,000 people attended Family Day and only three people were arrested. There were 14 ejections at the fair, according to deputies. The arrests were not fair-related, two were active warrants, and one was for curfew violation, according to the sheriff's office. The Hillsborough County Sherriffs Office says more than 270 law enforcement officers are patrolling. There are also several undercover officers. OZARK, Ala. (WDHN) A judge in Ozark has tossed the charges of a man accused of harassing Ozark Mayor Mark Blankenship. Bryant Fontenot, a recently retired decorated military veteran, was charged with harassment by Mayor Blankenship. Photo of Fontenot at a city council meeting in October 2023 Fontenot was part of a group that pushed for the censure of Mayor Blankenship regarding comments he made about books from the Dale County Public Library, which the council did on a 3-2 vote. These charges stemmed from a verbal fight between Fontenot and Blankenship after a regularly scheduled city council meeting on January 2. Blankenships attorney claims that his client felt concerned after Fontenot walked up to him after the meeting and came up behind him to try and talk to him. Blankenship according to documents, told Fontentot to go away and threatened to get a restraining order against him. Attorney Andrew Scarborough, who represented Fontentot, showed the court 8 pages of screenshots of a group message that included Fontentot and Blankenship. Scarborough showed the judge that Blankenship tried to talk to Fontentot through text outside of business hours and continued to text, even after being told to stop. Following arguments from both sides, Scarborough filed a motion for acquittal saying that Blankenships side failed to present any evidence regarding the intent required of the charge. Judge Barbara Wade on Thursday granted the motion and ruled that there was no evidence produced in the case that Defendant had intent to carry out any threat. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban has for years told his country its children are under attack from deviant sexualities and pedophilia. Now, his government is embroiled in a scandal after it emerged that its president had pardoned a man convicted of covering up sexual abuse at a childrens home. President Katalin Novak, Orbans loyal but largely impotent ally, resigned last Saturday amid public furor over her decision in April 2023 to pardon the deputy director of a childrens home who had helped to cover up the abuse of underaged boys. She said she made a mistake in believing that the convict did not exploit the vulnerability of children whom he had overseen. Novaks pardon was reportedly signed off by former Justice Minister Judit Varga, the ruling Fidesz partys leading candidate for the European parliament election. Varga also resigned. Within days, the only two women to have served in Orbans cabinet had stepped down. But their resignations have not stemmed the speculation swirling around his government. Orban has long posed as a globetrotting defender of Christian values and an enemy of liberalism. Aided by state and private media outlets under his governments control, he has campaigned against what he says is a wave of gender ideology, flowing mostly from the European Union, aiming to corrupt Hungarys youth. His message has been echoed by politicians from Washington to Moscow. But Orbans critics say his carefully constructed image is a thin guise for a plutocratic mode of governance designed to enrich a small group of oligarchs. While the scandal is unlikely to loosen Orbans grip on power, it has dealt a blow to Fideszs image in revealing it tolerated crimes against children it swore to prevent. The scandal could also weaken Hungarys bid to gain more influence in Brussels in the upcoming European elections. Since the scandal was revealed last weekend by Hungarian news site 444.hu, Orban has not made an appearance or said anything. Its very unusual for him to be quiet for a whole week, said Kim Lane Scheppele, a professor of international affairs at Princeton University, who first met Orban in the 1990s, before the first of his four terms as prime minister that has made him Europes longest-serving leader. Former President Katalin Novak, pictured here alongside Orban in Budapest in 2021, resigned last weekend. - Attila Kisbendek/AFP/Getty Images Speculation that more ministers may be implicated in the scandal increased when Peter Magyar, Vargas ex-husband, publicly accused senior Fidesz figures of allowing women to take the fall. I do not want to be part of a system for a minute longer where the real culprits hide behind womens skirts, Magyar said in a video interview with Hungarian outlet Partizan viewed by more than 2 million people. Magyar said he used to believe in an ideal, in a national, sovereign, civic Hungary the sort vaunted by Orban. However, over the past few years and especially today, I have come to realize all this is indeed just a political product, a sugary coating that serves only two purposes: to conceal the operation of the power factory and to acquire enormous wealth. Despite offering scant public comment on the scandal, Orban swiftly proposed changing Hungarys constitution to prevent future pardons from being granted to anyone convicted in connection with crimes against children. For pedophile offenders, there is no mercy! Orban said. Critics argue that Orbans proposed constitutional solution to the scandal is a symptom of his autocratic mode of governance. Requiring a two-thirds majority to amend Hungarys constitution, Fidesz often tinkers with the constitution Orban introduced in 2011. His majority puts him above the law, so to speak. He could change anything, Scheppele told CNN. But the proposal has done little to dampen the anger directed against Orbans government. Protests a rarity in Hungary have been staged throughout the past week, with more expected Saturday ahead of Orbans annual State of the Union-style address. It remains to be seen how and if he will address the scandal. Protesters carried teddy bears, a symbol of sympathy for the abused children, as they marched through Budapest, February 9, 2024. - Bernadett Szabo/Reuters A thin ideology How Orban came to be the self-proclaimed defender of Christian, and particularly Catholic, values, was not wholly by design. Orban was born a Calvinist. He is not known to attend church regularly, Scheppele said, like much of the Hungarian population. Just 14% of Hungarians say religion is very important in their lives, according to the 2018 Pew Global Attitudes Survey. Its weird that you get somebody defending Christian Europe when the population is not following any religious rituals, said Scheppele. In a 2014 speech to Fidesz insiders thought to be secret, Orban famously said he aimed to turn Hungary into an illiberal democracy. After he was berated by the press and his European allies, he soon clarified that he meant Christian democracy. He said, Oh, well, you know, by illiberal I just mean Christian. Christians are not liberal, said Scheppele. She argues that Orbans supposed ideology is the product of his laundering his dictatorship comments into something more palatable. Orbans critics say his ideology is thin and malleable. Despite his rampant anti-immigration rhetoric, Hungary allows certain individuals to buy permanent residence, welcoming thousands of immigrants from China, Venezuela and other countries in return for cash. The Christianity goes out the window when theres something economic at stake, said Scheppele. Novak's presidential pardon reportedly came in April 2023 ahead of a visit to Hungary by Pope Francis. - Vatican Pool/Getty Images Orbans government has often accused its opponents of being sexually deviant. On the same day as Hungarys parliamentary election in 2022, voters were also asked to take part in a referendum on whether they support promoting content to children relating to their sexual orientation. The referendum included questions like: Do you support the unrestricted exposure of minors to sexually explicit media content that may influence their development? Critics said the questions were so leading that no reasonable person would answer yes. By holding the election and referendum simultaneously, the government implied that those who vote for the opposition are destroying Hungary by buying into gender discourse foisted upon them by the European Union, Eva Fodor, professor of gender studies at the Central European University in Budapest, told CNN. Similar referendums have been held since. Fodor said Hungarians are used to seeing posters saying things like: 99% of people say no to gender ideology. Lets not dance to the tune of Brussels. But since the scandal, the rhetoric weaponized by the government has been used against it by protesters. Some have held placards saying 99% of people say no to pedophilia. They [the government] support pedophilia (and they blame it on us). "99% say no to pedophilia," reads one placard. "They [the government] support pedophilia (and they blame it on us)," reads another, during a protest in Budapest, February 14, 2024. - Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images Wounded, not defeated While the crisis is not likely to remove Orban from power, it may have derailed some of his future political plans. Varga was set to lead Hungarys anti-woke crusade in Brussels ahead of the European elections in June, where Orban could secure a bigger say in European affairs if far-right parties perform well. But Vargas resignation means Orbans project will require a new face. And while Novaks role was mostly ceremonial, the parliamentary process of electing a new president means the effects of the scandal will not fade swiftly from public view. Still, the government is demonstrating its skill in turning the wrath of people away from Orban and finding a scapegoat, said Fodor. Much of the publics anger, she said, has been directed at Zoltan Balog, a Calvinist bishop and former Fidesz cabinet minister who has been implicated in supporting the pardoning of those convicted of child abuse, for which Balog has apologized. The media is full of people calling for his resignation. And the fact that he hasnt resigned is actually very good for Orban, because theres a lot of public hatred gathering and it is gathering against Balog, said Fodor. The endurance of Europes longest-serving leaders is often attributed to their ability to survive scandals. Mark Rutte, the outgoing prime minister of the Netherlands and Europes second-longest serving leader after Orban, has been nicknamed Teflon Mark for his knack of slipping through scandals which fail to stick to him. Does Orban have these same qualities? Teflon is not quite the right metaphor for Orban, said Scheppele. Orban engineers escape from tough situations Its not because stuff slides off, its because hes got a whole thing operating under the surface to blunt the attack. I suspect that will happen again. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com China's top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Germany for the Munich Security Conference then travel to Spain and France in the coming days, Beijing's Foreign Ministry said Thursday. A spokesperson said in a statement that Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will attend the 60th Munich Security Conference between 16 to 21 February to deliver a speech. He will then visit Spain and France, where he will "hold the China-France Strategic Dialogue," they added. The conference brings together military elite from around the world and is seen as a barometer of transatlantic relations. It starts on Friday. Wang will use his speech there to "elaborate on China's propositions on building a community with a shared future for mankind and advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world," the foreign ministry said. His visit to Spain will be the Chinese foreign minister's first in six years, Beijing said. China said the visit will "consolidate mutual trust, enhance friendship, promote cooperation and enrich the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership". Beijing also hopes to "deepen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, advance practical cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges" with France, it added. According to the website of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yis visit to France will be the "first important visit between the two countries this year". Wang will also meet with Macron's Diplomatic Adviser Emmanuel Bonne. (with newswires) Read more on RFI English Read also: China steps up competition with first international flight of homegrown aircraft Italy officially withdraws from China's Belt and Road project France counting on 'joint efforts' with China to resolve Gaza, Ukraine conflicts BEIJING (Reuters) -Washington should lift sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals, and that attempts to de-couple from China would only hurt the United States, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The United States should lift the sanctions and not harm China's legitimate development rights, Wang told Blinken on Friday on the sidelines of a Munich security conference, according to a statement from China's foreign ministry. Washington has imposed sanctions on various Chinese companies that it accuses of working with China's military despite denials from the firms. U.S. sanctions have also been imposed on individuals and entities over alleged human rights abuses in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. Sino-U.S. relations have shown signs of improvement in recent months as both sides took steps to re-establish channels of communication after ties between the two global superpowers sank to their lowest levels in decades. But many points of friction remain. The Biden administration has imposed bans on the sale of certain technologies to Chinese companies, citing national security risks. China has accused Washington of "weaponising" economic and trade issues. "Making 'de-risking' into 'de-China', and building 'small yards and high walls' and seeking 'decoupling from China'" will only backfire on the U.S. itself, Wang told Blinken. The exchanges between the two men were "frank, substantial and constructive", the ministry said in the statement released on Saturday. Both sides exchanged views on regional issues including the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula, the statement said, without giving further details. It added the Korean Peninsula envoys of both sides will "stay in touch". Wang also reiterated that the United States should abide by the one-China principle, if it truly wanted stability in the Taiwan Strait. "There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China's territory, and that is the real status quo in the Taiwan issue," Wang said. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory. But Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future. U.S. President Joe Biden has said the United States does not support the independence of Taiwan. The United States does, however, maintain unofficial relations with the democratically governed island and remains its most important backer and arms supplier. China and the U.S. have made some progress in bilateral relations since Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Biden in November, where they reached agreements covering fentanyl, military communications and artificial intelligence on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. China and the U.S. held their first joint meeting of a working group on fentanyl precursor chemicals in Beijing in late January and China's financial officials hosted U.S. Treasury officials earlier this month. Blinken and Wang discussed exchanges "at all levels" between the two countries in the next stage, and agreed to maintain dialogue in all areas, according to the Chinese foreign ministry statement. (Reporting by Albee Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Michael Perry) Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi once again called for a negotiated diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine in a speech on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Wang said that China is working tirelessly to find a political solution to the crisis. Wang once again avoided condemning Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. China, a Russian ally, has strenuously avoided taking a direct public position on the war. China's diplomacy has one goal, according to Wang: to pave the way for peace talks, prevent a vicious cycle of violence and stabilize the situation. The security interests of both Russia and Ukraine must be recognized in any settlement to the conflict, Wang said. Russian officials were not invited to take part in the Munich Security Conference, a major annual gathering of world leaders and foreign policy experts. Wang also called for a ceasefire in Israel's ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, saying that the fighting must stop and humanitarian aid corridors are urgently needed. The Chinese minister also said that the only way for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace was through a two-state solution that recognizes an independent Palestinian state. Wang presented his country as a mediator in a whole series of conflicts, describing China as a force for stability even on difficult issues. Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, delivers a speech at the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Tobias Hase/dpa A Chinese restaurant in Pittsburghs Greenfield neighborhood was ordered to close because of health code violations. The Allegheny County Health Department ordered the closure of China Star, located at 4219 Murray Ave., on Wednesday. An inspection of the restaurant found 20 violations, including six considered to be high risk. In regards to high-risk violations, the report says inspectors found rodent droppings and dead bugs in food, old cooked food stored at room temperature, uncovered food stacked on each other in the cooler, a lack of handwashing during food preparation, and food contact surfaces covered in grease or old food residue and rodent droppings. Some lower-level violations include inadequate lighting in cooking areas, floors and equipment covered in grease, buckets of food not covered and poor date marking. The restaurant was given corrective actions for each violation. It is unclear if or when the restaurant will be able to reopen. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Chinese restaurant in Pittsburghs Greenfield neighborhood shut down over health code violations Pittsburgh indoor bike park closing after nearly 11 years in business Local woman warns others about potentially fraudulent tax refund checks from U.S. Treasury VIDEO: Bat used by Roberto Clemente in 1971 World Series up for auction DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The City Council voted Friday to approve $3.8 million to clean up and secure the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza skyscraper project in downtown L.A. The city has said it will bill the building owner for the costs. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to allot nearly $4 million to remove graffiti and secure unfinished downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers that have been heavily tagged in recent weeks. Councilmember Kevin de Leon introduced a motion this week to allocate the funds to secure the property and restore the public right of way, which is obstructed by plastic barriers, scaffolding and debris. Im not holding my breath waiting for the developer to clean up their property, De Leon said Wednesday. The purpose of my motion is clear: to prepare our city to take decisive action if the Oceanwide Plaza developer ignores their responsibility and to put them on the hook for costs incurred by the city. Read more: BASE jumpers paraglide from the top of graffitied DTLA skyscraper in viral video The motion will move $1.1 million into a fund to fence and secure the ground floors of the building and place an additional $2.7 million into a fund for security services, fire safety upgrades and graffiti abatement. The motion also calls on the city attorney and city administrative officer to report back to the council within 30 days with a legal strategy to recoup all of the city's related expenses from the property owners. The Oceanwide Plaza project, located across Figueroa street from Crypto.com Arena, has become a site for graffiti tagging and even paragliding in recent weeks and posed a headache for city officials and authorities alike. Ahead of the Grammy Awards held at Crypto.com Arena, dozens of floors of the skyscraper were tagged with colorful spray paint. More than two dozen floors of the skyscraper were tagged with graffiti ahead of the Grammy Awards that were held at Crypto.com Arena held across Figueroa Street. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) The owner, Oceanwide Holdings, is a publicly traded Beijing-based company that halted the project in 2019 when it ran out of money. At least 18 people have been arrested, including 12 on Sunday, on suspicion of trespassing at the site, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The City Council adopted a motion earlier this month, also introduced by De Leon, that ordered the owners of the property to fence and clean up the area by Saturday. If they miss the deadline, the city will secure the property and charge the owners for the cost, the motion said. Just one day before the deadline, the owners have not indicated whether they will comply with the city's orders. The increase of activity at the site has also stretched resources at the Los Angeles Police Department, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said during Tuesday's Los Angeles Police Commission meeting. Officers have spent "more than 3,000 hours" to secure the complex, Moore said. "We have called in some officers on an overtime basis, so that we can provide for these added patrols or station them at that site to deter vandals and others from gaining access to it while also ensuring that we meet the minimum deployment requirements for stations across the city," Moore said. During a City Council meeting last week, Councilmember Imelda Padilla said she was surprised at how much attention the skyscraper was getting and attributed it to its large size. Padilla mentioned that at least four "mini versions" of the unfinished skyscraper exist across Los Angeles. The buildings include abandoned commercial, manufacturing and family business structures. Padilla was referring to abandoned buildings on Sepulveda Boulevard and Kester Avenue, as well as a Denny's restaurant at Vineland Avenue and Sunland Boulevard, according to a spokesperson for Padilla's office. The fourth building, a Roscoe hardware store, is located at Sunland Boulevard and San Fernando Road, according to her spokesperson. Padilla is currently working on getting it demolished. "Its upsetting that blight gets more attention when it affects wealthier parts of the city," Padilla said in a statement Thursday. "Yet, working-class neighborhoods like the ones I represent struggle with this issue every day. Blight is unacceptable no matter the ZIP Code, and we deserve to have the same sense of urgency." The Oceanwide Plaza development sits among shops and restaurants near the LA Live complex. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The City of Fresno will receive over $9M to turn motels into housing FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)- Mayor Jerry Dyer of Fresno announced on Friday that the city has been awarded additional funding from Homekey Round 3 that will be used to convert another Fresno motel into permanent housing. Officials say the City of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Rescue Mission and the Fresno Mission Communities, says they will receive $9,598,131 in funding for City Studios. The rehabilitation project will turn the former Travelodge at 3876 N. Blackstone Avenue into 33 permanent housing units serving people experiencing homelessness and chronic homelessness, plus one manager unit. Fresno gets share of $156.4M state grant for affordable housing We are committed to ending chronic homelessness in Fresno and to providing support for people who need it, and funds like this help us tremendously in that effort, Dyer said. Officials with the City of Fresno say they have received a total of $137,880,079 of Homekey funding from the State of California. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Albert James Delgado has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child after the mother reached out to the sheriffs office in December. Delgado had been living in Honolulu, Hawaii. Bexar County Sheriff's Office A 53-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a young girl was extradited to Bexar County from Hawaii on Friday. Albert James Delgado has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child after the mother reached out to the sheriffs office in December. Delgado had been living in Honolulu, Hawaii. Sheriff Javier Salazar said Delgado confessed to the Honolulu Police Department several years ago that he sexually assaulted a then 5-year-old child in Hawaii and Bexar County. He admitted in an audiotape recording that the assault had been happening for some time, Salazar said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sheriffs office was notified of the assault because the mother of the child grew increasingly frustrated over the years with the case in Hawaii, Salazar said. He did not say why Honolulu authorities did not charge Delgado. Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony that typically carries a minimum of five years in prison with a conviction. Delgados charge has been upgraded to a minimum of 25 years in prison because the girl was under 5 years old. The sheriff said the child suffered substantial injuries to her sexual organs because of the assault. He added that Delgado preyed upon this little girl. Salazar didnt specify the relationship between Delgado and the child but said they knew each other, and he had access to the girl. The sheriff added that the child, who is now 9 years old, is autistic and was nonverbal for a time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad (Delgado) abused that trust in the worst possible way, Salazar added. He was booked into Bexar County jail, and his bail was $250,000. MEMPHIS, Tenn. City leaders are coming together to hold a youth violence summit after an 18-year-old was killed and multiple others were injured in Sundays crime spree. Chilling video of a masked man holding a rifle in the East Shelby Drive area still haunts the family and friends of 18-year-old Fares Shihab. Sunday, they gathered at the Smoke and Vape Shop that Shihab owned hours after he was shot and killed. This week, they gathered to bury him. Family grieving after teen killed in crime spree Attorney Talib Karim said the crime spree and city-wide manhunt that led to the arrest of 20-year-old Courdarion Craft is an example of the widespread youth violence plaguing Memphis. This was a reminder that we cannot escape. Violence will come to your door unless you do something about it, said Karim. Karim has teamed up with city leaders like Mayor Paul Young, faith leaders, and educators. On Saturday, they are hosting a national summit on youth violence to bring solutions to the forefront. We have an epidemic of youth violence. Not just impacting Memphis, but the entire country, said Karim. As Karim and others grieve Shihab, Karim acknowledges that another family has lost a young person. Bond revoked for suspect in Sunday crime spree Craft, who is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, was reportedly out on a $100,000 bond from a shooting last year. Well have the prosecutors office because a lot of people want to know why a man who committed murder was able to be released on bond to commit this heinous act, said Karim. The summit is being held Saturday at the Memphis Islamic Center in Cordova. They are hoping for a large turnout. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. (FOX40.COM) After hosting a community workshop to gather early input on various elements of the Truxel Bridge earlier this year, the city of Sacramento is now seeking feedback from its residents on the bridges design. Through an online community questionnaire, which will be available until Feb. 26, those in Sacramento will be able to provide their thoughts on design elements for the Truxel Bridge. According to the city, the plan for the Truxel Bridge is to create a more direct connection for those walking, biking, taking transit, or driving between northern Sacramento communities and Sacramentos urban core. Nevada County officials reject Grass Valley mine reopening It will also provide better access, improve air quality, improve job opportunities, enhance economic development, and improve emergency response times, reads an excerpt from the citys questionnaire. Fedolia Harris, the principal planner with the Department of Public Works, said, The goal of the community outreach process is to engage residents who regularly cross the Lower American River to better understand the communitys travel patterns, needs, and concerns to maximize the user experience on the future bridge. The first phase of the project included a Jan. 10 community workshop hosted by the city at Read Academy. According to the city, over 60 community members attended the discussion. The next phase of the project has been funded by a Caltrans grant that was received by the city through a partnership with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and funds from the Sacramento Regional Transit District. Those interested in learning more about the bridge can find more information in this video. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. A man was killed, and one more civilian was injured in a Russian attack on Sumy Oblast on Saturday, 17 February. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The enemy launched mortar bombardment of a village in the Khotin hromada at 12:45 on 17 February (a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.). A total of 11 explosions were reported. Early reports indicated that one man had been killed and another civilian injured in the attack." Details: The bombardment damaged houses and the premises of a farm. Updated: Later, Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that a 15-year-old teenager was wounded in the attack on the Khotin hromada. Quote from the Prosecutor's Office said: "On 17 February 2024, at about 13:30, using methods of warfare prohibited by international law, the occupiers fired mortars at the civilian infrastructure in the Khotin hromada of Sumy Oblast. As a result of the enemy attack, a 64-year-old resident of the village of Kindrativka was killed, a 15-year-old teenager was wounded, and a private house was damaged." This article has been updated since publication. Support UP or become our patron! LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Three Arkansas airports will be receiving federal funding for major infrastructure projects as part of a new effort announced Thursday. The $30.275 million will fund terminal improvements at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, the Texarkana Regional Airport and the Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Bentonville. The Biden administration announces $970 million in grants for airport improvements across the US This funding is part of the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Laws Airport Terminal Program, which will deliver a total of $5 billion in total designed to improve domestic airports by 2026. Clinton Nationals $8 million in funding will be used for the second of a four-phase construction of a new 70,000-square-foot central utility plant. In this phase, drainage will be completed as will utility relocation and the replacement of two switchboards. Travelers make it to Little Rock airport after winter weather slams the U.S. Shane Carter, director of public affairs and governmental relations for the airport, said the funding is updating 52-year-old infrastructure. The central utility plant will replace 52-year-old infrastructure and, once in service, will allow for the construction of a new baggage claim and security checkpoint, among other terminal upgrades, Carter explained. Flight attendants are holding airport rallies to protest the lack of new contracts and pay raises The Texarkana airport will use its $9.275 million to fund the final phase of construction for its new terminal building, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Work will be done to the buildings exterior, and accessible sidewalks, security fencing, concrete driveways and impact-rated bollards will be put in place. The Biden administration announces $970 million in grants for airport improvements across the US The $13 million heading to XNA is earmarked for projects looking to increase energy efficiency and improvements for those with access or functional needs. FAA officials said this will include expanding the terminal, adding an upper-level walkway bridge, replacing and adding escalators and updating its baggage system. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) If Congress doesnt act soon, will time run out for Ukraine? Republicans who are resisting sending additional money to Ukraine are downplaying reports of ammunition shortages and rationing in the Ukraine military at the Russian front. At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President Kamala Harris promised that the U.S. would keep its commitment to Ukraine and European allies. We will work to secure critical weapons and resources that Ukraine so badly needs, she said. President Joe Biden slammed House Republicans on Friday for leaving Washington without passing the Senates $95 billion aid package, that includes funding for Ukraine. Its about time they step up dont you think? instead of going on a two-week vacation, he said. Harris is scheduled to meet with Ukraines president in Munich to reassure him and European allies. President Biden says the only way for U.S aid to get to Ukraine is for Congress to approve it. House Republicans are demanding tougher border security policies first, before addressing foreign aid. God Bless the people of Ukraine. I want them to push back. I want them to winbut coming to us to write blank checks is not a strategy, said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas.). Democrats are demanding a fair debate on the House floor, but House Speaker Mike Johnson says the U.S. must protect its own border before spending more to help Ukraine protect theirs. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. UPDATE: A missing person alert has been canceled for a 68-year-old Charlotte man. Missing 32-year-old man returns home safely, CMPD says A license plate reader pinged his car in the South Boulevard and Old Pineville Road area, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said Friday night. The Toyota Camry is dark green, but police said it looks black. Its North Carolina tag is EKK-3129. John Henegan was last seen wearing a white shirt and tan pants. CMPD has requested a Silver Alert. Call 911 if you have information. No further information was released. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. CNN announced a special encore showing of its Oscar-winning film Navalny, following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Friday. The film, which chronicles the life of Navalny a political rival of Russian President Vladimir Putin will air Saturday at 9 p.m. EST. The encore showing comes after the Russian Federal Prison Service said Friday that Navalny, 47, lost consciousness while taking a walk and medical crew were unable to rehabilitate him. The Putin critic was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism, and was recently moved to a special regime penal colony in Kharp, a town over 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow, known for severe winter weather. The documentary, which was released in January 2023, details the alleged assassination attempt on Navalny in the fall of 2020, when he was poisoned and had to be flown to Germany for treatment. It also looks at an alleged connection the Kremlin had in the attack and the imprisonment of the opposition leader. At the end of the film, Navalny delivers a chilling message: Ive got something very obvious to tell you. Youre not allowed to give up. Navalny is the latest Putin foe to be found dead, which has prompted an international outcry, as critics of the Russian president shift blame his way including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Reports of his death, if theyre true, and I have no reasons to believe theyre not Russian authorities are going to tell their own story, Biden said Friday in remarks from the White House. But make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putins brutality. No one should be fooled, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia's activities, which in recent days have caused concern about the threat to US national security, are related to the creation of nuclear space weapons capable of generating an energy wave and disabling a significant number of satellites. Source: CNN with reference to three sources familiar with US intelligence about the weapon, as reported by European Pravda Details: The weapon being developed by Russia, known among military space experts as nuclear EMP (electromagnetic pulse), generates an electromagnetic energy pulse and a stream of highly charged particles capable of disrupting satellites orbiting the Earth, even in space. As CNNs sources explained, the United States has been tracking Russia's efforts to develop anti-satellite weapons, including EMP, for years. However, recently, US intelligence discovered that Russia has made progress in developing nuclear electromagnetic pulses. One CNN source said the concept of this weapon emerged at the end of the Cold War. The source noted that the threat for the United States lies in the accumulation of disabled satellites in space, which "would then prove dangerous to any new satellites we might try to put up to replace or repair the existing satellites". The weapon has the potential to destroy entire groups of small satellites, such as SpaceX's Starlink used by Ukraine in the war with Russia. US intelligence assesses that it would be a "last-ditch weapon" for Russia, because it would also affect Russian satellites. As of now, it is unclear exactly what progress Russia has made in nuclear EMP technology. Background: The United States has officially informed Congress and its European allies of new intelligence data related to Russian nuclear capabilities which could pose an international threat. Later, sources claimed that the warning was related to Russia's space and satellite capabilities. Moscow perceives the US statements about the threat to national security as an attempt to persuade Republicans in Congress to approve assistance for Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Michael Cohen, who once served as former President Trumps fixer, said that he thinks Trump will have to liquidate assets following the recent fraud trial verdict. Theyre gonna have to start liquidating assets, Cohen said in an interview on MSNBCs Velshi with anchor Ali Velshi, calling the legal fees that Trump owes in various lawsuits an enormous amount of money he does not have. I dont care what anybody wants to write in any newspaper, regardless of what their credentials may be, unless hes gonna show you that his bank account has more than a half a million he doesnt have 400 million of cash on hand, Cohen said Saturday. Cohens comments come a day after Judge Arthur Engoron ordered Trump to pay nearly $355 million in penalties Friday for inflating and deflating his business assets for tax and insurance benefits. The judge found him liable for fraud ahead of the months-long trial, after New York Attorney General Letitia James filed the lawsuit in 2022 accusing the former president of fraud. He has also been barred from holding a top executive position in the Empire State for three years, per the 92-page ruling. The former president also faces an $83.3 million fine another New York judge ordered him to pay last month to columnist E. Jean Carroll for defaming her by repeatedly denying claims he sexually abused her, despite being found liable for sexual battery. His fortune which propelled him into the spotlight is likely to take a massive hit from the back-to-back verdicts, which total nearly $500 million before interest is added. Trumps former fixer argued in a separate interview Friday that the only way for his ex-boss to evade fines and incarceration is to win the 2024 presidential election in November. Donalds theory right now, the only out for him, both financially, as well as criminally, regarding incarceration, is if he wins the election, Cohen said Friday on MSNBCs Deadline: White House. Hes not running for the presidency of the United States to do good for the United States, he wants to do and the only way he can do good for himself, is to win the presidency, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Federal prosecutor Amy Helmick of Columbus made history Friday when she became the first woman appointed to be the U.S. magistrate judge for the Middle District of Georgia. Shes currently an assistant U.S. attorney and branch chief for the districts Columbus division. On July 1, she takes the seat vacated by retiring Judge Stephen Hyles. He has held the position since 2010, through two eight-year appointments Magistrate court holds first-appearance hearings in federal cases, including misdemeanors on government land such as Fort Moore. In a January interview, Hyles said its a busy court, and the job can involve long days of travel for hearings in Macon, Albany, Athens or Valdosta. After cases go through magistrate court, they may be decided by trial or plea in Columbus U.S. District Court, where Clay Land is the judge. Land said Helmick is uniquely qualified for the job, as she has a keen intellect, broad relevant experience, and the proper judicial temperament. Helmick previously served as Hyles staff attorney, helping research and write court orders. She is an extraordinary pick who will do an outstanding job, he said. Helmick graduated from law school at the University of Georgia. She lives in Columbus with her husband David, an attorney in private practice, and their two children. The districts U.S. court judges, four sitting and three senior, unanimously chose Helmick for the job. Besides background checks, the screening process included review by a committee of lawyers and civic leaders: attorneys LaRae Moore, Barbara Agricola, Brandon Peak, Michelle Schieber and Robert Wadkins Jr., and community representatives Kornisha Brown and Jimmy Elder. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus's department is the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive a Level 1 Foundational Trauma Informed Care Organizational Certification. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Metro Health Director Dr. Claude A. Jacob's department received the Level 1 Foundational Trauma Informed Care Organizational Certification for the work done by San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District. Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News The San Antonio Police Department and the Metropolitan Health District are both better prepared to work with people who have experienced trauma. They both have earned a Level 1 Foundational Trauma Informed Care Organizational Certification. By providing employees with the necessary tools and training to identify unique situations they encounter daily, we are able to improve resident services, City Manager Erik Walsh said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAPD is the first law enforcement agency in the nation to attain the trauma-informed care certification with the support of Metro Healths Center of Excellence team, according to a news release. In order to earn the recognition, both departments had to solicit and address employee feedback, train and educate staff, and have site visits. The Ecumenical Center, with the South Texas Trauma Informed Care Consortium, certified both city departments in late 2023. Mary Beth Fisk, president and CEO of the Ecumenical Center, said the recognition demonstrates the organizations commitment to safety, trustworthiness and collaboration for both internal and external consumers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city aspires to have all of its departments obtain a certification by 2026. Over the course of an 11-week fraud trial before New York Justice Arthur Engoron, Donald Trump practically begged for a harsh verdict. On Friday, he got his wish and then some. Engoron issued a scathing 92-page decision that ordered Trump and his co-defendants to pay $364 million for defrauding the people of New York. And that gargantuan figure actually understates the price tag: With the addition of prejudgment interest required under New York law, Trump is looking at closer to $500 million. Combined with the $83 million a jury ordered Trump to pay last month for defaming the writer E. Jean Carroll, the former president faces a financial hit that exceeds even his own likely inflated account of his empire's cash on hand. Read more: Litman: An appeals court crushed Trump's immunity claim. He could face trial before the election Like Carroll, the people of New York might not see the money soon; Trump has promised to appeal the verdict, though he will have to pay the penalty or at least secure a bond to do so. The decision nevertheless delivers real accountability for a man who has managed to dodge it again and again. Engoron's opinion pillories Trump for his unresponsive, stream-of-consciousness testimony and seems to regard him as a truant child in need of unstinting oversight and stern punishment. While the financial aspect of the penalty captured the headlines, its just one of several ways in which Engoron clobbered the former president. Read more: Litman: How Donald Trump's abhorrent character made E. Jean Carroll's case The verdict further punishes Trump with a loss of control over his business. Engoron appointed a second monitor, styled as an independent director of compliance, to join former judge Barbara Jones in overseeing Trump's empire. The net effect is that Trump, after a lifetime of doing whatever he felt like regardless of the rules, will have to come down from his perch and ask someone else's permission for all sorts of previously unilateral business decisions, at least in New York. Engoron put the remedy into place to safeguard assets now provisionally owed to the people of the state. They're no longer Trumps to do with as he likes. The judge further prohibited Trump from serving as a director or officer of any New York company for three years. That means he can't try to maneuver his way out of trouble and oversight by forming another company. The opinion also constitutes a body blow to the brand that Trump has spent a lifetime mythologizing. Titans of commerce dont tend to cough up huge fraud judgments or ask anyone's permission to write a check. The extent to which the Trump brand is propped up by lies has always been open to question. After todays verdict, the brand is propped up by even less. Nor was Engorons judgment limited to Trump himself. His sons also face large financial penalties and are barred from holding senior offices in any New York business for two years. And Trumps troubles are really only beginning. The day before the verdict, another New York judge ordered him to stand trial next month in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, which could result in a felony conviction and even a jail sentence. Also on the horizon are three other criminal trials, civil litigation over the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the results of a potentially devastating tax audit. Even his only apparent long-term defense strategy returning to the White House to avoid further prosecution would fail to undo a lot of the damage. Engorons stinging verdict left no doubt that Trumps characteristic arrogance and slash-and-burn politics played a significant role in the judgment. The judge noted his complete lack of contrition and remorse, which he said borders on the pathological." In this respect, he compared Trump unfavorably with the criminal mastermind Bernie Madoff, who at least had the humility to appreciate the damage he had inflicted and apologize to the court and his victims. Trump, by contrast, has only one speed. He can be counted on to continue to approach the campaign and his serial court appearances with his signature brand of in-your-face, outrageously dishonest braggadocio. If the other cases go the way this one did, it may yet prove to be his undoing. Harry Litman is the host of the Talking Feds podcast. @harrylitman 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. Members of the community joined with law enforcement and family of Jonah Hernandez on Friday to mourn the death of the Las Cruces Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday. Family, friends, and members of the community attend a vigil for fallen officer Jonah Hernandez at the Albert Johnson Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Feb. 16, 2024. Hernandez was 35 years old and he leaves behind his wife, Yesenia Lopez, and two sons: Sebastian Jonah, 10, and 2-year-old Joaquin Leonel. Family, friends, and members of the community attend a vigil for fallen officer Jonah Hernandez at the Albert Johnson Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Feb. 16, 2024. The Las Cruces Police Department hosted a candlelight vigil at at Albert Johnson Park in downtown Las Cruces. Yesenia Lopez, the widow of police officer Jonah Hernandez, is comforted by a family member during a vigil for her late husband at the Albert Johnson Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Feb. 16, 2024. More: Las Cruces police chief names man who killed Officer Jonah Hernandez Funeral services for Hernandez will begin at 10 a.m., on Feb. 21 at Abundant Church (1000 Valley Crest Drive) in El Paso. Following funeral services, police will lead the procession to Jonah Hernandezs final resting place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery (401 S. Zaragosa Road) in El Paso. The route for the funeral procession has not yet been finalized, and will be announced when they are completed. Mourners in Las Cruces and El Paso can show support for Hernandez and his family by displaying a blue porchlight each evening through Feb. 21. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces honors Police Officer Jonah Hernandez during vigil A new hire at a Boston company was diagnosed with breast cancer after she accepted the position then the company rescinded her offer, federal officials said. Now, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing Atlantic Properties Management Corp. and its affiliate, Diversified Funding, Inc. on accusations of disability discrimination. McClatchy News reached out to the company on Feb. 16 and did not immediately receive a response. This woman was perfectly able to perform her job duties, but upon learning that she had cancer, the company immediately revoked her job offer in clear violation of federal law, Yaw Gyebi Jr., the director of the New York District Office, said in a Feb. 15 release from the EEOC. Federal officials are suing on behalf of the woman, who was hired as an executive administrative assistant at the company in September 2021, according to the civil complaint filed Feb. 15. The woman had previous work experience as an executive assistant and was qualified for the position, which served the president and vice president of Diversified Funding Inc., federal officials said. But shortly after she accepted the job, she learned she had a form of breast cancer called invasive ductal carcinoma. She needed weekly treatments and likely surgery, but otherwise her doctor cleared her to perform the job, federal officials said. When her employers asked for further clarification, the woman sent a doctors note that she could perform the job duties, but she would need time off for weekly treatment that lasted four to five hours, surgery and recovery, and potentially one to three unplanned days per month for her symptoms. More than a month after the company offered the woman the job, an executive sent her an email noting the Defendants were very sorry about her diagnosis and attaching a letter rescinding her offer of employment due to her need to be out of the office at times for treatment, federal officials said in the complaint. The company didnt ask her about potential accommodations, such as scheduling treatments on weekends or outside work hours, federal officials said. Defendants could have but failed to provide (her) ... with a reasonable accommodation, officials said. In the womans place, the company hired a temporary employee who needed a flexible schedule to care for an ill family member, federal officials wrote in the complaint. This employee, who was at the company for about a year, worked earlier hours to finish her shift early. Federal officials are seeking back pay, compensation for losses and punitive damages. The agency filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts after saying it failed to settle with the company. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and retaliation for requesting a reasonable accommodation, according to the EEOC. Company refused to hire woman because shes deaf, feds say. Shes awarded $1.6 million Company fires woman who wouldnt retire on 65th birthday, suit says. Shes owed $105K Manager would reward or punish workers based on responses to sexual advances, feds say Employee fired for needing accommodations at work after stroke, court records say Former head of Germany's domestic intelligence servicem, Hans-Georg Maassen, on his way to the Godesia excursion shipship on which the ultra-conservative Werteunion (the Values Union) will be formed as a party. Thomas Banneyer/dpa Controversial German politician Hans-Georg Maaen officially launched his new right-wing party, the Values Union, on Saturday, participants at the meeting told dpa. The former head of Germany's domestic intelligence service founded his party after being asked to leave the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) because his views are considered too extreme for the CDU's centre-right stance. The party's name in German, WerteUnion, echoes the names of the parties in the mainstream conservative bloc, the CDU and its sister party in Bavaria, the Christian Social Union (CSU). In an interview with tv.berlin broadcast on Friday evening, Maaen said that his new party wants to fill the gap between the CDU/CSU bloc, which he said has lost its way, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which he said has become radical. "We stand for classic civic values that have made Germany strong and that ultimately shaped the CDU," he said. The Values Union is in favour of freedom, the rule of law, democracy and tolerance, but also in favour of the state withdrawing from people's lives, Maaen added. The meeting, which took place on a ship on the Rhine river in western Germany, was also intended to adopt a charter and a party programme, Maaen had announced earlier. The 61-year-old said he intends to run for the party's chairmanship. The Values Union already existed as an association, a very conservative and formerly CDU-affiliated organization with several thousand members that has been in existence for several years. The group made headlines in recent weeks when it was revealed in an investigative report that some of its members participated in a meeting of far-right extremists in November who discussed plans to deport migrants deemed not assimilated enough, including those with German passports. Former head of Germany's domestic intelligence servicem, Hans-Georg Maassen, on his way to the Godesia excursion shipship on which the ultra-conservative Werteunion (the Values Union) will be formed as a party. Thomas Banneyer/dpa A Cook County judge said Friday she will decide late next week the fate of a legal challenge seeking to strike former President Donald Trumps name from Illinois March 19 Republican primary ballot. Judge Tracie Porter announced her plans after a near four-hour Daley Center hearing that featured footage of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol as attorneys for Trump sought to cast the challenge to the former presidents place on the ballot as a political attempt to abuse the election code of Illinois. Caryn Lederer, representing the group of voters backed by the group Free Speech for People that is objecting to Trumps place on the ballot, countered that this case is not about politics. This case is about candidate qualifications, she told Porter. This is not an investigation into policy decisions. At issue is an appeal of last months decision by the State Board of Elections to reject an effort to disqualify Trump from the primary ballot under the insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution due to his role in the deadly riot in the U.S. Capitol, which was aimed at preventing the count of Electoral College votes from the states that made Democrat Joe Biden president. The clause says those who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution as an officer of the United States, shall not be able to serve in Congress or hold any office, civil or military if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution. In its 8-0 bipartisan vote, the elections board on Jan. 30 allowed Trumps name to stay on the ballot and rejected an objection that he knowingly lied by signing a statement of candidacy attesting he was qualified to hold the office of the presidency. The objectors took the decision to state court, while at the same time the U.S. Supreme Court deliberates a similar insurrection clause challenge from Colorado, whose Supreme Court voted 4-3 to disqualify Trump from that states ballot. Attorneys representing Trump in the Illinois case unsuccessfully sought an appellate court stay of the circuit court proceedings. Lawyers on both sides say regardless of Judge Porters decision, which she said will come Thursday or Friday, the matter is headed to the Illinois Supreme Court. What makes the most sense is to wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule, said Trump attorney Adam Merrill, who noted that the Board of Elections said in its ruling that no factual determinations were made regarding the events of Jan. 6. But the Trump objectors said the elections board erred when it said it was prohibited by previous state court rulings from considering constitutional issues such as Trumps qualifications to hold office under the insurrection clause. The reality is the State Board of Elections is the place to determine if Jan. 6 was an insurrection or if Donald Trump engaged in an insurrection, Lederer said. Our democracy was attacked on Jan. 6. There is no serous dispute that President Trumps efforts to stop the transfer of power as a reason to keep him in power and keep him as president. Trump attorney Nicholas Nelson contended that the events of Jan. 6 were not an insurrection in the legal sense and said that Trump has denied participating in an insurrection. Its not enough (that) a riot happened for political reasons, he said, adding that the key element of an end game was missing from the days events. Porter asked if intent is also a factor in concluding whether an insurrection had occurred. Trump attorneys acknowledged it is. The Trump objectors also argued that regardless of how the U.S. Supreme Court may rule, the judge must address the election boards ruling that a candidate must knowingly lie about their qualifications on their candidacy statement to be disqualified. Trump attorney Merrill said that with the primary date rapidly approaching, ballots have already been printed and its too late for the ballot to be changed. But Lederer noted that in the past, election officials have notified voters if a candidate is deemed ineligible and that those votes wont be counted. rap30@aol.com What a beautiful movie about a beautiful soul. Cabrini is the latest from Angel Studios, which was behind last years hit The Sound of Freedom. Directed by Sound helmer Alejandro Monteverde, who also co-wrote this screenplay, this is a biopic about the real-life Francesca Cabrini, who was the first United States citizen to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. You may never have heard of this remarkable woman, played by the wonderful Cristiana DellAnna, who is shown here in the 19th Century. In New York, orphans abound in the streets, where we see a boy named Paolo (Frederico Ielapi) as he beseeches anyone who will listen to help his ailing mother. He pushes her in a wheelbarrow because she is too weak to walk on her own. In a kind of Oliver Twist development, Paolo is taken in by the leader of a street gang. Elsewhere, in Rome, Francesca Cabrini is a nun who wants to build a chain of orphanages, and asks the Pope for permission. He dispatches her to New York, where she is assigned to help Italian immigrants. Cabrini, who has a frail constitution, is horrified by what she sees in New York, where she arrives with seven other sisters. Even the rats have it better than the Italian families in the Five Points district, she laments. Archbishop Corrigan (David Morse, an under-used actor who is terrific here) is sympathetic to Cabrini, but the mayor (John Lithgow) isnt so kind. As Cabrini begins to help the orphans, she makes the acquaintance of a prostitute (Romana M. Vergano,) who wants to help Cabrinis cause despite the threats of a pimp. The film is beautifully shot and deserves recognition for its gorgeous cinematography. Its also well-acted and engaging it might motivate you to go out and do something good in the world. 3 stars Running time: Two hours and 20 minutes. Rated: PG-13 for violence, foul language, and scenes of death. Only in theaters beginning March 8. For ticket information, visit here. Watch the trailer here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Video above: Supreme Court takes up Trump election interference case TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man will spend over two years in prison for assaulting a Capitol police officer on Jan. 6, leaving her with a concussion. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Daniel Gray, 43, of Jacksonville worked as a former mixed martial arts instructor and bartender before he landed behind bars. On Dec. 12, 2020, Gray told his Facebook followers that he and fellow supporters of former President Donald Trump were heading to the Capitol on Jan. 6 to shut the entire city down, court records state. Gay adult film actor-turned-Proud Boy from Pasco gets jail time for Capitol riot Court documents show Gray made the following statements on Dec. 12: Militia finna be lit yall!!! Bro I just joined the militia. Here is the move yall. If they intend to certify a false election its gonna have to be to our faces. the only day that matters is the 20th. On the 6th a f s ton of us are going to Washington to shut the entire city down. Its gonna be insane I literally cant wait. He also posted a screenshot of the Wikipedia page for the Insurrection Act of 1807 and captioned it, Sts about to get lit yall. Im actually really excited at the possibility of the insurrection act being implemented. Gray confronts police at the Capitol (DOJ) On Jan. 6, Gray engaged in confrontations with police as they tried to prevent the crowd from entering the Capitol Rotunda. He pushed through to the front of the mob, where he was captured on police body camera video approaching officers and shoving them. The crowd pushed the police line toward a marble staircase, where an officer, identified in court documents as Officer M.B., stepped back from the crowd after being sprayed with a chemical irritant. Her body camera footage showed Gray approach her, grab her baton and shove her backwards. Officer M.B. then lost her balance and fell down the Western Rotunda stairs for several seconds, the criminal complaint stated. Officer M.B. was visibly injured and fellow officers carried her outside to ask fellow officers for assistance. The fall left Officer M.B. with a concussion and chronic back pain. Officer M.B. after falling down the stairs (DOJ) Gray continued pushing police officers, along with a large group of rioters, until they broke through the line and reached an atrium that led to congressional offices. Police pushed the mob out of the atrium and out of the Capitol building shortly after. Dude we literally took congress over, Gray wrote in a message. I dont wanna say too much more lol was the rowdiest thing Ive ever done and you know me lol. Gray showed back up at the Capitol the next morning and was detained by police in a parking lot in response to a BOLO (be on the lookout). They let him go about 45 minutes later. Gray detained by police on Jan. 7, 2021 (DOJ) On Jan. 8, Gray posted a 4-minute video to his Instagram where he talked about his experience at the Capitol while walking through an airport. He claimed he stormed Nancy Pelosis office and tried to reason with the police, saying, I told them, Hey, stand down theres too many of us. Go home, go find your wives, go find your kids, you dont want to do this. He said a female cop stole his phone and described pushing them (the police) down the staircase. He also mentioned returning to the Capitol on Jan. 7 and getting detained. This is far from over, Gray said in the video. That was the coolest thing Ive ever done in my entire life and stay tuned. Several witnesses tipped off the FBI to Grays activities at the Capitol. Days after the attack, he wrote in a message, If Biden is sworn in Im coming back to fight. But I truly dont believe he will be sworn in. Joe Biden was sworn in as President on Jan. 20, 2021 and Gray was arrested four months later in Jacksonville. He pleaded guilty to two felony charges of obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. On Friday, a federal judge in D.C. handed him a 30-month prison sentence, followed by 36 months of supervised release and ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ST. LOUIS Authorities arrested a corrections officer earlier this week who apparently harassed and intimidated multiple people with his dog in St. Charles County. Prosecutors have charged Bjorn Stotser, 40, with two counts of second-degree harassment, one count of fourth-degree assault, and resisting arrest amid the investigation. According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, the charges stem from two separate incidents in St. Charles on or around Feb. 13. Chesterfield Mall tenants told to vacate shopping center by August 31 At one point, Stotser approached a man cleaning out his van near a St. Charles County apartment complex. Court documents allege that Stotser asked the man if he knew who he was, to which he replied no. Then, Stotser reportedly informed him he was a corrections officer with drug-sniffing dog. Per court documents, Stotser questioned whether the man had drugs in his car, to which he replied go ahead and check. Moments later, Stotser asserted that the man did not live at the apartment complex and told him to leave. The man informed him he was a resident. Later on, Stotser allegedly charged at the man and unleash his dog, who jumped on the victim in an aggressive manner, per court documents. After the situation dissolved, both Stotser and the victim contacted police. At some point around that confrontation, Stotser arrived to the apartment leasing office with his dog and began arguing with one woman inside. Court documents state he was highly agitated and got in her face, also using profanity. As a second person in the office intervened and asked Stotser to leave, he refused. Stotser chest bumped the second person in the office and left along with his dog, per court documents. One of the two involved occupants told police that the dog was running around unleashed and said the dogs temperament seemed to change when Stotser became aggressive, per court documents. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police later arrived to the apartment complex to question Stotser. Court documents allege he was asked to step outside and refused, also attempting to slam a door on police. Officers arrested him shortly after that. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Stotser is being held at the Warren County Jail and had been employed with the St. Charles County Department of Corrections. Since his arrest, he has been placed on leave. Police also told the Post-Dispatch that he lied about his dog being a drug-sniffing police dog. Missouri court records did not immediately disclosed Stotsers next court date or bond conditions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. TOPEKA (KSNT) New and returning artists have signed on to this years Country Stampede in Bonner Springs. This years summer country music festival is set to have a new venue after it moved on from its previous home in Topeka. In December, 2023 organizers for the event announced the 2024 Country Stampede would be held at Azura Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs. The festival was held near Manhattan for 24 years before it moved to Topeka where it stayed for five years. So far, eight country music stars have been announced for the event on social media. These include the following: Jon Pardi Riley Green Chris Janson Billy Currington Randy Houser Locash Jackson Dean Steel weights found stuffed inside Kansas state record catch, KDWP says This years Country Stampede will last from June 27-29. Tickets can be purchased online through the events website. Ticket options include: GA Lawn $129 Upper Reserved Seating $149 Platinum Club $150 Super Fan $175 Lower Reserved Seating $299 To get your tickets or learn more about the 2024 Country Stampede, go to its website by clicking here or check it out on Facebook. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Attorneys Office is trumpeting a Texas Supreme Court decision that it says protects the rights of Texans facing involuntary commitment. In the case known as In Re: A.R.C., the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that psychiatry residents, like those in this case, qualify as psychiatrists under Texas state law, ensuring that individuals undergoing involuntary commitment proceedings have access to qualified medical professionals, the County Attorneys Office said in a news release sent out late Friday afternoon, Feb. 16. This is a monumental decision for the people of Texas, especially those facing mental health challenges, said El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal in the news release. The Supreme Court has affirmed that psychiatry residents possess the expertise and training necessary to serve as psychiatrists in involuntary commitment cases. This ruling ensures that Texans have access to qualified medical professionals during these critical proceedings, safeguarding their rights and well-being, Bernal added. Bernals office said that in many parts of the state, there arent enough mental health professionals and this court decision means that psychiatry residents, who are in the advanced stages of their professional training, can step in and fill this gap. This ruling also means that someone who is going through a severe mental health crisis can get the right help quickly, according to the news release. The ruling stems from a 2022 case in which an El Pasoan, only identified as A.R.C, was involuntarily committed for mental health treatment after exhibiting concerning behavior, according to the County Attorneys Office. The paperwork authorizing the commitment was completed by two second-year psychiatry residents. A.R.C challenged his commitment, contending that the psychiatry residents were not legally qualified as psychiatrists under Texas law. The dispute focused on whether the definition of physician, which includes residents, extends to the term psychiatrist, the County Attorneys Office said. The El Paso County Attorneys Office defended the psychiatry residents qualifications with their specialized training they were receiving. Ultimately, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the County, clarifying that second-year or higher psychiatry residents do qualify as psychiatrists in this context, the County Attorneys Office said in its release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. SAPD releases footage from a January officer-involved shooting that left Jevon Harper, 42, dead after being shot by police during a traffic stop San Antonio Police Department The San Antonio Police Department has released body camera footage from a January officer-involved shooting that left a 42-year-old man dead. On Jan. 18, two officers stopped a vehicle around 2 a.m. in the 700 block of Southcross Boulevard after noticing the cars taillight was out. During the stop, one of the officers asked, Why am I smelling marijuana in this vehicle? The man, later identified as Jevon Harper, responds: I dont smoke marijuana. This is my girls car. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: Driver shot by San Antonio police this week once accused of aggravated kidnapping After further discussion with the officers over the marijuana smell, an officer asked if he had a weapon. Harper said no. Harper is asked to step out of the vehicle. He complied with the officers command until the officer attempted to detain him. Why am I being detained. Im not doing anything, Harper asked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The officers struggle with him as they try to handcuff him. At one point Harper could be heard saying, Dude, get off me. Im not resisting. Harper is asked several times to put his hands behind his back. When they tell him to relax, he can be heard screaming at the officers: Im relaxed, Im relaxed. Dude, Im relaxed. After several minutes of attempting to detain Harper, one of the officers yelled, Hes got a gun; hes got a gun. Officer Edgardo Vallardares, who has three years of service in the department, fired his weapon, striking Harper. After the shooting, an officer asked, Wheres the gun. After locating the weapon, one of the officers yelled, Ill (expletive) shoot you again. Get your hands up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While an officer can be heard telling dispatchers that shots have been fired, Harper is heard groaning and saying, I cant breathe. Harper was taken to a hospital shortly after the incident and died from his injuries, police said. Melissa Marshall said it was a running joke in her family. Who would step up to run the food truck? It was a business her daughter-in-law started but put aside when she got a great job offer. They cleaned up the truck and it sat for months in the driveway. Marshall and her husband Tony, meanwhile, were looking for a project. Even if it took them a while to fully realize it. The Marshalls are both former military. They served together in Afghanistan and lived for a while in Hawaii. When they retired and returned to the Supply area, they bought a camper and traveled around the country off and on for years, while homeschooling their children. Now, they have two sons going into the Army. Was it time for the Paradise Pineapple Grill to return? Their daughter-in-law, who is Hawaiian, encouraged them to do so. Although she kept the truck mostly in the Supply and Ash area of Brunswick County when she ran it, it was popular. It was always When are you going to run the truck?, Melissa Marshall said. Then, it was like What if we did? They realized that with so many events and breweries in the greater Wilmington area, it could be a good idea. And while there are plenty of mobile options when it comes to burgers or pizza, Hawaiian food is still something unique. Locals have seen more options when it comes to pan-Asian and fusion food, especially in terms of poke, a raw fish salad popular in Hawaii. But the Marshalls are planning a comfort food take on the cuisine. A taste of the world: Local restaurants, markets and food trucks to try for diverse flavors More: From jerk chicken to beef patties, this Wilmington restaurant offers a taste of Jamaica Hawaiian food shouldnt just taste good. It should have that feeling of family, of ohana," Marshall said. Hawaiian food is simple food." They'll be offering traditional dishes like Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken and Huli-huli chicken wings. Its classic and we serve it with pineapple salsa, Marshall said. We'll have garlic shrimp with lots of garlic and butter. And theyve been perfecting their pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. In recent months, theyve been updating the truck and getting the necessary permits. Theyre now planning to launch March 1 with an appearance at Mannkind Brewing in Leland. The next day, theyll be at Crossroads Gathering Place for an event with the Southport Island Girls Club. The Marshalls are new to the food truck business, but she said the community has already been helpful. People have already been so supportive, Marshall said. Were looking forward to getting out there. STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Paradise Pineapple Grill food truck to serve Wilmington, NC (WHTM) A crash closed all lanes of the eastbound side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike for hours on Saturday. A portion of the road was reopened at around 3:40 p.m., but the right lane at mile marker 235.2 remained closed. According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the crash was near mile marker 235.5, just past the Gettysburg Pike exit, and occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday. The crash involved a tractor-trailer that hit the median. The left lane was blocked westbound and I-76 East was closed between Carlisle Exit #226 and Gettysburg Pike Exit #236. for over four hours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania State Police said that no one was injured. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) During its annual awards luncheon this year, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans will invite each police or sheriffs department to select an officer or deputy of the year to be recognized at the event. Its the 39th year for the ceremony, and this year theres something new. Crimestoppers will select just one winner to be recognized as the Officer/Deputy of the Year for Outstanding Community Service, and youre invited to help make the selection. On the Crimestoppers website, youll find the list of candidates where you can learn more about each one of them. Then you can vote for your choice. All 2024 Mardi Gras parade horses in need get new homes Crimestoppers leaders say the award will recognize the officer or deputy who demonstrates the core values of the law enforcement oath of, Honor, Character, Courage, Public Trust, Service to Our Communities, Reverence for the Law, Commitment to Leadership, Integrity in All We Say and Do, Respect for People and Quality Through Continuous Improvement. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. A man in Michigan left a $10,000 tip at a little restaurant for a very somber reason. Staffers at a Michigan restaurant were floored after finding a $10,000 tip left on a recent bill and stunned to learn of the reason behind the generous gift. Typically, well see every now and then $100 [tips], Tim Sweeney, the manager of Mason Jar Cafes manager in Benton Harbor told The Hill. But not ever anything of this gratitude or magnitude. It was two Mondays ago that the overly generous patron, identified as only Mark, left the 30,835% tip on his $32.43 tab. A mystery customer left a $10,000 tip at a small town restaurant in Michigan. The Hill Sweeney was hit with absolute disbelief when he saw the receipt the restaurant didnt reveal who waited on him and ran over to speak with the generous customer. We went back and forth. I had a conversation with him. He wanted to proceed, the manager said. The customer revealed an incredibly sad reason for leaving the tip. The Hill It was then that Mark revealed the sorrowful reason for his unexpected gift. It was in memory of a friend who had recently passed and he was in town for the funeral, waitress Paige Mulick explained. It was just really an act of kindness that impacted so many people, she said. The restaurant opted to split the outrageous tip nine ways amongst coworkers. Each took home a little over $1,100. Mulick, a recent college graduate who is putting her cut toward student loans, also cheered that so many incredible women working that day, so many hardworking mothersjust who really deserve this. We work hard. We know that some days youre going to make more and some days youre going to make less, she added. A little bit goes a long way. In this situation, a lot goes a long way. Czechia has found a way to acquire 800,000 shells for Ukraine but it needs funding to do so, Czech President Petr Pavel has said. Source: Pavel in Munich at the Ukrainian Lunch organised by the Pinchuk Foundation, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Pavel spoke at a panel discussion with the leaders of 5 EU member states and commented on the challenges of supplying weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He said Prague had found a way to arrange such supplies. "We need to support Ukraine by supplying ammunition from all possible sources. We need to be as innovative and flexible as Ukrainian soldiers and look for military equipment everywhere," he explained. Pavel noted that Czechia "looks for military supplies around the world and then works with our NATO partners" and specifically mentioned Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada, which have provided resources to bring military equipment to Czechia. "And then we promptly transport it to Ukraine," he explained. Pavel added that Czechia had been successful in searching for it. Quote: "So far, we have found half a million 155mm shells and 300,000 122mm shells, which we can ship [to Ukraine] in a few weeks provided we have the funding. We will address our partners in the United States, Germany, Sweden, etc., for such assistance," he said. Background: Earlier in Munich, Denmark urged Europe not to hide behind excuses about production problems in supplying weapons to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Devon tower's LED lighting was once able to display messages like "Go Thunder." This photo was taken in 2014 when #35 KD was displayed to celebrate then Thunder star Kevin Durant receiving the NBA MVP award. The LED lighting on the Devon tower which was meant to be a dramatic presentation but never met expectations is about to undergo a $3.5 million upgrade. A building permit filed by the company shows new lighting will be installed in the notches of the tower between the third and 51st levels on the northeast and south facades and between the seventh and 51st levels on the northwest facade. Light upgrades also are shown for the crown of the tower, which envelopes the 51st and 52nd levels that are restricted to mechanical equipment. Brooke Baum, director of sustainability and external affairs at Devon Energy, said work should start the first half of this year and will take about a year to complete. We intend to replace the facade lighting system that was originally installed in 2012 in order to highlight the historical and architectural significance of the Devon Energy Center to Oklahoma City, Baum said. The plans include an expanded version of the lighting system test that was conducted last September and will include color control. Devon tower's LED lighting, shown in this photo when the system was still functional, is set to be upgraded. The Devon tower was designed with wings that extend out from the corners of the tower and are back lit with LED lights from the top to the bottom of the skyscraper. The intent was to allow building operators to program the various light colors, and display messages like Go Thunder. What happened to the Devon tower lighting? The lit messages fell out of use as troubles continued with blocks of the lighting not working. Downtown Oklahoma Citys skyline is already a far flashier sight than it was when Devon Energy moved into the new tower a dozen years ago. Uplighting was restored at the former longtime home of Kerr McGee, now Strata Tower. The once drab crown of the longtime home of Liberty Bank is now a colorful rotation of colored signage for the new owner, BancFirst. The colored LED lighting on Devon tower is shown in this 2013 photo. The beacon at the historic First National tower also is a bright mix of colors. Even more LED lighting was added with construction of the Omni Hotel and BOK Park Plaza. Jennifer Nakayama, president of Downtown OKC Partnership, said the tower lighting contributes to making a positive impression of the city to both locals, visitors and travelers along nearby Interstate 35 and Interstate 40. It's a huge visual reminder that downtown is supportive of a greater community, not just those who reside in that building, Nakayama said of the Devon lighting upgrade. The power of lighting with LED technology is phenomenal. Its a surprise and delight to walk or drive around and suddenly you see something unexpected that brings a smile to your face. It provides a message that Oklahoma City and downtown is alive and thriving. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Devon Energy to upgrade darkened LED lighting at OKC tower HQ The Madison County Board of Adjustment approved a variance to its 50-foot setback requirement to a homeowner in the Seven Glens development, located on the Madison County-Buncombe County line in Weaverville. MARSHALL - Madison County has had its fair share of highly-contested projects throughout the last few years from an asphalt plant to a "glamping" site in Alexander, to the county's ongoing regulation of biomass facilities. But the county's 50-foot setback requirement for building on ridge tops may be the hottest topic in the county throughout the last few years, and the issue is back on the radar, as the county commissioners voted Feb. 13 to form a ridge top focus group. The commissioners' vote comes after the Planning Board voted to recommend the commissioners scrap the 50-foot setback requirement for building on ridge tops in its December meeting in response to an application from Russell Blevins. The motion for a focus group was offered by Board of Commissioners Chair Matt Wechtel. The Madison County Board of Adjustment approved a request to Matt Nowicki for a variance from 50 feet to a range of 25 to 45 feet in the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance. "I would like to recommend the formation of a ridge top protection work group, so that we can put together an idea as to how we are going to consider any changes, if there will be any changes the group could come back and say they don't recommend any changes," Wechtel said. "But regardless, we have a Planning Board that has recommended that the ridge top protection rule be changed. I think, in an attempt to take all things into consideration, the best way to attack that would be with a work group." The work group's formation will be performed by County Manager Rod Honeycutt. Vice Chair Michael Garrison recommended in Wechtel's motion that the county grant Honeycutt authority "to request input from people outside county government," and that the group be comprised of at least two county commissioners. "We'll develop a framework and notify the public, notify the commissioners, and make sure we get appropriate participation in the group," the county manager said. More than 75 people were in attendance at the Nov. 21 Madison County Planning Board to hear deliberations on an applicant's request to remove the 50-foot ridge top setback requirement for building on ridges. The North Carolina Mountain Ridge Protection Act of 1983 established protections in the form of building height restrictions for ridgelines at or above 3,000 feet and came into legislation in response to an Avery County condominium complex, Sugar Mountain. In 2010, Madison County established the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance, which "regulates the height of tall buildings or structures on mountain ridges, providing for the method of administration and enforcement, defining certain terms used herein, and providing for the imposition of penalties for violation of provisions of the ordinance." Madison is currently the only county in the state that protects against building on ridge tops. Blevins told The News-Record & Sentinel in November that he and Parker applied to have the Mountain Ridge Protection Ordinance's 50-foot ridge top setback requirement removed because he wanted to build a cabin for his family, adding that he felt his children would want to potentially build cabins as well. Madison County Planning Board member Clay Honeycutt of Ebbs Chapel appeared before the commissioners during the board's Feb. 13 meeting to offer his thoughts on the issue. "The 50-foot setback only hurts families who own this land, that want to build on it," Clay Honeycutt said. "It doesn't hurt a developer. The developer sells a view. The cost of a foundation makes no difference to the developer." Honeycutt also presented an outline of ideas for the board ahead of its looming decision on the Planning Board's recommendation. "I've spoken with a lot of people on both sides of this issue, and I think the comment that getting rid of this ridge top ordinance would be dead on arrival if you were a board member, is so shortsighted," Honeycutt said. "That doesn't stop any development from occurring in the county. We're going to set ourselves up for a place where somebody comes in and they say, 'I'm going to put a road right off the center of this ridge,' which is allowed, under our ordinance as it stands now 'and I'm going to feed houses off both sides.' Now we're feeding houses off both sides." Honeycutt said he felt residents would attribute blame to the Planning Board members for their recommendation to remove the 50-foot setback requirement, and advocated for the county to work together to reframe its regulation against building on mountain ridges altogether. "Then, we'd have all kinds of comments of, 'Look what the Planning Board has done. They approved this,'" Honeycutt said. "We don't pick. We don't get to choose. Did they meet their requirements, or did they not meet their requirements. So, if our requirements are insufficient, that's a problem we have to deal with now, not after. We can be proactive, or we can be reactive. But if we react, we're still going to have that one scenario that set off the entire reaction that will be allowed. Where will that be, who knows. But it will happen." More: Madison planning board votes to nix 50-foot setback requirement; forms ridge focus group In the Planning Board's Dec. 19 meeting, Clay Honeycutt introduced the idea for the county commissioners and Madison County Planning Board to form a ridge top focus group, similar to the county's courthouse funding, biomass and noise ordinance focus groups. "I don't like the premise that we don't want to protect these ridges," Honeycutt said. "We've been entrusted to protect them since the Civil War. We will continue to do so." Clay Honeycutt told the commissioners Feb. 13 that the county "has lost sight" with regards to the ridge top issue, adding that a lot of residents "have tried to make political hay out of this." "Those folks are going to whack you with that political stick either way," Honeycutt said. "This is an issue that we have the chance to fix right now. It wouldn't take very long. It took me longer to type that, I promise you, than it did to come up with those ideas. And this is nothing from the Planning Board, this is just me. I don't want to come from Wolf Laurel down to Mars Hill and see the entire ridgeline with lights and houses. We can stop that right now." The commission chair agreed with Clay Honeycutt in stressing urgency in his motion to form a focus group. "We don't want this lingering for eternity here," Wechtel said. "It's something where, one way or the other we need to deal with the situation at hand." This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Madison County forms ridge top protection work group A GoFundMe for Lisa Lopez-Galvan got a $100,000 donation from Taylor Swift. Screenshot / KKFI The San Antonio Tejano community is rallying in support of the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Tejano music DJ who was killed in the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting. Lopez-Galvan was a longtime fan of the Taste of Tejano radio show on KKFI in Kansas City, before she became a co-host in March 2022. The daughter of a trumpet player, she called music a source of life and happiness, according to her KKFI bio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local Tejano DJ Tex-Mex Mike paid tribute to the 43-year-old mother on social media, asking his fans to keep her family in their prayers. San Antonio radio host Bigg Boyee of KLMO also held a moment of silence on air Thursday and dedicated a live stream of his show to Lopez-Galvan. NEWS TO USE: Get Express-News stories sent directly to your inbox She brought Tejano music to an area that more than likely wouldnt (have) highlighted the genre, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Victoria-based radio station Klub Tejano also recognized the importance of Lopez-Galvans work in Missouri, thanking her for bringing Tejano to the midwest. This photo provided by KKFI 90.1FM shows Lisa Lopez-Galvan. Known as Lisa G on KKFI-FM, host of Taste of Tejano, Lopez-Galvan was fatally shot on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 while celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory in Kansas City, Mo. (KKFI 90.1FM via AP) AP KLMO will dedicate its Tejano Top 10 Countdown to Lopez-Galvan this weekend, according to Tejano Nation. The fatal shootings of two people who were discovered dead in a dorm room at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs on Friday morning are being investigated as homicides, police said. University and Colorado Springs police officers responded just after 6 a.m. to a call about shots at the Alpine Village campus dormitories, police said. Each of the two people, who have not been identified, had at least one gunshot wound, police said. Officials did not say if they were students. cop car murder homicide shooting (KOAA) Both deaths are being treated as homicides, but the coroner will determine the cause and manner of death, Colorado Springs Police said. This incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides, police said later on social media. We are continuing to develop and follow investigative leads and will provide additional information when it becomes available. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy for the family of these two individuals. A tragedy like this is unimaginable, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said at a news conference. The shooting caused a lockdown at the university, which has an enrollment of more than 11,000 students. The campus was closed Friday and will remain closed through the weekend. University Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said that today is a tragic day. Details about the victims, suspects and a motive were not released. (KOAA NEWS5) My heart is broken for the victims of todays senseless violence, and I join in the grieving with their family and friends, and the entire community, Sobanet said. She said it was an isolated shooting event. Counselors from other campuses in Colorado were assisting in the aftermath. Mayor Yemi Mobolade said that the university is a family and part of the larger Colorado Springs family. And we know that there are a lot of questions that have emerged from the events of this morning, he said. But what we know is that were mourning two lives that were lost. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Drone Coalition has officially launched within the framework of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, the Ministry of Defense reported on Feb. 17. It was noted that Umerov thanked the coalitions leading countries, Latvia and the United Kingdom, for their important initiative. This is an important milestone on the way to achieving technological superiority over our enemy, Umerov said. The serial production and delivery of UAVs will significantly expand the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Read also: Drones will not bring 'decisive advantage' to either Ukraine or Russia, says HUR chef Also, the Defence Ministry announced that the coalition is open to any country that wants to help stop Russian aggressive war against Ukraine. The drone coalition was created by Ukraine and Latvia, and the decision was made during the visit of Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds to Kyiv in December 2023. On Jan. 25, Sweden and the United Kingdom announced that they are joining a drone coalition for Ukraine. On Feb. 14 The Netherlands joined a military coalition with allies that will supply Ukraine with advanced unmanned technology (drone coalition) to strengthen its offensive capabilities in the war. Read also: NATO to provide Ukraine with one million UAVs in 2024 Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A Ukrainian soldier in Avdiivka on the eve of the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the city Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from Avdiivka, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced on the night of Feb. 17, with insights from Oleksandr Leonov, Executive Director of the Penta Center for Political Studies, on Radio NV. Obviously, this decision is correct, but it could have been made earlier, stated the expert. The question here is that there should have been an order from the Supreme Command, a decision from the Stavka. Because now it looks like this decision was made only when the situation became quite threatening. Read also: Military expert on situation in Avdiivka and how it might develop interview The expert pointed out that from a political point of view, the decision was made while Volodymyr Zelenskyy was abroad, just before the Munich Security Conference. Read also: Ukraine poised to withdraw from Avdiivka report In fact, it was possible to make this decision earlier and go (to Munich) with certain home preparations that without increased military assistance, such stories could arise, he said. Because military observers and military journalists who have been there have been saying for the last month that Avdiivka should be left. Read also: Russian guided aerial bombs wipe out Avdiivka Leonov said that political responsibility for the withdrawal will not lie with the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. It will be Volodymyr Zelenskyys responsibility. This was not even said by experts. This is stated by sociology, the expert told Radio NV. Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi was dismissed and that meant that Volodymyr Zelenskyy took full responsibility for military decisions. And this is the point of view of the majority of society. There is no secret here. Leonov stated that this had to be taken into account when the decision to continue defending Avdiivka was made. He added that in general, it is not good when politics interferes with military decisions. And unfortunately, sometimes it interferes with rational decision-making and solving certain problems. 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 Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen believes that European countries have the opportunity to supply more weapons to Ukraine. Source: Frederiksen in Munich at the Ukrainian Lunch organised by the Pinchuk Foundation, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: Speaking at a panel discussion with the leaders of 5 European nations, Frederiksen urged her colleagues to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the weapons that their military has at its disposal, as Ukraine needs them more. The prime minister pointed out that European leaders often cite problems with arms production as an obstacle to increasing supplies. "We, Denmark, have decided to transfer all our artillery to Ukraine. So, excuse me, but the issue is not just about production. Europe still has military equipment. It has to be transferred to Ukraine," she said. Mette Frederiksen also stated that Europeans should not wait for the crisis to be resolved with the approval of financing of supplies from the United States for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "It doesn't matter what the US comes up with, but we, Europeans, have to defend ourselves. This is a war on the European continent," she stressed. European Pravda reported that Denmark wants to be the next country to sign a security treaty with Ukraine, as Frederiksen told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Munich. In addition, it was reported that the security agreement between Ukraine and the Netherlands is "at the final stage". Support UP or become our patron! Danish Prime Minister Mette Fredriksen has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Nordic countries also want to join agreements on security commitments to Ukraine as soon as possible. Source: Frederiksen at a meeting with Zelenskyy in Munich, reported by European Pravda Details: The prime minister of Denmark, a country that is one of the most important suppliers of weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that Denmark had prepared a new package of weapons to be transferred to Ukraine. "I don't think any of our meetings have been held without reports of new supplies... And we need to understand your needs," she said, outlining the topics of the talks. Denmark is one of the countries that first announced its intention to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. In addition, Frederiksen said that she expects the agreements on security commitments between Ukraine and the Nordic countries to be approved. "It is good that some of the big countries have already signed such agreements with you, and we should be next in line," she said. Background: On Friday evening, Ukraine and France signed an agreement on "security guarantees". Before that, a similar agreement on security cooperation was signed with Germany. In Munich, Chancellor Scholz also commented on the possible supply of Taurus to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Feb. 17 (UPI) -- A woman's corpse along with cremated remains of at least 30 other people were found in the Denver home of a former funeral director, authorities have confirmed. Miles Harford is facing multiple charges in a case that remains ongoing, Denver Police Commander Matt Clark told reporters during a briefing on Friday. Investigators believe Harford may have also given the wrong remains to several families while he was serving as director of the now-closed Apollo Funeral and Cremation Services in Littleton, Colo. Harford was also the owner of the business. The woman's body found at Halford's residence was located inside a hearse. Her family had previously been told her remains were returned to them. The medical examiner's office later confirmed the body belonged to a 63-year-old woman who died in August 2022. "They're shocked," Clark told reporters. "They believed that they were processing their grief with the remains that they had and had had services with that. And then they come to find out that that was not the person that was processed, and in fact, she was being held in that hearse there," the chief said. The Denver Sheriff Department was helping to serve an eviction at the house on Feb. 6 when the property owners first discovered human remains in a crawl space. That led to further discoveries, including the corpse in the hearse. "It appears Mr. Harford had accumulated significant debt with several metro area crematories," Clark said. "He was unable to complete the cremation that had been pre-arranged by the family of the woman." Harford has not yet been arrested but faces felony charges of abuse of a corpse and forgery of a public document as well as a misdemeanor theft charge, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann confirmed Friday. Clark confirmed additional charges are possible, adding police are currently seeking to "facilitate the arrest" of Harford. "It is an unusual situation, and we fully intend to prosecute once Mr. Harford is arrested," McCann told reporters. "This situation does raise the possibility that this kind of thing is happening in other parts of the state." ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Have you ever wondered how Abilene stands in relation to the airport industry? In a two-part series, BigCountryHomepage will delve into the bolts and nuts of the airport industry, both locally and nationally. IN-DEPTH: Exploring Abilenes standing in airport industry with insight from Air Service Strategy Director Martin Kammerman In this segment, Air Service Strategy and Development Director Martin Kammerman shared his insight on the possibility of bringing new airlines to Abilene, costs, and the pilot shortage. Kammerman shared that there are ongoing discussions with United and their operator, SkyWest. Ultimately, were going to be meeting with United and SkyWest in the future because we think that Houston is still one of those opportunities. So, United Airlines also happened in Denver. When we originally talked about Houston, the goal was that if Houston was successful, then the next place would be in the opposite direction towards Denver. And so those are still part of the discussion that we have with United. When we look at Denver, we see all these connections that go beyond, and even though DFW is a great hub and connects to a lot of places, There are a lot of points that you have to make, two or three stops from Abilene to get to where over Denver. Its just a single connection, Kammerman shared. So what about American? Well, theyre already here. So thats an easy obstacle thats already overcome. They have hubs in places like Phoenix and Chicago. Also, American has a successful maintenance base here in Abilene. And that gives them one extra encouragement to consider Abilene when theyre trying to make their plans for the future. Weve met with them. And theyve basically told us it is not a bad idea. But were not really ready for that. Kammerman also shared what flights look like at other airlines that could potentially connect to Abilene. When looking at Frontier Airlines, Kammerman said its possible to work something out, but they would run into some challenges. We also meet regularly with Frontier, but you might remember from that earlier slide of aircraft size where they went from, like, 113 to like 190. So its not impossible for them to make something work here. But in Texas, they fly to Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso. So they have flown to smaller places before, but that was more when they were flying smaller aircraft. Its not impossible for us to work something out with them; our connections, potentially to Denver, where they have a hub and beyond, could be a big positive in terms of being able to generate enough passengers to fill those planes. So well continue meeting with them. But at the same time, I wanted just to let you know some of the challenges that we have with meetings like that, Kammerman said. JetBlue tells Spirit Airlines that it may terminate its $3.8 billion buyout offer challenged by US Another airline thats relatively new is Avelo. While they tend to stay on the coast, stops are made in Brownsville. When analyzing their numbers, its actually not too bad. So far, theyve been doing reasonably well. And so when we meet with an airline like Avelo, what the airline is looking for is if something works, whats the next best version of what works, and were hoping that Abilene could be something that would work that would serve the places like Orlando and LA and Las Vegas, that Avelo is big in that we might be able to get them to consider Abilene, Kammerman said. He added that they look at other hubs, but some most likely wouldnt work for various reasons such as length, demand, and future outlook in Abilene. 2021: United Airlines cancels all air service in Abilene Whats interesting about Southwest is Southwest flies to mostly bigger places within the US. There are exceptions. And some of those exceptions are in Texas. Thats in part because Southwest started in Texas. So, they fly to places like Corpus Christi, which wouldnt have made their map if they hadnt started in Texas. Is it possible they might consider it as well? There are going to be some changes to whats known as the right amendment, which affects service in Dallas thats coming up. So, some of the Texas options become more of a possibility. However, there are places in the state that are bigger than we are and dont have Southwest service. So while its not impossible, and we do talk to them, and theyre generally friendly, they usually give us a friendly but no, lets talk about it again in a few months, sort of a discussion, Kammerman said. One man at the meeting asked that since Southwest is going in and out of Lubbock and Midland, what would be the likelihood that they would want to try Abilene? The biggest benefit that they would have is that theyd be able to take passengers that otherwise would go to DFW instead of Love, and essentially establish basis here. When Southwest begins a new city, they dont start with one destination; they usually start with two or three and multiple flights a day. So ultimately, if you remember from that leakages page, where all of those people are going to other destinations, mainly DFW, the goal would be if they were to come here that that number of passengers, the percentage that use ABI would go up substantially in the event that they were to join us here, Kammerman said. 9 of Americas most charming airports Kammerman shared that the three biggest things that work in favor of ABI Regional to obtain another airline are low airport cost, above 80% load factor, and historically high fares to most destinations. I think thats encouraging American to keep that capacity and then, as a plus or a minus, historically high fares. We all know that the fares are higher here than in Dallas, or even in some of the other potential airports. But what that does is it also encourages other airlines to say, Okay, if the fares are relatively high in Abilene, maybe that would essentially allow us to earn some extra funding, you know, revenue for the cost of our flight, Kammerman shared. He added that theres another factor that is both a blessing and a curse: the Eagle Aviation Envoy Maintenance Base. Its a blessing, in part because the Eagle Aviation Envoy Maintenance Base, at the very least, American are going to fly a few flights here, just to maintain those aircraft. Were above that level today, as we have been for a while, in part because its not just maintenance thats necessary. Its passengers that want to fly. And thats that demand has helped us, it provides local jobs. And it provides some assurance that a competitor wont cause American to leave. So if other airlines came in and took passengers away from American, the fact that theres a maintenance space would give them a stronger inclination to want to stay. There are occasions when airlines will come into a new city, and then the existing airlines, for whatever reason that economics dont work anymore, will be on the curse side. So in a minor way, discourages other airlines, in part because they know that American is going to keep a certain level of seats no matter what, Kammerman explained. Abilene Air Tanker base expansions bring higher firefighting efficiency to Abilene Airport One question asked was, Would there be any routes that they [American Airlines] could use out of Abilene other than DFW that would be profitable for them? So in the Phoenix and the Chicago case, because theres enough demand that goes not just to Chicago, but on those Kentucky points beyond? And the same thing for Phoenix? So, the answer is, I think theres a certain point where you have too many flights at DFW. And the reason why is if youve been to DFW, youll notice theres a bank system there, there are flights coming in, then flights going out. And theres only so many banks you can have, so theres a certain point where youve reached that maximum limit. Five is not the maximum; the limit is probably more like seven. But ultimately, theres a diminishing return. Five is a good number; six might be better, and seven might be too many. At that point, they would say, Well, how can we get people that are going beyond? Ill give you an example. So, Im from Nashville, and Im going to fly over to DFW to get back to Nashville later this evening. But you know, I couldnt theoretically connect over Chicago to get back to Nashville. So theres definitely possibilities that exist for this. So when we talk with American, the first thing we ask is, hows DFW doing? What can we do to help? Are there any issues or certain times of the day that dont work? And then right after that, we say, well, heres our latest thoughts on other opportunities. And well often bring up Chicago and Phoenix when we meet with American specifically, Kammerman responded. Potential changes to Abilene Regional Airport: Food options, bar & more One person at the meeting mentioned the cost of flying from ABI, including airfare, food, and hotel if a flight is missed due to traffic or other factors. I do understand that they need to have some sort of noun and analytics that say, it costs me x to drive three hours, and I may not get there in three hours. Not only that, but if its a late flight, and I miss that flight, now I have to have a hotel room, and I have to have food It just cant simply be, well, this flight from Abilene is going to be, you know, $680. And if you flew it out of Dallas, its $450. Your time was worth something. And those numbers need to be reflected in there somewhere, he asked. That is exactly what you describe in terms of small communities when they fly to the hub. Its going to cost you more, typically speaking, but the other aspect of it is competition. Ill give you an example: today, we were studying back at the airport. We were looking at fares and the differences. So, if you want to fly from here to Las Vegas, and you look at the fare from Abilene to Dallas to Las Vegas, and you look at the fare from Dallas to Las Vegas only. There are between the two Dallas airports, there are Im going to guess seven airlines that will take you from Dallas Fort Worth have to Vegas. And so, the relative fare from here to Vegas is quite a bit higher than the fact that competition is forcing that price down. The opposite example we noticed was with Salt Lake City. So, from Salt Lake City, besides American, I think only Delta flies to Salt Lake City from the Dallas area. Its American plus one other one. So, the fares from Abilene to Salt Lake City were only slightly higher than what we saw from the Dallas area to Salt Lake City But at the same time, when the airlines make their pricing decisions, its often driven by competition. And in places like Vegas, airlines come and go sometimes, sometimes the fares are just too low to make it worthwhile for them, where they cant get enough passengers, or were such, but its really a mix of both what you say and then the company with competitive factor, Kammerman responded. With the pilot shortage, another question is if training will move down from the 1,500 required hours. Ill describe the situation. So this crash occurred in New York, and Senator Schumer is a relatively senior senator. And hes very supportive of this. Whenever the various aviation organizations try to move that needle down a little bit, immediately, the victim families get brought out. And so, the discussion kind of comes to a quick end. There may be a point where this wont be as much of a factor, and there are other things that might happen that could help. But then there are also other negatives. For example, the pilots unions generally dont want to see that number reduced, even though before 2013, 250 hours was the standard that all those people worked with. So, there are factors at a big-picture level that have an impact on this But at the same time, airlines have been coping by doing more things to attract more people to become pilots, Kammerman said. When I was a student, I graduated from my university in 1991. And Ive considered being a pilot, but I heard so many stories about, you know, how low pilot pay was for the first ten years and how often you couldnt get a job unless you were in the military first. So today, its a totally different story. If youve got a heartbeat and 1500 hours, you can be a pilot, and the pay starts at six figures. Flight attendants are holding airport rallies to protest the lack of new contracts and pay raises Kammerman added that air traffic control had made major improvements thanks to technology, but theres still a way to go. There are parts of the country where air traffic control issues are a much bigger deal. The northeast and Florida and to and from Florida, for example, had been in the news lately. But for Texas, you know, we have a combination of some wide-open spaces and separation of some of the major airports, and so far, I would say the biggest factor since 1990 has been improvements in technology. Now, theres still room to go. A lot of air traffic control places still use handwritten paper and tablet things to show how flights are moving through their system. This is an effective system, but we all know that it could probably be better. And so over time, well probably see additional improvements, Kammerman said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. CORRECTION: AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS STORY LISTED A WRONG DEVELOPER OF THE PROJECT.. A longtime Cornelius entrepreneur couple plans to build a major pickleball-centered entertainment complex along Interstate 77 at Lake Norman that would include indoor and outdoor courts, a restaurant, bar and lounge and space for community events. The Serve Pickleball and Kitchen would include 10 indoor and six outdoor courts, according to project details released by the town on Friday. Topgolf simulators also are planned, Charlotte Observer news partner WSOC reported. Developers Jack and Robin Salzman became the owners of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2003 at I-77 Cornelius exit 28. The planned pickleball complex is south of the exit along the interstate. The Salzmans intend to detail their plans at the Cornelius Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave. Commissioners also will receive public comments about the project during the meeting. The pickleball complex in Cornelius would include 10 indoor and six outdoor courts and an indoor restaurant. The 51,000-square-foot complex would be located on 6.3 vacant acres at 20220 Chartown Drive. The pickleball complex would be located on 6.3 vacant acres at 20220 Chartown Drive, which runs parallel to Interstate 77 south of Cornelius Exit 28. The couples Cornelius-based DB Automotive Real Estate Holdings LLC owns the property, according to Town of Cornelius documents. The project is something that has been very ... intentionally focused on creating a wonderful opportunity for pickleball folks to be able to have something that you cant find really anywhere else in North Carolina, Lawrence Shaheen Jr., the lawyer for the project, told WSOC. Mooresville-based Spectrum Building Co. is the project general contractor, Shaheen told The Charlotte Observer on Saturday. This embedded content is not available in your region. In the spring of 1837, a long, gawky, ugly, shapeless man walked into Joshua Speeds dry goods store in Springfield, Illinois, requesting supplies for a bed. Speed said the cost would be US$17, which ended up being too pricey for the visitor, who asked instead for credit until Christmas. The 23-year-old Speed was nonetheless taken with this stranger; he threw such charm around him and betrayed a perfect naturalness. The stranger was none other than a 28-year-old Abraham Lincoln, a quarter-century before he would take the oath as the 16th U.S. president. Speed spontaneously came up with an alternative plan. He said he had a large room upstairs above the store and a double bed he was happy to share. Without a word, Lincoln picked up saddlebags that contained his lifes possessions and walked upstairs. He came back down and said, with a big smile, Well, Speed, Im moved. So began what would become one of the most important friendships in American history. It was a friendship that proved redemptive for Lincoln, helping him through two serious, suicidal bouts of depression that threatened his relationship with his future wife and his political ambitions. It is a story I tell in my new book, Your Friend Forever, A. Lincoln: The Enduring Friendship of Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed. Love and loss After Lincoln moved in, the two men became inseparable, sharing stories, feelings, fears, hopes and dreams. Speed intensely idealized the impressive, articulate and very funny Lincoln, who in turn felt safe opening up to his younger friend. They shared that common bed for nearly four years, though all the evidence suggests their relationship was not sexual. It was, instead, a paradigmatic 19th-century male friendship: close, even loving, as each young man sought solace in their anxious, confused attempts at wooing women. Lincoln especially struggled with intimacy. His first love, Ann Rutledge, had died suddenly in 1835, leaving him distraught. When he moved to Springfield, Lincoln was not in a good place. But he was still hopeful for love. In late 1839, 21-year-old Mary Todd moved to Springfield from Lexington, Kentucky (likely to escape the stepmother she despised). Mary moved in with her older sister, Elizabeth Edwards, and her husband, Ninian, in their imposing mansion. A sprightly, appealing woman, Mary was fluent in French, could cite long passages of poetry from memory, had an excellent sense of humor and closely followed politics. Lincoln met her at a soiree in the Edwards mansion he often attended these events with Speed and became immediately enchanted with Mary. That winter Lincoln seriously courted her. By the following summer, the two were engaged to be married, with a date set for Jan. 1, 1841. But in a move that has baffled historians, Lincoln broke off the engagement in late December 1840 and fell into a suicidal depression. Bedridden, he was prone to hallucinations, and his friends were worried enough to hide his razor. He was, in the words of his friend, future law partner, and eventual biographer William H. Herndon, crazy as a loon. What historians havent noted and what I was able to discover in the course of my research is that Speed, whose father had died in the spring of 1840, had been planning to return to Louisville, Kentucky, to straighten out the affairs of the familys large plantation. In August and September, Speed began to post notices in the local paper, calling in his debts as he prepared to sell his store and return to Louisville. Speed ended up not leaving until the spring of 1841. But in the fall of 1840, as his marriage to Mary Todd approached, Lincoln lived with the prospect of losing his best friend. My argument is that Lincoln became confused even panicked at the looming loss of Speed coupled with the fast-approaching wedding date. He spiraled and, without warning, suddenly broke off his engagement with Mary. A brief reunion Late in the summer of 1841, Lincoln visited Speeds Louisville plantation. Reunited, the friends took long walks together, and Speeds mother, Lucy, doted on Lincoln. Around this time, Speed met and quickly became engaged to Fanny Henning at which point he also got depressed, just as Lincoln had earlier in the year. Speeds fears of intimacy, as he later wrote in a letter to Herndon, mirrored those of Lincoln. He even feared being separated again from his friend and ended up returning to Springfield for the rest of the fall to be with Lincoln. But by the end of the year, Speed felt he needed to go back to Kentucky to prepare for his marriage in February. (There was no way, given the distance and his work obligations, for Lincoln to travel to Louisville for the wedding.) It was wrenching for both men to be separated again. During those first two months of 1842, Lincoln wrote a remarkable series of letters to Speed leading up to the marriage on Feb. 15. (Unfortunately, we dont have Speeds replies.) This most interior of men shut-mouthed, as Herndon called him bared his deepest feelings to his best friend. You know my desire to befriend you is everlasting, Lincoln wrote in one of these letters, that I will never cease, while I know how to do any thing. Lincolns special knowledge of Speeds inner life pervades the very fabric of the letters. Feeling, as I know you do, begins the very first sentence of the first letter. In another letter, Lincoln notes, You well know that I do not feel my own sorrows much more keenly than I do yours. You will feel verry badly, he says knowingly of Speeds fears about consummating the marriage. And later: it is the peculiar misfortune of both you and me, to dream dreams of Elysium [paradise in classical mythology] far exceeding all that any thing earthly can realize. In other words, what Speed feels, Lincoln feels. What Speed knows, Lincoln knows. What Speed does, so does Lincoln. Lincoln inserts himself into Speeds self, which he experiences as a dimension of his own. Testing the waters of intimacy As Speeds marriage approached, Lincoln projected his own confused fantasies onto his friend to vicariously test the waters of intimacy. (Lincoln and Mary Todd, at that point, werent in contact.) It seems Speed barely tumbled out of his wedding bed on the morning of Feb. 16 to write his friend of his successful consummation and how the roof didnt fall in which elicited a fervid response from Lincoln: I received yours of the 12th written the day you went down to Williams place, some days since; but delayed answering it, till I should receive the promised one, of the 16th, which came last night. I opened that latter, with intense anxiety and trepidation so much, that although it turned out better than I expected, I have hardly yet, at the distance of ten hours, become calm. Its remarkable to think that the 33-year-old Abraham Lincoln was still feeling anxious a full 10 hours after reading the news of Speeds successful wedding. Was this an emotional turning point for Lincoln? Its as if his fears of intimacy were suddenly allayed: If Joshua could do it, so could he. Within a few months, he resumed his courtship of Mary Todd, who had graciously waited for him. They married on Nov. 4, 1842, in the parlor of the Edwards home. Some 10 days later, Lincoln ended an otherwise innocuous letter to a business partner, Samuel D. Marshall, by noting, Nothing new here, except my marrying, which to me is a matter of profound wonder. Lincoln would remain often sad and melancholy, but he was never again clinically depressed and suicidal. His friendship with Speed proved therapeutic, even redemptive. Joshua Speed certainly helped guide him emotionally toward intimacy and love. As one old friend put it, Lincoln allways thanked Josh for his Mary. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Charles B. Strozier, City University of New York Read more: Charles B. Strozier does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. An image previously sent to the BBC by a migrant shows the housing tents on the island of Diego Garcia A group of asylum seekers on an isolated British island territory have told UN investigators they feel unsafe and forgotten, as they reported sexual assaults and harassment of children, as well as self-harm and suicide attempts. Inspectors from the UN's refugee agency visited Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, to check on their welfare. A draft report says that conditions there amounted to arbitrary detention. The Foreign Office said the island was not suitable for migrants to live on. Other than the migrant camp, the island is used as a UK-US military base. Thousands of troops are stationed there, usually on a one-year deployment, along with a smaller number of military contractors. For all allegations of sexual assault and harassment, the alleged perpetrators were other asylum seekers. Civilian visitors are not allowed - and the island has officially had no resident population since the early 1970s when the UK relocated all the people living there so it could develop the base. The 61 people currently in the island camp are mostly Sri Lankan Tamils and the first of them landed on Diego Garcia in October 2021 after their boat ran into trouble while trying to sail to Canada, according to migrants and officials. Their subsequent asylum claims were the first ever to be launched on British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) - an area described as being "constitutionally distinct and separate from the UK", and where the UK government argues that the refugee convention does not apply. Satellite image of Diego Garcia, with a label showing the location of the UK/US military base to the north-west In its response to the UN report on the asylum seekers, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "BIOT is not a suitable location for migrants, which is why we have been working tirelessly to process the migrants' claims for protection and to find a suitable third country for those whose claims are upheld. "At all times, the welfare and safety of migrants on BIOT has been our top priority." UNHCR - the UN Refugee Agency - says the visit by its inspectors in late November marked the first time an "external party" had gained access to the island to monitor conditions there since the asylum seekers' arrival. The draft report it produced following its visit was released to the BBC by the supreme court of BIOT. Sexual violence likely 'under-reported' During its visit, UNHCR representatives heard several allegations of sexual assault and harassment, with alleged victims including young children. In all instances, the alleged perpetrators were other asylum seekers, the report says. It adds that there was likely to be an "under-reporting" of sexual violence because of shame and stigma, and a view among asylum seekers that there would not be an effective response. "It was clear from speaking to asylum seekers, both the general population and those who had made allegations, that they did not see anything to be gained by reporting, both in terms of justice and safety, including due to the fact that alleged perpetrators of sexual assault remain living in the camp alongside alleged victims," the report says. A decision made last July to designate family tents and single male tents was a "positive step" but "unlikely to be sufficient as a prevention mechanism", it notes, adding that there was "little evidence of other preventive measures". In the UN report, the asylum seekers on the island, which is hundreds of miles away from any other population, describe being bitten by rats in a fenced-off camp and say that they are only permitted to leave it under security escort, even if they just want to walk to the beach. That has led to feelings of despair and incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts, the UN's draft report - one of the first detailed insights into conditions on the island - says. The group of asylum seekers, which includes 16 children, said they felt bored, depressed, and hopeless. Some said they felt "forgotten", while one woman said: "Many of us think about ending our lives." Some of the children told the inspectors they had witnessed violence and self-harm, and made multiple references to suicide during the UN visit, the draft report says. Some of them recalled a time when a security dog came to visit the camp and they watched it through the security fence. "The children said that it made them sad that the dog was able to be outside the fence and they were not," the report says. A photo, previously provided to the BBC, shows one of the groups of Tamils on their fishing boat, on which they intended to voyage to Canada The asylum seekers do not have access to the internet and have never met their lawyers in person. Until now, details of the conditions they are being held in have been scarce - recounted mainly in court hearings in the UK. A process has been established to determine if the group should be sent back to Sri Lanka or to a "safe third country". The BBC last year established contact with multiple asylum seekers on the island, who described conditions there as hellish. UNHCR says it considers that the 61 Tamils on Diego Garcia are "subject to deprivation of liberty". "They reside in a closed place with no possibility to leave at will, which amounts to detention under international law," it explains. In its report, the UN agency says the conditions on the island "fail to provide the necessary standards of privacy, safety and dignity". The draft report says asylum seekers are held in a fenced area of approximately 100m by 140m, and are barred from leaving unless with a security escort. Most of the children have never left the camp other than infrequent visits to the beach under security escort, the report says. The island of Diego Garcia is a British overseas territory situated 6,000 miles from the UK The children showed UN representatives pictures they had drawn depicting the wired fence surrounding the camp and said their lives generally consisted of eating meals with their families, walking to the education tent for classes and then returning to their own tent. "Living here is like living in hell," a mother is quoted as saying. "Children go to bed late and in [the] night do not sleep because they do not feel at peace. And that is because the children feel that we as parents are not at peace." The asylum seekers are given three meals a day, and do not have the option to cook their own food. UNHCR observers found the meals to be varied and nutritional, but asylum seekers complained that the meals were sometimes not culturally appropriate, and that they had no say in what they ate. 'We think it may be better to die' The UN report describes a deterioration in mental health in the camp, and observers saw signs of clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The draft report says that while children in the camp appeared "playful and responsive" there were "worrying signs that living in an enclosed environment, in close proximity to adults who were suffering from poor mental health was having an impact on their emotional health". "Children have witnessed violence and self-harm. They are aware that many of the adults, including in some cases their own parents, have tried to end their lives." During the UN's visit, one teenage girl asked a UNHCR representative: '"Do you think that if I kill myself, my brother and parents could go to another country where they would have a better life?" At one point, a group of the migrants were sent to Rwanda for medical treatment - some of them were later returned to Diego Garcia Asylum seekers, including children, told the UN "they often feel their suffering is without end, and frequently consider the idea of purposely inflicting bodily harm or ending their life". Medical services on the island reported 21 incidents of self-harm between May and October 2023. "I feel I am alive on the outside but dead from inside. My body hurts me, and if the pains will further increase, I may have to hurt myself to end this all," one man said. Several people have been transferred to Rwanda - a 3,000-mile flight away - for medical care following self-harm and suicide attempts. If you are affected by the mental health issues raised in this story, the BBC Action Line provides support information here. Those who have had their claims for international protection approved are still waiting for a third country - where they can have a new life - to be identified. 'Not a safe place' UNHCR frequently heard concerns that asylum seekers felt they had been "forgotten" on the island and had "no way to speak up about their current conditions or perceived injustices". The UN report acknowledges that the sudden arrival of asylum seekers on Diego Garcia presented "enormous challenges" and says "important efforts were pursued to ensure that those who wished to make international protection claims were able to do so" and that services such as medical care were made available. But, it says, the "existing situation is not tenable". Its draft report calls for the asylum seekers to be "urgently relocated", for final decisions on international protection to be expedited, and solutions secured for those whose claims are approved. It also calls for the UK government to conduct "contingency planning" for possible future arrivals on the island, and for an independent mechanism to be established to monitor the treatment of asylum seekers. One of the group's lawyers, Tessa Gregory, from London firm Leigh Day, said she was "extremely concerned" about their wellbeing, describing conditions on the island as "appalling". Lawyers had been denied access to visit their clients on the island, she added. The UK took control of the Chagos Islands, of which Diego Garcia is part, from its then colony, Mauritius, in 1965 and went on to evict its population of more than 1,000 people to make way for the base. Mauritius, which won independence from the UK in 1968, maintains the islands are its own and the UN's' highest court has ruled that the UK's administration of the territory is "unlawful" and must end. UNHCR says its visit to the island does not constitute recognition of BIOT. Presidential candidate Nikki Haley signs posters at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Supporters wait to meet Presidential candidate Nikki Haley at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A pro-Palestinian protestor is kicked out by security at presidential candidate Nikki Haleys meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Trump supports protest outside presidential candidate Nikki Haleys meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Samina Wasifuddine, center, is kicked out of presidential candidate Nikki Haleys meet and greet before it began at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. I have a ticket to be here. They kicked me out because I have my scarf on, she said. The girl with blond hair was told she could stay. All of the white people we came with were allowed to stay. She was leaving with me and they pointed her out and said she was allowed to stay. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News (Right to left) Supporters Priscilla Haro, Jesse Haro, John Dewey, and Beth Dewey attend presidential candidate Nikki Haleys meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Pro-Palestinian protestors interrupt the beginning of presidential candidate Nikki Hales speach at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Pro-Palestinian protestors chant outside of presidential candidate Nikki Haleys meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Supports hold signs for presidential candidate Nikki Haley at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley takes photos with supporters at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley takes photos with supporters at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at a meet and greet at Viva Villa on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley made clear at a rally in San Antonio on Friday that shes staying in the presidential race, even after she lost the first three GOP primary states and is trailing former President Donald Trump in public polls. Haley said she is determined to give voters around the nation a chance to avoid a Trump versus Joe Biden rematch in November that she believes most voters dont want. VOTER GUIDE: Texas primary election Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am not going anywhere, Haley said to applause from hundreds of supporters who packed Market Square to hear her speak. Haleys rally comes just days before in-person early voting starts in the Texas primary elections. Election day is March 5. In a pitch to those who once voted for Trump, she said the reality is chaos follows him and that the nation cannot afford another four years with him in office. She said Republicans lost big in the midterms in 2018 when Trump was in office, then lost the presidency and then lost again in the midterms in 2022 with Trump-backed candidates missing out on seats in the U.S. Senate. Everything he touches we lose, Haley said. The only way we win the majority in America is if we have a new generational conservative leader. Haley said that as president she would cut taxes, reduce government spending and take a hard line against Russia and China, while helping secure the U.S. border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She also took a not-so-subtle jab at the ages of Trump, 77, and Biden, 81. Dont you think we need to have a mental competency test for anyone over the age of 75? she said. Haley is 52. Her San Antonio stop is part of a swing through Texas. She campaigned in Houston and Dallas on Thursday before her scheduled return to South Carolina, where she once served as governor. South Carolinas primary election is Feb. 24. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas has been a critical piece of Haleys presidential campaign. She made early stops in Texas last summer to build up her support and has leaned heavily on Texas donors to keep her in the race. Of the more than $35 million shes raised, about $4.1 million has come from Texans the most shes gotten out of any state in the country, according to Federal Election Commission records. Still, Trump has a solid base of support in Texas as he makes his third run for the White House. He has raised over $7 million from Texas donors. There has been limited public polling on the Texas presidential primary. One of the few polls done by the University of Houston showed Trump with 80% support. Early voting begins Tuesday. In San Antonio, Haley took extra time to stress her familys ties to the military. Her husband, Michael, is a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard and trained in San Antonio at one point, she said. CAMPAIGN 2024: Kamala Harris comes to Houston to court Hispanic voters for Bidens campaign Advertisement Article continues below this ad She reminded the crowd that Trump had taken a shot at her husband recently by questioning his location. Wheres her husband? Oh, hes away. Hes away, Trump said at a rally in South Carolina last week where he leaned into the microphone and said, What happened to her husband? What happened to her husband?! Where is he?! Hes gone. He knew. He knew. Michael Haley is on a yearlong deployment in the Horn of Africa. He mocked my husbands military service, she said as the crowd booed. If you will mock one member of the military, you are mocking every member of the military. Trump supporters made themselves heard at the event. Just outside the rally, a handful were outside shouting counter messages in support of the former president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At times, Haley had to raise her voice to speak over them, but she told the crowd that they had the right to protest thanks to the sacrifice of members of the military. Dr Shaida chaired Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain before its ban by the Government using the name Abdul Wahid The medical regulator has admitted that a doctor who is still free to see patients, despite leading an Islamist group until its ban last month, could damage public faith in the profession. The General Medical Council (GMC) has launched an investigation into Dr Wahid Shaida after he led protests featuring calls for jihad against Israel, The Telegraph can reveal. Dr Shaida was formerly leader of the UK branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) until its proscription as a terrorist organisation last month. The GMC admitted that his freedom to continue practising does raise potential fitness to practise concerns and may affect the publics perception of the medical profession as a whole. Dr Shaida, who, using the name Abdul Wahid, chaired HT Britain before its ban by the Government, was until recently a GP with Harrow-based practice GP Direct, in north-west London. He has already been suspended by NHS England, but remains registered with the GMC meaning he could still practise privately. He is no longer listed on his GP surgerys website. Extremist comments Among those raising concerns about Dr Shaida was the National Secular Society (NSS), which complained to the GMC that he had made extremist comments appearing to condone the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel. The group said that in a YouTube interview, which has since been removed, Dr Shaida described the attack as giving the enemy a punch on the nose, all right, and its a very welcome punch on the nose. Dr Shaida addressed a rally outside the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in London shortly after the attacks during which he told the crowd: Victory is coming and everyone has to choose a side. Whose side are you going to be on? A video clip showed people in the crowd chanting Jihad! Jihad! Jihad! after the speeches. The Met found no offences were identified in the clip. In an email to the NSS on Feb 8, the GMCs enquiries team said: The concerns you have raised can be summarised as the doctor is leading and/or involved in an organisation which supports anti-Semitic beliefs and encouraged acts of terrorism. This does raise potential fitness to practise concerns and in the GMCs view, may affect the publics perception of the medical profession as a whole. It added: We can confirm that we are considering these under our procedures. Shaida tried to justify Rushdie murder attempt In its complaint, the NSS had also warned the GMC on January 23 that Dr Shaida appeared to justify the attempted murder of Sir Salman Rushdie at a US book festival. Sir Salman was left blind in his right eye and has a damaged left hand as a result of the attack. A man has been charged with attempted murder and assault. The Telegraph revealed last month how in the aftermath of the attack Dr Shaida and fellow HT executive committee member Mazhar Khan both issued online statements pointing out that insulting the prophet Mohammed who was at the centre of Sir Salmans work The Satanic Verses was forbidden in Islam. NSS campaigns officer Dr Alejandro Sanchez said: Dr Shaidas leadership of a terrorist organisation, in addition to his public pronouncements on the October 7 attack and the stabbing of Salman Rushdie, are entirely incompatible with his duties as a doctor. Extremism has no place in healthcare. We welcome the GMCs decision to assess whether the leader of a proscribed terrorist group is a fit person to be a doctor. GMC guidance states: You must not express your personal beliefs (including political, religious and moral beliefs) to patients in ways that exploit their vulnerability or are likely to cause them distress. A GMC spokesperson said: We are fully aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding Dr Wahid Asif Shaida, and are looking into this as a matter of urgency. We thoroughly investigate concerns that suggest patient safety or the publics confidence in doctors may be at risk and we take action where it is necessary. Pejorative term Dr Shaida has been approached for comment. The GP, who has confirmed he was also known as Abdul Wahid, has previously denied his HT group is extremist, saying the word is used as a pejorative term. Speaking in October he said: I attend to my professional duties and commitments diligently, aiming for the best care of my patients at all times. For reasons of professional probity I keep a very clear line between my professional and political life. The disclosure comes less than a month after Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, warned that regulators must act swiftly against medics voicing extremist views, as the GMC was accused of dragging its feet over allegations of anti-Semitism. This weekend, responding to the GMCs admission, a Department of Health spokesman warned: It is vital that patients have faith in an impartial healthcare system, and we are clear that anti-Semitism is unacceptable. Racism or discrimination of any kind must be rooted out wherever they are found, and have no place in the medical profession. Regulators and healthcare providers should take timely and appropriate action in response to reports of healthcare professionals expressing extremist or discriminatory views, in the interests of patients and colleagues. 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. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned against softening the NATO alliance's commitment to joint defence in remarks during the second day of the Munich Security Conference. "Let me also make it clear: any relativization of NATO's guarantee of mutual assistance will only benefit those who - like Putin - want to weaken us," Scholz said on Saturday. He was clearly reacting to statements made by former US president and current candidate Donald Trump, who had made it clear during an election campaign appearance that he would not grant American support to allies with low defence spending in the event of a Russian attack. Scholz said in Munich that significant parts of the Russian armed forces were intact despite enormous losses of their own. "Russia has been preparing its army for this war for many years and has developed new, dangerous weapons systems at all levels. The Russian economy has long been working in war mode," said Scholz. "Putin has practically brought the economy, education, science and culture in Russia under his control. Anyone who stands up for freedom and democracy must fear for their lives," said Scholz. This is also shown by the shocking and outrageous news of the death of opposition activist Alexei Navalny in Russian custody, he added. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa About 30 tractors gathered to raise awareness of "unfair" treatment of British farmers. Farmers protesting against cheap imports have parked their tractors in a supermarket car park in Dover. About 30 tractors went to Tesco Extra in Whitfield to to protest against what they say is the "unfair" treatment of British farmers. It follows a slow-moving demo protest around the Port of Dover. Jeff Gibson, who set up Fairness for Farmers, said the group was considering a protest at Westminster. The government said it supported farmers. Mr Gibson said that protesters went to the supermarket to engage with customers and then headed towards the Port of Dover, before the demo came to an end. Farmers who took part were given permission by Tesco to set up their protest there. Farmers went to the supermarket to engage with customers Mr Gibson, from Yew Tree Farm in Wingham, said the group were working with Liz Webster at Save British Farming and were considering staging a future protest at Westminster. "It's possible," he said. "From here, it would take about four hours on the A roads. "Our organisation is all about fairness and equality for farmers. "We are under a swathe of cheap food that's coming into the country and destroying British agriculture." The protests follow demos by farmers across Europe who are campaigning against European Union farming policies amid concerns over unfair competition and cost hikes. In recent weeks, French farmers have moved tractors to blockade routes into Paris and demos have also been ramped up in Poland, Hungary, Spain and Belgium. After the demo at Tesco, the farmers headed towards the port A government spokesman said: "We firmly back our farmers. British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritising new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers. "We've maintained the 2.4 billion annual farming budget which supports farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably and are also looking at ways to further improve fairness in the supply chain." Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A motorcyclist was seriously injured overnight after a vehicle collided with him at a stop light in Miramar, authorities said. According to the San Diego Police Department, a 33-year-old man on a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle was stopped for a red light in the eastbound middle lane on the 9600 block of Miramar Road shortly after midnight. 19-year-old killed in fiery North County crash identified At that same time, a 30-year-old woman was driving a 2005 Camry eastbound in the same lane and collided with the back of the motorcycle, police explained. The motorcycle rider was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where was treated for serious injuries. SDPD said the driver of the Camry remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision. Traffic Division Investigators responded and are handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has said that the drone coalition has been officially launched within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as Ramstein-format meetings). Source: Ministry of Defence Details: Umierov signed a letter of intent and expressed his gratitude to the coalition's co-leaders, Latvia and the United Kingdom, for this important initiative. The ministry pointed out that membership of the coalition is open to all interested countries. Quote from Umierov: "This is a milestone on the way to achieving technological superiority over our enemy. Mass production and supply of UAVs will significantly expand the capabilities of the Armed Forces." For reference: In addition to Latvia, the UK and Ukraine, the coalition has already been joined by Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia and the Netherlands. Background: The UK and Latvia will provide thousands of drones to Ukraine as co-leaders of a large international coalition. Support UP or become our patron! The Netherlands is actively working with Kyiv on a bilateral agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a Kyiv Independent reporter on Feb. 17. We are discussing intensely now with (President) Volodymyr Zelenskys team on coming up with security guarantees... And Im cautiously optimistic that we can close these discussions pretty soon, Rutte said in press comments at the Munich Security Conference. Earlier this week, President Zelensky signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky signed a similar deal with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin earlier on Feb. 16 and with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Kyiv in January. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre told the Norwegian News Agency on Feb. 16 that he expects to sign a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on security guarantees in the coming weeks. The Group of Seven (G7) countries and several other partners have pledged to provide security guarantees to Ukraine via bilateral treaties. The security guarantees would entail explicit and long-lasting obligations, as well as bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. The guarantees would also cover sanctions, financial aid, and post-war reconstruction. Zelensky met with Rutte on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, discussing the security guarantees agreement, the Netherlands' further defense aid to Ukraine, and Kyiv's EuroAtlantic integration, among other issues, the Presidential Office reported. The Ukrainian president thanked the Dutch leader for his country's support and briefed him on the situation on Ukraine's battlefield. Zelensky and Rutte discussed Ukraine's needs in air defense and artillery capabilities, the Netherlands' role in providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and training Ukrainian pilots, as well as Kyiv's efforts in gathering support for Zelensky's peace formula. Read also: Zelensky in Munich: If Ukraine left alone, Russia will destroy us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Egypt has rejected reports that it is creating a buffer zone near its border with the Gaza Strip to accommodate up to 100,000 Palestinians. Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Service (SIS), said that Cairo was against the expulsion of Palestinians and also against them leaving the Gaza Strip voluntarily. However, Egypt had already built a buffer zone and fences on its side of the border long before the start of the Israeli military operation in the coastal strip, the statement from Friday evening continued. The Israeli army is currently preparing to launch an offensive into Rafah, a southern Gaza city with a pre-war population of some 300,000. Following the beginning of the latest Gaza war triggered by the Hamas attacks on October 7, some 1.3 million civilians are now sheltering there. Dpa had previously learned from Egyptian security circles that the country was planning to create a buffer zone near the border with Gaza to accommodate up to 100,000 Palestinians. A wall would be erected around the area in order to maintain checks on Palestinian refugees if necessary, sources said on Thursday. Work began around two months ago to accommodate refugees in buildings and tents, according to the information, which had not been initially confirmed officially. A general view of the Rafah border crossing from Gaza's side. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Theres a new way your job could help if youre struggling to balance your student loan payments with saving for retirement (and if thats you, youre not alone). Its the result of the Secure Act 2.0, which was signed into law in 2022. As of January 2024, your employer can contribute directly to your 401(k) retirement plan based on your student loan payments, according to Investopedia. A new study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute and JP Morgan Asset Management found that making student loan payments negatively affects how much people could contribute to their 401(k). Student loan payments for many were due in October after payments paused for more than three years because of the pandemic. By mid-November, 60% of the 22 million borrowers with payments due in October had paid, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The change is supposed to help workers who cant save for retirement, because they are overwhelmed with student debt, and thus are missing out on available matching contributions for retirement plans, according to Section 110. The study found the help could reduce how much people put into their 401(k) as they wouldnt be missing out on their employers matching contribution. One more way your work could help with your student loans: direct, tax-free contributions. Through 2025, employers can repay up to $5,250 on employee student loans. The program was put in place first through the 2020 CARES Act. How do you know if your employer offers this help? Start by checking any employee portal where you can look at your benefits it might be under something like financial wellness or fringe benefits. If you dont see anything, just reach out to HR or a benefits department. You can ask if its something theyre offering. And if not, you can suggest that they do. Business Insider featured a sample email script you could use to ask your employer. What is The Sum? The Sum is your friendly guide to personal finance and economic news. Were a team of McClatchy journalists cutting through the financial jargon so you know how these issues impact your life. We verify information from diverse sources and keep the facts front-and-center, making finance and economic news add up for you. Ready to take the first step to getting your finances under control? You can sign up for our five-week budgeting newsletter at thesum.news. Russias leading opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, who united people in his fight against Vladimir Putins regime, died Friday in a remote Arctic prison, where he was serving a decades-long sentence on trumped-up charges. He is survived by his wife, two kids, and the millions of Russians at home and abroad who yearned for a better future. The Kremlins propaganda machine, now in overdrive, lists the cause of death as a blood clot, spinning a narrative that Putin ever-so-popular with the people didnt need Navalny to die. In his 25 years in power, Putin has killed journalists, politicians, oligarchs, warlords, and activists anyone who dared to speak up and oppose his brutal regime. Murder is Putins MO, and time and time again it proved to be an effective means of keeping his grip on power. But Navalnys sudden death changes the equation for Putin and for Russias future; it symbolizes a transfer of power from those who seek peaceful means to fight the regime to those who believe that the only way to change Russia is by force. Navalnys last call to action was when he asked opposition-minded Russians to take part in a noon against Putin a silent protest planned for March 17, the last day of Russias three-day presidential election, that would have people flood the countrys polling stations exactly at noon and cast their ballot for any candidate but Putin. By no means a strategy to change the outcome of a predetermined election, this was a way for those opposed to Putin to see that theyre not alone. Theres little doubt that some Russians will come and express their disdain for Putin and his bloody ways, but sadly, a silent protest against a neo-fascist regime, amid its yearslong war of imperial conquest, is unlikely to bring about change. Navalnys struggle was peaceful. Throughout his political career, Navalny argued that free and fair elections and ending corruption would bring prosperity to ordinary Russians and give each of them a voice in deciding their countrys future. Arguably, his popularity was second only to Putins, which caused the latter to fear and, eventually, put Navalny in jail, where he died. Tragically, Navalnys fight for a better Russia was short of bringing about a tectonic shift in the way that Russians perceived their country and themselves. Navalnys death wasnt for nothing; his work the extensive catalog of Putins corruption will undoubtedly contribute to the eventual regime change in Russia. But that change wont be won with the late freedom fighters values. The fight against Putin is far from over, as a new generation of activists emerges in Russia. While they may share Navalnys disdain for Putin, they see the futility of a nonviolent approach to bring change to Russia. Last June, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious financier of the Wagner mercenaries who sent tens of thousands of Russian convicts to storm the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, announced a march of justice. Blaming the corruption of the Russian elite for the countrys setbacks in the war in Ukraine, he assembled a group of fighters in a military that quickly took the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and proceeded towards Moscow. Prigozhin demanded that Putin hand him the Russian minister of defense and the chief of the general staff, so that he could punish them for their inept handling of the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin, whose plane was mysteriously blown out of the sky two months after his failed mutiny, was the new face of the Russian revolt: Whatever he lacked in political prowess, integrity, and even popular support, he made up for with tanks, anti-aircraft guns, and a crew of mercenaries with no qualms about using them against their countrymen. Prigozhins death, meant to serve as a warning not to try and oust Putin, reinforced the belief that the next time an armed group marches towards the Kremlin, it better not stop at Moscows outskirts. Another Putin critic, Igor Strelkov (sentenced to life for downing the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, now jailed in Russia on unrelated extremism charges) could be heard quoting Navalnys investigations into the corrupt dealings of Putins inner circle, including the Defense Ministers opulent villa outside of Moscow. Like Navalny, Strelkov was also convinced that corruption is preventing Russia from realizing its potential, albeit one of imperial glory. After Navalny was jailed and politics in Russia were declared a form of extremism, extremism invariably became a form of politics. Opposition to Putin is no longer limited to exiled intellectuals, writers, and liberal-minded Russians, but now includes the likes of the Free Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps paramilitary units consisting of Russian citizens fighting on Ukraines side in the war. Their successful incursions into Russia proper, along with the partisans derailing of trains and setting fires to oil refineries across the country, is slowly crystalizing the idea that death and destruction are legitimate and, arguably, effective tools to fight Putin and his men with guns. A bloody revolution was not what Navalny or the millions of his supporters stood for. Its doubtful that anti-Putin rallies, held today in front of Russian embassies worldwide, call for mutinies, guns, bombardments, or the use of lethal force against a man who has never shied away from using such force himself. But with the rallies, the outrage, and the heaps of flowers laid in Navalnys memory, its hard not to notice that an irreversible change happened in Russia: The voices of peace, even that of Navalny, are all but ignored. Russias future is no longer in an Arctic Gulag, sending messages of love, hope, and resilience. Its no longer in books, ballots, or blogs. Rather, its in the hands of the people whose values, whatever they may be, are expressed through violent force. Tragically, its not the future that Navalny had died for, but it may be one that Putin deserves. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Press Release February 16, 2024 Bong Go provides assistance and support to hundreds of fire victims in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan On Tuesday, February 13, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, through his Malasakit Team in coordination with Councilor Elgin Damasco, demonstrated his continued dedication to assisting Filipinos by extending help to families affected by fire incidents in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. "Alam kong mahirap ang masunugan pero ayaw kong mawalan kayo ng pag-asa. Tandaan ninyo, ang gamit mabibili natin, magsumikap lang tayo. Ang pera ay kikitain natin yan, magsumikap lang tayong magtrabaho. Pero ang pera na kikitain natin, hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-iingat tayo palagi," underscored Go in a video message. The distribution activity was held at the Mendoza Park Amphitheater in Puerto Princesa City, where 750 affected families received grocery packs, water containers, snacks, and shirts. There were also select recipients of bicycles and shoes. Go primarily authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act. This Act requires the BFP to undertake and implement a ten-year modernization plan. This modernization program includes the acquisition of contemporary fire-fighting equipment, the hiring of more firefighters, and the offering of specialized training, among other initiatives. "Kaya ako bilang inyong senador, nagsulong ako ng batas, itong Bureau of Fire and Protection Modernization Act para sa mga bagong gamit sa ating mga bumbero, at education campaign para turuan kayo na mag-ingat. Kapag may nasunog na bahay damay talaga ang mga kapitbahay kaya nakikiusap ako na magtulungan lang tayo mga kababayan," said Go. Apart from the support, Go also extended support to those needing medical-related assistance. As the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Chair, Go encouraged them to take advantage of the medical assistance programs available in the Malasakit Center located at Ospital ng Palawan in Puerto Princesa City, Culion Sanitarium Hospital in Culion, and Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Brooke's Point. Under RA 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate, Department of Health (DOH)--run hospitals and other qualified public hospitals can have their own Malasakit Centers to provide faster and more convenient access to medical assistance, particularly for poor and indigent patients. There are now 159 operational centers in the country since the program was initiated in 2018. According to DOH, around ten million Filipinos have benefitted from the Malasakit Centers. The senator also emphasized his advocacy to establish Super Health Centers nationwide, particularly in 13 strategic locations across Palawan, ensuring the essential health services are closer, especially in far-flung communities. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, Jr., local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. There will also be 132 Super Health Centers funded in 2024. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of several multipurpose buildings in Bataraza, Sofronio Espanola, and Roxas; road improvements in Aborlan, Brooke's Point, Coron, Sofronio Espanola, Narra, Quezon, and Rizal; installation of storm drainage and small water impounding project in Cagayancillo; the acquisition of dump trucks in Coron and Dumaran; and streetlighting project in Puerto Princesa City, Linapacan and Magsaysay. Dade Phelan addresses the crowd during a Feb. 15 campaign rally at Jack Brooks Airport in Beaumont. Kim Brent/Staff photographer The crowd takes in the speakers during a Dade Phelan campaign rally Feb. 15 at Jack Brooks Airport in Beaumont. Kim Brent/Staff photographer Rick Perry talks with guests at a Dade Phelan campaign rally Feb. 15 at Jack Brooks Airport in Beaumont. Kim Brent/Staff photographer BEAUMONT Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan hasnt had the best start to 2024. The state GOP censured him this month for his efforts to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton. His main Republican primary challenger was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Ads attacking his conservative record are sweeping his East Texas district, including one featuring Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the powerful Senate leader who has feuded with Phelan over property taxes and border security. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police recently arrested a man on suspicion of threatening to kill Phelan. And this week, political critics showed up at his house in Beaumont to confront his wife. Now, Phelan is fighting back. This is a war, he told a crowd of roughly 400 at a campaign event Thursday night. This is the nastiest, most negative campaign Ive seen in Texas legislative history millions of dollars, Phelan said. Theyre going to lose on March 5, and theyre going to regret every damn dime they spent. Phelan, who has spent two terms leading the lower chamber, typically uses his campaign cash to help reelect members of the GOP majority. But in recent weeks, hes had to focus more on making it through his own race, launching ads attacking David Covey, the energy consultant and GOP activist challenging him in the March 5 primary, and Paxton, who has led the charge to unseat Phelan since the attorney general was acquitted by the Senate last year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Phelan also has been promoting his own conservative credentials and touting the benefits of having a hometown representative as the powerful speaker of the House. And hes leaned into his record responding to the string of natural disasters to hit his coastal district in recent years, including Hurricane Harvey. The seat covers all of Jasper and Orange counties and part of Jefferson County, including about a quarter of Phelans hometown of Beaumont. Much of the race has centered on charges from Phelans critics that he has held up conservative legislation and ceded too much power to Democrats over his two terms as speaker. Phelan faced similar criticism after his first stint with the gavel in 2021, mostly from a small but vocal faction of conservatives, but the Houses move to impeach Paxton paired with its failure to pass a school voucher proposal has turbocharged GOP backlash toward Phelan and other House Republicans. Covey said Phelan is more beholden to his liberal donors and friends in the Texas House than the constituents of his district. This race is a chance to put every elected official in Texas, and in the entire county, on notice, Covey said in an email to Hearst Newspapers. Our victory in this race will serve as a reminder to every elected official that they work for the people, and when they dont, there are consequences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The speaker has enlisted former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to vouch for his conservative bona fides, featuring the former governor in a recent ad and at the campaign event this week. Perry told the crowd on Thursday that the attacks against Phelan were baseless, and that they should weigh the value of sitting at the table when every big issue gets decided in Austin through Phelans status as speaker. This in-house fighting and all that kind of stuff I dont understand, frankly, why this is happening, Perry said. I dont know why I need to be in Beaumont, Texas, telling you that you will be absolutely out of your mind if you get rid of Dade Phelan. Phelan also has sought to refocus the race on the needs of the district and urged voters to reject the attacks lobbed by two West Texas oil tycoons, Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, who have been dropping tens of thousands of dollars on attack ads against him. This election is about Southeast Texas, Phelan said at the campaign event. Its actually about more than Southeast Texas its an inflection point in the Republican Party of Texas. Its about right and wrong. Are you going to allow this seat to be bought back by West Texas billionaires? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The crowd offered back a chorus of nos. I say hell no, Phelan agreed. Also challenging Phelan is Alicia Davis, a retired hairdresser from Jasper County who has focused her campaign on eliminating property taxes. Davis, who did not respond to a request for comment, framed herself in a recent social media video as an anti-career politician who is fighting for the regular folks like us. While Davis is running a far less visible campaign than Covey, having spent only a few thousand dollars, her candidacy could force Phelan into a runoff if he does not win an outright majority. It would be a major embarrassment for the speaker. Phelan said Thursday he isnt worried about a runoff, but he appealed to attendees for their votes and any extra support they could gather from their families and friends. At least 10 state representatives traveled to Phelans district to lend their support to the speaker, who spent much of his time on stage railing against Paxton, Patrick and other right-wing critics. State Rep. Jared Patterson of Frisco said he cant wrap my brain around the effort to trade a speaker of the House for a freshman legislator whos not even going to know where the bathrooms are in the Capitol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hes the most conservative speaker that weve had in Texas, not only in the history of the state of Texas, but leading the conservative agenda forward in the entire nation, Patterson said. Covey acknowledged that the speaker has tremendous power but argued that Phelan did not wield it for the benefit of Texans, let alone his district. Phelan and his liberal lieutenants killed conservative legislation on border security, election integrity, and educational freedom at every turn, Covey said. Southeast Texas will be better off with a representative that fights for our communitys values than we ever were with a liberal Speaker. Lori Rape of Nederland attended Phelans event on Thursday just to get a feel for the speaker and what kind of support he has. Rape used to follow politics closely, and she still keeps tabs on whats going on, but things have gotten so divisive that its hard to be fully invested, she said. I hate that we have such infighting, said Rape, 60, as she sat at a table with her son and two grandchildren. I hate that they keep fighting, and I wish theyd quit. She saw that Trump endorsed Phelans primary opponent, but she also knows that wouldnt be a thing if the party wasnt at war with itself. There are so many local issues that need attention, she said, and she hopes Phelan in his high-profile job can help residents address them. Hes the speaker of the House, she said. Hes got a lot of control and power. Her 10-year-old grandson, Bradley, nodded next to her. It was his first campaign event, and he said he was having a good time though not necessarily because he has any particular feelings about the speakers race. North Carolinas 10th Congressional District spans across Lincoln and Forsyth counties. ALSO READ: The Political Beat Candidate Guide: North Carolina primary elections Five Republicans have thrown their hat in the ring and are facing off ahead of the March 5 primary elections. Two candidates have captured extra attention in the specific race: Pat Harrigan endorsed by Mark Robinson and Grey Mills endorsed by Tim Moore. When it comes to protecting this nation, Ive served as a commander in the Special Forces, I know what it means to serve, Harrigan said, I know the consequence of service. I know the consequence of weak leadership, theres nobody better positioned in the state to tackle national security issues than me. We need Washington to be more like Raleigh. I look at Washington and I get disgusted with what I see the failed leadership at the White House, Mills said but quite frankly, too many people in Congress are doing the wrong thing. We need to bring our values and our way of thinking to Washington DC. >>>Tune in to The Political Beat on WSOC-TV at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, as both candidates speak about their positions, plan ahead of Marchs primary election (WATCH BELOW: State senate candidate says hes lived in his district longer than registration shows) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Sheriffs Office will be hosting the fourth annual Deputy Peter John Herrera 5K Memorial Run/walk Sunday, March 24 at Ascarate Park. The check-in will take place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. and the race starting at 8 a.m. Registration prices is as it follows: Early registration: $25 per person, running from Jan. 22 to March 11. Late registration: $35 per person, running from March 12 to March 23. Race day registration: $40 per person at the day of the event. Additionally, registration includes a goody bag and a race t-shirt. You can register here. Additionally, there will be badge sponsorships opportunities including the following: Gold Badge Sponsorship Price: $1,000 Two teams in the race (total of five members per team). Special sponsor signage on the race path (yard sign). Recognition banner as Special Gold Badge Sponsor at Memorial Run. Company logo on all printed material to include social media. Silver Badge Sponsorship Price: $500 One team in the race (total of five members per team). Special sponsor signage on the race path (yard sign). Recognition as a Silver Badge Sponsor at Memorial Run. Bronze Badge Sponsorship Price: $100 Special sponsor signage on the race path (yard sign). Herrera was killed after being shot during a traffic stop in San Elizario back in 2019. All proceeds to benefit Herreras scholarship fund, according to the Sheriffs Office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Erie County Republican Committee and Conservative Party endorsed James Gardner as their candidate for Erie County district attorney Saturday. Gardner currently works as a law clerk for Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case and was formerly an assistant district attorney. Im honored to receive the endorsement of the Erie County Republican Party and look forward to working together to take back control of the District Attorneys office in 2024, Gardner said in a release. Democrats across New York have abandoned the rule of law, leaving our families and communities defenseless against a devastating border crisis, rising crime, and reckless bail reform laws. Erie County taxpayers deserve a District Attorney who will uphold the rule of law, empower law enforcement, and hold criminals accountable. Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker said in a statement that Gardner would bring a fresh approach as district attorney and give law enforcement the support they need to do their jobs. Gardner will likely go against Michael Keane, the Erie County First Deputy District Attorney, in the November election. Keane was endorsed by county Democrats for the role last November. The endorsements for both Gardner and Keane come as current Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced that he will step down from his post on April 1 with just months remaining in his final term. Keane will take over as district attorney in the interim. Latest Local News Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn believes that the European Union will be able to produce up to two million artillery shells for Ukraine every year from 2025. Source: German news agency DPA and European Pravda citing Hahn in an interview with the German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine Details: Hahn said, "we would already be able to supply 500,200 artillery rounds" as early as March 2024, when the EU promised to deliver a million shells to Ukraine. "By the end of the year, we will have such large production capacities that we will be able to produce two million artillery shells from next year," he added. Hahn admitted that the EU has failed to fulfil the promise of supplying a million shells to Ukraine due to problems connected with production. "Ammunition has always been produced only according to demand. That is why we have cut back many production capacities in the past and now we have to build them up again," he explained. Background: In early January, the European Commission expressed confidence that the EU would be able to produce one million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine by spring, despite the fact that the process has stalled. But in fact, the European Union admitted that they would only be able to supply Ukraine with just over 500,000 artillery shells by March, rather than the promised million. EU defence ministers had agreed at a meeting in Brussels that they would fulfil their promise to supply Ukraine with a million artillery rounds, albeit later than they had planned last year. Support UP or become our patron! European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in favour of nominating an EU defence commissioner, she said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, a high-profile gathering of world leaders to discuss the global security situation. If she were to remain president of the EU's executive arm, she would appoint a commissioner for defence, the German politician said, adding that this would be sensible. It is considered certain that von der Leyen will seek a second term as European Commission president. However, the 65-year-old has not stated her intentions publicly. An announcement is expected on Monday, when the executive committee of von der Leyen's Christian Democrats (CDU), Germany's main opposition party, meets in Berlin. For von der Leyen to run again, her party would have to propose her as the candidate of the European People's Party (EPP), its faction in the European Parliament. Wednesday is the deadline by which EPP candidates can be nominated for the post of president of the European Commission. Von der Leyen, who previously served as German defence minister, has been European Commission president since 2019, with her term set to end on October 31. In light of the changed security situation in Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, representatives from several German parties including the CDU have spoken out in favour of appointing a commissioner for defence at EU level. Kyiv's partners "need outside-the-box thinking" regarding providing Ukraine with sufficient weaponry to repel Russia's full-scale invasion, ex-NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17. "At the end of the day, it's a question of raising the necessary funds for purchasing ammunition and weapons outside Europe, outside the U.S., wherever we can get it," Rasmussen said, responding to a question from the Kyiv Independent. Rasmussen's comment comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine. The military was forced to withdraw on Feb. 17 from the heavily battered city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast as Russian forces attempted to encircle it. Meanwhile, the country is facing a growing shortage of ammunition as further aid to Ukraine remains tied up in the U.S. Congress. Read also: Dutch PM: Netherlands actively working on bilateral security guarantees for Ukraine When asked by the Kyiv Independent why Ukraine is not being supplied with enough ammunition and other weapons, Rasmussen replied that aliies should change their "political attitude." "There are some physical limits as to how quickly you can scale up production of ammunition, but there are things you can do immediately. You could deliver them on Feb. 24 this year if you wish." Rasmussen said that Germany could decide to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles as "they are in inventory already," while the U.S. could deliver more ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. "I do not say that the delivery should be public. On the contrary, if we could surprise the Russians, they would be even more efficient," added Rasmussen. "That could be done easily immediately." Read also: Zelensky in Munich: If Ukraine left alone, Russia will destroy us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Northwest activist, furniture maker and newspaper columnist is being remembered in a new exhibit that opened Saturday at the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO) in Portlands old town neighborhood. Titled Craft, Community and Care: The Art and Legacy of Bob Shimabukuro, this exhibit shows how Shimabukuro touched many lives with his work. Bob was a very multi-talented and thoughtful person who lived by his beliefs, said Lucy Capehart, JAMOs Director of Exhibitions and Collections. And I hope people will come away with thinking that they can make a difference in the world. Oregon Department of Education makes ruling on class time lost during winter storm Bob passed away in Seattle in 2021 and the museum worked closely with his wife and children to make this the first public, in-person celebration of his life and work. This exhibit was a strong collaboration with the family, Capehart added. They really helped curate it, the whole thing from the beginning to the end. So thats something that we are a community museum and we want people to know that we share other stories. The Okinawan-American grew up in Maui and moved to Portland in 1963 to attend Reed College. It was here where he got his start in woodworking, often making things for a purpose. He made a music stand for his brother-in-law, a chair for his wife that was small enough for her, things like that. Everything in his woodworking had a purpose and a meaning behind it. Ava Roasteria mixes coffee with cocktails, creating The Roastery by Ava In 1979, he designed and built the interior of Tanuki, a yakitori restaurant in Portland, where hed go on to become a chef and co-owner. Bob was also known for his leadership in the regions Japanese American Redress Movement by helping internment survivors prepare their testimonies. He even wrote a book about it. Then in the mid-80s, Bob became a journalist in Los Angeles. A move to Seattle brought his return to the northwest to care for his brother, Sam, who battled AIDS and passed away in 1988. In light of his brothers passing, Bob co-founded the nonprofit Asian Pacific AIDS Council. Portlands TriMet upgrades bus lines for more frequent service starting Feb. 25 He was an activist, a writer and editor and a woodworker, but he was really known for his changing things and he just, if something was wrong, he would gather together folks and make a change, said Capehart. I mean, I want people to come away thinking that they too can do something for their community. The exhibit opening coincides with Portlands annual Day of Remembrance, which honors the 125,000 Japanese-Americans who were unjustly incarcerated in the U.S. during World War II. Bob was one of the organizers of the very first one that happened at the Expo Center back in 1979. The exhibit featuring his work will stay open through April 14 at JAMO. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Ken Littman loved to talk, because he had so much to share. Friends said whether the topic was Fall River history, faith, politics, sports, music or the law, he spoke with clarity, conviction, passion and wisdom. Littman, a Fall River native, attorney, politician and pillar of the citys Jewish community, died Thursday at 72. Littman was a longtime congregant and board member of Congregation Beth El despite living 40 minutes away in Jamestown, Rhode Island. In an interview in January, Littman told The Herald News he didn't mind the drive for Sabbath services. Ive always had the connection," he said. There are other synagogues around here I could have joined, but I always wanted to go back to that one. Temple Beth El: 'Resilient' congregation downsizing from iconic synagogue, but will 'continue on' Littman a man of 'grace and politeness' Littman was born in 1951 to Arthur and Phyllis Littman, who owned a dress manufacturing company on Martine Street. He was raised on June Street with his brothers, Michael and Harvey. As a boy he attended Temple Beth El, which in the 1950s and 60s was thriving with hundreds of Jewish families. He attended Hebrew school at the temple three times a week, was a member of its Boy Scout Troop 24, took arts and crafts classes there. Years later, at a gathering marking the congregations 95th anniversary in 2023, he showed off a study book he kept from his youth, and a plaque hed made in woodworking class at Temple Beth El an image of the Hebrew letter resh, or R. He made it when he was 8 or 9 years old. Showing it off to the crowd, he joked, with his usual mix of sentiment and self-deprecating humor: I still have it to this day because I cant sell it." Fall River native Ken Littman is seen in his 1969 B.M.C. Durfee High School yearbook photo. Littman graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School in 1969 and studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating with his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. He moved to Jamestown in the early 1980s but always kept a law practice in Fall River, first on Highland Avenue and then at the corner of Cherry and North Main streets. Over his decades-long career, he gained a reputation as a compassionate, fair lawyer who conducted himself with integrity and class. Ken Fredette, Fall Rivers assistant corporation counsel, said he first met Littman in 1990, when he had been hired as a prosecutor under then-Bristol County District Attorney Ron Pina. Littman was a defense attorney, and a regular in the district court." I count myself as a friend for the past 34 years, Fredette said. He soon discovered how Littman loved to share, when shop-talk about legal cases would take tangents into the personal. We might start talking about legal issues, he said, and over the passage of time, you learn about the kids that they have, the trips that they take, the hobbies and vocations on the side. In the courtroom, Littman was admired by his peers and controlled under pressure. When youre doing defense work, you lose a lot. Its just the way it is, Fredette said. Hes a guy who accepted the rulings with grace and politeness. See inside: Fall River's Temple Beth-El synagogue is a place of peace and community Attorney Kenneth Littman is seen inside his Cherry Street law office in Fall River in this Herald News file photo from July 2021. A fixture of Fall River's Jewish community and beyond In an interview with The Herald News, Littman said he didnt really participate in things for a number of years when it came to temple life, but came back to Beth El in the late 1990s. Still sentimental, he remembered his youth there with great fondness and he threw himself into the community. He was on the board of directors at Temple Beth El, he was the secretary of the Fall River United Jewish Appeal, he was the past president of the Fall River Jewish Home, and instrumental in its sale, and the president of the Jewish Omni Fund," said Marie Twomey, office manager at the temple. We are all heartsick about Ken. The congregation admired Littman for the energy he put into helping maintain a Jewish presence in the city, and for the love he gave the community. They gave it to him in return. I've known him for over 40 years and will miss his kind demeanor, his sharp wit, and his sense of humor," said Robert Falconero, treasurer of the congregation. His dedication to his family, his friends, the Fall River community, and the Jewish community, will always be remembered and appreciated. The interior of Temple Beth-El, looking toward the bima, at 385 High St. in Fall River. He was a fixture at the temple, Rabbi Mark Elber said, not only for his deep faith but for the sense of camaraderie he felt. We would talk after services a lot on Friday evenings," Elber said. One of the interests that we shared was a love of music what acts were going to playing at the Narrows, and what we might go see. During these last 10 and a half years, the time that Rabbi Mark and I have been the clergy at Temple Beth El, Ken was a regular participant in our Shabbat evening services," said Cantor Shoshana Brown, who said Littman was always warm and full of life. We were always happy to see him walk into the chapel. Just as Littman was welcomed back to the congregation after time away, he welcomed others. When I moved back to the area four years ago and joined the temple, Ken was one of the first members to enthusiastically welcome me back 'home, said Beth El congregant Jeff Ginsberg. "He was a constant light and presence at services and temple events, a warm heartfelt man of composure, intelligence and wisdom. Ginsburg said Littman was always ready to help the congregation, and was a fountain of historical information, with "an encyclopedic knowledge of the Fall River Jewish community. [He] always enjoyed talking about the evolution and changes in Fall River since when we were kids in the 50s and '60s. His presence and warmth will be sorely missed. In his adopted home of Jamestown, Littman again tried to make his corner of the world a better place. He was a volunteer for the Jamestown Fire Department, and served on the Town Council for eight years, two of them as president. Even in the often fraught world of local politics, he made only friends. In a 2005 Providence Journal article, colleagues only quibble was that he encouraged night-long discussions about any topic, whether under the purview of the Town Council or not, from the town tax rate to the War in Iraq. But they were quick to add that Littman had a good heart, and that his primary goal was always a commitment to the community, to make sure everyone was heard. I've always thought that whether you agree, disagree or thought that the point was irrelevant, Littman said at the time, that we should air out the issues and have open debate." Ken Littman, congregant and board member of Temple Beth El in Fall River, delivers a speech to fellow members of the Beth El community during an event in 2023. Jewish community plans life celebration for Littman For the last several months, Rabbi Mark Elber said, Littman had been ill. He said he sat with Littman at the hospital recently, along with Susan Finn, Littmans wife of four decades, and other members of Littmans family. Elber said Littman was unresponsive. Despite that, I could not let go of the hope that he would recover, Elber said. I could not give that hope up. Littman died Thursday, surrounded by his family. He had two children, a son, Jake, and daughter, Abbey. He is also survived by two grandchildren, his brothers, in-laws, and many extended family members. That extended family includes his beloved congregation, which will celebrate Littman's life at a service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, at Temple Beth El, 385 High St. Littman will be buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on McMahon Street in Fall River. The community was very enamored of him, Elber said. He was really well loved. Thats the strongest thing. Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River attorney, Jewish community leader Ken Littman dies at 72 Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri. Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here. You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis testifies during a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. The hearing is to determine whether Willis should be removed from the case because of a relationship with Nathan Wade, special prosecutor she hired in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. (Alyssa Pointer/Pool Photo via AP) Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is used to prosecuting high-profile, challenging cases. But as she parried questions about her own personal conduct from the witness stand against the legal teams for defendants her office has accused of election interference, many Black women recognized a dispiriting scene. It absolutely feels familiar. There is no secret that the common sentiment among Black women in positions of power (is that they) must over-perform to be seen as equals to their counterparts," said Jessica T. Ornsby, a family litigation attorney in the Washington, D.C., area. Here, Ms. Willis is being scrutinized for things that are not directly related to her job performance, in ways we see other Black women regularly picked apart, Ornsby said. Willis testified during an extraordinary hearing that could result in her office being removed from the states election interference case against former President Donald Trump. She was questioned Thursday about her relationship with the attorney leading her offices prosecution, Nathan Wade. Willis and Wade have acknowledged they had a personal relationship but have denied any improper conduct. Regardless of the legal merits of the claim by Trump and his co-defendants that Willis' conduct was improper, relationships between coworkers are often prohibited or must be disclosed in many workplaces, including at major private law firms. Willis has faced criticism from many legal experts otherwise supportive of the case due to her relationship with Wade. Still, few people who find themselves in such circumstances have the most intimate details of their lives aired so publicly. In interviews with The Associated Press, many Black women leaders expressed frustration and disappointment that public attention had turned from the merits of the criminal case to the personal conduct of the Black woman overseeing the prosecution. For them, the court challenge to Willis echoes familiar experiences of tests of their authority, competence and character. I love that she stood up for herself, but I hate the fact that she had to," said Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. She said that when she saw video of the testimony she felt: Why are you all treating her like SHES on trial? Black women feel like were under attack. And thats a fact," Campbell said. Willis, who has a reputation as an incisive trial attorney, was visibly upset when she took the stand Thursday to reject allegations that she improperly profited from the prosecution because of the relationship. It is a lie, the district attorney said of allegations in court filings. Youve been intrusive into peoples personal lives. Youre confused. You think Im on trial, Willis testified. These people are on trial for trying to steal an election in 2020. Im not on trial, no matter how hard you try to put me on trial. For many Black women, the inquiries into Willis' romantic and financial life were rife with tropes and accusations often unfairly levied at Black women. Keir Bradford-Grey, a partner at the law firm Montgomery McCracken in Philadelphia, found the questions about Willis' personal life disgusting. She also said the episode had disturbing implications for Black women in leadership roles: I cant imagine a world where we have to continue to be treated like this as we seek leadership roles, and we do them well." LaTosha Brown, co-founder of voting rights group Black Voters Matter, despaired of the fact that Willis was having to answer questions about whether she has money, whether she has cash or not and why she has cash, who she sleeps with, who is she flying on an airplane with. So, what is this really about? Brown added. When white power, particularly white men, are being held to account ... the first thing to do is to disqualify the people that are holding them accountable, especially when those people are Black women. Scrutiny of Willis' personal life has diverted attention away from the allegations against Trump. He has been indicted four times in the last year, accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, in Florida of hoarding classified documents, and in Manhattan of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels on his behalf. Trump has railed against individual prosecutors, judges and the legal system as a whole. But he reserves special, often coded rhetoric for his attacks on women and people of color. Donald Trump knows that he can make an easy target for his base out of a Black woman," said Brittany Packnett Cunningham, a racial equality activist and podcast host. What we should recognize is that across many indictments, this particular attack to disqualify through her personal activities is uniquely pointed. Of all the prosecutions that he has endured, this is not the approach he has taken. But he took that in particular with a Black woman. The testimony from Willis also reminded many of similar public questioning of Black women's leadership, including the recent ouster of former Harvard University President Claudine Gay and the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Images from the court proceedings also reflect many of our day-to-day experiences: defending ourselves against a sea of individuals who do not share our background and harbor biases both implicit and explicit," Ornsby said. On Friday, Willis' team did not call her back to the stand. While the court weighs whether she will be disqualified from the criminal case, it remains largely in limbo. Were not talking about the things that actually matter, which include, but are not limited to bringing this country at least a tiny step back from the brink of fascism. No, instead were evaluating a Black womans looks, character and professionalism when all she did was do her job, Cunningham said. The standards by which they are judged, with their actions scrutinized at every turn, just seem to be a little different, not a little, a lot different than what I see of our male counterparts, Bradford-Grey said. I wish there would be a day that women stand together and say we want the same bar of treatment that men get. ___ Matt Brown is a member of the APs Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on social media. How far behind average is Columbus on winter snow this year? COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Even with all of the wintry weather this past Friday, its no secret that this winter has been very quiet in the snow department. That trend is not unique to just here. Across much of the Midwest and toward the East Coast, many cities are in a deficit for snowfall though mid-February. Snow emergencies in central Ohio for Feb. 17 Snow totals at John Glenn International Airport this season has only recorded 9.8 inches of snow. That is short of a foot behind schedule. Other cities with deficits around a foot include Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. LIVE VIPIR RADAR Typically in an El Nino winter like ours, Ohio would experience drier and slightly warmer winters. The slight warmer trend has held up. Total precipitation Columbus is around an inch above average, but that is mostly due to rain. There is one more chance that Storm Team 4 is tracking for very light snow moving into central Ohio. Those details can be found in The Most Accurate Forecast. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Claire Leveque is originally from Westlock, Alta. She was killed in the Sandness area of the Shetland Islands, a remote archipelago in the northern United Kingdom with a population of roughly 23,000. (Facebook/Claire Leveque - image credit) A Canadian father is shell shocked after learning his 24-year-old daughter was killed in Scotland and her boyfriend has been charged with murder. According to Scottish police, Claire Leveque was killed in the Sandness area of the Shetland Islands, a remote archipelago in the northern United Kingdom. It has a population of roughly 23,000. "This is the sickest thing you could possibly imagine," said father Clint Leveque. Claire is originally from Westlock, Alta., a small community approximately 90 kilometres north of Edmonton. Her father said she traveled to the Shetland Islands late last year with her boyfriend, Aren Pearson, who is from the area. The Crown Office in Scotland said Pearson, who has a local address, has been charged with murder. He appeared in court on Thursday. The pair met in Edmonton and started dating last summer, according to her father. In a press release, Scottish police said officers responded to a report of a disturbance earlier this week and pronounced Leveque dead at the scene. Scottish court records show that Pearson made no plea, was remanded into custody and is expected to make another court appearance in the coming week. 'Things really aren't adding up,' says woman's father For Clint, there are many unanswered questions. He said he received strange text messages Sunday from Pearson, indicating something was wrong in the relationship and that flights were booked for the couple to return to Canada. "Things aren't really adding up," he said. For now, Clint said he is focused on the positive things about his daughter in this dark situation. "Being happy and doing things that she loved doing and being with people," he said. He is, however, clear about his long-term goal: "I just want justice." Video from BBC News aired on Thursday showed police officers and police tape around a residence on the Shetland Islands; it also shows a damaged vehicle being pulled from the water. Police would not say what happened with the vehicle, only that a man, who they described as the 39-year-old suspect, was taken to hospital. "This has been a huge shock for the small and close-knit community of Sandness. I'd like to send my sincere condolences to the family and everyone concerned," said local councillor Liz Peterson. Global Affairs Canada told CBC News that it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Scotland. "Consular officials are contacting local authorities to obtain additional information. Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed," said spokesperson Grantly Franklin. The father of a 57-year-old man who died during a police chase in July is suing the city of Fort Worth, alleging negligence and wrongful death. Uriel Lemon Brown, the father of Andra Craig, filed his lawsuit in Tarrant County on Jan. 11, according to court records. Fort Worth police officers from the Directed Response Unit were pursuing a stolen Dodge Challenger the evening of July 6. The suspect refused to stop and continued to evade officers even after police used stop sticks and deflated one of the Challengers tires, officials said. Craig, an innocent bystander, had just left a birthday party when he unknowingly drove into the path of the high-speed chase, according to the lawsuit. A police Tahoe collided with Craigs vehicle at the intersection of Rosedale Street and Evans Avenue. Craig had the green light according to witnesses, but the police vehicle struck his car suddenly and without warning, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit alleges that the high-speed pursuit was unlawful, and the officer involved didnt even try to apply his brakes or avoid the crash. Today's top stories: Fort Worth ISD technology staff among jobs cut by district Second Court of Appeals affirms Aaron Dean manslaughter conviction Forklift driver killed in accident at north Fort Worth Walmart facility Get free alerts when news breaks. Craig had no way of avoiding being struck by the police cruiser, according to the lawsuit. Craig was ejected in the crash and died at the scene, police said. The police Tahoe hit a second vehicle after colliding with Craig, and the driver was treated at the scene, according to police. The officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The lawsuit alleges that the police officer, who is not identified by name in the lawsuit, was clearly not paying attention when his vehicle collided with Craigs. The negligent, careless, and reckless acts of the City, through its employee, violated the duty it owed to Craig on the occasion in question, the lawsuit states. Brown, who is suing on behalf of himself and Craigs estate, is asking for over $1 million in damages and a demand for judgment for all the other relief to which the parties deem themselves entitled. The city has not yet filed a response with the court. On July 7, the day after Craigs death, the Star-Telegram filed an open records request with the Fort Worth Police Department for the departments policy on making decisions about when to initiate, continue or call off a vehicle pursuit. Similar requests were made by the Fort Worth Report and CBS. The city asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for permission to withhold the records under the Texas Homeland Security Act. Paxtons office, which reviews requests by governments in Texas to withhold information, said that at least a portion of the records should be released. The attorney general determined the city hadnt demonstrated that the documents met the criteria to be exempted from open records requests. In September the city of Fort Worth filed a lawsuit in Travis County asking for relief from the attorney generals rulings because city officials said they believe the determination of when to call off a vehicle pursuit is tactical information that, if made public, would interfere with the departments ability to prevent, detect or investigate crimes. The Fort Worth Police Department released parts of its vehicle chase procedure on Monday but left out some sections including forbidden pursuit tactics and the use of tire deflation devices. The released portions of the chase policy serve the publics interest in accountability and allows them to educate themselves on the departments policies while simultaneously protecting the Fort Worth Police officers and our residents by not providing specific tactics used to apprehend offenders, the department wrote in a news release. The segments released Monday begin on page 106 of the general orders on the departments website. Its not clear whether the police department or the city attorneys office believes that the released segments satisfy the public record requests filed by the Star-Telegram and the other news organizations, or whether the release resolves the citys lawsuit against the attorney general. On Thursday, the Justice Department announced charges against an FBI informant with inventing the claims that the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had hired Hunter Biden as a way of channeling bribes to Joe Biden. David Weissthe Trump-appointed special counsel who had also levied charges against Hunter Bidenannounced the charges, contending the informant had transformed his routine and unextraordinary business contacts into salacious allegations targeting the president. The informant, 43-year-old Alexander Smirnov, had allegedly given agents false information in 2020 and was known to strongly dislike Joe Biden. According to the indictment, Smirnovs story fell apart upon questioning in 2023. He was arrested in Las Vegas on Wednesday. So just how much does it matter to Republicans that this FBI informant has been charged with fabricating his claims? How much does it change the narrative about the Biden crime family that has become entrenched among both right-wing politicians and media? We cant assume the development will be taken seriously on the right, given Trump supporters distrust of the FBI. On Fox News, the biggest peddler of this narrative, the hosts ignored the news. But if it were taken seriously, it would come as a significant blow. The FBI informant, who had not been publicly named previously, was the star figure of possibly the most credible accusation against the president. You may recall the whole drama from May 2023 in which Rep. James Comer and Sen. Chuck Grassley demanded the FBI release an unclassified record alleging a criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. That was the form that contained this fabrication from Smirnov. Known in the Fox News internet sleuth community as the FD-1023 form, it contained claims from an informant asserting that the then-unnamed Smirnov had spoken with Burismas founder and discovered that Burisma officials had tried to pay the two Bidens $5 million each for their help in ousting Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who had been investigating Burisma for corruption. If that had been true, it would have been a true bombshell: As vice president, Joe Biden would have leveraged his power over U.S. foreign policy to protect a foreign company from prosecution in exchange for a bribe. In other words, it would have been a clear-cut case of corruption. But there was a real reason the FBI resisted sharing this form: It contained an unsubstantiated allegation from a dubiously reliable source. In 2020, the Trump DOJ had investigated Smirnovs claims and failed to find any evidence supporting them. There was no reason to present the allegations as legitimate. The FBI was right to worry that releasing the form would be dangerous. When it gave a redacted version of the form to the legislators, the Republican hype machine went into overdrive. In his position as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Comer repeatedly alluded to proof of corruption, seemingly based on the form. But more importantly, Fox News latched onto the allegations, accusing the FBI of covering up for the Bidens and portraying the informant as highly credible and in danger of retaliation. Sean Hannity emerged as the forms biggest booster. According to data from the liberal group Media Matters, his show aired 85 segments promoting the bribery claim in 2023. On Fox, the presidents corruption became an assumed truth. Smirnovs claims also became central to the House GOPs failed effort to impeach Biden. One might hope that there would be vast recriminations and public embarrassment now that the feds have formally charged the source of so much drama with making it all up. But the damage in public perception from this episode is done and likely cant be corrected with the news of the informants arrest. Even if the right took it seriously, though, Fox News still has a few other Biden crime family storylines to mine that are not connected to Smirnov or his form. As the Media Matters data showed, while Smirnovs claims were the most exciting accusations, Hannity had even more segments (though fewer triumphant monologues) on Comers vague claims that Hunter Biden had used shell companies to launder the money they were receiving from foreign nationals. (The Washington Post reported that these were all actually legitimate businesses, except for one short-lived company that may have been unconnected to Hunter Biden.) Then theres the connected claim from a Comer memo that the committee had found more than $20 million in payments from foreign sources to Biden family members or their associates. None of the payments were directly connected to Joe Biden, and the Post found that only $7 million of that total went to Biden family members. Theres also the 2017 email in which a Hunter Biden associate used the phrase 10 held by H for the big guy? in discussions of a partnership between Hunter and his uncle Jim Biden and the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy. The draft agreement and later official agreement that resulted from this exchange made no mention of Joe Biden; theres no evidence the president was involved in any of this. And finally, theres a threatening 2017 WhatsApp message that Hunter sent to a Chinese executive: I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Democrats have maintained that this was pure bluster from Hunter, who was struggling with drug addiction at the time. An associate of Hunters testified that they were trying to create the illusion of access. There are even more snippets the right has fixated on. For years now, the right-wing media world has been meticulously scouring all communications and documents related to Hunter Biden for evidence of his father betraying the American public. While officials have found evidence of Hunters illegal and unethical behavior around his taxes and use of firearms, there has been nothing officially tying Joe Biden to any wrongdoing. Smirnovs claims were the most likely source of anything solid showing that the president was involved. Joe Biden may have been reckless in failing to prevent his son from using his family name for clout, but the Republicans case for actual corruption is now a lot emptier. The FBI Atlanta Division has issued a warning to the public regarding a telephone scam targeting residents of Georgia. The scam involves fraudulent calls claiming that individuals have failed to report for jury duty. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< During these calls, scammers impersonate law enforcement officers or officers of the court, alleging that the recipient has neglected their jury duty obligation. The caller may employ threats of criminal prosecution or jail time to intimidate victims. In an attempt to avoid purported arrest, the scammer solicits immediate payment of a fine, often requesting sensitive financial information or suggesting the purchase of prepaid cards such as Green Dot cards or gift cards for payment. To lend credibility to their scheme, scammers may provide details such as titles and badge numbers of legitimate law enforcement officers or court officials, names of federal judges, and addresses of courtrooms. Additionally, they may manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as though the call is originating from a legitimate source, such as the Court or a government agency. Individuals need to exercise caution and skepticism when receiving unsolicited phone calls, particularly those requesting personal information or payment. The FBI advises against providing any sensitive information or monetary transactions to unknown callers. Courts typically communicate with prospective jurors via U.S. Mail and do not request payment or personal identifying information over the phone or via email. To avoid falling victim to such scams, the FBI recommends several precautions: Be wary of unsolicited phone calls. Refrain from providing money or personal information to unfamiliar callers. Trust your instincts and terminate the call if you feel pressured or uncomfortable. Verify the authenticity of any claims made by unknown callers with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials. Individuals who receive fraudulent calls regarding jury duty are encouraged to report them, along with any pertinent information such as caller descriptions and caller ID details, to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov. [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. The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a new cancer therapy that could one day transform the way a majority of aggressive and advanced tumors are treated. The treatment, called Amtagvi, from Iovance Biotherapeutics, is for metastatic melanoma patients who have already tried and failed other drugs. Its known as TIL therapy and involves boosting the number of immune cells inside tumors, harnessing their power to fight the cancer. Its the first time a cellular therapy has been approved to treat solid tumors. The drug was given a fast-track approval based on the results of a phase 2 clinical trial. The company is conducting a larger phase 3 trial to confirm the treatments benefits. The therapys list price the price before insurance and other potential discounts is $515,000 per patient. This is going to be huge, said Dr. Elizabeth Buchbinder, a senior physician at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Melanoma is not one of those cancers where theres like 20 different possible treatments, she said. You start running out of options fast. Dan Bennett, 59, credits TIL therapy with allowing him to beat the slim odds of long-term survival of stage 4 melanoma. His daughter, Faith Bennett, 29, first noticed a suspicious mole on Bennett's neck in 2011. (Courtesy Dan Bennett) Fridays approval is only for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, but experts say it holds promise for treating other solid tumors, which account for 90% of all cancers. It is our hope that future iterations of TIL therapy will be important for lung cancer, colon cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer and many other cancer types, said Dr. Patrick Hwu, chief executive of the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Moffitt has been involved with Iovances clinical trials of TIL therapy. TIL stands for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which are immune cells that exist within tumors. But there are nowhere nearly enough of those cells to effectively fight off cancer cells. TIL therapy involves, in part, extracting some of those immune cells from the patients tumor and replicating them billions of times in a lab, then reinfusing them back into the patient. Its similar to CAR-T cell therapy, where healthy cells are taken out of a persons body and then modified in a lab to fight cancers. Thats usually used for hard-to-treat blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. With TIL therapy, the cells used are already programmed to recognize cancer no lab modifications needed they just need a boost in numbers to fight it. Like CAR-T, TIL therapy is a one-time treatment, though the entire process can take up to eight weeks. The TIL cells are first harvested from the tumor through a minimally invasive procedure and then grown and multiplied in the lab, a process that takes 22 days, according to Iovance. While thats happening, patients are given chemotherapy to clear out their immune cells to make room for the billions of new melanoma-fighting TIL cells. Once the TIL cells are reinfused back into the body, patients get a drug called interleukin-2 to further stimulate those cells. Hwu said that most side effects in patients undergoing TIL therapy are not from the reinfusion of cells, but from the chemotherapy and the interleukin-2. These can include nausea and extreme fatigue, and patients are also vulnerable to other illnesses because the body is depleted of disease-fighting white blood cells. Putting billions of cells back into the body is not entirely risk-free, however, said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society. Its possible that the bodys immune system could overreact in whats known as a cytokine storm, which can cause flu-like symptoms, low blood pressure and organ damage. There are risks for immune-related side effects, which could be serious, he said. Common side effects associated with Amtagvi can include abnormally fast heart rate, fluid buildup, rash, hair loss and feeling short of breath, the FDA said. Those side effects can be managed, said Dr. Steven Rosenberg, chief of the surgery branch at the National Cancer Institute. Theyre a small price to pay for a growing cancer that would otherwise be lethal. Overall, Dahut said the approval of TIL therapy is meaningful. Whats nice about this is that patients will receive a wide variety of tumor fighting lymphocytes that will be able to have the capacity to overcome resistance and actually be a living therapy over time, too, to target additional cancer cells should they develop, Dahut said. In addition to melanoma, Dahut said that TIL therapy is most likely to be useful in cancers that respond to drugs that take the brakes off the immune system, called checkpoint inhibitors. Those would be things like non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, maybe bladder cancer, that we know are responsive to immune-based therapies to begin with, he said. Many of those patients relapse, so another immune-based therapy that works in a different way, seems to me, the most likely way for this to be effective. Much more research is needed, and it may be years before TIL therapy is approved for other types of cancer. One of Iovances clinical trials investigating TIL therapy for non-small cell lung cancer was forced to pause when a participant died. While the death is under investigation, the company said it may have been the result of either chemotherapy or interleukin 2 therapies meant to knock down each patients immune system before they can get the reinfusion of their TIL cells. The therapy is not expected to work for every metastatic melanoma patient. Clinical trial data that Iovance submitted to the FDA showed that tumors shrank in about a third of patients who received TIL therapy. Of those patients, about half saw their tumors shrink for at least one year, Dr. Friedrich Graf Finckenstein, chief medical officer of Iovance Biotherapeutics. Some of these patients even had their tumor completely disappear, he said. Another study, conducted in the Netherlands, did a head-to-head analysis of TIL therapy and another form of immunotherapy, called ipilimumab. Twenty percent of the patients who received TIL had complete remissions, compared with 7% of patients who got ipilimumab. Iovance was not involved with the Dutch trial. The goal of the therapy, Hwu said, is to get rid of the cancer and have it stay away. These immune cells stay in the body and live in the body for decades. The technology has been in development and studied for nearly 40 years. It was Rosenberg who pioneered TIL therapy first describing how it could shrink melanoma tumors in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1988. Ive been waiting for a very long time to see this given to patients, because I know that it can cure some patients that have metastatic melanoma that cannot be affected by any other treatment, Rosenberg said. Its worked so far for Dan Bennett, 59, of Clermont, Florida. Bennett was diagnosed with melanoma in 2011 after his daughter noticed a suspicious mole on his neck that had changed color. Despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, his cancer kept returning. In 2014, his doctors at Moffitt recommended he try TIL therapy. At first, we were pretty leery about it because it was unproven, Bennett said. Ten years later, Bennett is convinced the TIL therapy is the reason he has survived so long with stage 4 melanoma, which usually has a five-year survival rate of 22.5%. I would recommend any experimental drug if its your last opportunity, he said. You owe it to yourself and your family to do whatever you can to stay alive and to be a productive member of society. Buchbinder, the Dana-Faber doctor, was not involved with Iovances TIL therapy trial for melanoma, but she is scheduled to begin similar trials with other drugmakers. We literally have patients right now waiting for approval because they are hoping theyll be able to go on it, Buchbinder said. It is definitely a practice-changing therapy. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com When she was 35 the age I am now my mother died of breast cancer. I was eight and my sister Charlotte was nine. Sixteen months before that, my dad died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My childhood years are a bit of a blur: Dad had been ill since I was a baby, but Mums illness came on more aggressively. I mostly have memories of hospitals, and my mother coming home between stays. My older sister Charlotte and I were brought up by our maternal grandparents. Our upbringing with them was stable and happy and they did an incredible job of raising us. By 1996, when Mum died, scientists had already discovered the science around the BRCA gene, but it wasnt being talked about publicly. Put simply, the human body has two genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. If these genes become altered, they vastly raise your cancer risk. It mainly affects women, but men can get it, too. Katie as a child with her mother in 1989 The only preventative treatment is for women to have a mastectomy and also to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. The actress Angelina Jolie, who was BRCA-positive, underwent both procedures in the 2010s. One-in-250 people in the general population have the BRCA fault, but people from the Ashkenazi Jewish community have a one-in-40 risk. Earlier this month, the NHS announced a new testing programme that any person with one Jewish grandparent could volunteer for a free test. This is an important medical advance that will save many lives. The programme wasnt around when I was younger. But I studied neuroscience at university, a course which included some genetics. And though no-one ever discussed it with me, I just knew mums cancer was due to the BRCA gene, because of her Jewish ethnicity, and the fact she had died so young though this was never confirmed. But, I was young, I was having fun, and I didnt dwell on it. At least, I made the firm decision not to dwell on it. At 21 I found a lump in my breast, went to see my GP and I was sent for a scan. Despite my family history, I was matter-of-fact at this point. Maybe I was just repressing everything: a lot of anxiety was to come later. Thankfully, the lump was benign. I told myself I was going to go away and enjoy life until the age of 30, when I knew that BRCA-positive women could start having breast scans. But I wasnt really able to forget about it. In 2014 when I was 24 I decided I needed to find out for sure. So I asked my GP to refer me for a test. A few weeks later, I went to a hospital in north London to give a saliva sample, and speak to a genetic counsellor to prepare me for the procedure, and discuss my options. Katie says she 'just knew' her mum had inherited the BRCA gene because of her Jewish ethnicity There were a few weeks between the test and my result. Im generally an anxious person I worry about everything from the wellbeing of my family to the environment. But for some reason, I was able to cope with this situation quite well. In the end, I found out my fate via a phone-call while I was at work. I was alone. When the counsellor asked is now a good time? I just knew. The counsellor confirmed that I had BRCA1, the most common form of the mutation. Hard as it might be to believe, I simply filed the information to the back of my mind, told myself I would worry about it later and got on with my life. My soon-to-be-husband Jonny and I had just got together and I was looking forward to starting a family, ideally when I was 30. My 30th birthday arrived. I suspected I might be pregnant. Then the letter inviting me for my first MRI scan came through the letterbox. A mammogram is not adequate for screening a younger woman, as our breast tissue tends to be too dense to see any abnormalities. Only an MRI will do, and you cant have an MRI when youre pregnant, because the radiation could harm the foetus. But I went to the appointment anyway. On hearing I might be pregnant, the radiographer sent me home. I freaked out. For weeks, I anxiously replayed the situation in my head. Was I making a mistake getting pregnant at this point? What if I already had cancer, and now it wasnt going to be picked up? It turns out I was expecting, and that happy news was enough to send thoughts of BRCA to the back of my mind once more. If worries bubbled up, I repressed them. I had my daughter Leila in June 2019, and vowed to breastfeed for as long as I could, as experts believe breastfeeding can lower your risk of cancer. By the end of 2020, I was expecting Alexis. Again, I was determined to breastfeed her. The scan letters kept arriving, but I couldnt go as the dye injected for the MRI can get into your breastmilk. Katie with her two daughters, Leila and Alexis By now, I was starting to experience regular spikes of panic feeding my baby alone at night, for example. I would tell myself I wished I had never found out about my BRCA gene. However much you push it away, put it to the back of your mind, you cant unknow this information. My imagination went into overdrive. I was terrified that I wouldnt be there for my kids. Why hadnt I done this 10 years earlier? I also berated myself for not having IVF. If I had a girl naturally there was a 50 per cent chance I would pass the BRCA mutation on to her. IVF allows embryo screening, and I could have ensured a BRCA-negative baby. In August 2022 I started the process for having a double mastectomy, the first stage of preventative surgery. It was six months before I finally saw a surgeon at the Royal Marsden. Many more appointments followed: with the plastic surgery team, the specialist breast nurse and my surgeon. Meeting my surgeon was also distressing. The theory of having my breasts removed was something I had been discussing for years, but the reality of it was overwhelming. The surgeon had given me so much information that I wasnt expecting. I was shell-shocked and deeply upset. My surgeon told me there were different options for surgery. I could either opt for implant reconstruction or using my own tissue taken from other areas of my body. Both had pros and cons. Whereas I had always assumed I would be able to keep my nipples after the reconstruction, the surgeon said this wasnt necessarily possible in my case, which upset me greatly. My head was swimming. But Jonny and I went out for lunches and long walks to discuss everything. Then I had to go home and put on a brave face for my little girls. Katie will go back for her second operation in June - Paul Grover for the Telegraph Two months after meeting the surgeon, I had scans on both my breasts and my ovaries. I was a wreck, convinced I was going to have cancer. As the radiologist scanned one ovary at a time, pronouncing them clear, I almost collapsed with relief. By now, I was researching on social media, engaging with other BRCA-positive women. Just talking to people who understood what I was going through and could tell me about their experiences made me feel so much better. Eventually, we decided I would have a two-stage mastectomy. First, a breast reduction, then, after a six-month recovery period, the full mastectomy with implant reconstruction. This route would have the best aesthetic outcome whilst reducing the risk of infection or implant failure. The implants would need to be replaced roughly every 10 years, but it meant I could keep my nipples, the downside being I would have two surgeries instead of one: two recoveries and more time off work and out of action. And so, in December 2023, I underwent the first stage of my mastectomy. The op went smoothly, and recovery was much faster than I had expected. Ill go back for the second stage in June. Im feeling positive. At some point I will also have to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. A womans risk of ovarian cancer doesnt increase significantly until after shes 40, but I want to have the surgery before then, maybe next year. Its not ideal, as Ill then go into an early menopause and have to be put on HRT, but that is the reality and so I need to deal with it. Katie will tell her children about BRCA when they are older - Natasha Greene The shadow of the inherited BRCA gene will never go away. My sister Charlotte had a test after I did: she is negative. But then, I look at my two little girls, and I do worry. They wont be eligible to have the test until they are 18, and it has to be their decision. But at some point I will have to tell them about their family medical history, maybe when they are studying GCSEs and have some understanding of science. This is a conversation I cant bear to think about having, but I console myself with the fact that treatment for cancer moves on so fast. If my mother was alive now, I am sure she would have survived her disease. I have enormous empathy for any other family going through this. I see why people might bury their heads in the sand and prefer to remain ignorant: I certainly did for many years. But avoiding the issue will not change the outcome. Knowledge is power, and you simply have to face it. For more on the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme, click here As told to Miranda Levy BRCA gene: the facts What is the BRCA gene? The BRCA gene is involved in the DNA repair pathway, and it has a protective effect against cancer, says Ranjit Manchanda, a professor at the Wolfson Institute at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust, in London. Sometimes, however, people can get a fault in their genetic code. The gene doesnt function properly and they are more predisposed to cancer. There are two types of BRCA gene: BRCA 1 and BRCA2. Who is at risk of inheriting the faulty gene? Most population testing studies have been done initially in the Jewish population, says Prof Manchanda, because of the higher prevalence. One in 40 Ashkenazi Jews carry a BRCA mutation. In the general population one in 250 people carry a faulty BRCA gene. How much does having the mutation increase my risk of cancer? Women carrying the BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation have a 17-44 per cent risk of ovarian cancer, and a 70 per cent risk of breast cancer. Most of these cancers can be prevented. Men carrying the BRCA2 mutation have an increased risk of prostate and male breast cancers. However, 90 per cent of people with the BRCA fault have not been identified. If you dont have the BRCA gene fault, your risks of contracting breast cancer are around 12 per cent, and ovarian cancer, 2 per cent. What is the testing process? Individuals register on the NHS portal and receive information on the testing process. Everybody who wants counselling can receive it this can help people decide if they wish to have testing, or not. The patient spits into a tube which is then sent off to a lab for the DNA to be extracted. A positive test can be emotionally upsetting for some, but the anxiety is often short-term and gets better, Prof Manchanda explains. It is usually better to know, and opt for preventative treatment. All people testing positive receive counselling and support, as well as referral to NHS genetics services and clinical pathways. What is the treatment? For breast cancer, annual MRIs start from the age of 30, followed by the removal of the breasts and ovaries. A mastectomy is a big operation that requires counselling beforehand and reconstructive surgery afterwards, says Prof Manchanda. Ovarian surgery is done by keyhole and the patient then has to take HRT for the early menopause which follows. Will this test be rolled out to the wider population? Its taken 16 years of work and efforts to demonstrate a benefit to the Jewish population and roll out this scheme, says Prof Manchanda. Yes, eventually I hope that can be possible; it is the direction of travel. However, this will need more research. This year sees the launch of a large study called Protect-C, which will test women in the general population for cancer genes including BRCA. Is there genetic screening for other conditions? The NHS usually screens only for certain cancers, plus there is screening for other genetic conditions including Downs syndrome. Prof Manchanda is less certain about the benefits of screening for other conditions such as Alzheimers. It is important to consider the implications of such testing with care, with a clear benefit identified, he continues. But theres no doubt that, as the field evolves, genetic screening could become more broadly applicable on the NHS for other chronic diseases. 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. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin confirmed that he is not going to run for president of the United States, ending months of speculations that he was going to run an independent campaign. The Friday announcement comes as there have been concerns that Manchin's potential 2024 presidential run could have complicated the race for the White House. During a speech in West Virginia, Manchin said that he "will not be involved in a presidential run" as he shifts his focus on other ways he can bring a divided nation together. Joe Manchin Not Running for President The West Virginia senator also said that he does not want to play the role of a spoiler as United States President Joe Biden is heading to a likely rematch with former president Donald Trump. He added that he does not believe that now is the right time for him to run for president, saying that Democracy is at stake. The senator, who is a centrist Democrat who has relished his influence in a closely divided Senate, has stoked speculation for months that he could run for the highest position. He has also aligned himself with No Labels, which is a bipartisan group that has been looking into fielding a potential centrist ticket, as per the Washington Post. Manchin's flirtations have become a source of anxiety for Democratic lawmakers as they are looking toward a likely Biden-Trump rematch. They are already facing close races in many key battleground states. In Morgantown, West Virginia, the senator spoke but did not dwell on the Biden or Trump candidacies. Instead, he promised to work to "secure a president that has the knowledge and has the passion and has the ability to bring this country together." When asked regarding Manchin's decision on Friday, Michael Tyler, a Biden campaign spokesperson, praised the West Virginia senator. He said that Manchin has been an "incredible partner" for the administration in Congress. Amid the rumors of a potential presidential run, Manchin has criticized Biden for being too liberal and scrutinized Trump, saying he would not be part of the latter's efforts to return to the White House, according to CNN. Read Also: US VP Kamala Harris Condemns Navalny's Death as Another Indication of Putin's Brutality Ending Months of Speculations of an Independent Campaign While the West Virginia senator initially planned to make a decision by this spring, he made the call to do it early and instead shift his focus to a new group. This is Americans Together, which promotes moderate politics. The centrist Democrat has been at odds with members of their own party throughout his congressional tenure, which started in 2010 after winning a special election for a vacant Senate seat. While he gave his support to Biden's efforts on some key legislative wins in the first half of the latter's presidency, he has been an outspoken critic of the president. The No Labels party has been looking to attract a candidate for president, and Manchin has been one of the highest-profile names it was seeking to bag. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan quit the board of the party in January. Hogan then decided to endorse former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in her presidential efforts. Additionally, the former Maryland governor announced his own campaign for Senate in his state last week, said the New York Times. Related Article: Landmark Verdict Delivered: Donald Trump's Civil Fraud Trial Concludes Busy Week in Court The U.S. Department of Labor accused a Naples restaurant of violating several labor and wage laws. The investigation that followed resulted in serious penalties for the local establishment. The restaurant has paid the U.S. Department of Labor more than $53,000 in civil money penalties. Upscale Fifth Avenue restaurant Sails had to pay over $184,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to 56 employees after the department's investigation. Here's everything we know, plus a response from Sails management. What was the $184,000 for? The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $184,139 in back wages and liquidated damages for the 56 U.S. or seasonal guest employees. A back wage is money that is owed to an employee for work that they've completed but weren't paid for at the time. Liquidated damages are a remedy for victims of certain unlawful employment discrimination or wage violations.. What was Sails Restaurant accused of? The department found multiple violations of federal nonimmigrant work program and federal minimum wage and overtime violations. Sails Restaurant also violated provisions of the H-2B worker visa program, federal investigators said. The H-2B worker visa program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs. Here's some things the department found out that the employer did: Imposed special experience requirements for H-2B workers to qualify for jobs Illegally kept the tips of some H-2B and U.S. workers Failed to pay a worker's last paycheck Paid an incorrect overtime rate to tipped employees Failed to list all qualifications in the job order Didn't give proper notices related to job termination, denying H-2B workers U.S. work status rights Improperly classified jobs or excluded job tasks on work orders Didn't provide job orders or notify workers of their rights Didn't reimburse visa expenses for H-2B workers, despite knowing the requirement Sails Restaurant's General, Manager Veljko Pavicevic makes a plate of food during family meal time at the restaurant on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 in Naples, Fla. The Sails Restaurant staff prepare a family meal for each other every day before opening the restaurant to customers. Sails says DOL release was "misleading and unjust" Sails Restaurant Director of Operations Corinne Ryan wants to set the record straight. Here's what Ryan told Naples Daily News about the investigation. "The DOL press release is very misleading and unjust," Ryan said. Ryan said she has personally handled all matters regarding tips and payroll since Sails Restaurant opened six years ago. Ryan said they appointed a "very reputable payroll company and selected its top-level HR service to ensure that we were compliant with all laws." "I can say that we learned through this investigation that was closed two years ago that our business lacked some procedures and record keeping, which we have since rectified," she said. Ryan said she and her husband regularly waited tables as well as hired staff. "Unfortunately, the DOL did not want to see evidence that we were serving tables and ruled against us with double damages," Ryan said. Ryan said managers still serve tables at Sails from time to time, but any additional gratuity they get is distributed amongst the rest of the staff. "We decided not to seek further review of the investigators findings due to the distraction and costs associated with the protracted process," Ryan told Naples Daily News. "Taking this to court would again double the costs to our small family business." What happens next? The Naples establishment was fined $53,536 in civil money penalties. On Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Wage and Hour Division of the department will host a free webinar to educate employers on the Fair Labor Standards Act and H-2B provisions. Florida teens: They say they want to work. But will Florida Legislature enable bad bosses? You must register for the event to attend. If you'd like to contact the Wage and Hour division, call (866) 487-9243. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples restaurant Sails investigated, ordered to pay back wages (COLORADO SPRINGS) I woke up to a million texts and calls from my friends and parents, said Colin Johnson, a sophomore at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) in an interview with FOX21 reporter Maggy Wolanske after two people were found dead in a dorm room Friday morning. I didnt know what was happening, Johnson said. I look out my window and theres a ton of police cars all over the place. It was crazy to think aboutit happened so close. ORIGINAL STORY: Lockdown at UCCS following reports of a shooting Willow Kitchens, another sophomore, said she woke up earlier than usual on Friday morning. I got out of bed at 6:01 and made my bed like I usually do. I have a puppy so I let her out. I saw three cop cars outside my dormitory. Texts and screenshots began pouring in shortly afterward saying there had been a shooting at the school. It was already a tragic week for everyone, Kitchens said, referencing the death of a student at the UCCS gym just days earlier, on Monday, Feb. 12. It was just really hard. Its been really groggy, not just the weather, but everybody has just been on edge. And then thisanother tragedy in the same week, so soon after. You know, its just one of those things thats like you would never, ever think that someone would have to go through, Kitchens said. And then knowing that two more people just went through something, you know, something different. But its just tragic on every level. Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske Courtesy: FOX21 photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Cora Mitchell Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Cora Mitchell, photo is of Willow Kitchens, UCCS studen UCCS is a small campus, and naturally, it left Kitchens wondering if maybe shed seen one of the two students who had died. I know a few people that are in that dorm and honestly some of them you dont have contact with, but you know, you see these people every day. They walk past you even if you dont know them. Theyve said hi to my dog, you know, theyve pet my puppy before and I dont even necessarily know their name. MORE COVERAGE: Community reacts after two found dead in UCCS dorm room Nathan Mushlin, a student at UCCS, told FOX21s reporter a similar story to that of his classmates. He woke up at 7 a.m. and got a text from his roommate. He got up, found his friends and they told him the news. At first I didnt believe it. It was like a fever dream because I was still waking up and everything. Colorado Springs is one of the safest places in Colorado. And for this to happen, its nuts. I never would have thought that this would ever happen in my life, Mushlin said. It really hasnt fully hit me yet. But the best I can do is just comfort people. Just be there for people, be there for my community that I love and cherish so much. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Scams are growing more sophisticated each year. No one is immune from the potential for loss, experts say. | stock.adobe.com The Cuts personal finance columnist Charlotte Cowles shared a story from last year about how she was scammed out of $50,000 through an Amazon scam call. Cowles works as a financial advice columnist for the publication, which is under New York Magazine, according to KTLA 5. The beginning Per The Cut, Cowles story occurred this past Halloween. She received a call from what looked to be Amazon. The customer service agent told Cowles that there was unusual activity with her Amazon account, claiming she purchased $8,000 on MacBooks and iPads. After checking her account history, Cowles couldnt find the purchase, and the agent, Krista, then claimed the order was made under her business account which Cowles said she didnt have, but Krista claimed she had two. Reasoning that Cowles was a victim of identity theft, Krista went on to flag the fraudulent accounts and freeze their activity, telling Cowles to check her credit cards, reported The Cut. After checking her banking information, Cowles saw nothing out of the ordinary. Krista then explained that Amazon often dealt with identity theft and false accounts, even stating that they were working with a liaison at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and was referring defrauded customers to him, as she wrote for The Cut. Amazons agent then recommended Cowles transfer to the liason, to which she agreed. The FTC transfer Cowles was then transferred to the supposed FTC investigator identifying himself as, according to The Cut, Calvin Mitchell, who shared his badge number. To verify Cowles identity, Mitchell had her spell out her name and confirm personal information, such as her home address, birthday and the last four digits of her Social Security Number, which frightened Cowles. From what Cowles shared in The Cut, Mitchell told Cowles that 22 bank accounts, nine vehicles, and four properties were registered under her name, with the accounts having wired more than $3 million overseas, mostly to Jamaica and Iraq. He then claimed that a car was rented under Cowles name, abandoned near the border of Mexico, with blood and drugs in the trunk. Additionally, he claimed her name and SSN were found in a New Mexico raid for cash and drugs, reported The Cut. According to Mitchell, there were warrants for Cowles in Maryland and Texas for cybercrimes, money laundering, and drug trafficking, as she mentioned in The Cut. Mitchell, telling her that everyone is a suspect, asked how much was in her bank accounts. She said she had around $80,000. The CIA Transfer Mitchell then transferred Cowles to alleged CIA agent Michael Sarano, who provided what he claimed was his badge number. Per The Cut, Sarano told her that since she was being investigated for major federal crimes, Cowles should reassure him that everything is fine to protect him. Additionally, he warned Cowles not to contact a lawyer, as she would be considered noncooperative, and would be raided, arrested and have her assets seized. She needed to promptly act by withdrawing (what she estimated as) $50,000 in cash to support her family for up to a year. The shoebox incident Cowles went to the bank and withdrew the $50,000 and was advised by Sarano to ready the money in a shoebox for a undercover CIA agent, reported The Cut. After some back-and-forth arguing, Cowles eventually agreed to meet the undercover agent around 6 p.m. by her home that night. Doing as she was instructed, Cowles met the car outside her home and placed the box through the back window. Later that night she realized: Shed been duped. She confessed it all to her husband and called the police. The authorities informed her that the last four-digits of her SSN, birthday and every other personal piece could all be found, or sold online, showing how the scammers got her information. How to protect yourself from scams As Cowles explains in The Cut, scams can happen to anyone: I had known that fraud was on the rise but was shocked to learn the numbers financial losses ballooned by more than 30% in 2022. Per Gallup, the FTC reported receiving 2.4 million reports of fraud from Americans in 2022 609,000 of which said they lost money. The FTC shares some signs that youre being scammed: Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know. Scammers say theres a problem or a prize. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. They recommend to protect yourself from scam calls and messages by: Blocking unwanted calls/text messages. Not giving personal or financial information to a request you didnt expect. Resisting to act immediately. Knowing the methods of how scammers tell you to pay. Stopping and talking with those you trust. Related After realizing she was scammed, Cowles spoke to Saul Kassin, a psychology professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who studies coerced confessions. If someone is trying to get you to be compliant, they do it incrementally, in a series of small steps that take you farther and farther from what you know to be true, he told The Cut. Its not about breaking the will. They were altering the sense of reality. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) With the 113th General Assembly deep in the swing of its second act, lawmakers will spend hours debating the merits of hundreds of bills that could affect every Tennessean. Coming in committee next week, lawmakers are set to tackle subjects including in-school firearm education, enforcing state sovereignty, a parental bill of rights and more. Here are some of the bills set for debate in committee next week: HB1913: Tennessee Parents Bill of Rights Act Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) This bill would enshrine into law that parental rights are reserved to the parent of a child in this state without obstruction or interference from the state, any local government, or any local school system. Some of the things protected in the law, as currently written, include the right to direct their childs education, moral, or religious upbringing. TN bill to ban sale of cold beer sparks hot debate The bill also states an employee of this state, a political subdivision of this state, or any other governmental entity who encourages or coerces, or attempts to encourage or coerce, a child to withhold information from their parent may be subject to disciplinary action for doing so. The bill is set for discussion in the Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee of the House on Feb. 20 at noon. This bill would require the Department of Childrens Services to reduce the number of active cases per case manager to 20 or fewer. It was filed in response to a scathing report in 2022 that revealed children under the departments care were sleeping on office floors among other concerning items. The reported cases DCS case managers were overseeing were also sky-high, though steps have been taken since the report was released to get the number lower. This bill is set for debate in the Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee of the House on Feb. 20 at noon. According to the text of the bill, HB2882 would require all public schools in Tennessee to provide age-appropriate and grade-appropriate instruction on firearm safety beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. It would require the instruction to begin at the earliest appropriate grade, though it does not specify which grade that would be, and the instruction would become an annual part of the school curriculum. Other requirements include instruction about safe firearm storage; that the instruction be viewpoint neutral on political topics including the Second Amendment to the Constitution, gun rights and gun violence; and that the instruction never includes the use or presence of live ammunition, live fire or live firearms. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom This bill authorizes the instruction to be provided in a classroom setting, through the viewing of a video, or through the review of online resources or materials, as determined by the Department of Education. Each school district and public charter school must determine how best to incorporate the instruction into the school year, according to the bill summary on the Capitol website. This bill is set for debate in the House Education Instruction Committee at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20. SB2359 would prohibit the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services from requiring immunizations as a condition of adoption or overseeing a child in foster care if the immunization goes against the religious or moral convictions of the adopting or fostering household. This bill is set for the Senate Judiciary Committees next meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20. This bill makes bullying and cyberbullying offenses subject to the same penalties as harassment under Tennessee law. It would also require any law enforcement officer to make a report of bullying and notify a parent or guardian when a bullying or cyberbullying victim is a minor. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will hear more on this bill Tuesday, Feb. 20 at noon. Sen. Adam Lowe filed the Tennessee State Sovereignty Act of 2024, which would set up a 10-person committee to monitor and review federal acts, laws, orders, and regulations that may impact the jurisdiction, governance, sovereignty, or civil liberties of the residents of this state. The committee will determine if any federal law, statute, order, executive order or other mandate violates the Tennessee Constitution or is of the nature of an arbitrary power or oppression. Any such violation will then be reported to the general assembly and submit a request for further legislative action if found. The bill will be heard at the Senate State and Local Government Committee meeting set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The full list of House and Senate committee meetings is available online here and here. Hundreds of bills will be up for debate during the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee lawmakers shared their thoughts on some of the major issues up for discussion at this years legislative session. You can also find daily coverage from the session here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) One firefighter was injured while responding to a house fire in Riverview on Friday, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Around 1:13 p.m., fire crews responded to the two-story house fire that began in the garage and made its way to the second floor. They said the resident had the aerosol cans in the garage exploded during the beginning of the fire, which sent shrapnel across the street. 9-foot gator interrupts fire crews responding to submerged car in Florida The flames quickly spread throughout the home and burned through the roof. Crews inside the home were able to contain the fire on both floors and the attic of the home. Fire rescue said no residents were inside the home during the fire. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hillsborough County Fire Rescue One firefighter was burned during the search of the home and was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Officials in Virginia are investigating the cause of a massive house explosion that left one firefighter dead and a dozen injured but say they found a leaking propane tank at the devastated property. Loudoun County authorities say that they responded to reports of a gas odour at the 300 block of Silver Ridge Drive in Sterling on Friday evening. They requested the Hazardous Materials Response Team after finding a 500-gallon underground propane tank with a leak on the side of the residence, the county fire and rescue team said. Not long after officials arrived on the scene, there was a catastrophic explosion concurrent with multiple maydays from firefighters inside the home, according to the fire and rescue team. The explosion prompted other nearby emergency response teams to flock to the scene. After hearing multiple maydays and calls for help, fire and rescue crews then tried to find those who were trapped in the home, covered by debris. One firefighter identified as Trevor Brown, 45 died. He was a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, and had served as a firefighter since 2016, the fire and rescue team said in a release on Saturday morning. Please keep Firefighter Browns family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and we ask that the familys privacy be respected, the release added. Firefighter Trevor Brown was killed in the blast (Loudoun County Fire and Rescue) The explosion also landed 13 others in the hospital 11 first responders four of whom are still hospitalised and two civilians with varying degrees of injuries, the release stated. Speaking to the Washington Post, James Williams, an assistant chief with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, described the houses remnants as total devastation. This is the worst call that we can respond to, and this is a time where we need to support each other and hold each other up, Mr Williams told the outlet. This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community, the department wrote. As of early Saturday morning, the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshals Office remains on scene and is investigating the cause of the incident. The Independent has reached out to the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) First United Bank is celebrating its annual United Acts of Kindness Day. It is a day where we try to be intentional in impacting peoples lives with kindness, said Mariann Lawson, with First United Bank. LOCAL NEWS: Edmond nonprofit gives to foster kids for United Acts of Kindness Day The bank planned more than 30 different ways to spread kindness from San Antonio, Texas all the way to Tulsa. Kindness can change the course and the trajectory of someones life, said Lawson. The Moore Police Department joined in on the effort, helping the bank hand out gift cards instead of tickets. The first stop was at the post office, then they headed to the Crest on Eastern Avenue. Thats wonderful, said one woman. I feed a lot of homeless people so youre helping me too. Fourteen $25 gift cards were handed out. Theyre going home with a little bit extra money to help pay for things such as groceries or bills, whatever they may need it for, said Clynt Byley with the Moore Police Department. LOCAL NEWS: I got a little bit of hope back: KFOR viewers pay to get womans power restored Kelvin Hall has worked at the Crest for a decade. When he walked up to me and presented me with that, it just brought a lot of joy, said Hall. For me to feel appreciated, you know Its hard to get compliments for the work that we do here and for me to get that was just overwhelming. Reba McEntire also joined in on the day, sharing this special message. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Steven Miles, best known for his gay adult film persona Sergeant Miles, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by another year of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer during the January 6 protests and riots in Washington D.C. Related: Gay adult film entertainer arrested for role in Jan. 6 Insurrection Miles, 40, of Zephyrhills, Florida, a member of the Proud Boys group, breached a protective perimeter around the Capitol building and engaged in a physical confrontation with police protecting the building. He was arrested on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. He has reportedly voiced support for former President Donald Trump. In a complaint filed by the DOJ, there's a photo of Miles wearing a black shirt that reads "Trump 2020 F*** Your Feelings" along with a "Make America Great Again" red hat. The confrontation between the mob and the police quickly escalated to a physical fight, during which Miles shoved and attempted to punch an officer, all in an effort to break through the line, the DOJ said in a statement. In addition to attempting to assault the officer, Miles made additional physical contact with law enforcement officers, seeking to obstruct, impede, and interfere with their efforts to hold back the rioters. Once inside the building, Miles used a wooden plank to break a door window, opening another breach point. Miles entered the Capitol through the broken window, and. a cascade of other rioters followed, taking advantage of the smashed window to enter the Capitol as well, the DOJ continued in its statement. The sheer number of rioters outside and inside the building overwhelmed law enforcement officers. After entering the Capitol building, Miles turned toward the Senate, where he ran into another group of police officers who directed him out of the building three minutes after he had broken into it. Related: Jessica Watkins, transgender oath keepers insurrectionist, sentenced for Jan. 6 In addition to the prison sentence and supervised release, Miles was also ordered to $2,000 in restitution. Since January 6, 2021, more than 1,313 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, the DOJ reports. Miles appeared in dozens of gay videos including 50 Minutes of Good Sex, Scruff in Suits, and Punishing the Hole: Scene 1. The adult film star is only one of several LGBTQ+ rioters who have been convicted over their participation in the riot at the Capitol. A Florida high school required parents to sign a permission slip to let their kids watch "Tangled." DeSantis' Parental Rights in Education law requires permission slips for school-sponsored events. One parent said the influx of permission slips is getting "out of control" and "burdensome." A Central Florida high school required parents to sign a permission slip for students to watch a Disney film, prompting some to suggest Gov. Ron DeSantis' education laws are excessive. Sophomore students attending Boone High School decided to celebrate Valentine's Day last week by hosting a "Rom-com movie night" on the football field after classes ended, according to WFTV, an ABC affiliate in Orlando. The teens voted to watch "Tangled," a PG-rated animated film. Disney's "Tangled." Walt Disney Animation It was an innocuous school-sanctioned event that would have caused little stir in the past. But the new Parental Rights in Education law championed by DeSantis has now saddled such activities with red tape. Under the law, parents must fill out a permission slip before any school-sponsored event. Some parents told WFTV that the influx of permission slips is becoming burdensome. "I had to sign a permission slip for my child who could drive himself to see it in a movie theater," Judi Hayes told the outlet. Parents like Hayes said they must sign a new permission slip for after-school programs and events almost every week. "It seems like it's just it's out of control. It's every single activity. And it's burdensome on the staff because they have to chase down permission slips. The club's sponsors are getting frustrated and giving up because it's too much work," Hayes said. Hayes added that she even had to sign a form so her child could receive pre-calculus tutoring with their teacher after school. The teacher referenced the Parental Rights in Education law in notes to parents explaining why they were being asked to sign a permission slip. While some parents have recommended signing just one permission slip at the beginning of the year instead of dozens over several months, the law requires parents and guardians to be notified beforehand of any school-sponsored activities before, during, or after school. Representatives for Boone High School and Orange County Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Steven Ferdman/Getty Images Criticism of the Parental Rights in Education law dubbed the 'Don't Say Gay' bill by its opponents stems back to March 2022 when DeSantis signed the bill. DeSantis said the bill is an answer to what he deemed "woke" ideology, but critics say the laws discriminate toward the LGBTQ+ community and others. Similar bills have caused discontent in Florida, including the Parents' Bill of Rights. This month, parents in Miami were asked to sign permission slips to allow their children to participate in Black History Month activities. One parent told WPLG, an ABC affiliate in Miami, that they were shocked by the permission slip, which would allow parents to remove their children from classes highlighting Black accomplishments. "I'm concerned as a citizen," she said. Miami-Dade School Board member Steve Gallon told the outlet that the policy aligned with a state board rule, an extension of the Parents' Bill of Rights. "Something feels very off here, and the fact that the school needs to cover themselves against the state feels even worse," Gallon added. Read the original article on Business Insider Related video: A teen was charged with animal cruelty after fatally shooting a dog in the face in Tampa on Thursday. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida sheriffs office is asking the community for prayers and support after one of their K-9s was shot and wounded by a suspect on Saturday. The Marion County Sheriffs Office responded to the 900 block of Northeast 144th Court in Silver Springs around 9 a.m. regarding a suspect accused of battery by strangulation. The suspect, who was in the backyard of the home, fired shots towards deputies and struck Leo. Cache of weapons, 1 million rounds of ammo found at residence The deputies fired back at the suspect, who was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Marion County Sheriffs Office Leo was rushed to the UF Veterinary Hospital and the team is doing everything possible to save the K-9. Leo isnt just a member of our force; hes family, the sheriffs office said. His loyalty, courage, and unwavering dedication to his duty embody the very essence of what it means to serve and protect. His sacrifice today reminds us of the dangers our deputies face each day to keep our community safe. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. US President Joe Biden revealed on Friday that he has engaged in extensive discussions with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the past few days, emphasizing his support for a temporary ceasefire. Biden informed the press that he argued for a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages. US President Joe Biden Calls For ceasefire in Gaza Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Friday that Israel is carefully strategizing a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite increasing global concerns about the well-being of the large number of Palestinians seeking shelter in the area. Per Reuters, the US President has emphasized the importance of Israel having a well-thought-out plan to safeguard civilians and has called for a shift in focus towards achieving a cease-fire. Egypt has expressed concern that a military operation in Rafah could have a negative impact on the diplomatic ties between the countries. Several other global leaders have expressed similar concerns. Approximately 1.4 million Palestinians, which is over half of Gaza's population, have gathered in Rafah, with the majority being displaced due to ongoing conflict in the area. A large number of people are currently residing in extensive tent camps. In their conversation on Thursday, the leaders discussed the issue of moving into the southern part of the Gaza Strip. This was the second time in less than a week that Biden expressed concern to Netanyahu about the safety of the people sheltering there. In addition, the ongoing hostage negotiations were discussed, with Biden expressing his commitment to tirelessly work towards the release of the hostages. The hostages, who have been held captive by Hamas for 132 days, continue to be a top priority for the White House. Israeli forces conducted a raid on Thursday at a major hospital in Gaza, causing concern for the safety of numerous patients, medical staff, and displaced Palestinians seeking refuge from the ongoing war. Amidst increasing international pressure for restraint, Israel has pledged to continue its offensive into Rafah, the only remaining relatively safe area in Gaza. The recent fighting at the hospital adds to the tense situation. In a recent statement, Biden expressed his concern over the high number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, describing Israel's military response as excessive. Read Also: NATO Chief Issues Stark Warning on Global Peace Amid Rising Russian Threats Looming Rafah Invasion Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has denied South Africa's request for urgent measures to protect Rafah. However, the court has emphasized the importance of Israel's compliance with the measures imposed in a significant genocide case last month. In a statement, the ICJ emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the provisional measures outlined in its order of 26 January 2024. The court highlighted the critical situation in Rafah and stressed that no additional provisional measures are required. The world court emphasized that Israel must continue to fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the order given, which includes ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. According to VOA News, Israel maintains that it takes every possible measure to protect civilians and focuses its efforts on targeting Hamas militants who use civilian areas as cover, posing challenges for Israel in avoiding civilian casualties. In early October, hostilities erupted as Hamas militants, with support from Iran, launched an attack on Israel. Tragically, the violence resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives, predominantly innocent civilians. Additionally, Hamas took 253 individuals hostage, as reported by Israeli authorities. The air and ground offensive by Israel has caused immense destruction in the densely populated Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of life. Health authorities report that the majority of the casualties, which amount to 28,663 people, were civilians. Additionally, this offensive has led to the displacement of almost all of Gaza's 2 million inhabitants from their homes. Related Article: Israel Weapons vs. Hezbollah Arsenal: Warring Fanctions' Military Capabilities Put Risk to Wider War The former Atascadero State Hospital psychiatric technician who is accused of raping a child was previously sued for gender discrimination, court records show. Alfred Leroy Sweet, 62, is accused of molesting a now 13-year-old child since they were 4 or 5 years old. The abuse allegedly escalated to rape when the child was 11 or 12. He is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor, three counts of sodomy by force to a minor and two counts of lewd acts with a minor. San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Matthew Guerrero ruled Thursday that the case has enough evidence to go to trial. Divorce records allege Sweet was emotionally abusive and had previous domestic violence arrests. Records found on the San Luis Obispo District Attorneys database show Sweet was charged with inflicting corporal injury to a cohabitant/spouse, assault with a deadly weapon that wasnt a firearm and battery with serious bodily injury in 1993. Former Atascadero State Hospital worker accused of sexually assaulting child Sweet pleaded no contest to the domestic violence charge, records show, and the assault and battery charges were dismissed. Sweet began working at Atascadero State Hospital as a psych tech in 2008, with a yearlong gap in 2010, the Department of State Hospitals said. His last day employed was Dec. 3. The San Luis Obispo District Attorneys Office filed charges against Sweet on Nov. 15. Former ASH psych tech was sued by female coworker A female employee of Atascadero State Hospital sued Sweet and the Department of State Hospitals in 2014, alleging Sweet discriminated, harassed and retaliated against her when he was her supervisor, court records show. Sweet worked at the hospital as a psychiatric technician, records said. The state hospital is for mentally disabled men who pose a threat to themselves or others and largely consists of mentally ill inmates, mentally disordered offenders, patients found incompetent to stand trial and patients found not guilty by reason of insanity. The woman began working at the hospital in 2008, and Sweet became her supervisor in 2012. The lawsuit alleged Sweet began leaving the woman alone with inmates, which violated policy. According to the lawsuit, the hospital had a safety policy where employees must be in groups of three when working with inmates. On one occasion, Sweet left the woman alone without her knowledge on Oct. 31, 2012, and she became surrounded by six or seven inmates. The woman was terrified and ran into an office, the lawsuit said, and she was unable to assist a request from her nursing supervisor because she could not safely leave the office. The woman emailed the unit supervisor about Sweets unsafe practices and management later that day. About a week after that incident, on Nov. 7, 2012, the lawsuit said, Sweet barked at the woman to get out of his office and said she would see what happens to female staff that dont listen or do what I say. The woman emailed the unit supervisor again that day and asked to move to a different unit because she felt Sweet was putting her in danger and she did not feel safe working with him. The unit supervisor replied that he wanted to talk but never followed through, according to the lawsuit. The day after the alleged threat, the lawsuit said, Sweet left the woman alone with a inmate again and suggested an inmate eat in their room which is prohibited because inmates can use trays and utensils to harm themselves, peers and staff. Sweet told the woman you dont know what youre doing when she suggested the inmate should eat in the dayroom and said the last woman to mess with me moved off the unit, the lawsuit alleged. The woman reported Sweets behavior again on Nov. 11, 2012, but she never saw a response, she said in the lawsuit. It took a more than a month to approve the womans request to move to another unit., where Sweet continued to harass her and leave her alone with inmates. Sweet repeatedly called the woman a b--ch in front of her coworkers at an office party for her birthday on Nov. 29, which prompted another employee to file a complaint. The lawsuit said other harassing comments from Sweet included Isnt that just like a female? and You know youre my favorite honey. Sweet also made comments like You know I can give you what you want and I can do it better than your husband to other female employees, according to the lawsuit, and he also did not allow female employees to speak on the phone. She said he also intentionally yelled at the woman in front of a restrained inmate, which the lawsuit said endangered the woman because it diminished the inmates respect for her. The woman alleged the Department of State Hospitals failed to take corrective action to her several complaints about Sweet. The lawsuit went to trial in 2016, but the jury found the woman did not prove the agency or Sweet had been in the wrong. Her request for a new trial was denied, as was her appeal. Sweets next court hearing in the criminal case against him is scheduled for Feb. 29. How to get help If you or someone you know are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. The hotline offers a range of free services including confidential support from a trained staff member, help finding a local health facility, legal and medical advice and referrals for long-term support. If you or someone you know are a survivor of domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. The hotline offers a range of free services including confidential support from a trained staff member, help finding a local health facility, legal and medical advice and referrals for long-term support. Survivor support and resources are also available through Lumina Alliance at luminaalliance.org or their Crisis and Information Line at 805-545-8888. A former Boy Scouts of America employee was convicted of attempted first-degree sexual abuse involving a minor at a Molalla park. Peter Collins Simpson, 28, was a full-time Boy Scouts of America employee from 2016 to 2024. Although the victim was not associated with the Boy Scouts, Molalla Police said they believe there may be more victims due to Simpson's job working with kids. The investigation into Simpson began Feb. 1 after a Molalla officer found him in a city park after hours with a minor in the vehicle. An interview with the minor led to Simpson's arrest. Detectives learned that Simpson met the victim through the online chat application Discord. Simpson was an adult volunteer with Boy Scouts of America from 2013 to 2016 then became a full-time employee until February. Police officials said Boy Scouts of America leadership has been cooperative with police and are conducting their own investigation. Peter Collins Simpson, 28, was convicted of attempted sexual abuse of a minor at a Molalla city park. Simpson, a Beaverton resident, was charged with attempted first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of third-degree sexual abuse in Clackamas County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty to the attempted sexual abuse charge on Thursday and was sentenced to 75 days in jail and five years probation. Simpson will be required to register as a sex offender and undergo sex abuse treatment. He is barred from contact with minors and from being involved with organizations like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H and Big Brother programs. "Due to the nature of the crime and employment involving youth, investigators believe there may be additional victims in Oregon, Washington, and California," police officials said. "Investigators are asking anyone who may have been a victim to report to their local law enforcement." 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: Ex-Boy Scouts worker convicted of attempted sex abuse in Oregon Former CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) Former CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves has agreed to pay an $11,250 fine to settle a Los Angeles City Ethics Commission complaint that accused him of interfering with a police investigation and inducing a government official to violate laws. The incident dates back to November 2017 when former Los Angeles Police Cmdr. Cory Palka began working with Moonves and other CBS executives to allegedly bury an LAPD complaint made by a woman who had accused Moonves of sexual assault in the 1980s. At the time, Moonves was known as the television industry's most powerful executive. He had presided over CBS for more than two decades, the architect of the network's dramatic turnaround. Palka, who has since retired, was then head of the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood station. He'd known Moonves for nearly a decade because he had been part of Moonves' security detail for the Grammy Awards for several years. Moonves' illustrious career soon collapsed amid a widening sex scandal that came to light as part of the #MeToo movement. Moonves, who stepped down from CBS in September 2018, has denied harassing or assaulting women. His unraveling began Nov. 10, 2017, when a former colleague, Phyllis Golden-Gottlieb, was inspired to speak out about her allegations of past dealings with Moonves. She drove to the Hollywood station to file a report against Moonves. Later that night, Palka called CBS officials and alerted them to the existence of Golden-Gottlieb's report. Over the next few weeks, Palka, Moonves and one of Moonves' underlings discussed strategies to thwart Golden-Gottlieb's report and worked to make sure it didn't gain traction within the Police Department or the L.A. County district attorney's office, according to records in the case, which came to light in late 2022 as part of a report by New York Atty. Gen. Leticia James. James had accused Moonves and CBS of misleading investors about the scope of the sexual harassment uncovered at CBS information that was damaging to the company's stock. Read more: Capt. Hollywood: The ex-LAPD boss who tipped off CBS to Moonves assault claim The revelations sent shock waves throughout LAPD and sparked several investigations into Moonves' and Palka's alleged activities. LAPD Chief Michel Moore launched an investigation into the matter in November 2022. Last fall, the Police Department said it had completed its internal investigation but declined to detail its findings, citing state laws that provide confidentiality for former officers. A representative of Moonves declined to comment Friday night. Moonves' attorneys could not be immediately reached for comment. The former CBS chief was accused of three violations of the city's Government Ethics Ordinance, which governs the conduct of city employees and forbids them from misusing or disclosing confidential information acquired through their work. Under terms of the proposed settlement, Moonves has acknowledged that he violated city laws by "aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information." He also admitted to inducing "a city official to misuse his position to attempt to create a private advantage for Moonves." Read more: CBS, LAPD captain led cover-up of sexual assault report against Moonves, AG says The Ethics Commission investigators cited Moonves' request of Palka, which was made through Moonves' former underling Ian Metrose, to "provide information about LAPD's investigation of the Gottlieb complaint, thereby aiding and abetting Palka in the disclosure of confidential information," according to the settlement. The three men met in person to discuss Golden-Gottlieb's confidential complaint and ways to blunt it. The ethics complaint also accused Moonves of violating the city ordinance by inducing Palka "to create for Moonves the private advantages of access to confidential information from an LAPD investigation." Each count carried a maximum penalty of $5,000, or $15,000 for the three counts. As part of the settlement, Moonves agreed to provide a cashier's check for $11,250 earlier this week. The Ethics Commission is scheduled to hear the matter at its meeting next week. Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE - Then-CBS president Leslie Moonves attends the CBS Network 2015 Programming Upfront at The Tent at Lincoln Center on May 13, 2015, in New York. Moonves has agreed to pay a $11,250 fine to settle a complaint that he interfered with a police investigation of a sexual assault case, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission says. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) Former CBS chief executive and president Les Moonves has agreed to pay a $11,250 fine to settle a complaint accusing him of interfering with a police investigation of a sexual assault case, according to documents released Friday by the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission. According to the documents, Moonves acknowledged working closely with then-Capt. Cory Palka of the Los Angeles Police Department in 2017 to obtain information about a sexual assault victims confidential police report against him. Palka, who had provided private security for Moonves between 2008 and 2014 at the Grammy Awards, which CBS produced, notified network officials about the complaint against the executive in November 2017, the documents show. Through Palka, they say, Moonves obtained an unredacted copy of the police report, which also included personal information such as the home address and phone number of the accuser. Moonves also met with Palka for an hour at a restaurant to discuss the complaint and ways to quash it. Moonves was accused of three violations of city rules. An attorney representing him didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Palka retired in 2021 as a commander after nearly 35 years with the LAPD. Los Angeles' Government Ethics Ordinance governs the conduct of city employees and forbids them from misusing or disclosing confidential information acquired through their work. The commission will meet next week to discuss the settlement. Weeks after the #MeToo movement erupted with sex abuse allegations against film mogul Harvey Weinstein in 2017, Phyllis Golden-Gottlieb reported to police in the LAPD's Hollywood Division that she had been sexually assaulted by Moonves in 1986 and 1988 when they worked together at Lorimar Productions. Golden-Gottlieb, who went public with her accusations in 2018, died in 2022. The police interference allegations against Moonves came to light in 2022, when New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement in which CBS and Moonves agreed to pay $30.5 million for keeping shareholders in the dark while executives tried to prevent the sexual assault allegations from becoming public. Moonves acknowledged having relations with three of his accusers but said they were consensual. He denied attacking anyone, saying in a statement at the time, Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me. The Los Angeles County district attorney declined to file criminal charges against Moonves in 2018, saying the statute of limitations from Golden-Gottliebs allegations had expired. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A former elementary school teacher from Holland pleaded guilty to child pornography charges involving two teen victims, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Friday. Frank E. Noeson III, 46, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography. He faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in addition to a $250,000 fine. Noeson, who at the time taught 5th grade at a local elementary school, engaged in sexual communications with two minor female victims over Snapchat, according to the U.S. Attorneys. One victim was 16 years old when her communications with Noeson began and was persuaded by Noeson to send him sexually explicit images and videos, attorneys said. Another victim was 15 years old when she sent Noeson numerous images and videos of child pornography, the media release said. Noeson will be sentenced at a later date. Latest Local News Justin McMullen is a Western New York native who joined the News 4 team in 2023. You can read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. By Thomas Escritt and Sarah Marsh BERLIN (Reuters) - A former German spy chief who was sacked after being accused of averting his eyes to the threat posed by the far-right founded a new right-wing party on Saturday, holding an inaugural party congress on a boat near Germany's old capital Bonn. The party is the third to be founded this year in Germany, further fragmenting the political landscape and making electoral predictions tricky ahead of European parliamentary polls and votes in half the country's municipalities and three states. The Werteunion, or Values Union, is headed by Hans-Georg Maassen, who was dismissed as head of Germany's Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) in 2018. Maassen was forced to resign after initially questioning the authenticity of a video showing far-right extremists chasing migrants in the eastern city of Chemnitz, saying it might have been faked. He later toned this down, saying the interpretation of the video was open to question, not its authenticity, but this was not enough to quell the outcry that led to his departure. The lawyer has since become known for his increasingly radical commentary on immigration, becoming a hero to far-right activists including some in the circles surrounding Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, the aristocrat who led a foiled coup in 2022. A former member of the opposition Christian Democrats, Maassen is himself now being monitored by the security agency he ran, he said last month. The BfV said privacy law meant it could not comment on individual cases. "12:32 o'clock. Done!" Maassen said on social media platform X, posting a photo of himself and colleagues in front of a German flag on the boat. With Germany's mainstream parties well down in polls compared to their 1980s heyday when the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats regularly polled near 50%, many new parties have sought to capitalize on frustration with the establishment. Earlier this year, leftist politician Sahra Wagenknecht founded a new left populist party. The Werteunion, once a pressure group aligned with the Christian Democrats, will now jostle for space with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which tops polls in some eastern states. While all other parties have ruled out working with the AfD, Maassen recently said he would be prepared to back their legislative proposals if they made sense - though he ruled out a coalition with the party. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt and Sarah Marsh; editing by Matthias Williams and Sharon Singleton) Florida House Speaker Paul Renner speaks during the opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. His District 19 seat will be open this year, as he concludes his fourth and final term. A recent Navy JAG officer and a lawyer-turned-small businessman have joined the race to replace Rep. Paul Renner in Florida House District 19. The two new candidates are Sam Greco of unincorporated St. Johns County and Matthew Nellans, who lives at an Ormond Beach residence on the Flagler County side of the border with Volusia County. Greco, 31, is a Navy reservist who recently completed a five-year stint as a judge advocate general, prosecuting military cases. He lives in unincorporated southern St. Johns County with his wife Elanda, and intends to focus on campaigning until the primary, after which he will seek civilian work, perhaps as an assistant state attorney. Sam Greco Nellans, 46, is a former lawyer who remains licensed by the Florida Bar but says he stopped practicing in 2016. He runs what he calls a "small financial company," and has businesses registered as MKN Management, Inc., and Mises Ventures, LLC. He is married and when contacted Friday, he said he was not prepared to provide a photo. Greco and Nellans will compete with retired physician James St. George and former legislative aide Darryl Boyer in the Republican primary. Adam Morley, a businessman and boat captain, has filed as a Democrat for the seat, which comprises all of Flagler County and part of St. Johns. Greco's concerns: Keeping Florida free, delivering for Flagler, St. Johns Greco acknowledged his Jan. 31 separation date from the JAG Corps required him to start campaigning later than St. George and Boyer, who each filed last May, but believes his military background makes him "a unique candidate." Through Dec. 31, the latest figures available, St. George had raised more than $305,000, while Boyer had nearly $34,000. I think of things in the context of ... whether it keeps Florida free or whether it delivers for St. Johns and Flagler counties," Greco said in an interview Friday. "If I get a piece of legislation that doesnt seem to do one of those two things, Im going to come to it with a little bit of skepticism. He identified the pace of development, infrastructure and property insurance as the three most pressing issues. I plan to talk to folks about how we can use the state Legislature to assist this heavily growing area with infrastructure thats being overwhelmed, much of it is obsolete by the time its finished. We have schools in Flagler County and St. Johns that by the time they are completed, theyre already overwhelmed and using modular classrooms on Day 1. Renner has done a fantastic job in delivering in the budget for Flagler and St. Johns counties, Greco said. Whoever goes to Tallahassee next is going to have to be able to continue that work, he said. To stem the tide of skyrocketing property insurance rates, Greco said Florida must attract more insurers into the market, in part by enticing those who left to return. Some great progress was made with tort reform in the last session, which I think long-term will have a positive effect in bringing more insurers back to the state. But first, that needs to work its way through the system, and second, theres more work to be done., he said. Nellans aims to 'do what the average Trump voter wanted' Nellans' focus is on matters beyond Florida borders: immigration and pushing back against federal regulations. The Indiana native and longtime Floridian is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Law. He said in an interview Friday he was tired of posting on Facebook and decided to get more directly involved, so he filed for office on Feb. 14. Normal people that like the country, those who say America First, or whatever, dont seem to have any sway in the state Legislature," he said. "And I think thats kind of sad, considering our governor is probably the most America First governor in the country. Probably the best governor in my lifetime. Nellans believes the biggest issue facing Americans is immigration, and state legislators should challenge the federal government, despite the fact that courts have long ruled immigration powers rest with the feds. Some people will say they have been negligent. I dont think so. I think its malicious, he said. Its fairly obvious the feds intend to overwhelm the voting public with new people, he said. So states with Republican trifectas control of the Governors Office, House and Senate need to either provoke people who are here illegally to leave the state or deport them, and certainly to make it so that they dont come here, Nellans said. He opposes federal regulations such as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards, designed to raise fuel efficiency and reduce pollution that harms public health and the climate. Our states and Florida should take the lead in this, should start pushing back and say were not going to obey these rules, Nellans said. You talk to people and they wonder why does it cost $55,000 to have a truck?" he said. Because I remember when I was a kid you could buy a Ford Ranger for $7,000-8,000 that ran just fine and was perfectly safe. But you cant really sell those anymore because of CAFE standards," Nellans said. "I dont know what the big deal is. While some larger and electric pickup trucks cost in the $55,000 range and more, Ford Motor Company lists the base price for a 2024 Ranger XL starting at $23,815. Also, the website CarGurus.com states the MSRP on new Ford Rangers in 1987 ranged from $6,793 to $13,062. Florida Presidential Primary: Volusia, Flagler elections offices mail ballots for March 19 contest Who's Running?: Mayor races ahead in Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 2024 election: Two Republicans enter Florida House District 19 primary Naumov called charges against him groundless and politically motivated and said he feared for his life if he returned BBC Ukraine journalist Oksana Torop shared insights with Radio NV on Feb. 16 regarding a recently released interview with former Ukraines SBU Security Service general Andriy Naumov, deemed a traitor in Ukraine. We met him in Belgrade, Torop began with a brief of backstory. We recorded for two days because it was very difficult to talk to him. He is not a public person, he gave an interview for the first time in his life. And as I understand it, he didnt really give any comments (to the media): although there were a lot of accusations, the man didnt react to them at all. Thats why he answered very briefly, he was nervous. Read also: Ukrainian troops pull out of Avdiivka for strategic repositioning Syrskyi Naumov attributed the smear campaign against him to the Presidential Office but initially withheld specific names during the initial interview and just kept silent on this question. But after we recorded the interview, I turned off the recorder and said: You know, it will be strange if you say A and dont say B. That is, you talk about the presidential office that ordered the campaign against you, but you dont mention a name. Then whats the point? He thought about it and said after a while: Im ready, leading to a subsequent discussion on the presidential office, which was recorded the following day. The BBC Ukraine interview with Andriy Naumov was published on Feb. 14. In November 2023, BBC Ukraine reported that one reason for Serbias refusal to extradite Naumov to Ukraine was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys accusation of treason. Read also: SBU official suspected of treason may request asylum from Russia Following the invasion, Naumov became implicated in the treason case of former SBU headquarters chief in Crimea, Oleh Kulinich. Investigations suggested Kulinich facilitated Naumovs appointment to a high-ranking SBU position in early 2020, allegedly at the behest of Russian special services. Naumov, identified by the call sign Okhotnyk (Hunter), was suspected of ties to Russian special services. During a speech on Mar. 31, 2022, Zelenskyy announced the stripping of Naumovs military rank, emphasizing consequences for traitors. However, as of November 2023, no treason charges had been filed against Naumov. In Serbia, parallel trials for Naumov involved extradition and money laundering charges. On Oct. 5, the Serbian court denied extradition, citing concerns of political persecution, referencing Ukrainian investigations into Naumovs alleged treason, previous assassination attempts, and Zelenskyys accusations. In June 2022, Naumov was arrested at the Serbia-North Macedonia border with undeclared funds totaling over EUR 600,000 ($646,000) and approximately $125,000 in cash and valuables. He began working at the SBU after Ivan Bakanov took over in 2019, where he managed the internal security of the special service. He held his position until July 2021. Naumov commenced his tenure at the SBU under Ivan Bakanovs leadership in 2019, overseeing internal security until July 2021. He departed Ukraine on Feb. 23, 2022, accompanied by associates. Law enforcement searched his residences in March 2022 as part of the treason investigation, leading to Zelenskyy revoking Naumovs brigadier general rank on March 31, 2022. 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 (Bloomberg) -- Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released from detention on Sunday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said, six months ahead of the end of his prison term after authorities granted him parole citing old age and illness. Most Read from Bloomberg Thaksins early release is in accordance with the law, Srettha told reporters on Saturday, confirming the former premier is due to be freed the following day. The 74-year-old is lodged at a police hospital in Bangkok after being sentenced on his return from a 15-year self exile in August last year. The billionaire politician was included in a list of more than 900 prisoners eligible for suspended jail terms as he was older than 70 and suffered from chronic illnesses, according to the justice ministry. Thaksin was moved to the police hospital within hours of his Aug. 22 incarceration in a Bangkok prison after complaining of chest pain and high blood pressure. The two-time prime minister was sentenced to eight years in jail on corruption charges upon his return from exile. He was granted a partial royal pardon in September by King Maha Vajiralongkorn that saw his sentence commuted to just one year. Under Thai law, prisoners who have served at least two-thirds of their sentences may be released early under probation. Additionally, prisoners who are 70 years or older and suffer from severe illnesses may also be eligible for release after serving at least six months, or a third of their sentence. A controversial but enduring figure in Thai politics, Thaksin is the head of the Shinawatra clan that has dominated national elections since the turn of the century, only to be routinely unseated from power. His homecoming was seen as part of a deal with the military establishment that ousted him in 2006 and his sister Yingluck Shinawatras government in 2014. Hours after Thaksins return to Thailand, Srettha was elected as the nations new prime minister after months of political deadlock. Thaksins youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra took the helm of the ruling Pheu Thai party last year, further strengthening the clans political position. Srettha said he wont shy away from consulting Thaksin on issues where the former premier has expertise. He said it was too early to say if Thaksin would be appointed to any government committees as it would also depend on what the former leader wanted to do after his release. --With assistance from Suttinee Yuvejwattana. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. NASA is opening up the doors of opportunity as it seeks four people to undertake a Mars simulation program that would last for one year. While the space agency is not yet able to send anyone to the Red Planet directly, the simulated habitat would allow them to gain more information about the endeavor. The Friday announcement also noted that NASA will be paying for the entirety of the program. NASA's Mars Simulation The space agency said that it is looking for healthy adults who have science degrees or have military or piloting experience. The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is running a series of one-year "missions." These missions involve volunteers who can act as astronauts would in space, as the space agency calls them analog astronauts, and live inside a 3D-printed habitat located in Houston, Texas. The simulated habitat stretches 1,700 square feet and is called the Mars Dune Alpha and mimics habitats that NASA may one day build on Mars to house astronauts. The program's first four-person crew has been living in the simulated habitat since last July, as per Business Insider. The space agency's reports on the crew's progress suggest what the job is actually like and features growing vegetables, simulating "Marswalks" in a sandbox, overseeing science experiments like the ones that are done on the International Space Station (ISS), and following a strict exercise regimen. Now, NASA is looking for applicants for its second CHAPEA mission, which is set to start in the spring of next year. The space agency said that it is looking for "healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents" who are aged 30 to 55, who are proficient in English, and who do not smoke. Similar to space-faring astronauts, NASA wants the CHAPEA volunteers to have a master's degree in a STEM field, with either two years of experience in that particular field or 1,000 hours of jet piloting. Read Also: Historic Discovery: Scientists Identify Water Molecules on Asteroids for the First Time What To Expect The space agency is planning a total of three of the "ground-based missions" that would be conducted inside the simulated habitat. In a release, NASA said that as the first CHAPEA crew is more than halfway through their year-long mission, they are using research gained through the simulation to help inform crew health and performance support during Mars expeditions, according to USA Today. In a statement on its website, NASA said that life in Mars Dune Alpha will resemble the expected experience for people living in a future Mars surface habitat. It added that the layout of the 3D printed area was designed to provide separate areas for living and working. In applying for the simulation, applicants must fill out NASA's lengthy questionnaire, which includes parts such as, "Are you willing to have no communication outside of your crew without a minimum time delay of 20 minutes for extended periods (up to one year)?" While the requirements for the simulated habitat are somewhat extensive, the CHAPEA missions are vital for NASA's Artemis plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Red Planet as well as on the moon, said Popular Science. Related Article: Valentine's Day Scrub: Intuitive Machines Moon Lander Launch Postponed to Feb. 15 Several injured after car ploughs into Walmart in Michigan (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Four people were killed following a shooting at a car wash in Birmingham, Alabama. Police responded to the scene following reports of multiple shots fired near the location at around 2.45pm local time on Friday, with officers later notified of several victims. All four victims were male and had apparent gunshot wounds, Birmingham Police Department said. The men were identified as Terrell Edwards, 38; Kevin McGhee, 38; Cortez Ray, 32; and Talton Tate, 36. Edwards, Ray and Tate were pronounced dead on the scene. McGhee was transported to UAB Hospital with what police described as life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead there. According to the BPD, a preliminary investigation suggested that the men were in a neighbourhood car wash when an unknown suspect opened fire. It is believed that one or more of the victims was targeted in the attack. Quadruple Homicide Investigation 900 Block of Center Street pic.twitter.com/4ZVBVWiPrM Bhampolice (@BhamPolice) February 17, 2024 There is currently no one in custody in relation with the attack, and police have urged anyone with information to contact them. Crime Stoppers pays tipsters cash rewards of up to $5,000 for their tips. On Saturday, in a separate release BPD Chief Scott Thurmond decried the unfathomable amount of senseless violence that had occurred in the city recently. Chief Thurmond said he would work tirelessly to solve the many murders in the area that remained unsolved. He previously told CBS affiliate WIAT-TV: "Its really disgusting that these things continue to happen in our city over and over again and people have got to learn other ways to resolve their conflicts or come to some kind of resolution other than resorting to gunfire It disturbs the whole entire neighborhood over here. Its just very disturbing for us as law enforcement officers trying to provide a safer city for all the citizens of Birmingham." The shooting has increased the number of murder investigations in Birmingham to 12 so far this year, police said., per CBS. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Free income tax preparation services are being offered for low-income taxpayers at Fresno State by the Craig School of Business Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. To be eligible for assistance, officials say taxpayers must have a 2023 income of $64,000 or less, no rental income, and not file married filing separately. Taxpayers with certain untypical financial circumstances are not eligible for free assistance. Clients should bring their financial documents. Tax preparation services are available from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 14 in Room 133 of the Peter Bussiness Building. Walk-ins are accepted, but clients are encouraged to avoid waiting in line and register in advance by calling the United Way hotline at 211 or texting TAXES to 211-211. For more information on eligibility and required tax documents, visit the United Way website by clicking here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. A man kneels at the monument to the victims of political repressions, where people lay flowers following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Saint Petersburg, Russia February 16, 2024 - REUTERS The G7 foreign ministers on Saturday called on Russia to fully clarify the circumstances of the death of Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putins most formidable domestic opponent. They expressed their outrage at the death in detention of Alexei Navalny, unjustly sentenced for legitimate political activities and his fight against corruption, according to a statement released by Italy, which is currently chairing the Group of Seven wealthy nations. The foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States met in Munich on Saturday where Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky pled for more weapons after having to withdraw from Avdiivka. World leaders have rallied to blame Putins regime for Navalnys death. Follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section 05:03 PM GMT Today's live blog is now closed Thats all for today, thanks for following along. Here are the most significant stories: At least 340 people across 30 Russian cities have been detained at memorial events for Putins most formidable opponent Alexei Navalny who died yesterday under suspicious circumstances that world leaders have pinned on Putins regime. Alexei Navalnys supporters on Saturday accused Russian authorities of being killers who were covering their tracks by refusing to hand over his body, as the Kremlin stayed silent despite accusations from the west and his team. Navalnys mother, Lyudmila and his lawyer were refused access to his body, after arriving in the region of the remote prison colony where he had been held, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said. Ukraines fightback against Russia is being limited by a lack of long-range missiles and artillery shells, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich today, making a fresh appeal for more weapons. His call at the gathering of 180 leaders and defence chiefs comes at a critical juncture, with Ukraines troops forced to withdraw from the frontline city of Avdiivka to avoid being encircled. Britain will take action over the death in custody of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and it is calling on other countries to do likewise, Foreign Minister David Cameron has said. There should be consequences when appalling human rights outrages like this take place, Cameron told Sky News. 04:44 PM GMT Italy foreign minister sees Ukraine joining EU and NATO once war ends Ukraine will become a member of the European Union and also of NATO, but it cannot enter the military alliance while it is still at war with Russia, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday. The message to Russia is very clear: Ukraine will be a member of the European Union, and then we are working to have Ukraine as a member of NATO, Tajani said at the Munich Security Conference. However, NATO membership is impossible while Ukraine remains locked in a military conflict with Russia, he added. We need to be very prudent, because having a full NATO member at war with Russia means World War III, Tajani said. 04:30 PM GMT Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte attend a meeting at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany February 17, 2024. - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE 04:02 PM GMT Italy 'ready to do more' on military aid for Ukraine, foreign minister says Italy is ready to offer more military aid to Ukraine, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday. We are ready to do more at the economic, political and military level, Tajani said at the Munich Security Conference. He said Italy had so far approved eight support packages for Ukraine, with the latest one due to arrive in the coming days. 04:01 PM GMT Navalny's mother demands to be given her son's body Alexei Navalnys mother is demanding access to her sons body, which is thought to have been moved from the prisons morgue. Navalnys lawyer arrived in the town of Salekhard with Navalnys mother Lyudmila on Saturday, the day after his death, and went to the local morgue. It was closed despite the prison saying that it was open and that Navalnys body was there, Navalnys team said on Telegram. Navalnys spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh accused officials of lying to avoid handing over the body to the family. Navalnys supporters have called for the body to be returned to the family immediately. Its obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexeis body, hiding it even from his mother, his team said in a post on Telegram. 02:55 PM GMT Navalny death must lead to action, says Litvinenko's widow The death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a very sad day for Russia, and must lead to international action, the wife of murdered ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko has said. Marina Litvinenko, whose husband Alexander died of radiation poisoning in 2006 aged 43, three weeks after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium at an upmarket London hotel, told AFP she had sympathy with Navalnys wife Yulia. I do understand Yulia very well, after what happened to her husband. You always think it will never happen to you, she said. It was a very sad day, not just for the family of Alexei Navalny - his wife and his son and daughter - it was a very sad day for many Russian people who believe in a better future for Russia. I was very angry. She urged Yulia Navalny to make sure the international community is not allowed to forget about this. Its not enough to talk about this just yesterday, today, and maybe a few more days. It needs to be talked about all the time until you get justice. 02:50 PM GMT Zelensky makes fresh appeal for weapons Ukraines fightback against Russia is being limited by a lack of long-range missiles and artillery shells, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich today, making a fresh appeal for more weapons. His call at the gathering of 180 leaders and defence chiefs comes at a critical juncture, with Ukraines troops forced to withdraw from the frontline city of Avdiivka to avoid being encircled. The flashpoint situation illustrates the weapons shortage facing his troops, said the Ukrainian president, a day after signing pacts to anchor longer-term security for his country. Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat, he said, adding that our actions are limited only by the sufficiency and length of the range of our strength... (the) Avdiivka situation proves this, said Zelensky. Keeping Ukraine in artificial deficits of weapons, particularly in deficits of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war. 02:33 PM GMT At least 273 people detained in Russia at events in memory of Navalny, says rights group At least 273 people have been detained at events across 32 Russian cities since the death of Alexei Navalny, according to rights group OVD-Info. It is the largest wave of arrests at political events in Russia since Sept 2022, when more than 1,300 were arrested at demonstrations against a partial mobilisation of reservists for the military campaign in Ukraine. 01:49 PM GMT Ukrainian troops captured during withdrawal from Avdiivka Some Ukrainian troops were captured by Russian forces during their withdrawal from Avdiivka, a Ukrainian official has said. Ukrainian brigadier general Oleksandr Tarnavskyi posted on Telegram that at the final stage of the operation and under the pressure of the overwhelming enemy forces a certain number of Ukrainian servicemen were captured. Ukrainian troops have now moved to the second line of defences near Avdiivka, he added. 01:43 PM GMT The US will work to ensure Russia pays damages to Ukraine, VP Harris says US Vice President Kamala Harris said that the Bidens administration stands ready to support Ukraine in its war with Russia for as long as it takes and would push for Russia to pay damages to Ukraine following the end of the war. We will continue in our efforts to secure a just and lasting peace. We will work to make sure Russia pays damages to Ukraine, she said at a joint news conference with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky at the annual Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Her comments came with $60 billion for Kyiv stalled in the US Congress. 01:32 PM GMT Ukraine fires artillery on Russian positions In the Kreminna direction Ukrainian soldiers of the 1st Presidential Brigade of the Ukraine National Guard fire artillery shells with a decades-old 105mm Italian pack howitzer at Russian positions on February 16, 2024 - Scott Peterson/Getty Images Ukrainian soldiers of the 1st Presidential Brigade of the Ukraine National Guard fire artillery shells with a decades-old 105mm Italian pack howitzer at Russian positions on February 16, 2024 in the Kreminna direction at an unspecified location, Ukraine. - Scott Peterson/Getty Images 01:14 PM GMT Navalny spokeswoman: body won't be released to relatives until officials complete investigation Alexei Navalnys spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said that Russian officials have said that the dead opposition leaders body will not be released to his relatives until investigations are complete. His mother and lawyer were told at the prison colony on Saturday that he had died of sudden death syndrome, prominent Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov said. 01:10 PM GMT Pictured: Arrests in Moscow Police officers detain a man during a gathering in memory of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny near the Wall of Grief monument to the victims of political repressions in Moscow, Russia February 17, 2024. - Reuters 01:09 PM GMT More than 200 arrested at Navalny memorials More than 200 people have been arrested by Russian authorities at spontaneous memorials for Alexei Navalny, a rights group said this morning. People were seen gathering to place flowers at makeshift monuments across Russia late Friday, and in some cases were detained by police, social media footage showed. As of this afternoon, at least 212 people had already been detained in 21 cities, including 64 in Russias second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, OVD-Info said. The updated figures had more than doubled in both people and geographic spread from this morning. Eleven people were detained in Moscow, and multiple others in the cities of Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don and Tver, it said. Authorities in Moscow said yesterday that they were aware of calls online to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow and warned people against attending. Putins long-standing opponent, Navalny died after he fell ill on a walk at the Arctic penal colony where he was being held, Kremlin authorities claimed. The UK Government said last night that it had summoned the Russian embassy to make clear that it holds the Russian authorities fully responsible. 12:57 PM GMT Britain will take action over Navalny death, David Cameron says Britain will take action over the death in custody of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and it is calling on other countries to do likewise, Foreign Minister David Cameron has said. There should be consequences when appalling human rights outrages like this take place, Cameron told Sky News. What we do is we look at whether there are individual people that are responsible and whether there are individual actions that we can take. 12:23 PM GMT Ukraine shoots down three Russian warplanes, air force chief says Ukrainian forces shot down two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter in the skies over eastern Ukraine on Saturday, the countrys air force chief said. On the morning of February 17, 2024, in the eastern (sector), units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed three enemy aircraft at once - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter, Mykola Oleshchuk wrote on Telegram. According to Reuters, if true it would represent a loss to Moscow of advanced warplanes worth in excess of $100 million in total. 12:09 PM GMT Tributes to Navalny at Russian embassy in London Floral tributes the Russian Embassy in London the Russian Embassy in London, for jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died on Friday. - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire Floral tributes the Russian Embassy in London the Russian Embassy in London, for jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died on Friday. - Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire 12:06 PM GMT Zelensky says ready to take Trump to Ukraine frontline Ukraines leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday he was ready to take Donald Trump to the frontlines, as fears grow over sustained US aid to Kyiv should the ex-president return to the White House. Zelensky told the Munich Security Conference he had invited Trump to Ukraine because policy makers should see what real war entailed. If Mr Trump will come, Im ready to go with him to the frontline, said the Ukrainian president. I think if were in dialogue how to finish the war, we have to demonstrate to people who are decision makers what does it mean the real war, not in Instagram. Real war, said Zelensky 12:02 PM GMT Taiwanese independence must be firmly rejected, China says Taiwanese independence must be firmly rejected, the foreign minister of China has said, as anxiety grows about potential military action by Beijing in the coming years, James Rothwell writes. Taiwans affairs are Chinas affairs, Wang Yi said in an address to the Munich security conference on Saturday. The one China principle must be upheld. To preserve peace... Taiwan independence must be firmly rejected, he added. Beijing has long considered Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be assimilated into China and has not ruled out military force to achieve this. 11:38 AM GMT Ursula von der Leyen calls for a new 'defence commissioner' role James Rothwell in Munich writes: Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission president, has called on the bloc to create the role of defence commissioner to help tackle Russia. The European Commission, which is tasked with drawing up EU legislation, has various commissioner roles but is yet to create one specifically for defence. If I would be the next commission president, I would install a commissioner for defense, Ms von der Leyen told the Munich Security Conference. 11:28 AM GMT Some Ukrainian troops captured during Avdiivka pullout, Kyiv says Some Ukrainian troops were captured by Russia during their withdrawal from the town of Avdiivka, Ukrainian Brigadier-General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said on Saturday. At the final stage of the (withdrawal) operation, under the pressure of the overwhelming enemy forces, a certain number of Ukrainian servicemen were captured, Tarnavskyi wrote on Telegram. He said Ukrainian troops had now moved to the second line of defences near Avdiivka. 11:20 AM GMT Pictured: Navalny's mourners arrested Law enforcement officers stand guard near the Solovetsky Stone monument to the victims of political repressions in Russia - REUTERS/Stringer Officers arrive to disperse and arrest people gathering to honour the memory of Navalny - REUTERS/Stringer Police detain a man attempting to lay for Navalny - AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky Another man is detained attempting to pay respects to Navalny in St Petersburg - AP Photo 11:08 AM GMT Ukrainian troops withdrawing from Avdiivka Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said early Saturday that he was withdrawing troops from the city of Avdiivka, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months, to avoid encirclement and save soldiers lives. The president said that the troop withdrawal was a correct decision and emphasized the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers lives. He suggested that Russia has achieved little, adding that it has been attacking Avdiivka with all the power that they had since October and lost thousands of soldiers thats what Russia has achieved. Its a depletion of their army. Dear friends, unfortunately keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, Mr Zelensky said. The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results. Were just waiting for weapons that were short of, he added, pointing to a lack of long-range weapons. Thats why our weapon today is our soldiers, our people. 11:02 AM GMT Dutch prime minister says Europe needs to 'stop whining' about Trump James Rothwell in Munich writes: Europe needs to stop whining about Donald Trump as it has no control over who Americans elect and must work with whoever wins the race, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has said. Mr Rutte, who is said to be jockeying for the role of Natos next secretary-general, said the EU had to work with whoever is on the dancefloor, referring to the US election. We have to do this because we want to do this, because it is in our interest. This is crucial. And all that whining and moaning about Trump, I hear that constantly over the last couple of days, lets stop doing that, he said. There can also be no doubt that Vladimir Putin will test Nato if he wins in Ukraine, Mr Rutte warned. He also said he was cautiously optimistic that Congress would eventually manage to pass the Ukraine funding bill. 10:43 AM GMT Ursula von der Leyen outlines plan for bolstering European defences James Rothwell in Munich writes: Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, has outlined a four-point EU plan for bolstering the defences of Europe, learning lessons from the Ukraine battlefield and becoming less dependent on the US. The European Union has to step up its industrial base without question, she told a panel at the Munich Security conference. Its basically four points we have to spend more, and more is on its way [there was] a 20 per cent increase last year but its still not enough. We have to spend better, with more joint procurement and scaling up, ramping up, she added. The third element I think is we have to spend more European, what I mean by that: it is European taxpayers billions were investing, and we want a return on investment and good jobs in Europe. The fourth point is more looking at the here and now in Ukraine. In Ukraine we are learning a lot on the battlefield - Russia is outmassing Ukraine, they throw out thousands and thousands and sacrifice young men on the battlefield. The war had also illustrated how Russia was relying on quick and dirty weapons such as drones produced by North Korea and other Russian allies, she said. So in a nutshell Im a convinced trans-atlanticist but at the same time we have to build a strong Europe and that goes hand in hand. 10:11 AM GMT Three killed in shelling in Russian-held east Ukraine, official says Three people including a girl were killed and four others injured after Ukraine shelled the Russian-occupied region of Donetsk on Saturday, a Moscow-installed local official said. Ukraine targeted the town of Panteleimonivka, less than 20 kilometres (12 miles) north east of Donetsk city, said Dmitry Shevchenko, proxy head of the local Yasynuvata municipality. Three people were killed, including a girl born in 2009, and four people were injured, including a girl born in 2013, as a result of the morning shelling, he said. His claims could not immediately be verified. The reported shelling came hours after Ukrainian troops withdrew from the frontline city of Avdiivka, also in the Donetsk region, amid intense Russian bombardment. 10:09 AM GMT Ukraine's weapon shortage is strengthening Putin, Zelensky says Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that his countrys lack of access to weapons was strengthening Russian President Vladimir Putin. Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in an artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war, he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference. He made reference to the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, from where Ukrainian troops withdrew as Ukraine faces acute shortages of ammunition with the U.S. military aid help up for months in Congress. Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it? Zelensky said, adding that he made the decision to withdraw to save Ukrainian lives. 10:07 AM GMT Pictured: Navalny's mourners arrested Police officers detain a man laying flowers to Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. - AP Police officers detain a woman who laid flowers for Alexei Navalny at the Memorial to Victims of Political Repression in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 - AP 10:03 AM GMT Navalny's mother travelling to Russian prison where he died Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was travelling to the prison colony where he died, accompanied by Navalnys lawyer, Russias Novaya Gazeta newspaper reported on Saturday. 09:26 AM GMT The memorials pictured Moscow residents bring flowers to the Solovetsky Stone in memory of Navalny - Svetlana Vidanova / Novaya Gazeta A man kneels at the monument to the victims of political repressions, where people lay flowers following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Saint Petersburg, Russia February 16, 2024. - REUTERS 09:20 AM GMT Obama reacts to Navalny's death Aleksey Navalny was a fearless advocate for his beliefs who died unbroken by the tyranny he opposed. He fought corruption, inspired millions and never wavered in his insistence on free expression, the rule of law, and a Russia that is accountable to the people and not a dictator. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 17, 2024 09:15 AM GMT Putin must pay for murder of Navalny, say world leaders Vladimir Putin must be made to pay for the murder of Alexei Navalny, world leaders said on Friday. The Kremlins promise to investigate the death was dismissed by world leaders, who instead blamed Putins brutal regime. On Friday evening, the UK Government said it had summoned the Russian embassy to make clear that it holds the Russian authorities fully responsible. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the death must be investigated fully and transparently, adding: Mr Navalny was a man of great courage and iron will. Even from his prison cell, he continued to speak up for the rights of the Russian people. His dedication to human rights and exposing corruption was an inspiration to millions. The ideals for which he stood and died will live forever. Speaking at the White House, Joe Biden said the Russian president was responsible for the death of Mr Navalny, while David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, said: Putins Russia fabricated charges against him, poisoned him, sent him to an arctic penal colony and now he has tragically died. Read more here. 09:13 AM GMT Good morning Hello and welcome to The Telegraphs live blog on the aftermath of the death of long-time Putin opponent Alexei Navalny yesterday. More than 100 arrested at Navalny memorials More than 100 people have been arrested by Russian authorities at spontaneous memorials for Alexei Navalny, the a rights group said this morning. People were seen gathering to place flowers at makeshift monuments across Russia late Friday, and in some cases were detained by police, social media footage showed. As of this morning, more than 101 people had already been detained in 10 cities, including 64 in Russias second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, OVD-Info said. Eleven people were detained in Moscow, and multiple others in the cities of Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don and Tver, it said. Authorities in Moscow said yesterday that they were aware of calls online to take part in a mass rally in the centre of Moscow and warned people against attending. Putins long-standing opponent, Navalny died after he fell ill on a walk at the Arctic penal colony where he was being held, Kremlin authorities claimed. The UK Government said last night that it had summoned the Russian embassy to make clear that it holds the Russian authorities fully responsible. 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. MUNICH (Reuters) - G7 foreign ministers observed a minute's silence at the start of their meeting in Munich on Saturday to pay their respects to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison on Friday, the G7's Italian presidency said. "For his ideas and for his battle for freedom and against corruption in Russia, Navalny was de facto led to death," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened a gathering of the major democracies on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany. "Russia must shed light on his death and stop its unacceptable repression of political dissent," Tajani said, according to his ministry. (Reporting by Alvise Armellini; editing by Mark Heinrich) Andrii Biletskyi, the commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade, founder of Azov and former MP, has thanked the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade "for the worthy fight they gave the enemy in Avdiivka". Source: Biletskyi, quoted by the 3rd Brigade on Telegram Quote: "I thank the soldiers for the worthy fight they gave the enemy in Avdiivka, in the face of the Russians' total numerical superiority in manpower, equipment and shells." "We are retreating to prepared positions to come back and strike back even harder. I am grateful to the command for their balanced decision. The battle continues." Previously: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian units from Avdiivka. Background: Earlier, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reported that two Russian brigades had been critically defeated on the Avdiivka front, but Ukrainian defenders are having to "fight 360 degrees" and Russians are deploying new forces to Avdiivka. Support UP or become our patron! The health care crisis in Gaza is unthinkably grim, even by the standards of war-ravaged regions. Infectious diseases from chickenpox to cholera are sweeping through the population; crucial medical supplies are blocked at the border; and hospitals are overrun with critically wounded patients. Four months into Israels brutal war on Hamas, the situation looks set to get worse. Israel is poised to launch an invasion into Rafah, endangering more than a million Palestinians who have sought refuge in the southern city, largely women and children. Hope for a humanitarian respite are fading as U.S.-brokered cease-fire talks broke down in Cairo this week. And the U.S. has frozen funding to the main United Nations aid agency in Gaza, further endangering the already tenuous efforts to provide medical aid. The most emerging thing is the health issue, Mai al-Kaila, minister of health for the Palestinian Authority, told The Hill this week. Because we have lots of injured people per day. We have thousands, and there is no place to be to be treated, or no safe place to be treated, as you know that the majority of hospitals are out of service. Al-Kaila is based in Ramallah in the West Bank, which the Palestinian Authority controls, while her deputy is based in Gaza, which is governed by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. The Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates that more than 28,000 Gazans have been killed so far, 70 percent of whom were women and children, and an additional 8,000 are believed to be missing under the rubble, according to a report provided to The Hill. Many hospitals not functioning at all Saleem Zaru, executive director of the United Palestinian Appeal (UAP), said the ongoing conditions in Gaza are reducing the hospital to a first aid clinic in terms of functionality. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the region that spoke with The Hill estimated there are currently only 13 hospitals operating on some level representing roughly a third of hospitals that operated in Gaza before Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Al-Kaila said that figure is likely closer to nine, as hospitals send staff away to shelter from potential bombings. None of them are fully operational with all of the medicines and supplies they need. And many are not functioning at all, Sean Carroll, president and CEO of the nonprofit Anera, said. Gaza had a relatively robust medical infrastructure before the war began, according to al-Kaila, thanks in part to the robust presence of the U.N.s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The health system in Gaza is composed of the government and UNRWA. And UNRWA has an excellent role in the health system in Gaza, and they are covering almost 70 percent of the population, because the majority of the population in Gaza are refugees, al-Kaila said. Unfortunately, these clinics, whether they are governmental or UNRWA, only out of these clinics, 22 are working, and out of the 36 hospitals, nine hospitals are partially functioning. Israels blockade, blackout On-the-ground efforts by NGOs such as Anera and the UAP to get resources into Gaza have been impeded or blocked by Israeli officials, according to Carroll and Zaru. In a period where you shouldve had 2,000 trucks, weve had 50 trucks. And Israel says its increasing the number of trucks all the time, and its just simply not true. It goes up, it goes down, and the average is still barely above 100 trucks a day, Carroll said. The UAP began stockpiling locally sourced medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in the region two years ago as part of its five-year strategic plan, Zaru said. While his organization was able to supply partner hospitals for the first one-and-a-half months of the war, access has since been cut off, with his group unable to send even one ambulance to its warehouse for additional supplies. Zaru said his group is exploring possible telemedicine and mobile service options to provide aid, but those avenues require access to electricity, which is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. The Israeli occupation telecommunication blackout is hindering residents in Gaza from accessing crucial lifesaving information, reaching out to first responders, and obstructing various forms of humanitarian response, the Health Ministrys report says. Medical products such as insulin and blood are in extreme shortage. Lack of testing facilities has left infections undiagnosed, allowing pathogens to spread more easily. The Biden administration says it is regularly urging Israel to allow an increased flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Inquiries to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., regarding facilitating aid into Gaza were referred to the Israeli governments office of Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, which did not respond when reached for comment. Rising infections, fear of outbreak According to Amani Mustafa, country director of Women for Women International in Palestine, who is based in the West Bank, the lack of adequate clean water and safe sanitation has already led to disease outbreaks, including more than 161,000 cases of diarrhea, about 85,000 among children under 5 years old. The food situation is terrible, and the health situation is terrible. Our partner, Wefaq, in Gaza says there are thousands of female cancer patients who do not have access to medication and protection. There are people who suffer from kidney failure and have to undergo dialysis but dont have access to dialysis services. Due to poor hygiene, cases of scabies, lice and skin rashes are increasing, she told The Hill. Mustafa added that other health conditions include acute respiratory infections and some 6,000 cases of chickenpox. The health ministry reported more than 223,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses and more than 55,000 cases of scabies and lice. Without prompt intervention, concerns are growing that some type of mass outbreak could occur within Gaza with unsanitary conditions the norm and nowhere to bury decomposing bodies. When people are dying and no one is burying them, what would happen as a result of that? Diseases, illness, right? And thats the fear, is that we reach a point where all 2 million Palestinian people that live in Gaza Strip became part of some sort of pandemic, a new disease, a new virus, a new thing, because of, you know, because people are not taking care, John Dabeet, president of the U.S. Palestinian Council, told The Hill. In Rafah, a struggle to stay alive An Israeli offensive on Rafah would further endanger millions of Gazans who have fled to the city for refuge. According to Mustafa, more than 1 million Palestinians are crammed into Rafah at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, on the border with Egypt. The health ministry estimates the citys population density is currently at 12,000 per square kilometer. Many are living in tent camps and makeshift shelters after fleeing bombardments elsewhere in Gaza. People who moved to Rafah, which was considered a safe zone, fear a possible ground invasion, which will be catastrophic, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation, she added. The Biden administration has delivered increasingly forceful warnings to ensure Israel comes up with an adequate safety plan for keeping citizens safe in Rafah, as concerns grow of a potentially huge loss of life in the city that could spark a new wave of pressure and condemnation of Israels war against Hamas. Marie Clarke, the chief programs officer at Women for Women International, told The Hill that women who work with their partner in Gaza Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care have expressed concerns over their increasingly dire situation. Israel launched an attack on Rafah last week as part of a rescue operation to free two hostages taken captive during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Amnah, a woman whose name has been changed to protect her identity, told The Hill of the chaos she experienced among those temporarily living in a Rafah refugee camp, as they heard bombs being dropped. Everyone around our home living in tents got out of their tents and started screaming. It was a vision of fear and people running for their lives, she said via a WhatsApp voice note. We are living a life where we breathe and eat just to stay alive. People leave their fates between the hands of God, she added. US funding freeze compounds pain Compounding the problem of aid reaching Gaza is the recent allegations by Israel that 12 employees working for the UNRWA were involved in the Hamas Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Another 240 people were taken hostage; about half who remain in Hamas captivity. The U.S. government the largest donor to UNRWA halted funding to the agency last month in response to the allegations, crippling the groups ongoing aid efforts. Al-Kaila, who worked for UNRWA for 17 years, called on the U.S. to revise its decision, arguing it cannot halt funding due to claims that have yet to be confirmed. Al-Kaila noted more than 30,000 people both in Palestinian territories and abroad are employed by UNRWA. They are doing a collective punishment for the refugees who are living in a very difficult situation and who are economically very poor, she said. I think they should revise their decision and they should look for it in different angle, in the humanitarian angle. At a press briefing last month, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said the White House needed to hold bad actors within UNRWA accountable, despite the work the larger organization is doing. They have helped save literally thousands of lives in Gaza. They do important work. Doesnt mean that there arent some folks in that group that that need to be punished for, potentially, these kinds of behavior. But that doesnt impugn the entire organization, Kirby said. The Hill has reached out to the White House about the impact of its freeze on UNRWA funds and plans moving forward. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the impact of the decision earlier this month. We know that the work that UNRWA performs, the functions that it performs, have to be preserved because so many lives are depending on it, he said. And so going forward, were going to look to the actions that are taken. And as I said, its imperative that the functions be preserved. However, Aneras Carroll said there is no feasible replacement for what UNRWA provides. Theres no agency or really any collection of agencies that can replace UNRWA, he said. Theyre the largest service provider, the largest employer and in the middle of war when not enough aid is getting to the people who need it, UNRWA cant have its capacities cut out from under it. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Lt Gen Dame Sharon Nesmith is tipped by some as future chief of the service - ANDREW CROWLEY Britains second most senior general has said she wants to see less hierarchical behaviour and more empowerment in the Army. Lt Gen Dame Sharon Nesmith, the deputy chief of the general staff, said in an interview that just because we have lots of rank structure, doesnt mean to say that we have to behave in a hierarchical way. Lt Gen Nesmith, tipped by some as future chief of the service, was the author of the controversial Army Race Action Plan which advocates easing security checks in order to drive diversity. The document, disclosed by The Telegraph last week, has been denounced as dangerous madness by former senior officers and prompted a furious Grant Shapps to order a review of diversity policies in the Ministry of Defence. Lt Gen Nesmith, the most senior female Army officer and with overall responsibility for personnel, wrote a foreword to the Race Action Plan in which she stipulated its intention to secure equality of opportunity for all from day one. On Friday night, a former security minister said the generals involvement showed that the ideas in the Race Action Plan came right from the top of the Army structure. Lt Gen Nesmith wrote a foreword to the Race Action Plan in which she stipulated the Army's intention to 'secure equality of opportunity for all from day one' - ANDREW CROWLEY Last year she told the Centre for Army Leadership podcast her vision for a less hierarchical force. Just because we have a very clearly defined rank structure and we do need that structure because its about command and leadership, and its about binding the scale of responsibility but I dont think that means that everything we do has to be slavishly done through the hierarchy, she said. How do we make sure thats not the case? Well, thats where our empowerment comes in. She also spoke of bypassing traditional hierarchy through lateral entry, whereby candidates with in-demand skills can be recruited directly to non-junior roles, although added that the bottom-up model was likely to remain the bedrock. Asked to name her most inspirational non-military leader, Lt Gen Nesmith said Jacinda Ardern, the former prime minister of New Zealand. Not necessarily because Im a fan of hers but because shes a mum. She demonstrates her own personal leadership style and shes ploughing her own track. Team should forget their logins She also spoke of the importance of downtime for her close team, urging them to unwind so comprehensively that by the time they return from leave they have forgotten their logins. A mother of two, Lt Gen Nesmith graduated from Sandhurst into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1992, going on to serve in the Balkans, Iraq and on other operations. In 2014 she became the first woman to command a British Army Brigade. She has spoken of the sexism she encountered early in her career, of learning to be authentic, and of finding her own way to succeed in a male-dominated environment. Since being appointed director personnel in 2019 she has sat on the Army Board. Recruitment crisis in Armed Forces Three years ago she told a different podcast how, as a brigadier, she ordered her senior officers to practise laughter yoga in order to set the right tone. You, as a group, have infectious laughter in a yoga exercise manner that just lightens the mood. To their absolute credit, my very male testosterone-driven command team lived in the spirit of doing a bit of laughter yoga. Im not sure they would ever thank me for it. As with the other services, the Army is facing a recruitment crisis, forcing leaders to question traditional practices in the hope of persuading more young people to join. However, many have warned that Britains public institutions are also increasingly falling into the grip of woke ideologies on race and inclusion. People arent slavishly obeying Lord West of Spithead, a former First Sea Lord and security minister under Gordon Brown, said: In the military, one of the things we do is we like mission command. You say to people who are subordinate to you this is what I want to achieve and they go and achieve it. They do the same in their organisation, all the way down mission command. So people arent slavishly obeying. They know what the aim is, they know what the head mark is. And thats good and thats healthy. He said Lt Gen Nesmiths involvement in the Race Action Plan proved it was Army policy. Now they cant pretend its some civilian down in the boondocks whos made it all up. A Whitehall source pointed to the review announced by Mr Shapps last week, saying: Certainly the things she wrote will come under the auspices of the review as to whether it is a good use of resources. The MoD declined to comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Bahira, an eight-year-old German Shepherd dog who was rescued by some concerned people after Russia blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), has found new owners. She now lives in Mykolaiv Oblast. The Berserk Animal Rescue Federation reported the happy news on Facebook. Liudmyla Melnykova, who founded the Berserk Animal Rescue Federation, told Ukrainska Pravda. Zhyttia that Bahira was rescued in Kherson in June 2023. She had been floating on planks of wood in cold water for over 24 hours. "Before the tragedy, Bahira used to be tied up. When the dam was blown up, a neighbour untied her so she could escape. Thats what saved her, as she would have died otherwise," Liudmyla said. When she arrived at the veterinary clinic, Bahira was diagnosed with a spinal hernia. Photo: Berserk Animal Rescue Federation "She couldn't walk because of it. They also found a tumour in her ear. A biopsy confirmed that it was not malignant, so we have already treated it," Liudmyla explained. Three months later, rehabilitation specialists managed to cure Bahira, and she started walking at the end of September last year. "We followed all the doctor's advice, and now she has recovered," Liudmyla said. Liudmyla says Bahira now lives in Mykolaiv Oblast with a family of farmers. As soon as the dog was brought to them and taken out of her cage, she started licking her new owners hands. "Her new family takes care of her as if she were a child. Weve kept in touch with them and we give the family advice about her nutrition and care. Theyre always together. Bahira understands that she has a master, and its very important for a dog to have someone by her side," says Liudmyla. Bahira had a different name before the tragedy Jessie. She was renamed because after being rescued, she seemed to be "born again" and became a symbol of life prevailing over death, Liudmyla says. Support UP or become our patron! German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an usually direct call for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law, in view of a planned ground offensive against the packed city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. "Obeying international law and the rules is something which is not just something we do because we subscribed some agreements globally. It is something which is coming out of our perspective of human kind and how we want to be and how we want to see ourselves," Scholz said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Scholz also reiterated Germany's demand that Israel move toward a two-state solution that would include recognizing an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected that possibility. Palestinian extremist movement Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the European Union, the United States and Israel, also does not support a two-state solution. Scholz said it has become clear that progress toward a two-state settlement is necessary for good relations between Israel and neighbouring countries. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled Israel attacks elsewhere in Gaza are currently sheltering in Rafah, a city along the Egyptian border at the southern end of the narrow coastal strip. Israel's plans to expand its military operations against the overcrowded city have met with strong international criticism. Israel's months-long offensive against the Gaza Strip was launched after Hamas, which rules the territory, launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7. About 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led attacks, many of them civilians slain in bloody massacres. In a new interview with Germany's Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Scholz had been even more critical of Israel. "With regard to Rafah, I am currently very concerned about the possible consequences of the planned ground offensive," Scholz told the daily. After the Palestinian civilian population had first been asked to flee to the south in order to find safety, there were now no longer any good escape alternatives in Gaza, Scholz said, and the humanitarian situation is catastrophic. In Munich, Scholz said that the way in which the war in Gaza is being waged must comply with international law, an issue that the chancellor said Germany has raised in every conversation with the Israeli government. Israel could count on German support, Scholz assured. At the same time, however, it was also clear that humanitarian aid had to reach Gaza, "and more than we are seeing now." Scholz said that Germany is also calling on Israel to take action against violent attacks on Palestinians by Jewish settlers in the West Bank, and warned against opening a second front in the war with the well-armed Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement across Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Iran must not be given the opportunity to exploit the situation in order to expand its influence in the region, Scholz said. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also warned against launching an offensive in Rafah during her visit to Israel on Thursday, saying an evacuation of civilians would be necessary first. She also urge Israel to instead to resume talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire which would allow desperately needed humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Sven Hoppe/dpa Tucker Carlson has addressed criticism regarding his interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin by asserting that strong "leadership requires killing people." The ex-Fox News host had a conversation with the leader of Russia on February 6. However, the interview has received criticism for being "soft," with even Vladimir Putin expressing his disappointment with Carlson's line of questioning. Tucker Carlson Says Leadership Requires 'Killing People' In the days leading up to the announcement of the passing of Russian opposition leader Aleksey Navalny, Carlson stood by his interview. Making an appearance at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Monday, February 12, he also engaged in an interview with Egyptian journalist Emad El Din Adeeb. During the interview Adeeb said, "You didn't talk about freedom of speech in Russia, you did not talk about Alexei Navalny, about assassinations, about restrictions on opposition in the coming elections." However, Carlson answered, "Every leader kills people, some kill more than others. Leadership requires killing people, sorry, that's why I wouldn't want to be a leader." In yet another peculiar video, Carlson expressed admiration for Russia's affordable grocery store prices and high-quality produce. The journalist explored a Russian superstore, expressing fascination with the wide range of products during his ongoing tour focused on Putin. In a video shared on his social media accounts, Carlson, 54, expressed his excitement by exclaiming, "Look at that!" as he sniffed a loaf of bread, accompanied by cheerful music. The ex-host expressed his shift in emotions, going from amusement to genuine anger, upon discovering that his home country seemingly imposes higher prices for essential items such as food. The video received widespread criticism from online users, who highlighted the significant difference between the average wage in Russia - which amounts to $9,072 - and the average salary in the US, which is $59,428. During his interview with Putin, Carlson expressed admiration for Russia, describing Moscow as a city that he found particularly pleasant. However, following the news of the passing of Russian opposition leader Navalny in a Russian prison, Carlson's stance towards Putin has grown increasingly critical. Read Also: Biden Pushes Netanyahu To Consider Ceasefire, Warns To Protect Civilians as Rafah Invasion Looms Carlson Turns on Putin for Alexei Navalny's 'Barbaric' Death In an interview with DailyMail.com, the ex-Fox News host revealed that he was aboard a plane en route from Dubai when news of Navalny's passing broke. Carlson expressed deep concern over the incident involving Navalny, describing it as truly horrifying. "The entire situation is inhumane and horrific. It is indefensible, according to most people," Carlson claimed. News of Navalny's reported death spread rapidly on Friday morning, originating from Russian news outlets. The announcement came from the Siberian prison service, where Navalny was serving a lengthy sentence for "extremism." The news has provoked strong reactions worldwide, with many expressing anger and outrage. A statement from prison officials reported that on February 16, 2024, convict Navalny A.A. experienced a sudden deterioration in health after a walk, resulting in a loss of consciousness. Global leaders, including the Latvian president, have held Putin responsible for Navalny's death. Carlson received significant criticism after his interview with Putin was deemed too lenient, particularly in light of the announcement of Alexei Navalny's death. A former co-host of 'The View' Meghan McCain pointed out that there was a lack of concern for Navalny's life when Tucker Carlson was questioned about him recently. According to Stuart Stevens, a former Republican strategist, there is a sentiment among Trump supporters that looks at Russia and wonders why America can't be more like it, as highlighted by Tucker Carlson. Related Article: Yulia Navalnaya Calls Out Putin Regime Following Husband's Death House Republicans are launching a probe into the Biden administrations funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following allegations related to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Committee Republican lawmakers are launching an investigation into the Biden Administrations decision to reinstitute funding to the United [Nations] Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in light of recent reporting revealing some UNRWA staff members actively participated in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks and kidnappings against Israel, House Oversight Committee Republicans said in a press release Friday. Late last month, the Biden administration announced that it was halting funds to UNRWA due to allegations that a dozen of its staff members had been involved in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas. The press release also included a link to a letter from the Oversight Committee Republicans, in which they ask Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide documents and information including [a]ll documents and communications between or among any State Department official and the White House relating to the decision, announced April 7, 2021, to resume funding to UNRWA. The latest revelations of UNRWAs ties to terror groups warrant greater scrutiny of the Biden Administrations decision in April 2021 to partner with the agency. Therefore, the Committee seeks documents and information regarding the Biden Administrations decision to renew funding for UNRWA in 2021, the letter reads. In 2018, the Trump administration announced that it would stop funding UNRWA. In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for the State Department said that the administration had carefully reviewed the issue and determined that the United States will not make additional contributions to UNRWA, saying its business model and fundamental practices were unsustainable. As a presidential candidate, Biden committed to restoring assistance to Palestinians, including UNRWA, and followed through as president. In April 2021, the Biden administration announced $235 million in funding for the agency. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. National Alliance on Mental Illness Utah: namiut.org SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Governor Spencer Cox declared today, Feb. 16 as a Day of Hope in Utah to raise awareness about suicide and other mental health issues affecting Utahns. You are not alone, he said. We see you, love you, and want you to stay. Wanted fugitive barricades himself in Sandy SWAT standoff In 2021, 48,183 Americans died by suicide with 1.7 million suicide attempts nationwide, making suicide the 11th leading cause of death that year, the declaration states. Additionally, in 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for 15- to 19-year-olds. In 2021, Utah ranked 28th in the nation for suicide deaths, with 643 lives lost, the declaration states, ranking suicide as the ninth leading cause of death and the leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds. Because of this, Gov. Cox said a Day of Hope would create an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues existing among Utah citizens. It is suitable and appropriate on a Day of Hope, and everyday, to support and empower those struggling with mental health issues, the declaration states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Watch a previous NBC4 report on Ohio lawmakers proposed new execution method in the video player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Gov. Mike DeWine has again rescheduled the execution of two Ohio prisoners as lawmakers are taking action to introduce a new execution method to the state. Timothy L. Hoffner will now be executed on July 14, 2027, for his role in killing a 22-year-old man who was buried alive in Sylvania Township in 1993. The scheduling change marks Hoffners fourth execution date. His execution was originally scheduled for May 29, 2019, but was moved to Aug, 11, 2021, and then again rescheduled for June 18 of this year. Ohio recreational marijuana sales could begin at medical dispensaries under proposal In addition, John David Stumpf will now be executed on August 18, 2027, for fatally shooting a woman outside of her New Concord home in 1984. The scheduling change marks Stumpfs fifth execution date. His execution was originally scheduled for Jan. 3. 2018, but was moved to Nov. 14, 2018. The date was again rescheduled for Sept. 15, 2021, and then for Aug. 13 of this year. The new execution dates comes two weeks after Attorney General Dave Yost, Representatives Phil Plummer and Brian Stewart announced a new bill that would allow the use of nitrogen hypoxia to kill death row inmates in the state. Yost called this the next step to kickstart Ohios death penalty system. The joint announcement came days after another state used nitrogen hypoxia as a new method to kill death row inmates. The newly proposed method involves death by forcing an inmate to breathe pure nitrogen gas through a respirator mask, which would deprive them of oxygen. Alabama used nitrogen hypoxia for the first time in history, simultaneously marking the first new type of execution introduced since lethal injection in 1982. A 58-year-old death row inmate, convicted murderer-for-hire Kenneth Eugene Smith, served as a test subject of sorts for the gas. Ohio has not carried out a death sentence since 2018. The state has continuously delayed upcoming execution dates because of issues with its main method, lethal injection. DeWine again explained the reason as ongoing problems involving the willingness of drug suppliers to sell the ingredients for a deadly cocktail to ODRC. Still, Lawrence Landrum remains scheduled to be executed on Oct. 15 of this year for killing an 84-year-old man during a robbery in 1985. His execution had originally been scheduled for Dec. 9, 2021. Alongside pushing back execution dates, the state said at the beginning of 2024 that it would shift the inmates to a new prison. Three other executions have been delayed from dates in 2024: Greg Lott: originally scheduled to be executed on Feb. 15, 2024, rescheduled for April 14, 2027 John Stojetz: originally scheduled for March 14, 2024, rescheduled for May 19, 2027 Archie Dixon: originally scheduled for April 17, 2024, rescheduled for June 16, 2027 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Avelo Airlines at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) will introduce two new routes this spring. On Thursday, Feb. 15, Avelo Airlines announced new nonstop flights to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, New Hampshire and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in Rochester, New York. The two routes are a historical marker for GSP, with the airport now offering the highest number of destinations in its history, said the press release. For anyone looking to travel between upstate New York and upstate South Carolina, look no further than ROCs newest nonstop service to Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport on Avelo Airlines. Like Monroe County and the Finger Lakes, the Greenville/Spartanburg area is home to an abundance of outdoor recreational attractions, unique dining, shopping and entertainment venues, and access to major colleges and universities. You can feel the synergy between our two communities, and we hope that this new nonstop service will bring out more similarities and travel opportunities for our residents, said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. On Thursday, Feb. 15, Avelo Airlines announced new nonstop flights to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, New Hampshire and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in Rochester, New York. Starting on May 10, Avelo will operate twice-weekly flights to Manchester-Boston on Mondays and Fridays. Rochester will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays starting May 9. We are thrilled to welcome Avelos growth at GSP, said GSP President and CEO Dave Edwards. Since their launch in 2023, GSP passengers have embraced their low fares and quality service. These new routes offer even more exciting opportunities for tourism to and from two popular destinations in the northeast. Avelo Airlines began service at GSP in June 2023. It currently operates four weekly flights to New Haven, Connecticut. To make reservations, visit AveloAir.com. Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Avelo Airlines at GSP will offer flights to Boston, Rochester, NY. The scheme is a "wonderful opportunity" to work in social care, an official said Jobseekers are being offered the opportunity to earn a care training certificate as part of a States-sponsored scheme. Those looking for either part or full-time employment can apply to join the free seven-week course, the States of Guernsey said. It is being offered through a scheme set up by Health and Social Care and Employment and Social Security called Pathway to Caring. The free course will begin on 9 April. There are no specific requirements in terms of educational background but applicants will be asked to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Elaine Burgess, director of care delivery, said the course was a "wonderful opportunity" to work in the care sector. "It is anticipated that candidates who pass the qualification will be able to access flexible employment options and future training," she said. "If this new course is successful, the aim is to run further courses and provide placements across the whole care sector." Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. People living on Americas Gulf Coast, including in a region known as Cancer Alley, are worried that time is running out for federal regulators to act on toxic air pollution. Whats happening? Though the Biden administration has vowed to help improve conditions for people living on the Gulf Coast, including in Cancer Alley, little progress has been made, as reported by the Washington Post. As such, many local residents say that they feel left behind. Lake Charles, Louisiana, resident Lois Malvo believes that exposure to these toxic chemicals caused her to develop cancer. Three of her siblings have also been diagnosed with cancer, and her sister died from it. Our health lets us know that something isnt right, 77-year-old Malvo told the Post. Were being attacked by the industry because were vulnerable people and really, nobody cares about us. Why is pollution on the Gulf Coast concerning? Per the Post, eight facilities in the region release high levels of benzene, which has been linked to leukemia. All but one of these are located near disadvantaged communities in Texas and Louisiana. A federal probe in September 2023 found that, for years, the Environmental Protection Agency did not enforce the federal action level for this carcinogen. A public health watchdog group recently revealed that companies have been hiding the evidence of the dangers of benzene for years. In addition to cancer, exposure can lead to other ailments like anemia, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased risk of infection due to a lowered immune system. Benzene is not the only pollutant endangering residents, however. Among others is chloroprene, another cancer-causing toxin. Whats being done about pollution in Cancer Alley? EPA administrator Michael Regan toured the region in 2021, but the agency has struggled to enforce the kind of regulations needed to protect residents, the Post reported. The EPA only recently started cracking down on benzene pollution, according to former employees who spoke with the publication anonymously. That said, the agency added 300 new enforcement and compliance staffers, and the regional field office in Texas increased its number of inspections across five states from 516 in 2022 to 740 in 2023. Still, advocates are worried about the slow issuance of citations, fearing that cases are progressing so slowly that they might be dropped altogether if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. This fear and frustration have led some residents to take matters into their own hands. In 2022, people in St. James Parish in Louisiana located along Cancer Alley celebrated legal victories that stopped two petrochemical facilities from being built. Grassroots environmental justice group Rise St. James led the charge to fight the new plants. Rise St. James founder Sharon Lavigne engaged in community activism by leading marches and rallies, speaking with government officials, and working with regional and national environmental groups. Similarly, two sisters in St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana forged a legal battle against industry, winning a court case that stopped the construction of a grain export facility. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. The gunman in a 2022 Manhattan murder has been nabbed in the Dominican Republic, police said Friday. Juan Peguero, 23, was arrested this week by U.S. marshals and returned to the city Thursday, police said. Peguero, who lives in Yonkers, was charged with murder and weapons possession, accused of shooting Erni Garcia, 24, the night of July 11, 2022. Police said the victim was standing in front of a bodega at Sherman Ave. and W. 204th St. in Inwood when a white BMW pulled up. A gunman got out and fired a number of shots, a witness later telling the Daily News the noise sounded explosive. The gunman had a [surgical] mask on and a heavy-duty winter coat, said the witness, who did not want to be named. I saw him put his hand inside and pull his gun. It was a strong firearm. The BMW took off after the shooting, but police said video and witness accounts helped them identify the shooter. Video obtained by The News showed police officers pumping the victims chest before medics rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. It wasnt clear why Garcia, who lived about a half-mile from the crime scene, was shot. GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley pressed former President Trump to call out Russian President Vladimir Putin in the wake of opposition leader Alexei Navalnys death, while arguing that his silence is a problem. Anybody that cant call out a dictator, thats a problem, Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, said in the interview on CNNs The Source with anchor Kaitlan Collins. You know, he should be calling not just calling Putin out for what happened to Nalvany, he should be calling Putin out for the fact that hes got Evan Gershkovich as a hostage, she continued, referring to The Wall Street Journal reporter who has been detained in Russia for nearly a year. He should be calling out Putin for invading Ukraine. Her comments come after Navalny, 47, was found unresponsive by the Russian Federal Prison Service. He had been serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism in one of Russias highest-security prisons in a remote area known for severe winters. The opposition leader, who grew from a blogger to Putins chief rival, is just the latest of the Russian presidents critics to be found dead which has sparked international concerns about whether the Kremlin was involved. Haley, like many others, have accused Putin of orchestrating Navalnys death. Putin did this, she wrote Friday morning on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in response to the news. The same Putin who Donald Trump praises and defends. The same Trump who said: In all fairness to Putin, youre saying he killed people. I havent seen that. She echoed those claims Saturday, arguing Trumps praise of Putin has only emboldened him, including aggressive comments the former president has made about NATO. His harsh criticism of the treaty alliance centers on efforts to get NATO members to commit 2 percent of their GDP to defense spending or else, he vowed to rescind protection and signaled he would encourage Russia to attack them. That means Donald Trump is siding with a thug who kills his political opponents, Haley said. Hes siding with someone who has made no bones about wanting to destroy America. Hes siding with someone who arrests American journalists and holds them hostage. Navalnys death was confirmed by his family Saturday, who said he was murdered, and they have pushed Russia to return his body. President Biden also blamed Putin for his death Friday. Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalnys death. Putin is responsible, he said from the White House. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putins brutality. No one should be fooled. The president had previously given a warning to Putin in a 2021 meeting in Geneva that there would be devastating consequences if Navalny were to die. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Haley: Trump should not use RNC as 'piggy bank' for legal woes Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Friday warned that former President Donald Trump will use the RNC to pay his mounting legal fees, should he win the 2024 GOP nomination. In an interview on CNN, Haley said she does not want Trump to use the Republican National Committee (RNC) which solicits donations from GOP voters as his personal "piggy bank." "My biggest issue is I dont want the RNC to become his legal defense fund," Haley told CNN's Kaitlan Collins. "I dont want the RNC to become his piggy bank for his personal court cases. Weve already seen him spend $50 million worth of campaign contributions toward his personal court cases." "Now we see him trying to get control of the RNC, so he can continue not to have to pay his own legal fees," she added. TRUMP BARRED FROM OPERATING BUSINESS, ORDERED TO PAY OVER $350 MILLION IN NY CIVIL FRAUD CASE Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump. Haley's comments came after a New York judge ordered Trump to pay more than $350 million in the civil fraud case brought by state Attorney General Letitia James. Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Trump and other defendants were liable for "persistent and repeated fraud," "falsifying business records," "issuing false financial statements," "conspiracy to falsify false financial statements," "insurance fraud," and "conspiracy to commit insurance fraud." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The judge also barred Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump from serving as officers or directors of any New York corporation or legal entity in New York for two years. TRUMP VISITS MANHATTAN COURT TO BLAST NYAG CASE, PRAISES APPELLATE RULING IN HIS FAVOR Former President Donald Trump announced his endorsements for leadership positions in the Republican National Committee on Feb. 12, 2024. The former president endorsed Michael Whatley, left, to serve as the RNC's next chairman; Lara Trump to serve as vice chair; and Chris LaCivita to serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the RNC. Engoron's ruling came weeks after Trump was ordered to pay over $83 million in a defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault. The RNC previously acknowledged that it had been paying certain legal fees "that relate to politically motivated legal proceedings waged against President Trump," according to reporting from The Hill, including investigations by then-Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. and New York Attorney General Letitia James. However, in 2022, the RNC said it would not pay Trump's legal bills once he declared himself a candidate for the White House. TRUMP ENDORSES NEW RNC CHAIR, ANNOUNCES DAUGHTER-IN-LAW'S RUN FOR VICE CHAIR Haley raised concerns that should Trump win the 2024 GOP nomination, he would commandeer the RNC and loyal GOP donors to pick up the tab for his civil judgments. Trump has already endorsed North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley to take over from current RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, along with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to potentially serve as vice-chair. "The problem is that doesnt help us when any seats in the House, in the Senate or anything else if the RNC is all focused on his legal fees," Haley said on CNN. "Hes made the co-chair his daughter-in-law. Hes made his campaign manager the director of operations. Hes trying to control the RNC after the fact that he tried to get me out of the race so that he could be the presumptive nominee. All of that is so that he has an arm to pay his legal fees," she continued. "Thats the fear that every Republican should have, because we wont win anything if he goes down that path." Reached for comment, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, "Nikki 'Birdbrain' Haley is as stupid as she is ignorant." "She 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. But not before she can squeeze every last dollar out of her Democrat benefactors," Cheung told Fox News Digital. The RNC did not respond to a request for comment. Trump and Haley will face off in the South Carolina Republican primary next Saturday on Feb. 24, 2024. Fox News Digital's Michael Lee contributed to this report. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Haley: Trump should not use RNC as 'piggy bank' for legal woes Judge declares mistrial on Friday in the murder case involving former Ohio sheriff's deputy Jason Meade's alleged killing of Casey Goodson Jr., a Black man. The final mistrial decision was made after the jury that was handling the case could not agree on a verdict against the defendant and Judge David Young had already twice declared a mistrial. The development ends tumultuous proceedings that saw four jurors dismissed from the case. Judge Declares Mistrial The former deputy was charged with murder and reckless homicide over the killing of a Black man in Columbus in December 2020. The former Ohio sheriff's deputy was said to have shot Goodson Jr. six times, including five times in the back, as the 23-year-old Black man tried to enter his grandmother's home. Young already declared a mistrial on Friday morning but retracted the decision a few minutes later and commended the jurors for their hard work. Then, jurors came to Young again to say that they could not agree and he instructed them to keep trying, as per the Associated Press. The judge then declared a final mistrial about two hours after that discussion, where jurors, some of whom were crying, said that they were deadlocked. Young will soon meet with prosecutors and defense lawyers in the near future to decide on how to proceed with the murder case. An attorney for the Goodson family, Sean Walton, said that while there was indeed a mistrial, there were still jurors who clearly considered all the evidence and thought Meade was guilty. He added that some of the jurors felt that the defendant was responsible for the unjustifiable killing of Goodson Jr. Walton added that the nearly four years since the killing have been a "rollercoaster of extremes" for the family of Goodson Jr. On the other hand, Meade's attorney, Mark Collins, expressed his gratitude for how hard the jurors worked in the case to be "as fair and impartial as possible," noting that he and his client are "ready to go," if a second trial is set. Read Also: Former Meta Employee Identified as Prime Suspect in Tragic Triple Murder-Suicide Murder of Casey Goodson Jr. Special prosecutors have not yet officially determined whether or not they will retry the former Ohio sheriff's deputy. However, a second trial is not without precedent as former Columbus police officer Andrew Mithcell underwent two trials before a jury acquitted him of murder and voluntary manslaughter in the August 2018 killing of 23-year-old Donna Dalton Castleberry, according to the Columbus Dispatch. After the end of the latest trial, Franklin County Prosecutor Gary Tyack's office issued a statement, saying that its thoughts were with Goodson's family. The statement noted that a decision to retry the case will be made by the special prosecutors after they have reviewed their case. The all-white jury that failed to reach a verdict against Meade comprised nine women and three men. Walton addressed that issue as it pertains to the case, saying that a white former law enforcement officer and a deceased Black man. The attorney said that a lot of people who encounter the justice system do not have a jury of their peers. He added that people cannot afford to take work off for weeks, noting that if they need childcare, there will not be a diverse jury, said ABC6. Related Article: Police Apprehend 2 Juveniles in Connection to Super Bowl Celebration Shooting Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley warned that former President Trump is using the Republican National Committee (RNC) to pay for his legal fees, and will continue to do so if reelected. My biggest issues is, I dont want the RNC to become, you know, his legal defense fund, Haley told CNNs Kaitlan Collins Friday evening. I dont want the RNC to become his piggy bank for his personal court cases. Haleys comments came just hours after a New York judge ordered Trump to pay more than $355 million for conspiring to alter his net worth to receive tax and insurance benefits. Weeks before, a different New York judge ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll after he denied sexually assaulting her. According to federal election filings released last month, Trumps fundraising committees spent nearly $30 million in legal fees during the second half of 2023, a sum reflecting how much financial strain his reelection efforts are under, as he balances several expensive legal battles. Haley, Trumps only remaining challenger in the GOP primary, argued Trump is trying to get control of the RNC so that he can continue to not have to pay his own legal fees. The former South Carolina Governor continued, arguing that if the RNC is focused on funding Trumps legal fees, it isnt going to be channeling money into winning House and Senate elections for the Republican Party. She added that the RNC is practically broke now, anyways. Haley said she is concerned about Trumps involvement in selecting leadership members for the committee. Hes trying to control the RNC after the fact that he tried to get me out of the race so that he could be the presumptive nominee, she said, highlighted by Mediaite. All of that is so that he has an arm to pay his legal fees. Thats the fear that every Republican should have, because we wont win anything if he goes down that path, Haley said. Trump and Haley will face off in the South Carolina primary next Saturday, Feb. 24. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Floridalma Roque arrived at the Perfektima clinic in Guatemala City on the morning of June 13 for a scheduled plastic surgery. A day later, Roque, a U.S. citizen, had disappeared without a trace. Roque's family has been searching for her since then, and the experience has left them feeling lonely and desperate as they try to navigate two criminal justice systems and a stalling criminal investigation. Roque's daughter Vida Roque, 22, told CBS News that on June 14 she spoke to her stepfather, Jeremias, who was crying and saying her mother never came back home from the clinic. Roque, who lives in New York, had undergone a successful surgery at the Guatemalan clinic a year earlier and returned to get liposuction on her back and arms, her daughter said. Floridalma Roque arrives at the Perfektima clinic in Guatemala City on the morning of June 13, 2023 for plastic surgery. / Credit: Prosecutor's Office against the Crime of Femicide Guatemala Her daughter said Roque didn't like to travel on her own and always was accompanied so it would be unusual for her to leave alone after the surgery. Vida called her mother's phone repeatedly but there was no answer. Rosario Sandoval, a relative, had agreed to pick up Roque from the clinic at 10 a.m. the day after the surgery, Vida said. Sandoval told Vida that she had driven to the clinic and spoken with the receptionist, who put her in touch with the surgeon. The doctor, Kevin Malouf, told Sandoval that Roque had left the clinic by 7 a.m. in an Uber. That was the first of many red flags for the children of the 59-year-old caregiver from Queens. Changing and conflicting stories "My mother does not know how to order an Uber, nor does she even have the app," Vida, who lives in Maryland, told CBS News. Her son Jose Lopez, 42, told CBS News he usually spoke to his mother every day, so he said it was strange he had not heard from her. When Sandoval questioned her taking an Uber, Vida said Malouf told Sandoval that Roque had crossed the street. At first, he said she went on her own. Then he said she had been with a nurse and in a wheelchair. Malouf told Sandoval clinic staff helped her into the car. His story kept changing, and the family felt he wasn't telling the truth. But they felt there was little they could do. The clinic is very popular, and considered one of Guatemala's most luxurious plastic surgery providers. It's in an upmarket neighborhood with nice stores, and Roque had been to the clinic before. Video footage shows a patient being escorted from a plastic surgery clinic in Guatemala City. / Credit: Prosecutor's Office against the Crime of Femicide Guatemala "The clinic's responses did not add up," Vida told CBS News. The family viewed surveillance video obtained by the Guatemalan police that shows a woman being escorted from the clinic, but the family doesn't believe the woman in the video is their mother. The woman seen in the video is tall, and their mother is a petite woman, the children said. Vida contacted police in New York, but says she was told they couldn't do anything about a person missing in another country. She then approached the FBI and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City and asked for help locating her mother but again to no avail. The Overseas Citizen Office in D.C. connected Vida to the FBI, she said, and officials said local authorities needed to handle the case and they could only make "strong suggestions." A State Department spokesperson said, "We are aware of reports of a missing U.S. citizen in Guatemala, and we are monitoring the situation." The spokesperson added they work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts and share information with families "however we can." Due to privacy concerns, the spokesperson said, no further comment would be provided. The FBI national office did not respond to a list of emailed questions. Miami-based attorney Frank Rubino, an expert in international criminal defense who represented Manuel Noriega before the United States Supreme Court, said the U.S. government needs an invitation from local law enforcement to conduct an investigation on foreign soil. Rubino said cases in Central America are particularly challenging, but he said the U.S. government should get involved because "she's a U.S. citizen," and would help if the family wants to see results. The FBI could seek permission from Guatemalan authorities to investigate Roque's disappearance, he said. Doctor arrested Eventually, the case was investigated by Guatemalan police, who obtained the surveillance video from the clinic, the nation's Public Ministry, which oversees justice matters, said in a statement to CBS News. Video footage shows clinic staff carrying out large garbage bins. / Credit: Prosecutor's Office against the Crime of Femicide Guatemala Clips from the surveillance video appear to show a patient with a bandaged head leaving the office; the family says they don't recognize the person, and additional surveillance video shows seemingly odd behavior by the doctor and clinic. It shows clinic staff taking out a large garbage container and bags the night of Roque's disappearance. Guatemala's Public Ministry, in response to CBS News' questions, said that "on July 28, 2023, the Prosecutor's Office against the Crime of Femicide carried out search, inspection, registration and seizure of evidence in four properties due to a report being filed two weeks earlier by the Roque family." The police arrested the doctor and some clinic staff, including nurses, an anesthesiologist and an assistant from the clinic. Kevin Malouf, Ligia Silva, Luis Castro and Susana Rojas were arrested, the Public Ministry said. The Public Ministry said that the Prosecutor's Office against the Crime of Femicide presented sufficient investigative means to link the four accused to Roque's disappearance and charge them with kidnapping and obstruction of criminal action. A portion of the Guatemalan police report / Credit: Courtesy Roque Family In a June 19 statement on his Facebook account, Dr. Malouf said after a successful surgery Roque left the clinic at 7:00 a.m. from the lobby in a wheelchair then she got into a vehicle and left. Malouf said afterward he had no communication with Roque and "learned about her disappearance the same day." On October 19, the court issued precautionary measures to the bank accounts related to the doctor, the Public Ministry said, and Malouf is being held in jail. The investigation is ongoing, the Public Ministry confirmed to CBS News. There has been no sign of Roque since her disappearance. Caught between two worlds Roque's children told CBS News they have received no death certificate from authorities in the U.S. or Guatemala, and they don't have their mother's body. More than six months after Roque went missing, her apartment remains as she left it, and there hasn't been an avenue for the family to have her declared deceased. If Roque is never found it can take months or years for the family to get a death certificate. Because there is no body the family is in a difficult situation, said Renee Williams, Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, as if you don't have a body someone could have just disappeared. There are concerns of insurance fraud said Williams and courts want to make sure that "person won't come back." In Roque's case prosecutors have not proven a crime has been committed. "Declaring someone dead without a body especially with the extra layer of the crime happening outside of the country is a complex process," said Williams. Floridalma Roque, 59, has been missing since June 13, 2023. Her family has been searching for her ever since. / Credit: Courtesy Roque Family Crime victims or their families should immediately reach out to a victims' support group, said Williams. Advocates should be able to provide resources to the family and help them navigate the often tricky path to closure. Roque's children, siblings and husband have traveled to Guatemala to pressure investigators on the case. Her son Jose Lopez, said, "it's been very difficult because the doctor is someone with lots of resources and money." Jonathan Villatoro, the Roques' lawyer in Guatemala advising the family, said the case has been on hold because he and the family want to get a "high impact-judge for the type of crime being tried" assigned to the case. The Public Ministry said the defense asked for a change in judge. "We're caught in between two worlds," said Vida, as her family waits and hopes for answers. Judge in Trump's New York civil fraud case expected to issue long-awaited ruling Arrest in Hunter Biden case could derail Republican impeachment plans Saturday Sessions: Madi Diaz performs "Everything Almost" A member of a historic church in South Los Angeles pointed out to Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson on Sunday that a landmark item was missing from the building: a bronze plaque. The plaque at Bethel A.M.E Church had withstood the Great Depression, segregation and other economic downturns, only to disappear a couple of weeks ago, Harris-Dawson said. The plaque may have been stolen amid a surge of copper wire and bronze thefts across the city. I do think we have a mutation of petty theft that we need to look at in a serious and deep way, said Harris-Dawson, whose district has also seen stretches of streets targeted by thieves. The anecdote was shared at the end of a nearly one-hour debate Wednesday in which more than half of the City Council spoke over whether to approve motions by Councilmembers Kevin de Leon and Traci Park to curb copper wire theft. Beyond wire theft, the invigorating conversation illuminated the council members differing approaches to crime, with some wishing for more preventive efforts and others pushing for accountability. Read more: L.A. is being 'stripped for parts.' Here's what the City Council wants to do about it The motions, which passed on a 13-2 vote, will create a task force with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Bureau of Street Lighting and establish a rewards program to encourage the public to submit information regarding the thefts. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said the rewards program misses critical steps in understanding the root of this problem. Rather than expand city efforts and resources on a reward program that does not intervene until after the damage is done and focuses on punitive measures, why arent we looking into how we can prevent this cycle together? said Hernandez, who voted no on the motions. Hernandez praised a Jan. 9 motion by Councilmember Heather Hutt that requested an examination of replacing copper wires with solar-powered lighting. Efforts like those, Hernandez said, address the root causes of the problem instead of spending money on solutions that are Band-Aids. (Hutt did not speak during Wednesday's discussion but voted to approve both motions.) Councilmember Monica Rodriguez stood by the rewards program, noting that accountability was necessary to prevent further expense to taxpayers. We cant make it easier for them to continue to break into these systems, steal the copper wire, cash it in and create a bigger public safety threat, Rodriguez said of the thieves. Council President Paul Krekorian redirected the councils attention to the unscrupulous purchasers of stolen metal, who he said were the real source of the problem. Since November, Krekorian and City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto have been targeting those who receive the stolen metal. He said the way to prevent the crime was to make it no longer profitable. From within his district, Harbor-area Councilmember Tim McOsker lamented the loss of plaques at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial as well as at other memorials dedicated to fishing industry families and longshore workers. McOsker noted that the Los Angeles Port Police had arrested three people Dionzay Tisby, 42, Brittany Draper, 37, and Deona Jackson, 28 on suspicion of grand theft related to the plaque thefts. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez joined Hernandez in opposing the motions, even though he had initially supported the idea. He asked his colleagues to understand that the thefts might be committed by people living in poverty who are pushed into acts of desperation. Soto-Martinez urged the council to be smart legislators and pursue prevention efforts. Its not just about getting rewards and criminalizing, and I get thats probably part of the solution. But at the end of the day, its not going to solve the issue, Soto-Martinez said. In response, Councilmember Imelda Padilla acknowledged Soto-Martinezs point about poverty but disagreed that the responsible individuals were impoverished criminals. This is really high, sophisticated, smart, clever, organized crime, she said. Councilmember John Lee also pushed back against Soto-Martinez, noting that the funds he wishes he could spend on youth centers or community programs are instead going to costly measures to deter thieves. We focus on the person committing the crime and not the victim anymore, he said. I dont understand why we should not be looking at every single thing at our disposal. De Leon said he appreciated the range of perspectives on the issue but clarified that the motions were meant to give priority to public safety and speak to the concerns of residents. In late December, thieves stole a third of the 6th Street Viduct's copper wires. De Leon, whose district includes the structure, said the individuals could receive a "street value" of $11,000 for the stolen material. But repairs will cost taxpayers $2.5 million. This is not criminalizing this act, De Leon said, because its already a crime. 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. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President Kamala Harris vowed that the United States would help Ukraine in its war against Russia for as long as it takes as fighting in the region continues and nears its second anniversary. So, as we move forward, the President and I [] will continue to work to secure the resources and weapons that you need to succeed. We will also continue to support your efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, Harris said, addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. We will work to make sure Russia pays damages to Ukraine and ultimately, we want to see Ukraine emerge from this war as a nation that is free, democratic and independent, she continued. President Zelensky, as President Joe Biden and I have made clear, we will be with you for as long as it takes. Harriss comments reaffirm the United States support of Zelensky and Ukraine in its war against Russia. The Ukrainian leader also spoke at the conference, where he repeated his plea for additional international aid to continue the war. He emphasized that the strength of Ukraines troops is hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. Ukraine withdrew troops from the eastern city of Avdiivka this week because the military was concerned about the lives and safety of its soldiers. Zelensky said his troops needed help with artillery and long-range capabilities. Were just waiting for weapons that were short of, he said. His requests for support continue as a $60 billion aid package thats been in the works in Congress for months remains stalled. The Senate passed a foreign aid package this week after a series of hiccups but remains stuck in the House. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has said he does not approve of the aid package because it lacks the tougher security measures for the U.S.-Mexico border that House Republicans demand. The combined border and foreign aid package failed in the Senate after GOP members tanked the bill after insisting for months that any aid to Ukraine must also be tied with border funding. The House is in recess and Johnson received criticism from the White House for leaving town without bringing the Ukraine aid to the floor for a vote. The White House announced Saturday that President Biden called Zelensky to reaffirm the countrys commitment to supporting him in the war ahead of the second anniversary. President Biden emphasized the need for Congress to urgently pass the national security supplemental funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces, the White House said in a statement. Updated at 3:38 pm EST. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Police in Harrisburg found the missing kayaker. According to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, on Friday, Feb. 16, at around 2 p.m. officers responded to the south side of City Island regarding a missing kayaker. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Al Dia con abc27 When officers arrived, they were able to identify the kayaker as 44-year-old Brenton King. Police said that Kings kayak was recovered by the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire in the Susquehanna River south of City Island. According to Harrisburg City Spokesperson Matt Maisel, Harrisburg Police are using drones to search around City Island where the kayak was launched. State Police were also using a chopper on Saturday and were searching as far south as York Haven. Crash shuts down portion of Pennsylvania Turnpike An investigation has been started into the incident and as of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, police said that King had not been found. King is described as a Black male with a thin build approximately 6 foot tall. He was most likely wearing fluorescent orange and black bibs when he disappeared. 44-year-old Brenton King (Courtesy of Harrisburg Bureau of Police) Police state that on Feb. 18 King was located deceased in the Susquehanna River. Matt Maisel, a Harrisburg city spokesperson states that Kings body was spotted by a drone, about 150 meters north of the Dock Street Dam. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Harrisburg Police at 717-558-6900. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. An original draft "Star Wars" script left in a London apartment by "Han Solo" actor Harrison Ford sold at a UK auction for 10,795 ($13,600) on Saturday. The script was used when Ford was in London for the filming of the first instalment of the epic saga, originally entitled "The Adventures Of Luke Starkiller", at Elstree Studios north of London. The fourth draft of the screenplay, dating from March 15, 1976, was snapped up by an Austrian collector when it went under the hammer at Excalibur Auctions in Hertfordshire, north of London. Ford left the script at the London flat he rented at the time along with shooting schedules, which sold for 4,826, and a letter from an agent or friend, which sold for 177.80. The landlords renting the property found the items and kept them for decades. The incomplete and unbound script contains revisions, and introduces Han Solo on page 56. The 1977 film catapulted Ford to international fame and he starred in sequels "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return Of The Jedi" (1983), before taking on the role again in "The Force Awakens" (2015). Excalibur Auctions' auctioneer Jonathan Torode said this sale saw a new record set for a Star Wars script, "which shows how a personal link to the items is so enticing to Star Wars fans". jwp/gv The Native American Agriculture Fund and the Bureau of Indian Education have teamed up to create a new agriculture business degree program in partnership with Haskell Indian Nations University. The educational effort will be housed within Haskells business school, and the program will cover areas such as lending operations, risk management, regulatory compliance, and customer service, encompassing comprehensive fundamental lending principles that will ultimately improve the relationships Native farmers and ranchers have with their financial institutions. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. I am excited to see Haskell implementing innovative programs to foster opportunities for the next generation of Native American farmers and ranchers, said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. This new program will help ensure that Indigenous farming students can build sustainable business models that support them, their families and our traditional food systems by bridging the gap between educational needs and agricultural financial literacy. Haskell Indian Nations University looks forward to working with the Native American Agriculture Fund to advance the career opportunities and skillsets available to Native communities and individuals, said Haskell Indian Nations University President Francis Arpan. Through this grant, we hope to expand valuable resources to Native communities in the areas of agribusiness and beyond. The program will offer students degree and certificate options in both agriculture and finance, ensuring students possess a deep understanding of lending processes specific to Indian Country and the agricultural industry. This represents a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals who understand the unique requirements of Tribal agriculture production and lending and thus empower economic opportunities for Native American farmers and ranchers. Through this educational program, the goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the unique lending landscape of Indian Country and address the importance of improving capital access for Native producers, said NAAF CEO Toni Stanger-McLaughlin. At NAAF, we are proud to support educational entities like Haskell as the stewards of education in our tribal communities and hope the certificate programs will become a useful tool in educating both students and non-students that serve their tribal communities. This new engagement will build off our work in providing access to capital through Community Development Financial Institutions and the creation of a new Other Financing Institution within the Farm Credit System called Native Agriculture Financial Services. The partnership will focus on building bridges between educational needs and the ongoing efforts to improve agricultural financing, which is critical to a long-term sustainable and resilient Native food economy. We are excited to create new and exciting opportunities for our students and the communities they come from, said Mackie Moore, dean of Haskell Indian Nations University College of Business. Through education and economic development opportunities we see the growth of, not only agriculture practices being used for basic sustainable food, but business opportunities. This holistic educational program will provide learning experience for students interested in the intersection of business, finance and agriculture. NAAF was created as part of the Keepseagle national class action settlement, which focused on lending practices impacting Native farmers and ranchers. One of the important areas impacting Native producers' success is access to capital, and NAAFs mission is to help address and impact Native producers barriers to success. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Mathias Mogge, Secretary General Welthungerhilfe, presents Welthungerhilfe's Annual Report 2021. The head of German non-governmental aid agency Welthungerhilfe has described the situation in conflict-ridden Sudan as increasingly dire. Joerg Carstensen/dpa The head of German non-governmental aid agency Welthungerhilfe has described the situation in conflict-ridden Sudan as increasingly dire. After returning from a visit to the crisis state in north-east Africa, Matthias Mogge, Secretary General of Welthungerhilfe, described overcrowded refugee centres, increasingly difficult supply logistics and intensifying fighting in the country's civil war. Sudan has been gripped by conflict following a split between the army and a militia faction last year. The de facto head of Sudan, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy and leader of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have been fighting for power since April 2023. According to UN figures, Sudan is now the country with the most refugees and displaced persons in the world. Close to 8 million people have fled within the country or across the borders due to the fighting. Humanitarian workers are facing enormous problems, Mogge said. In the western province of Darfur, the supply situation is catastrophic and hunger is on the rise, he told dpa in Nairobi on Friday. "As a humanitarian organization, we fear that the situation is likely to worsen in the coming months. The few reserves that were still there have now been used up." In addition, Mogge said access to the starving people in Darfur is limited. In the north-eastern harbour city of Port Sudan, where many have fled as a result of the fighting in the capital Khartoum, the influx has caused enormous problems, Mogge told dpa. "You can already see that the authorities and the country have huge problems accommodating and receiving these refugees." UPDATE: Henderson police said they had taken one person into custody following the barricade. The scene is expected to be cleared by police shortly after 6:30 p.m. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Henderson police investigated a barricade on the east side of the valley that was connected to a crash near Warm Springs Road and Marks Street. Police said the barricade is in the 4900 block of Andover Drive near Tropicana Avenue and Boulder Highway. The crash occurred at approximately 3 p.m. Preliminary information reported by Henderson police stated that a robbery/carjacking may have possibly taken place at the scene of the crash. No injuries have been reported. Drivers are asked to avoid the area as Las Vegas Metropolitan police and Henderson continue investigating the scene. LVMPD Air, Patrol, and K9 units are assisting the Henderson Police Department in the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A group of eight bipartisan House lawmakers unveiled a new $66.3 billion foreign aid bill that would fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan support while also including provisions on the border. The new bill comes as part of efforts to break the House stalemate on the issue before Kyiv's war effort sputters. The latest measure is spearheaded by Ukraine Caucus co-chair Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Bipartisan Foreign Aid Bill It is a narrower version of the $95 billion aid package that was passed by the Senate this week. The House counterproposal removes tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian and economic aid for both Gaza and Ukraine in the upper chambers' bill. It also leaves the military portion that was in the Senate bill. The new bipartisan bill also has provisions that seek to tighten border security and win over Republican lawmakers who would not approve Ukraine aid with addressing the border. The bill is sponsored by an equal number of Democrats and Republican lawmakers, as per Politico. Other than Fitzpatrick, the bill is co-sponsored by GOP Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, Mike Lawler of New York, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon. On the other hand, four centrist Democrats also signed the bill: Reps. Jaren Golden of Maine, Ed Case of Hawaii, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, and Jim Costa of California. The new bill comes as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the Senate version of the package. It is also unclear how he will respond to the newly unveiled bipartisan foreign aid package. However, the latest proposal creates yet another bipartisan pressure point as Ukraine advocates look to force a vote on the House floor after months of inaction. The bill would allocate $47.7 billion in support of Kyiv, including $13.8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The bill, known as "Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act," would also automatically reject migrants who legally or illegally cross the border without proper paperwork for one year. This would restrict asylum but would have humanitarian exceptions in certain cases, according to Axios. Read Also: Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale Drops Senate Bid After Donald Trump Endorses Rival Tim Sheehy Including Border Provisions It also blocks the use of federal funds to transfer migrants between detention centers or other locations unless the reason is for adjudicating their immigration case. The bill also seeks to implement a Trump-era policy that would require migrants and asylum seekers to be turned back to Mexico to await their court hearings. The policy mandates cooperation from the Mexican government and cannot simply be enforced from the side of the United States. Other than the Ukraine aid, the bill would also include $10.4 billion for Israel and $.49 billion for U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific to combat China. The idea of sending more money to Ukraine is a touchy subject for factions of the House GOP, who argue that United States President Joe Biden should produce an end-game strategy for the war-torn region before providing additional aid. Texas Republican and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul said that the new legislation was "not well thought out." He added that it would have a hard time getting to the floor without a proposal to pay for it, said the Washington Times. Related Article: Sen. Joe Manchin Confirms Not Running for President, Ending Months of Speculations of Independent Campaign PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) February is Black History Month, and at KOIN 6, were sharing stories from Oregons Black community all month long and throughout the year. Influential figures who have impacted Black history in Oregon In our special program Honoring Black History, which airs Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. on KOIN 6, watch how young Black Portlanders with Word Is Bond got the chance to visit Ghana last summer; meet the curator behind the Portland Art Museums Black Artists of Oregon exhibit; and learn how one Portland man is making it his mission to help communities remember and heal from some of the darkest moments in Oregons history. Well also take our viewers to meet a local Portland State University professor who is making waves locally and on a national scale; hear from barry johnson, a Black artist whose work is among those being showcased at a local gallery; explore a new archive of Portlands Black music scene; and see how a Jefferson High School student is bringing a dance style commonly associated with Historically Black College and University marching bands. Influential figures who have impacted Black history in Oregon, part 2 The special a full 30 minutes of local stories will be hosted by KOINs Ken Boddie and will feature reports from KOINs Joelle Jones and Elizabeth Dinh as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A superbug that causes serious infections continues to spread in Las Vegas hospitals and health care facilities, reaching its highest levels in January. A total of 202 cases of the candida auris fungus C. auris were reported in Nevada in January, with 69 clinical cases involving infections. Its the highest number of cases since the fungus was first found at a Nevada care facility in August of 2021. State health officials reported data from January is still incomplete, and more cases could be added. Cases are either clinical, which involves a diagnosed infection, or colonization, which means the fungus was found on the patients body but there was no infection. C. auris is considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be one of five superbugs that pose urgent threats. Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most antibiotics and medications used to treat infections. (Graphic: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health) 8 News Now reported in November when C. auris hit its previous peak during the month of October. Since then, cases in Southern Nevada dropped in November and December before rising to new highs in January. A total of 550 new cases have been reported since the end of October a 24.1% increase in just three months. Reports of colonization cases grew faster, at 27.5% compared to 19.0% growth in clinical cases. Those numbers could go up as the state takes in more reports from the end of January. February cases were excluded from these counts. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center remains at the top of the list of Southern Nevadas health care facilities, reporting 713 total cases since 2021 more than double the count at Valley Hospital Medical Center, which ranked second with 316 cases. Kindred Hospital Flamingo in Las Vegas, a long-term acute care facility, ranked third with 227 cases. Heres the complete list from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH). The state stopped releasing information about deaths tied to C. auris late last year. It is extremely difficult to determine whether deaths among such patients are attributable only to C. auris and not due to a pre-existing condition, according to a DPBH statement. 8 News Now spoke to an infectious diseases expert who said 20% to 40% of deaths involving people with a deep candida infection were likely caused by the fungal infection. See that interview here. C. auris cases at Sunrise Hospital previously tilted heavily to clinical cases, suggesting that infections were more common than colonization cases. But that can be a matter of when doctors order screening for the fungus. In the latest update, colonization cases increased faster 157 colonization cases compared to 60 clinical cases over the past three months. That suggests screenings have become more frequent as the hospital tries to control the spread among patients and employees. The recent colonization cases at Sunrise accounted for about 39% of all colonization cases reported in the past three months. In December of 2022, Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, who has been at the forefront of research about C. auris, told 8 News Now that people shouldnt live in fear of the fungus. And he emphasized that they should not avoid going to the hospital. Superbug science: How to avoid the worrisome infection thats affecting hospitals He explained that C. auris can survive on surfaces for up to two weeks, creating an opportunity to spread in hospitals. The fungus is commonly present on human skin, he said. When patients are in hospitals, what they do, they put catheters in them. And because of this, these bugs or these germs stick to the catheter. They make biofilm, which is like sticky material where it protects the germs, Ghannoum said. And this way, you cannot get rid of them. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Democrats seek to double Pell Grant funding, change lending rules and expand access to food for college students Democratic lawmakers are pushing a higher education package in the U.S. House of Representatives that would significantly increase need-based grants and expand funding to make college more affordable students and families without having to take on a large load of debt. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., told theGrio that the goal is to allow everyone access to earn a college degree as it is the most direct route to being a part of the middle class. Most people cant afford tuition or room and board, said Scott, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Tuition is around $50,000 a year and without significant assistance, they wont be able to attend. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) speaks during a news conference about the Child Care Is Essential Act and the Child Care For Economic Recovery Act at the U.S. Capitol on July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Last month, committee members launched the Roadmap to College Student Success, which consists of seven bills that aim to lower the cost of education, grant students with resources to access higher education and provide support to graduates. The committee aims to pass the Lowering Obstacles to Achievement Now Act, which would double Pell Grant awards and make loans more affordable and accessible. Weve long touted a college degree as a ticket to the American Dream. Today, that dream is further out of reach due to crippling student debt, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fl. and subcommittee ranking member, said in a statement. The initiative would ensure that this generation is the last to experience Americas student loan debt crisis. To make this initiative work, House members also want to pass the College Transparency Act, which requires colleges and universities to provide students and their families with data that shows student performance during enrollment and whether students were able to find jobs after graduation. The move would help students decide how to invest in their education by knowing about job placement rates for each major, Scott said. A sign for Morgan State University on October 04, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Unfortunately, the current lack of student-level data from institutions of higher education hampers the decision-making ability of students and families when choosing a college, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., previously said in a statement. House members also want to pass the Respond, Innovative, Succeed, and Empower Act, the Opportunity to Address College Hunger Act and Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act to improve accommodations for college students with disabilities, support students experiencing hunger and to expand access to mental health resources. Scott said he proposed students who cant afford food have access to SNAP benefits and that colleges keep at least one dormitory and one cafeteria open during the summer and winter breaks. We also need to make sure schools significantly increase their endowments, so if something happens in the future like the COVID-19 pandemic, theyll have the wherewithal to get through an emergency like that, he said. Scott hopes this initiative gains the support of his Republican colleagues, however he told theGrio, There is little optimism while theyre in the majority. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post House Democrats push bills to make college affordable for students appeared first on TheGrio. U.S. House Republican Michael McCaul speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., October 11, 2023 The U.S. House of Representatives is unlikely to consider the bill allocating further assistance to Ukraine before mid-March, according to Rep. Michael McCaul, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Reuters reported on Feb. 16. McCaul expects that upon returning from recess, the House will first tackle broader government funding issues. Read also: Republican House Leader Johnson wants Biden meeting despite plans to derail UA aid bill "I don't want to speak for the speaker [Mike Johnson], but I do think he wants to get through the appropriations process firstthat takes us to March 8and then deal with the supplemental [funding bill]," he said. Read also: Congress learned about Russian anti-satellite weapons weeks ago Johnson On Feb. 15, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent members on recess until the end of February without addressing an additional foreign aid package, a move criticized by the White House. On Feb. 13, the Senate gave final approval to a bill providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with $60 billion allocated for Kyiv. The same day, Johnson criticized the Senate's proposal, and the following day stated that he would not put it to a vote yet. 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 Environmental groups pointed to wetlands like these, photographed in 2004 around the headwaters of Jacksonville's Julington Creek, as examples of what was at stake in the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to transfer authority over wetlands permitting to state government. Developers asked permission in 2000 to fill 265 acres of the wetlands to expand the Freedom Commerce Center off Baymeadows Road, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ultimately only allowed 35 acres to be filled. Activists worried state-level regulators could be too lenient with developers. A federal judge in Washington has canceled a decision under former President Donald Trumps administration that let Florida handle permitting for development in wetlands normally regulated by the federal government. The ruling vacated a handover of permitting power that made Florida one of just three states in the country, along with Michigan and New Jersey, responsible for enforcing wetlands protections spelled out under a section of the federal Clean Water Act. The order returns that permitting power to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which had handled the decisions until December 2020. U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss gave the state 10 days to seek a stay to delay his order. Environmental activists worried that state-level permitting could be swayed too much by development interests political influence and said ordinary Floridians risked losing protections that were built into the federal system. Parts of the lawsuit remain unresolved, but activists celebrated the ruling Moss signed Thursday. This is a huge win for Floridas wetlands, said St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman, whose organization was one of seven environmental groups that sued EPA in 2021 to return federal oversight. The bottom line is, if were really going to defend and protect the St. Johns River, it starts with the St. Johns River wetlands. A State of the River Report underwritten yearly by the city of Jacksonville has repeatedly listed damage to wetlands by development as a continuing challenge to the health of the St. Johns and the creeks and rivers that feed it. Environmental groups argued a range of reasons they said the state program wasnt done legally and the ruling was based only on issues involving plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act. Other questions about whether the state program complied with requirements of the Clean Water Act still have to be decided. But Mosss order vacated EPAs entire decision to turn over wetlands permitting to Florida and advocates saw in that an acknowledgment of the reach of species protections in wetlands permitting. Todays ruling sends a clear signal that Congress meant what it said when it passed the Endangered Species Act," Christina I. Reichert, an attorney for the activist law firm Earthjustice, said in a release about Mosss ruling. No state can be allowed to take over a federal program as important as the Clean Water Acts wetlands permitting program by making an end-run around the Endangered Species Act. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida's control over wetland permits vacated in federal lawsuit Majority Leader Erin Murphy speaks at Black Entrepeneur's Day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota on Feb. 16, 2024. ST. PAUL Friday, hundreds of Black business owners gathered at the Capitol to meet with legislators for the second annual Black Entrepreneur's Day. Led by award-winning broadcaster and businesswoman Sheletta Brundidge, Minnesotans from across the state came to network and talk with their representatives about Black business needs. Brundidge worked for decades in the Minnesota media market and told the St. Cloud Times that she wanted to use her platform and connections to open doors for her fellow Black business owners. I can get my foot in the door," she said. "But what about the 400 more business owners who need that same access to survive? Brundidge said access to resources for funding and overall information on businesses are among the largest barriers to beginning. The Texas native founded her production and media company, Sheletta Makes Me Laugh, four years ago and has seen major success, partnering with organizations like United Healthcare and the Minneapolis Police Department. Somebodys going to come to Black Entrepreneur's Day and get a connection, someone is going get a grant theyve been praying for, someones going to get a legislator to help them do something that they couldnt do on their own, Brundidge said. Investing in Black businesses The event received over 400 registrations. Booths were set up around the rotunda in the Capitol with volunteers handing out assigned, pre-made, and individualized schedules for all business owners who signed up. Each entrepreneur was directed to one of the 56 legislators who attended to speak with throughout the event. Sponsors from numerous Fortune 500 companies were present and talking with attendees: AARP Minnesota, Comcast, Clear Channel Outdoor, Clockwork and Northwestern Mutual. In 2023, small businesses in Minnesota saw big wins. The legislature appropriated $18 million to the Small Business Partnership Program and $5 million for Launch Minnesota to assist in startup growth. Senator Bobby Joe Champion speaks at Black Entrepeneur's Day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota on Feb. 16, 2024. Minnesota Senator and first Black Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59) told the crowd that despite money being the biggest disparity for Black business owners, there are other ways to invest. I think its important for us to invest in those dreams, he said. "(By) investing in training and opportunities. The chair of the Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth noted passage of the PROMISE Act last legislative session, a law that appropriated $125 million in grants and loans to entrepreneurs in the state that were heavily impacted by the economic strain of the last three years. It is good to invest in Black entrepreneurs, Champion said. Its good for the rest of the state. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan speaks at Black Entrepeneur's Day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota on Feb. 16, 2024. Champion was joined by House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-34B), Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-64) and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "You belong here" Like many business owners, Antionette Lee works another job, and was unable to attend the event. She told the St. Cloud Times that won't stop her from continuing to advocate for her growth as a businesswoman. Lee is the founder and CEO of No Limit Painting in St. Cloud, an art service business aimed at healing community and building connections. The mother of three works as a family advocate in District 742 and utilizes creative outlets to connect with underprivileged children in schools and across the community. Antoinette Lee reading her children's painting book to a classroom in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She said partnering with the Initiative Foundation non-profit was crucial in helping her know where to start creating her business. Five years later, she now partners with several Black women owned businesses in St. Cloud where they work to give back to the community and mentor other startups. It would have been helpful to have other people that look like myself that I could have went to as mentors, that understands the struggles and creates a safe space for you to say, Hey, I have no clue what Im doing, but this is what Id like to do, she said. Today, she said the biggest barrier to sustaining her business is access to funding. I am an LLC, and a lot of funding or grants or programming are super supportive of non-profits, Lee said. And it kind of leaves us individuals that have LLCs, that are also doing the work and showing up in our communities, you dont qualify for a lot of the funding. Brundidge said that its crucial for Black business owners to bring concerns like these directly to their representatives. They are supposed to listen to your concerns, but weve always felt disconnected or frustrated, she said. "You belong here, this is where you need to be." Sam Woodward is the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today. You can reach her at swoodward@gannett.com or on X @woodyreports. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Black Entrepeneur's Day at Capitol: Hundreds meet with legislators Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, speaks to the media before the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. -/European Council/dpa Hungary blocked a joint EU appeal to the Israeli government not to launch a full-scale ground offensive into Rafah, multiple EU diplomats confirmed to dpa. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pushed for the joint appeal on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and said he hoped unanimity could be reached to "formally" urge Israel not to invade the southern Gaza city. Instead Borrell had to issue a statement alone as the European Union's top diplomat, calling on the "Israeli government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation." More than 1 million Palestinians currently live in Rafah, which has been turned into a sprawling tent city on the border with Egypt. Most of them are refugees displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip. Many of Israel's allies, including the US, Britain and Germany, have expressed fears that a ground invasion could dramatically worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the area. Hungary can ratify Swedens NATO bid as soon as February 26 when the countrys parliament reconvenes, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on Saturday. Together with the Swedish Prime Minister, we have done important steps to restore confidence, Orban said during an annual state of the nation address. We are going in the direction that, at the start of parliaments spring session, we can ratify Swedens accession to NATO. According to the Hungarian governments website, the parliament reconvenes for its spring session on February 26. Hungary is the last NATO member to approve Swedens accession to the military alliance. Last June, Orbans party Fidesz told CNN that it expected Sweden to allay its concerns before the vote on Swedens accession to NATO. In July, Fidesz told CNN that Swedish government figures have regularly insulted Hungarian voters and Hungary as a whole. But in January, Orban said he told NATOs Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg he reaffirmed that the Hungarian government supports the NATO membership of Sweden. Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership in May 2022, swiftly after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine earlier that year. Finland joined NATO in April 2023 doubling the alliances border with Russia but Swedens bid was mired in challenges. Orban, considered to be the European Union leader closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin, initially indicated he was not opposed to Sweden joining the bloc, before working to stall it. Katalin Cseh, a Hungarian Member of the European Parliament, said last year that Orbans blocking of Swedens bid was quite simply, another favor to Vladimir Putin. But following a decision by leaders in Turkey earlier this year to approve Swedens accession to the alliance, leaving Hungary as the only holdout, Orban took steps to allow the process to move forward. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Krisztina Than BUDAPEST (Reuters) -The Hungarian parliament can ratify Sweden's NATO membership when it convenes for its new spring session later this month, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told his supporters on Saturday. "It's good news that our dispute with Sweden will soon be settled," Orban said in a key speech. "We are going in the direction that at the start of parliament's spring session we can ratify Sweden's accession to NATO." Parliament reconvenes on Feb. 26. Sweden applied to join NATO nearly two years ago in a historic shift in policy prompted by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Orban said he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had taken steps "to rebuild trust" between their two countries. Orban did not say what those steps were. Hungary is the only NATO country not yet to have ratified Sweden's application, a process that requires the backing of all NATO members. The delay has soured relations with the United States and raised concerns among its allies. Orban's ruling Fidesz party has cited what it called unfounded Swedish allegations that it has eroded democracy in Hungary as the reason why Sweden's NATO bid had been held up. Orban has faced the most challenging period of his 14-year premiership in the past week amid a row over a presidential pardon for a man who helped cover up sexual abuse in a children's home. The scandal led to the resignation of Hungary's president and also the former justice minister - two of Orban's key allies - and late on Friday tens of thousands attended a mass street protest called by popular influencers. In his first public statement since the president resigned a week ago, Orban said his government would emerge stronger, focusing on the economy and on June's European parliament elections, which should boost right-wing political forces in Europe and "bring change in Brussels". He said President Katalin Novak's resignation was "like a nightmare", but was the right thing to do, adding that his government would draft legislation to strengthen child protection. Orban, who has clashed with the European Commission over his government's moves to curb media freedom and LGBTQ rights as well as over his migration policies, said this year could bring changes in Europe and elsewhere. "We would really like Donald Trump to return as President (of the U.S.) and ... make peace here in the eastern half of Europe," said Orban, a long-time Trump supporter. (Reporting by Krisztina Than; editing by Mark Heinrich, Sharon Singleton and Giles Elgood) The House Ethics Committee has intensified its investigation into allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz by issuing a subpoena for the testimony of his former girlfriend. The woman, as first reported by ABC News, is set to testify via Zoom on February 29, as confirmed by her attorney, Tim Jansen. Jansen affirmed the receipt of the subpoena and stated that his client intends to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the testimony. This decision follows the woman's previous indication to plead the Fifth on any inquiries concerning Gaetz during attempts by the committee to arrange a voluntary interview. Gaetz Investigation Explores Allegations of Sexual Misconduct The committee's interest in Gaetz's ex-girlfriend stems from a series of allegations surrounding the congressman, including claims of paying for sex, drug use, and potential lobbying violations. The woman was formerly employed on Capitol Hill and has been associated with Gaetz since as early as the summer of 2017. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that investigators are particularly interested in her testimony regarding allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a minor, who was 17 years old at the time. Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, has consistently denied all accusations of wrongdoing, including any involvement in sexual misconduct with a minor or illicit activities with his former associate Joel Greenberg. Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector, pleaded guilty to several federal charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, and has reportedly cooperated with the House Ethics Committee's investigation by providing relevant documents. Read Also: Joe Manchin Confirms Not Running for President, Ending Months of Speculation Text Messages Tie Gaetz to Alleged Payments for Sex The investigation into Gaetz's conduct traces back to 2020 when the Justice Department initiated a probe into whether he had paid women, including minors, for sex. Although federal prosecutors ultimately closed the case without charging Gaetz, citing insufficient evidence, the House Ethics Committee has persisted in its inquiry. Additionally, text messages obtained by House Ethics investigators reveal a connection between Gaetz and a woman who allegedly received payments for sex from his former friend. The messages reportedly show Gaetz inviting the woman on a trip to the Florida Keys in May 2017. While Gaetz denied any knowledge of his former friend's activities, the revelations from these messages add complexity to the ongoing investigation. The latest development in the investigation underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Gaetz's personal and professional conduct. The congressman has consistently portrayed the ethics probe as a politically motivated attack. As the February 29 testimony approaches, anticipation mounts regarding the potential ramifications of Gaetz's ex-girlfriend's testimony. The outcome of this critical moment in the investigation into one of Florida's most polarizing lawmakers remains uncertain, with the eyes of the nation fixed on the proceedings Related Article: Landmark Verdict Delivered: Donald Trump's Civil Fraud Trial Concludes Busy Week in Court The entire world of Karly Cantrells family flipped upside down when she was killed in her Middleton home over a year ago. Since Cantrells death, one of her sons graduated from high school and another had his 16th birthday. Her granddaughter competed in gymnastics competitions. Her family has celebrated two Thanksgivings and two Christmases. All without her. Thats what Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse told the courtroom Friday afternoon before the sentencing of Levi Isaac Davis Cantrells eldest son who stabbed his mom to death in in October 2022. Cantrell was the executive director of the West Valley Humane Society, and was remembered by staff as the heart and soul of the organization and a fierce advocate for both animals and people in need, according to a prior post by the organization. This is just a representation of the lifetime loss that this family will have to suffer, Morse said in court. Karly Cantrell, executive director of the West Valley Humane Society in Caldwell, was killed Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. Davis could have faced up to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to Idaho law, and thats the sentence the Canyon County Prosecutors Office asked Whiting to impose. The defense asked for a 30-year sentence with the chance for parole after 15 years, saying Davis was a human being, too, with family members who didnt want him to spend the rest of his life behind bars. This horrendous act I dont want this to define Levi as a monster, said Melanie Davis, his grandmother and Cantrells mom. The defense argued that Davis did not intend to kill his mother, but when he went to her home, she became enraged and lunged at him with a knife, which caused Davis to black out and attack Cantrell. Whiting cast doubt on that story and said Davis likely went to the home with the intent to harm his mother. Im not the monster that you think I am, Davis said in court, calling the attack an accident. Karly Cantrell Family kicked Davis out of the house before killing When Kevin Kline got to his Middleton home that October afternoon, he had no idea what had happened. I just came home from my work and I think my wifes dead, Kline said in a 911 call played in court Friday. On the minutes-long call, Kline described finding Cantrells cold body in his living room and said he saw blood all over her body and on the back door, with bloody footprints on the floor. When Mark Taylor, who worked for the Canyon County Sheriffs Office, arrived at the house, it was the most horrific case hed ever seen, he said in court. Joseph Kronz, the pathologist who performed Cantrells autopsy, testified that she suffered several wounds to her chest, including to her heart and lungs. Kronz said Cantrell also had deep lacerations on her neck and defensive wounds on her hands. She didnt go down without a fight, Taylor said in court, adding that Davis likely received a 3-inch wound to his hand while she was fighting back. Davis had been living in the house until just a few months before the murder. Kline, his stepfather, said during a prior hearing that Davis was excluded from the home in early August 2022 after he pushed Cantrell when she asked him not to smoke in the front of the house. We kicked him out, Kline said. Kline called it the last straw and said Davis had been destroying things and getting angry while living there. Alejandro Mayorkas may now hold the distinction as the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached since 1876. But in the days since that House vote, the Homeland Security secretary has acted as if nothing ever happened. Thats by design. The White House is hoping to demonstrate that it is business as usual at DHS, eager to show that the presidents team is unfazed by the impeachment and to portray Republicans as consumed by partisan vendettas at the cost of tending to the crisis at the southern border. Since Tuesdays House vote, Mayorkas has been preparing for his trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. He delivered keynote remarks on Friday, and through the weekend, hell participate in several panel discussions and hold a series of bilateral meetings on a range of national security issues. On Sunday, hell head to Vienna, Austria, to meet with Chinas state councilor and minister of public health to discuss the country's work to combat the flow of fentanyl. Mayorkas addressed questions about the successful vote for the first time on Friday in an interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour, during which he downplayed the effects of impeachment on his job. I dont let it distract me from the work would I have preferred that correctness had prevailed? Of course, Mayorkas said. So, the fact that it did not, does not, slow me down in doing the work that Im tasked to do by the president of the United States. Administration officials arent disengaged from the impeachment fight. President Joe Biden slammed the impeachment as petty partisan games. And aides are monitoring it closely, often elevating Republicans who have questioned the merits of impeachment. But the administration is also leaning on allied outside groups to poke holes in the GOPs case against Mayorkas and echo the message coming from Pennsylvania Avenue. They believe the Mayorkas impeachment and his public nonchalance about it will help further the narrative carrying over from the bipartisan Senate border deal battle: that Republicans are not invested in solving the crisis at the border so much as perpetuating it as a political cudgel. 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, said DHS spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg in response to Tuesdays impeachment vote. There are risks to the approach. The White House has been underwater on the issue of immigration and migration virtually since the moment Biden took office. And while no one sees a Senate trial for Mayorkas ending in conviction, it will allow Republicans in that chamber the chance to place a bright spotlight on the inability of the Biden administration to stem the tide of migrants. Mayorkas tenure will come under intense scrutiny, in ways it has not to this point. But Democrats and Biden allies believe the political tide is changing. They view Tom Suozzis victory in New York, where the Democrat leaned into immigration and went on offense against Republicans, as further evidence that their new messaging strategy around GOP indifference to the problem is already working. A Mayorkas impeachment, they believe, could be used in the same way. Voters are watching as the House GOP chaos conference puts Trumps political wishes ahead of real solutions to improve border security, said DNC rapid response director Alex Floyd, noting Dems victory in the New York special election. Trump and his MAGA minions can take a break from their clown show, but they will pay the price this November for putting Trump first and the American people last. For a White House that has repeatedly struggled to nail a consistent message on immigration, the administration in recent weeks has delivered forceful attacks against House Republicans. As the venue soon shifts to an impeachment trial, the White House has been largely content to back channel with allied outside groups engaged in the fight. The Congressional Integrity Project has led the charge externally. The group launched in late 2022 ahead of Republicans taking over the House with the goal of combatting the investigative onslaught into the Biden administration. The organization has been tracking the targeting of Mayorkas closely, but as impeachment seemed increasingly likely, it ramped up that element of its operations. Over the last six weeks, the Congressional Integrity Project has worked closely with advocates in the immigration policy space to defend Mayorkas and to paint the GOP effort as a shameful and unfounded partisan act tied to fringe conservatives, such as Georgia Rep. Majorie Taylor Green and Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs. The groups, including Americas Voice and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, have stayed in touch over a shared chat where they coordinate strategy, said Douglas Rivlin, communications director at Americas Voice. They have pushed various constituencies to speak out against the impeachment effort theyve sought to frame as unconstitutional. Theyve elevated criticism from Cuban American leaders, as well as former DHS secretaries like Michael Chertoff and conservative legal scholars such as Laurence Tribe and Alan Dershowitz, former President Donald Trumps impeachment lawyer. The House Homeland Security Committee, which filed the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, did not respond to a request for comment. On the day of the vote, Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) said Congress took decisive action to defend our constitution order and hold accountable a public official who has violated his oath of office, urging the Senate to remove Mayorkas from office. Among some of the most aggressive counter-attacks amplified by the groups came from Jewish leaders who argued that the impeachment of Mayorkas, who is also Jewish, carries antisemitic undertones. The leaders blasted extreme members of the GOP caucus who have used anti-immigrant, conspiracy-driven rhetoric, warning that mass shooters in El Paso, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Poway, California, echoed words such as replacement and invasion. Because of the timing of the Republican impeachment occurring as the border deal collapsed it was easy for the groups to coalesce around a unified message, Rivlin said, including immigration advocates, who have often clashed with the Biden administration over its border policy. There are lots of policies that we dont like that Biden and Mayorkas have been engaged in, Rivlin said. But at the same time, Republicans were showing so many of their cards that illustrated the points that weve been making about them. Theyre not interested in making policy. Theyre interested in dividing people. Even within Russias notorious penal colony system, prison FGU IK-3, or the Polar Wolf as it is more commonly known, has a reputation for cruelty. In winter temperatures of -30C, prisoners are ordered to gather outside for morning roll call wearing only light clothing. In spring, swarms of mosquitoes bite through their uniforms. If any of the prisoners flinch, the group is hosed down with water. Beatings and naked stints in isolation cells are common. Guards force prisoners to march between blocks, sing patriotic songs and recite the Russian national anthem. The prison, where Alexei Navalny, Russias top opposition leader, died in mysterious circumstances, is part of a network of about 700 penal colonies scattered across the country. Among the more than 460,000 inmates locked up inside are the Kremlins political prisoners Russian opposition leaders, Western journalists, civil society leaders and activists who fell foul of Vladimir Putins regime. According to Memorial, once Russias foremost human rights before it was banned, the number of people designated as political prisoners in Russia has more than tripled since 2018, reaching 676. Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the ranks of political prisoners have grown, with dozens of people being sentenced under tough new laws punishing dissent over the war. Tantamount to a death sentence The conditions they are subjected to in prison are often tantamount to a death sentence. In the words of one Russian lawyer, the Polar Wolf colony, high in the Russian Arctic, is essentially legalised torture, designed to break prisoners physically and mentally. Its a disgusting colony, he told the Russian news website Meduza. When he flew back to Russia from the relative safety of Germany three years ago, having survived poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent, Navalny knew that the Kremlin wanted him dead. There is perhaps nowhere more efficient at killing off the Kremlins opponents than Russias sprawling system of prison colonies. These lice and mosquito-infested remote outposts freeze in winter and boil in summer. Guards prod, bully and torture. The daily regime grinds, bores and humiliates. Riots are common and thousands of inmates die each year, mainly from suicides or heart attacks. Even the option of fighting as cannon fodder on the frontlines in Ukraine, where thousands are being killed, appeals to Russian inmates beyond staying in prison. And within this system, Polar Wolf stands out as one of the worst. It lies at the end of the road and was built as a Soviet prison labour camp to quarry stone in the 1960s in one of the countrys most inaccessible and isolated Arctic regions. It houses 1,000 prisoners, mainly rapists and murderers. Rare photographs from the prison show rows of inmates with shaved heads sitting in a classroom listening to women giving lectures from behind a grill. Many fear that prisoners such as opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza are now more at risk following Navalny's death - DMITRY SEREBRYAKOV/AP Oleh Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker, spent five years at the nearby prison colony Polar Bear, which supposedly has a lighter regime than Polar Wolf. He said that prisoners were at the mercy of guards, who dished out beatings, electric shocks and threats of rape with impunity. Prisoners who were considered troublemakers were locked in a box in the foetal position and forced to urinate on themselves. You are in purgatory, where you have no rights, and there is no use and no one to complain to, he said in 2019 after being released in a prisoner exchange. Tatiana Stanovaya, a Russia-focused analyst, said that if a Russian prison colony didnt kill inmates, it would crush their spirits. Renowned for their austere conditions, Russian penal institutions inflict profound and lasting physical and psychological harm on inmates, effectively maiming their lives and rendering many individuals permanently disabled, she said. Navalnys route to Polar Wolf had been circuitous. He disappeared for 20 days in December from a prison in the Vladimir region near Moscow, a comparatively benign regime, before reappearing in Polar Wolf. Despite the hardships, Navalny had been determinedly cheerful since arriving at Polar Wolf shortly before Christmas, posting messages through lawyers that mocked Putin and joked about being Santa Claus. Analysts said that even in prison, Navalnys defiance threatened Putin. No other post-Yeltsin political leader built from scratch the infrastructure of mobilisation that Navalny built. No one else had the charisma, said Samuel Greene, a professor of Russian politics at Kings College London. US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been held in the notorious Lefortovo prison since March 2023 - NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP Prof Greene warned that other political prisoners, Russian opposition leaders Ilya Yashin and Vladimir Kara-Murza, and the American journalist Evan Gershkovich, were increasingly vulnerable now that Navalny had died. Even before Navalnys death, they had good reason to fear. Many opponents of Putin, like Boris Nemtsov, a politician, or Anna Politkovskaya, the journalist, have simply been shot dead. Others, like Alexander Litvinenko, have been poisoned. Untold numbers have fallen from windows, died in car accidents or drowned. But the majority of Putins critics and opponents are simply locked up and left to die in Russias prisons. The Gulag system was massively extended by Joseph Stalin, the Soviet dictator, but Russias prisons have been used for generations to suppress dissent and control the population. In his 1862 book The House of the Dead, Fyodor Dostoevsky detailed his own experiences in a fictionalised memoir of living for four years in the squalor of a prison camp in Siberia which he described as one of the ulcers of society and one of the most powerful destructive agents. For Navalny, though, his anticipated death in a Russian prison was also an opportunity to challenge the Kremlin with a rallying call for his supporters. My message if I am killed is very simple, he said in a video recorded before he left Germany for Russia in 2021. Dont give up. 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. Ukrainian military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, told journalists from the French news outlet Liberation that he was able to determine who was responsible for his wife's poisoning and promised "retaliatory actions on Russian territory." "My wife is feeling better," Budanov said. "Since I did not drink poison, it is difficult for me to say whether it was an attempt to murder me. But I have already survived many assassination attempts and will probably survive many more. I think that in the near future you will see retaliatory actions on Russian territory, and everyone will understand this." Late last year, Ukraine's military intelligence announced that Budanov's wife, Marianna Budanova, was hospitalized due to heavy metal poisoning. Russia has reportedly made more than 10 attempts on Kyrylo Budanov's life. When asked if he knew who was responsible for the poisoning, Budanov replied 'Of course I do!' Budanov served in the Donbas war in 2014, reportedly suffering several injuries during the hostilities. He briefly became the deputy director of Ukraine's foreign intelligence agency in 2020 before he was appointed to lead the military intelligence the same year by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Budanov was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in September. The military intelligence agency is directly subordinate to the country's defense ministry. The agency describes its chief tasks as gathering intelligence, identifying external threats to Ukraine, and combatting terrorism and foreign intelligence activities. While much of its activities remain classified, the military intelligence confirmed responsibility for several attacks against the Russian rear during the full-scale war. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces withdraw from strongpoint on Avdiivka outskirts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Iowa native will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame this year. David Hilmers, born in Clinton, and Marsha Ivins will join the 107 astronauts who are part of the hall of fame with a ceremony scheduled for June 1, according to a news release. These two veterans of the space program have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in furthering NASAs mission of exploration and discovery, said Curt Brown, board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which stewards the selection process. "Both Hilmers and Ivins represent the committed spirit of exploration, bravery and teamwork that make our space program a continued success. We are proud and honored to have them join the ranks of the space pioneers recognized in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Who is David Hilmers? Clinton native David Hilmers will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame with a ceremony scheduled for June 1, 2024. Born in Clinton in 1950, Hilmers considers DeWitt his hometown, according to the news release. The Iowa native worked for NASA for 12 years, logging 493 hours in space over the course of four missions, the Des Moines Register reported in 2021. He was selected as an astronaut in 1980, previously enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and attending Naval Postgraduate School in California. His roles at NASA included shuttle software testing, extravehicular activity suit development or the kind of suit used for spacewalks, according to NASA capsule communicator for six shuttle flights and as operating as the head of the mission development branch of the astronaut office. Hilmers flew on several missions, including as a mission specialist on STS-51J. The Department of Defense mission marked the first flight of space shuttle Atlantis, occurring from Oct. 3-7, 1985, according to NASA. He was also part of the 1988 mission that "returned American astronauts to space," NASA reported, following the Challenger disaster that killed seven crew members in an explosion quickly after launch in 1986. Hilmers flew as a mission specialist. In February 1992, Hilmers retired from NASA and as a colonel in the Marine Corps. Currently, he is a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine, according to the news release. His involvement with space continue. He works with NASA as the exploration medicine technical lead for the Clinical Science Team. What is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame? Inductees are selected by a committee of hall of fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists, according to the news release. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has displays for the hall of famers that visitors can see. See photos of other Iowans who have made it to space Iowans have long contributed their talents and intelligence to make space exploration possible. More: A look at the Iowans who have made it to space These individuals include: Clayton Anderson, who graduated from Iowa State University and completed six spacewalks by his retirement in 2013; Laurel Clark, who was born in Ames and spent 15 days, 22 hours and 20 minutes in space aboard space shuttle Columbia, which disintegrated upon re-entering Earths atmosphere; Walter Cunningham, the Creston-born man who piloted the 11-day Apollo 7 flight in 1968; Dale Gardner, who spent a total of 337 hours in space and considers Clinton his hometown; James Kelly, the Burlington-born astronaut who piloted the space shuttle Discovery on flights STS-102 and STS-114; George Pinky Nelson, who flew in several missions during the 1980s and was born in Charles City; Loren Shriver, the Jefferson-born man who was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2008; Peggy Whitson, who grew up in Beaconsfield and became the first woman to command the International Space Station; and Raja Chari, the Cedar Falls astronaut who served as commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-3 mission in 2021. 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: Iowa astronaut with NASA for 12 years joins hall of fame Philippe Lazzarini has been the commissioner-general of UNRWA since 2020 (Fabrice COFFRINI) Israel is waging a concerted campaign aimed at destroying UNRWA, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said in an interview published Saturday. Philippe Lazzarini said calls for his resignation were part of the Israeli government's push. "Right now we are dealing with an expanded, concerted campaign by Israel aimed at destroying UNRWA," he told the Swiss newspaper group Tamedia. "It is a long-term political goal because it is believed that if the aid agency is abolished, the status of the Palestinian refugees will be resolved once and for all -- and with it, the right of return. There is a much larger political goal behind this. "Just look at the number of actions Israel is taking against UNRWA," the main aid body in the Gaza Strip, he said. He cited measures in the Israeli parliament, moves to remove the agency's VAT exemption and orders for contractors at Israel's port of Ashdod to "stop handling certain food deliveries for UNRWA". "And all these demands come from the government." Furthermore, Lazzarini says more than 150 UNRWA installations have been hit since the Gaza war began. Israel has called for Lazzarini to step down following claims that a Hamas tunnel had been discovered under its evacuated Gaza City headquarters. Lazzarini said the tunnel was 20 metres below ground and UNRWA as a humanitarian organisation did not have the capabilities to be examining what was underground in Gaza. He also said there was "no reason" to comply with Israel's lone call for him to quit, "especially since my resignation would not improve the situation at UNRWA". "The criticisms are not concerned with me personally, but with the organisation as a whole. The calls for resignation are part of the campaign to destroy UNRWA", he said. - Money running out - The Gaza war began with Hamas' October 7 attack which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has since killed at least 28,858 people, mostly women and children, according to the Palestinian territory's health ministry. Several countries -- including the United States, Britain, Germany and Japan -- have suspended funding to UNRWA in response to Israeli allegations that some of its staff participated in the October 7 attack. Lazzarini said $438 million has been frozen -- the equivalent of more than half of expected income for 2024. "If all countries continue to withhold their payments, UNRWA's funding will very quickly be at risk," he said. "From March onwards, expenses exceed income. And without new donors, UNRWA will have to cease operations in April." He said this applied not only to the Gaza Strip but also to work in the West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. Lazzarini said he was holding meetings with donors and some were "willing to reconsider their decision". He said the European Commission would pay its contribution of around 82 million euros ($88 million) again from March. rjm/bp Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they made over 100 arrests in the Nasser Hospital raid, the main health facility in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. In addition to the arrests, the IDF said they found weapons inside the hospital while searching for Hamas militants who they believe took over the medical facility as a base. The military also killed multiple gunmen near the facility, per post on Telegram. Gazas Health Ministry said the Israeli troops arrested a large number of medical staff from inside the Nasser Medical Complex, which it has turned into a military barracks, according to the Washington Post. The effort by the IDF is part of a multi-day raid of the health complex which kickstarted Thursday. After issuing evacuation warnings, Israeli troops entered the hospital after saying they had credible intelligence that suggested bodies of hostages might be in the complex. Hamas has denied allegations that its fighters use hospitals for cover. The raid has heightened concerns about the safety of medical workers and Palestinians, who were in the hospital, using the facility for shelter. As many as 10,000 people were at the hospital earlier this week, according to Reuters. Many left because of the orders from the IDF to evacuate. The United Nations human rights office voiced their worries about the Israeli raid, saying it came after a week-long siege which cut off medical, food and fuel supplies. The raid appears to be part of a pattern of attacks by Israeli forces striking essential life-saving civilian infrastructure in Gaza, especially hospitals, the office said Thursday. The IDF has not recovered any bodies so far, but told the Post in a statement that it is well documented that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centers for its terror activities. At least 28,000 people have been killed since the Israel-Hamas war started in October, according to the Gaza health officials. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Recently, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) claimed that Russia has been purchasing Elon Musk's Starlink terminals and using them for war operations. GUR revealed this information after acquiring an audio intercept of two Russian soldiers, who were allegedly buying Starlink internet terminals from Arab providers. Elon Musk quickly denied the allegations made by the Ukrainian government, saying that Russia can't possibly use his Starlink terminals since the space-based broadband firm doesn't do business with the Russian military or its government. But, Ukrainian military spy chief Kyrylo Budanov rejected the billionaire's explanations. Here's what the Ukrainian official said. Ukraine Spy Chief Gives Detailed Explanation How Russia Uses Starlink Terminals Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said that Russian troops are using thousands of Starlink internet terminals, which are being purchased from Ukraine through Russian firms. "It's an open market," said the Ukrainian military spy chief via Business Insider. Budanov explained that the Russian military is able to buy these internet terminals from Russian private firms that disguise purchases for personal usage. After that, they will ship Elon Musk's Starlink terminals to Kremlin through neighboring countries. This means that the Russian government isn't receiving them as military items. However, what Budanov shared isn't verified by independent sources. But, if what the Ukrainian military official says is true, then the Russian military can use Starlink terminals to enable communications between front-line troops, as well as assist their drone launches and other military activities. Related Article: US Judge Orders Elon Musk to Testify for 3rd Time in SEC's Twitter Probe What Elon Musk Claims According to CNBC's previous report, Elon Musk defended his broadband company, saying that a number of fake news claiming that SpaceX sells Starlink terminals to the Russian military are spreading. He said that to their knowledge, they haven't seen direct or indirect Starlink purchases made by Russia. However, the tech executive's explanations were rejected by GUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov. "Yes, there have been recorded cases of use of these devices by the Russian occupiers. This is starting to take on a systemic nature," he explained. As of press time, Elon Musk hasn't released a new explanation to defend himself and his company against the latest accusations made by the Ukrainian military spy chief. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry decided to stay quiet regarding the Starlink allegations. Related Article: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Buying Starlink for War Operations; Elon Musk Denies Kyiv's Claims US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. Tobias Hase/dpa US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state is the way out of continued violence between Israelis and Palestinians. "I think there's an extraordinary opportunity before Israel in the months ahead to actually once and for all end that cycle," Blinken said on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically rejected calls for an independent Palestine, including in recent remarks following a call with US President Joe Biden. But Blinken said that Israel has the opportunity make major diplomatic advances by making progress toward a two-state solution, as "virtually every Arab country now genuinely wants to integrate Israel into the region to normalize relations." It is "more urgent than ever to proceed to a Palestinian state, one that also ensures the security of Israel and makes the necessary commitments to do so," Blinken said. Doing so could result in an integrated region where Iran is isolated and "Israel is secure in ways that it's never been before," Blinken said. Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi called for a ceasefire in Israel's ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, saying that the fighting must stop and humanitarian aid corridors are urgently needed. The Chinese minister also said that the only way for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace was through a two-state solution that recognizes an independent Palestinian state. "This is the longest-lasting injustice in our world," Wang said of the Palestinian plight. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who spoke on the same panel with Blinken, stressed his own country's support for a two-state solution as well. "We have maintained that position for many decades and I think today many more countries in the world ... feel not just that the two state solution is necessary, but it is more urgent than it was before," Jaishankar said. Israel's plans to expand its military operations in Rafah, an overcrowded city in the southern Gaza Strip where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter, again met strong international criticism at the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was among several world leaders to speak out against an attack, and European Union diplomats attempted to put together a unanimous appeal on the subject. More than 1 million Palestinians currently live in Rafah, which has been turned into a sprawling tent city on the border with Egypt. Most of them are refugees displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip. Nearly every European Union country supported a joint appeal calling on Israel not to launch a full-scale ground attack into Rafah, multiple EU diplomats confirmed to dpa. Only Hungary acted to block the joint EU statement, the diplomats said. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell pushed for the joint appeal on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and said he hoped unanimity could be reached to "formally" urge Israel not to invade the southern Gaza city. Instead Borrell had to issue a statement alone as the European Union's top diplomat, calling on the "Israeli government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation." "With regard to Rafah, I am currently very concerned about the possible consequences of the planned ground offensive," Scholz told Munich's Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in an interview. In a speech shortly afterwards on Saturday, Scholz described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic. The chancellor also reiterated Germany's demand that Israel move toward a two-state solution that would include recognizing an independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. Like Blinken, Scholz said that clear that progress toward a two-state settlement is necessary for good relations between Israel and neighbouring countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected that possibility. Palestinian extremist movement Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the European Union, the United States and Israel, also does not support a two-state peace deal. Israel's months-long offensive against the Gaza Strip was launched after Hamas, which controls the territory, launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7. About 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas-led attacks, many of them civilians slain in bloody massacres. "Obeying international law and the rules is something which is not just something we do because we subscribed [to] some agreements globally. It is something which is coming out of our perspective of human kind and how we want to be and how we want to see ourselves," Scholz said. Nonetheless, Scholz again stressed that Israel could count on German backing and reiterated Germany's support for Israel's right to self-defence. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli forces carried out arrests in Gaza's largest functioning hospital, health officials and the military said on Saturday, as airstrikes hit across the enclave and rain battered Palestinians taking shelter in Rafah. Israeli forces raided the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Thursday as they pressed their war on Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that rules the enclave. "Occupation forces detained a large number of medical staff members inside Nasser Medical Complex, which they (Israel) turned into a military base," said Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday pledged to push on with the military campaign and said troops would move into the southern border city of Rafah. The Israeli military said it was hunting for militants in Nasser and had so far arrested 100 suspects on the premises, killed gunmen near the hospital and found weapons inside it. Hamas has denied allegations that its fighters use medical facilities for cover. At least two released Israeli hostages have said they were held in Nasser and Israel has released pictures and videos supporting its claim that Hamas operates within medical compounds. The Israeli incursion into the hospital has raised alarm about patients, medical workers and displaced Palestinians sheltering there. About 10,000 people were seeking shelter at the hospital earlier this week, but many left either in anticipation of the Israeli raid or because of Israeli orders to evacuate, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Further south in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million population are sheltering, the winter cold added to already dire conditions when wind blew away some tents of the displaced and rain flooded others. INTERNATIONAL CONCERN FOR RAFAH Israeli plans to storm Rafah have prompted international concern that such action would sharply worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel was intent on taking out Hamas battalions in Rafah - regardless of whether a deal was reached to free the remaining Israeli hostages - and that there will be room to evacuate the civilian population, including in areas north of the city. "But we need to be sure to do this in an orderly fashion. That's the directive I gave to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). The IDF is doing it and preparing it." "Yes, there is a lot of opposition in the world, but this is exactly the moment we have to stand and say 'we will not do half the work or three-quarters of the work'." Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the group said in a statement on Saturday. Haniyeh added that Hamas would not accept anything less than a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and "lifting of the unjust siege," as well as a release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails. Israel's air and ground offensive has devastated much of Gaza and forced nearly all of its inhabitants from their homes. Palestinian health authorities say 28,858 people, mostly civilians, have been killed. The war began when Hamas sent fighters into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. At least 83 people were killed in airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since Friday, health officials said, including one person on Saturday in Rafah, an area that borders Egypt and which Israel says is Hamas' last bastion. Residents and medics said more died as night fell on Saturday when Israeli warplanes carried several airstrikes on at least seven houses, killing and wounding dozens of people. Hamas media outlets put the number of those killed at 38. The Israeli army spokesperson said they were checking into the reported strikes. The Israeli military said its jets had killed numerous militants in Gaza fighting since Friday. Across the border, air raid sirens warning of incoming rockets sounded in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Saturday. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Maayan Lubell in JerusalemEditing by Frances Kerry and Sharon Singleton) MUNICH (Reuters) - Italy is ready to offer more military aid to Ukraine, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday. "We are ready to do more" at the economic, political and military level, Tajani said at the Munich Security Conference. He said Italy had so far approved eight support packages for Ukraine, with the latest one due to arrive in the coming days. Ukraine has been battling a full-scale Russian invasion for almost two years. (Reporting by Alvise Armellini; editing by Mark Heinrich) Danger has a new face after a Jack the Ripper expert used research materials to achieve the first AI rendering of the infamous 19th century serial killer. Move over, Ted Bundy theres a new-old serial hottie in town. Recently released AI-generated renderings of Jack the Ripper reveal the infamous 19th-century prostitute killer to be a dashing gentleman with a darkly alluring, wild-eyed energy. The dangerously dreamy drawings come courtesy of Jeff Leahy, a long-time Ripper enthusiast from Carmarthen, Wales, who produced a mini-series on the murderer and has spent decades studying the lore surrounding one of historys most infamous villains. Using Midjourney software, along with information and available photographs of the relatives of prime suspect Aaron Kosminski, Leahy was able to produce a rather astonishing portrait of the man. What Jack the Ripper might have looked like wandering the streets of Whitechapel in 1888. The computer generated version of the notorious madman calls to mind another infamously handsome serial killer, Ted Bundy. Its astonishing to finally have an image of him. I was surprised by how striking the picture is, Leahy told SWNS. Kosminski was a Polish-born barber working in Whitechapel, the area of Londons East End where the murders took place in the late 1800s. Kosminski has been named by numerous experts as the Ripper, however nobody has ever been able to prove his guilt. Theres never been a picture of him and this is the best were ever going to get, Leahy said. Its very exciting to finally put a face to the worlds most notorious serial killer. I had two pictures of his sister Matilda, one of his uncle and another of a close relative. I had one of his brother-in-law too, and the families were closely related cousins marrying for generations so thats still useful, he said. The series of portraits were produced using Midjourney software. Photos of relatives of suspect Aaron Kosminski were also added to the mix. The AI version is distinctly different from other available renderings. The new portrait bears little resemblance to the only known facial composite ever uncovered, found back in 2022 in a UK police facility archive. The grandfather of three first found himself gripped by Rippermania at age ten, when a relative took him on a tour of the slashers historic haunts. Jack the Ripper caused a panic in London in 1888 after cutting the throats and mutilating the bodies of a series of sex workers in an impoverished section of the capital. Jeff Leahy first became fascinated with the killer as a child touring the Rippers London haunts; he produced a mini-series about the dark episode in London history, back in 2011. Jeff Leahy / SWNS The world-famous nickname originated in a letter penned by someone claiming responsibility for the killings. Many have been suspected even royals, artists and authors. Over the years, Kosminski has emerged as a favorite suspect. Kosminski was admitted to a mental institution in the early 1890s, shortly after the killers heyday. He died in 1919 at age 53. Hundreds of people in Duval County will take to the streets today, in just their underwear. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Cupids Undie Run raises awareness and funds for neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Fundraises for NF research are all through the Childrens Tumor Foundation. The painful genetic disorder causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. The run will run will kick off with some drinks and dancing before the mile run. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The run will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, outside of Lynchs Irish Pub in jax Beach. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Members of the NF community can share their personal experiences with the genetic disorder. More information regarding the event can be found here. 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. The controversial billionaire, twice elected premier and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse-of-power charges (Jack TAYLOR) Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole Sunday, just six months after he was arrested following a dramatic return to the kingdom from 15 years of self-imposed exile. The controversial billionaire, twice elected premier and ousted in a 2006 military coup, was jailed for eight years on graft and abuse-of-power charges upon his return in August. But his sentence was cut to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn within days of his return and the government said last week the 74-year-old was eligible for early release because of his age and health. Thaksin -- wearing a neck brace and sitting next to his daughters Paetongtarn and Pintongta -- was driven away Sunday from the police hospital in central Bangkok where he had spent the past six months. A handful of people protesting against his release had gathered in front of the hospital. The car then drove to Thaksin's home, where a welcome banner was tied across the gates. One woman wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Thaksin emblazoned across the front said she had stood outside his house for two days. "I want to tell him to fight," she told local media. "If he is (here), the country will develop." The department of corrections confirmed his release on parole Sunday but the exact details of his freedom are unclear. Thaksin may be subject to monitoring -- possibly with an ankle tag -- and restrictions on his right to travel. - 'No fresh air' - Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin suggested Sunday that Thaksin would not involve himself in politics but said, if and when he is ready to give advice, "everyone in the government is ready to listen". Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn posted a picture on Instagram Sunday of him sitting in front of a swimming pool at his home, his arm in a sling. "After no fresh air and sunlight for 180 days and 17 years away from home, Dad sits outside for a long time," she wrote. The former Manchester City owner's arrival back in Thailand came on the same day his Pheu Thai party returned to government in alliance with pro-military parties, leading many to conclude that a backroom deal had been struck to cut his jail time. The rumours grew stronger when he was transferred to a police hospital within hours of being sentenced because of his poor health. He was reportedly suffering from chest tightness and high blood pressure when he was admitted to hospital and his family has said he underwent two operations in the following months. The government has denied any deal and Srettha, of the Pheu Thai party, has insisted "he already served his jail time" -- although it is not clear that Thaksin has spent any time in a prison cell. Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), which won most seats at the last election but was stopped from forming a government, said Thaksin's release raised questions about whether he had received special treatment. "Thailand needs a democratic system where the rule of law and justice system is applied in the same way for everyone, without double standards... for privileged people," the party said in a statement Sunday. - Power struggle - The former telecoms tycoon is one of the most influential but divisive figures in modern Thai history. Thaksin is loved by millions of rural Thais for his populist policies in the early 2000s but has long been opposed by the country's royalist and pro-military establishment. The tussle for dominance between the establishment and Thaksin and his allies has largely defined Thai politics over the past two decades. Police laid lese-majeste charges against Thaksin last week over comments he made in South Korea almost a decade ago, although it is not clear whether prosecutors will take the case to court. His critics suspected him of pulling strings in the kingdom even from exile, which he spent mostly in Dubai before his return. Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra was elected prime minister for Pheu Thai in 2011, only to be ousted in a coup herself in 2014. His daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now the party's chief, was one of the leading faces in its campaign for last year's general election and has been tipped as a possible future prime minister. The election last May marked the first time in more than 20 years that a Thaksin-linked party failed to win the most seats in parliament. Pheu Thai was beaten into second place by the upstart progressive MFP. But pro-establishment forces in the senate blocked MFP's leader Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming prime minister and Pheu Thai's deal with military-linked parties then shut the newcomers out of government. bur-pdw-aph/pbt INTERNATIONAL COURT AND JUSTICE IN GAZA: A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE ICJ RULING (Constitution Club, 23 February) On 26 January 2024, in response to South Africas application against Israel for carrying out genocide in Gaza, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent such actions. This ruling is of historic significance because it is for the first time that the worlds highest court has held Israel accountable for its violations of international law against Palestinians. This imposes a moral and legal obligation on other country members of ICJ, including India, to cease funding and otherwise facilitating Israels military actions. In this context, we, Indians for Palestine, a group of concerned citizens, are convening a public meeting on The International Court and Justice in Gaza. Its aim is to reflect on the implications of this crucial ruling and extend our support to the people of Palestine. The meeting will be held at the Constitution Club (Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110001), between 3 pm and 6 pm on 23 February 2024, in the form of a public conversation between representatives of political parties, the media, the diplomatic community, the legal profession, foreign policy experts and we the people. The speakers include: Adnan Abu Al Haija (Palestinian Ambassador to India) Anand Grover KP Fabian Siddharth Varadarajan Subhashini Ali Asaduddin Owaisi Manoj Jha Dipankar Bhattacharya Salman Khurshid Amarjeet Kaur We look forward to everyones participation at this meeting, as an expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine. Achin Vanaik, Annie Raja, Ayesha Kidwai, Gautam Mody, Jean Dreze, Smita Gupta, Vijayan MJ and many others on behalf of Indians for Palestine (a group of concerned citizens) U.S. President Joe Biden promised the American public that there was no nuclear threat to the United States. POTUS made his remarks amid the growing concerns regarding Russia's space-based weapon. Recently, a senior House Republican claimed that the Russian government has a space-based weapon that's armed with a nuclear weapon to target satellites. The American official issued warnings regarding a "serious national security threat" against the U.S. But, Joe Biden reassured that this isn't true. Here's what he said. Joe Biden Promises There's No Nuclear Threat To US During his speech at the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden was asked if he was concerned about the Russian space-based weapon with anti-satellite capabilities. He confidently answered that there's no nuclear threat to the U.S. even though the Kremlin is considering using an anti-satellite capability. "First of all, there is no nuclear threat to the people of America or anywhere else in the world with what Russia is doing at the moment, No. 1," said Joe Biden via NBC News. "No. 2, anything they're doing or they will do relates to satellites in space and damaging those satellites potentially," added the American president. Biden also provided a third reason, saying that there's no evidence that the Russian government made a decision to go forward with anything in space either. Joe Biden's remarks regarding the Russian space-based nuclear weapon came after Jake Sullivan commented about it as well. Read Also: NATO Chief Issues Stark Warning on Global Peace Amid Rising Russian Threats' Should US Be Concerned About Russia's Space-Based Weapon? White House spokesman John Kirby denied confirming that the space-based technology of Russia is a nuclear weapon that is designed to take down satellites or conduct interferences, as reported by BBC News. Aside from John Kirby, other experts who specialize in international space relations and warfare also claim that there's nothing to worry about. One of them is Dr. Bleddyn Bowen of the University of Leicester. "It's so vague and cryptic, it could be a number of different things. [But] no matter what they are, none of them are a big deal, to be honest. Everyone needs to calm down about this," explained Dr. Bowen. "They did this in the 1960s and in the 1970s and found out it's not actually very useful, and it's very expensive," he argued. Aside from these, other experts said that using space-based nuclear weapons also have drawbacks. One of these is being vulnerable to attacks from other nations. Read Also: White House Confirms Knowledge of Russian Anti-satellite Weapon Aspirations, but Stops Short of Panic Matthew Walker, 46, (right) stands next to sister Mae Atkins, 60, of Clewiston. Walker died in custody at the Charlotte County Correctional Institute in 2014. The grieving family of a man killed in state custody nearly nine years ago said they're hopeful after a judge Thursday reserved ruling on whether the grand jury instructions and other records in the case can be transcribed and released. The motion, filed by Colleen MacAlister on behalf of Christopher Crowley, seeks the release of the grand jury records in the case of the 2014 death of Matthew Walker, 46, while he was an inmate at the Charlotte County Correctional Institute. Crowley ran for state attorney in the Republican primary against State Attorney Amira Fox in 2018. He seeks the materials in his defense for a Florida Bar complaint then-State Attorney Steve Russell filed against him in 2018 involving statements Crowley made about Fox. Crowley said he doesnt object to redactions of the records. According to the motion, Crowley said he'd assume the associated costs. Crowley has also filed a lawsuit against the Charlotte Clerk of Court seeking the transcripts. Walker's family was present in the courtroom Thursday. "We have been angry that we know that it was murder and that nothing was done about it," Walker's sister, Mae Atkins, 60, told The News-Press. In 2015, a grand jury in Charlotte County failed to indict prison staffers for Walker's death. In a report released by the State Attorney's Office in July 2015, grand jurors called the death of Walker "tragic, senseless and avoidable." Walker died on April 11, 2014, after correctional officers beat him after he mouthed off to an officer for waking him up for a room check. Walker was woken up around midnight because a cup and a magazine were out of place in the cell he shared with a second inmate, the report indicates. His cellmate testified that Walker woke up and said, "This is crazy. You are waking me up about a cup." Because of Walker's response, the corrections officer called for backup, the 2015 report indicates. A corrections officer then used his boot to crush Walker's larynx, causing his throat to swell shut. Louise Salcedo, 85, one of the grand jurors assigned to decide whether prison guards were liable in Walker's death, in 2015 revealed to a local news outlet that prosecutors, "improperly and inappropriately" discouraged panel members from indicting the perpetrators. Should grand jury proceeding be kept secret? "Generally, grand jury proceedings are to be kept secret," MacAlister said in court. "But nothing in this proceeding is to be kept secret." MacAlister said the grand jury proceeding has been closed for eight-and-a-half years. Christopher Crowley: Judge reserves ruling on whether U.S. Supreme Court case applies locally On Aug. 31, 2018, Russell filed a "lengthy" complaint against Crowley, MacAlister said. The Florida Bar complaint followed a series of political advertisements Crowley ran during his primary race against Fox. "For too long the need for the truth has been overshadowed by the need for secrecy," MacAlister said. MacAlister said Charlotte Circuit Judge Lisa Porter has the authority to order the transcripts and review them. She said the charges grand jurors were pondering remain unknown. Chris Crowley "These people here deserve to know if what Salcedo said was true or not," MacAlister said. MacAlister said they "only want to know what was said." State attorney opposes disclosure Douglas Wyler, who represented Fox in the courtroom, said an in-camera review, where the judge examines specific evidence, isnt necessary. Wyler asked Porter to "preserve the history of secrecy" in grand jury proceedings. Grand jury proceedings can only be released by the clerk pursuant to an order from the court. "For whom is justice to be served?" Wyler asked the court, calling the motion "purely self-serving." Wyler also called Salcedo a "leaky grand juror," questioning her credibility. He said Salcedo broke her oath. Fox's counsel said no evidence will "ever be found" of corruption involving the state attorney. Wyler said grand jury records had never been requested in civil or criminal cases involving Walker's death. State Attorney Amira Fox, pictured above, was present during the Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, hearing in Charlotte County. "The state attorney here absolutely opposes disclosure," Wyler said. Wyler said everybody but Salcedo "was fine" with how the grand jury was conducted. "This can set a bad precedent," Wyler said. "This can have a very slippery slope." Wyler said the purpose of secrecy is to protect grand jurors and asked Porter to deny the transcription and in-camera review. Judge questions both sides Porter, who presided over Thursday's hearing, asked MacAlister which "critical evidence" would help the Florida Bar complaint. She later asked MacAlister if Salcedo's comments "wouldnt be in line" with the jury instructions. MacAlister replied that the "overarching duty" of a grand jury is to indict. "The crime was so horrific and no one was charged," MacAlister said. As both exchanged thoughts, Porter asked what justice would be reached with the jury instruction disclosures, to which MacAlister answered Salcedo was a credible reporter. "We have a lot of people in this courtroom that are outraged about what happened in that grand jury MacAlister said, turning to attendees and pointing at Walker's family and friends present in court. As Wyler spoke about Salcedo, Porter asked him why newspaper reports weren't valid when they shed light on the proceeding. Florida Bar complaint filed against Christopher Crowley The Florida Bar filed a complaint against attorney Christopher Crowley in April 2020 before the Florida Supreme Court alleging violations of bar rules. The Florida Bar's suit claimed that Crowley, during the 2018 political campaign for state attorney of the 20th Judicial Circuit "publicly disparaged his opponent through various political campaign materials, advertisements, and social media postings," among other rules violations. At the time, Crowley publicly accused Fox of misconduct and corruption. Since then, MacAlister said, Fox has refused transcription and in-camera reviews of the grand jury proceeding. Fox on Thursday declined to comment, citing the active case. Sister says justice not served for slain brother Atkins said at the time the family filed litigation in her brother's death they didn't know the transcripts could become a tool. "I came here today because I want to hear and see if they're going to open up the grand jury instructions," Atkins said. Atkins said the family wants to understand why no one was indicted "when it was clearly murder." "Even the medical examiner listed it as homicide," Atkins said. "So, if it's a homicide, then why wasn't anyone indicted?" Atkins said authorities claimed they didn't know which prison guard was the perpetrator. "Everyone that was in that cell should have been charged because they have a duty to protect," Atkins said. Atkins said other inmates' families called her to tell her what had happened. She said inmates' families told her Walker was handcuffed while an alleged illegal search ensued in the middle of the night. "Why they started beating on him, I don't know," Atkins said. "But they said he was screaming for help and next thing you know they didn't hear anything else." She said a nurse on scene didn't render aid. Atkins said she contacted internal affairs, who came to investigate at the family's home following Walker's death. She said she never received Walker's belongings after he died in custody. "Every time I call I can never get anyone to give me answers," Atkins said. "That bothered me." Crowley's attempts bring closure to Walker family Atkins said Crowley's attempts to have the proceedings transcribed bring "some sense of closure" to the family, who didn't know the jury instructions could be released. "The fact that they've gone this far with it makes me think they're hiding something, that there are reasons for them to have indicted," Atkins said. Atkins said she's curious as to whether court officials or authorities will share more details with the family, if the proceeding is released. "If they can do this and get away with it, then where's the law?" Atkins asked. "What is the law for? What is it for? Where's the justice?" Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Judge reserves ruling in release of grand jury records for 2014 death A Rock Island woman who police say hid her sons body after he accidentally shot himself received her punishment Friday in Rock Island County Court. The sentence of the court is going to be two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, six months of mandatory supervised release, said Judge Frank Fuhr. Thats the sentence handed down to 38-year-old Sushi Staples on charges of endangering the health of a child. Sushi Staples (photo by Bryan Bobb) There needs to be an incentive for people who own guns to buy trigger locks or have safes, or store these weapons where no children or people with mental health issues can access them or consider possibly not owning a gun at all, the judge said. The charge carried a maximum of five years in prison. Police say her 10-year-old son, Zion, died in December of 2022 from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. Staples then hid his body in a trash can. and continued to collect the boys benefits. Zions body was found in July 2023 wearing nothing but Spider-Man pajama bottoms. Staples told the judge before the sentencing that fear for her surviving children and mental health issues led her to make bad choices. I realize your honor, my actions failed my community, my co-workers and all who truly know me,, Staples said. I am sorry for my actions and any hurt and embarrassment this has caused. The judge recommended Staples be placed in a facility that can provide mental health counseling because Staples has a panic and anxiety disorder. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Justin Timberlake has announced that he will be performing a free one-off gig at a London venue next week. The Cry Me A River singer revealed on Friday (16 February) that fans will get a chance to see him live at Londons Roundhouse in Camden on 23 February. Timberlake, 43, shared the news on social media, posting a photo of posters plastered across a boarded-up storefront reading: Justin Timberlake is performing for one night only in London. Roundhouse 2/23. Tickets to attend are free but space is limited, and a lottery registration is currently open now until 11.59pm on Sunday (18 February). Fans can request up to two tickets for the performance here. Those who are successful will receive a confirmation email by Tuesday evening (20 February). Tickets will then automatically appear in Ticketmaster accounts. Last month, the Mirrors singer performed a one-off surprise show at the Irving Plaza in New York City. Timberlake will begin his Forget Tomorrow world tour in North America in April, which marks his first tour in five years. Timberlake will perform for lucky fans in London next week (Getty Images for iHeartMedia) Timberlake has recently teased his forthcoming album Everything I Thought It Was, and has released a single titled Selfish, which is his first solo release in nearly six years. During his one-off gig in New York City, Timberlake took a break from singing at one point in the evening to speak directly to the crowd took the opportunity to apologise to absolutely f***ing nobody. It came days after his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears publicly apologised to him for what she wrote about in her memoir The Woman in Me. Id like to take this opportunity to apologise to absolutely f***ing nobody, he said into the microphone, as the band played the musical accompaniment of his 2013 Jay-Z collaboration Holy Grail in the background. Many people have linked Timberlakes bold non-apology to Spearss recent statement. Spears wrote about several aspects of her three-year relationship with Timberlake in the memoir, including opening up about her decision to have an abortion because Timberlake definitely wasnt happy that she was pregnant. I wanna apologise for some of the things I wrote about in my book, Spears captioned an Instagram post, shared on Sunday (28 January). If I offended any of the people I genuinely care about, I am deeply sorry. You can register for tickets for Timberlakes Roundhouse show on 23 February here. Normally, when a left-leaning journalist writes an opinion column that is critical of me, I ignore it. There are only so many hours in the day, and its not worth the time to respond. But last week, Dion Lefler wrote a column that was so unhinged and incorrect, I decide to do so. Leflers screed was entitled: Kris Kobach Should be Impeached for Coercing School Districts to Target Trans Kids. He was referring to a letter that I wrote to six Kansas school districts that had policies ordering teachers to conceal from parents their childrens transgender status and the fact that their children may be using a different name or pronoun at school. Such parental exclusion policies violate the constitutional rights of parents. Two school districts, to their credit, responded to my letter by rescinding their policies; they no longer force teachers to conceal this information from parents. Those districts are Maize USD 266 and Belle Plaine 357. However, the other four school districts appear to be digging in and maintaining their policies of parental exclusion. They are Kansas City USD 500, Olathe USD 233, Shawnee Mission USD 512, and Topeka USD 501. Lefler makes numerous errors in his column. But his biggest was when he wrote: In his threat letter, Kobach cites no actual law, because Kansas doesnt have one. Lefler thinks that because the Kansas Legislature hasnt yet passed a state statute specifically protecting parental rights in this matter, as Attorney General I have no legal basis for criticizing the parental exclusion policies. He goes on to call me our states biggest schoolyard bully for sending the letter to the school districts. Lefler is not an attorney, so his ignorance of the law can be excused. But if hes going to write a column about the finer points of the law, then he should at least be smart enough to ask an attorney about it first especially when his errors will mislead thousands of readers. I did cite the law in the letter I wrote to the school districts. In fact, the law that I cited is the supreme law of the landthe United States Constitution. For over a century, the United States Supreme Court has recognized the constitutional right of parents to control the upbringing and education of their children. The first case was Meyer v. Nebraska in 1923 where the Supreme Court recognized the right of parents to bring up children and to control the education of their own [children]. The Supreme Court has reiterated the importance of this constitutional right many times since. Indeed, in my letter I cited a total of nine Supreme Court cases. Evidently Lefler couldnt be bothered to read them. Lefler appears ignorant of the fact that a state statute does not need to be passed before a constitutional right can be enforced. This is true with respect to all constitutional rights. For example, there is no state statute enacted by the Legislature that protects all aspects of the First Amendment. But every First Amendment right is still enforceable in Kansas courts. As Kansas Attorney General, I can and do protect the constitutional rights of Kansans in court, regardless of whether the Kansas Legislature has passed any statute on the subject. On the specific issue of teachers being forced to conceal students transgender status from their parents, the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas has already applied this constitutional right and enjoined the Geary County school districts policy. In Ricard v. USD 457 Geary County School Board, the court held that it is illegitimate to conceal information from parents for the purpose of frustrating their ability to exercise [their] fundamental right to direct the education and upbringing of their child. The court also held that the policy would violate the teachers First Amendment right not to violate her religious beliefs. Evidently, Lefler didnt bother to read that case either. As the chief lawyer for the State of Kansas, one of my roles is to inform Kansas governmental bodies (including local school boards) when I learn that their actions are violating the United States Constitution. This is especially true when the constitutional right of parents to control the upbringing of their children is being violated and school districts are concealing that violation from the parents. I informed the school boards that their parental exclusion policies expose the school districts to lawsuit from both parents and teachers. Attempting to defend such unconstitutional parental exclusion policies would waste hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, if not more. Lefler then makes yet another mistake by parroting an ACLU talking point that it would violate the privacy rights of children if teachers were honest with their parents about the names and pronouns their children were using at school. While it is true that school-aged children do possess some privacy rights, no court has ever held that children have a constitutional right of privacy against their parents in this context. No such imaginary right exists. Throughout his column, Lefler throws in a good dose of vitriol. He calls my letter to the school districts reprehensible and an attack on trans students. He then declares that I must be motivated by profit or political gain. Neither is true. The attorney general is the chief defender of the constitutional rights of Kansans. I consider it my highest duty to defend those rights. All constitutional rights are important, but the right of parents to control the education of their children and not to be lied to by teachers and staff is a particularly weighty one. For performing my duty of pointing out this violation of the United States Constitution, Lefler demands that I be impeached. He doesnt explain exactly what the impeachable offense is. But hey, hes a journalist he doesnt need to provide an explanation. Leflers column is a shoddy piece of work that reveals his ignorance and his irrational bias. He should be ashamed, and newspapers that ran the column should also be embarrassed. Kris W. Kobach is the attorney general of Kansas. He was formerly a professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Kris Kobach should be impeached for coercing school districts to target trans kids | Opinion As the Kansas City Police Departments response to Wednesdays mass shooting at the Chiefs rally is scrutinized in the coming days, the agencys unusual governance structure could shield it from potential public pressure. Kansas City remains the only city in Missouri that does not control its police force. The department is overseen by a five-member, mostly unelected board of police commissioners. Four are appointed by the governor and confirmed by state lawmakers. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas fills the remaining spot and is the sole elected member. Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who has appointed every commissioner except Lucas, has praised the police response to Wednesdays mass shooting, which killed one person and injured more than 20 others. KCPD is one of the best police departments in the state. I think they will do their job, the Republican governor said during a local radio interview on Thursday. But many unanswered questions remain about the agencys response and how nearly two dozen people were shot amid a deployment of hundreds of officers along the parade route and at the rally. Whatever is determined about the polices response, Kansas Citys lack of control over its own police force means the department doesnt answer directly to elected officials besides Lucas. In turn, it is more insulated from public demands for accountability, whether in regards to a mass shooting or the citys high number of homicides. There is no place for the average citizen of Kansas City, Missouri, to go to request a change for the police department where they then get to hold those in charge of the police department accountable, said Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat whose district includes the Union Station shooting site. KCPD and federal officials couldnt have done much more during Wednesdays shooting, Razer said. But state control makes it harder for citizens to hold their police department accountable. Lets say we do see something, Razer said of the polices shooting response. Who are they going to go to? State control of Kansas City police, which dates back to the post Civil War-era, has created a century-long struggle for power between state lawmakers and city officials. The unusual makeup largely prevents the city from deciding a wide array of law enforcement-related issues, including how much it should spend on police services. Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, a Kansas City Democrat, said that state control makes it harder for citizens to push changes to their citys police force. But she said concerns about Wednesdays shooting still stem from the states lax gun laws not local control. The Republican-controlled Missouri General Assembly has for years steadily relaxed gun restrictions across the state. The state ranks 38th in the country in terms of gun law strength, according to Everytown For Gun Safety, an organization that advocates for restrictions on firearms. Gwen Grant, president of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, emphasized that the primary issue with the parade shooting centers on the General Assemblys unwillingness to adopt stricter gun regulations. But Grant, who has pushed for Kansas City to be able to control its own police force, said the policies of the citys police should be governed locally. Historically, it has been very difficult to advance policy changes in KCPD, Grant said. Because those individuals appointed by the governor really are not accountable to us. The state-controlled police board tends to align itself in ways that indicate their role is to serve the police department instead of overseeing the department on behalf of the citizens of Kansas City, Grant said. State control is still supported by most Republican lawmakers, who frequently mention crime in Kansas City and the need to ensure that the city remains safe. Before the parade shooting, the city had just emerged from a year in which it broke its homicide record with 185 killings. Rep. Bill Allen, a Kansas City Republican, said that he doesnt think state control shields KCPD from public pressure, saying that the state takes policing seriously. If it were under local control, would it be more responsive to the crisis? I dont think so, he said. To me, its just as impactful at the state level as it would be at the city level. Rep. Chad Perkins, a Bowling Green Republican, also pushed back on the idea, pointing to high crime rates in other cities that control their own police forces, such as St. Louis. The problem of course is theres a violent nature among people, he said. What happened in Kansas City was terrible, but those cities have problems that I think, you know, ultimately, it certainly happens more frequently there. The arrangement of the state control of the Kansas City Police Department is highly unusual in that it requires the city allocate millions to local law enforcement but allows them no say in how that money is spent. That discrepancy faced renewed scrutiny in 2022, when voters across the entire state of Missouri overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that forced Kansas City to spend more on its police department. Razer, who made clear that he wasnt speaking directly about Wednesdays shooting, said he would support local control of KCPD once the city and Kansas Citians decide how to govern the department. If we start a new board, I want to make sure that everyone is bought in, he said. The Northland is bought in, south of the river is bought in, east of Troost, west of Troost, south Kansas City. Every part of the city has to be bought in or it can be a lot worse of a situation. Our personal information is being collected every day on every device we use. But it is not just our information companies collect, our kids are also being tracked. Parents are the ones who have got to step in and stop it. Dolls that allow strangers to listen in, criminals gaining access to your kids through video games and now companies using the microphones and even the keystrokes on your childs device to collect personal data. Haley Viente is pretty strict when it comes to what her son Blake can do with his devices. Being a mom to a 15-year-old teenager can be very overwhelming, Viente said. Ill see my friends doing things and I wont be allowed to do it, so its kind of frustrating sometimes, social media user Blake Maiden said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Maiden told Channel 2 Action News that while hes not as tech savvy as most of his friends he does use social media without putting too much thought into what information is being collected. In the back of my mind, I can see how, like, maybe thats a little nerve wracking or a little scary, but on a daily basis, Im not worrying about it, Maiden said. We asked the mother son duo to figure out what the apps on Blakes phone had permission to do. So he has one, two, three, four, five, five apps that are listening to him, Viente said. Then we had them look up the privacy policy for one of those apps to see just how Maidens info is being used. For the detailed answer. Go here. So, theres somewhere else to click, Viente said. Security researcher Willis McDonald told us its on you the parent to search these polices for answers. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Even though theyre saying theyre not doing one thing with your information in a whole separate section, it basically negates that, McDonald said. There are a lot of complicated privacy policies out there. According to a 2023 Harvard study, social media companies brought in nearly $11 billion in advertising from users under 18 in 2022. We need to educate children about PII thats personally identifiable information. The less PII you give anyone, any digital or physical entity, the better, said Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer with Bark Technologies. Jordan founded Bark Technologies, which allows parents to track their kids online activity. The power that these devices and these social media entities and these games and these streaming platforms have over our children is unlike anything weve ever seen, Jordan said. The Federal Trade Commissions proposed changes to the childrens online privacy protection act take direct aim at companies using kids data for advertising. Restrictions would include requiring a separate opt-in for targeted advertising and limits on nudging kids to stay online. There are ways you can protect your child now. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] McDonald told Channel 2 Action News that besides turning off location services and microphones on devices and computers, parents need to look for input accessibility and screen recording. Screen recording actually allows somebody to watch what your child is doing. Accessibility and input monitoring actually have the ability or give the ability for someone to monitor keystrokes -- so what your child is typing in, McDonald said. But the best way to keep your child and their info safe is to know what they are doing with their devices. Youve got to put rules and parameters in place to keep your child safe, Viente said. As parents, we know all of this can seem overwhelming but there is a big payoff to you getting involved and stopping the tracking of your kids. Its worth the effort. Read: Be Smart With Your Kids Smartphones event hosted by local law enforcement and the FBI 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. Sir Keir Starmer, right, meets Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, at the Munich Security Conference - Tom Pullen/Tom Pullen Sir Keir Starmer has launched a broadside at Donald Trump over the presidential hopefuls bad faith criticism of Nato members. The Labour leader told The Telegraph that in one-on-one meetings in Munich on Saturday with world leaders he pledged to stand up for our allies if he was to become prime minister. The Labour leader used the Munich Security Conference to assure leaders, including Olaf Scholz, Jens Stoltenberg and Ursula von der Leyen, that he would seek to rebuild, renew and resource the Nato alliance rather than divide and threaten, in a thinly veiled reference to the former US presidents warning that he would not protect countries that fail to pay [their] bills. He warned that the death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, in an Arctic jail, showed the need to work together. The rebuke to Mr Trump is likely to have been welcomed by European leaders including Mr Stoltenberg, the head of Nato and a former Norwegian prime minister, who warned last week that any suggestion Nato allies would not defend each other undermined all of our security. Sir Keir Starmer issued a rebuke to Donald Trump over his comments on Nato - Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP However, it threatens to open up a row with the former president, who is polling at about 45 per cent in the US, ahead of Joe Biden, months before the two front-runners to lead their countries face elections. Speaking to The Telegraph following meetings with more than a dozen leaders and foreign ministers in Munich, Sir Keir said: I made clear to leaders that a Britain I lead will always stand up for our allies, even if others threaten not to. In a barely concealed rebuke of Mr Trumps recent comments on Nato, he continued that, when it comes to future threats, we must rebuild, renew, and resource, not divide and threaten. Bad faith politics risks our security. Members of Sir Keirs frontbench have previously been outspoken in their criticism of Mr Trump, but his top team have become more guarded in their comments as the US election draws nearer. Last month, David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, who was in Munich with Sir Keir this weekend, put aside past comments in which he referred to Mr Trump as a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath and insisted: If I have the privilege of becoming foreign secretary, it will be my job to represent the national interests of this country. Despite Sir Keirs rebuke, the Labour leader insisted in a BBC interview that, if elected, he would deal with whoever the American people choose to be their president. The Labour leader with Germany's Olaf Scholz at the Munich Security Conference - Tom Pullen/Tom Pullen Speaking at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, last week, Mr Trump recounted a conversation with an unidentified Nato leader who confronted him over his threat not to defend members who failed to meet the trans-Atlantic alliances defence spending targets. Mr Trump claimed he had told the member that he would encourage Russia to do as it wishes in that case. You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? Mr Trump recounted saying. 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. Sir Keir said that under a Labour government, Britain will be reconnected, Nato defended and democracy strengthened as part of a plan to prioritise economic growth both to improve domestic living standards and to enable Britain to rise to our role in an unstable world. He also condemned the Conservatives degradation of the UKs Armed Forces after a Commons defence committee report concluded that the Armed Forces would not be ready to fight a sustained war with Russia. The current situation is a shameful indictment of the Tories short-sighted politics and refusal to take the blinkers off to face worsening global security, he said. In meetings with leaders and foreign ministers including Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, Sir Keir set out Labours plans to work with allies to defend democracies, including by countering disinformation and hybrid threats. He is promising a joint UK-US democratic resilience centre designed to focus on protecting democratic values and institutions. Labour will reconnect Britain on the global stage, offering leadership, energy and ambition to tackle evolving threats, Sir Keir said. He added: I pay tribute to Navalnys tremendous courage in fighting for truth and democracy. The Russian threat is expanding, through kleptocracy, corruption and war. This is a generational security challenge that will require a long-term response, but also an agile response in the way we organise with our allies. When we pay tribute to Alexei Navalny, let it be not just in words, but deed. We must work together to ensure change is his legacy. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, urged G7 leaders to introduce new measures against Russia as he hinted that Britain was drawing up fresh sanctions. He told Sky News: There should be consequences when appalling human rights outrages like this take place. The UK will examine whether there are individual measures ... that we can take and I would urge others to do the same. Nato members are now scrambling to honour a defence spending target in time for a July summit in the US. UK government sources said European members needed to turn up to Natos 75th anniversary summit with a commitment to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence. On Sunday, Mr Lammy is expected to tell delegates in Munich that Labour understands calls in the US for a more equitable sharing of the Western security burden. He is expected to say: The next Labour government is ready to have these tough conversations, with seriousness and respect, to ensure Nato and Europe are secure in the face of 21st-century threats. Meanwhile, in a meeting with Mrs von der Leyen, Sir Keir reiterated that while his Labour government will not be seeking to rejoin the customs union or single market, he does believe in a strong partnership for economic value and domestic security, a Labour source said. The pair agreed to continue dialogue in the coming months. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Kenyas government has launched a unified human resource system in an effort to rid public service payrolls of more than 20,000 ghost workers, a newspaper reported. Most Read from Bloomberg The system consolidates HR and payroll data and is linked to the Kenya Revenue Authoritys iTax system as well as other deductions like pension funds and employee contribution schemes, the Nairobi-based Star newspaper said on Saturday, citing a Treasury document. The ghost workers are estimated to cost Kenyan taxpayers as much as 5.7 billion shilling ($36.4 million) a year, the newspaper said, citing a government report. The system has been piloted in ministries, state departments and counties, and will be rolled out for the entire public service by July. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A Minneapolis man faces charges for purportedly assisting and instructing ISIS terrorists in Somalia, as well as threatening an attack on New York City, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ) statement released on Friday. Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, has been apprehended in Africa and brought back to the US for a court appearance before a federal judge in Manhattan, New York, scheduled for Friday, according to a declaration from the department, as per Fox News. US Citizen Arrested for ISIS Links Police authorities have captured Abdi, a naturalized US. citizen born in Somalia in 1982, for his alleged ties to the notorious terrorist organization ISIS. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen from the Justice Department's National Security Division mentioned that Abdi traveled from his country to join ISIS, received fighter training, and played a part in propagating the group's harmful views through propaganda. During his training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi allegedly brandished an AK-47 and, as per US Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, even threatened to carry out attacks against civilians in New York City. Security services discovered messages from Abdi containing a photograph of him holding the assault rifle, providing crucial evidence against him. It has been revealed that Abdi played a role in ISIS' 'media' wing, where he participated in filming footage intended for distribution by a pro-ISIS media outlet. Furthermore, he is accused of encouraging others to execute similar attacks, as depicted in unsealed audio clips where he rapped about shooting and bombing individuals in New York. In a disturbing audio clip, Abdi reportedly made threats about causing harm in New York City. The criminal complaint provides a detailed account of how he used social media to promote and incite acts of terror against the United States, according to Daily Mail. Read Also: Landmark Verdict Delivered: Donald Trump's Civil Fraud Trial Concludes Busy Week in Court Ex-ISIS Recruit Arrested for Threats Against NYC Abdi, who moved from Minnesota to Somalia in 2015, joined a group of ISIS fighters at a training camp. Over the following two years, he not only received weapons training but also actively participated in the group's media activities, including the production of a recruiting video distributed by a pro-ISIS outlet. The criminal complaint quotes lyrics from a 2017 audio clip where Abdi allegedly rapped about inflicting violence in New York City. "We going to carry on jihad; fly through America on our way to shoot New York up. They trying to shut this thing. We ain't going. We going to come blow New York up," he reportedly declared. Abdi's connection with ISIS came to a turbulent decision in 2017 due to his strained relationship with the group's leaders. Initially detained by the group, he successfully fled and journeyed to East Africa, where security authorities apprehended him. After being apprehended by US authorities, Abdi admitted, in an FBI interrogation, to enrolling in the training camp in Somalia. He is now facing charges, including conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as conspiring to receive and receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization. The gravity of the charges against Abdi carries the potential for a significant prison term, with the most serious charges holding a possible 20-year sentence. This situation brings up concerns regarding the recruitment and actions of people associated with extremist organizations, establishing the continuous work of authorities to prevent and avoid acts of terrorism within the United States, AP News reported. Related Article: World Leaders React to Alexei Navalny Death: Outrage, Concern, Skepticism Among International Tone President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that the positive vote of the US Congress for the allocation of funds for further military assistance to Ukraine is a key issue for our country at the moment. Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at a briefing after talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference; European Pravda Quote from Zelenskyy: "The key issue for us now is to maintain principled American support. Ukraine and our soldiers need and expect a positive vote on the support package. Thank you to everyone who realises how much depends on this one vote." Details: In a conversation with Harris, he noted the significant results Ukraine has already managed to achieve in resisting Russian aggression thanks to American assistance, in particular, air defence. "American Patriot is the most reliable protection of people's lives from Russian terror. And each Patriot system saves hundreds and thousands of lives and allows our cities to work normally and, thus, our economy... There is a need to give Ukraine more economic independence, and the issue of air defence is the main one for this," Zelenskyy stressed. The president of Ukraine added that during the talks, he told Kamala Harris about the current situation at the contact line and the opportunities and prospects of Ukraine, provided there's sufficient support from allies, and about "the transformation of our state, in particular solutions that can increase our resilience." Harris, in her speech, focused on the difference in the potential of Ukraine and Russia and the fact that despite this dramatic difference, Ukraine, including thanks to the support of partners, has achieved a number of outstanding successes. "It is in our strategic interest to support assistance to Ukraine... History shows that if an aggressor like Putin can seize land with impunity, they do not stop there, and other aggressors begin to feel more confident," Harris said. She said that the majority of members of the US Congress in both chambers support Ukraine. Quote from Harris: "President Biden and I will continue to work to provide you with the weapons and resources you need to succeed. We will continue supporting your efforts to achieve a just and sustainable peace. We will work to ensure that Russia pays for the damage caused to Ukraine. We want Ukraine to emerge from this war as a free, democratic and independent state... We will be with you as long as necessary." Background: The US House of Representatives has gone on recess until the end of February without voting on the Senate-approved bill containing an aid package for Ukraine The House of Representatives also presented a bill with less aid to Ukraine than the amount proposed by President Joe Biden. Support UP or become our patron! Students involved in anti-Semitic incidents at two major UK universities should be kicked out because their conduct is so dangerous, a government tsar has said. Lord Mann, the Governments independent adviser on anti-Semitism, said that any students involved in intimidating Jewish classmates and staff at the universities of Birmingham and Leeds had forfeit their right to stay. Earlier this month, Jewish students at the University of Birmingham spoke of their fear after activists held up a banner at a rally which said Zionists off our campus and allegedly chanted Death to Zionists. A Jewish chaplain at Leeds University was meanwhile forced into hiding with his family after he was targeted with death threats over his role as an Israel Defence Force reservist. In another incident at the university, a Jewish student centre was sprayed with graffiti saying Free Palestine. Lord Mann, a former Labour MP who was appointed the Governments independent adviser on anti-Semitism in 2019, told The Telegraph that he had arranged urgent meetings with both institutions because the cases were two of the most serious incidents Ive seen in universities ever. In both cases theyre trying to exclude people from the university because theyre Jewish, he said. In one case [Leeds] a chaplain, and in the second case [Birmingham] Jewish students and academics across the board. This takes things to a different level. He said the involvement of mass groups in both cases was also an aggravating factor. Thats why its in my view more extreme and more dangerous, because this becomes mob rule. Echoes of the 1930s Lord Mann said that attempts to exclude Jewish students and academics had echoes of the 1930s. This has happened across the world and its never ended well, and of course its happened to the Jewish community before and that didnt end well, he said. Comparisons to the past can be crass, but compared to the last 30, 40 years, these examples are more extreme and more dangerous and need a robust and effective response. In the case of Leeds, Lord Mann said he had heard that non-students coming onto the campus could have been involved in the incidents. However, he said that in both instances any students participating should face the strongest possible punishment from university authorities. Those who are participants within the university forfeit their right to stay in that university, that is my opinion, my advice for what should happen, he said. It crosses the line. He went on: This goes against everything a university is about. This is challenging the existence of the university as an entity. It is that serious this is significantly more dangerous than Ive seen before in the public realm. He warned that if the two universities failed to act the consequences would be severe. If they are either not prepared or more likely not capable of getting on top of this problem, they will see their Jewish student population evaporate very, very quickly, he said. Students will vote with their feet and it would be terrible for the cities of Leeds and Birmingham to lose the incredible contribution of having so many Jewish students there. He added: This isnt about free speech this is about targeting Jewish students and staff because they are Jewish, and we are not having that in this country. Strongest possible action A spokesman for Leeds University said that Lord Mann had held a very constructive call with senior leaders on Friday. The spokesman said: The university continues to assist West Yorkshire Police as they try to bring those behind last weeks appalling anti-Semitic incidents to justice. We would take the strongest possible action against any student or member of staff found to be responsible for anti-Semitism, and remain appalled that our Jewish student community has been targeted just as we condemn the anti-Semitic abuse and threats directed towards Rabbi Deutsch and his family. Ensuring that all members of our university community feel safe remains our number one priority. Birmingham University said: We take the concerns about the event on campus on February 7 very seriously and have been working quickly to investigate the circumstances and take action. This has included working closely with West Midlands Police. The police have now confirmed that they are investigating two racially aggravated public order offences and are carrying out further enquiries. We will be assisting the police with this investigation. We take allegations of harassment or discrimination very seriously and will also be investigating such allegations in accordance with our policies and procedures. 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. Early voting began Thursday in North Carolina. As we do each year, our Editorial Board will be making endorsements in local and state races, beginning Sunday with our recommendations for governor in the Democratic and Republican primaries. Another annual tradition: People wondering why we do these things at all. Some media dont do endorsements or have pulled back on them in recent years. We feel differently. Heres why: We are proud each week to have the opportunity to join conversations important to our communities. We take part with editorials from this board, columns from our opinion writers in Charlotte and Raleigh, and op-eds and letters from readers and community leaders. Few of those conversations are as important as discussing who represents us in local, state and national offices. Were approaching the 2024 election recommendations the same as previous years. Some background: In 2019, the boards of The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer of Raleigh joined forces to provide fuller opinion content to our readers. The combined board is led by N.C. Opinion Editor Peter St. Onge, who is joined in Charlotte by Observer Executive Editor Rana Cash, and Deputy Opinion Editor Paige Masten. In Raleigh, Deputy Opinion Editor Ned Barnett is joined by News & Observer Executive Editor Bill Church and opinion writer Barry Saunders. As with editorials on local issues, members of the board in Charlotte do not participate in endorsements of Triangle-specific races, or vice versa. The full board does discuss and recommend candidates for statewide races, including the governors race and other Council of State races on this years ballot. As always, we will be selective in our endorsements, which means we will make recommendations in competitive and notable races, but not all races. In each race we pursue, members of the editorial board conduct research and interview candidates and talk to others who know and have worked with the candidates. We then discuss what weve learned as a board and make recommendations. We weigh a lot of factors in doing so, including how a candidates values represents their voting constituencies (thats especially true in primary races). Sometimes those considerations go beyond individual races to the makeup of the larger body the candidates want to join. We generally dont want a city council or state Senate to have such a majority that the minority is too muted. Another factor in this years recommendations, as in previous years: Republicans nationwide, led by former President Donald Trump, continue to say the 2020 election was stolen. Thats a falsehood, and its one that threatens our democracy. Not all Republicans believe the election was illegitimate, of course, but many who do could be casting votes on state and national voting measures. If thats a part of a candidates platform, we think thats disqualifying. Finally (and we get this a lot!): Were not telling you what to think about these candidates. Were telling you what we think. And no, were not predicting winners. Were recommending candidates we think deserve your consideration. Well be offering our endorsements to subscribers all week online, and each endorsement will appear in in the next days print edition. We hope our research and recommendations are helpful, but mostly we hope that you, too, choose to participate in deciding who represents all of us. Please, go vote. Peter St. Onge is Opinion editor at the Charlotte Observer, News & Observer in Raleigh and Durham Herald Sun. One critic claimed that Admiral Viktor Sokolovs poor leadership had led to the destruction of a fifth of the Black Sea Fleet - Alexey Pavlishak/REUTERS The Kremlin has quietly sacked the commander of its Black Sea Fleet after Ukraine destroyed a large warship off the occupied Crimean peninsula earlier this week. Russian military bloggers said that the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov transport ship on Wednesday had angered Vladimir Putin, who finally sacked Admiral Viktor Sokolov. It seems that it had become impossible to ignore the latest heavy losses of the fleet, the War Informant channel told its 586,000 subscribers. The sinking of the Caesar Kunikov transport warship had angered Vladimir Putin - UNPIXS Adml Sokolov, 61, was made commander of the Kremlins Black Sea Fleet in August 2022, replacing Admiral Igor Osipov, who presided over a series of humiliations including the sinking of the Moskva flagship in April 2022 and the loss of the strategically important Snake Island to Ukraine. But a series of missile and drone strikes on warships and a submarine has also undermined Adml Sokolovals command, forcing the Kremlin into desperate measures to protect its fleet. The latest plan is to build a base on the coast of Abkhazia, a pro-Russia rebel region of Georgia about 380 miles from Ukraine. Ukraines military said that several drones had struck the Caesar Kunikov - Yoruk Isik/REUTERS One military blogger, Roman Saponkov, said that Adml Sokolovs poor leadership was to blame for the destruction of a fifth of the Black Sea Fleet. He prohibited the installation of non-standard devices on ships, for example, thermal imagers for detecting kamikaze boats, additional heavy machine guns, drones with a thermal imager and other technological products from the 21st century. On Wednesday, Ukraines military said that several drones struck the Caesar Kunikov transport warship, sinking it. Although its counteroffensive failed over the summer, Ukraine has been able to point to successes in the Black Sea where it has pinned back and picked off Russias far larger navy. In September 2023, a missile strike on Sevastopol was reported to have killed 33 Russian naval officers who had gathered for a planning meeting, including Adml Sokolov. The Kremlin then went out of its way to release video and pictures which it said proved that he was alive. According to reports, Vice Admiral Sergey Pinchuk has been appointed as the new commander of the Black Sea Fleet. 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 grocery giants Albertsons and Kroger illegally colluded to weaken workers leverage amid strikes and contract negotiations in 2022, according to a lawsuit Colorados attorney general filed this week. As workers at 78 Kroger-owned King Soopers stores in Colorado were preparing to walk off the job that January, an Albertsons labor relations executive informed a counterpart at Kroger that his company would not poach strikers during the work stoppage, the lawsuit states. We dont intend to hire any King Soupers [sic] employees and we have already advised the Safeway division of our position and the division agrees, Albertsons senior vice president of labor relations wrote in an email quoted in the complaint. The lawsuit also alleges that Albertsons agreed not to solicit King Soopers customers to switch their prescriptions over to Albertsons in-store pharmacies, likely helping King Soopers hold onto those customers during the strike. Colorado Attorney General Philip J. Weiser said in the lawsuit that the alleged agreements were meant to diminish the bargaining power of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7, which led the King Soopers strike and was about to bargain a new collective bargaining agreement with Albertsons-owned Safeway. We will never know what concessions we could have got from these employers.Kim Cordova, president, UFCW Local 7 The suit is aimed at blocking a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons that was announced in 2022. It also seeks to bar any no-poach agreements between the companies, and calls for each company to pay a $1 million civil penalty for any alleged agreements. A Kroger spokesperson said in an email that Weiser had mischaracaterize[d] the facts. There was not then, and there is not now, non-solicitation or so-called no-poach agreements between Kroger and Albertsons, the spokesperson said. Employees at both companies regularly join our teams from and exit our companies for opportunities to work at Albertsons, Kroger, Walmart, Amazon, Costco and other retailers. They also said blocking the Kroger-Albertsons merger would only serve to strengthen larger, non-unionized retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon. Albertsons did not respond to a request for comment. Companies can suppress workers wages and clout by agreeing not to hire them away from one another. In the case of a strike like the one at King Soopers, workers may have sought to pick up shifts at a competitor like Safeway just to stay afloat. Having less money coming in would make it harder for workers to hold out at the bargaining table. The lawsuit quotes testimony collected as part of the Federal Trade Commissions investigation into the merger. Per that testimony, another Albertsons executive said it was important Kroger hold the line and stay strong in bargaining with UFCW. Albertsons had recently extended its own contracts with UFCW Local 7 but would soon renegotiate them. Weiser argues in the suit that the Albertsons-Kroger merger should be blocked because it would increase the likelihood of anticompetitive collusion. He cited the alleged no-poach pact as one example, saying it strengthened Krogers ability to resist union demands at the negotiating table. Albertsons allegedly agreed not to poach workers from Kroger-owned King Soopers when workers at 78 stores went on strike in 2022. Albertsons allegedly agreed not to poach workers from Kroger-owned King Soopers when workers at 78 stores went on strike in 2022. Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, told HuffPost that her union only became aware of the emails through Weisers lawsuit. She said the union immediately filed unfair labor practice charges against both companies with the National Labor Relations Board, which investigates union-busting allegations. The union is also considering suing, she said. We will never know what concessions we could have got from these employers absent the alleged no-poach and no-solicitation pacts, Cordova said. We did well [with our contracts] but we could have done even better. UFCW Local 7 has opposed the $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger since it was announced in 2022, arguing that it would reduce competition for both workers and consumers, leading to lower wages and higher grocery prices. Both companies have more than 2,000 stores apiece under a slew of brand names. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a vocal critic of the merger, told HuffPost in a statement that the two companies are supposed to be competitors. But rather than compete over lower prices for consumers and higher pay for workers, it appears that corporate executives for Kroger and Albertsons colluded to hurt working people, Warren said. Cordova argued that the week-and-a-half King Soopers strike is turning out to be a good example of how a merger would be bad for workers. The job market was extremely tight at the time of the strike, so it should have been easy for a worker at a King Soopers to pick up a job at a Safeway if they needed to. She said in Colorado its common to see one store right across the street from the other. Everybody was fighting for a workforce, Cordova said. So while we had strikers that walked out, [the alleged no-poach agreement] limited their ability to get a job within the industry. Thats a ploy so workers wont walk out on strike, and wont have options for other income, she went on. That was leverage they were trying to use against us. Weiser argues in the suit that the Albertsons-Kroger merger should be blocked because it would 'increase the likelihood of anticompetitive collusion.' Cordova said she believes an agreement not to solicit King Soopers pharmacy customers during the strike could have had a significant impact. She said quite a few shoppers crossed workers picket lines at King Soopers stores because they needed to get their prescriptions. They often said they were only getting their medications and not buying anything else, Cordova said, but it made the picket line look weaker than it was. In the lawsuit, Weiser called the alleged agreements between Kroger and Albertsons unconscionable and per se unlawful, and asserted that executives at the very highest levels of both companies knew about them. While the two companies had to bargain their own, separate contracts with the union, the agreement with Krogers King Soopers stores was bound to influence the agreement reached later with Albertsons Safeway stores. Cordova said its important for workers to be able to play them off of each other in order to secure the best deal from both. Given what she saw in the lawsuit this week, she now wonders if the strike could have played out differently. Maybe we could have struck longer, she said, or could have struck [Safeway] if we knew they had entered into an agreement like that. Related... Angelica Belmont, a CVS shift supervisor, has benefited from the Los Angeles Fair Work Week ordinance that took effect last April. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) A year ago, Angelica Belmonts life felt chaotic. She often got called in to cover afternoon shifts at a Los Angeles CVS with just a few hours' notice. She frequently had to close the store at 10 p.m. and open at 6 a.m. the next day. Her irregular work schedule interfered with her sleep and often left her scrambling to find someone to pick up her three kids from school. Since last April, she and her family have had more stability, thanks to a new city law requiring that large retailers provide employees with their schedules at least two weeks in advance. L.A.'s Fair Work Week ordinance says any changes within that 14-day window must come with so-called predictability pay. Businesses must also give employees at least 10 hours of rest between shifts or provide extra pay for that work. These days, Belmont knows her schedule three weeks ahead. For a change with less than two weeks notice, she earns an extra hour of pay at her regular rate of $18.78. If she agrees to work back-to-back shifts, she earns time and a half for the second shift. She and her partner now coordinate school pickups, and she makes appointments for Tuesday and Wednesday, her days off. I need to have a set schedule for my kids its just important, said Belmont, 35. I just like the stability that this has brought to my life. CVS strives "to ensure our employees have ample notice and predictability to their work schedules," company spokesperson Matt Blanchette said in a written statement. Employees in lower-wage industries are increasingly at the mercy of scheduling algorithms designed to maximize efficiency and minimize labor costs. When staffing doesn't match expected customer demand, workers might be called in at the last minute or sent home early. Workers are forced to bend their lives around their shifts, patching in child care, school, medical appointments and time with family. Unpredictable work schedules lead to unstable incomes, as well as poor sleep and psychological distress, researchers at the Shift Project, an initiative from Harvard University and UC San Francisco focused on service-sector workers, have found. L.A. is among several cities nationwide, including Seattle, New York and Chicago, that have adopted scheduling laws part of a growing recognition that schedules are as important to well-being as living wages and sick pay. Of the more than 147,000 retail workers in L.A., more than three-fourths were people of color and nearly two-thirds earned low wages , according to a report from the UCLA Labor Center and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, which drew on census data from 2016. Under the L.A. law, which applies to retail chains with more than 300 employees globally, an employee must notify their employer of any violations. If the employer doesnt correct the alleged violation within 15 days, the employee can file a complaint with the citys Office of Wage Standards. An employer who is found to have violated the law must pay the employee a one-time penalty of up to $500 for each violation. It must also pay the city up to $50 each day that predictability pay was unlawfully withheld. The city started enforcing the law in October after a six-month education period. The city is investigating two reports related to the law and looking into three others to see if further investigation is required, according to Oliver Hall, a spokesperson with the Department of Public Works. Workers know that they have a recourse, and it provides employers with a standard that they can adhere to, said L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price, who proposed the law. This has been a real important step to just making sure that everybody is treated fairly and equally, and that those that are providing services that we all benefit from are treated fairly." Anecdotally, compliance with the citys law appears to be mixed at this point, said Amardeep Gill, director of the grocery and retail campaign for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, which pushed for the ordinance. Any policy as big as this it takes some time, she said, comparing the policy implementation to that of minimum wage hikes. Gill's team has fanned out to shopping centers to speak with retail workers especially those who aren't in a union. Theyve heard that some employers are complying with the law. Others arent informing workers of the predictability pay provision and, she said, are doing everything in their power not to comply. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles County Business Federation, the California Retailers Assn. and the California Grocers Assn. did not provide comment for this story. Some businesses say they need the ability to adjust staffing, such as for unanticipated sporting events or bad weather, said Kristen Harknett, a UC San Francisco sociology professor who studies working conditions for hourly employees in the service sector. But the laws don't "limit employers from calling people in at the last minute," Harknett said. "It's just you have to pay them a little extra when you do." And there is at least one clear benefit for employers, said Harknett, who is also a principal investigator for the Shift Project. "When schedules are more consistent and predictable, employees stick around and are more loyal, and that benefits the company," she said. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a similar schedule ordinance in April, according to Lenee Richards, a spokesperson for Supervisor Holly Mitchell. These protections help strengthen our workforce and will allow employees, many of whom are low-income earners from communities of color, to better care for their families and themselves by having increased control and predictability over their own schedules, Mitchell said in a written statement. In the meantime, Jasmine Brandon, a 30-year-old part-time clerk at a Food4Less in the unincorporated L.A. County community of Willowbrook, must check an app or visit the store on Friday afternoons to find out her schedule for the following week. She makes $17 an hour and doesnt work any set days or shifts. A representative for Food4Less didnt respond to a request for comment. Sometimes Brandon closes the store, and sometimes she opens. Occasionally, she works those shifts back-to-back, picking up her 2-year-old son from child care and commuting by bus or rideshare. She feels perpetually tired and stressed. With her schedule constantly changing, she can't nail down medical appointments for her son and teenage daughter, or a regular therapy appointment for herself. There is no consistency at all, she said. You have to pretty much work around their schedule. This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative, focusing on the challenges facing low-income workers and efforts being made to address the economic divide in California. More information about the initiative and its funder, the James Irvine Foundation, can be found here. 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Labour Party handed the governing Conservatives two thumping defeats in a pair of special elections on Thursday in a setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that reinforces the sense that the opposition is on course to win power at a general election due in the next year. Most Read from Bloomberg Labour stormed to wins in both Wellingborough, in the midlands, and Kingswood in southwest England, in competitions where Reform UK, the party founded by Tory nemesis Nigel Farage, came third. Here are five takeaways from the votes: 1. Labour Support Remains Strong Despite Hiccups The week began badly for Starmer as he was forced to ditch Labours candidate for another special election later in February due to antisemitic remarks, before suspending a second parliamentary candidate for similar reasons. Labour has also been under pressure after watering down its signature economic project to plow money into the drive toward net zero. None of that appeared to matter to voters on Thursday. In Wellingborough, the 28.5-point swing to Labour from the Tories was the second highest since World War II, while in Kingswood the swing was an also-healthy 16.4 points. That suggests the opposition is on track to convert its national polling lead which has fluctuated around 20 points for months into a general election win to end 14 years of Tory rule. The results tell us the opinion polls are accurately reflecting the state of public opinion, said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University, London, in a phone interview. This is a deeply unpopular government. 2. Low Turnout Hints at Lack of Voter Enthusiasm One note of caution for Labour was the low turnout in both by-elections. While thats a common feature of such votes because of the lack of a national campaign to boost interest, Sunak said it suggests there isnt a huge amount of enthusiasm for Labour. John Curtice, a prominent psephologist and politics professor at Strathclyde University, wrote on the BBC website that voters discontent with the Conservatives was seemingly not matched in equal measure by its enthusiasm for Labour, adding that the increase in Labours vote share was only half the fall in Tory support, underlining how many discontented Tories are going elsewhere. Still, while Starmer himself said his party couldnt be complacent and needed to fight as if were five points behind in the polls, he wont mind if voters behave the same way on election day. 3. Reform is Rising as a Political Force Another major concern for Sunak was the strong performance of Reform UK, the anti-immigration party founded by Brexit campaigner Farage. Tory strategists are worried about Reform splitting the right-wing vote, and the party picked up 13% of the vote in Wellingborough, well above its previous by-election record. If its 10.4% share in Kingswood had gone to the Tories, Sunaks party would have retained the seat. Tonight was the night Reform came of age, Farage said on GB News after the results. It became a real political party, not a theoretical political party. 4. The Tories Look Doomed The size of Labours by-election victories suggest the Tories are on course for heavy losses at a general election. Labour overturned majorities of 18,540 and 11,220 in Wellingborough and Kingswood respectively, margins that would normally mean the seats were considered safe for the Conservatives. The scale of the defeats sparked anger among Tory MPs on Friday. One told Bloomberg the results were final proof that they were going to lose the election and now the party is in damage limitation mode. A minister said the election is lost and the Conservatives are now fighting to avoid losing the following election too and risking a decade of Labour in power. The discontent has been clear among Tories for while, with many making plans for new careers. Even before an election date has been set, at least 55 Conservative Members of Parliament have indicated they wont stand for office, according to the House of Commons Library. With every week that goes by we get at least one or two pretty high-profile sitting MPs saying theyre not standing, said Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, a campaigning group. We could have more of that. 5. A May Election Seems Unlikely While Sunak can call the election for as far away as late January, theres been recent UK media speculation he could hold it in May, coinciding with local elections and potentially riding a wave of good feeling stemming from voter-friendly giveaways in the spring Budget on March 6. But thats now looking less likely after a week in which official statistics show the UK has slid into recession, it was revealed that Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt may lack the fiscal headroom for large budget giveaways, and the Tories then slipped to Thursdays by-election defeats. Those votes all but rule out a May election, said Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta. If everything goes right for Sunak, hed be wise to strike while the iron is hot. But a recession and these by-election defeats count as things going wrong. --With assistance from Emily Ashton and Alex Wickham. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. An independent schools group has warned that the Labour Party has failed to engage with it over warnings that thousands of vulnerable children could have their education thrown up in the air by a planned VAT raid. Julie Robinson, the chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), said more than 95,000 children with special educational needs were at risk if Labour imposed its threatened tax penalty. A fifth of independent school children in our schools more than 103,000 - need some form of Special Education Need or Disability (SEND) support, she said. But currently only children with the most severe or complex needs, who are covered by an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) thats just 6.9 per cent of them, just over 7,000 pupils will be exempt from the planned 20 per cent levy. This leaves a very large cohort of children in the independent system 95,000 plus on current figures who have additional needs but who dont have an EHCP. We all know this is true and yet the fees of these children are not exempt from Labours planned new tax. Most of their parents are also already stretched financially so thousands of these children could be displaced into the state system. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council: "We need to protect more children with SEND" - CHP Ms Robinson said she feared many of the children could then be left without specialist support in the state sector and specialist schools could face closure if pupils were forced to move. For many of these children, their parents have chosen to spend their money on an independent education because they need that specialist help which may range from needing a quieter environment to a smaller class to enable them to cope. State schools cannot always provide that everywhere it is not their fault that they are under-funded. It is widely and generally accepted that there is a lack of funding for provision for children with special educational needs in the state sector and, at the moment, independent schools are providing a really important capacity of specialism. The ISC, which represents more than 1,400 private schools in the UK, has lobbied Labour to look again at its planned VAT on fees policy and exempt more SEND children from the tax levy to protect their education. Ms Robinson also warned that if Labour dont change their current approach to SEND pupils within their VAT plan for independent schools, it could create a perverse incentive for parents to seek out an EHCP which will be hugely costly for local authorities. 'If its about money, you might say independent school parents are already subsidising the state,' says Julie Robinson - monkeybusinessimages/iStockphoto Equally, even if parents have a child with an EHCP, if that school cannot stay open because other children do not have an EHCP, they could still lose their school, she says. We need to protect more children with SEND because on Labours current policy, we dont know how many children could potentially be displaced, where they will be and which schools will be affected. We could be faced with a very severe situation where vulnerable children have their education disrupted. Parents need reassurance that this is not going to happen. Calling on Labour to broaden their potential tax levy to exempt more SEND children, she added: Lets hope they take a practical view in the end and say Well, we actually need that provision for the sake of the children. Labour say they want every child to have the best education and thats something we would all agree with but at the moment there isnt enough money in the state system to make that happen. If its about money, you might say independent school parents are already subsidising the state. Its amazing how much that has been twisted into them having tax breaks or independent schools having tax loopholes when it is actually the other way round and this is a very specific and targeted tax only on parents who pay private school fees. 'Labour say they want every child to have the best education,' says Julie Robinson, 'but at the moment there isnt enough money in the state system to make that happen.' - monkeybusinessimages/iStockphoto The ISC has lobbied Labour to carry out a formal assessment into their current policy on this and would like to see a higher bar for all SEND pupils to protect those children, says Robinson. We would welcome engagement on this with the Labour Party. We have tried and it is not happening. We hope the policy itself will refine and evolve towards being fairer for all SEND pupils in the independent sector. A Labour Party spokesman said: Labour will invest in delivering a brilliant state education for all our children including enhancing targeted support to help every child thrive, funded by ending tax breaks for private schools. Independent schools do not have to pass this cost on to parents, and a high-profile independent school has already said they will not be doing so. 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. Ana Maria Knezevic travelled from South Florida to Spain in December to take a break. According to her family and friends, the American citizen who hails from Colombia has been dealing with a difficult divorce from her Serbian partner. However, her trip also provided an opportunity to discover unfamiliar destinations. Then, she disappeared two weeks ago, shortly after a man in a motorcycle helmet disabled the security cameras at her Madrid apartment building by spray painting the lenses. Ana Knezevic's Disappearance The following day, two friends each got text messages in different languages from the 40-year-old's phone, informing them that she was leaving for a few days with a man she had recently met, as per ABC News. Ana Knezevic vanished from her apartment rental in Spain at the beginning of February, leaving authorities and her loved ones baffled. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have taken a sinister turn with the emergence of mysterious text messages and a shadowy figure caught on security footage. Authorities revealed that a man, concealed by a motorcycle helmet, was captured on grainy footage disabling security cameras at Knezevic's apartment shortly after her disappearance. The incident raised immediate concerns about the nature of her vanishing act. The following day, Knezevic's closest friends received suspicious text messages from her cell phone. The messages, written in both English and Spanish, claimed that she had entered into a whirlwind romance and decided to embark on a spontaneous getaway with her newfound boyfriend. Sanna Rameau, a friend of Knezevic, expressed disbelief at the content of the messages, stating that the emotional tone and style did not align with Ana's typical communication. Rameau emphasized that her 40-year-old friend would never engage in such unsafe and erratic behavior. The situation is further complicated by historical details. Ana and their partner, David Knezevic, had been married for 13 years before choosing to separate. The divorce proceedings have been described as contentious, with significant financial interests at play. The couple is the owner of EOX Technology Solutions Inc., a business located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they have several properties, one of which is currently in foreclosure,according to Fox News. Read Also: World Leaders React to Alexei Navalny Death: Outrage, Concern, Skepticism Among International Tone Ana Maria Knezevic's Nasty Divorce Ana's brother, Juan Henao, disclosed the tense nature of the divorce, emphasizing the significant amount of money at stake. David Knezevic's current whereabouts are unknown, adding a layer of mystery to the unfolding situation. Despite the potential financial motives, Rameau denies any indication from Ana that she feared her husband or experienced abuse. Authorities in Madrid and Fort Lauderdale have been alerted about Knezevic's disappearance, prompting investigations on both sides of the Atlantic. The Spain Missing Persons Association has circulated Ana Knezevic's photograph in the nation's capital, but as of now, there have been no leads. The US State Department and Madrid police have yet to provide comments on the ongoing investigation. Rameau and another friend noted the peculiarities in the text messages, with the English message lacking Ana's typical emotional style and the Spanish one appearing to be translated mechanically. The friends reported the disappearance to the police after failed attempts to contact Ana. A twist emerged in the police investigations as it came out that the security cameras at Knezevic's apartment had been interfered with. An unidentified individual wearing a helmet was observed tampering with the cameras, intensifying the air of suspicion surrounding the situation. As Ana's family and friends anxiously await news, the international attention garnered by the case is hoped to prioritize finding answers and locating Ana Knezevic. Desperation and uncertainty surround the investigation as loved ones seek a reason for her mysterious disappearance, CNN News reported. Related Article: Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale Drops Senate Bid After Donald Trump Endorses Rival Tim Sheehy (Bloomberg) -- Engulfed in a prolonged economic slowdown and facing the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House, the European Union is dusting off a plan to unite its disparate capital markets. Most Read from Bloomberg The so-called Capital Markets Union, or CMU, has long been on the to-do list for officials trying to deepen the EUs single market and secure stronger investment and economic growth. But the project, launched nearly a decade ago, has repeatedly stumbled over national interests or been eclipsed by more urgent work responding to crises such as the Covid pandemic. There is now a growing drumbeat of calls to get back on track to attract private money to help fund investments in the climate transition and spur an economy thats losing momentum. Officials also have to negotiate European Parliament elections in June, which risk seeing breakthroughs for parties that traditionally oppose greater integration. Adding to the sense of urgency, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde last month cited the single market and CMU as the best way to bullet-proof Europes economy with the prospect of economic disruption from another Trump presidency in the US. In a draft statement on CMU seen by Bloomberg, EU finance ministers said: If the development of European capital markets is not addressed urgently, Europe is at risk of falling behind globally in terms of competitiveness, growth, and prosperity of its citizens. The latest wish list of reforms, which will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU finance officials next week, focuses on the architecture of capital flows around Europe, boosting funding for businesses, and improving access to savings and retirement products for individuals. The benefits of getting it right could be big. CMU could boost cross-border private risk-sharing, reduce reliance on bank financing and enhance capital allocation efficiency, promoting higher economic growth and euro-zone integration, Allianz economists led by Ludovic Subran wrote in a recent report. To restore its overall competitive edge against the US, the next European Parliament urgently needs to tackle the obstacles to higher productivity growth. Even as momentum builds to take action, its unlikely a deeper union could deliver a quick fix for the regions economic woes. Growth in the 20-nation euro zone will accelerate only slightly to 0.8% this year from 0.5% in 2023, according to the latest projections by the European Commission, the EUs executive arm. One of the key ideas, championed by Lagarde, is to create a European version of the Securities and Exchange Commission to overcome a patchwork of regulatory frameworks. Another aim to drive CMU is to provide greater choice of funding for companies, so they arent forced to tap foreign markets such as the US. Other officials, including Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel, have joined the rallying call for CMU in recent days. Addressing the Munich European Conference on Thursday, he said it would make the ECBs job easier by equalizing the impact of policy in different countries, as well as strengthening growth and investment. The banking and capital markets union is another area where we are still a long way off from achieving complete integration, Nagel added. ECB Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel said more integrated capital markets could improve European techs access to funding, which has disadvantaged firms in the past. Our financial markets also remain segmented along national borders, she said in a speech in Italy on Friday. Financial integration in the euro area has not increased from where it stood in the early years of monetary union. Ahead of the meeting of European central bankers and finance ministers in Ghent, Belgium next week, others have been more alarmist about the challenges. Germanys finance minister, Christian Lindner, has described the prospect of growth in his country this year of just 0.2% as downright embarrassing, arguing that continued inertia will come at a price. He acknowledged that private capital markets will have to participate in a greater proportion than until now to stem the energy transition. --With assistance from Jorge Valero and Mark Schroers. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Around the time Henry Fords Detroit assembly lines began making the latest in automotive technology available to the masses, traffic was similarly increasing overhead. A little over 20 years after Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneered powered flight, the industry was soaring. Speculators were bulldozing farmland into airstrips anywhere they thought they could generate enough business, and manufacturers produced kit planes that even those of modest means could purchase. Schools opened to provide training and licenses to anyone who had interest in flying. Except, perhaps, if one wasnt a white man. Pioneering pilot Bessie Coleman, who had gone to France for flight training, dreamed of opening a flight school for prospective Black pilots in Chicago and was raising funds to make it happen by putting on flying exhibitions. But an in-air mishap dumped her from her plane before a 1926 show, and she and another pilot were killed. News of her death made national headlines, and inspired two auto mechanic friends in Detroit to follow in Colemans wake. Cornelius Coffey and John Robinson ended up making history in Chicagos south suburbs. But it wasnt easy. They initially were denied admission to Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical University in Chicago, because they were Black, according to Tyrone Haymore, executive director of the Robbins Historical Society and Museum. Instead Robinson got a job as a janitor at the school on South Michigan Avenue, and timed his tasks to allow him to eavesdrop on classes. He also established an automotive garage near where the new Rosenwald Courts apartments were being erected. The garage gave the friends the space and tools to build their own small Heath Parasol aircraft from a kit. They couldnt afford the recommended motor, Haymore said, so they used one from Coffeys motorcycle instead. The plane worked, and they convinced a Curtiss-Wright instructor to come out and give it a test flight. Im sure he was nervous, but that plane took off into the sky just like any other ordinary plane, Haymore said. The test flight turned into an invitation to take classes at the school that had previously turned them away. They found out they could learn something from these two Black guys, the first Black students at Curtis-Wright Aeronautical school. Coffey and Robinson learned fast and became certified pilots. Their next step would be to open their own school. They heard about this all-Black town called Robbins, and said, we wont have any problems out there, Haymore said. Indeed, they were welcomed heartily. Mayor Samuel Nichols, whose daughter Nichelle Nichols notably was a trailblazing icon aboard another aircraft, Star Treks USS Enterprise, helped them find land and labor to clear it for a hangar. And the residents of Robbins also were happy about the development. When people here found out there were two Black guys building an airport in Robbins, they were like superheroes, Haymore said. People would feed them restaurants would give free food to anyone building that airport. And if they wanted to spend the night they always had a place to stay. People were so welcoming. Operating under the name the Challenger Air Pilots Association, they opened the nations first Black-owned airport in Robbins in 1931 along 139th Street. The Robbins Historical Museum now occupies part of the site. Around the same time, brothers Fred and William Schumacher were developing a new airport in what was then unincorporated Oak Lawn, at 87th Street and Harlem Avenue. They had money, but they didnt have a lot of aviation skills, Haymore said. As far as I know, neither one of them were pilots. They were looking for a way to make money, and back then airports were a moneymaker. The Schumachers had funds to build several hangars, Haymore said, while the Challenger Air Pilots Association was raising money on the fly and relied upon volunteer labor and donated wood for the Robbins Airports single hangar, which would house two planes. Among their investors were Janet Harmon Bragg, a business owner who financed the associations aircraft. She would later become the first African American woman to hold a commercial pilot license. Pioneering Black pilot Willa Brown also was involved, helping the association get government grants to fund the operation. Things were going well until disaster struck. Three years after they had built the airport, theyd built the hangar, but not put the front door on it, Haymore said. In 1933, a violent wind storm hit this area and completely tore up that hangar and destroyed the two airplanes inside. Coffey and Robinson planned to rebuild in Robbins but their skills at repairing aircraft as well as the success of their training program for Black pilots had caught the eye of the Schumacher brothers in Oak Lawn. The Schumachers talked Coffey and Robinson out of rebuilding in Robbins, Haymore said. They said, just come up here. We need you here. Haymore will present a program on the south suburban pioneers of Black aviation at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Integrating the Harlem airports training program for white pilots and the Challenger program for Black students wasnt easy. They knew race would be a problem, and they thought they could manage it, Haymore said. But they had real problems. The Schumachers initially separated the two programs into different hangars, but that wasnt enough. The hangar where Coffey and Robinson operated was burned down. They didnt want Blacks out there, Haymore said. But the Schumachers werent going to let the whites turn them out of there. They moved the operation to another hangar at the south end of the airport but not long after that, Coffey began teaching white and Black students together at the facility. Coffey kept saying that Black instructors could teach everyone, and that white students and Black students can learn together, Haymore said. Finally, the Schumachers agreed with that and it happened. The flight school at the airport in rural Oak Lawn ended up training hundreds of pilots, many who went on to become associated with the Tuskegee Airmen and some who fought in World War II as part of the Red Tails squadron. Robinson left the program in the mid 1930s after being recruited by Ethiopia to help develop that countrys air defenses as an invasion by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini loomed. They have monuments to him over there, Haymore said. Coffey stayed at the airport at Harlem Avenue and 87th Street, which closed for good after its owners lost its lease in 1956. He later went on to teach at several schools in Chicago, including a long stint at Dunbar High School. The historic airstrip where boundary busting trailblazers and World War II flying heroes learned to fly fell victim to the latest trend in moneymaking land use. The site became a shopping center and was annexed by the village of Bridgeview. Haymore said he went out there and asked around about the old airport, but few remembered it, even old people. But memory of its former use, and the occupants initially shuffled to its far reaches lives on in the plazas name as well as the street that accesses it: Southfield. The legacy of Coffey, Robinson and the Challenger Air Pilots Association remains strong in Robbins, though the airport there lasted only a couple of years. Haymore said it remains a point of pride just as much now as it did then. That airport brought so much excitement to this area, he said. Neighboring communities were jealous. A story Coffey told him about those days still offers that spark of civic pride in Robbins. The mayor of Midlothian at the time lived right next to the airport, Haymore said. Hed send the police to lock up Coffey and Robinson in jail, because he didnt like them flying as low as they were flying over his house. They always get bailed out, and he got voted out and later he moved. That lot is still up for sale. Landmarks is a weekly column by Paul Eisenberg exploring the people, places and things that have left an indelible mark on the Southland. He can be reached at peisenberg@tribpub.com. Lara Trump is in the political spotlight after her father-in-law Donald Trump tapped her to be co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). She is no stranger to politics, having served as one of the former presidents most high-profile surrogates. She was also the subject of speculation that she would launch a bid for North Carolinas Senate seat in 2022. The move reflects the former presidents desire to have loyalists within the party, which has raised alarms among Trumps critics. Everybody likes to keep loyalists around. Trump just tends to take it to sort of unprecedented levels, said Doug Heye, a former spokesperson for the RNC. Before getting involved with her father-in-laws presidential runs, Lara Trump worked as a producer for the television news magazine Inside Edition. She later used her television experience to host and produce the weekly pro-Trump webcast Real News Update during the Trump administration. In 2020, she was a top adviser to the former presidents reelection campaign and launched the Women for Trump campaign to galvanize female support for the president. She was later named a Fox News contributor in 2021. Shes gradually risen within Trump World, and she is someone who the president sees as an effective communicator and an ambassador for him when he cannot be somewhere, said Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist. Shes earned that trust and thats why youre hearing her name for co-chair. In addition to publicly backing his daughter as co-chair, Trump announced he was backing Michael Whatley for RNC chair. The former president praised Whately, who has been a vocal supporter of Trumps unfounded voting fraud claims, for being committed to election integrity. Trump also said he asked his senior campaign adviser Chris LaCivita to serve as the committees chief operating officer. The development comes after The New York Times reported that the current chair, Ronna McDaniel, is expected to resign following the South Carolina primary later this month. Trump is widely predicted to win that primary, with polls showing him leading Nikki Haley by more than 30 points. The expected victory will further cement Trumps role as the runaway favorite to secure the nomination going into what is expected to be a contentious general election. McDaniel has been chair of the RNC since 2017, despite Republicans seeing underwhelming performances in the 2018, 2020 and 2022 elections. The Trump team knows this is going to be a close election, and the RNC needs to be up to snuff to meet the moment, especially when it comes to field operations and fundraising, OConnell said. While an RNC led by Whatley and Lara Trump would signify a full-Trump takeover of the party apparatus, some say its unclear what the pecking order would be. What we dont know is what would the structure of the RNC look like, because its sort of being defined right now as her and Whatley being co-chairs together, and its not clear what that means, what is the breakdown of responsibilities, and so forth, Heye said. With McDaniel currently at the helm of the RNC, Drew McKissick, who also serves as the chair of South Carolinas Republican Party, serves as co-chair. Typically there is a chair and below them is whats called a co-chair, but its not two co-chairs, Heye said. Its just not clear how that structure is going to develop. Republicans say the unsurprising move is Trumps attempt to streamline the RNC operation with his campaign operation. One of the things that I think frustrates the Trump team, and its frustrated previous GOP Republican presidential nominees is how siloed the RNC can be and how sometimes they may be doing something different from what you want them to do, OConnell said. When you have a nominee and youre the party out of power, it is hard to streamline the two together and become a lean, mean, fighting machine all at once, he continued. Trump has already recognized that from 2016, so now hes going to make sure this is not a problem when he officially becomes the nominee. The presidents daughter-in-law has already telegraphed what her vision for the committee is going to be. The RNC needs to be the leanest, most lethal political fighting machine weve ever seen in American history, Lara Trump said in an interview on Newsmax. That is the goal over the next nine-and-a-half months. If I am elected to this position, I can assure you, there will not be any more $70,000 or whatever exorbitant amount of money it was spent on flowers, she continued. Every single penny will go to the No. 1 and the only job of the RNC: That is electing Donald J. Trump as president of the United States and saving this country. While her comments made headlines, strategists say they are in line with what to expect in a presidential year. Thats the job, Heye said. The job of the RNC is to elect the nominee. And work with states to do that and victory funding and so forth. Given her role in launching Women for Trump and being arguably the most prominent female face of the campaign, Lara Trump is largely seen as an asset in appealing to that voting bloc as well. Women voters, particularly suburban women voters, will play a deciding factor in the presidential election. You need someone who can go in there and be a surrogate, connection point, whatever you want to say, for a group that you need to win over, one Republican strategist said. We are talking about margins. [Former President Trump] obviously feels comfortable that she did a good job last time and she can do a good job this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Hungarys parliament could ratify Swedens bid to join NATO as early as this month after more than a years delay that left the central European nation as the final holdout. Most Read from Bloomberg Lawmakers will vote on the ratification protocol during the beginning of their spring session, which starts Feb. 26, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday in his annual state-of-the-nation speech. Hungarys leader said the nations debates with Sweden are coming to a close. The spring parliamentary session runs through June. The ballot is expected to be a formality, though, as its being brought by lawmakers from Orbans Fidesz party who had earlier blocked attempts by the pro-Western opposition to bring Swedens application to a vote. Its the final approval needed for Swedens entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization crucial for the military alliance to improve its ability to defend its eastern flank, which doubled in length following Finlands admission last April. Russias invasion of Ukraine two years ago spurred the two Nordic nations applications to join the military alliance. In Hungary, the announcement sets the stage for the latest climb-down for Orban, the most Russia-friendly leader in the European Union, who had come under intense international pressure over the issue and his broader strategy of undermining Western support for Ukraine. Read More: Orban to Fold on Swedens NATO Bid After Overplaying Hand While Sweden was welcomed by most allies with open arms after its momentous decision to cast off its long-held policy of not being part of any military bloc, the accession process has been grueling experience as Turkey long demanded concessions and Hungary then reneged on its promise to not be the last country to approve the bid. Turkey approved Swedens accession in January. Orban has struggled to articulate the reason behind his foot-dragging, which irritated Hungarys partners in the EU and NATO, to the point where one senior US lawmaker had urged the Biden administration to consider sanctions as a way of reining in Budapest. Hungarys approval will be the latest in a string of high-profile issues where Orban ultimately relented. On Feb. 1, he dropped his opposition to an EU aid package he had vetoed less than two months prior. Orban has also reversed course on a pledge to block Ukraines EU membership. Putting the NATO issue behind him will allow Orban to focus on domestic politics, where hes faced a rare crisis that saw the toppling of the president and another key ally over a pardon granted in a child sex-abuse case. For Sweden, completing the membership process comes amid heightened urgency over Russias expansionist ambitions, and senior government and military officials have warned that citizens should be mentally prepared for armed conflict. The Nordic country is in the process of rebuilding its armed forces after decades of downsizing following the end of the Cold War, and expects to reach NATOs threshold for military outlays, 2% of gross domestic product, this year. As a member of the alliance, Sweden will strengthen the blocs presence in the Baltic Sea, and has said it aims to bolster NATO activity in Latvia by sending troops to the Canadian-led forces there. Read more: How Russia Pushed Finland and Sweden Toward NATO --With assistance from Marton Kasnyik. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) An alligator has found a home in the Beaver State. On Friday, Oregon State Police revealed they had recently seized an alligator from a Springfield resident. The law enforcement agency reported that the animal had been a family pet for about 13 years, before its owner learned that possessing an exotic creature is prohibited in the state in most cases. Multnomah County hosts pop-up vaccine clinics ahead of Exclusion Day The Oregon Department of Agriculture lists exotic animals as non-human primates, bears excluding the American Black bear, non-indigenous canines that arent domestic, non-indigenous felines that arent domestic, and crocodilians which includes alligators. But there are a few exemptions to the rule. Oregon law (ORS 609.345) allows for certain exemptions to permit requirements such as law enforcement agencies, USDA licensed educational or research facilities, permitted wildlife rehabilitation centers, and disabled persons with service monkeys, ODA said on its website. According to State Police, the seized alligator is one of four that the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife recalls seeing in six years. Amtrak suspends service between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, BC due to landslide The animal is now being held in a facility approved by a veterinarian at the agriculture department, where it will live out its remaining years. The Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute said American alligators are typically found in slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes and lakes in southern states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Hemp farmers and small-business owners are pushing back against Republican lawmakers efforts to restrict sales of euphoria-inducing products offered over-the-counter at sites such as convenience stores and CBD shops, saying the changes would force them to shutter operations in Florida. The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill (SB 1698) that would set caps on intoxicating levels of THC in hemp-extract products and strengthen restrictions on how edible hemp products are packaged. Senate Health Policy Chairwoman Colleen Burton, a Lakeland Republican who sponsored the bill, has said the proposed restrictions address health and safety concerns that have arisen as use of products with THC has boomed. The measure would build on a law passed last year prohibiting the sale of hemp-extract products intended for human ingestion to anyone under age 21. The law also required packaging not be attractive to children. The current legislation targets what is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in hemp products that can create euphoric effects. The bill would prohibit Florida businesses from manufacturing or selling products that contain more than 0.3 percent delta-9 and place limits on other cannabinoids. Read: Daytona 500: Racing fans descend upon Daytona Beach, but will the weather hold up? Lawmakers in 2019 authorized hemp to be grown in the state to take advantage of a federal farm law. Hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, but levels of THC differ, with hemp having a THC level of 0.3 percent or less or a level that does not exceed 2 milligrams per serving and 10 milligrams per container on a wet-weight basis, whichever is less. The products being targeted are derived from hemp plants. Intoxicating cannabinoids can be naturally extracted from hemp plants and infused into the products to create psychotropic effects. A House version of the bill is ready to go to the full House after it was approved Thursday by the Infrastructure Strategies Committee. Hemp farmers, manufacturers and store owners raised a litany of objections during the committee meeting. Jammie Treadwell, co-owner of Treadwell Farms, told the committee that her family has been farming for 100 years and decided to join the hemp industry after the 2019 law passed. Read: Florida high school requires permission slips for students to see Disneys Tangled We feel like youre pulling the rug completely out from under us, and its not just me, Treadwell said. Philip Snow, an attorney who represents hemp businesses across the country, said some of his clients relocated to Florida after states such as Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia passed similar restrictions. Such caps have been imposed in different states across the country and many of those businesses died, Snow said, Ive had new clients say, Whats going to happen in Florida this year? Well, I cant really tell you. They might move the goal posts again next year. Critics of the legislation maintain that it is driven by medical-marijuana operators to cut off competition in advance of a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The Florida Supreme Court is reviewing the proposal to determine whether it will go on the November ballot. Trulieve, the states largest medical-marijuana operator, has spent $40 million on the proposal. Read: NASCAR changes race times due to inclement weather There are 10 other states in this nation that either have medical marijuana and are considering recreational marijuana, where within 18 months of that happening you see language that we see before us today. Its done in a manner to ensure that theres no competition for when that recreational marijuana bill potentially passes, Rep. Hilary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, said before voting against the House measure Thursday. According to Cassel, the proposed restrictions would affect more than 10,000 businesses that generate $16 billion in revenue. But House bill sponsor Tommy Gregory, R-Lakewood Ranch, said he doesnt believe the restrictions would kill the hemp industry in Florida. He said he and other lawmakers signed off on the 2019 law authorizing industrial hemp believing the plant would be used for products such as textiles, rope and animal feed. Instead, hemp-based products are really being taken for psychoactive purposes, he said. JD McCormick, who represents the Florida Healthy Alternatives Association, told the House panel that hemp-based products offer a healthier alternative to alcohol or opioids. A tearful McCormick said his late father became addicted to pain medication after an injury. Read: Lake County school district joins lawsuit against Meta, Tiktok, Youtube It was then I swore I would never take opioids for pain management. If addiction has not touched you or your family it is a tragic series of emotional battles that feels inescapable, McCormick said. This bill, as written, will hurt Floridians who use the products for sleep assistance, pain management and the like. This bill destroys small businesses and hemp farmers around the state. Gregory, however, said people are self-medicating with products that have not been approved by federal authorities. He called the legislation a health and safety bill. There is a scientific discussion that must take place here. We do have to land on the spot that we think is appropriate, he said. Anthony Ferrari, chief science officer of Palmetto-based Sunmed, said his company is the second-largest CBD distributor in the entire world. Sunmed is working with state universities conducting research on hemp products, according to Ferrari. Read: Orange County man claims a $1 million prize after playing a scratch-off game Were literally right now creating a whole situation where all of our warehouses move, all of every distribution center moves, all the jobs would be lost. Were just asking for middle ground, Ferrari said. Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, urged committee members to vote against the measure. I am worried that people will potentially seek out other alternatives that may not be as safe, that can actually lead to a very unhealthy addiction and truly harm them, she said. Gregory said he was willing to talk to his colleagues about potential changes to the caps but maintained that the industry needs more regulation. Support it today and then come by my office and let me know what you think the right content level is both per serving and per package that will allow consumers to get this product that they clearly want to use and yet keep Florida consumers safe, he said. After the committee signed off on the bill, Gregory told The News Service of Florida he didnt believe the proposed caps would put Florida companies out of business. But for companies that sell products that dont meet the proposed caps, without a doubt, it will definitely change their business model, Gregory said. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. With more U.S. aid stalled in the Republican-held House, concerns that Ukraine could be left high and dry are growing as its war with Russia nears its second anniversary. And House lawmakers did little to ease those fears when they left Washington a day early Thursday for a scheduled week-and-a-half break without acting on a bipartisan $95 billion aid package. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say the United States will ultimately come through and send Ukraine more weapons to defend itself in Europes bloodiest war since World War II. But the one question they cant answer is the precise path and timing for that aid to get through Congress. With all of our faults and warts, weve been there. And we are not leaving. Were not going to abandon the Ukrainian people. I can assure the Ukrainian people we will not abandon them, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) said Thursday at a news conference. Pascrell was seconded by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), the only Republican at the event, held in advance of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, which began Feb. 24, 2022. Absolutely. We want to stand with Ukraine, Wilson said. Several of Wilsons and Pascrells colleagues will be in Germany this weekend at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of high-level military and diplomatic officials from across the globe, and they will push the same message: The U.S. will come through with help for Ukraine. But theyll face the same questions that Pascrell and Wilson were dogged with Thursday: How? And when? The Senate, which advanced the arms package for Ukraine that also includes weapons for Israel and Taiwan, is not set to return to Washington until Feb. 26. The House is not due back until Feb. 28. When they get back to Washington, lawmakers highest priority will not be Ukraine but instead simply keeping open parts of the government set to shut down at midnight March 1, as well as others that are set to go dark March 8. At the same time, Ukraine reportedly faces shortages of ammunition and is at a disadvantage to Russia in terms of artillery, the main weaponry at the front lines. Russia also won a small but potentially strategic victory in the disputed province of Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces abandoned the town of Avdiivka after months of Russian attacks. It is the biggest victory for Russia since its forces took the eastern Ukraine town of Bakhmut in May 2023. John Kirby, the White Houses national security communications adviser, told reporters Thursday that Avdiivka was in danger as a direct result of shortages affecting Ukrainian troops. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby, accompanied by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, addressed the risks of stalled Ukraine aid at Thursday's White House press briefing. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby, accompanied by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, addressed the risks of stalled Ukraine aid at Thursday's White House press briefing. Because Congress has yet to pass the supplemental bill, we have not been able to provide Ukraine with the artillery shells that they desperately need to disrupt these Russian assaults, Kirby said. A recent social media post by Ukraines defense ministry highlighted shortfalls. During a Wednesday night attack, Ukraine intercepted only 13 of 26 missiles fired by Russia, the ministry said. That 50% success rate was well below past performances by the countrys mishmash air defense system, cobbled together with weapons from the United States and other allies, and came as Russia has intensified its air attacks in what officials fear is an attempt to deplete the countrys defense stocks. But while Ukrainian troops fight off an emboldened Russian army, there appears little sense of urgency in official Washington. The possible routes for Ukraine aid would all require waiting until Congress comes back from its break, and some would see the Ukrainians wait even longer. The quickest path would be for the House to simply approve the Senate package, which passed with an uncommonly bipartisan 70 votes in the 100-member Senate. But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has shown little interest in this, saying that aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan should be looked at separately and that there are unanswered questions about Ukraines military plans. Another path would be for 218 House members, with the vast bulk being Democrats, to sign a discharge petition to force the Senate bill to a floor vote. But some Democrats may not sign a discharge petition because they object to Israel aid due to the brutality of Israels attacks on Gaza, and getting Republicans to cross over and provide the last few needed signatures would be hard. And the whole process would take weeks. I dont think a discharge petition is good, Wilson said. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast Friday that a successful discharge petition would be a complete evisceration of Johnsons power. I think Republicans that would be supportive of Ukraine wouldnt support a discharge [petition] because its really going around leadership altogether, he said. Johnson could put the aid to a House vote under a procedure that would require two-thirds of the House to approve it, a level of support Ukraine boosters say it could easily meet. I believe that there are 300 members on the floor right now, or in the House right now, that would vote [for] passing the $95 billion, said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas). But allowing that vote would endanger Johnsons speakership, as it could trigger a move to oust him by House Republican hard-liners. The move has already been threatened by Ukraine aid foe Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and was successfully used against Johnsons predecessor as speaker, Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who resigned from Congress on Dec. 31. Another possibility would be to try to tack Ukraine and the other countries aid to a likely bill to temporarily fund the government and keep the lights on. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chair of the House Intelligence Committee, signaled potential openness to the idea when asked about it Wednesday. We dont have any choice. We cannot leave Ukraine stranded, and theyre at a critical point, Turner said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a Friday news conference in Berlin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a Friday news conference in Berlin. But in September, House Republicans stripped Ukraine aid out of a stopgap bill, essentially daring Democrats to either reject the bill and risk being blamed for a government shutdown because of Ukraine or funding the government but not Ukraine aid. They chose funding the government. If all of those ideas are off the table, changing the Senate bill and sending it back or approving an all-new bill after a shutdown is avoided would be the next step. On Friday, a bipartisan group of House members unveiled a $66.3 billion aid bill with $47.7 billion for Ukraine. The bill would also give the secretary of homeland security a one-year authority to close the U.S.-Mexico border to inadmissible aliens if that was judged necessary to control the flow of migrants. It would also reinstate former President Donald Trumps policy of keeping border detainees in Mexico while their admission cases are heard, a policy Mexico has said it wont agree to. McCaul hinted that April may be the hard deadline for Congress to decide whether and how to help Ukraine, as winter weather relents and it becomes easier for troops to maneuver. On the urgency, I think that there are many of us who understand that, but there are many who dont, McCaul said. Ukraine may start another counteroffensive in April, he said, and he hoped it would have new capabilities by then with Ukrainian-piloted F-16 fighters, more cluster munitions and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rockets, a type of long-range artillery that could allow Ukraine to take out the Kerch Strait bridge, a key logistics point for Russia. I think [the] March 8 funding deadline, and then we deal with this. It would all happen prior to what would be the April counteroffensive, he said. Now they may have to delay it by a month or two, depending on how soon this can all be put in place. Negotiating an entirely new bill with the White House would take time, but it could help provide political cover for Republicans as Democrats and the White House have increasingly turned up the volume on the issue. President Joe Biden on Friday took the GOP to task for leaving town for a two-week vacation. Two weeks! What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre, he said. What are they doing? Related... LINCOLN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Two Lincoln residents were arrested on February 16 for allegedly beating their neighbors dog and stabbing it with a pitchfork. Alane Maltese, 60 According to a preliminary report, Alane Maltese, 60, and Robert Maltese, 54, are charged with aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat or equine and theft of property. Alane is also charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and Robert is also charged with tampering with physical evidence and hindering apprehension or prosecution. The report says police responded to a disturbance on Tara Road in Lincoln around 8 a.m. The caller said her neighbor beat her dog with a metal object and took the dog inside of her house. When police arrived, the dogs owner told police she went out to her car when she heard yelling coming from the road and saw her 16-year-old, blind Pomeranian dog standing in the road. The dogs owner said she saw her neighbor, Alanae, run from her yard toward the dog with a metal bar-like object in her hand. The owner told police Alane threatened to kill her and her dog. The owner said Alane then grabbed her dog and began beating it with the metal object before taking the dog into her house. The owner said Alane then got in her car and left. The report says multiple members of the owners household and neighbors said they saw the same thing. A neighbor told police he saw Robert walk outside with the dog and stuff it into a black trashcan. The neighbor said Robert stabbed the dog with a pitchfork while it was in the trashcan. The neighbor said he could hear the dog whelping and moaning while it was being struck by the pitchfork. The neighbor told police Robert took the dog out of the black trashcan and stuffed it into a white five-gallon bucket which he took back inside his house. The report says the owner recorded Robert on her phone walking around the property with what appeared to be a white bucket a short time later as well as Alane placing the metal object on the front porch and leaving the scene in her car. According to the report, the video captured Robert telling the owner he didnt understand Alanes actions and that she was mentally ill. The report said police spoke with Robert who told police he didnt know what was going on. He said he woke up to yelling between Alane and the dogs owner. He told police he came outside and saw Alane chase the dog back into the owners property. He told police Alane didnt hit the dog with anything and the dog safely made it back to the owners home. According to the report, Robert told police Alane had a family emergency which is why she left. Police were able to get Alanes phone number and call her where she gave the same story as Robert except she said she was getting gas in Siloam Springs. Robert refused to let police search his home for the dog, but let them search his trashcans. Police called Alane once more, and she said she was on her way to Colorado and hung up. The report said Alane refused to answer any questions about the incident. According to the report, police obtained a search warrant and used it to search Roberts home where they found the dog still alive but severely injured inside a white five-gallon bucket with an air-tight lid on it. The bucket was under a cabinet with a large water jug in front. The metal object used to allegedly beat the dog was found to be the flat side of a black machete which was found on the front porch of the home. Robert was arrested and taken to the Washington County Detention Center. He was later released to the Division of Corrections. Alane was found by police several miles north parked at a church and arrested. She has not yet been given a bond or court date. The dog was taken to a vet by its owner. The vet told the Washington County Sheriffs Office that it will be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries which include a fractured skull, ribs, front leg and lacerations to the bone of the leg. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Kristin Scott Thomas was flanked by Lily James and Zawe Ashton against the backdrop of the Elgin Marbles - Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Day two and the front row at London Fashion Week is officially teeming with British grandes dames. Dame Kristin Scott Thomas was at Erdems show at the British Museum, along with Ruth Wilson MBE and Lily James. Meanwhile, Rosamund Pike was on Molly Godards front row (remember Pike wore a frothy Goddard dress to the 2021 Golden Globes). Rosamund Pike at Molly Goddards show - Tristan Fewings/Getty Images Also present in spirit: American-Greek grande Maria Callas who inspired Erdems beautiful collection, more of which in a moment. (These in addition to Dame Joanna Lumley at Completed Works on Friday). At Roksandas Corbusier-inspired show, staged at Tate Britain (LFW has gone high brow this February), Dame Judi Dench narrated the soundtrack and Golda Rosheuvel, who stars in Bridgerton and its spin-off Queen Charlotte as the eponymous royal, looked truly majestic in a Roksanda-designed neon orange voluminous top. Golda Rosheuvel attending the Roksanda show - Lia Toby/Getty Rosheuvel, unusually, confesses to thoroughly enjoying dressing up for the red carpet. You can tell she has oodles of poise and self confidence from the way she carries off those rococo wigs in Bridgerton. The red carpet is just like taking on another role, she says. No point in not enjoying it, if its part of your job. Roksandas (and Goddards) dazzling contrasts (think Rothko) always make me want to explore the colour spectrum. Im sure theyre one of the reasons both designers strongly appeal to the art world and to anyone wanting to make an impact without feeling trussed up in conventional body con. Zawe Ashton, who was such enjoyable company a decade ago when I interviewed her while she was in Fresh Meat, and who 16 months ago gave birth to her and Tom Hiddlestons son, was also there in floor-length cobalt blue Roksanda pleats. These are full-on looks for mid morning but cosplay is what actors do. In any case, Ashton told me her dress was extremely comfortable. It looked it in an elegant, effortless way, which is another Roksanda trait. Zawe Ashton in the Roksanda dress - Lia Toby/Getty Ashton was slightly concerned about her hair, although it looked fine to me. Time was, designers sent hair and make-up squads to prep their VIP guests, but budgets are tighter these days. They still all look good. Dame Kristin was immaculate in a spring green Erdem coat and photo-ready hair and make up. Maybe, in this instance, a glam squad had been dispatched. Dame Kristin Scott Thomas looked resplendent - Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images This is Erdems 38th collection and his shows are reliable highlights. His shapes slender sheath dresses, nipped in or cropped, shawl collared jackets and full skirts have been refined to perfection. His clients tend to be ultra-chic and fond of a style of dressing thats charmingly formal and very British. I loved the beaded cropped jackets. But Id also take one of the gold, long stemmed rose brooches which would transform even a vest into an evening statement. When I asked two Parisian department store merchandisers whether they stocked Erdem, they shook their hands wistfully. French women only wear black tuxedos at night, they said. Thats the extent of their dressing up. Unlike my friend Marie, a loyal and ultra elegant Erdem fan who was there despite a broken arm. But then, Erdem had designed her a sling to match her checked suit. Thats style. Tomorrows highlights at London Fashion Week include Emilia Wickstead and JW Anderson 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 in Pennsylvania who held a position in the legal system allegedly shot her former partner while he was sleeping over the weekend, according to police who have now pressed charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. According to an arrest affidavit by Susquehanna Township Police, tests revealed that Magisterial District Judge Sonya M. McKnight, 57, had gunshot residue on her hands one hour after Michael McCoy was shot in the bed of his home in the Harrisburg area early Saturday, as per Fox News. Pennsylvania Magistrate Judge Charged in Shooting Case Magisterial District Judge Sonya M. McKnight, 57, is facing attempted murder charges following an incident involving Michael McCoy, 54, in the Harrisburg area. The arrest affidavit reveals that McKnight had gunshot residue on her hands merely an hour after McCoy was shot in his home. McCoy, now blind in his right eye, had made multiple attempts to compel McKnight to vacate his residence after ending their year-long relationship. On the fateful night of February 9, McCoy returned home to find McKnight on the couch in pajamas. When he informed her of his intention to seek help from her mother to facilitate her departure, McCoy noted a shift in McKnight's demeanor, as if she finally grasped the end of their relationship. Later that night, McCoy woke up in intense pain, having been shot in the right eye and the bullet exiting from the left side. McKnight, present at the scene and later at the hospital, maintained that McCoy did not shoot himself. When McKnight contacted emergency services, she stated that she had been sleeping and heard McCoy yelling, without providing any further details about the situation, according to The Independent. Read Also: Illegal Border Crossings, Long a GOP Battlecry, Could Help Democrats in Elections Sonya McKnight's Shooting Case However, doorbell videos from neighboring homes contradicted McKnight's assertion that she remained at home that night. Detectives discovered the gun used in the shooting was registered to McKnight, and both parties affirmed that no one else was present during the incident. McKnight, who had been suspended without pay in mid-November by the Court of Judicial Discipline due to misconduct allegations, now faces attempted murder charges. The Judicial Conduct Board had previously accused her of violating judicial probation in a case related to a 2020 traffic stop involving her son. This arrest comes in the aftermath of McKnight being cleared of charges in 2019 for shooting her ex-husband, Enoch McKnight. Despite their pending divorce, Enoch visited her home to assist with moving furniture and was shot in the hand and groin. Investigators ruled the incident as self-defense following a series of domestic disputes between the former couple. The murder case has been transferred to Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack because of a conflict of interest noted by the Dauphin County district attorney's office. Meanwhile, McKnight is currently being held in Dauphin County Prison with bail set at $300,000, and her legal representation has not been shown yet. The ongoing legal scenario further complicates McKnight's already tumultuous time as a judge, Daily Mail reported. Related Article: Singapore Budget 2024: Deputy PM Wong Announces Household Cash Subsidies, Vouchers, AI Investments In addition to Valentines Day and the start of Lent, Wednesday, Feb. 14, was a significant day on the school calendar. The second of two annual Count Days to determine enrollment and state aid funding was held Wednesday. This weeks count will represent 10% of districts' per pupil funding next year, with the October 2024 count representing the other 90%. For the current school year, state funding is set at $9,608 per student. West Ottawa counted 6,693 students on Wednesday. That's up from a 2022-23 count of 6,604 and a 2021-22 count of 6,541. We remain enthusiastic about the consistent growth in our numbers over the last three years, recognizing their pivotal role in determining educational funding and guiding resource allocation within our district, said WOPS Superintendent Tim Bearden. A second Count Day was held for public schools Wednesday, Feb. 14. Holland Public Schools counted 2,925 students Wednesday, up from 2,868 in the fall and 2,855 this time last year. The strength of every healthy community is a strong public school system, said Superintendent Nick Cassidy. Thats why Holland Public Schools is committed to serving all children and families in the city of Holland and the surrounding area. We are excited to see continued growth in enrollment." Students wait for the first day of school to begin at Holland Language Academy in August 2023. Zeeland Public Schools had a preliminary spring count of 6,053 students, a slight decrease from the audited fall count of 6,076. There were 2,504 full-time students at Hamilton Community Schools on Wednesday. Thats down from an initial count of 2,529 in the fall, but above the previous school years 2,497 students. Subscribe: Receive unlimited digital access to your local news coverage Saugatuck Public Schools counted 799 students Wednesday. According to Superintendent Tim Travis, thats up four from the audited fall count. Black River Public Schools counted 934 students. Enrollment at Innocademy was 262, while iCademy Global had 220. Counts reported Wednesday aren't official until audited by the pupil accounting office. Students enrolled but not in attendance Wednesday can still be counted, as long as they attend school within 10 days of an unexcused absence or within 30 days of an excused absence. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Local districts share preliminary Count Day numbers The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs says it will honor four local law enforcement officers Friday. WACOPS is the largest statewide law enforcement advocacy organization which represents nearly 6,000 officers across the state. Officials say their bravery exemplifies courage in the face of adversity. The following officers will be receiving the Mark Brinkman Distinguished Service Award: Detective Ben Miller, King County Sheriffs Office. Detective Ben Wheeler, King County Sheriffs Office. Sergeant Dan Dusevoir, Snohomish County Sheriffs Office. Officer Jacob Schrader, WA Dept Fish and Wildlife, Ferry County. The Bucyrus Good Hope Lutheran Church is preparing to welcome the bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod Daniel Beaudoin on Sunday for the church sanctuary rededication. Repairs were funded by the parishioners. Its been repaired with the love of Christ, Pastor Tanyce Addison said. Updates include repairs to the roof and walls, installment of a new projection system and a thermostat update. Previously, repairs were done to the 180-foot steeple and window. It is a celebration of the depth of the ministry that Good Hope offers, Addison said. Its been repaired with the love of Christ, Tanyce Addison, pastor at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, said about the updates and repairs that have been done at the church. PROVIDED BY GOOD HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Recent plaster improvements Over the past 10 years, Fischer said, the plaster in the sanctuary started to deteriorate and peel off in different places due to water infiltration on the west side of the building in particular due to winds, according to Addison. The water, said Fischer, infiltrated into the original brick, which already was soft, and got only softer over time. To curb the water infiltration, the parish sprayed the church exterior with something that sealed the brick to make it water resistant. Lynn Construction prepared the stencil around the wall border painting on Thursday at Good Hope Lutheran Church. And then we went ahead with fixing the plaster on the inside, Fischer said. Jason Lynn from Lynn Contracting of Wooster was among several people who participated in the plaster repairs. He said he tore out the bad plaster and replaced it. He also made a border design template out of trace paper and painted it on the wall. A worker for Steeplejacks of America of Strongsville seals the steeple at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Bucyrus in 2015 in preparation for laying down a new slate covering. FILE PHOTO Organ repairs The chancel organ pipes in the front of the sanctuary turned out to be in close proximity to the plaster that needed to be repaired. To avoid the pipes getting dusty, they were removed from the sanctuary. During that time services were held in the church auditorium. The church organ also underwent some updates that had started in the late summer-early fall of 2019 and had been done in stages, said church bookkeeper Caroline Metcalf. One of the two Good Hope organists, Gary Auck (Patty Neff the other), said repairs to the church organ included installment of two new blowers out of the three. The interior of Good Hope Lutheran Church did not changed after the repairs were made. The new broadcast system installed to the left of the cross is almost invisible against the white wall. Auck said the church paid for re-leathering a rank of pipes and the reservoirs. The blowers and the reservoirs are the voids underneath the pipes where the air that goes out of the pipes is compressed to create the sound. The updates were important for keeping the wind pressure steady, and as a result the pitch constant as well, Auck said. Auck said the churchs 14-rank Kimball pipe organ was installed in 1942, and it is said to be the last organ the company built before it closed for the war. In 1968, the Hillgreen-Lane Company upgraded the organ to 30 ranks of pipes and a new console. In 1983 and 2003, the Bunn-Minnick Co. refurbished the organ again, increasing the number of ranks. Today the organ is maintained by the Muller Pipe Organ Co. of Hartford. The organ has 49 ranks totaling 3,218 pipes. The stain-glass windows at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Bucyrus were removed for repair and cleaning in 2018. FILE PHOTO Earlier windows updates The stained-glass windows also are reflective of the Lutheran worship style. The windows were installed upon the construction of the church in the 19th century, Fischer said. Over time, they cracked, got stained and lost firmness as the filing that is holding the pieces together deteriorated. The windows were taken out in 2018, repaired and cleaned, and then reinstalled using with a protected glass insulation. Good Hope Lutheran Church history Fischer said the sanctuary of the church was built in 1892, 50 years after the split of the Lutheran community in Bucyrus between German Lutherans that formed the Good Hope Lutheran Church and all other Lutherans. Traditionally Lutheran countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. Thats why there are two Lutheran churches in town, Fischer said. Workers from Window Creations Stained Glass Studios restore the windows at Good Hope Lutheran Church in 2018. FILE PHOTO The Good Hope auditorium was added to the sanctuary in 1916. In 1969, as a result of the baby boom, the church expanded to be able to accommodate more parishioners. We have a building thats 134 years old, I believe, and thats gonna require ongoing maintenance, he said. The meaning of rededication Rededication is a fairly rare event in the history of the Bucyrus Good Hope Lutheran Church, said Fischer. He said he can recall the last time the rededication happened about 20 years ago. This time, the event is dedicated to celebrating a decade worth of improvements to the church building. For the rededication of the church sanctuary Good Hope Lutheran Church counted and visualized all its ministries. During the celebration, a procession will stop at certain spots in the sanctuary for a moment of dedication, lifting up spiritual offerings to renew the parish commitment to the glory of God in one of the most beautiful places of worship in Bucyrus, as Fischer put it. We believe in the future for the God who is and was, and always will be, Addison said. This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Good Hope Lutheran celebrates after a decade of renovations DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) If you have heard loud booms in the skies across southeast Alabama over the past couple of days, you are not alone. Fighter planes from across the world are taking part in a Weapon System Evaluation Program at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. Officials say pilots start their day early in the morning loading the aircraft with missiles and ammo. Pilots then go through briefings and receive instructions for their role in the training. The pilots then gear up and take off staying in the sky for possibly several hours waiting for the go-ahead to fire missiles over open water. This is Tyndalls first air-to-air missile live fire with their new F-35 jets. The military exercises started this week and will finish up next Friday, February 23. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Jordan's King Abdullah II address a joint statement Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. King Abdullah II meets Emmanuel Macron after urging Biden to push for a cease-fire in Gaza. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP) PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron says recognizing a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France, as international frustration grows with Israels actions in the Palestinian territories. France and the EU have long supported a two-state solution in the Mideast, but as part of a negotiated settlement. With talks long stalled and Israels offensive against Hamas in Gaza deepening, some European countries are voicing support for recognizing a Palestinian state sooner. Recognizing a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France, Macron said Friday at a meeting in Paris with Jordans King Abdullah. We owe it to Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled on for too long. We owe it to Israelis, who lived through the worst antisemitic massacre of our time. We owe it to a region that is seeking to rise above those who promote chaos and seed revenge. Macron did not elaborate on when and under what conditions France could recognize a Palestinian state, and France is unlikely to take such a decision unilaterally. But France holds important diplomatic weight, as one of just five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Our partners in the region, notably Jordan, are working on it, we are working on it with them. We are ready to contribute to it, in Europe and in the Security Council, Macron said. He also called for a cease-fire in Gaza and warned that an Israeli offensive in Rafah on the border with Egypt would lead to an humanitarian disaster without any precedent. Britains Foreign Minister David Cameron said earlier this month that his country could officially recognize a Palestinian state after a cease-fire in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Palestinian statehood, and there have been no substantive negotiations on a two-state solution since 2009. A move by some of Israels key allies to recognize a Palestinian state could put pressure on Israel to resume negotiations. The Madison County Maintenance Facility, pictured here, was rezoned to Industrial Nov. 20. The facility and the tract it sits on is proposed to be used for a Madison County Industrial Park. The maintenance facility will move across the street. MARSHALL - Madison County was awarded a $1.5 million grant from Golden LEAF for site development at its new Madison County Industrial Park site in Marshall. The Madison County Planning Board unanimously approved rezoning the tract, which is currently in use as the Madison County Maintenance Facility, during the board's Nov. 21 meeting. According to Golden LEAF, which also awarded a $1.5 million to the city of Mount Airy, the SITE Program - Development grant will be used to perform a number of tasks, including clearing/grubbing, earthwork, and erosion control at the Madison County industrial site. Golden LEAF said the new industrial park will attract businesses expected to create 140 jobs with annual wages at or above $44,200. Development Services Director Brad Guth said the site is 23 acres and borders Long Branch Road, Printpack and Elderberry Lanes. According to Modulus' conceptual site plan, the industrial park is to be located at John Hensley Road. The site plan proposes four buildings on four lots, including: 40,000-square-foot building. 66,000-square-foot building. 80,000-square-foot building. 85,000-square-foot building. The conceptual site plan for the proposed Madison County Industrial Park in Marshall was performed by Modulus. Years ago, the Madison County Industrial Park bordered Printpack. Madison County Planning Board Chair Jered Silver said he and other board members thought the existing Madison County Maintenance Facility was already zoned Industrial. According to Guth, the county projected a budget of more than $1.8 million, of which more than $295,000 was to come from the county. "Fifty-five thousand dollars of that was going to come out of my department's budget this year," Guth said in the Madison County Board of Commissioners' Feb. 13 meeting. "The remaining amount, $239,550 is what we needed to have the public hearing to discuss for a grant project ordinance. The new proposed Madison County Industrial Park proposes four buildings on nearly 23 acres at this John Henley Road site in Marshall, which is currently being used by the Madison County Maintenance Facility. According to Guth, that figure was originally $215,000, but Golden LEAF, and its board and consulting engineer asked the county to include a retaining wall in the project. The Board of Commissioners planned to hold a public hearing on the added expense in its Feb. 13 meeting but has postponed that hearing to its next meeting, March 12. "That's what changed our initial budget, but unfortunately, the revised project costs were only in the budget document, and not in the original grant text, which is what we used to do the advertisement for our public hearing," Guth said. "So, the amount was wrong. So, we'll need to reschedule that public hearing for our next meeting in March." The new proposed Madison County Industrial Park will be positioned on the property currently used for the Madison County Maintenance Facility on John Hensley Road. The new proposed Madison County Industrial Park proposes four buildings on nearly 23 acres at this John Henley Road site in Marshall, which is currently being used by the Madison County Maintenance Facility. More: Industrial Park gets rezoned New details about Madison County Industrial Park emerge as project gets rezoned The county commissioners will hold a public hearing on the economic development project in its March 12 meeting. Last March, Guth said he felt the project would be a catalyst for job creation and economic investment and would increase economic opportunity in Madison County. In the commissioners' December meeting, board Vice Chair Michael Garrison commended the county Economic Development Board for its work in the project. "I'd like to say I commend the Economic Development Board for their initiative and moving forward with the site developments," Garrison said. "Originally, the former Board of Commissioners approved funding to be able to do the site identifications, so we contracted with the company to identify at least eight potential locations for the county to work with investors to develop the economic opportunities for business growth, the first one being this one on Long Branch, which is property owned by the county." Board of Commissioners Chair Matt Wechtel joined with Garrison in applauding the work of the Economic Development Board. "I want to commend not only (Guth) but the Economic Development Board for the hours they've put in," Wechtel said. "They've put in a lot of time in getting this to this stage. We thank them and Brad for their work in guiding this through the process." This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Madison Industrial Park to create 140 jobs with wages at/above $44,200 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysian anti-graft officials granted one of Mahathir Mohamads sons more time to declare his wealth amid an investigation into his business activities. Most Read from Bloomberg Mirzan Mahathir was initially told on Jan. 18 to declare all his assets within 30 days. Failure to do so could have seen him charged in court, which happened to Mahathirs former adviser last month. We are giving him the extension after he applied for additional time to declare his assets, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Azam Baki said in a text message on Saturday. While he didnt comment on the new deadline, the Star newspaper said another 30 days was given to Mirzan. The order is part of MACCs investigation after Mirzans name appeared in leaks of offshore business records that were revealed in recent years by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a global media network. Malaysian authorities have stepped up probes involving former leaders and rivals to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since he rose to power in 2022 on an anti-graft platform. Those embroiled in investigations include ex-premiers Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Muhyiddin Yassin, as well as the chief of an opposition-led state. Mahathir, who was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 26 for an infection, has said Mirzan was targeted for being his son and the probe was politically motivated. Several days after Mahathir spoke to the media, MACC revealed it had issued an asset declaration notice to another son, Mokhzani, as well. Anwar has sought to allay fresh criticism against his reform agenda after former leader Najib Razak was granted a sentence reduction for his role in crimes related to state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd. Najib is a member of the United Malays National Organisation, a party that helped Anwar gain power. The leniency was a result of royal intervention and came less than a year after the government withdrew 47 criminal charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNOs president. Anwar has denied interfering in the cases, as well as in MACCs investigations. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. A man who police say punched an LA Metro ambassador in a seemingly unprovoked attack earlier this week has been arrested. On Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced the arrest of 30-year-old Peter Pedroche, who is accused of punching the woman, leaving her with a swollen cheek and a chipped tooth. Police say the unprovoked attack happened Thursday around 7:30 a.m. on the platform of the Little Tokyo Metro station. The woman was treated at a local hospital and later released. Police took over the investigation and immediately began searching the area for the suspect. Grainy security footage provided by the LAPD shows the suspect who assaulted an LA Metro ambassador in Little Tokyo on Feb.15, 2024. Around 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon, officers saw a man walking in the area of 5th and Olive streets who they say was wearing the same unique clothing as the suspect in the assault. Pedroche was arrested and booked into jail where hes being held on $50,000 bail. He faces possible charges for felony battery, police said. A court date has not yet been set, jail records show. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD Central Area Detectives at 213-996-1850. Anonymous tips can be made online or by calling 800-222-8477. The LA Metro Ambassador program fully launched in 2023 with 300 employees trained to help riders navigate the system, answer questions, provide additional service for riders who need assistance and provide extra eyes and ears for LA Metro. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was arrested in connection to a shooting that happened in Northwest D.C. on Oct. 1, 2023. Police said that at about 9:30 p.m., they responded to McPherson Square for sounds of gunshots. Firefighter killed in Sterling house explosion identified When searching the scene, officers found 56-year-old Leo Colter who had been shot across from the 900 block of 15th Street. Colter died there. MPD arrested 41-year-old Marques Johnson of Northeast D.C. He was charged with First Degree Murder while Armed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A man is facing charges for allegedly setting off fireworks near gas pumps in Cleveland County. Guns seized, several arrested following large commotion at Uptown park before fireworks show The Cleveland County Sheriffs Office arrested William Fioritto on Friday. Deputies say the manager of a gas station in Fallston told them Fioritto had set off an explosive device near the pumps. William Michael Fioritto After investigating, deputies found out he set off an illegal mortar style firework that he bought in another state. Information sent by the sheriffs office does not detail whether anything was damaged or if anyone was injured in the incident. Fioritto is charged with Burning of Certain Buildings, Going Armed to the Terror of the Public, and Possession of Pyrotechnics. Hes being held on a $25,000 secured bond at the Cleveland County Detention Center. (WATCH: Business owner fed up after another shooting at nearby food mart) The OnePlus 12, left, and the 12R are OnePlus' 2024 offerings, and both stay true to the company's goal is offering top-tier hardware at lower prices. Dwight Silverman photo The OnePlus 12 takes great photos when light is abundant, delivering realistic colors that are just slightly boosted by the phone's Hasselblad photography system. Dwight Silverman photo OnePlus' phones are famous for their super-fast charging, and the OnePlus 12 brings that feature to wireless charging via the company's Warp charging stand. Dwight Silverman photo OnePlus positions itself as a smartphone-maker that sells flagship-quality Android handsets at prices that undercut the better-known names. This year, the China-based company has a double threat: the OnePlus 12, its top-tier offering with the same processor as Samsung's latest models, and the less-expensive 12R. This year Im on the hunt for a flagship Android phone for a possible switch. The OnePlus 12 almost vaults to the top of that list. In this column, Ill offer mini-reviews of both phones. Depending on your needs and your budget, either would be an excellent choice off the Android shelf. OnePlus 12 $800 for 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage Advertisement Article continues below this ad $900 for 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage I fell in love with the OnePlus 11 last year, saying it was a phone that I could definitely live with should I shift allegiances to the Android camp (see houstonchronicle.com/oneplus11). It was fast, stylish and sported an excellent camera system. The OnePlus 12 is all that and more, and it fixes one drawback that made the 11 less-than-perfect: The 12 brings back wireless charging, which the 11 lacked, working with any pad or stand that uses the Qi wireless charging standard. OnePlus is known for offering super-fast wired charging, going from zero to full in about about 30 minutes. Now, the OnePlus 12 supports zippier-than-usual wireless charging at 50 watts if you use the companys Warp charging stand ($50), which can fully charge the 12 in about an hour. Battery life is stellar, lasting almost two full days in my tests. Its OxygenOS variant of Android 14 even looks a lot like iOS, making it the perfect device for would-be iPhone switchers. Owners get four years of OS updates and five years of security patches, not as impressive as Googles and Samsungs seven. The OnePlus 12 is an iterative improvement over its predecessor. It features a similar design: curved edges on its 6.82-inch, 3168-by-1440-pixel, AMOLED display thats capable of a stunning 4,500 nits, making it easy to see in the brightest of sunlight. The camera system on the back, as with the 11, is mounted in a round frame that is strikingly different from other phones. It comes in two colors: Silky Black and Flowy Emerald, the latter being the one I was loaned. The back glass has a matte finish, so its resistant to fingerprints. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Inside is Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same system-on-a-chip processor found in Samsungs Galaxy S24 lineup. This is one fast phone, fluid and stutter-free whether scrolling, gaming or watching video. Its cooled using a vapor-filled chamber, so it doesnt run hot when playing games or doing wired fast charging. It supports all three major U.S. carrier 5G networks, as well as the latest WiFi 7 standard. My only complaint with its performance is that its onscreen fingerprint reader is balky, making it a chore sometimes to unlock the phone. Unlocking with face recognition isnt much better. In some ways, the three cameras are a little better than the OnePlus 11s, but in one way theyre a step back. Theres a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera; a 64-MP periscope telephoto; and a 48-MP ultrawide. Quality of photos in daylight and bright indoor light from all there are excellent, walking a nice line between the ultra-natural colors found on iPhones and the saturation-boosted style of Samsung models. I like the 12s images better than those taken with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Sadly, low-light photography can be problematic. So long as one light source isnt particularly strong, the image is fine. But its too easy for a bright source to get blown out; the cameras Hasselblad imaging system doesnt do the best job of light balance in that scenario. OnePlus 12R $500 for 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage Advertisement Article continues below this ad $600 for 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage The Android universe is chock-full of lower-priced smartphones, affordable alternatives to flagship devices that can approach and blow past the $1,000 mark. In the past, OnePlus has offered such devices in the U.S. typically designated with a T in the name, the last being the OnePlus 10T. This year, the OnePlus 12R is the cheaper offering and its worth considering if youre on a budget. Like the more expensive 12, it runs on the OxygenOS version of Android 14, but it will only get three years of new Android versions and four years of security updates. The 12R is powered by last years top-line processor, Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which remains a powerful piece of silicon. Scrolling, gaming and video are all as smooth as on the more expensive 12. The 12R doesnt include wireless charging, but still boasts the uber-fast wired charging that the OnePlus is known for. Battery life is as good as the 12, lasting about a day and half; the 12Rs battery is slightly larger than the 12s. Also worth noting: Both the 12 and 12R are among the few phones left that still ship with a charger, one that pushes 80 watts of power. The 6.78-inch display boasts a 1264-by-2780 resolution on an AMOLED display. Like the 12, and most flagship phones, it has a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, which is rare for a lower-tier phone. It also matches the 12s claim of 4,500 nits of brightness, and was very easy to see in bright Houston daylight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some good news: the under-screen fingerprint scanner works better in the 12R, though face recognition seems just as iffy as on the 12. Not so great news: The camera system on the 12R is good, but not stellar. You get a 50-MP wide, 8-MP ultrawide and a 2-MP macro camera. Theres no optical zoom, which means many manually zoomed shots get noisy and pixelated. But the colors are natural and in bright light, images are full of detail. Still, this is a snapshot smartphone, not one for those who love getting fancy. Both phones can be found with decent discounts: OnePlus will give you at least $100 off on any phone, in any condition, when you order through the companys website, for example. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Hed previously been convicted of drunken driving, and knew it was dangerous. In fact, Jose Torres told police he had been arrested at least three times on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to newly-released court documents. 1 taken to hospital after central Bakersfield shooting Those prior encounters with law enforcement didnt stop him from drinking and then getting behind the wheel, reaching speeds Torres estimated at 70 mph 20 mph above the posted speed limit when he ran a red light the night of Aug. 6 at the intersection of Panama Lane and Akers Road, according to the documents. His vehicle collided with another vehicle, killing the other driver. Torres, 51, is charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI-related offenses, driving without a license and providing false identification to peace officers. Hes being held without bail and a hearing Friday to determine if attorneys were ready for trial was postponed to next week. Police say in the reports Torres admitted to drinking. His blood-alcohol content measured 0.11%, police said, above the legal limit of 0.08%. The reports also say Torres told police he was unsure of what roadway he was on nor the direction he was traveling at the time of the collision. Police found no tire marks or other indications Torres tried to stop. He gave officers multiple different names and dates of birth, according to the reports. They later confirmed his identity through a fingerprint scanner. Police ran Torres record and learned he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in 2005. He failed to go to court until 2018, when he entered a no-contest plea, the reports say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. A man charged with robbing a Lexington bank this week was being held in Charleston, W.Va., Saturday. Richard D. Hudson, 71, has been charged with first-degree robbery in connection with the robbery of Traditional Bank on Tates Creek Road, the Lexington Police Department said in a news release. The robbery was reported at 2:25 p.m. Thursday, when a man came into the bank on the 3300 block of Tates Creek Road and demanded money before fleeing with an unknown amount of money. No one was injured. Police said they used their Real-Time Intelligence Center, traffic cameras and Flock license plate readers to identify Hudson as the suspect. He was arrested with the help of the Charleston Police Department. Hudson was being held without bond Saturday in the South Central Regional Jail in Charleston after being booked Saturday at 3:30 a.m., according to the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder stemming from a deadly overdose in July 2022. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said on the morning of July 15, 2022, 21-year-old Evan Leonard was found dead by his roommate at their West Nashville apartment. The roommate reportedly told police that Leonard told him he took an ecstasy pill that made him feel weird the night before. 120K fentanyl pills, 28 pounds of meth found after I-24 traffic stop After months of investigating, detectives identified 34-year-old Adrian Raybon as the man who allegedly gave Leonard a street drug containing fentanyl. Raybon was taken into custody Thursday, Feb. 15, at his home on Crouch Drive, according to investigators. Police said in addition to second-degree murder, Raybon is also charged with felony delivery of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $100,000. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee The MNPD urges anyone who needs help with addiction to call the Community Overdose Response Team at 615-687-1701. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A 35-year-old man was arrested for setting numerous fires outside a predominantly Black church in Rhode Island last weekend. Kevin Colantonio of North Providence was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying any building or other real property by means of fire or explosion, the US Attorneys Office announced on Thursday. Colantonio is accused of committing the act early Sunday, Feb. 11, outside of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries located at 974 Charles Street. The local police and fire department responded to a call about someone starting the fire just after 12 a.m. Kevin Colantonio is facing charges after being accused of setting several fires outside Shiloh Gospel Temple in North Providence, Rhode Island. (U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Rhode Island) According to an affidavit, two officers at the location extinguished the five flames before members of the North Providence Fire Department arrived. When the fire crew got to the scene, they learned that there were no people inside the church, which has a majority of Black congregants. A witness told authorities that she noticed a man with a gasoline can walking by the building, the affidavit said. A second witness, an employee at a nearby gas station, confirmed that a man purchased $10 worth of gas and a pocket lighter shortly before the incident. Police reviewed security footage and saw a white male buying the items, pumping the gas, and leaving the area. On the night of Feb.10, at around 10 p.m., Pastor E.P. called the police after noticing an unidentified masked man attempting to break into the building via the doorbell camera. At one point, the pastor claimed the man broke the surveillance device. Police were able to obtain the camera as well as a black glove. The police were able to track Colantonio by piecing together evidence from footage from the gas station and near the church, along with additional witness statements. By means of video surveillance, financial records, and other means, federal state and local law enforcement were able to identify a suspect, who was observed purchasing gasoline and a BIC lighter at the gas station, approximately twelve minutes before the first reports of fire at the Shiloh Temple, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha said at a press conference. The affidavit suggests that Colantonios alleged actions left significant property damage. Following his arrest, law enforcement searched his home and discovered notebooks with phrases including hunt them down, gun everyone down who isnt white, and burn churches to the ground. To the clergy and the parishioners of the Shiloh Gospel Temple, let me say this: I cannot imagine how you must feel at this profound violation of what is, and is meant to be, a place of refuge and a place of worship, Cunha added. Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries did not immediately respond to Atlanta Black Stars request for comment, but church members held a press conference on Friday. Together, we aim to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to justice and unity in the face of adversity, the church said in a statement before the event, according to WPRI. Man Charged with Setting Fires Outside Majority-Black Rhode Island Church Allegedly Plotted to Hunt Down Everyone Who Isnt White, Notebook Reportedly Reveals STRAWBERRY MANSION - A Strawberry Mansion house became the scene of a deadly shooting late Friday. The gunfire broke out on the 2500 block of West Arizona Street Friday night, a little before 11:30, according to authorities. A 32-year-old man was inside the home when someone opened fire, shooting him in the head. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: Medics rushed him to Temple University Hospital, where he died about an hour later. The Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit has opened an active investigation, collecting evidence at the scene. So far, they say, no arrests have been made and no weapons have been found. ___ Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here. All tips are confidential. Click here to find resources for victims of violence in Philadelphia. (KRON) A Hayward resident with a felony warrant was arrested for grand theft at a Colma business on Feb. 2, the Colma Police Department announced Friday. Colma police officers were dispatched to a business on Colma Boulevard at 6:59 p.m. on Feb. 2. The business loss prevention alerted police that a known theft suspect was inside the business. One dead in Pinole shooting, armed suspect at-large According to police, the suspect committed multiple grand thefts at similar businesses within San Mateo County. Police said the suspect stole approximately $1,576 worth of merchandise before fleeing the area in another incident. Responding officers waited for the suspect to exit the establishment and detained him. According to the police investigation, the suspect had an out-of-county felony warrant. The suspect was identified as 53-year-old Hayward resident Vincent Herron. Herron was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail for grand theft, burglary, and a felony warrant. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason said the murder arrest of a man last week for a fentanyl-related death was a first for the county but likely wont be the last. Man charged with murder in connection with fentanyl-related death in Williamson County Marek Dillard (Photo: Williamson County Sheriffs Office) The WCSO said Marek Dillard was arrested last Friday and charged with the murder of a 40-year-old man in Leander. The Sheriffs Office said the man died of an alleged overdose on September 21 and accuse Dillard sold pills containing fentanyl to the victim. A murder charge for a fentanyl-related death is new for Texas, and only comes after a new state law went into effect last year. Gleason said his office is working on several other cases that could result in similar charges in the near future. He said prosecution like this sends a clear message to dealers. If youre gonna get charged for murder for every person that passes away because of something you sold them, [that law] does have a lot of teeth, Gleason said. Leaders say more funding needed to fight fentanyl crisis The WCSO started participating in a fentanyl task force last year, pulling local, state, federal law enforcement and community partners together to target the opioid epidemic from several angles. Gleason stressed that prison is not the only avenue the task force focuses on. He said community partners that work with the task force could also provide rehabilitation for dealers or those addicted to illicit substances. If youre just a ruthless drug dealer, we got prison. Thats an easy one. But If you want help, we will get you help, Gleason said. Gleason said operations for the task force on the ground in the county are largely funded through each respective agency. He said funding through the states Opioid Abatement Fund would certainly help the efforts of the task force. Gleason said for some reason its on hold. Were doing it on our own. Its another unfunded mandate that, you know, we find a program that works and were making it work by creative scheduling and financing and overtime, Gleason said. Leander resident Stefanie Turner lost her son to a fentanyl poisoning several years ago. She started the group Texas Against Fentanyl, which educates parents and students about the dangers of the drug. Turners group, which is also a part of the countys task force, was successful in getting Tuckers Law passed last year. It requires fentanyl awareness education to be taught in Texas schools. Turner said abatement funds would help prosecute fentanyl-related crimes and efforts to educate the public. I hope the state of Texas uses the Opioid Abatement Funds to help with education, awareness, prevention. I cannot stress enough the importance of that education, Turner said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Redondo Beach Pier at sunset in November 2018. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) A man was found dead Friday morning from an apparent gunshot wound to the head at a parking structure near the Redondo Beach Pier, authorities said. The man's body was found in a stairwell by a public works employee at approximately 6:10 a.m., according to the Redondo Beach Police Department. Police have opened a homicide investigation, the department said in a statement. "At this time, there is no suspect information and no known motive for the crime," police said. Authorities say they believe the victim was homeless. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Redondo Beach Police Department's tip line via text at (310) 339-2362 or at crimetips@redondo.org. 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. There was a deputy-involved shooting in Silver Springs involving a suspect, a K-9 and deputies on Saturday morning. Sheriff's officials on Sunday released the name of the suspect, who died. They also provided an update on the K-9. Here's what we know: Where did the shooting occur? The 900 block of Northeast 144th Court in Silver Springs. Who was shot? K-9 Leo and a suspect in a battery case. K-9 Leo What happened? According to sheriff's officials, they responded to a call for service for an alleged battery by strangulation case about 9 a.m. Saturday. Arriving on scene, deputies came in contact with the suspect in the back of a residence. Deputies said the suspect was armed and opened fire on them. They returned fire. The gunman and the K-9 were hit. What's the condition of the victims? Officials said the suspect who was shot was transported to a local hospital and later died. On Sunday, sheriff's officials identified him as Jeremy Bradsher, 44. Officials said the K-9 first went to a local veterinary hospital and then to a Gainesville veterinary hospital for further treatment. On Saturday, the K-9 was listed in stable condition, sheriff's officials said. On Sunday, authorities said the dog was stable and recovering. Sheriff's officials said the K-9, a Belgian Malinois named Leo, has been with the agency since 2020 and is 4 years old. The K-9 handler, Cpl. Justin Tortora, and other deputies on scene were not injured during the shooting. Tortora has been by his partner's side throughout the ordeal, deputies said. Because of the ongoing investigation, it's unknown how many times the dog was shot. Deputies at the scene of a deputy involved shooting in Silver Springs on Saturday morning. How did Bradsher get a gun? Officials said that question is being reviewed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement. How many shots were fired? At this point law enforcement officials said it's under investigation. How many deputies were involved in the shooting? Three. The names of the deputies have not been released yet. Sheriff's vehicle on scene of a deputy involved shooting in Silver Springs on Saturday morning. What was the scene like? Deputies had several areas cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape. with deputies making sure only authorized personnel entered the scene. Detectives from the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit were on scene and are conducting a separate investigation. Who will be the lead agency looking into the shooting? FDLE. Typically, whenever there's a law enforcement-involved shooting, FDLE is called to investigate. Is a lawyer representing any of the deputies? Yes. Local defense lawyer Jimmie Sparrow, a former Belleview Police Department officer and assistant state attorney, is the attorney for one deputy. Sparrow said his client is doing fine under the circumstances. He said FDLE will interview the deputy at another time. Sparrow said the deputy is on paid administrative leave for now. Have there been any other deputy-involved shootings recently? Yes. Since 2017 there have been 12 deputy-involved shootings, nine of them fatal, according to sheriff's office records. Man shot: The standoff lasted hours. Then the man exited the house and pointed his gun at deputies. The last deputy involved shooting was on Dec. 31, when 41-year-old Steven Clark Jr. was shot by a deputy after the Ocala man pointed a gun at deputies. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Sheriff's officials release name of man shot and killed Saturday People walk by the mural at The Breakfast Klub, 3711 Travis St., Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Houston. The mural by Reginald Adams pays tribute to four Black legends: Marcus Garvey, Carter G. Woodson, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Across Houston, art adorns the walls of buildings, from skyscrapers to abandoned structures. These are some of the murals honoring the Black community. Black Mount Rushmore The Breakfast Klub, 3711 Travis People stand in line by the mural at The Breakfast Klub, 3711 Travis St., Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Outside of The Breakfast Klub, a mural pays tribute to four black legends: Marcus Garvey, Carter G. Woodson, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. The mural was created by artist Reginald Adams in 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ketanji Brown Jackson Finnegan Park, 4900 Providence Lucinda Davis-Wright, left, talks to ZMorah Jackson and Aiden Cehand about a mural celebrating Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons confirmation at Finnigan Park in Fifth Ward Wednesday, April 20, 2022 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer The first Black woman judge on the U.S. Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson is honored alongside other female justices at Finnegan Park Community Center. The mural was completed by Anat Ronen in 2022. The Stream Crosses the Path The Julia C. Hester House, 2020 Solo Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Atherton Elementary School drumline delivers a performance on April 13, 2023, under the new recreation of John Biggers' "The Stream Crosses The Path," painted on the Julia C. Hester House wellness center at 2020 Solo St. in Houston, Texas, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the community center's founding. Sam Gonzalez Kelly An anonymous artist re-created a legendary painting by Houston artist John Biggers. It depicts a gathering of Black women in front of a body of water, highlighting their power and beauty. The mural was unveiled in 2023 for the 80th anniversary of the Julia C. Hester House. Social Equity 405 Main 11-year-old Houston Atlee was selected from a group of boys in Shape Community Centers after school program to recreate his photo for a mural in downtown on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at in Houston, TX. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Created by artist Case MacClaim, a mural of 11-year-old Houston Atlee on his bike spans 10-stories tall in downtown. Atlee was selected out of eight boys who were part of Shape Community Center's after-school program. The mural puts Black boys in a positive light. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Old Soldier Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 3816 Caroline Buffalo Soldiers National Museum CEO Desmond Bertrand-Pitts, left, and grandfather also the founder of the musuem, Paul J. Matthews, pose for a photograph with a new mural Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum parking lot in Houston. The nations largest museum dedicated to the legacy of African Americans in the military and the largest private collection of African American military memorabilia, has announced the receipt of an anchor gift of $2 million from the Kinder Foundation toward the museums recently launched $13 million Ready & Forward campaign. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum honors members of the all-Black U.S. Army regiments called "Buffalo Soldiers," including 1st Sgt. Moses William. The museum is the nations largest dedicated to the legacy of African Americans in the military. The mural was created by artist Eddie Dixon. Zero Hunger 710 Crawford Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bypassers stop by to watch artist Satoshi "Dragon76" Fujita and family working on the "Zero Hunger" mural, which is one of the largest in the city, Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Houston. The mural was created to "raise awareness and mobilize action to combat global food insecurity and, in the US, food injustice that disproportionately impacts African-Americans communities." Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Zero Hunger was created by muralist Dragon 76. The mural is one of six across the U.S. for World Food Program USA in support of the United Nations World Food Program. It raises awareness of global food insecurity that disproportionately impacts Black communities. George Floyd 3112 Ennis A George Floyd mural located on the intersection of Elgin and Ennis streets on Monday, May 24, 2021, in Third Ward, Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer A George Floyd mural sits in Third Ward, the area he once lived in. The same structure has art all around the building. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A man has life-threatening injuries after he was shot near Potrero Hill on Friday night, the San Francisco Police Department said. The shooting happened at about 9:10 p.m. on the 1200 block of Connecticut Street. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries. SFPD officers are at the scene investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) A man who is already serving time on drug charges was sentenced to life in prison in connection to a fatal shooting at a Johnson City gas station in 2015. According to the district attorney generals office, a judge sentenced Christopher L. Horton, 38, on Friday to life in prison at 100%. THP: Man impersonating police arrested in Sullivan County In December, Horton was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Perry Folk in a convenience store parking lot in 2015. Horton is currently serving a 12-year federal sentence for drug-related charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A portion of U.S. Highway 301 near Sellers has reopened following a Saturday morning, 17-car train derailment, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety said. Officials initially expected the route to remain closed through the weekend. The CSX-owned train ran off the tracks around 5 a.m. Saturday near Sellers, spokeswoman Sheriee Bowman told News13. Eleven of the derailed cars were empty and six were carrying wood chips. There were no injuries to the train crew as a result of the incident, and there is no danger to the public, Bowman said in an email. The safety of everyone on site is CSXs top priority as our teams work to remove the derailed equipment, repair the track and completely restore the area, she said. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. The enemies list of many Florida legislators is extensive gay people, teacher union members, environmentalists, college professors and students, feminists, librarians, people who support ballot initiatives, and as always, that pesky news media. Last year, bills to allow no, make that encourage politicians to sue newspapers, website operators, and television and radio stations were filed with loud support from the governor. The measures would have opened all kinds of speech to litigation. The House version would have even created a sort of bigots protection clause since an allegation that the plaintiff has discriminated against another person or group because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity constitutes defamation per se. The measures were unconstitutional on their face, but maybe the U.S. Supreme Court would be in the mood to overturn precedent and make it easier to go after the press. Lets pass it and see! But no, after push-back from across the political spectrum those measures, along with a much-ridiculed bill for state registration of internet political bloggers, died last session. This session, new sue-the-media bills appeared (HB 757, SB 1780). Not as sweeping as last years crop, but still potentially useful for suppressing political critics. And they are pushing ahead through the Florida Legislature. Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee. More: 'That's bullcrap': Conservative media bashes Florida defamation bill More: Florida legislative panel OKs bill making it easier to sue media, others for defamation More: Mark Lane: Radical rewrite of libel law signals open season on free speech The new measures would create the presumption that information coming from anonymous sources is false and done with actual malice. A requirement that would create pressure to unmask whistleblowers or face court sanctions. Another part of the bills would allow someone suing over something published on the internet to take their case to any county in Florida. Libel plaintiffs could then scout the state for the most sympathetic jury population. Critics warn of libel tourism. That national media outlets considered liberal would find themselves facing juries in rural, deep-red counties and conservative outlets could find themselves trying to pick juries in deep-blue cities. Another part of the proposals requires publications to remove material judged false from the internet, something that, given the nature of the internet, is simply impossible. You might pull it from the website you control, but if its something that has gone viral, there are too many places to police. Thats why they call it the world-wide web. Like the opposition to last years bills, this is not a liberal-versus-conservative issue. Conservative radio show hosts also see themselves on the receiving end of lawsuits should this pass. The Florida American Civil Liberties Union and Americans for Prosperity both oppose the bills, a rare combination. And although much of the debate centers on traditional media outlets, the scope is wider than that. Covered by the bill are newspapers, books, magazines, any one presentation to an audience, television and radio, movies, or any one publication, exhibition, or utterance on the internet. Any blogger, keyboard soapboxer, Facebook political commentator, online environmental activist or local gadfly speaking to a group could be shut up by deep-pocket interests under this rewrite of defamation law. Note that the Senate sponsor of this bill, Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, is the same senator who pushed for a state political blogger registry last year. It goes without saying that the political class has never loved the media in whatever form the press has taken over history. But because of the ways the powerful have weaponized libel law to suppress free speech during the Civil Rights Era and the days of criminal libel laws, courts have rightly evoked the First Amendment to make libel suits hard for public figures to win. The fact that so many Florida legislators are eager to see their critics hauled into court tells us something, and its not about the media. Mark Lane is a News-Journal columnist. His email is mlanewrites@gmail.com. Mark Lane This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mark Lane: Defamation law rewrite threatens free speech Maryland State Police identified a Laurel man who is accused of stealing a State Highway Administration truck and leading police on a two-county car chase that ended with him allegedly hitting 13 cars and sending a bystander and two law enforcement officers to the hospital on Friday. State police said, in a Saturday news release, they had arrested and named the suspect as Flavio Cesar Lanunza, 27. He faces vehicle theft and first-degree assault charges. He also underwent treatment at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for injuries afterward. State police said troopers from the College Park barracks responded to a four-vehicle hit-and-run shortly before 5 p.m. Friday near Interstate 495 and the Greenbelt Metro Station in Prince Georges County, according to the release. One of the drivers, who was in a Ford Ranger truck, fled and drove into a nearby park-and-ride lot where he went off the road and struck a guard rail. When a SHA truck came to check on him, Lanunza abandoned his Ford Ranger and stole the SHA truck, struck two cars, and fled, state police said. State troopers from the Rockville, Forestville and College Park barracks located the SHA truck at 5:50 p.m. near Briggs Chaney Road and Greenmount Avenue in Calverton, where the truck then entered a parking lot off Beltsville Road, ran off the road and struck a pole. The driver then rammed a state police vehicle and other non-police vehicles, before driving onto Priscilla Drive in Montgomery County, according to the release. State police said they and Montgomery County police arrested Lanunza at 6:30 p.m. in the 10700 block of Columbia Pike in Silver Spring, after the truck became disabled. First responders transported a bystander and two law enforcement officers a state trooper and Montgomery County police officer to hospitals to be treated for injuries, the release said. Tens of thousands of people protested in Budapest on Feb. 16 over a child sex abuse scandal that has rocked the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and caused a series of resignations. The wave of discontent arose after it was revealed that President Katalin Novak, who resigned on Feb. 10, pardoned a man convicted of covering up widespread sex abuse at a government-run children's home. Justice Minister Judit Varga resigned soon after, and furious accusations and infighting have since broken out within Orban's ruling Fidesz party, with some calling for Orban's resignation. The BBC and other outlets have characterized the ongoing scandal as Orban's "biggest challenge in 14 years of uninterrupted Fidesz rule." Large crowds demonstrated on Feb. 16 in an expansion of the growing movement. The BBC reported that those gathered were mostly young people protesting "against the abuse and neglect of children and for social solidarity." Orban has largely remained silent on the issue, but he is scheduled to deliver a state of the nation address later on Feb. 17. As the backlash has grown, the scandal has expanded beyond the controversial pardon into direct criticism of Orban's government and associated cronyism and corruption. Former Orban ally and Varga's ex-husband, Peter Magyar, released a widely viewed video on Facebook on Feb. 11 denouncing corruption in Fidesz and across Hungary. "It must be said now that this cannot go on," Magyar said, rhetorically questioning whether Hungarians think it is "normal" that "a few families own half the country." Hungarian opposition leaders gathered in front of the prime minister's office on Feb. 15, denouncing Orban's silence on the issue and saying it indicated deeper structural problems within Fidesz. Read also: Opinion: Orban is plain wrong on Ukraine Hungary and Ukraine have had a contentious relationship that has worsened since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. Orban has maintained close ties with Russia, bucking the united front that the EU has tried to present in support of Ukraine. Hungary has repeatedly opposed Ukraines accession to NATO and the European Union and blocked the EU's financial support for Ukraine. Orban previously said that Ukraine is a financially "non-existent" and "no longer sovereign" state due to its "dependence" on international support. Orban blocked a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) EU financial aid package for Ukraine during an EU summit last December. Orban dropped his opposition to the four-year support package on Feb. 1, explaining his reversal on the grounds that a control mechanism would supposedly ensure that Hungary's funds "will not end up in Ukraine." Read also: Orban says Ukraine should be buffer zone between Russia and West Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Authorities in California have taken down a retail theft operation that spanned 21 counties and involved $8 million in stolen beauty products. The California Highway Patrol announced the arrest of one person believed to be the ringleader of the statewide crime ring which was ultimately broken up following months of investigation. CHP officials say the yet-to-be-named ring leader allegedly recruited and paid at least seven people to steal products from Ulta Beauty stores and other retail outlets across the state, which would then be sold through her Amazon storefront at deep discounts. The multimillion-dollar scheme, authorities said, took place for nearly a decade. The thefts occurred in Alameda, Placer, Kern, Contra Costa, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento, San Mateo, Solano, Riverside, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Marin, Tulare, San Bernardino, Sonoma, Ventura and Yolo counties, according to CHP. The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, in addition to the CHP, including the California Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Loss prevention teams from some of the targeted stores also took part in the operation. Authorities had been investigating the crime ring, which was described as vast and complex, after more than 230 reported thefts at Ulta stores in Southern California. In August 2023, federal investigators requested the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force to take part in the investigation. In December, search warrants were executed simultaneously at several locations across Southern California and multiple suspects were taken into custody. Photos released by the CHP Retail Crime Task Force on Feb. 16, 2024 show product recovered from a vast criminal operation that spanned the entire state for nearly a decade. Photos released by the CHP Retail Crime Task Force on Feb. 16, 2024 show product recovered from a vast criminal operation that spanned the entire state for nearly a decade. Photos released by the CHP Retail Crime Task Force on Feb. 16, 2024 show product recovered from a vast criminal operation that spanned the entire state for nearly a decade. Photos released by the CHP Retail Crime Task Force on Feb. 16, 2024 show product recovered from a vast criminal operation that spanned the entire state for nearly a decade. The California DOJ has filed 140 felony counts related to the operation, including 136 counts of felony grand theft. Other charges include organized retail theft, conspiracy and receipt of stolen property. On Friday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta held a news conference in San Diego, where the complaint was filed and where he said the ringleader of the scheme resided. Bonta said nine people in total were charged, including three who were identified as illegal resellers known as fences, and six who were alleged to be those committing the thefts in stores. Bonta also said some of the crimes reached as far as the East Coast. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said the success of this particular investigation was made possible through collaboration with the various law enforcement partners and retailers who worked together to bring the operation down. Through increased collaborative efforts, retailers and law enforcement have become more efficient and effective in our fight against organized retail crime, Duryee said in a news release. The CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force was established in 2019 to combat the rise of retail thefts, smash-and-grab burglaries and widespread shoplifting that has plagued the state in recent years. Since its inception, the task force has been involved in more than 2,300 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 2,200 suspects and the recovery of hundreds of thousands of stolen goods valued at more than $41 million, CHP officials said. Anyone who may have information about retail theft are encouraged to report it directly to through the CHP website. Anyone who witness a retail crime as it happens is urged not to intervene, but rather call 911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he isnt going to allow his recent impeachment to distract him, he said in a Friday interview with CNN. I dont let it distract me from the work would I have preferred that correctness had prevailed? Of course, Mayorkas said in the interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour. So, the fact that it did not, does not slow me down in doing the work that Im tasked to do by the president of the United States. The Republican-led impeachment of Mayorkas in the House occurred Tuesday by way of a narrow vote, making Mayorkas the first Cabinet official to be impeached since the late 1800s. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the Homeland Security secretary deserves to be impeached, and Congress has a constitutional obligation to do so after the vote. Mayorkas also went after House Republicans for stalling more aid to Ukraine in the interview, according to CNN. The inability to continue with emphasis that leadership on the part of the United States the uncertainty that we are bringing only can empower Vladimir Putin, and we have to continue our leadership, Mayorkas said. The Senate has already passed a package that features $60 billion for Ukraine, but Johnson has indicated that it is not going to make it to a vote in the lower chamber. The White House went after Johnson Thursday for beginning a house recess and not bringing the Senates Ukraine aid package to the floor for a vote. Every day that Speaker Johnson causes our national security to deteriorate, America loses. And every day that he puts off a clean vote, congressional Republicans standing with the American people plunges, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said. Running away for an early vacation only worsens both problems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Broward County Public Schools confirmed a case of measles at Manatee Bay Elementary School on Friday. A day later, three more cases were reported from the same school. The district did not say whether those infected were students, teachers or other staff at the K-5 school, 19200 Manatee Isles Drive in Weston. The Sun Sentinel reported the schools first case was a third-grader with no history of travel. Parents and teachers were notified Friday. By Saturday, Broward County Schools spokesman John Sullivan said three more cases were confirmed, bringing the tally to four. The health, safety and welfare of our students and staff remain our utmost priority, Sullivan said. The schools principal is keeping families informed and following health department guidelines to safeguard our community. According to the Florida Department of Health Reportable Diseases Frequency Report, there have been two cases of measles in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties since the school year began: one in Miami-Dade in mid-September and the current case at Manatee Bay. The Miami-Dade case was not reported at a school. Measles, which appears as a rash and with a fever, is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in five people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized. One in 1,000 may develop brain swelling, which could lead to brain damage. And one in three people out of every 1,000 cases can die. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection, the CDC says. Vaccination rates for measles nationwide are declining, according to a CBS News report. Florida reports a 91.7% rate of vaccinations against measles. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The race to fill the District 4 seat on the San Diego City Council vacated by Monica Montgomery Steppe after she was elected to the County Board of Supervisors is one to watch during the upcoming Mar. 5 election. The empty seat, which covers the southeast corner of the city including some of its lowest-income neighborhoods, has become a critical seat in shaping the dynamics between the city council and the mayor heading into a new term. While the race coincides with the Mar. 5 primary, it will operate like a special election. If a candidate garners 50% of the vote, they will win the position outright. In the case that no candidate meets that threshold, it will move to a runoff between the top two vote-getters. Whoever wins will serve out the remainder of Montgomery Steppes term, running through 2026. San Diegos guide to elections during the Mar. 5 presidential primary Official ballots for the election were mailed to registered voters in the county ahead of early voting opening up at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa on Feb. 5. Drop boxes for voters to send in a completed mail-in ballot are also available. Starting Feb. 24, select voting centers will open up across the county to expand early voting options. The remainder of the vote centers will open up on Saturday, Mar. 2. More information about how to vote in the Mar. 5 presidential primary can be found at FOX 5/KUSIs voting guide. What does the city council do? The city council is San Diegos legislative body. Members on the council can pass new laws for the city and amend existing ones, either by proposing changes on their own or at the suggestion of the mayor. It is intended to act as a check on the mayor. With this role, one of the most important duties the council has relates to the process of setting the citys annual budget and monitoring spending throughout the year. In April and May, the city council reviews the budget proposed by the mayor before putting it to a final vote of approval in June. City councilmembers also approve mayoral appointments, levy taxes and provide services to constituents in their district. The body is made up of nine districts with an elected representative for each. To find your council district, you can search using your address on the citys website or view the list of communities by district here. Who are the candidates for District 4? Here are the candidates, listed in alphabetical order: Henry Foster III is the former chief of staff for County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe while she represented District 4 on the city council. The Democrat launched his campaign for the seat in December, shortly after Montgomery Steppe was sworn into her new role. Background: Foster III began working for the city of San Diego after 20 years in the construction industry, serving as the Equal Opportunity Contracting Program manager. After six years in that position, Foster III assumed the role of chief of staff for the then-newly elected Montgomery Steppe. During his tenure with District 4, he played a role in many of the councilmembers policy initiatives, including implementing Measure B, creating the Commission on Police Practices, and mitigating the effects of gang violence in the district. Foster III is a third-generation San Diegan living in Valencia Park, a neighborhood in District 4. He graduated from Lincoln Park High School before attending Hampton University, where he was a member of the historically Black fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi. On the issues: On his campaign website, Foster III lays out his priorities, should he be elected to the city council, under three themes: strengthening our communities, improving our quality of life, and keeping our neighborhoods safe. Some of the ways he discussed addressing these priorities include: Economic Development Partnering with local organizations like the Black Chamber of Commerce to foster business growth in the district, while focusing on bringing long-term and union jobs to the area. Working with high schools to create provide students with business skills to encourage entrepreneurship. Housing and Cost of Living Using experience in the construction industry to look at ways to impact the local housing market directly through development strategies, such as land banking and leveraging the citys buying power. Public Safety Partnering with law enforcement to have difficult discussions about police oversight and other issues that erode trust with the community. In an interview with FOX 5, he said he would achieve this by using his experience to bring greater oversight and accountability to city hall to ensure the needs of the community are met. Endorsements: According to his campaign website, Foster III has been endorsed by a number of local elected officials and community organizations, including: the San Diego County Democratic Party, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council; Secretary of State Shirley Weber; Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas; San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera; and city councilmembers Joe LaCava, Kent Lee and Vivian Moreno. He has also been endorsed by the San Diego Union-Tribunes Editorial Board. Henry Foster III appeared on FOX 5 on Feb. 16: Tylisa Suseberry Tylisa Suseberry is an executive assistant in the office of former State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins. The Democrat has also worked for the city of San Diego as a policy advisor and for civil rights-related nonprofits. Background: Suseberry has worked for elected officials across the city, county and state levels for decades, most recently serving as an executive assistant in the office of former State Senate President pro Tempore Atkins. Outside politics, the nearly 50-year resident of District 4 has worked for multiple civil rights-related nonprofits in the area, including the Neighborhood House Association and Urban League of San Diego County. A small business owner herself, she has also partnered with the Southern Economic Development Corporation, hosting their entrepreneur academy and representing the organization at City of San Diego meetings. On the issues: Should she be elected, Suseberry said in an interview with FOX 5 that one of her main priorities would be to bring back life into the District 4 community. As she explained, she would like to do this by focusing on encouraging small business entrepreneurship, fixing critical infrastructure and emphasizing public safety things she says she would accomplish by leveraging her experience in public service. In conversation with FOX 5, some of the ways she said she plans to address these issues include: Homelessness Working to combat first-time homelessness by keeping people in their homes. Expanding behavioral health services and accommodations with wrap around services for those experiencing homelessness. Small Business Entrepreneurship Partnering with nonprofits and small business owners to encourage growth. Infrastructure Ensuring infrastructure is regularly maintained and funding is made available for critical projects. Endorsements: Suseberry has not received any public endorsements. Tylisa Suseberry appeared on FOX 5 on Feb. 14: Chida Warren-Darby Chida Warren-Darby is the current director of boards and commissions for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and former managing editor at the citys oldest newspaper geared towards the Black community. The Democrat jumped into the race in early January. Background: Raised in southeast San Diego, Warren-Darby has served as Glorias director of boards and commissions since 2022, previously serving as the deputy director of communications for his administration. She also serves as a media and marketing consultant. Prior to her tenure with the mayors office, Warren-Darby was co-publisher and the managing editor of her familys newspaper, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, for several years. During this time, she also founded a nonprofit organization to empower school-age girls and raise awareness on sex trafficking. Out in the community, the University of San Diego alumna has served as executive director for San Diegos Black Chamber of Commerce. A domestic abuse survivor, she has also been an advocate and counselor for victims of intimate partner violence. On the issues: If elected, Warren-Darbys priorities focus on ways to empower and invest in the District 4 community across a wide-range of issues. In a conversation with FOX 5, she said her most pressing concerns include emergency preparedness and infrastructure in the wake of the Jan. 22 flooding that devastated communities in southeastern San Diego. Public safety and cost of live are also top of mind issues she would take on in the role on the city council. Some of the ways she said she plans to address these issues include: Infrastructure Establishing a new policy that adds a new equity layer to regional mapping to make sure people are better prepared for any liabilities like flooding. Cost of Living Passing laws to lower the cost of accessing and maintaining housing, including partnering with residents to overhaul the districts land use policies to reimagine how the it can serve the communities needs. Public Safety Building better trust between San Diego police and the community through the creation of a pipeline program that recruits people from the district to work in law enforcement, so it is more inclusive and reflective of the community at large. Endorsements: According to her campaign website, Warren-Darby has been endorsed by a number of local elected officials, including: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Congressman Juan Vargas, State Senator Steven Bradford, and San Diego city councilmembers, Jennifer Campbell and Marni von Wilpert. Chida Warren-Darby appeared on FOX 5 on Feb. 13: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. MD Anderson Cancer Center is seen, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A prominent MD Anderson Cancer Center scientist pushed back on a lawsuit that claims she tried to take credit for a junior faculty members research, saying a third-party review determined she should be acknowledged for her contributions, according to a Friday court filing. The filing also says the lawsuit should be amended to remove Dr. Padmanee Sharma, a senior MD Anderson faculty member and a major figure in the field of immunotherapy, as a defendant. Sharma is an employee of a University of Texas System institution, and government employees are protected against lawsuits related to actions they take as part of their official duties, according to the court filing from Sharmas attorneys with the Texas Attorney Generals Office. The court filing says the researcher who filed the lawsuit, Dr. Jamie Lin, should amend it to name MD Anderson as the defendant rather than Sharma. If the change is not made within 30 days, the suit should be dismissed, the court filing says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lins suit, filed in August, accuses Sharma of improperly taking credit for research and making false and defamatory statements that damaged Lins career. Lin has asked for $5 million in damages and a judgment naming her to her appropriate authorship positions. Sharma has denied the allegations in court documents, including in a declaration attached to Fridays court filing. The conduct complained of by Dr. Lin the merits and accuracy of which I vigorously dispute are within the course and scope of my employment with MDACC and relate solely to my employment with MDACC, she said in the filing. Lin, an onco-nephrologist, said in a statement that she hadnt reviewed the motion and was unable to comment by press time. Julie Haines, a member of Lins legal team, said she and her colleagues were reviewing the motion. We are not surprised that defendant Sharma is trying to escape the consequences of her individual behavior. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit represents an unusual public clash at one of the leading cancer research hubs in the world. Sharma is a major figure in the field of immunotherapy, a type of treatment that helps a patients immune system fight cancer. She is married to Dr. James Allison, a Nobel Prize winner and the namesake of MD Andersons Allison Institute. One of the manuscripts at the center of the dispute deals with tertiary lymphoid structures clusters of immune cells that can develop in inflamed tissues. TLS is associated with conditions like autoimmune disorders, infections and cancer. Lins complaint says her spouse, Dr. Cassian Yee, conceptualized the idea in November 2020 of a TLS signature in immune nephritis or kidney damage caused by the immunotherapy. In the complaint, Lin said she and her spouse led the research laid out in the paper. The research and findings are not detailed in court documents. Sharma painted a different picture in the declaration she filed Friday. Sharma said in the declaration that she used to be close personal friends with Lin and acted as a mentor to her. Starting in 2020, Lin wanted to develop a research project looking at kidney toxicities associated with immunotherapy, and collaborated with other researchers to collect and analyze kidney samples, according to the declaration. Lin asked for Sharmas assistance, according to the declaration, and the senior researcher helped decipher the data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sharma said she had experience in this area of immunology, pointing to research she had previously published in the journals Nature Medicine and Nature to identify a signature for TLS. She also wrote that she has patented at least one application of TLS through MD Andersons Office of Technology Commercialization, according to the declaration. In August 2021, Sharma learned that Lin intended to submit a manuscript to the journal Cancer Immunology Research, and that Sharma was not acknowledged as a contributor, according to the court filing. The following month, Sharma learned that Lin and Yee intended to submit a report to MD Anderson that indicated their interest in obtaining a patent for the TLS signature. In the court filing, Sharma expressed her concerns about not being identified as a contributor to the research. It also says Sharma told Lin and Yee that she and two other MD Anderson colleagues should be named on documents that would help them obtain a patent. After learning that Lin did not intend to give her credit for her role in the project, Sharma told Lin that she intended to contact CIR to inform them of a dispute about authorship, the court filing says. The journal eventually returned the manuscript because the dispute could not be resolved. In Lins complaint, she accused Sharma of threatening her at the Santa Barbara Airport and demanding to be added to the manuscript as a senior corresponding author. She also accused Sharma of threatening to pull financial support for Lins research, and of making false and defamatory statements to CIR, court documents say. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In December 2022, Sharma learned that Lin and Yee planned to publish a second manuscript in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight. She emailed the journal to express concern that she and her colleague were not being given credit for their contributions, according to her declaration. Lins complaint accused Sharma of emailing the journal editor and falsely accusing Lin of plagiarizing data, patient sources and research results. The same month, MD Anderson hired outside counsel, Ropes and Grey LLP, to conduct a third-party review of the dispute. The review ultimately found that Sharma and other MD Anderson employees were entitled to attribution in the manuscripts, according to Fridays court filing. Meghan McCain slammed former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for positive rhetoric during an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month. Her comments came the same day Putins chief rival Alexei Navalny, 47, was found dead at a Russian prison. Tucker made a bunch of Russian propaganda in Moscow, McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Then he said publicly leaders kill people and then Putin murdered Navalny his most famous and powerful dissident. Americans should not forget this, she added. Following the news of Navalnys death, Carlson said that no decent person would defend what happened to him, telling The Daily Mail in a statement that Its horrifying. In Carlsons recent interview with Putin, the Russian president spouted propaganda about his countrys current war with Ukraine and went after the U.S.. The former cable TV host, who painted Moscow as so much nicer than any city in America, was quickly criticized for giving Putin a platform. McCain also shared an X post from former President Obama on Navalnys death, in which he said that he was a fearless advocate for his beliefs who died unbroken by the tyranny he opposed. He fought corruption, inspired millions and never wavered in his insistence on free expression, the rule of law, and a Russia that is accountable to the people and not a dictator, Obama said in his Friday post. He died in unyielding defense of his vision of a better future for his country a vision, and a courageous example, that will never die. McCains father was a frequent critic of Putin and Russia, referring to him in a book as evil man who is intent on evil deeds. He also called on former President Trump, who was president at the time, to consider the Russian president as more of a threat to the U.S. and democracy. President Trump seems to vary from refusing to believe what Putin is doing to just not caring about it, McCain wrote in his book. To his credit, he overturned the Obama policy and supplied lethal assistance to Ukraine. But he needs to comprehend the nature of the threat Putin poses. He needs to understand Putins nature, and ours. Navalnys death was confirmed Saturday by his family, who claimed he was murdered. The Russian opposition leaders death marks the latest in a string of deaths involving anti-Putin critics, which has sparked international worry that the Kremlin was involved, including from U.S. officials. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. UPDATE: Ray Wilson, President of the Medical Anesthesia Group, released an additional statement saying, I have been a part of Medical Anesthesia Group for 37 years of its 52-year history. Our first priority is and has always been patient care. Our outstanding service, leadership, reputation, and quality of care is well regarded among the Memphis Medical community. Even though MAG is moving on from Methodist, we will still be a major presence in the Memphis area and continue to serve our community with the same care and dedication we always have. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. Some patients say surgeries have been canceled or delayed this week at Methodists adult hospitals because of a breakup with their longtime anesthesia provider. WREG had a chance to talk one-on-one with Dr. Wayne Lipson, the chief medical officer for Methodist, about whether those disruptions jeopardize patient care. Absolutely not. Our mission has always been the care and the provision of high-quality safe care. There is no patient that will be put into jeopardy. We have 100 percent emergency coverage as an example, said Lipson. MPD, DCS investigating photos of child waxing nude woman at salon After five decades, Medical Anesthesia Group stopped operations at five Methodist hospitals on Friday, February 9, after contract negotiations between MAG and Methodist fell apart. Dr. Lipson says MAG was not able to provide services due to turmoil or loss of providers, causing Methodist to go in a different direction. They will now be working with New York-based Somnia Anesthesia. In the pipeline theyve (Somnia) been building, they have over 125 physicians, CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetists), and as we begin to ramp up we will see those disruptions continue to decrease substantially, said Lipson. Still, the word of disruptions has caused some concern. 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. A Memphis family practice physician who does not work at Methodist but has a sister awaiting surgery there emailed WREG. The doctor who wants to remain anonymous says, It is making it impossible to schedule surgeries at Methodist and possibly jeopardizing the health of their patients. My sister has been waiting for weeks to have her renal cell cancer removed. I wonder how many other patients have been waiting unnecessarily to have surgery. Dr. Lipson says Methodists mission and commitment to patient care has not changed. We are not closing down our emergency department or our operating rooms, and that is our mission, and that will continue as Methodist has continued, said Lipson. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare released a lengthy statement Friday evening. It is unfortunate that Medical Anesthesia Group (MAG) has resorted to a mischaracterization of the facts and engaged in a misinformation campaign to sully a 50-year partnership as our exclusive provider, that only ended because they could no longer meet their contractual obligation to provide anesthesia services to our patients. We strive every day to provide the best possible care for our patients and we take that responsibility very seriously. When a provider can no longer fulfill their obligation, we must find other options. The decision to move forward with a new partner is one we take very seriously and always with the wellbeing of our patients at the forefront. Last summer, MAG alerted us that due to financial challenges and the loss of 14 of their 31 staff members, they were unable to provide full anesthesia coverage for our system. They suggested we employ contract anesthesiologists (locums) to meet patient needs, at our expense, as they could not afford the cost, even though contractually obligated to do so. To maintain the quality of patient care, we hired temporary staff while attempting to save the partnership. To save their practice and our relationship, we offered a potential solution of adopting a friendly PC model, where MAG would be able to concentrate on clinical care exclusively and someone else would handle business operations since their practice was failing. In this model, anesthesiologists would be paid at fair market value and make the same rate of those contracted with our new partner. This plan was rejected, in their hope to remain completely independent, but without a viable plan to stabilize their failing practice. This left MLH no choice but to find another provider to ensure adequate anesthesia coverage for our patients. In the months leading up to the contract ending on Feb. 8, MAG continued to struggle, leading to some elective surgeries being re-scheduled and consolidation of other services. Effective February 9, we moved to a new partner. Somnia is a nationally renowned, independently owned and physician-led anesthesia group and the first anesthesia-only company to be named a patient safety organization by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Somnia has a proven track record of growing strong anesthesia programs and robust pipelines in regions across the country, including building residency programs. Somnia is on-board and working to ensure full anesthesia coverage at our facilities, something that was a persistent challenge during the last few months of the MAG partnership. Tennessee state law precludes hospitals from employing anesthesiologists, so health systems must contract with third party providers like MAG and Somnia to provide coverage. We are incredibly grateful for MAGs years of service and dedication to MLH and are thankful to our medical staff members and patients that we are fortunate to serve. As this partnership ends, our focus remains on providing the best and highest quality care to every patient across the Mid-South. We wish MAG well and will continue to focus on solutions that benefit our community or our patients. The Medical Anesthesia Group released a statement Sunday evening. Many meetings, emails, and calls between MLH and MAG took place going back to March 2023 to address outdated contracts, increasing labor costs, operating room inefficiencies, and decreasing provider satisfaction. MAG communicated that without updates to the current contracts, many providers would leave the group. What followed was months of growing provider dissatisfaction and turnover, and ultimately an impasse between MLH and MAG on the best path forward. They also mentioned that the impact of the events on patients and families has been deeply concerning to every current and former MAG physician, CRNA, RN, administrator, and staff member. MAGs entire statement is attached below. Official-MAG-StatementDownload For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. South Florida airports have experienced rapid growth in recent years and subsequent growing pains. Now, the Biden administration is providing them and others in the state millions in new funding to help alleviate their problems. The Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it is awarding more than $112.5 million to 10 airports in Florida. The money comes from the federal infrastructure law and is part of the almost $1 billion going to 114 airports in 44 states and 3 territories across the country this year. Florida though will receive more than any other state, said a spokesperson for the department of transportation. Miami International Airport is getting $27 million. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the biggest winner, getting $50 million, the highest single amount among all airports in the nation. The new funding comes as complaints about the state of the Miami airport have gotten so bad that Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently held a news conference there about the issues. Passengers have complained about broken elevators and escalators. Last September, Skytrain shut down. The system, which provides an alternative to long walks in Concourse D, American Airlines home, is not expected to be up and running until March. More passengers at South Florida airports The complaints are perhaps partly an inevitable consequence of growth. Miami International Airport set a new record in traffic last year with 52.3 million passengers. That was a 3.2% increase over the 2022 figure of 50.7 million people, which until now was an all-time high, the airport said on Friday in disclosing audited full 2023 figures Yet, the growth was driven entirely by international passengers, which jumped by 8.5% to 23.2 million. While that was a welcome sign for the local hotel industry that depends on them, it was also an indication that for Americans post-COVID, the world is wide open, and Miami is no longer the only game in town. It faces strong competition from Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and the cruise industry. Domestic travel at the Miami airport in 2023 was 29.1 million, down by 0.5% from the prior year, Still, that number exceeds the 23.5 million visitors from within the U.S. that used the regions largest airport in 2019, a sign that it and South Floridas newfound relevance is likely here to stay. Miami International Airports overall growth was largely driven by American Airlines, its main carrier. The carrier served 31.4 million passengers in 2023 and had an all-time 380 peak-day flights. Meanwhile, Delta has also expanded its service out of Miami over the past 12-plus months. The Atlanta-based carrier said on Friday that it would start a non-stop daily year-round flight between Miami to Seattle starting next winter. That would give Delta 38 peak-day departures to 13 destinations from MIA and connect the Magic City to every Delta hub in the U.S. New discount airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways and Porter Airways also started flying into Miami last year. Air Serbia is in talks to start a nonstop direct flight between Miami and Belgrade later this year. Miami International Airport now accommodates 96 passengers and cargo airlines. Its cargo operation grew, too, reaching 2.78 million tons in 2023, a new record and 1% increase from 2022. About 80% of that was international cargo. What the federal funds go for? The $27 million from Washington going to Miami International Airport is for two projects: The first project is $12 million to fund the renovation of the airports people move connecting Lower Concourse E to the Concourse E-Satellite. The work includes jacking of the existing structure, utility and facility adjustments, and replacement of guideway system components that have exceeded their useful life, an FAA document noted. That projects total cost is $17.8 million and Miami International Airport asked for $14.3 million. In the second project, $15 million was awarded to fund a portion of the design phase for the modernization and redevelopment of the airports Central Terminal and Concourses E and F, the FAA document said. The projects total cost is $27.3 million and $21.9 million was requested from the federal government. Fort Lauderdale airport funding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport came away with the biggest award, receiving the largest single grant among 114 airports nationwide. FLL expects to have just over 35 million travelers in 2023 when the figures are fully reported. Thats up from 31.7 million in 2022. The airport is expected to grow in part because it is near Port Everglades, one of the countrys biggest seaports for cruise passengers. Last year, the port started a minimum 15-year agreement with Disney Cruises Lines. The airport will get $50 million to partially fund a portion of a terminal connector past security checks. It also includes building two connector walkways and modifying existing terminals at security checkpoints, a bag hall, an expanded hold room and new retail space. The initiatives total cost is $221 million, and the airport asked for $145 million. Other Florida airports The funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs in the Infrastructure Law, which offers $1 billion per year for five years for airport terminal program grants. Other Florida airports receiving money include Palm Beach International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville. A full snow moon will be visible from central Pennsylvania in late February, but it wont look quite as big as most full moons. The celestial event is unofficially referred to as a minimoon, according to astronomy publication Space.com, because it will occur one day before the moon reaches the farthest point from Earth in its orbit. Because it will be farther away from Earth, it wont look as big to stargazers. The snow moon gets its name from the relatively frequent snowfall that typically happens in February, the Farmers Almanac reports. Other names for the moon include the deep snow moon, ice moon, midwinter moon and more. Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources. Heres when to look for this months full moon in the State College area. When can you see the snow moon in State College? The snow moon will become full at 7:31 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Saturday, Feb. 24, according to NASA, and will appear full from the evening of Thursday, Feb. 22 to Sunday, Feb. 25. The sun will set at 5:56 p.m. in State College Feb. 24 and rise at 6:52 a.m. the next morning, according to online global clock Time and Date. As you gaze, remember @NASAMoon's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter swings around the Moon day and night, sneaking close glances at its wonders. And @Int_Machines' spacecraft is set to launch tonight to join the orbital dance, before it lands near the Moon's South Pole. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/OhXGVdzXV7 NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) February 14, 2024 Feb. 22, the first day the moon will appear full, has a 50% chance of rain showers in State College with a high near 49 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Weather Service forecasts as of Feb. 16. The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. March 7 at South Hills Business School in State College, and the event is open to the public. The group will hold its first Skywatch, which is a free public stargazing event, of the year from 8 to 10 p.m. April 5 at Bernel Road Park. More full moons in 2024 If you miss the snow moon, you will have 10 more chances to catch a full moon this year, including a few full supermoons. Heres this years full moon calendar, with information from Space.com: March 25: Worm moon April 23: Pink moon May 23: Flower moon June 21: Strawberry moon July 21: Buck moon Aug. 19: Sturgeon moon (supermoon and blue moon) Sept. 17: Harvest moon (supermoon and partial lunar eclipse) Oct. 17: Hunters moon (supermoon) Nov. 15: Beaver moon (supermoon) Dec. 15: Cold moon Pennsylvania stargazers will have the opportunity to see the April 8 solar eclipse in totality in Erie and much of the northwestern edge of the state around 3:15 p.m. that day, the Centre Daily Times previously reported. A Minnesota man was charged Friday with providing and conspiring to provide support to ISIS and threatening to attack New York City, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. Harafa Hussein Abdi, 41, a U.S. citizen who resides in Minneapolis, was recently taken into custody overseas and was transported back to the United States, the DOJ said. He is facing up to 20 years in prison. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said in a statement that Abdi left the U.S. to join ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, as a fighter and to actively aid the groups propaganda efforts to spread its vile ideology. There is no higher priority for the National Security Division than to protect Americans from terrorist organizations and we will work tirelessly to find and hold accountable those who would join these groups to do our people harm wherever they may be, Olsens statement said. Abdi moved from Minneapolis to Somalia in 2015. He joined ISISs media team to film footage for distribution by a pro-ISIS media outlet and became trained in using an AK-47. In 2017, he made comments that he was going to fly through America on our way to shoot New York up. They trying to shut this thing. We aint going. We going to come blow New York up. He also allegedly sent social media messages about committing violent acts in Manhattan, the DOJ said. Authorities in East Africa later apprehended Abdi, after his relationship with ISIS leaders deteriorated. The DOJ is charging Abdi with conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The agency is also charging Abdi with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiring to receive military-type training from a terrorist organization and receiving military-type training from a terrorist organization. Abdi appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Manhattan federal court on Friday. He was born in Somalia in 1982, entered the U.S. in 1999 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, The Associated Press reported. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mexico State Police are asking for the publics help in finding a missing 79-year-old man who was last seen in Las Cruces. Jesus Baca, 79, was last seen at about 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 along East Hadley Avenue in Las Cruces. He weighs 210 pounds, is 5-feet-9 and has white hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a beige hat, beige pants and a red jacket. His direction of travel is not known. Anyone with information on Bacas whereabouts is asked to call New Mexico State Police at (575) 382-2500 or call 911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. An Alabama couple who disappeared on Valentines Day werefound dead inside their vehicle on Friday, Birmingham police announced Saturday. Christian Norris, 20, and his girlfriend, Angeliyah Webster, also 20, were last seen on Valentines Day when they left in a white Ford Taurus to go on a date to the movies, police said. According to police, the couple were reported missing on Thursday. Their vehicle was located less than 24 hours later. Investigators found a man and woman inside the car, dead with apparent gunshot wounds. In a press release shared with HuffPost, police said preliminary investigation suggest that the couple were both victims of a homicide. No one was in custody as of Saturday. Missing couple Angeliyah Webster and Christan Tyrese Norris via Birmingham Police Department Missing couple Angeliyah Webster and Christan Tyrese Norris via Birmingham Police Department You ever had your heart just stepped on and [it] went to the bottom of your stomach? Yeah, thats what that was like, Websters brother Demarco Thomas told ABC affiliate WBMA, reflecting on the news of his sisters death. An investigation is ongoing. The discovery of the two bodies followed another shooting nearby that killed four people just an hour prior. Police Chief Scott Thurmond addressed the two incidents in a statement, saying, Birmingham experienced an unfathomable amount of senseless violence. In a statement posted on Facebook, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said one of the two victims last seen on Valentines Day was his cousin. My family is no stranger to the devastating consequences of violence. The pain never gets easier, the mayor wrote. This level of loss is distressing, unacceptable and cannot must not be tolerated. Related... SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Police are seeking assistance in finding an at-risk teen girl who was reported missing on Wednesday, the San Francisco Police Department announced. Mizan Dadres-Oman, 16, was last seen around 4:30 p.m. on the 800 block of Foerster Street, located towards the southern part of San Francisco. She is described as a Black teen, 5-foot-3 and 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. However, SFPD released an update Friday night, saying that Mizan was last seen at the Chinatown Library around 8 p.m. Mizan was last seen wearing a black hoodie, a salmon-colored shirt and maroon sweatpants. She is considered to be at risk because of her central auditory processing disorder. SFPD posted doorbell camera photos on the day she went missing on Wednesday (below). SFPD SFPD SFPD Shooting reported at Trader Joes near Fishermans Wharf Mizan is known to often visit areas such as Sunnyside Playground and the streets around Mt. Davidson. An Ebony Alert was issued for Mizans disappearance in San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. SFPD says anyone with information about her location is asked to call 911 or the departments tip line at 415-575-4444. You can also text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. ALCORN COUNTY, Miss. A north Mississippi woman who came to be known as the Southeast Wedding Crasher has died. The Alcorn County Coroner confirmed that 57-year-old Sandra Henson died on February 8 of natural causes. Henson was tied to thefts at dozens of weddings in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Mississippi bride says stranger stole gifts at wedding Rienzi, Mississippi is a small town in Alcorn County where many grew up knowing the name Sandra Henson. But salon owner Cortney Eaton said she never knew Henson was known for being an uninvited guest that stole money and gifts from unsuspecting brides and grooms. She was a huge ball mom so she was at all her kids games and everything, Eaton said. She had always been pretty respectful to me, so its kind of new to hear all that about her, that Id never really known about. Henson had been charged numerous times but continued her string of heists, reportedly making off with thousands over several years. Wedding crasher with sticky fingers arrested in Mississippi In 2023, Kait Dorrough met Henson when the woman was discovered near some purses in the bridal room of a wedding venue in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. I was the wedding coordinator. It was my purse that she stole money from, Dorrough recalled. When I kind of realized what was going on I was like, My purse is in there. Ive got cash in my purse, and at a glance, I realized there was money missing. She said Henson was confronted and admitted that she had taken the money. And she reached right into her bra and pulled it out, Dorrough said. Dorrough said she was shocked to hear Henson died, even though she was in bad health, and believes her actions took their toll on her life. Having to go to court and whatever medical complications she was dealing with, its sad, but thats kind of what she left behind, she said. Henson was serving probation when she died. We attempted to contact her family but were unsuccessful. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Tamina resident and U.S. Army veteran Romie Hollins, 90, talks about what it means to he and his wife after receiving a $10,000 check from Texas Professional Surveying & Engineering to help refurbish his home, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A. Jones, right, is all smiles as he joins his fellow Pride of Crosby, Chapter No. 30 O.E.S., in Barrett Station, in the annual Barrett Station parade celebrating the history of the community down FM 2100 on July 21, 2018. (Jerry Baker / Photo Correspondent) Jerry Baker/For the Chronicle Kohrville Fest. The Kohrville Community Amos Cemetery Association , organized their historical cemetery for preservation and beautification of the grave sites . The site is indeed of repairing broken head stones , new fencing and other maintenance . The Kohrville Amos Cemetery contain special history, buried of ex-slave . Caption) Joanne Green talk to visiter about the history of the cemetery . . Tony Gaines Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum chairman Theophilus Herrigton, left, and co-founder Catherine Roberts stand in front of the Freedmen's Town museum in Houston's Fourth Ward on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. The city of Houston is looking to designate the area a Heritage District. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Ja'Kailynn Fuller, 6, shows off her cartwheel skills on the street outside of her house Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Fourth Ward in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Rhonda McDonald, great-granddaughter of J. Vance Lewis, asks Catherine Roberts questions about his home as she walks in it for the first time in Freedmen's Town in Houston on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. The hallway is lined with hand-painted wallpaper depicting scenes from Washington D.C. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1866 in Houston on June 9, 2021. Jack Yates once served as pastor of the church, which was Houston's first African American Baptist congregation. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer CONTACT FILED: TAMINA get pix of community activist rita wiltz, whose mission and cause is betterment of tamina community, a tiny little minority area in unincorp montco that has long history (and long history of being ignored by officials in montco, i'm told). this is a MAD. Carlos Antonio Rios/Houston Chronicle Tamina resident and U.S. Army veteran Romie Hollins, 90, talks about what it means to he and his wife after receiving a $10,000 check from Texas Professional Surveying & Engineering to help refurbish his home, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Kohrville Fest. The Kohrville Community Amos Cemetery Association , organized their historical cemetery for preservation and beautification of the grave sites . The site is indeed of repairing broken head stones , new fencing and other maintenance . The Kohrville Amos Cemetery contain special history, buried of ex-slave . Caption) (L)Joanne Green remind her kids of the history of the cemetery kids (C) Colandra Green , Johnny Green 3rd, Michael Figgs Jr . . Tony Gaines Kohrville Fest. The Kohrville Community Amos Cemetery Association , organized their historical cemetery for preservation and beautification of the grave sites . The site is indeed of repairing broken head stones , new fencing and other maintenance . The Kohrville Amos Cemetery contain special history, buried of ex-slave . Caption) Joanne Green talk to visiter about the history of the cemetery . . Tony Gaines A photo dated 1878 shows the Kirby House, the main home at the Alta Vista Plantation. The home was located on what is now Prairie View A&MUniversity. Courtesy of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice Melanye Price, left, and Marco Robinson talk about the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice project studying the lives of the slaves who lived at Alta Vista Plantation that is now the grounds of Prairie View A&M University shown Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 in Prairie View. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A commencement invitation for June 1885 is shown at Prairie View A&M University Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. The Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice project is study the lives of the slaves who lived at Alta Vista Plantation that is now the grounds of Prairie View A&M University. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Phyllis Earles, archivist and head of special collections, left, brings out documents as Melanye Price, right, talks about the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice project studying the lives of the slaves who lived at Alta Vista Plantation that is now the grounds of Prairie View A&M University shown Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 in Prairie View. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer HBCU band culture at Prairie View A&M University will be on full display in the CW's newest docu-series, "March" airing Monday, Jan. 24 featuring the institution's prestigious "Marching Storm." Prairie View A&M University A photo dated 1878 shows the Kirby House, the main home at the Alta Vista Plantation. The home was located on what is now Prairie View A&MUniversity. Courtesy of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice HBCU band culture at Prairie View A&M University will be on full display in the CW's newest docu-series, "March" airing Monday, Jan. 24 featuring the institution's prestigious "Marching Storm." Prairie View A&M University Melanye Price, left, and Marco Robinson talk about the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice project studying the lives of the slaves who lived at Alta Vista Plantation that is now the grounds of Prairie View A&M University shown Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 in Prairie View. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A commencement invitation for June 1885 is shown at Prairie View A&M University Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. The Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice project is study the lives of the slaves who lived at Alta Vista Plantation that is now the grounds of Prairie View A&M University. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A photo dated 1878 shows the Kirby House, the main home at the Alta Vista Plantation. The home was located on what is now Prairie View A&MUniversity. Courtesy of the Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice Malcolm Barrett talks about his family's original homestead on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Barrett, Texas. Barrett is the great-grandson of Harrison Barrett, the founder and first settler of Barrett Station. The elder Barrett was a former slave, believed to be from Louisiana, who bought land east of the San Jacinto River and started a community. Malcolm Barrett said the town was a place the settlers could establish their own identity and their own visions, things denied them during slavery. He is dedicated to preserving the history of the town, even as demographic shifts have brought change to the area. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Pete Olson, former congressman, left, and Chris Pino look at the grave of Rev. Benjamin Franklin Williams, former state representative, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the Baptist cemetery, a historic Black cemetery, in Bates M. Allen Park in Kendleton. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Prairie View A&M celebrates its new School of Public and Allied Health on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Tomikia LeGrande, president of Prairie View A&M, is shown during the grand opening of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Prairie View. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Camille Queen, of Orange, left, and Joshua Cruise, of Houston, both junior engineering students at Prairie View A&M talk about the universal robots lab during the grand opening of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Prairie View. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Childrens Books on Wheels held a Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Tamina. Juneteenth recognizes the end of slavery in the United States. It is held on June 19, the anniversary of the announcement of emancipation for enslaved people in Texas in 1865, nearly three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This year Childrens Books on Wheels hosts a fish fry starting at 11 a.m. Monday. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A section of Tamina with light industry and some residential housing is seen, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2023, in Tamina. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer People walk through a traveling exhibit featuring historic families from Tamina, Texas oldest Freemens town, during Childrens Books on Wheels Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Tamina. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The city of Shenandoah is using American Rescue Plan Act funds to put $713,700 worth of water and sewer lines along Tamina Road to Johnson Road. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer While many historically Black neighborhoods and wards are well known in Houston's metro area, some of Houston's history is rooted in lesser-known suburban towns that have been around for decades or even longer. They cropped up in the suburbs after slavery ended in 1865, and several of these towns still exist near Houston today. Here are 10 historically Black neighborhoods, cities and towns that are important parts of Houston's history. Even though all of these towns started in the suburbs, a few have since been annexed. Pictured is Mother of Mercy Catholic Church of Ames, Texas, circa 1929. Houston Chronicle file photo / courtesy Ames Ames is a small, majority-Black town located about 45 miles from Downtown Houston in Liberty County. It's at the junction of FM 1909 and U.S. 90. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Once known as Rachal Station after pioneer Darius Ciriaque Rachal, Ames was renamed for a section foreman on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, according to information from the Texas State Historical Association. A local Catholic rectory was built in 1915 and the town incorporated in 1972. Even though the town had a population of only 25 in 1930, Ames has grown to an estimated 937 residents and about 75 percent are Black, according to U.S. Census data. Malcolm Barrett is the great-grandson of Harrison Barrett, the founder and first settler of Barrett Station. He posed for a photo near a historical marker for his great-grandfather on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Barrett, Texas. The elder Barrett was a former slave, believed to be from Louisiana, who bought land east of the San Jacinto River and started a community. Malcolm Barrett said the town was a place the settlers could establish their own identity and their own visions, things denied them during slavery. He is dedicated to preserving the history of the town, even as demographic shifts have brought change to the area. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Barrett Station Barrett Station, which is located near Crosby, was founded by Harrison Barrett. Barrett had one of the largest holdings in Harris County to be acquired by a formerly enslaved person, according to the Texas State Historical Association. After slavery ended, in 1875 Barrett gathered as many of his relatives as he could find and built a sawmill, coffee mill and established schools, churches and family farms. The community originated with seven Black families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The documentary film "Emancipated Roots: The Harrison Barrett Story, Barrett Station, TX" tells the story of Barrett and some of his descendants are interviewed and early pictures of Barrett Station are included. The town is also referred to as Barrett, Texas. There is a Barrett Station Civic League, Barrett Station Community Development group and the Barrett Station Dragons are a community youth football and cheer program. Today, Barrett is a census designated place that is home to more than 5,000 people and 2,344 are Black. Bordersville This town was formed when many Black Americans were pushed out of Humble in 1927 after the sawmill closed, leaving many jobless. Edgar Borders opened a mill nearby, hired many of the residents and allowed them to settle on his land. Bordersville was annexed by Houston in 1965, but city officials did not provide services, such as plumbing and running water, according to the Humble Tribune. The residents did not receive water service until 1981. The land is now an unincorporated portion of Harris County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The community's St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1867. See the Bordersville Community Facebook page. DeShawn Spicer, 30, goes after a calf during the Juneteenth Rodeo sponsored by the Black Cowboy Museum at the Kendleton Rodeo Arena on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Kendleton Kendleton is a majority-minority city located west of Sugar Land in Fort Bend County. According to a historical marker for Kendleton through the Texas State Historical Commission, the site on which Kendleton now stands was originally a Mexican land grant to settler Elizabeth Powell, whose house was an early-day stage stop. During the Texas Revolution, in 1836, Santa Anna's Mexican Army camped near here. Later the settlements of Oak Hill and Humbolt existed briefly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The town is named after William E. Kendall, who sold parts of his plantation to formerly enslaved people in the late 1800s, according to the TSHA. The former freedmens town is also home to a large park that houses a museum and cemetery. It is home to about 343 residents, according to the U.S. Census and covers 1.1 square miles. According to a database for Texas Historical Markers, the Kendleton community has four historical markers. Two recognize the history of the Kendleton community. Another recognizes the Terry vs. Adams case which was a voting rights case that collectively ended the white primary system in Southern states. It was installed in 2009. The Powell Point School marker installed in 1995 commemorates the school built by the Rosenwald Foundation that became a sought-after place of education for Black students across Texas. President of the Kohrville Community Association Cathyrine Stewart discusses the importance of the Woods Cemetery project after accepting a proclamation from Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle during a tree planting ceremony March 2, 2020 at Willis Woods Cemetery in the Lakewood Forest subdivision. Staff photo by Melanie Feuk Hufsmith and Kohrville Kohrville and Hufsmith were Black towns in northwest Houston near Tomball that were created in the 1870s by people who were formerly enslaved in Alabama. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kohrville is named after the town's first postmaster Paul Kohrmann. It was home to a cotton gin, a general store and a sawmill in the early 1900s, according to the TSHA. The population was about 50. In early 2023, the Kohrville Community Association announced plans to build a community center after the area went 42 years without one. The status of the project is unknown currently. The Bogs-Hufsmith Cemetery at 11410 Bogs Rd, Tomball received a historic designation in November 2023. Submitted by Bogs-Hufsmith Cemet Meanwhile Hufsmith was a little bit larger. It was a small railroad town populated by Black residents that was established in 1872. By 1914, the town had a post office, four general stores and a cotton gin. A school was also established on land donated by Anderson King, who was formerly enslaved. In November, the Bogs-Hufsmith Cemetery was declared a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission and Harris County Historical Commission. Its long history at 11410 Bogs Road in Tomball started more than 100 years ago when a local business owner sold four acres to two Black church trustees. McNair This Baytown-area former town was created in the 1920s. McNair, which was located near the railroad tracks, was annexed by Baytown in the 1960s, according to the Texas Freedom Colonies Project. By the 1980s the suburb featured six churches, a school and a railroad station, according to TFCP. A centerpiece of the community is the J.D. Walker Community Center on Wade Road. The center acts as a gathering place and provides a variety of community programs. Thompsons This small town near Richmond has less than 200 residents, according to the U.S. Census. It was formed in the early 1800s before the Texas Revolution. In the early 1900s, Thompsons added more Black residents because it was surrounded by former plantations, according to the TSHA. While Thompsons was home to nearly 300 residents in the 1890s, the population began to decrease in the early 1900s, when local businesses featured a gin, general store and two saloons, according to Texasescapes.com. Thompsons had three Black schools and one white school. The community incorporated in 1979. According to the Texas Municipal League, Freddie Newsome Jr. is the mayor. The entrance to the campus of Prairie View A&M University is shown on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 in Prairie View. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Prairie View Although the city was incorporated in 1969, when the first mayor W. D. Thompson was elected mayor, the area has a long history in the region. The land the city and college inhabits was once a plantation. Prairie View was formed after the state set aside property for a segregated college for Blacks. The first post office was established in 1892 when the area was home to about 300 residents and a general store, according to the African American Heritage Atlas. During summer 2023, Tomikia P. LeGrande became the college's ninth president. In September, Prairie View A&M University launched its School of Public and Allied Health. The School of Public and Allied Health is now the ninth college or school at the historically Black university, made possible by a $1 million gift from former President Ruth J. Simmons through the Brown Foundation. Also in 2023, the university opened a $70 million engineering classroom and research building. The 106,000-square-foot space is the sixth addition to the universitys engineering complex. With six classrooms and 14 specialized labs including for space exploration, data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, structural analysis and 3D manufacturing the building is meant to further the universitys goals to increase research spending and more than double the engineering colleges student population. Glenna Sloan walks through a traveling exhibit featuring historic families from Tamina, Texas oldest freedmens town, during Childrens Books on Wheels Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, June 18, 2022, in Tamina. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Tamina Tamina is located in South Montgomery County on the east side of Interstate 45. The historically Black neighborhood is named after Tammany Hall, New York, according to the TSHA. The Tamina community sprung up in the 1870s with the founders of Tamina being some of the people newly freed from slavery, who had the money to purchase their own land. Today, Tamina is still home to several descendants of those who first established this community. Rita Wiltz, founder of the nonprofit Childrens Books on Wheels, is a descendant of some of Taminas founders like her aunt Lou Williams and uncle John Elmore, the first Black mail carrier in Montgomery County. In 2016, documentary photographer Marti Corn's book "The Ground on Which I Stand" brought fame to the small community with a book features photos and stories of the residents. In September, the nearby city of Shenandoah announced it was adding eight streetlights to Tamina Road as the city continues to bring improvements to Tamina. Getting city services to the community has long been an issue until in December 2021, Montgomery County commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Shenandoah to use $21 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide services to all homes in Tamina. The project is expected to take about three years to complete. Riceville Riceville was a farming community located near Bray's Bayou before it was annexed in the late 1960s. The church that served as a place that held the community together, Riceville Mount Olive Baptist, is still active today after it opened more than a century ago in 1889, according to the church website. This file was updated by Sondra Hernandez. THE VILLAGES, Fla. (WFLA) A federal judge forced a pickleball business into bankruptcy, but the one time good friend of the investors from Florida and across the country did not obey a deadline to produce a list of his creditors. Jenny Butler of The Villages had expected growth from the $90,000 she invested with Rodney Grubbs apparel and equipment company, Pickleball Rocks. Florida pickleball players snared in alleged scheme with sport ambassador who owes millions The promise from Grubbs to Butler and many others was a 12 percent return over 18 months for each $25,000 investment. We trusted him as a good friend, Butler said. Until a Facebook page created by Florida investor Teri Siewert brought several people together, all asking Grubbs where their money went. Following an involuntary bankruptcy filing by several investors, a federal judge in Indianapolis ordered Grubbs into Chapter 7 two weeks ago and a trustee was appointed to track down Grubbs assets. We are hoping that the trustee will find where he has hidden the money, Butler said. Hes got millions of dollars, but he says he does not have a penny in the bank. He says he hasnt paid the mortgage the last two months. Tampa business owners ask why state fraud unit doesnt have forgery specialist after vehicle title stolen Grubbs missed the first deadline tied to the forced bankruptcy, failing to provide a list of creditors to the court on Feb. 14. He was not sanctioned by the court, and now has a new deadline next week to file the list. In his answer to the forced bankruptcy filing, Grubbs said there are no less than 250 outstanding lenders. Grubbs also said his assets include 11 single-family rental properties worth about $800,000 and about $150,000 in pickleball inventory. After the bankruptcy hearing, Grubbs doubled down on his investment proposals. I can sit here and look you in the eye and tell you that never did I ever take anyones money that I didnt believe I was going to be able to pay back at some point and time, Grubbs said. In an unrelated dispute that started years before the pickleball pitch fell apart, Grubbs was ordered to pay millions of dollars to disgruntled real estate investors. Tampa business owners ask why state fraud unit doesnt have forgery specialist after vehicle title stolen Florida resident Philip Piche is owed nearly $4 million, according to court documents. Attempts to reach Piche for comment have been unsuccessful. Now, as the trustee searches for his assets, Butler said some investors cant afford to lose what they gave Grubbs. I know there are some people that said now their whole life has changed, Butler said. He took all of their life savings and there are other people who said, how am I going to send my kids to college. So, this has really ruined a lot of peoples lives. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Eight people have been arrested throughout about a seven-hour protest that closed Monroe Road, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Protesters were pepper sprayed by police nearly an hour after they were asked to leave the road on Saturday. Officers say Monroe Road was shut down between McAlway Drive and Alliance Drive due to an unlawful protest on private property. Around 200 people were present for the demonstration. Queen City News Queen City News Around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, authorities were called to an unlawful protest in the parking lot of a business hosting an Eritrean cultural event in the 4300 block of Monroe Road. Police ordered the protesters to leave and said they would arrest those who stayed. Around 3 p.m., CMPD said that they had released pepper spray almost an hour after the protesters were ordered to leave. The pepper spray hit a few protesters and officers, who were both receiving medical treatment on-site. During this time, a woman struck an officer. She was charged with inciting to riot, failure to disperse, injury to personal property and assault on a government official, officials said. A firearm was also retrieved from her. Daycare worker accused of giving gummies to preschooler arrested: Cheraw PD The road was briefly reopened and police asked the public to avoid the area. Protesters could be seen holding current and former Eritrean flags. However, it is not immediately clear what led up to the protest. Just after 7:30 p.m., CMPDs Civil Emergency Unit (CEU) arrived and was deployed after officers ordered one group of protesters to leave but did not do so. The CEU gave multiple dispersal orders in Spanish and English but were again met with violence from protestors who were using sticks, rocks and other items. CMPD CMPD says CEU members were met with violence and aggression from the group. At one point, a tractor-trailer was set on fire, but the Charlotte Fire Department quickly handled the blaze. In total, eight people have been arrested, authorities say. The charges for all eight suspects include impeding traffic and failure to disperse. Those attending the original event left around 9 p.m.; however, the protesters did not immediately leave. Just before 9:30, CMPD announced that the protesters had dispersed. The road has since reopened. This is a developing story; check back for updates For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local coffee shop after finding more than 60 cockroaches and other violations. Another five other businesses that serve food in the county received yellow placards. A yellow placard signals two or more major violations, according to the Sacramento County Food Inspection Guide. These are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection. A red placard signals imminent danger to public health and safety and suspends the health permit until violations are corrected. This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination. In contrast, a green placard means a restaurant passed the inspection. The county conducts roughly 14,000 inspections a year, and 97% of all restaurants pass their inspections, spokesman Ken Casparis previously told The Bee. About 1% of inspections result in a closure. Health inspectors closed Sacramento sushi restaurant WeDaShii on Feb. 7, but the restaurant reopened the following day after passing a reinspection Here are the Sacramento County food facility inspections for Feb. 8 through Wednesday, as of noon Friday: If an inspection listed below needs clarification, business owners can email Sacramento Bee reporter Jacqueline Pinedo at jpinedo@sacbee.com. The Bee will publish weekly updates on health inspections across Sacramento County. Health inspectors close Sacramento coffee shop Mr. Perrys Coffee Shop, 7820 Alta Valley Drive in Sacramento, had six violations on Tuesday. The North Laguna coffee shop received a passing inspection on Feb. 5. However, the reportspecified that Mr. Perrys would receive a re-inspection seven days later to ensure vermin exclusion. During the Feb 5 inspection, inspectors observed one hole was observed on the wall beneath the electrical panel and another behind the bread rack, according to the report. The holes were both around two inches. During the reinspection on Tuesday, inspectors observed multiple dead and alive German cockroaches at Mr. Perrys. Over 40 dead adult and nymphs German cockroaches were observed inside glue traps on the floor at the corner beneath the dishwasher, according to the report. A dead adult German cockroach observed on plastic bag at storage shelf inside back storage room, according to the Tuesday report. Over 20 dying adult and nymph German cockroaches were observed inside a glue trap on the floor next to the second cook line stove. A bag of sauce bottles was seen on the floor inside a locker room, according to the inspection Tuesday report. A reinspection was conducted on Thursday, but the coffee shop failed the inspection again. The Sacramento Bee called Mr Perrys Coffee Shop on Friday afternoon, but no one answered the phone. Sacramento County restaurants cited for health violations The following Sacramento County restaurants had violations the week of Feb. 8 through Feb. 14, resulting in a conditional pass. Only the dates of violations are listed. Most restaurants fully pass reinspection within 72 hours. The reports are linked. For updates on individual restaurants, you can search the EMD website here. Tortas Sinaloa, 4641 Florin Road in Sacramento, had 13 violations on Feb. 8. Inspectors observed the following foods in improper holding temperatures: sausage, raw shell eggs, raw beef, cooked beans and cooked rice. An employee was seen washing a knife and skipping the sanitizing step, according to the inspection report. Another employee was seen handling raw beef with bare hands, then closing a container with the same hand and closing the refrigerator. Inspectors asked the employee to wash his hands, according to the report. An accumulation of black slime was observed on the white baffle inside the ice machine, according to the report. Two bags of raw beef were thawing on top of an electrical burner, and a bucket of beans was being stored beneath the front register, according to the report. The Parkway restaurant was reinspected on Feb. 9 and received a green placard. Captain Crab, 8471 Elk Grove Florin Road in Elk Grove, had 13 violations on Feb. 9. Health inspectors saw an employee using his phone, then returning to the cooks line without washing his hands, according to the report. They asked the employee to wash his hands shortly after that. Inspectors observed precooked frozen crab thawing in standing water, the report said, as well as raw chicken being stored behind raw fish in a cold top preparation unit. Food containers were on the floor in a walk-in cooler. An unapproved fly zapper was seen in the kitchen, according to the report. Inspectors observed mold-like accumulation inside the freezer and an unapproved water pump inside of a water cooler, according to the report. The restaurant was reinspected on Thursday and received a green placard. Cordova Restaurant Casino, 2801 Prospect Park Drive in Rancho Cordova, had eight violations on Feb. 8. Inspectors saw foods including grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and Cajun sauce outside of proper holding temperatures. The dishwasher was washing dishes without any sanitizer during the inspection, according to the report. In addition, several boxes holding cups and containers were stored on the floor in the upstairs storage room, the report said. The casino was reinspected on Feb. 9 and received a green placard. Journey to the Dumpling, 7419 Laguna Blvd in Elk Grove, had 11 violations on Feb. 8. Sugar and salt bulk bins had open and ripped bags stored inside of them, according to the report. The side of the back merchandiser, the soda syrup rack and the dry storage shelves had grease, dust or debris on them, according to the inspection report. The floor and all the containers in the storage area hallway had food spillage, the report said, and inspectors saw that the walk-in fan covers and all the shelving werent properly sanitized. The back door kitchen and the hallway back door had air gaps at the bottom, according to the inspection report. Which according to the report, openings can allow for rodents, bugs or animals to come into the restaurant. The restaurant was reinspected on Thursday and received a green placard. Elk Grove Chevron, 9146 Harbour Point Drive in Elk Grove, had two violations on Tuesday. Both the mens and womens restroom were out of paper towels and toilet paper during the inspection. The business was reinspected on Wednesday and received a green placard. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Dealers of highly-prized Moroccan hashish are severing ties with Israeli drug smugglers. They are boycotting Israeli dealers in protest at the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, said a report. The boycott is leading to significant financial losses for Israeli crime gangs. Moroccan hashish dealers are severing ties with Israeli drug smugglers amid the ongoing war in Gaza, per a report in Israeli media. "The hashish dealers in Morocco are not willing to sell us more hashish either directly or through intermediaries," a drug offender from Sharon told Mako , an Israeli news portal, reports. "They decided that because of the war, they are boycotting us. Since the war, we have lost a lot of money," he siad. The boycott has significant financial repercussions, with criminal organizations already losing "tens of millions of shekels," Mako. One Israeli New Shekel is equivalent to $0.28. Moroccan hashish is highly prized. The marijuana resin is "cherished by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide," said the Cannabis Museum in Amsterdam. Morocco's lucrative hashish trade centers on the Rif Mountains region in the north of Morocco. It is a significant agricultural sector in the north African nation, covering hundreds of square miles of cultivation. More than 80,000 families make a living from growing and processing the dark, sticky resin that is a byproduct of the cannabis plant. Morocco is the world's largest producer of hashish, contributing 19% of the global total. While most Moroccan hashish is destined for European markets, there is also demand in Israel due to the product's exceptional quality and potency, fetching prices as high as NIS 300,000 ($84,000) per kilogram, said Mako. "We no longer sell hashish to Israelis" An Israeli tank near Gaza City during a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas on November 27, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa Before the boycott, Moroccan hash flowed into Israel through various channels, facilitated by local Israeli smugglers, including some unexpected players like orthodox Jewish students. However, the current boycott has disrupted these established routes, forcing Israeli smugglers to consider other sources. According to testimonies gathered by the Israeli TV news outlet N12, Moroccan hash dealers have explicitly voiced their solidarity with Gaza as the motivation behind the boycott. Moroccan dealers condemned the disparity between the thriving Israeli market and the war imposed on Palestinians in Gaza, choosing to end dealings with their Israeli counterparts and redirect their product elsewhere. At least 28,064 people in Gaza have been killed and 67,611 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 7. The IDF has been waging war on Gaza since Hamas gunmen infiltrated the border with Israel and killed 1,139 people. Hamas also took 247 civilians hostage. One Moroccan dealer asked Mako: "Why is it possible for Israelis to make a living selling Moroccan hashish when our Palestinian brothers are suffering from hunger and living in inhumane conditions?" "Go buy it somewhere else. We no longer sell hashish to Israelis," he explained. "Before the war, we did business here with Israelis. Merchants came here and made good money. Now that's the end of it." The Moroccan hashish boycott echoes the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The global campaign initiated in 2005 aims to isolate and pressure Israel economically and culturally. The South African anti-apartheid movement inspires BDS strategies. Read the original article on Business Insider There has never been much suspense in the presidential primaries. But the future of both political parties is at stake in the nominating battles further down the ballot. Some of the biggest contests are in March, when eight states are holding their primaries for Congress, four for Senate and one for governor. There's plenty of action if you just scroll down the ballot. Republicans are facing yet another front in the ongoing insurgent takeover against the governing wing of the party. Democratic candidates are split on the war in the Middle East. And theres also the political jiujitsu in California, where the math in the top-two primary means one side is in danger of being eliminated before the general election even begins. And the outcomes of these primaries wont just chart the trajectory of the two parties theyll also be central to determining which party controls the Senate, House and key governorships this time next year. Here's a cheat sheet to the races you should be watching: Primaries that will set up key races for November Theres no March race more consequential for the general election than the Ohio Senate Republican primary. Three main contenders are vying to take on the three-term Democratic incumbent, Sen. Sherrod Brown: businessperson Bernie Moreno, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan. Whoever wins the nomination will have the GOPs fortunes in his hands. Brown holds one of three Democratic Senate seats in states Trump won in 2020 that are up for election this year; Republicans need to pick up two of those seats to flip the chamber, or only one if they also capture the presidency. Moreno has Trumps endorsement and has emerged as the favorite in the March 19 primary, though LaRose (who has a well-heeled super PAC supporting his candidacy) and Dolan (who is self-funding) are still in the ballgame. And it's not just the Senate in Ohio. Republicans thought they had a surefire pickup two years ago in Ohios 9th District, but Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur didnt just win reelection she prevailed by 13 points in a district Trump carried. Now Republicans are trying again, and with such a narrow majority, any pickup would be huge for the GOP. Kapturs success in 2022 came largely because the GOP nominated J.R. Majewski was accused in a news report of misrepresenting his military service. Majewski is back for another run, and some Republicans fear hed lose handily to Kaptur again. The problem for them is there are two other prominent GOP candidates in the primary: state Rep. Derek Merrin and former state Rep. Craig Riedel. That could split the anti-Majewski vote. Speaking of controversial nominees, Republicans are poised to choose Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson on March 5 as their candidate for North Carolina governor. Robinsons history of incendiary comments about Jews, women and LGBT people would probably make him a slight underdog against the likely Democratic nominee, state Attorney General Josh Stein. Self-funder Bill Graham is running ads in the GOP primary highlighting Robinsons past statements that could double as general-election spots, but they dont seem to be threatening Robinsons nomination. The GOP made North Carolinas 1st District more competitive in mid-decade redistricting and might have a good chance to topple freshman Democratic Rep. Don Davis if the party doesnt nominate two-time failed candidate Sandy Smith again. Smith has been accused of domestic violence by two of her ex-husbands, and Congressional Leadership Fund, the top House GOP super PAC, ran ads featuring the allegations two years ago in a failed effort to thwart her nomination. Republicans are rooting for retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout, who is far better funded, to beat Smith in the primary and face Davis in November. CLF has spent or reserved about $100,000 on radio ads to boost Buckhout before the March 5 primary. Republican primaries that show a Trumpified party The tensions roiling the GOP will be on full display in safe-seat races where the Trump wing is ascendant. The eventual winners will almost certainly make the House GOP conference even Trumpier, as longtime members like Kay Granger of Texas and Brad Wenstrup of Ohio are replaced. From Alabama to Texas to Illinois, these skirmishes will play out throughout the month of March. On Super Tuesday, March 5, two incumbent members of Congress will square off in Alabamas 1st District, thanks to court-ordered redistricting. GOP Rep. Barry Moore is a House Freedom Caucus member, while Rep. Jerry Carl is the establishment pick. Moore and his allies are hitting Carl as insufficiently supportive of Trump and his policies, while Carls supporters link Moores votes against government spending bills with opposing military pay raises and other priorities in the district. When he was first elected to Congress in 2014, Mike Bost was a proto-Trump, attacked by Democrats as angry and unhinged. But 10 years later, Bost is the target of a Trump-inspired primary challenge in Illinois 12th District from Darren Bailey, Republicans 2022 gubernatorial nominee. Trump hasnt endorsed Bailey, but Bailey is still trying to claim the MAGA mantle. Next week, hes raffling off a commemorative Donald J. Trump pistol. Texas 23rd District, held by GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales, includes a longer stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border than any district. Gonzales has embraced a harder line on immigration in recent months as hes faced a nominal primary challenge. There are also more than a half-dozen open-seat primaries in North Carolina (thanks to Republican-led redistricting), Texas and Ohio in which the candidates are each trying to outflank the others on the right. Primaries that reveal the Democratic Partys present and future Democrats have their own revealing primaries in March, from Silicon Valley to Alabamas Black Belt. But none has exposed the partys cleavages the way Republican races have. An example: United Democracy Project, the super PAC funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has waded into the race in Californias 47th District to back Joanna Weiss over state Sen. Dave Min. But the groups ad doesnt explore the rift between Weiss and Min on the Middle East it features police bodycam footage of Mins DUI arrest last year. Theres the race for Alabamas 2nd District, a new, nearly majority-Black seat. But most of the advertising highlights the biographies of the Democratic candidates. Same with the Texas Senate race, in which Democratic Rep. Colin Allred is expected to secure the nomination to face GOP Sen. Ted Cruz in November. There are two Democratic primaries in March that highlight Democrats generational divide. In Texas 18th District, Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is running for reelection after losing last years race for Houston mayor. Her last-minute reentry into the race has not dissuaded former city councilmember Amanda Edwards from remaining in the congressional contest. In her TV ads, Edwards proclaims, Its time for change, though theres no substantive criticism of Jackson Lee or her policies. Similarly, in Illinois 7th District, 82-year-old Democratic Rep. Danny Davis faces yet another primary challenge. But despite the embarrassment of the revelation that Davis campaign used artificial intelligence to make him look younger, a fractured primary field could result in Davis winning a 15th term. California Scheming From the California Senate race to a battleground House race in the Central Valley, the states top-two primary system is forcing some fascinating machinations in the closing weeks before the March 5 vote. Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff is openly promoting Republican Steve Garveys campaign in an effort to propel the former All-Star first baseman into the general election for Senate, which Schiff would almost certainly win in a state as blue as California. Thats drawn howls from Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, whos running neck and neck in the polls with Garvey for second place. A Schiff-vs.-Porter general election would force both Democrats to campaign among a broad but left-leaning electorate. The math is even more existential for the two parties in Californias 22nd District. The race includes four candidates: Trump-impeaching GOP Rep. David Valadao, conservative Republican Chris Mathys, former Democratic state Assemblyman Rudy Salas and Democratic state Sen. Melissa Hurtado. Democrats want to ensure Salas makes the general, while Republicans are eager to protect Valadao. Thats led to some creative maneuvers: National Democrats have intervened to promote Salas, while the Congressional Leadership Fund is attacking Mathys, who almost unseated Valadao in the 2022 primary, as soft on crime. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Per state law, Oregon families have just five days to ensure their children are vaccinated or have an exemption before theyre unenrolled from schools or childcare facilities. School Exclusion Day falls on Wednesday, Feb. 21. According to Multnomah County, 108,000 children and students in the area are expected to meet the school immunization requirements by the deadline. Portland-set CBS series premieres with connection to KOIN 6 anchor Officials have already notified parents of the looming date. On Feb. 7, the county health department sent exclusion orders to about 5,600 families. The county also mailed about 5,600 notices in February 2023, but that number has increased by about 12% in recent years. Officials sent almost 5,000 notices in 2020, prior to the pandemic. To help families meet the deadline, Multnomah County is partnering with the Multnomah Education Service District and David Douglas School District to host a free vaccine clinic this Saturday, Feb. 17. The event will be held at 1500 SE 130th Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Youth between the ages of 5 and 19 are eligible for the clinic, which doesnt require ID or insurance. 2 storm-damaged Portland schools wont reopen this school year, frustrating parents Multnomah County advises parents to call 503-988-8939 to secure an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. The final pop-up clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21, on Exclusion Day. It will be held at CareOregons Boys & Girls Club at Rockwood on 454 SE 165th Ave. Only walk-ins are accepted for this event. The clinic will include vaccines against influenza, measles, hepatitis and more. The Oregon Health Authority has a full list of the immunizations required for the 2023-24 school year. Operation Fentanyl: An inside look at PPBs battle with a dangerous drug dealing hotspot Vaccine-preventable diseases can be highly contagious, with several cases of measles recently taking place in the Pacific Northwest and across the U.S., Stacy de Assis Matthews, school law coordinator in OHAs Public Health Division, said in a statement. Immunizations remain the best way to stop that spread, keeping kids and school communities healthy and safe. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. NASA works with a worldwide coalition of astronomers to find and track dangerous asteroids. In the event of an impending hazardous asteroid strike, NASA already has its plan in place to alert the public. Whether it could save Earth from such a disaster is a matter of timing. When the Chicxulub impactor, a six-mile-wide asteroid, struck Earth 66 million years ago, the dinosaurs had no warning. If an asteroid that size hit Earth today, a shock wave two million times more powerful than a hydrogen bomb would flatten forests and trigger tsunamis. A seismic pulse equal to a magnitude 10 earthquake would crumble cities. And long after the impact, a cloud of hot dust, ash, and steam would blot out the sun, plunging the Earth into freezing cold. The Chicxulub impactor wiped out 75% of Earth's species. ROGER HARRIS / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images But at least we'd probably know it was coming ahead of time. And if NASA has anything to say about it, we may even be able to prevent the apocalypse. NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office is tasked with finding, tracking, and assessing the risk associated with potentially hazardous asteroids in our solar system. We definitely want to find all those before they find us, said Lindley Johnson , Lead Program Executive for the Planetary Defense Coordination Office. To do that, NASA works with a global coalition of astronomers called the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). Heres what they would do if an apocalyptic asteroid strike was headed toward Earth. An international warning system In the event that a dangerous asteroid is headed toward Earth, IAWN has procedures in place to notify the public. First, the party members who detected the threat would share their observations across the IAWN network to verify their findings and assess the danger. Once all parties agree that Earth should brace for impact, NASA would send out an alert. I dont have a red phone on my desk or anything, Johnson said. But we do have formal procedures by which notification of a serious impact would be provided. If the asteroid was headed toward the US, NASA would notify the White House, and the government would release a formal statement to the public. If it was big enough to pose an international threat, IAWN would notify the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs. Hunting for asteroids An asteroid is considered potentially hazardous if it is larger than roughly 460 feet across and intersects Earths orbit at a minimum distance of 0.5 astronomical units, which is half the distance between Earth and the sun. There are about 2,300 known potentially hazardous asteroids out there, and roughly 153 of them are larger than 0.6 miles across. Thats big enough to trigger a catastrophe if one struck Earth. To find and track them, NASA and the other IAWN partners look for new asteroids in addition to tracking ones that have already been discovered. All their observations get compiled into a database at the Minor Planet Center. So far, IAWN has found over 34,000 near-Earth asteroids. With enough observational data, NASA can confidently predict their orbits at least a century into the future, Johnson said. Theres a slim chance that the potentially hazardous Bennu asteroid could hit Earth in 159 years, triggering an explosion equal to 24 nuclear bombs. But the odds of that happening are only about one in 2,700, according to a 2021 study . If Bennu does head toward Earth, NASA has a few tricks up its sleeve to defend our planet. Defending Earth Most of the time, IAWN catches oncoming asteroids long before they become an immediate threat to Earth, according to Johnson. But NASA would need at least five to 10 years of advanced notice to prevent the apocalypse from an approaching asteroid. In 2021, NASA launched its first planetary defense test mission. It rammed an uncrewed spacecraft into an asteroid to shift its orbit away from Earth. An artist's illustration of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission. MARK GARLICK / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images The mission was a success, and NASA plans to test more deflection techniques in the future. A developing gravity tractor technique would send a spacecraft to stay in position next to the asteroid and allow the gravitational interaction to pull the asteroid out of its orbit. NASA is also working on a technique that uses an ion beam to shift an asteroid's course. But if the threat was coming in less than five years, NASA wouldnt have time to deflect the asteroid. Then, it might resort to destruction to minimize and disperse the impact. If NASA only had a few months of warning, then theres not much it could do to save Earth . Thankfully, IAWNs strategy is to find asteroids decades, if not centuries, before the impact. That gives us plenty of time to then try to do something about them while theyre still in space, so that we completely avoid any catastrophe here on Earth, Johnson said. Read the original article on Business Insider NASA was riding a high after the overall success of Artemis I when the uncrewed rocket made a test run to the moon and back in 2022, so the message remained full steam ahead to push for a crewed Artemis II flight in 2024 and the return of humans to the moon in 2025. But under the surface were issues, and the sheen of success hit reality, prompting NASA to delay Artemis first human spaceflight until no earlier than September 2025, and then pushing the moon landing until at least one year later. A big driver of that delay was a NASA-driven, lessons-learned initiative that is closely examining the things that worked well with Artemis I and those that needed fixing across not just NASA departments and other government agencies, but also with commercial partners like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. NASA delays Artemis II and III moon missions to 2025 and 2026 Leading the lessons learned program since Artemis I for NASA has been Janet Karika, principal adviser for space transportation and a former NASA chief of staff, who led a discussion on the efforts during a panel held Jan. 31 at the SpaceCom conference at the Orange County Convention Center. She said the key issue is a continued effort by NASA to battle a culture of organizational silence the notion that workers and managers feel the pressure to ignore warning signs in favor of budgets and deadlines which was a leading factor in both the space shuttle Challenger and Columbia disasters that led to the deaths of 14 astronauts. It happens. And we all know it happens, she said. So we will talk about organizational silence, but how many of us still see it in our organizations? Im not going to say anything, Is anybody else saying anything? Im not raising my hand, it is still around. The specter of those tragedies gets hammered home each year because of the anniversary timeframe among both shuttle disasters and the Apollo I fire that killed three astronauts in 1967 that NASA pays deference to each year, as all three happened between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2. During this Week of Remembrance, Im telling you, call it out. If you have to tell somebody, Youre not creating a tremendously open environment right now. That is important because its a real thing that lives and breathes at NASA, Karika said. She credited panelist Zudayyah Taylor-Dunn, chief knowledge officer within both NASAs space operations and exploration systems directorates, as leading an organization within NASA to make sure all of the players across 10 space centers and five mission directorates are talking with one another. So as the engineers and scientists solve problems, the organization is designed to make sure safety outweighs the pursuit of success. Creating a safe space to fail Its a message that has to come from the top down, she said. Creating a safe space to fail. That is so pivotal to foster that environment, Taylor-Dunn said. If you dont do that, then were not communicating our best. So theres something that could be left unsaid, and then we have a failure. So you need to be able to create that safe space and protect that safe space. One of the biggest lessons learned among all the players was a lack of communication. Because of that, for Artemis II and beyond, NASA created last year the new Moon to Mars Program Office, which as one of its biggest requirements has each team buy into one shared schedule. Lorna Kenna, vice president and program manager with Jacobs Space Operations Group, which is the primary contractor with Exploration Ground Systems based at Kennedy Space Center, said a lack of schedule sharing led to some of the biggest headaches as the EGS teams tried to juggle for the first time a new launch system. Artemis I didnt go as originally planned, and what you see within a program is individual stakeholders will make risk trades based on what may be an overly optimistic schedule, she said. And so at Kennedy, for instance, when we saw where we made decisions about not replacing critical ground support equipment, because we were just this close to launch What we found was we limped along with hardware that should have been replaced early in the program. Parts falling into place for NASAs next moon rocket for Artemis II So now EGS along with the Space Launch System rocket prime contractor Boeing and the Orion spacecraft prime contractor Lockheed Martin are in lockstep with how they are running up against deadlines. For Artemis III and beyond, that list of partners grows with spacesuits built by Axiom Space, human landing systems provided by SpaceX and Blue Origin and the contractors working with the planned lunar space station called Gateway. Schedule realism, I will tell you right now is a huge part of some of our lessons learned, Karika said. Everybodys coming together, and were talking all the frenemies Weve got just everybody in the room, and were all talking about how to get this mission done. Those discussions led to what is now at least a 10-month delay for Artemis II, and now gives more breathing room for the complicated facets of Artemis III to hit the target. Jacobs, for instance, gets more time to put a working mobile launch tower in place, and one that wont sustain as much damage as it did from the first launch. 8.8 million pounds of thrust leaving the launch pad tends to leave a mark, Kenna said, noting the designs for the tower were based on suppositions of just what might happen when what became the worlds most powerful orbital rocket to launch actually came to fruition. Another issue as the rocket prepped for liftoff at Kennedy Space Center was the lack of access to parts of the fully stacked 312-foot-tall SLS topped with Orion while it was at on the launch pad. In 2022, some of those issues forced teams to have to roll it back to the Vehicle Assembly Building just so they could get to the problematic parts of the rocket. Theres a lot of wear and tear on the whole system to take all of the umbilicals off, to get configured to bring the crawler underneath and roll it back, said panelist John Shannon, Boeing Exploration Systems mission area vice president. So really having that late hardware access to the pad I think is going to be a requirement for future missions. Shannon did say some of the lessons learned leading up to the first launch will translate to a better flow for the future. That included supply chain issues related to not just the pandemic, but also because of a lack of vendors that became limited after the space shuttle program shut down. Moonbound astronauts check out their ride at Kennedy Space Center And despite SLS taking nearly a decade since the program was announced to actually taking flight, he had confidence because of the robust testing of the engine parts. Even though there was a lot of schedule pressure, especially in the last couple of years, NASA never backed off on the requirement to do full testing on the vehicle, he said. It takes an effort of will to do that. Its easy to skip testing as you get into the crunch time But NASA realized that this is really the one chance you have to collect a lot of data to understand the performance of this vehicle. And while NASA and its three main contract partners that put up Artemis I have had a decade working together leading to a certain level of comfort, future missions are going to need even more communication as new players join the team. Its trust building, but Im not sure we have 10 or 15 years to do that, as were adding the new folks, said Paul Anderson, Lockheed Martin Spaces deputy program manager for Orion. Weve got to get leaders on the Artemis program to continue this where we can enable this spirit of cooperation. Nashville is one of the best state capitals to live in: report NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Music City is being named one of the best places to call home, according to a new report. Findings from WalletHub ranked Nashville as No. 11 on the 2024s Best State Capitals to Live In report. To make the list, the personal-finance website compared the nations capitals across 48 key indicators, including affordability, economic well-being, education, health care and quality of life. Where do the most car crashes happen in Nashville? State capitals are usually thriving cities that bring cultural and economic value. However, an analyst for WalletHub said thats not always the case. State capitals theoretically should demonstrate the very best of what the state has to offer. In reality, each state capital has its own pros and cons, and some are among the most desirable places to live in their respective states while others are unfortunately among the least, said Cassandra Hope, an analyst for the personal-finance website. In the report, Nashville was ranked among the highest in economic well being, landing in the fourth spot. Meanwhile, Tennessees capital ranked lower when it came to affordability and the quality of education and health care. Music City musicians receive parking discount downtown WalletHub also found that Nashville was ranked among the capitals with the most attractions, which comes as no surprise considering Music City is home to several celebrity-owned bars, honky tonks and music museums. However, when it came to state and federal-government employees, the report found the city had the lowest percentage of workers in that field. Overall, Nashville landed in the top 15 falling behind other capitals including Atlanta, Denver and Salt Lake City. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The top 5 best state capitals, according to WalletHub: Austin, Texas Madison, Wisconsin Raleigh, North Carolina Boise, Idaho Atlanta, Georgia To see the full report, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Erica Hughes, a military veteran who has served as a U.S. immigration judge, is running for the 151st District Court seat. She is one of two Black female judicial candidates who have faced lawsuits from white incumbents in efforts to discredit them before the primary election in March. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Before 17 Black women were elected to the bench in Harris County in 2018, there was not much concern about the qualifications needed to run for a Texas judicial position. The women made history as the largest group of Black female judges elected in Texas. Now, a state law, H.B. 2384, which took effect in September and had nearly unanimous bipartisan support, is being used to question the qualifications of two Black women running for Harris County judicial positions in the March primary. In each instance, a white, male incumbent judge has tried using the new law to remove a Democratic primary challenger from the ballot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The law, which is neutral and vague, was designed to ensure those who run for office as district court or appellate court judges meet certain educational and training requirements, such as courtroom experience, a current law license and practicing law in the last five years. Sounds fair, but this is Texas. In practice, it is setting up fresh candidates for a slap in the face. They get bad publicity and steep legal bills before they can even get their campaigns off the ground, even when a judge ultimately finds that theyre qualified for the offices they seek. Its also a way to discredit Black women, who are a steadfast voting bloc. The women named in the lawsuits are Erica Hughes, who was one of the judges elected in 2018 and is running for the 151st District Court position held by incumbent Mike Engelhart; and Amber Boyd-Cora, who is seeking the 1st District Court of Appeals position held by incumbent Peter Kelly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The suits have alleged various improprieties, including not having the qualifications for the positions, failure to disclose certain information, and even forgery of the required signatures needed for application to run for office. The latter claim has little to do with this law but is another way to disqualify a candidate. Incumbents are also subject to the disclosure provisions in the law, but it's not being used against them in the same way. This has never been an issue before we had a sweep of African-American women who became judges, and no one was concerned, said Vanessa Gilmore, retired US district judge who recently joined Roberts Markland LLP. I feel like this new law has been weaponized against Black women to protect the incumbents. It doesnt have to have discriminatory intent to have a discriminatory impact. In the cases of Hughes and Boyd-Cora, the suits went to the Texas Supreme Court and were dismissed. There is no indication that non-Black judicial candidates running against incumbents are facing similar lawsuits. The Texas Democratic Party is trying to resurrect the white Primary by using the subjective test to disqualify Black candidates, said Lloyd E. Kelley, an attorney who has represented the women, in his argument to the state Supreme Court in January regarding Boyd-Coras case. Such a use of this legislation, though it may appear neutral on its face, as practiced by the Democratic incumbents is unconstitutional. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Frankly, to target these women for being unqualified is ridiculous. Take Hughes, a U.S. Army veteran, who has served as a U.S. immigration judge and has presided over courtrooms in Harris County Criminal Court and Harris County Veterans Court. I would have never voted for a law that would be weaponized against Black women, said state Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston. These women are not the only people running against incumbents, but also we know based on the last elections that when Black women run against white men in Harris County, theyve won. As our state continues to become more Black, Hispanic, and Asian, I imagine the old guard of Texas politics will roll out the red carpet for other tactics to discredit candidates and disenfranchise votes. Every time we start running the race, they move the finish line. This is another effort to create an obstacle, Gilmore said. Weve been here before. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The controversy over special counsel Robert Hurs characterization of President Joe Bidens memory has obscured one of the most surprising findings in his report: evidence that Biden knowingly kept classified materials at home for years and failed to turn them in. After a yearlong investigation, Hur found that the evidence of willful retention the language in the criminal statute wasnt strong enough to justify a prosecution. And he explained in detail why the criminal charges against former President Donald Trump for his handling of classified materials include far more serious allegations of misconduct than Bidens case. To Democrats, Hurs finding that there was no criminal case to bring against the president is the most important takeaway. But to some national security experts, the disclosure that Biden told his ghostwriter that he discovered classified documents in his Virginia home in 2017 with no indication he returned them was unexpected and troubling. So was the revelation that Biden disclosed classified information to the ghostwriter on at least three occasions, and that he stored notebooks full of state secrets in unlocked drawers in his home office. They said a senior government official like Biden should be held to a higher ethical standard than whether a jury would convict him of a felony. It may not be criminal, but its reckless and awful, because you have no idea what sources and methods you are putting at risk, said NBC News legal contributor and former federal prosecutor Chuck Rosenberg. Someone who served as the vice president of the United States should know better. White House spokesperson Ian Sams said the Hur report found the totality of evidence in fact does not support willful retention. The report also notes how, in early 2017, the President did find another marked classified document and did turn it in, via his aide, which illustrates precisely what he told the special counsel, Sams said. That if he had found classified documents he would have returned them. Sams also noted that the Hur report says prosecutors could not establish that Biden knew information was classified when he shared it with his ghostwriter. Biden, who has been immersed in the world of state secrets for decades, has taken a firm line on the handling of classified documents. When asked in September 2022 about Trumps storing of classified documents at his home in Mar-a-Lago, he replied, How could that happen? How could anyone be so irresponsible? And when classified documents were discovered in his Delaware garage and other places in December 2022, he said he was surprised, adding, People know I take classified documents and classified information seriously. But Hurs report says the documents found in a box in Bidens garage, many with classification markings, mainly relate to his role in opposing a 2009 Obama administration troop surge in Afghanistan. Some were classified top secret. When they were discovered in late 2022, Bidens team immediately called the FBI. The special counsel said the evidence suggests these were the same documents that Biden was referring to in 2017, when he told a ghostwriter in a recorded interview that he had just found all the classified stuff downstairs, in a Virginia home he rented after leaving the vice presidency. The special counsel found no evidence that any classified documents were turned in at that time. That is perhaps the reports most damaging finding: Biden knew he had classified documents in 2017, but there is no evidence he took steps to turn them in. But the report says the special counsel was unable to conclusively identify those documents, and therefore prosecutors could not prove to a jury exactly what that 2017 comment referred to. Still, the report contradicted the message that the White House had voiced for months: that Biden didnt know he had classified documents in his home and office. Sams, the White House spokesman, said Biden told the special counsel that he believed he was referring to a handwritten letter he had sent President Barack Obama, a letter that was not marked classified. But the Hur report says Biden did not remember anything at all about this incident an especially important factor that Justice Department officials say prompted Hur to include the controversial assessments of Bidens mental state, including that he would appear to a jury as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. The ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, was helping Biden write a memoir about his sons death called Promise Me, Dad. The report says Biden also shared with Zwonitzer classified information on three occasions from notebooks Biden had compiled during his time in office. Biden then stored those notebooks in insecure locations, it says. The report also says the evidence shows convincingly that Biden knew the notebooks contained classified information. But it also acknowledges that prosecutors would not be able to prove to a jury that the exact passages Biden read to the ghostwriter were classified. The report notes that other presidents, including Ronald Reagan, took home notebooks or diaries containing classified information and were never prosecuted. And it says Biden believed he had a right to keep his own notebooks. So, it concludes, a prosecution would be difficult. Still, there were warning signs. The Hur report found that in October 2016, as then-Vice President Biden was gathering notecards to use in writing his memoir, a military aide working in his office raised concerns that the notes contained classified material. The aides immediate supervisor disagreed, so she wrote an email for the record saying she believed these records are being mishandled. In another instance, the report says, a lawyer working for the vice presidents office noticed that some of the notecards he was collecting contained notes about the Presidents Daily Brief, which often contains some of the most sensitive intelligence the U.S. government collects. Attorney Mark Zaid, who specializes in cases involving classified information, said Hurs findings were worse than I expected by way of the presidents conduct over the years. But even then, none of it surprised me. His conduct was emblematic of what we see with former senior government officials all the time, Zaid added. It sends a horrible message to the workforce that our senior leadership is not held to account for its mishandling of classified information. Zaid said a typical client who did what Biden had done probably wouldnt be prosecuted, but they would have faced loss of federal employment and/or their security clearance without a doubt. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Doland Trump set alarms ringing across Europe when he said he would 'encourage' Russia to attack Nato members that fail to pay their bills - Evan Vucci/AP Nato members are scrambling to honour their defence spending target in time for a crunch July summit taking place just days before Donald Trumps expected coronation as Republican candidate for president. Westminster sources told The Telegraph that European members need to arrive at Natos 75th Anniversary summit in Washington DC with a commitment to spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence. The summit will take place 9-11 July, the week before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Mr Trump is expected to be selected as the partys nominee for president. A senior Whitehall security source said: If we all rock up in Washington for the Nato summit with half of Europe still not paying 2 per cent of GDP that would be an own goal. Nigel Farage, a confidante of Mr Trump, said he believed he would not try to withdraw the US from Nato if re-elected, but that Britain and other members had to bolster their militaries to ensure Americas commitment. Nigel Farage said he believed Donald Trump would not try to withdraw the US from Nato if re-elected - Tia Dufour/White House Photo Last week, Mr Trump set alarms ringing across Europe when he said he would encourage Russia to attack Nato members that fail to pay their bills. He claimed to have had a conversation while president in which the leader of a big country had asked him whether the US would come to his aid in the event of a Russian attack even if it was not meeting its Nato financial obligations. I said: You didnt pay? Youre delinquent?... No I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them to do whatever they want. The comments raised concerns that if re-elected in November he might fail to honour Natos Article 5 commitment to come to the aid of members under attack, or even attempt to pull the US out of Nato entirely. The Telegraph can reveal that a concerted effort is underway in London and across other Nato capitals to Trump-proof the alliance. One diplomat said: There is a lot of talk about Trump contingency planning on how to make sure a US president is invested in the security of the transatlantic area. In the UK, the Whitehall security source said the Nato July summit was seen as a key date because it was taking place a week before the Republican National Convention when big, febrile politics would be at play. The source said the UK was pursuing two lines of activity in response to the potential return of Mr Trump. The first track involved diplomacy around everybody in Nato other than the US, to say hey guys, we really need to turn up to Washington with our s--t together. Mr Farage said the UK military has to be strengthened - Leon Neal/Getty The aim would be for everybody in the alliance to have a commitment to hit 2 per cent by next year. Last week, Nato said that 18 of its 31 members would hit the target this year. The second track would involve diplomacy in the US, stressing that Washington cannot just focus on China to the exclusion of the Euro-Atlantic. Russia will be a client of China and Russia will therefore continue to be a challenge to the US in the Atlantic, the source said. Another senior government source agreed that getting all Nato states to commit to 2 per cent was critical. Everyone needs to have two in front of their figure, the source said. Mr Farage told The Telegraph that Mr Trumps recent comments were part of an ongoing negotiation with Europe to drive up defence spending. Read The Art of the Deal, Mr Farage said. Ask for the Earth, threaten the person youre doing a deal with and accept a compromise. The former UKIP leader said he did not think Mr Trump would withdraw from Nato. There is clearly within America now a debate within the Republican movement and within parts of the Democrat movement that does have shades of why the hell should we be relied upon the whole time? The question really is, as the 47th president, does Trump want America to lead the Western world? I think in the end he does. But Mr Farage said Nato was unsaleable to the Republican voter base if Nato members wont pay the membership fee. While Britain is hitting the 2 per cent target, Mr Farage said the UK military had to be strengthened too. If ever there was a question under a Trump presidency of Americas commitment, the key would be where do the Brits stand in this? Along the same lines that everybody needs to pay the membership fee, the Brits need to be a serious force and were not at the moment. Fiona Hill, the British-American former security adviser to Mr Trump, said he saw Nato as a protection racket for European security. He believes Europeans rip off the US, he believes the fact that the EU is a competitor economically and then asks for defence, is at the root of that rip off, she 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. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that the North Atlantic Alliance is militarily stronger than Russia, although its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has revealed certain shortcomings. Source: Stoltenberg at a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on 17 February, reported by European Pravda Details: Stoltenberg called NATO "the strongest military power in the world", which accounts for about half of all military power. "And militarily, we are stronger than Russia. But at the same time, I believe that the war in Ukraine has shown that we have some very serious gaps. For example, when it comes to maintaining equipment in combat condition. We have advanced weapons systems, but they need spare parts, maintenance and, of course, ammunition," he explained. Stoltenberg also pointed out that NATO members had exhausted the stockpile of weapons they had been sending to help Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale war. "So now we are working hard to increase production. There is good news: new factories are being set up and production is increasing. But there is an urgent need to do more," Stoltenberg added. Background: Stoltenberg's words came amid growing concern among European countries about the risk of Russian aggression in the near future. For example, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in January that the Alliance should prepare for a Russian attack on a NATO country in 5-8 years. The Swedish government stated that all citizens of the country should be prepared for war. Support UP or become our patron! NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg takes part in the CSU's Transatlantic Forum as part of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from February 16 to 18, 2024. Sven Hoppe/dpa NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has sharply criticized the Chinese government's reaction to the death in prison of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. "Today we had the statement from the Chinese foreign minister saying that the death of Navalny is an 'internal Russian issue.' Well, it's not an internal Russian issue because we all know that this is a result of the authoritarian regime in Moscow," Stoltenberg told reporters at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. "Navalny was unjustly arrested by the Russian regime, brutally poisoned and essentially he was sentenced to death because he had the courage to stand up against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin." Stoltenberg added that the best way to honour Navalny's memory would be to support Ukraine in its war against the ongoing Russian invasion. He cast China's reaction to Navalny's death as part of a broader pattern of Russia's ally China quietly supporting Putin's war on Ukraine, and that the outcome would have global implications. "Beijing is watching closely the war in Ukraine. And what happens in Ukraine today can happen in Asia tomorrow. And the more successful Putin is in Ukraine, the more likely it is that [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping] will use force against Taiwan." Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, delivers a speech at the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC). Tobias Hase/dpa NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg takes part in the CSU's Transatlantic Forum as part of the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from February 16 to 18, 2024. Sven Hoppe/dpa NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged US Republican politicians to approve military aid for Ukraine requested by US President Joe Biden. "Every week we wait means that there will be more people killed on the front line in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. "So it's not for me to give advice on how to pass legislation to the US Congress. But what I can say is the vital and urgent need for the US to decide on a package for Ukraine." Stoltenberg acknowledged that the US has provided extensive support for Ukraine, but warned that the recent halt to further US military aid "has a direct impact on the frontline in Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. Stoltenberg was speaking on a panel at the conference alongside Republican US Senator Pete Ricketts and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Kallas warned that time was working for Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The US Senate recently passed a Ukrainian aid package after lengthy delays, but it remains unclear whether it can pass the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives. Right-wing Republicans, encouraged by former president Donald Trump, are opposed to further aid. Ricketts expressed his conviction that his party eventually pass Ukraine aid, but he defended the delays as part of an effort to force Biden to take a tougher stance on immigration. Close to two dozen state financial officers, including Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks, rallied in a consolidated effort to get a proposed rule by the New York Stock Exchange in cooperation with the Securities and Exchange Commission withdrawn earlier this year. But that does not mean strong concern does not remain over the proposal for so-called Natural Asset Companies to come into states and buy up land sometimes without an owners permission as long they can prove the acquisition has ecological value and is for the benefit of conservation. Oaks was among 23 signatories to a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, forcefully explaining their opposition to the proposed rule. Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, introduced legislation to keep Natural Asset Companies at bay. On his website, Oaks said the proposal posed a significant risk to rural economies by creating a mechanism for public and private land to be permanently removed from productive use in the name of solving climate change. The proposed creation of Natural Asset Companies is one of the greatest threats to rural communities in the history of our country, Oaks said. Under the proposal, private interests, including foreign-controlled sovereign wealth funds, could use their capital to purchase or manage farmland, national and state parks, and other mineral-rich areas and stop essential economic activities like farming, grazing and energy extraction. Recreating on Utahs incredible natural lands could also face significant curtailment. Curtis introduced his bill in January to shield Utah from such action. Public lands and private companies Wall Street shouldnt be allowed to control Utahs land just to meet (environmental, social, governance) goals, said Curtis. Western communities rely on public lands for their livelihoods, recreation, and more. This rule, and any similar proposal to authorize Natural Asset Companies, is a direct threat to that way of life. In October last year, the SEC published a rule that would allow Natural Asset Companies to own the rights to ecological performance (i.e., natural assets) and license rights to minerals, water or air from sovereign nations or private landowners, according to opponents. Natural Asset Companies could enroll the easements without the landowners consent, Oaks website said. Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, explained to the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee on Friday how his measure, HB496, makes plain the state wants no part of Natural Asset Companies should the proposal resurface. There was such a stir in the West that we got them to back off from that (proposal) but this will probably be brought back or something similar. We just have to be vigilant here in the state of Utah and say no, we dont want Natural Asset Companies, Albrecht said. We dont want anything like this. The administration is throwing a lot of stuff at the wall and hoping that something sticks and we just dont want anything like that in the the state of Utah. The final few paragraphs of his bill prohibits Natural Asset Companies from purchasing or leasing state public lands within Utah, as well as owning or managing a conservation lease or from purchasing or leasing ecosystem services. Oaks is not convinced the proposal has died. I dont think the proposal has died altogether. The agenda is still alive. After spending 21 2 months researching and engaging in national conversations with experts to fight this, I have a heightened awareness of the Biden administrations efforts to use land to address various policy issues, he said. The federal approach includes creating new natural capital accounts and conservation leases both of which are based on valuing ecological services and measuring ecological services which simply means applying value to natural processes like pollination and photosynthesis. Redge Johnson, director of Utahs Public Land Policy Coordinating Office, said the Natural Asset Companies proposal is a precursor to another rule expected to be rolled out later this year by the Bureau of Land Management that eyes widespread conservation on a landscape scale. Related Johnson said it represents the most dramatic change to federal land management since 1976, when the Federal Land Management Policy Act, or FLMPA, was adopted. Albrecht echoed that concern, saying it jeopardizes true multiple use because of the priority it places on conservation. And if this rule comes out by the BLM, it could be disastrous for the state and our producers and everybody that recreates on public lands, he said. But Caitlin Curry, vice chair of the Utah Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, said she did not see a threat to recreation. Weve been supportive of the BLM public lands rule and are optimistic at its ability to improve habitat on BLM lands for wildlife while also coexisting with current uses, she said. In particular, she said the group was opposed to language in the bill that says Utah objects to prioritization of conservation on public lands compared to other uses. The measure passed unanimously and now advances to the full House for consideration. The Friday death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has cranked up the pressure on House GOP leaders to pass another round of aid to Ukraine to counter Moscows aggression amid allegations that an emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin had a hand in Navalnys demise. Supporters of Kyiv have argued for months that a failure of Congress to prop up the beleaguered U.S. ally would not only risk the fall of a sovereign Ukraine but also send a signal to the world that Washington cant be relied upon to defend democracy in the face of belligerent autocrats. In the wake of Navalnys death, those warnings have become only more pronounced. The world is watching and Putin must be punished, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said in a statement. The U.S. Congress must pass aid to Ukraine to defend democracy, because a thug like Putin wont stop and will murder anyone who stands in his way. President Biden was even more biting, admonishing House Republicans for leaving Washington on Thursday for a long, 12-day recess without securing an agreement on new Ukraine aid. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. Its going to go down in the pages of history, Biden said at the White House. Two weeks! What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre, he continued. And its just reinforcing all the concern, and almost I wont say panic but real concern about the United States being a reliable ally. This is outrageous. The Senate passed a massive foreign-aid package Tuesday providing $60 billion for Ukraine, largely in weapons and other military supplies, amid warnings that Kyivs forces are running out of ammunition to fight the invading Russian forces. The vote was a lopsided 70-29, with 22 Republicans supporting the bill. Yet Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to consider it, arguing Congress shouldnt spend billions of dollars defending another countrys borders unless its also ready to secure its own. Hes demanding that any new Ukraine funds be accompanied by tougher anti-migrant policies at the U.S.-Mexico border. That position aligns Johnson squarely with former President Trump and many conservatives in the House GOP conference, which has shifted in recent years toward a more isolationist posture under the influence of Trumps America First agenda. At least one of those lawmakers Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has threatened to launch an effort to remove Johnson from power if he brings Ukraine aid to the floor. Yet there are scores of House Republicans ready to support more Ukraine aid, even in the form of the Senate bill. And Navalnys death has only stirred a new urgency in those more moderate lawmakers, who are growing impatient with the conservatives in their own party standing in the way of additional assistance. It more clearly shows how bad Putin is, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told The Hill in a text message Friday. Some [in the] GOP are in denial. I hope this is some cold water for a few and wakes them up. I hope it wakes them up to the truth. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) delivered a similar admonition, saying GOP leaders should abandon the idea of changing border policy a job he says is better left to the executive branch and focus on passing the foreign aid as quickly as possible. Navalnys death, he added, should put pressure on Johnson and the House to do just that. The Border Crisis can be fixed by Executive Order TODAY. We need to fund Ukraine and Israel. Now, he told The Hill in a text message Friday. We are fighting for worldwide freedom against these tyrannical despots. We dont need to get stuck on new legislation on the Border that is not going to happen. Navalny, 47, was the most prominent and influential of Putins Russian critics, having for years accused the president of corruption and other abuses of power. State officials said Navalnys death while imprisoned in Siberia on charges he and much of the West said were a form of political retribution came of natural causes after he collapsed and lost consciousness after a walk. But few of Navalnys allies including those in Washington are buying the official line. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putins brutality, Biden said. No one should be fooled. Trump and some of his conservative allies have cozied up to Putin in recent years. And amid the impasse over Ukraine aid, Democrats are accusing Johnson and his conservative conference of abandoning Kyiv for the sake of appeasing Trump, the favorite to win the GOP presidential nomination, whos been stridently opposed to any more Ukraine funding ahead of Novembers elections. Even some of Ukraines most vocal GOP allies are acknowledging the outsized influence Trump has over the current debate. Hes got a lot of control over my party, no question about it, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said Friday. Whatever he does say, it either would encourage, or motivate or give them cover. Johnson, for his part, says hes supportive of sending more aid to Ukraine but has consistently demanded that any assistance for Kyiv be tied to domestic border security. The Speaker has also asked for accountability measures on the Ukraine aid and implored the Biden administration to provide its endgame strategy in the ongoing conflict. On Friday in a statement that called Putin a vicious dictator and claimed he is likely directly responsible for Navalnys death Johnson said we must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition. As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States, and our partners, must be using every means available to cut off Putins ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states, he added. The stalemate over Ukraine has prompted an urgent search for a Plan B from Kyivs congressional allies, who see U.S. support as imperative as Russia continues its assault. Fitzpatrick led a group of eight bipartisan lawmakers in introducing an alternative emergency funding supplemental bill Friday morning, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and border security policy. But despite its bipartisan nature, the package has virtually no chance of moving in the House, let alone the Senate, amid expected opposition on both sides of the aisle. Conservatives will likely sound off on the legislation for excluding even tougher border security policies that were included in H.R. 2, the conferences sweeping border package that cleared the House with no Democratic votes last year. There is also a growing contingent of GOP lawmakers who oppose more aid for Kyiv under any circumstances. On the left, progressives are sure to howl at the removal of humanitarian aid for Gaza and Ukraine, which was included in the Senate package. And Democratic leaders are still holding out for a vote on the upper chambers bill. This is clear: Mike Johnson simply needs to put the bipartisan national security bill on the House floor for an up-or-down vote, and it will pass, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday when asked about the impending bipartisan bill. Thats it. But the introduction of the legislation and bipartisan sponsorship is adding to the pressure Johnson faces to move any aid for Ukraine, especially in the wake of Navalnys death and as Kyivs war against Russia stretches into its third year. The death of Alexei Navalny should be a wake up call to everyone in Congress. We must act to secure our borders, defend our allies and stand up for the free world, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), a co-sponsor of the alternative supplemental, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Another option some Democrats are eyeing is using a discharge petition to force Ukraine aid to the floor. The procedural gambit requires backing from at least 218 lawmakers a majority of the chamber meaning bipartisan support will be required to circumvent GOP leadership. Democrats currently have a ripe discharge petition with 213 signatures, a number that will likely increase by one when Rep.-elect Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) is sworn in later in the month. Some Democrats are holding out hope that a handful of Republicans will join them to unlock a vote on aid for Kyiv. This is the way to do something bipartisan for our countrys national security and to stand by our allies, said Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.), the senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, who is actively trying to convince Republicans to sign on. But so far, no Republicans have voiced a willingness to get on board. And some of Ukraines GOP allies are warning that such a politically divisive effort could diminish the chances that an aid package passes at all. That would be fatal, because that would essentially take the Speaker out of power, McCaul said. Ive told the Dems thats the last option the nuclear option. You shouldnt do that. Laura Kelly and Brett Samuels contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The family members of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny confirmed his death Saturday and requested that his body be returned from investigators immediately. Navalny, a public figure for campaigning against official corruption and organizing protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in the countrys highest security prison on Friday, the Russian Federal Prison Service said. His spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that despite the official message to Navalnys mother that her son died February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, Navalny was murdered. An employee of the colony said that Navalnys body is now in Salekhard, which is about 30 miles south of Kharp, where he died in prison. His body was picked up by investigators from the IC. Now they are conducting investigations with him, Yarmysh posted. We demand that Alexey Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. The prison said that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance arrived, and its crew tried to rehabilitate him but was unsuccessful. He was serving a 19-year sentence for extremism, which he said was a political attack from Putin. Yarmysh said that Navalnys mother and lawyer have arrived at the morgue in Salekhard on Saturday, but it is closed. The colony has assured them its working and Navalnys body is there. The lawyer called the phone number which was on the door, her post said. He was told he was the seventh caller today. Alexeys body is not in the morgue. Yarmysh later posted that the lawyers were informed that the investigation of Navalnys body had been concluded and determined that something criminal had not been established. In December, Navalny was transferred from a different prison to the countrys highest-security level facility near the Arctic Circle. The special regime penal colony prison is in an area known for its severe winters. He has been imprisoned since 2021 when he returned to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he blamed on Putin. Putin has denied trying to kill him with the nerve acting poison. His death quickly triggered consternation around the world and many have claimed that the death is on Putins hands, including President Biden. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The death of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been officially confirmed by his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh in her Feb. 17 X (Twitter) post. Navalny died in jail on Feb. 16 at 2.17 p.m. local time, Yarmysh wrote, citing a message that Navalnys mother received from an employee of the colony. According to the message, which also appeared online just two hours after his death, Navalnys body was in Salekhard after being picked up by investigators from Russias investigative committee. Alexei Navalny was murdered. We demand that Alexei Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately, Yarmysh said, adding later that his body was not in the Salekhard morgue when his lawyer and his mother arrived on Feb. 16. Read also: Navalnys team has no confirmation of his death, says Russian opposition figures spokeswoman The penal colonys investigative committee said that the cause of death had not yet been determined. Russian authorities announced the death of 47-year-old opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Feb. 16. The politician spent the last three years in prison. He was arrested immediately after returning to Russia from Germany in January 2021. Since the end of 2023, he had been serving his sentence in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in the Russian Far North. According to an investigation by The Insider, Bellingcat, and CNN with the participation of Der Spiegel, a special unit of the FSBs Criminal Investigation Department played a key role in Navalnys poisoning. In February 2021, a Russian court sentenced Navalny to 3.5 years in prison in the so-called Yves Rocher case. Read also: Lithuania observes minute of silence during Independence Day celebrations to mark Navalny death In March 2022, Navalny was sentenced to another 9 years in prison in a case of fraud and contempt of court. And last August, he was sentenced to 19 years in a special regime colony under six articles on extremism. In December 2023, Navalny was transferred to a colony in the village of Kharp in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, above the Arctic Circle. It is considered a colony for particularly dangerous repeat offenders and is characterized by extremely harsh prison conditions. 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 Alexei Navalnys spokesperson confirmed Saturday that the Russian opposition leader had died at a remote Arctic penal colony and said he was murdered" but it was unclear where his body was as his family and friends searched for answers. Navalny's death at age 47 has deprived the Russian opposition of its most well-known and inspiring politician less than a month before an election that will give President Vladimir Putin another six years in power. Although neither the imprisoned anti-corruption crusader nor other Kremlin critics were in position to challenge Putin for the presidency, the loss of Navalny was a crushing blow to Russians who had pinned their future hopes on Putin's seemingly indefatigable foe. It also prompted questions about what killed him. A note handed to Navalnys mother stated that he died at 2:17 p.m. local time Friday, according to Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh. Prison officials told his mother when she arrived at his former penal colony Saturday that her son had perished due to sudden death syndrome, Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. A prison colony employee said the body was taken to the nearby city of Salekhard as part of a post-mortem investigation, Yarmysh said. Navalny's team said the late politicians body was not being returned to his family until official tests were done. When Navalny's mother and one of the late politician's lawyers visited the morgue in Salekhard, it was closed, Navalny's team wrote on its Telegram channel. But the lawyer called the morgue and was told that the body was not there, his team said. Another of Navalnys lawyers went to Salekhards Investigative Committee and was told that the cause of Navalny's death had not yet been established and that new investigations were being done with the results to be released next week, Yarmysh said. Russia's Investigative Committee informed Navalny's team that the body would not be handed over to his relatives until those investigations were completed, she said. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body, Yarmysh wrote on X, adding that his team demand that Alexei Navalnys body be handed over to his family immediately. Russias Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny felt sick after a walk Friday and fell unconscious at the penal colony in the town of Kharp, in the Yamalo-Nenets region about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. An ambulance arrived, but he couldnt be revived. The cause of death is still being established, it said. Maria Pevchikh, head of the board of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, said that the opposition leader would live on forever in millions of hearts. Navalny was murdered. We still dont know how well keep on living, but together, well think of something, she wrote on X. Meanwhile, arrests continued Saturday as Russians came to lay flowers in memory of Navalny at memorials to the victims of Soviet-era purges. OVD-Info, a group that monitors political repression in Russia, said Saturday that more than 273 people had been detained at memorial events since Navalny's death. Memorial items laid Friday were removed overnight, but people continued trickling in with flowers on Saturday. In Moscow, a large group of people chanted shame as police dragged a screaming woman from the crowd, video shared on social media showed. More than 10 people were detained at a memorial in St. Petersburg, including a priest who came to conduct a service for Navalny there. Exterior of Lakewood Church on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Houston Karen Warren/Staff photographer Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has joined the list of area elected officials to call for increased gun regulations in response to the Lakewood Church shooting. All of us in Harris County are hurting from the shooting at Lakewood Church, she wrote in a statement Friday. Part of our response to what is now just the latest tragedy like this, which is not unique, is looking at how we can prevent an unstable person from accessing a gun. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The suspected shooter likely acquired her gun legally, despite a history of mental health concerns and a criminal record, Hidalgo said. State lawmakers should consider passing stricter gun regulations, including a red flag law. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez made the same plea to lawmakers with a statement lake Thursday evening. An expert told the Chronicle that existing Texas laws likely would have allowed Moreno, 36, to purchase guns despite several arrests and reports of a history of mental health concerns. The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalnywho his spokesperson claims was murdered Friday at the Arctic penal colony where he spent his final monthswont be released to his family until officials complete an investigation. Navalnys mother, Lyudmila, endured the bone-chilling cold Saturday to visit the prison where he collapsed and died, Reuters reported. Authorities told her the 47-year-old Kremlin critics cause of death was sudden death syndrome. Its obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexeis body, Navalnys team said in a Telegram post, hiding it even from his mother. Following the news of Navalnys death, Russian police arrested at least 340 people at protests and memorials in 30 cities on Saturday, according to rights group OVD-Info. Putins Pals Link Death of Alexei Navalny to Tucker Carlson Interview President Joe Biden and other world leaders swiftly blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Navalny, who was his most prominent foe. The answer is, we dont know exactly what happened, Biden said on Friday, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did. Navalnys demise comes a month before Russias presidential election, which will keep Putin in office for another six-year term. Alexey's lawyer and his mother have arrived at the Salekhard morgue. It's closed, however, the colony has assured them it's working and Navalny's body is there. The lawyer called the phone number which was on the door. He was told he was the seventh caller today. Alexey's body is pic.twitter.com/CsPbONUBrn (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 17, 2024 On Saturday, Navalnys spokesperson shared updates on Russian officials purported probe. Another of Navalnys lawyers, Kira Yarmysh wrote on Twitter/X, who went to Salekhard's Investigative Committee, was told that the cause of Alexeys death has not yet been established, a new histological examination has been carried out. The results will supposedly be available next week. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body. Now the Investigation Committee says directly that Alexeys body will not be handed over to his relatives until the investigation is complete, she added. Only an hour ago, the lawyers were informed that the investigation had been concluded and that something criminal had not been established. They literally lie every time, driving us around in circles and covering their tracks. According to the Moscow Times, the countrys federal penitentiary service said Navalny had felt bad after a walk, lost consciousness, and died. But one of Navalnys lawyers, Leonid Solovyov, said the anti-corruption activist appeared normal when another attorney saw him on Wednesday. The next day, Navalny was pictured smiling and cracking jokes during a virtual court appearance from the prison colony. Navalny became a household name and Putins most outspoken critic through publishing exposes on corruption and leading massive anti-Kremlin protests. In August 2020, he survived a poisoning with a deadly nerve agent, falling ill on a flight from Siberia to Moscow and soon being transported to Germany for treatment. Beforehand, hed reportedly been followed by two doctors and six agents with the Russian Security Service. Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021 and was immediately arrested. He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars for an alleged probation violation. The following year, Navalny received another nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court; his supporters decried these charges as fabricated. He was sentenced to another 19 years in prison in 2023 after a court convicted him of extremism. Alexei Navalnys Death Is the Passing of More than Just One Man On Friday, the dissidents wife Yulia Navalnaya told a crowd at a conference in Germany she didnt know whether to believe her husband had died. But if it is true, I want Putin, those around him, Putins friends, and his government to know they will be held responsible for what they have done to our country, my family, and my husbandand that day will come very soon, she said. Last year, a documentary about Navalnys poisoning and imprisonment won an Academy Award, and his wife and children attended the Oscars to accept it. My husband is in prison just for telling the truth, my husband is in prison just for defending democracy. Alexei, I am dreaming about the day you will be free, and our country will be free, his wife said on stage. Stay strong, my love. 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. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's death in jail on Feb. 16 follows a long list of murders and suspicious deaths of opponents of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Since he came to power in 1999, more than 20 Putin critics have been killed or died mysteriously. Many other enemies of the Kremlin have survived assassination attempts. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks as he meets with workers at the Obukhov State Plant, January 18, 2023 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Contributor/Getty Images) Some of the critics investigated alleged crimes of Russian intelligence services, while others criticized Putin's wars in Chechnya, Georgia and Ukraine. The methods employed ranged from poisoning and shooting to plane crashes. Another long litany is that of killed enemies of Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, a major Putin ally. Putin and Kadyrov have denied the accusations of wrongdoing. Read also: Alexei Navalnys life and death as main opponent to Putin regime First murders One of the first to die was Sergei Yushenkov, a liberal politician and ally of exiled tycoon Boris Berezovsky. He was shot dead in 2003. Yushenkov, a critic of the Kremlin, investigated the Federal Security Service's (FSB) alleged involvement in staging the 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis. During the crisis, Islamist terrorists seized 850 hostages, and Russian security services killed 172 people during the rescue operation. Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer critical of Putin, claimed that Yushenkov had been killed because Litvinenko had given him evidence of the FSB's involvement in the hostage crisis. Yushenkov was also a member of an independent commission that investigated allegations of the FSB's involvement in the 1999 Moscow apartment bombings, which killed 307 people. Another member of the commission, Novaya Gazeta journalist Yury Shchekochikhin, died after being poisoned in 2003. According to an analysis by London specialists, Shchekochikhin was poisoned with thallium. Investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya was also a vehement critic of the FSB, Putin's regime and his war in Chechnya. She survived a poisoning attempt in 2004. In 2006, Politkovskaya was shot dead in her building's elevator on Putin's birthday. The murdered Russian opposition journalist Anna Politkovskaya in an undated photo. (Novaya Gazeta/Epsilon/Getty Images) Meanwhile, former Russian intelligence officer Litvinenko, who accused Putin of orchestrating the 1999 Moscow apartment bombings, was poisoned in the U.K. in 2006 with polonium-210, a radioactive element. The British police charged Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer and current pro-Kremlin lawmaker, and businessman Dmitry Kovtun with murdering Litvinenko. In 2016, a British court concluded that Putin and Nikolai Patrushev, the former head of the FSB, probably ordered Litvinenkos assassination. Another opponent of the Kremlin, Sergei Magnitsky, was arrested on trumped-up charges in 2008 after exposing corruption by Russian government officials. He died in prison in 2009 after being beaten up and developing multiple diseases. Magnitsky's death was not investigated, and Russian authorities convicted him in a posthumous trial on tax evasion charges. A similar fate befell Boris Berezovsky, a Russian oligarch who had helped Putin to come to power but had later fallen out with him. He was found hanged in his bathroom in the U.K. in 2013. More murders in Russia, Ukraine and the West One of the most prominent enemies of Putin was Boris Nemtsov. He co-led the opposition to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014. Nemtsov was shot dead in front of the Kremlin in 2015. MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MARCH 29: Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov looks on in memory of the victims of a blast inside the Lubyanka metro station on March 29, 2010 in Moscow, Russia. At least 38 people were killed and 60 injured as two separate female suicide bombers blew themselves up on trains on Moscow's metro during morning rush hour. Twenty-five people died in the Lubyanka station blast and around 45 minutes later a second explosion occurred at the Park Kultury station leaving another 12 people dead. (Dmitry Korotayev/Epsilon/Getty Images) Yet another critic of the Russian dictator, Denis Voronenkov, was shot dead in Kyiv in 2017. Voronenkov had been a Russian pro-Putin lawmaker who had switched sides and fled to Ukraine. Those fleeing to the U.K. were not safe either. In 2018, former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia survived after being poisoned in the U.K. with Novichok, a nerve agent produced by the Russian government. Dawn Sturgess, a British citizen, accidentally came into contact with the poison and died as a result. The British authorities identified Russian military intelligence agents using the passports of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Bashirov as suspects in the murder case. Bellingcat, an open-source intelligence outfit, later identified Petrov and Bashirov to be FSB agents Alexander Mishkin and Anatoliy Chepiga. Tribute to Boris Nemtsov. Murdered on Bolshoi Moskovoretsky Bridge, near the Kremlin, Moscow, on 27 February 2015. ( Richard Radford/Getty Images) Another murder is reportedly linked to the Wagner mercenary group, which was at the time acting as Putin's private army. In 2018 journalist Orkhan Dzhemal, film director Alexander Rastorguyev and cameraman Kirill Radchenko were killed in the Central African Republic while investigating Wagner mercenaries there. Two other critics of Putin columnist Yulia Latynina and activist Pyotr Verzilov survived poisoning attempts in 2017-2018. Recent murders and poisonings Several critics of Putin living abroad also exhibited signs of poisoning in 2021-2023, according to independent Russian publications Agentsvto and Meduza. These include Natalia Arno, head of the Free Russia Foundation, journalist Yelena Kostyuchenko, and John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. During Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022-2023, more than a dozen Russian officials, executives, and businessmen died in mysterious circumstances, with some falling out of a window, off a staircase, or from a boat, according to CNN. Some of them were critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. One of the latest deaths was that of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Kremlin ally who became an opponent of Putin's regime in 2023. In June 2023 Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group launched a rebellion and marched on Moscow. Short of reaching the capital, Prigozhin concluded a deal with Putin and halted the mutiny. However, in August 2023 a private jet with Prigozhin and six Wagner employees on board crashed not far from Moscow. According to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the likely cause was a bomb onboard or "some other form of sabotage." But the Conflict Intelligence Team, an open-source intelligence outfit, believes the plane was most likely shot down by a surface-to-air missile, based on the contrail and sounds of explosions recorded by eyewitnesses. Human rights lawyers and opposition politicians say that now the lives of many political prisoners are also at risk. One of them is Vladimir Kara-Murza, who survived two poisoning attempts in 2015 and 2017. An FSB poisoning team followed him during the assassination attempts, according to an investigation by Bellingcat, the Insider and Der Spiegel. In April 2023, Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in jail on charges of high treason and libel against the Russian army. Kara-Murza's health is deteriorating as a result of harsh prison conditions and inadequate medical treatment, according to his lawyers. They say he is suffering from polyneuropathy, which developed as a result of the poisoning attempts. Another political prisoner at risk is liberal politician Ilya Yashin. In 2022 he was sentenced to 8.5 years in jail on charges of "spreading fake information about the Russian army" a popular accusation used in Russia to prosecute those opposing Russia's war against Ukraine. Kadyrov's enemies It is not only Putin's critics who are being killed en masse. Many opponents of Chechen strongman Kadyrov, a major Putin ally, have also been killed. Politkovskaya investigated the violations of both Putin and Kadyrov, and several Chechens have been convicted for her 2006 murder. Politkovskaya said in 2005 that Kadyrov had threatened to kill her. In 2006 Chechen police also killed intelligence officer Movladi Baisarov, an opponent of Kadyrov wanted in Chechnya on charges of kidnapping and murder. The police claimed he had threatened to throw a hand grenade at them. Another opponent of Kadyrov, lawmaker Ruslan Yamadayev, was killed in 2008. Three Chechens have been convicted by a Russian court for the murder. Yamadayevs brother Sulim, a Russian officer whose unit clashed with Kadyrovs forces, was assassinated in the United Arab Emirates in 2009. A local court has convicted two Chechens for the murder, and the United Arab Emirates police believe lawmaker Adam Zelimkhayev, Kadyrovs closest associate, to be the organizer of the crime. Yet another assassination of a Kadyrov critic, Chechen militant Umar Israilov, took place in Austria in 2009. Several Chechens have been found guilty by an Austrian court for the murder, and Austrian police believe it was ordered by Kadyrov. Natalia Estemirova, a human rights activist who investigated Kadyrovs violations, was murdered in 2009. Oleg Orlov, head of human rights group Memorial, has accused Kadyrov of ordering the assassination. Nemtsov's 2015 murder could also be linked to Kadyrov. Nemtsov was a critic of both Putin and the Chechen strongman. A Russian court has convicted Zaur Dadayev, an ex-top commander of Kadyrovs Sever (North) police battalion, and several other Chechens for Nemstovs murder. Russian investigators have tried to question Ruslan Geremeyev, another top commander at the Sever battalion, in the Nemtsov case. However, these efforts were blocked by the Chechen authorities. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov attends a meeting of the Council on Interethnic Relations chaired by President Vladimir Putin in Pyatigorsk, Stavropol Krai region, on May 19, 2023. (Tatiana Barybina/Press service of the governor of the Stavropol Territory / AFP) Kadyrovs regime has also cracked down on Chechnyas LGBTQ community. In 2017 dozens of men were arrested and tortured in Chechnya on suspicion of being gay, and at least three were killed, according to the independent Russian publication Novaya Gazeta and Human Rights Watch. Kadyrovs press secretary Alvi Karimov stated that gay mens relatives would be expected to kill them. In 2020 three Chechen opposition bloggers were also targeted. Mamikhan Umarov, an anti-Kadyrov blogger, was killed in Austria, and two Chechens were arrested in the murder case. Another blogger critical of Kadyrov, Imran Aliev, was murdered in France in the same year. The French authorities have identified an associate of Kadyrov as the suspected hitman. A third anti-Kadyrov blogger, Tumso Abdurakhmanov, survived an assassination attempt in Sweden in 2020. Swedens Foreign Ministry summoned Russias ambassador for an explanation of the attack due to alleged links between the assailant and the Chechen government. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Floral tributes and messages lie outside the Russian Embassy to pay their respects to the leading Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who died in prison while serving a 19-year sentence. Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/dpa The mother and lawyer of deceased Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who have travelled to the penal colony in northern Russia were he was held, say his body is "not in the morgue," according to Navalny's spokeswoman. "[Alexei's] lawyer and his mother have arrived at the Salekhard morgue," Kira Yarmysh wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, after earlier having confirmed the Kremlin critic's death. "It's closed, however, the colony has assured them it's working and Navalny's body is there. The lawyer called the phone number which was on the door. He was told he was the seventh caller today. [Alexei's] body is not in the morgue." In a follow-up post, Yarmysh said that "another of Navalny's lawyers, who went to Salekhard's Investigative Committee, was told that 'the cause of [Alexei's] death has not yet been established, a new histological examination has been carried out.' The results will supposedly be available next week. Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body." According to Navalny's team, his mother Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled to the penal colony in the northern Russian region of Yamal where she was given official notification of her son's death, putting the time of death at 2:17 pm (0917 GMT) on Friday. Russian state media on Friday reported that Navalny, who had been imprisoned since 2021, had died at the age of 47 under unclear circumstances. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's spokesperson Kira Yarmysh confirmed his death on Feb. 17, saying that he was "murdered" by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The confirmation came a day after Navalny's death was first reported by the Russian prison he was detained in. "Navalny's death occurred on Feb. 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexeis mother," Yarmysh said. "An employee of the colony said that the body of Navalny is now in Salekhard. It was picked up by investigators from (Russia's Investigative Committee). Now they are conducting 'investigations' with him. We demand that Alexei Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately." His team also released a video on YouTube entitled, "Alexei Navalny was murdered. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin murdered him." Leaders around the world condemned Russia for Navalny's death and have held Putin responsible. Read also: Alexei Navalnys life and death as main opponent to Putin regime Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. People gather at the monument to the victims of political repressions following the death of Alexei Navalny in Moscow People gather at the monument to the victims of political repressions following the death of Alexei Navalny in Moscow By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) - Alexei Navalny's vision for change in Russia will be kept alive by his team, his ally and spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said in an interview. The Kremlin critic, 47, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a long prison sentence, the prison service said. "We lost our leader, but we didn't lose our ideas and our beliefs", Yarmysh told Reuters via Zoom, speaking from an undisclosed location. She said the team holds Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for what she called Navalny's murder. She did not provide evidence for this but pointed to an incident in 2020 when Navalny survived what Western doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning attempt on his life. Putin denied at the time that the Russian state had tried to kill Navalny, saying it would have "finished the job" if it had really wanted to eliminate him. "We knew that there was a risk, Alexei knew it as well. And yesterday they murdered him as they planned to do it three years ago", said Yarmysh. The prison service statement on Friday did not give a cause of death other than saying he collapsed after taking a walk. Navalny's mother and lawyer were told at the prison colony on Saturday that he had died of "sudden death syndrome", prominent Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov said on Saturday. Yarmysh called on Western leaders to "put as much pressure on (Putin) as possible", seek justice in response to Navalny's death and not negotiate with Putin. Western leaders have already expressed outrage over Navalny's death, a response Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called unacceptable on Friday. Russian authorities viewed Navalny and his supporters as extremists with links to the CIA intelligence agency who are seeking to destabilise Russia. They have outlawed his movement, forcing many of his followers to flee abroad. Yarmysh, who had worked with Navalny for over a decade, said he represented hope that Russia will be "a proper democratic country with fair elections, with an independent court, with free press... peaceful and wealthy country". "Of course everyone is devastated," Yarmysh said. "Alexei was a person who resembled all these ideas and who was fighting for them. So, I'm sure that his legacy won't die with him, and people will return to these ideas". (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Frances Kerry) RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Calling it a nonstop issue, state lawmakers will take a closer look during the upcoming legislative session at privatizing the NC Division of Division of Motor Vehicles. Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow) said hes heard from many frustrated customers and does not believe efforts by the agency to improve services have had enough of an impact. Weve been trying to get DMV to modernize and get up to speed on the delivery of service for some years, and weve just not made a lot of progress., he said. As part of the budget that passed last year, the General Assembly authorized $125,000 for a study regarding DMV privatization. Its due May 1. Sen. Lazzara said that will ultimately help determine whether lawmakers go through with the idea. It may not work out. It may not be feasible for us. But, we think its our duty and obligation to look at the potential, he said. All of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are receiving calls all the time with complaints. Sen. Lazzara said he thinks privatization could bring greater efficiency and customer service to the agency. He also acknowledged issues that have occurred with license plate agencies, most of which are already privatized. While private contractors run about 100 of those sites, the NCDMV notes that local governments/chambers run about 25 additional sites because there was either no interest from private contractors or none applied. Some of those sites have closed due to contractor violations or retirements with little notice to the state. When asked about that, Sen. Lazzara said, I think if you encompass the privatization of it, we can invest in the modernization of the software systems that are being dealt with in a private manner. A spokesperson for the DMV declined to comment, noting there is still not a specific proposal on the table regarding privatization. The agency has undertaken some steps to try to address the issue with customer service, including urging customers to use more online services, adjusting hours to accommodate periods of increased demand and offering hiring bonuses to try to fill positions. While customers can make appointments, it can take months to get one depending on which location you choose. Justin Cruz said he couldnt find an available time slot, so he showed up to a DMV office in Raleigh Friday. This time, he said he was in and out in 20 minutes. The last time he came, he said he waited an hour and a half before he was seen. Kirk Montgomery, president of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, said hes concerned privatizing the agency will not lead to better service and ultimately could increase costs for customers. Hed like to see state leaders do more to address the challenge in hiring thats plaguing many state agencies. The state has a 20 percent vacancy rate. And so, thats a big problem. Were not hiring, so theyre trying to put a Band-Aid on the issue, he said. This is a lazy way of trying to get things done by trying to privatize. Invest in the resources we actually need to get state employees here to actually work. Sen. Lazzara said while there will be legislation considered regarding privatization during the session that starts in April, he does not anticipate a final decision being made on whether to move forward with that until the long session in 2025. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. WOOSTER, Ohio (WJW) Firefighters in Wooster battled a blaze at the Farmer Boy Restaurant on Cleveland Road just before midnight Friday, according to the Wooster and Orrville Fire Departments. Roll-over over crash: 7 people, 4 kids taken to hospital Photos from the Orrville Fire Department showed smoke billowing from the building. Photo: Orrville Fire Department Photo: Orrville Fire Department Cleveland APLs longest resident finally has a loving home after 10 months at shelter Firefighters worked aggressively to extinguish the fire, containing it to the kitchen and attic areas. WFD estimated the damage to be a total loss. Its a staple around our community here, this restaurant and everybody loved it, Wooster resident and patron Mike Mullins said. Just great down-home food at a great price. Its sad, its really sad. Fox 8 reached out to the restaurant owner but did not receive a call back. Many in the area are worried about the staff, who are likely out of work due to the blaze. Thats sad, I hate that, restaurant patron John Kirven said. You know thats the first thing that I thought about when I woke up this morning and my wife told me it caught on fire. I said all them waitresses, because the people that work in there, theyre super. They do a heck of a good job, they dont waste any time getting your food to you. They move fast. It saddens me that theyre not going to be in there for a while. WFD reports the fire appears to be accidental. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Neighbors of a Florida Power and Light substation are calling on the company to do more about a homeless camp causing issues on its property. That camp was the site of a triple shooting that turned deadly in October, and according to neighbors, a fire last month just yards away from the power station. From Drone 9, you can see the tents, tarps and trash that litter the woods directly behind the Florida Power and Light substation, and from the nearest street, you can smell the char from a fire that Kim Salisbury watched threaten the substation in late January. There was a structure, a wooden structure, for the homeless people living there, and somebody set that on fire, which then set these woods on fire, which are maybe 50 feet away from the substation, Salisbury said. Read: To fix homelessness, advocates say Orange County needs to overhaul time-consuming building process Salisbury lives across the street and says the camp is a known problem. The police have roused them out of there a bunch of times, but as soon as they get kicked out, they wait a week, and they come back in, Salisbury said. Edgewaters Police Chief told us his officers check the area daily and that he no longer considers it an active camp but rather a place where a few people may come to sleep or do drugs. He says FPL has authorized his officers to trespass and arrest people caught on the property, but Salisbury says shed like to see the power company do more to secure the land. Read: Report highlights barriers for people experiencing homelessness to access ID I realize this is not the only homeless camp thats affecting peoples lives, but it is the property owners responsibility to take control of this, she said. FPL told us in a statement: We are aware of instances of individuals trespassing on our property in Edgewater. The safety of our community and employees is always our highest priority. Accordingly, we are working with local law enforcement to address these issues.\ Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The Abu Dhabi government has unveiled a high-level plan outlining global recommendations to bolster Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in partnership with Unesco at the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC2024) held in the emirate. The roadmap, which comes after a culmination of four days of vibrant discussions, workshops and events at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, outlines a call to action to catalyse and reinvigorate efforts in EE and ESD, focuses on addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis. Announcing this, Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General at Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), said: "The Abu Dhabi Roadmap represents a pivotal moment on our path towards a more sustainable and resilient future, and affirms the UAEs dedication to enhancing EE to help further catalyse us on that journey." "The WEEC2024 served as a dynamic stage to unveil this environmental plan. The mass of knowledge gained and the ideas which have inspired us over the course of this congress are fitting illustrations of the power of educational initiatives. Now, the Roadmap will continue to propel us in our ongoing work to a greener future," she stated. Developed with input from a range of stakeholders across 83 countries including Unesco, IUCN, UNEP, UAE Ministry of Education, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), as well as a whole host of global environmental education experts, the Roadmap was introduced by Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. This unveiling occurred during a dedicated session on the fourth day of WEEC2024. During the announcement, Baharoon emphasised that the discussions from the congress had helped inform The Abu Dhabi Roadmap. However, its inception traces back to COP28, where urgent calls for action and intensified efforts in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development were echoed to confront the 'Code Red for humanity' represented by the Triple Planetary Crisis. Emphasising the significance of the announcement, Julia Heiss, Team Leader for Education and Sustainable Development, UNESCO, said: "The 2024 World Environmental Education Congress successfully brought together stakeholders from the global Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) community globally. The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas, innovations, and the latest developments in the field." "This global community of practice aims at transforming education to support a more sustainable future not only at the international level but also regionally through the network of Regional Centres of Expertise, and at the country level through the development of comprehensive Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives for the year 2030," noted Heiss. Echoing the sentiment, Abdul-Majeid Haddad, Deputy Regional Director for West Asia, UNEP, said: "Education is one of the key vehicles to achieve a sustainable future. The Triple Planetary crisis is a clear and present danger, one that needs a coordinated and collaborative action. UNEPs Strategy is guided by the triple planetary crisis." "We are indeed encouraged to see that EAD has focused on this crisis and has managed to elicit a response from environment educators from all across the world to take collaborative action towards contributing to tackling this crisis in the 12th World Environment Education Congress conducted in Abu Dhabi," he added. According to him, the key recommendations include the need to urgently ramp up the pace and scale of EE and ESD, and ensure they are prominent elements in both national and global agendas, with the Roadmap highlighting the essential nature of events such as WEEC to foster better integration and amplify the impact of shared goals. The plan also encourages the harnessing of AI and smart technologies to help achieve environmental goals while underscoring the importance of placing ethics and values at the centre of EE and ESD to help foster emotional connections between society and nature, he added. Buc-ees is planning to open a location in San Marcos, according to City Council documents. Allison V. Smith for Washington Post via Getty Images A new Buc-ees could be coming to the Interstate 35 corridor this time on the north side of San Marcos. The San Marcos City Council is scheduled to discussed potential tax incentives for the project at its Tuesday meeting. According to the councils meeting packet, Buc-ees LLC is seeking to construct a 74,000-square-foot family travel center on the southbound frontage of I-35 south of the Yarrington Road intersection. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The council will consider a proposed incentive of a 50% sales tax rebate for 15 years, provided there is equal participation by Hays County. According to a city presentation, San Marcos would collect a projected $3.2 million in sales taxes over the course of the agreement. The capital investment of the project is $50 million and will result in the creation of a minimum of 175 full time jobs, the packet said. The Buc-ees would have 120 fueling stations and capacity for electric vehicle charging, the citys documents show. It would be located on a 22-acre site on the west side of I-35, just south of Yarrington Road. The location is about 55 miles from downtown San Antonio and about 25 miles south of downtown Austin. Buc-ees plans to employee 200 to 225 people, with a typical starting wage of $18 per hour with benefits, the presentation said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the proposed terms of the agreement, there are no proposed property tax rebates for the project, so the city, county and school district still would collect all property taxes for the site. Thats expected to be about $205,000 in year one and $452,000 in year 15, according to the presentation. The company must make a $100,000 donation to the City of San Marcos Community Fund within 100 days of opening. Funeral of Jewish seminary student Yishai Gartner, killed in a shooting attack, in the Israeli settlement of Modiin Illit in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Funeral of Jewish seminary student Yishai Gartner, killed in a shooting attack, in the Israeli settlement of Modiin Illit in the Israeli-occupied West Bank JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday dismissed the idea of holding early elections, while thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv for an anti-government protest. Netanyahu has seen his popularity plummet in opinion polls since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that sparked the devastating war in Gaza. Anti-government protests that shook the country for much of 2023 have largely subsided during the war. Still, demonstrators again took to the streets of Tel Aviv Saturday night calling for new elections, which are not scheduled until 2026. The crowd was much smaller than last years' mass protests, numbering a few thousand, according to local media. "I'd like to say to the government that you've had your time, you ruined everything that you can ruin. Now is the time for the people to correct all the things, all the bad things that you've done," said one protestor, his head wrapped in an Israeli flag. Netanyahu was asked at a press briefing about calls within his own ruling Likud party to hold early elections right when the Gaza war ends. "The last thing we need right now are elections and dealing with elections, since it will immediately divide us," he said. "We need unity right now." (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Nick Zieminski) JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel has sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo as requested by U.S. President Joe Biden but they did not go back for further talks because Hamas' demands were "delusional," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday. Netanyahu also said Israel would not give in to "international dictates" regarding a statehood agreement with the Palestinians, which he said could only be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions. The Egyptian and Qatari-mediated talks to try to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of over 100 Israeli hostages being held in the Hamas-ruled territory have yet to produce results. A round of inconclusive talks in Cairo ended on Tuesday. Asked during a press conference on Saturday why Israeli negotiators did not return for further talks, Netanyahu said: "We got nothing except for delusional demands from Hamas." Those demands, he said, included ending the war and leaving Hamas as it is, freeing "thousands of murderers" from Israeli jails, and even demands regarding a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem known as the Temple Mount in Judaism and the Noble Sanctuary in Islam. He said Israeli representatives in Cairo "sat and listened and there was no change. I wanted to say not a millimeter - but there was not a nanometer of change." Netanyahu said there was no reason for them to go back "until we see a change". Adding pressure on Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv in support of the hostages still in Gaza. They held up photographs and signs calling for their release, including one that read: "Time is running out!" Among them was Michael Levy, whose brother Or was taken hostage from an outdoor dance festival near the Gaza border in the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 which triggered the present war. "We have no time anymore. My brother," he said, pausing to look down at his shirt with his brother's picture, "has lost his wife, (she) was murdered in this horrible attack on October 7. He has a son, a 2-year-old son, who is waiting for him at home." The Hamas attack killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. The militants also seized 253 hostages, though more than 100 of them were freed in a short-lived November truce. Israel's air and ground offensive has since devastated much of Gaza, killing 28,775 people, also mostly civilians according to Palestinian health authorities, and forcing nearly all of its more than 2 million inhabitants from their homes. Regarding the possible "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said there could not be a "bigger prize for terrorism". "Israel under my leadership will continue to strongly oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state," he said. "An arrangement can be reached only through direct negotiations between the sides, without preconditions." Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the group said in a statement on Saturday. Haniyeh said Hamas would not accept anything less than a complete cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and "lifting of the unjust siege," as well as a release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences in Israeli jails. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Mike Harrison) (FOX40.COM) The Nevada County Board of Supervisors again voted unanimously against reopening the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley. The board had previously voted in December to not allow Rise Grass Valley, which bought the mine in 2017, to resume gold mining operations. The board said it listened to six hours of public comment over two days before voting. Sacramento has never hosted the NBA All-Star Game. What is holding the city back? This has been a fair and consistent process, said Board of Supervisors Chair Hardy Bullock. Supervisors have been engaged and heard from the community and the applicant. Our job is to reflect the values and vision of our community. The mine was previously one of the most profitable in the country before its closing in the 1950s. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. FILE -The licensing process for THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace, an unfinished marijuana dispensary, has come under fire from Clark County commissioner Ross Miller. On Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, Nevada regulators have issued the first license to operate a lounge where cannabis can be consumed recreationally, marking the first of what are expected to be dozens of such operations. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File) LAS VEGAS (AP) Nevada regulators have issued the first license to operate a lounge where cannabis can be consumed recreationally, marking the first of what are expected to be dozens of such operations. The state Cannabis Compliance Board announced Thursday that the license was awarded to a business in Las Vegas following an inspection by agents earlier this week. The lounge dubbed Smoke and Mirrors is owned by Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, the states largest independently owned cannabis business. There are currently 19 lounges that have been approved by the compliance board for a conditional license. A final inspection will be required before a license is granted and they can open to the public. Its been years since Nevada voters first approved legalizing recreational cannabis. In 2021, lawmakers cleared the way for business owners to apply for licenses to establish on-site consumption lounges. The states cannabis industry had promoted the lounges for their economic development potential and pitched them as a draw for tourists who visit Las Vegas annually but cant legally use the products in places like hotels. Thrive Cannabis Marketplace officials said their consumption lounge will open to the public in late February. It will have a range of products for customers including cannabis-infused cocktails and will serve as a hub for artists and musicians to showcase their work. Its more than a venue, its a platform for the cannabis industry as a whole, where tourists and locals alike can be a part of a new chapter in the evolution of hospitality, said Chris LaPorte, managing partner of RESET, a Las Vegas-based cannabis hospitality company. This briefing is in reference to a fatal traffic crash, that occurred Friday night at approximately 09:45 p.m. in the 9300 block of Atlantic Blvd. Reports from the Florida Highway Patrol state that motorcyclist was heading westbound on Atlantic Blvd when a gray Toyota 4 door left the shopping center northbound on Beacon Point Rd. making a left turn onto westbound Atlantic Blvd. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Toyota stopped mid-turn, and was struck by the motorcyclist. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital by Jacksonville Fire Rescue where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and is cooperating with detectives. There are no indicators of impairment. The motorcyclist was identified as a man in his mid twenties. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The 9300 block of Atlantic Blvd was closed in all directions as detectives conducted the investigation, but all roads were open by this morning. This is the 21st traffic fatality in Duval County this year and the second traffic fatality involving a motorcyclist. [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. Nikki Haley says shes the only Republican who can beat President Joe Biden. But Donald Trump says the same thing, and more Texans believe him. So instead of winning Republican Party primaries, Haleys campaign is stuck in mud, like a shrimp boat off the South Carolina shore. On the weekend before early voting starts in Texas low-key March primary, Haley came to Dallas to try to distract Republicans from the bright shiny object that is Trump, even though her only hope of winning the GOP presidential nomination is many courthouse trials away. More than ever, Trump cant afford to lose. Even if he slips in the polls, he still needs campaign donations to pay judgments, defense attorneys and debts. Haley hammered away about that, but lots of Texas Republicans dont want to hear it. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley takes photos with her supporters at her presidential campaign rally at the Southside Music Hall in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Chris Torres/ctorres@star-telegram.com Hes spent $50 million in campaign contributions on his own personal court cases. ... We have to be able to beat Joe Biden, Haley said in an interview that will air at 9 a.m. Sunday on WFAA/Channel 8 and stream on wfaa.com during Inside Texas Politics. Earlier, she had made a get-real prediction. There will be a female president of the United States, she said. It will either be me, or it will be [Vice President] Kamala Harris. This embedded content is not available in your region. Haley told the Dallas crowd everything she says in every stump speech. She said Trump represents four more years of chaos in a world on fire. That fire was stoked a week ago, when Trump told a South Carolina rally how he once warned a NATO military ally to pay a share toward defense or he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want. It sounded like less of a demand and more of a threat. Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price speaks to the crowd gathered for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haleys rally at the Southside Music Hall in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Chris Torres/ctorres@star-telegram.com Trump defended the line in a midweek speech but also said it differently: Look, if theyre not going to pay, were not going to protect. OK? Haley served two years as Trumps ambassador to the United Nations. Trump is siding with a man who kills his political opponents, she said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin Its dangerous. She described Putin as a thug who has made no bones about wanting to defeat America. And youre siding with that thug. In the WFAA interview, Haley also fielded questions about guns and abortion laws. Ronin Hickey, 2, bites on a Women for Nikki sign while being carried by his father Steven on stage prior to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haleys rally at the Southside Music Hall in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Chris Torres/ctorres@star-telegram.com Mass shootings usually are the result of a mental health crisis, she said, answering a question about recent shootings at a Houston church and after the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. But that wasnt a direct answer. Even though Lakewood Church shooter Genesse Moreno once sought mental healthcare and had a long misdemeanor criminal record, she was never committed to a hospital or convicted of a felony. Gun-rights advocates would argue that she had every right to buy a gun. In Missouri, two teenagers are being held in connection with the parade shootings that killed one woman and directly or indirectly injured 22 paradegoers, many of them children. That shooting was the result of a dispute, police say. On abortion, Haleys response was on point, even if it might not be a popular one with Texas Republicans. Asked about Dallas-area resident Kate Cox, who had to leave the state to end what her doctors called a nonviable pregnancy, Haley said Texas should change the law. A volunteer dressed up in a pink cowboy hat remains on stage prior to Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haleys rally at the Southside Music Hall in Dallas on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Chris Torres/ctorres@star-telegram.com I hurt for her at the thought of that, Haley said. I had trouble having both of my children, so I absolutely hurt for her. ... I think Texas now needs to look at that law and say, What can we do to make sure that never happens to another woman? Texas Republican leaders would reply that they dont want abortion to end another pregnancy unless its to save a life. When you do these laws, its more than just about being pro-life or pro-choice, Haley said. Its about humanizing these issues, not demonizing these issues. I doubt many Texas Republicans are listening. 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. A message spray-painted on the side of Jeffrey's Tires in Compton. Bernardo Lopez, who owns the shop with his mother, said he wrote the words after learning city officials were investigating his business on suspicion of selling tires to street racers who perform burnouts. (Matt Ormseth / Los Angeles Times) Motorists slowed to gawk at the L.A. County sheriff's deputies milling around a tire shop in Compton and the large words spray-painted in black across the front of the business: "Dear customers due to SNITCHES no burnin out," and in Spanish, "no quema" no burning. One of the dozen deputies standing outside the business on Rosecrans Avenue some in khaki uniforms, others in plainclothes with bulletproof vests over their sweatshirts and T-shirts told a Times reporter on Tuesday they were assisting the city with a "routine inspection." Asked about the message left on the wall, the deputy said, "I don't know anything about that." Bernardo Lopez, who owns the tire shop with his mother, told The Times he wrote the message himself after learning city officials were investigating his business on suspicion of selling tires to street racers who have taken over intersections to perform burnouts and other illegal maneuvers. Lopez, who says he cannot control what customers do with their tires, said it was out of sheer frustration that he grabbed a can of spray-paint and scrawled across the front of his own shop a message for street racers to stay away. "We tell the kids, 'Don't do burnouts here,'" Lopez's 60-year-old mother, Natalia, said in Spanish, sitting on a folding chair between tall stacks of used tires at the business named after her grandson. "Go somewhere else. We don't want the noise. We make an honest living." The dispute at Jeffreys Tires and Rims, which was ordered by the city this week to shut down for code violations, is the latest flashpoint in authorities' crackdown on street takeovers. The issue has angered many residents and business owners in Compton, who note the perpetrators who block traffic and perform dangerous stunts also vandalize and steal from nearby businesses. Last month, a crowd attending a takeover at El Segundo Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue swarmed Rubens Bakery & Mexican Food, ramming a Kia Soul through the front door before ransacking the 40-year-old, family-owned business. Sheriff's deputies arrested the alleged driver of the Kia, a 13-year-old boy. Hours after being released from custody, the teen was arrested trying to rob a 7-Eleven in Carson, authorities said. Read more: Ruben's Bakery survived pandemic and riot only to be ransacked during a street takeover Three weeks after Rubens Bakery & Mexican Food was robbed, four people were shot none fatally at a takeover at Alondra Boulevard and Central Avenue. Authorities reported five other sideshows that same night in Compton and South Los Angeles. The issue has become so severe in Compton that the captain of the city's sheriff substation called it "the mecca of street takeovers." In a statement to The Times, a spokesperson for the city of Compton said, "We assure the public that we are actively monitoring the situation and exploring all necessary measures to address concerns related to street takeovers and illegal street racing within our community." The city declined further comment, citing an ongoing investigation. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department did not respond to questions from The Times about Jeffrey's Tires. A law enforcement source who wasn't authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity said Jeffrey's Tires was suspected of installing old, worn-out tires on street racers' cars so they wouldn't damage their everyday tires when they did burnouts. Bernardo and Natalia Lopez denied this. They only sold used tires that were in good working order, they said, and when they changed a customer's tires, they disposed of the old ones and did not resell them. The mother and son have owned the shop, located between a Chevron and the Rose Motel near Rosecrans and Wilmington avenues, for about a year and a half. Business used to be good, Bernardo Lopez said, because they sold used tires for $45 apiece, unlike "greedy" shops in the area that charge $60 or more. They acknowledged some of their customers were street racers. Bernardo Lopez believes the city began to investigate his shop after seeing its stickers on cars at sideshows; he distributes the stickers in exchange for discounts as a marketing strategy, he said. Yes, they used to stay open late until 3 a.m. but so do most tire shops in Compton, Natalia Lopez said, noting some operate 24 hours a day. Read more: Tupac Shakur's killing brought 10 days of hell to Compton. The bloodshed helped crack the case Natalia Lopez said she and her son should not be held responsible for what customers do with the tires they sell. "When people come to buy, customers, we have to sell to them," she said. "We can't make assumptions." For now, the city is not cracking down on the business for selling tires to street racers but for code violations operating without a business license and unsafe conditions, including the tires heaped in the driveway, according to a notice from the city's code enforcement department. When code and fire inspectors showed up at the business on Tuesday, they were accompanied by so many sheriff's deputies that Natalia Lopez fainted, according to surveillance footage and paperwork from her hospital admittance for high blood pressure. "All the emotions, the fear I couldn't stand it," she said. Last week, the Los Angeles Police Department's street racing task force, which works alongside the Sheriffs Department and the California Highway Patrol, arrested "one of the largest street takeover organizers in Southern California," according to a news release. Authorities alleged Erick Romero Quintana, 20, who boasts over 70,000 social media followers, has coordinated events that have resulted in robberies, vehicle thefts and other violent crime. His arrest, officials said, was significant for the entirety of Southern California. Natalia Lopez and her son say they believe the Sheriff's Department is unfairly singling out their business, hoping to find evidence of crimes committed by others. "I always invite them," she said. "If you think we're doing something, come. The door's open." A few months ago, an irate customer accused the shop's employees of scratching his car's rims while changing a tire, brandishing a rifle as he demanded a $1,000 refund, Natalia Lopez said. She called the Sheriff's Department, she said, but when two deputies showed up, they detained and questioned her son. She said before they left, the deputies told her: "We're going to come back because we know what you're doing here." Then there was the time deputies tracked two stolen cars to the gas station next door and a third one that a customer brought to the shop, Bernardo Lopez said. The deputies wanted to know who drove the stolen car to his shop. When he said he didn't know, they arrested him on suspicion of receiving stolen property, he said. He denied having anything to do with the stolen car and hasn't been charged with a crime. "At this point," he said, "I think it's personal." A new message went up Wednesday outside Jeffrey's Tires. This one wasn't spray-painted on the walls but written on a white piece of cardboard: "Dear customers, thanks to Compton Sheriff Dep. harassing Jeffrey's Tires, we are going to be closed til further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience." 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. General counsel with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Bryan Cleveland, sits at a public hearing on Friday to allow people to express their opinion about proposed rules changes for the state Education Department. Two public hearings held Friday for proposed new Oklahoma State Department of Education rules drew zero speakers. The new rules would enact policies regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and teacher behavior. The public comment period for state Education Department rules proposals often ends the same day the public hearings which are required by law are scheduled to take place. Members of the public also had the opportunity to comment on the rules proposals via email or regular mail, among other options. Only nine people five state Education Department employees and four members of the media were in the board room in the Oliver Hodge Building during a morning hearing over the DEI rules proposal, which state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters unveiled right before Christmas to much criticism and praise. Erin Smith, the agencys assistant general counsel, held the meeting open for 20 minutes but no one signed up to speak. During the afternoon session over the teacher behavior proposal, the same group of people, minus one media member, waited as assistant general counsel Nathan Downey did the same thing Smith did in the morning. A sign up sheet was available Friday during a public hearing to allow people to express their opinions about proposed rules changes for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Walters' proposals regarding DEI are similar to those in Stitt's order Walters has said his proposals would ban the use of state money on DEI programs in Oklahomas K-12 schools and eliminate what he called sexually provocative behaviors, including drag queen performances, by teachers and administrators. The DEI proposal mirrors Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order, issued earlier in December, requiring state agencies and institutions of higher education in Oklahoma to initiate a review of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures and programs to eliminate and dismiss what the order called non-critical personnel. Walters proposal would forbid public school districts from using funds, property or resources to grant or support DEI positions or departments, and would prohibit requiring any DEI education or training. The second proposal says an Oklahoma teacher may be dismissed, refused employment, or not reemployed after a finding that such person has, either in the presence of a minor or in a manner available to a minor online, engaged in sexual acts, acts that appeal to the prurient interest in sex as found by the average person applying contemporary community standards, or acts that excessively promote sexuality in light of the educational value of the material and in light of the youngest age of any student with access to said material. The proposal was developed after Walters had a public dispute with Western Heights Public Schools last year after it was revealed a principal in the district was performing as a drag queen. That principal since has resigned, but Western Heights officials have said the district spent about $65,000 on security and hiring other personnel after Walters highlighted the situation. More: In aftermath of controversy, Oklahoma City voters approve $3M bond for Western Heights Only one speaker showed up for a Thursday afternoon hearing about another Walters rules proposal, which would tie school accreditation to the academic performance of students. Another public hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday on several proposals, including one that would create a declaration of foundational values and principles of public education for the state. The proposed rules that were the subject of the public hearings likely will be on the agenda for the state Board of Educations regular monthly meeting next Thursday. If approved by the board, they would have to be reviewed by both the Legislature and the governor before taking effect. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters' proposed DEI, education rules get no public comments A dramatic two-day hearing about whether the Fulton County District Attorneys Office should be blocked from prosecuting Donald Trump and his allies ended Friday without an immediate ruling from the judge. Judge Scott McAfee said he and lawyers for both sides will reconvene at the end of next week or early the following week for arguments on the evidence that emerged during the session, which the judge called to evaluate the defendants bid to disqualify District Attorney Fani Willis. Disqualifying Willis would require the case to be assigned to a new prosecutors office, causing disruption and delays. Willis has charged Trump and numerous others with a racketeering conspiracy to subvert Georgias 2020 presidential results. Lawyers for Trump and other defendants have accused Willis of a conflict of interest stemming from her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom Willis hired to run the case. The defense lawyers say Wade used income from his work on the case to take Willis on lavish trips. Willis and Wade have acknowledged the romantic relationship but have denied any wrongdoing. They both took the witness stand Thursday and sharply contested the notion of any conflict or impropriety. Willis passed up a chance to return to the witness stand on Friday morning for additional questioning from lawyers from her office. Instead, the hearing continued with testimony from other witnesses, including former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, who was called by prosecutors to demonstrate that Willis didnt simply hand the special prosecutor job to Wade but offered it to other, more prominent lawyers first. She asked me if I'd be interested in being special prosecutor, to which I replied that I had mouths to feed at a law office and that I could not I would not do that, testified Barnes, a Democrat who served from 1999 to 2003. As the public session wrapped up, McAfee went into a closed-door meeting with a key witness for the defense about the extent to which attorney-client privilege constrains his ability to testify about the romantic relationship between Willis and Wade. The witness, Terrence Bradley, was Wades law partner and represented him for a time in his still-ongoing divorce proceedings. Defense lawyers hoped Bradley would testify that Willis and Wade became romantically involved before she brought him onto the Trump case. But in the hearing, Bradley refused to answer a broad swath of questions about Wade, saying attorney-client privilege shielded him from sharing anything about the pair. Later, however, Bradley gave uncharacteristically transparent comments about the circumstances under which he ended his law partnership with Wade. McAfee said his response suggested he may not understand attorney-client privilege, and amplified the need for a meeting behind closed doors about the subject. If Bradley ultimately testifies that Willis and Wade started their relationship before Wade joined the case in November 2021, it would contradict sworn statements from Willis and Wade, both of whom insisted the relationship did not begin until 2022. During questioning Friday, Bradley confirmed that hed previously discussed with the attorney for a Trump co-defendant details of the relationship between Willis and Wade, including their travels. Bradley also said that after the defense lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, sent him a copy of a motion to disqualify the prosecutors based on the relationship, Bradley seemed to confirm its accuracy by replying via text: Looks good. However, it was unclear if Bradley thoroughly reviewed the motion before expressing agreement with it. And much of his testimony remained of uncertain impact due to the unresolved privilege claims. Im concerned that these exchanges are just two lawyers gossiping about information, prosecutor Anna Cross said. Prosecutors also attacked Bradleys credibility by asserting that he left Wades law firm after a client of the firm accused him of sexual assault and that the client was paid a settlement. Bradley denied sexually assaulting anyone and McAfee declined to allow further testimony on that issue, ruling that it was too far afield of the issues in the case. EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) As a week of tributes and remembrances end on the campus of Michigan State University, a place of refuge will be opening its doors to those needing an extra head one year after the deadly campus shootings. Even though we dont have all of our furniture and staff, we want people to get help if they need it, said Jamie Ayers, the victim services director at Common Ground. This week, Ayers and her staff have been putting together chairs and tables. Its all part of the work behind the United Resiliency Center taking shape just a short walk from MSU. It is the second center of its type. She said the location will serve as an anchor of support to others, no matter where they are on their path of recovery. Wyleigh is a canine advocate. She brought the 6 News team one of her toys to share. (WLNS) A staff member at the United Resiliency Center pauses for some cuddle time with Wyleigh. (WLNS) Wyleigh takes a pause from providing support to people. (WLNS) Our job is to do is to make sure that we talk about that, that we normalize that. These are all normal behaviors to an abnormal situation, and everybody is different, she said. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the group will be offering mental health services inside the center. Ayers said her team has already been offering virtual therapy sessions. Soon that help will expand to include group and individual therapy, arts and crafts as well as dog therapy with Wyleigh. Wyleigh is here to be snuggled with and just having a safe space here, said Ayers. The two-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever has already been hitting the ground running, comforting students around East Lansing this week. Wyleigh and the staff at Common Ground have a history of supporting a community hurting in the aftermath of gun violence with the reaction of a center in Oxford. Ayers said her team is working to create another welcoming environment. This one will be stocked with snacks, coffee and teas. She said its part of the plan to support a community that might still be processing trauma. Its important to be that constant in the community so they know if they are needing any sort of support, that they can come into the center and well be here as long as possible, Ayers said. United Resiliency will be open from Tuesdays to Fridays. While the grant money will last from three to five years, Ayers said the center could still run with the support of private donations and other grants. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. City officials in Deer Park issued a boil water notice late Wednesday following a water main break. Houston Chronicle Authorities identified a potential vehicle of interest Saturday morning in the search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. The Texas Department of Public Safety, Southeast Texas Region posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a 2003 dark blue Chevrolet Suburban is considered to be a vehicle of interest in its search. Cunningham was last seen near Lake Livingston in Polk County around 7 a.m. Thursday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Multiple agencies spent Friday searching for the missing 11-year-old, who was reported missing around 5:30 p.m. Thursday after not coming home from the school bus. Authorities have also reported she didn't make the bus in the morning or report to school. Authorities held a Friday news conference and said there were multiple persons of interest already identified but didn't offer many details. Cunningham is 4-foot-1 and weighs 75 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a black sweatshirt with white lettering, black pants and black high-tops when she was last seen, along with her Hello Kitty backpack. "She has so many opportunities ahead of her and deserves every right to reach those opportunities," Cunningham's mother Casey Matthews told KHOU. "She should be at home where we know she's safe, and she's warm, and she's fed, and she should be with her little brother. She should be doing what Audrii does smiling, laughing, making everybody else smile and laugh." Advertisement Article continues below this ad (CALHAN, Colo.) The Calhan Police Department said a nonprofit recently contacted them about opening a facility for the homeless in the area, and Calhan Police said it is encouraging the nonprofit to speak with the community. According to police, the nonprofit, In Tents of Hope, purchased property off of Funk and Oil Well Roads with the intent to open a facility that would provide shelter to people experiencing homelessness. Calhan Police said, that while the department appreciates the intention, it raises several concerns that require further investigation. FOX21 reached out to In Tents of Hope and Founder Kelly Morrow told FOX21 the location mentioned by police was not accurate and was unsure where Sgt. Anthony Tribuzio got the information. Morrow wrote the nonprofit is in the beginning phases of starting the tent community and is currently reaching out to all city and county officials that need to be involved before such a project begins. Police stated their concerns were regarding safety and security for both those experiencing homelessness and the general public. They are asking that the proposed facility have adequate security measures in place to prevent theft, vandalism, and any illicit activities. We would like it to be understood that the tent community will be safe for both our tent residents as well as current Calhan residents. There are many wonderful people living in Calhan who have expressed a wish to help in any way they can, said Morrow. Calhan Police are encouraging the nonprofit to engage with the local community to gather feedback and input from those living in the area along with business owners. Police suggested the organization host a public meeting or conduct a survey to gain insights into the needs and concerns of the community. Morrow said the group never intended to place the community in Calhan without holding public meetings so that everyone could have a voice. Calhan Police said it would be working with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office and the community, and added that any additional information would be released to the public as soon as possible. Sgt. Tribuzio [of the Calhan Police Department] has since posted on Facebook that he would like to move forward by having a positive relationship between the police department and our organization. Naturally, we seek for the same and will work cooperatively with officials to ensure the tent community is a successful solution to those experiencing chronic homelessness, said Morrow. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) 8 News Now is highlighting the tremendous contribution of African Americans to Southern Nevada during Black History Month. In North Las Vegas, Sedway Middle School History teacher, Mr. Tom Korzon showcased his artistic skills to his students and colleagues. Mr. Korzon isnt an art teacher but loves to incorporate his creativity into his lesson plans. It kind of started with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and then I realized I really enjoyed making these drawings, he shared. Sedway Middle School History Teacher, Mr. Tom Korzon showcased his artistic skills to his students and colleagues as part of honoring Black History Month. (KLAS) I havent drawn in a really long time so I decided lets put it on the door, but keep it going for the month of February. The drawings include many figures from history including American abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to President Barack Obama and American rapper Tupac Shakur. Mr. Korzons student reiterated that, You cant have American History, without Black History. I feel represented and not a lot of teachers are like that. Theyll teach you about Black history, but they wont show you the way he does, Nakita Wilks said. Sedway Middle School History teacher, Mr. Tom Korzon showcased his artistic skills to his students and colleagues as part of honoring Black History Month. (KLAS) Sedway Middle School History teacher, Mr. Tom Korzon showcased his artistic skills to his students and colleagues as part of honoring Black History Month. (KLAS) Sedway Middle School History teacher, Mr. Tom Korzon showcased his artistic skills to his students and colleagues as part of honoring Black History Month. (KLAS) He has taken the time to look at other cultures and draw these beautiful portraits of people of my history. I appreciate that, Nathaniel Moore said. Mr. Korzon is proud to be able to incorporate his creativity in a way his kids can respond to with the hopes of adding more historical figure drawings to his collection this March as Womens History Month approaches. To have students come by and go who is this and why is that person up there? It started those informal conversations and helps build relationships, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Ukrainian medics stabilize wounds and military personnel in Avdiivka Coke Plant of Ukraine on 16 February. Photo: Third Assault Brigade The Norwegian Armed Forces have announced the transfer of a batch of medical and other equipment they no longer use to Ukraine. Source: a report from the Norwegian government on 17 February Details: The transferred equipment includes trolleys for medical instruments, operating tables and lamps, suction pumps and emergency bags with medical equipment. Norway has also donated surgical instruments, including artery clamps, anatomical and surgical tweezers, drills and retractors. Photo: Norwegian government Thomas Beck, a representative of the Norwegian Defence Equipment Administration (Forsvarsmateriell), explained that the equipment in question is high-quality surgical supplies used in many Norwegian hospitals and the Norwegian Armed Forces. Photo: Norwegian government "It will enable Ukrainian medics to save more lives," he stressed. The Norwegian government reported that over the past six months, it has donated thousands of sets of field clothing, sleeping bags and utensils to Ukraine. In addition, Norway, jointly with the Netherlands, financed the transfer of an Estonian field hospital to Ukraine. Background: Earlier, reports emerged that Norway would start a training course for Ukrainian marines on small boat operations in the spring and provide Ukraine with such boats and equipment. Support UP or become our patron! Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre told the Norwegian News Agency on Feb. 16 that he expects to sign a bilateral agreement with Ukraine on security guarantees in the coming weeks. This would become the fourth bilateral security agreement between Kyiv and its partners based on commitments made by G7 countries last July. Earlier this week, President Zelensky signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky signed a similar deal with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin earlier on Feb. 16 and with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Kyiv in January. Prime Minister Stre stated that it will officiate the deal with Ukraine "for obvious reasons". "But the Scandinavian nations will also sign agreements individually over a period of time." The goal is to conclude an agreement confirming Norway's support for Ukraine's independence and its right to self-defense." The Norwegian prime minister estimated it would take several more weeks to sign the agreement between Norway and Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces withdraw from strongpoint on Avdiivka outskirts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not consider the current situation in the US Congress, where lawmakers have trouble supporting the vital military aid package, a "betrayal", because Kyiv does not consider any alternatives to US assistance. Source: Zelenskyy, at a briefing after talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference; European Pravda Details: Journalists asked Zelenskyy how important for the "path of Ukraine to victory" is the aid included in the long-anticipated package awaiting the decision of the Congress and whether Kyiv felt that Ukraine has been betrayed in this situation. Zelenskyy repeated that Ukraine is very much counting on a positive decision of the Congress. Quote from Zelenskyy: "This package is vital for us. We are not considering alternatives today because we count on the United States as our strategic partner and that it will remain a strategic partner." "Do I think that this is a treacherous position? No, because I don't think our strategic partner can afford not to support Ukraine. I don't see an opportunity for a strategic partner to take such a position. We see challenges electoral and political, but I don't want to comment on them; these are the internal processes of the United States. But I hope that the allied position will remain." More details: Zelenskyy added that the aid funds included in the project do not open the "path to victory", and much also depends on the morale of the Ukrainian military and ordinary Ukrainians, sanctions against Russia, and support from other allies. "This is a big allied job, a daily job. Therefore, this package is the way forward, but it is not yet a "victory", said the president of Ukraine. Background: Before that, Zelenskyy emphasised that the American Patriot systems play an extremely important role in ensuring the normal life of civilian Ukrainians and the functioning of the Ukrainian economy. Kamala Harris, for her part, noted that American politicians have no time for political games in such matters, which is now the support of Ukraine. The US House of Representatives has gone on recess until the end of February without voting on the Senate-approved bill containing an aid package for Ukraine The House of Representatives also presented a bill with less aid to Ukraine than the amount proposed by President Joe Biden. Support UP or become our patron! I cringed a little at the names that the Mayor of London came up with for six Overground railway lines Windrush, Suffragette and Lioness among them. Their uncritical agitprop implied everyone had signed up to an approved version of history. Naming a line after the Suffragettes may have seemed an uncontroversial winner. All reasonable people support votes for women. But it must be remembered that the Suffragettes went around slashing paintings like Velazquezs Rokeby Venus, bombing Westminster Abbey (where the Coronation Chair was damaged) and even burning down Yarmouth pier. The First World War brought a partial truce, or things would have got nastier. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of women backed the law-abiding National Union of Womens Suffrage Societies, who werent Suffragettes, and the vote was won. So next time Just Stop Oil protesters glue themselves on to the roof of a train at a station on the Suffragette line, whose side will the Mayor be on? Naming a line Windrush isnt a simple gesture either. The ship brought people from the Caribbean in 1948, under a Labour government, to do jobs Britons wouldnt do. But it was built in Germany in 1930 (as the Monte Rosa), spending years taking Germans to South America on Nazi-approved cruises. Horribly, in 1942 Jews were deported from Norway in the ship to their murder in Germany. I suspect, though, that the name Windrush was welcome since it labels the 2018 scandal under a Conservative government. If scandals make good names, why not the Groundnut line, after the Attlee administrations blundering scheme to grow peanuts in Tanganyika? The Overground choices sound like right-on names plucked out of the air by a committee. Perhaps they went for a fact-finding mission to the Mexico City metro, full of revolutionary station names: Insurgentes, Constitucion de 1917, Patriotismo, and Revolucion itself. Even Mexico (ruled for 71 years by the Institutional Revolutionary Party) hasnt rid its underground railway of all remnants of religion and colonialism. Each station in Mexico has a little picture, for the benefit of those who cant read and for us foreigners. Isabel la Catolica station, named after the queen of Spain in 1492, when the New World was discovered, is represented by a caravel of the kind that Christopher Columbus used. But another is named 20 Noviembre, the outbreak of the Revolution of 1910. Were lucky that an Overground line isnt named the Fifth of May line after the day in 2016 that Sadiq Khan overthrew the puppet tyranny of Mayor Boris. The British, though, have never been fond of places named after dates. Even Trafalgar Day, which many know is October 21, does not find its way on to the map. The nearest it got was from 1906 to 1976, with a station called Trafalgar Square, which then reverted to the name Charing Cross, a pious note from royal history. Its surprising that the London Underground has so long resisted political exploitation. Instead of immortalising the deerstalker that Keir Hardie wore, it displays the silhouette of Sherlock Holmes at Baker Street. Baker Street is named after the obscure William Baker, who just happened to have built the street. Bakers name remains as half of the Bakerloo line, and the other half Waterloo isnt quite so bellicose as it seems. Waterloo station was named after Waterloo bridge, and not directly after the battle. Waterloo bridge was the Strand bridge when designed by John Rennie before the battle had been thought of. Only a vote of Parliament changed it to Waterloo bridge. Curiously, Napoleon, arriving a prisoner at Plymouth in 1815, had admired Rennies huge maritime engineering works there. Rennie was touchingly glad to hear of it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. WASHINGTON Congressional Republicans put a defiant face on Friday after the revelation that an FBI informant the man whose allegations were at the "heart" of their case against President Joe Biden, as one leading House Republican recently said had been indicted for lying to the bureau about the president and his son Hunter Biden for political purposes. Alexander Smirnov, a 43-year-old FBI informant who began working with the bureau in 2010, faces two felony counts: one for making a false statement to a government agent and another for falsification of records in a federal investigation. Republicans in Congress had repeatedly touted those same false statements as a key piece of their impeachment inquiry into the president. Smirnov, who has no lawyer listed on his court dockets, was arrested Thursday at the Las Vegas airport after disembarking from an international flight. The case against him will eventually proceed in a federal courthouse in California, but the initial proceedings will take place before federal Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts in Nevada. Congressional Republicans were quick to downplay the impact that the indictment would have on their ongoing impeachment inquiry, even though numerous leading Republicans had repeatedly pointed to bribery allegations against the Bidens that originated from Smirnov as a major linchpin of their investigation. House Republicans even threatened to hold the director of the FBI in contempt last year to force the bureau to show them the underlying documents, which were eventually released, sparking breathless headlines in conservative media outlets about the false allegations that Biden and his son Hunter were paid $5 million in bribes. Just weeks ago, one of the leaders of the impeachment inquiry even pointed to Smirnov's alleged lies to the FBI as their strongest evidence. That to me is really the heart of this matter, Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and one of the architects of the impeachment push said in a Jan. 11 appearance on Fox News, referring to the FBI FD-1023 confidential human source form containing false allegations from the now-indicted former FBI informant. "The most corroborating evidence we have is the 1023 form from this highly credible confidential human source." Now, after the source of those allegations has been federally charged, House Republicans say that it wasn't the "heart" of their inquiry after all. In a statement, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., claimed that the impeachment case "is not reliant on the FBIs FD-1023," which a federal prosecutor appointed by Trump, David Weiss, now says was filled with lies. The impeachment case is based on a large record of evidence, including bank records and witness testimony, revealing that Joe Biden knew of and participated in his familys business dealings, Comer claimed, though the committee has yet to show firm evidence that the president was involved in his sons business dealings. The saga all began last May, when Comer and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, publicly declared that a "whistleblower" had come forward to allege that the FBI possessed an FD-1023 form documenting "an alleged criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions. Chuck Grassley (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) In May, the FBI rejected Comer's requests to see the document, saying that policy "strictly limits when and how confidential human source information can be provided outside of the FBI." The FBI cautioned at the time that reports like the one at issue simply document information given to the bureau and did "not validate it, establish its credibility, or weigh it against other information verified by the FBI, warning that such unsubstantiated information could "unfairly violate privacy or reputations." Then, in early June, the FBI said it would allow Comer and the ranking member of the Oversight Committee, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, to review a redacted version of the FBI form and briefed them on it. After that briefing, Comer threatened to start contempt proceedings against FBI Director Chris Wray because he hadn't turned the form over to the whole committee. The bureau caved and allowed all members of the Oversight Committee to view the document, and Republicans dropped the contempt proceedings. GOP members of the committee made unsubstantiated claims about the form, saying it proved that Biden had committed a crime. Grassley ended up releasing the document itself. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said after viewing the FBI document that Biden was 100% guilty of bribery. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, a member of House GOP leadership, in a "Fox & Friends" segment in June that centered on a clip of Biden calling a question about the FBI file dumb," spoke in sweeping terms about the allegations. This is the biggest political corruption scandal, not only in my lifetime, but I would say the past 100 years, she said, adding she would make sure House Republicans followed the facts. In September, Stefanik also pointed directly to the false allegations from a "highly credible FBI source" as a reason to open an inquiry into Biden. On Fox News, Sean Hannity dedicated at least 85 segments to the claim, according to research from Media Matters. But as the media reporter Brian Stelter noted, the indictment of the informant wasnt mentioned at all during Foxs prime-time shows Thursday after the case against Smirnov was unsealed, though the network posted a story online. While Republicans hailed the bribery allegations contained in the FBI form as a key piece of evidence in their inquiry, their investigation into Hunter Biden and the president has sprawled into several different areas: Hunter Bidens business dealings with foreign governments and whether his father was involved, allegations by two IRS whistleblowers that there was interference into their investigation of Hunter Bidens taxes, and a widely debunked theory that then-Vice President Biden had called for the firing of a Ukrainian prosecutor to end his investigation into Burisma, a company that Hunter Biden worked for. In a December briefing for reporters about the scope of the impeachment inquiry, Jordan specifically discussed the FD-1023 form as evidence that the Bidens may have been bribed and said it might be one example of a high crime or misdemeanor if Republicans were to bring articles of impeachment. Was it obstruction when Joe Biden said all the things he has said that turned out not to be accurate when we got the facts about him not knowing anything about his familys business deals, his sons business deals was that obstruction? Jordan said. A spokesman for Grassley, who released the FBI document containing what are now charged to be false allegations, said Friday that the indictment against Smirnov isnt enough and that the public has a right to see all the underlying evidence supporting the Biden Justice Departments case. The Biden administration must show its work. Jordan's House Judiciary Committee responded to the news of the indictment by posting a transcript of former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady's interview with the committee. Brady, who was found by a Justice Department watchdog to have displayed unbecoming behavior during a disagreement over the Justice Departments approach to election cases, refused to say during his interview whether he believed the Joe Biden was the legitimate president of the United States. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Former president Donald Trump favors a national ban on abortions after 16 weeks, the New York Times has reported. File Pool Photo by Brendan McDermid/UPI Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Former president Donald Trump favors a national ban on abortions after 16 weeks, the New York Times has reported, citing two sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The Times' report, published Friday, quotes Trump saying he "likes" the 16-week ban, but also supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. It goes on to say Trump has privately been dismissive of any potential Republican vice presidential candidates that are not in favor of "the three exceptions," adding the party will continue to lose ground otherwise. The former president has previously blamed hardline Republicans and their abortion stances for legislative losses at the ballot box. Trump has not declared the position publicly with pundits suggesting he is waiting until he officially secures the Republican nomination for the 2024 election so as not to drive a wedge between himself and social conservatives, according to the Times' sources. The New York Times quoted Donald Trump saying he likes the 16-week ban on abortion, but also supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI The 77-year-old has consistently said he favored states' rights on the abortion issue. During Trump's presidency, the conservative-majority of the Supreme Court voted to overturn the 1973 opinion in Roe vs. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide. Donald Trump has privately been dismissive of any potential Republican vice presidential candidates that are not in favor of the three exceptions, adding the party will continue to lose ground otherwise, according to the story by the New York Times. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI The 6-3 decision eliminated the federally-protected right to abortion procedures, leaving lawmaking to individual states. Trump appointed three of the Supreme Court justices that helped make that decision. However, the former president has never publicly declared a desire for a national abortion ban, which would restrict the procedure in the 30 states where it remains legal. The Times story describes Trump's approach to the abortion issues as "transactional," being used as a means to get back to the White House. Trump has managed to avoid declaring a strong position on the issue thus far, continually relating any discussion back to the rights of individual states. His campaign did not offer a clear answer Saturday. "As President Trump has stated, he would sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal that everyone will be happy with," Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to the Washington Post. The report triggered a quick response from President Joe Biden. "After being the one responsible for taking away women's freedom, after being the one to put women's lives in danger, after being the one who has unleashed all this cruelty and chaos all across America, Trump is running scared, everyone sees through Trump," he said in a statement issued to media outlets. "We all know Trump promised to overturn Roe v. Wade to get elected in 2016," it said. 'Does anyone doubt Trump has already cut a deal in private to ban abortion nationwide to get elected in 2024?" Abortion rights groups also seized on the story. "Trump wants to make abortion illegal in all 50 states with unthinkable consequences for all Americans," Reproductive Freedom for All President Mini Timmaraju told reporters Saturday. "And he's trying to masquerade as a moderate, letting his Republican allies take loss after loss on abortion and hoping that voters are going to forget that he was the architect fully responsible for overturning Roe." An Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) worker was injured early Saturday morning after the plow they were driving was hit. The crash happened around 4 a.m. on Interstate 480 West just south of Cleveland. >> Man fell and was on the ground for 3 days; how 3 8th graders saved his life ODOT spokesperson Matt Bruning confirmed to WOIO in Cleveland that the driver was checked out for non-life-threatening injuries. A preliminary count done by WOIO marks this crash as the 19th time a plow has been hit this winter season. Bill Burch is running for Railroad Commission on the Democratic ticket Courtesy Bill Burch Bill Burch recalls being one of the first people on the scene when a blowout on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico caused a massive explosion. As a well-control emergency response expert, hes been called to help manage oil-related disasters across the globe from Algeria to Kuwait to the Niger Delta. Few of these disasters, he said, rival the level of groundwater contamination and environmental malpractice hes seen all across Texas as a result of the lax oversight of Texas' oil and gas industry. While the Texas Railroad Commission purports to both promote that industry and protect the states natural resources, the reality is the agency has, for years, only shown interest in doing half of that job. Christi Craddick, the incumbent Republican chairwoman on the commission whose seat Burch is vying for, is so entrenched in the industry that she owns numerous mineral interests and refuses to recuse herself when the agency makes rulings on companies whose stock she owns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Burch, 49, brings a level of expertise and, we would hope, integrity that is sorely lacking in the agency. He has a deep understanding of the technical complexities of drilling, wastewater disposal and even seismic activity, which has become a significant problem in parts of the oil-rich Permian Basin in West Texas. Even though hes never run for office or held a government post, there is no question Burch has done his homework on the Commission. He can rattle off the number of districts the agency oversees and the inadequate number of inspectors they employ. If elected, he said he would propose dispersing inspectors across the state to monitor hundreds of oil wells and rigs, and push to raise their pay to attract and retain quality talent. Critically, for an agency that allows oil and gas companies to vent and flare methane and other toxic gases into the air with impunity, Burch said he would reject every requested flaring permit except in emergency situations. The Railroad Commission is intentionally set up to be a self-funded, self-regulated industry with lack of resources, Burch told us. They dont want environmental regulations in the state of Texas. Under-funding the agency removes their ability to have any kind of teeth to hold operators accountable and enforce the laws. Another candidate, Katherine Culbert, 48, is also qualified to serve on the commission, as a professional engineer and the co-founder of a Houston-based consulting firm that assists oil and gas companies in improving process, personnel and pipeline safety. She has built her career on understanding state and federal pipeline safety regulations and for a time worked for Commission Shift, a nonprofit watchdog organization that monitors the Railroad Commission. We chose Burch because he offered detailed ideas on how to solve crucial problems and seemed to have a better grasp on the politicking the job requires. VOTER GUIDE: Everything you need to know for the 2024 Texas Primary We were impressed, for instance, that Burch said he would make a concerted effort to forge with lawmakers in Austin who shape the state budget. He believes tapping as many funding resources as possible is a must for the agency to perform crucial environmental protection tasks such as cleaning up tens of thousands of orphaned wells that pollute the air and groundwater, some of which hes personally been tasked with investigating, such as the Antina Ranch blowout in West Texas. Burch said he would explore the possibility of redirecting some of the states rainy day funds, whose coffers are filled with oil and gas royalties, to accomplish this goal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia on the afternoon of Feb. 17, damaging an infrastructure facility and leaving around 4,000 residents without heating, Anatolii Kurtiev, the city's acting mayor, reported. Russia has carried out a sustained effort to attack Ukraine's energy infrastructure, both through the winter of 2022-2023 and through the current one. These attacks have led to widespread power outages, temporarily depriving civilians of electricity, heat, and other vital services. An explosion was heard in Zaporizhzhia at around 12 p.m. local time, according to Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov. Neither Fedorov nor Kurtiev specified which weaponry was used to carry out the attack. The attack caused an interruption in the work of the city's heating network, causing heating outages in 39 apartment buildings, Kurtiev said on Telegram. No casualties were reported. Read also: Zelensky in Munich: If Ukraine left alone, Russia will destroy us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Individuals and groups from Northeast Ohio will gather on March 8-9 for a hands-on project to bring warmth and comfort to people they likely will never meet. The Ohio MCC Comforter Bash will take place at Fairlawn Mennonite Church, 8520 Emerson Road, Apple Creek, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, March 8; and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 9. Food will be available by donation throughout the days. Participants will work together to combine handmade comforter tops, warm batting and sturdy backing fabric into warm, durable and beautiful comforters. The squares of fabric that make up the comforter tops already have been sewn together, so volunteers will primarily knot the layers together. Organizers have a goal of making 250 comforters over the two-day event. Each handmade comforter is unique and provides not only warmth but also a tangible message to people that their needs are not forgotten. Sarah Doerksen, MCC Great Lakes Ohio material resources coordinator, said making someone a handmade comforter may seem like a small thing, but the impact is priceless. This is the fourth Comforter Bash held in Northeast Ohio. Last year, volunteers knotted 220 comforters over two days. The inaugural event took place in 2020 as part of MCCs Great Winter Warm-up with events across the U.S., Canada and beyond. The Ohio event was postponed in 2021 but has grown each year since. Mujawayesu Emelita displays her MCC comforter at Meheba Refugee Settlement Camp in Zambia. Last year we had many young families participate in the comforter knotting who appreciated a local service opportunity that they could do as a family, Doerksen said. We also had a great outpouring of support from both the Amish and Mennonite communities, though you dont have to be Amish or Mennonite to come and learn how to knot a comforter to help those in need around the world. The event is being held at a new location in 2024 (Fairlawn Mennonite Church), as the previous location in Kidron was booked for spring weekends. We hope that people are still willing to travel the extra few miles to volunteer, Doerksen said. Weve had volunteers participate from several hours away and even a few that traveled from other states to join in the fun. 'Impactful to meet firsthand recipients of comforters' Last year MCC shipped 59,277 comforters to communities in Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Malawi, Syria, Ukraine and Zambia, along with Canada and the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Doerksen had the opportunity to travel to Zambia in southern Africa this fall with MCC to meet some of the people who received these comforters. It was very impactful to meet firsthand recipients of MCC comforters, she said. We visited the Pure Hope Childrens Home in the Meheba Refugee Camp where 21 children live in Zambia. Some have been orphaned, while others come from vulnerable family situations. After the group had finished eating together, the children were excited to show the MCC visitors the dormitory rooms where MCC comforters were being used on their bunk beds. One of the boys, an 11-year-old named Gift, was especially delighted to show me his bunk, Doerksen said. He had been living at the home for two years when I met him. The group also met Uwizeyiman Vanessa who traveled through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola before settling at Meheba. Before receiving her MCC comforter, she used a very thin white sheet and would often wake up at night because she was cold. Now, with the comforter, she says that she is very nice and warm, joking that she sometimes sleeps in because she is so cozy. She says, Whatever you can provide, I am very grateful. Recipients display their MCC comforters. MCC partner Association of Mennonite Brethren Churches of Ukraine (AMBCU) distributed MCC humanitarian assistance to socially and economically vulnerable people in the Zaporizhzhia region in October 2023. MCC serving humanity since 1920 In addition to the comforters, MCC also provides other material resources for people living in the refugee camp including canned meat, school kits and dignity kits. MCC was founded in 1920 when groups of Mennonites and Mennonite Brethren formed a committee to provide food and other assistance to people affected by war and famine in southern Russia, which is present-day Ukraine. Today MCC provides humanitarian relief, encourages sustainable development and strengthens peacebuilding initiatives in 45 countries. Comforters and blankets have been part of MCCs relief resources ever since the end of World War II. From left, Elijah King, Isaac Obri, Allison Hochstetler, Chloe Obri, Mara Steiner and Harris Steiner hold comforters and stand in front of stacks of completed comforters at the 2023 Ohio MCC Comforter Bash. Organizers are excited to hold the community event again this year and invite people of all ages and abilities to join the Comforter Bash on March 8-9. No experience is necessary, and all supplies and instruction will be provided. More information at mcc.org/ohio-comforter-bash. This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Ohio MCC Comforter Bash benefits those in need worldwide JAY, Okla. A Delaware County attorney is accused of dragging out a divorce case for eight years only for the estranged couple to find out the trust account that held proceeds from the sale of their marital home was empty. Lee Griffin, 56, of Centerton, Ark., is charged in Delaware County District Court with embezzlement. She is free on $85,000 bail, court records show. Winston Connor, II, Griffins attorney declined to comment on the charge. Griffin represented Ronald Tyer in his 2015 divorce against Marianne Tyer, according to a probable cause affidavit. In the divorce settlement, the Court ordered the sale of the marital house which sold for $85,145.27. The affidavit states that those funds were put in a trust account with Griffin. The Tyers divorce was granted on May 20, 2022, and Marianne was awarded $58,072.63, the affidavit states. On October 17, 2022, Griffin was cited for contempt, and she failed to honor a court order and pay Marianne Tyer, the affidavit states. In an October 3 deposition, Griffin invoked her 5th Amendment rights when asked about the trust account and any of the proceeds from the sale she was entrusted with, the affidavit states. This is the same time Tyer found out there was no money to be split, the affidavit states. A contempt hearing was held on Jan. 31. Testimony from that hearing shows Griffin changed her plea to guilty. Griffin testified she had Tyers money in her IOTA (interest or dividend-bearing trust account) Trust account, but has since gambled it away. Griffin also testified that she has no assets of any significant value. Ronald Joe Tyer vs. Marianne Tyer. Delaware OK FD-2015-00254 Jan. 31, 2024 Court Minute Griffin also failed to provide Associate Judge David Crutchfield with the paperwork showing there was no money to be divided out of the couples retirement account from McKee Foods. Crutchfield awarded Marianne Tyer half of a retirement account which resulted in Ronald Tyer getting $27,000 instead of $33,500. Ronald Tyer told investigators he was claiming $6,500 because Griffin failed to turn in the paperwork to Crutchfield. Online court records show Griffin was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1996 and remains a member. The Oklahoma Bar Association has strict rules about attorney trust accounts, or IOLTAs. Violating trust account rules can subject a lawyer to disbarment, civil damages, and even criminal charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. An Oklahoma man has pleaded guilty to felony charges for phoning in bomb threats to five Los Angeles schools, two of which were elementary schools. Marcus Jamal Sanchez, 45, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, admitted to one count of making a threat through interstate commerce to damage and destroy buildings by fire and explosives, according to the United States Department of Justice. Sanchez, who also went by the name Marcus James Buchanan, was a former resident of Los Angeles, the DOJ said. On the morning of Feb. 28, 2022, during a period of less than two hours, Buchanan called in bomb threats to two elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school in L.A. In a call to one of the elementary schools, Buchanan threatened to shoot the children as they exited the building, the DOJ said. Weeks later, on April 27 and 28, Buchanan called in two more bomb threats to schools he previously threatened, this time threatening to shoot more kids at other schools. During one of those calls, Buchanan told a school employee there was a bomb at your school, and we will shoot the kids when they get out of the school. He added that the attacks would be payback for not accepting me in 86. He also said he would shoot the employee when they asked who was calling, authorities said at the time of his arrest. The following day, Sanchez called the same school and said there was a pipe bomb on the property. Later that same day, Sanchez called a different elementary school and threatened a shooting. Stop playing games, you know who this is, he said. I am going to shoot the school. I know the kids are there. Following all three of those threatening phone calls, the schools were placed on lockdown and searched by authorities but nothing unusual was found. Phone records showed that the threatening calls came from a number associated with Sanchez, according to an affidavit from the time of his arrest. In June 2022, Sanchez, who was using the Buchanan alias at the time, was arrested, but was released on bond the following month and has remained free since. Hes now in federal custody with a sentencing hearing scheduled for June 7. He could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, authorities said. United States Attorney Martin Estrada said Sanchezs reckless and irresponsible actions put the lives of children, teachers and staff at risk. Schools should be safe havens for our kids, and my office will use the force of federal law, when necessary, to prosecute individuals who threaten the educational safety of our young people, Estrada said. Amir Ehsaei, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, called Sanchezs threats a depraved act that drain valuable resources from law enforcement officers tasked with investigating them at the expense of taxpayers. Threats to vulnerable schoolchildren is incomprehensible to most and will not be tolerated by the FBI, nor the American people, Ehsaei said. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Olaf Scholz was said to be 'categorically against' Ursula von der Leyen becoming the new head of Nato, according to reports - FABRIZIO BENSCH/REUTERS Olaf Scholz blocked Ursula von der Leyen from becoming the new head of Nato because he believed she would be too tough on Russia, German media reported on Saturday. The German chancellor, who has faced criticism for his cautious approach to diplomacy with Vladimir Putin, reportedly told Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, that he was against the appointment. Scholz was categorically against von der Leyen becoming Nato head, German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported, citing officials in Brussels and European diplomats. Ms von der Leyen had been too critical of Putin, and this could prove to be a disadvantage in the long term in the view of Mr Scholz, the sources added. Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary-general of Nato, is due to step down from the role in October, having extended his tenure three times. The name of Ms von der Leyen, a former German defence minister who is currently the European Commission president, has been floated as one potential successor. Another is Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, whose chances of receiving the role had increased due to Mr Scholzs opposition to Ms von der Leyen, Welt am Sonntag reported. Mr Rutte is said to be keen on the role, but has tried to play down his enthusiasm for the job in recent weeks. After 13 years in this job you still make mistakes, he told students at a school in Berlin last December. And the mistake was that I spoke about a possible shift for me, to secretary-general, and Im absolutely not sure whether it will happen. An April 2023 report in The Sun newspaper said that Britain might also veto Ms von de Leyen for the role, citing her poor performance as German defence minister in Angela Merkels cabinet. During her tenure as defence minister from 2013 to 2019, she faced frequent criticism for depending heavily on the use of outside consultants and gaps in the German armys military preparedness. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced major reform and spending increases in the German armed forces, which is overseen by Boris Pistorius, the defence minister. He has vowed to make the nation war-ready, amid concerns that Russia may attack a Nato member state within the next three years. Ben Wallace, the former UK defence secretary, is also being discussed in Nato circles as a potential candidate to succeed Mr Stoltenberg, along with Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister. 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. MCCUNE, Kan. One man is now in custody after police say he fled the scene of a shooting. Friday afternoon just after 4 p.m. Crawford County deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in McCune, Kansas. Sheriff Danny Smith says no one was wounded in the shooting, but investigators found bullet holes in a residence on Brunetti Street. Shell casings could been seen on the ground along with bullet holes in the cars and the glass blown out of an SUV parked in front of the house. Authorities say four men fled the scene before they arrived, but were stopped after a short pursuit. Three of the men were released. Deputies arrested the fourth man, Jim Dodd, 20, of Baxter Springs. Hes being held on two counts of aggravated assault and one count of criminal discharge of a firearm recklessly firing into a residence. Officials say the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between the parties involved. Shooting Investigation Underway in SE Kansas For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. 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. He was a disc jockey or something and he had all this paraphernalia that Id have to move out. There was a thing, you know, with a keyboardthings that played music and so forth. John Floyd, father of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, on one of her ex-boyfriends. Theres a lot going on in the two-day hearing over misconduct allegations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willisbut one witness really stole the show on Friday. Willis own father, retired criminal defense lawyer John Floyd, took the stand, and his testimony was filled with endearing, fatherly asides. Floyd was brought in to corroborate portions of Williss testimony from Thursday, including the timeline of her personal relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired and has admitted to being in a romantic relationship with during their work on the election interference case against Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants. Willis maintains that the relationship began after Wade was hired; lawyers for Mike Roman, one of Trumps co-defendants in the election interference case, have been trying to argue that the relationship began before that, that Wades hiring was inappropriate, and that the two misspent government funds. Roman is seeking to have Willis and Wade removed from the case, and Trump has joined the motion. Willis testified her romantic relationship with Wade is now over and repeatedly accused Romans attorney of lying about her personal life. In a classic dad move, Floyd shared some slightly embarrassing anecdotes about his daughters personal life while on the stand. While explaining that he moved into Willis home to live with her in 2019, Floyd also revealed that Willis had a boyfriend who went by the nickname Deuce at the time. The man was a disc jockey or something, Floyd said, complaining that his paraphernalia was always in his way while Floyd was living in his daughters home. And before anyone got the wrong idea, Floyd quickly added, You know, with a keyboardthings that played music and so forth. Floyd also testified that he did not know his daughter was dating Wade until 2023. I just found out when other folks found out. He later said Willis has never confided in him about her personal life and that I havent confided in her about mine when I had one, okay. And as his testimony continued, Floyd also explained that from a young age, he told his daughter to always have hard currency on hand, specifically to keep six months of cash, always. This part of Floyds testimony corroborated what Wade and Willis have saidthat Willis paid Wade back in cash for travel purchases he made for the two of them while they were dating. However, neither one had any documentation to prove it. This became a point of contention on Thursday, as the defense questioned how such large purchases could be paid for in cash. But, Floyd explained, maybeand excuse me your honor, Im not trying to be racistbut its a Black thing. (The judge in the case, Scott McAfee, later ruled that he would have to weigh the fact that Floyd apparently didnt sequester himself from the publicly reported details of Thursdays hearing involving his daughter, as he was supposed to be instructed to do, against his credibility as a witness.) Floyd also confirmed that Willis eventually was forced to move out of her Georgia home in early 2021she began her investigation into Trump around the same timebecause of the volume of serious threats and harassment she was receiving. He said strangers showed up outside cursing and yelling and spray painted the home with the b-word and n-word. Right before Floyd took the witness stand, former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes testified that he turned down Willis offer to serve as special prosecutor on her case because of death threats he was already receiving for being too close to the Jews quote-unquote. That corroborated Willis claim that she reached out to multiple attorneys for the special prosecutor job before hiring Wade. After a couple hours, Floyd was dismissed from the witness stand. While things arent looking so good for Willis, her fathers testimony was a little bright spot in the wild and unpredictable two-day hearing. People gather at the monument to the victims of political repressions following the death of Alexei Navalny in Saint Petersburg TBILISI (Reuters) - Alexei Navalny's body has not arrived at the only morgue in Salekhard, the town near to the prison colony where Navalny died, an employee told Reuters by phone on Saturday. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh on Saturday confirmed that Navalny was dead, citing an official notice given to Navalny's mother, Lydumila, and demanded that Navalny's body be handed over to his family immediately. (Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov; Writing by Alexander Marrow) Ashley Mayes Guice, a candidate running for Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law No. 16 in the 2024 Democratic primary. Ashley Mayes Guice In a trial court that handles low-level crimes such as drug possession and indecent exposure, Judge Darrell Jordan leaves a mixed legacy as a pioneer of fair bail practices and a magnet for bad publicity. In 2017, he became the only judge among 16 criminal court-at-law colleagues to condemn the countys unconstitutional system of jailing low-level offenders merely because they couldnt afford bail. The judge, raised in poverty himself by a mother who used drugs, voluntarily changed his own bail practices, testified in federal court against the system, and ushered a new era of bail reform in Harris Countys misdemeanor courts. Then, in 2022, Texas judicial oversight agency publicly admonished Jordan for exhibiting bias against prosecutors, whom he lambasted for disrespecting his role as the king of the court. Jordan was also charged with a misdemeanor crime of his own, later dismissed, after TV reporter-turned-media-consultant Wayne Dolcefino accused Jordan of wrongfully holding him in contempt. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jordan isnt running for re-election. Fortunately, Harris County Democratic voters have two accomplished primary contenders competing for the bench. Juan J. Aguirre, 57, is a Del Rio native who has been a criminal defense attorney in private practice for nearly two decades, with experience in all 16 misdemeanor and 26 felony courts. Although he has been practicing for nearly a decade more than his opponent, Ashley Mayes Guice, we were more persuaded by the kind of experience Guice has under her belt, and feel certain she would hit the ground running. Guice, 40, was raised in Katy and has practiced criminal law since 2011, with stints as a prosecutor and as a public defender. She has sat in every seat in a courtroom a lawyer could possibly sit in, she told us. In 2022, after Judge Erica Hughes of Criminal Court-at-Law No. 3 was appointed to a federal immigration bench, Harris County Commissioners Court named Guice her replacement. Guice said she wasted no time in her 11-month tenure, presiding over four jury trials and decreasing the docket size by 20 percent. After the timing of her term didnt allow Guice to run for the bench as an incumbent, the county court-at-law judges voted to keep her on as staff attorney. That birds-eye view Guice has gained by offering legal and ethical assistance to the judiciary on an administrative level would serve her well as a judge, helping her to run her docket smoothly and efficiently. We appreciated that both Aguirre and Guice were sensitive to factors that lead to recidivism, as well as issues of indigent defense and mental health jail diversion. But Guice stood out for her evenhanded take on bail, which she was adamant about not using as an instrument of oppression, she said, even as she has revoked bonds in cases where someone charged with a misdemeanor went on to commit a higher-level offense. Advertisement Article continues below this ad VOTER GUIDE: Everything you need to know for the 2024 Texas Primary I have a 4-year-old, a 5-year-old and a widowed mother who lives alone, she said. I give a lot of weight to community safety. Welcome, folks, to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch's regular newsletter covering noteworthy happenings in the tech industry. This week, OpenAI stunned the blogosphere with the release of Sora, a new AI model that can generate videos in impressively high fidelity. We've seen video generators before. But what makes Sora unique is its understanding of time and physics, which enable it to create not only more coherent videos than previous video generators, but also 3D worlds. Wild stuff! Elsewhere, startup Score released a dating app exclusive to people with good to excellent credit scores. And an anti-Tesla Super Bowl ad came under fire from the National Transportation Safety Board for using its seal without authorization. Lots else happened. We recap it all in this edition of WiR -- but first, a reminder to sign up to receive the WiR newsletter in your inbox every Saturday. News Cleaning fees begone: Airbnb is slowly killing the cleaning fee as it aims for more transparent pricing, Amanda writes. Silenced before its time: Layoffs at Spotify have put an end to Glenn McDonald's beloved Every Noise at Once project, a musical encyclopedia of sorts -- and fans are pissed. Mozilla downsizes: Following downsizing, Mozilla plans to scale back its investment in a number of products, including its VPN, Relay and Online Footprint Scrubber, Frederic reports. Google upgrades Gemini: Google expanded the range of its Gemini AI models available to developers across its platforms. And it's previewed a new Gemini model capable of analyzing whole books, hours-long audio and hour-long videos. Slack gets GenAI: Slack introduced a couple of new features designed to make information more accessible, including a new AI-fueled search tool and the ability to summarize information inside channels. Variston folds: Spyware startup Variston is losing staff -- and some say it's closing up shop entirely. The Barcelona-based startup's malware has been used to target iPhones, Android devices and PCs, Lorenzo writes. Analysis Bluesky vs. Mastodon: Amanda writes about the fight over how -- and whether -- to bridge the two decentralized social networks Bluesky and Mastodon and how it could shape the future of the internet. Fortnite and the Mouse: With Disneys magic ("magic" here referring to IP and a $1.5 billion investment), Fortnite is poised to win the metaverse, Taylor writes. Podcasts On Equity, the crew talked about how Bret Taylors new startup, Sierra, is turning heads. Taylor -- known for his work at Facebook, Salesforce and OpenAI -- says that Sierra is about building conversational AI agents. Found profiled Tigran Sloyan, co-founder and CEO of CodeSignal, a skills assessment platform used by many tech companies to hire engineers based on their engineering chops rather than their resumes. And Chain Reaction had on Yat Siu, executive chairman of Animoca Brands, which has invested in over 400 web3 projects across a range of sectors like DeFi, education, infrastructure, blockchain gaming and the metaverse. TechCrunch+ Flash in the pan: Rebecca writes how, for a variety of reasons, VCs are no longer gun-shy about firearm startups. Demand for ethics: Regenerative community organism (RCO), a novel organizational model that aims to be a practical approach to integrating sustainability at the core of operations, is gaining steam in the startup world, Haje reports. Bonus round Foundry Group shutters: 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. Playing hardball: Apple has confirmed that its breaking iPhone web apps in the European Union (EU) on purpose -- blaming the new EU regulation, the Digital Markets Act, for the change. Hundreds of thousands of sea otters filled the coastal waters of the north Pacific Rim, from Baja to Japan, before they were hunted almost to extinction. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) Sea otters are terminally cute critters and a delight to view rolling and diving in the kelp canopy of Monterey Bay, where some 3,000 endangered southern otters play an essential role in maintaining the marine kelp forest. But to crabs, clams, abalone, urchins and some fishermen, sea otters are voracious marine weasels that can eat 25% of their body weight a day a perceived threat to life and livelihood. Thats why some lively debates were launched at 16 open houses put on by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year to get public input on, as the invitation put it, the potential reintroduction of sea otters to their historic range, including Oregon and Northern California, a decision that is expected to be made this year. Read more:California's wily, surfboard-stealing sea otter evades capture again In 2020, the service was directed by Congress to study the feasibility and cost of otter repopulation in part because of fear that an oil spill or other incident could wipe out the group concentrated around Monterey Bay. In September 2023, U.S. Fish and Wildlife rejected a fishing industry petition to remove otters' threatened status under the Endangered Species Act because the California population has failed to grow significantly in recent decades. There was an added incentive to keep the protection in place: the ongoing marine havoc linked to climate change. An algal bloom off the Central California coast killed hundreds of sea lions and dolphins last summer, multiple red tides have invaded San Francisco Bay and nearly 95% of Northern Californias kelp forest has been decimated by small purple sea urchins whose primary predator (with the sea otter out of the picture) the sunflower sea star, or starfish has largely died off from a wasting disease caused or exacerbated by warming ocean temperatures. Read more:After terrorizing surfers, California's angriest otter finds peace as new mother Once upon a time, vast rafts of hundreds of thousands of sea otters filled the coastal waters of the north Pacific Rim, from Baja to Japan, until they were driven to near extinction by Captain Cook and other 18th and 19th century British, Russian and American fur-trade hunters, who killed "sea beavers" to supply the Chinese imperial court with luxurious otter fur. Remnant populations were protected starting in 1911. In California in the early 1960s, survivors from around Big Sur recolonized Monterey Bay, feasting on urchins that eat kelp and revitalizing the kelp forest. A small group has even migrated south close to Santa Barbara. Now environmentalists in Oregon and California, and several Indigenous groups, including the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians in Sonoma County, are mobilizing in support of an attempt to restore otters where theyve long been absent, including San Francisco Bay. Fishermen are not so sanguine. Read more:Sea otters were hunted to near-extinction. Can they be reintroduced to former habitat? At the Bodega Bay open house, an abalone diver, Doug Jung, summarized fishermens worries succinctly: Wouldnt reintroduced otters strip mine the ocean? Dick Ogg, a longtime fisherman, was more specific. The potential for impact," he said, cant be quantified. If they eat the juvenile crab, that could be a big deal. Dungeness crab is our No. 1 fishery. There was no California salmon season in 2023 because of the long drought that preceded last winters torrential rains, and the 2024 season is still in question. As for recreational abalone diving on the North Coast, its been shut down since the kelp forest collapsed (commercial abalone diving was banned long ago). Things are precarious all around for West Coast commercial fishermen, who worry about maintaining their working waterfronts. I still think nature will do its own work, Ogg told the Fish and Wildlife representatives in Bodega Bay. I wouldnt be bothered if [otters] recolonized on their own." Read more:Op-Ed: Send in the sea otters to help save California's North Coast But natural repopulation from the Golden Gate north isnt likely. With the decline of protective coastal kelp and a now-healthy population of white sharks in the region's waters, migrating otters stand a good chance of becoming great white snack food. But with human assistance, the reintroduction of otters could bypass the gauntlet. If the effort succeeded, the impact on fishing might not be what is feared. A 2020 study in the journal Science found that Canadas reintroduction of sea otters in British Columbia not only generated $42 million from otter-loving tourists but also added $9 million to the commercial fishery thanks to its restoration of kelp habitat for lingcod and other species. Alaska, where released sea otters helped repopulate the coastal waters in the 1960s , now has both the largest number of otters and the most productive commercial fishery in the U.S. The sea otter could very well be the salvation for catching fish in the years ahead if we can rebuild and repair a healthy ecosystem, suggests Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), whose congressional district includes the entire coast north of San Francisco. In Oregon and Northern California, there is hope that the cascading imbalances human have caused exterminated otters, sick sea stars, disappearing abalone can begin to be set straight, and that the kelp forest habitat, rich in marine life and a buffer against torrential storms, can recover. And yes, we need to restore many more creatures in many more habitats and ecosystems. Maybe an adorable marine weasel can motivate that, too. David Helvarg is executive director of Blue Frontier, an ocean policy group, and co-host of "Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast." If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Full service along the Orange Line Trolley returned to normal Friday after last months flooding, according to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). MTS said the trolley was unable to serve two stations along the Orange Line since Jan. 22 due to extensive damage to a retaining wall at 65th St. and Imperial Avenue. San Diego flood help: What to do if you were impacted by the floods On Friday, MTS conducted test runs and determined it was safe to resume full service for all of its trolley stations. The Orange Line serves a total of 19 stations across downtown San Diego, Southeast San Diego, Lemon Grove, La Mesa and El Cajon. MTS estimates it will cost nearly $24 million to repair damage done to the transit system by the historic flood. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) As Oregon lawmakers consider the future of voter-approved Measure 110, Oregon Chief Justice Meagan Flynn wrote a letter to lawmakers raising concerns that one addiction proposal in the legislature would strain the justice system. On Feb. 5, the chief justice sent a letter to Sen. Kate Lieber and Rep. Jason Kropf, the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, after the lawmakers requested feedback from the Oregon Judicial Department on their draft proposal, as first reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Chief Justice Flynn wrote the letter on behalf of Oregons presiding judges, trial court administrators, and court staff. Oregon Senate committee votes to end Daylight Saving Time The draft proposal falls under House Bill 4002 would repeal Measure 110, which decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs, and would go from the current Class E violation to a Class C misdemeanor with potential jail time, rather than a possible fine. The draft proposal includes plans to implement deflection programs, which connect people with substance use or mental health disorders with treatment services and deflect them from the traditional court system. In her letter, the chief justice acknowledged the enormity of addressing the substance abuse crisis in the state amid treatment service shortages, and efforts to address the states public defender crisis noting that the courts strongly support evidence-based treatment programs. Operation Fentanyl: An inside look at PPBs battle with a dangerous drug dealing hotspot She also raised several concerns about the draft proposal, saying Oregons judicial department has insufficient staffing levels to efficiently implement portions of the proposal, and concerns over the lack of infrastructure for deflection programs. A spokesperson for the Senate Majority Office told KOIN 6 News that lawmakers are working to address issues raised by the chief justice. Additionally, the Oregon Judicial Department notes since that letter was sent, there have been other proposals under discussion in the legislature. One of the primary concerns outlined in the letter is the lack of public defense attorneys in Oregon, as many courts throughout the state are unable to appoint counsel on charges that are Class C-level felonies or below, Flynn said in the letter. To address this, a Senate spokesperson told KOIN 6 News that lawmakers share this concern, noting historic investments and efforts to restructure the public defense system, but says those changes will take time. Right-size: Nike announces significant cuts to workforce Lawmakers also hope their proposed deflection program will decrease the need for public defense attorneys for drug possession cases. Additionally, Flynn raised concerns about a high rate of failed court appearances under the deflection program. In our judges experience, the population this draft seeks to address is a population that historically has a high incidence of failing to appear for court proceedings. That may result in additional [Failure to Appear] criminal charges (which are Class A misdemeanors) after the individual fails to appear, with more obligations to appear and more need for an attorney, Flynn wrote. Gateway North will be Portlands first new MAX station in 9 years The chief justice notes there are few deflection programs, if any, that would meet certification standards under the proposal, and says theres no timeline for certifying these programs, which could create disparate access to treatment and uneven charges for new Class C misdemeanors. Flynn also expressed concerns over the potential workload for the proposals expungement provisions. As currently drafted, the bill requires courts to set aside [Possession of Controlled Substance] charges in cases where other charges that are not eligible to be sealed are included on the charging instrument. This creates an extraordinary workload. It requires court staff to manually review the case to redact only the portions related to the PCS charge, while leaving everything else. This process typically takes approximately 10 hours per case, Flynn wrote. MultCo. commissioners left frustrated by lack of action on fentanyl emergency, 15 days later A Senate spokesperson says lawmakers are working closely with the judicial department to ensure expungement and conditional discharge provisions are feasible. In a joint statement from Rep. Kropf, and Sen. Lieber, the lawmakers said they are working with the judicial department to ensure they reach a proposal that supports people with substance use disorder and people who work in the justice system. It is important that this policy works for people on the ground, both those in our community suffering from addiction and the people entrusted with ensuring our court processes can run efficiently. Co-Chairs Lieber and Kropf have been working closely with stakeholders, including OJD, to incorporate their feedback and make sure the policy achieves our shared goals of keeping people safe and saving lives, the co-chairs offices said in a joint statement. Advocates with Oregonians for Safety & Recovery, say the letter aligns with their warnings that HB 4002 as drafted is likely to fail and destabilize Oregons criminal system, because it does not address infrastructure and staffing needs for diversion work. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Outer Banks actor Austin North is accused of attacking nurses and a phlebotomist at a Las Vegas hospital before he was struck in the head with a metal tray and subdued, police said. The incident occurred at the emergency department of University Medical Center Hospital around 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, Las Vegas police said in an arrest report. North, 27, who plays Topper Thornton in Outer Banks, is accused of punching one nurse, shoving another by the face, and pushing a phlebotomist, according to the arrest report. The phlebotomist grabbed a tray and hit North in the forehead, knocking him down, the report says. North was then subdued by security, it says. A phlebotomist deals with blood draws. North said in a statement that he does not remember the events at the hospital and that he was experiencing severe anxiety. He said that tests prove there were no alcohol or drugs involved. I am deeply upset by the events that took place in Las Vegas this past week. My friend drove me to the hospital, because I thought I was having a heart attack, North said in a statement. I was having a severe anxiety attack. I have very little memory of the events that day at the hospital, he said. I have the utmost respect for healthcare, workers and hospital staff. North said he has battled anxiety for years, and this was the most extreme panic attack Ive ever had. The Las Vegas police officer who wrote the arrest report noted that North was asked if he remembered what happened, and that North reported he has no recollection of any of the events. North was arrested on three counts of battery on a protected person. The charges are a gross misdemeanor, according to court records. Online records show that North is free on bond. A status hearing about filing a criminal complaint is scheduled for March 19, court records show. Records did not list an attorney for North. Hospital spokesman Scott Kerbs said that he could not comment on details about patient interactions. We can comment that violence against health care professionals, our community heroes who devote their careers to helping others, is always reprehensible, Kerbs said. UMC remains committed to maintaining the safest possible environment for our team members, patients and visitors. Outer Banks is a series on Netflix about teenagers on an island looking for a lost treasure. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Austin North is addressing his Feb. 13 arrest at a Las Vegas hospital. The "Outer Banks" star, 27, issued a statement Feb. 15 in his Instagram story, explaining that he was "deeply upset" by the incident that led to his arrest. North allegedly attacked several healthcare workers at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, before being placed in a restraint chair, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrest report obtained by NBC News. Austin North Instagram Story (@austinnorth55 via Instagram) The Netflix star explained in his statement that he was suffering "the most extreme panic attack Ive ever had" at the time and had very little memory of the incident. I am deeply upset by the events that took place in Las Vegas this past week, wrote North. My friend drove me to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack. Several tests were taken, including blood, which came back negative for any drugs or alcohol in my system." "I was having a severe anxiety attack," he added. Austin North (Monica Schipper / WireImage) North added that he had "the utmost respect for healthcare workers and hospital staff." TODAY.com has reached out to reps for both North and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment. Here's everything we currently know about North's arrest. North allegedly attacked multiple healthcare workers at a Las Vegas hospital North was arrested on Feb. 13 after allegedly attacking multiple healthcare workers, including two nurses and a phlebotomist, at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, according to an arrest report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department obtained by NBC News. North reportedly "punched" and "shoved" multiple staff members in the hospital's emergency room before being placed in a restraint chair. In a statement, a spokesperson from the hospital declined to share details on the incident but condemned "reprehensible" violence. "While we cannot share details about specific patient interactions, in order to protect patient privacy, we can comment that violence against health care professionals, our community heroes who devote their careers to helping others, is always reprehensible," Scott Kerbs, UMC Public Relations Director said in an email to TODAY.com. "UMC remains committed to maintaining the safest possible environment for our team members, patients and visitors." North reportedly faces multiple battery charges The Netflix star faces three counts of battery on a protected person. North's booking photo for his arrest shows him with blood on his eyebrow and ear. Online records show he is currently out on bond and due back in court on March 19. North said he was having a 'severe' panic attack at the time North explained in the statement he shared in his Instagram stories on Feb. 15 that he was having a "severe" panic attack at the time of the incident. "I have battled anxiety on and off for years and this was the most extreme panic attack Ive ever had," he wrote. "Going forward, I hope to shed light on this debilitating disorder and send hope to those who have also struggled," he added. The arrest report says something similar. The officer who interviewed North said the actor told him had no recollection of the incident. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is likely to be the next secretary-general of NATO, urged fellow European leaders to stop "whining" about former President Trump. The blunt admonition comes days after the GOP 2024 front-runner suggested the U.S. should not honor its NATO commitments if European countries do not increase their defense contribution to the North Atlantic alliance. Trump's comments sparked outrage throughout Europe and provoked an immediate condemnation from President Biden's White House. "We should stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump," Rutte said Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. "It's up to the Americans. I'm not an American, I cannot vote in the U.S. We have to work with whoever is on the dance floor," he added. NATO MEMBERS BRACE FOR TRUMP WIN AS RECORD NUMBER OF MEMBERS MOVE TO MEET SPENDING PLEDGES Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte addresses journalists during a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, January 23, 2024. Rutte, who is retiring from Dutch politics in July, said that Europe should increase its defense spending and ramp up ammunition production whether or not Trump returns to the White House in 2024. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He also said it was in the continent's interests to increase support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Rutte is the front-runner to succeed NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg, who will step down in October, according to Reuters. He has said he would not campaign for the job. Stoltenberg was among those who lambasted Trump's comments this week, stating that the forme president's rhetoric "undermines" the security of its members. NATO CHIEF SAYS TRUMP CRITICISM DOES UNDERMINE THE SECURITY OF ALL OF US Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte shake hands before their meeting at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, February 17, 2024. "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 at a press conference Wednesday. He continued, "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." The warning came after Trump offered harsh words for NATO allies at a campaign rally last week, going so far as to suggest that the U.S. would not defend NATO allies that do not contribute their full share. Trump recalled a conversation he had with the president "of a big country," who he says asked him if they did not increase their defense contribution to the North Atlantic alliance "and were attacked by Russia, will you protect us?" BIDEN SAYS TRUMP QUESTIONING EUROPEAN COMMITMENT TO NATO IS 'DUMB,' 'UN-AMERICAN' "NATO was busted until I came along," Trump said. "I said, Everybodys gonna pay.' They said, Well, if we dont pay, are you still going to protect us?' I said, 'Absolutely not.' They couldn't believe the answer." While Stoltenberg expressed concern at Trump's remarks, the former president's comment did spark a rush to confirm member countries' contributions in the coming year. The NATO chief announced that 18 of the alliance's 31 members are on track to meet their pledges of contributing 2% of GDP to the group. European states are on track to contribute $380 billion this year, and Germany will meet its 2% pledge for the first time since the Cold War. Rutte suggested that focusing on Trump's comments only serves to distract from supporting Ukraine and meeting NATO's commitments. "And all that whining and moaning about Trump. I hear that constantly over the last couple of days. Let's stop doing that," Rutte said, adding that after talking with U.S. politicians in Munich he was "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will pass the national security supplemental package with funding for Ukraine. Fox News Digital's Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, Anders Hagstrom and Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Outgoing Dutch PM tells Europe to stop 'whining and nagging about Trump' More than 400 detained in Russia at events in memory of Navalny, rights group says ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -More than 400 people have been detained at events across 32 Russian cities since the death of Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most formidable opponent, according to rights group OVD-Info, as Russians continued to gather and lay flowers. It has been the largest wave of arrests at political events in Russia since Sept. 2022, when more than 1,300 were arrested at demonstrations against a "partial mobilisation" of reservists for Putin's military campaign in Ukraine. Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony where he was serving a three-decade sentence, the prison service said. OVD-Info, which reports on freedom of assembly in Russia, said the largest numbers of arrests occurred in St Petersburg and Moscow, where Navalny's support had traditionally been strong. As of 2000 GMT on Saturday, more than 200 people were detained in St. Petersburg. But there was no mention of the events on Russian state news agencies, which are under full Kremlin control. There was also no stories about the hundreds of people across Russia who have continued to defy authorities to lay flowers at impromptu Navalny memorials. The death of Navalny robs the disparate Russian opposition of its most prominent leader as Putin prepares for the March presidential election - a rubber-stamp vote set to keep the former KGB spy in power until at least 2030. Footage filmed by Reuters on Saturday in St Petersburg showed dozens gathering by a monument to the victims of repression. Protesters laid flowers and candles, while some sang hymns and others hugged each other, shedding tears. "I felt very sorry for him and for our country," said an 83-year-old woman attending the vigil who declined to give her name. "I'm scared." A Reuters reporter at the scene said some 30 people were arrested shortly after the singing finished. FLOWERS KEEP APPEARING OVD-Info also reported individual arrests in smaller cities across Russia, from the border city of Belgorod, where seven were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on Thursday, to Vorkuta, an Arctic mining outpost once a centre of the Stalin-era gulag labour camps. The online news outlet SOTA reported that in Luhansk, an Ukrainian territory now under Russian control, residents laid flowers in Navalny's honour at a monument commemorating the victims of the Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin. In another city, flowers were laid at a monument to the heroes of the early 20th century Russian Revolution. "Despite the authorities' attempts to remove the flowers, they keep appearing," SOTA reported. Footage filmed by Reuters in Moscow showed law enforcement bundling people to the ground in the snow, close to a spot where mourners had left flowers and messages in support of the dead opposition leader. "In each police department there may be more detainees than in the published lists," OVD-Info said. "We publish only the names of those people about whom we have reliable knowledge and whose names we can publish." Reuters could not immediately verify the count. Police declined to comment. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow, Lucy Papachristou and Lidia Kelly; editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Giles Elgood and Michael Perry) Independce Heights Apartments sit across the street from property where the Houston Housing Authority is taking steps to develop for residential housing in the Independence Heights neighborhood on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 in Houston. HHA acquired the property from the flood district in 2015. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Mayor John Whitmire announced a major revamp of the Houston Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners on Friday. The mayor kept only two members and appointed five new members, following through on his recent pledge to introduce major leadership changes at the authority. The latest announcement came after the housing authority paused the issuance of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers due to increasing costs. LEADERSHIP OVERHAUL: Mayor Whitmire overhauls Houston Housing Authority board, blames agency for housing voucher pause Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here is everything you need to know about the housing authority and Whitmire's latest announcement. What does the Houston Housing Authority do? The Houston Housing Authority works with over 60,000 low-income Houston residents through its various programs, according to its website. One of its key responsibilities is the management of around 4,000 public housing units and 1,600 tax-credit units across the city. The agency also offers services to about 17,000 households that are participants in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Additionally, it works with other local organizations to offer public housing residents and voucher holders services related to education, health and economic opportunities. How does it differ from the citys housing department? Despite the mayor's power to appoint or dismiss its commissioners, the housing authority operates independently from the city of Houston. In contrast, the Housing and Community Development Department is part of the city government, with its staff directly overseen by the mayor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Their operational scopes differ as well. The authority focuses mainly on public housing, tax credit developments and the Section 8 voucher program. The housing department, on the other hand, covers a wider range of initiatives, from assisting homebuyers to supporting disaster recovery efforts. Why did the authority pause housing voucher issuance? The housing authoritys president, David Northern, recently notified the mayor that the agency has had to stop issuing housing choice vouchers to Houstonians because of budget constraints. We are currently over 100% of the use of budget authority and our HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)-held reserves, Northern said in the letter dated Feb. 14. This is due to the increased per unit cost to assist voucher participants, which is a characteristic found across industry housing markets. Regrettably, this necessitates an immediate cessation of voucher issuances in accordance with our Administration Plan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Northern acknowledged the decision to halt voucher issuance could exacerbate Houstons existing housing crisis. In the letter, he urged Whitmire to address residents housing demand by supporting initiatives like mixed-income housing developments to workforce housing programs. Still, our efforts to advance affordable housing are hindered by entrenched opposition and misinformation propagated by a vocal minority, Northern said. It is imperative that we confront these challenges head-on and advocate for policies that promote inclusive, equitable communities. Why did the mayor overhaul the authoritys board? Whitmire cited the voucher issuance halt as an example of what he considered mismanagement and inadequate leadership by the authoritys current officials. The latest incident, however, followed a series of recent disagreements between the mayor and the authority. Last month, Whitmire clashed with the board over a proposal that involved offering tax breaks to over a dozen projects in exchange for developers agreeing to make a portion of their units affordable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mayor had asked the board to delay a vote on the proposal to give him more time to review the projects, but the board disregarded his request, FOX 26 reported. Meanwhile, supporters of the program view these deals as a fast way to create affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods without dipping into the authoritys own coffers. Whitmire also raised concerns about an affordable housing development in the East End, which has faced opposition from some neighbors due to potential safety risks associated with a nearby radio antenna. The mayor told FOX 26 that the project exemplifies "one more component of poor decision making by the Housing Authority. Outgoing Board Chair LaRence Snowden, on the other hand, previously noted the goal of the development is to help low-income residents stay in their neighborhood despite gentrification. Is it common for a mayor to revamp the housing authoritys board? It is highly unusual for a Houston mayor to replace a majority of the housing authoritys board members at the same time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Former Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2016 appointed a new member to replace former Board Chair Lance Gilliam after the two publicly clashed over a proposal to develop a mixed-income development near the Galleria. However, neither Turner nor his predecessor, former Mayor Annise Parker, ever undertook a major overhaul of the whole board. Who are the new faces? The incoming commissioners are Kenneth Li, Cynthia Aceves-Lewis, Joseph Jody Proler, Alton Smith and Darryl Wilson. KANSAS CITY, Kan. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is investigating a shooting that killed a man at Southridge Apartments overnight Saturday. Around 2:47 a.m., police were called about a shooting at Southridge Apartments and found a man dead with gunshot wounds. Officials say that another man was taken into custody. Family remembers woman killed in Chiefs rally shooting as life of the party KCK police say this is their first homicide investigation of the year. Police ask anyone with information on this case to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. According to diary entries, Pablo Picasso kept the two statues in his wardrobe after the heist - ADOC-PHOTOS/CORBIS HISTORICAL It has all the ingredients for a classic crime thriller: high-value art, a heist at the Louvre and one of the most influential artists in history. For more than a century, intrigue has surrounded Pablo Picassos role in the affaire des statuettes. Now a new book claims that Picasso not only commissioned the theft of two Iberian sculptures from the Louvre, but almost certainly participated in it. Dr Noah Charney, a Pulitzer-nominated professor of art history who specialises in art crime, argues that the sculptures were then not on display in the Louvre but in storage, so they had to be proactively sought out. The Iberian sculptures are dated from the third century BC and were reportedly in storage at the time of the theft Both of the heads weigh more than 15 lbs each leading to Prof Charney's conclusion that Picasso was an accomplice Dr Charney told The Telegraph that each statue, created in the third century BC, weighs more than 15 lbs: A single person could hardly steal both heads alone, so I argue that both Picasso and Apollinaire were accomplices. A 2021 exhibition in Spain questioned whether Picasso had inspired his friend, the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, to steal two ancient Iberian statues from the museum in 1907. Picasso then hid them in his wardrobe. He noted that, at the time of their theft, the statues had no real financial value: Their interest was archaeological and related to the history of the pre-Roman inhabitants of what is now Spain and Portugal, the Iberians, a tribe that only recently was coming to scholarly attention. Picasso felt an immediate connection to them, seeing a shared Iberian heritage in them. He said that Picasso had first seen them in 1904, when they were shown in a new room at the Louvre that featured Iberian art: As a proud Spaniard, Picasso was thrilled by the ancient sculptures that had an air of the simplified abstraction of Cycladic figurines and yet were millennia old, and were the original, most authentic art of Picassos homeland. The statues were perhaps not artistic masterpieces. Not perhaps the most obvious choice for something to steal, and yet they would be stolen. Dr Noah Charney's new book The Thefts of the Mona Lisa: The Complete Story of the Worlds Most Famous Artwork, was published in February They would prove of central importance to the evolution of modern art, inspiring Picassos interpretation of them in his masterpiece, Les Demoiselles dAvignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon), begun the year of their theft. Dr Charney is an internationally best-selling author of more than 20 books, including Collector of Lives: Giorgio Vasari and the Invention of Art, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His latest research features in his new book, The Thefts of the Mona Lisa: The Complete Story of the Worlds Most Famous Artwork, published in February. In a chapter on Picasso and the Iberian statues, he downplays the suspected involvement in this theft of Joseph-Honore Gery Pieret, a Belgian conman and Apollinaires personal secretary, who later boasted about stealing objects from the Louvre at a time when they were simply laid out on tables, without locks or glass vitrines. He writes that the Louvres Iberian room was tucked out of the way and relatively difficult to find: Although it is a stretch to think that Pieret would randomly happen to choose that room to burgle, it is beyond plausibility that he should happen to steal the very statues that Picasso had so admired and then happen to offer them to the Spaniard Guillaume Apollinaire, a French poet, could not have carried the statues alone, Prof Charney argues, because they were too heavy - MONDADORI PORTFOLIO We know that Picasso kept them hidden among his clothes because his lover at the time, Fernande Olivier, had noted in her memoir how she always found it odd that, of all the artworks in Picassos collection, most of which were displayed prominently around his apartment and studio, only these two statue heads remained resident at the bottom of his wardrobe. He added that, in 1911, Picasso and Apollinaire were brought in for questioning by the Paris police on suspicion of having stolen the Mona Lisa because of Apollinaires connection to Pieret as a known thief: In fact, they were innocent of the Mona Lisa theft, but they were terrified nonetheless so much so that Picasso, under oath, denied having ever before seen Apollinaire. [They] were petrified of the police not because they had stolen the Mona Lisa but because they had stolen something else. Apollinaire returned the two statue heads anonymously to the Paris newspaper where he worked as an art critic. The police were largely occupied with recovering the Mona Lisa and so Picasso and Apollinaire got away with the Iberian theft. Dr Charney expressed surprise that this case has not received greater attention: Its a barely-known fact, but a fact nonetheless. I believe Im the first to thoroughly tell the affaire des statuettes in full depth. 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. Supporters of Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party 'Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf' chant slogans during a protest against alleged vote-rigging in some constituencies in the parliamentary elections, in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, 11 February 2024 (AP) A senior Pakistani bureaucrat has resigned admitting his role in manipulating results in the 8 February national elections amid widespread protests. Liaquat Ali Chattha, the election commissioner for Rawalpindi, announced his resignation addressing the media on Saturday where he told reporters he was under pressure from top officials to manipulate the results. He also claimed the countrys two top officials - the chief election commissioner and the chief justice - were also involved in rigging. I am taking the responsibility for all this wrongdoing and telling you that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice are also completely involved in this, he said, according to Dawn News. Mr Chattha told reporters the candidates who were losing the elections were made to win. Mr Chattha also said the pressure on him was so intense that he contemplated self-harm, but later decided to expose the matter in front of the media because stabbing the country in its back does not let him sleep. I should be punished for the injustice I have done and others who were involved in this injustice should also be punished, he told reporters. pic.twitter.com/wrb3OUvVw8 Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Chattha resigned accepting responsibility to prevent rigging in Pakistan Elections. He said candidates who were leading about 70K votes lost due to rigging. He said election commission officials were involved in rigging. Shakeel Saeed (@shakeelz) February 17, 2024 It is my request to the entire bureaucracy to not do anything wrong for all these politicians. His remarks come amid widespread protests in the country held by supporters of the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan who allege the polls were rigged against his party to keep him out of power. Supporters of Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party 'Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf' chant slogans during a protest against alleged vote-rigging in some constituencies in the parliamentary elections, in Karachi, Pakistan (AP) The allegations of rigging were rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan, which said it never plays a direct role in the conduct of elections. However, it said that the matter will be investigated. The Election Commission of Pakistan strongly rejects the allegations levelled by Commissioner Rawalpindi on the chief election commissioner or the election commission and no official of the election commission never issued any instructions regarding changing the election results to Commissioner Rawalpindi, it said in a statement. Neither is the commissioner of any division ever appointed as a DRO, RO or presiding officer, nor do they ever play a direct role in the conduct of elections. Reacting to the news, the information minister of the state of Punjab, Amir Mir, said Mr Chattha had not shown any proof of the alleged tampering of poll results. He told Geo News that the official was about to retire on 13 March. I imagine hes trying to kick start his political career after he retires. Czechia identified around 800,000 artillery shells abroad that could be sent to Ukraine within weeks if provided funding from other partners, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Feb. 17. Artillery shells are among the most crucial military supplies for Kyiv, as they are used daily in high numbers on the Ukrainian battlefields. The EU conceded that it would be able to deliver only half of the promised 1 million shells by the March deadline, while defense assistance from the U.S., including artillery support, is held up by domestic political disputes. Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, recently said that the EU aims to deliver more than 1 million shells to Ukraine by the end of 2024. "We have identified at this point half a million rounds of 155 mm caliber and another 300,000 rounds of 122 mm caliber, which we will be able to deliver within weeks if we quickly find funding for that activity," Pavel said at the Munich Security Conference. The Czech head of state said that Prague will turn to partners from the U.S., Germany, Sweden, and others who could contribute to this endeavor. Pavel did not specify from which countries the purchases would be sourced. Read also: Bloomberg: Umerov says Ukraine has increasingly critical shortage of artillery shells As the EU countries sent all the shells they could from their standing stocks, the next step is to either produce or purchase new ones, both to ship to Ukraine and to refill their own arsenals. Seeing the EU failing on its promise to Kyiv, Czechia has begun pushing a plan to jointly finance the purchase of 450,000 shells outside the bloc, Politico reported on Feb. 1. Prague reportedly suggested that Europe could turn to arms companies in South Korea, Turkey, or South Africa. Plans to buy ammunition from outside the bloc continue to face opposition from France, Greece, and Cyprus. While Paris hopes to give a boost to its domestic defense industry, Greece and Cyprus do not wish to buy arms from Turkish producers, given their tense relations with Ankara. Read also: Zelensky in Munich: If Ukraine left alone, Russia will destroy us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A person died after they were run over by a car early Saturday morning, authorities said. According to a Santa Ana Police Department release, a man was driving in the area of Orange Street and Edinger Avenue just before 4:30 a.m. when he pulled his car to the side of the road after he thought he ran over an object. Teen testifies that former Dodgers pitcher threatened to ruin her if she claimed to see him at scene of fatal crash Upon exiting his vehicle, the man discovered that a pedestrian was trapped underneath his vehicle, SAPD confirmed. Officers and Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene. Their identity has not been released. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Elderly woman takes own life after eviction dispute turns violent At this time, alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor, Santa Ana police said. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Sergeant R. Shin with the Santa Ana Police Departments Traffic Division at 714-245-8200. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. (WHTM) More than $3.2 million is being invested in the U.S. Boiler Company in Lancaster by the Commonwealth to support the companys $5.5 million expansion project. The U.S. Boiler Company has been headquartered in Lancaster for over 30 years. The expansion project will create at least 15 jobs and retain 117 jobs. The project will include constructing a 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lancaster with production lines, conveyors, and storage racking. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest When strong manufacturers like U.S. Boiler Company choose to grow in Pennsylvania, it sends a clear message around the world that we are open for business and we have what companies need to thrive, said Governor Josh Shapiro. Im competitive as hell and my Administration is doubling down on our efforts to work at the speed of business and make Pennsylvania a leader in job growth and economic development. The U.S. Boiler Company chose Pennsylvania over North Carolina for this new expansion. Since day one, the Shapiro Administration has been aggressive in our efforts to attract new companies and support existing Pennsylvania businesses, said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. Todays announcement is the latest example of our commitment to building a stronger, more dynamic business environment in Pennsylvania. This project preserves union jobs, increases a home-grown companys manufacturing capacity, and utilizes a green space a true win for our Commonwealth. A $3 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $177,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $45,000 workforce development grant to train workers were given to the U.S. Boiler Company by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Crews respond to Lancaster County market fire Burnham Holdings and U.S. Boiler have been committed to Pennsylvania for decades, said Christopher Drew, President and CEO, of Burnham Holdings Inc. The Commonwealths support of this project, which expands USBs production capacity for its best-selling low emission, high-efficiency boiler product, the Alta, is a win for U.S. Boiler and a win for Pennsylvania. The Commonwealths support for our over 200 union and non-union employees is a testament to Governor Shapiros desire to see Pennsylvania manufacturing grow and flourish, said Keith Diller, President, of U.S. Boiler Company. Manufacturing remains the leading sector of Lancaster Countys economy, contributing 17.2% of our GDP and 16.7% of our total employment, said John Biemiller, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for EDC Lancaster County. This investment by U.S. Boiler Company strengthens their local operations and further builds the industrial base in this community. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A little over a decade ago, I was sitting in a graduate history seminar when the topic of single motherhood came up. Since the 1960s, my classmates alleged, women have been freer to have babies without husbands. That development ostensibly reduced the necessity of women having to resign themselves to an imperfect heterosexual marriage and broadened the range of options for female fulfillment and self-actualization. Then 24 years old and an ideological outlier in the uniformly leftist world of academic hopefuls, I ventured a measured push-back: Sure, but what about the feminization of poverty or the decline in womens reported happiness since the 1960s? The professor replied that bourgeois Western values privileging marriage are not necessarily shared by women of other cultural backgrounds. She added that unmarried child rearing is a lifestyle choice we should facilitate by using the state to reduce its correlation with poverty, not one that we should discourage or deem less than ideal. My white, female, and tenured professor was, of course, married to a man. She had college-age children whom she had raised in a married, two-parent home. Like many of todays elites, she talked Sex and the City while living something closer to Leave It to Beaver. A new book by the University of Virginia sociologist Brad Wilcox, Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization, makes an affirmative case for marriage in defiance of critics like my former professor and classmates. Terming predominantly left-leaning, college-educated professionals the strivers, Wilcox dives into the data on how and why this groupalong with Asian Americans, conservatives, and the religiouscontinues to build marriages that thrive even as marriage, fertility, and the social fabric on which both rely all steeply decline. Beginning from the premise that many of the biggest problems across America are rooted in the collapse of marriage and family life, Wilcox deftly shows throughout this data-rich yet highly readable book that marriage and family end up being more important to peoples well-being than education, income, or professional pursuits. Wilcox begins by firmly establishing the dire nature of the problem. He marshals alarming statistics on the decline of marital stability, which he argues is to blame for, among other ills, about half of our countrys class gap in happiness. Because the marriage rate is in free fall among our countrys poor and working class, and because marriage is arguably the single greatest predictor of life satisfaction, it follows that an increasingly unmarried working-class is also an increasingly despairing one. Beyond working-class woes, Wilcox skewers several of todays popular (and politically correct) myths about marriage. Think marriage is not worth sacrificing sexual and logistical freedom when you can fly solo? In fact, married men and women have more than twice the average household income of single men and women, and they are almost twice as likely to describe themselves as very happy as those who are single and childless. Think love and money matter more to kids well-being than marriage? In fact, children are less likely to experience abuse and neglect when they are raised by their own married parents. Think marriage is best understood as an individual commitment between soulmates? In fact, most stable marital partnerships are predicated on the idea that marriage is an institution larger than the two people in any given union. Seventy-three percent of husbands and wives report embracing this family first model of marriage, rather than a soulmate one. Wilcox also explores why Asian Americans, conservatives, religious people, and the strivers are disproportionately likely to enjoy happy marriages. These subsets of Americans, whom he calls masters of marriage, tend to exemplify five pillars of strong, family first marriage. They: 1) put we before me, and are particularly likely to share finances with their spouses; 2) center child rearing as a focus of their union; 3) believe that marriage is for life and that divorce is not an option; 4) make room for sex differences by rejecting the false notion that most men and most women want exactly the same things when it comes to work and family; and 5) forge community among those who also prioritize marriage and family, which often involves attending religious services. Beholden to neither of our increasingly polarized political ideologies, Get Married does include criticism of our political class. Wilcox (rightly, in my view) lays some of the blame for marriages decline on a bipartisan failure to serve families. Republicans have too often incorrectly assumed that tax cuts, deregulation, and higher GDP growth will make the American family great again. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to wrongly presume that their elitist and workist agenda (i.e., marriage penalties related to the earned income tax credit and policies that privilege state-sponsored daycare and full-time work for mothers) reflects the needs and values of most Americans. Instead, Wilcox insists that any top-down, bipartisan, government-sponsored attempt to revitalize marriage should involve: 1) investing in vocational education (more blue collar men with good jobs should mean more blue collar marriages); 2) expanding the child tax credit; 3) eliminating marriage penalties; 4) universalizing school choice; and 5) promoting the success sequence in a sustained way that mimics past movements against smoking and teenage pregnancy. I would sign on to each of these prescriptions without delay, but Im not optimistic that any significant number of politicians endorsing all parts of this family-first agenda will soon emerge from the morass of polarization that has inflicted so much harm on the American family. And Im even less hopeful about the likelihood of anyone being convinced to get married by a bookeven a book as exceptionally thorough, eloquently written, and objectively persuasive as Get Married. Per the books title, Wilcox is trying first and foremost to offer Americans counter-cultural self-help that persuades married readers to prioritize their spouses and children, and unmarried readers to prioritize tying the knot. He does the first successfully; Get Married clearly shows marriages personal and societal importance, and its reasonable to hope that husbands and wives alike come away from the book wishing and intending to be better spouses. But I am not sure that Wilcox succeeds on the second scorepersuading the unmarried to marrymostly because I am skeptical about whether such persuasion is possible at all. Get Marrieds manifold insights into the habits, characteristics, and beliefs that set masters of marriage apart arguably belie the notion that there is any argument capable of convincing people to enter into a marital contract. Per Wilcox, husbands and wives who surround themselves with friends and family who take marriage and family life seriously are much more likely to thrive amid a wider world lacking respect for marriage and family. It makes sense that being surrounded by marriage-minded people is the single biggest predictor of being marriage-minded (and happily married) oneself. But in practice, marriage-mindedness is not an argument of which one gets convinced. Rather, marriage-mindedness is a social reality, and one that cannot be easily choreographed. I am surrounded by stably married people because Im a practicing Catholic who attended an Ivy League school and holds a terminal degree. My husband, whom I met at the Catholic student center of said school, is a fellow practicing Catholic; he also identifies more or less as a conservative. Between the two of us we are members of not just one master of marriage subset, but three. So, we nodded along with every page of Wilcoxs book, as would most of our friends. Which is why were all married. But convincing people who are not already ensconced among the elite, the religious, or the conservative to prioritize marriage is, I fear, beyond the scope of books. Accomplishing this end would, unfortunately and uncomfortably, involve a return to broad social realities that have no prospect of making a comeback. Think of the social isolation of spinsterhood for unmarried women; the widespread assumption that an unmarried man is an unreliable business associate; and the shame of nonmarital sex and out of wedlock births. These erstwhile stigmas are gone, never to return. Indeed, I am not arguing that they should return; there was, after all, a cost to maintaining them. But there is also a cost to eschewing them, and no affirmative argument in favor of marriage can be expected to make up the difference. Disproportionately influential elites who want to have their wedding cake and eat it too have wrought a reality in which most American parents now profess not to care whether their adult children establish fruitful marital partnerships. Nevertheless, those of us who are with Wilcox in his quest to reestablish marriage as a norm should have a copy of Get Married on the shelf. One never knows who might benefit from the book on loan, or how the long future will unfold. Eventually, perhaps, the truth about marriage will set us freeso, its a good thing Wilcox wrote it down. Marriage is contagious. Spending time in communities that value and prioritize marriage and family makes one likelier to do so as well. And to the extent that people are inspired to marry, its likely the result of watching the successful marriages of others. Especially in a modern marriage landscape sorely in need of direction and clarity, Wilcox does us all a service by illuminating what makes successful marriages tick and explaining how to emulate them. 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. OTTAWA COUNTY Republican Jordan Jorritsma has joined the race for District 2 in Ottawa County this November. Jorritsma decided to run after a series of controversial decisions made by the current board, controlled by far-right fundamentalist group Ottawa Impact. "I started paying attention to what was going on, and it just didn't sit right with me," Jorritsma said. "Even from the first day just the tactics that were used specifically, and some of the rhetoric that was used just didn't sit right with me at all." The board made headlines locally and nationally in 2023, with choices that resulted in at least four lawsuits, an investigation from the state attorney general's office and deep funding cuts to the county's health department. Republican Jordan Jorritsma has joined the race for District 2 in Ottawa County this November. District 2 will have a special election in May, scheduled after a successful citizen-led petition drive to subject Ottawa Impact incumbent Lucy Ebel to a recall. As the subject of the recall, Ebel will be automatically listed on the ballot in May. Democrat Chris Kleinjans has filed to run against her then, as well as the November general election. Ebel hasn't yet filed for re-election in November, and has never responded to The Sentinel's requests for comment. Jorritsma said he's running on three pillars: trust, community and common sense "I think trust has been lost between the county and county residents. I think they've tried to contort the definition of community and almost pit groups of people against each other," he said of the board's current majority. "We have an amazing community here. Ottawa County is exceptional; we should be in the news because we're one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and we have absolutely amazing economic development going on." More: A year after the Ottawa Impact controversy, here's what the commissioners accomplished Restoring a sense of community, he said, is paramount. "I think people are just really fed up with the lack of common sense," he said. "It's transparency, it's accountability, it's good governance, it's being willing to work with anybody and being willing to listen." At just 25, Jorritsma might be young, but he's been working in politics for years. The graduate of Holland Christian attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids. He works as the legislative director for Republican State Rep. Curt VanderWall, of Ludington, who represents Michigan's 102nd District. Jorritsma's introduction to politics came early "I was a Republican precinct delegate when I was 18," he said. "So, I've been involved for a bit here. It's amazing to me how quickly things have changed, and how much things have changed from when I started." He said, if nothing else, he hopes Ottawa County residents now understand the importance of local races. "Freedom is one generation away from destruction. Here, stability is one bad majority away from going away; our AAA bond rating is one silly group of people away from falling and putting us in economic chaos," he said. "Government is boring if it's doing its job." Jorritsma said he's a conservative Republican and a good alternative to Ottawa Impact or a Democrat. "I'm not convinced we need the pendulum to swing that far away," he said of the district potentially represented by Kleinjans. "Why can't we just have a common sense, reasonable Republican, who's still conservative but who also can do the administration part of the job? So, here I am." Republican Jordan Jorritsma has joined the race for District 2 in Ottawa County this November. If he were to win, Jorritsma said, he would be a proponent of returning the board to fiscal responsibility. "I've been knocking doors and people are saying, 'Hey, this current group, they're not conservative. They're certainly not fiscal conservatives.' ... It doesn't seem like there's been much conserving going on." More: Kleinjans kicks off recall, general election campaigns for county commission He said that's evidenced by a mass exodus of county employees and controversial hires. "From a staff perspective, we're losing talent. We haven't been putting forward the principle of meritocracy. It's been much more cronyism and idealism. ... That's a huge issue for me fiscal irresponsibility." He said he's learned from some of the best "I've seen some great conservative leaders in West Michigan, and these are all people who reach across the aisle who are more worried about good outcomes, rather than always playing the partisan game. If you really want to implement change, you have to win. That's why it's not just about ideology." That includes engaging with local media. "Joe Moss not doing an interview for an entire year ... they're shooting themselves in the foot because local media just want to report on the story. Then you control the narrative, you can talk about all these things you can explain," Jorritsma said. "They're the ones who have a record they have to defend now, and they're not. They're not punching up anymore." Jorritsma recently married his wife, Liz, who works as a speech pathologist at West Ottawa Public Schools. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage Dates to know Tuesday, April 23: Filing deadline for Ottawa County candidates Tuesday, May 7: Special recall election for District 2 Tuesday, Feb. 27 : Michigan presidential primary Tuesday, Aug. 6 : Michigan primary election Tuesday, Nov. 5: Michigan general election Sarah Leach is executive editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'People are really fed up': Conservative joins the race for District 2 PINKARD, Ala (WDHN) On Thursday, February 16, the town of Pinckard held a ceremony to officially rename Randolph Street to Mack M. Matthews Street. According to Pinckard Mayor Bobby Borland, Mack Matthews, born in 1902, played a pivotal role in the education of African-American children in Dale County. Matthews attended Lomax-Hannon College and received his BS Degree from Alabama State College. After graduating, he was a teacher and later principal at the Pinkard Colored School. When the Pinckard High School for African-American Children burned down in 1959, Matthews made arrangements for the children to be provided with education for the next three years. During his teaching career, he was instrumental in shaping the lives of many school children in Dale and Houston Counties, Ozark City Schools, and Graceville, Florida Schools, said Mayor Borland. He was also the first Chairman of the Ozark Voters League and the first Honorary Life Chairman. In 1975, Matthews, a father of six, was named Ozarks Outstanding Man of the Year. Matthews died on March 15, 1981 at the age of 78. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Interstate 69 crosses Buffalo Bayou northeast of downtown next to the Clayton Homes, a Houston Housing Authority complex in Houston, Wednesday, June 12, 2019. Clayton Homes was demolished to make way for redevelopment of Interstate 45. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire speaks to the media following a speech to the Houston Area Chiefs of Police during a public safety summit at Houston Crime Stoppers on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer In a highly unusual move, Mayor John Whitmire has undertaken a major overhaul of the Houston Housing Authority's board of commissioners after the agency paused issuance of all "Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. The housing authority provides services to tens of thousands of low-income residents in Houston. It manages around 4,000 public housing units across 19 projects and an additional 1,600 tax credit units in six housing communities across the city. It also oversees one of the nation's largest Housing Choice Voucher programs, supporting over 17,000 low-income households, according to the authoritys website. NEW LEADERSHIP: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the authority operates independently of the city of Houston, its commissioners are mayor-appointed positions. The commissioners play a crucial role in shaping the agencys policies and overseeing a variety of programs related to public housing, low-income housing assistance and affordable housing development. Houstonians should be able to trust that the Houston Housing Authority is operating with transparency and in the best interest of people who need affordable housing, Whitmire said in a statement Friday. I plan to increase affordable housing throughout the city, give Houstonians options, and make our city the most affordable big city in which to live. The HHA is moving in the opposite direction, so I am making immediate changes. Former board chair LaRence Snowden said on Saturday that the mayor appears to have misconceptions about how the housing authority operates. The agency's decisions regarding voucher issuance are governed by federal regulations and are beyond the direct control of either the city or the Houston Housing Authority. The former chair also highlighted the housing authority is primarily funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, rather than the city. Any insinuation of financial mismanagement by the City are unfounded, he said. It is regrettable that there appears to be a misunderstanding regarding the complexities of affordable housing funding and operations. Whitmire has repeatedly expressed displeasure with the agencys actions in recent weeks. On Friday, he accused the authoritys current officials of failing to provide efficient leadership and mismanaging the agencys finances. He specifically cited a recent letter from the authoritys president, David Northern, notifying the mayor that the agency has had to implement an "immediate cessation of voucher issuances" because of increasing costs of assisting participants. We are currently over 100% of the use of budget authority and our HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)-held reserves, Northern said in the letter dated Wedesday. The implications of this decision are profound, especially considering the dire state of affordable housing in Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mayor said that he will keep only two of the current commissioners, appointing five new people to fill the seven-member board. The incoming commissioners are Kenneth Li, Cynthia Aceves-Lewis, Joseph Jody Proler, Alton Smith and Darryl Wilson. By law, the board needs to have two "resident commissioners," meaning recipients of the housing authority's services. Stephanie Ballard and Kristy Kirkendoll, the two current resident commissioners, will remain on the board. All other four members Kris Thomas, Andrea Cooksey, Max Miller and chair LaRence Snowden were replaced. One spot was previously vacant. NEW LEADERSHIP: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall Last month, the board approved a measure to exempt more than a dozen multifamily developments from property taxes in exchange for developers allocating a portion of their units as affordable housing. Whitmire told FOX 26 that he had requested the agency delay the vote to allow him more time to review the projects, but the board ultimately disregarded his request. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Supporters view these deals as a fast way to create affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods without dipping into the authoritys own coffers. Meanwhile, some experts and advocates have raised questions about how much of the tax break is going toward reducing rents. TAX BREAK DEALS: Big tax cuts for not-so affordable housing draw scrutiny in Houston and the Texas Legislature The mayor then took issue with the authoritys ongoing project to construct hundreds of affordable housing units at 800 Middle St. in the East End neighborhood, according to a FOX 26 news report. A group of neighbors opposing the development have expressed concerns over a large radio antenna adjacent to the site, noting the potential safety hazards to future residents of the complex should the antenna collapse. In an interview with FOX 26, Whitmire said his team is exploring legal options to halt the project. He criticized the tower as "one more component of poor decision making by the housing authority," before vowing to implement major leadership changes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Snowden, the board chair, previously noted that the goal of the development is to help low-income residents stay in their neighborhood despite gentrification. Specifically, the board had in mind former tenants of the nearby Clayton Homes public housing complex, who had to leave for the expansion of Interstate 45, he said. Whitmires recent encounters with the authority were not the first instance of the mayors office intervening or taking issue with the authoritys decisions. Last March, former Mayor Sylvester Turner put out a stern rebuke to the housing authority for approving 14 new tax break deals contrary to his instructions. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) A Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning is in effect for parts of the Highlands overnight as a fast-moving cold front brings the potential for snow. Rain will be seen initially before cold air moves in, changing the rain to snow, especially for areas north of Interstate 64. Snow will be elevation based with more in the higher elevations. As cold air moves into the region, some snow is possible for the higher peaks of the New River Valley and Mountain Empire. The storm system will move out by sunrise on Saturday. Winds will pick up behind the system with gusts to 30 mph possible in the valleys and up to 40 mph for the mountaintops. The northwest wind will user in cold air with temperatures well below average on Saturday. The cold air will not stick around too long as warmer air starts to return on Sunday with the warming trend continuing into next week. Breaking news, weather, and sports on your smartphone with the WFXR News app For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Germany will stand behind Ukraine "no matter how long (Russian dictator Vladimir) Putin continues his senseless war against this peace-loving country," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17. "Our support for Ukraine is firm and sustained," Pistorius added. The world's security and political elite have gathered in Munich for the annual security conference. The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which nears its two-year mark, is one of the chief topics on the agenda. "This war is about much more than two states fighting over territory. This war is about the question of whether we'll allow an imperialist power to impose its will on another sovereign state," Pistorius said, addressing the conference's participants. According to the minister, it is the responsibility of Germany and other allies to restore Ukraine's territorial integrity and strengthen the country's resilience. Berlin's role in the pro-Ukraine alliance is growing more vital amid delays in U.S. assistance and a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House. Trump raised concerns among NATO allies when he said he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell it wants" to members who do not meet the 2% defense spending mark. He has also opposed the U.S. Senate's foreign aid bill that includes $60 billion for Ukraine, thus contributing to the holdups in crucial assistance for Kyiv. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Speaking in Munich, the German defense minister said that "regardless of who sits in the White House," Berlin aims to make the European contribution to collective defense more relevant. Pistorius reminded that Germany will hit the 2% GDP spending mark this year. The country is boosting its defense industrial capacities, for example, in artillery and air defenses, he noted. Germany's defense chief also implied that Europe needs to come to terms with the fact that Russia acts as an "imperialist" and "warmongering" neighbor. "After the Cold War, we tried to build an inclusive security infrastructure. Unfortunately, we failed. Now we know why: all of these attempts ran counter to the Kremlin's strategy of reinstalling its dominance in Eastern and Central Europe," Pistorius said. The minister predicted the formation of a new division on the continent between "free and democratic Europe on one side" and "authoritarian and warmongering Russia" on the other. This year's Munich Security Conference takes place during a precarious situation for Ukraine. Kyiv is trying to revive the allies' commitment amid the growing hesitancy in the U.S. Just as the world's security leaders gathered in Munich, Ukrainian troops were forced to withdraw from Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. The loss of this fortified city that resisted Russian attacks since 2014 has been linked by many to the delays in U.S. assistance. Read also: Zelensky in Munich: If Ukraine left alone, Russia will destroy us Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GHENT, WV (WVNS) February is a month to celebrate relationships and love, but, for all those gamers out there, there is a slightly more exciting thing to celebrate during the month: Pokemon Day! In 1996, the popular franchise dropped its first titles, Pokemon Red and Green, on February 27th. Since then, the day has been celebrated by fans all over the world as Pokemon Day; the birthday of a franchise that helped to shape gaming as a whole. Baldurs Gate 3 build guide: the Paladin/Warlock It is not a birthday party though Pokemon Day represents the time of the year when announcements about the future of Pokemon. In the past, events and new games have been announced on Pokemon Day via their news presentations for the franchise called Pokemon Presents. For 2024, fans have been busy anticipating what they might see this year. Across social media fans have speculated that the Pokemon Company could be putting out another installment in the Lets Go series; many suggesting that the next installment could be in the generation two region, Johto. Other fans think we could be getting a whole new game and a new region. There is also speculation that a remake of the generation five games could be slated for release. One fan, Jaclyn LaPine, said, Im hoping they tease new main title games or something similar to Pokemon Legends Arceus! Im sure we will hear more about things like Pokemon Sleep and Pokemon Go, but the big news that is normally at the end of the presentation is always what Im looking forward to the most! While LaPine hopes for something new, fans like Renae Norman are hoping for remakes of the classics. Hopefully [they announce] a remake of an old game, Norman remarked when asked about her hopes. Pokemon raid builds for any occasion Even our own 59News staff got in on the speculation with 59News reporter and weekend anchor, Phelicity Robinson, adding, I want them to bring back some of the fan favorite games with some community suggestions. I think theyre pretty good for that, but its always nice to see fan commentary taken into account. Brianna Comer, one of our 59News directors, added, I have wanted a Pokemon Platinum remake for a long time, so that would be nice. They remade Diamond and Pearl, but didnt do anything with Platinum. Though nothing is set in stone as of yet, fans are eagerly awaiting news about what is to come after Pokemon Scarlet and Violet broke the franchise norms by giving us open world games. The Pokemon franchise has started taking more chances with games and opening up the possibility for more immersive gaming experiences. No matter what the big announcement for Pokemon day is, its likely that raid events will be announced for the current games as well as events for Pokemon Unite, Pokemon Masters EX, and Pokemon Go. Pokemon Day 2024 will mark the franchises 28th anniversary. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Maryland State Police (MPS) released the name of the man suspected of stealing a state-owned truck on Friday afternoon and leading police on a chase throughout two counties. Police say Flavio Cesar Lanuza, 27, of Laurel, Md., stole a Maryland Department of Transportation State High Way Administration vehicle and led police on a pursuit through Prince Georges and Montgomery counties. During the chase, Lanuza hit more than a dozen cars. He was eventually arrested at about 6:30 p.m. after the stolen car broke down in the 10700 block of Columbia Pike in Silver Spring. Police chase in Maryland involving stolen state truck; man arrested Lanuza is believed to have hit 13 cars, leading to a civilian, two law enforcement members, a Maryland State trooper and a Montgomery County Police officer being taken to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. After his arrest, Lanuza was taken to Suburban Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Charges are pending, including vehicle theft and first-degree assault. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released the names of the three people shot and killed in Northeast D.C. on Wednesday. MPD responded to the report of an unconscious person in the 5000 block of Jay St. NE at about 7:38 p.m. Inside an apartment there, they found two women and a man dead after being shot. DC police find 3 fatally shot after performing welfare check in Northeast They were identified as 58-year-old Renee Bigelow of no fixed address, 40-year-old Kimberly Stevens and 59-year-old Leon Harper. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $75,000 is offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. People walk to the chapel on Stanford University campus in Palo Alto, Calif., in 2020. Stanford University Department of Public Safety issued an alert Friday of a possible shooting threat on campus. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Police are investigating a report of a person threatening to commit a shooting at Stanford University Friday. The Stanford University Department of Public Safety issued an alert Friday that an unknown person called the Palo Alto Police Department around 12:40 p.m. PT and said "he was at the entrance to campus and intended to commit a shooting." The university said it issued an alert out of an "abundance of caution" and asked anyone who observed suspicious activity to call 911. Aerial coverage from NBC Bay Area just before 2:30 p.m. PT showed no police activity on campus, and it appeared the incident was cleared. Stanford at 3:14 p.m. PT issued an update statement that SUDPS had "responded to several locations on campus" and found "no additional information that lends credibility to the threat of a shooting on campus." Many university groups are taking extra caution. The Asian American Activities Center and the Roble Arts Gym announced they were closed for the day. The Stanford anthropology department also locked its doors, and the political science department canceled an event scheduled for the afternoon. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP) said its officers responded to a shooting that took place at a Metro station Friday afternoon. MCDP said police went to the top level of a parking garage at the Glenmont Metro Station, located in the 12500 block of Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring. Prince Georges County judge issues historic life sentence for man convicted of killing college athlete A child was shot in the lower body. She was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Metro Transit Police Department and MCDP are working together to investigate the shooting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Lyudmila Navalnaya and a lawyer were sent to the morgue on Saturday, only find it closed and Navalny's body reportedly not there - MAXIM SHEMETOV/REUTERS Alexei Navalnys mother has pleaded for her sons body to be returned to her as his allies accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a cover-up over his death in prison. Lyudmila Navalnaya and a lawyer were sent to the only morgue in the town of Salekhard, near the IK-3 Arctic prison, but when they arrived it was closed. They had earlier been seen outside the prison. Navalnys team said on Telegram, on Saturday: It was closed despite the prison saying that it was open and Navalnys body was there. The lawyer later said that he telephoned the morgue but was told they did not have the body. Russian journalists have said that another local state laboratory, which examines bodies, had denied holding Navalnys body, casting further concern over its whereabouts. Its obvious that the killers want to cover their tracks and are therefore not handing over Alexeis body, hiding it even from his mother, Navalnys team said. Prison officials on Friday said Navlany had died after falling ill during a short walk at the prison, where allegations of torture are rife. They initially said that Navalny had died of a blood clot but officials then claimed on Saturday that he had died from sudden death syndrome. Navalnys colleagues at his Anti-Corruption Foundation have confirmed that he is dead. Maria Pevchikh, the chairman of the foundation, said: Navalny was killed. Alexei will live forever in millions of hearts, in our thoughts and memories. Navalny, 47, had been the most high-profile and effective opponent of the Kremlin since Vladimir Putin took power on New Years Eve 1999. His death shocked liberal Russians at home and abroad, triggering rare anti-government protests and spontaneous outpourings of grief in cities across Russia. Police detain a man trying to lay flowers for Alexei Navalny at a monument marking the first camp of the Gulag political prison system in St Petersburg, Russia on Feb 17 - DMITRI LOVETSKY/AP/AP OVD-Info, a Russian human rights group, said that police detained more than 340 people, including a priest, on Friday and Saturday in what amounted to some of the largest public displays of dissent in Russia since Putins mobilisation order in September 2022. The police handling of the small-scale protests of support for Navalny appeared uneven, with reports of mass detentions in St Petersburg but a lighter response in Moscow and other cities. The Kremlin has outlawed anti-government protests and OVD-Info said that police were tracking protesters. The security forces in several cities are taking data from people who come to lay flowers in memory of Alexei Navalny, it said. Impromptu memorials to Navalny bearing candles, flowers and portraits sprung up in most Russian cities. One photo of a memorial referenced the dozens of other Russian opposition activists also in prison. My Russia sits in prison, it said. Another quoted Navalny as saying that there would be no surrender to the Kremlin. But officials dismantled many of these memorials as quickly as they appeared. Videos posted on Telegram showed hooded men pulling up red carnations and dumping them in rubbish bags. Police in riot gear also cordoned off memorials to Soviet repression that were being used by mourners to express their support for Navalny. There should be consequences Although the death of Navalny was front-page news around the world on Saturday morning, Russian state media largely ignored it. This, analysts said, was part of the Kremlins strategy to minimise the fallout from his death, which came one month before a presidential election that Putin intended to use to promote his war in Ukraine. John Foreman, a former British defence attache in Moscow and a Russia analyst, said: They wont put any stories in at all. Navalny will be quickly memory-holed in Russia. In the West, leaders have accused the Kremlin of murdering Navalny, who had been sentenced to three decades in prison for various crimes that his supporters said were revenge for leading anti-Kremlin protests. The foreign ministers of the G7 group of countries issued a joint statement calling on Russia to explain Navalnys death, while Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, said those responsible should be punished. There should be consequences where appalling human rights outrages like this take place, he said. The Foreign Office said on Friday that it had summoned the Russian ambassador in London to receive a formal complaint about the death of Navalny. The Kremlin later said that Britain shouldnt meddle in internal Russian affairs. Nigel Casey, the British ambassador to Moscow, on Saturday shared a photograph of himself paying tribute to Navalny at a memorial to victims of Soviet repression. 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. Police forces have been urged by ministers to use robust measures to protect MPs and candidates from loudmouth thugs attempting to harass politicians over their stance on Israel. In a letter to chief constables, seen by The Telegraph, Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, and Chris Philp, the policing minister cited last weeks targeting of the family home of Tobias Ellwood, a former defence minister, as they warned the intimidation of democratically elected representatives is unacceptable and could have a chilling effect on politics. The unusual intervention follows concerns in Whitehall and Parliament that more than 60 pro-Palestinian protesters were allowed to demonstrate outside Mr Ellwoods house for three hours on Monday evening after officers chose not to order the group to disband for fear of escalating the situation. A Dorset police spokesman said that officers attended the scene and liaised with the organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest legally and safely. In an interview with The Telegraph, Mr Tugendhat, who chairs the Governments defending democracy task force, invoked the killing of the Labour MP Jo Cox, a friend of his, almost eight years ago, as he warned: Theres a chilling effect that these people are having. They think of themselves as progressive and on the side of right. They are not. They are shouting down debate, and silencing democracy. The intervention came as Mr Ellwood used an article for The Telegraph to call for concerted action to avert the horrible prospect of another grave attack on a parliamentarian. Tom Tugendhat raised concerns about the online activity of the judge who decided not to punish three women displaying parachute images at a pro-Palestine protest - THOMAS KRYCH/SHUTTERSTOCK Although the Conservatives have expressed strong support for Israels right to defend itself against Hamas, Mr Ellwood said the decision to target him individually remains a mystery given that he had not taken a particularly strident position in favour of the countrys approach. Separately, amid rising cases of anti-Semitism in Britain, Mr Tugendhat said universities should use stronger disciplinary measures to tackle anti-Jewish hate on campuses. His view was shared by Lord Mann, the governments independent adviser on anti-Semitism, who said in a separate interview that students involved in intimidating Jewish classmates and staff at the universities of Birmingham and Leeds should be expelled because their conduct was so dangerous. Mr Tugendhat, whose father was a High Court judge and whose wife is a former French supreme court judge, also raised concerns about the online activity of the judge who last week decided not to punish three women displaying parachute images at a pro-Palestine protest. Tan Ikram, 58, was found to have liked a social media post referring to Israeli terrorists. Amid calls for a review of the womens sentences, Mr Tugendhat said: I am just reminded that when it was discovered that Lord Hoffmans wife was a member of Amnesty International, an entire trial had to be gone through again. That is why judges have to be so careful about the perception of independence, not just the reality of it. Free from fear and harassment In the letter to chief constables, Mr Tugendhat and Mr Philp stated that elected representatives must feel safe in their homes, free from fear and harassment, adding: This will be an election year. That makes it all the more important that candidates, both locally and nationally, are free to make their arguments to our communities without fear. You have my full support in making robust use of all your powers to ensure that the security of our elected representatives is protected, and our democratic values upheld. The letter continued: The Government has ... confirmed that, where the facts support it so the conditions are met, section 42 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 can be used by the police to direct protesters away from a residential dwelling, in order to prevent harassment, alarm or distress to the resident. Mr Tugendhat said: While I champion the right to protest and of course think its important that people have the right to express their views, everyone must have that right not just loudmouth thugs who want to silence everybody else. Citing Mr Ellwood and Mike Freer, a fierce champion of Israel who is standing down as a Tory MP after an arson attack on his office, Mr Tugendhat said: They are both extremely courageous, extremely determined individuals who have expressed their views against perfectly respectful and robust opposition in the past and done so with great integrity. The problem is, so was my friend Jo Cox. And theres a chilling effect that these people are having... these groups are trying to silence opposition, not debate it. Mr Tugendhat said that a review of MPs security carried out in the wake of the murder of Sir David Amess in 2021 had led to significant enhancements to MPs security. Expressing concerns about potential radicalisation relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the security minister added: We cannot see the indoctrination of young Muslim men and women normalised because we know where that leads to. It destroys families, it absolutely tears communities apart, and sadly, in some cases [leads to people] doing unbelievably dangerous and stupid things in places like Syria. 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. North Korea accused South Korea and the United States, Saturday, of heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula with aerial reconnaissance activities. In a commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency, the North said that Seoul and Washington have been stepping up their "spying activities" this month, calling such a move a "stern provocation" against the country. The North claimed the countries attempted to secure information on the North's inner regions by conducting surveillance activities with the U.S. RC-135 Combat Sent and RC-135W Rivet Joint, and South Korea's advanced high-altitude unmanned aircraft Global Hawk and the E-737 Peace Eye early warning aircraft. The North said it is closely monitoring such military activities and threatened that it is ready to destroy its enemies at anytime. North Korea has ratcheted up tensions on the Korean Peninsula with weapons tests this year, including launches of cruise missiles from sea and land, as well as artillery barrages into waters near the western inter-Korean sea border. (Yonhap) Germany's defence minister warned that European countries and the NATO alliance must prepare for a decades-long conflict with Russia, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Efforts to include Russia in a broader European security architecture after the Cold War failed, Boris Pistorius told the audience in Munich. "All these attempts ran counter to the Kremlin's strategy of reinstalling its dominance in Eastern and Central Europe." Western allies will stand firmly behind Ukraine "no matter how long [Russian President Vladimir] Putin continues this illegal and senseless war against a sovereign, freedom-loving nation," Pistorius declared. "[But that also means that] we will have to live with dividing lines in Europe for decades to come," Pistorius said. "Free and democratic Europe on one side, authoritarian and warmongering Russia on the other." The key to the conflict, Pistorius said, was re-establishing NATO's military power in Europe to counter the Russian threat. "Effective deterrence is our life insurance," Pistorius said. He argued that there are three dimensions of establishing effective deterrence: The alliance must invest more money in defence, rebuild the industrial capacity to produce munitions and prepare military forces to deploy and fight when necessary. Pistorius also said closer cooperation with southern hemisphere countries and greater respect for those countries are needed to counter Russian global influence. That includes agreeing to armaments export contracts, he said. President Joe Biden talks as he visits the Darlington Municipal Complex in Darlington, Pa., Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, before continuing on to East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) DARLINGTON TWP. President Joe Biden stopped in Beaver County Friday ahead of his long-awaited visit to East Palestine, marking one year since the Norfolk Southern train disaster rattled those living on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. The president met briefly with Darlington Township first responders and supervisors alongside state and federal lawmakers at the township municipal building. Those in attendance included U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-17, Aspinwall; state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. R-47, New Sewickley Township; and state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14, Big Beaver. Biden shared his admiration for Darlington Township first responders before heading to East Palestine, where he surveyed federal cleanup efforts and praised the Herculean efforts" of federal, state and local officials in the wake of the February 2023 derailment. In East Palestine, Biden reiterated his support for tougher regulations on trains carrying hazardous materials, including the federal Railway Safety Act, and announced new federal National Institutes of Health grants to study the short- and long-term impacts of the incident. Biden blamed corporate greed for the disaster, calling it 100% preventable. A year after Norfolk Southerns hours-long vent and burn of hazardous chemicals in Ohio, some Pennsylvanians living near the site continue to fear the long-term impact of toxic exposure. After his remarks in East Palestine, Biden met with a handful of concerned residents from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Hilary Flint, an environmental activist and cancer survivor who lived in Enon Valley with her grandmother during the derailment, was among those who met with the president Friday. For the past year, Flint has pushed for more comprehensive environmental monitoring, accessible health care for affected residents and help for those wishing to relocate. Even as some residents felt Bidens visit was a year too late, Flint said her discussion with the president was lighthearted, but productive. US President Joe Biden (C) receives an operational briefing from officials on the continuing response and recovery efforts at the site of a train derailment which spilled hazardous chemicals a year ago in East Palestine, Ohio on February 16, 2024. The good news about this visit is that it is the start, its an open door. We have a line to the White House, she said. While we didnt get a disaster declaration or health care, were leaving this with a lot of hope. We were able to get information to him and talk to him about whats going on here. He made it public today that if Norfolk Southern leaves any gaps, the federal government will step in. Flint said she was instrumental in bringing Biden to Darlington. Months prior, she sent a letter to the White House alongside East Palestine Mayor Trent Conway inviting him to visit. Im proud we were able to make this happen, Flint said. I knew the people of Darlington feel left behind and that (the White House) owed it to the town to stop there. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Biden stops in Beaver County, meets with Pa. resident during East Palestine visit Members of Alpha Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), give a firing demonstration on the Bowling Green of George Washington's Mount Vernon on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Mount Vernon, Va. The ceremonies at Mount Vernon were held to honor George Washington's birthday on Feb. 22, and President's Day. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) NORFOLK, Va. (AP) Like the other Founding Fathers, George Washington was uneasy about the idea of publicly celebrating his life. He was the first leader of a new republic not a tyrant. And yet the nation once again commemorated the first U.S. president on Monday, 292 years after he was born. The meaning of Presidents Day has changed dramatically, from being mostly unremarkable and filled with work for Washington in the 1700s to the consumerism bonanza it has become today. For some historians the holiday has lost all discernible meaning. Historian Alexis Coe, author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George of Washington, said she thinks about Presidents Day in much the same way as the towering monument in D.C. that bears his name. It's supposed to be about Washington, but can you really point to anything that looks or sounds like him?" she said. Jefferson and Lincoln are presented as people with limbs and noses and words associated with their memorials. And he's just a giant, granite point. He has been sanded down to have absolutely no identifiable features. Here is a look at how things have evolved: WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAYS Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732, on Popes Creek Plantation near the Potomac River in Virginia. Technically, though, he was born Feb. 11 under the ancient Julian calendar, which was still in use for the first 20 years of his life. The Gregorian calendar, intended to more accurately mark the solar year, was adopted in 1752, adding 11 days. Either way, Washington paid little attention to his birthday according to Mountvernon.org, the website of the organization that manages his estate. Surviving records make no mention of observances at Mount Vernon, while his diary shows he was often hard at work. If he had it his way, he would be at home with his family, Coe said. Maybe some beloved nieces and nephews (and friend) Marquis de Lafayette would be ideal. And Marthas recipe for an indulgent cake. But thats about it. Washington's birthday was celebrated by his peers in government when he was president mostly. Congress voted during his first two terms to take a short commemorative break each year, with one exception, his last birthday in office, Coe said. By then Washington was less popular, partisanship was rampant and many members of his original Cabinet were gone, including Thomas Jefferson. One way to show their disdain for his Federalist policies was to keep working through his birthday, Coe said. The Library of Congress does note that a French military officer, the comte de Rochambeau, threw a ball celebrating Washingtons 50th birthday in 1782. AFTER HIS DEATH Washington was very aware of his inaugural role as president and its distinction from the British crown. He didn't want to be honored like a king, said Seth Bruggeman, a history professor at Temple University in Philadelphia. Still, he said, a market for Washington memorabilia sprang up almost immediately after his death in 1799 at age 67, with people snapping up pottery and reproductions of etchings portraying him as a divine figure going off into heaven. Even in that early moment, Americans kind of conflated consumerism with patriotic memory, said Bruggeman, whose books include Here, George Washington Was Born: Memory, Material Culture, and the Public History of a National Monument. MAKING IT OFFICIAL It wasn't until 1832, the centennial of his birth, that Congress established a committee to arrange national parades, orations and festivals," according to the Congressional Research Service. And only in 1879 was his birthday formally made into a legal holiday for federal employees in the District of Columbia. The official designation is as Washingtons Birthday, although it has come to be known informally as Presidents Day. Arguments have been made to honor President Lincoln as well because his birthdate falls nearby, on Feb. 12. A small number of states, including Illinois, observe Lincolns birthday as a public holiday, according to the Library of Congress. And some commemorate both Lincoln and Washington on Presidents Day. But on the federal level, the day is still officially Washingtons Birthday. SHIFT TO CONSUMERISM By the late 1960s, Washingtons Birthday was one of nine federal holidays that fell on specific dates on different days of the week, according to a 2004 article in the National Archives' Prologue magazine. Congress voted to move some of those to Mondays, following concerns that were in part about absenteeism among government workers when a holiday fell midweek. But lawmakers also noted clear benefits to the economy, including boosts in retail sales and travel on three-day weekends. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect in 1971, moving Presidents Day to the third Monday in February. Sales campaigns soared, historian C. L. Arbelbide wrote in Prologue. Bruggeman said Washington and the other Founding Fathers would have been deeply worried by how the holiday became taken over by commercial and private interests. They were very nervous about corporations, Bruggeman said. It wasnt that they forbade them. But they saw corporations as like little republics that potentially threatened the power of The Republic. Coe, who is also a fellow at the Washington think tank New America, said by now the day is devoid of recognizable traditions. There's no moment of reflection, Coe said. Given today's widespread cynicism toward the office, she added, that sort of reflection would probably be a good idea. BROCKTON Four members of the Brockton School Committee have asked Mayor Robert Sullivan to consider contacting Governor Maura Healey to ask her to temporarily send National Guard soldiers to Brockton High School "to prevent a potential tragedy." The committee members Joyce Asack, Tony Rodrigues, Claudio Gomes and Ana Oliver sent a letter to Sullivan on Thursday formally requesting that he ask Healey to deploy Massachusetts National Guard soldiers to the school "to assist in restoring order, ensuring the safety of all individuals on the school premises, and implementing measures to address the root causes of the issues we are facing." Brockton High School has been in increasing turmoil this school year with many teachers publicly describing shocking levels of chaos and violence inside the largest high school in Massachusetts. Sullivan said Saturday only the governor can deploy the National Guard and he forwarded the School Committee members' request to Healey. But the mayor does not support the use of the National Guard at Brockton High School, he said in the written statement from the mayor's office Saturday. Sullivan met Friday with Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez and "they further discussed school safety measures and protocols," the statement said "The increased efforts of safety for students and staff is vitally important and is the desired timely result," the statement said. Shocking levels of violence and chaos Emotional teachers describe life inside Brockton High School Brockton High School on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. Letter details 'concerning conditions' at Brockton High The school committee members wrote in the letter to the mayor that there has been a "disturbing increase in incidents related to violence, security concerns, and substance abuse." They wrote that 35 teachers were recently absent, "underscoring the severity of the challenges we are facing." "Recent events at Brockton High School have prompted us to seek immediate assistance to prevent a potential tragedy," the letter from the school committee members states. This embedded content is not available in your region. The concerning conditions include students wandering the halls, engaging in altercations and causing disruptions in classrooms, students leaving school premises without authorization and incidents of trespassing, with individuals gaining access to the school property without proper authorization, the school committee members wrote. "As concerned members of the school committee, we are reaching out to you with the hope that the City and State can provide assistance and support in addressing this urgent matter," the letter states. School committee members Kathleen Ehlers, Judy Sullivan and Timothy Sullivan did not sign the letter sent to Sullivan, who serves as the chair of the school committee in his elected role as mayor. "The National Guard's expertise in crisis management and community support can offer a vital temporary intervention, allowing for a comprehensive, long-term solution to be developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders," the letter states. The school committee members requested an expedited meeting to discuss deployment of the National Guard. City councilor against deploying National Guard At least one city official has spoken against the request to bring the National Guard in. City Councilor-at-large Winthrop Farwell wrote in a Facebook post that teachers have experienced violence, injury and disruptions for years and questioned why now would be the time to bring the Guard in. Instead, Farwell favors teachers as the solution. "I do NOT support this," he wrote. "Soldiers in military field uniforms aren't the answer. Convene a committee of classroom teachers (as opposed to administrators) and let that committee provide their input and recommendations on how to deal with the escalating problems in schools. Classroom teachers are closest to the students. Select the independent minded educators, not anyone who wants to 'curry favor' with the school administration." Power struggle With Brockton schools in turmoil, power struggle paralyzes school committee Brockton schools in turmoil The chaos at Brockton High School comes in the wake of the district discovering an initial $14 million deficit in fiscal year 2023. The deficit was first announced by Sullivan to members of the media after an hours-long, closed-door special school committee meeting in late August 2023. Since that time, the deficit has been revealed to be at least $18.25 million and possibly as much as $20 million. The school committee has also faced internal challenges with two clear factions unable to decide on a new vice chairperson this year. One of the candidates for vice chair, Rodrigues, is supported by Asack, Gomes and Oliver, all of whom sent the letter to Sullivan requesting the National Guard. But Robert Sullivan, Joyce Sullivan and Timothy Sullivan have all supported Ehlers for the position. No official school committee meeting has yet been scheduled to discuss deployment of the National Guard to Brockton High School. Has National Guard been deployed in Brockton before? Gov. Charlie Baker during the COVID pandemic deployed the National Guard to assist at vaccination sites throughout the Commonwealth, including at the Shaw's Center in Brockton, the statement from the mayor's office noted. With staff reports Enterprise senior reporter Cody Shepard can be reached by email at cshepard@enterprisenews.com. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton High National Guard: School board members request soldiers Hundreds of protestors have gathered at Russian embassies around the world to honor opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was murdered in a Russian penal colony on Feb. 16. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported protests in Prague, Belgrade, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and London. Russian media reported on Feb. 16 that Navalny died in prison. Navalny was being held in a penal colony in Russia's far northern Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District. According to the prison service, Navalny supposedly lost consciousness and could not be revived. U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier today that Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. "Reports of his death, if true, and I have no reason to believe they're not," Biden said, noting that Russian authorities are going to "make up their own story." The penal colony that Navalny was held in is located in a remote settlement north of the Arctic Circle, with "tough conditions" and limited access to letter delivery, according to Zhdanov, the head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation established by Navalny. Navalny was previously held in the IK-6 Melekhovo high-security prison in Russia's Vladimir Oblast. Navalny had been serving a 2.5-year prison sentence since 2021 and a separate 9-year sentence on fraud charges since 2022. A Russian court also sentenced Navalny to 19 years in a maximum security prison in August 2023 on extremism charges for creating the Anti-Corruption Foundation. All these cases have been recognized as politically motivated and fabricated by international human rights organizations and governments. Navalny was poisoned in Russia in 2020 and flown for treatment in Germany. German doctors said he had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent a chemical weapon produced by the Russian government. The Insider, Bellingcat, CNN, and Der Spiegel published an investigation according to which Navalny had been poisoned by agents of Russias Federal Security Service. They also identified the agents' names. Read also: Alexei Navalnys life and death as main opponent to Putin regime Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: This story was updated on Feb. 17 to reflect that both suspects have now been arrested. Pueblo police have arrested two suspects on allegations of first-degree murder after a childs body was found encased in concrete in a storage container in January, and a second childs body was later found in a suitcase in the trunk of a vehicle discarded at a local scrapyard. Police arrested Corena Rose Minjarez, 36, and Jesus Dominguez, 35, in connection with the case. The Pueblo Police Department announced in January it had launched a homicide investigation after the remains of a child, officially identified Friday as Yesenia Dominguez, who was approximately 3 years old when she was last seen in the summer of 2018, were found by police. Pueblo police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged homicides of Jesus Dominguez Jr. (left) and Yesenia Dominguez. Officers had been called to the 600 block of West Sixth Street on a report that someone had found a metal container in a storage unit that was filled with hardened concrete. Police searched the container and located a child's remains. They then launched a homicide investigation, in which Dominguez and Minjarez were questioned as persons of interest. Dominguez was arrested for an outstanding warrant, police said, and during subsequent interviews with police, it was mentioned that the children may be somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona, according to a Friday evening Pueblo PD news release. Police say they followed up on that potential lead with no success. Through their investigation, detectives located a vehicle allegedly belonging to Minjarez at a local scrapyard. On Feb. 6, police executed a search warrant on that vehicle and found a suitcase in the trunk, inside of which were the remains of a young male child, officially identified Friday as Jesus Dominguez Jr., who was approximately 5 years old when last seen in 2018. On Feb. 15, police received DNA confirmation that the remains found in the metal container belonged to Yesenia Dominguez and the remains found in the suitcase belonged to Jesus Dominguez Jr. Police say their investigation revealed that no missing persons reports were ever filed for Yesenia Dominguez or Jesus Dominguez Jr. Police were not made aware of the missing children until Jan. 20, 2024. The children's deaths mark the 5th and 6th homicides recorded in the city of Pueblo in 2024. On Feb. 15, police obtained arrest warrants for Minjarez and Dominguez alleging two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of abuse of a corpse. Dominguez was additionally charged with theft of government benefits. Pueblo police spokesperson Sgt. Frank Ortega declined to comment Friday on whether the two deceased children are the biological offspring of Minjarez and Dominguez. Minjarez was arrested shortly after the arrest warrant was issued and is being held at the Pueblo County Detention Center on a $2 million cash-only bond. Police had not located Dominguez prior to Friday's news release but announced on Saturday that he'd been arrested. Bond information for Dominguez was not available Saturday afternoon prior to the Chieftain's press deadline. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime. Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo police arrest two suspects in alleged murders of two children Russian dictator Vladimir Putin faces a stark choice: either facing trial at The Hague or meeting his demise at the hands of his own associates, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17. One can have a different attitude towards international institutions, but the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin for the abduction and forced deportation of children from Ukraine clearly shows where Putins career should end, he said noting that Putins years of self-isolation and impunity have led to his complete degradation. He is now openly justifying Hitler, saying that he is not to blame for World War II. He has made the genocide of people a normal part of his policy. Zelenskyy noted that Putin kills whomever he wants: whether it is an opposition leader or anyone who seems to be a target. Read also: Russia claims death of jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny After the assassination of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny in prison, it would be absurd to perceive Putin as a legitimate leader of the country. He is a thug who clings to power through corruption and violence, said Zelenskyy. To come to his so-called inauguration, to shake his hand, to perceive him as an equal would be a contempt for the nature of political power. Russian authorities announced the death of 47-year-old Kremlins critic Alexei Navalny in the IK-3 penal colony on Feb. 16. The politician spent the last three years in prison. He was arrested immediately after returning to Russia from Germany in January 2021. Since the end of 2023, he had been serving his sentence in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in the Russian Far North. The politician spent the last three years in prison. He was detained in January 2021, immediately after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was being treated for Novichok poisoning. A Russian court sentenced him to 19 years in prison. Read also: Zelenskyy warns Russias potential to escalate local conflicts into global catastrophes Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Quad City Auto Show will be Friday-Saturday, March 1-3, at the Bend XPO, 922 Mississippi Parkway, East Moline. This is the 30th anniversary of the show, according to a news release. Hours Friday and Saturday are 10 a.m.-8 pm., and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Special events and family entertainment during the show include more than 150 vehicles, 23 manufacturers, specialty cars, and electric vehicles. Subaru and Ford will present a ride-and-drive from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Frida and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. In the electric vehicle area, visitors can see the latest vehicles. Plus product specialists will answer questions and you can drive the newest models. Subaru and the Humane Society will present pet adoptions. A NASCAR simulator, tribute to the military, bounce house all weekend, Midwest Corvette Club, and the Quad City British Car Club will be among the other features. On Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. there will be a magic show, face painting, balloons for the kids, bounce house, and therapy dogs. On Sunday, from noon until 4 p.m. there will be presentations by Niabi Zoo, Dream Princesses, science experiments, bounce house, contest sign up, coloring contest, balloon artist, face painting, Legos for kids, cookies and milk for kids, and therapy dogs. For more information and discount tickets, visit here or call Susan Shrader, event coordinator, at 563-349-7134. Proceeds from the Auto Show benefit the Iowa Illinois Regional Auto Show Scholarship Fund. More than $686,000 has been given to 205 college bound and trade school students. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Rewards are now being offered in hopes of solving two fatal hit-and-runs in Raleigh. The Raleigh Police Department will be out in the 1900 block of Poole Road at 7 p.m. Saturday to hand out flyers to drivers in hopes of getting arrests in two pedestrian fatalities. Paul Lester was hit and killed by a gray Dodge Charger at 4:13 a.m. Nov. 10, 2023, near the intersection of New Bern Avenue and South Raleigh Boulevard. The driver of the Dodge Charger fled the scene before police arrived. Donna Norman was hit and killed by a white pickup truck at 6:57 p.m. Dec. 16, 2023, while crossing Poole Road. Norman was taken to a local hospital but later died from her injuries. The pickup truck was damaged to its right headline. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to visit Crimestoppers at raleighcrimestoppers.org or to call 919-996-1193. The Raleigh police did not specify the amount of the rewards. The last images of Alexei Navalny alive show him behind bars. He is a bit gaunt. His hair is shorter, missing its old sheen. Yet his eyes are the same as ever: They light up. In the video shot on Thursday, he jokes with a judge and a policeman. Im running out of money, he says, a well-compensated judge should lend me some. His captors laugh. For a prisoner stuck in a camp above the Arctic Circle, he looks good a strong man in whom you see the faintest of glimmers of optimism about his own and Russias future. The other image that I dwelled on Friday shows Navalny and Boris Nemtsov. These two were the most prominent leaders of an inspired protest movement in the spring of 2012 that imagined a different kind of future for Russia. Borya is whispering impishly in Navalnys ear, making him laugh. Both are handsome, tall, vigorous. The kind of men who turn heads. Nemtsov was gunned down in February of 2015, at the foot of the Kremlin, a year into Vladimir Putins initial military assault on Ukraine. He was a youthful 55. Navalny died no, lets be honest here, was killed on Friday, barely a week shy of the two-year anniversary of Putins large-scale invasion of Ukraine. He was 47. They say authoritarians who survive have a talent for identifying and eliminating the greatest threats to themselves. To paraphrase Kremlin chump Tucker Carlson, Putin is a very talented man. He chose his prey well. In his time, Nemtsov was seen as a credible alternative a reforming governor from Nizhny Novgorod who came to Moscow under the previous Russian leader, Boris Yeltsin. The taint of the chaos of the 1990s stuck to him; he was associated with the pain of the changes that had to be made and others that were avoided by Yeltsin, and that hindered him in the early 2000s. But Borya had different talents a feel for people and retail politics and convictions that Putin lacks. By 2012, Navalny emerged as the most captivating face of the Russian opposition. He had dabbled in nationalist politics. Then he figured out he could use the Internet for well-documented crusades against corruption that made his name. He coined the phrase crooks and thieves to describe Putin and his coterie, and it stuck. It did feel like an opening, if ever so slight, existed in 2012. The regime was disliked, was wobbling. Nemtsov and Navalny had the middle classes of Moscow and St. Petersburg on their side. The political threat from them was direct. Especially for the last decade from Navalny. He knew how to use the media, he showed how to stand up to the regime with courage, and he was willing to make the sacrifices to one day try to lead Russia on another path. Yet these men challenged Putin in other ways he must have keenly felt. There was the youthfulness and energy. Nemtsov was born seven years after Putin but acted and looked as if he came from another generation; Navalny was the next generation. They had a sense of humor and color to their faces. They were optimistic. They didnt seem cynical. They had nice hair, too, atop imposing frames. Did that hurt the balding Putins ego so sensitive that, as the joke that happened to be a fact went, he found the one man in Dmitry Medvedev whos shorter than himself to stand in as president in 2008-12 when Putin was term-limited out of that office. I note Nemtsov and Navalnys evident masculinity since that trait is so important to Putin and his admirers abroad. No one besides his dog, the saying goes, knows what Putin really thinks. But you can imagine these men must have stirred more than Machiavellian insecurities in Putin. No pictures of the bare-chested Vlad on horseback comes close to the magnetism of the image I was looking at Friday. Equally stark is the generational contrast. Putin and his people are old and look it. Dull and gray, they fit right in a group picture of the Soviet politburo circa 1982. You can note the same dynamic in play with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the 46-year-old president of Ukraine. He and his people, almost all in their forties or younger, came of age after the USSR collapsed. They look ahead. The boomer Putin mourns its passing. I last saw Nemtsov in June of 2013 in Washington. Sitting on a panel next to me, he kept whispering in my ear. A quick joke. Once a compliment. He was warm, playful. His people were and remain immensely loyal to him. Including the writer and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has survived two poisoning attempts and currently sits in a Russian penal colony, another of Putins political prisoners. I got to know Navalny better in March of 2012. Protesters were in the streets. The coming presidential election was a sham. He promised defiance. The Kremlin should understand these tens of thousands of people will never leave the streets, he told me. We will never consider Putin as a president with legitimacy. More than the words, Navalny left a physical impression on you. He had presence and a relaxed kind of intensity. Then 35, he usually wore jeans and an open shirt. On election night, I went to an event thrown by the opposition and remember standing with Navalny and Garry Kasparov, the chess grandmaster and opposition leader. Navalnys confidence from a few days before had dimmed. He and Kasparov saw the staged election was a victory for Putin; the regime would counter-strike with force. They were right. Kasparov left Russia for good the next year. Navalny was charged with bogus embezzlement charges in July, the first of many that kept him in and out of prison over the next 12 years except for the long spell in a hospital following a nearly fatal poisoning attempt courtesy of the Russian secret services. In another country, Borya and Alyosha the diminutives by which they were known to many might have had their happy endings. They were the dashing princes, Putin the toad. But this story takes place in the land of the Tsars. Here the Tsar murders at will. His people are numbed to it some bravely laid flowers Friday night at an impromptu memorial in Moscow, but we know too how this will end. Alyosha will be a memory, as is Borya. How will it end for Putin? The recent leader he resembles most, Stalin, died angry, ashen-faced and ailing, but in his own bed. It took another thirty years for any glimmers of optimism to emerge in Russia, in the 1980s with Gorbachevs glasnost, openness, which was followed by the experiment with democracy in the 1990s, that was then to be snuffed out with Putins ascendance in 2000. Thats not a happy thought. There arent any about Russia these days. The U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights has vowed to work with the international community to prevent the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors, South Korea's unification ministry said Saturday. Ambassador Julie Turner made the remarks Friday as she met with a group of young defectors who expressed concerns over the fate of North Korean defectors in China who could face harsh punishment in their home country. Turner also discussed with officials ways to cooperate with the ministry on the issue of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War who reside in the U.S., and visited Hanawon, a resettlement facility for defectors who have entered South Korea. Turner is visiting South Korea and Japan from this past Monday through next Thursday. Her visit came on the 10th anniversary of the release of the 2014 U.N. Commission of Inquiry report on the North's human rights violations. (Yonhap) Theres been high honors for Confederate generals and slave ownersbut not so many honors awarded to many like Frederick Douglass, said U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md. U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., has introduced a resolution that would award abolitionist Frederick Douglass with a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to the cause of freedom, human rights and the abolition of slavery. Ivey told theGrio that Douglass was one of the giants of the 19th century not just in U.S. history, but around the world. In 1818, Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. At a young age, he taught himself how to read and write, although it was illegal for slaves to do so. He went on to become an abolitionist and the first Black correspondent to have press access to the U.S. Capitol. Douglass was also an advocate for civil rights and womens rights, a U.S. marshal for Washington D.C. from 1877 to 1881, and served as the minister to Haiti from 1889 to 1891. He died at the age of 77 on Feb. 20, 1895. Congressman Ivey said he spearheaded the resolution honoring Douglass because it is long overdue and it is important to put the right people on a pedestal. There have been high honors for Confederate generals and slave ownersbut not so many honors awarded to many like Frederick Douglass, he said. WASHINGTON, DC JANUARY 29: House Homeland Security Committee member Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on January 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. Blaming extreme elements in the Republican Party for the effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, committee Chairman Bennie Thompson said politics are motivating the process and that no evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors has been presented. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) On Wednesday, Ivey spoke on the House floor to introduce the Frederick Douglass Congressional Gold Medal Act to honor the historical figure and celebrate his life. Douglass message and principles remain a guiding light for our country as we continue to seek fulfillment of our nations promise and potential for justice and equality, he said. If enacted into law, the medal would be put on display at the Museum of African American History and Culture located in Washington, D.C. Ivey said Douglass legacy not only left an indelible mark on the U.S. but had an impact on his life as well. When I was a school kid, I came across Douglass first autobiography, and it really opened my eyes to what was going on back then, he shared. It was astonishing, he said, that Douglass overcame tragedy and was able to make a difference in American history. Terrance Bailey, Douglasss multi-great nephew, told the Grio that his uncles life was inspirational to all. It lights a fire under you to work harder, he said. It encourages you to know that anything is possible, that a slave can become a U.S. marshal and a minister to Haiti during those times. Rep. Ivey is hopeful that the statute honoring Douglass will pass in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is going to have strong bipartisan support, he predicted. We have six Republican co-sponsors so far. Unlike most of the things going on in the House these days, he added, we might really be able to pass it and get it done. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Rep. Ivey introduces bill to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medal to Frederick Douglass appeared first on TheGrio. Republican quits Senate bid just days after announcement after failing to get Trump endorsement Congressman Matt Rosendale, a Republican who launched his bid for the Senate less than a week ago, announced he is no longer running for the seat. He issued a statement saying he dropped out because Donald Trump did not endorse him, according to Politico. As everyone knows, I have planned to run for the U.S. Senate and to win both the primary and the general election, Mr Rosendale said in a statement. However, the day I announced, President Trump then announced that he was endorsing a different candidate. Mr Trump tossed his support to Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and aerospace businessman. Mr Sheehy has also been endorsed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Republicans in the state are trying to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Tester, and likely view Mr Rosendale's abrupt drop-out as a positive, saving the party the money and trouble of running a primary contest. Mr Rosendale said he spoke with the chairs of the NRSC about his candidacy and ultimately agreed that "this is the best path forward for Republicans to regain the majority in the US Senate," NBC News reports. This race was already going to be tough, as I was fighting against [Senate GOP Leader] Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican establishment in Washington, Mr Rosendale said. But I felt like I could beat them, as the voters do not agree with them choosing who would be the next U.S. Senator from Montana. Mr Rosendale said that Mr Trump's endorsement of his would-be opponent and his lack of resources made the hill "too steep" for him to climb. Senator Steve Daines, the state's Republican senator, said he appreciated Mr Rosendale's decision. I appreciate Matts many years of service to Montana, Mr Daines said in a statement on Thursday night. It will take all Republicans working together to defeat Jon Tester in November. Mr Sheehy also offered his appreciation to Mr Rosendale for leaving the primary. Representative Matt Rosendale has dropped out of a Senate race less than a week after he announced his run (Getty Images) Matt, Montana is grateful for your service and for showing Washington, D.C. what it means to hold the line on reckless spending, Mr Sheehy wrote. I know working together well win this race and defeat Jon Tester. State Democrats weren't buying the show of unity, pointing out that prior to his run, Mr Rosendale spent considerable time making the case that Mr Sheehy wasn't right to lead the state in the Senate. Rosendale spent months making the case that Tim Sheehy has no place representing Montana in the Senate and he was right, Montana's Democratic Party executive director Sheila Hogan said. Sheehy is an out-of-state tech millionaire completely out of touch with Montanas way of life. It's unclear what Mr Rosendale will do next. He has until 11 March to decide if he will run for re-election in the House. However, if he does, he'll face a sizable field of primary opponents who were primed to take his empty seat. Mr Rosendale said he will "prayerfully consider what is next" over the course of "the next few days," according to a report by Axios. Senator Mike Lee said US lawmakers did not need a 'lecture' from the Foreign Secretary - Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. A Republican senator allied to Donald Trump accused David Cameron of hypocrisy over his position on Israel and Palestinian statehood. Senator Mike Lee also said US lawmakers did not need a lecture from the Foreign Secretary on the need to approve $60 billion of defence funding for Ukraine. Last month, Lord Cameron told a meeting of Arab ambassadors in London that Britain would look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state to see whether it could help to secure irreversible progress towards peace. The comment has proved contentious in American conservative circles, with John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, saying it put a knife in Israels back at a time when it was responding to a terrorist attack comparable to 9/11. Senator Lee, who represents Utah, told The Telegraph: You cant claim to be a staunch ally of Israel and at the same time argue that the terrorists waging war against Israel be given legitimacy via nation state. Hypocrisy seems to be a consistent problem for those who consider themselves part of the global elite. Mr Cameron is no exception. The Foreign Secretary last week wrote an article for the Washington newspaper, The Hill, urging Congress to pass the Ukraine funding package and suggesting that the West otherwise risked repeating the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. Trump-supporting Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene was not impressed by what Lord Cameron had to say - MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock A bill promising $60 billion has passed the Senate, but Republican leaders are threatening to block it in the House of Representatives. Asked about the article, Mr Lee said: It is incredibly easy to demand the US pass another $60 billion aid package when youre not accountable to the taxpayers footing the bill. Mr Camerons piece spills over with emotional pleas, but glosses over major concerns of the American people, like why Ukraines border security and Europes defences seem to matter more than our own. Respectfully, lawmakers in Congress dont need a lecture from European global elites to know what best serves US national security interests. Writing in The Telegraph, Robert Jenrick, the former Cabinet minister, said Europe needed to change tack when engaging the US on security. Mr Jenrick said that a tweet in which the Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, said shame on you to the Republicans who voted against the Ukraine bill was spectacularly ill-judged. Last week, a Trump-supporting Republican in the House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor Greene, told Lord Cameron to kiss my a following his article in The Hill. Asked about the comment at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Lord Cameron said: Im not going to respond, anatomically, if I can put it that way. He added: I completely understand the importance of recognising political pressures in other countries. My message to Americans is not please help us, this is good for Britain, or this is good for Europe, or its good for Ukraine. Although all of those things are true. My message is this is good for America. 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 effects of a warming planet are altering how people decide where to live, with millions of people avoiding flood-risk areas, according to a new study. What happened? Research from the risk analysis organization First Street Foundation has found that more than 7 million Americans either moved away from areas prone to flooding or chose to avoid them since 2000, according to a summary of the research posted on the foundations website. The researchers looked at flood data between 2000 and 2023 and found that flooding is stifling growth in prospering cities and accelerating declines in struggling areas. If you look at state-level data, it may appear that people are ignoring climate change when they decide where to live. For example, Florida, vulnerable to rising seas and hurricanes, is still growing quickly. However, theres more to the story, Jeremy Porter, head of research for First Street, said, as quoted by The Salem News. People want to live in Miami, he said. If you live in Miami already, youre not going to say, Oh, this property is a 9 (out of 10 for flood risk), let me move to Denver. They are going to say, This property is a 9, but I want to live in Miami, so Im going to look for a 6 or a 7 or a 5 in Miami. You are going to think about relative risk. Why is this research concerning? In the past year, historic flooding has battered communities across the globe. For example, in January 2024, it was reported that the Congo River had risen to its highest level in over 60 years, leading to hundreds of deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the preceding months. Thousands more people were displaced. In Italy, heavy rains in October 2023 caused Lake Como to overflow from its banks and flooded Milan, causing significant damage. Heavy rainfall across the region also spurred mudslides in Tuscany, and strong winds in Venice led to one of the highest local tides on record. The effects of flooding on human populations are only expected to get worse, too. According to the World Resources Institute, the number of people affected by floods will double between 2010 and 2030. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme flooding and particularly in urban areas, Valeriy Ivanov, a University of Michigan researcher unaffiliated with the First Street study, said in a press release. In the past four decades, 99% of U.S. counties were impacted by flooding, and since 2000, there have been 1,782 flood related fatalities. Whats being done about flood risk? Ivanov is co-leading a five-year initiative that will help to predict and communicate flood risk, thanks to a $7.5 million grant from the Office of Naval Research. The project will utilize the expertise of researchers in science, technology, and the humanities and will seek to answer questions such as, What information do leaders need to make decisions about evacuation? Some cities are also taking precautions to protect themselves from flooding. A Vancouver, Canada team hopes to revamp the citys waterfront area to take advantage of floodwaters. The plan includes vertical extensions of flood-adaptive townhouses with community terraces and mid-rise buildings with public spaces that allow for flooding without permanent damage, as well as floating habitat islands and mixed-use spaces on stilts. Venice has another solution a system of 78 hinged steel floodgates along the seafloor. While experts are unsure how well it can hold up against a warming planet, it did save the city from the 2023 storm that ravaged the rest of the country. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko speaks during a rally on Oct. 9, 2022, in Mesa. Lesko announced on Oct. 17, 2023, that she will not run for reelection to the House in 2024. She has announced that she will run for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Months after Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko's surprise announcement that she would not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Peoria-area member of Congress has filed to run for a seat on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Lesko will run to represent District 4, a conservative-leaning area that stretches across the northwestern Valley, encompassing some of the same geographic area as her congressional district. The announcement comes just days after Supervisor Clint Hickman announced he would not seek reelection. Hickman has served in the role for more than a decade and was among the county supervisors who faced false allegations of election fraud following the 2020 and 2022 elections. Lesko saluted Hickman in a message posted Friday on the social-media platform X. "Thank you Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman for your service to the great people in the West Valley and Maricopa County! I wish you and your family many blessings in your future endeavors. Your work for the people in the West Valley will be remembered." Thank you Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman for your service to the great people in the West Valley and Maricopa County! I wish you and your family many blessings in your future endeavors. Your work for the people in the West Valley will be remembered. Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) February 16, 2024 Once a lower-profile post, the Board of Supervisors has in recent years become a flashpoint for discredited, Republican-led challenges to the integrity of U.S. elections, which are mostly operated at the county level. Lesko has embraced some of those efforts. She voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results in Pennsylvania and Arizona and signed onto an election challenge lawsuit that was swiftly dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Lesko has represented Arizona's 8th Congressional District since winning a special election for the seat in 2018. She announced her retirement after the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., a chaotic effort led by fellow Republicans that exposed the cracks in the GOP's caucus. Lesko called the situation "a disaster." While she served on influential committees within the House, Lesko is on track to depart federal office with little to show for her time in Congress. She was the main sponsor of only two bills that became law: One renamed a post office, and the other required an analysis of the safety of the nations ports of entry. She previously has said that she will serve out the rest of her term, which ends in January 2025. The Recount: This court decision could transform how Arizona votes Arizona Republic reporters Sasha Hupka and Ronald Hansen contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko to run for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors The U.S.-based food manufacturer Mondelez, which owns a variety of well-known brands including Oreo and Cadbury, has opted to revamp its Russian business in the face of boycotts and shareholder pressure, Reuters reported on Feb. 16, citing internal documents. Mondelez was added to Ukraine's list of "international sponsors of war" in May 2023 for continuing operations in Russia. The international sponsor of war list is designed to be "a powerful reputational tool" to encourage the exit of international business from Russia and reduce Moscow's financial ability to continue its war against Ukraine, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) explains on its website. After considerable opposition from the general public and shareholders, Mondelez stopped advertising in Russia, but has not ceased operations. Documents seen by Reuters show that Mondelez appointed a new general manager to head its Russian business and has sought to characterize its operations there as a "standalone organization." Mondelez has three factories in Russia, according to Reuters. The last press release on the Mondelez Russia corporate page was on Feb. 15, 2022. In response to questions from Reuters, Mondelez said that "effective at year-end 2023, we have stood up our local business to operate more independently." "Products sold in Russia are now produced and distributed locally, with no imports of finished goods from Europe into Russia or exports from Russia into Europe." Food products do not fall under international sanctions, and Mondelez previously defended its decision to stay in Russia on the grounds that it provides "shelf-stable products that are daily staples for ordinary people." Removing them "would mean cutting off part of the food supply for many families who have no say in the war." Mondelez has acknowledged that the war impacts its business. "We might also face questions or negative scrutiny from stakeholders about our operations in Russia despite our role as a food company and our public statements about Ukraine and Russia," Mondelez said in its annual report in February 2024. Other well-known international food companies such as Nestle have also continued their operations in Russia. Nestle was added to Ukraine's list of "international sponsors of war" in November 2023. Read also: Ukraines effort to isolate Russias economy through International Sponsors of War list Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) A study of commuter rail service between Wilsonville and Salem is not a new idea. But unlike a proposal more than a decade ago and another that was left behind in last years session the latest legislation for a study drew an overwhelming response from lawmakers, city and transit officials, and other advocates who testified Tuesday, Feb. 13, to the Oregon Legislatures Joint Committee on Transportation. Right-size: Nike announces significant cuts to workforce The earlier proposal was sponsored by then-Rep. Mitch Greenlick, a Democrat from Portland who died in 2020 after 17 years in the House and who made a study a pet project. It led to a broad analysis completed in 2010 by the Oregon Department of Transportation. A proposal for a more detailed study in House Bill 2662 cleared the joint committee in the 2023 session. But it died in the Legislatures budget committee. Woman shot, suspect detained in Northwest Portland strip club shooting Now, as lawmakers gear up for 2025 when they will consider Oregons next major round of transportation projects and funding for a decade the idea has renewed political momentum in the current short session due to close by March 10. Read more at PortlandTribune.com. The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed his frustration about the situation surrounding GOP presidential primary candidate Nikki Haley possibly getting Secret Service protection Friday. A congressional advisory committee featuring members including the House Speaker, House minority whip, Senate majority and minority leaders and one additional member has voted in favor of giving the former U.N. ambassador a protective detail. Haley confirmed that she applied for protection by the Secret Service earlier this month. While Im happy shell be protected and publicly supported her request, double standards abound, Kennedy said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter Friday. My campaign first requested Secret Service protection in May 2023 with a 63 page declaration. We still have a current request pending, Kennedy continued. My request is the first time in 55 years a candidate has ever been denied. The Biden administration is the sole outlier to turn down a request for Secret Service coverage. Kennedy also said that not giving him protection by the Secret Service is a way to drain my campaign funds and stop the movement were building together. They want us out of the race by any means necessary, Kennedy continued in his post. This is blatant election interference. Let me be clear: I have immense respect for the Secret Service. This corruption is coming from much higher up. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will make the final decision on giving Haley Secret Service protection, but a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that the agency already has security teams dispatched to protect the former South Carolina Governor in the case that the request is granted. Unfortunately for the establishment and those who skulk around in back rooms, Im not going anywhere, Kennedy said. Our movement is growing stronger and our coalition is building. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of intent with a Ukrainian company on the production of artillery shells directly in Ukraine, Rheinmetall said on Feb. 17. The document was signed at the Munich Security Conference by Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. Artillery ammunition is among the most crucial supplies Ukraine needs to fend off Russian aggression. An increase in domestic production would be a significant boon for Ukraine amid delays in U.S. military assistance. Rheinmetall will hold a 51% share in the joint venture, while the Ukrainian firm will have 49%. The name of the Ukrainian partner company, the location of the plant, and the start of the production have not been revealed for security reasons. "Six-digit number of 155 mm caliber... (rounds) to be produced per year, including propelling charges," Rheinmetall said on the social media platform X. Ukraine has traditionally not produced NATO standard 155 mm rounds, which are commonly used by many Western artillery systems supplied to the besieged country. Kamyshin said in December 2023 that he had also signed a partnership with two U.S. companies to produce these vital shells in Ukraine, although production will not start for at least two years. As the allied assistance grows uncertain, Kyiv has been seeking to localize weapons production at home, attracting Western defense firms to set up shop in Ukraine. Rheinmetall has been leading the way. In October 2023, the German arms company signed a contract with the Ukrainian Defense Industry to repair and produce armored vehicles directly in Ukraine in a joint plant. Read also: Rheinmetall aims to start production of armored vehicles in Ukraine in 2024 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Suspected data leakage, overdue payment issue raise questions about Jakarta's reliability as partner By Lee Hyo-jin A series of brouhahas surrounding the KF-21 fighter jet joint development program with Indonesia has triggered calls to terminate Korea's partnership with the Southeast Asian nation. This comes in the wake of recent alleged attempts by Indonesian engineers to leak confidential data about the aircraft. Both governments seem to be treading cautiously to prevent the suspected issue from escalating into diplomatic conflicts and derailing the joint development project of Korea's first homegrown fighter jet. However, Korean defense industry insiders believe Seoul could leverage this incident to sever its partnership with Jakarta, which has struggled to provide a clear-cut solution to its overdue payment problem. Last month, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 developer, caught Indonesian employees trying to take a USB flash drive containing confidential data from its manufacturing plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. A joint probe team comprising officials from the National Intelligence Service, the Defense Counterintelligence Command and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has been investigating the issue for a month but has not yet announced any results. "We are conducting an investigation with related authorities," a DAPA official told The Korea Times, Thursday. He declined to comment on how many engineers are under investigation, among around a dozen Indonesian technicians working at KAI's manufacturing plant. KAI said the information discovered on the flash drive so far does not contain any military secrets or data that violates the Defense Security Technology Act. Following the probe's launch, Indonesia's defense ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining cooperation with Korea despite the leakage allegations, as reported by the Indonesian daily Kompas on Feb. 5. However, industry insiders say that the latest incident has heightened skepticism about Indonesia's commitment to the joint project. "The suspected leakage, regardless of whether the USB contained confidential data, raises questions about Indonesia's reliability as a partner. This incident could potentially serve as a motive for Korea to sever ties with Indonesia and seek a new partner, especially considering Indonesia's unfavorable attitude toward the cost-sharing deal," an industry official said. "Sooner or later, the government and KAI should make the decision given the worsening public sentiment about the joint project," he added. In 2016, Korea and Indonesia inked a deal to cooperate on the joint development project, under which Jakarta would fund 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won ($6.59 billion) in exchange for 48 planes that would be manufactured there for the Indonesian Air Force, as well as for technology transfer. But cost-sharing problems have emerged as Indonesia had only paid 227.2 billion won until 2019, citing financial difficulties. Multiple rounds of talks between the two sides were held to address the overdue payment issue, resulting in an additional payment of 50 billion won between 2022 and 2023. As of last October, overdue payments were estimated to be nearly 1 trillion won. Another industry official was cynical that Jakarta would be able to pay the remainder within the timeline. Mass production of the KF-21 fighter jets is set to begin this year, with a goal of entering service in 2026. "Frankly speaking, the primary reason Korea teamed up with Indonesia is not because it needed Indonesia's money in the development process. The main objective through the deal was to simultaneously produce the fighter jets in the Southeast Asian country, contributing to weapons export and promoting the KF-21 in the overseas market," the official said. With Korea solidifying its position as a major player in the global arms market, Indonesia may not be the sole partner option. Several nations have expressed willingness to collaborate with Korea in joint weapons development. Earlier this month, Korea's DAPA and Saudi defense ministry signed a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for cooperation in joint weapons development. The two sides plan to establish a joint committee for research and development of weapons systems. The Korean government has recently hinted at the possibility of cooperating on the KF-21 project with Poland, with which Seoul signed its biggest-ever weapons deal in 2022. "Polish defense companies may be invited to participate in projects for KF-21 if Poland considers adopting KF-21," DAPA chief Eom Dong-hwan was quoted as saying during an interview with Polish media Defence 24, Feb. 8. Regarding such speculation, the state arms procurement agency said it currently does not have plans to terminate the deal with Indonesia. "Our top priority is to continue cost-sharing discussions with Indonesia, and we will do our best to achieve a positive outcome," DAPA spokesperson Choi Kyung-ho said. However, some critics project a more uncertain outlook for the partnership with Indonesia, influenced by the future decisions of Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Prabawo, a former defense minister and retired general, claimed victory in the presidential election last week, putting him on track to lead the Southeast Asian nation for the next five years. During his tenure as the defense minister in 2019, he called for a halt to Indonesia's joint development project payments and more technology transfer. Despite citing budget constraints, the Indonesian defense ministry, also during Prabowo's term, made a decision to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets from France. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) Richland Community College is gearing up for its second EnRich Awards Ceremony this weekend. The community college will host the award ceremony in the Shilling Salons Saturday evening. Officials will give away awards to community partners like the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trailblazer of the Year, Carson-Valdez Human & Civil Rights Award, Business Partner of the Year and Educational Partner of the Year. Some Richland students will also have their accomplishments celebrated in areas like Healthcare, CDL, Business and Essential Skills. Decatur starting daylighting process for water pipes All money raised from the event will go to the EnRich program, which benefits adults to earn higher wages through technical and essential skills training. Tickets for the event are sold out. More information on the EnRich program can be found on its website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. A 63-year-old man who was convicted of several crimes related to a 2022 road rage shooting has been sentenced. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The charges stemmed from a road rage shooting that happened on June 30, 2022. The incident occurred at the intersection of Woodstock Road and Highway 92 near CVS Pharmacy in the Acworth area of Cherokee County. According to the Cherokee County District Attorneys Office, while stopped at a red light, Wade Anthony McEwen, 63, pulled out a Glock .45 caliber handgun. Officials said McEwen began shooting at 25-year-old Jason Daxon, who was driving a BMW car in the lane to his left. McEwen reportedly shot 14 rounds into the side and back of Daxons car. The DAs office states that Daxon tried to escape the gunfire by cutting across the highway, coming to a stop in front of Lummus Supply, where passersby stopped and helped. He was shot numerous times in his arm, side, and back. His injuries required emergency medical care and surgery, according to Cherokee County officials. TRENDING STORIES: McEwen said he acted in self-defense, claiming that the victim had pointed a gun at him. Although the defendant has argued that he was justified in self-defense for his actions, the evidence and ultimately the jury found his actions amounted to excessive force and an aggravated assault, said Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Geoffrey L. Fogus. A thorough investigation by the Cherokee Sheriffs Office determined that the defendant maliciously shot the victim by repeatedly firing multiple times, emptying the magazine as the victim drove off to save his life. After seven days, 22 witnesses, nearly 300 exhibits, including McEwens handgun, video provided by witnesses, surveillance video, and photos of the victims injuries and car, a jury found McEwen guilty of 14 charges. On Jan. 30, McEwen was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, terroristic acts, seven counts of reckless conduct, and aggressive driving. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced McEwen to a total of 30 years, with the first 10 years to serve in prison and the balance to serve on probation. We cannot allow our roadways to become war zones, with drivers shooting at each (other) in anger. This is not how a civilized society behaves, and this is not something Cherokee County will ever tolerate, said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. IN OTHER NEWS: Rock Island city officials recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials and lobby for funding in support of several city projects. Mayor Mike Thoms was joined by Community and Economic Development Director Miles Brainard, Community Development Manager Nichole Mata and former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who is now co-chair of Mercury, a public strategy firm, according to a city release Friday. Meeting in Washington, D.C. recently were (L-R) Rock Island community development manager Nichole Mata, Mayor Mike Thoms, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and community and economic development director Miles Brainard. The group met with Illinois U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin; Congressmen Eric Sorensen and Darin LaHood; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge and other HUD officials, who were all willing to listen to the needs of the city of Rock Island. Requests included funding for reconstruction of 11th Street, housing rehabilitation and new development projects, and a request for FEMA grants to install electric pump stations for use during flooding events. Nichole Mata, Mayor Thoms, and Miles Brainard met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (second from left). It is my hope that meeting with federal officials in person will strengthen our requests for funding of major city projects, Mayor Thoms said Friday. We are always working together to find ways to ease the financial burden from taxpayers as we strive to make needed infrastructure improvements in the city. For 11th Street, the city is seeking a multi-million-dollar grant that would help fund new water infrastructure underneath 11th Street; remove the four lanes (two in each direction) and instead reconstruct one lane in each direction with a third lane in the center to serve as a turn lane, which will ease traffic tie-ups, plus streetscaping. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Russian propaganda has acknowledged the loss of only one aircraft after the Ukrainian Air Force reported that three Russian fighter jets had been shot down. Nevertheless, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraine's Air Force Commander, has presented evidence to refute the Russian lies. Source: Oleshchuk on Telegram Details: The lieutenant general explained that the Su-35S is a single-seat aircraft, while the Su-34 is a two-seater. Regardless of the blatant claims of Russian propaganda that "the pilot of the Su-35S is alive" and the other warplanes have "come home", radio intercepts of Russian communications reveal that one pilot has been found and the others are being searched for. Oleshchuk cited data from an international satellite search and rescue system, which indicates at least four ejection cases. The commander teased the Russians with a hint on where to look for "invisible colleagues". Quote: "There is an international satellite search and rescue system called Cospas-Sarsat. In the event of an accident, it notifies the pilots of the location of their personal radio beacons. As you can see, the system is working! In this photo, four Cospas-Sarsats (dots on the map) have been triggered, so look for your "brothers" in these areas! No need to thank me!" More details: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for Ukraine's Air Force, told TV Channel 24 that the fact that the ejection device was triggered does not always mean that the pilot had managed to use it, adding that pilots do not necessarily survive ejection. Therefore, the fate of the Russian pilots is currently unknown. Background: On the morning of 17 February, Ukrainian Air Force units shot down three Russian aircraft on the Eastern front: two Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter jet. Support UP or become our patron! As Moscow is suffering major troop losses in its attempts to seize the entirety of Donetsk Oblast, the Russian military has resorted to dumping the bodies of its fallen soldiers in makeshift morgues, often located in abandoned schools in the region, Ukraines National Resistance Center (NRC) reported on Feb. 16. Due to high casualties in Avdiivka, Russians are placing the bodies of soldiers in abandoned schools, the message said. Read also: Tavria Operational Group Commander: No blocked Ukrainian units in Avdiivka, reinforcement and ammunition supply increased Morgues in [occupied] Donetsk are overfilled due to the large number of Russian meat assaults at Avdiivka. According to the report, the Russian military is also using mobile crematoria near Avdiivka. This information was reportedly supplied by the local resistance movement. Read also: Russia drops 500 kg guided aviation bombs on Avdiivka Ukraines General Staff reports that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, Russia has sustained 400,300 casualties. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russian forces shelled Sumy Oblast 47 times throughout the day, killing one person, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on Feb. 16. The communities of Yunakivka, Khotin, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, Novoslobidske, and Shalyhyne were targeted. More than 237 explosions were recorded. A man was reportedly killed as a result of the shelling in Bilopillia, which experienced the bulk of the attacks on Friday. The community is located just eight kilometers south and 25 kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border. Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experiencing multiple attacks per day. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces withdraw from strongpoint on Avdiivka outskirts Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia attacked Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast with aerial bombs on the afternoon of Feb. 17, injuring at least five people and damaging residential buildings, the Prosecutor General's Office reported. Kupiansk, a crucial logistics juncture that was temporarily occupied by Russia in 2022, is coming under renewed pressure by Moscow's troops. According to prosecutors, Russian forces carried out the attack at 1:20 p.m. local time, targeting residential areas of the city. One bomb hit a two-story apartment building, reportedly injuring two women aged 88 and 67. Several people have been trapped under another house hit by a Russian projectile. Prosecutors said at around 5 p.m. that one woman was rescued from the building's debris, suffering injuries. Authorities reported later that two men, aged 69 and 44, were also confirmed as injured. According to a local police chief, Russian forces dropped at least 12 bombs on the city. Russia launched air strikes against Kupiansk also at 2 a.m., injuring a 75-year-old man and 71-year-old woman. Read also: Syrskyi withdraws Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces struck Kherson on the afternoon of Feb. 17, killing a 49-year-old man and wounding two more residents, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River in the fall 2022 counteroffensive. Russian troops were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths as well as large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure. A 49-year-old woman suffered an explosive injury and leg injury when Russia hit Kherson on Feb. 17, Prokudin said on Telegram. The attack also reportedly wounded a 36-year-old man who was hospitalized in stable condition. Russian strikes against Kherson Oblast on Feb. 16 and overnight injured two people, Prokudin said earlier the same day. Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has not been released to his family for burial, and the cause of his death remains unclear. Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza, citing Navalny's associates Details: The correctional facility claimed that Navalny's body had been taken to the morgue in the town of Salekhard, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, northwestern Siberia. When Navalnys mother and lawyer arrived at the morgue, they found it closed. They called the phone number indicated on the door and were told that the morgue did not have the body. Representatives of the correctional facility where Navalny had been held told the politician's mother that he had died of sudden death syndrome, said Ivan Zhdanov, Director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation. Meduza noted that there is no such diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases. "When the lawyer and Alexei's mother arrived at the penal colony this morning, they were told that the cause of Navalny's death was sudden death syndrome," Zhdanov stated. Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RT has claimed that Navalny suffered a blood clot. The Investigative Committee in Salekhard said an examination was being conducted into his death. However, Navalny's spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said the Investigative Committee had informed the politician's lawyer that the cause of his death had not been established. An IC officer claimed that "a second histological examination was being carried out" and the results would be available next week. "Its obvious that they are lying and doing everything they can to avoid handing over the body," Yarmysh added. Yarmysh said the Investigative Committee had stated that Navalny's body would not be handed over to his family until the investigation was completed. Yet an hour earlier, the lawyers had been informed that "the investigation had been completed, and no criminal circumstances [surrounding Navalny's death] were found". Yarmysh said on the Dozhd (Rain) TV Channel that the official cause of Navalny's death has not yet been announced, so the propaganda claim that Navalny had a detached blood clot cannot be confirmed. "We obviously realise that the penal colony is lying; it's obvious now. There is no doubt that the murder was planned," she said. Yarmysh also said that the Anti-Corruption Foundation would continue its work after the politician's death. OVD-Info, a Russian human rights media project aimed at combating political persecution, reported that 359 people were detained in 32 Russian cities during "events in memory of Navalny" on Friday and Saturday. People continue to place flowers and candles at monuments to the victims of repression in cities across Russia, Meduza reports. However, there have been no large-scale protests in Russia since Navalny's death. Previously: On the afternoon of 16 February, the Federal Penitentiary Service reported the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Penal Colony No. 3 in Kharp, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, in northwestern Siberia. Responding to the news of Navalny's death in a Russian prison, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had been killed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Support UP or become our patron! Minister will make Korea's case at UN later this year By Ko Dong-hwan The Korea Forest Service (KFS) will dedicate this year to promoting how the country successfully recovered its vast forests from the 1950-53 Korean War that devastated its land and spreading the know-how to developing countries, according to the agency's head. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Minister Nam Sung-hyun said the agency will seek cooperation with international organizations to better promote to the world how the country revived its wooded regions that cover 63 percent of its land and has been handling forest fires to protect the natural resource. Nam expects such opportunities to be present at general assemblies for the U.N. Convention on Biodiversity scheduled for October, the U.N. Climate Change Conference and G20 Summit in November, and the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification in December. He said the agency will also introduce its mechanism on forestation and forest protection to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and Environment Programme. "There are global forest-friendly initiatives we've launched, like Asian Forest Cooperation Organization in 2018 and 39 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with advanced countries including Austria, Japan, Australia and Canada," Nam said. "This year, we will form new MOUs with countries in Africa to combat desertification and with island states in the Pacific to recover local mangroves." Nam has already planned this year's official development assistance (ODA) projects to support other countries. The agency has secured a 26.9 billion won ($20 million) budget for the projects. Among the amount, 5.8 billion won will fund recovery of mangroves in Vietnam and 2.1 billion won will support forestation in Guatemala, Guyana and Togo. The projects also include transferring the agency's forest fire control techniques to Mongolia and Indonesia, methods to introduce forest resort infrastructure to Cambodia and forestation in Vietnam and Tajikistan. "Forest ODA is a key to the country's green ODA projects," Nam said. "Based on how we've been doing with our own forestation, welfare services using our local forests and forest protection from natural disasters, we've diversified ways in which we can offer the projects to different countries and enlarge their scales." Last month on his latest ODA-related overseas trip, Nam visited East Timor, a country Korea signed its 39th MOU with, and met the country's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and minister in charge of local forests. He also joined a tree-planting event in the city of Manatuto where AFoCo is currently engaging in a forestation project. Ambassadors of Indonesia and the U.N. in East Timor, officials from AFoCo and central and local governments of East Timor and local residents joined the three-day event. The event marked the beginning of the KFS' ODA campaign in the country this year. The agency, upon request from the East Timorese government, will dispatch experts to the country to transfer techniques behind selecting proper trees to plant in different soils, improving quality of forest soil and preventing landslides. In addition to two ongoing forestation projects funded by AFoCo with a $1.7 million budget, the minister is now seeking ways to secure a $4 million budget for future ODA projects for the country during the 2025-28 period. He has also knocked on the doors of the Korea International Cooperation Agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for another $8 million for the country. "More than 60 percent of East Timor's land is forests, which now remain mostly devastated just like how Korea was in the 1960s following the war," Nam said. "After failing a forestation project once in 2008, the country now badly wants our expertise and advice to not fail again." Part of the reasons the KFS invests in ODA projects for developing countries is that, under the country's new law taking effect on Feb. 17, reduced carbon emission and greenhouse gas through the agency's overseas forestation projects can be recognized as credit to the country's comprehensive efforts for its own carbon neutrality. Introducing a policy called REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation Plus), the new law encourages not just KFS but also other government agencies and companies to commit to similar efforts by transferring credits behind the achievement across borders. "The new law's commencement has allowed us to join the global movement of protecting forests in developing countries and using the outcome as a contribution to the country's national efforts for reaching the greenhouse gas reduction goal by 2030 and carbon neutrality goal by 2050," Nam said. The minister last July saw his agency making headlines as a crew of 70 firefighters demonstrated their expertise in Quebec, Canada, where a large-scale forest fire engulfed the city of Lebel-sur-Quevillon. As the fire lasted for almost a month, the firefighters extinguished blazes across a 261-hectare site. Using drones equipped with thermal cameras, they also tracked and extinguished hidden embers below the ground. Thanks to the demonstration, 12 developing countries have joined in the agency's forestation education program, including Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines. "This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Korea's partnership with Germany on forestry," Nam said. "Germany supported us with money and dispatched experts for 20 years. Korea's forestation wouldn't have succeeded without Germany." Governors in several Russian regions, including the Belgorod, Kaluga, Bryansk, and Voronezh Oblasts claimed that multiple drones were downed overnight on Feb. 17. Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced via Telegram that two drones were shot down over the region. Vladislav Shapsha, the governor of Russia's Kaluga Oblast, also announced that four drones were shot down by air defense in the territory. The governor of the Bryansk Oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, claimed that five drones were shot down over the region. Voronezh Oblast governor Alexander Gusev reported air defense downed three drones. Information on casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure is not yet available. The Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify Russia's claim, and Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the alleged attacks. Russian officials have frequently claimed cross-border strikes by Ukraine. Russia's Belgorod Oblast borders the Ukrainian oblasts of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk, and is frequently used to launch attacks against Ukraine. Read also: Syrskyi withdraws Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia launched missile attacks against Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast on the evening of Feb. 17, killing at least one person and trapping others under the rubble, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Kramatorsk and Sloviansk are key Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk Oblast. Both have repeatedly suffered deadly attacks by Russian forces. Russia targeted Kramatorsk at around 8 p.m. with three missiles, hitting the industrial zone and residential areas, the governor reported. The projectile that hit the residential area reportedly destroyed two houses and damaged at least 23. Filashkin said that three people had been trapped under the rubble of one of the destroyed houses. The governor later reported that a woman in her late 40s had been found dead while two other people remained trapped. In Sloviansk, a Russian missile hit a school, with one person reportedly trapped in the rubble. First responders are working on-site as rescue operations are ongoing. Read also: Im in shock: Russias mass attack on Kyiv shatters lives and dreams Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian missile strike has reportedly targeted an infrastructure facility on the outskirts of Zaporizhzhya, regional governor Ivan Fedorov wrote on Telegram on Feb. 17, commenting on an explosion heard in the southeastern Ukrainian city during an air raid alert. A reported Russian missile strike targeted an infrastructure facility on the outskirts of Zaporizhzhya, regional governor Ivan Fedorov on Telegram on Feb. 17 Earlier, he reported that an explosion was heard near the village of Natalivka. The air alert, initially declared in several regions of Ukraine due to the ballistic missile threat from the east, later spread to the central and northern parts of the country. Explosions were heard on Feb. 15 in several Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro, Zaporizhzhya, Lviv, and Khmelnytskyi, following Russias mass missile attack on Ukraine. Read also: Four injured after explosions heard in Zaporizhzhya in Russias mass missile attack on Feb. 15 At least three people were injured in Lviv. According to Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, one infrastructure facility was hit, and a school and several residential buildings were damaged by the blast wave. All missiles aimed at the Ukrainian capital were intercepted before reaching their target. At least six people were injured in Zaporizhzhya as a result of Russias previous mass missile attack on Ukraine on Feb. 15. Thirteen out of 26 Russian missiles of various types were intercepted in the early morning attack, as reported by the countrys Air Force on that day. Read also: Zaporizhzhia to open underground schools by September 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 Space Wars In a fascinating new update to the murky Congressional scandal involving a purported in-development Russian attack spacecraft, CNN has spoken to three anonymous sources familiar with intelligence about the weapon. As a refresher, Washington lit up this week when a member of the House Intelligence Community made cryptic references to a "national security threat" that had something to do with an orbital nuclear weapon Russia was working on. Officials pushed back moderately on the drama, acknowledging the existence of intelligence about the weapon but saying it was not yet operational. "There is no immediate threat to anyones safety," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. "It is not an active capability and it has not yet been deployed." Now, CNN's reporting locks in new details on the weapon, with its sources saying it's a nuclear-powered and space-based device designed to generate a huge energy wave that would knock out vast numbers of satellites that the world down below depends on for infrastructure. Orbital Graveyard It's worth noting that the concept isn't particularly novel you've probably heard of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) weapon in sci-fi though the implications of a real one, wielded by a belligerent nation, certainly are alarming. "Its not a new concept and, as a concept, dates back to the late Cold War," one US official told CNN. But they said that the "big fear with any eventual EMP device in orbit [is] it might render large portions of particular orbits unusable" by creating a debris field of derelict satellites that "would then prove dangerous to any new satellites we might try to put up to replace or repair the existing satellites." It's a terrifying concept. If there's a silver lining, it's that Russia's capability to actually execute such an ambitious plan remain somewhat hazy. The country's space program, after all, is in complete shambles, with failures and dysfunction accumulating left and right. And its nuclear capabilities are in question as well. As CNN pointed out, back in 2019 a mysterious accident took place in which seven Russians died while trying to test a new type of nuclear-propelled cruise missile. More on space warfare: Generate Says Space Force Should Stop Waffling and Build Epic Space Weapons Russian President Putin delivers a video address to mark the 31st anniversary of the founding of Gazprom, outside Moscow (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated military units and their commander on Saturday on the capture of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, the Kremlin said. The Kremlin website said Putin was presented with a report on the capture of the city from Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. "The head of state congratulated Russian soldiers on this success, an important victory," it said. Russian news agencies quoted a telegram that Putin sent to the commander of the "centre" group of forces in Ukraine, Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev. "For outstanding military activity, I express my gratitude to all troops under your direction who took part in battles for Avdiivka," the agencies quoted Putin as saying. The telegram listed units taking part in the operation. Russian forces had been engaged in sustained attacks on Avdiivka since mid-October. It had been briefly held by pro-Russian groups in 2014 when they seized large chunks of eastern Ukraine, but later retaken by Ukrainian forces. Capturing the city was likely to provide a morale boost for Russia ahead of Putin's bid for re-election next month, almost certain to result in his victory. It is also seen as a key step in securing Moscow's hold on the regional centre of Donetsk, about 20 km (12 miles) to the east, held by Russian and pro-Russian forces since 2014. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; editing by Diane Craft) Russian forces fired on the territory of 11 Ukrainian oblasts during 16 February, attacking 99 populated areas and 89 infrastructure facilities. Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry; Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Military Administration Details: In total, the Russians attacked using various types of weaponry, including mortars, tanks, tubed artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), anti-aircraft missile systems, operational-tactical missile systems, UAVs and tactical aircraft. In particular, the Russians attacked the city of Kupiansk at 02:35, injuring a 75-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman. During daytime on 16 February, a 52-year-old man was killed during attacks on the Chuhuiv district. Three civilians suffered injuries due to a mine explosion in a field in the Izium district. Two men aged 25 and 50 were killed. Another 30-year-old man was taken to hospital with a shrapnel wound. Two people were injured due to Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast. Support UP or become our patron! A two-storey house with two entrances has been destroyed in the town of Kupiansk (Kharkiv Oblast) due to a Russian attack, with at least five private houses damaged and people possibly trapped under the rubble. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, the Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration, on Telegram; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's office Quote: "A two-story house with two entrances was ruined around 13:30 in an attack on Kupiansk, while at least five private houses were damaged. Two women were hospitalised with injuries; one civilian man was treated on the spot. There may be people under the rubble. The aftermath of the bombardment is being dealt with." Details: Syniehubov added that Russian forces launched over 10 airstrikes on the border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast on Saturday (17 February) alone. ', The aftermath of attack on Kupiansk Photo: Prosecutor's Office Updated: Later, Syniehubov reported that a woman, 69, had been rescued from under the rubble and hospitalised with a fractured limb. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with two people still trapped under the rubble. Later, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that five people had been injured in the attack on Kupiansk on Saturday. One of the bombs hit a two-storey apartment building. Two women aged 88 and 67 were injured. Another bomb also hit a building. Rescue workers pulled out an injured woman from the rubble. There are still people there. Reports also mentioned two wounded men, aged 69 and 44. This article has been updated since publication. Support UP or become our patron! The announcement Friday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny had died in prison coincided with the 17th anniversary of a speech President Vladimir Putin delivered in Munich a lecture many Kremlin watchers see as a declaration of war on the West. Was Navalny's death in a Siberian prison timed to coincide with the pivotal address at a high-profile annual security conference? Not out of the realm of possibility, experts said. "It's possible," Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland who is now a fellow at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, told NBC News. "The premise that the announcement of Navalnys death, as world leaders gather in Munich, is a signal of Putins contempt of the West is a plausible one." Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow with the Russia and Eurasia program at Chatham House, a London-based think tank, echoed Fried. Vladimir Putin during the 2007 Conference on Security Policy in Munich, Germany. (Johannes Simon / Getty Images file) "If theres any symbolism at all to the timing, it is simply an indication that Russia does not care," Giles said. "Russia places no value on its international reputation. And this has been a distinguishing feature of Russian state behavior since the strategic change of gear in September 2021." That was when Putin, whose administration had already jailed Navalny, consolidated his power and neutralized the growing dissent in Russia by engineering an election victory that gave his United Russia Party total control of the Russian parliament. The experts weighed-in as President Joe Biden on Friday placed the blame for Navalny's death squarely on "Putin and this thugs." "Let's be crystal clear about this," former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul told NBC News' Kristen Welker on Meet the Press NOW. "Putin killed Navalny. There should be consequences for Putin." Word of Navalnys death came as his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, was about the speak at the same Munich conference where Putin, in 2007, warned against NATO expansion to the east. In that 30-minute address, Putin also rejected the West's attempts to include Russia in a new post-Cold War security structure and accused the U.S. of trying to create a world in which there is one master, one sovereign. "And at the end of the day this is pernicious not only for all those within this system, but also for the sovereign itself because it destroys itself from within," Putin said. Putin, who was first elected in 2000 on the promise of making Russia great again, also refused to be lectured about democracy. "Incidentally, Russia we are constantly being taught about democracy," he said in 2007. "But for some reason those who teach us do not want to learn themselves." Putin's admonitions were met with stone faces and tepid applause. "I remember that speech and I remember that the reaction of the Bush administration, of which I was a part, was to downplay the speculation that this was a declaration of a new war against the West," Fried said. Subsequent administrations then also tried to keep Russia in the fold, even after Putin's forces seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The final blow was when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Fried said. Meanwhile, Putin's paranoia grew even as he tightened his grip on power in Russia. "The announcement of Navalnys death triggered another thought, and that was that the anti-war candidate Boris Nadezhdin has been doing better than expected in the polls ahead of the March election that Putin is expected to win," Fried said. Nadezhdin, who has not yet weighed in on Navalny's death, told NBC News in December he has no real chance of winning. It is a very strange election because there is no real choice, Nadezhdin, a veteran politician and commentator, said at the time. On Oct. 8, Russian authorities barred Nadezhdin from running. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Dont forget to clean your gutters. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the Sacramento region ahead of another two storms making their way to Northern California. The watch which means flooding is possible but not imminent is in effect from Sunday afternoon into Wednesday morning for the Sacramento Valley, Motherlode, Delta region, foothills and the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Shasta and Colusa counties are also included. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the watch states. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. A Flood Watch has been issued for Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning as the second storm system brings moderate to heavy rain at times, as well as isolated thunderstorms. Plan ahead for wet weather this weekend-early next week! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/pxB3wheMTj NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 16, 2024 On Wednesday and Thursday, the first of three storms dropped about a tenth of an inch of rain on downtown Sacramento. The second storm in the series is expected Saturday into Sunday. The third storm system in this chain will move in Sunday and could last through Wednesday, the weather service forecast states. National Weather Service rain totals for Wednesday, Feb. 14 into Thursday, Feb. 15. The storm starting on Sunday is expected to be the heaviest of these three systems, with the worst of the wet weather falling on Monday. Its expected to bring 1.5 to 3 inches of rain in the Sacramento Valley and up to 6 inches of precipitation in the mountains and foothills. The snow level is expected to be around 5,000 to 6,000 feet. What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com. Out of shame, Darrin Bell buried a memory of how he reacted as a young boy of 9 or 10 when a police officer confronted him holding a toy water gun. That moment vividly returned to the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, however, when his book editor suggested he rethink the subject of his first planned graphic novel in light of the protests erupting around the world over the Minneapolis polices killing of George Floyd. As they approached the end of an hourlong brainstorming session, Bell said he told her: You know, its ironic. I was 6 when my mom gave me the talk, and I just had to decide whether to give my own son the talk. And hes the same age I was. My editor said, Thats the book. the talk is what African Americans have come to call the discussion they have with young Black boys to warn them of the dangers they might face from Americans of other races who view them as a threat. The name given this rite of passage hardly conveys the shock, disbelief or loss of innocence that Black youths experience upon hearing this message, or the myriad concerns their elders feel as they take on this task. Bells autobiographical graphic novel, however, does. He has laid bare his own vulnerabilities, first as a son, then as a father. The Sacramento-based cartoonist released the book, titled The Talk, last summer under Henry Holt and Co. He will discuss it, his work and his life Sunday during the free Black History Month Family Festival at the Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. in Sacramento. Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell, creator of the syndicated comic strip Candorville about three childhood friends a blogger and single father, a rapper and a wealthy Latina advertising executive is photographed in his Sacramento office on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Bell will be discussing his graphic novel, The Talk during the Black History Month Festival at the Crocker Museum. Darrin Bells book delves into painful childhood memory Chapter 1 of The Talk finds a young Darrin Bell out in his Los Angeles neighborhood, pretending to be Luke Skywalker, taking out stormtroopers with a water gun his mother had reluctantly bought for him. Bell had seen white kids playing in a park with black water guns that looked almost like real pistols, and he had begged his mother for one of his own. At first she told him he couldnt have one, he said, but then she brought home a fluorescent green version. I demanded to know why she got me a gun that didnt look the least bit real, he said, and I told her, Everyones gonna make fun of me for that thing. Thats when she gave me the talk. His mother, who was white and Jewish, gave him the talk because his father, who was Black, wouldnt do so, he said. Her warnings went unheeded, Bell said, and he ultimately took the water gun out onto the neighborhood streets, something he had promised her he wouldnt do. It made absolutely no sense, said Bell, 49. Why would (life) be different for me than it is for anyone else? I thought she was just trying to cover for the fact that she probably went to the 99-cent store and bought me the cheapest gun she could find. Bells Star Wars fantasy didnt last long. As he bent to refill his water pistol in a puddle, he said, he heard someone say, Drop the weapon. When he looked up, there stood a police officer. The encounter, the details of which are in Bells book, ended in minutes but scarred Bell deeply. One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books was Oh, the Places Youll Go! I imagined that was me, Bell said. But then after the thing happened with the police officer ... all of a sudden I felt like I didnt really belong and almost like I was a guest in this country and had to be on my best behavior, or else I could be kicked out. The Talk will allow families of all races to have a conversation with their children about racial inequities, why they exist, and the impact they have, said Bell, who has been tackling issues of race for years in his syndicated comic strip Candorville and in his Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoons. The medium of cartoons, Bell said, allowed him to communicate with readers in a way he couldnt had he used only words. With the written word, the reader paints a picture with their imagination, he said. The reader brings their own preconceived opinions and notions to whatever theyre reading. Its possible that someone could picture the young Darrin Bell as much more menacing than he actually was, he said. But if they see the image and they see how small I was, and if they see the look on the face of the police officer, contrasted with the terrified look on mine, thats something thats hopefully undeniable and not open to interpretation, he said. I wanted to let (readers) walk in my shoes for 350 pages instead of walking in their preconceptions. Black History Month Family Festival What: This family-friendly event, which returns for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, will showcase an artist panel, art activities, dance groups, a living history presentation, poetry, play excerpts, music, and visual projection of artwork. The Crocker is showcasing two exhibits by Black artists: Joyce J. Scott: Messages and Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial. When: Bell will speak at 1 p.m. The first scheduled event begins at 11 a.m. and the last one at 3 p.m. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Book signing? Bell said he would be happy to sign copies of The Talk. The Crocker will be selling a limited number, Bell said, and theyre also available at Barnes & Noble, 1725 Arden Way; Capitol Books on K, 1011 K St.; and Underground Books, 2814 35th St., all in Sacramento. Where: Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento Cost: The event is free. Admission to the Crocker is pay what you wish on the third Sunday of each month, thanks to a sponsorship by Western Health Advantage.